That feeling in my chest III: Unspeakable and hidden

Cassius sat worried on the chair next to Liam's bed. The latter was unconscious but his vitals were stable. He had asked the doctor about what happened. They explained Liam had hit his head worse than they firstly thought. Apparently he had some brain lesions, nothing too bad but enough to be watched with more attention until it heals. They said he might experience some issues with sleeping on his own due to pain so they had to put him in a sort of coma. He will be staying like this for the next week to come and they will frequently look after him to check if anything goes wrong.

Cassius just sighed and looked at him. He had a worried expression yet...he was a bit glad at least it would force Liam to rest like he obviously had to. Cassius hesitated to contact Liam's son, Wyatt. He knew if he did tell him that his father was having such trouble he would want to come here. Missing some few days of school would not kill him but to see his father in such a state could make him stressing.

Cassius knew about Wyatt's treatment, adding his father on his mind to worry would make it worse for him. He breathed as he lie his head on the side and drift asleep.

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Matthew was in the kitchen making some boba tea with the ingredients he bought earlier. As he did, he couldn't help but notice Wyatt was having a hard time with his grandma playing with him as if he was a young kid. He was done with the boba tea and called out Maya to take hers. She smiled and leaned her back on the counter as she looked at her brother then at Wyatt.

Maya: "Your friend is cute"

Matthew froze for a second to process what she just said and turned dramatically.

Matthew: "what?"

Maya: "yeah I like his vibe it's silly, and he is quite handsome not gonna lie. (*biting her lip*)"

Matthew looked at his sister and rolled his eyes.

Matthew: "And you should be focused on your school stuff and not boys. But true he is quite cu- cool"

Maya felt her brother's tongue slightly twist at the end but just shrugged. She looked at him and he seemed happier than usual. To say the truth to herself, she knew he was always acting strong and happy but she knew deep down he was probably not. She knew he could be genuine in his way of acting nice but most of the times it was more of a play pretend but during the past few days he seemed genuinely happy.

Even now he was having such a smile, she nudged him playfully and he just rolled his eyes and shoved her a punch playfully. A sudden door opening then closing brought attention to the living room.

The twins rushed there and jumped on the person. It was their mother she seemed kind of in a hurry.

Grace: "why are you not sleeping? Aaron!"

She shouted and Matthew quickly went to her and took the twins off her.

Matthew: "Mom? I thought you would already be at work right now"

Grace: (*sigh*)"I was on my way but I forgot someth-"

While she was talking she noticed Wyatt behind. She turned to Matthew and was a bit surprised. Wyatt quickly rushed and greeted politely.

Wyatt: "Good evening Mrs. Adams, I am Wyatt. I apologize for the late visit"

Matthew: "Mom, Wyatt here is my friend, we were just passing by he helped me carry the groceries"

Grace looked at Wyatt for a second then frowned and crossed her arms.

Grace: "Pizza or burger?"

She asked Wyatt and he seemed confused and answered nervously

Wyatt: "huh Pizza"

She smiled and walked to him. She was clearly smaller than him but that didn't stop her from stepping forth.

Grace: "Nice to meet you young man"

Wyatt: "The pleasure is mine Ma'am"

Grace: "Call me Grace"

Wyatt: "as you please, Grace"

Grace quickly remembered why she was home and excused herself before rushing to her room. Matthew then tried talking despite his brothers punching him with their tiny fists. Grace rushed again and went back to them.

Grace: "oh Wyatt you can have dinner here if you'd like"

Wyatt seemed a bit embarrassed and was nervous.

Matthew: "It's fine mom, Wyatt probably feel more com-"

Wyatt: "Actually, it would be nice. I am very grateful"

Grace: "such a polite gentleman. Okay boys, momma is out this time, got plenty of work"

She went to kiss the twins heads and then Matthew's cheek and he was embarrassed.

Matthew: "moooom"

Grace: "Mother would forever be embarrassing their kids in front of their friends"

She giggled as he frowned embarrassed. Wyatt chuckled and contained a laughter.

With that she left. As the door closed, Wyatt turned to Matthew.

Wyatt: "Your mom is funny"

Matthew: "yeah I can argue about that. (*sigh*) anyway, I hope your parents won't be mad about you heading home this late"

Wyatt: "Don't worry it's fine...I mostly live alone right now anyway so I can totally go for a bit of lateness"

Matthew had a concerned look but decided to let it pass. He yelled again. To Wyatt it was kinda strange, usually the alligator would be calm one and only talking if needed be but now he was really talky and loud. Wyatt was confused but in the good way.

Matthew: "MAYA!!"

Maya: "You don't need to be this loud you know, I am not grandma. Besides I overheard what you were saying"

Matthew: "Sorry, huh yeah please I wanted to ask if you needed help with anything"

Maya: "sure, I do the table and you get the dishes. And an extra, you get to help me with maths"

Matthew: "the dishes huh...ok. Maths? Isn't it like barely a month you started school?"

Maya: "Duh, I have an upcoming exam this Friday and I better do it well or I won't be able to go see Auntie"

Matthew: "Fine, aren't you like smartass, (*grinning*) since when do you need my help"

Maya: "I can work without you, just wanted to have some sort of guidance is all" (*embarrassed*)

Matthew: "Yeah, I will help you then. After dinner I get Wyatt home and then I help you"

Maya: "sounds fair. Or...He can help me with Maths. Since two is better than one (*biting her lower lip*)"

Matthew: "The ...(*sigh*) just set the table already"

She walked away proud of herself.

Wyatt: "huh did she just tried to-"

Matthew: "Sorry about that. Huh want to freshen up first ?"

Wyatt: "gladly, I'm starting to smell like a dog"

Matthew curled his lips and contained a laugh.

Matthew: "You are...."

Wyatt growled at that and just laughed.

Wyatt: "Get lost Aaron"

Matthew widened his eyes at that and had a slight smile a bit surprised.

Matthew: "You call me that again and I promise they won't ever find your body"

Wyatt: "Spooky alligator"

Matthew: "tss you can't beat me."

Wyatt: "sure sure"

With that, Matthew let his brothers who were still in his arms go. They rushed to annoy their grandma while he walked to Wyatt to guide him back to his room.

Once they got in he started rumbling in his closet and shelves.

Matthew: "ok here"

He handed Wyatt a bunch of stuff. A clean towel, some sort of gel and other hygiene items.

Wyatt: "That's a lot"

Matthew: "yeah I've figured you might as well feel comfortable and then once you get home you can sleep directly"

Wyatt: "That's really nice thanks"

Matthew: "now shoo, to the bathroom"

Wyatt entered the bathroom. Meanwhile Matthew started pacing around for a while. Then Wyatt shouted.

Wyatt: "huh Matt?"

Matthew: "yeah, a problem ?"

Wyatt: "hm i don't have spare clothes and i don't feel like wearing these again"

Matthew: "oh yeah huh, drop them in the basket while i fetch u something"

Wyatt didn't respond while Matthew was pulling out a Shirt and some shorts from his closet. He walked to the door and knocked gently.

Matthew: "here"

Wyatt opened Slightly the door enough to grab the clothes quickly and close it again.

Seconds later, Wyatt got out fresh and clean with a really nice smell of citrus. His fur was fluffier and he was looking at himself while moving in the clothes he was wearing. It was oversized on him, the short was a bit less of a problem.

Matthew: "yeah that short is too tight for me and it's the only i got that has a multispecies part behind otherwise you would have walked with a hole behind exposing your bum"

Wyatt blushed and chuckled.

Wyatt: "Thanks Matthew"

Without any more words they got back in the kitchen and had their boba tea first because Matthew has forgotten to put them in the fridge so the ice was melting a bit. Wyatt was so delighted by his beverage that his tail couldn't stop wagging and Matthew had a proud smile on his face. As they finished Maya called for them to the dinner table to have a proper dinner. They sat round and Wyatt got to sit between Matthew and his sister.

Maya then said to gather hands for a prayer, that took Wyatt off guard. He quickly grabbed both the hand of Maya and Matthew. Maya had a small grin at that before getting to the prayer. "Lord that protects us from above, may you find in our voice the sincerity of our prayer. Bless the food we get to share tonight, bless the cook, bless the ones that have nothing to eat tonight. May you grant them as you alone shall see fit. For the lamb has sacrificed his life for our sins, we pray in his name. Amen"

They all sang that word along and dug in.

Later that night, Matthew drove Wyatt back to his home and went back to his own. As he walked to his own bedroom he was smiling goofily. He flopped on the bed and turned to lie on his back. He looked at his ceiling. "College is not so bad afterall" he said to himself as he slowly drifted to his slumber.

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Thursday went by as quickly as it started, same routine for everyone and their class. A little bit different for Matthew that had to get a huge conversation with his captain and the professor in charge of the Swimming team about the incident the day before. It was sorted and Matthew could find justice in a way. Because of the students that assaulted him being from rich families that have some kind of hand in the school system, it never got to the ears of the Headmasters and so they were not expelled.

They just got removed from the swimming team and they had to apologize to Matthew which seemed kinda funny considering the state they were in. Their faces were still a bit swollen from the alligator's punches.

Aside from that, nothing really different happened. And as such Friday was there, already halfway through. It was break time and as usual the trio got at the mall to grab some food. They were laughing at some of their various stories from each other classes.

Apparently there was a new student in Matthew's class that was actually present at the last meeting of the Literature club. The female black cat, Nancy. She seemed to be the calm and silent type but she was quite smart when it got to answer questions with quite a charisma. Matthew told them also about an upcoming swimming championship that will take place during the festival.

Lauren told them about that leopard that somehow got her number and started texting her but she was too lazy to reply and was actually not feeling like doing it anyway then Wyatt said that he received a text from that same leopard although he never even spoke to him in the first place.

Wyatt also talked about how he played some fighting video game with Alex, that eventually didn't really get well to Matthew who frowned all the while and rolled his eyes slightly annoyed. Wyatt had to explain that the lion wasn't that bad of a company but the alligator just didn't like him much.

He let it slide because Wyatt seemed really to care about that new friend of his. Wyatt then remembered something he wanted to ask.

Wyatt: "Hey guys, so how's it going for tonight, it's the night right i mean the whole (*quoting with his fingers*)selection party"

Lauren: "We go nah. I already have a super black dress for that and (*jolting*) we are a going to shake our booties"

Wyatt: "I don't shake my butt"

Lauren: "Do you even know how to throw ass, (*rolling her eyes dramatically before looking at Matthew who seemed a bit embarrassed*)that look on your face, you better not tell me you can't come Bitch"

Matthew scratched his neck and looked away for a second looking for what to say.

Matthew: "I-I am still going at the party...it's just that I have practice which means i might end up being a bit late so you guys will probably be there before me."

Lauren: "Bro, can't you miss like one day of practice, you ain't gonna disappear"

Matthew: "the thing is, i really want to participate in the swimming championship and it requires a remarquable attendance to all practice sessions"

Lauren: "That sucks. M'okay, but wait your practice ends that late?"

Wyatt: "She has a point, if I recall right, You should end practice before 7 and you still got plenty of time to get to my place get clean and even rest a bit before we head out. We agreed to get here at half past 9 in the evening since the party will be thrown in this building right?"

Wyatt looked at Lauren a bit confused and so was she when they looked back at Matthew who seemed really evasive with his way of answering.

Matthew: "I just got something to deal with before going. So I will probably get at your house from here after the party...sorry"

He looked apologetically but Lauren had none of it.

Lauren: "I seriously don't understand. Is it like a problem home or something ?"

Matthew quickly shook his hands dismissively and replied nervously.

Matthew: "N-No I huh...It's nothing really important"

Wyatt: "Then why do you have to deal with it today"

Matthew didn't seem wanting to answer. They sighed and decided not to dwell further. Matthew must have his reasons. Somehow it made Wyatt really uneasy about that. Matthew was a pretty bad liar so it was obvious he was hiding something but didn't want to share about it. Of course everyone had secrets but still, something was off.

Lauren: "Fine, you are a bitch" (*said with a humored tone*)

Wyatt: "It's fine. I can still give you my spare keys, so you can actually drop your things at home before coming here. It should be easier for you then rather than carrying your bags around during the party"

Matthew had a flustered face and he nodded.

Matthew: "Thanks Wyatt."

Wyatt: "My room would be upstairs on the right, first door. You can't miss it. Feel free to look for anything you might feel like using. Anyway, you can text me if you want anything"

Matthew: "Thanks that's really nice of you."

Lauren: "babe, why don't I have such free access to your house"

Wyatt: "Because knowing you, you will end up packing your bags with my stuff"

Lauren: "I ain't like that oooooh what a trust"

Wyatt: "Lau, you literally wear my watch right now"

Lauren: "eh eh, I will give it back but see how good it looks on me"

Wyatt: "it's been 3 days (*sigh*) anyway I don't mind. And we will get home together anyway since Matthew has something to deal with"

That sent a sting on Matthew's face feeling a bit guilty.

Lauren: "yeah, oooh I saw a nice shop that sells some nice korean snacks on my way yesterday, we can go there to grab some stuff for later tonight"

Wyatt: "sure. I even forgot to buy anything for that matter. I think I still have some chips bags at home and probably cookies. But better buy some more"

Matthew: "I can make some pancakes in the morning."

Wyatt: "That's nice, i think I still got what is required at home. Probably buy some milk then"

With that settled they ended their plates and exited the mall. Everyone got to their respective class. On their way for art history class, Lauren spotted a doe. The same she had glimpses of throughout the week. Despite her petite stature, the oversized outfits she always wore made her hard to miss. She seemed wasted almost as if she was about to pass out any moment. Wyatt noticed her soon enough and he exchanged eyes contact with Lauren with concern. She nodded and they got closer to the smaller doe that was leaning on a wall while walking.

Wyatt: "Hey there"

The doe froze and turned to them. Despite her attempts to hide it underneath the hood of her hoodie. It was clear that she had cried. Faint trails of tears still visible on her brown fur. Her beautiful eyes shined in deep melancholy.

Lauren: "Woow you okay gurl"

Lauren rushed to her side to help her but she had some sort of hesitation because the doe seemed to be quite frightened.

Lauren: "Hey, don't worry I just want to help"

Wyatt: "Do you want us to help you get to the nurse?"

Lauren: "Bro, she obviously need time."

The doe couldn't even let a sound out, her nose twitched and she fainted but Wyatt quickly caught her and carried her.

Lauren: "oh my gosh, quick we get some help....wait, i don't know where is the infirmary "

Wyatt: "huh call Akira"

She took out her phone and launched a call. It rang for a second before someone picked up.

Lauren: "Hello Aki, sorry to bother you. Do you know where the infirmary is, please?"

Akira: "hey are you okay? It's on the first floor of the Art facility, the door with the green block above that has a cross on it"

Lauren: "Thanks"

Akira: "Are you ok-"

Lauren: "I will text you"

She hang up and told Wyatt where they had to go as they started running but the doe woke up and pulled at Wyatt's shirt. "Don't...please...not the...infirmary...He will..."

Wyatt looked at her in concern.

Wyatt: "Don't speak little one, we are almost there"

They reached the so told door. It wasn't anything hard to spot thanks to the green block yet ut was their first time seeing it which was weird since the History class is a few doors away. They got in and the sudden opening made the two people inside to jolt in astonishment.

There was a male german shepherd and a young female Australian shepherd with a blouse. The shepherd seemed to hide something quickly in his pants as the female gulped before quickly looking for some tissue in her cabinets and cleaning her snout and the desk before adjusting her shirt that was one button opened. She seemed shocked and perhaps caught in the middle of something. The german shepherd quickly turned back and dashed to the door his tail wagging in anxiety.

As he passed by the duo and the unconscious doe, Wyatt could see him properly. He was taller than him, had black fur almost entirely with few brown around his snout. It made Wyatt realized shepherds tend to look alike sometimes. The goner was a bit chubby but not too much and had a hurry face. His ears were down and his hands holding his hoodie base down so to hide some obvious part. The room was quite musky after he left.

Lauren and Wyatt didn't bother and rushed to the nurse with a concerned expression.

Wyatt: "Please help, she fainted and We didn't know what else to do"

She quickly got up from her desk adjusting her skirt a bit as she guided them to a block behind a door next to her. It was a huge room with plenty of beds and everything was tidy, clean and white.

Wyatt was refreshed by the sweet scent of this room compared to the other one. She asked him to lay her on one of the bed and they got out to let her work. After some minutes she came out and talked, a badge on her blouse give out her name to the duo, Dr. Annie Clairmont. She had a really soft voice and quite a reassuring tone.

Annie: "She is alright, a bit dehydrated and exhausted. I couldn't get a proper exam because she didn't want me to remove her hoodie. So i could only give her pain killers, you can see her if you wish"

Wyatt: "Thank you doctor"

With that they entered the room and saw the doe sitting while looking down as she was trying to get through the pain.

Wyatt got closer and voiced his lifted worries.

Wyatt: "Hey, Do you feel better?"

Lauren: "Gurl, you made us quite a terror"

The doe looked at them, a faint smile appeared.

?: "Thank you. It's fine."

Lauren: "You sure of that?"

?: "I am..."

Wyatt: "Than we are cool. The name's Wyatt, and that's Lauren, she can be a douche sometimes but it's alright"

Lauren smacked Wyatt's ass and earned a yelp from him before smiling satisfied of herself.

Lauren: "Don't listen to this wasted cause."

The doe chuckled a bit, despite the weakness in her voice she could cleared some few words.

?: "I am Emma. Thanks for earlier..."

Wyatt: "No biggie"

Lauren: "tssssuip please spare us the hero talk. Emma, we have to get back to class. I suggest you stay here for last period. Just in case. And we can see you after class"

Wyatt turned a bit surprised by this turn of event. Lauren turned to him and said

Lauren: Just to check on her, okay gurl solidarity"

Wyatt: "I ain't a girl"

Lauren: "shut up, I will bring you too. We stick together"

Wyatt: "I know, was just messing with you"

Lauren: "You are a brat"

Wyatt: "That's why you like me"

Lauren: "I don't (*laughing*)"

Wyatt: "Such a bitch"

Lauren: "look who's talking"

They laughed and it lifted the sad mood of Emma and she chuckled as her face brightened a bit from all that sadness.

Emma: "you guys are quite cute together"

Wyatt: "Before we enter another endless debate, No I am not going out with this crazy hag"

Lauren: "ain't no way I go out with a guy that has no humor and that's shorter than my bae Tae-tae"

Wyatt: "He doesn't know you exist"

Lauren: "At least he is cute"

As they got into that, Emma couldn't help but laugh and even shed a tear, of joy.

Emma: "yeah, you are cute. I will probably rest a bit then I will get to my class. Can't miss it twice in a week. Pr. Reth is gonna kill me for sure"

Wyatt: "oh, Pr. Reth is your lecturer?"

Emma: "You know him?"

Wyatt: "kinda, he lectured me on the street because I almost got swooped by a car. (*laughing nervously*) quite a scary man but he is cool to chat with"

Emma: "Lucky you, since the first day it has been like shooting game with him. I swear he hates me"

Wyatt: "Nahh I'm sure he is just severe that's all. Besides, he didn't send me the vibe of some who is actually evil"

Lauren: "Bro drop that, for you everyone is a friend"

Wyatt: "I (*blushing*) No why are you saying that?"

Wyatt was embarrassed before Lauren continued.

Lauren: "bro, I ain't going to talk about that now"

Wyatt mrfed and looked at Emma with a smile.

Wyatt: "Anyway, we gotta go. It was nice meeting you. Perhaps We can exchange numbers, if you feel like it"

Lauren: "you see?"

She said looking at Emma with a "told you so" kind of expression on her face. Emma chuckled and took out her phone as they exchanged numbers.

Wyatt: "good so now we can chat and hang out some days"

Lauren: "Yeah, see ya gurl"

With that they waved at her as they got out. The lady was deep in her phone texting, she was biting her lip and rubbing her legs a bit. She didn't notice them and Lauren was side eyeing her like crazy with a "Bitch are you for real?!" look

They walked silently before Lauren pinched Wyatt.

Lauren: "It's free"

Wyatt: "Walk"

He rolled his eyes as she giggled while they made their way to their class right on time.

In the meantime, a text alerted Matthew and got his attention "meet me at the park on the Silver edge avenue as dealt, don't be late" he had a worried face and he gulped as he pocketed his phone trying to focus on his course. Hours before the party tonight.