Part Two
Xander looked back over at Iam, “How’d you know? Is it that obvious?”
“No, I just had a feeling,” said Iam, blushing furiously.
“Oh, well, we don’t mind if you know,” said Jesse. “You just can’t tell anyone, ‘k?”
Iam stared at the boy for a second, then asked incredulously, “Who would I tell? I don’t know anyone here, other than you two, my da, and my uncle.”
The three boys settled down onto the grass, with Xander and Jesse snuggling up together. “So,” said Xander, “what does your dad do?”
“Oh, he’s a lawyer. He’s working for some firm in Los Angeles. I’m living with my uncle right now,” said Iam. “You’ve probably met him. He’s the new librarian at the school.”
“That Giles guy?” asked Xander.
“Yeah, that’s gotta suck a little bit, huh?” said Jesse sympathetically.
“No, he’s nice,” said Iam quickly.
Xander and Jesse shared a quick look, then Jesse piped up, “Um, I don’t want to seem nosy or anything, but if there’s anything you need to talk about, we’re here for you.”
Iam blushed again, “No, no. There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Oh,” said Xander. “Then what are those bruises on your arm? Because they look older than an hour.”
“I ran into a bookcase,” said Iam defensively.
“Hey, hey,” said Jesse soothingly. “It’s okay. It’s good to talk about. Otherwise, it just eats you up inside.”
“My dad’s an alcoholic,” said Xander. “I used to hide out at Willow’s house at night, so I didn’t have to be home. Then we got too old for sleepovers.”
Jesse nodded, “My parents are users. Anything and everything they can get their hands on. If it can be smoked, swallowed, sniffed, or injected, they’ve done it. So it’s okay. We know what you’re going through.”
“No, you don’t,” said Iam quietly, holding back tears. “I lied. My uncle has custody of me. Because… because my da did… things.” He started crying.
Xander pulled Iam into his arms, “Shh, it’s okay. You’re lucky. Your dad can’t hurt you anymore. And mine can. My dad does things too.”
“Why don’t you say anything?” asked Iam.
tbc...