TYLER
Days passed, which turned into a week, I was in my class, sitting on my assigned seat, doing pen-spinning tricks on my fingers while I was thinking deeply about something. The mundane routine of lectures and assignments had become a blur, and my mind craved a break from the monotony.
As I twirled the pen effortlessly between my fingers, the rhythmic motion provided a momentary respite from the academic pressures that burdened me. Lost in my little world, my thoughts wandered, searching for a spark of inspiration.
It's been a week since I heard anything about Miles, and his sudden absence has left me perplexed and worried. Each passing day only intensifies my growing concern for him. Did he fail calculus? Did he get suspended? These questions circle my mind like vultures waiting for prey, leaving me restless and desperate for answers. Miles was not the type to disappear without a trace.
"Hey, is everything alright? You look troubled," Klaus abruptly whispered as he leaned closer to me. I sighed and looked up at Klaus, relief washing over me at his concern. As my best friend for years, he knew me well enough to sense when something was troubling me.
"It's a bit complicated," I admitted, whispering and running a hand through my hair. "You remember how Miles has been struggling with Calculus all semester?" Klaus nodded, his brow furrowing with worry.
"Well, I decided to help him out," I continued, my voice a mix of guilt and frustration. "I thought I could explain some concepts to him and give him some extra practice before the final exam. I didn't want him to fail, you know?"
Klaus's expression softened. "That's a kind gesture, man. But why would he get suspended for that?"
"Last week, they had their calculus exam. What if he couldn't answer a single question? What if his mind went blank? What if he froze?"
Klaus sighed, understanding the weight of the situation. "You had no control over his performance, you know. It's not entirely your fault."
"I know, but a part of me feels responsible," I confessed. "He relied on me and trusted me to guide him through this subject, and now he might be facing suspension right now because of me."
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Klaus spoke again, his voice filled with resolve, "How about you ask Mr. Wayne yourself?"
Suddenly, the bell rang, signaling the end of another grueling day of classes, I eagerly rose from my seat along with the rest of my classmates. It was a routine we had all grown accustomed to, an unspoken synchrony that filled the room as we gathered our belongings and prepared to leave.
He's right. I've been thinking about Miles all week because I've been so worried about him. Maybe it's time for me to confirm with Prof. Wayne the truth to put my mind at ease.
The classroom emptied quickly as students rushed out, eager to embrace the freedom. However, my thoughts were consumed by the enigma that had been plaguing me for days. I gathered my belongings and made my way to Prof. Wayne's table.
"Professor, may I ask you something?" I asked him.
"Of course, Mr. Penrod," he replied, pausing in his task and giving me his full attention as his eyes twinkled behind his wire-rimmed glasses. The professor was a man of wisdom, his silver hair and gentle smile giving him an aura of authority and approachability.
"What is it you wanted to know?" he inquired, tilting his head slightly and waiting patiently for my question. I'm second-guessing what I'm going to ask the professor because I'm afraid someone else might hear. Since I am familiar with the kids on this campus, I know that if they learn of anything strange, they will make a huge deal out of it, which will cause it to quickly become a problem and spread throughout the campus like wildfire. That's what I don't want to happen, and I'm afraid Miles will experience bullying once more because of it. I don't want anything further to occur to him because he has already gone through enough.
"Mr. Penrod?" The professor called me so I immediately went back to my senses.
"Ahmm, sorry I spaced out, but Professor, was Miles suspended because he failed calculus?" I asked him, which made him pause what he was doing and give me a puzzled look.
"No, he's not under suspension, Mr. Penrod, and he also did not fail calculus," the professor told me directly with a smile. I sighed with relief, glad to hear that Miles was not in trouble. It had been a particularly stressful semester, and I couldn't imagine Miles facing yet another challenge.
"I was amazed by him because he almost got a perfect score; he's quite an intelligent kid, you know, and that's all thanks to you," he added, so I gave him a puzzled look, not sure about what he was saying.
"Anything else Mr. Penrod?" He asked so I shook my head in response.
"Okay then, I'll get going now Mr. Penrod I'll see you around." The professor said and made his way out of the room.
ERIN
The days grew longer as my concern for Miles deepened. He was a close friend, and his absence had left a void in my heart. Charles and I had tried reaching out to him, but our efforts had gone unanswered. As we walked along the familiar street side by side, our backpacks slung over our shoulders, the weight of uncertainty pressed upon us.
His absence from school for a week felt out of character, enveloping us in worry and confusion. With each passing step, the anticipation grew, and I couldn't help but ask Charles "Any updates from Miles?"
We were both desperate for answers. I looked into his eyes, seeking any hint of reassurance, but all I found was a solemn shake of the head.
"It's strange, isn't it?" I muttered, trying to conceal the tremor in my voice. "He wouldn't just miss all his classes for a week on purpose like this without telling us."
Charles sighed, his frustration mirroring my own. "I know, it's not like him. We need to find out what's going on." I nodded in response.
"How about your dad? Did he get any information from Miles' parents?" Charles asked. I sighed, my mind weighed down with worry, as I watched Charles methodically kick every rock he saw on our way.
"My Dad told me that he's been knocking on Miles' house door for a few days now and it appears to be that no one is home."
"Do you think Miles ran away?" Charles asked, so we both stopped walking. I glared at his worried face.
"Why would you say that?" I snapped, frustration welling up inside me.
"I don't know what to think or say anymore, Erin, but Miles has endured so much pain already," Charles began, his voice laden with concern. "The bullies at school, his battle with mental health, and the relentless cruelty of his father. It's been a long and hard road for him, and we've witnessed it all."
I squeezed Charles' hand. My heart ached at the mention of Miles' abusive father. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, but I composed myself, knowing that we needed to be strong for Miles.
As I Drew Charles into a tender embrace, I whispered into his ear, my voice filled with unwavering determination. "I know our hearts are heavy, but we can't lose hope now. Miles needs us now more than ever. We'll be his strength, guiding him through the darkest storms."
Charles buried his face in my shoulder, seeking comfort in my presence. While sobbing, Charles nodded, silently accepting our shared responsibility.
Charles and I both let go of the hug as the surreal moment was interrupted by the honk of a car, jolting us from our reverie. We turned to see a familiar car with its tires screeching to a halt right in front of us. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the familiar face behind the wheel-it was Tyler.
"Get in!" Tyler called out, excitement brimming in his voice. Charles and I exchanged puzzled glances, our faces reflecting our mutual confusion.
"Umm, I don't think that's a good idea," I said, hesitantly voicing my concerns, but Tyler just smiled, his confidence unwavering. As I turned my gaze to Charles, I could tell that he was itching to get inside Tyler's sleek and expensive car. His eyes gleamed with excitement, mirroring Tyler's determination.
"Okay then!" I exclaimed, giving in to the allure of adventure as Charles and I both immediately went inside the car. The moment our bodies settled into the plush leather seats, Tyler gently pushed his foot on the gas pedal, and the engine roared to life.
"Tyler, can I ask a question?" Charles spoke up, his voice filled with both curiosity and nerves. Without missing a beat, I swiftly elbowed Charles in the stomach, causing him to wince in pain and let out a weak curse. I shot him a look, silently warning him not to proceed with his question. Charles understood my unspoken message but wouldn't be easily deterred.
"Yeah, sure, anything," Tyler replied, stealing a glance in our direction, curious about the sudden interruption.
"Since you and Miles are sort of friends now, perhaps he has called or at least texted you in the past few days?" Charles asked. His voice carried a hint of concern.
Tyler furrowed his brow and glanced down at his phone. "No, to be honest, I don't have any news about him, so I was going to ask you too, but you got ahead of me," he replied, a tinge of sadness lacing his words. The realization that neither of them had heard from Miles weighed heavily in the air.
"Hey, that's our house! Stop the car!" I yelled to Tyler when we passed my house, but he didn't stop driving.
"Relax because we're going somewhere; don't worry, I'll drive you home later," he said, making me frown. Confused and slightly frustrated, I sank back into the passenger seat. The evening sun painted the sky with hues of pink and orange as we continued down the familiar streets of our neighborhood. 
"Where are you taking us exactly?" I asked him.
"You're taking us to Miles' house, aren't you?" Charles asked, so I glanced at him, confused.
"Yes, it would be better for us to pay him a visit, and it would also be great for him to see you guys too," Tyler replied.
"How'd you know we were going to Miles' house?" I whispered to Charles as I leaned closer to him.
"Because the road we're taking is the road to Miles' house," Charles calmly said, so I just nodded. But how did Tyler know the way to Miles' house?
"Do you think it's a good idea to visit him, Tyler? Because I tell you his faith-" I didn't finish my speech because Tyler suddenly talked over me.
"I can handle him," he said, smiling as he looked at both Charles and me in the rearview mirror of his car.