Phil's Overhead

For days, Phil continued to return to the library to read "To Kill a Mockingbird" until he had finished it. On Dan's breaks or when his shift was over, he would meet him in the Starbucks on the second floor. Dan was perfect in every way - sweet, understanding, gorgeous, and he was completely adoring of Phil. He seemed to, once he got to know him, be falling for him. They liked the same types of foods, music, TV shows and movies, which helped Phil to open up a bit. They planned to go out to the cinema to watch something together as a more proper date the next weekend. Phil felt like a character in a romance novel, only for the first time, it was all real.

One day at Starbucks with Dan, an odd tension took over Phil's body. He knew they had found him. His senses where proven correct as they walked into the coffee shop. By instinct, his shoulders folded inward and his head dipped down to face his lap, to he wouldn't be seen.

"Phil?" Dan asked, noticing his distress. "Phil, what's wrong?"

He didn't say anything.

Three larger, older guys came over to their booth and stooped over them. "Hey Geek," one of them said evilly. "Glad we found you. We've been looking all over for you."

Phil did not look up. His muscles tensed.

"So, Geek's got a boyfriend now?" another teased. "Are you a faggot too?"

Dan looked at them, and knew instantly that these where the members of the "gang" Phil was talking about the first time they went out. He didn't say anything to them. Instead, he turned to Phil, cowering on the side. "Come on, Phil," he said calmly to him. "Lets get out of here."

"Hey hey hey, whoa, pretty boy," the other cooed. "We just got here. Geek over here is our buddy, ain't that right, you faggot?" He punched him in the arm in an unfriendly way, trying to hurt him. Phil's muscles were used to it, and took the punch with only a wobble.

"Hey!" Dan stepped in, getting up and standing between them. "What's your problem? Why are you hurting him?"

"What are you gonna do about it?"

Phil, though his eyes were shut tight, heard one of them cracked his knuckles. "No, Dan! Stop!" he begged. "It's not worth it."

"Oh come on. You think you're just going to step in and be the hero? You look dumber than that looser over there," he spat, pointing to Phil. "Now stay out of it, or we'll get to your faggot ass too. That what you want?"

Dan seemed to ignore every word they said. "Leave him alone."

"Why should we?" they laughed.

Phil pulled his legs up into his chest and held them against his body. He couldn't move, other than uncontrollable shaking. He was panicking.

"Because I said so."

Phil felt his breathing get tight and his eyes water. He forced an arm out of his little ball-like position and tugged on Dan's shirt for help. He didn't want him hurt.

He turned and saw him in enough pain already. "Get the fuck out of here," Dan said in a strong, powerful voice.

"Ok, fine. We will," one declared, putting up his hands. "But this ain't the last time you'll see us. Clear, faggot?" He turned to the other members of his group. "C'mon, lets beat it. We've got better shit to be doing."

“Like girls!” one remarked and laughed, giving a high-five to his friend.

Phil heard their footsteps walking out. He breathed a difficult and shaky sigh of relief. Dan sat by his side.

"Phil, are you ok?"

He was still shaking and could barely speak. "I-I..."

"Shh," Dan hushed and put a hand over his shoulders. "It's ok, they're gone now."

Phil let go of himself and hugged Dan. "Th-thank you..." he said, trying to get the words out. Phil often suffered panic attacks from his bullies, or even just the thought of them. He would tremble with fear and have a hard time breathing. It all would just make him feel worse. No one has ever stood up for him before, though. It was overwhelming.

Dan hugged him around his shoulders and let him take control of his breaths. "Are you ok?" he asked quietly.

Phil wanted to cry. He was embarrassed, and had just showed his weakness to the only one who's ever liked him. Worst of all, he had pulled Dan into the trauma. Once able to speak again, Phil continued to hold onto Dan. "I'm sorry. I was hoping they wouldn't follow me here. I'm so sorry."

"Phil, its not your fault. It's ok."

"No its not ok. Now they'll be after you too."

"It doesn't matter about me."

Phil thought about them beating Dan the way he'd been beaten. He had been smacked, pushed into things, punched, spat on, and even had his books stolen and burned. Of all, that hurt the most. He would never want any of those things to happen to the one who protected him. He decided against telling Dan any of this, so he wouldn't have to fear like he did.

Dan helped Phil to sit up straight. "Would you rather go somewhere quieter?" Dan offered in a kind voice.

Phil nodded, and he and Dan went back downstairs to the library area, where Phil picked a new book from the shelf. Reading was Phil's safety. He was secure in his books; nobody could get to him there. Dan seemed to understand this about him, and sat next to him as his light blue eyes focused on the pages.

"Phil?" he asked.

"Yes?"

"Why don't you check out books and take them home?"

"I'd rather read them here. It's quieter, and they can't bother me."

"Oh."

"And I'd much rather be here with you," he added.

Dan smiled. "Same."

Phil went back into his book, but for the first time, found it difficult to read. His attention belonged to the boy next to him, happily staring back into his crystal-like eyes.