a.n. sorry this is slightly late again it was my birthday on thursday so i was busy and i've been stuck with ideas but here you go

I knew my whole life had changed from that point. Almost everyone ignored me wherever I was, and Steve and the gang avoided me like the plague. Even the teachers seemed to sense something was up and left me alone. Or maybe they'd been tipped off by Steve. I wouldn't put it past him. A few watched me with pitiful eyes but no one tried to help me. Except Sam. She still got knocked about by Steve, but I took care of her afterwards. In return, she kept me company and listened to me when no one else would. She was my lifeline - I couldn't live without her.

"When are you going to call the hospital?" Sam sits down and confronts me unexpectedly. It's after school, and we've been doing homework in silence. I don't like talking very much at the best of times, and this was even worse than usual for obvious reasons. The question made me think. I try not to think about my mum too often because it makes me cry and only girls cry. That's probably why I haven't yet called the number Lars had left me. Maybe I should. Just to see how she is. Sam sighs softly, and I realise I haven't answered her yet. 

"Why don't you call them now," she presses. "Whilst I'm here?" God, she is persistent. She's right, though. It will be easier with her here. It isn't such a bad idea. 

"O-okay then." My voice is husky from lack of use. How long has Sam out up with my silence? I often lose track of time these days. Sam hands me the phone and her hand brushes mine. Her skin was warm and comforting. I slowly dial the magic number, taking a deep breath and hitting call. It rings once, twice, three times, four-

"Hello?" The voice is young and female. A receptionist? Secretary?

"I want to ask about my mum, she-"

"Oh! Are you by any chance Mr Joseph Smith? Doctor Lars is expecting you. I'll put you through right away." I don't even have time to thank her before Lars's smooth voice reaches my ears. 

"Hello, Joseph, my dear boy. Nice of you to call."

"How is she?" My voice is desperate, but he just laughs mockingly. I clench my free hand into a fist. Sam lays a calming hand on my shoulder and I exhale forcefully. This is no time to go looking for a fight. God knows I have enough enemies for now. For a lifetime. 

"Oh, come now, you don't want to seem like you don't want to talk to me, do you?" His voice is light, but he puts a menacing meaning behind the words. 

"I don't, particularly, funnily enough." I mutter through gritted teeth. 

"Your mother, you said? Why? Missing her?" He acts as though he didn't hear me, but his tone is slightly colder than before. 

"Obviously," I snarl into the phone. "She's all I have. Had. Until you took her away from me, you son of a-"

"Joseph, really. If you can't behave, I'm sorry, I can't help you." There is a click as he puts down the receiver.