Page 55 of The Rat

Rory couldn’t raise his head tolook at Ollie. “I’m not feeling it.”

“Oh, come on, Mrs. Mason says we’re gonnastart something else today.”

“I’m feeling prettyrough.”

“We can stay down hereinstead, see if we can grab a pool table.”

Rory shook his head. “No, yougotoart.”

“But—”

“You get on withthose guys, Greenand Jack.”

Olliescrunched hisface. “Yeah, they’re okay, but—”

“No buts, I’m not gonnastay down here anyway, I’m gonna lay down for a bit.”

“You sure?”

Rory didn’t reply, he squeezedOllie’s shoulder, then carried on walking. He hurriedup to the secondfloor and into his cell. He kept his head down and didn’t evenglare at Pauly when he commented on how good his asslooked.

Rory lay back on the bed, linkedhis fingers over his stomach, and closed his eyes. He listened tothe muffled noise coming from the wing and could tell when lunch wasserved. The excited chatter suddenly quietened, and then he heardthe slam of cups and trays when it was all over.

“Ollie’s worried aboutyou.”

Rory cracked an eye open andlooked at Sebastian. “Feelingrough, that’s all. Did he get to artclass?”

“Yeah, came out with a big smile,then immediatelyrushed over to ask about you.” Sebastian pursed his lipsand stepped further inside the cell. “And if Ollie’s worried aboutyou, then so am I.”

Rory bit histongue whenanother surge of guilt turned to acid in his stomach. “I’mfine.”

“First, you’re feeling rough, nowyou’re feeling fine. You had your visit with your uncle today—is everything allright?”

Rory pressed his hands to hisface and didn’t reply. He felt fingers close around his wrist.

“Hey…”

Sebastian eased his hand away.“Talk to me.Is your uncle all right?”

“Yeah, he’sokay.”

“Then what isit?”

“Nothing.”

Sebastian narrowed hiseyes.“Youalways seem anxious before he visits, and you’re miserableafterwards.”

Rory didn’t confirm ordenyit, Hetried to roll over, but Sebastian grabbed his shoulder and stoppedhim. “You don’t get on with your uncle?”

“He’sall I have.”

“Where are yourparents?”

“My parents aredead.”

Sebastian nodded awkwardly,thenmumbled,“That explains it.”

“My mum died when I wasthree,Ican’t even remember her, and my dad died a few yearsago.”

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