Hazel and Tony

'Hi, Mr Bolton. You wanted to see me...?'

'Hi. Yeah, thanks for coming. Sit down if you want.'

'So what's this about?'

'I might be overstepping the mark here, and feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but... I just noticed that you've seemed down recently. I was wondering if you might want to talk about it?'

'Not much to talk about really.'

'Is everything okay with the workload? If you're struggling with anything, I'm more than happy to help you out.'

'The work's fine, sir. And if I do find anything difficult, I can just ask my dad. He's a scientist.'

'Ah, nice... does he help you a lot?'

'Sometimes. Don't worry though, it's not like he's been doing it for me. I don't want to cheat, and he'd refuse anyway. He's really against it. It's funny...'

'What is?'

'Oh, nothing. You'd have to know him and what he's like to understand.'

'Okay... Do you get on well?'

'Yeah. It's always been just us two, since, y'know, Mum died when I was a toddler...'

'...I'm sorry.'

'The only problem really is that Dad gets so depressed over it. I mean, of course he does. Anyone would... But... He's just not good at moving on.'

'I understand. Grief is a powerful emotion. Losing someone you care about is horrible... You know that too, of course.'

'Yeah. Although I was too young to remember her. That's why it's not as bad for me. I know there's no time limit or anything but I... I guess I want him to be happy.' 

'Of course. I was bereaved a few years ago and it's still hard for me sometimes. Even so, it must affect you too, when he's depressed.'

'It does. Don't get me wrong though, he does his best. We're really close. As a parent, I have no complaints. As a person though...' 

'Actually, I don't want to say any more.'

'Alright. Just remember, you can tell me anything. I'm here to support you.'

'I'm glad you asked, anyway... Feels nice that you were concerned about me. I thought after what happened before, you might hate me.'

'No... I was angry about what you said, but I don't hate you.'

'Did you... um... ask Edward in the end, about him and my dad...?'

'...I...uh...'

'That's a yes then. Shit... what do you know?'

'...Look, it doesn't matter what I know. F-Forget it, okay? I'm not going to do or say anything. It's not my place.'

'...I should never have brought it up in the first place. Of course he'd tell you why he did it...'

'Oh, Hazel...'

'You know way too much now.'

'...Wait! Let me help you. You're not on board with the things your dad's done, are you?' 

'I can't talk to you about this. I fucked up hugely by even mentioning it at all.'

'It's a bit late for that now. You may as well confide in me, considering I know all about it. Keeping it all inside is no good for you.'

'I... I can't... I don't want to cause any more trouble! I don't want it to lead to a shitstorm!' 

'Listen, I can't do much. If you think I'm going to go to the police or something, you're wrong. Only the victims themselves can do that, because it's their choice. And I don't have any concerns over your safety at home either. I just want to give you a chance. You're one of my students and you're in a bad situation. All I want to do is be supportive.'

'...I was just so angry with Edward... I accept now he had the right to do what he did. At the time, I couldn't see that. All I could focus on was coming home and seeing Dad nearly dead, and being so fucking scared...'

'I don't know what to do any more. I love him, but I hate what he's done. I've had to accept he's a terrible person... I hate being in this position. I'm just so torn. How can I choose? I don't want to go against him after everything he's done for me, but he's also the reason I can't be friends with Wednesday... The first friend I ever make, and now she won't talk to me because of someone else's crimes.'

'You only have to live at home for the rest of this year though, right? After that, you'll be off to university. Then you can put some distance between the two of you.' 

'Yeah... I don't think I can distance myself entirely though. Too soon.' 

'One step at a time, then. As for Wednesday... I don't know. It's her choice whether she speaks to you or not.'

'If only that were true. It's fucking Indigo calling the shots. ...Interfering bitch.'

'...After you both turn eighteen, it's nobody's choice but yours and Wednesday's. There's no ordering around an adult. Or shouldn't be, at least.'

'Shouldn't be ordering around a seventeen year old either. I'm not fucking Satan. Indigo thinks I'm going to bully Wednesday. What a load of bullshit.'

'My advice to you would be just to be the best person you can. Prove yourself as someone trustworthy. Show them that you're worth it.'

'Nobody thinks that.'

'Well, I do. I believe in you, Hazel. Try holding onto that.'

'...Thanks sir. I appreciate that.'