Dinner again. My eyes find his usual spot. Empty. The knot tightens, worse than ever. I'd warned him. Told him I'd be watching. And here we are. I glance at my untouched tray. Appetite gone.
Jack catches my eye. Doesn't know where Liam is either. Helooks worried.
This time, I skip the dormitory. If he's avoiding me, he won't go somewhere predictable. Library first. Empty except for a couple of students over textbooks. Recreation room. Nothing. My pace quickens. Each empty space makes it worse.
I'm heading toward the admin wing when I spot Miles coming out of the supply closet. Working, as always.
"Have you seen Marsal?"
He studies me for a moment. Silence. Then: "Computer lab. Said he had a project due."
I nod and change direction. The computer lab is at the end of the academic wing, isolated enough to be a good hiding place during meals. The door is partially open, blue glow of monitors.
Liam is in the far corner, staring at a blank document. Not even pretending to work. When I push the door closed, he looks up, startled.
"What part of 'dinner is mandatory' don't you understand?"
He rolls his eyes. "I have a paper due tomorrow. Ms. Rivera gave me permission."
"No, she didn't." I lean against the desk, crossing my arms. "You're skipping meals again."
"I'm not hungry. Not everyone follows the feeding schedule like cattle."
"This isn't about schedules, and you know it. We talked about this."
"No, you threatened me. There's a difference."
I take a deep breath. "I'm concerned about your health, Liam."
"Bullshit." He stands, chair rolling back. "You're concerned about me making you look bad. If I'm not the perfect little project, following all the rules, it reflects on your precious leader record."
"That's not fair." My voice is tight. "I've covered for you more times than I can count. How can you think this is about my record? I care about you."
"I never asked you to!" Now he’s almost yelling. "I never asked to be your charity case!"
"Is that what you think this is? You think I'm being nice out of pity?"
"I think you get off on control." He spits it out. "Big, strong Ethan, saving the troubled kid from himself. Makes you feel important, doesn't it?"
My fists are balling at my sides. That’s so ridiculous, and I know he knows it. "You have no idea what you're talking about."
"Don't I?" There’s a bitter laugh. I've never seen him this angry. "I don't need your help. Just leave me alone. I'm not broken."
"Really?" I say, harsher than I intend. "So throwing up your meals, starving yourself. That's not broken? That's a healthy lifestyle choice?"
The words are out before I can stop them. I know I've crossed a line. His face floods with humiliation and rage.
"Fuck you." His voice is low like I’ve never heard it before. "You don't know the first thing about me."
"I know you're killing yourself!" I'm shouting now. Me, who believes in control above everything. "I know you think you're alone here, but you're not. I'm right here, trying to help, and you're too stubborn to see it!"
"Help me?" And there’s a mocking laugh. "Save it. I'm done with you pretending to care when all you want is to feel superior."
"I do care." It bursts out. Word by word. I can't stop it. "Damn it, Liam, I care more than I should."
"Well, stop." He puts his backpack over one shoulder. "I don'twant your care, your concern, or your supervision. I want you to leave me alone."
"That's not how this works. I'm responsible for you whether you like it or not."
