Broken Boy - Cookomalley

6.

This chapter is super bad and short. I don't even know if people still like this story but yea✌ Only 2 chapters left.

Nick's pov

"Hi baby" he hugged me tightly.
"Hi, thank you for coming over."
"Don't thank me, I missed you. What did you want to talk about?"
"Albert.." He frowned at his name being said.
"I don't like the sound of that."
"You shouldn't. Uhmm so...I really like you, you're so great. But-"
"No Nick please don't..."
"No, listen to me. Don't you realise how shitty I've been treating you? I don't give you what you deserve, which is love and care and attention.
I just think you can find someone who will love you and treat you right, and that person isn't me."

He teared up but tried to hide it. I felt horrible. He really does love me, even though we've never said those words, I can see it. I am the worst.

I hugged him but he pulled away.
"It will just hurt more."
"O-okay.. I'm sorry Albert."
"I should just go.."
I followed him to the front door, watching him put his shoes on in silence.
"Nick...can you promise me something?"
"Sure."
"Can we still be friends? After I'm over this."
"Of course we can."
He gave me a small, sad smile and opened the door. It looked like he wanted to say something, but instead of doing it he just gave me a wave and walked to his car.

That night I couldn't stop crying. Did I make a mistake? I had stared at his number at least a hundred times, thinking of calling him and saying that "It was such a mistake, I want you back Albert, I'll be the best boyfriend you'll ever have. I promise."
But I never did, because I didn't want to hurt him again. I kept seeing his sad face in my head, reminding me how bad I am.

I dozed off around in the early morning, when the sun was still far from rising. It was already afternoon when I woke up. Jamie had called me 3 times. Shit. I texted him, saying that I broke up with Albert and wanted to be alone for the day. I'd talk to him tomorrow.

Dad and I had a good night together, we watched some TV and ordered takeout food. Around 11pm he went to bed. I went to my room to watch youtube. Anything to distract myself.
I knew sleeping would be hard today again.

Dad woke me up the next day, asking me if I wanted to go see mum.
"What time is it?"
"9.30"
"I slept like 4 hours." I rubbed my eyes and checked my phone. No messages.
"You haven't talked to her in days."
"I just had a breakup."
"She's your mother." I sighed and agreed.
"Fine. Can I take a shower first. I'll be fast." He nodded and closed my door.

The shower woke me up and made me feel better, a less disgusting human being. Mom got happy when she saw me. She recovered and would probably be ready to go home any time soon.
"You look tired." She referred to my eyes, which had big bags under them.
"I am, I broke up with Albert."
"Ohhh I'm sorry hun."
"Its okay. I did the right thing."

//

In the afternoon Jamie called me again. He wondered if I avoided him and I felt guilty so I told him to meet me by the bridge. "The bridge" was a place we've played at since we became friends. It's super close to my house. A small bridge hidden in the woods, with a slim path leading up to it. In summer it's almost impossible to find the path let alone getting to the bridge.

I started walking ten minutes after I told him to come. He arrived not long after on his motorcycle. He parked next to a tree, taking off his helmet and putting it beside.
"Hi," He hugged me.
"How do you feel?" I shrugged.
"Okay, I think. Better."
"That's good, do you want to take a walk?" He locked his MC then looked at me.
"Sure."

We walked next to each other on the tiny pathway, in silence. The sun was setting, but the forest covered the colourful sky. I'd never dare to walk here alone when it's dark, but with Jamie I felt safe. We both stopped at the bridge, I leaned against the railing.

"What's wrong?" He asked me. At first I didn't know what he was talking about, but then I realised I'd been staring at the wood planks below us, deep in thought.
"Isn't it weird Jamie? It doesn't feel the same. This place is dead."
"I think it's peaceful. Besides, it doesn't have to be the same way, does it? We got older."
I smirked.
"We got gayer."
He laughed and shaked his head.
"You did. I'm only half gay."
"You still got gayer, Mr. 'I am straight Nick, don't touch me.' I can't blame you though, I'm pretty cute." I flicked my hair over my shoulder which made him laugh again.

"You're right, you are pretty cute. Very cute." I felt my cheeks heat up.
"Shut up. I wasn't being serious."
"But I was."
We looked at each other and he took a step forward, carefully grabbing my face in his hands. He stroked my cheek then let the hand run through my hair.
"Jamie-"
"Can I?" He asked. I nodded and closed my eyes.

He pressed his lips to mine, so gently. They felt better than I imagined. Warmer and softer. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed back. My heart was pounding in my chest. I never wanted it to end, it was too perfect. I wasn't even sure it was real.

When he pulled away he was blushing too. I smiled and kissed his cheek, then rested my head on his shoulder. He was the first to speak, after a few minutes of silence.

"Was that a mistake?" I looked at him in disbelief. Is he stupid?
"No. I liked it, dumbass."
"Me too."
This time it was my turn to kiss him. Just a short, sweet one. When I pulled away I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.
"Let's go home please. It's dark and cold."
He agreed and we walked back. He offered me a ride home, and once we stood outside my house I was so close to telling him to stay for the night.
But I didn't.

I spent the rest of the evening overthinking. I couldn't help to feel bad about Albert. I just broke up with him yesterday. At the same time I wanted Jamie more than anything. But I was scared. Scared that once he's my boyfriend everything will change and never be able to go back to the way it was before.

And I am much more afraid of losing him as a friend than I am of losing him as a lover.