Heather

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December 3rd
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It was a cold and snowy night, and I had snuck out of the house again. It seemed as if my parents were always fighting these days. Every night while I was trying to fall asleep they would start screaming matches in the living room. Eventually, I just got so sick of all of their shit and started sneaking out of my window to come to the park. They never notice when I'm gone. Why would they? They're always too preoccupied with work and arguing that sometimes it is as if they forget they are even parents.

I sighed and took a seat on the park bench that had the perfect view of the lake that was just starting to freeze over. Tiny flakes of snow fell from the sky and got stuck in my auburn hair. The chilly wind made me immediately regret not wearing anything over my long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants.

Pulling my sleeves down to cover my hands, I rubbed them together hoping to warm myself up.

"What are you doing out here?" Asked a deep voice.

My head snapped in the direction it came from. "Wha- What?" I stuttered.

He chuckled. "I asked what you are doing out here. It's 1 in the morning and far too cold for your outfit of choice." He explained sitting down beside me.

He looked around my age and was extremely good-looking. He had unruly dirty blonde hair that hung on his face. It was dark, but I could still tell that he had a very athletic build. After a few minutes of analyzing his handsome features, I recognize who he is.

His name is Zeke Bishop. The football captain at our high school, and my childhood crush.

Oh boy.

Zeke cleared his throat, and I completely forgot about the fact that he asked me a question.

"Oh, uh. It's a long story." I say, "I just tend to come out here a lot."

"We've got time. Care to give me a summary?" He asked with a boyish grin.

I laughed a little. "Well, my parents tend to fight a lot. Especially at night. Sometimes it gets really bad and I just can't take it, so I come here to escape." I explained.

"What do they fight about?"

"Everything. It could be something as trivial as what toppings to put on a pizza to something as big as divorce."

A few seconds went by. "Damn." He finally said.

"Yeah," I sighed out.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with that."

"It's not your fault."

We sat there for a minute relishing in the comfortable silence. My whole body started to shake when the wind started to pick up,

"Here," Zeke said as he started to take off his sweatshirt and hand it to me.

"Are you not cold?" I asked.

He shrugged. "No, not really. But you are, so take it."

I mumbled a 'Thank you and put on his sweatshirt, which swallowed me whole.

"Better?" He asked

"Yes. Very."

"I'm Zeke, by the way." He said, extending his hand.

"Sarah." I smiled, pretending I didn't already know him and shook his hand.

"You know," he started. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."

His words brought a smile to my face. "Thank you, but-"

"No buts. I'm serious. I'm here for you." He said tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You shouldn't have to go through this alone."