You and I

I sat there in the rain. There's nowhere for me to go.

My parents kicked me out. My ex is a total jerk. My best friend hates me.

All I want to do is die.

A boy walks up to me. He's probably around 17.

He offers me some coffee, but I decline.

He offers me some shelter, but I decline.

He offers me some food, but I decline.

He offers me his friendship, but I decline.

Eventually, he walks away to leave me. This small, dark alley will be my home now.

I have a small tarp that I put above me to keep me dry.

I fall asleep.

I wake up and see a small pillow and an envelope. It held £20.00 and a little note.

Dear Sir,

I am aware that you didn't want my help, but you seem to young to live out in the streets. You seem like such a fragile soul. Please accept.

Daniel

I was confused. Me? A fragile soul? I laughed it off, staying under my tarp.

It always rained in London.

Later, the boy came back. He sat next to me under the tarp, but we never spoke.

Eventually, he got up to leave.

I fell asleep.

The next morning, there was another envelope on top of a change of clothes.

Sir,

I know how it is to lead a rough life. I lead one, too. Together, we may overcome this, or we may just fail.

I'm tired, Sir. Tired of a life that hates me. And I hate it.

Until next time,
Daniel

It seemed to me that this Daniel kid wasn't that bad. Maybe I should accept his friendship. Maybe he can help me.

I took a pencil and started to write on the back of the note.

Dear sweet little Daniel,

I am more broken that I'd like to admit. My parents threw me out once I turned 18 because I was gay. My ex-boyfriend cheated on me and before that he would slap me when I didn't want to have sex with him. My best friend hates me for a reason that I am not sure of.

I will accept your friendship, but only if you want to give it.

Phil

I placed it near the envelope and put on the change of clothes. I smiled for the first time in a long time.

Later that night, the boy came again. I saw his arms, ripped open and shattered like my soul. Maybe I could help him like he's helped me.

Once he left, I fell asleep once more, awaiting the next day.

When I awoke, there was a small lion sitting atop yet another envelope.

Dear Phil,

I am gay as well. But my parents believe that they would look bad if they threw me out, so instead the abuse me.

I've honestly never had a boyfriend. I was too scared. It's the same with a best friend. I was too scared to have one.

Maybe we could be best friends. Maybe more, maybe less. Who knows. Maybe we can actually talk.

Later,
Dan

So, he was the mystery person who had sat next to me for these past couple nights. The thought made me smile.

This went on for a couple of weeks, he would sit next to me every night and we'd have a small conversation. Sometimes, he'd come to me beaten and bruised, a sign that his parents were unhappy with him. He'd have new cuts everyday, but they were getting to be less and less.

We took pictures on his phone and we would always laugh together.

I was falling in love with him.

Tonight, however, he came to me limping, bloody, and crying. Who could do this to their own child.

I held him. I let him cry into my shirt, well, his shirt.

I lifted his head up, careful no to hurt him, and kissed him.

We didn't talk that night, and I fell asleep faster than usual and waited for the next day.

I found a photograph of us. We were both smiling. His dimples were showing and I smiled to myself. Under the photo, there was a note.

Dear Phil,

I love you so much that it hurts. The kiss we shared last night was perfect. I just wish we could share more.

My parents decided to move because they found out about you, and I just couldn't handle it.

This is goodbye, Phil. I will never see you again unless we meet in heaven. My body will be long at the bottom of the River Thames by now.

I am sorry.

Love,
Dan xxx

I cried myself to sleep that night. He had helped me through so much, and now he had killed himself. It felt as if my life came crashing down on me, and I clutched onto the little toy lion he gave me with the third note.

I stood up and wandered over to the bridge.

I can't live my life anymore.

I took a step into the air and I fell.

I hit the water and felt my life slowly fade away.

I can be with my love again.

Maybe someone with find my letter. Maybe.

Dearest Dan,

I know you wouldn't want me doing this, but I have to. I can't live without you.

Dan, it was us against the world, and the world had won. I'll see you soon, my love.

Remember, it'll always be you and I.

Love,
Phil