A Modern Love Story

Chapter 6 - Scars

Criticism spot! :)

Disclaimer - Crutchie talks about his PTSD in this chapter, and I wanted to note that every person with PTSD has a different experience. This is based on multiple videos I've watched by people with it, describing their own personal experiences. 
Also, anxiety and depression will be mentioned, and I want to make it clear that these are also different for everyone who has them. Every person on this planet is unique, so if you have ANY of these, it may not line up with your own experiences. I have anxiety and depression, so when it's spoken about, I base it a bit on my own life, as that's what I know best.

I just wanted to add that because I felt it was important, even though I think most of us know now in 2021 that this is the case. Just thought I'd be safe rather than sorry. Thank you so much for reading! :) <3

Crutchie's POV

Jack's alarm woke me the following morning, his arms around me. I kept my body close to his, listening to his breathing while we continued laying there. Just a few more minutes passed before I looked up at him, both of us smiling. 

"Guess we have to get up," he said, his voice a little scratchy.

"Uhg," I complained, making him chuckle. I sat up and stretched a bit, Jack following me. 

"Hey, so Race is back today, and I was wondering if maybe you'd want to meet my group of friends," I immediately grew a little nervous, however, I still wanted to meet them, as I felt like I'd be holding Jack back if I didn't.

"Sure, but you might have to talk a lot for me. Not sure if you remember just how shy I am, but it's pretty bad," I joked, making him laugh some more.

"I know, don't worry. I've got you," he got up from bed and started going through his closet, grabbing clothes for the day.

After we had gotten ready we went right to school, my heart starting to pound as I thought about meeting his friends. I think he could tell how nervous I was, as halfway through our drive he reached out for my hand, holding it tight. When we arrived, we stopped by my locker quickly, just so I could grab what I needed. Once I locked it again, he looked at me, smiling.

"Ready?" He asked, and I nodded. "Again, you don't have to do the talking. I've got you."

We went to the lunchroom, which was where most people hung out before school actually started, heading over to one of the tables against the wall. Obviously, I knew who Race was, but I only recognized the others from passing them in the halls. 

"Hey guys, so, this is Crutchie!" Jack said with a smile, looking at me. "This is Race, Romeo, Specs and Fitz." I smiled kindly at everyone, staying quiet. "In case you can't tell, we really like nicknames," he added, making everyone chuckle.

"Hey, don't we have history together?" Specs asked, making me feel like an idiot for not realizing.

"Oh, yeah," I mumbled, my face hot.

"The Delancey's been leavin' you alone?" Race chimed in, catching me totally off guard. Jack could tell, knowing he had to step in.

"They're the assholes they always have been, nothing changed within the week you were gone," everyone laughed again, helping me feel a bit more relaxed.

"By the way, just thought I should let you know that Crutchie and I are actually dating," he smiled at me again, my face bright red.

"Finally!" Race teased, jokingly rolling his eyes. "Took you long enough, Jack." Even I giggled a bit, feeling comfortable around Race.

"Told ya it'd happen this year, Specs," Fitz said, nudging Specs, the two laughing.

"Wait, you're dating him?" Romeo then asked, immediately making me go back to feeling insecure.