The boy & the brownies.

Five.

"Sometimes people need to cry out all their tears to make room for a heart full of smiles."

It was 3:00 in the morning when Oliver tapped on my window. It was 3:05 when I let him in. It was 3:07 when we went down to the kitchen. It was 3:11 when I said I would make him brownies. It was 3:30 when the brownies were finished. It was 3:35 when all the brownies were gone. And it was 3:45 when Oliver started crying.

I was not good at comforting people. Actually, I was simply and utterly horrible. I hated seeing people cry, just like my mother. It made me sad, I wanted to make them better. I wanted to stop the salty water. But I couldn't. Because whenever people began to cry, I would start crying too. And you wanna know why. Because I was sad when people were sad. But when I saw Oliver. I broke. At that moment I would do anything to stop those tears from rushing down his cheeks. I would do anything. Except there was nothing I could do. And I wanted to start crying, but I had to stay strong. For Oliver. Because he's been strong for me. So I lead him to the living room. And I sat him down in the couch. And I sat down next to him. And I let him cry. Because that was what he needed. To let it all out. To cry.

An hour later Oliver stopped crying. He wiped his tears away and gave me a sad smile.
"You wanna talk about it?" I ask him. He shakes his head. I nod. I know the feeling. I absolutely hated it when people asked 'what's wrong?' Or 'are you okay'. It was very annoying.
"Im sorry Chai." I turn to look at him.
"For what?" I ask.
"Waking you up at three o'clock in the morning, making you cook brownies and everything else I did tonight." He says.
"Never be sorry for something like this. Oliver, I'm your friend. Why would you have me if you couldn't walk me up at three in the morn and ask me for brownies?" I say. He cracks a grin.
"I know, it's just. I don't like crying in front of people. It makes me look weak." He says. I hated it when people said that. How could they think that.
"You know, sometimes people cry not because they're weak, but because they've been strong for too long. Because they're human." I tell him.
"You wanna crash here tonight?" I ask him. His eyes widen in surprise.
"Are you sure?" I nod.
"I'm positive."
"Umm, well then yea. I'd really appreciate that."
"There's a guest room, extra clothing, toothbrush and towel should be in there." I tell him. He nods. I motion for him to follow me and we head upstairs. I pass by my door. And Elijah's, and my mother and fathers. And then the guest room door is in front of me. I look up at Oliver.
"Well, here ya go. Wake me up if you need anything. I'm going to bed." I say, yawning. He nods. And then he hugged me. I haven't been hugged in a very long time. A very long time. So I immediately welcomed his embrace. I felt safe, I felt warm. I felt at peace. I slowly wrap my arms around him, hugging him back.
"Thank you so much Chai."
"Thank you so much Oliver." Cause he was the one who deserved the thank you. He's done too much for me already. Too much. I pull away eventually. He smiles a boyish grin. Showing off his nice teeth. I wave and walk back to my bed room. And as I'm about to open my door I take one last look back at the guest room. But the door was closed. Oliver was safe. Oliver wasn't sad. Oliver wasn't crying. Perfect.

I was setting the table for the eggs and bacon I had made when Oliver came down stairs.
"You didn't have too cook!" He exclaims as I bring the plate of bacon and eggs to the table.
"Maybe I wanted too." I say.
"I know, but... I can't do this, you already let me sleep hear. I can't." He rambles.
"Oliver." I say. He continues.
"And, it would be rude... It's not fair... I have to repay you or." He continues.
"Bloody hell Oliver, sit down." I demand. He looks up, eyes widening. And he quietly sits down at the table. I hated when people did that. Denied people's gift. I mean, they obviously want to give it to you, take it.
"Thanks Chai." He says as we begin eating breakfast.
"Anytime Oliver."
"Hey Oliver, what's your last name?" I ask. I was curious.
"Rhine." He says, I nod.
We finished breakfast quickly and Oliver walked out of my house. I watched him from the porch until he was no longer in view. Until he was no more to my eyes.