Angel

Chapter 5

On the way to the building, which turned out to be an empty lot in a shopping outlet, I learned a lot about Zack. He was 16 years old. He had a younger sister and an older sister. He loved art; it was his passion. His favorite band was TOP, just like mine. His mom died when he was four, during the pregnancy of his younger sister. His dad was an asshole, just like mine was. I also learned that he was really nice, and his smile was contagious. His personality was to die for.

I told him a lot, too. But I didn't mention him or my escape. If I did, Zack would run away and never come back. He would think I'm messed up just like everyone else does. And they don't even know about those things, either. After we registered, which didn't really take that long, Zack announced that he was hungry. I realized I was, too. "I've got some extra money. Let's go to McDonald's," he said. "Sounds good to me," I agreed. McDonald's was the only place my family ever ate out anymore. Ever since Dad left, money has been pretty tight.

It took about ten minutes to get to the nearby McDonald's. I got a cheeseburger and fries. He got a double cheeseburger and fries. After we were both almost done eating, I had had enough. I was curious, so I blurted out,"Why are you being so nice to me?" He looked up from his burger. "Maybe I want to impress you," he said. I looked at him. I was confused. "Why would you want to impress me?" "Because I like you," he said like it was obvious. I was speechless, so I just stared at him blankly. What was it with this boy? "You're kidding," I said.

"No. I'm actually not," he said. I got up to throw my trash away. It was fully dark outside now. I headed towards the door, with Zack on my tail. "Vanessa, slow down," he said, trying to catch up with me. Tears were building up inside me. I couldn't do this. I couldn't get close to anyone. He caught up to me and spun me around. He stared into my eyes, noticing I was crying. He brought his hands up to my face, holding it gently. I was avoiding looking at him. I felt so pathetic, to start crying in front of a boy I had just met hours ago. Why had I told him so much? What the hell was this? Why did he make me feel this way? I didn't even know what I was feeling anymore.

"What did I say? What did I do? I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry," he said, his words all rushing out at once. His voice was strained. Was he about to cry? "It's not you, Zack." "Then what is it?" He was clearly confused. I pulled away from his grasp. "It's stupid. A boy hurt me in the past. In the recent past. I thought I was ready to move on, but I don't know anymore. I figured you didn't like me anyways. I mean, what's there to like?" I just let more feelings come out of my mouth than I had in months.

He didn't say much after that. The walk back home was almost completely silent. He kept asking if I was okay, which I honestly didn't know the answer to. But I just said yes every time. Why did he even care? I was already developing feelings for him. I moved here yesterday, and I'm already making relationships.

When we got back to my house we stood on the porch. I was about to open the door and say my goodbyes when he grabbed my hand. "By the way, there's plenty to like about you," he said. I couldn't see his face, but I looked up to where I thought it would be. After a few more moments of us just standing there, holding hands, he bent down and kissed me on the cheek. His lips were warm against my cheek. A rush of fuzziness and comfort washed over me. I let go of his hands. "Goodnight, Zack," I said with a slight smile as I turned to open the door. "Goodnight, Vanessa," he said as I shut it and headed to my room to sleep.