Labyrinth

Chapter 14

CHLOE'S POV

Today couldn't have gone worse. I contemplate what my options are but, as I thought earlier, I only have one. Talk to them.

Having had some time to calm down, I hope that I'll be able to keep myself together when talking to them.

I check my phone and see that they're office hours are still on so they'll be there and it's late enough that hopefully no one else will be there.

The walk over felt like it lasted forever yet, too soon, I was there. I walk towards where Nathaniel's office is. Should I have messaged them first? I'm here now. It's done. All I have to do is talk to them. That's easy enough, right? I've done it countless times - but only once like this. And that was completely different.

Before I can back out for a second time, my shaking hand rises towards the closed, oak door causing an echo that reverberates throughout the empty hallway. "Come in." A voice calls out. It's different to his usual professor voice; professional, yes. But strained too. That thought itself pulls at my heart.

Using all of my strength and will, I push the heavy door inwards, revealing Nathaniel sat behind his desk, his hand running through his hair, trying to clean it up, and shuffling some papers. He stops, however, when his eyes land on me.

"Hi..." My voice falters, not even being able to reach a normal level.

"Do you want Thomas here too?" He asks patiently.

I only nod, feeling all of my emotions from today build up behind my eyes.

"No worries," He smiles sweetly, "He'll be here in a second." His eyes scan my body as if making sure that I'm there. They pause when they search my face and he takes a particular interest in where my hands are wrapped around my arms, pinching them slightly.

Nathaniel wasn't lying when he said Thomas would be here in a second. I felt him linger behind me for a few seconds before fully entering and shutting the door and walking in front of me. "Chloe," He breathes out.

Nathaniel walks up next to him and I can see their hands twitching as if they just wanted me to be in their arms. Luckily, that's all I wanted.

Before either of them could say a word I rushed towards them, fisting a hand into each of their shirts, "I'm sorry." I brokenly sob.

As soon as I make contact with them, their hands claim me protectively. Holding me with a level of pressure to ensure I know that they're there.

Thomas shushes me whilst running a hand through my hair as I bury my head into his side. Nathaniel rubs my back. Just as I like it. He remembers how much I like it.

All of this affection should help to comfort me but, instead, it makes me feel guiltier. They must think that I don't trust them. I hid something from them. They should be angry.

I pull away from them slightly. "Why are you guys so calm? You should be angry." My hands now lightly hit at their chests as I angrily sob at them, "You should be shouting at me. Telling me to get out. Anything- anything but comforting me." My voice then becomes almost inaudible, "I don't deserve anything else."

The hot tears running down my face contrast the silence of the room. I still haven't been able to make eye contact with either of them since clinging onto them.

A hand gently grasps my chin and slowly moves me so that I'm looking at them. "Darling, you deserve all of this and more. I'm sorry someone made you think otherwise." Thomas was staring at me with such care that, even if he didn't say anything, I would crumble.

Not being able to stand it anymore, I nestle my head into Thomas's shirt, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. We understand." Nathaniel comforts. Their voices softer than usual.