JUST THE TWO OF US: Harlan And Cyrus

22: The Words

Cyrus was awoken by the loud bell sound they played through the speaker system every morning. This signaled that it’s time to wake up and start moving to the cafeteria. He slid out of his very cold and very uncomfortable bed and threw on one of the T-shirts they provided. He was hungry, but he wanted to see Harlan. He hated that he was here, but since he was, Cyrus wanted nothing else then to be with him. His door unlocked, and he peeked his head out of his room. A few boys left their rooms and started walking down the hall. Cyrus left his room and started walking in the opposite direction of the cafeteria. He was trying to find Harlan. Cyrus didn’t remember what room he was in, and he knew that Harlan wasn’t familiar with the center's routine they have for the inmates. Cyrus checked every room he walked past. He turned a corner and continued checking. A few rooms down, he found Harlan culled up on his bed, cupping his ears in his hands. He looked panicked.

“Harlan? Harlan!?” Cyrus said as he flung the door open and rushed to his side.

Harlan moaned. It sounded like he was in pain. Was it the morning bell? Cyrus wondered. He noticed Harlan often winced when the school bell went off. Maybe he just had really sensitive ears?

“Harlan, are you okay?”

“Yeah, sorry.” Harlan said, sitting up. “I wasn’t prepared for the bell.”

“Sorry, I should’ve told you.”

“It’s fine, you’d have no reason to.”

“Well come on, it’s breakfast time!” Cyrus said, pulling Harlan out of bed.

Harlan got out of bed, and Cyrus saw he slept shirtless. Cyrus couldn’t help but stare as Harlan moved to the steel chair and pulled a shirt over his head.

“Let’s go before the food is gone.” Harlan said with a smirk.

He noticed, and Cyrus knew he noticed him staring. But he didn’t have to hide his adoration anymore because they’re official now. At least one good thing came from this detention center. The pair walked down the halls, Cyrus leading the way to the cafeteria. Once inside, it looked just like a school cafeteria. Except it was more cold and bland and everyone wore the same clothes. The food was even worse than high school food if that was even possible. Once Harlan and Cyrus got their food, they sat on the end of a table that had the least people nearby.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t get you out of here.” Harlan said between bites. “This place is horrible.”

“But it’s better with you here.” Cyrus said, smiling.

Cyrus dreamt of Harlan every night he’s been here. And now the man is sitting in front of him. As nice as it is, Cyrus wished Harlan wasn’t here. He wished Harlan was free, outside, living his best life. But instead, he also got framed and ended up in here with him. Cyrus’ train of thought was interrupted by a group of officers walking through the main entrance.

“Harlan Briggs!” one yelled.

The room got quiet. Harlan looked at Cyrus, then over his shoulder to where the cops were standing. Harlan raised his hand tentatively. Cyrus could tell he was scared. Harlan could tell Cyrus was scared.

“You need to come with us.” the officer said.

Harlan started to stand up, but Cyrus jumped up faster. He ran around the table and wrapped his arms around Harlan. They were taking him away. They were being separated again. Harlan hugged back and nuzzled into his neck. There were a few reactions from the other inmates around them, but the pair ignored them.

“Come on!” the cop yelled. “We ain’t got all day!”

Harlan whispered in Cyrus’ ear.

“I love you.”

Cyrus froze. Harlan let go and started walking toward the police officers. They cuffed him and pulled him out of the room before Cyrus could process what had just happened. Harlan said the words. Harlan said the words and was taken before Cyrus could reply. He was in shock.