With Me (2) Chris Sturniolo

5

Strong arms wrap around me and pull me in for a hug and out of my own head.

I didn't realise I started crying. Chris kept his promise and didn't interrupt while I told my story.

"My injuries weren't bad in comparison to others. I just had some bruising, stitches and some broken ribs, but I didn't care about any of that. Then I came here and I was supposed to keep a low profile and not make friends, so that I wouldn't get attached when I had to leave them or watch them get hurt when Martin finds me"

Chris opened his mouth to talk, but I cut him off. "Then I met you, Callie, Madison and everyone else and you guys got into my heart. I've never had friends like it before and it kills me to keep this secret, but you get it now, right? Why I couldn't tell people?"

I pull out of his comforting embrace, instantly missing his warmth. "People died because of me. He shot people because of me. Molly survived, but Micah got caught in the cross fire. I can't risk him finding me again because it's everyone lives in danger, not just mine"

I took a deep breath and continued. "I know you've been totally honest with me and trusted me to do the same and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you about this. I may have a different name, but I'm still the same person you opened up to. I...I did it for my safety, for your safety-"

I was cut off when Chris pulled me back in for a hug.

"It's okay. I understand why you did what you did. You're so strong" he whispered into my ear. "I'm sorry you went through all of that"

It felt good to tell someone what I'd been through, for someone to see the real me. To know someone was there for me. Not because they have to be, but because they want to be.

Chris rubbed my back, not even mad that my tears were staining his shirt. He moved slightly back to look at me, and moved his hand to cup my face to force me to look at him.

"None of it is your fault, Rachel. You didn't kill Haley or any of those other people" he emphasised his words to really make me understand. "You don't deserve this. You don't deserve to run from Martin or to torture yourself, or to be scared or take sleeping pills just to rest. You're a good person, Rachel"

I just told him about my damaged past, about the lies I've been telling, about people who were hurt because of me, and he's calling me a good person? He was looking at me like I was the bravest person he'd ever met.

I wrap my arms around Chris' neck and bring my lips to his, pulling him in close to me. He was taken off guard, but he recovered quickly and kissed me back.

It felt like everything I'd been through, all the times I had to move, all those sleepless nights-were worth it. For Chris. He pulled back, cutting the kiss short.

"Wait" Chris started, with guilt all over his face. "The day we met, when you ran into me and I dropped you on to the floor in front of your class. You were injured because you'd been in a fight with Martin- you were just pushed down the stairs"

He was talking more to himself, but I answered anyway. "Yeah, but I don't blame you-"

"What is wrong with me? I'm the worst person ever. Fuck, I'm sorry-"

"Chris!" I cut him off. "If I didn't already have healing ribs and you did that, nothing would have happened. If you did it now, I wouldn't be hurt. You didn't know"

He stroked my cheek. "I'd never hurt you" he said softly. "And I'm sorry for the times I have"

His words had a deeper meaning, and I knew he wasn't just talking about my ribs.

My heart melted at his words, at this guy who's being open with me when he had a tough guy facade with everyone else. I pull myself back into him, burying my face in his neck. After his reaction to my past, I realise there is no mistaking this emotion I'm feeling.

I've fallen in love with Chris Sturniolo.

Shit.