Healing Broken Hearts

I Was Just... Checking on Charlie...

(Three weeks later)

~Charlie~

Nick and I become really close really quickly. He's my best friend and everything is better when I'm with him. I tried to push him away to stop myself getting hurt but he wouldn't let me.

He seems to have no idea I'm completely in love with him and I don't plan on telling him any time soon. For now, I just let myself love him and enjoy any physical contact he gives me, like hugs.

He even convinced me to call the police and he was right, it did make me feel better. I decided it was best my parents heard it from me, and Nick was by my side when I sat them down and told them what happened. It was a difficult conversation but made easier by having Nick there. My parents even thanked him for saving me.

The police spoke to the school and Ben was excluded which helped a lot and I don't doubt that Nick would have punched him again if he saw him.

I still have difficult days and I'm not eating much at the moment but I find comfort in the fact that if I do start to spiral I can call Nick. He's become my rock and I don't know what I'd do without him.

🍂🍂🍂

"You've been spending a lot of time with Nick recently." Tao whispers as Mr Ajayi explains colour theory.
"He's a good friend." I whisper back.
"And I'm not?"
"I can have more than one best friend, Tao."
"Oh, so he's your best friend now?"
"For god's sake." I roll my eyes.

"Boys..." Mr Ajayi says gently when he notices us talking.
"Sorry." We both say.

🍂🍂🍂

Nick is waiting for me by the school gate and comes over to hug me when he sees me.
"My mum should be here soon." He says smiling.
"You're going round his house again then?" Tao scoffs.
"Yes Tao." I say bluntly.
"Urgh, whatever." He groans and walks away.

"Everything okay?" Nick asks.
"He's jealous." I laugh.
"Jealous?" He chuckles.
"He commented on how much time I've been spending with you." I laugh.
"Well, we have been spending a lot of time together."
"Do you not want to?" I ask, suddenly panicking.
"What? Of course I do Charlie. I love spending time with you." He says, smiling.

I smile back at him and my eyes drift to his mouth. I realise and quickly look away hoping that he didn't notice.

Yes, become best friends with the hot straight boy who you're completely obsessed with. What could possibly go wrong?!

🍂🍂🍂

We sit on Nick's sofa a little too close. I wonder if I should move over but then he puts his arm along the back of the sofa, almost touching my shoulders and now it would seem rude if I moved over.
"What film do you want to watch?" He asks, passing me the remote.
"You choose." I say, I can barely form a coherent thought with him so close to me, let alone pick a film.

He scrolls through Netflix until he decides on a superhero film.
"Urgh." I groan.
"What? You said I could choose!" He chuckles.
"Yes, just not marvel." I tease.
"You said I can choose, so..." He says, pressing play.
"No, please don't do this!" I whine.
"Too late, it's starting now." He giggles.
"Turn it off." I laugh.
"Nope." He smirks.
"Turn it off!" I laugh, snatching the remote out of his hand.
"Oi! Give that back!" He laughs and starts tickling my ribs.