The Blue Tree.

Damp Shirts

Mark's POV
He had no idea how much I wanted to hug him and cuddle him and kiss him. I wouldn't though. We just met. Plus maybe being just friends is what he wants. Maybe he's straight. He made me smile which I haven't done in so long. I have four friends at school; Bob, Wade, Felix and Marzia. Plus I've been going through a lot at home, my mom abuses me and my dad died.

"Do you want to hangout after school or something?" He smiled a genuine smile as he rested his face on his hands.
"Yeah sure." I didn't even notice until now he had an Irish accent. It's really cute.

"Yay!" He laughed as he adjusted his cap.

I took the cap off and chuckled as he tried to grab it but I put a hand on his chest and stretched my hand with the hat the other way.

"Mark, give me my hat back!" He flailed his arms trying to reach it as he laughed as well.

"Maybe later just let me take a look at it." I laughed lightly as he frowned and crossed his arms jokingly.

"You're no fun mister Mark." He huffed but laughed after pretending to be like a kid.

I examined the cap than I put it on.
"Ha Ha very funny. Give me my hat back now please." He took it off my head as I pushed my glasses further to my face.

"What's an average American school like?" I didn't want to tell him the truth. I can't bear to tell him that he'll either get bullied to death by his accent, how he's energetic and his shoes.

Oh no, his shoes are the worst giveaway to being bullied. He had old shoes that were torn. One look at those shoes and he'd be pinned against a wall. The girls might find him cute. What if a girl dates him!? I mean not like I like him like that; okay whatever doesn't matter! I need to tell him the truth.

"I'll be honest, our school may be... a little over obsessive over shoes. Here I have a pair of Vans in my backpack, it was Incase I lost mine but you can have them." I looked over to grab my backpack and found my extra pair.

"How come you Americans have a big deal over shoes? And why do you Americans have extra shoes in yer backpack. Mark, will I get bullied? What's going to happen to me? You won't leave me alone, will you?" I felt terrible for him. I handed him some vans and took his shoes off gently.

"I promise Jack you'll be fine. I'll probably be with you in most classes and we can just hangout." I said calmly putting the new shoes on his feet as he was distracted by being scared.

"Mark, what if we aren't in many classes together? What if they beat me up?" This was all true. If we weren't in the same classes he'd be 80% harassed and that's not a risk I'll be willing to take for Jack.

"Jack, look me in they eyes." Jack pulled his knees to his chest and hugged his legs to his chest tightly in fear.

"Jack?" I felt so bad for him, it must be scary to be in a new country with new surroundings. There was no movement from Jack for one whole minute and I was scared for him.

"Jack, please say something." I needed to help him.My hand guided itself toward Jack's chin and turned his face toward me.

"Jack, please. Just please show me any movement of how you feel, if you need to cry its okay." There was silence.
I put my arms around his waist and I set him on my lap.

Jack must be really scared, I don't blame him. I just wish I could bear the burdens. Sure we just met, but he's the only person who's been trying to make an effort to make me happy. He's the only one who can put a smile on my face.

"Jack, please." All of a sudden his arms wrapped around my neck, his legs straddle my waist and his forehead rested on my shoulder. I patted the back of his back softly hugging him closer. Jack cried a little only about ten tears strolled into my shirt. I didn't care though, my dad always told me 'Don't worry about my shirt, it always needed a good rinse anyways' than we'd both laugh.

Jack lifted his head from my shoulder.
"Sorry about your shirt." He chuckled lightly.

"Don't worry about my shirt, it always needed a good rinse anyways." than we both laughed.