Oh, Marcel!

"You Okay, Buddy?"

~Ember~

"Jimmy, I know this is kind of weird to ask, but do you think that we could drive past Marcel's house? I just want to. I don't know why." Jimmy looked at me funny, but nodded his head.

"Okay. Seems like a simple request." He jumped up off my bed and grabbed his coat.

After school we went to my house to do homework and talk and kiss and snuggle. You know, all those good things that couples do. Jimmy tossed me my coat and I put it on following him down the stairs.

"Mom, we are leaving for a bit." I called and shot out into the cool air before she could answer. He unlocked the doors and we got inside the cold car. I shivered and reached back for a blanket.

"So you just want to drive by is all? You don't want to visit or anything?" I shook my head and snuggled with the blanket.

He but the car into gear and backed out, heading toward Marcel's. I can see his tall house come into view and I lean over Jimmy to get a better look.

"Hey is that.." Jimmy starts.

"OMG, it's Marcel." My heart starts to pound as I see his tall figure sitting on the stoop of the stairs, his curly head in his hands.

"Maybe you should go talk to him." Jimmy offers and pulls to the curb.

Should I?

"Go on. I'll wait here. He looks like he needs a friend Ember." Jimmy says and plays with my hair. "You're the only one he's got."

"But we haven't talked in two months. He doesn't want to see me!" I shout.

"Calm down, babe." He pats my shoulder. "Trust me. I can tell whenever we work together it almost comes out of his mouth. It's like he wants to talk about you."

"Jimmy I..."

"Go." He commands, his face turning stern.

I gulp and open the car door, the cool air hitting me. Marcel doesn't look up as I slam the door shut and walk towards him. I'm almost there when I hear his deep voice.

"Ember go home."

"No. Not until you tell me what's wrong. Marcel I care about you. I've missed you so much." I say and try to squeeze on the stoop next to him.

He doesn't move so I balance on the edge.

"Please Marcel. Please. We don't have to be friends like before, I just want you to talk to me!" I place my hand on his thigh.

He lifts his head. He's been crying, but those green eyes shone.

"Want to know what's wrong? I've been lied to. All my life. Ember do you know what that's like?" He says, choking back tears.

"Marcel, everyone has their own hardships. No one can know exactly what you feel. But I promise I will try." I wrap my arms around him, hoping the blanket gives him some warmth as I lean my head on his shoulder. His body racks with sobs again as he hugs me tightly.

"I-I missed y-you." He mutters and I can feel his voice rumbling.

"I missed you more." I say and squeeze him. I lift my head up and look at him. "Do you want to come with Jimmy and I? We can talk about everything. Please Marcel. Please." I beg.

"Yes." He said and I was shocked.

"O-okay. Let's get in his car, we can go to my house." Then I thought about what my mom would think. Two guys and one girl? No no. "Actually we can go to Jimmy's." I say knowing his mother isn't home again.

Marcel stands up and leans on me for support as we walk to Jimmy's car. Jimmy, who was watching us the whole time, gets out and opens the back door. He clears a seat for Marcel, and Marcel slides in.

"You okay, buddy?" Jimmy asks once we are all in the car.

"No." Marcel says and covers his face with his hand. I can see the tears slip down his face.

"Jimmy lets go to your house were we can talk."  Jimmy nods and pulls away from the curb. I look over at Marcel's house as we drive away.

There in the window of Marcel's room, is a boy, nearly identical to Marcel himself. He watches the car leave and then the curtains swing shut.

"Marcel, who is that boy in your room?" I turn around and ask.

"Harry." He brings his hand away from his face. "Harry Styles."