Timeless

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

            My head was in London’s lap, her tracing some imaginary picture over my face with her soft fingers. I don’t know if I was happy really. I cut again last night, this time with London watching. She had no discernible expression, so I don’t know if she’s seen Brendon do it before. I wondered why Brendon did it for sure. I watched the blood run down my arms like scarlet ribbons wrapped around my skin, and felt a calming release wash over me. Why was this enjoyable?

            She helped me clean up, not bothering to mend my wounds like I’ve seen in the movies. I asked her about it later around midnight.

            “You just need to know I’m here, I won’t force you to do anything, and I think you know that if you do need anything, you can ask me.” She answered, encompassing me with her riddles and metaphors Auburn mentioned.

            “Why? Why are you...like this with me? Is this what you were like with Brendon?”

            “What do you mean?”

            “How do you know how to act around cutters? Why don’t you just leave us?” I asked seriously.

            “I don’t know how to act, not for sure, I’m just trying to be the best help that I can for you. It’s a long road to recovery with something like this. I know that if I was hurting like this, I’d want someone to just be there for me, not try to change me or anything. I’d want to try and figure it out on my own, but I couldn’t do that alone.” At this, she smiled. I couldn’t bring my mouth to form that kind of appreciation.

            “Why did Brendon start?” I asked around one in the morning. I guess London was staying the night. She could stay in Star’s room.

            “When I met Brendon, he was already cutting, so I don’t know when he started, but I know he started because of something going on at home. I have a few theories, but he’s never confirmed anything.”

            “What theories?”

            “I’ve been to his house, but only when his parents weren’t home. We hung out up in his room. The boy reads like a fanatically-induced reading junkie. I’m not kidding, his room is a library with a bed. Anyways, his parents came home earlier than we thought, and it was like a screaming match between Satan and an alcoholic, which it probably was. Brendon was so sorry, we had to leave out the window, but his face Hunter...he was so worried and scared.”

            “So...you think he’s abused?” I questioned. London nodded. That’s real tough on a middle schooler. I know. I watched it happen to Starburst.

            Now look where that got her.

***