Obstacles [on hold]

Concern

"Cry it all out Kathleen, don't worry. I'm here. We're all here for you." Tori cooed, stroking my head as she hugs me. I don't know how long it has been but I've been crying my eyes out this entire time in the bathroom with Tori comforting me. She hasn't said anything yet, but I was sure she was dying to know what happened. After a few more minutes, I collected myself and leaned my back against the cool tiles of the bathroom walls.

"Feeling better?" Tori asks as she throws another string of toilet paper wet with my tears into the toilet bowl. I shake my head but then proceeded to tell her what happened, having to stop a few times to prevent another round of crying.

"But also, thanks for standing up against Tanner for me Tori, I know it was hard, so thanks." I sniffled as I leaned my head on her shoulder. She sighed.

"Alright first off, Steven's a total asshole. No offense to you but really? Confesses to you when he's drunk. Secondly, Tanner totally should've told you about what happened. What kind of friend is he to even allow you to have a crush on a guy like that even after knowing what happened? And lastly, sorry but what Tanner said was true, you should've stayed away from Steven especially after the way Tanner acted, you probably should've probed him further regarding this matter."

Her words came at me like a freight train. I took me awhile to comprehend what she was saying. It stung a little, the way she said that Tanner was right, but thinking about it, I agree with her even. I shrugged, not knowing what to do.

"Come on, let's get some sleep first alright? You look dead tired and you definitely need that rest." Tori broke the silence as she stood up, pulling me up with her in the process. I felt bad for her, having to wake up in the middle of the night to tell her crush off and comfort her best friend when she could be getting her beauty sleep.

"Thanks Tori," I whispered she led us out of the bathroom. She gave me a little reassuring smile before entering my bedroom.

I still couldn't sleep after that. Until just 1 hour before we had to wake up for school, I finally drifted off to sleep, eyes dry and cheeks stained with dried tears.

I woke up feeling a cold, wet cloth on my head. I looked at the time and realized it was already afternoon. I'm so late for class!!! I quickly sat up, wanting to get to school when the door opened.

"Ow!" I mumbled as I grabbed the sides my head with both my hands. It felt like it was being compressed and I could see dark spots forming at the corner of my eyes.

"Don't move!" Tanner rushed over and pushed me back down onto the bed.

"Huh?" I asked, confused.

"You have a high fever and you're definitely not going to school today, so lie down." He demanded. There's an edge to his voice which makes me remember what happened between us yesterday.

I quickly covered my face with the blanket as I felt a lump forming in my throat. He sighed as he tugged at the blanket but I refused to let go, "Stop making it difficult Kath, let go."

He waited a few seconds before forcefully pulling the blanket off me. His grey eyes met my hazel ones with anger, but soon softened. Why? Because those stupid tears just don't want to stay where they are!

"Kath.... " He started in a tone that was a mixture of regret yet somehow like he wanted to lecture me. I immediately shielded my face with my hands and looked away from him. He placed his hand on mine, pulling them away from my face.

"No!" I shouted, slapping his hand away with my other, but he caught it. He doesn't say anything, just staring into my eyes for the longest time. Until his eyes starting turning a reddish color, watering and he immediately hides his face in my pillow, beside me. Is Tanner... Crying?

He then continued to wrap his arms around my body tightly, allowing me to feel his warmth. I never realized how cold I was until he touched me. I shivered under his hold and he pulled me closer towards him.

"I'm sorry Kathleen, I'm so sorry I shouted at you yesterday." He apologized, words muffled by the pillow, but his voiced clearly strained, he is crying.

After I didn't respond, he continued. "I know it was hard for you too, and yet all I could think of was how he would hurt you and I shouted at you. But I was actually the one who hurt you. I should've told you but.... I thought it was best if you didn't know. I thought I was keeping you safe." Tears were falling again, whatever I didn't care anymore.

"At first I thought Steven was just another guy, and it was a coincidence that they have the same name. But after seeing him, I... didn't know how to tell you. He was your first crush, I know I had to tell you, warn you, but I did it wrongly." He choked.

"Tann, stop... it's okay you don't have to tell me... I trust you." I whispered, sniffling hard. He lifted his head, face a few inches away from mine, his grey eyes were now bloodshot. I realized he looked really tired. There were eye bags under his eyes like he never slept at all yesterday.

"It was my fault too. I should've listened to you. But I was just too blind to see. I'm sorry too, I don't wanna fight with you over something like this. So please.... Don't cry." It was painful. I've never seen him cry in a very long time after like... Kindergarten? 

His hands moved to cup my face as his thumb caresses my cheeks, wiping my tears away. It reminded me of Steven, he did the same thing. But somehow this was much more different. We were so close to each other, my heart was beating faster than usual and where he touches me, felt... Good. What's happening? Is it because of the fever?

I watch as his eyes flicker to my lips then back to my eyes. His grey eyes now seemed a shade lighter, it was the way he was looking at me that made my heart race like crazy.

As his face inched closer to mine, my eyes involuntarily shut themselves. I feel his body tense beside mine and his breathing falter for a second before his lips touches the corner of mine. Fireworks exploded in my chest. He didn't even kiss me on the lips. Why? Stop Kath. You have to stop this. I couldn't. He let it linger a little before slowly pulling back. I felt my lips trying to follow his but quickly restrained myself and forced my eyes open.

"I..." He trailed of as his face was now red with embarrassment. "You should get some rest, you didn't sleep yesterday right?" He asks as he pushes himself off the bed.

Without thinking, I grabbed ahold of his hand. "You should too," I mumbled, pulling him down with whatever strength I can muster. And it worked, he falls onto the bed, beside me, looking a little surprised.

I turned to the other side, back facing him. I could feel my face heating up, not because of my fever, but because I was blushing profusely.

Soon after, as I felt myself drifting off to sleep again, I hear him whisper "Thank you Kath" as he snakes an arm around my waist and I fall asleep, this time feeling his warmth on my back.