Another boy
Talks to me.
He catches me in the halls.
But he
Is not kind.
He smiles,
But it is not warm.
It's meant to be
Flirtatious.
I don't smile back.
I say hello.
That's all.
He frowns.
What's wrong, sweetheart?
The endearment sounds
Sour
On his lips.
Nothing,
I say, s l o w l y
Backing up.
He puts his arms
on either side of me,
Trapping me.
My eyes go wide.
I can't think.
All I see is Them.
Their jeers
And insults
And fists
And worse.
I squeeze my eyes shut.
And fold in in
Myself.
My hands are on
My ears.
I rock
Back
And fourth
And back
And fourth
And then
My name.
Mia.
Mia, look
At me.
Please.
S l o w l y
I look up
And see Julian.
My eyes fill with tears.
Where is he?
I ask.
He's gone.
Don't worry.
You're safe.
He holds out a hand
And pulls me up.
He brushes
Away
The tears.
And takes
My
Hand.
YOU ARE READING
Take My Hand
RandomMia is new in town, and running from her memories. She's scared and alone- until she sees Julian. Julian loves routine and sameness. He's content to be his only friend forever- until he sees Mia. But he makes a mistake. So for three years, both of t...
