A Little Story About Love

Part 16

Elle

I closed the door to my room as Chance stepped out into the hallway with me. His eyes were filled with anxious curiosity and he fidgeted uncomfortably.

I smiled, "Calm down Chance." I looked up at him, which considering his size was difficult for someone as short as me. I was even shorter than Max, and the sight of Chance, nervous and scared of me was quite comical. Chance met my gaze and waited for me to talk.

"Okay," I said, taking a deep breath. "Max and I have been best mates since we were three years old. He's like a brother to me. My family gave him a home when he had nowhere else to go. I know Max better than I know myself. I would die for him. I have seen Max go through hell, through things no living being deserves to experience. I don't know how much he has told you, but you need to know that Max has tried to kill himself three times, and he has almost succeeded each time. Max is fragile, and he has horrible luck, and I love him way too much to see him get hurt badly again. I know you probably are questioning yourself and your sexuality constantly. What you did at lunch the other day showed me that you really do care for Max. But I need you to make sure your feelings are more than just friendship. If you aren't in this one hundred percent, I need you to back out, before Max gets super attached to you. Max means everything to me, and I swear to a god I don't believe in that if you hurt him, I will kill you. Don't wait until it's too late." I stopped, breathing deeply.

Chance remained silent, still looking at me. He glanced at the door to the dorm room, "Max is..." He trailed off, "I could never hurt him. Maybe I haven't figured out my sexuality, but I have never been more sure about something. My feelings for Max are so much more than friendship, they're inexplicable. I have no idea the extent to which those feelings exist, but I am in this for good, one hundred percent. If I ever hurt Max, I would never forgive you if you didn't kill me. Max deserves the best. He is so lucky to have you." Chance smiled, his eyes shiny, "I've got a lot to live up to. I hope you know how much he loves and appreciates you, you're the best thing that's ever happened to max. And the fact that you stood up to me, makes me admire you so much more. Thank you Elle." Chance smiled, looking at me with trust and gratitude.

There was so much behind those eyes that couldn't be put into words. My mind relaxed, I trusted Chance, he made Max happier than he had ever been, and his feelings were genuine. Max was going to be okay, and I was pretty sure Chance wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

I stepped forward and hugged Chance, "Thank you. I really needed to hear that," I mumbled into his shirt. I released him and opened the door to my dorm room. "Sorry for interrupting your time with Max."

"Don't be," Chance smiled warmly, "It was important."

I smiled back. "Have fun," I said as Chance returned to Max and their piles of schoolwork.