The Ones Who Notice

Part 2

(Picture of Drake)

"Nicole.." My head snapped up to peer over at Drake. "What?" He looked a little embarrassed while he glanced to make sure Mr. Carlson wasn't looking. We were supposed to be writing a small poem or story to share in front of the class but Drake only had 2 words written down. "I need your help. I can't write anything good. Please give me one of your writings?" He practically begged. I look down at my notebook. I had some good ones, but none that fitted Drake, "just a minute." Already having finished mine I begin to write quickly. Knowing the teacher would stop us in a few minutes.

Darkness was closing in.
Vultures stared hungrily.
Peering into the oncoming shadows.
Friends?
Where art thou?
Family?
Why did you leave me?
Foes?
Now you upset me?
I'm scared.
I want to leave.
The darkness is trapping me.
Help me.
Please.
I'm begging you.
Save our souls.

Passing the paper to Drake just before our teacher spoke up. "Alright! Who would like to share first? Nicole, how about you?" I was Mr. Carlson's favorite. Of course he would want me to go first. Awkwardly standing up and slowly heading towards the front of the class. Only tripping once. Taking in the class, most people gave me a disgusted glare but Drake gave me an encouraging smile. Taking a deep breath, I begin. "Did you see him? There! He's here to collect the broken and the hurt. He makes them happy while he steals them away. Everybody who sees him know it's their time, they cannot fight it and probably won't try. But that's okay, he'll take care of the good and the bad, just as long as they're broken inside." Finishing quickly and racing back to my seat. Putting my head between my arms and ignoring the world. Blocking out any sounds.

"Hey, are you alright? You did great up there." A smooth voice reached my ears. I gave somewhat of a groan in return, only to hear the guy laugh. "Well now that I know you're alive, could you help me get to my next class. I'm new, remember?" Hurrying to pack my things, and blushing because of the time I spent ignoring the world. "I don't think you heard, the teacher said I did good...so good job." He grinned and patted my pink hair, earning a growl. "What class do you have?" I sigh. Walking side by side while leaving the room. "Hey pinky! You get a new boyfriend? Don't you know what happened to your last one!" Ted smirked when he saw me flinch. Visions of what happened crossed my mind. A stray tear ran down my face.
{flashback}

"Come on Nicole!
It'll be fun!" Daniel yelled from atop
A tree. "I'm afraid Danny! Please stop!"
I pleaded with my reckless boyfriend from the ground.
He only laughed.
It wouldn't have been so bad
If it was just a tree.
But these trees came extremely
Close to a cliff.
A 50 foot drop then you are in a river.
If you avoided all the sharp rocks.
"Danny please! I love you!
Now come down!"
Begging now while I watch him climb a branch that was overhanging the cliff.
"It's okay Niccy!
But I love you too!"
I watched in horror when he turned around to come back and the branch broke. Leaving him plunging to his death.
He never screamed.
Not once.
But I did.
I called the police and ambulance.
Danny was already dead when they found him.
It hurt.

"Hey! What did she ever do to you!" My mind was elsewhere when Drake yelled. Abruptly, tears started streaming down my face. I couldn't keep in the sobs that were escaping. Turning on my heels and running. Hearing footsteps close behind. I ran outside before collapsing on the football field. Someone put his arm around me, shushing me. In response, I buried my head in his chest. Already knowing it was Drake. "Come on.. It's okay..." He stood up and lifted me in his arms. Bridal style. The emo had one arm holding my legs and the other was by my neck. My own arms were holding onto his desperately, as if he was the anchor of my life.
We were getting closer to the parking lot and my sobs haven't died down yet. Drake was gently shushing me and telling me it's okay. Blackness was swimming in my vision, I heard someone yell. My mind was swallowing me. It was carrying me away.

Darkened hearts hurt.
Knowing you will never
Love again.
You will always be hated.
Hated for being different.
But don't underestimate
The different,
They are beautiful for
being different.
But most of the different...
Have
Darkened hearts.

"Nicole?" A silk-like voice said my name. My eyes opened to find myself... Where was I? "Drake?" I squeaked. "You passed out. I brought you to this place." A treehouse near the school. I've been here loads of times. It was a nice place to go when I just wanted to write or think. I shook my head slowly and sighed, mumbling an apology before standing up, ignoring my shaky legs. "Don't worry about it. We can stay here if you want? We've already missed a period." Drake suggested and I agree, not wanting to go back to Ted and his crew.