A New Hope

Three

When the bell rang signaling the end of the day, Alex put everything that he didn't need in his locker and went to meet Mark at the front of the school.

"Hey. You ready to go?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure." I said.

We then started the walk to his house, which wasn't far from school. We mainly did small talk, talking about movies and things we liked. When we got there, we sat on his couch.

"So tell me more about you. I want to know more about my new friend." he said happily.

"I'm Alex. I'm what you would call an emo. I live on my own not far from here and I enjoy art and music." This was more than I've ever told anybody.

"May I ask why you live on your own if it's ok with you?" He sounded genuinely curious.

"Its....fine, I guess. My dad died when I was small and my mom kicked me out of her house a few months ago." I needed to stop talking. I needed to stop before I said something I shouldn't have.

"Oh. It's fine if you don't want to tell me more." He sounded like he wanted a little more. I've said this much already, so let's fuck it up more.

"No, it's fine. I've just never talked this much before to anybody. I do want to ask you something though."

"Ok. What do you want to ask?"

"Can I stay the night? I'd like to get to know you better myself."

"Yes that's totally okay! It's like a sleepover!" He grinned. I wish I could be that excited.

I knew at some point he'd discover my cuts and what I did to myself constantly, but I'd enjoy this while I could. At least, that was before he leaned over and kissed me.