With You [Sequel to Alone]

1.3

Park: "L-Luke's fine. But, m-my mom... She..."- I hugged him before he could continue another word.

Arianna: "You don't have to say it. I'm right here. You don't have to hide your sadness from me, ChimChim."- I could feel his tears flood onto my shoulder as his body shook in my embrace. I wanted to stay like this forever, comforting him. Being there for him in his darkest times, like I wished he had for me. I broke the hug for a second to wipe the tears from his face.

Park: "You are the best girl in the world. I'm so lucky you're here for me."

Arianna: "I will always be here for you."- He dug his head into the crook of my neck and whispered into my ear.

Park: "Thank you..."- I pulled him closer, letting him cry even more on my already soaked shoulder. I pulled away after his soft sobs came to a stop.

Arianna: "We should go to school. Is that okay?"- He only nodded and gave me a sad smile. We walked beside each other silently to school. It wasn't an awkward silence, but it also wasn't a sad silence. It was just a peaceful moment of serenity. We walked into school quietly together. That day was full of silence and the painstaking urge to kiss him again, or even see him smile.

As the day continued, I could see how hard it was for Park to keep himself together, especially around the guys. He ditched hanging out with us, and wouldn't answer the boys' calls. I was so worried, but I didn't want to bother him. He was probably grieving with his brother, not wanting to speak to me or anyone ever again. Seeing him so depressed broke my heart. My phone ringing brought me out of my thoughts. I answered, not looking at the caller ID.

Arianna: "Hello?"

Park: "Ari, I really need your help. P-PLease come over."

Arianna: "Park, I-"

Park: "Please... Also, stop calling me Park. Your ChimChim is here for you."- I smiled and told him I'd be right over. I walked to his house, sneaking out of my bedroom window the same way I had almost every day for 5 years. As I walked in his front door I was confronted with the familiar scent of his cologne when he pulled me into a tight embrace, allowing me to be engulfed in his arms. I felt a tear fall on my shoulder before I pulled away and caressed his cheek with my hand.

Arianna: "What did you need me for?"- I asked in a comforting voice, waiting for him to say something trivial, like "Dinner" or something.

Park: "I can't sleep. Can you stay with me?"- I nodded and he walked upstairs, me trailing behind him. He handed me some sweats and pointed me to the bathroom to wash up. As I did, I heard Luke in his own room, crying his eyes out, singing a lullaby. I got out of the shower, prepared to see the worst from Luke, but his door was locked.

Arianna: "Luke, are you okay?"- The crying didn't stop, and I heard him slump against his door, leaning against it as he sat down, sobbing loudly. "I'm sorry, that was a stupid question. I know you're not okay, because I wouldn't be here if you and your brother were. Just remember I am here."- I felt the door unlock and the weight of the young teen's body was on my own. I hugged him tightly as I whispered comforting words to him. Suddenly, he spoke.

Luke: "She died on my birthday. I'm just a 14 year old bad luck charm. I wish that day had never happened. Dad didn't even come to the funeral."- He pulled me closer, and I comforted him as I heard the shower in Park's room start and their sobs filled the house. I wasn't crying. Not because I was numb, like in the dream, but because they needed me to be strong.

Arianna: "Luke, I'm gonna go downstairs to make dinner, is that okay?"- He nodded and got up with me, following me to the kitchen. He stood up straight next to me, and he was actually taller than me.