All Things Bright and Beautiful (Owl City fanfic)

Adam

It was really dusty in the closet.

I'd locked myself in my room and then hid in my closet, because right then all I really needed was some time alone.

I felt another hot tear well up and fall onto my collar, and I wiped the track away.

And suddenly I just let go and started sobbing.

When I first met Annemarie I had known right away she was the one.

She had been so kind to me, and no one had ever loved me like that before.

I had never loved anyone like that before.

I took a deep breath. Had I not expected this? After Annmarie left, she would obviously continue her life with someone else.

But I'd never thought I'd have to hear about it.

I swallowed, trying to stop the tears.

It was no use crying.

But somehow it just felt so good to let it all out.

I wiped my face dry with my shirtsleeve.

Suddenly there was a soft knock on my bedroom door.

"Adam?" Cloe's voice said. "Are you in there?"

I held my breath, hoping she would give up and go away.

"Adam!?" I heard the doorknob rattling. "Adam I just want to help you. I know how this must feel. Just being able to begin to live life without her, and then having this dropped on you,"

I couldn't help it, I started to sob again.

"Oh Adam, I'm so sorry," Cloe said. "I thought maybe you just needed someone to talk to,"

After a moment I heard her walking away. I jumped to my feet, opened the closet door, unlocked my bedroom door and walked out, tears still streaming down my face.

She turned in surprise and as she did I wrapped my hands around her waist in an embrace.

She wrapped her hands around my chest and sighed.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"I'm sorry," I contradicted. "For not letting you in,"

We stood there for a moment, arm in arm until I pulled away, and I was almost sorry it was over.

"You okay?" Cloe asked.

"No...but, yes,"

"That's good to hear...I think!" She smoothed my bangs and we both laughed.

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Later that night, we were both sitting at my dinner table enjoying a pepperoni pizza I had ordered.

I was still a little depressed, but I was trying hard to look happy.

"So what're you going to do with that watch Jessica gave you?" Cloe asked, grinning.

I laughed. "Give it to my dad.

He'll definitely make a better use of it," I gestured to a potted plant next to the table, where the watch was acting as a decoration in the soil.