The Neverending Kiss

Chapter 1: Revelation

"Once upon a time I used to be like everyone else, a robot. Eventually as my environment changed, I changed as well...into something far worse. It's a constant battle, you know, fighting with my own thoughts. At the same time, it is utterly terrifying." I smiled as I put down my journal and pen and stared out the window. I was supposed to be heading to school but it would be a pain to get out of my room. I drifted off into the recesses of my mind and thought of my life. A knock on my door pulled me out of my daydream. "Chase?" a small voice whispered. I smiled grimly and opened my door. My brother was standing there in his pajamas. "What are you doing up so early little man?" I asked as I ruffled his hair. He looked at me and tears glistened in his eyes, which tore at my heart. He spoke softly,

"Why are Mommy and Daddy yelling"

My heart tore itself apart. There were some things I couldn't tell him, so I had to water down the truth. I picked him up and brought him on my bed. I fixed the collar of his pajamas and spoke, "Buddy, Mom and Dad are adults, they do crazy things and who knows what.." I was interrupted as my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Ryan got off my bed quickly and grabbed it squealing "is it that girl you like??" I smiled to myself. He was referring to Rachel, a beautiful and amazing person who I had a crush on. I snatched my phone from him and indeed it was her. Her text read "Where you at? I want to see you." My heart raced and I could tell my cheeks were red. I told my brother I was going to school, grabbed my bag, and ran to my car as fast as I could.

The weather was terrible, the roads were terrible, and the drivers were terrible. Overall, the drive to school was horrible. I glanced in my mirror as I slowly pulled into a parking spot at the school. It was crowded but I managed to guide my truck in. I hopped out and was quick to rush inside. As soon as I entered I spied a familiar person. Rachel. I slowly came up behind her and put my hands around her eyes. She tried to get under but my hands followed her head. Finally I relented and let to. "Agh! Chase, do NOT do that!" She emphasized. I chuckled and was glad to see her smile. It seemed like everyone was having a tough time dealing with things, and I felt like I had to appear strong for other peoples sake. My throat burned and I knew what was coming. I covered my mouth with my sleeve and turned around. I started coughing violently. It ended soon and I felt a hand on my sleeve. Rachel's concerned voice washed over me. "Are you okay?" I hid my sleeve and turned around, all smiles. "Yeah I'm fine." I neglected to show her the blood on my sleeve.

Chapter 2: Won't Run

The day passed way to quickly for my taste. Every moment I spent with Rachel seemed just to short, I mean, I was crazy about her! But every time I was getting the courage to ask a very important question, either her friend would come, or the damn bell would ring. "Snap out of it!" A voice rang next to me. My buddy Aron was next to me in class. He always seemed to know when I was lost in thought. He playfully nudged my shoulder " You should go ask Rachel out man!" I smiled to myself. The bell rang and I thought to myself, "this is it..." I almost ran and parted the halls like the Red Sea. I finally made it and leaned against the wall when Rachel came up behind me. "Chase, I don't walk that way." She said and the corners of her lips curved. My heart smiled, something it hadn't done for a long time. I walked next to her as we passed through the halls, my confidence trailing way behind me. We finally arrived and as we did the bell rang. Rachel turned to leave but I had to say one thing. I smiled gave her a hug "the minute bell hasn't rung yet. Stay a bit!" So she did. As the minute bell rang she gave me a hug but before she left I held her back a bit. My heart was soaring into my throat but I knew it was now or never. "Rachel, I don't care what others say. I like you and you know that. I mean I've told you that. Do you want to give the you and me a shot?" She smiled and her cheeks turned red. "Of course" She plaintevly gave me a kiss, something that made my heart throb. As she turned to leave I felt a burning in my throat and I knew what was coming." Bye Rachel! I'll text you," I said quickly. I walked back and as I turned the corner I hunched over and coughed. A single cough. But with more pain than I have felt before.

Chapter 2.5: Braced Up

I never really went into school bathrooms but as I used to see in television shows, "duty calls" and honestly, the bathrooms at my school were not the greatest. As I walked in I heard a patter of footsteps behind me but I paid no mind. Suddenly I felt a shove on my back and I tripped into a wall. Like usual. I spun around quickly and saw 3 boys, roughly my year. They were the typical high schooler. Pants down to their knees, snap-backs barely on their heads. One of them came close and said one word, one that set everything in motion. "Rachel" I looked into his eyes and spoke in a monotone. "What about her?" He grinned and gestured to one of his buddies.

"She's a hoe for being with you."

I whipped my hand forward and hit him in the jaw, which was a mistake. I didn't take into account his friends. The pinned me down as he stood up and he pulled a grin at me. "How fun" He kneeled next to me and looked at me, but he didn't notice something, my left arm was free. I backhanded him away and pushed his friends off of me. I glared at them and whispered, "don't talk about her like that." I walked out and looked at my hand, it was bleeding. I cut my finger on his braces