The Mis-Fits Among the Mis-Fits

Emalyn's POV

  I return to my room, barely able to breath. As I approach my door, I spot Tom walking my way. I look down, my flaming red bangs covering my eyes, and rush to my room. I close and lock the door behind me. I quickly spot my journal, laying on my bed, next to an assortment of colored inks and a graphite pencil. I walk to the open book and stare at the half finished portrait. "Tom," I mutter as I watch a tear fall to the page. I reach up to feel the warm liquid on my face. "Emalyn? Are you in there?" Tom asks as he lightly taps my door. Not trusting my voice I walk to the door and open it slightly, allowing him to enter. "Em?" Tom starts as he closes the door, his voice laced with concern, "Why are you crying? Are you okay?" I quickly shut the leather bound book on my bed and smile. I still didn't trust my voice so I just let the tears fall down my face to the floor. Tom walks over slowly and carefully, as if I'm an injured animal. He grabs my shoulder and pulls me into a tight embrace, allowing me to bury my face in his chest and sob quietly. He places his head on top of mine and we stay there for a while until my sobs die down and the room is silent. Tom gently asks me a dreaded question, "Are you okay?" There's so much pain in the question "are you okay?" that for a moment someone notices the change in your expression, for a moment someone sees your mask fade away, and for a moment, you realize, you were never okay. "No," I whisper into his chest. My voice is raspy from crying. "Why are you upset?" Tom asks quietly. "So much. So much has happened and I just want to sleep. I want everything to go away." Tom moves away slowly and picks up all the supplies on my bed, moving them to my desk. I sit down on the bed and he sits next to me. "I'll stay here until you fall asleep, okay?" I nod my head slowly, as I lay down under the warm covers. "I'll wake you up for dinner." is the last thing I hear before falling into a peaceful dreamless slumber. 

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short chapter