Second Chance

Chapter 20 - The Truth

Warning: Start with repetition of last chapter.

"The Truth"

"Be safe, sweetie,"

"I will, Mama,"

"You know, I keep telling you that you can always come to me,"

"I know but I can't risk it. What if he comes to hurt you in order to find you?"

"You worry too much,"

"I could say the same about you,"

The two of us laugh before the laughter dies and silence engulfs us once more.

"It's still quite early. Why don't you stay for a bit longer?"

"I think it's better to be early than late,"

He keeps quiet and I know that he's agreeing with me.

"Fine, you know the way right?"

I nod.

"Remember to come back and see me again,"

"I will,"

"I'll see you soon, okay,"

"Mm"

He hugs me tightly as if refusing to let go but both of us know that it will be worse if I don't go back. I could feel his feeling of protectiveness. I wish I could stay in his arms where it is safe.

When he lets go of me, he sighs.

"You're too mature for your age,"

I just laugh at his remarks. I know. This is all my fault anyway. It doesn't matter.

The door rings to signify there's customer coming in. The two of us look at the door and back at each other. He gives me a sad smile and nods. I nod back knowing that it's really time for me to leave.

He moves away to attend to the customer and I quietly disappear to the back.

I stare at the steel door and sigh. I don't want to go back.

I gather my courage and grab the handle. To hell with it. I don't care anymore.

I walk out into the cold night, glad that I am wearing the hoodie he bought me. It's an adult size but he said that I would grow into it.

Clang!

I turn to the source of sound and see a boy. It's noticeable that he's older than me. I look into his eyes and I know then and there, he's the same as me. We know pain the same way but in different circumstances.

He's covered in blood. I don't know if it's his or someone else's. He seems agitated like he's hiding from someone.

There's sound coming from outside of the alley. I don't know what came over me so I take off my hoodie and pass it to him.

He's startled for a moment but takes it anyway. In a swift movement, he wears it. The hoodie is slightly bigger than him but it suits him more than me.

The sound of people approaching grows louder. I did the only thing I know. I grab him and kiss him.

The noise grows louder and I know they are looking at us.

"FAGS!" "Gross"

I let him go after it gets quiet. I look behind him to confirm that no one is there. I close my eyes and breathe out in relief.

My eyes falls on his watch when I open them. I notice that I am late. The thought of being late and the punishment scares me.

I run.