Timidly

01 | spot the tourist

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A METALLIC TASTE lingers on my tongue as I spread the blood across my bottom lip. Though clearly swollen, I can't stop chewing at the surface, tearing the sensitive skin and exposing crimson liquid.

Out of the corner of my eye, Manny lifts one of his perfectly-groomed eyebrows. I turn, and indeed he is staring at me, an expression of pure disgust written all over his face.

Of course he is judging me, I think to myself. Manny and I have been close for a long time, meaning we do get sick of the company one provides for the other every now and then; and Manny isn't afraid to speak his mind, not considering the consequences, unlike myself.

"Can't you acquire a habit that is a little less, I don't know, painful to witness?"

I let the air escape through my nostrils as my back digs further into the airplane seat.

"I do, remember?"

Matching the gaze of my witty side-kick, I lift my sleeve. Manny's face goes a sickly shade of white upon seeing the fresh marks.

"I thought you stopped weeks ago..."

His voice drops to a whisper, his baby-blues holding a mix of concern and sympathy. Manny knows what goes on in my life; he's even witnessed it first-hand before.

"I-I did. But I just felt..."

I suddenly feel valuable, and stop speaking. What if someone heard us? The airplane held over a hundred passengers. Luckily, everyone was too focused on their own conversations to notice mine. I breathe a sigh of relief.

"-I just got overwhelmed"

Manny nods slowly, tussles of his brown hair falling into his eyes. It makes me realise how attractive he is, feeling slightly disappointed that my female parts don't get him going.

"Overwhelmed? About what?"

I turn to look out of the window. The wing of the airplane sticks out like a sore thumb, the propellers holding my attention captive as they spine faster and faster with each second.

"Everything. Mom and Keys are always fighting. It's more violent than ever; and I'm slipping in most of my classes, save for photography. It's just too much for me"

Manny sends a faint smile my way, enclosing his hand around my own. His skin is always warm, which I love. It makes hugging his slim frame a thousand times more beneficial.

"Then we're going to make this trip count. You and I are going to make some extraordinary memories here. Together"

Simultaneously, Manny and I shut our eyes. The feeling of being high in the sky is so relaxing, it makes me momentarily forget about all that is wrong in my life.

Then, his smooth voice fills the air.

"I wonder how many cute boys we'll meet"

And I can't help but smile.

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AS I COLLAPSE onto the hotel bed, my mind traces back to the last conversation I had with my mom and him. The one that truly pushed me to come on this trip.