The G(r)ay Area

Part Twenty

Part Twenty.

Aiden age 15.

"There's pizza on the way for you two."

"Thanks, mom."

"Do you need anything? Does Aiden need anything?"

"He's okay. He just needs some time."

"Call me if you need anything."

"We will."

I lifted my head as Lucas walked into his bedroom, two cans of soda in his hand.

"Hey, you okay?"

I sat up and made room for Lucas. I said nothing.

He sat down beside me and held out one of the cans. "Mom ordered us pizza."

I took the can and stared down at it.

"Aiden, talk to me."

I let the can fall on the bed and curled up under the covers. "I don't know what to do."

Lucas laid down against me and wrapped his arms around me. "You don't have to go through this alone."

"My face hurts."

"Do you want some ice?"

"It couldn't hurt." I mumbled.

Lucas sat up and climbed over me, almost tripping in the process. "I'll be right back."

I rolled onto my back and stared up at my ceiling. The sling was preventing me from laying on my side and my fractured ribs screamed every time I tried.

When Lucas came back, he was holding a bag of ice wrapped with a hand towel. He sat down beside me and held it out to me.

I crawled into his lap and hid my face in his chest, wishing that I wasn't about to cry.

"Aiden, hey, I'm right here."

"I hate wearing this stupid thing." I mumbled, moving my arm just enough that he knew what I meant.

"It's only for a few more days."

"But I want to hug you now."

Lucas kissed the top of my head. "You can still do that."

I glared at his chest. "It's not the same."

Lucas wrapped his arms around me. "Then let me make up for it."

"Thank you for being here."

"Thank you for being here, Aiden. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd have less gray hair."

He laughed. "Oh, definitely."

The doorbell rang and I lifted my head.

"Pizza." I got to my feet and headed for the door.

"Are you gonna pay?" Lucas yelled, getting up to follow me.

"I never pay, remember?"

"How could I forget?"

Ipushed him with my good arm. "Shut up."