The Chairs Between Us

Comfort

Liam's house was more on the outskirts of town. It was a small two story with a few trees planted around it. As we parked his mom came out the front door smiling. Liam looked over at me, "Looks like the fun is already starting... My parents said they are be fine with you staying over. I told them your family is going through a hard time and you needed to get away from it. You're going to do fine." 

Fine?

He laughed, "Be careful they can smell fear."

I tensed up causing him to laugh more, "Just relax. I was just joking around."

He got out of the car. His mom gave him hug, "Welcome home sweetie. Is that your friend?" 

I got out of the car too and she ran up giving me a hug too. She was pretty short so her head was buried into my chest.

Okay this is a little weird. 

She had a big smile on her face, which was similar to the one Liam always has, "You can call me Lucy, just make yourself at home. I am sorry what is going on with your family right now. It must be very stressful on you." 

It felt kind of weird being hugged by a mom. I don't know what to do so I just stood frozen, "Thank you. I don't want to mess with your family or anything..." 

She released me, "Oh honey, don't you worry about that. You can stay as long as you need to. We have plenty of room and food."

 She led us into the house. His house seemed like something on a TV show, everything had a place and it was clean.  His dad was working on something in the dinning room he yelled out to us, "Welcome, I will start dinner in a few minutes. I hope you guys are hungry!" 

Liam quickly responded, "Sounds good sir!" 

Why does he always say sir?

He led me upstairs to his room. It was almost similar to mine. Stuff thrown every where and a few pictures on the wall.  Liam set his stuff down and flopped over on his bed, "Well this has been a fun day." 

He laughed. I stood by the door debating to sit or not. 

Why can't I think straight today?  How did I even end up here?  

The argument flashed back through my head. In the end I just flopped down onto the floor holding my head. Tears dripped down my face again. Within seconds Liam was holding me again, "Stop crying Dominic. You're here with me. Everything is fine."

I took in a deep breath, "How is everything going to be fine? I can't stay here forever. I will have to go back into my life again." 

He held me tighter, "We will worry about that when the time comes. But for now wipe those tears away." 

I wiped my face with my shirt and wrapped my arms around him, "You always know how to cheer me up." 

He brushed his fingers through my hair and stared into my eyes, "I don't know. I guess I am just good at it." 

He smiled as he always does but this time it was different. He put his hand on my cheek and held me closer to him. Then he kissed me.