Chapter Twelve

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by dolanimg_

by dolanimg_

Quote of the day:

"Hurt me with the truth but never comfort me with a lie."
~~~

Jess's POV:

We walked hand in hand to the park in silence, not an awkward silence but a comforting one. A silence that reassures you that there is someone with you. I had never been to this place before but it seems like this was Grayson's second home. He walked through the park while never taking his eyes off our hands.

I admit the feeling of having contact with somebody else is foreign to me but I guess it was as foreign for Grayson too. I never knew there could be someone else with a completely different story and life who can be as broken as I am. Seeing who he really was gave me a sign of trust, it gave me hope for the future. Hope that I had given up on for the past few years. It showed me the other side of life, the reason why humans can still survive the way they are.

By having someone to lean on, to have someone who you can go to when things are wrong. Even if Grayson and I were strangers just a few hours ago doesn't change the fact that we have both become stronger just by having one person by our side.

"This is the abandoned park that I was telling you about, it's hidden in between the forest away from others but it is easy to find by people like us, people who want an escape." I got out of my thoughts and looked around the area surprised at how quiet and dark it was. The trees drooped across the park giving an eerie feeling yet it felt comforting. The sound of the wind hustling through the trees gave a peaceful background as I stood in awe of the place in front of me.

"Let me show you my hideout, it's the place I go to take a break from the world around us." He grabbed my hand again and led me to the destination.

I couldn't focus on anything else but our hands, since yesterday I hadn't had anyone have that contact or connection with me since that day. Who knew a stranger could change you in a matter of days or even weeks for us.

"Grayson you don't have to open up to me all at once, it takes time and I'll be here whenever you're ready to share it with me." He turned around and sighed before looking into my eyes.

"You're right, I've been trying so hard to open up but I'm just not ready to show you yet." He stopped walking and sat down as I followed suit. "Do you want to open to me then? You've already been there for me during my nightmares and letters I just want to repay you." He looked at me with sympathy.

I thought for a few seconds before nodding my head, "I actually do want to show you something, follow me." I got up from the grass and walked down the rocky path as he followed, what Grayson didn't know was that somewhere nearby was my hiding spot from the world.

I noticed it as we entered but didn't want to say anything as I wanted to show it to him personally.

"Did you know that oranges are actually orange in colour?" Grayson asked out of the blue. I looked at him surprised at his stupid discovery but couldn't help but crack a smile.

"THERE'S THAT SMILE I WAS LOOKING FOR! Show me your pearly whites my lady." He smirked as he bowed in front of me before giving my hand a kiss. I couldn't hold in my laughter and fell onto the floor holding my stomach while giggling.

After a few minutes we calmed down and continued walking to my area, we were just a few steps away when Grayson suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked at me confused.

"Have you seen my hideout before?" He looked around the area once more.

"No, I'm taking you to mine remember. It's right here." I pointed to the right to see a tiny hut and trees surrounding the area. I looked back at Grayson to find him standing in shock.

"Grayson you there? What's up?" I waved my hands in front of his face.

"It's nothing, it's just that if you look to the left and walk for five more minutes my tree cabin is there. I have a treehouse and cabin depending on my mood. I never knew you would be here too?" We were now face to face.

"Well what can I say, I guess we have too much in common." He smiled before looking on the tree barks and traced the lines across it.

"Do you also scratch on the tree every time you come here?"

"Yeah I do, it just shows how long it's been since the incident and how long I've survived. Just look at the amount of trees with marks on them, it just shows who I am. All torn up and shredded into bits and pieces." I looked down and started to tear up.

"Don't say that, we met for a reason and in fact I do the exact same thing except I scratch each tree instead of scratching myself with a razor. You don't know how difficult it is not to cut myself. Sometimes I can't control it but other times I come here to transfer my anger and sadness onto the trees." I looked at the broken boy in front of me and wondered why did he out of all people have to go through this painful road. Why couldn't we both be happy, I just wanted to see him smile.

"Enough about the trees let's walk to my area first since we're already here." Grayson continued to walk ahead before clearing his throat indicating he needed a few minutes alone.

After a few minutes I stopped walking to admire a thorn bush which had velvet roses growing out of them, I was so intrigued in getting pricked by one but my thoughts quickly disappeared when I heard Grayson scream.

"WHY ARE YOU HERE!?"

~~~
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And that's the end of Chapter 12! Sorry for being inactive, I have my graduation coming up and I've been busy getting ready for my exams which last for two months.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT ON THIS STORY! Ily all x

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