Reaching Out

Reached

 I noticed strange things about him. We always would joke around and hang out outside of school, and he never seemed wrong. Sure, he never seemed wrong, but I  always had this inkling inside of me that told me otherwise.

 Oh, we go waaaay back, yes we do. He was very outgoing and always wanting everyone to be happy. None of that changed, but now it seems, off.

 I knew something was wrong when he wasn't in class. He never misses a day if he can help it! I asked the teacher for a bathroom pass and walked out int the hallway. I didn't care if I got caught, but I knew I needed to find him. 

 I searched all of our basic hideouts, but he wasn't there. I figured he didn't want anyone, not even me, to find him. I hated when he did this because I KNOW HE NEEDED SOMEONE WITH HIM!

 At this point, I knew that the teacher was probably suspicious as to why I was taking so long, but let him wonder. Let him send security after me, I was looking for one of my best friends, and I wasn't going to let anyone stop me.

 I came to a dead stop when I realized I'd gone as far as I could when I head a small whimper in the janitors closet. I turned the cold brass knob and huddled in the corner under the hand sanitizer, was him. There, in the most curled up position I have ever seen, was Jeremiah. 

 He saw me and I immediately knelt down next to him, gathering him up in my arms. 

 I always felt so weird when we were in such close contact. I'd only came out of the closet a couple of months ago, and it was all because of him. I've heard stories of falling in love with your childhood best friend, but I don't think they mean Jeremiah Jones and Issah Kiedinberg. I loved him and there was no hiding it, and seeing him in the most fetal position ever, it hurt. It really did hurt.

 I asked him what's been going on, and he told me he's had depression for two years now. I hated myself for never noticing it, but that's who Jerry was. He kept his problems in his blood and helped anyone else who needed it. Well, now it's my turn.

 I comforted his worries and woes. I held him so close he could probably hear my heartbeat. I told him jokes. I stroked his hair.

 He thanked me. I didn't know why, but I looked into his big beautiful blue eyes and I saw them so clear. Clearer than ever. I noticed he was looking into my dull grey ones, and I knew. I just knew. 

 I leaned downwards while he reached up and left a whisper of a kiss. Pulling back, we both smiled and decided to go back to class.

 We left holding hands while smiling widely.