The Chairs Between Us

Together

"Liam, I was always be here for you now. I will never leave you again." 

I was still holding onto his hand as he slowly became more conscious of the world around him. His eyes were bloodshot and had multiple bags under them. Just looking at him was breaking my heart.

He squeezed my hand as a few tears fell from his eyes, "Dominic, I just wanted tell him that I loved you..."

It broke my heart to see him start crying. I wanted to hold him and comfort him. 

Please stop crying. I can't handle it. 

I ripped of the sensors and IV that were on me and the machines went crazy.

I don't care. I need him.

I laid down next to Liam and pulled him close to me, "I know Liam... It's going to be okay."

He felt so fragile and skinnier than normal. I could feel all the bandages under his hospital gown.

This all happened just because he loved me.

He stopped crying and looked up at me, "Dominic, I know what you are thinking this isn't your fault... I knew my dad wouldn't like that I was gay but I told him anyway... I was stupid."

I held him tighter, "No, I was the one that was stupid."

A group of nurses came in with Dr. Myers. They all looked like they had ran a mile, "Dominic, you worried us... You have to get back in bed... You are under watch remember?"

I sighed, released Liam, and went back to my bed. Liam sat up and looked concerned, "What does that mean? Why are you being watched?"

I knew I wouldn't be able to hide what I was going through with him. What was Officer Jones thinking? I am in the hospital too and Liam was going to wonder why.

Dr. Myers leaned over and whispered to me while the nurses hooked me back up, "Tell him. Just be careful about the details."

I let out another sigh and he smiled at me, waving the nurses out when they finished their job.

He quietly closed the door leaving me and Liam alone again. 

Liam still stared at me with concerned, "Dominic, please tell me why you are here?"

 I wanted him to know but I didn't want him to worry.

I just stared at the ceiling, "Liam, you don't have worry about me. Focus on getting better."

He reached over and grabbed my arm. He winced in pain but still held on, "Stop it. Just tell me. I am here to listen."

I took in a deep breath. 

I didn't want to break down in front of him... I don't even want to tell him anything.

"Liam when you were gone everything turned bad... My mom stopped talking... I kept seeing my brother everywhere... but he wasn't my brother..." 

I couldn't hold it in anymore and tears ran down my face, "I just wanted it to stop... so I went to the meadow with a knife... Officer Jones showed up before I could do anything else..."

I lifted my bandaged arm up. 

My went back to seeing all the blood dripping down it and onto the ground. Then I felt blood dripping from my neck. My breathing speed up.

It was Liam's turn to comfort me as he grabbed my hand, snapping my back to reality, "Hey... it's okay. You are safe now. I am here."

I nodded my head and smiled.

He smiled back, "So... do your parents know?"

I nodded again, "I just can't bring myself to see them right now."

Liam kissed my hand, "That's okay. I am here for you. If you want to see your parents I will be here. We are in this together."

I kissed his hand back, "I love you."

He smiled, "I love you too."