Begin...

3. Promise...

        *4:30PM Michael's House, Winter POV*

        "Oh no I can do it," I hold out my hand for him to hand me the box of bandages but he just shakes his head.

        "No no, I'll do it," he insists while sliding a wooden stool beside me.

        "But-"

        "No, now shut up."

        He doesn't even look at me, but I finally give up on fighting. He gently grabs my hand, even the soft touch of his hands make me wince in pain but I can take it when he gently places my hand on his lap, wrapping my hand in the bandage. 

        "Shouldn't we tell my parents?" I ask quietly.

        "Um no," he sighs, "It will just be more drama to deal with."

        He's right though, it would just be more drama to deal with which I would just hate every second of it. I just stare intensively as he wraps the bandage around my hand. He takes his time, making sure I wont hurt. 

        "You should drink your water," he points out.

        I glance over at the table beside me with a glass of water still half full calling my name.

        "Look I'm really happy you helped me, but you have done so much," I start. Michael clips on the bandage and bring his bright blue eyes to my attention.

        "I mean you saved me basically, you walked me to your house, now I'm sitting in your basement, you have wrapped my hand, and brought me a glass of water and a blanket."

        He oddly looks at me, "I'm sorry did I do something wrong?" 

        I can't help but laugh, earning him a smile and shake my head.

        "No its my way of telling you, you can stop Michael." I smile while resting my non hurting hand on his hand. 

        I didn't know a touch could do so much, but we both explored each other eyes, both reacting in the same way. When he brings his other hand to lock my hand in, gently grazing my skin, it sends a chill up my spine.

        "Seeing you," he begins, his voice becoming all choked up and quiet, "Seeing you all helpless and...hurt," he says, his eyes falling with the last word, "I never ever want to see you in that state again." 

        When a tear rolls down my cheek, it surprises me as I wipe it away. I stare at Michael, so torn up that he can't even look at me makes me hurt inside. I disconnect our hands and gently bring it up to his chin, lifting his chin up. When we finally hold eye contact his eyes were stain red, but I didn't see tears. 

        I slowly move my hand around his neck, bringing him into a a hug, where his face is buried in my shoulder and all I do is hold him. 

        "Thank you Michael," I whisper.

        We both pull away, and Michael has a small smile that soon is lighting up like a christmas tree, "Winter?"

        "Yeah Michael?" I smile, loving that I can say his name.

        "Will you promise to be my best friend forever? No matter what happens?" his voice is serious, I could tell. And the way he is not avoiding eye contact makes me nervous.

        "Oh Michael be careful, you know our thing we do when we make promises?" I tease, trying to relax the mood.

        "Maybe that's part of the reason why I want to do it?" he replies, Damn it. He still makes me nervous, he is not afraid to say how he feels, which is the exact opposite of me.