Skittles

Chapter Fourteen: Aftermath

I couldn't even put my thoughts into words. There...there's no way Ouma went through that. There's no way that he watched his whole family die. There's no way that he has psychosis and has been tortured by seeing them all these years. That he's been here all alone...bearing it all while helping me with my own problems that pale in comparison.

That...I didn't even know. And we're supposed to be best friends yet I didn't even know. Ouma didn't look at me, he wasn't crying or anything. Just looking ahead, he looked...numb. We were just leaning against his couch, the only sound was the trees outside rustling in the wind.

" I'm sorry" I apologized. Ouma looked over at me, a bit indifferent "what for? You didn't do anything" he asked. I shook my head, "I did, I didn't notice...that you were suffering...and struggling...I didn't notice" I admitted guilt overwhelming me.

"How's that even your fault? I didn't tell you...it's that simple" he argued "Ouma I didn't notice for eight years, you could have told me! Then I could've helped! Why...why did it take till now?" I asked my voice choking up.

"I don't like seeing you sad" he said. I looked over, and he finally made eye contact, his eyes seemed guarded even after he finally admitted to the truth "that's it...I mean I still don't get why you actually care about me" he admitted,

"I mean look at me, I'm just a messed up person who got hit and hurt from their parents...that's where those scars are from...heh never explained them that much huh?" Ouma noted.

"I'm glad I became friends with you..." I told him, "you've helped me when I was down and struggling with my own problems...you're really funny and fun to hang out with...I hope you know that I'm glad I met you" I told him.

"And even if you're not perfect I don't care! That does change the fact that I care about you, that I-" I stopped myself. What was I about to say?

I love him.

"Saihara" Ouma started, "stop lying..." He scolded, "that's my job remember?" He joked, "I'm not lying" I told him. Ouma just laughed a little, "seriously? I've been lying to you for years, aren't you angry? Don't you hate me?" He asked.

I took a deep breath, "I'm disappointed...I wish you had talked to me about it, but...I'm glad you told me now" I said carefully.

"So please, just let me help you" I begged. Ouma didn't say anything for a while before finally nodding, "I'm going to get some food...want some?" They asked avoiding the question heading into their kitchen.

I didn't answer for a while before following.

"Don't you have to go home soon actually?" Ouma asked as they took out a package of instant ramen and began heating up some water. I shook my head.

"Believe it or not I actually left today...right before you called" I admitted and Ouma looked at me surprised, "Wait did you finally stand up to that b*tch?" He asked and I nodded.

"FINALLY! How many years have I been telling you to leave that b*tch?" He asked, "did she just let you go? What happened?" He asked, I took a deep breath.

"She was going to send me overseas today...that's why I didn't show up to school...I was packing up to go because she wanted me to leave immediately" I explained.

"Right after I called you the first time, I was putting some finishing touches....when I realized I couldn't leave you here...not now anyways" I admitted. Ouma handed me an instant ramen.

"So did she make that face?" He asked, "the what face?" I asked confused, "the face that she wants to kill you and everyone you've ever loved" he clarified. I nodded, "I'm not going back though...no matter what...ok actually to get my stuff since I left it there but other than that never again" I decided firmly.

"Where are you going to go?" Ouma asked eating some of their food, I paused "I don't actually know to be honest" I admitted.

"I didnt exactly plan this..." I added. Ouma paused, "you could always stay here...it probably isn't haunted" he joked, "that's a pretty dark joke" I scolded him.

"But if you're ok with it, yeah can I stay here?" I asked, "I literally just said you could" Ouma reminded, "sorry..." I apologized. Ouma just laughed, "it's fine...it's weird talking about it" he told me, "I mean except with a doctor, cause I get treatment so I'm less crazy" he told me.

"You're not crazy" I told him, he shrugged, "we'll see, might want to start looking for somewhere else to live" he suggested, "Ouma you shouldn't talk yourself down this much" I scolded.

"Sorry Mom" Ouma replied. This was going to be a lot of work huh?