la collection 2

4. Not Alone

Not Alone

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 "How's everybody?" You storm into the office, taking your time to hug everyone before sitting on your chair. "What's the matter now?"

"Nothing too serious, (Y/N). Just need to organize who'll be taking care of the initiates this year." Josh, who's replacing Max since he's sick, gives you a warm smile.

"I'll do it. You know how I love to meet new people." Smiling back to him, you take the papers and write up your name. "Love helping to take some weight off your shoulders too, Eric."

"Your happiness may still corrupt me one day." He doesn't smile, but you're used to it. Maybe someday he'll be so good as you are to hide some feelings.

"Well, gotta go, guys. See ya around." Waving a goodbye, you walk out the office, being followed by Eric.

"I'll help you this year." He mutters as you walk through the dark corridors. "Are you ok with that?"

"Sure." Your voice faints, but you pretend it was nothing, hoping he won't notice.

"That's all?" He stares down at you, but you just keep walking. "Something happened?"

"No, of course not."

"Stop." He grabs your arm, forcing you to stop. "Spit it out, right now."

"Eric, what do you want me to say? I'm all good." You try to move again, but he doesn't let go of your arm.

"Do you think I'm stupid? You know I'm a very perceptive person and now you made it pretty clear that your life isn't always that perfect."

"So what? You really think my life is perfect? Or is that what people tell you?" Pushing away violently, you notice confusing all over his face. "I'm trying to let it go, alright? It's better when people love me because I'm happy and cheerful and light. People don't want to carry someone else's problems on their shoulders. Now, will you let me go?"

"No."

"No?" You giggle, leaning against the wall. "What do you think you can do, huh?"

"Look, (Y/N), I'm a cold guy. People hate me and I know it, but I rather them to hate me for being an asshole than loving me for being a good guy."

"And?" Raising your eyebrows, you wait patiently for his next words. But they don't come out. Eric stands there, staring at you like you're an open book he can read. "Can I go now?"

"No. You're my friend and I want to know what's hurting you." His voice has never been so kind and warm. How can you keep lying to him like this? How can you keep a smile on your face when you feel like you've made yourself a mask and now you're forced to wear it every day?

"The truth is what I already told you. People don't want..."

"But I do." He comes closer, lifting my chin so I'll stare into his eyes. "You took me in even though I've always been an idiot with you and with everyone else. You still stick with me, no matter what. I want to return your kindness. I want to be here for you just like you did to me. Now, tell me."

"It's just drama. Dad used to beat on mom so she disappeared suddenly and... there you go. All this shit made me fall into a dark hole and..." You're crying. For the first time in years, you're crying. You try to dry up your tears, but they keep coming down. You'd break down if it weren't for Eric's arms holding you up. Listening to his heartbeat, you smile. The first honest smile you put on since you came here.

"Why don't you come to my place? I'll cook something and we can talk until morning if you want."

"Would you do that? You can just walk away right now and be free from all this..."

"Shhh. Let's go." He interrupts you, taking your hand and pulling you with him. "I'll talk about my family too if you want."

"Really? I know nothing about your family."

"Nobody does. But you will." With a smile on your lips and the feeling that you're finally not alone, makes you tug on his jacket, bringing a beautiful smile to Eric's lips as well.

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From imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl on Tumblr.