Someone Like You (Wattpad Version)

Getting help

Since that day, I was stuck in the hospital. Julian would come and talk to me but I didn't say much. Sometimes we would just sit there. All I wanted to do was cry at times. Other times I slept. The few times I did talk, it was of few words. Most of the time I felt lousy.

As I stayed there, only one person came to mind. During one visit, Julian asked if there was anyone I wanted to see. The only name I said was, "Meadow." This surprised him. That's the only person I wanted to see. Doubt she would come to see me, considering she hated me.

Then Julian surprised me and said if I talked more, he would arrange for me to see her. I felt hopeful but then realized she probably wouldn't come. Then I became depressed and cried.

One day, Julian took me down to a room with a table. I took a seat and sat there. He said I had a surprise and I waited then a few minutes later, I was stunned by who came to see me.

Meadow walked into the room and I got excited. She actually came. Then I realized, she probably came to rub my nose in this.

"Something wrong," she asked me.

"No," I lied.

"Hardwick. You're a terrible liar," she said with a look.

"Okay. I didn't think you would come," I sighed.

"Why not," she asked as I looked at her.

"Because why would someone like you come and see someone like me. I'm not exactly a nice person and everyone pretty much hates me. So, if you want to make fun of me, it's fine," I whispered as she looked at me concerned.

"Kaden, I would never do that. I know you think that but trust me. I know what it's like to have it done to you," she said sincerely.

"And I'm sorry. I'm sorry but being a dick to you. You didn't deserve it," I said sincerely, taking her by surprise.

"The truth is, I sort of really like you and I know you won't believe me but I figure I would just tell you. It's okay if you don't like me back. I didn't even like me. I mean why would someone as pretty as you like someone like me," I babbled randomly. I figure I would take a shot. If she shot me down, that was okay. I deserved it.

*******
Meadow

Hearing Kaden tell me he liked me, surprised me. I had no idea. Also hearing him beat himself down, broke my heart. He was so broken.

"So, yeah, I'm just going to sit here like a fool
I am," he said trying to avoid saying anything more.

"I don't think you're a fool," I assured him.

He looked at me.

"I think you have some issues you need to take care of and get better," I said kindly to him.

"Oh. Right. Well, I just wanted to tell you I like you but it's okay if you don't feel the same way about me. I mean I understand if you don't," he whispered to me. It was like he was afraid I would reject him.

"Kaden, how about we start as friends and see where it goes," I suggested to him.

"Really?" He looked at me hopefully.

"Really," I answered giving him a reassuring smile. Right now, I think he needed that reassurance. I decided that I would get to know Kaden away from everyone. I had a feeling he would surprise me.

********
I couldn't believe she offered to be my friend. I was so excited. I couldn't stop talking about it to Julian. He listened as I told him about my visit with Meadow. I was so happy then dread set in and I stopped talking.

"Kaden?"

I sighed and furrowed my brows.

"Remember we talked about this. You're overthinking everything," he advised me.

"What if I get my hopes up and she finds out she doesn't like me. I mean why would she?"

"Why wouldn't she," he asked me.

"Because who would like someone like me? I made fun of her. I'm nasty to others. I treat people like dirt," I said as I rubbed my head in frustration.

"Kaden, you're not a horrible person. You had someone influencing you making you think you needed to be that way because they threaten to make your life difficult. It's called peer pressure," he explained but I still had my doubts. I wasn't a strong person that's why I allowed Roxy to convince me I was the kind of person I was.

"Thing is, Julian, I really like Meadow. I have since we were kids and was afraid she would reject me. I mean my parents even though I needed to be more sociable. Said I needed to get away from video games or I would never have friends," I frowned.

"What is it about video games you like," he asked me.

"No one can see me plus I have this really good friend name Phoenix. She's funny and always puts me in my place," I smiled. He looked at me as my smile disappeared, "but again no one will talk to someone who likes video games. I mean it's not cool and not football," I reasoned. I was done talking. The more I talk the worse I started to feel.

Julian let me be. Said we would talk later. I just sat there thinking to myself that it was nice to know I may have one friend. Maybe. But then again, who am I kidding?

********
Julian

After talking to Kaden I was starting to see things about him that I realized what was going on. The ups and downs. The mood swings. Insomnia. Poor appetite. I'm surprised no one saw it, although no one had been looking. Everyone looks at teens as being moody but they never go deeper.

Kaden has bipolar with anxiety. This explained so much. Medication was key and I knew the type that would help him. He would need to be the monitor but I think with the right dosage and help, he would be better in no time. I also knew Meadow would be a big factor in getting him help.

I went home and was greeted by Elias.

"How's Kaden," he asked me.

"I think he will be fine but right now, he needs help. I'm glad Cade contacted me," I told him as Emily walked into the room. "Hey, sweetheart."

"Hey dad," she gave me a hug.

"Emily, you wouldn't happen to like video games, would you," I asked him curiously.

"God no. Those things are boring," she said as I nodded. Something told me, whoever has been playing video games online, was the infamous Phoenix. I needed to find out who Phoenix was. I think they were key to this. Between Meadow and Phoenix, they would be able to help Kaden agree to treatment. Now just to do some digging.