Promise you won't leave...(Nick and Jojo)

Part 23

Jojo pov:
I woke up in the middle of the night. He still lay next to me. 'What the hell even happened? Did I dream it? Please let this all just be a bad dream. Let him not have seen the wounds.', I thought, panicking. I got out of his grip, since he still had one hand around me. I looked at my phone. 4:57  a.m.. I got dressed. I had to get some air. I know that it was not a good idea to go out alone, it's dangerous outside, at night. Especially when you're alone. But I didn't care.
I grabbed keys and left the flat after I got dressed. Where did I even want to go? I had no idea. Fuck, he saw my scars. My wounds. My weakness. I started running. Along the dark streets. There was nobody. Well, at least that was a relief. Will he hate me now? Should I just take Aileen and leave him before he can leave and hurt me again? I need him. I hated to admit that, but I needed Nick. He saved me. I stopped running when I was on a bridge. Should I jump? No, she needs me. I need her.
Suddenly, a man came towards me. He looked a little lost and desperated. I tried to ignore him, although inside I panicked thinking back to that man who...yeah. I hated being like that. Being weak. I just wanted to be strong like the others. Why is it always me? Why is my life so fucked? Why did my mother have cancer? Why was my uncle abusive? Why did that man do that to me? All those bad things...this couldn't be a coincident. It had to be because of me. Karma? But for what? What the hell have I done so wrong to deserve a fucking life like that?
Tears started running down my face. That man came closer, when he walked past me, he suddenly stood next to me, watching the river flow under the bridge. The sun was already coming up. The sunrise was beautiful. 'Life is rough, huh kid?', the man spoke. I stayed quiet and just nodded. He had something so soothing in his voice, that calmed me. But I couldn't trust him. Couldn't break down and tell him anything about me. I couldn't trust a stranger. Strangers are dangerous. 'Listen to me, kiddo. I'm just an old man. My life  is almost over. Let me tell you something. Your life is not over. Whstever is making you weak now, it's going to make you stronger than ever once you survive it. Trust me, I've been through it.' The man rolled up his sleeve, revealing lots of scars, light and barely visible, due to the darkness. But I could still see them. 'Kid, whatever you're going through...it does get better. And it is not because of your generation. It was also there when I was your age. Today people say 'dumb teenager. Fucked up youth.' Well, let me tell you something: It was not better when I was your age. Just hang in there, kiddo. It gets better. Believe the old man.' He then turned around and left. I wanted to say thanks but I somehow couldn't. I was shook. He sure did survive it. But for what? After I stared at the river for some more time, I left, still thinking about the advice that old man gave me.
When I entered Nicks flat, I found him with Aileen in his arms, tears flowing down his face, walking circels in his living room. When he saw me, he stormey to me and hugged me tightly. 'Where have you been, Jojo? I was so worried.' I gripped his back and pulled him even closer. 'I was just getting some air. Sorry I worried you.' 'It's okay, I just...I'm glad you're back.'

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Sorry that I didn't update, I have been busy. I hope I'll find time to update soon guys.👋🏼