I Have Tasted the Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 9: Friends At Last

(Samuels P.O.V)

I tested the question in my head, wondering what I should say. How do you answer a question like that?

"I'm not really sure how to answer that for you. This is what I believe though. A person can only handle so much before they do break. Pressure builds up in a human and they hold it in and hold it in until they just: break. You have been through so much starting at a young age I am surprised you haven't broken yet. You are a strong person Damien." I said truthfully.

"What about you Samuel? How do you stay strong?" he asked. No one has ever asked me that before.

"I have to be strong to stay alive. Do you think it is easy for me? I've been beaten more times than I care to count. Not working hard enough. Not moving fast enough. For looking at a person. For mouthing back. Little things have earned me an ass whooping of a lifetime. But I always had my family there to keep me strong. Safe and secure. They never got the full story from me but I'm sure they knew. What I saw when they were taken from me; how am I still sane? I asked myself that. The answer is simple for me. I want to live, I want to stay strong now; I just don't know for what yet." I said.

The last part was a lie though. I know what I want to live and stay strong for; and it was for the boy sitting next to me. He has gotten to me in such a short amount of time it was unreal. I trust him. I need him now. And I know he will need me.

"Samuel?" he said.

"Yes?" god he was shaking.

"I am going to cry and I was wondering if you would hold me." he barely got that out.

I didn't even hesitate before I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him to me. He started crying so hard I knew it hurt his ribs. Sob after sob wracked through his body and I just held him close to me. Minutes passed and his crying started to get slower and slower and then stopped. His breathes evened out and got heavy. He fell asleep.

I layed down on the ground and kept my arms around him. My thoughts wondered around this boy in my arms. Why do I trust him and I don't know really know him? Is he special in some way? Maybe he is. His first look at me was not of disgust or hate but one of kindness and innocence.

Were like the same person if I really think about it. Were both abused in more ways than one. Were both lonely. Were both scared. We have no family; wether they are alive or dead. The only differences are our skin. I'm dark and hes light.

He is the light to my dark world. The perfect match.

Why I said I didn't trust him I will never know. Out of fear and instinct I pushed him away. Pushed my light away. Now I want to bring him back. To be his friend and him be mine.

"Damien?" I rubbed his arm.

"Mmmmm?" he blinked up at me.

"I'd like us to be friends now." I said. His smile was almost instant. So big and bright I couldn't help but smile back.

Maybe we have a chance at a brighter more hopeful future.