Into An Idiot

2. We'll Just Be

I sleep on Sophia's pull out mattress, laying on my aching and bruised side. I'm so glad we don't have school tomorrow, even thinking about Monday makes my heart race and my stomach ache and my face sweat.

I can't sleep.

Sophia might be asleep, but it's early so I'm not sure.

I get up and gently shake her shoulder, she looks at me right away. She was never asleep.

"What is it Michael?" She asks.

"I can't sleep." I whisper. She scoots over closer to the wall and pats the space on her twin bed next to her. I climb up and she cuddles into my chest.

She makes my stomach flutter, but in a good way.

I feel more comfortable with her, like I can tell her anything and everything.

"Sometimes I just think I'm done. I mean I haven't really been so hurt lately, but I just feel..."

"Mikey, stop, you're perfect." Sophia whispers.

"But sometimes I just feel done. Like a few nights ago. I didn't go to dinner, I just went to sleep."

"Don't skip dinner." Sophia mutters. I keep my arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

"I know, but I felt like... I didn't need it... Oh god, Soph, I wish you had better friends than me, you deserve so much better." I start to cry. Sophia rolls over off me, sitting up, and I feel her arms wrap around me, pulling me closer to her, hugging me tightly. I just cry into her shoulder for a while. She doesn't move, doesn't try to pull away, and runs her hands up and down my back, her fingers rubbing over my spine.

"Michael, it's okay. You're gonna be okay. I've got you. It's okay." She whispers. I let my arms hang loosely around her as she holds on to me.

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Sophia

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I hug Michael and tell him he's okay. He starts to calm down, and eventually falls asleep on my shoulder. I don't bother waking him up, and just lay him down, cover him with my blanket, and cuddle next to him. I hesitate for a while before whispering "Goodnight, Michael."

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Michael

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I wake up to two faces looking at me. I was expecting to see only one face, Sophia's. I poke her awake.

"Ashton, what do you want?" She snaps.

"What were you doing last night?" He asks.

"Sleeping." Sophia shrugs.

"And before that?"

Sophia looks at me, and I give her the go-ahead-you-can-tell-him look.

"Michael couldn't sleep, so we talked for a while." She says.

"What about?"

I shake my head, looking at the bumps where my knees are under the blankets.

"I don't want to tell you." I say quietly. Ashton nods.

"Well, breakfast is ready. If you want it." He says, leaving. Sophia gives me a big hug and gets out of bed. I follow her to the kitchen, and we start making breakfast, waiting for the day to begin. I feel like it's going to be a good one.