The Self-Harmed

~Because we didn't~

Clara and Owen sat at a table in the food hall arguing back and forth at lunch. Alex, Ayelie and Ryder sat at another one, not too far away, probably listening in. I sat down at an empty table.

"Why where you holing her arms?" Clara hissed.

"I was helping her. You used to not care when I helped her."

"You're my boyfriend now. Things are different. You are supposed to help me and Ryder will most likely agree with me. You help me, he helps her."

"Because you know Ryder so well."

"What does that mean?"

"She's my best friend, and if you two can't understand that, then it's because you two have your own issues. And if you really think for a second I would do that to You, let alone Ryder, then don't ever talk to me again."

He pushed his chair back and stood up, spotting me. I sat up taller, and then he hurried from the room. I sagged back down. Caden dropped two trays on the table and sat down. He slid a tray across to me.

"You have to eat Charlie."

"They hate me."

"Stop looking at them." He said, "You didn't do anything wrong."

I leaned in, "I didn't cheat on him."

"I know that."

"So why doesn't he?"

"Because he's a dumb ass?" Caden offered.

I gave him a half smile. Clara had her head down on the table. Ryder walked over to her, and bent down touching her arm. She looked up at him, and he said something to her. She nodded and wiped at her face. He gave her a hug, and then stood up. He patted her arm, and then looked at me. I quickly looked down at my tray.

"He's looking at me."

"He's coming over. You want me to say something?"

"Only if he insults me."

Caden nodded once.

"Charlie, Can I talk to you?"

I nodded and stood up. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the food hall.

"Clara doesn't think you two cheated together." He said.

"Because we didn't." I told him. "And Like Owen said if you think we would then-"

He grabbed my face and kissed me.

"What are you doing?" I spat at him. "You accuse me of cheating and then kiss me?"

"You two where so close."

"You should have asked!" I yelled at him. "Damn it Ryder, I love you! Not Owen. What do you not get? Clara is my best friend, I would never hurt her, and she should fucking know that!"

"Charlie, calm down."

"Our relationship is toxic."

"Don't say that."

"It's true."

"All couples fight."

"Not like us."

"Other couples aren't like us." He hissed at me.

We both were quiet as we stared at each other.

"Don't you think," I began, "That I actually love you enough to not cheat on you?"