Horrible mess

4

It is now after school. I was walking home by myself when I heard people call out my name. I look behind me to see Larry and Todd try to catch up with me.

"Hey! Where are you heading to Sal?" Todd asked me.

"T-the, uhhhh.... Addison Apartments..." I stutter, not sure if I should have answered that or not.

"Sweet! We can walk with you 'cause we live there too man!" Larry shouted, his enthusiasm rolling off him.

I smirk, nodding my head. Why not have some company? These people are obviously going out of their ways to talk to me and hang out, so I don't see the problem in it. We all start to head back to the apartments. Larry and Todd started talking about some science project that they had while I walked beside Larry, my mind wondering back to when I met these two.

It's hard to believe that I just met these two this morning after Travis, the blonde bully, cracked my nose. I smirk at the thought of the group yelling at him for beating me up, despite not knowing anything about me. I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hey man. You nearly just walked past the apartments. Are you okay?" Larry ask, genuinely concerned.

I nod. I didn't realize that I was lost in my mind. I'm a really bad friend. We walk into the apartments, going towards the elevator. Todd insisted on taking the stairs because he is claustrophobic, and the elevator was too small for him. Larry bid him a farewell and I simply gave him a small wave goodbye. Larry and I stand in silence as the classical elevator music started playing. Larry sighs.

"Man, why can't they put some rock or metal in here? Not these violins and pianos." He complained, talking about the horrible music.

I chuckle. "Yeah. They have some bad taste in music."

He smirked at me, probably surprised I responded at all. "You got that right dude."

Silence. Is it odd to say that the silence was too loud? It was too much for me. I claw at the back of my neck, soon feeling warm blood drip down onto my sweater. Larry looked over and noticed this.

"Shit dude!" He shouted, grabbing some tissues from his bag before holding it to my neck. "Are you okay man? What happened? I'm gonna take you to my apartment to take care of this...." He muttered, frantically trying to clean up the blood from my neck.

I just stood there, not knowing how to react.

Do I answer his questions? Do I say thank you? Do I say that I'm fine even though I'm not? How do people do this?!?!? I don't know anything about having friends so what do I do?

I just decided to do nothing as I have a mental breakdown. If I go with Larry, my dad will be pissed at me coming home late, but if I refuse Larry, then he might be upset with me and not want to talk to me. Tears well up in my eyes and flow over at these thoughts. I cry silently as Larry pulled me into his apartment which happened to be the basement. He pulled me into his bathroom, asking me to sit on the toilet as he dug through his stuff under the sink.

The walls were painted a light blue, the curtains on the shower were black, and the counter was a mess. Toiletries and the such were sprawled out everywhere. The mirror was clean though. I couldn't see my reflection because the toilet was next to the sink, but I knew what I looked like. A freak, a monster. That was all I ever could be.

Larry put some rubbing alcohol on a rag and started to clean my scratches. I wince but don't say anything. He put some ointment on it before putting a band-aid on the scratches.

"There we go! All better! Now, what happened" Larry asked, looking me in the eyes, his brown eyes were dark with concern.

I shrug, looking away from him, still crying. I've learned the art of not letting people know I was crying. But I guess Larry could still tell. He helped stand me up and wrapped his arms around me in a comforting hug. I stiffen, not knowing what to do.

Do I hug him back? Does he not want that?

Larry sighed. "Sal, I know something is on your mind. You can tell me, ya know?"

I look up at him, crying even more. He cares. He cares even though no one else does. "I-I... I don't want to mess up o-our friendship..." I stutter. "I-I've never had friends before so I d-don't know what to do. am I even doing this right?"

I sob loudly, leaning into his shoulder, putting my hands on his arms. Larry just hugs me tighter, putting a hand on the back of my head.

"You're doing great. Honestly, I could tell you were confused. But I'm here now for you. You can tell me anything, ask me anything and I promise I will not laugh or act like you're dumb." Larry said, rubbing circles on my back.

I soon calm down, feeling comfortable being hugged. I pull back though, looking at the time. I sigh.

"I should get home. My dad's already going to be pissed at me as is, don't want him to be even more mad."

Larry nodded, before frowning, told me to wait here, then went off into what I think was his room. He came back out with a walkie-talkie and a keycard. I tilt my head, confused.

"It's so that we can talk when we're at home dude and so that you can visit whenever." He stated matter-of-factly.

I nod, smiling slightly under my mask. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. I put them both in my bag. I leave his apartment, going up to the fourth floor, which is where I lived. I walked up to my apartment, taking a deep breath before opening the door.

Oh yeah! Cliff-hanger!