Barely Holding On (M.C.)

Chapter 2

The rest of that day is sort of a blur. I never paid attention to anything else during the day. I just kept thinking about Michael and the fact that I'm going to his house. Why would someone like him, invite someone like me, to his house. That is something I just really don't understand.

I walked up to the steps of the old library and let out a deep sigh. Is this happening? Or am I gonna be covered in pigs blood like Carrie? I open up the grand doors and step inside, preparing myself for some horrid prank, which never came. I glanced around the room, standing awkwardly at the entrance. My eyes caught the tips of red hair peeking over a shelf and nervously made my way to the red hair. I turned the corner, and saw Michael with his face burried in a book. I smiled at the sight, considering Michael isn't considered a "smart guy" or anything.

"Michael?" I whispered. He quickly shut the book and shoved the book in the shelf. He looked up at me sheepishly, taking hold of his arm and shifting the weight in his feet. "Who knew you were a book worm?" I said, leaning against the the shelf.

"No one until now." He mumbled.

"Your secret's safe with me." I smiled.

"Let's just get out of here, k?" I nodded at his comment and followed him out of the library. "We'll have to walk. Is that okay?" He looked down at me, him shoving his hands into his tight skinny jean pockets.

"Yeah that's fine." I said, continueing to tug at my sweatshirt sleeves.

"So, tell me about the cutting stuff." He said casually.

"I really don't want to." I said, looking away from him.

"I'll talk to you about my problems."

"Why? I basically just met you. You barely noticed me until the cutting thing was brought up. I don't need your simpathy Clifford." I said, hoping he could hear the bitterness in my tone.

"Julia I've noticed you before. An tried to talk to you. But you always run away and shit. I've always thought you were cool." He smiled down at me, but I continued to look away. I brought my arms across my chest and hugged myself. "Cold?" He asked, starting to take off his jacket.

"No stop. I'm not cold." I said harshly. He quickly pulled his jacket back on and looked ahead, us still walking. "How much further." I mumbled.

"Down the block." He said point in the direction of a neighborhood street.

We walked up to the front door of his house, my heart racing out of my chest. He unlocked the door, opening it to let me in first. I stood awkwardly by the entrance, waiting for him.

"Uh just make yourself at home." He quickly walked past me and up the stairs, leaving me alone. I looked at the picture hung in the hallway, Michael and all his hair colors. I see a picture of him from when he was around 14 and he has fringed blonde hair. The hair I fell in love with. I walked over to his fireplace mantle, where several pictures of him and his friends stood. I picked one up of him and three of his guy friends. All of whom I'm familiar with, but their names I don't know.

"Luke, Calum, and Ashton." Michael's voice took me by surprise as his arm reached over my shoulder and pointed to each of them as he said their name.

"Oh." I mumbled and turned to see his tattoo. "Um-u-uh. Pretty tattoo." I stumbled to say. He looked at me, his green eyes basically staring into my souls and eating me away bit by bit.

"Thank you."