how to mend a broken heart

fourteen

this chapter will be from matteos pov :) tell me which way u prefer! love you all<3
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"hey will, is it okay if we stop by my house on the way back to yours? i wanna grab some clothes?" i asked, to be truthful, i didn't wanna go back, i was terrified to even step through those doors. but if i wanted to stay at byers place for a few more days, i needed some stuff.

will frowned, he looked concerned. i hadn't seen someone look at me with that much caring in their eyes since my mom died. it was a welcome change.

"you sure matteo?" will asked slowly

i nodded, "i have to grab some stuff if i wanna stay at yours longer"

the closer we got, the bigger the pit in my stomach got. i was so wrapped up in traumatic memories that i hardly noticed when will tugged on my hoodie once we reached my house.

"let me go in with you" will begged, he looked scared. but scared for me. he actually cared.

"byers i'll be okay" i said ruffling his hair, will bit his lip, looking up at me as though he wanted to hold me and not let me enter the home. "if im not back in 15 minutes come and get me okay?"

"okay" will whispered

as i walked into my house, i turned back to smile at him and i saw him setting a timer. what a dork.

i push open the front door, trying to be as silent as possible. cassandra was probably over at pipers, her car wasn't in the driveway. i glance into the living room. and of fucking course. my dad is passed out, beer bottles surrounding him. vomit covering the floor next to the couch. a year ago i would have gone and made sure my father was okay, but not now. i am done, i was done with being used as a punching bag and having to take care of myself when i was a kid. i hadnt been able to have a childhood since my mom died, and will byers. will seemed like a gateway into a better life. one where i maybe could be safe and happy

i tiptoed up the staircase to my room, as silently as possible i threw some necessities into a bag. i hesitated as i passed my dresser, glancing at the photo of me and mom, after a moment i picked it up and slid it into the bag.

once i got all i needed he tiptoed down the stairs. a voice made me freeze in my tracks

"now where do you think you're going?" a cold harsh voice slurred from the living room.

"uh.... i have some errands to run" i lied, hurrying down the stairs

"don't lie to me boy" his father shouted, coming closer. he grabbed me by the chin and pulled me towards him.

pain blossomed where he was grabbing me, i began to choke, "dad" i began

at that moment the door flung open and will byers stood there, like a guardian angel. "it's been fifteen minute im just" he started but froze when he saw my dad and me.

my father out of shock let go, i collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. i grabbed my bag and began to run for the door. on the way out i took byers hand. together we ran down the road. halfway through i realized i was sobbing, still gasping for air. i couldn't see. i slumped down underneath a tree, burying my head in my hands. i hated someone seeing me this weak, even if the person was will.

will didn't say a word, he simply sat down beside me and wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning his head on my shoulder.

sometimes actions speak louder than words

i wasn't alone anymore.