Savior (Jamilton)

2. The mall

I held the plates of fried cut up chicken tenders and mashed potatoes on my left arm while I held a cup of water between my arm and chest and in my hand. I kicked open the cracked door to my room and put the plates of food and water on the desk, not looking at Alex.

Once I turned around to wake him up holding my phone in my hand only I saw him curled up in a ball with my comforter around him, tears streaming down his face. I dropped my phone and basically leaped onto my bed to comfort him. I got under the comforter with him and hugged his frail body bringing him into my lap with his left side pressed against me. "What's wrong Alex?" I asked. "Stor-." A clap of thunder cut him off with a yelp. "Storms. Ok. Hey, Alex? You're ok. You're safe inside, you're safe in my arms. I'm here." I soothed. His shaking seemed to calm. "What if w-we d-die." He whimpered. "We won't. We're safe." I whispered. He nodded and curled up more.

As we waited for the storm to pass, with Alex still in my arms, he spoke up in a quiet whisper. "Why do you care all of a sudden?" He asked. "I- um... how do I say this.. I realized that I like you.. I guess. And I want to try to get better." I admitted. "You like me? Like, friend wise?" He asked. No hope evident in his voice. Either he wanted me to still hate him, or he wanted me to love him. "N-no. I- ahem. Sorry, I- I um.." I trailed off trying to regain my confidence. "Shit.. I can't believe I'm about to do this." I muttered. "Do what?" He asked looking up at me. "I- I.. I have feelings for you..." I sighed looking away not wanting to se the look of disgust on his face.

He didn't speak for a moment. I felt tears welling up in my eyes. "You're gay?" He asked. I looked down at him bewildered. "Straight as a circle." I smiled. "How about you?" I asked. "Squiggly line." He smiled showing me how curved his line was. Let me tell ya, he's pretty much gay. And something else? That was the cutest thing I've ever seen. With him smiling up at me and showing me how straight he was while sitting in my lap with a blanket around us? Fucking adorable. "Wait back on topic.. you have feelings for me?" He asked. I nodded and looked into his eyes for some kind of answer.

"You bullied me because you have feelings for me?" He asked again. I nodded and looked down ashamed. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I'm the reason you wanted to.. y'know." I sighed. Tears streaming down my face. I felt a hand under my chin, pulling my face up. Alexander was smiling at me, a sad smile, but a smile, as he wiped away my tears. "I like you too." He smiled curling up in my lap. I sat there bewildered.

Alexander sat in my arms asleep for a few hours before I finally got a notification that I had a new email. I gently laid Alex down and walked to my desk. I checked the time. 9:47pm. I need to sleep soon.. I thought to myself as I opened my Gmail inbox.

To: Thomas Jefferson
Subject: Alexander
First I would like to thank you for saving Alex. Second, I will have to address the rumors at school about Alexander and I. Yes I have adopted him but we have both agreed we'd like to keep that private. So I am trusting you to keep this information to yourself as well Thomas.

Seeing as it is Friday night I would like you to keep Alex at your house until Sunday night. For him to have a break from people that fill his life up. Of course if you wouldn't mind that is.

Thank you,
G. Wash.

I read the email over and went through my schedule in my head seeing if I was free, though I'd clear my whole calendar for the year for Alex, I still needed to check. As I was about to start writing Mr Washington back I felt a small human crawl into my lap. I looked down to see Alex smiling up at me innocently. I chuckled and held him close.

After rereading the email I was about to start typing before Alex shifted so he was more comfortable. Now he was straddling me sighing softly as he fell asleep again. I rested my chin on his shoulder, smiling and started to type.