Running [h.s.]

fifty six | harry

TRIGGER WARNING: drugs, abuse, and overdose. This chapter is going to be very emotional.

"If you still want to know... I'll tell you what I'm running from."

As the words leave her mouth, I can't tell if she is sincere or not. Her voice trembled a bit as she spoke, and her eyes are wide. Obviously, I'd like to know everything I can about this breathtaking girl with the sad, haunted eyes. But I also don't want to push her to do anything that she isn't ready for, so I would never make her tell me anything she didn't want to. I am truly surprised she even offered to tell me.

"Are you sure?" I ask her, stroking her hair as she lay in my lap. "You don't owe me any explanations, baby."

Instead of responding, she places her hands next to her and pushes her body up so she can sit facing me. I watch her patiently as she examines her clothes, tugging at the bottom hem of her delicate dress to keep herself covered. But of course I would never take advantage of a wardrobe malfunction by staring at her exposed body... She takes a deep breath and meets my eyes. "I know I don't owe you anything. I just feel like I'm ready to talk about it... if you're willing to listen, of course," she says softly, her voice thick with sincerity.

"I'd love to listen, Angel. I'm always here for you," I say as I take her hand in mine, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

"Okay, um... I don't even know where to begin..." She says, tucking a loose hair behind her ear and resting her weight back on her other palm. Her leg is shaking slightly, and I can tell she is anxious right now, but the rest of her body language remains somewhat calm. She is trying to be strong.