Please Don't Set My Heart Aflame

Chapter #26: I'm Alright

I took the long walk to school alone, as usual.

Is it really worth it? Coming to Hell on Earth every single day... Just to become more and more depressed?

Then, something trapped me on the shoulder, scaring the absolute crap out of me.

"Heya!"

I punched them in the gut, before realizing that it was actually Ryan.

"A-Are you okay...?"

He rubbed his stomach, obviously irritated at the least. "Yeah, I'm fine... You're stronger than you look, Pipsqueak."

"Oh, cut it with the name calling! What are you doing here, anyway?"

"I came to walk you to school, you ungrateful..."

He stopped talking as he saw me raise an eyebrow.

"Just help me up."

I grabbed his hands and pulled him towards me and up to his feet. "It's a bit early to be out. You should go home."

"I came out to see you!" he mock-pouted.

"Tough luck," I grumbled, trying to hold back a smile.

"Hey, I'll tell ya like it is. By the time I get home, school would've started already. Do you want to walk or not?"

"Walk? No. With you? Sure."

"Wow, picky. I brought my dad's car," he said with a wink.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? He might find out..."

"Oh, it's fine. Too drunk to notice it's gone, anyway."

"You really are something," I sighed.

"Oh, trust me, I know."

"Oh, shut it," I giggled and elbowed him slightly.

I began to see his face turn into one without any emotion but a little concern. "About yesterday... What happened?"

What??? How did he know?!?

"Nothing. Just another boring day."

"Why'd you call me, desperately pleading for me, then?"

"I, uh... I was sad, that's all. I wanted someone to talk to."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense... I'm sorry for not being able to be with you," he said just before kissing my forehead.

Why were you not there...? I really needed you...

But I didn't. I'm alive. I made it out on my own. I didn't need him, anyway...

"It's fine... Nothing close to a big deal. I'm alright, aren't I?"

"Well, I don't know. Are you?" he asked, leaving me bewildered and tripping over my words.

"Well... Y-Yeah, I guess..."

"Good," he said as he took my hand and began walking.

The guilt crept up inside me into my throat, causing a painful lump.

How much longer do I need to hide...?