Only Us (Justin Fields)

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"It's nice to meet you Justin. What brings you to campus" I wonder.

"I... I want to change the world" he claims.

My eyes nearly double in size when I hear what he said. It's 2018. With the world the way it is I didn't think it was possible. For that much change to happen... it didn't seem dreamable even. Yet here he sits telling me he plans to change to world.

"How old are you Justin" I ask.

"I'm 19" he replies. Just a year younger than me.

"And what do you know about this world" I question.

"It's pretty messed up. In more ways than I can count really. There are people I have met that I wish I never did. But there's also people who inspire me, who show me that there is good in this life. Something worth fighting for. I want to show people that good. That we can make this world a better place little by little, person by person. I want to spread warmth, joy, happiness. Any way I can. I haven't always had a good life, but now I know that the longer I sit here not trying to find a solution I become a part of the problem. So a fresh start and a open heart, that's how I know I can bring out the good in this world. And I believe I'll do that here" he declares.

Tick. Tick.

I feel the wind toss my hair around as I just sit on the railing. My grip on reality and the cold wet bar getting tighter as the seconds pass. "I didn't think anyone cared about others the way you do" I confess.

"In my experience there isn't many. It's not easy to look at this world and be optimistic about it. I'm sure you understand, you wouldn't be out there if you didn't. But that's all the more reason to continue on this path. Because even if I can't change the world, I can change the way people see the world. That's just as good" he smiles.

I feel my heart skip a beat as he looks at me. There had to be magic in those eyes of his. That smile never wavered, not even for a moment. Everything he said today was true in his eyes. For a second I thought maybe I did jump. Maybe he's a angel here to tell me I was wrong. But this was real, as real as the second hand moving on the clock on the wall.

"I never got your name" he claims.

"I'm not sure if it's going to be of any use" I confess.

"Of course it is. You're the first friend I have out here" he claims.

Friend?

Tick. Tick. Tick.

"Jillian. My name is Jillian" I say.

He smiles once again before standing up. His feet move to the balcony before he stops in front of me. I feel the tears in my eyes start to swell as he looks down at me. His eyes were getting glassy too. Both of us know what situation we're in, but not so sure of how it was all going to end.

"Jillian. Will you stay" he asks.

A tear drops to my cheek as my breathing shakes. "Why should I stay" I whisper.

"Because in order for me to make a better world, I'll need you there too" he claims.

"You don't know me. What I've done... what I planned to do. How do you know I fit in this world of yours" I try.

"You didn't have anything planned. That's why you're here, looking for the fastest way down from this balcony instead of staying and making plans to get down. Sure, that might be the simplest way to get out of this situation, a single leap of faith and it's all over, but I know you want to see this world as a better place too. If you didn't care then there wouldn't be a point to all of this. You believe it can be better but it's not. And I'm here to tell you that it will be, and you can help make it so" he claims.

"And what if I said this is the only way I would know for certain that the world would be a better place" I explain.

"Would it be selfish if I said I want you to stay to help with my plan instead" he wonders.

"Maybe a little" I say. He just chuckles as he shakes his head.

"You're right. I don't know who you are or what brought you to this balcony. But I know your time doesn't run out here" he insists.

I slowly close my eyes and the breath of life returns to me. When I open them again I see Justin standing there with his hand out for me to take. He wasn't going to grab me, force me to live, instead he gave me the choice. And the burden of a life is a heavy one, trust me, I know. But the clock was still ticking for me. I can hear it again.

My hand reaches out to his as he takes it. His other hand grabs my waist to help me down from the railing.

Once I was back inside he let's go of my waist but keeps my hand in his. He grabs his bag and starts to walk to the door.

"Do you plan on letting me go" I question.

"Nope" he smiles.