Mike hugged back. He pat my back, and rubbed it, trying to soothe me. I clung to him, letting all of my emotions flow. The anger, the sadness, the fear...
A few minutes had passed. My sobs became small sniffles. "Jere are you okay?" He asked. I nodded in response. "Now... what have you not been telling me?" He asked, bringing himself to eye level. "I-I... m-my uh... M-Mike... I... I don't want to tell y-you... no offence..." I replied. He looked hurt. As if saying "why do you feel you can't trust me?" "I-I just... am not really... ready to tell you... or anyone... its no one's business." I looked away from his blue eyes. My bangs still covering my emerald ones. I then used what strength I could, and pushed him away. And walked away from him. "Jere wait!" He called. I turned around. I hated and loved that nickname. "Listen, I really care for you, as a friend. I really want to know what's bothering you. Please... just tell me..." Mike pleaded. I was stunned. I felt guilt overwhelming me again... 'I have to tell him...' I thought. "Fine... my dad... he's an asshole. Let's just say that." I answered, bitterness and hatred in my voice. His turn to be stunned. "Show me." He commanded. "What?"
"I said: 'show me'."
"Show you what?"
"Roll up your sleeves."
I panicked at that one. I shook my head. He commanded yet again. And again, I shook my head. He then took action and did it himself. "HEY!" I yelled and tried to snatch my arm back. It failed. He looked at my fragile and slightly feminine arm. All the bruises. All the cuts. I could see him tearing up. I knew the truth would hurt him. I planned to keep it secret forever. "Jeremy I-..." he began. "Listen. Just forget about it. Its fine I've been doing this for forever. I'll live." I said. "No, its not 'fine' Jere. You need help. And either I'm going to get it. Or I'll be it." He responded. I looked at him. If he had seen my eyes, which were under my bangs, he'd have noticed the shock in them. "I don't want help. Look Mike. Stop. Okay? Its not your problem."
"It is my problem... did your father do these?"
I nodded. He only did the bruises however.
~Time Skip~
Mike let me live with him since my dad sucks. He lived in a one-bedroom apartment. I slept on the couch. We still went to work, and our friendship grew... I can feel my heart flutter every time I see him... his jet black hair... his deep ocean blue eyes... wait... am I falling for him? Surely not... Yeah... I'm not gay... well... I'm bisexual... but that doesn't mean shit... oh fuck...
'I'm falling in love with him...'