Wattpad's been acting funny and on browser it wouldn't let me continue my story because the, uh, writing box thingy magicy didn't appear :c I was planning to post this earlier I swear.
By the way, if you've been with me long enough, you have probably understood already that my grammar isn't perfect. New readers, get over it. Stop pointing it out, I feel retarded. Yaoi speaks all language; and my point is only to share stories. Don't compare me with native English speaker. Okthanksbyeandenjoy,ouiouibaguettemegustatúymegustabaguette
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Story 24: Everyone's a Hot Mess
"I knooow, it's grey. But this way, you know how to find me!"
At that point of time, all that crossed my mind was that nostalgic grey color. And in that second as well, my heart started racing and all the necessary memories just came bursting like a floodgate.
My indecision took over and apparently I just stood up and went out of the shop holding my own breath. Gerald called after me, but he nor the twins tried anything funny like stopping me. I should be the one stopping myself. Just like in a horror movie,...
...Why am I going towards the danger?
It was busy hour, so the surroundings outside of Carmen's were bustling with people which doesn't even stopped me from going and slamming open the mall entrance.
Don't go there, Noah.
You know it better than anyone.
"How about you and me be friends?
"We're so alike!"
WE ARE NOT ALIKE.
I mentally screamed, and quickened my pace through the parking lot. This is bad. I feel a panic attack coming. Great. Why does it have to come back now?
"See you tomorrow."
...How did that day happen?
No, why did it happen? Why did he do that? Why did I went home that day? Why did I woke up that day? Why did I trust him? Why did I like him? Why did all that happen? Why did Dad- Why did Trisa- Why did Nate- Why did Mom- Why did everyone ditch me? Why am I even here? Why am I still here? Why is he here?
Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here. Why is he here.
"It'll be okay."
YOU LIED.
NOW LOOK AT ME. I'M A MESS.
I gasped to catch my breath and all I was doing was interrupted when somebody bumped to me. Normally, it would do no harm but because of my dizziness, I thought I almost fell over. I clenched a handful of my hair and forcefully tried to calm myself down, looking up to the source of voice who asked, "Are you okay?"
My panic attack washed down. My thoughts are slightly still jumbled up but I do recognize the person. It was Ashley.
"...Ash?..."
"Didn't thought I'd see you here". She made a smile full of concern and helped me stood straight. Gosh, how long has it been since I talked to her? I was still a little heartbroken by her indirect rejection but I decided to wipe that off my head because either way, we were really great friends and losing her would be quite a downer.
"Why were you walking so wobbly? Motion sickness?" she asked. I only shook my head and she looked at me in an observing manner. "Sorry about that, Noah. I was focused on somebody else. Gee, I just bumped to two people in a row today."
I perk up. "D-Did you happen to see a grey-haired guy around?!"
She raised an eyebrow. "Yes. How did you know? That guy was just running in a hurry and carelessly bumped to me hard without apologizing. I watched him going down that alley over there until I bumped to you."
"Thanks", I said, then she waved at me before joining other girls from school at the entrance of the mall.
I walked fast to the long and narrow alley she directed me to and all I could see was it leading me to a street at the other side of the building. A lot of people. There's a hotel and park here... Too many people. How can I find him at such crowd? Just the thought of it makes me feel rather claustrophobic.
I give a sigh and leaned against the wall at the end of the alley. I see dumps. Water puddles. Heck, nobody would want to walk here, except if you're being chased by kidnappers or a mafia or a sumo wrestler or some sort. Then why is he...
"Noah?"
I turned my head in surprise. Zipper was stepping into the alleyway looking kinda out of breath. I've never seen him in casual clothing before, by the way. He's even hotter in that. W-Wait, I got the twins.
((Noah Eden, officially and almost openly gaaaaaaayyyyy))
"What are you doing here?" He breathed out, his tone rather dark. I narrowed my eyes a little. "I could ask the same thing. I thought you called in sick."
The blonde looked at me sort of intimidatingly and then shrugged. "I... was meeting a friend. Yeah, about to... This is my shortcut. Don't tell Jul."
"Hmm..." I mumbled.
"Not with the twins today?"
"We got... separated."
Zipper didn't reply. He looked at the crowd for a moment. "Actually, I still need to look for him. Well, I guess we better get going then. See you", he muttered the last part.
I din't even get to look. But he dived into the crowd.
He sure can be detached at times...
***
"Where were you?"
"Uh, bathroom", I replied to Gerald as I sat back to my place between the twins. Cath is here as well now, and the twins are staring at me. They're all already in the middle of eating while my food probably got cold.
"I thought so", Gerald said and continued his lasagna. Cathra began rambling about ships right after, but I zoned out not paying a word.
I don't think... Mentioning Brandon would be a good idea at all. Not now, at least. I don't want to explain things if they ever confront me about it. I'm not ready yet. And most of all, I'm not ready dragging them into another burden of mine. Especially the twins. We just recently got into a three-people relationship, and having them seeing the darker side of my life will probably scare them off...
I let out a deep but quiet sigh and felt a surprising warmth on my hand that were on my sides. I looked around at Keith and Kyle and they stared at me with an expression that speaks, "Is everything ok?"
I gave them a smile that probably looks rather bitter. To show I'm being genuine, I turned my hand and gave theirs a squeeze. They scooted closer and returned the firm grip. I want to kiss them for comfort, but with Gerry, Cath and other customers here I guess I'll have to endure.
I relaxed my breathing and leaned back on my chair. By the time everyone finished their own meal, I've only finished half of mine - but eating seems... Hard. I just want to go home. The twins noticed and Keith spoke up.
"Hey, it's getting pretty late. Maybe we should all be getting home now. Nice discussion today, Cath. Uh... We'll pay the bills", he told them motioning for Kyle to take out their credit card.
"Err... Actually, we can split it up-"
Before Gerald finished his words, the younger of the twins quickly went to the cashier and came back stuffing the receipt into his pocket. "Let's go."
Seeing they're doing this in a hurry, I followed them out, waving my bye to Gerald, Cath and Jul.
Outside, they held my hand like it's business. I lowered my head a little, knowing they're doing this because they're worried about me and probably want to question me at home as soon as possible. I felt bad for making them worry like this when they don't even know what's going on. But telling them my story will just be kinda-...
"Hang in there", Kyle said softly as he brushed his thumb against my knuckles. I looked up and couldn't help but blush at his gentleness. I let him continue.
"You don't look so well before..." Keith spoke up. I intertwined my fingers with his, which he replied by squeezing lightly. "We'll always be all-ears, alright?"
This time I smiled and motioned for them to walk closer to me. Along the streets, the sun began to set and the whole scene was painted with a friendly orange background. As we walk, we look at shops' windows and people's pets as light breeze blew - not a second I let go of their hands. I sighed happily at the calmness, and was even more relieved when we arrived at our apartment.
I chuckled at how sweaty our hands are after the intense hand-to-hand session. The twins laughed and told me we'll take a break about that so they went to their rooms. I went to my own room as well and threw myself onto the bed, not bother changing or closing the door. I laid flat on my stomach and attempted to meditate like that. Yes ladies and gentlemen this is Noah Eden.
I flinched in surprise when I thought something was touching my ass. Turning my head, I couldn't help but grin when I saw the twins. Just the usual perverts. They both smirked and climbed onto bed, laying to their sides next to me.
"So, what's up?" Kyle asked carefully.
Relationships are about being honest, Noah.
Don't lose another person but keep it safe. Somehow.
"I got... A panic attack for a moment", I murmured loud enough for them to hear.
"A-Are you fine now?" Keith asked in a tone of alert. I nodded my head softly and closed my eyes as they soothingly stroked my back and hair. "Since when do you even got panic attacks?" Kyle inquired, brushing my hair behind my ear.
"My family", I began. "Went through rough times, even since before Theo was born. I had two other siblings, we weren't the richest and my Dad was really harsh on us, especially my Mom. The result of that, is, well, she took her stress on her children.
"And just like that, stuff happen. My older brother died. My sister and Dad separate themselves from us. After all the trauma plus the stress my mother buried me with, I become traumatized and there you have it, my panic attack. Over time my mother's nasty attitude died off, and got even better when she met your mother, I guess", I finished. I didn't dare to check their expression. They probably looks at me as something to pity on by now. Just great.
Although yeah, my family isn't the only reason for my attacks... I don't think I should mention Brandon was the reason to the one before.
I felt a kiss on my temple, so I opened my eyes, and found the twins smiling genuinely.
"Hey, you're the strongest person we've ever met", Keith whispered and wrapped his arm around me. "You've done well."
"You're safe now", Kyle assured and snuggled. "We can take care of each other. Everything's okay."
I want to believe them. I really do. We spontaneously just snuggled together after pulling the covers up, and God have I ever been this relieved. I showed them my best smile, and this time, it's not bitter.
***
NARRATOR'S P.O.V.:
Somewhere at the same building, Arthur opened the door to his apartment. Sighing, he thought of what he had just done for the day - looking for another part time job to the point of skipping school. His tutor savings won't get him anywhere and unfortunately for him, not every job accepts a 16-years old.
Scratching his raven hair, he stepped into his usually cold and distant home where he would eat a quick dinner by himself, working on some homework and go straight to sleep, occasionally waking up early to plan some lessons for tutoring. All with a missing figure of a mother that is supposed to be living with him.
"...Mom?"
So why today?
The brunette woman glanced at him in acknowledgement but went back to what she was doing. She placed her wallet inside her purse before pulling it over her shoulder. Not a moment did this woman smile, and her eyelined eyes stared at her son in a cold way.
"W-When did you get back?" Arthur stammered as he walked over to her, his feelings mixed with joy and worry. "If you told me sooner, I could've prepare a dinner for two."
"I won't be long. Just taking the rest of my stuff."
Arthur blinked. "The rest... of your stuff?..." His jaw dropped when he saw the suitcase her mother pulled from her room. She let out a short sigh and re-applied her lipstick, and then picked up a picture frame of a young Arthur and hesitantly placed it into her purse.
"Mom, what is the meaning of this?!"
This time, the gleam of her eyes shows annoyance. "Kiddo, I like you better when you are younger. Dressing you up like a girl. Obedient and cutesy and girly and all... Ah, how I've always wanted a daughter to help me with my work. But, tch, your bastard father disapproves.
"That aside..." She added, taking out a cigarette and light it up. "What does it look like I'm doing? When I pack up, it becomes clear how little I have... Almost nothing. Do you know how hard is it to have a son at hand? It's about time I leave-"
"Why would you do this to me?!" Arthur screeched, tears already forming in his eyes. "Leaving a schooling son on his own most of the time, putting a huge debt to our family, and came back only to tell me you're going forever?!?! YOU WERE NEVER THERE FOR ME!!!"
"Exactly. So it makes sense if I leave", the woman pulled out the cigar from her mouth and puffed out smoke. "Don't you dare play baby on me now, kiddo. When I was your age, I was independent, and worked my ass off after my mother kicked me out of the house.
"If a cat that gets tossed out cries pathetically and puts the charm, somebody's gonna pick it up. That's how I've lived my life. But if the cat just sits around waiting for its mother, it's gonna starve to death", continuing, she pulled out the extra key to the apartment and tossed it onto the dining table. "I have nothing else to say. Go do whatever you want to do with your life,... Arthur."
"Wait...-"
"Have a nice life. Ah, if you ever met your father again, middle finger him for me. Bye."
"-MOM, WAIT!! DONT-!!" The boy shrieked, but wasn't able to do anything. Instead, he collapsed to his knees and breakdown. "DON'T TAKE AWAY THE ONLY PLACE I CAN GO HOME TO!!!"
But the door has long been shut. His sobbing continues and his tears seems to endlessly drop onto the floor as he wrapped his arms around himself and curled into a ball.
He is alone now.
He is now a tossed cat.
And he knew this better than anyone.
The apartment became colder than usual, and far more distant. The only thing echoing in the room was his sobs that has yet to die off. Not knowing how many minutes has passed, Arthur didn't try moving. He let the emptiness surrounds him.
DING DONG
"Arthur? Are you there?" The voice of his childhood friend called out. "You weren't at school so I want to check, are you alright?"
Without another word needed, Arthur slammed open the door and hugged the startled Noah with trembling hands. "Noah-!!
"Idon't have a place to go home to... I don't have a place to go...!!" He cried and chokes a little, his eyes red from crying. "My mother, she-!! She-!!..."
"Shhhh, it's okay..." Noah gently whispered and returned the hug before stroking his hair for his comfort. "You'll be alright. You're not alone. You've still got us, your friends, don't you?... I promise, you'll be alright ...Hey, don't cry..." The brown-haired lifted his friend's face and combed his hair out of the way before brushing his tears off, only to have Arthur burying his head into Noah's neck.
"...W-What am I supposed to do?... I won't be able to go to school... O-Or even pay for apartment..." he stumbled between his words. Noah looked down in concern for his friend and soothingly patted his head. "You can stay at my apartment for now, the twins won't mind. From there, we can think of something."
He knows how he feel.
He was a tossed cat one point in his life as well.
~~~
ANNON'S TEA TIME:
I think that was a good time to cut it? ????? It's kinda fast-paced????
I apologize for the delay I was trying to get it done between Christmas and New Year but wattpad was being so naughty. I won't be surprised if I lose readers but hey, I can't leash you all.
Also, the last chapter was kinda derpy at some point with a rather short cliffhanger so I felt weird as well that this chapter's pretty emotional and revolving around hurt/comfort. Well, should really get used to that because from here on the sunshine and flowers stopped and it'll be dark. Bonus: Check my first comment for some Leo junk.
Anyway, thank you for all your understanding comments from the last chapter. I feel lighter about stuff, I thought I shed a tear. Other than that, have a happy new year to you all~! The usual drill; VOTE! COMMENT! And FOLLOW me if you enjoy my works! Love ya'!