I'm not good enough!!

WARNING

Depressing AF

Self Harm

Attempted suicide

Rape

Non-religious version of "The after life"

Talk of death

Comatose

Child abuse

Abusive drinking

Main character is Mute!!!

Gay slurs

Racial slurs

GAY!!!!

"...."

What?! I write onto my dry erase board.

"I...like...you." The Red-headed, well-built male stood in front of me, blushing.

I am not going to deal with this Bullshit. I write, shaking my head and descending down the stairs from the 2nd floor.

"Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean?" He ask in his slight southern accent as he catches up to me, just when I hit the ground floor.

What I mean is; I'm tired of students like you, that think you can play with the feelings of everyone "Lower-status" than you. I scrawl out and shove the board into his face.

"Alex, I promise, I'm not playing you." He looks upset, almost devastated but I'm not falling for it.

How am I supposed to believe that? I show him the message as I raise my eyebrow suspiciously.

"Well..." He rub the back of his neck before his face lights up, as if he got an idea.

"What if I did something that I wouldn't normally do." He exclaims, suddenly excited

"Like disrespecting a teacher or something really embarrassing?"

And what might that be? I, once again, question him.

"Anything of your choice, I will do it." He says in the can-do attitude that annoys me.

Ok, I'll let you know what I want tomorrow after school. I smirk.

"Yes!" He pumps his fist into the air before giving my cheek a quick kiss and jogging down the hall. He pushes open the exit doors and leaves the vancant building.

I stand frozen at the bottom of the steps, blushing up a storm.

Did he really just kiss my cheek?!

I shake my head to clear it and walk the opposite direction, to the other exit doors.

I can't believe he actually confessed to me. Does he think I'm a fucking idiot? I won't fall for that bull.

Walking out of school, I make my way down the sidewalk, to the park.

Literally no one pays attentions to me at school. The teachers only speak to me if they actually need to, therefore they don't call my name during class or anything.

Thank god for that!

Once I get to the park, I automatically break into a sprint. I run passed the playground, down the nature walk trail, and all the way to my hideout. It's an old hollowed out tree I could easily just walk through the hole but I think climbing it's branches are way more fun.

It's an old hollowed out tree I could easily just walk through the hole but I think climbing it's branches are way more fun

I first discovered the hollowed out tree when I was 11-years-old. 5 whole years of being able to just come and relax before returning to my personal hell.

What personal hell?

The hell I call home and the she-devil that inhabitants it, my birth giver.

I've been verbally, emotionally and mentally abused by my mother since I was 8 years old. Physically abused since I was 10 years old. However, my father was, and still is, the most perfect person in my life. He was the best dad anyone could ever ask for.

On the day of my 8th birthday, my father went to the post office to retrieve my birthday gift. It was supposed to be a last minute gift... Sadly, the post office was shot up by a group rebellious teenagers.

He didn't make it.

Later, the police gave me the present that my father had in his hands during the devastation. It was dress.

My father was the one and only person who knew I was gay

My father was the one and only person who knew I was gay. Even at the age of 7. I, myself, knew that I was gay. I've only worn that outfit once; to his funeral,which took 2 years to happen because she insisted on using all our money on drugs and alcohol. My mom wasn't happy. That was the day I got my first slap.

My mother always blamed me for his death. She said if I wasn't born he wouldn't have left to get my B-day present and therefore wouldn't be dead. When I younger I believed her and I loathe myself. Now 16, I release how stupid that her excuse for abusing me really is. I mean, how can you blame YOUR child for being born?!

I have tried to end my life on several occasions. However, I either wake up in the hospital or next to the object I tried to kill myself with.

Alone and Sadly still alive.

Surprisingly, Alexis (my mother) is smart enough to bring me to a different hospital each time. Therefore, no one got suspicious that a young boy was continuously trying to commit suicide.

Next thing I know, I've been sitting in my tree for 5 hours, watch reads 7:30 pm.

FuckFuckFuckFuck!!

I scrabble up out of my tree and sprint back through the park and down the street.

Alexis is going to kill me!

Finally, after 20 or so minutes, I make it to the tiny, most broken down house you can ever imagine.

My Living Space.

Ok, walk in, take the beating, go take a shower, and get to bed on time for school tomorrow.

I slowly walk up the broken steps through the front door, and quietly close and lock it. Suddenly I feel a hand come down fiercely onto my left cheek.

"Where the fuck have you been, Faggot!" My mother screams into my face, I can smell the alcohol in her breath.

I'm sorry Alexis. Is what I wanted to say. I've been a mute since my 9th birthday, it was the day I got my very first beating. If no one listens, especially my own mother, then there's no point in talking at all.

"I asked you a question, Bitch!" She kicks my shin with her blood-red heel and I collapses to my knees.

Punch after Punch, Kick after Kick, Insult after Insult is thrown at me. I lay on the ground taking everything.

I'm only 16, soon I'll be 18 and before I know it, I'll be moving away to live a whole new life.

Finally, after what I'm sure is 2 hours, Alexis gets tired and walks over to the couch. Immediately passing out. Surprisingly, I'm still conscious, I get up off the floor and begin my normal routine.

-Sneak some food

-Shower

-Brush teeth

-Get dressed in PJs

-Get into bed

2 more years, 2 more years, 2 more years.

I continue to repeat my motto as the darkness pulls me in and my watch beams 10:00 pm.

******THE NEXT MORNING********

******THE NEXT MORNING********

Beep...Beep...Beep...Beep...Beep...

I slam my left hand onto my wrist and press the small button to stop my watch alarm. Groaning, I grab the wall and pull myself up off my floor mattress. Beginning my morning routine.

-Shower

-Brush teeth

-Cover bruises using dollar store makeup

-Get dressed in long sleeves and pants

-Sneak downstairs

-Sneak food

-Leave for school by 7:00

Still aching and sore from last night I slowly make my way to the bus stop.

God, I haven't even figured out what I want Christopher to do yet...

The bus arrives just when I make it and I climb on, only to be greeted by 20-something balls of paper being thrown my way.

Ah, the daily good morning from my lovely peers.

"Hey, stop that!" The rude bus driver screams into my ear "Somebody's going to have to clean that up! And It's not going to be me!"

Like always, I step over the legs that are out to trip me as I make my way to the back of the bus. Luckily , we have a handicap bus. Therefore, I can sit on the floor in the back without any problems.

30 minutes, and many bruise-worthy Stop signs, later the bus screeches to a stop and all the students climb off.

"Hey you, Silent." The driver calls before I'm able to step off. I turn around confused, he never talks to me "You gonna clean up your mess?"

I tilt my head a little as my confusion deepens. He gestures to all the paper balls on the floor, looking at me expectantly. Just then the bell to head to class rings.

Silently sighing, I pick up all the papers and walk off the bus with my arms full. The bell rings and I panic.

Dammit, I'm late to class!

I begin to run, papers still in hand, to the entrance and through the doors, down the halls.

Ugh, there's no point. I'm already late.

I stop running and just decide to walk the rest of the way.

I think I know what I want Chris to do. I've figured he would-- BAM

"Ah!" Next thing I know; Paper balls are all over the glistening tile floor, my ass is flat on the ground, and I feel a presence hovering over me. "Ow..." A voice groans.

After a few moments, I pry my eyes open only to come in contact with beautiful Green eyes with Red hair slightly falling into them.

Holy...

"Oh my god, Alex! I am so so so sorry!" Chris scrabbles up off of me and holds out his hand. I take it and he pulls me up, causing me to fall into his chest "Woah! You're really light." He comments "Have you every touched a meal?" He jokingly asks.

I shrug as I start to pick up the paper. Chris helps me and we toss into the near-by recycling bin.

"Seriously Alex, when was the last time you ate?" Now showing real concern.

I ate toast this morning.

"Ok...when was the last time you ate a full meal?" He questions with a raised eyebrow.

I want to write that I had dinner last night but my hand won't move. It's as if my brain wants to lie but my heart won't let me. "Alex...?" His expression is a mix of concern, sadness, stern and anger. Finally my hand decides to write but it doesn't write what my brain tells it to.

I don't remember.

"How could you not remember when the last time you ate was?!" He exclaims.

I, once again, shrug and begin to walk towards the exit doors.

"We're not done talking about this!" He jogs and catches up to me

"Where are you doing?"

I push the door open and leave.

I'm done talking about this! And I'm heading to the football field.

"Fine, We'll talk about this 'Meal situation' later. But why the football field?"

It's where I go when I'm skipping class. We walk through the parking lot and make it to the field.

"Well, I guess I'm skipping with you." He beams. I roll my eyes but can't help as a small smile pulls at my lips. For the next hour and a half we just talk, joke and play games. "Soooo...did you think about what you want me to do?" He asks after a game of I-Spy.

Yeah, I did.

"Well, what is it?" He leans forward, expectantly.

Aren't you a little too excited?

"Nope! If I can prove to you that I love and care about you, than I will do anything."

Ok, I want you to write a song. Any song, any genre doesn't matter.

"That's it?! Man that's easy!"

And... sing it during the mandatory up coming talent show.

"Mandatory? As in it's mandatory to show up?" His eyes widen.

Yep! Which means EVERYONE will be there. I smirk triumphantly.

"Ok, Alright. I can do that." He nervously swallows.

We'll see.

" I think I may have the perfect song!" He suddenly jumps up to his feet.

And what might that be?

"It's here somewhere." Digging through his backpack he begins to mumble to himself. "Ah ha!"

He pulls out a black composition notebook that has been drawn on to look like a galaxy.

"This is my song book." He sits down next to me. closer than before, and opens it.

Music notes, lyrics, and instruments are written all throughout the pages. He flips to a certain page with the words "BATTLE SCARS" neatly written at the top.

"I started this when I first met you." He whispers "I've been working on it since day one but I never finished it."

Really? How long is that?

I'm astonished.

"Well, the first time I saw you, was 2nd semester of freshman year. You were watching me at my baseball tryouts, remember?"

Oh yeah, I remember. I was leaving school late because I decided to fall asleep in Biology class. I mentally scold my 12-year-old self.

(A/N. They are both seniors)

"Is that why?" He chuckles "After that, about a week later, I found you reading in the library during the lunch period. You caught my attention because you were a freshman but only 12 years old."

Were you stalking me or something? I ask jokingly

"To be completely honest...yes." He sighs "After I saw you in the library I started seeing you around more often. Sometimes, I even followed you to your class. I had your whole freshman schedule memorized by the 4th 6 weeks."

I know I should probably be a little creeped out but...I mean who gets creeped out after finding out their high school crush might like them back?

We turn and face each other at the same time and that's when I realize how close we really are.

His eyes are tantalizing...I feel as if I'm being pulled in by a force and I can't get away. Like a black hole.

I don't know who moved in but next thing I know I can feel his breath on my lips and my eyes involuntarily close.

BING...BING...BING...BING...BING

We both quickly back up, both flustered from the interrupted scene, our eyes lock again.

"W-we should um...Ge-get to class." Chris stutters before jumping to his feet and putting the journal back into his bag. I nod and throw my bag over my shoulder.

Let's get going. I quickly write. Grabbing his hand, we run back into the building and throughout the halls.

"Luckily we share 2nd period." He pants when we arrive at our classroom door.

Yeah. I keep forgetting how big this school is and how long it takes to get from one end to the other. We walk in and take our seats. Sadly we sit across the room from each other. He winks at me and gives a shy smile, causing me to silently giggle. Then Ms. Brandon walks in and begins the lesson.

********2 weeks later********

Nothing really happens over the next 2 weeks.

I've only gotten 5 beatings, each one getting harder and harder to hide. Alexis was either not home or she just didn't acknowledge my existence.

My bullies laid off a little due to Chris always finding some way to hang out with me, whether it was during or after school.

What I'm really looking forward to is tonight.

The talent show. Everybody who's anybody will be there. Meaning, if Chris actually had the guts and gallantry to announce to the whole school that he's even remotely associated with me, than I will believe that he actually like me and we could possibly go out.

I'm fanboying just thinking about it. I mean, my crush, the Chris Adams, actually likes me! Who would have thought.

"Babe!" I hear a familiar voice call.

That's weird, it sounded like Chris.

"Alex! Where are you?!" The voice call again, this time sounding closer.

Yep, that's definitely Chris. I climb up and out of my hideout tree. Only to look down and see Chris looking up at me.

"What are you doing up there, Babe?!" I roll my eyes and skillfully climb/jump down the branches.

Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that and what are you doing here?

I ask using sign language. That's another thing, this dude learned full sign language in 2 weeks.

2 WEEKS! When I first started learning sign language, at the age of 12, it took me a month to just learn greetings.

"I saw you leave campus and followed you here. But when you got to the park entrance you suddenly ran super fast and I lost you."

Well, that's kind of the point...no one is supposed to know where I am when I come here.

"What is here? Why were you up in the tree?"

This is my hideout. You're literally the only one who knows about it. And it better stay that way!

"I won't tell a soul." He puts his hands up in surrender "Your secret's safe with me."

Why did you follow me anyways?

"I was wondering if you wanted to go eat before heading back to school for the show?"

I don't usually eat, and I haven't eaten fast food in years. Eh, a small snack won't hurt.

Sure...I guess...Where to? We start walking back to the front of the park.

"You can choose, babe." I roll my eyes.

Alright... 10 minutes later we're walking out the park and down the sidewalk.

"Any ideas, I'm starving." Chris whines.

Let's go to McDonalds I point to the nearby restaurant.

"Yes!" He pumps his fist before grabbing my hand and running inside and up to the counter.

"What would you like?" The female brunette cashier asks.

I'll just have a medium fry.

"Huh? OK. Quarter pounder with cheese, large fry and a medium drink." He says to the cashier.

"Anything else?" She leans forward and pushes out her push-up bra tits.

"For this one, I'll get a McDouble, medium fries and a small drink." He gestures to me and my eyes widen.

I hit his arm to get his attention, once the cashier finally walks away with a roll of her eyes.

Chris no! I just want some fries, that's all. I can't pay for anything else.

"Don't worry about paying me back." He waves a dismissive hand

"Go ahead and get a table, I'll wait here for the food."

Fine! I scowl, throwing my hands up in exasperation and storming off to a random table in the vacant building.

Who does he think he is? I told him only to get me medium fries! If I end up throwing up because of him, I swear to the almighty gods!

You see, for the past 5 or so years, all I've ever done is snack. Due to only being able to sneak food at home, my stomach has gotten used to the small portions. Around 2 years ago, I actually got the chance to eat a full meal but the only results were my face in the toilet(AKA. Throwing up) along with a late night beating and my mom screaming at me "You should be grateful I even let you come with me to this goddamn dinner!"

After another 10 minutes of waiting, I start getting agitated. Pulling up from my seat at the high top table, I begin walking back over to the counter. I stop in my tracks as I see that same cashier holding Chris by the collar of his shirt, over the counter and their lips locked in a simple but passionate kiss.

It's obvious Chris is trying to get away but due to being held, by the she-hulk, over the counter his attempts are useless. That's when I step in. Along with the customers, there seem to be no other employees either.

Swiftly I walk through the tiny swinging doors, behind the counter. The girl doesn't notice me until I harshly push her causing her to fall away from Chris. I scowl and Chris begins to panic.

"Alex! Babe, it's no-" I hold my hand up to silence his rambling.

I know, don't worry Chris. I also know that this bitch doesn't know who she's messing with.

I sign without looking away from the woman who just tried to steal my man. He nods before grabbing the tray of food off the counter and going to our table, leaving me to deal with this Regina George looking hoe.

"Just who the fuck do you think you are?!" She shrieks, her high pitch voice almost shattering all the windows.

I don't bother signing because her dumb ass won't understand. Instead I Bitch-slap her across the face, push her to the greasy tile and kick her where the sun don't shine. Suddenly, Chris pops back up in front of the counter and leans over the counter so that he's able to see the bimbo on the ground.

"AKA, Bitch don't touch his man or else you'll have to deal with him." He translates.

I turn to him and give him a seriously look and he just shrugs before walking back to the table. Glaring one more time at the titty-showing slut, I walk back around the counter and sit down at the table with Chris.

"You're hot when you're angry and possessive." He smirks.

Shut up I slowly unwrap my burger and take a bite while Chris digs into his fries and puts them onto his burger

Is that good? I look curiously as he takes a bite.

"Yeah, it's delicious. Plus, you'll finish eating quicker."

Should I try it? I put my sandwich down and take the top bun off.

"Yeah, go ahead." He pulls some fries out of my container and gently puts them onto my burger. "Try it!"

Timidly, I put the top back on and take a bite.

"MMMMMMMMMMM!!" I moan This so good!!

"I know right!"

Luckily, I don't throw up throughout the whole meal!

Once we finish, we throw away our trash, I give the cowering cashier one fierce glare and we begin to make our way back to school.

********3RD POV********

"Welcome Ladies and Gentleman to the 2019 mandatory talent show." The student director announces from under the single spotlight on stage.

The time is 6:00pm.

"We would like to thank all of our parents/guardians, teachers, and some students for making this night possible!" She continues. The auditorium flows with applause from the audience, one particular silent student sitting in the very back and wearing his biggest smile.

"Now, respectfully silence all your cell phones and please enjoy these hard working students' performances. First up..."

First, a group performs "Satisfied" from Alexander Hamilton.

Next, a tiny, black-haired girl does some black magic. Leaving everyone with enough fear of her to last through the rest of the school year.

Then, a few jocks do a dance routine resulting in all their shirts off.

Finally our Alex's future-lover, Chris, timidly walks onto the stage. A strap attached to a guitar is placed on his shoulder.

"Um...hi." Everybody in the auditorium applause at the sight of one of their favorite male peers. Causing the redhead to become startled and drop the mic. The audience groans as the sound of the object hitting the ground echoes through the giant room. He quickly swipes the microphone up saying a quick and quiet "S-sorry..."

Alex silently laughed in the back, a few stray tears falling from holding back the sounds.

Taking a deep breath Chris begins his small intro.

"This is a song I wrote for someone very special to me."

He states, now confident while talking about his piece

"He has been in my heart since Freshman year and he still resides there to this day." The audience erupts in gasps, whispers, and a few applause when Chris says 'He'.

"So without further ado...Alex, this is for you." Chris sets the microphone in it's holder and pulls his guitar to the front of his body.

Everyone in the crowd gasps again and turn to face the very back where a certain mute male sits. Alex would have sank into his seat if it wasn't for Chris giving him a reassuring smile before beginning his performance.

As the song ends and Chris begins to breathe normally, the audience erupts into applause. He says a quick "Thank You" before exiting stage left, the spotlight following. Before he's fully off the stage Chris spots Alex running out of the auditorium in tears.

As soon as he's is behind the side curtain he drops down into a nearby chair with a loud sigh, setting his guitar against an unplugged speaker.

That was one of the hardest things I've ever done. He groans. But Alex...Did I do something wrong? Did I upset him? Why was he crying?

Suddenly he's tackled down by a tiny but unexpected force. The chair topples over bringing the 2 teens with it.

After another groan(This time of pain) Chris pries his eyes open, coming face to face with Dark Brown eyes that are full of tears and a huge toothy smile.

"Hey, baby boy. Are you ok?" He moves his hands to the hips of the small black boy now straddling him.

Hi! You did so good out there! Why wouldn't I be ok?

Alex frowns and gently gets up, Chris following after.

"You ran out of the auditorium crying?" Chris sighs.

Silly! These are tears of joy. I ran out so that I could get here as soon a possible. Alex wipes his tears away as his smile grows back. He jumps up into the taller boy's arms, wrapping his arms around Chris's neck.

"That's a relief. Thank you." He beams confidently.

Alex pulls back suddenly becoming very nervous and flustered.

Did you really write that for me?

He shakily signs before starting to fidget around, playing with his fingers.

"Of course I did, Babe. I've been working on that forever, and you saying I had to write a song and sing it was what motivated me to complete it." Chris moves his hands to wrap around Alex's waist.

I still can't believe you've been watching me since freshman year. He shyly signs, looking down blushing.

Chris lifts his face by pushing his finger under Alex's chin.

"It was love at first sight."

It was, wasn't it?

"So...Do you like me back?" Chris hesitantly ask, moving his hands up and down Alex's sides. Alex silently giggles before answering.

I've always liked you. I just wanted to make sure your feelings were real. He then gives another soundless giggle at the older males shocked expression.

"Oh, really?" He smirks. Alex nods and fists the front of Chris's shirt "Does that mean you'll be my boyfriend." The latter nods with a big grin.

**********ALEX'S POV**********

The talent show's almost over. Do you want to stay?

"Actually, I was thinking we should go home early."

Sure, okay. Chris gently takes my hand and we exit the back of the stage before leaving the building. We walk to his car, a Silver Subaru with designs, and climb in.

We walk to his car, a Silver Subaru with designs, and climb in

"Ok, what's your address?"

........Fuck!

It totally didn't register that he will actually have to drive and drop me off at my house. How could something as crucial as that slip my mind?!!

Alright, alright. I just need to figure out an excuse.

Um, actually, now that I think about it...I need to go to the store.

"You do?" Chris questions, confused.

Yeah...it's right by my house so you can just drop me off there and I'll walk the rest of the way after I buy everything.

"Oh no. That's ok, I'll just wait outside until you come out Then I can drive you home.

Actually...I live almost halfway across town. I don't want you driving that far.

"It's fine. As long as You get home safe."

But you need to save gas. Driving me would just be a waste.

"If it's used on you than it's not a waste."

Well, don't you have someone waiting at home.

"Nope, my mom works late, my sister's at a sleepover and my dad is on a business trip."

This goes on for another 6 minutes before Chris finally snaps.

"Look Alex! If you didn't want me to take you home, you could have just said so!" He states annoyed but obviously hurt.

"I thought it would be nice to see where my boyfriend lives but I guess not." He barely whispers as he rest his hands and forehead on the steering wheel. I stare at him for a second, my face vacant of any emotions.

Is it really worth it?

On one hand I can let him take me home and he'll see my house. Knowing how poor and imperfect I really am then he'll never talk to me again.

It's practically carved in stone. Popular guys like him don't date boys like me.

On the other hand I can get out of the car right now.

Leaving him to deal with his own emotions....Completely alone.

Either way I would be losing him...

I look back up at him and see that he's still leaning on the top if the steering wheel, but he's just sitting there silently. Not saying anything.

Why is he just sitting there?

I lift my hand and softly tap him causing him to slightly recoil and before slowly, reluctantly turning to me. His hands staying on the wheel.

His eyes are marginally red and his cheeks each have 2 tear-streaks, stray tears still fall down his face.

I reach up and use my thumb to tenderly wipe them away.

Whether unintentional or intentional, he lightly leans into my touch.

But if it means keeping my man happy, even if it's not with me, than I'm willing to do it.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.

I pause as he as he slowly sits up straight.

If you really want to take me home, I'll let you.

He looks at me for a second with a blank face before a smile begins tugging at his delectable lips. "Really?"

Yeah, it's no big deal. I nonchalantly answer when in reality it's such a big deal it could literally determine our whole relationship.

He nods before turning on the car and pulling out.

Exiting the school campus and driving down the street, we sit in a comfortable silence along with the peaceful music.

The clock reads 7:30 pm. Little did I know, that mom was drowning in her 5th bottle of beer and is waiting for a certain personal punching bag to get home.

Seething by the second.

*********CHRIS'S POV*********

As I drive Alex home, I can't help but think about what happened before we left the school.

Why was he so persistent?

Is he hiding something?

Does he not trust me?

Is there something at his house that he doesn't want me to see?

Now that I think about, I don't know anything about Alex outside of school. I never followed him home because there was more of a chance of me getting caught.

He's definitely hiding something from me. But what?

I need to figure out what it is. I need him to know he can trust me.

The silence is broken by a honking horn bringing me out of my thoughts. I look up and see that the preceding red light has changed green.

Another 10 minutes later, the GPS voice announces that our destination was on the left. I look out my window and scoff. I turn to face Alex, who is quite interested in his intertwined hands that rest in his lap.

"Babe, I know you didn't want me to take you home before, but that doesn't mean you put in a fake address." I state disappointed.

I didn't put in a fake address... He slowly signs. I turn back to the house and stare at the broken down building. Graffiti is sprayed on the front and sides of the house, the door's paint is all chipped, all of the windows are scratched up, and the whole house is just too broken and dangerous for someone to live there.

"Alex, seriously. This is just an abandoned house." I gesture to the architecture.

It's not abandoned. He spares me a glance before quickly looking down, as he notices I'm already looking at him.

"How can someone live....." Realization hits me, hard. As if 2 cars impacted head-on. Alex seems to notice this, he visibly curls into himself and I hear and almost inaudible whimper.

"Baby..., do...you...li-" I don't get a chance to finish as Alex signs a very quick and frantic I'm sorry before quickly grabbing his backpack, pushing out of the car and running into the broken down house.

Is this why he didn't want me to bring him home?

Did he think I wouldn't like him anymore?

Did he think I would hate him, just because he was poor?

I don't follow him but for some reason I don't leave either. My brain is saying I need to leave and give him space, to talk to him tomorrow.

My heart is saying run inside and coddle him until he stops crying.

Then, my gut is telling me to just sit and wait.

But what am I waiting for?

Next thing I know, I've been sitting in my car outside of Alex's house for an hour. Still waiting.

Why am I still here? I ask myself.

Suddenly the front door slams open as Alex's silhouette falls out and lands onto the porch. As he tries to get up I jump out of my car. Then a glass bottle comes through and shatters into his right arm causing him to fall back down with a tiny groan. Alex uses the last of his strength to lift himself up, ignoring the glass shards digging into his hand, and sprints down the street.

I slam my door shut about to follow him.

"You better run, Nigga!" A high-pitched woman's voice screams "And don't even think about coming back!" I stare in shock at the Caucasian woman with Brunette hair, in a too-tight, short, skimpy dress stands on the porch.

Is that really Alex's mom? Wow, I knew he was mixes but...he must have got all his looks from his dad.

She then turns to me. If looks could kill I would be cremated by now.

"What are you looking at, Faggot!" She throws the red heel, that was in her hand, at me. I duck as I run in the direction where Alex disappeared. I hear the shoe break my driver's side window and the loud slam of the house's door.

Now, I really know why he didn't want me to come. I think as I continue running down the street.

I make it to the intersection and stop to catch my breath.

I think I have an idea of where he is but I'm not sure.

I look up and down the street, making sure there are no cars.

Let's just hope I'm right.

I run diagonal across the intersecting roads and turn down the street towards Walminton Park.

********ALEX'S POV********

My hideout

My comfort

My sanctuary

That's where I am.

I should have went home.

I shouldn't have stayed for the show.

I shouldn't have let Chris take me home.

I shouldn't have accepted his confession.

I shouldn't have fallen for him.

I shouldn't have...

I shouldn't have...

But I did.

As I sit in the hollowed out tree, arms hugging my pulled up knees, I question everything.

Do I still want to continue?

I lost my dad.

I never had my mom.

I've lost Chris.

I don't have anyone.

There's no point.

I uncross my arms and slowly reach under a pile of leaves. My hand brushes across the rough, itchy texture of the brown intertwined yarns. I pull out the large rope and use my other to pull out the white bottle of Blue pills.

********CHRIS'S POV********

Just keep running.Just keep running. Just keep running, running, running. What do we do? We run, run, run.

I keep repeating Dory's song in my head in order to keep going.

I'm so tired. I need to stop....No! I need to find Alex!

I have a very bad feeling! I turn the corner and something slams into my chest, something soft. I catch whoever it was by wrapping my arm around their waist.

"Well, hello." A feminine voice seductively greets. My eyes register the face in front of me and my eyes widen. It's the brunette employee from earlier.

I immediately let go of her and she falls to the floor. I try to leave but she grabs my ankle causing me to fall. She flips me over, in my 2 seconds of daze, and straddles me.

"Hey, Get off me!" I try to move my hands but something holds them down. I look down and discover that she's kneeling onto my hands, pinning them to my sides.

"Let's finish where we left off." She seductively whispers into my ear causing me to shudder in disgust. She must have taken it as a shudder in pleasure because then she pushes her lips roughly to mine.

I continue to squirm around and struggle.

I have to get to Alex! He needs me! My baby needs me but I can't get away! Why is this bitch so strong?!

Tears begin to spill from my eyes.

Suddenly I get an idea. Just when she forces her tongue passed my sealed lips I harshly bite it. The metallic taste of blood touches my tastes buds just before she pulls away.

"What the fuck, You bastard!" She screams and covers her mouth as blood starts to flow. I take this opportunity to pull my hands from under her knees and jump to my feet, knocking her over.

"Bitch! I said no!" I run the rest of the way to the park and down the path. "Alex! Where are you?!"

I speed up and sprint down the nature trail and through the packed trees.

********3RD POV********

The redhead rushes around, trying not to run into the large trunks or trip over surface roots.

On the other side of the woods a young boy sits upon a hollowed tree's branches. A rope tightly tied around his neck and an empty bottle of Zopiclone, a sleeping medication, rest inside the tree's trunk.

This is it. Alex thought to himself. The pills begin to take effect as his vision blurs.

"Alex!" Just then a familiar voice calls out to him from down below. Alex looks down just in time to see a blob with red hair come into view.

Chris gasps as he sees the state of his boyfriend. Tears cloud his sight once he eyes the rope around Alex's neck.

"Alex! What are you doing?! Please!"

Alex soon begins to drift in and out of consciousness.

Chris notices the swaying of the small male and panics.

He's going to fall! What do I do?! As Chris frantically looks around for anything that could help him.

He spots something metal reflect in the moonlight from under a pile of leaves. Chris runs over to the leaves and pulls out a pocket knife. Turning back to the boy losing consciousness he moves his gaze down to his arms.

Bloody, bruised, and lacerated.

Suddenly Alex starts to slip off the branch. Chris goes into full on panic mode. As Alex fully slips off the tree's limb, the taller male's reflexes kick in. He runs under Alex to catch him.

Sadly, Chris's arms give out under Alex's weight, not expecting the slight heaviness.

At least I know he's eating right. Chris thought as he quickly opens the knife and swipes it across the rope, immediately detaching the it from the tree and leaving the noose around Alex's neck. Catching the smaller boy before he's able to fall, Chris kneels down and rests his lovers head on his own lap.

"Alex! Please!" He begs, tears flowing nonstop "Wake up!"

Ale's eyes slowly pry open halfway. Chris lets out a sob of relief and sorrow at the sight of the clouded brown eyes. Alex stares up at the blurry red-headed male. Somehow, he knew it was the boy he loved. The green eyes were too mesmerizing for it to be anyone else.

Why is he here? He shouldn't be here. He should have left me. Never talk to me again. Realized that I'm not worth his love.

Chris digs through the pocket of his jackets, successfully finding his cellphone. Dialing 911, he gently shakes his partner. Keeping him from falling into his possible permanent hibernation.

"911, what's your emergency?" The operator greets.

"My boyfriend just tried to kill himself!" Chris exclaims.

Alex can't seem to keep his eyes open. The thought of falling asleep and never waking up again just sounded so wonderful.

He had nothing left to live for.

His mom never loved him.

No one at school would even notice his departure.

The only person who's shown him love, since his father's death, was Chris.

Chris Adams. One of the most popular, hot, athletic, and loved all throughout the school. If Chris actually did love him then he definitely wouldn't, now that he knows what Alex's personal life was really like.

(Then why is here? Why did he cut the rope?)

Alex doesn't have to worry about that now.

Soon he'll be out of this hell.

Soon no one will remember him.

Soon he'll be with his dad.

Soon he'll be happy.

The darkness slowly pulls Alex in

The darkness slowly pulls Alex in. Finally. He'll finally be free.

"Alex! Nononononononono!" Chris frantically shakes Alex. Trying to keep him awake, but it's no use. Alex is now unconscious.

"Sir, can you tell me what's happened." The 911 operator asks calmly but quickly in her thick British accent. The sound of speedy typing can be heard as she traces the location of the call.

"My boyfriend! He tried to hang himself from a tree!" Chris says between sobs.

"What is the name of your boyfriend, sir?"

"It's Alex. Alex Jones."

"I've traced your call, sir. The ambulance is on it's way, but you need to get to the entrance of the park."

"Do I bring the...the ob-objects...that he-"

"Yes, sir. We need to know exactly what objects he used." The operator answered, knowing what Chris was trying to ask.

"O-okay."

"Would you like me to stay on the phone with you?"

"No, thank you. I won't be able to carry everything if you do."

"Okay, the ambulance is down the street. I have to warn you, sir. A police car was sent the exact same location 10 minutes ago. It could have something to do with your situation."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."

"Of course. I hope everything turns out okay."

********CHRIS'S POV********

I hang up the phone as my eyes finally clears up from the tears.

"Okay, Alex. I have to set you down real quick. Okay, babe?" I slowly lift his head from my lap and gently set it on the ground.

Quickly I pick the pocket knife back up, close it and stuff it into my back packet. Then, I crawl into the hollowed part before standing up and digging around to see if he used anything else. A small white bottle catches my eye. I pick it up and inspect it.

"Zopiclone?" My eyes widen with realization. I bolt out of the tree, scoop up Alex and sprint through the park. "Dammit, Alex! Why would you do something like this?!" I cry out as my eyes blur with tears again "So idiotic and selfish!"

Finally, after what felt like hours, I made it to the park entrance. The scene in front of me angered, worried, and scared me.

The Brunette cashier, Heather, is standing at the entrance screaming into the face of a calm and collected police officer. The police car is parked off to the side with it's still flashing, the ambulance sitting right next to it, light also going. The paramedics stand outside, waiting. I quickly run to the ambulance and lay Alex on the awaiting stretcher.

"Sir, can you tell us your name?" One , his name tag reading Brad, asks me as they pull Alex into the ambulance.

"My name is Chris Adams. This is my boyfriend Alex Jones." I answer frantically

"We need to immediately get him to the hospital." His partner states "His breathing is unstable."

"Okay. Got it, Micheal."Brad nods and turns to tell me something, but is cutoff by Heather's high-pitched screech.

"Ith's thim! Heth did this tho me!" I turn away from the ambulance to face her and the officer "Arresth thim!" She point at me with her witch nails.

You can tell that her tongue is injured by the way she's talking.

(It's him! He did this to me! Arrest him!)

The officer calmly tries to reassures Heather that everything will be taken care of but she's not having any of it.

"Ma'am, I assure you, I will find whoever hurt you."

"Ith was thim. Are you implying I don'th know who my athacker was?!" She continues to scream. Stomping her foot like a 5-year-old that couldn't get a Happy Meal.

(It was him. Are you implying I don't know who my attacker was?!)

The officer sighs and calmly walks over to my shaking figure.

"Sir, do you know this woman?"

"U-um..Ye-yes, sir. I ran into her on the way here and she tried to s-seduce me." I stutter. My anxiety, from the whole situation, growing. "She forced herself onto me."

"Brad, we really need to get going." The paramedic, Micheal, states firmly. My anxiety then sky rockets my breathing increases, and I start turning my head back and forth from the officer to the ambulance.

I have to go with Alex, but Heather won't give up!

Do I go?

Do I stay?

I don't want to get arrested!

My focus rest on my unconscious lover inside the vehicle. Then a fundamental thought pops in.

I need to stay strong for Alex.

He's my main focus.

Not Heather.

Not my anxiety

Not the officer or the paramedics.

Alex. Alex. Alex.

I close my eyes and take a deep breathe. Leveling my Anxiety.

I have to stay with my baby.

I quickly climb into the ambulance and sit down.

"Could you please just follow us to the hospital? I'll talk to you there."

I say now a little calmer, as Brad walks to the cab of the ambulance and gets into the driver's seat.

"That will be quite helpful. Thank you...?"

"Chris. Chris Adams." I answer his unfinished question before Micheal closes the double doors from the inside and locks them.

As the ambulance's engine starts and we pull out, I can faintly hear the officer getting yelled at by Heather about me "Gething Away".

I ignore the nauseous feeling in my stomach and gently take Alex's bloody hand in mine.

Micheal begins to clan Alex's cuts and disinfect them before wrapping them in bandages. My eyes, once again, blur with tears as I think back to his mom's behavior.

How could a mother do this to her own child? How long has this been going on? How could I not have seen it?!

"Mr. Adams!" Micheal calls, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"O-oh. Uh y-yeah?" I answer pulling out of my thoughts.

"I have good news and bad news."

"Um..Good news first, please." I say worriedly.

"Well. Good news is we will definitely be able to save your boyfriend." A small sympathetic smile appears on his face.

I sigh in relief and turn back to my tiny lover, smiling through the tears.

Then, the smile slowly dissipates and my eyes scrunch in a frown.

"W-what's the ba-bad news?" I ask turning back to Micheal and giving Alex's hand a gentle squeeze.

"The bad news..." He hesitates "We don't know exactly when he will wake up. He took all of these, correct?" He hold up the bottle of Zopiclone.

"Y-yes, sir." I fidget.

"These are some very powerful sleeping pills. Along with the blood lose, we can't exactly pinpoint when he will awake. Once he does wake up, due to the rope putting so much pressure on his neck, from the fall, we're not sure if he'll ever be able to speak again."

Well, that won't be much of an issue

"Also, Alex has bruises, scars, and other injuries that point back quite a few years." He says softly, barely over a whisper.

Micheal gets up from his seat,digs through a near-by drawer before pulling out a small package of wipes and sits back on the other side of Alex, across from me.

"Did you know.." He uses one of the wipes and softly wipes down Alex's face "That he was wearing foundation to cover bruises on his face?" My held up tears finally break through as I see the black, blue, and purple bruises all over my baby's face. A sob escapes from my mouth and I move my hand to his cheek, rubbing circles over it.

"I can imagine those aren't the only ones he has. Have you ever seen him wear shorts or short sleeves?" Micheal questions and I shake my head.

His mother, The person who brought him into this world, Did this to him!!!! A wave of anger pulses through my being.

"Do you have any idea who would do this to him?" Micheal whispers.

"His mom!" I spit, my tone full of venom.

"Alright. Well, we need to report this to the officer once we get to the hospital. This is very serious." He states calmly.

"Yes. I know." My anger finally dissipates and I continue to hold my boyfriend's hand through the rest of the 30-minute drive.

********ALEX'S POV********

White.

That's all I could see.

White here. White there.

EVERYTHING WAS WHITE!!

Why am I here?! Shouldn't I be in hell or going through flashes of my life or something?

Suddenly I feel weird tingles. I look down and find white bandages appear, covering up my wounded arms.

What the hell?

"Alex?" I heard a deep, familiar voice call. I quickly turn around to find the person that I've cried for everyday and night since May 26, 2011.

"Dad?!" I hear a voice call.

Then realized that voice was my own.

Damn, my voice has changed.

"Alex! What are you doing here?" I run to his figure. I've never ran so fast in my life.

Jumping into his arms,I wrap my own around his neck and my legs around his waist.

Tears, sobs and whimpers leave both of us as we embrace each other.

Please please, please! Let this be real! Please let this be something that I can remember whether I live or die. Just let this last forever! I don't want to wake up, I don't want to wake up, I don't want to wake up! I don't want to wake up because I know once I do...This moment will end and I'll never be able to see my father again.

"Alex!" I can hear the tears through his speech as he squeezes me. My dad falls to his knees and slowly lets up his hold on me. We pull apart, though I'd rather stay together forever, and he rest his palms on my cheeks, Inspecting me.

"You've grown so much, My son." He says with a smile through his tears.

"I missed you, father." I sob. He pulls me into another hug and I cry into his shoulder, holding tightly onto his Dark Brown jacket.

"There's no need to cry." He pulls away once my sobs turn to whimpers "Papa's here, Baby bear." Another small sob comes out as I hear him use my childhood nickname. Only he was aloud to call me Baby bear.

I wipe my tears and smile back, before whispering "I love you".

"I love you, too." We get up off the floor and just hold each other.

This is what I've needed all my life. Just to be held and loved.

Weirdly I feel something wiping my face.

I pull away from my dad and lift my hand to my face. Then dad grabs it, stopping it from touching it's destination.

"Father?" I question.

Lifting his own hand to my cheek, his eyes fill with tears again. This time tears of sorrow. Suddenly he leans down and begins to sob into the crook of my neck.

I wrap my arms back around him and hold him close.

"Father, what's wrong? What's on my face?"

He pulls away and let's go of me. Holding out his hand, a hand mirror appears and he holds it up so that I'm able to see my reflection. I gasp as I eye my face.

How did my foundation come off?!

A wave of anger pulses through my being. I snatch the mirror out of the air where it was floating and smash onto the pure white floor.

"AGH!" I scream, tears falling non-stop from my Dark Brown irises. I lift foot to start stomping but I'm pulled back into a muscular chest held by strong arms.

"Son! Stop!" My dad struggles to hold me as I kick and scream. I don't even know why I'm doing this.

I'm so...Angry? Upset? Overwhelmed? Why am I acting like this?!

"Alex! Come on...Please, stop." Father whispered

"Don't let it take control. Fight it. It's not worth the pain and strife."

I slowly start to calm down: I stop kicking. I stop sobbing, but tears still continue to fall. Everything is quiet, until father continues.

"Please." He says "Follow me." His hold on me loosens and I'm able to rest my feet back onto the ground.

I turn around to face him. He gives me a reassuring smile before turning around and walking away. I follow quickly behind as our surroundings slowly change from white to a blur of different colors.

Soon our surroundings clear and I discover us outside of my childhood home.

We lived in a small one-story house while I was growing up, until my dad died

We lived in a small one-story house while I was growing up, until my dad died. Then, mom started using all of our money and savings on alcohol and clubbing. We were evicted not even 2 months later. Luckily, we were able to find a house we could afford, AKA. the broken down, abandoned shack.

We stood in silence, admiring the building. Finally father spoke.

"So many memories we shared here..." He walks up to the front door and opens it, I follow suite. As we walk in I see another version of my dad sitting at the coffee table in the living room. A 5-year-old version of myself sitting in my lap. I remember this day, it was the day he gave me my first hair bow of many.

FLASHBACK

3RD POV

"Papa! Lookie!" The young Alex proudly holds up his colored picture to his dad, who's lap he currently resides in.

"That is the most beautiful mermaid I've ever seen!" He takes the picture, stands up, and holds it up to the light as if he's closely inspecting it.

"It is?!"

"Of course!" He sets the colored page back onto the table "But I know someone who's even more beautiful..."

"Who?" Alex asks worriedly, also having stood up.

"Well...He's got short black hair and pretty Brown eyes." Alex's father describes "He's super cute and he loved to eat lots and lots of cookies."

"I love to eats lots and lots of cookies, papa!" The young one points to himself excitedly.

"So do you know who I think is most beautiful in the whole world?" The man lifts his arms up high for emphasize.

"ME!" His son screams, loudly.

"Of course it's you!" Johnathan, Alex's dad, lifts the boy up in his arms and hugs him tightly.

"Wheeeee" He squeals, delightfully.

"And I have a little gift for my little, beautiful Baby Bear." The father rests his son on his lap.

"What is it?" Pulling out a hair accessory, Johnathan holds it up and shows his son.

"WOW!" Alex exclaims, his eyes sparkle in joy. It was a large rainbow Floral bow hair clip.

He gently takes it from his father and observes it's charm.

"I love it, papa!" The older male takes back the hair bow and puts it into his son's hair.

"It looks perfect." He compliments.

"Thank you so much, papa!" He wraps his tiny arms tightly around his parent's neck and squeezes "I love you!"

"I love you too, Baby Bear." John hugs back.

Neither one of them noticing the schooling woman in the back of the room.

END OF FLASHBACK

A

LEX'S POV

"You were so supportive of me." I state with unshed tears.

"How could I not have been?" Dada answers without looking away from the memory "You were my one and only child. Whether gay or straight, boy or girl, feminine or masculine."

He turns to me with a sad smile and hold up his arms. I run int them as my tears escape their border. I squeeze my eyes closed, just relishing in his embrace.

"Unfortunately..." He pulls away and I open my eyes. We're now standing in the living room of Alexis and I's house.

"I was too blind to see that your mother didn't feel the same."

FLASHBACK

3RD POV

"I'm home!" 10-year-old Alex announced as he walked through the front door.

Setting his backpack by the front door, he walks into the living room.

"Mother?" He called out.

Where is she? The worried young one sat on the couch, criss-cross apple sauce, and waited for his mom to get home.

5 hours later

SLAM

Young Alex was startled awake from his nap at the sound of the front door slamming.

He looks up and discovers his drunk mother stumbling as she tries to walk over to the stairs.

"Mama!" Excited, the boy gets up from the couch and runs to her, engulfing her in a hug.

"What do you want, Little Faggot!" She screams and pushes him away, causing Alex to fall onto the floor.

"I just wanted a hug. You've been gone all day." He says as tears gather.

"I'm not gonna let a faggot like you hug me! You're an infected little shit!" With each word Alexis kicks, punches and slaps the child.

"Mama! Please stop!" Alex screams as he tries to stop the blows by holding out his arms.

"I am no mother to you!" She continues.

Punch after Punch, Kick after Kick, Insult after Insult is thrown at the boy as he tries to reason with his birth giver.

Finally 15 minutes later, Alexis gets tired and climbs upstairs to her room, passing out in bed.

Leaving 10-year-old Alex bloodied and crying on the floor.

END OF FLASHBACK

ALEX'S POV

"That was my first full out beating. I couldn't even go to school because there was no way to hide the bruises." I state, stray tears fall but I wipe them away.

"Oh, son...I'm so sorry you had to go through that." Father hugs me from behind pulling me to his chest.

"It's okay. I'll never have to go through it again. I'll just stay here with you." I turn to him and smile up at him.

"NO." He says firmly.

"What?! Wh-what do you mean NO?!" I exclaim in horror.

"Son, you can not stay here. I'm only here to encourage you to go back." He shakes his head.

"I am not going back." I say so calmly that it's menacing.

"Son, you have your whole life ahead of you. You can't give up."

"I won't have a life to live if I go back. She'll just beat me and beat me and beat me until she eventual kills me herself. I'd rather do it myself than give her the satisfaction." I turn and walk out of the house.

I don't know where I'm going, but I sure as hell ain't going back.

JOHNATHAN'S POV (AKA DAD)

I'm so happy to finally see my son after these 8 years. He's grown into a young man and I can never be more proud.

But, I don't want to see him in this circumstance. I don't want to know that the only reason I'm able to talk to my son is because he tried to end his life. I wouldn't be able to tolerate myself if I knew that I couldn't get my son to continue on living.

I run out of the house after Alex and catch up to him walking down the street.

"Son, I will not give up. Do you know how affected everyone will be if you died." I stop in front of him and put my hands on his shoulders.

"Don't you get it, father?! I have no one! No one would care once I died! I'd rather stay with you than go back!

You're the one person whoever cared about me." He whispers the last sentence as he gently pushes my hands off.

He then continues walking and I just decide to follow him. We end up at a tree in the middle of the woods, located in the park.

FLASHBACK

3RD POV

12-year-old Alex sat inside his tree as sobs and whimpers left his being.

I didn't mean to! I didn't mean to! I didn't mean to!He hit me, I had to fight back!

He was bullying me, what else was I supposed to do?!

END OF FLASHBACK

DAD'S POV

"It wasn't my fault."

Alex finally speaks

"Kwan bullied me and took my lunch. He punched me so I punched him back."

He walks into the tree and sits next to his younger self.

"I ended up giving him a nose bleed and was sent to the principal's office. I tried to explain myself but no one would listen because I refused to use words. I just used my dry erase board and they took it as an insult." He rest his hand on the head of the adolescent Alex and sighs.

"When I got home that day, Alexis was furious. Beat me into unconsciousness, once I woke up I ran here. Didn't go home or to school for a week and once I did, it was as if I was never gone in the first place. Alexis was still drunk off her ass and at school no one asked where I was."

Alex got up and walked back out of the tree, he stops in front of me and looks up at me. I gasp.

His eyes. Void of emotion.

He's gone through so much pain.

"Now, do you understand? If I went back I would have no one, but if I stay here I would have you. You're all I need." A spark of adoration and devotion flashes in his eyes.

Well...He's not wrong...maybe...Wait!

"What about Chris?" I question firmly as I change our surroundings "Your boyfriend."

Our background is one of his most recent ones. It being earlier tonight, when Chris sang for him at the talent show.

"I don't have him anymore." He scoffs as he folds his arms and looks down.

"Why not?" I gently take his hand.

"After what happened tonight?! After what he's seen? There's no way he's going to stay with me."

"Close your eyes." I simply demand.

ALEX'S POV

I do as father says and shut my eyes.Behind the darkness of my lids I see a quick flash of yellowish-orange and than black again.

"Open." I open my eyes and the sight frightens me.

My unconscious body lies in a hospital bed with an IV and breathing mask. My arms are wrapped up and there's a big purple bruise around my neck, where the rope once was. I can see my chest moving up and down slowly.

"Do you see?" Dad gestures to a figure sitting next to my bed.

It's Chris.

"What is he doing here?" I asks, legitimately confused.

"How do you think you got to the hospital in the first place? He brought you, to put it simply, saved your life."

"Why would he do that? After what he found out..."

"Because he cares. Chris loves you Alex. I know, after all that you've been through, it's hard to believe that someone would care for you as much as I do. But it's true."

I walk over to Chris' hunched over figure and bend down to see his face. Tears, tears and more tears. All over his face, his clothes and the floor.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

My death isn't supposed to affect anyone.

Chris isn't supposed to be crying.

Chris is supposed to be smiling all the time.

I don't want to see him cry.

I don't want Chris to cry.

Why is Chris crying?!

I reach my hand to wipe his tears

They won't go away!

Why won't they go away?!

Why are the tears still going?! I frantically try to wipe his tears

Go away! Go away! Go away!

Stop crying, Chris!

Stop crying!

Collapsing to my knees, tears start to also fall down my face.

I don't want Chris to cry.

I want Chris to be happy and smile.

How can I make him happy?

"Go back." I turn back to my father, still crying.

"But-"

"Alex, the only way you can help him is if you go back." Walking over he pulls his hand on my shoulder, spontaneously I close my eyes. Another flash goes and I open them back up.

We're standing in a tiny apartment.

"What? Where are we?"

"This is the result."

"Result of what?"

"Your death." Father walks forward into the small living room, I follow behind. We walk around the couch and stop in front of it. My breathe catches in my throat.

Chris, an older version of Chris, sleeps on the couch.He has a rough, scratchy stubble and his clothes are a mess. The rest of the apartment matches his appearance; messy, chaotic and unkempt.

A framed picture rests just under his hand that is hanging over the edge of the couch.

It's a picture of me in the hallway of our school, he had taken it without my knowing while I was smiling at him.

It's a picture of me in the hallway of our school, he had taken it without my knowing while I was smiling at him

(Just pretend the black shirt is long sleeve)

"He's depressed." Father states "He may have been young but he really felt like he was going to spend the rest of his life with you."

"Why? I'm not worth all of this." I sit on the couch. Chris' eyes have bags under them and he's so pale it wouldn't be surprising if he was sick.

"But you are. To him. To me." He sits next to me and pulls me into a hug "You're worth it to us and we love you. You're dimples, your eyes, your hair and even your button nose. Your independence, your love for reading, your love for mermaids and unicorns, and even your love for cookies. We love all of it and wouldn't trade you for the world. Because you are our world." The tears come down my cheeks but aren't of sorrow.

I'm crying tears of joy because I've never felt do loved.

"I love you so much, my son, but I'm not the one you should be with right now."

*FLASH*

"He is." I turn in the direction he points to, Chris is holding my hand and looking at my sleeping form. His eyes are filled with so much infatuation, passion, hope and desire.

"He really loves me..?"

"Yes, and he needs you to live." I take a deep breath, feeling like a new person.

"One month." I turn back to face father "I'll go back in one month."

"Why one month, Baby Bear?"

"Father, I haven't seen you in 8 years." I engulf him in the biggest hug "We have a lot to catch up on."

"One month it is then." He rests his hand on top of my hair.

Once we pull away, I walk over to Chris and place my hand on his cheek.

"I'll be back, my love. I promise."

*FLASH*

1 MONTH LATER

3RD POV

I never lost hope. I never gave up.

I kept believing in him and it paid off.

Yes, I'm driving 70 mph in a 65 mph radius.

Yes, I'm aware I could get pulled over.

And No! I don't care!!

He's awake! He's awake! He's awake!

It's all he can think about as he drives to the hospital.

I literally burst out of my Calculus STAAR test once I got the notice.

Chris pulls into the parking garage and precipitously break into a near by parking space. Jumping out of the car, he almost forgets his keys, he sprints into and through the entrance. Not wanting to use the elevator he runs down the hall to the stairs.

Racing up the stairs, Chris makes it to Alex's floor and down the hall to his room.

Good thing I'm in shape.

He pants a little as he catches his breath.

Here we go Chris, we're finally going to see Alex. After all this time.

He takes one more deep breath before reaching out to the doorknob and slowly turning it.

He spots Alex and stops to stare. Alex is sitting up on the edge of his bed with a full plate of chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk on his bed side table and chows them down as if he's a starving man.

Using the feeding tube really helped him gain weight, huh.

After eating another three cookies he finally looks up and sees the figure standing at the door.

Alex's eyes light up as he spots Chris and he quickly moves the wheeled table out of the way, careful not to spill his food, and jumps off the bed running to him.

"Alex!" He jumps into his lovers' arms and wraps his arms around his neck as Chris moves his to Alex's waist and catches him.

Chris cries because his love woke up, saving him from depression.

Alex cries because he chose life over death, preventing the doomed future.

They both cry because they were together again, and were never letting go.

Alex unwraps himself from the redhead and stands in front, looking up at him as he frantically signs.

I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't want to go on anymore! With my mom's abuse and the constant bullying was just too much!

"It's okay! It's okay. You don't have to worry about your mom anymore." Chris reassures him.

What do you mean? Alex stops and looks up at his love, confusion written all over his face.

"That night I took the officer back to your house and your mom was arrested."

Alex shook his head.

They need evidence. She always keeps the house clean of evidence of the abuse.

"Nope. She confessed to everything she did to you, in a drunken state."

Alex's eyes lit up.

Really?!

"Yeah. They just had to inspect you to find out if everything she said was true." The small male beams in happiness.

I'm finally free.

Free from the abuse.

Free from the alcohol.

Free from the unpayed bills.

Free from the excessive work hours.

Free from the broken down house.

Wait a minute...

Where will I live?!

Alex suddenly signs, slightly startling his lover.

"Oh! You're going to live with my mom and I!" Chris exclaims excitedly. Alex's eyes almost pop out of his head. Chris reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gold key with a white string tied to it.

"This is the house key." The older male puts the key over Alex's head and rest it around his neck

"Not only do you officially live with me but this also signifies the trust that we have in each other." Chris holds the key up for his lover to see.

I promise with all my heart that, no matter what happens, I will always come to you with my troubles. I will love you and tell you, at anytime, if I feel the need to do anything stupid again. I love you.

"And I promise, no matter what, I will always be there for you. Your thoughts, your emotions, your accomplishments, and your failures. Your insecurities, your scars, and your bruises. I love you" Chris squeezes the tiny male into a very strong hug that Alex quickly returns with almost as much force.

"So did they say anything about when you can get out?" Chris asked once they finally pulled apart and Alex walked back to his plate of cookies.

No, but they say that I need to be on suicide watch for about 2 weeks. Or until they see a drastic difference in my behavior and mood.

"Oh well, we can watch you at home."

Just then the doctor walks in.

"Actually, we can't let him go home." He intercepts.

"What? Why not?!" Chris exclaims.

"Suicide watch is put in place in order to keep the patient safe from self-harm."

"We can watch him! We'll take care of him!" Alex placed his hand gently on Chris' arm, immediately calming him.

"We will bring it up to your mother, but a lot of paper work needs to be done before anything happens." The doctor states, remaining calm.

"Okay...we can wait as long as needed." Chris turns back to face Alex and smiles at the little one munching on his cookies.

I'd do anything for him.

************************************

After much paper work, Alex was able to go home. Though, still under suicide watch, Chris never left his side. Hovering over him like a bee over a flower. Surprisingly, Alex never got annoyed.

In fact, as Alex slowly began getting better, their relationship got closer and closer. Soon enough, both boys were comfortable enough to become intimate.

Not long after, they finally made love. It was the best night of both of their lives.

Alex took his End-of-the-year finals and graduated along with rest of his Senior peers.

Both boys(now men), decided to go to Full Sail University together.

Chris studying Fashion Design and Alex studying Scenic Design.

They moved to Florida, after a very sad goodbye from Ms.Adams, and now live in a small apartment together.

It is now their first day of College.

***********ALEX'S POV***********

I'm so excited.

The first day of college.

I can't believe I've come this far.😊

"Babe!" I hear Chris call from in the living room

"Babe!" I hear Chris call from in the living room. Quickly grab my bag and exit our bedroom.

"Are you ready to go?"I nod my head and we leave out to his expensive ass car

"Are you ready to go?"I nod my head and we leave out to his expensive ass car.

We drive down to the college and I stare at the campus in awe.

I can't believe I'm actually going to the school of my dreams.

I think to myself as Chris parks and we get out.

"I'll meet you back here after, alright?" He walks over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I, once again, nod and we have a quick make out session against the passenger's door, before exchanging 'I love you's and parting ways.

I happily go through my school day, meeting new people, and getting to know my teachers.

I actually feel accepted here.

I smile to myself.

Suddenly, I run into someone and fall onto the ground.

"Oh my gosh! Alex!" I hear a voice exclaim. My eyes widen as I stare down at the ground in fear.

No! Nononono! Please, anyone but her!

I look up and my breathe catches in my throat.

Aiana Fay.

She once beat up one of my fellow twinks, I think his name was Schyler, the year before last and she was expelled.

No one ever heard of her again.

Before all that happened though, she would bully me.

Beating me up, verbally assaulting me, etc.

Ever since elementary school.

When she was expelled it made my school life so much easier.

What is she doing here? Why did she have to go here?! Out of all the universities and colleges, she came here!

"OMG! It is you!" She turns to her group of 6 friends(who are all guys), whispers something, and turns back to me, all of them suddenly bursting into laughter.

My eyes begin to water as I slowly begin to get up.

"Where do you think you're going, Faggot!" She screams before pushing me back down with one of her heels.

I whimper.

By now, the halls are vacant of any other students, teachers, or staff. All of them in class, offices, or working elsewhere.

"You know, I heard you're dating Chris Adams." She sneers "What made you think I would let you steal my boyfriend?!" She pushes her foot causing me to fall back onto my bottom.

I push myself back up onto my knees again and scowl up at her.

"What still got nothing to say? After all the year..." She leans down to my eye level.

I begin to shake in fear.

"What makes you think you can look at me like that?" She sneers again before motioning towards her friends. They start walking towards me, some of them cracking their knuckles.

My eyes widen in horror as realization hits me.

I plead with my eyes.

"Get him."

The next 30 minutes are filled with pain. I try to block them but I feel someone grab my arms and hold them above my head.

"Pick him up and bring him to the closet, boys. Then you can have your fun."

Many 'Hell yeah's and grunts of agreement are heard.

I'm pulled up by my arms and open my eyes, only to be blind folded by some cloth.

I struggle as I'm pulled down the hall and into a small room, the janitor's closet, and thrown onto the ground.

Someone climbs onto my back and ties my wrists behind my back, using what feels like a hoodie of some sort.

Lastly, my pants are pulled down, I begin to kick and struggle again, but I'm stopped by the person sitting on me putting their hand around my throat.

"Make this any harder and we won't hesitate to go after Chris too." He whispers into my ear as I hear several belts opening and zippers being unzipped.

I still my movements and stop struggling.

Go after Chris? I can't...I don't know...What do I.....

Just then my brain goes blank and I go numb.

I don't know how long it lasted, how many shafts were shoved down my throat, or how many times they came inside me. I begin to feel myself drift away from reality. My last thoughts being... I'm so dirty. Chris will never want me now. I've lost him.

**********CHRIS'S POV**********

Best Day Ever!! Though, I did spill juice on my shirt and had to change. Heheheh.

I think to myself as I walk through the courtyard.

I can't wait to hear how Alex's day went! I bet it was even better than mine.

Suddenly, I hear the doors of the building I'm walking towards open. I look up from my phone and my eyes widen as I see Alex run out of the building in a completely different outfit then when we parted ways.

What the hell?!

I begin to chase after Alex as he sprints down the street.

"Alex! Where are you going?!" He ignores me and runs quicker.

I pick up my speed and finally catch him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"Alex! What has gotten into you?!" He continues to struggle against my hold; kicking, hitting and even biting at me.

He successfully gets out of my grasp and spins around.

"Babe, Plea-" I try to plead with him as a few tears fall, he cuts me off by signing quickly.

Don't call me that! They're right, Chris. You're not meant to be with someone like me! Go find someone who's worth your love! He signs before breaking down into loud sobs and falling to his knees.

Kneeling down next to him and wrapping my arms around his waist, I do the one thing I know will work, to get him to calm down.

I sing.

"Are you ready to tell me what happened?" I look down at him and watch him sign.

You'll hate me. Before pulling himself back into a ball. I shake my head and lift his face from under his chin.

"I could never hate you. Baby."

You will for this.

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that." He begins to shake again "Come on, Baby. You can do it."

He sits up from off my shoulder and wraps his arms fully around his pulled up knees.

He suddenly begins signing rapidly, most likely trying to do it fast enough so I don't understand him. Luckily, I can understand everything he's saying.

I cant even describe how I feel.

Outraged, Resentful, Irritable, Furious, Livid, Delirious, Demented.

Alex had told me about this, Aiana, girl before and I swore that if I ever met her I would give her a piece of my mind (and fist) but this is a new low.

And those guys, I will find out who did this.

And I will make them pay!

**********3 YEARS LATER**********

*****ALEX'S POV*****

I wonder what's going on. I woke up this morning to an empty bed and an empty apartment.

All I found was a note sitting on the dining room table. It read:

Dear my love,

If you're reading this it means you have woken up and discovered me gone.

Don't worry, I'm just out getting ready.

At 12:00pm, my mom will come pick you up. She'll take you out for lunch and a day out on the town.

Then, she will take you to her apartment and have you change into an outfit that I designed just for you.

Once you're done she'll ring you to where I will be waiting.

I'll see you soon.

Love, Chris

I smile. I'm glad he reassured me of where he is. Last time he left without telling me, a few months ago, I ended up having an anxiety attack and cutting for the first time in years.

That's sweet. I wonder what he's planning? I feel like it's been forever since I've seen her. In reality, it's only been a few months.

I look up at the clock, above the table, and see it's 10:00. I go back to our bedroom, pick out an outfit and then get into the shower.

30 minutes later, the water cools and I get out before getting dressed and going into the living room.

30 minutes later, the water cools and I get out before getting dressed and going into the living room

I decide to skip breakfast and wait until Ms. Adams comes to get me. Turning on the TV, I sit my shoes on the floor next to my feet and begin to watch Sally Bollywood.

1 hour 15 minutes later

"Alex! I'm here!" Ms. Adams, Samantha, exclaims in a sing-song tone as she burst through the front door.

I jump, almost falling off the couch, and scream.

"Ms. Samantha, you scared the soul out of me!"

"There was no soul in the first place, and how many times do I have to tell you to just call me Samantha?" She dead pans and walks over, pulling me up she crushes me into a big hug.

"I've missed you so much!!"

"Breath...Air..." I gasps out. She releases me with a quick apology before she grabs my hand and excitedly pulls me out of the apartment. Luckily, I was able to grab my shoes before she did.

The rest of the afternoon was full of fun, laughter, memories, and jokingly making fun of Chris.

What feels like too soon, around 7:00, Samantha takes me to her small Condo and tells me to change into the outfit sitting on her bed.

I do as she says and look into her full body mirror.

Wow. Oh my gosh! He knows me so well.

I didn't think I could fall anymore in love with him

I didn't think I could fall anymore in love with him. Turns out, I was wrong.

I walk out into the living room, stilling smiling, Samantha looks up at me and gasp.

"What? Does it look bad? Do you not like it?" I ask anxiously.

Maybe it didn't as good as I thought.

"I'm so proud." She whispers as I spot tears gathering in her eyes "Chris made the right choice."

"What's wrong?" I walk over and hug her gently "Why are you crying?"

"Don't worry, they're happy tears." She hugs back before pulling back and wiping her tear streaks away. "Let's get going we don't want to be late."

"Late for what? Where are we going?" I look up at the clock and see that it's 7:25.

"It's a surprise." She states "From Chris. So lets go." She takes my hand and we exit the building.

30 minutes later

"Go hurry!" She lightly pushes me. I look up in awe at a path of candles. Ms.Samantha then gestures for me to continue walking. So I do.

I walk for about 3 minutes before coming to a clearing of trees and a lake

I walk for about 3 minutes before coming to a clearing of trees and a lake. Across the lake I see a dock with a canopy, table and chairs set up.

Across the lake I see a dock with a canopy, table and chairs set up

"Oh my god..." I stare in awe. I then turn at the sound of music starting.

Chris stood up on a small stage,wearing a Blue Tux and a microphone in hand.

Chris stood up on a small stage,wearing a Blue Tux and a microphone in hand

(Ignore the building. pretend it's more trees.)^^^^

"Alex..." He sighs, a little nervously "This is for you, Baby."

Then, he starts to sing.

Once the song ends, I'm sitting on the ground with my legs on each side of my body and tears falling down my face.

"Alex...!" Chris jogs off the stage and kneels down in front of me, pulling me into a hug.

"It's okay. I'm here. I love you so much." He soothingly rubs up and down my back.

"I...love...you...too...,so...much" I state between sniffles.

"God. I'll never get used to hearing your voice." He sighs, pulls back and wipes my tears "Why don't we go eat? I made it myself." I nod and he stands, helping me up.

We walk over to the dock and sit at the table.

We eat the meatloaf, corn bread and green beans he made.

Laughing, reflecting, and crying as he comforts me.

Once everything is gone, Chris takes out a tray of fruit with whip cream.

"Oooo. Kinky." I say with a wink.

"Oh my god, Babe." He laughs "Get you're head out of the gutter and follow me."

We walk up the near-by hill and stop in front of a huge tree where a random patch of concrete is.

Can he be anymore perfect? For what feels like the 50th time today, I stare in awe.

Can he be anymore perfect? For what feels like the 50th time today, I stare in awe

"Come on." He sets the tray down and gestures for me to sit down against the tree.

I sit by the tree, legs on the sides of my body again, and wait for him to sit.

Instead of sitting next to me, he kneels in front of me and pulls a small box out of his pocket.

"Alex, we have been through so much, but we've stuck together through it all. I can't ask for a more perfect person to spend the rest of my life with." Tears are already streaming down my face as my fist cover my mouth. "Look, I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee at one point, one or both of us will want to get out of this thing. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. Because I know, in my heart, you're the only one for me."

"Why...?" Is the only thing that I could get out, I'm surprised he was able to hear me.

"Because, as soon as you walked into my life, I understood why loving anyone else was so absurd." He almost whispers.

I nod vigorously, not trusting my voice, and practically tackle him to the ground.

He tightly hugs me back and I feel drops on my shoulder. Pulling back, I rest my hands on his cheek and smile though the tears. I wipe his tear streaks away and hold my hand out.

Taking the ring out of it's box, he shakily puts it onto my ring finger. Another sob escapes my smile as I stare at the engagement ring.

Another sob escapes my smile as I stare at the engagement ring

******2 YEARS LATER******

******2 YEARS LATER******

^^23-year-old CHRIS^^

^^^22-year-old ALEX^^^

^^^22-year-old ALEX^^^

***CHRIS'S POV***

Goddammit, Chris!!

Why did do that?!

I can't believe I did something so stupid!

******FLASHBACK******

(This was so hard to write)

"What the fuck were you thinking?!" I bellow.

Practically making the whole living room of our small house shake, on this early afternoon Saturday.

"I thought she was helping me!" Alex cries back.

"How could you be so ignorant?! To follow some random person into an alleyway!"

"She said it was a short cut! I just wanted to get home as quickly as possible! How was I supposed to know she would try to give me to some random druggie?!" He begins to get angry too.

"After all you've been through! You'd think you'd have the brains to at least TRY to not get into anymore trouble!"

"I escaped! You idiot!" He leans forward, bawling.

"You shouldn't have gone in the first place!" I pause as anger seethes through my veins.

"You know what, Alex. I'm through."

He wipes his tears and stands back up straight.

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"I can't keep dealing with having to take care of you all the time!" I walk up the stairs and pack a week of clothes and without turning, because I know he followed me, I continued

"I'm going to the cabin and staying there for a while."

"But what about Adam and Charles?! Ms. Samantha will bring them back tomorrow!"

"Goddammit Alex! Can you not handle 2 fucking 5-year-olds either?!" I spin around to face him "Maybe, if you didn't act like one yourself... then you could!"

"Chris, please! We can talk this out!" Alex chases after me as I walk towards the front door. He grabs my hand but I yanked it back. I lift my hand as if I was going to slap him and he flinches back, causing himself to stumble and fall.

We stay there and stare up/down at each other with wide eyes.

Tears descend down his face as he stares at me in shock and fear. Expressions that I never wanted targeted towards me.

'Oh, God...'

I walk forward to apologize but he flinches again before quickly getting up and running upstairs.

I hear our room door slam closed.

Sighing, I walk out the door without another word, get in my car and leave.

'I'll be back Saturday, Alex. I promise. I just need some time.'

TIME SKIP

A week later.

I enter the house, a bouquet of flowers in hand and an apology on the tip of my tongue.

I find my mom anxiously pacing the living room and our surrogacy sons, Adam and Charles, sleeping on the couch.

I find my mom anxiously pacing the living room and our surrogacy sons, Adam and Charles, sleeping on the couch

^^^Adam, Chris's child^^^

^^^Charles, Alex's child^^^

^^^Charles, Alex's child^^^

"Mama? What are you doing here?"

She looks up at me and her expression changes from concern to anger, in 2.7 milliseconds.

She storms over and slaps me as hard as she can across the face.

"How could you?!" She screams. I put my hand over my cheek and turn back towards her with tears in my eyes. Out of all my 23 years of life, my mom has never raised a hand to me. Especially after finding out what happened to Alex.

"Mama..." I whisper, trying to get passed my shock. I shake my head as I register what she said "How could I...? Mom, where's Alex?" I look up the stairs. 'Something isn't right'

"He's gone! Missing! No one can find him!" She stops screaming and takes a deep breathe after her voice cracks multiple times "I came to drop off the boys early on Sunday, but Alex wasn't here. The only thing I found was a note on the table explaining everything that happened. He said 'Tell Chris I'm Sorry' at the end and that was it. I called the police and they're doing everything they can."

She breaks down after finishing explaining.

'He's gone...? No... No. NO! NONONONONO!! This is all my fault!'

Tears cascade down my own cheeks and I bring my hands up, pulling my hair.

'I have to find him!'

"I'll-I'll find him, Mama." I kneel down and wipe her face with a tissue.I get up and open the door.

"You better. You fix what you fucked up, young man. Because if you don't, I'm taking the kids. They don't need to be around this kind of environment." She threatens, her southern accent very thick, before I'm able to leave.

"Yes, ma'am."

****END OF FLASHBACK****

I'm the worst husband ever. Where could he be?!

I drive through town, looking everywhere I can. My vision is blurred from not only my own tears but also the tears of the sky.

I pull over, not wanting to get into a crash.

I don't know where else to look.

Turning off the car, I groan and drag my hand down my face.

I suddenly , pop up out as an idea pops in my head.

How could I be so naive? It's so obvious!

I start the car again and make a huge U-turn, heading towards my destination, Walminton Park.

*****ALEX'S POV*****

Chris was right. I was so stupid to even think about following that woman, let alone actually doing it.

I lift my head from where it rest on my drawn up knees, wiping my tears I continue to cry.

I could understand if he never came back to me. I'm such a handful. Then there's the boys, Ms. Samantha could easily take them from me. I would have no one.

"Alex!" I hear a distant voice call "Please, Alex! Where are you?!"

Chris? What is he doing here? It's pouring, he's gonna catch a cold.

I crawl out from inside of the tree, and get up off the ground.

Not caring about the muddy remnants on my clothed legs, I look around the familiar surroundings. My unclear vision not helping.

I don't know which direction his voice is coming from.

"Alex! There you are!" I look his way and see Chris's tall figure running towards me.

I frown and also run towards him.

We meet half way and Chris pulls me into a tight hug.

"What are you doing here, Chris?! You're going to catch a cold!"

"I don't care! I had to find you!" I hear him begin to sob "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry, Alex!"

"You have nothing to apologize for." I pull his arms from around my waist "You were right...I think we should get a divorce."

"NO!" He falls to his knees "Please! Please, Alex! I'll be better! Please, don't leave me!"

"Chris..." My gathered tears spill "You don't have to change. It's me, I'm the toxin in this relationship. Once I'm not part of your family, You, Ms. Samantha, and the kids will be better off."

"Dammit, Alex! Please...I'm sorry. I love you so much! I can't live without you. We need you in our lives; Me, mom, Adam and Charles. We all love you and if you left, our family would fall apart. You make sure I get up on time for work and have breakfast every morning. You make sure to keep the house clean and the boys are given to mom at the right time, on the right days."

He sobs not looking up from the ground, the rain has subsided to sprinkling

"Even after all that you still have a stable job and I can't admire you more. The boys have someone to look up to. Mom has someone to rant to. I have someone to hold, love and live for.

Living without you would be a Hell that I wouldn't want to experience"

I cover my mouth as a waterfall of tears come down my cheeks. Falling to my knees, in front of Chris, I wrap my arms around his neck.

"I love you so much. Leaving was the worst mistake I've ever made. Baby, please." He whispers as the rain finally stops.

"I love you, too. So much, Chris."

TIME SKIP

3RD PERSON

The lovers came home that early dusk and was greeted with 2 half asleep 5-year-olds watching TV in the living room and an exhausted Samantha passed out on the couch.

Alex changed and put the little ones to bed as Chris set up his mother with a pillow and blanket.

After Chris changes out of his wet clothes, they climbed into bed, laying with Alex being the little spoon and Chris big spoon.

As Alex began to drift off, Chris began to quietly sing to him.

Alex fell asleep to the sound of his loves voice and the picture of a future in mind.

The last lines that the 22-year-old heard made him smile, a small smile.

"You're good enough for me, Baby."