ChloeNodding, he signaled with his hand for me to follow him. As Hayden led me through the large crowd, I tightly held onto his hand, fearful of getting lost. I observed his muscular back as he navigated through the people, receiving greetings along the way. My hands shook frantically, signaling the onset of a panic attack. I had hoped to drown my anxiety in alcohol, to forget and numb the overwhelming emotions. But here I am now.We finally made it out of the crowd, and I instinctively let go of his hand. He glanced at me but didn't question my actions. We climbed a flight of stairs, and there were bathrooms in front of us. Without hesitation, I hurriedly entered the ladies' bathroom. Inside, I silently released my pent-up emotions, suppressing my sobs so that Hayden wouldn't hear me. The fear of him reacting violently towards me lingered, and the mere thought of it terrified me. I'm too fragile for my own good. I yearned for a day when I could transform into the confident girl o
ChloeI tiptoed up the stairs quietly, careful not to wake anyone, especially my stepfather. Thankfully, I reached my room without a sound and tossed my bag onto the bed. After undressing, I treated myself to a long, relaxing bath, cleansing both my body and mind.Once refreshed, I changed into comfortable clothes and hydrated myself with water. I climbed into bed, feeling the fatigue wash over me as I drifted off to sleep, still clutching a pack of fruit snacks in my hand.When I woke up, it was almost eight, and panic immediately set in as I realized I was running late. Hastily, I scrambled around, trying to get ready. Despite my efforts, it was already nine by the time I was prepared, and I muttered a curse under my breath before rushing outside. As I sprinted down the sidewalk, I heard a car approaching from behind. Glancing back, I realized I didn't recognize the vehicle. Just as I was about to take off running, the horn honked, and the window rolled down."Come on," called Jake
ChloeI took this opportunity without any objections, not being able to hide the smile that graced my lips. Taking the keys from him, I made my way off of the court and toward the parking lot.I sat in his car, surrounded by the smell of my food and his air freshener. I ate quietly, enjoying the music playing smoothly from the radio.Sighing contently, I watched as he skillfully dribbled the ball on the court, his face unusually serious compared to the others who were laughing and smiling.Every now and then, he brushed his hair out of his eyes, sweat clinging to his forehead. Finishing my meal, I turned off the radio and stepped out of the car. I walked over to a nearby bin and discarded the empty container before making my way to the bleachers.Just as I was about to sit down, I heard my name called, and I looked up to see Leah and the others approaching. I was relieved they came to me instead of making me go to them.Kai and Leah greeted me with a hug, while Lilly rolled her eyes a
ChloeI stared at the person in the mirror as I slipped into my shoes, taking in my appearance. With long black hair and round cheeks that others often criticized, I appeared happy on the outside while battling inner turmoil.But it was time for me to mature and confront my fears, even though it was easier said than done. Sighing, I straightened up and examined my outfit-a leather high-waisted skirt with stylish buckles, a black spaghetti-strap top, and a mesh long-sleeve top. I completed the look with trendy black sandals.Initially feeling out of my comfort zone, I reminded myself to focus on the present after taking my medication. After placing my new phone in my black purse and stashing a few pills in a small compartment, I left my room and headed downstairs. As usual, no one else was home. I sighed, entered the kitchen, and poured a glass of water. Just as I was about to take a sip, I heard a knock at the door. I groaned, setting the glass back on the counter and going to answer
SlimI sat next to her on the cliff, handing her a cup of water. Surprisingly, my nerves relaxed as her fingertips unintentionally brushed against mine, and I resisted the urge to sigh in frustration. There was something intriguing about her. She exuded an aura of tranquility wherever she went, and it was slowly affecting me. She smiled at me, but her eyes didn't reflect the same joy. I could tell something was weighing heavily on her mind."Thanks," she said, her voice shaky with the impact of her thoughts. I could sense her anxiety consuming her."Hale," I called, looking at her, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the calm waters below."Chloe."Sighing, I placed my drink down beside me. I shouldn't be drinking, considering what lay ahead of us tonight. I had some reservations about bringing her here, as the outcome could be dangerous. I gently placed my fingers under her chin, turning her face towards me. The furrow in her eyebrows clearly indicated her distress."What's bo
ChloeWhen I finished changing, I stumbled back outside on my shaky legs before collapsing onto my bed. Hayden leaned against the corner wall, and I glanced over at him. His silver eyes sparkled under the soft glow of moonlight seeping through the cracked curtain."I'm leaving," he said, nodding at me, and fear immediately gripped me again."Hayden?" I called out, and he paused, turning his head slightly to the left, silently acknowledging that he was listening."Can you... stay? Just until I fall asleep," I asked hopefully, and he remained silent for a while. The sober me could never make such a request. Then he sighed and walked over, slipping out of his shoes and lying at the bottom of my bed."Thanks," I said quietly, yawning as I looked down at his face. He appeared emotionless and unfazed by the world.I wished I could be like that. My heart pounded harshly in my chest, and my hands shook violently as I recalled the events from earlier. He had been so cold, and it scared me. He
Chloe The door swung open in the middle of another question, and both of us looked up to find an obviously angry Hayden entering the room. He was dressed in black sweatpants with a single white line on each side of the legs. He paired them with a matching black shirt and jacket, adorned with lines along the sides of each arm. A black beanie with a single white Chinese symbol rested on his head, and his hair was neatly braided into six plaits that cascaded down on either side of his head. Silently, he approached the couch where I was seated, not acknowledging anyone's presence. The therapist smiled and greeted him, but his eyes snapped to hers with a cold gaze."Good Morning." The Therapist greeted him."It's really not," he replied, causing her cheerful smile to fade. I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at her reaction, and she sighed before handing him a paper."I need you to fill this out for me," she said, placing the paper and a pen at the edge of her desk. He glanced over at
ChloeI knew I would be late for my next class. I had dozed off while waiting for my first class to end, and strangely, I didn't mind. I felt drained and weak, overwhelmed by depression and anxiety as I walked down the empty hallway. Maybe I should call my brother to come pick me up, but he had classes of his own. Sighing, I looked down at my feet while walking, but I stopped abruptly when I noticed a pair of pink heels in front of me. I looked up and took a step back as my eyes met the green gaze of our school's biggest bully, the Queen Bee. Behind her stood two of her friends and her boyfriend, the quarterback of our school's team, who carried himself as if he had been crowned Miss Universe."Hey, Chloe. I have a desperate question for you," she said with an innocent face, and I looked down, feeling uneasy."What's your diet plan? I really need to start doing whatever you do to look this fit," she told me, and I frowned."Fit? More like fat," her boyfriend chimed in, and I sighed."
ChloeI sat on the floor of the apartment, surrounded by papers and pictures, as tears streamed down my face. The sound of my sobs reverberated through the room, and as the sun set, its gentle glow filled the space.Aiden, seated across from me, cried out in his own anguish. His little voice cracked, and I knew he needed comfort just as much as I did. Summoning all my strength, I crawled across the floor, unable to stand, and reached out to pick him up. I brought him close to me, holding him tightly against my tear-soaked chest. Slowly, his cries subsided, and he nestled his head against my neck. Gazing out through the large window, I looked at the city sprawled before me. "Why do you look at me like that?" I asked, lifting my gaze from my cup. He shrugged, momentarily averting his eyes."You're beautiful," he said, sliding his hands into his pockets and leaning against the doorway. "Even if you don't realize it.""You're just being nice," I replied, playfully pointing my pinky fing
SlimI stared down at her, waiting for her to speak. Her eyes widened just a bit, and I knew I caught her off-guard. But as she laughed, I raised an eyebrow."That," she paused to laugh. "That was smooth," she said, pulling away from me as she laughed.I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back against the railing, waiting for her to sober up. As untimely as this was, it amused me how she could laugh in serious situations. It seemed like the only time she was genuinely happy."Okay, okay, let's try this again," she said, still giggling, and I rolled my eyes, taking her hand and bringing her closer to me. I lifted her chin, lowering my lips to hers before moving them to her ear, shifting some hair out of the way."Does it make any sense," I started, letting my hand slip further down her back, "if we both already know the answer?" I finished, watching as she shivered.Slowly, the moonlight revealed the dark tint of red on her cheeks, and I chuckled, tilting my head back and staring
ChloeGlancing back at Aiden, who was sleeping soundly in his seat, I wondered how we would manage taking care of him while attending school. Hayden was right. We were just kids ourselves, and now we were responsible for another child. Hayden paced outside, conversing with the person on the other end of the call. Though he spoke calmly, the slight clenching of his fist revealed his underlying tension. Finally, he ended the call, walked to his side of the car, and got in. Silently, he pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the street, occasionally glancing at me when he felt my gaze upon him."Are you okay?" I asked, concerned. He sighed, shaking his head. I decided not to press him further, turning to face him and leaning against the door, taking photos of him without his knowledge. At a red light, he glanced over, his expression blank. I laughed."The apartment is all set up," he informed me, and I realized that we were heading there instead of to the college.I nodded, marveli
ChloeI dragged him down to the parking lot where his car awaited, and he unlocked it, holding the door open for me. I smiled and slid into my seat as he closed the door. Then he walked around to his side, briefly checking his phone before getting in and looking at me."I want to take you somewhere," he declared, his eyes mesmerizing me. And somewhere along the way, I managed to ask my question."What about the others?" I inquired, and he rolled his eyes, shrugging."I don't care," he stated plainly, and I burst into laughter, trying my best to maintain composure. Once I sobered up, I took out my phone and called Kai."Hello?" he answered."Hey, Kai," I began. "We'll see you guys back at the dorm," I told him."Okay. Why? Are you guys going to f-" "Kai! Leave the girl alone!" Leah yelled in the background. I couldn't help but laugh, covering my mouth, and heard them on the other end joining in. Then there was shuffling."Chloe? We're going home once we leave here. But we'll be back n
ChloeAfter he left, I stepped into the shower, feeling the cold water wash over my body, instantly relieving the tension in my muscles. With each breath, I could feel myself relaxing, ready to continue my shower. Once I finished, I wrapped myself in a towel and walked out into my room. I noticed Hayden sitting on my bed, engrossed in something on his phone. As I entered, he placed his phone next to him and rubbed his hands together before leaning back. He silently watched me as I grabbed some underwear, his eyes following my every move. I casually placed my bra at the bottom of the bed and proceeded to put on my underwear. Just as I was about to reach for my bra, he intercepted it, tossing it next to him. I rolled my eyes at his playful gesture."Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. He smirked mischievously, patting his lap.I shook my head, chuckling, and he rolled his eyes as he sat at the edge of the bed. Then he sighed, picking up the bra and holding it out to me. I nai
Chloe "Hale," I heard him call. My eyes slowly opened, fluttering as they adjusted to the sunlight.Once my eyes were fully open, I looked up and found Hayden standing in the doorway. As I shifted slightly, my body felt as though I had run an entire marathon."Yes?" I replied, sitting up and watching as the sheets fell onto my lap. I was covered by one of his shirts that I had stolen, and I slid out of bed, making my way to the bathroom.I looked back at him, waiting for him to speak, but instead, he leaned against the door frame and smirked at me as I forced my legs to work properly. Rolling my eyes at him, I entered the bathroom and began brushing my teeth. Today was Saturday, and I planned on spending it sleeping."The others are coming," he said.Or not."When?" I asked, looking up at him in the mirror, and he smirked, walking over and placing his hands on my hips."A few minutes," he said. "But that doesn't matter," he finished, shifting some hair out of the way before placing a
Chloe My phone began vibrating on the nightstand, and I managed to pry his arms off me before standing up and walking over to pick up the phone without even checking the caller ID."Hey," I heard a familiar voice say, and I smiled."Hey, Daniel," I replied."You didn't even tell me goodbye!" he exclaimed, and I felt a pang of guilt before bursting into laughter."I'm sorry, but you weren't answering," I explained, and he sighed.Arms encircled my waist, pulling me back into him, his head burying itself in my neck. He placed a single, open-mouthed kiss against my skin, causing me to melt."I want to come visit you," Daniel said from the other end of the line, and I was about to respond when Hayden's hand started sliding down my body.I tried to push it away, but he smirked, his hand trailing lower. Just as his hand reached the waistband of my pants, he turned me around and pulled me flush against him."Chloe, are you busy?" Daniel's voice echoed, and I was about to respond again when
Chloe I woke up to slight movement in my room. Slowly, I opened my eyes and found Hayden sitting at the edge of my bed, his phone in hand. Sensing my gaze, he looked over at me, and in an instant, he laid down on top of me."I have classes right now," I informed him, attempting to push him off, but he merely buried his face in my neck. He didn't say anything in response, and I sighed, reaching up to pinch him. Without even looking at my hands, he pinned my arm to the mattress."Just stay in bed," he murmured into my neck, resting his head there. I rolled my eyes at his request. In a swift motion, I lifted my knees and used my free hand to push him off. Knowing that he allowed me to push him away, I swiftly got up and moved away from the bed as he tried to grab hold of me."My education is more important," I reminded him, and he rolled his eyes once again, crossing his arms behind his head, observing me as I made my way into the bathroom.Entering the bathroom, I welcomed the warmth o
Chloe "Hey!" He answered cheerfully, and I smiled."Hi, Kai," I greeted."Do you like your new college?" he asked, and I sighed."I did, until I realized who my roommate is," I told him, and he laughed."No way," he exclaimed, sounding like he was eating."Yes. Did you know about this?" I asked."I didn't. Otherwise, I still wouldn't have told you," he admitted honestly, and I sighed, laughing a little and shaking my head."You're such an asshole, Kai," I told him, and he snickered."A bloody good one, innit?" he replied, attempting a horrible British accent, and I laughed."Goodnight, Kai," I said, and he chuckled."Goodnight, Chloe," he replied, and I heard him kiss the phone screen, making me laugh again.Ending the call, I placed my phone on the nightstand and went to bed, eager for this day to be over.~It had been a while since I last saw Hayden. In the mornings, we would pass each other without a word, but I would catch him staring at me. However, his demeanor was always cold