Goddard's Home for Troubled Teens

Val

I flash a smile, not saying anything.

Ryder

I study her before remembering that I asked her to come, "You okay?"

Val

I shrug, "I hurt, but I'm okay."

Ryder

I nod before swallowing and looking down.

Val

I watch him before nodding, feeling kind of weird.

Ryder

I glance at her, "I-I can't go back, can I?"

Val

I hesitate before pulling him into a hug, "If you can't, I won't."

Ryder

I hug her back, closing my eyes, "Don't do that. Not for me. I'm not worth it."

Val

I nod, closing my eyes, "Yes you are."

Ryder

I shake my head but don't say anything back, keeping my eyes closed.

Val

I don't pull away, burying my face in his neck.

Ryder

I can't get the images from before out of my head, something much like a slideshow taking place before my eyes. Swallowing, I tighten my grip around her and take a deep breath.

Val

I sigh and let him, "Dont leave me again like that."

Ryder

I open my eyes for a moment, glancing at her, before closing them again, "I thought they would find you, help you... I thought you'd be safer there than with me."

Val

I intturupt him, "Dont leave me."