Healing Hearts

Chapter 1

Note: Characters and story created by me, cover art made by me using a base drawn by Miss-Black-Rose18 on DeviantArt. Thanks for reading~

The bandages wrapped about my hands begin to fall away every few steps. I tuck them back in precariously, wincing slightly at the pain beneath from my extensively biting them. I can't help it, it's just a nervous habit I guess, brought upon by the constant yelling and mental torment. My mind drifts off to the previous night...

"NEKO!!!" my mothers harsh shouting emerged from the stairwell. "YOUR REPORT CARD CAME IN, YOUR GRADES ARE FALLING." As her footsteps fell further and further downstairs, I could hear her mumble something to my father. I couldn't make out everything, just phrases; "not worth it", "useless", "no good", and the usual "mistake".

The tears well up in my dark eyes again, I try to hold them back as best I can. I am going to see Aidin after all, I don't want him to see me cry. I tell him everything, he's the only person I trust. He's 16, a year older than me. With a strong build, dark wavy hair, and deep piercing blue eyes, he's quite the guy. There are a lot of people who want to be friends with him, but for some reason he only seems to hang around me.

But that's probably just my niave mind, I suppose. Haha, I'm probably the least of his priorities. Just the scrawny kid, pale silvery hair and plain brown eyes. Nothing special, except my special level of problems. Aidin always listens to me though, it's so comforting and he's the best friend I could ask for.

Before I know it I'm following the cobblestone brick path through the old park and into the forest. Its where him and I go to talk, it's quiet and nobody ever goes that deep into the woods. My footsteps are peacefully quiet upon fallen autumn leaves, and the air smells like last night's rain. I see the corner where I usually turn right and see Aidin waiting for me, but for some reason I abruptly stop. Shakily, I look down at my hands and start to panic.

"Oh no... oh no no no...." a tear rolls down my cheek. "He's going to know... he'll know I did it again when he sees the bandages... he's going to be disappointed in me...." My shaking intensifies, my breathing quickens and more tears softly trail down my face. I lean against a tree right at the corner and halfway collapse. By now I think I'm hyperventilating, and in a panic I run the other way. At that moment, something stops me in my tracks.

"Neko, stop stop it's okay, calm down." I look up from the corner of my eye and Aidin is holding me still, his arms wrapped around me. I try to pull away quickly, and as he holds me firmly I give up and simply cover my face so he cannot see me cry.

"Neko are you crying? What's wrong?" Aidin's voice is soothing, and I calm down just enough to speak shakily.

"I-I know you'll be... disappointed in me..." I bury my face in his chest. "I'm sorry..." I feel Aidin's arms stir and he takes both of my hands in his, I look down at the ground. I feel him softly stroking my hands, and I look up slowly. He looks unbelievably sad, peering down at my bandaged hands. Aidin looks into my eyes and speaks in a soothing tone.

"Neko, I'm sorry I couldn't help you." He brings my hands up to his chest.

"It wasn't your fault Aidin... it's just a habit. I can't stop. But you're always there for me." He looks hopefully into my eyes, and pulls me close to his chest. I am still for a moment. Then in one quick move, I wrap my arms around his shoulders. We stay there for a while, it feels like forever. He's just so comforting, his light breaths on my neck and his strong arms around me making me feel protected.

"I don't deserve a friend like you Aidin..." I say softly. For a moment Aidin feels tense, and he pulls away slightly.

"Neko..." Aidin looks deep into my eyes, I feel almost entranced. "I... I don't know how to say this..." He looks away slightly, towards the ground.

"Aidin" I insist. "You listen to me all the time. You should know you can tell me anything. What is it?" He raises his eyes to mine once more.

"I... I don't want to be your... 'friend'..." I am confused and scared. Is he ditching me? He does't want to be friends with me anymore??

"I-I... I don't understand... what do you-"

Suddenly my breath is taken right from me, as Aidin pulls me close and kisses me.