If Tomorrow Never Comes

9 - Drowsy

Esme only got halfway down the road before she heard footsteps running straight towards her from behind. Esme's arms were folded firmly across her front and she was shaking viscously as the breeze brushed over her. Hands brushed against her goose-bumped shoulders. Cold, damp leather was draped over her shoulder and wrapped around her. Esme looked up to see Adrian in a slightly dirty white t-shirt folding against his abs. Esme took in a deep breath for a moment, glaring intently at his broad shoulders and biceps. She had never seen someone so muscular in real life. "Uh, oh, uh, yeah," Esme snapped herself back from her daydream, "thank you." She smiled at him as she felt his fingers rub up and down her arm faintly. She took note and looked down. They were both looking at Adrian's hand now, smiling slightly. "You're welcome." Adrian smiled completely making Esme's smile larger. She then thought back to Adrian's insult. Her smile fell and she shook her head turning away, continuing walking away. Adrian didn't hesitate to run after her, running around in front of her to walk backwards. The pair continued forward — in Adrian's case, backwards — "Listen, listen, listen," he said quickly placing his hands on her shoulders to stop her from walking. "I'm sorry ... and I mean it. I swear." Adrian gave her a look. Esme laughed but couldn't help but believe him.
"He's not sorry."
"He's gonna leave you like he did everyone else."
Esme clutched her head, stumbling forward into Adrian's arms. Adrian held her close to stop her from sliding out of his grip. "You need meds?" Adrian looked around, his eyes sparkling once he remembered there was a pharmacy not too far away. Esme nodded, her head spinning in circles like a dog chasing its tail and his tail is a sausage. Adrian thought for a moment, agreeing internally with himself. He let go of Esme's now crying frame and he crouched. "Hop on." He instructed her, looking back at her. Esme nodded, even though Adrian could hardly see her. She jumped up onto his back and he straightened his back. "It's not far, we'll be there in about half an hour." He told her as she breathed in his cologne, sweat and minty scent. "Sleep, you're tired." He soothed, walking with ease like she didn't weigh anything. Esme closed her eyes and went to sleep.

Adrian continued on walking, it had been about ten minutes. Ten minutes of walking down the symmetrical street. Ten minutes of silence. Ten minutes of thinking and ten minutes of coldness. Esme sometimes muttered things or stirred in her sleep but she hadn't screamed yet. Adrian had been looking at himself in the windows of cafes and shops and smiled at the image of Esme snuggled into his back. He wandered to himself why he was now being so caring to the girl as he had been such a dick to her in the past. He didn't quite know himself yet but he didn't quite mind being nice to people. He just hated getting close to people after the whole accident with his dad. He was sick of losing people after getting too close to them, so he kept his distance. He was brilliant at displaying hatred and selfishness but he never quite understood why a teen had changed his whole view of his actions. Sure, he hated it when she made a smart comment because they both knew she was right, but he was tired of the silence of loneliness. Esme wasn't wrong when she said about Adrian getting her pregnant because don't get me wrong, he did find her rather attractive but he could never get her pregnant due to her age. He would have sex with her but the awkwardness of their relationship and the little time they knew one another made the thought a little vile. "Adri .. a ... n mmmhh uh." Esme slurred, holding Adrian around the neck. Adrian didn't respond because he knew she was asleep but he couldn't help but let out a little, "sleep, Kid." Esme's head dropped down onto Adrian's collar bone, her wet hair pressing against his cheek. Adrian's head pressed against Esme's in affection. "I'm right here." Adrian muttered, continuing walking.