Lion by heart [boyxboy]

Chapter 12

I tensed, gripping onto Benjamin's arms as pain shot through my body. My breathing quickened slightly while I gritted my teeth. It felt like someone was digging into my back with a tea spoon.

"August?" He called out groggily. I hummed, inhaling a sharp breath when pain shot through my body again as he moved.

"How bad does it hurt?" He asked quickly, running a hand on my back.

"Seventeen or twenty?" I mumbled.

"Out of ten, still, yes?" He continued. I nodded, squeezing my eyes shut when I felt tears prickle my eyes.

"It'll be ok." He whispered, "just try and breathe as deeply as you can."

I nodded, taking deep breaths. He started massaging my back gently, and it kind of made it better. The pain didn't last as long, that's for sure.

"How is the pain now?" He asked in a whisper.

"Better." I replied, opening my eyes.

"The pain is caused by your spine. And I know you know that, but I know why. Which in turn means I can look for a solution. Try at least." He explained, sitting up with me still in his arms.

"Are you ok?"

I nodded my reply, biting my lip. "Thank you." I muttered. He grinned, getting up.

"Well, this was fun. I wasn't planning on spending my night here. Plus, we never took care of that washing of yours." He chuckled.

"Yeah, we should go. Just let me get changed." I told him. He nodded.

"Meet you back here in 15?"

I agreed, getting up nearly falling to the ground. Thankfully, Benjamin was there to catch me.

"Is it still painful?" He questioned.

"Uh-" I frowned, "yeah, it hurts more when I'm walking. I just wasn't expecting it. I'll be fine." I reassured, trying to push him away.

He rolled his eyes, holding me tighter. "Let me help you. You really shouldn't move around so much after you were just in immense pain."

I huffed. "I'm tired of it. I'm always going to be weak, and dependant on others. I can't do anything by myself. It's just- I can't do it anymore. My family gave me away because of it. They hate it and they don't want me. I just-" I wiped my tears away, taking a deep breath, "ugh, this is stupid. We don't even know each other."

He pursed his lips, and stayed silent for a few seconds. "I'd like to get to know you though."

I rolled my eyes. "I thought you said you lived far away."

"I thought I said I was taking a break." He grinned. I chuckled.

He sighed, running a hand through my hair once. "It's hard taking care of someone with health problems. And I'm sorry your family wasn't strong enough to keep on taking care of you. It doesn't mean they don't love you."

I took a deep breath, nodding. "Yeah."

"Do you need help getting into the bathroom?"

I glared at him. "I'm not a child."

He snorted. "Aren't you?" He grinned.

I smiled widely, shaking my head. He chuckled, walking to the door. "I'll see you in a bit." I waved back, still smiling.

Alicia groaned as I looked for something to wear making me glare at her.

"Hurry up. We're gonna be late." She whined.