DANNY ☻
- Past -

It rained.
Apparently it won't stop today. Small drops ran down the window pane while I was sitting at my desk reading a book. With headphones because mom and dad were fighting again.

I didn't know about what, but I don't care either, because it's fundamentally none of my business.
It's always the same with them.

Quarrels, doors slamming, sex and then they are like an unspeakable team again. I'm still pissed when I think about her not being at my graduation. That's where I spoke to Rachel for the very first time in my life.

A smile came to my lips at the memory. Did I mention I even have her number now?

Things are actually going well if it weren't for the fact that she's still dating Steve. Steve not seeing their worth.

I gritted my teeth and closed the book, because that was the end of the concentration. It's annoying because as soon as I started thinking about Rachel, I couldn't stop.

it haunts me

I've been toying with the idea that I'm a little crazy because obsession like this isn't normal anymore, but on the other hand... Aren't we all obsessed with something in particular?

Isn't it human to like something very much?

Sure, there's a limit, but as long as you don't cross it, everything's fine so far.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my brown hair, checking my phone next to my head. Not a single message. Not even from Noah, only with him it doesn't surprise me. He is visiting his family since he moved out long ago. His dad has cancer. A taboo subject. A knock on the door drowned out the headphones on my head and pulled me back into the here and now.

Not a second later Mom opened said door.

Her eyes are red, not surprising. Mom used to cry when she argued with Dad.

I put the headphones on the table next to the book and gave her a questioning look.

I hate dad for whatever he says to mom, hurt her or whatever.

Honestly, I didn't really know what the relationship was like between the two, but it's all there.

Physical violence, extreme sex, insults, declaration of love. A toxic relationship. Somehow mom can really feel sorry for you.

I'm definitely going to be better than my dad and if I can finally break out of hell here I will and never look back, cut ties.

"There's a girl here," Mom said, brushing her light blonde hair once.

A girl is here?

I frowned slightly, having no idea who she meant. No one except Noah knew where I lived. "Okay," is all I say to her before getting up from the desk chair and heading downstairs. At the front door, I recognized who it was as soon as I opened the door.

Rachel.
howled.
drenched.
Very beautiful.

do you know how beautiful you are even when you cry

Concern immediately showed on my face because this is the first time that she has come to see me here. "Is everything okay?" I asked.

She opened her mouth but made no sound. I didn't understand her.

Was Rachel Hurt?
What happened?

"Rachel," I said softer, gently pulling her wrist out of the rain. I don't care that she's soaking Mom's good rug right now. This is about Rachel.

"Steve cheated on me. I broke up," she cried.

Seeing Rachel cry breaks my heart.

I pressed my lips together before simply pulling her against my chest.

Protective, a haven. "How can he do this to me?"
That son of a bitch.