Thanks for those who reviewed last chapter it really helped get butt into gear to finish editing this chapter, I am so very sorry for the long wait. School and my new addiction to Supernatural did not help my writing at all (So many feels because of that shows season finally). Reviews help fuel my motivation, criticism makes me strive to do better.
6-19-12 beta
When Henry was seven his life was unbalanced.
After his mother's death, his home life became an unbearable nightmare for the boy. His father's drinking worsened to the point where Henry learned not to show emotion. His blank stares were the only obstacles that kept anyone from seeing how he truly felt and, in reality, what he truly needed in life: Acceptance.
He felt lost and alone. Few hopes in his life still managed to allow Henry to stay strong. He had the hope that he was able to see his brother every day and Henry had higher hopes that his dreams would take him to a better place.
However, the verbal abuse was quickly taking its toll on the seven-year old.
His void of emotion made teachers and other adults in his life cautious of him. Each person failed to bring out any signs of emotion out of Henry. This failure on both parties caused Henry to be alienated from the other children while he was at school.
Even after the incident with his father, that caused him to live with Walter, Henry still was unsure about people. Only two people in his life were allowed to be gifted with something as precious as seeing Henry with a smile on his face.
Henry was grateful that Alex made a promise to be his protector. The dreams that took him to his friend prevented any nightmares that would have come to him if he was a normal boy.
Soon the stability that came with living with Walter helped Henry become more open. His inner wounds were healing slowly. Alex made it his mission to make sure Henry was always happy when they left each other.
"Henry, what is your school like?" Alex asked suddenly as they watched shooting stars from atop of a grassy hill.
"Okay, I guess." Henry told him; unsure what would be the right thing to say to his friend, "there's a girl, a year younger than me, who will not leave me along."
"Ah, what is your girlfriend's name?" Alex was starting to enjoy teasing Henry more as their friendship grew. It gave a small indication that Henry was getting better.
"Eileen," Henry quickly answered without realizing the full meaning until he heard Alex's muffled laughter.
'That's not fair! She's just a friend," Henry complained.
"Sorry, you're just easy to tease," Alex told him, giving him a quick glance. He was still laughing
"Well how about you, huh?" Henry huffed; he was still not used to be teased by the other boy. For being his protector, Alex sure had an odd way of fulfilling it. "What about your friend Elle?"
Alex laughter soon died when he heard Henry's question, "She's just a friend, known her since I was really little."
Even if Alex could not see the different between the two girls, Henry did. He understood that he was not Alex's first friend. Elle also had a place in Alex's life and he knew that, but that did not ease the pain, that Henry didn't understand, build in the pit of his stomach.
"Still doesn't mean much; you still might leave me." Henry allowed his insecurities to shine through.
"No I won't," Alex boasted, trying to fix the situation that he didn't know about.
"And how do you know that?" Henry was not sure why he still feared abandonment from Alex. The haunting possibility that it might happen still hung over his head.
"Because Henry, I do not intend to leave you... So don't worry about it." Alex reassured his friend.
Henry's heart told him that Alex was telling the truth.
