The week was up, Jeremy had to back home. It made him sad because he would be away from his soulmate. He felt safe with Michael and his family. They were so loving and stable, unlike his own family and he didn't want to go home to that. He didn't want to go home to fighting and belittling. So while he was packing up his stuff into his duffle bag, Michael watched his soulmate sadly.
"Jerm, come here for a sec," Michael beckons. When Jeremy was facing Michael, he wrapped his arms around the blue eyed boy's lanky frame. Jeremy wrapped his arms around Michael, he just broke down in Michael's arms. Heavy sobs escapes his lips and shudders as he cries. Michael didn't care though, he let Jeremy cry. He needed it, he was sheltered for a week only to return to this hell.
"I don't wanna go home," Jeremy says muffled by his sobs and Michael's shoulder.
"I know, I know Jer, it was fun though this week. It wasn't the first time you'd stay 'll be more times." Michael whispers. Jeremy's sobs were quieted after a little bit into little sniffles. He looks up at Michael and smile. Michael lean down to Jeremy and capture his lips into a chaste kiss. Jeremy hesitated for a few seconds before he kisses back. They pulled back after a couple of seconds. Jeremy smiled again, and let go of Michael.
"Here I'll help you pack, then we'll go to Mcdonalds, sound good? Then I'll drive you home, the long way okay?"
"God you're so nice to me,"
Just as promised Michael helped Jeremy pack, they went to Mcdonalds and now they were sitting in Michael's car in Jeremy's driveway. Michael grabs Jeremy's hand and squeezed it, Jeremy almost melted at this because Michael always made him feel safe and secured
"I'll text you," Jeremy mumbles getting out of the car, dropping Michael's hand and taking his bag. He blew a kiss to Michael before entering his house. His mother and father were sitting in the living room.
"Did you have fun this week kiddo?" Jeremy's dad asked
"Yeah, it's always fun with the Mells," Jeremy smiled
"Oh come on Howard," Jeremy's mom whined rolling her eyes "was it better than being here with us?" she spat
"Actually, mom yes it was. Michael treats me like a younger brother despite being older than him. Ingrid and David treats me like I'm part of their family. They actually cared enough to ask me about my grades and how's school going," Jeremy calmly tells his mom.
His mother looks shocked but quickly regained her composure "Oh sure it was better than here," she snorts "They get to deal with my piece of shit son."
"If I'm such a piece of shit son, then why are still here?"
"Because your my responsibility"
"There's such a thing as joint custody,"
"Yeah yeah, or you could do better job,"
"For what? I literally do everything I can to make you happy but it's never enough. I get it I'm not good enough I never will be, but you know what I'm happy with myself mom. I don't have to impress anyone else because in a couple of months I'll be 18, and then I'll be leaving for college. I'll have enough money one day to move dad away from a monster of a women,"
"How dare you Jeremiah Joseph Heere. Do you see this Howard, do you see how he treats me,"
Jeremy's dad sighs and rubs a hand over his face
"Crystal you started this. You attacked him I'm not surprised at what he said,"
Crystal huffed and stormed off. Howard move towards his son and hug him. Jeremy leans into their embrace, wrapping his arms around his dad. A tear escapes and runs down his face.
"I'm proud of you son," Howard whispers
"Dad, there's something I have to tell you,"
"Go ahead Jer,"
"I found my soulmate,"
"That's great, kid, who's the lucky girl,"
"Boy...um it's Michael,"
"Are you two dating,"
"No,"
Later that night, Jeremy calls Michael to tell him he told his dad after a fight he had with his mom. Michael just listens because he knows this might of happen. After hanging up his mom came in his room.
"You really don't like it here Jeremy?" she asks sadly
"No I don't," he sighs
"Why?"
"...I rather not say,"
"Is it me,"
"...can we just not talk about it,"
"So it is me?"
"Yes mom it's you,"
She sighs and sits by Jeremy on his bed. He shifted uncomfortably. Afraid he'll be blame again for something he cannot control
"Well it's not my fault honey," she drawls
"Whatever mom, just blame me again. It's all my fault anyway, I get it. I'm not good enough for you, I'm a horrible son, I'm never going to find my soulmate because everyone hates me."
"No honey,"
"Yes, mom. You say that to me all the time. Don't tell me it's not true because it is,"
Sighing in defeat Crystal gets up and walk out of the room. When he was sure that she went downstairs he walks to his window and slips out into the dark of the night.
