18+

XXXVI

Edward walks next to me.

We're both silent.

I'm contemplative.

That's twice now that we've been alone together and resisted.

I don't know what it means.

But I do.

And it terrifies me.

Edward sighs next to me, but I don't let myself look at him.

Our secret is still safe.

His bedroom door was locked, so his mother didn't walk in on us.

I'd had a heart attack on his lap, but his green eyes had met mine, bloodshot but calm.

Be quiet. They said.

She called for him, but he didn't answer and she gave up, her footsteps receding down the corridor.

Now he's walking me home.

I don't know why.

I don't ask.

Can't ask.

He's wearing a hoodie, obscuring his face.

We can't be seen together.

I don't know why he's risking it.

I don't know anything anymore.