I'm Falling to Pieces

Axel was quieter than usual on Friday, which really got me curious. He’d only spoken two words to me when we got together after school.

“Come on.”

I figured I’d better keep quiet. He took my hand and took me in an unfamiliar direction, away from the park, which is probably where my curiosity peaked because it’s where I decided to open my mouth again.

“Where are we going I thought we were going to your h-“

“Just go with it, please?” He said, giving me a reassuring smile, I nodded.

After about 10 more minutes of silent walking.. or dragging, as he seemed to be in a rush, we finally arrived. We were standing in front of an old tire swing, tied to a large, almost bare, oak tree. I looked down at the leaf covered ground, shuffling my moccasins, Axel was still quiet.

“My mom used to take me here…when I was a kid.” He said finally, “I thought you might like a swing.”

He smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back .

“Oh? A little too old to be bringing your mom here?” I joked, His expression became serious.

“She died when I was ten…” He trailed off, I put my arm around him. “Since then, it’s just been my dad and I, he doesn’t really give much of a shit about anything anymore.”

“Axel I-“ I started.

“It’s better that you know, Bri… I was a dick to you.” He took both my hands in his. “Ever since she died, and my dad stopped being happy, I- I cut myself off from all my emotions. I just figured, what the hell, right?” He explained. “But, now that I’ve met you, I realize that I was very wrong, and I’m sorry if I hurt you, because I never meant to.”

I looked up at his beautiful eyes and took a deep breath; he’d just cleared up so much in my mind. Though, I certainly was surprised that he’d just opened up to me like that. “I understand babe,” I replied finally. “If there’s anything I can do…”

“Well, you could let me push you on the tire swing.” He said, almost instantly perking up.

“Gladly.” I said, walking over to the swing, and sitting myself on it. Axel walked behind the swing, stopping for a minute to lean down and kiss me sweetly. He then began to push me on the swing, I giggled, and so did he. At that moment, I was certain that his laugh was the only sound I could listen to forever.