Don't Let Me Jump, Don't Let Me Fall

'Jack Barakat, you don't know me.' Alexander says, pulling out of Jack's grip and pushing himself forward.

Jack has never felt his stomach lurch so much.
He's never felt his heart pound as quick as it is now.
Before Jack knows it, Alexander's body starts to fall forward off the cliff.
Jack has never moved so quickly.

He leans forward raggedly and grabs hold of Alexander's jumper before wrapping an arm around his torso and pulling him back into the cliff.
He drags the young man away from the edge and keeps his arms wrapped around his small frame, as if protecting him.

'No! Let me go! Let me die!' Alexander screams, struggling to free himself from Jack's grip, the elder only holds him tightly,
'Calm down. Please, calm down.' He begs and Alexander starts crying.
Violent sobs echoing through the quiet air, all Jack can do is hold him.

He's never had to deal with someone so broken.

'Alexander, please, stop. I'm gonna take you home, okay? You need to be safe.' Jack whispers, making Alexander look at him,
'I don't have a fucking home. I told you this. I don't have a home.' He cries, gripping onto Jack's tshirt,
'Fine. Then you'll come to mine. I can't just leave you out here. You either come to mine or I have to take you to the police station.' Jack explains and the young man nods,
'Yours. Please don't take me to the police.' He begs and Jack rubs his back,
'Okay. You'll have to stay out here with me for a little bit, okay? The life guards will be here in about-' Jack checks his phone quickly, '-about an hour.' He says and Alexander nods.

Jack nods at the life guard when he walks round the corner,
'Who's that?' He asks, nodding towards the sleeping boy lying against Jack,
'His names Alexander. He tried to jump about an hour ago.' Jack sighs,
'You gonna take him home?' The life guard asks,
'No. He says he doesn't have a home but he's agreed to come to mine.' Jack explains, standing up slowly and lifting Alexander into his arms,
'Oh. Okay. See you tomorrow Jack.' The life guard says and Jack mumbles a good bye and starts walking off with Alexander in his arms.

'What's going on?' Alexander asks, waking up in Jack's arms,
'I'm taking you to mine.' Jack says and the young man chuckles,
'I can walk Jack.' He says softly and Jack nods, putting him onto his feet, 'Thanks for carrying me though.' Alexander smiles and Jack shrugs,
'It's fine. You're as light as a feather.' He says and Alexander chuckles,
'I always have been. I'm small built.' He says and Jack nods, smiling at him.

'So, tell me Alexander, why did you want to jump?' Jack asks as he sits down on his sofa next to the young man,
'Call me Alex. I, um, I came out as gay three weeks ago. I've been homeless since. My life's always been pretty rough. My parents weren't exactly the nicest family to have and I've never really had anyone there for me.' Alex sighs, running a hand through his hair,
'They kicked you out for liking guys?' Jack snaps and Alex nods,
'That makes me so fucking angry. If my kid came out to me I would be so fucking proud. Although, it's probably easier to come out as gay if your parents are gay.' Jack says and Alex raises an eyebrow,
'No way are you gay.' He chuckles,
'I am.' Jack shrugs,
'Damn. That was unexpected.' Alex laughs and Jack smiles at him.