Jackson was the kind of boy who made your parents worry. He wore ripped jeans, had his hair layered and uneven, and had an eyebrow piercing. You were told to stay away from boys like him, because they're 'too much trouble'. But Jackson was nothing of the sort. He was 'woke', as he called it. He'd tell, or, teach you the things school and your parents tried to shelter you from. And, suddenly, you were aware.

It's not like he's emotionally draining you, or manipulating you. You'd seen too many movies to know this wasn't it. Your mom thought Jackson was only a phase, 'He'd be out of her life sooner or later' you heard her say to your father one night. But Jackson wasn't like that, you were sure of it! And his intentions were confirmed when you had lost your Grandpa. You had shut everybody out, even Jackson. After a while, he'd stop contacting you. And you thought your parents were right. Until the Thursday you returned to school, and he greeted you with the tightest hug you'd ever received in a long time. And then, he acted like the light after your storm, despite his dark attire.

You met up with Jackson last night, disregarding your parents wishes. You met up in the meadow where you always did. And he held you whilst you sobbed into his chest. "Just let it out. You don't need to be strong around me."