Your parents weren't abusive. At least, not physically. Mentally. They belittled you, made sure to hit where it hurt, told everyine secrets that they knew would ruin you. So you stopped speaking. Made sure people couldn't use your words against you.

Then Aiden came. Loud, the definition of ADHD, and barging into the bubble you made. People thought he was crazy. Warned him about your parents, about you. Everyone was thinking the same thing. Who could like you? Aiden was the answer.

It started at a stupid football game your friends made you go to. He sat next to you. He yelled over the cheerleaders to make you hear him. Brushed your arm one too many times. And thats when he decided to become your best friend.

The days turned into weeks. He somehow switched his schedule to yours. Didn't mention it but just stayed. When you did finally speak, even if it was just to say hi, he was ecstatic. He wanted to hear more. More of your voice.

Four months in. Christmas. One of the days you hated. Your family didn't have presents for you, meaning you decided to walk around the neighborhood. Coat on, boots crunching against the snow. It was peaceful. Quiet. Until Aiden yelled behind you. You felt his hands grab his waist, feeling the cold skin through your thin coat. You shivered, he pulled you closer and spun you around to face him. That stupid grin. One you're slowly falling for.