When he was younger, Eli Goldsworthy had an apple tree in his backyard. It was perfect, really. In the summer it provided comfortable shade and delicious apples and, most importantly, an escape.

At nine, his life was pretty good. Sure, he was known as the smart, nerdy kid, and teased and bullied a lot, and sure, his father sometimes got mad and hit him, but Eli didn't think about all those things. To him, all that mattered was the undying love his mother held for his father and Alice Olson from down the street.

When all his friend's parents were divorcing, his mothers love only grew stronger. Eli was sure that nothing, not even his father's rage, would tear their family apart.

He loved a lot about that Apple tree, but the best part about it was the long, broad branches. Climbing trees was useful to him for a number of reasons. Not only could he escape the older kids who bullied him, but he could escape his father, as well. Plus, it was a perfect spot for reading books. However, it was up in that tree in which he tasted the first bittersweet drops of life.

It was from that tree that he watched his father push his mother down, take a gun from his dresser drawer, and shoot himself in the head.

Funny that, after the funeral, his grandmother came over and brought Apple strudel with her, in a sad attempt to cheer up her grieving daughter.

That day, Elijah Goldsworthy decided two things; Love was stupid, if you loved someone, they would leave, hands down, and he hated the taste of apples.

Would you like to know what's nice? Feedback. ;D I won't beg though. I was thinking in turning this into a two-shot, Eclare, obviously. Lemme know.