"Everyday for me is a battle to survive. Fighting both my internal and external demons for a chance to live. I wonder if someday I might lose the fight"

❃ B l a z e ❃

The rest of the car drive was enveloped in an uncomfortable silence. I didn't know what to say, so I didn't bother. After some time, Rafael turned up the music and Chase Atlantic blared through the speakers.

He bopped his head along the beat and it was quite funny to see him act like a carefree teenager for once. Even when he was joking, there was always an underlying current of emotion that he tried so hard to hide. Takes one to know one.

When he noticed me staring, he turned towards me and said "Like what you see?". His cocky grin was plastered on his face. I scoffed "You wish" but the butterflies inside my stomach were fluttering around like a damn tornado.

He pulled up to a massive mansion. It was double the size of Aiden's and that was saying a lot. I knew he was well-off but this was still a surprise. I had no money to my name yet and I couldn't afford a car. I wouldn't get my parent's money until I was of age and the money I got right now was from Aiden's parents.

Aunt Mary was always a frugal woman and I never expected anything from her. I always tried to refuse the Marshall's money but they always treated me like their daughter. Now that they lost their biological daughter, I couldn't find the strength in me to refuse. Even our living arrangements were quite questionable but I didn't argue. I never knew how I could ever repay them. I was planning on getting a job soon. It seemed like I was always trapped in a vicious circle that I was desperate to get out off.

Rafael stepped out and opened my side of the door. "Quite the gentleman, but I can get my own door" I jokingly chided him. He just chuckled out loud and helped me walk, putting his arm around my waist. My skin ignited at his touch and the butterflies were on a rampage.

I pushed away the strong emotions and kept a neutral face. I wouldn't be able to focus my mind if he kept on touching me. I took in the manor in front of me, if that was even a suitable word. I was scared to enter the front door, knowing that clumsy me would probably end up breaking the doorknob or tripping on the doormat. Rafael walked up the front steps with me in tow.

He opened the door and the interior was just as magnificent, if not better. My jaw dropped open in awe as I drank in my surroundings. Rafael seemed uninterested considering this was his home, but he looked amused at my reaction. "The house is incredible" I murmured. Rafael just gave me a look and scoffed, "Even the strongest exteriors have their cracks, Princesa". His cryptic words were making the gears and cogs in my brain turn and I just wanted to figure out the mystery that was Rafael Hernandez.

Before I could answer, I felt a pair of arms engulf me in a bear hug, crushing my broken body. A waft of vanilla and peaches surrounded me and I knew it was Bree. Her hugs were bone-crushing. Literally. "What the hell happened to you?" Bree shouted in my ear and I grunted in response. She would choke me to death at this point.

"Bree give her some room to breathe. Stop acting like a polar bear on meth" Rafael muttered ignorantly. I couldn't help but laugh at his statement but Bree gave him a glare that could battle his own. The twins could be seriously intimidating, if they wanted to be.

"I'm sorry but I was so worried about you. This dipshit" she pointed to Rafael "wouldn't give me any answers. He just told me he was bringing you home. God help me, I would've smacked him through the phone if it was possible". Bree seemed to be on a rant and it was plausible considering my current state. Rafael just rolled his eyes and stalked off to another part of the house, presumably the kitchen.

She turned me towards an extravagant living room. She pulled me down to one of the leather couches to talk. "He was livid when Travis called" Bree informed me and I cocked an eyebrow. "He's really protective about you, B" Bree genuinely said and I felt warmth spread throughout me. I noticed just how similar her and Kiara were and I wished Kay was still here. It felt good to actually have people care about me.

I narrated the whole story to her and she was pacing around the room in anger once I was done. I wondered what would happen if I told her the truth. "Travis already checked for bleeding and other head injuries when you were unconscious on his backseat, and there wasn't any bleeding so he took you home. I still wanted him to take you to the hospital, but you're fine as far as I can see. You were muttering something about no hospitals. Raf gave you the painkiller, right? Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital, though?" Bree rambled and worry lines etched her forehead. I shook my head.

Going to the hospital wasn't a viable option. "Do you remember who mugged you?" Bree asked and I saw anger flash through her eyes. She looked so much like Rafael in that moment. "No I don't, and there's nothing to do anymore. You can't go on a wild goose chase for some random strangers who mugged me" I firmly told her but she was still angry. Bree was like a firecracker. She sharply nodded her head and sat down next to me once again.

Rafael came back with a glass of water and some muesli bars. "My idiot twin still hasn't made dinner so I got you some muesli bars until we figure out what to order" he said while shooting Bree a deadly glare. Bree just sheepishly grinned. "Mariana called at the last minute to tell me she wasn't coming in" Bree said and I guessed Mariana was their cook. Of course they had a cook.

Rafael ignored her and gave me a once over. He was checking to see if I was alright but it made me uncomfortable nonetheless. "I don't want the bars" I told Rafael but he gave me a sharp look. "You're eating something right now, whether you like it or not" he stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

I glared at him but grabbed a muesli bar anyways. I nibbled on it as my appetite had died down. I couldn't stop thinking about Aiden's fists raining down on me and I shuddered. Nobody noticed my discomfort.

"What do you want for dinner?" Bree asked and I just shrugged my shoulders. It wasn't really my place to decide, I was a guest after all. "Come on B. Don't feel shy, Raf will order Chinese and I want Pizza. You're the tiebreaker" Bree smiled but gave a challenging stare to Rafael. He just smirked back. After a moment's hesitation, I spoke up. "Pizza sounds fine" I grinned. Bree lunged for a hug but stopped short when she saw my battered state. One more hug and I'd be wheeled into the ER.

Rafael grimaced "I thought you were on my side, sweetheart". I gave him a sheepish grin. "I can't say no to Pizza". He just grinned back and we stared at each other until Bree cleared her throat. "As much as I would love to see you two mess around with each other, I'm still waiting for my Pizza. Chop-chop Rafael" she leaned back onto the couch and waved her hand dismissively.

I stifled a laugh at the look on Rafael's face. Rafael scowled at her but Bree just folded her legs and gave quirked an eyebrow. She was the bossy one out of the two. Rafael left the room but not before asking my order. "A Pepperoni Pizza" I simply said. "That's the most basic pizza order I've ever heard" he stated and gave me an amused look. "To each their own" I deadpanned and Bree laughed while Rafael just looked at me with a glint in his eye. He exited the room to order the pizzas while Bree and I lounged around.

"I think we should give your boyfriend a call" Bree muttered as if it was the last thing she wanted to do. "Go ahead". I knew for a fact that almost everyone, except me, knew that Bree and Rafael were twins.

I had lived under a rock for the past year, but Aiden hadn't. He knew all about it. I worried about his reaction. Bree called Aiden from my phone and he picked up after a few rings. "Where are you?" was his first greeting and his voice was a low octave.

Bree took it all in stride. "Listen here, you prick. While you were out doing God knows what, Blaze got mugged by some guy. Now, If you cared enough to check up on her, you might have had the right to ask that question. Sadly, you don't. She's staying with me for the night and don't worry, I'll take care of her for you, even though you don't give two shits about your beautiful girlfriend" Cue for me blushing. Bree went on ranting and it felt really nice to be fought for. Don't get used to it, a voice inside me said and I knew it was right. Bree didn't let Aiden get another word out and she hung up. I saw her smile and then she began laughing loudly at what just happened. I couldn't help myself and the both of us were a cackling mess in a couple of minutes.

Rafael entered the room shocked at the ruckus we were creating when he heard us laughing like hyenas. His eyes held a certain twinkle as he joined in once Bree narrated the story and the three of us were gasping for breath and laughing over the silliest of things.

We decided to watch a movie, and another thirty minutes were spent bickering over what we wanted to watch. I had no objections other than a horror flick. I was scared shitless whenever I watched one. Rafael wanted to watch a horror movie nonetheless and Bree wanted to watch a chick-flick. Rafael had quite the persuasive skills and we ended up lounging on the couch with me in between them, watching The Exorcist when the doorbell rang.

Bree got up and paid for the pizzas and we all grabbed slices and began a movie marathon. I could barely eat more than a few slices but Rafael kept on checking to see if I was eating. I wondered why their parents were not home. I had an inkling of doubt that they weren't close with their parents but I didn't dare ask. I had quite a few scares throughout the movie and I could blatantly feel Rafael smirking everytime I jumped. Halfway through the movie, I couldn't take it and I might have jumped a few feet in the air.

Bree barked a laugh and tried to stifle it while Rafael did something that made my pulse quicken. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me close to him. My breath hitched as our faces were just centimeters apart but he seemed pretty non-chalant.

I tried to play it off and wondered if it was okay that we were cuddling. Even if my moral compass was pointing in the wrong direction, it still felt good, and his familiar cinammon smell engulfed me. I was more focused on his presence next to me than the movie.

Bree was just watching us with a curious glint in her eyes and she gave me a smug smile when I looked at her. I just gave a blank look and Rafael never once removed his arm from my shoulder and my head rested against the crook of his shoulder.

I felt the fatigue of the day wash over me and soon my eyelids felt heavy. Paired with the soothing circles Rafael was rubbing on my arms, I could feel myself being lulled to sleep, but I tried to fight it. I still had to change and ask Bree for a spare pair of clothes and there was no way I was letting her change me. That though instantly woke me up and I jolted upright.

Rafael looked me in the eyes, concern prominent in his sage green irises. "What's wrong?" He asked and Bree looked at us. I just shook my head and said "Can I please get a change of clothes, Bree? And where am I supposed to sleep? I'll take the couch".

Bree just outright howled at me whereas Rafael looked amused. "I'll get you a pair of pajamas. You're not sleeping on the couch. We have a guest bedroom and if you want, you can sleep in my room" Bree grinned. "Or mine" Rafael added with a smug smirk.

I elbowed him in the ribs and he backed up, laughing. Bree grabbed my hands and led me out of the living room. We were in front of a huge marble staircase and I just looked in awe. I couldn't stop admiring their house even if I tried. She grabbed my hand and with one hand brushing the banister we rushed upstairs. It seemed like she had forgotten that I was injured, and when I slowed down she shot me a guilty smile.

There was a hallway or more like a lobby, lined by bedrooms either side. There was another staircase, probably upto another floor but before I could see more, Bree dragged me to a bedroom that I could only assume was hers.

It was breathtakingly beautiful. It wasn't decked out in diamonds, but the way everything was decorated speaked volumes.

The walls were painted a beautiful grey and the theme was dark yet welcoming, as a stack of vinyls were placed in a cabinet on one side, and posters lined a wall. Her bed was messily made, and her laptop and headphones were scattered on the silk sheets.

She had a walk-in closet and a large life-size mirror smack in the centre of the closet. It was a sight to behold and everything in the room complimented each other in a perfect manner. I let out an audible gasp at the seating area at the opposite side of the room. I was shell- shocked but Bree pulled me into the wardrobe before I could take it all in. She never showed off and was quite humble, which was very appealing.

She pulled out a black silk pajama set. Of course everything she owned had to be expensive. I couldn't wear this. The pajama shorts would barely cover my bottom, leaving all my scars out and the top wasn't much better, although it was really cute. "But you'll look like a supermodel" Bree whined when I politely declined.

I asked her for some longer pajamas, telling her that I was cold. She pulled out another set that had slightly longer bottoms, yet still not enough. I declined again. She just whined but finally gave me a pajama set with tiny penguins on it. What the fuck?

I quirked my eyebrows at her. "Well, it's cute and you'll feel way more comfortable wearing it" Bree smugly smiled, resembling the Cheshire Cat. I felt weird wearing this. But I excused myself to the bathroom to change anyways. I wasn't going to argue.

I stepped out and Bree grinned from ear-to-ear. "You look adorable!" She smirked. I thought I looked like a kid on Christmas but again, no position to argue. It was quite comfy and I felt my lids drooping again as I wrapped my arms around myself. "Do you want the guest bedroom?" Bree asked me and I nodded. I couldn't sleep with any one by my side. Sometimes, I had nightmares and they weren't something I wanted her to know about, quite yet.

She led me to a room opposite hers. It was a lighter grey and the décor was lavish, like the rest of the house. I smiled but my own fatigue wore me down. I just wanted to go to sleep. I was aware my phone was downstairs but I wasn't really concerned about it at the minute.

Bree was behind me and asked me if I wanted something else. "Everything's perfect. Thank you for letting me stay the night" I genuinely appreciated the twins helping me out. I couldn't begin to imagine Aiden's wrath tomorrow.

"Cut the formalities, B. You're like family to me. I don't want to sound like a creep, but you're a really nice person and I'm not the only one who likes having you around" Bree smiled and as if on cue, Rafael walked through the door with my phone in one hand and a glass of water and a pill in the other. He looked at me and grinned.

"You look uh.. adorable" he blushed and heat creeped throughout my face. I thought I looked ridiculous. These guys were pretty blind to not see that. He handed me my phone and I kept it on the bedside table. When he gave me the glass of water and the painkiller, our fingers brushed and shocks went through my body. I wasn't sure if it was only me who felt that. He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and he looked flustered himself. Rafael looked cute. Hold up. What the hell am I thinking?

He pulled back and kept staring at me and I felt uncomfortable with all the unwarranted attention. Bree was over in the corner smirking. She was basking in all the tension evident in the room. I glared and Rafael scowled at her. I drank the glass of water and swallowed the pill, all the while Rafael kept on staring. What was wrong with him?

"Is there something on my face?" I blurted out before my brain could process whatever the hell I was saying and Bree laughed like a hyena. Rafael just looked uncomfortable and averted his gaze. His cheeks had a tint of red. "No, you're good. You look amazing. Well you always do. Wait, I sound so shallow. I'm just complimenting you. I promise I'm not a creep and well I think I should shut up now" he muttered under his breath and Bree stifled her laughter at his awkward rant. I just widened my eyes and looked away. The torrent of compliments wasn't really helping my mixed thoughts.

Bree stepped in while smirking at the both of us. "I think you probably want to sleep now, so we'll leave you to it". I nodded and Rafael muttered a quick 'goodnight' before scrambling out of the room. Bree beamed at me and I smiled back.

"He likes you, you know. He never acts like this, unless you're around. He's different around you." Bree told me as she stood in the doorway. I was confused and before I could ask her any questions, she exited the room. I crawled into bed and felt as if I was laying down on a cloud. Fatigue engulfed me and I welcomed sleep with open arms. My last thoughts before I slipped into a deep slumber were the words Bree said. He's different around you. And I wondered if it was a mutual feeling.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

I woke up with an arm around my waist and I heard soft snoring behind me. I tried to wriggle but I was wrapped in an iron-clad grip. I moved back but my spine hit a hard object. I tried to push back but my hands hit rock-hard abs. And I'm pretty sure that Bree didn't have built abs. It was Rafael.

His arm was wrapped around my waist and the butterflies fluttered up a cyclone in my stomach. I tilted my head to get a better view of his face and he looked so peaceful and serene while he was asleep. His nose scrunched up when I moved and he was shirtless. I looked down and saw his chiseled chest. He was built like a Greek God, no doubt. My hormones were in overdrive.

His eyelids were slightly open as if his eyes were too big for them, and his brown hair was mussed up and looked so soft. I made out a few golden strands and I just wanted to run my hands through them, relishing in the feel.

My eyes trailed down to the ink swirling on his arms. I wanted to trace it with my fingers, but I shut down that thought as soon as it happened. I could make out some tattoos on his chest too, but I was unable to twist all the way around to see what it really was.

I realized I was caged by his arm around my waist. I tried to wiggle free but he wouldn't move. He groaned and peeked an eye open. I looked him dead straight in the eyes and he gave me a bright smile. Too bright for the morning.

He made no move to remove his arm from around my waist and I didn't know if I should be ecstatic or pushing him off. The question reigning my mind was, How the hell did he get here?

I was just about to ask him when I heard the shutter of a camera. I looked up to see Bree clicking a photo of us together. He was shirtless and I was wearing a onesie. I screamed, and it resembled the mating call of a seagull and pushed Rafael off the bed. It was pretty indecent of me to push him off a bed that he practically owned, seeing it was his house, but my brain was fried.

He grunted and his legs were still on the bed whereas his entire torso and head was down on the floor. Click. Bree snapped another photo of him. Was there a photoshoot I was unaware of?

"It's too early for this" Rafael groaned and tried to get up. He looked hilarious with half his body on the bed and the other half splayed across the floor. I laughed out loud and so did Bree. I forgot she was there and she gave me a sheepish grin when she tucked her phone away.

I grumbled and got up, not saying a thing. Morning breath was something I didn't want them to encounter. I rushed off to the ensuite bathroom and clicked the door shut. I needed some time to compose myself. I didn't get to check the time and I didn't know if I was late or early.

I looked for a spare toothbrush and found one along with some toothpaste and brushed my teeth and tried to tame my hair as best as I could. It still looked like a bird's nest. Once I had brushed, I stepped outside to ask Bree for a pair of clothes when I found Rafael sitting on the bed, still shirtless. Quite distracting. He lifted his head and his heated gaze met mine.

"Good Morning, Sweetheart" He softly said and I smiled and replied "Good Morning, Raf". He continued speaking in a subdued tone. "I just wanted to say I'm not a perv by any means. I didn't crawl into your bed this morning, I promise. You were having a nightmare and I heard you whimpering and crying in your sleep. I'm a light sleeper and it was too hard to leave you in that state, so I tried to wake you up. You were dazed and I probably shouldn't have listened to you. You asked me to stay with you and I couldn't leave you alone. I'm so sorry if I offended you."

He rambled on and I realized this was a habit he did whenever he was nervous or embarrassed. I flushed at the thought of him seeing me during a nightmare. "Thank you for staying. You're not a perv, Raf. I didn't say anything embarrassing, did I?" I asked him while fiddling with my hands. I hoped not.

He shook his head and said "No, you didn't". I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. He gave me a small smile and I checked the time, trying not to stare at the Adonis in front of me. We still had an hour until school started.

"I need some clothes. Where's Bree?" I asked Rafael and he got up. His muscles rippled and I had to try hard not to stare. His grey sweatpants hung low on his waist and it gave the perfect view of his abs and V-Lines. I just wanted to run my fingers down his muscles. I was staring at the mesmerising tattoos inked into his soft skin and my eyes trailed to the ones on his chest. Before I could make out what they were, I heard a throat clearing and I flushed a deep crimson. What the hell.

"I'll get her" Rafael said and as he passed by me, he leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Take a picture. It'll last longer". His breath tickled my senses and I took a sharp breath. I was suddenly feeling really hot and my skin prickled. His cinammon scent wafted as he came closer and I was on hyper alert. I stepped back and he smirked. He went to fetch Bree, but not before winking. Arrogant prick.

Bree came back a few minutes later with a pair of jeans and a Band Tee. I would have to wear my bra and underwear from yesterday but I didn't mind. I hopped into the shower and the hot water created a mist around me. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts but a certain green-eyed boy was in all of them.

Hey Babes! It's been over two weeks since I last posted, I'm so sorry! This is a pretty long chapter to make up for it. I'm just swamped with homework and I'm surprised I'm not dead by now ahahah.

How is everyone doing? Lol I should probably stop asking, y'all are silent readers but I still have my duties as an author. I've been doing great. Not. How's life where you guys live?

I'm pretty fed up of all the stress. I just want to grab my togs and go to the beach, but I'm pretty sure it isn't the right time.

So what are your thoughts on this chapter? I mainly wanted to focus on the dynamic this trio has. Things are going to get fucked up from the next few chapters, I promise. We'll see a bunch of new characters. Excuse my crass language it's just who I am ahahaha.

Hit the little star below and vote if you liked this chapter!

Hope everyone's having a great day! I'm so sorry if you get notifications for the earlier chapters, I'm editing them so I apologize in advance. I'd love to hear from you guys, drop a message and we'll chat!

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