"The scars of a soul bleed golden, run silver with divinity. And perhaps that is the greatest beauty of the broken"

❃ B l a z e ❃

Shadows danced on the billowing drapes as my eyelashes curled with tears, my damp pillow sticking to my face.

Underneath the covers, my stomach dipped with trepidation as my nightmare continued flashing in my vision. Fear dilated my pupils as I remembered how Aiden's invading hands had marked their territory, even in my sleep.

"Blaze?" The snippy voice of my Aunt echoed from the hallway and I clenched my fists around the duvet.

"Why are you not in school?" The annoyance in her tone deepened my headache as she stepped into the room.

"I'm on my period." Even after a shower and attempt at refreshing myself, I felt just as groggy.

"You've been in bed all weekend."

"I don't feel well." It was the truth, I felt drained of all my energy. The past two days had blurred together amidst all my tears and countless missed calls from Rafael and the others. They had even shown up here yesterday for bowling but I had told Aunt Mary to tell them to leave.

"Your boyfriend was here again." Disdain laced her voice and I didn't have it in me to defend Rafael. I was glad I didn't have to see him because I looked like I'd been dragged to hell and back, my physical appearance just a manifestation of how I felt inside.

"Will you talk to me, for heaven's sake?" Aunt Mary snapped and my throat closed in. I just sunk further into my pillow, letting her words drift in the air.

"Dr. Lincoln's receptionist called for a confirmation of your appointment today." The bed dipped as Aunt Mary took a seat.

"I can't go, I'm sick." Nausea rolled in my empty stomach but not from any illness, rather from the memories that had been uprooted after the visit to Dr. Lincoln.

"Are you finally ready to talk about it?" I wanted to laugh in her face and tell her that I had already 'talked' but the only thing I'd been doing was spiralling.

Silence percolated between us, crackling with tension.

"You need to tell me who it was, Blaze."

"No." I should've said it then, forced it down Aiden's throat until he choked on his wrongdoings. I couldn't, I just couldn't.

"Do you not want him to be in jail? What that person did was a crime." Crime was a light word.

"I'm talking to you, look at me, Blaze," she snapped and I flinched, pulling the covers up to my chin. I felt like a trapped child under her rigid gaze.

"I just want to be alone right now." Aunt Mary paid no heed to my request as she stood right in front of me. Her gaze softened as she took in my appearance but I wasn't about to fall for that counterfeit concern.

"I know how hard it is to come to terms with what happened, but you can't keep it a secret for too long." Hard? It was shattering.

"No actually, you don't know." Shock overtook Aunt Mary's face as I glared at her, ripping the covers off my body. I watched as her face morphed from concern to annoyance.

"Tell me, what do you know about caring? You only seem to 'care' when it's of use to you," I snapped, my throat burning from finally saying more than a sentence in the last forty-eight hours. Guilt nipped at my chest immediately but it was dampened by a whirlwind of emotions.

"You live under my house, you should be grateful for that." Aunt Mary seethed, her lavender pantsuit bristling as she shifted on her feet.

"It's your job to do that, you're my guardian. You've neglected me ever since my parents died." Pent up frustration bubbled to the surface and I should've felt bad for talking back to an adult, but I couldn't care less.

"I pay for your therapy, that is anything but neglect." The fire in Aunt Mary's tone scorched me and I recoiled.

"That doesn't make up for it, you're supposed to be my family and care beyond that. I don't have anyone else."

"I do care, that's why I asked who did that to you, Blaze. I'm trying to help here and it would do you good to answer me." The sharp quip in her voice rendered me quiet and I abruptly got up, storming into the bathroom. She made no move to stop me, her lips parting in surprise.

I clicked the lock in place, tears still streaming down my face. One look in the mirror and I wanted nothing to do with myself. I wanted to tear my tangled hair from it's roots, scratch my skin till it bled and cleansed my body.

Silence saturated the hollow space as I sunk against the door, my breathing echoing in my ears. Salty tears pervaded my tongue as I licked at my dry lips, the cold marble floor making me shiver.

Distantly, I could hear my bedroom door open and close, indicating Aunt Mary had left. My insides rippled with contempt, at myself and everything around me.

I neither wanted to live nor to die, I just wanted to escape.

A few minutes later, I heard Aunt Mary's car engine rumble and the void in me gaped open. I hated the silence, I could hear the soft tiptoes of the monsters in my head, feel their clawed talons sinking into my brain. I could sense their menacing whispers resonate in my ears as I struggle to anchor myself to the present.

Rafael's number on my wrist had faded, the black dulling against my skin. Regardless, I shakily got up towards the sink and washed my face free of the tear trails. The patchy red spots seemed starker against my skin and I dipped my head low, the concept of self love lost between the dark circles ringing my eyes.

My stomach rumbled with hunger pangs, a reminder that I hadn't eaten a bite since the rice bowl I had for lunch yesterday.

Exhaustion prickled at my muscles as I unlocked the door and trudged downstairs, pocketing my phone on the way. The familiar scent of cinnamon curled around my nostrils as I hugged Rafael's hoodie closer to my body. It was the only comfort I allowed myself, wanting his arms around my waist and his lips curved against mine.

It had been two days but time seemed to dwindle by slowly during the lonely weekend.

Padding to the kitchen, I grabbed two slices of bread and popped them in the toaster. I tugged the dysfunctional lever down, reminding myself to yank it back up after a few minutes.

My phone rang in my pocket and one glance at the screen sent a rush of agony drifting through me. Rafael's name popped up and I declined the call instantly.

Soon after hanging up, a text came through the group chat. As I scrolled through the strings of messages, I saw them all laced with threats and worry.

With a frown, I disliked Ann's threat to storm into my house unless I answered their messages and I hoped that would be confirmation enough that I was alive.

Rafael's chat was flooded with concerned questions. Guilt swarmed in my belly but I pocketed my phone and turned around to make a cup of coffee.

I leaned against the counter as the pot brew, my thoughts holding me hostage once again. If I thought distance from everyone would make the nightmares stop, I was dead wrong and in the end, I only managed to spiral further. I needed everyone right now but I didn't want to drag them into my mess. 

Trauma wasn't contagious but it sure as hell was catastrophic.

Another cramp seized my body and my knuckles turned white against the counter. Since when couldn't I handle period pain? I'd been through much worse physically and it only strengthened my disdain for myself.

As the warm roast of coffee beans swirled through the air, my headache loosened, a small smile gracing my lips. However, it was quickly wiped off when a burning scent overpowered the caffeine and alarm bells blared in my head.

My sight fell on the toaster and I rushed over, the charred bread inside making my heart dip into my stomach. Sooty black particles lined the inside of the machine and I gingerly pulled the lever up, my toast burnt to a crisp.

Tears sprang to my eyes, my bottom lip trembling with the feeling of uselessness as I threw the slices into the trash can. Gosh, I was a mess, why was I crying over burnt toast?

Despite the tumbling of my stomach with hunger, I scrapped the idea of making more food.

"Still got coffee." Raising my cup in a mock toast, I took a light sip and sighed in pleasure as it soothed my cracked throat. No matter how terrible Aunt Mary, she had some good coffee roasts.

Suddenly, another cramp seized me and my elbow knocked against the counter. Coffee splashed all over Rafael's hoodie and the brown patch rapidly spread across the fabric.

As if instinctively, salty tears rolled down my cheeks as I grabbed paper towels and dabbed them on the stain.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath. Just a bad day.

Cleaning the mess in the kitchen, I downed the rest of my coffee and washed my mug in the sink. Rubbing at Rafael's faded number on my wrist, I tugged the sleeves past my fingers as I strode back into my room.

Cramps wracked my body like lapping waves, receding and swelling as I squeezed my eyes shut. I should take a painkiller but a twisted part of me revelled in the pain. It provided me a distraction from my thoughts.

As I stripped off the hoodie in my bathroom, my arms felt leaden with insecurities. The scars that I had come to love felt more like remnants of a life I no longer lived. I wished to have them singed off until all that remained was smooth skin.

Evading those thoughts, I shrugged a tee on while running cold water on the hoodie in my sink. Once I was satisfied that it was faded enough, I turned the tap off and draped the hoodie over the counter.

When I went to close the bathroom door, my finger caught in the gap between the door and the frame and pain erupted in my nails. A string of foul expletives left my tongue as tears flooded near my waterline, helplessness rising inside me.

"Just a bad day," I assured myself falsely. I was pathetic.

Slumping onto my bed, I grabbed my phone. As soon as I turned it on, more missed calls and messages from Rafael piled on the screen. Confusion clouded me as I checked the time, he would have P.E right now. Wasn't he in class?

Just as I swiped to unlock, a call came through and I accidentally accepted it. My eyes widened as I gingerly brought it to my ear, heavy breathing filtering through the other end.

"Blaze? Thank fuck, we've been trying to reach you all weekend. Are you okay?" Rafael's voice was soaked with concern.

As I stared at my parents' photograph, everything broke down and I fell apart at the seams.

"No," I hiccupped, a sob masking my voice.

"What happened?" His voice was significantly softer, worry braiding his syllables.

"Aunt Mary yelled at me and I burnt my toast. Even your hoodie got spoilt, I spilt coffee all over it. I really liked it, Raf." The words rushed out of my mouth as I narrated my bad luck throughout the morning. I blamed it all on my hormones but I knew it was the accumulation of keeping my feelings inside for too long.

"I'll get you another hoodie, babe."

"My finger got stuck in the door and I'm on my period and everything hurts." My throat clogged with overwhelming emotions.

"How did your finger get stuck in the door?" Amusement danced in Raf's tone and I sniffled.

"Between the door and frame. I'm having a bad day alright."

"Hey, I'm coming over, hmm? Just talk to me till then." I heard a soft, shaky laugh as relief flooded Rafael's tone.

"You have school, don't skip it for me. I don't want you to get in trouble." My palm turned wet as I wiped it across my face. My voice sounded stuffed and nasally and I grabbed a box of tissues from the bedside table.

"I'm in the nurse's office, I'll get her to write me a note," Rafael explained calmly.

"The nurse's office? Are you okay?" A frown curved my mouth and laughter frothed up Rafael's throat.

"Yes Blaze, I'm perfectly fine. I came here because of you." My breath hitched in my throat as confusion fazed me.

"Because of me?"

"Well, I got Travis to throw a volleyball at my balls so I could skip P.E and text you. See, I'm down bad for you." I could practically picture the impish grin on his face.

"You're stupid," I rubbed the bridge of my nose and winced as a dull pain spread across the my finger.

"Only for you."

"Corny bastard."

"There's my girl." My heart fluttered as he hoarsely whispered the words.

"Hey, Raf?" I murmured, shifting onto my side.

"Yeah?"

"I miss my parents." A wave of heartache pecked at my ribs as my toes curled with agony. A question arose in my head, one I had asked myself countless times. How different would life be if they were still here?

"I know, babe." A sigh soothed out of Raf's throat. "I'm coming right over, alright?"

"You should stay in school, what if they call your Dad?" My worry was answered by a breathy chuckle.

"He probably doesn't care." The deprecation in his tone cut across the line and I took a deep breath, refraining from commenting. Even though I cared for him, there were some boundaries I wasn't willing to test and his relationship with his parents was one of them.

The silence was tinged with questions as I frowned to myself.

"The nurse is here, I'll be over soon, okay?" I murmured my approval and soon the line went dead.

Loneliness suffocated me as I pulled the duvet closer to my body. The wrinkled bed sheets irritated my skin as I jostled around, fatigue creeping across my skin. Before I knew it, my eyes had fluttered shut and much needed sleep trickled into my head.

My ringtone suddenly jolted me out of my nap and I picked up my phone. The constant crying had birthed a headache that made my vision blur with black dots.

"Hey, I'm at the door." Rafael's voice buzzed from my speaker and I exhaled drowsily.

"Just open the door, it should be unlocked." It was dumb as I realised I hadn't bolted the door after Aunt Mary left.

"What the fuck?" Raf muttered and I heard his footsteps on the stairs immediately after.

"You can't keep the door unlocked when you're home alone, Blaze." Rafael's presence filtered into the room and I averted my gaze, nerves firing in my stomach.

"I'm sorry." Angling my body towards the window, I avoided him as the walls of my bedroom felt like they were collapsing on my chest.

The silence crackled with tension, unspoken words and unasked questions weighing like a leaden cloud.

"Hi." The whisper from Rafael's lips made me pull my covers up to my nose as he towered above me.

The sunlight backlit Rafael's looming figure, his fingers threading through brown hair that slightly twisted at his forehead. Those beautiful sage green eyes swirled with relief, the sharp ridge of his nose crinkled with concern.

"Do you know how worried we've been about you?" Rafael's breath drifted against my nose as he crouched down near me. I wanted to press on the ticking muscle in his jaw and run my fingers along his angular cheekbones.

It was reckless to shut him out, only my mind knew how many times I'd thought of giving in to my corrosive thoughts and bringing a blade to my skin. But powering through this spell was the only option I had, it was a phase that would pass.

"Your Aunt caught Travis trying to sneak in on Saturday night." I smiled behind the duvet as he grumbled in annoyance.

"Did you eat?" His gaze softened and I shook my head.

"I burnt my toast and spilt coffee." My voice sounded croaky and I frowned as the threat of more tears pricked at my eyes. Shit, I sure was emotional over my failed breakfast.

"Yeah, you told me." Amusement flickered in his eyes as he grasped the edge of my duvet and tugged it down to reveal my face.

"Hey," I snapped at him but his fingers held on as our eyes met.

"I'll make you breakfast." The Adam's apple in his neck shifted, smooth skin raised by corded veins. I gulped, my nerves running haywire.

"I'm not hungry," I shifted onto my back, staring at the ceiling.

"When's the last time you ate?" An eyebrow quirked up in challenge and I sat up, crossing my arms over my chest.

Before I could open my mouth to fib, he matched my stance. "Don't even think about lying."

"I'll just reheat last night's dinner," I shrugged nonchalantly, trying to act like I just hadn't spent the entire weekend crying, avoiding meals and sleeping fitfully.

"Don't dodge my question."

"I'm not."

"Then answer it."

"No."

"Stop being stubborn."

"Fuck off."

"Answer me."

"Yesterday morning," I snapped, exasperation creeping in my voice. I didn't even know why I was mad, just that my emotions were scattered everywhere.

"Shit," Rafael's thin fingers laced in his hair as he sighed in frustration.

"Okay, get up. I'm making you brunch, it's already 11 AM." The stern command was surprising given the worry swarming his face.

"I'm too tired to walk downstairs."

"You need to eat," Rafael urged softly and I bit my bottom lip.

"No. People can survive without food for a long time."

"Shut up. I wasn't asking."

"You're so sweet," I feigned a smile and his lips tipped down in a frown.

"Anything for you. Now get up." His fingers clasped around mine and I froze, my thoughts muddling together. Seeing my face pale, Raf dropped my hand, getting off my bed with a wry, pained smile.

Reluctantly, I got up and patted my rumpled clothes down. Rafael slipped out of the room with a clenched jaw as I smoothened the creases on my jammie shorts. Pulled a cardigan over my tank top, I padded into the hallway.

Raf's back was turned to me, the material of his jumper stretching over his broad form as he leaned against the wall. His biceps flexed under his long sleeved jumper as he twisted his wrists nervously, his light washed jeans fitting snugly against his shapely thighs. I tapped Raf's shoulder and he turned around with a small smile.

His emotions were unreadable as we walked down the stairs, my eyes constantly darting to his curled fists.

"Are you okay?" My fingers lightly brushed his knuckles and he turned to me with a grimace.

"I should be asking you that question."

"Are you mad at me?" An irrational fear built in me and Rafael shook his head.

"No, babe. I'm just mad at the... situation." His sentence was carefully worded as he regarded me with a gentleness that warmed my heart.

"I want to help you but I can't and it's pissing me the fuck off." Before I could interrupt he raised a hand.

"I know you need space and well... I'm going to respect that. But just don't shut me out again, okay?" Desperation leaked through his voice and all I could do was nod, emotions congesting my throat.

However, surprise struck me as we reached the kitchen. On the central island were a couple of brown paper bags that were stuffed with heaps of junk food.

"Yeah, I just thought you'd want snacks since you're on your period. Bree eats most of this stuff so I hope you'll like them too or we can order something else. I was thinking Subway, but of course, you don't have to." I cut his ramble off with a grin.

"I love it. More food for me, yay." I pumped my fists in the air weakly as Rafael grinned.

"What do you want to eat right now?" He leaned against the fridge as I took a spot on the central island.

"We can eat that, don't make anything," I pointed towards the snacks.

"Gummy bears and Cheetos?" He quirked a brow and I narrowed my eyes.

"Why? Do we have a problem?" Rafael's eyes widened as he shook his head.

"Want me to make fairy bread?" I nodded at his question and he grabbed the loaf of bread and butter from the fridge.

"How did you sleep?" Raf's tone was mellow and I sighed with a shrug.

"Not well."

"Did you take your meds?" Sheepishly, I shook my head and he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Take them," Rafael leaned over the counter and narrowed his eyes. I just nodded, shuffling towards my medicine box.

Shock overtook Rafael's face as I upended the container onto the counter, tiny paper pockets scattering across the surface. Each sachet had my prescribed dose for single use, numbers scribbled on the top for each day of the month.

"Bree did that?" Pride and gratitude swelled in his voice as I nodded. She had organised all my pills into numbered pockets a couple of days ago so I wouldn't take more or less. It was more effective than taking them straight out of the bottle where I could lose count. In the end though, it was all based on self control.

"It's really sweet of her," I smiled at him and he stiffy nodded, glancing at all the sachets.

"Bree started doing this for me too when I got out of Rehab. I still had to take some medication and I um... wasn't supposed to take more than usual. She made these and checked the numbers every day. It wasn't foolproof, but it helped."

"It's quite creative," I mumbled as I grabbed the sachet labelled 7th for the date today.

"Wait, you haven't taken these for three days," Rafael huffed as he ruffled through and procured the pockets labelled four, five and six. They were indicative of how I hadn't been keeping up and my lips thinned with guilt.

"Oops?"

"You shouldn't be skipping doses." A frown lined his face and I nodded as I tore the paper open and swallowed the medication with a glass of water.

"Like I said, oops."

I received a cautionary glare.

Nerves captivated my skin as I watched Rafael make the fairy bread, his arms stiffly running the knife across the slices. I'd be lying if I said he didn't look more delicious than the Doritos I was inhaling.

"Summer asked Jonah out," Rafael announced suddenly and my lips parted in shock.

"Did he say yes?" I leaned forward on my elbows in interest.

"Yeah, he did. His date's on Friday." Something seemed amiss on Rafael's face as he glanced at the counter. Sliding my plate full of fairy bread across without a glance, he grabbed the snacks and made his way out of the kitchen.

Puzzlement engrossed me as I tried to pinpoint if I did something wrong. Bustling forward with the rest of the food, I trailed after Rafael to the living room where he was sitting stiffly on the leather sofa.

"Did I say something wrong?" He just shook his head with a fabricated smile.

"No. What do you want to watch?" Rafael's green eyes flicked to the blank TV screen and I hesitated before settling in beside him.

"What's wrong?" My question went ignored as he turned the TV on, shaking his head dismally.

"Nothing, really." The catalogue shifted on the screen and I gulped nervously, wringing my fingers together.

"You've watched all of this, how do you even find new shows and movies?" A strained laugh breezed past Raf's lip.

"I just do."

"Want to watch 50 First Dates?" When he turned to me, I just stared at him when the realisation struck me.

The date. Fuck, the date.

"Our date was yesterday." Guilt skyrocketed through me as his eyes flickered to the carpet upon my words, a slow nod tilting his jaw.

"It's okay, seriously. You were going through stuff. It was just a fucking date, Blaze." His words tumbled over each other and my chest compressed.

"I- Fuck. I'm so sorry, I didn't realise, Raf. I'm such a terrible person." Panic set in as I grasped his elbow with widened eyes.

"Hey, stop. I mean it, you're more important and it was just a dumb date. That stuff doesn't matter more than you." Rafael's fingers dug into my shoulders as he stared me in the eye.

"I'm screwing this up already." In it's overthinking, my mind conjured up a rampage of depressing thoughts.

"No, you're not. Stop saying stupid shit like that." Rafael cupped my chin with a firm thumb, our breaths mingling as my pulse roared in my veins.

"I can't believe I forgot." My voice croaked unpleasantly as I hiccupped. 

The walls of my throat constricted as the events of the weekend bubbled forth. Endless nightmares and hours blurring together in bed, crying about the trauma that had been inflicted months ago. It should've died down but rather it persisted, like a weed to a blooming flower.

"It doesn't fucking matter. I mean it Blaze, you're more important to me." The tip of his nose grazed mine and I was hyper aware of all the blemishes on my face.

"This isn't just about the date. Do you want to talk about what happened Friday after therapy?" He always knew the root cause of my problems and it was unnerving, to say the least.

A gentle shake of my head later, he sighed and nodded to himself, dejection coating his actions.

"I want to help you but I don't want to push you either." Rafael's fingers threaded through my hair and I pulled my knees up.

"This is something I have to do alone, Raf." My whisper became amplified by the terse atmosphere.

"I know, I'm here for you whenever you're ready to talk about it, okay?" Other than his fingers fleeting against the nape of my neck, his touch seemed restrained and barely noticeable. He was giving me distance, in all aspects of the word.

"Can we reschedule our date to this Saturday please? I promise I won't stand you up," I desperately asked and a smile split his lips as he nodded.

"For the record, you never stood me up. I figured you wouldn't be up to it after your therapy session, so don't feel bad." Rafael's lashes fluttered as he stared at me.

It took me a minute to actually believe him and I nodded warily.

"Will you tell me what you have planned?"

"It's a surprise."

"If you forgot, I'm the one who asked you out."

"You're always going to hold that over my head, aren't you?" he quirked an eyebrow and I nodded.

"Also, I got you a heating pad," Rafael suddenly announced, ambling to the kitchen and coming back with the mentioned device. Affection heated my veins as he connected it to a nearby power source and pulled my tee up, placing it on my stomach. Our eyes locked ardently as his fingers brushed against my waist, tension spiking high.

"What do you want to watch?" Rafael suddenly moved away and shifted his gaze towards the TV and I grabbed the remote from his hand, our thumbs brushing marginally.

"Rise of the Guardians," I hummed.

"That's an... oddly specific choice."

"Jack Frost is amazing." Rafael seemed offended by my statement as he frowned distastefully.

"So am I."

"Of course, humility is your strongest suit," I smiled sardonically.

With a grimace, Rafael turned the movie on, his arm slinging over the back of the sofa. Tension prickled across my skin as the movie progressed but I was hyperaware of Rafael's fingers a hair's breadth away from my neck.

I inched closer, the heating pad sliding off my stomach. His side brushed against mine as he flashed me a confused look. Interlacing our fingers, I propped my head into the crook of his neck, feeling the muscles of his arm wrap gently around my shoulders.

"I love you." Placing a soft kiss under his jaw, I recoiled at my sudden affection. Rafael's eyes darkened as he glanced down at me, his face clenching with apprehension.

"I love you." His thumb pressed on my chin as he lifted my head, our lips brushing marginally together.

Memories catapulted across my vision as our lips collided again in a frenzy of emotions. The line between the present and the past blurred in my head as Rafael's hand pressed against my back, warmth seeping through. I knew it was him but my skin felt otherwise. However, I powered through, knowing I needed to somehow train myself to stop letting my trauma dictate my choices.

Rafael's fingers ventured across my back and I leaned in closer, shifting so that I could straddle him. His touch didn't feel forced nor an escape. It felt safe, just what I needed.

My palm pressed against his stomach, his muscles rippling from the contact. Rafael's irises thinned into a hollow ring of green as he stared up at me with admiration.

"I really do love you." His hand cradled the back of my neck, his thumb flattening against the hollow of my throat.

"I do too." Something flickered in his eyes as I leaned down, my hair falling across the space and curtaining around us. It would never get old, the feeling of his lips melding against mine, the soft strands of his hair coiling around my fingertips.

The soft light from the TV reflected behind me, the dark room hiding the way his hands left goosebumps in their trail.

All of a sudden, Rafael's ringtone rang loudly, effectively breaking me out of my sudden desire driven haze. He looked hesitant as he glanced at me, our thighs pressed together. With a flush, I realised just how close our position was and scrambled off.

"It's always him," Rafael hissed in frustration as he glanced at the name on his screen. Travis.

"What the fuc- Oh hey Dad," Rafael's eyes widened as he snapped his mouth shut. I failed to hold in a ripple of laughter as his face blanched.

"Shut up," Raf clapped his hand over my mouth and I glared at him.

"No, not you Dad," Rafael cleared his throat, his lips pursing as he winced at whatever Mr. Hernandez said.

"No yeah, I did leave. I just had something urgent to do." His gaze flickered to me, squeezing our interlocked hands. Warmth coalesced in my body as his thumb rubbed lazy circles on my wrist.

"Yes, more important than school," Rafael's tone turned annoyed. Confusion gripped me as he stiffened, seeming angry and uncomfortable.

"No, I'm not doing that." He angled his body away from me, taking a deep breath.

"Fu- fuzzballs, I meant fuzzballs," Rafael caught himself in time from swearing and shot me a guarded look.

"You're embarrassing me, Dad." I didn't think I was supposed to hear that as he rose off the sofa with a fierce hiss, dropping my hand.

I shoved it into the bag of crisps and repositioned the heating pad on my stomach as I watched him disappear into the kitchen. Craning my neck, I heard muffled mutters from Rafael. 

Suddenly, he stormed back into the room with a furious look and held out his phone to me.

"My father wants to talk to you." Surprise seized me as my hand froze in the crisp bag.

"Why? But I'm eating," I gulped and took a deep breath.

"I don't know, just talk to him." Rafael looked uncomfortable as he frowned.

"Your dad scares me," I confessed in a rush, wiping my greasy fingertips on a tissue.

"He's not going to kill you, Blaze."

"No offence Taffy but he could erase my existence with a snap of his fingers. Like Thanos," I imitated the fingersnap and Rafael rubbed his nose.

"You're overreacting. Calm down."

"Are you telling me to shut up?" My eyes tapered into slits.

"No I never said-"

I jolted as a throat cleared, my eyes widening in horror.

"You're on speaker, Rafael." A velvety smooth voice edged with amusement originated from Rafael's phone. 

"Sorry Dad," Raf muttered before handing me the phone. 

"His face is on the screen, Raf." My voice turned high pitched as I shoved the phone back into Rafael's hand, bewilderment racing across my face.

"Why did you put it on FaceTime?" Rafael looked agitated as he ignored my quip, tapping annoyingly on his cellphone.

"Are you kids using a phone for the first time?" The teasing lilt in Mr. Hernandez' voice sounded misplaced with his stoic face and Rafael positioned his thumb over the camera.

"The screen's frozen, give me a second." Annoyance pervaded his tone as his phone turned unresponsive.

"You switched your phone off," I deadpanned as the screen turned black and Rafael glared at me.

"Pray tell dumbass. What else was I supposed to do?"

"Who the fuck are you calling dumbass, dumbass?" Our eyes clashed in playful anger and I poked his nose. He rolled his eyes, a small smile breaking out as he turned his phone back on. Instantly, Rafael's father's name flashed on the screen as an incoming call.

"Why did you hang up?" A hint of anger laced Mr. Hernandez's tone. Rafael smiled grimly as he brought the phone to his ear.

"I told you, the screen froze."

"Give the phone to Blaze." A frown marred Rafael's face as he handed the phone to me.

"Good Morning Mr. Hernandez." Damn, I sounded like an assistant.

"I told you to call me Jason." Warmth braided his voice and I furrowed my eyebrows. What was this conversation about?

"I heard you're sick. Are you doing well?" My confusion thickened as I murmured a yes.

"And is Rafael... okay?" Beside me, Rafael stiffened.

"Yes." It sounded more like a question and Mr. Hernandez cleared his throat.

"Is he... sober?" The question stunned me as I dug my teeth into my bottom lip. Heat rose to my neck as Rafael's eyes bore into mine.

"Yes, he is. He came over because I was sick, nothing more." The urge to defend him sparked in my voice.

"Right, okay. I hope you're not lying." My lips parted in surprise at the warning. Rafael instantly snatched his phone from my palm with a sneer.

"Cut it out," His voice was a gruff whisper as he got up and tramped to the corner of the room. I didn't feel offended but judging by Rafael's stiff posture, he did.

"I'm sorry for that, he's being too forthright," Raf muttered after hanging up.

"It's alright, he just cares," I lifted my lips in a meek smile and Rafael grimaced bitterly.

"Quite convenient timing. He wouldn't even have known I left school if the nurse hadn't called him."

Before I could reply, his phone rang again with a Facetime call and irritation sparked in his eyes.

"Who the fuck is Daddy?" Crimson seeped through Rafael's cheeks as he glanced at the contact name and swiped to accept.

"Hello motherfucker," Travis' beaming face met my vision as I glanced at the screen, Rafael's lips twisting into an annoyed grimace.

"Hey nugget, you look like shit." My mouth parted in surprise at his brutally honest remark. All of a sudden Bree appeared and smacked him on the forehead.

"Travis, I'm very close to killing you right now. Why the fuck did you change my contact names?" Rafael all but snarled and Travis meekly smiled.

"Because I'm your Daddy, Rafael. It's not a secret anymore, baby boy."

"He's also Bree's daddy." The cheeky remark originated from Annikah as she graced the screen with a devilish grin.

Rafael's lips peeled back in a snarl and I watched in amusement as I heard bickering on Travis' end interspersed with a lot of cussing. Bree looked embarrassed as she glared at Ann.

"Hi B." The phone was now in Jonah's hands as he smiled easily at me.

"Hey Jo, what's up?" I couldn't resist reciprocating as I inclined my head onto Raf's shoulder.

"Summer asked me out." It took him a while to answer as he fumbled with his lunch tray, clearly shy.

"That's great, Raf told me. Are you excited?" I beamed at him. My mood brightened when he shifted the phone away from his face to shield the blush saturating his skin.

"Yeah I guess." I sensed reluctance in his tone.

"He's just a bit scared." Suddenly, Ann snatched the phone and grinned.

"Hey Tiny Tilly." A mischievous smirk flitted across Raf's lips as Ann glared at the nickname.

"Say that again and I will make sure that you never have children, Hernandez."

"Where did that name even come from?" I turned to Raf and he just shrugged.

"No reason, she's just tiny as fuck."

"I'm not tiny, I'm 5"2." Annikah's tone turned argumentative.

"You're more than a foot shorter than me."

"If I decapitate your head, we can make that difference smaller, dipshit."

"You'd need to reach my neck for that, minion."

"Fuck you."

"Cut it out," I intervened as Annikah's annoyance spiked along with Rafael's smugness.

"So, how are you doing?" Ann's tone shifted abruptly and immediately, Travis and Bree stopped arguing as well, flocking onto the screen.

"We missed you, you know." Travis murmured with a gentle smile and a seed of guilt planted in my stomach.

"I'm sorry. I was just going through some stuff." Dragging my bottom lip into my teeth, they nodded with understanding.

"You don't always have to call Raf you know. I can do things that your man cannot," Bree inputted with a cheeky grin. My cheeks flamed as I smiled back, Rafael sneering beside me.

"Did you just quote Post Malone to me?" I raised a brow and Bree sheepishly nodded.

"Stay away from my girl," Rafael tugged me closer, his hand skirting around my shoulder.

"You're too late, had your girlfriend at my house for two days," Bree's voice teasingly lilted and behind her, Jonah smiled.

"That was Chase Atlantic," I explained as Rafael glared at the screen as if he could crack it.

"I know." His tone turned snippy and I grinned.

"Did Dad call?" Bree suddenly murmured the question and Rafael nodded stiffly.

"Yeah, I told you to cover for me."

"I tried but he's not stupid, Raf."

"Yeah whatever." A guarded look crossed Rafael's face as I switched the topic and conversed to Annikah. She placed the phone horizontally on the table end so we could get a view of everyone. After much convincing, she agreed to let us meet Serayah, her girlfriend since it was their 5 month anniversary and had gotten Travis to promise he would behave like a civilised teenager.

"Okay, so I have to leave early, I have a test today," Bree got up and Ann followed, waving their goodbyes. Slowly everyone filtered away and with a grin, Travis practically yelled at Rafael to not be silly and wrap his willy, earning a glower from the brute beside me.

As soon as Travis hung up, Raf's arm uncoiled from my shoulder.

"I'm going to make more fairy bread. Do you want some?" Rafael got up and I nodded meekly.

Curling up on the sofa, I resumed the movie and watched the animations flicker on the screen, pulling the blanket up to my chin.

A couple of minutes later, Rafael reentered with two plates brimming with slices of sprinkled bread.

"I think I should reconsider that fairy bread," I murmured, propping my head on my elbows. I had gone through two packets of Hot Cheetos and quite a few Oreo packs. The almost eaten gummy bear bag and crumpled Kit Kat wrappers taunted me from the central table.

"I told you I'd make you something healthy. You're going to fall sick with all this sugar," Rafael grumbled in disapproval and I crossed my arms across my chest, feeling defensive.

"If I fall sick, it'll be of my own accord. Not yours," I grabbed the plate from his hands and picked at the sprinkles. Rafael eyed me with scrutiny as I stomached the first slice, an aloof grin plastering on his face when I shot him a thumbs up.

"Fuck, you're crazy. If you end up puking, I won't hold your hair back."

"Game on, Hernandez." With a challenging grin, I munched happily on my food while drooling over Jack Frost's facial structure, much to Rafael's chagrin.

"He's a cartoon character in a kids movie. I don't see anything too special."

"You're blind."

"Slow down, your stomach will hurt," Rafael murmured as I downed the last of my snack, queasiness erupting in my stomach.

He might have jinxed it because ten minutes later, I found myself throwing up in the bathroom after a particularly violent cramp that knotted my tummy.

"I told you so," he muttered and I shot him a glare, shielding my body over the toilet bowl as embarrassment trickled through. Rafael's slender fingers grazed over the back of my neck, clasping my hair in a loose ponytail.

After cleaning up the mess, I shakily stood up, feeling disoriented.

"You know I'm surprised you haven't left me after all the times you've seen me cry, bleed and throw up." My attempt at light banter as I rinsed my mouth shifted the atmosphere dramatically.

"I'm never leaving you, let alone for stupid stuff like that. Get that bullshit out of your head," Rafael whispered fiercely, his thumb tracing my jaw roughly as fondness pooled in his emerald eyes. My breath hitched in my throat as I turned around, the sting of mouthwash still making my cheeks flame.

After the tense moment passed, we padded back down the stairs and resumed the movie. This time, instead of the heat pad loosening the tension in my abdomen, I felt Rafael's palm inch lightly under my shirt, massaging my flesh in gentle circles.

My focus on the movie wavered as he lazily rubbed shapes on my waist and I sunk back into his chest. The light breeze of his breath flashed across my neck, driving all my senses into hyper alert.

"You know, things would be so much easier if we had a Sandman in real life." Rafael propped his chin on my head, his thumb pressing against the curve of my stomach.

"No nightmares." He seemed to be thinking aloud as the movie progressed, the pads of his fingers still lightly kneading my flesh.

"The boogeyman wins in reality, huh?" I swivelled my head back to meet his gaze and he smiled blankly.

"Don't we know." It was an oddly horrifying thing to bond over, past trauma and agony.

Regardless, when his lips captured mine in a searing kiss that left my nerves sparking with excitement, I knew one thing for sure.

I didn't need Sandman when I had him.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

The blaring chatter of students rang in my ears as I tried to drown out their suffocating presence.

I hated school.

What I hated even more were the people. Dumb, loud people to be exact.

After Rafael had left my house yesterday, I had spent the rest of the day catching up on homework and assignments. Just before sleeping, I had gone through various plans on how to tell him and the others about what Aiden had done. All of them resulted in massive chaos, a probable murder or two and no mental peace for me. Whatever I would do, it would be after our date.

"I don't like my uterus right now," I muttered in annoyance, bracing my head on the table. I had a free class with Rafael who glanced at me with wrinkled brows.

"Did you take any painkillers?" Concern shadowed his voice and I shook my head.

"Do you want me to go to the Nurse's Office to get them?" He lightly massaged the back of my neck, relieving the knots.

"No, I'm going to sleep. Why are people so loud?" I grimaced as I glanced around the room, taking in the rising volume as conversations rippled through the air.

"The substitute went to the bathroom," Raf shrugged and I sighed heftily, fluttering my eyes close as Rafael's fingers pressed against the base of my skull.

"Rafael Hernandez?" A voice sliced through the chatter and gazes swung to us as an office administrator lingered near the doorway.

"Yeah?" Rafael made no move to get up. I shoved my elbow in his ribs which earned me a glare before he calmly strode over. Confusion bled across his features as he nodded to the lady and with one glance towards me, he trailed after her. What was that about?

A few moments later, our substitute teacher strolled back into the room with red spots patching his pudgy face.

"Would you all like to solve a quiz?" His enthusiasm was matched with foul glares and disapproving grunts. The class once again erupted in chatter and I shot him an apologetic smile before tilting my head back onto the desk.

For the next couple of minutes, I zoned out, wondering why Rafael had left to distract myself from the agony quaking through my lower abdomen. It felt like I was dying and when I couldn't take the cramps anymore, I strolled to the teacher's table.

"Can I go to the Nurse's Office?"

"Yes, of course," he shot me a strained smile, not asking any questions before handing me a pass. That was quick.

The hallways were empty as I made my way over to the Nurse's Office. My phone buzzed with a notification and I glanced at the screen, Rafael's name flashing on the top.

It was a text saying he'd left school early because his Dad picked him up to meet his sponsor who would be leaving for an emergency trip in two hours. He said he'd be back to get Bree once school ended. I replied and dormant concern ebbed inside me as I hoped he would be fine.

My thoughts were broken as I pushed the door to the Nurse's Office and was met with hollow silence. Pivoting my gaze around the room, I realised no one was here and slumped on one of the chairs.

The sound of the door creaking open alerted me and I spun my head to check who it was.

A chill slivered down my spine as Aiden's face greeted my vision, the snarl on his face assaulting my memory with violent flashbacks. My fingers trembled on my lap as I tried to look him in the eye, fear condensing in my bones at the sheer sight of him.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" His words reeked of hatred and I steeled myself. We were in school and the nurse would be here any moment, Aiden wouldn't do anything.

However, the acidity marring his face still terrified me as I ignored his question, making a move to leave.

"I asked you a question." The sharp curve of Aiden's sneer didn't faze me as I sidestepped him. However, his fingernails clasped onto my arm, digging crescents into my skin.

"Let go of me." My voice sounded cold but inside I was shaking as images of bruises danced in my head. Pain transpired as he squeezed my arm tighter, his fingers drilling further into my skin.

"How's that boyfriend of yours?" The brown in his eyes rippled with contempt.

"Let go of me." Grounding myself, I freed his fingers off my arm. A speckle of blood beaded where he tore the skin with one of his nails, prompting a montage of painful memories.

"It's Kiara's birthday in a week. Are you planning something?" Malice dripped from his tone, inciting guilt in my bones.

I shouldn't have felt that way but remnants of remorse still pecked at my veins.

"She would've been seventeen. Do you miss her, Blaze?" Aiden's voice seemed conversational as he titled his head to the side. However, I was well versed with the danger circuiting his body and I took a step back.

"I asked you a question." The volume of his voice rose exponentially as his fingers circled my wrist and I winced.

"You're not getting a fucking answer." I tried to make my voice appear iron clad as I shoved him away and stepped to the doorway.

"You don't scare me anymore and I promise you, I won't keep what you did a secret." The words poured out of my throat in a flurry and Aiden's eyes blazed with ire.

"I did nothing wrong."

"You're not the judge of that."

"I didn't do anything. Are you sure it wasn't all in your head, Blaze?" A sinister smirk hollowed Aiden's face and I stiffened. He was right, I had no proof. He'd scared me too much and by the point I was unshackled, there was nothing I could do.

"No." The sharpness of my tone cut through the terse atmosphere and Aiden's face turned frosty.

"You and I are more similar than you think, sweetheart. The same guilt, the same past. I miss you sometimes and I think you do too." Disgust swam in my veins as he inched forward and I flinched.

"You're delusional. Are you sure it's not all in your head?" Shoving my trembling hands in my pockets, I tipped my chin up.

"How long has it been since you last hurt yourself?" Shock amalgamated in my body as he fired his words. "What? Do you think I didn't notice?"

"And how long has it been since you fucking cared about anyone but yourself? Andrea calls me sometimes, complains about you." The mention of his mother sent anger skittering across his features. It was a lie, Andrea and I hadn't talked for over a month but Aiden didn't notice.

"When's the last time you visited Kiara? Or your parents? You must forget with so many graves." It was an extremely fucking low blow and tears stung in my eyes as I glared at him.

"When's the last time you acted like a decent son and didn't make your mother cry with your pathetic behaviour?" Our retorts bounced against the walls and Aiden's fists curled tightly.

"You think you've moved on, haven't you? How will you forget Kiara's blood on your hands? Or your parents? Sooner or later you'll crumble and I promise that nothing would make me happier." My cheeks turned wet but I ignored Aiden's scalding accusations.

"Nothing you say fucking matters anymore because you're doing it for attention, aren't you? Nobody likes you anymore, even your parents can't tolerate you. How's it feel?" I realised how harsh I sounded but I couldn't procure a shred of guilt. Aiden had said and done much worse.

"You're fucking done for." Before Aiden could act on his threat, I bolted out the door and into the empty hallway.

My feet skidded as I ducked into the bathroom, my pulse pounding against my skin.

How long has it been since you last hurt yourself?

His words circled my head as shaky breaths rasped out of my throats, tears soaking the neckline of my tee.

How will you forget Kiara's blood on your hands?

I would never forget her but it wasn't my burden to carry. Right?

The weight of his words suffocated me as I locked the bathroom stall and practiced my breathing exercises. Hollowness lodged in my chest as my vision blurred with unshed tears.

I don't know how much time passed until my erratic breathing slowed. My ears rang as the metallic taste of blood spread on my buds. The inside of my bottom lip was lined with a thin stream of blood and I got up, rinsing my mouth in the sink.

My head hurt and even though I knew all of Aiden's words were baseless, they struck me like whizzing bullets.

The shrill ringing of the bell made me wince as I cleaned my face up, grabbing a tissue from the dispenser.

Are you sure it wasn't all in your head, Blaze?

The phantom pain ebbing through my ribs reminded me it wasn't.

The door to the bathroom opened and two unfamiliar girls entered. I dipped my head low and joined the flux of students headed towards their lockers.

When I reached mine, I jolted as Travis appeared and thumped my head with a grin.

"Hi." Managing a smile, I saw his own disappear as he leaned forward with a frown.

"What happened?" Travis' tone hardened and I shrugged, avoiding his question by grabbing my backpack from my locker. Considering it was a free period again, I wanted to skip and clear my head.

"Hey, look at me," Travis nudged gently.

"Nothing. I'm going to bail. Meet you in the parking lot after school." Travis ignored me, placing his palms on my shoulders.

"I'm here for you, nugget. Tell me what happened." Gentleness coated his voice and I gulped, my throat suddenly feeling dry.

I wrapped my arms around his middle, sinking into his embrace and Travis hugged me back earnestly. His breath cascaded across my scalp, his hands slowly rubbing my back.

"What's wrong?" Trav whispered softly and I shook my head, his chin pressing into my head.

"Nothing you need to know about." I knew I should tell him about Aiden but the reality was that I was beyond scared. I would confess after my date with Rafael... just not now.

"I'll skip with you," Travis murmured as I pulled away and I shook my head fervently.

"No, I want to be alone." Concern and understanding flitted across his face as he reluctantly nodded.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Hesitance marred his face and I hummed my approval.

"I will, now go to your class."

"I have a substitute today. Text me if you need anything, okay?" He bumped his shoulder into mine and I smiled, warmth coiling in my stomach.

"I love you, nugget." A warm grin shone on his cheeks and I returned it with equal zeal.

"I love you too, T."

With an enthusiastic wave, I ambled in the direction of the back of the school. I made my way to the abandoned garden shed which was becoming a frequent spot for Rafael and I to... hang out. 

My cheeks heated at some of the very enthusiastic 'kisses' we'd shared against the wooden structure, driving away the fouls remnants of my encounter with Aiden.

My head brimmed with a plan as I sat down on the ground and retrieved my phone from my pocket. It was offhanded and unnecessary but I hoped it would work to give me some distance from Aiden. Scrolling through my contacts, I clicked on Travis' name and asked him what I wanted.

Instantly, I received a reply as he confirmed he'd send me the pictures I needed. The sunlight struck the concrete in front of me as I propped my head against the shed, waiting for Travis to give me the proof I needed.

"Childish but effective," I murmured as I finally got the photos and downloaded them onto my phone.

Next up was texting Andrea.

Hey, I have something to show you.

Surprisingly, her reply came minutes later and I forwarded her the pictures of Aiden smoking a blunt and another couple with him doing drugs. Travis had taken the former when Raf and him had gotten into the fight with the others from Aiden's social media.

As soon as the pictures were sent, Andrea's chat buzzed with a flurry of text messages. The last one asked me if she could call and I replied with a yes. My phone screen lit up and I swiped to accept.

"Are those from today?" was her first question and I ran it over in my head. She probably knew what he was wearing and besides, lying wouldn't benefit me.

"No, they're from a while ago. I thought it wasn't my place to say but I had to after today." Feigning a tremble in my voice, I took a deep breath.

"I thought he had stopped, Blaze. We only give him limited cash and he doesn't have any credit or debit cards on him." Andrea's voice thickened with concern and exhaustion. Sympathy curled in my stomach as I heard her shaky breathing.

"He hasn't." It wasn't a lie. I'd seen him smoking sometimes after school.

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because he... blamed me for Kiara's death in school today." It wasn't the first time I had said it but it was for Andrea and her sharp inhale of breath assured me she was stunned.

"Oh my Blaze. It's not your fault, not at all, sweetheart. Aiden doesn't mean what he said, I promise you."

My stomach twisted with guilt as everything came pouring out, the truth along with fabricated half-lies. I told her about how he mocked me with my parents death and guilted me into believing Kiara had blamed me. Telling Andrea that Aiden was becoming more violent in school and starting fights with my friends wasn't a lie either. I added a few garnished details that weren't entirely true. Spinning a half false narrative centered around Aiden didn't prove to be difficult because most of the things I said were true and I could hear soft sobs on the other end.

"I'm so so sorry Blaze. I just... I don't know who he is anymore. There's nothing that we're doing that is working. Mark and I have been thinking about sending him to Rehab for a month long programme." That piece of information stunned me and a scrap of relief blossomed in me.

"I think that's the right thing to do, Andrea. Maybe it will help him." The lie rolled off my tongue and I tried not to let my enthusiasm show.

"Thank you for telling me, Blaze. I'll tell Mark right away and we'll make arrangements. I'm genuinely sorry he said all those things, sweetheart. None of them are true," her voice cracked with regret.

"I'm trying to help him you know, we all are. Therapy isn't working and I didn't want to send him away but I have to. It's getting out of hand." I winced at her understatement.

"You're an amazing mother, Andrea.. You're doing your best." I whispered in reassurance and she took a deep breath.

"Thank you, Blaze. I promise I'll try to make this right. I'll be there to pick Aiden up after school today, hopefully we can talk?"

"I'm sorry but I can't, not with Aiden around."

"Oh, I understand. I am sorry." With that she murmured her goodbye and I reciprocated, hanging up after.

The silence captivated me as Andrea's words sunk in.

We've been thinking about sending him to Rehab.

A small smile gripped my face as I hoped Andrea saw it through. I didn't know what I wanted by sending Andrea those pictures of Aiden but it certainly wasn't this, though I wasn't complaining.

My phone buzzed with a text from Rafael and I smiled as he sent me a very corny dad joke.

What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.

The rest of the period zoomed past as Raf and I texted back and forth. My mood lightened as he sent me more jokes after learning I was skipping class due to my cramps, which was another half lie.

When the bell rang, I grabbed my backpack and trekked to the parking lot, feeling a lot better than half an hour ago.

Students steamed out of the hallway and I saw Rafael's car parked in the distance. He was seated on the hood and a grin graced my lips as he lifted his hand in a short wave.

All of a sudden, my neck was gripped from the back and judging by the way sharp nails dug into my skin, I guessed it was Bree.

"Dude, you're hurting her, let go," Ann muttered, appearing in front of me.

"She likes it rough, don't you?" A sly smile turned Bree's lips up and I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Not everyone is like you, Bree," Ann's lips curved in a smirk.

"You could try and act like you have a boyfriend, you know?" Travis muttered bitterly before shooting me a warm smile. A question lingered in his gaze and I nodded imperceptibly to let him know I was okay.

"Where's Jonah?" I cast my eyes around at his absence once we reached Raf's car.

"He has a test that's going to run late. We'll wait for him," Travis shrugged just as Rafael tugged me closer for a tender kiss. My body tingled with nerves as his fingers curled in my hair.

"Putting on a show, are we?" Ann teased when Raf pulled away and he scoffed.

"Jealous, are we?"

"I am," Bree quipped with a playful grin.

"Shut up."

"Damn, okay."

"How'd it go?" I turned to Raf and he shrugged nonchalantly.

"My sponsor might be moving away because of some family problems. Dad will find a new one." His words were strained and Bree smiled sadly at him.

"Well, you're doing good man," Travis punched Rafael's shoulder and he scowled, nodding begrudgingly.

Raf's arm came around my shoulder as he pulled me between his legs, rubbing my neck gently with his fingers and I smiled to myself.

"Didn't Jo have a test?" Bree squinted in the distance and everyone nodded.

"Then why's he coming from the back of the school with Summer?" A slow grin spread across her full lips.

"Did he... skip?" Rafael looked incredulous as we stared at Jo and Summer talking awkwardly near the side of the school.

"Holy fuck, our boy's growing up," Travis grinned brightly, observing their conversation from the distance.

My eyes stretched across the parking lot and I stiffened when I saw Andrea's car in the lot and her storming towards Aiden's group. They all stepped to the side as she furiously said something to Aiden.

Rafael's gaze diverted to where I was looking and his lips turned into a sneer. Aiden said something that made Andrea reel back but she regained her composure quickly.

"He deserved that," Bree muttered hotly as Aiden snapped and instantly Andrea's hand came sharp across his cheek, causing him to take a few retreating steps. Shock suffused into my bones. Andrea never lost her cool enough to raise a hand on anyone or even talk loudly above a certain level, especially not in a public place.

"Should I go and you know... help her?" Travis murmured as Aiden's friends watched in distress, dispersing quickly. By now, a bunch of people stood and watched as they argued, their words too far away to decipher.

All of a sudden, Aiden's gaze locked on mine, hatred igniting in his eyes even from a distance. His shoulders trembled with rage and instantly, Rafael hopped down from the hood, tightening his hold onto me.

My hands shook with nerves as I tried to forget Aiden's earlier words that left aftershocks rolling under my skin.

However, Andrea pointed to her car with a furious look, one that I'd never seen on her face and Aiden continued to glower at me until she had to pull him away like a petulant child. Before getting into the car with him, Andrea shot me a small smile and I nodded, dropping my gaze to the concrete.

"That was quite a show," Jo murmured as he suddenly appeared beside Bree.

"I wonder what it was about," Ann tilted her head to the side. Feeling a searing gaze on me, I turned to see Travis looking at me with sudden realization. His sight bounced between my shaking hands and the spot where Andrea's car had been.

"Nothing that we should worry ourselves about, right?" Travis quirked an eyebrow and I saw pride reflecting in his brown eyes as he regarded me with a smile.

"Yeah," I murmured, our gazes locking in a moment of mutual understanding.

Confusion washed Rafael's face as he glanced between the two of us but relaxed a minute later, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"I love you," he whispered in my ear, his hot breath whisking down the tendrils of my loose hair.

"I love you too," I murmured, Rafael's arm winding around my stomach as he held me close.

I couldn't help but feel a hint of self pride at what just happened, knowing that I had instigated it in a way. It felt cathartic to slowly reveal the things Aiden had done, to his mother of all people. It may not be a lot but I was working my way up and if Aiden would really be gone for a month, I'd lay all his skeletons out on the table and stir up a storm by the time he was back.

One that I would hopefully be strong enough to face.

hello people. i know i said i'd update on the 3rd because it was my birthday but the last 1000 words got deleted and i was so annoyed. anyways ignore my lousy excuse but here's my bday gift from me to you lol. this chapter is very, very, VERY long and i might come back and modify+shorten it because it's unedited.

thoughts on the chapter?

currently in lockdown so i'm hoping to get some writing done but also i have heaps of uni work to do, so love that for us.

question: do you have any pets?

love
a