"The tornados of pain swirling in his eyes were captivating, pulling me in but pushing me away only to be drifted into the wind"

❃ B l a z e ❃

Saturday evening rolled by relatively quickly. I had spent the morning and last night packing behind my locked door, and avoiding human contact.

A few days ago Andrea had informed me that she was on-board with my moving, and she had talked to Aunt Mary about me going back there. I could tell from her face that she didn't like it one bit, but it was the best decision right now.

A bunch of my stuff, which wasn't a lot, was packed in boxes that were stacked against one wall of the room. I knew I still had a lot of things yet to pack, including going through the box stowed away, deep inside my closet.

It had all of mine and Kiara's things, amongst my parents belongings and I was stalling everyday because I didn't know if I had it in me to sift through all their stuff.

It was like a time capsule, but it didn't feel as if the wounds had still healed from their deaths for me to rehash them. It was probably dramatic of me, however I wasn't even close to that point where I would be able to look back on those times without breaking down.

I refocused my attention my current plans, avoiding that topic as usual. We were going bowling in two hours and I still had to shower and get ready. Dragging myself out of bed, I slipped into the shower and took my time scrubbing myself clean.

By the time I got out, it had been well over forty minutes and I spent another fifteen deciding on what to wear. For some odd reason, I felt good about myself today and decided on putting more effort into my outfit.

After much contemplation, I decided on a white crop top and some high waisted blue mom jeans. But once I put it on, my confidence wavered.

There weren't any sleeves and all the marks and bumps on my forearms were clearly visible. A litter of scars, some short and some long, were marred across my arms in a messy weave. Most of them were faint, but some stood out against my pale skin, drawing attention to the deformities.

I ran my fingers over the varying cuts, flinching as I felt a phantom pain shoot through me as I touched each one, remembering the way I had found solace in harming myself. They were hideous.

Salty tears pricked the corner of my eyes, and a heavy feeling settled down in my chest. I just wanted to feel better, but there was always something to drag me down. I clamped my eyes shut, feeling a few tears release and track down my cheek as I grappled my fingers in my hair.

I took a few deep breaths, this was no reason to cry over. Once again, I scanned my reflection avoiding the way my forearms burnt with an invisible ache. I took another deep breath, and calmed myself.

No, I was going to wear this.

Ruffling through my closet, I found a cropped bomber jacket and slipped it on. It went up to my wrists and covered all the scars that I was ashamed of showing now. Aiden might have given me bruises, but the scars were my own doing and that was only on me.

My face was tainted with tear tracks, and my eyes looked puffy but that could be fixed with the minimal makeup skills I knew.

After much deliberation, I curled my hair and applied a thin coat of makeup. Did I look too overdressed for a night with my friends? Probably. Was I going to change? Probably not.

A small smile crossed my lips as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. It may not have been the best outfit or the perfect makeup look, but I felt confident about myself.

Without overthinking too much, I resumed the book I was reading while I was with Jonah yesterday. It had been a long time since I had taken an interest in reading, and I grinned as I remembered Jonah's disgust with crime thrillers. It was exactly what I was reading right now.

Not long after, I heard a car honk outside and a simultaneous text notification from Bree that they were here. I grabbed my stuff and rushed downstairs, only to collide with Aiden.

His eyes ran over my body from top to bottom in a blank stare and disgust crawled it's way into my veins as I clenched my trembling fingers. A roll of those horrible flashbacks caused a fresh set of tears to brim my eyes and I turned away before he could say or do something. Just like always, I pushed down on those violating memories. If I pretended like it never happened, maybe I would believe it never did.

I wiped a lone tear that had streaked down my face and composed myself. It had taken effort to gain the assurance to put this outfit on, and for the moment I could manage to move past those dark thoughts. I wasn't going to let him, of all people, ruin that.

Opening the door, I was greeted by Travis' grinning face. "Hello" I waved my hand awkwardly.

"You look beautiful" Raf smiled at me as he turned around from the passenger seat. "I know" I grinned and he rolled his eyes before laughing.

"Thank you, and you look better than most days" I smirked at him and his eyes narrowed to slits as he scoffed. "I'm actually pretty handsome, if I say so myself" a cocky grin was plastered on his face.

"Humble too" I muttered at the same time Bree rolled her eyes. "You're delusional".

Raf huffed and turned around, as Travis started driving. Surprisingly, no one said a word and I took the chance to break the silence.

"So I have something to tell you guys" I met all of their gazes as they looked at me curiously.

"I invited Jonah, and he's going to be joining us today" Why did I sound so formal?

"I don't mind" Travis smiled and Bree nodded. "I don't either". I turned my eyes to Rafael who shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. I grinned brightly, causing Raf to raise an eyebrow.

During the rest of the car drive, Bree went on to told me how Ann had called her in a state of panic because she didn't know what to wear or how to act. "She tried calling you but apparently you didn't pick up" Bree quirked an eyebrow and I checked my phone to see her missed call.

"I took a little bit of more time getting ready" I murmured sheepishly. As I looked her in the eye, I sensed something off about her mood. "You okay?" Bree dodged my question, instead she looked at Raf wearily.

They silently communicated something before she answered "Yeah, just family stuff". Her smile was forced but before I could say anything else, I was cut off.

"You seem in a cheery mood today" Raf piped up from the front seat.

"Is it a crime to be happy?"

"Nope, you should smile more often. It suits you" he chirped from the front seat and met my eyes through the mirror. A streak of sunlight was slanting across his vivid green irises, partially making them glow and defining his full lips, which were pulled up into a genuine smile. I looked away, knowing that I would end up admiring every inch of his face if I didn't.

Avoiding Raf's gaze for the rest of the car ride proved to be difficult, considering he was sitting in front of me and constantly staring at me through the side view mirror. After a point, I just turned to my phone to hide the increasing flame burning across my cheeks.

Once we reached our regular spot, I took my time getting out mainly to avoid embarrassing myself by saying something stupid in front of Raf. However as soon as I stepped out, I was met by his grinning face standing beside my door.

"Will you stop? Do I have a big sign on me saying lo and behold, stare all you want" I glared at him and he chuckled. "You might as well have" he smirked and an idea flickered in my brain.

"Oh so you're complimenting you only because I made some effort for myself? So what you're basically trying to say is I'm only worth looking at if I dress up?" I inwardly smirked at his flustered reaction.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean that. I was just joking, I mean not about the part where you look great. Now don't get me wrong, you always do but I was just complimenting you. That's supposed to be a nice gesture-" I cut off his rant by clamping my hand across his mouth.

"I'm kidding" I smirked as his nostrils flared in irritation, making his hot breath fan across my hand. Removing my palm, I grinned at him and he rolled his eyes. However his lips twitched, threatening to break out in a smile.

"Can we go?" Travis glanced at the two of us mischievously and I nodded. By now, the employees were on a first name basis with us, more specifically Travis. Judging by the excessive amount of nachos and sandwiches he ordered each time around, I would say he was one of the highest paying customers.

"Hi Grace. How was your day?" Travis shot a friendly smile at the girl behind the counter, and from the corner of my vision I noticed Bree's face contort into annoyance and a hint of jealousy.

"Hey, it's been a long day. But I'm glad you're here" Grace beamed back at him, leading Bree to roll her eyes as she tapped her foot impatiently. Travis grinned at her, and I could clearly see he didn't notice the way she was flirting with him.

She leaned down to hand us all our shoes and I could practically feel the angry glares that Bree was shooting at Travis. Rafael was oblivious to the situation, as he was busy scrolling through his phone.

"I remember your shoe size. You're a Size 10 right?" Grace directed her question towards Travis, and he nodded eagerly. Bree's eyes fixated on Grace, sending scorching glares her way, and I felt bad for her because she was actually a nice person. She just didn't know that Travis already had a secret girlfriend.

Shifting uncomfortably on her feet, Grace smiled at the rest of us and I warily returned the gesture. "Play nice" I whispered in Bree's ear and she grimaced but reluctantly smiled at Grace. However, it was faker than the eyelash extensions that Aunt Mary used to wear to look prettier.

"We'll be back for food" Travis grinned at her, and I cringed at how unaware he was of Bree's glares directed towards him.

"When's Jonah coming?" Rafael finally looked up from his phone to ask me a question and I shrugged. "He has to work, and he'll be here after. He didn't really say when" Raf nodded and pocketed his phone, moving his gaze across all of us.

A sour expression was plastered on Bree's face and Raf furrowed his eyebrows. "What's up with you?" he seemed amused as Bree scowled at him, before storming away with her shoes. Travis looked puzzled as he stared at her, and I groaned at his stupidity.

"Let's just go" I rolled my eyes, and they shot me simultaneous looks of confusion. Boys are so dumb.

I sat down beside Bree, as she tied her laces and I could feel the frustration emanating from her as she failed to tie the laces and pulled them in anger.

"Do I have to tie them for you?" Raf's cheeky grin turned into a frown when Bree glared at him icily. "What's wrong?" his eyebrows cinched together as he turned to me for answers.

"Can we just start already? I'd like to get out of here as quick as I can" Bree blankly stared at all of us, and I nodded while the other two dumbasses just tilted their heads to the right.

After a minute of awkward silence, Raf volunteered to go first and soon the tension dissipated. However, I could still feel a band of friction between Travis and Bree.

"I'm hungry" Travis muttered after ten minutes, and I saw Bree shoot him a glare.

"Is this why you drag us here every time to go bowling?" Raf asked with a smirk and Travis' face scrunched up in confusion. "Well it seems like you have a crush on Grace, right?" I watched as Travis' eyes widened in realization and he suddenly turned to Bree, who was silently fuming.

"Shut up Raf" I tried to make it sound like a joke, solely to drain the growing strain in the atmosphere. He glanced at me questioningly before shrugging his shoulders.

Bree stormed ahead as it was her turn, however her ball rolled into the gutter. "Fucking hell" she groaned in frustration before turning around and angrily stomping to her seat. I made a move to sit beside her, but she shifted away with an apologetic smile.

Another few rounds passed by, each resulting in Bree either hitting a handful of pins or rolling the ball in the gutter.

I was munching on my nachos, which Raf had went to get after Travis claimed he wasn't hungry anymore, when I saw Bree snap.

"I fucking hate this place" she yelled, causing a few eyes to turn to us. Raf's eyes widened in alarm and he looked at us meaningfully. "I think we all need a timeout" he gestured for us to leave, and I was ready to protest but he shot me a serious look.

I nodded, and pulled Travis along with me to a few empty seats further away. He looked hesitant to leave, and kept glancing worriedly at Bree, who had her back to us.

He sat down beside me with a huff, and sneaked looks at Bree who was talking about something with Raf animatedly. Raf's face was tensed as he ran a hand through his hair, and made wild hand gestures.

"Can I talk to you?" Travis leaned forward and his hands twitched with nervousness. I nodded, concerned by the way his brown eyes were flooded with pain.

"It's about Bree and I. I think we actually had our first big fight yesterday" his face fell as he said the words and a frown marred his usually smiling face.

"What happened?" I spoke in a hushed whisper, despite knowing our conversation was concealed amongst the lively chatter and the music drifting across the place.

"I want to tell Raf, but she's scared" Trav muttered and nervously tapped his fingers on the table.

After another long sigh, he started talking again. "I understand why she doesn't want to, but I really think it's time that we did. I can't keep hiding our relationship forever, and it's getting harder to constantly keep on acting as if we're just friends" his voice seemed strained and tired, as he pulled at his hair.

"Do you know why she wants to keep it a secret?" I asked hesitantly, not completely well versed with this kind of conversation. I was clearly terrible at giving advice.

"I don't know she won't tell me, I just think she's scared of how Raf will act. Don't tell her I said this but I need to get it off my chest- do you think she's ashamed of me as her boyfriend?" Trav's voice reflected hopelessness, and I felt a wrench twist inside me upon hearing his words.

"No, of course not. Don't even think of that, you don't see the way she looks at you" I immediately rushed out. My eyes skimmed over to Raf and Bree who were now talking about something while munching on their nachos.

Travis wryly smiled, before nodding his head slowly. "Yesterday, when you guys were in detention, I told her that we should probably just tell him and things just escalated. The next thing I know, she was telling me that I should just dump her if she was so horrible and problematic. I would never do that. Does that sound like someone you know?" he rambled on in one breath and then propped his head against his palms.

"Rafael" I murmured, knowing Travis heard it.

The two were more similar than they thought, always placing the blames on themselves and trying to hide behind seemingly tough exteriors. But after spending so much time with them, it was obvious how they were entwined in their self hatred and doubt.

"One way or another, I need to tell Raf soon after convincing Bree" he spoke more to himself than me and I bit my lip, pondering over how I could help him.

"I guess I'll have to go buy a bunch of painkillers soon" his humour was back as he laughed loudly, causing a few heads to turn to us, including Raf's and Bree's.

"Why?" I furrowed my eyebrows, and he snorted before replying.

"Do you think Raf's going to let me off with just a pat on the back and a lollipop?" Trav's face looked nervous as he chuckled again.

"I'm sure he wouldn't hit you, right?" My voice wavered and the uncertainty seeped through, causing Travis to grin at me.

"You know that's a lie. I'm lucky if I get off with just a few punches to the face. I mean, I can't ruin my best asset, have you seen my beautiful profile?" he emphasized by using hand gestures and I stifled a chuckle at the bewilderment in his eyes.

"Don't worry, I don't think Bree will let that happen" Travis laughed bitterly at my words.

"I don't really blame him though. I would lose my shit if my best friend did the dirty with my sister" he cringed at his own words, then smiled meekly.

"I think it's best if I leave that part out, right? I don't think death is in my cards right now" I grinned at the masked fear laced in his voice, causing him to glare at me.

He was nervously rambling on about the different ways that Raf would kill him- some of which included running him over with a lorry or throwing him to sharks, all of which were very dramatic and unrealistic. He suddenly stopped and smiled bizarrely.

"So we really need to plan this out" I suggested and he nodded.

A whimsical thought crossed my mind but I paused, wondering if I should let Travis know. However, this seemed like a way to get Raf stay true to his word.

"Raf promised to tell Bree about the drugs" I blurted out suddenly, and instantly regretted it. I didn't know if it was okay for me to be spilling this. Travis' eyes widened in surprise and he took a deep breath. "Wow, how did you get him to agree?".

"I just asked him" I bit my lip, and Travis looked perplexed. "I've been trying to get him to tell her ever since he relapsed a few months ago" my face went slack as he spoke. Raf had been sober? Travis must have noticed my confusion because he answered.

"We first became friends cause I caught him smoking a blunt in school. Instead of getting angry, he just shared it with me and after that we spent heaps of lunch breaks just smoking on the rooftop in silence" he avoided my gaze while speaking.

"For me it was always weed, but Raf never stops at the bare minimum- he always drags himself deeper. It was hard seeing him get addicted to those pills, and never being able to do a thing. And to pull it all together, somewhere along the way Bree and I happened and it was fucking hard keeping it a secret from her. I mean how was I supposed to choose between keeping my best friend's secret or his sister's?" I could tell Travis had been keeping this inside for a long time, as he humourlessly scoffed by the end of it.

"I don't know why I just said this. I stopped doing all that" he looked at me guiltily, his eyes crinkling at the edges and I shook my head.

"You're an amazing friend Trav. Don't stress it, and you have done nothing wrong" I smiled at him, which he returned. After a beat of silence, I spoke again.

"Is this morally right?" As I voiced my doubt, Travis grinned brightly, although it faltered a bit. "My moral compass has been broken since quite a few years".

When I grimaced, he looked amused. "And do you really think that they're going to open up on their own, despite telling us that they will?" I shook my head at his question knowing they wouldn't, and he shrugged his shoulders.

"That's why we need to give them an oxidizing agent. See I made a Chemistry joke right there" he grinned proudly and I shot him a weird look.

"I think you mean a catalyst" his smile faded as I supplied him with the correct answer, and instead it was replaced by a scowl.

"At least I tried. Talking about Chemistry, how are things with you and Raf?" he wiggled his eyebrows animatedly, and I looked at him blankly.

I was about to reply with a basic answer, when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen to see it was an unknown number.

"Hello?" there was silence on the other line as I waited for a response. "It could be a serial killer" Travis whispered in alarm as he told me to hang up. I rolled my eyes at his dramatic behaviour.

"Blaze?" a familiar voice filtered through my ears.

"Jonah where are you?" I sighed when he didn't respond for a few seconds.

"Do you really think this is a good idea?" I felt a pang of guilt, remembering that his anxiety made it harder for him to make friends. I had overlooked that, even though I had been the same way.

"Yes, we talked about this. This is a new start. It will be fun okay?" I tried to assuage him and it worked as I heard him exhale a sharp breath, before speaking.

"Okay, I'm in the parking lot. I'll be there in a few minutes" he hung up straight after, and I could feel Travis' eyes on me during the entire phone call.

"It wasn't some serial killer" I laughed at him, and he grinned at me before shaking his head.

"I never would've guessed that I'd be stuck with all you weirdos as my friends" he commented slyly. "We're the weirdos?" I glared at him and he pouted childishly.

"Anyways, we should get back. We need to keep our plan a secret okay?" Travis glanced at me urgently and I nodded.

"Raf was telling me to come over to his house some time this week for our project. Maybe then?" Trav's face blanched as he nodded slowly.

"Do I really have to be there? I like my face" he whined, but shut up when I narrowed my eyes.

"No, you're right. I can take a few punches for Bree" he puffed out his chest and I couldn't help the grin splitting across my face.

"I think our timeout's over" Travis mumbled while looking at Bree who had clearly calmed down and was now laughing with Raf.

We walked back to them, and Bree looked visibly relaxed as she was now smiling at the two of us. "Sorry about that" she muttered awkwardly, looking down at the floor.

"Don't worry about it" Travis instantly replied. "You're okay now?" he stared at her, and she looked at Raf, who was glancing at Travis weirdly. Meanwhile, I was darting my gaze between the three of them frantically.

"Jonah's here" I interrupted their awkward staring triangle.

As soon as I said the words, my eyes caught on to his familiar frame standing near the counter. He was talking to Grace, and when he turned around his face clearly displayed his agitation.

The other three were now looking at him as he ambled towards us in a slow walk, with his shoes dangling from his hands.

"Hello" he greeted me monotonously, not looking at the others. "Hey" I smiled at him, and thankfully Travis stepped ahead and grinned at Jonah.

"How good are you at bowling?" Trav suddenly shot the question at Jonah who looked taken aback. "I'm good, I think" he furrowed his eyebrows at Travis, who patted him on the shoulder. "You should get used to it, we hang out here pretty often".

A smile crossed my lips at Travis' openness, and Bree and Raf took the cue to introduce themselves.

A moment of awkward silence stretched amongst us, and Jonah was flitting his gaze everywhere but at us. Eventually, Travis cleared his throat before speaking. "So we need to start a new game now".

Everyone nodded, and Jonah stayed back to tie his shoes. "This will be fun" I smiled at him enthusiastically, but winced at how chirpy I sounded.

"Yeah" he murmured under his breath, staring at his shoes with a laser focus.

Once he was done, we approached the others and I saw another round of stiff glances being exchanged before someone clicked their tongue in annoyance.

"Oh come on. Stop acting as if we're all in primary school" Bree sighed exasperatedly, before pulling a flustered Jonah with her to get a bowling ball.

Travis' mouth gaped open as his eyes traced their movements and I saw them flare for a fleeting moment before turning blank. "Well someone's eager" Raf chuckled as he followed Bree.

"You're not jealous, are you?" I smirked at Travis who looked annoyed, but then grimaced. "Not at all" he trudged silently to where the others were, and I trailed behind him not being able to contain my laughter.

"What's so funny?" Raf looked suspiciously at me, and I shrugged my shoulders. "The world is a funny place, Hernandez" I patted his shoulder patronisingly and he flashed me a strange look before smiling to himself.

Taking a seat next to Jonah, I regarded his clammy forehead and fidgeting fingers. Bree was trying to make conversation with him, but all she received were imperceptible nods and shy smiles.

She eventually got up when it was her turn, and Jonah turned to me with a helpless look. I grinned at him encouragingly, and suddenly Trav sat on his other side.

"Hi Jonah" He quipped brightly, and I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "What were you guys talking about?" Trav's voice sounded casual, but I could hear the undercurrent of curiosity and possibly envy.

"Well she was just asking me random stuff and then we talked about bowling" Jonah looked uncomfortably at Travis, who nodded his head in satisfaction. He got up right after and I followed him with a grin on my face.

"I never really took you for the jealous type" I poked my elbow gently in his ribs and he rolled his eyes. "I was just being... inquisitive" he replied with a tilt of his head.

"Trav, I think she's just trying to be friends with Jonah" I offered and he whipped his head to turn at me, groaning in the process. "You're right. I'm being so stupid all because of one fight".

"I really really like her" he smiled fondly as he stared at Bree who was arguing with Raf about something, causing Jonah to look like the deer in headlights between them.

"We really chose the craziest twins on earth to date right?" he nudged my shoulder, and I stared at him incredulously.

"Huh? We? It's just you buddy. Raf and I are nothing" a nervous laugh bubbled up my throat and he rolled his eyes dismissively. "Well it's only a matter of time" Travis' face was lit with mischief, and I scowled at him.

"You're crazy, completely bonkers. Cuckoo in the head, delusional, nuts, bananas. Heck you've gone avocados" I spluttered out.

"Really Blaze? I thought we were past the flustered denial phase" he cocked an eyebrow and I glared at him, despite feeling a warmth in my stomach.

"You're obviously crushing" he spoke a bit too loudly, causing Raf and Jonah to glance at the two of us. I huffed angrily, before stomping away to sit somewhere else.

Just my luck, because as soon as I sat down, Raf plopped down on the chair next to me. "Can I get some peace?" I muttered irritably.

"So you and Travis seem to be in a good mood today" his implication wasn't so subtle and I had to suppress my laugh at his frowning face.

"Like I said Raf, the world is a funny place" he grimaced at my reply, and I sighed. "We were just talking".

"About what?" his voice sounded serious, and I rolled my eyes at his tone. "Seriously? We were just talking about stuff" he looked at me in doubt before slowly nodding his head.

"So Jonah's a nice person" Raf piped up while looking me in the eye.

"He is" I nodded. He looked diffident to say whatever he wanted to next, because he was fumbling with his hands, and staring at my cheeks constantly.

"What is it?" I sighed after a minute of him not speaking up.

"What happened between you guys?" his voice was starkly contrasting to his usual confidence. It sounded mellow and concerned.

I swallowed the lump in my throat before answering. "A lot. We never talked after the day Kiara died. He left town just like that, without a notice. It was hard not having him there, because he was the only one who understood what happened that night. The car accident, I mean" I suddenly halted my ranting at the accidental revelation, and Raf's eyes flickered with confusion but he didn't question me.

"I understand now though" my voice sounded heavy, but it wasn't spiteful because I had moved past that point now. What surprised me was that Raf didn't say anything to patronise me, instead he nodded his head and got up.

"Now we have better memories to make" he grinned at me cheekily. I couldn't resist admiring the way his face lit up with pure joy, or the way his eyes twinkled with a secretive glint whenever he genuinely smiled. It was the small things that made him a better whole.

"Yes we do" I grinned at him, and he placed his arm over my shoulder, sending a jolt throughout my body at the simple gesture.

When I looked around at the people here with me and the ones not- Ann, Mark and Andrea, I knew that despite everything my world laid in their hands and company.

And there was no place I'd rather be.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

The next morning I woke up with a pounding headache and a runny nose. It was stupid of me to think that the nightmares would stay at bay. They never did.

Even good days like yesterday ended on a bad note.

Our bowling match had ended with Jonah winning, much to everyone's surprise. As the night had passed, so had his initial discomfort. Shockingly, Jonah and Raf were the two people who had got along the most with each other. I could trace legitimate happiness on both their faces, and that had made me smile.

However when I had reached home, I was hoping for a good night's sleep. I should've known that wasn't going to happen.

I avoided my own reflection as I walked into the bathroom, knowing all I would see was ghastly pale skin and discoloured rings underneath my eyes.

The images were still imprinted in my mind, and I could practically smell the scent of fresh blood that had tainted my sleep. Every night held the fear of the unknown, because I could never fathom the way my mind would twist reality to drag me back into the shambles of the past.

I was always at the mercy of those distorted memories, stuck in the playbacks of the night Kiara jumped, and the way Aiden killed me from the inside. In the end, it all jumbled together into one largely terrifying nightmare.

"Remember the good times" I murmured affirmations to myself as I brushed my teeth and showered, hoping that they would make me feel better. I stood under the hot water for nearly half an hour, pulling myself together after another long night.

By the time I was done with my morning routine, I was feeling a bit better. It was well past breakfast time but considering it was Sunday I was sure Andrea wouldn't mind.

After a long talk with myself, I finally decided on just wearing pajamas. All I planned on doing was some homework and catching up on sleep.

A notification popped up on my phone screen and I checked it to see a text from Andrea informing me that she was out shopping with a bunch of friends, and wouldn't be back till the afternoon.

Eyeing the boxes in my room, I smiled knowing that I would be out of here soon. I hadn't seen Aiden besides a few brushes in the hallway or the kitchen, and I was glad that either Mark or Andrea had been there every time.

After the night he had sneaked in my room, I had made sure to always lock my door and avoid all contact with him. His hateful glares still chilled me, but I pushed it to the back of my mind. Right now, I was starving.

Walking into the kitchen, I hummed a low tune to myself as I tried to decide on what to eat. An idea crossed my mind and I grabbed butter and a few slices of bread.

"Now where are the sprinkles?" I muttered as I rummaged through the cupboards. A laugh escaped my lips as I remembered the way Raf was chatting to his fairy bread amicably.

When I finally located the sprinkles, a small mangled noise of victory edged past my mouth and I accidentally spilled a handful of sprinkles on the floor.

I groaned in frustration as I leaned down to clean it, and continued humming a tune under my breath. The sound of a throat clearing caused me to freeze.

I looked up only to be greeted with a familiar pair of amused sage eyes.

"Morning sweetheart"

Hey Babes! I apologise for these extremely trashy, filler chapters. I don't know what the heck is going on with my writing, or my motivation. I have heaps of ideas but once I try to frame them, they turn out all shitty. So screw that.

Thoughts on the chapter? Well, this chapter was more Travis and Blaze, less Rafael. And yes, Travis can be sad too. And I know this chapter is quite longer than the last one, but I couldn't break it up any other way.

Also I uploaded the Spotify code for the playlist, so you can go see that now.

Why do exams have to be so stressful? I stress on a daily basis, but exams just make my stress levels skyrocket and woosh, the next thing you know they're all the way to Jupiter, and then get zooted to another galaxy.

That right there is one of the many reasons I don't have many friends. I say random stuff that makes no sense. Anyways, I hope you liked this chapter.

Question: What's one phrase/word you use a lot that you could probably coin cause it's your thing?

Stay safe, wear your masks and keep glowing. I love you.

Love
A❤️