I awoke to an irritating sound, piercing the silence of my room. Lying there, I listened to it for what seemed like a full minute before it stopped.

Sighing in relief, I rolled over and snuggled down into my comfy blankets. The blissful state of unconsciousness calling to me, welcoming me back into...

The sound pierced through the silence of my room again, waking me up enough to discern that my phone was ringing.

At this realisation I let out a deep groan, as I rolled onto my back and popped my eyes open to glare up at the ceiling, in irritation.

My phone rang for another minute before it fell silent again. I was on the verge of turning around, to get some more sleep, when the demonic device once again started blaring out my ringtone.

"Mother fucker!" I swore, as I turned and grabbed the thing off my night stand, answering it. "What?" I snapped. "You better have a good fucking excuse for waking me up!"

"We need to talk," the person said.

Stiffening at their words, I frowned in worry. It was far too early for me to be playing guessing games with some asshole.

"Look buddy, I don't know who you are and I don't know what kind of sick game you're playing, but you've got the wrong girl," I said in warning.

"We need to talk," they repeated sternly.

My frown deepened as I pulled my phone away from my ear and glanced down at the glowing screen. The caller ID, stared up at me as a 'private number.'

Great, an early morning mystery.

Rolling my eyes at the sight, I grumbled some profanities under my breath, before bringing my phone back to my ear. "Who is this?"

"You will find out soon." they said with a chuckle, "Be at North Side park in an hour, or else," they continued, and before I could open my mouth to answer, they cut the line.

Silence buzzed in my ear as I lay there and glared up at my ceiling. Angry at the fact that this person dared to intimidate me, as I imagined different ways to kill them. With a sigh, I placed my phone back on my night stand, before I laid back down and tried to fall asleep again. Brushing off their supposed threat.

I laid there with my eyes closed and wished for sleep to take me away and back into its embrace. Lying there for a full five minutes, I stared at the black canvas of my eyelids. Knowing that sleep was but a pipe dream.

A beep came from my phone and a frustrated growl left my lips. Grabbing the thing, I unlocked it to see what the message said.

Unknown: You better be moving. I don't think you want your secrets out there. Now do you?

Ice filled my veins as my body went completely numb. My body limp from the icy cold numbness I felt inside at the message. Watching as my phone slipped from my fingers and onto my bed, not caring for it as I stared into space. My mind on the person who dared to do this.

My mind raced with a million thoughts.

That night played in the background while the rest of my thoughts rushed by. My mind, a mess as my neurons fired off a new thing every second or so. Rushing through all those who knew my secret, their faces flashing passed as I tried to find the one person who dared to do something like this.

With the pool of people being so small, it didn't take long to figure out who they were.

The only person who wasn't supposed to know and who did. The only person I knew, who was despicable enough to do such a thing. Sean Evans.

I should have known.

When I realised who it was, I saw red. The numbness vanished as my anger rapidly grew. My veins seeming to warm up as my blood began to boil.

"Asshole!" I snapped, throwing my covers off my overly hot body, and jumping out of bed.

He had been watching me for a week now, his eyes trained on me at every chance he got. Watching me like a hawk, he studied me in each class we shared and yet, he never made a move. He never dared to come near me, let alone speak to me.

Until now. Choosing a day when I would be off guard to strike, but he was sorely mistaken. I wasn't about to go down without a fight, as he will soon realise that he definitely shouldn't mess with me.

I raced from my room, to the bathroom, to get ready. Running through the shower, I quickly brushed my teeth and brushed my hair before walking out. Walking right into Devon, who stood just outside the door.

Ah great, an early morning lecture.

Devon's eyes narrowed at the sight of me as he took a step back. "What are you doing up so early?" he asked.

"Got things to do," I answered with a shrug.

"Leah?" he asked, stepping in my way.

"Devon, I don't have time for this okay!" I snapped, as I forcibly brushed passed him and headed towards my room. "Look if you need to know, I'm headed to North Side park," I called over my shoulder, before walking into my room and shutting the door behind me.

Walking over to my drawers, I pulled on a pair of underwear and a bra. Dropping my towel, I turned around and started searching my floor for a pair of black jeans. Finding one, I pulled them on, before heading over to my closet.

Grabbing the first shirt my hand landed on, I pulled on a light blue t-shirt. A t-shirt Grace had given me a while ago, saying that it would highlight my eyes – or some bullshit like that.

Finding a pair of socks, I pulled them on followed by my combat boots. Once fully dressed, I grabbed my leather jacket with a hoodie attached and pulled it on. Looking over myself in the mirror, I grabbed my keys, wallet, phone and helmet and walked out my room.

"Leah!" Devon called just as I opened the front door.

"Hmmm?" I asked, turning to look at him.

"What's going on?" he asked, concern shining in his bronze eyes.

"Nothing, just gotta go beat up some asshole is all," I answered, waving him off dismissively.

"Be careful okay, North Side park isn't all it's cracked up to be," he said, with a hint of concern.

"I know Dev, we've lived here long enough for me to get it," I said with a smile, "So bye." I said with a wave as I walked out the house.

My mind set on getting to North Side park as fast as I could, so I could finally pummel Sean's face in and get him to shut his trap about what he had seen.

He wasn't going to hold my scars over my head like some kind of trophy, I wouldn't allow it.

Heading towards my bike, I noticed some neighbours outside, on this slightly sunny morning. Ignoring their existence, I took in my bike as I pulled on my helmet and got settled upon it.

My Suzuki Katana was an efficient bike with a three-mode traction control and adjustable suspension. Though it may have less torque and power than I would like, my bike did the job of getting me to where I needed to go.

Its black body was not as stylish as a racing bike, but still good to look at. Starting up my bike, I listened to the throaty growl it gave as I revved the engine a little, before taking off down the road.

We lived on the fringe of North Side, about ten blocks away from Down Town – otherwise known as the city centre.

Our city was split into three sections, central West Mount – known as Down Town which was where the city hustle and bustle happened. Filled with companies, restaurants and a whole lot more. This was the place of business where everyone needed to be on a Saturday to sort out their lives for the coming week.

From there, you had the two sides of West Mount, known as North Side and South Side. Each of these were a residential area, mixed with some businesses in between. Living on either side of our city determined your status in West Mount.

Those who lived in South Side, were known for being rich and influential people. The ones with the money to do as they pleased and who would get somewhere in life. People who were known as the be all and end all of West Mount, as everyone wanted to be like them.

Take my family for example.

Then you get the North Side, the place known as the wrong side of the tracks. A place that was so far from the pristine and glamour of the South Side, many people avoided it unless it wasn't an option.

The area was pretty banged up and the further you went into it, the worse it got. It first started out with general family homes, before turning into condos and apartments, then finally turning into run down homes or even abandoned ones.

The further you went into North Side, the more factories, warehouses and other labour intensive businesses would be found.

North Side was the place where most of the working-class lived. Those who got by on what little they earned, while still trying to make an honest living. It was where most dodgy and dangerous people lived, those who turned to drugs and alcohol. Finding them in bars and clubs, and most of all, The Warehouse.

I snapped out of my thoughts as I pulled into the parking lot near the park. Frowning at the sight in front of me, as I found the lot to be clear of any vehicles. Pulling my bike to a stop near the entrance, I killed the engine before taking off my helmet. Staring at the entrance with a frown, I looked around me to make sure that I was the only person here.

Did I dream that bullshit?

Looking at the entrance of the park, my frown deepened as I sat there, wondering if I had dreamt it all up. Looking at my phone, I checked my messages and call log to see that I hadn't.

Shaking my head to clear my idiotic thoughts, I got off my bike and decided to head into the park. It was eerily quiet, as it was just before eight on a Saturday morning. Too damned early for most people in North Side, too early for me even, and yet here I was. In this god forsaken park, following the commands of some bastard.

I walked slowly through the park, following the brick pathway, with my hands in my pockets. Keeping a vigilant eye on my surroundings, as I took a stroll. Soon coming across two swing sets to the left of me. One swing out of the six only worked, as the other five lay broken and limp on the ground.

The first of many reasons why not many children frequented this lowly run-down park anymore.

I carried on down the pathway, walking passed many playground activities. Such as a wooden jungle gym, a green painted slide and a merry-go-round. Each of these things, either half falling apart or completely dilapidated. The merry-go-round, the only thing that still looked somewhat intact.

A cold shiver ran down my spine as I carried on walking. The feeling of being watched, settled around me as I slowed my pace ever so slightly. Curling my right hand into a fist in my pocket.

You're being paranoid.

I told myself as I carried on walking, another cold shiver running down my spine. My mind wondering where this person - who demanded my presence - was since they still hadn't appeared.

The shivers I felt, the exact feeling I had on that night, all those years back. That night when innocent little Leah's life had changed – for the better in my eyes. When I had changed from being a scared helpless little girl.

This was the exact feeling I had, someone's eyes on me, as they kept their distance.

Another shiver ran through my body, as an arm snaked around my waist and a hand enclosed around my mouth. My eyes widened as the person harshly whispered into my ear, "Don't scream."

I stood frozen in fear for a fraction of a second before I saw red once more, and moved on instinct.

Shifting ever so slightly in his hold, I threw my elbow back into his stomach. The sound of his breath leaving him, music to my ears, but I didn't stop there.

I slammed my fist against his inner thigh before going for his groin. A deep groan filled the air, as he loosened his grip on me and stumbled back. His pain, bringing me satisfaction.

Not allowing myself to stop for even a second, I moved in. Grabbing hold of his hand, I pulled him forward and used his momentum to hitch him over my shoulder, flipping his body over mine and onto the ground.

His back hit the paved footpath with a smack, the sound far too loud for this eerily silent park.

A shout of pain left his lips, but I didn't stop. I moved to attack him again, thinking that he would stay down, but he didn't. He quickly stood to his feet and faced me.

I paused for a second thinking that I may have gotten it wrong as to who it was, but I shrugged it off and attacked. Running at the guy, I threw my right fist at his face, while bringing my left to his side.

He blocked both.

Surprised by that, I stepped back before going in again. Throwing punch after punch at the guy, wanting to hurt him as much as he dared to hurt me;

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" I shouted, as I kicked at him. He dodged out of the way, but I kept it up. "Who the fuck, are you to threaten me?" I snapped, racing at him and throwing a punch combo.

He blocked and dodged that attack too. Not daring to say a word in answer.

I continued my attack, as I kicked and screamed at him. As he didn't dare say a word and just kept dodging or blocking my attacks. His evasions frustrated me more than his silence.

"You pompous, high strung, rich asshole!" I shouted, as I threw another punch at the guy's face. Only for him to grab it and use it to pull me forward and closer to him, his arm snaking around my waist again.

My eyes widened at the sudden change in pace, as I tried to fight his grip. "Let me go!" I screamed at him, as I once again punched him in the gut and broke free. Dropping to the ground on my knees, as the fight within me slowly dwindled down.

My anger disappeared, as tiredness consumed my body instead and tears welled up in my eyes. Tears of anger and frustration.

"Why?" I asked in a soft voice, "Why Evans?" I asked.

"Why?" I whispered, my throat raw from all the shouting and screaming.

"Leah, it's me," the person spoke up behind me.

The voice that washed over me, sounded familiar. My eyes widening as I turned to look at him, as he stared back at me with a sad smile. His eyes shining with emotions, I didn't care to decipher as I stared at him in awe.

He stood tall with a set of broad shoulders and a muscular build, from training of course. His tanned complexion was even more tanned than I remember and his blue-black hair was dishevelled as usual. I marvelled at his straight nose, as it was a wonder it was still straight since he had broken it five times since I'd known him.

Taking him in, I finally looked into his dusk coloured eyes as they stared into mine and pulled me in.

"Cole..." I breathed, somehow breathless at the sight of my best friend. "Cole," I said again.

"You miss me?" he asked, opening his arms.

"Cole!" I screamed, launching myself to my feet and into his arms, but not in happiness.

I slammed my fists into his chest over and over again as I screamed profanities at him. Tears rolling down my face freely as I let out my anger, relief washing over me at it being Cole.

"What is wrong with you?" I screamed. "What was your plan? Hmm?" I asked. "How could you? Was this just some sick joke?" I screamed, feeling everything from this past week rush out of me as the tears flowed.

Cole allowed me to pummel him as he stood there and held onto me. He allowed me to break down in his arms, as my mind raced with everything that happened this week. Starting with the nightmares, to the sleepless nights, to fighting with Grace, to Sean and finally to Devon.

All of them rushed through me, as my mind stopped on Cole and his empty threat that had scared me shitless. His threat that if true, could have caused my life to once again fall into pieces.

I hit him over and over, as the anger and sadness and other emotions rushed out of me. As I gave one last feeble hit and crumbled into his arms. Grabbing his t-shirt and pulling him closer as I hid in the crook of his neck.

Cole whispered apology after apology as he held me close to him, rubbing circles on my back. His apologies a futile thing to attempt, considering all the shit I had been through, his stunt being the cherry on top to bring it all crashing down.

I stood in his arms and cried for a long time, the only sound being an occasional sniffle from me. Soaking his t-shirt with my tears, as I stood in his embrace, his body pressed to mine. Cole was the only reason I was still standing, my body numb as he held me up while whispering apologies into my ear.

I sniffled a bit more, before trying to pull away, but he wouldn't let go. His grip tightened around me as he held me closer and dropped his head into the crook of my neck.

"I'm sorry, Leah," he whispered.

"I know," I whispered back, my voice hoarse.

How embarrassing? I thought, yet I didn't feel it.

We stood like that for a few minutes before he pulled away. Moving his hands to cup my cheeks, Cole lifted my tear stained face to look up at him. His dusk coloured eyes gazing into mine with regret.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

"I guess," I replied.

"Did you miss me?" he asked.

"Of course," I answered with a laugh.

"Good."

He smiled at me for a second, before pulling me to his side. Settling his arm around my shoulders, Cole and I began to walk slowly around the park.

"I'm sorry," he said again after a few minutes of silence.

"I know, you've said it like a million times," I said, glancing up at him.

Silence stretched between us for a second, before we burst into laughter. The heavy moment we just had, disappearing as we fell back into our comfortable way with each other.

"Why did you pick the park?" I asked, breaking the silence between us.

"It's one of your favourite spots," he shrugged. "Though if I had chosen the beach, I would have had a softer landing," he mumbled.

I smiled at how well he knew me. I loved places that were eerily silent, yet beautiful in their own way. The park being one of them that held some beauty to it, even in its run-down state. As for the beach, well, it was always beautiful, whenever you went.

I ran to these places of solitude to get away, to clear my mind. To find some sort of peace in all the chaos of the world. Cole knew this about me, he knew this because that's where he used to find me.

He used to find me, in hopes of comforting me, and in some ways, his company did.

"You did say don't scream," I pointed out, "So I didn't."

"Yeah, but I didn't say throw me on the ground," He protested.

"And I didn't say act like an asshole," I snapped, shrugging his arm off and storming away.

Walking away, I tried to control my breathing as it once again hitched. A lump forming in my throat as tears threatened to break loose.

I didn't get very far, as I was pulled to a stop and turned to face him. Finding myself staring up into his eyes as he looked down at me with care.

"Hey, I'm sorry okay," he said in a soft voice, before curiosity brightened his gaze. "What happened?" he asked in a small voice, his eyes searching mine.

With a sigh at his inquisitiveness and his ability to read me, I broke free of his hold and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. With a deep breath, I let him in on all that had happened in the week.

"So he knows about the scars?" Cole asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah," I mumbled.

"At least he doesn't know the story," Cole said with a look at me.

"That doesn't matter, no one is supposed to know," I grumbled.

"Look there's nothing you can do, but hope that he just forgets it, okay?" Cole said with a look at me.

"I know," I sighed, shaking my head as I focused on my best friend. "So, why did you leave?" I asked, turning the tables on him.

Cole raised a brow at the sudden change in subject before shrugging, "Because, you weren't here and I could study while on the road."

"Oh and Nick really liked that choice, didn't he," I said sarcastically.

"No, he didn't, but it's not his choice," Cole shrugged, before smiling at me, "Did you miss me that much, is that why you're asking?" he asked with a smirk.

"You wish I missed you so much," I said with a chuckle.

But the truth is, I had missed him more so than I would admit. He had been the only one by my side when they decided to send me away. The only one who stood by me, while my mother, Dominick – Cole's father, and Devon all stood against me.

And sure, the place I was sent to did teach me a bit, but it didn't change me. I was still the hot-headed, stubborn, bad girl everyone saw me as, so what good did it do?

As for Cole though, he just went AWOL. Having upped and left one night, without word to anyone. The news of his disappearance only reached me the day I returned. The reason behind his sudden trip was a mystery to everyone but the boy next to me.

"Seriously though, why did you leave?" I asked again with a look at him.

"To get away," he answered with a sigh, "I was pissed at dad and Devon. Having almost beat your brother to a pulp, so I decided to leave."

Shocked at his revelation, I turned to look at him, but he wouldn't dare meet my eyes. A clear sign that there was more to it than he was telling me.

"So, how's Nick?" I asked, deciding to change the subject and not push it.

"One, he will kill you for calling him that and two, I don't know," He answered sheepishly.

"One, he won't because he loves me too much. And two, how do you not know?" I asked with a frown.

"Oh sure," Cole snorted at my comment.

"Hey, it's true and you know it," I said cheekily.

"Whatever," he said, rolling his eyes.

"Wait, does that mean..."

My eyes bulged and my words trailed off at the sight of the motorbike standing next to mine, as we exited the park. Glancing at Cole, I turned back to the bike, still in shock. The bike that stood next to mine was a Wicked Red Harley Davidson Super-Low. A bike that belonged to his father, a bike that Cole shouldn't have dared to touch and yet, here it was.

"You're a dead man," I said, glancing between the bike and Cole a few times, before my eyes focused on the magnificent machine. With its air-cooled evolution engine, and torque of 4750 rpm, this beast was a beauty.

"Tell me about it," Cole said with an unsure smile.

"I'm guessing you haven't been home then?" I said as I ran my hand along the sleek body of the motorbike. Enjoying the feel of the machine as tingles ran up my arm.

"Oh, hell no," Cole answered with a laugh.

"Makes sense, considering what you took," I said as I stepped back and gazed at the beauty of the machine.

"I know right," Cole said with a glance behind him as if his dad was gonna pop out and start shouting at him. "So, I was thinking..."

"You could crash at mine, because you're too scared to go home," I said, cutting him off as I already knew what he wanted.

"Yup, you got it," he said with a sheepish smile, "So what do you say?" he asked.

With a chuckle at Cole, I shook my head, "Sure you big baby, you can crash at mine," I said as I once again eyed Dominick's magnificent bike, before going round to climb onto mine. Cole started his father's bike, the roar of it so overpowering, my bike sounded like a kitten next to it.

As we pulled out of the parking lot, Cole and I glanced at each other as he shouted, "Last one there takes the floor!" With one final nod at each other to start the race, my smile widened as I dropped low on my bike and raced down the road, with Cole right next to me.

I would be damned if I lost this race.

* * *     * * *

Chapter 8 - new and improved. I hope you guys enjoyed the description of the bikes, as I've been told that the cover makes no sense since there isn't much mention of it... So now you've got it.

On another note, what did you think of Cole? What of Leah and her outburst as she broke down? Was that good enough insight for you? - Let me know

Like, comment, tell me what you think.

- Orlaith