It's morning and you'd think, she'd let it be easy for me to go. I literally had to pinch her and have her moving away from me. Getting out of bed, I stretch a bit before heading out of my room.

In the bathroom, I do my morning routine and when I open the door, a gasp slips out when Roman quickly gets in and locks the door. My jaw drops at his actions.

" Roman, what are you doing in here?!" I whisper out, still surprised by his actions.

He doesn't say anything but steps closer.

"Uh w-what are you doing?" I nervously ask, stepping back.

I step back until I have no more room left and my back, touches the wall. I let out a shaky breath when he places both his hands on either side of my head, caging me in. He leans in, brushing his lips against mine, making my knees to go weak at his teasing.

Just when I lean in to kiss him, he surprises me when he picks me up. I wrap my legs and arms around him, meeting him halfway for a very passionate and heated kiss. I shudder as his fingers make circling movements on my back, giving me tingless.

" Morning Sweet." He breathes out when he breaks the kiss, only to pepper kisses all over my face, ending it with two pecks on the lips.

I smile at him.

" Morning."

" So, missed me?" He arches his brow.

" I could ask you the same question."

He rolls his eyes. " Just know that I am never sleeping without you beside me again." He says, placing me down on my feet.

I shake my head, amused by this.

" You know, you act like it was the end of the world or something." I say, looking myself in the mirror.

" You don't know the horror." He widens his eyes in a dramatic way, making me laugh.

He suddenly clasps his hand on my mouth, motioning for me to keep quiet.

" Did you hear that?" He whispers.

I give him a questioning look.

He removes his hand and gestures for me to follow him out. We haven't even gone far in the hallway and already I hear sounds. They sound like they are coming from my room.

Wait, Avery is in there.

Both Roman and I tip toe towards my room. That's where the sounds get louder. There is a banging sound against the wall and some squeaking too.

My eyes widen.

I glance up at Roman, who's frowning.

" Oh god, you're killing me!" I hear a scream.

Oh no, someone's trying to kill Avery.

I push past Roman and barge into the door.

" Get away from her!" Words get stuck in my throat when I see Avery and Sam, busy jumping on the bed.

There is a moment of silence before laughter bubbles out. Everyone is laughing, including Roman but I'm not. I blink at them, trying to understand what is going on.

" Aah my head." Avery groans, sitting down.

" Here baby." Sam says to her, handing her advil and a glass of water.

" Thanks."

" Uh, can someone tell me what just happened?" I ask, looking at all of them.

" Well my dear cuz, we wanted to play a little prank on you -"

" To think that Sam and I were - wait, you said get away from her. What did you think was happening?" Avery says and everyone now looks at me.

" I thought someone was trying to kill you!" I say as if it's obvious.

This just makes everyone to burst out laughing. I realise far too late what they were trying to do, my face heating up.

" Oh...."

" How did you even think something like that?" Sam asks.

" I have no idea." I say, feeling so embarassed.

I try escape the room but Roman blocks my way.

" Trying to run away?" He raises his brow.

" Pfft, no. I'm suddenly feeling really thirsty."

" Here's some water." Avery suggests.

" No uh, I want juice. That's it." I quickly walk past Roman, dashing out of the room, leaving them laughing behind.

It's amazing how things have changed from the time I returned, to now. I wanted so badly to never return, I honestly thought running away was best. I felt alone and that something was missing, I was never truly happy though at times I tried convincing myself that I was. I tried looking for it from different people, that it mattered how they viewed me.

I tried to overlook everything and never having to face, all the nightmares. But now, I feel so light on my shoulders. I can easily breathe because I'm able to let things out when I need to, I reconciled and reunited with my best friend. Roman returned and he brought more light, where I thought it was dark.

The many that surrounded me and I tried to feel better by being in their presence, once they left my side, I felt a little exposed and vulnerable. But not anymore. I can now see the ones who truly value me, those that love and care about me.

Before, I used to have so much fear, to try and pursue happiness because I feared disappointment, to be hurt and betrayal. Now with my family, Roman and my friends, I am not afraid. I feel that I can face anything that may come my way, and still get to smile at the end of the day.

It feels good to smile, laugh and to be loved. It feels damn good.

" And what is that smile for hmm?" Sam asks me.

I shrug, smiling at him.

He gives me a questioning look.

" I was just thinking that's all. Nothing much."

" Must be pretty good thoughts then."

" I was just thinking about how I don't have to live a life of fear anymore. The fear of disappointment and to being hurt. I can dare face those things. You know what's the most important thing I've realized?"

He shakes his head no.

" I am happy and it feels really good. " I let out a laugh.

He smiles at me.

I feel a tear suddenly slip out, making me roll my eyes at my emotional self. Gosh, I'm such a crybaby.

" I can see it. You're always smiling and light, you're positive and we are all staying away from the hospital, the doctors must be relieved." I laugh at that.

" I'm the one relieved. I mean I've had alot of them and I don't want another visit or else I'll go crazy."

" So in all this positivity, does this mean, for once you are at least excited about your birthday tomorrow?"

" Yeah, I think I am."

" Good. That's what I like to hear." Our heads snap to Roman, who stands leaned against the doorway.

He enters into the kitchen and comes over to join us. He takes a seat next to me, pecking my cheek.

" Talking about tomorrow, I just want for the day to be a good one for you." He says, tucking hair behind my ear.

" I'm pretty sure it will. I mean you've put so much plan into it. I wont be a debby downer because I have plans of my own."

" Oh really?" He raises his brows.

"Hmm, I'm thinking of finally doing something on my hair, maybe go shopping, get my nails done and - ," I lean close to Roman's ear and say." Maybe even get that white bath suit, you dreamt about."

Leaning back, I see something flash in his eyes, that he can't hide soon enough from me. The sound of a knock on the door distracts us.

" I'd better get that before you two third wheel me." Sam says, getting off the stool.

" That's what Ingrid said." Both guys cast each other a glance before Sam, heads out.

" What?" I ask in confusion, turning to face Roman, only to get pulled off my stool and into his arms.

" So what were you saying just now, I didn't quite catch it." He says, giving me the innocent look.

I smirk at him, leaning in for an intended kiss. The sound of two male voices stops me and I lean back, with a small frown.

" Who's that?" I move out of his arms before he can say anything.

" Daddy!" I scream in excitement, when I see my dad in the living room.

He turns away from Sam and a big smile takes over his face, when he sees me. I rush over to him, pretty much launching myself to him.

" Hello to you too, my little sunshine." He says, giving me a big hug.

" Dad, you know I'm not little anymore." I whine, pulling back to look at him.

" Yeah but you'll always be my little girl, no matter what." He says, kissing my forehead.

I roll my eyes, smiling at him.

" So, what are you doing here?" I ask curiously.

" Shouldn't he get a chance to sit first?" Roman says, standing by the wall.

" And get something to drink?" Sam adds.

My cheeks warm up in embarassment.

" Oh right, sorry dad. It's just that I missed you so much. Okay, please take a seat and I'll get you something to drink." I say quickly, turning around and starting for the kitchen.

" Wait." I stop in my tracks and turn around to face him again. " What would you like to drink?"

All of them give me amused looks, making me feel more embarassed.

" Juice is fine Hazel. Thank you." I nod, making a dash for the kitchen.

I give them all suspicious looks, when I return to the living room and all conversation ceases. Nonetheless, I take a seat next to my dad and give him a smile.

I realize while looking at him, that I truly missed him.

" You know, it's nice to actually come see you here and not -"

" In a hospital." Everyone says.

My father chuckles, nodding.

"But really sweetheart, it really calms me down, knowing that you are out of danger. You are safe and are surrounded by people who have your best interest, at heart. I couldn't imagine you in anymore life threatning situations."

" Dad, I'm fine, safe and have every reason to be happy." I say, my eyes landing on Roman, who winks at me.

My face heats up when I notice my dad, following my line of view. When he looks back at me, I quickly avert my eyes to my lap, embarassed that my dad noticed.

He must already get a sense out of something, happening between us.

" So I see that there are a few things, Hazel and I will need to discuss." My head snaps up and I look at my dad, feeling awkward and just damn right caught out.

" Uh yeah, I guess." I trail off awkwardly.

I see that Roman isn't any better because his leg, keeps on bouncing slightly and he's fiddling with his fingers, yet not looking away from us.

" Let me go and change, then we can go. " I rise to my feet and rush upstairs to my room.

I can't believe that dad is here but I'm happy. I feel like we never talk as often and now to have him here, just makes the thought of my birthday a good one. Maybe if my whole family were here, gosh, now that would make it the most memorable birthday.

I feel guilty for not telling him about Roman and I sooner. He literally should have been the first one to know, because he's important to me. I just hope that he will approve of us being together. Fingers crossed.

******

To think I was so nervous when I went back downstairs, but I walked in on three males having light conversation, the air all cool and no signs of being intense.

Avery had to leave early due to her parents arrival. They had intentions from the start, to take her back home. Avery was so annoyed and I couldn't help but laugh, when she kept on ranting about how annoyed she was. She was ranting so much about getting back at her parents, for ruining her holiday plans, mentioning some crazy ideas like running off with Sam and getting married, in Vegas, just to piss them off.

She wasn't even looking at Sam at that time and missed, the horrified look on his face. He looked so pale and the expression on his face was one, of a person who was constipated. Roman literally choked on his drink, whilst laughing at him.

We calmed her down eventually after realizing, that she might say more ' scary stuff' that would even scare us too.

Sam on the other hand, would stay behind for the weekend only. We offered our place for him to stay but he kindly, declined. He said he had everything covered and that, there were things he needed to do. Whatever those things were.

I feel like there's so much I need to still get to know about Sam, apart from being an awesome cousin and bestfriend. He's been there for me and Roman, so much that I want to be there for him too. To the most important things in his life.

The people I've still let remain in my life are the people, who I have the utmost admiration and love for. They have been my rock and I can still face another day, knowing I have them at my corner.

I've been hurt way too many times and I could have let that, consume me and drain me out. But I refuse to let the hurt, unforgiveness and bitterness, imprison me. I deserve to be happy, I know this and Roman, is part of the reasons for my happiness. I want to let dad know this too.

" Please don't tell me that you plan on staying far from home, this holiday?"

" No dad. I will come home. I promise."

" But just not now." He finishes for me.

I give him a guilty look and he nods as if understanding, without even hearing the reason.

" You already made plans, I get it Hazel." He says, trying to reassure me.

I refrain from saying not exactly, with the whole plan thing. I mean Roman and I had only talked about stuff, just not made any plan of action yet.

The waiter brings our food and drinks before we are left alone again. I had taken dad to the resturaunt Roman and I, had gone to once and I instantly liked it.

I am still so drawn to the rustic theme, dad even likes it.

We continue with just some light conversation, while we have our late lunch, since it's late in the day. He tells me about the discussion he had with my grandparents, about having a little memorial day celebrating the life of my mother, my step mom and Roman's mom.

My grandmother basically said that Roman is family and that, they wanted to remind him of the good memories we all shared with his mom. That's part of another reason, he was here. To meet Roman's dad and step mom.

Dad knew that Nick O'Connor was back this side and though years have passed, since they saw each other. He felt that it was more personal and right, to have the conversation face to face. Tears threatened to spill then but I held them back. I felt so proud and honoured to be part of such an amazing family.

Conversation never seemed to be short, when we realized, that we had so much to talk about. To think Dad would have forgotten about what happened, back at my place, but he soon mentioned it whilst we were looking at dessert options.

" So how long are we going to drag things out, before we talk about Roman?"

" But I thought we talked about him." I say, stalling.

I feel nervous now and I can't even look him in the eye, covering most of my face behind the menu.

" No, there's a difference between mentioning him with his family and, actually talking about him. "

I sigh, placing the menu down.

" So uh, Roman and I discovered that we have feelings for each other. " I decide to start there.

" More like he was always inlove with you. Since he was a little boy."

My eyes widen a bit.

" H-how did you figure that out?"

He chuckles, leaning forward.

" Actually it was your mother."

" Really?"

" She would always tell me about what he did for you and would tell me how cute she thought Roman protecting you was. She was literally you'lls guys stalker. She always used to say, you two need to end up married one day. I guess, some part of her wish came true. You two are together now."

My cheeks warm up and I advert my eyes to the table.

" I can't believe it." I murmur.

When I look up at him again, he gives me a soft look.

" How does he make you feel?"

" He makes me feel safe. He makes me smile and laugh, being with him and around him just feels right. I know that with him, I have someone in my corner, I know who I am with him and in my heart of hearts, I know that what we have is true, strong and real. I just - there's so much to say and express but, when I look into his eyes, I just, gosh, I feel all giddy and - ," I hide my face in my hands, the giddy feeling taking over again and my face feeling so hot.

" You're inlove with him." I quickly remove my hands from my face, looking at him with wide eyes, my lips having parted.

"I - inlove?"

He nods.

I don't even have to think over those words before a smile takes over my face.

" I'm inlove with Roman." It feels so good to say those words, I can't wait for when I say them to him.

" My little girl is inlove." He says, taking my hand and kissing it.

" You're not mad and you approve?.....Please say you do." I pretty much beg.

" Ofcourse I approve. All I'll need to do now is to talk to him."

" T-talk to him? - Talk to him about what?" I ask nervously.

" Just some man to man talk."

" That sounds scary enough dad. Please don't be hard on him, he loves me. Shouldn't that be enough?"

"Calm down Hazel. It's just talking, nothing big. "

" Okay." I nod, telling myself to calm down.

" Now lets order some dessert shall we?" I smile, nodding in agreement.

I had felt guilty about not going home soon enough, now my dad had to come over this side just to see me for my birthday. I don't like to be the reason for him having to spend too much money on, he is staying at a hotel for the weekend.

I'm his only child, so any chance he can get to see me, he takes it. And I must say that I do miss home but for a little while, I want to spend time with Roman. Speaking of Roman, I have every intention of telling him that I love him tonight. I want to make it special.

*******

" Is this okay?" The shop assistant asked, showing me the locket.

I nod, handing her the money and watching her wrap everything up. I murmur a thank you once I've gotten everything, heading out of the shop. My cellphone rings and taking it out, a smile takes over when I see Roman's name on the screen.

" Hey." I say.

" Hey baby, are you still with your dad?"

" Uh I was just about to call you regarding that. Um, I asked him to drop me off at the mall and told him, that you would pick me up."

" What?!!!....Hazel Grace you should have called me earlier, I would have been there by now. "

" I know, I just -"

" You know what, I'm coming. Do you know that it's way too late and dark out. No, wait there. I'm coming." I hear shuffling and movement at the other end.

Oh gosh Roman is overreacting again.

" Roman calm down."

" Don't tell me to calm down Hazel Grace. You know that I do not like the thought of you out, without me by your side. I - just stay there and I'm on my way." He says quickly.

" Roman!"

" What is it?"

I take a seat on a nearby bench.

" I had a reason for telling dad, to drop me off here earlier."

" Which is?" I can still hear him moving around.

" I can't tell you now, I have to do it face to face. It's important for it be face to face."

" Hazel -"

I let out a laugh." You'll have to be patient until we see each other. "

He lets out a dramatic sigh. " Fine but you owe me Romy time."

" Okay."

My heart starts to jump when I think about the moment, I look into his eyes and make my hearts confession. Gosh, I feel so giddy about it.

" Are you on the road now?"

" Yeah and before you know it, I'll be there to take you home and you can tell me everything." I smile at the idea.

" Okay and Roman?"

" Yeah?"

" Thank you for being part of my life. And I can't wait to see you, literally. " I let out a laugh." So come find me already."

I hang up, frowning a bit at what I just said. I didn't even think about it, I just said those words. Weird.

I take out the locket from inside the velvet box, deciding to put it around my neck for safe keeping. I feel it will be safe around my neck before I give him. I sigh right after, getting up from the bench and walking away. I decide to wait for Roman at the parking lot. There are many cars parked yet no one in sight, the air is a little cold and I regret not bringing a jacket with.

The sudden feeling of being watched comes over me. I look around me, finding no one. I shake my head, feeling silly. My cellphone rings and I dig it out of my jean pocket. I see Roman calling again.

He must be close by.

" Hazel!" I hear my name being called.

I glance over my shoulder, to see who is calling me. Something hard makes contact with my head, not giving me a chance to see who it is that is calling me, but the impact is so strong that everything goes blank. I lose sight of my surroundings and everything turns dark.

The pounding in my head wakes me up. My eyes flutter open and at first, all is blurry and I have to blink a few times, to see clearly. Moving my head, from side to side, I try get rid of the dizziness as best as I can without making the headache to worsen.

I moan out in pain when a short of pain hits the back of my head. I gasp when I reach out my hand to touch the paining spot, only to discover blood. Why is the back of my head bleeding?

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to remember what just happened. My eyes widen when I remember Roman calling me and in the midst of answering, I heard someone call my name.

Oh my gosh, something or someone had hit me.

I look around me and all I see is glass. It's high glass. A groan slips out as I pull myself up, balancing with the glass. I turn around and it finally dawns on me that I'm inside a glass tank. Someone locked me in here.

How in the world, did someone put me in here?

Right outside the glass is quite a big room, a warehouse if I'm not mistaken. The room is dark apart from the trails of light, coming from the globes that hang from one end, to another. Everything else looks dark infront of me, because a dark wall stands in the middle of the room, and giving me no glimpse of the other side.

What is on the other side of the wall?

I can't see much because my eyes are a little blurred and unfocused, due to the effects of the pain at the back of my head, the panick that crawls up my spine and the feeling of suffocation, with being locked up in this small space.

There's not much space here and I hate small spaces.

The sound of footsteps captures my attention and I wait for the person to appear. From just about anywhere. More lights suddenly flick on and there's more light in the room. The footsteps draw near and my heart drops to my knees, when someone, I thought I'd never see again in my life, appears.

Kyle.

My eyes widen as he walks over to me , keeping a bit of distance, he smirks as he looks me over." Hello Hazel. Long time no see."

" K-Kyle?" I blink at him.

" Yes it's me. Missed me ?"

The panic is replaced by anger. After what he put me through, How could I?......

" Missed you?" I scoff. " Why would I, you tried to ruin my life you sick bastard!"

I take a breath, trying to calm myself, I don't want to overwork my paining head.

I'm pretty sure he's the one who hit me.

" So what do you want from me this time huh?!" I say, glaring at him.

" What I've always wanted, to see you so helpless before me." He says with a glim in his eyes, looking like a crazed person.

I roll my eyes, turning my back to him.

" Oh and I forgot that you were always a deranged, twisted little bastard. You know what, you bore me Kyle, with your little obsession with me. Grow up already you little twat!"

" Ooh spicy kitty cat." I scoff at him.

" But I simply can't, not when we still have a lot to talk about."

" And what could we still have to talk about huh?" I say mockingly.

" Oh but we will have to wait for our very important guest, now wont we?" I tense up when he says that.

I frown.

" Aah and here she is." She?

I turn around to finally see who he is talking about. I blink twice, my mouth having gone dry at the sight of her.

What the heck?

" Berveley?"

She rolls her eyes, stepping closer with her fists clenched at her sides.

" See, isn't this satisfying, to see the little Kitty cat locked up in a cage?" Kyle says to Beverley, who hasn't taken her cold eyes away from me.

I can feel it, I can sense it, so much hatred and it's all directed towards me. But why?

" It's not enough, not enough. This is nothing compared to what she has done." She grits out.

" What did I do?" I whisper out.

She charges towards me and I stagger back at such rage, burning in her eyes." You don't know, you f*ckin' don't know ha! - You took everything from me, everything!" She growls, her palm banging against the glass.

" What are you talking about?" I say in confusion.

" My life! You stole my life!"

**********************************

Surprise Surprise.....