"Will that be all?" The same waitress from the Cuban bakery that took our order the last time smiled. It was strange, last time we were here, Jack was really cool and nice to everyone here and he seemed to know everyone here pretty well. Only this time, it was like he doesn't even know them. No matter how many times the lady tried to do some more of her obnoxious flirting, Jack just didn't seem to show any interest at all.

"Yes." He remained keeping eye contact with me, much to which I was quite scared of. Did I do something to upset him?

I fixed myself in my seat, clearing my throat before looking back up at him. I had broken my stare with him but he still seamed to stay fully consentrated on me.

His head dipped, elbows coming on top of the table as his back flex beneath his hoodie. Dark eyes looked tired, but that's usually how they look. I wanted to ask him what was wrong. If there's anything more than oblivion that I can't stand, there's also the feeling of not wanting to be around someone. Feeling guilty of something I don't even know I did wrong. Jack has been nothing but protective over me and since this morning, everything was cool between us. Even if it did sort of started going towrards another direction..

"Is everything okay?" I blurted out, mentally slapping myself for doing so.

Jack pinned his head back up, staring deep into my eyes. His head tilted to the side in effort to get a better understanding. The look in my face only read of what it was he was trying to understand.

"Everything is fine." He pinned his eyes at me, shaking his head and looking up. That crossed the line.

"No, Jack, it's not."

"Listen, you're not my mother." He backed his elbows away from the table. It was the same one we sat in last time, the back, and for once I was greatful that no one could really see us or draw much attention to our surroundings because honestly all Hell was about to break loose.

"Why are you being such a child? Jesus Man, have you ever heard about being kind? Well, that's what I'm trying to do. I know something is up and for once I'm actually trying to make things better because that's what you did for me.." My voice cracked, immediately stopping myself from saying anything else.

His eyes looked up at me. I wanted to say I hard sparked a trigger in him but then I'd be lying to myself. No one can face up to Jack. And for all I've seen going on here, neither can I. I don't even think what happened last night counted, he's back to his usual self.

A long sigh fell from his mouth, eye prying up at me. He ran a hand over his mouth before a deadly glare appeared in his face.

"Stay away from him." He almost growled.

The look on my face was all he needed for an answer. I had no idea what he was talking about.

Jack got closer, voice coming out deep and dark. "Sam." He replied.

"What are you talking about?" I questioned.

"I know how the guy is, Zo." He moved back. "I mean, he's cool and everything but not when it comes to girls."

I rolled my eyes, finding what he was saying way out of question. It seemed like something he would say to anyone just for their own sake.

"I don't think who I talk to is really any of your concern." I pinned my eyes at him.

Jack wore the same written expression I had on his face. He didn't look so pleased with my reply and I swear, I wouldn't take it back. Lucky for me, I don't listen to what others have to say about another's doings. Just saying that kind of stuff to anyone is low, even for Jack.

"It is when is my family you're talking about."

He had me there.

Jack didn't have to go any further, he proved all the points he needed possible. I shouldn't had said that now that I recall that. He has only been there for me and not to mention, basically save me from that crazy Taylor guy. It's his family. It was their house. I was just intruding.

My mood changed dramatically. Lowering my head, I crossed my arms over my stomach below the table. I wanted nothing to get out of here. Sitting in front of Jack started making me feel weird and very insecure.

There was a long period of silence before I heard another voice speak in. It sucks, I was also just about to apologize.

"Zo.."

I looked up to see Jack's attitude also seem to change. I swear, if he isn't suffering of being bipolar then I've ran out of guesses towards what could be wrong with him. His mood is always changing. Not even I get like that when it's that time of the month again.

"Hey look I'm sorry." A small smile cracked upon the corner of his lips. It seemed forced out for it felt like Jack didn't see a smile fitting into the situation.

My eyebrows furrowed. I tried looking for any sign of him being nervous or seeing if he was hiding something. Again, having my Mom as a psychologist really did teach me stuff and now its come to its best by working on figuring out Jack. It was hard though. Whatever it was he was hiding, the guy has more mystery than the show Pretty Little Liars. He's hiding something from me, but why? And why is he in the first place.

"No, it's okay." I faked a smile, seeming like it was appropriate for this matter.

"Actually it's not." He looked down, shaking his head before looking back up at me. "I took things a step too far." He paused. "My cousin is something alright." He tries to laugh it off at the end.

I on the other hand, didn't. Instead, I kept trying to read just what he was making so difficult to understand.

"Are you sure it's just your cousin that's bothering you?" I finally asked leaning my head forward, bringing my still crossed arms to make contact with the table as I looked at him with questioning eyes.

He's keeping stuff from me and its eating me alive in the inside.

Jack sighed. I can tell by his actions he wanted that waitress to come right now or better yet, leave. He ducked his head once more, another smile appearing in his face with white teeth that were too embarrassed to appear in front of me started illuminating his features. He looked up, the small smile displaying his teeth disappeared into just a smile. It was one of those that you would give when you're trying to shrug a subject that matters away.

"I'm sure." He nodded.

I decided not to push the subject any further. He has made his decision and that's to keep lying.

"And Zoey.." He broke our silence. My eyes darted up to look at his dark brown orbs looking deep into mine. Before I had the time to realize what was actually going on around me, Jack decided to make the next step. He took me by surprise when his large hand rested upon my forearm.

I looked at him with eyes growing wide as he finished what he meant to say.

"Don't beat yourself over me, okay?" He smirked, a small wink flashing before another figure came to view.

Jack immediately cleared his throat, moving away and settling back down in his chair as the waitress, same one from last time, brought our order.

"Here you go." She didn't look so pleased, bitterly taking the chips out of the treaty and in front of us.

I took mine and pulled it closer to me, gently blowing on the hot air to cool down a bit my drink. The waitress starting cleaning up her stuff before she had walk away again. I looked up in curiosity to see Jack's glare remaining steady on me even across the waitress.

A small smile appeared in his heart shaped lips.

I didn't know what else to do at the moment. Immediately, it seemed as if my lips had a mind of its own, curving to shoot him a small, but shy smile.

Oh no, what's happening?

-

"Hello!" Jack called after opening the front door to my cousin's house with his spar key, making a space for me to walk in after him.

The house was quiet, messy considering the fact that that was how we left it before we left the night before to the club. It also had a few more furniture laying around the place, it was obvious Ashton was throwing one of his fits last night.

The door shut behind me causing my attention to turn to look at Jack. By the looks of it, you can tell Jack was just as confused as I was.

"Where is everyone?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows.

I was about to turn back around to start wandering off for myself. But another familiar voice came to the room as I did so.

"Zoey!" Cameron walked up to me, arms wide open as he pulled me into a bone crushing embrace. I felt him sigh over my shoulder as if he was relieved in seeing me. It was a bit awkward at first I must say, but then I remembered what happened last night.

"Are you crazy!" He exclaimed, pulling away but keeping his hands over my shoulders.

"Okay.." I heard another voice, this time it was Jack's that came from behind me. His arm reached out to push me away from Cameron's touch. The look on Jack's face wasn't very pleased. "The girl's back.. It's not like she went to war or something."

Cam looked back at him with a not so much of an enthusiastic face. "No but she was missing."

Jack pinned his eyes at Cam in annoyance. Bitterness dropping from his look. "She was with me, Bro."

Cameron didn't seem too pleased at all with Jack's behavior. I was about to step in but another voice came into the scene before I had the chance.

"What the hell!" It was Ashton this time. It seemed like he just woke up as he trudged himself over to us. He looked like a mess, still wearing what I bet were the same jeans from last night but didn't have a shirt. The only thing displayed in his skin were red scratches and purple marks. Disturbing thoughts came to mind in which I quickly shrugged off, that's my cousin I'm talking about.

"Ashton, hey." I smiled, trying not to get him more upset than he already was.

"Hey?" He pinned his eyes at me sarcastically. "That's all you got?"

I looked down, feeling ashamed of what I've gotten myself into. This never should've happened. I let my cousin down and not to mention, worried everyone else. I guess I wasn't paying much attention to how much it'll affect others. Now I know better and I am embarrassed.

"Where the hell did you go last night?" He crossed his arms across his chest, standing taller than he already was.

I was about to speak but quickly got cut off by someone else.

"She was with Jack." Cameron shook his head in disagreement, turning back around with a hand over his forehead as he moved towards my cousin to stand besides him. Great, we're choosing sides now..

Ashton looked back at both of us standing in front of him. I had a guilty look written in my face and though I didn't see Jack's, I'm sure his brought something else to mind in my cousin's.

"Oh no.." He shook his head, moving his index finger as he took a few steps back. A look of shock written in his face. "You two slept together?"

"NO!" Both Jack and I exclaimed at the same time, looking at each other and then back at the guys who stood with relief in their faces once more. I think they were more relieved to hear that than they were to see I was back home again.

"Why is it that everyone thinks that!" Jack pointed out in a bit stressing way. This was no joke to him, to me either. To have our friends, my family, say something like that proves them with very low standards of each other. I would never get in between my cousin and his band mates or other friends.

"Maybe because you're Jack Gilinsky." He stared at him, sarcasm dripping from his mouth. Jack didn't seem to amused with his comment and just shot him a deadly glare.

Ashton came in between them, staring back at me with his hands held out in front of both guys. "Okay, okay." He calmed them down. "Let's remember what we're doing here."

Ash looked back at me the way my father would when he's mad at me but still trying to reason with me. It was scary how much they reminded me of each other because sometimes my Dad would do stuff that look like what Ashton might do or even say.

"Where did you go last night?" He asked sincerely.

I was about to speak before I was beaten to it again and this time by Jack.

"I told you, she was with me." He paused. "Zoey had a little too much drinks and I was lucky enough to see her before things took a wrong turn." Jack pinned his eyes at my cousin, pointing out that he had won the argument. "I didn't drive her here because I also had a few drinks and drunk driving with your also drunk cousin besides me wasn't an option." He paused again. "So instead of lecturing me, you should consider thanking me."

Ashton didn't see the point in pushing the argument further. The answer was clear that nothing happened and Jack was just being a good friend. Or at least in the lie he was. I hated lying to my cousin, to anyone actually, but it seemed necessary in this situation. I trust Jack now after everything he's done for me and if lying is what he thinks is best then, lie is what I shall do.

Ashton's look dropped on me again. "Why didn't you at least call me?"

"Because I was drunk, Ash." I defended. "Besides, I didn't bring my phone with me last night."

Ashton looked to be beyond infuriated with me. I felt guilty of it all. If it wasn't for the lie Jack got through his head I would've been already boarding a plane to go back to Washington to my raging parents. I almost blew it all off, a career, a life, my parent's respect.. All for one stupid mistake which was to go out with them last night. But in the end, everything was all saved and that was because of one guy and that was my so-called-enemy, Jack.

"Just.." Ashton looked at me sincerely before shaking his head and putting his hand down in surrender. "Don't do that again, Zo. Am I clear?"

"Crystal." I didn't want to push the subject further into the conversation so I hoped that this would quickly move on. Luckily for me, it did.

"Oh hey.." Shawn smiled walking out of what seemed to be the bathroom. "Look who decided to show up after all." He paused to tilt his head and look back at Jack. "And look who tagged along."

Jack rolled his eyes but Shawn only laughed.

"Nice seeing ya, Bro." He joked.

I looked at all the guys around me, wondering only one thing at this point.

"Did all of you guys sleep here last night?" I asked.

Ashton moved away towards the kitchen, still looking back at us. "Like I said before, we were all worried about you."

I looked back at Jack with a guilty look plastered in my face. The moment didn't last long before I moved away, following Ashton into the kitchen.

"I said I was sorry, Ash." I replied talking to his back.

"And I except your apology." He turned back around and something told me he wasn't done talking. "But NU doesn't."

My eyes went in sudden shock, heart felt like it fell to the floor. "What?" I breathed out.

Ashton turns around nodding his head. "They called this morning."

"What!" I exclaimed. "And when were you planning on telling me this?"

"This morning." He replied. "But guess what, you weren't here!" He stated sarcastically.

I ignored his ways right now. The only thing that mattered was what they had to say and if they can still give me a second chance. Like I said before, this all turned out to be a huge mistake.

"What did they say?" I asked.

Ashton looked down. You can tell he was trying to recall the exact words they said to him as he ran a hand through his hair and furrowed his eyebrows down at the ground.

"Uh... Something about open house?" He finally spoke. "They called to confirm or soemthing?"

My jaw dropped. I completely forgot open house was this afternoon! Today was the day I would have to go in, meet my classes, sign up for some new activities. How am I suppose to do all that now?

"What!" I exclaimed. "Ashton, what did you tell them?"

"That you went missing after the club last night and that I wasn't so sure if you'd be coming back in time." He replied.

"Ashton!" I exclaimed.

Ashton noticed the look of worry written across my face. I can't believe he would actually tell them the truth. He's Ashton Green for crying out loud.

"Zoey, you shouldn't have been missing in the first place. What was I going to do? Tell them you would be there and then not have you show up? That'll make you look even worse!" He defended.

I sighed, my hand raising to the roof of my head as I groaned loudly. This was so bad. How am I going to explain this to my father. He's not going to bother to even second guess my situation and pull me right out of Nebraska just to me I told you so.

I was about to speak again before another voice barged into the room.

"Sorry. Hope I'm not interrupting anything?" Shawn spoke walking past the kitchen door frame and staying there.

Ashton and I shook our heads, shaking the subject away to hear what Shawn had to say. In this case which he obviously had to do.

"Uh, I was just going to say that I'm going to be heading out now." He smiled.

"Where to?" Ashton asked.

Shawn turned back around, looking down at his phone before speaking again. "NU."

Oh my God, I completely forgot Shawn is going to that school too!

Ashton looked at me. I know he felt guilty for what he said to the university that he wanted to make it up.

"Hey, Bro?" He called out to Shawn. "Do you mind if Zo goes with you?"

Shawn looked back at me. "I mean, we're in two different sides of the university.. Do you mind being a little late?"

"I'm already running late." I looked back.

"They told me Zoey's thing starts at 2:30." Ashton stepped in. "That leaves you guys with half an hour."

Shawn quickly reacted, "Then let's go!" He started leading us towards the front door.