Amelia

Music blasted through Blake's speaker in his basement, causing him to jump and turn down the volume in a haste. We both liked the music loud, but not that loud. My heart thumped to the beat, and I allowed myself to get lost in the sound.

Blake was seated beside me on the couch, while JP sat across from us both. He bobbed his head to the music, his lips curling into a smile at me. I smiled back, feeling a lump in my throat at the sight of him. The three of us stayed downstairs, while Blake and I's parents were upstairs chattering away over a bottle of white wine. Despite their difference in beliefs, they got along fairly well.

JP was now dressed in a grey three button shirt without a collar, paired with some khaki pants. He looked incredible, and I wondered if he chose that outfit for any reason in particular. Realizing I was probably overthinking it, I turned to Blake. I figured then was as good of a time as any to talk about what JP and I discussed just hours prior.

"I told him," I said, tipping my head subtly in the direction of JP. Blake shot me a look that reeked of you bitches hung out without me?

Blake looked over at JP, then back at me. My purse was nearby, and in it contained the list still. I figured it was not fair of me to only show it to JP and not Blake, so I pulled my bag towards myself and fished out the piece of paper. Blake held his hand out, and I placed it in his large palm. He unfolded it, scanning the page in silence.

"How are we going to send a message?" Blake asked, handing the paper back to me.

"Not sure," I replied. "Do you have any ideas?"

"Nothing that isn't illegal," Blake joked, a pearly smile spread across his face.

"Perfect," JP added, chuckling. His laugh was sing song like. It was deep and smooth, making a shiver run through my spine.

Stop thinking about him like that.

Just then we were interrupted by my Mother sauntering into the room. I swiftly shoved the paper back down into my bag, managing a phony smile for her. She immediately looked at JP, and I mentally face palmed while praying she would keep her mouth shut. Blake and JP were equally as clueless to my secrets, and I wanted to keep it that way.

When I sent the group text to my parents earlier in the day, they both just replied okay. I felt relief wash over me when I looked down at my phone upon arriving home, and I was replaying that scene in my head when my Mother finally spoke.

"Is everybody doing good down here?" she questioned, shooting me a look that let me know we were most likely going to have a talk later.

"Yeah, great, Mrs. Bridges!" Blake exclaimed with joy, pleasing my Mother. She smiled brightly at him, coming over and placing a hand on his shoulder.

Again, my Mother peered over at JP, still not saying a word to him. She released her grip on Blake, and he looked grateful for that. Instead of exiting the room, she motioned for me to come upstairs with her. Thinking I was in for it, I stood up with my knees wobbling, following my Mom out of the room as JP and Blake looked on. Much to my surprise, I was not in trouble. Yet.

"Your sister is here, I want you to say hi," My Mother prompted, whisking me up the basement staircase and shooting me a disapproving glare when I groaned in response.

"Do I have to? I was kinda busy," I snapped, my footsteps suddenly becoming heavier.

"Yes. You do."

It's not that I did not love my sister, it was merely the fact that we lived in two different worlds. We thought differently, and Zoey reminded me a lot more of my parents than myself. The two of us never really got along growing up, and it definitely did not change as we got older. As we aged, we grew further apart. She found herself in a serious relationship with Kevin at seventeen and got married at twenty, while I struggled with my mental illnesses and wound up in jail twice. Zoey was embarrassed to be my sister. She'd never admit it, maybe not even to herself, but she was.

When I reached the top of the stairs, Zoey sat comfortably at the table with her husband Kevin beside her. He waved happily at me, and I gladly returned the gesture. Kevin was always a nice man, and he treated my sister well. Zoey basically looked like an older, prettier version of me. The only differences were our nose structure, her baby blue eyes compared to my emerald, the dark tones in her hair, and the dullness of her cheekbones.

"Hey," Zoey said, standing up to give me a hug. She hugged me affectionately, which was quite a surprise to me.

"Hey," I replied against her shirt, pulling away gently and scanning her. "How are you?"

"I'm good, I'm really good," Zoey bragged proudly. "Glad to almost be done with this semester."

"Yeah."

There was a long awkward pause, before Zoey cleared her throat and sat herself back at the table. She continued on with the conversation she must have been having with Blake's Mother, and everyone upstairs from that moment on disregarded me. My sister went on about how she was doing in college, and her plans for her life.

"Are you sure you don't want kids? I always said that myself, but Blake was the biggest blessing in my life," Blake's mother fawned, and I was glad that Blake was not around to hear it for himself.

This triggered something inside of me, walking out of the room and down the hallway to the bathroom. I shut the door, pressing my back up against it and sliding down. Bringing my knees up my chest, I fought off the urge to spill tears. Overcome with sadness, my entire body felt like it was being weighed down. Replaying JP's words in my head, I tucked my head in my lap which covered my face.

"It's your party, you can cry if you want to."

It never bothered me that Zoey did not want kids until now. She had an amazing opportunity, to be a Mother and love a child who was her own. She could raise the child and watch it grow up, teaching he or she things along the way. The thought made my eyes sting even more, and the fact that it would never be a reality for me made my heart sink. I always yearned for the day I would get to become a Mother, and that was taken away from me among other things.

God, we had to end this.

Just then, I heard footsteps approaching the bathroom and the knob turned. Shocked by this, I scurried to my feet and watched as JP walked into the bathroom without a care. He studied me, a concerned look plastered upon his face.

"JP, what if I was using the bathroom!" I snapped, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. With him now in the room, I was grateful I did not allow any tears to escape.

"Then I would've said sorry and left," JP defended, shrugging. This earned him an eye roll from me, but he just grinned in response. It soon faded when he spoke once more. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" I retaliated, turning away from him and looking in the mirror instead.

JP entered the bathroom fully, shutting the door behind himself. He clearly did not care what people would assume was going on in there, but I did. Using my body to get past JP, I stormed out of the bathroom. I wasn't sure why I was angry all of a sudden, but I knew I wasn't angry at JP. He did not do anything wrong, he just happened to be in my way.

Seating myself on the stairs instead, I cursed under my breath when I heard JP following after me. I growled under my breath, annoyed at Zoey and all the attention she was still getting in the opposite room. I could heard laughing and commotion, not a single mention of me or the fact it was my birthday, or my party, as a matter of fact. That's the way it always was, and would be. Zoey was everything and I was nothing. I was nothing but a delirious human who made up fictitious emotions and scenarios in their head to them.

Realizing I took my frustration out on the wrong person, I looked up when I heard JP at the bottom of the staircase. He soon climbed it, sitting down next to me. JP simply sat with me for a moment, waiting several moments prior to saying anything.

"You and your sister don't seem to get along very well," JP observed. "The way you two talked to each other, it sounded like you grew up in different households."

"You were eavesdropping," I said, pursing my lips together.

"I'm sorry," JP apologized, looking down at his shoes in clear shame.

"Don't apologize," I replied. "I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm sorry I'm being such an ass, it's just that...it's always about Zoey. Always. That sounds so bratty, I-"

"No, it doesn't," JP interrupted. "Nothing wrong with wanting a little attention every now and again."

There was so much more to it than JP knew. In order to keep my secrets safe, I could not tell him how devastated I was that I was forbidden from having children as of right then, that my sister was everything I wished I could be and more. My parents adored her, and they lived through her. I was just their second fucked up child who they barely knew, and my life was pretty much over. No story left to tell.

"I wanna tell her off," I seethed. "I wanna tell her to get the fuck out of here, and just let me have this one day. This one day to feel special."

"So do it," JP encouraged, taking me by surprise. I thought he would try to talk me out of it and start listing all the ways a confrontation like that could go south, but he didn't.

"Give me one good reason, and I will," I promised him, sticking out my pinky for him to link onto. You couldn't break a pinky promise.

"Sometimes you gotta stick up for yourself, stand your ground. Hell, I used to tell my Dad off all the time. I told him like it was, got my ass kicked a few times because of it," JP said, speaking those words as if they meant nothing to him. He linked pinkies with me.

His Father hit him?

"Your Father?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "He put his hands on you?"

"Yeah, a few times," JP explained. "He was all talk usually and no action, but the few times he did...I damn near bled to death from just my nose alone."

Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around JP and held him close. His body radiated warmth, and he smelt of woodsy cologne and subtle mint. I leaned my head against his, choosing to comfort him when I was the one who needed it originally. He needed it far more than I did, and that was clear to me. JP opened his patterned arms, turning his body to face mine so he could bring me into his chest. Listening to the sound of his heart beating, I heard him swallow and felt his Adam's apple bobbing against the top of my head.

"I'm so glad you're okay," I gushed, giving him a good squeeze.

In that moment, I didn't give a fuck about the polygraph test, about David, or my parents. All that mattered was JP, and being there for him. He was all I needed at that time, offering me affection and an ear to listen to me. It was my turn. I was not the only one with secrets.

"If you ever want to talk about anything, I'm here for you," I offered, feeling him stroke the back of my hair with ease.

"We can talk about me later. You made me a promise, Amelia." JP pulled me out of his chest to look him in the eyes. "And I want you to keep it. Go give her a run for her money."

"It's my party, I'll ruin it if I want to," I breathed, laughing at my own joke in a sad attempt to lighten the mood.

JP assisted me in standing up, walking with me down the stairs. "I'll stay back and let you do the talking, but I'll be nearby for support."

Accepting that, I nodded and followed JP to the kitchen. He stopped halfway down the long hallway, leaning up against a wall and nodding me forward. His eyes illuminated in the darkness of the space, and he reached up to move his hair aside.

Invading the kitchen with nothing short of confidence, I eyed my sister who was still seated at the table like I predicted, her hands folded and her mouth in a tight grin. She looked honored to still be receiving attention, but I was about to rain on her parade. Hard.

"Zoey, I want you to leave," I said loud enough for everyone to hear me, and suddenly the conversation in the room died down. Voices became quieter and quieter, until it was dead silent.

Zoey looked at me like I was crazy. "What do you mean? I just got here?"

"Did I stutter? I want you to leave," I repeated, gritting my teeth in annoyance at her ignorance. She knew what I said, she was just trying to test me and it was not going to work. Not this time.

"How come?" Zoey pushed further, looking over at our Mom and Dad. "I'm sure they don't want me to leave." she gestured towards them.

"Well it's not their fucking party. The only thing you came here to do it get attention, and I'm done with it. You're twenty one years old, act like it!" I yelled, earning a gasp from both my Mother, and Blake's.

Just then, I noticed Blake standing near his parents. He offered me a sincere head nod, letting me know he approved of what I was doing. He never really care for Zoey either.

"Amelia!" My Mother exclaimed. "Stop this right now!"

"No," I said, standing my ground.

"The only person here who's ever craved attention is you," Zoey fumed, giving me a cold stare. "Let's go, Kevin."

Her words cut at me like daggers, and I felt my heart plummet down to my toes. I knew exactly what she was referring to when she said I wanted attention. My suicide attempt. Blake's family appeared to be appalled by her statement, and Blake himself even balled up his fists at my sister.

"You're a sack of shit," Blake insulted. "Now get out of my house."

JP loomed in the hallway, appearing to be lost in thought. He still did not know my story, my full story. I was vague at the café and did not come right out and say; I'm Amelia and I suffer from depression and anxiety. Oh, and I attempted suicide and landed myself in jail for a month. No. He was aware that I was a victim, but in what sort of way was the part he still remained in the dark about.

Kevin and Zoey were gone in the blink of an eye, leaving no trace of themselves behind. The rest of us just stood there, until I finally walked away and towards the back door, grumbling over my shoulder.

"I need some air."

Of course, no less than a minute later I was joined by two special guests on the back deck. Blake came up on my left, JP on my right. The three of us stood stilly, JP and I teaming up and staring down Blake, burning a hole through his head. Blake finally returned our stares a moment later, holding his hands up in surrender as he walked backwards down the steps, into the yard.

"Damn, don't let me be the cock block," Blake said smugly. "I'll just be down here looking at my Mom's tomato garden."

"You should take a peek at the green peppers too while you're down there," JP replied, equally as witty.

"She doesn't have green peppers!" Blake called.

"Well, there's gotta be something green down there to look at!"

Blake laughed loudly, his sweet laugh carrying across the yard to us. JP set his hand on top of mine, looping our fingers together. This sent a shockwave through my body, feeling like I was on cloud nine.

"You're brave, Amelia. You know that?" JP complimented, his eyes twinkling with admiration.

"I don't know what I am," I said, staring down at our hands.

"Your sister is a bitch."

"Tell me something I don't know," I responded, catching my cardigan just as it started to slip off my shoulder on the tattoo side, which was facing JP.

It felt stupid to want to shield it from him, since he had no clue what it meant, but after that traumatic day with David I knew I was sure to break down if he asked about it, or its meaning. I was not exactly sure Blake knew what it meant either, since I was oblivious to the fact that the marked even had a signature tattoo. What he did know though, was that I didn't have it before. Covering up my tattoo was more to protect myself, not them.

"Male seahorses carry the babies," JP said, chuckling to himself.

"What?"

"You told me to tell you something you didn't know. I bet you didn't know that one."

"You're funny," I commented, staring deep into JP's eyes, which kept flickering down to his prominent lips.

"Oh yeah, what else am I?" JP flirted, tilting his head in the cutest way.

"Ugly!" Blake projected from down where his Mother's garden was located.

"Hey!" I scolded.

JP laughed Blake off, unlatching our fingers and using his hand to massage my lower back. The way he rubbed in circles was far different from the way Blake did, and it caused my cheeks to burn.

"Come on, we should go back inside to see if anybody's had a heart attack yet. You've got quite the mouth on you," JP boasted. "You too, Mr. Tomato. Inside!" he called to Blake, who was already starting up the steps.

Upon entering the house, everyone was settled onto the couches in the living room. Blake took the time to grab a small box from across the room that was attached a card. Smiling slightly, I accepted the gift though I felt like I did not deserve it. Opening up the card first, I read each word carefully. I was a card reader. Tears soon pricked at my eyes at the lovely things Blake had written within it.

My Amelia,

I'm so proud to call you my best friend. We've been through everything together, from trying to track down mermaids at the beach together when we were eleven years old, to growing up through those awkward teen stages, to those nights where you and I needed each other the most, we have been to hell and back.

You're such a beautiful girl who deserves the absolute world. You deserve a man that will cherish and love you, or else you'll be stuck with me. So, you better find someone good that meets these standards. I love you so much. Stay strong and stay true to yourself. We can do this. We can do anything. Together.

Love, Blake Fowler.

P.S - The perfect guy for you might be closer than you think. Just sayin'.

Letting out a sigh at the last part, I brought Blake into a hug. "Thank you so much, Blake."

"You haven't even opened the box yet," he said, reminding me.

I snorted at his comment, opening the box gingerly to find a silver chain inside. Hung on the silver change was a Moonstone. The prettiest I'd ever seen. Leaning against the side of my face, Blake spoke in a low voice to me, one only I could hear.

"Something for you to wear when this is all over. When you can be proud of the place where you live."

"Oh, Blake," I said, in a state of awe. "It's beautiful."

"Well shit," JP said, patting his pockets. "Um, this is embarrassing but...I accidentally left your present at home," he quickly covered up, even though I know that wasn't the case.

"You're okay, JP. Don't worry. I told Blake no gifts, he just doesn't like to listen to me. In this case, I'll let this one slide..." I admired the necklace, placing it back in the box and shutting it until the right time came for me to wear it.

The right time was not that moment, and it would be a while before it was. I had to be proud of where I lived, and before that could happen there was a lot of work to be done.

-

authors note: this is my favorite chapter ive written so far in the book, I hope you enjoyed!

what do you think of JP now, are you in love yet? what do you think about what he confesses to Amelia? of Blake's card?

Amelia's sister is such a bitch, and I wrote this chapter because I feel like everyone has that one person in their life that always has to be the center of attention. I really felt for Amelia, and let's all hope Moonstone will someday change so she can wear that beautiful necklace!

thanks for reading! don't forget to tap that little star, and leave a comment letting me know what you thought. (: