"Are you ready to talk now?" Amanda asked as she sat in front of me on the floor, cross-legged.

She gave me what felt like the tenth tissue to wipe my eyes from the never-ending tears streaming down my cheeks. It's been roughly, I think, half an hour since Amanda got here. But I could be wrong; I wasn't exactly looking at my phone for the time, that wasn't my focus, of course.

I had other things on my mind. One of them was I didn't know whether to tell Amanda about what happened or keep it a secret. I've never kept secrets from her. We never keep secrets from each other and if we do, it just means we need time before we can speak about it because it's a personal topic or if it's someone else's secret.

As for Sarah, oh god, what do I even say to her if she finds out? I know I won't tell her; it's her brother after all. I can't have them fight or her looking at Dillon or me differently until I can see if there's a way to fix the situation. Maybe I can talk to Dillon, see if I can express my concern and get him to...I don't know, control his jealousy while I'm staying here for the time being.

"Yes," I mumbled, dabbing at the bottom of my eyes. Luckily I wasn't wearing makeup or I'd look like a train wreck.

"Are you sure?" she questioned, raising a brow. I nodded.

I didn't know whether it was a good idea or not because I could only imagine her reaction. It's not a good one. It's more like her, looking to tell Dillon off and possibly slap him, though that one is a big maybe.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for her reaction as I pulled my sleeve slightly up enough for her to glance at my wrist. Amanda's eyes widened before they narrowed.

"Who did this?" She demanded.

"That's a good question..." I trailed off with a nervous laugh. Amanda looked into my eyes with suspicion before she gasped. I'm guessing she figured it out.

"Dillon fucking did this, didn't he!?" she exclaimed, accusingly.

Yep, definitely figured it out. Damn, she's good. Was it that easy to guess or am I that much of an open book to her? Either way, she guessed it right without me having to utter a single word. I nodded in response to her question.

"Yes," I answered.

"Oh that fucking piece of shit, how dare he?!" Amanda fumed.

"It's fine, tru-"

"Bullshit, you were upset, you're not fine, no one would be fine, I don't care for context, doing something like this is unacceptable in ANY situation," she raged. I knew this would be her reaction, which is why I was cautious about telling her.

"What's done is done, there's no reason to make a big fuss about it," I tried to reassure her but that didn't seem to do the trick, of course.

"No need to make a fuss? Amy he hurt you, you can't just defend and forgive him," she argued. I sighed and rubbed my temple.

"I'm not trying to defend him, I'm trying to be rational here, I want to talk things out with him before I do something drastic, I have to at least communicate with him," I explained.

There was no way he was in the clear, not yet, not until we talked about this properly and solved the situation over clear communication. Plus, I can't just storm to him with guns blazing. Though to be honest, I have no idea how much I'm going to believe from him after today and how he acted drastically over something he didn't know much about.

"Fine, I won't do anything, yet! But if he does do anything, he will not get away with it," Amanda warned. I chuckled and shook my head.

"If it doesn't work out, I give you free rein to do whatever," I joked. She grinned before hugging me. I wrapped my arms around, returning the gesture. "Thank you," I mumbled.

"Anytime," she muttered. "Are you still alright to go to the concert tonight? You don't have to if you don't want to," Amanda said as we stood up.

To be honest, even after everything this morning, I would still rather go to the concert than wallow in my self-pity in this room. I'm not sure if it's a good idea considering Dillon was supposed to be joining us but I don't want to let this, him, get in the way of a good night with my two friends so I can have fun, enjoy my time out, and forget everything for just a singular moment.

"No, no, I'm going to still go, I want to enjoy my night with my two best friends," I smiled.

"Atta girl," Amanda winked. I chuckled before rolling my eyes.

Amanda stood up to go downstairs for breakfast and I joined in following her. Jack was nowhere in sight but Lisa and Catherine seemed to arrive at the exact moment we got to the bottom step. Lisa let me know that Max was out with his friends and had been out since 8am.

Apparently, he went out for his usual routinely run before he immediately went off to have breakfast with his friends. No surprise there. When I was asked about Jack though, I couldn't give Lisa much detail other than he left when Amanda arrived. I couldn't give a time because I didn't even hear him leave since I was just a tad bit distracted with my own problems.

The rest of the day went by in a rush without a single call from Dillon but that doesn't mean he didn't blow up my phone with apologies. I plan on talking to him tonight after the show but for now, I was avoiding his constant messages, switching my phone to silent so that I wouldn't get too annoyed.

He invaded my every thought today and not in a good way as I was still upset. Calling isn't the best form to talk about this, and neither do I think I'm very smart for choosing to talk to him after the show. But it has to be done sooner rather than later and I prefer to get it over and done with.

When night fell, Lisa made a big dinner just for our arrival. Amanda left not long ago so she could get dressed and come back to pick me up once I could sneak off. There was a terrible gut feeling as the guilt started to consume me.

Lisa put so much effort into tonight and I'm about to lie to get out of it for a concert. A concert I'm hesitant to go to because of Dillon. I wish I could stay for dinner and go to the concert but the times don't work. Maybe I can make up for the dinner another time? I can maybe bake something as a thank you. I'll have to figure that out soon.

The door opened, startling me out of my thoughts and making me jump in my seat in surprise. I twisted around in my seat to look at who had entered. I rolled my eyes and spun back around. It was Jack, of course.

"Nice of you to finally join us," Lisa smiled. Jack simply nodded as he took the seat in front of me. He was avoiding eye contact with me. Catherine was chatting about her day while Jack and I silently ate, not saying a word. "Why are you two so silent?"

"No reason," Jack and I answered simultaneously. Lisa eyed us suspiciously. My phone began ringing in my pocket. Crap, that must be Amanda. She was supposed to call me so I can have an excuse to leave early.

"Um, do you mind if I take this?" I asked Lisa. She nodded with a small smile.

"Go ahead."

I quickly walked upstairs in a rush, attempting to avoid anyone seeing how nervous I was. I answered my phone but only for both Amanda and Sarah to urge me jokingly to, as they put it, "get my butt outside". Only they could ever make me smile and laugh.

I walked back to the table, prepping myself to lie in front of Lisa and praying that it works. I'm going to have to make up some bullshit on the spot because of course I didn't plan what to say beforehand.

"Are you alright? You seem upset," Lisa frowned, tilting her head.

"Uh you see my friend, Amanda, she was the one that called, she's going through some family issues and needs someone to be there for her, for comfort."

Horrible lie but I'll go with it

"Oh dear, well, you better go over there and see if she's all right," she insisted. I mentally sighed with relief but it was only short-lived until she said her next statement. "Why don't you drive her to her friend's Jack?"

Shit, what? No! That's not part of the plan!

"Uh, I'm sure it's alright, I have my motorcycle," I told her.

"Oh please, I insist, plus, it's nighttime, it can be dangerous," Lisa said.

"Yeah Amy, I mean, I'd be happy to drive you to your friend's house," Jack smirked. I glared at him. If only I could throw that bread roll on the table at his head. He knows what's going on, he read my messages last night. Dick.

"Wonderful!" Lisa exclaimed with a grin.

"Great," I gritted out. Jack winked at me but all I wanted to do was to use the food as a weapon against him for putting me in this position. He is so dead for this.

Jack got up and put his arm around my waist to guide me out. I roughly moved his arm away from me.

"Don't touch me," I hissed in a whisper. He rolled his eyes but obeyed.

When we exited the house, I made an attempt to run for Amanda's car parked across the road, up the street but I was halted by Jack when he grabbed my hand and pulled me back into his chest.

"You're not going anywhere, princess."

"Fuck you."

I was about to make another attempt to dash towards Amanda's car but Jack did something unexpected. He grabbed my waist and pulled me back again before picking me up by my waist and throwing me over his shoulder. My eyes widened as he carried me to his car and put me in his passenger seat while I was still in my shocked state.

What just happened?

"Are you kidding? What the hell are you doing?" I snapped, once it registered what he just did.

"Taking you to Amanda's as requested," he shrugged as he put his seatbelt on. My mouth almost fell open.

"You're kidding right?" I raised a brow. He smirked but ignored me nonetheless. I inwardly groaned and slouched in my seat.

My nightmare, one of them at least, has come true. Yay, living here is so great when I've got Prince Charming with me constantly acting like a pesky fly that doesn't understand it should piss off despite the obvious gestures.

"I mean isn't that where you're going? Your friend's place?" he questioned, pretending to play clueless but the smirk never left his lips.

"You damn well know where I'm going asshole," I scowled.

"Ok well I'm going to Amanda's to drop you off," he said. I huffed in annoyance and glared. He's playing a very dangerous game at this point. I am at my tipping point with the shit I've had to deal with today. My mood has been all over the place and I can barely deal with it.

"Take me to that bloody concert now!" I demanded. I probably sounded like a spoilt brat but I've had it. Already my phone was blowing up with calls from both Amanda and Sarah. They most definitely witnessed what happened and, knowing them, they're going to question me all about it. I wouldn't even know how to answer them if they did.

"Fine," he said. I narrowed my eyes at him with suspicion as he turned the car around.

He was planning something, I can tell. That smirk never meant good news. It's always one of mischievous. Now I'm worried. The whole care ride, he was silent. It was weird. The way he has been acting the whole day has been weird.

He was nice and 'complimenting' me, still not too sure about that one, and now, he's an ass, plotting something to make me even more furious. This is not good for my heart or just for my overall mental/physical health in general.

Once he parked in front of the location, I was quick to get out of the car.

"You owe me one!" Jack called out. I paused, turning my head to look over my shoulder at him with a glare. That damned smug smirk. I knew it!

"Kiss my ass!" I flipped him off, flipping him the middle finger.

"Fine, I'll tell your brother, I'll call up your parents, I'll tell everyone I can and then we'll see just how much trouble you'll be in, I'm sure they'll find a suitable punishment for you like losing your freedom to go out but I'm sure you're ok with that right?" Jack threatened. I cursed under my breath.

How was I so stupid to play into his trap? I'm smarter than that. I shouldn't have let my irritation get the best of me and I should have stood my ground. Now I'm stuck between him either going forward with his threat and I end up in trouble or I listen to him and be in debt to the ass himself. What a day! It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it? I'm so lucky and flattered at the attention.

"Fine, you win," I gritted out in annoyance.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you, princess," he taunted.

"I said fine! You win! Happy? And stop calling me princess," I snapped. A wide grin spread across his lips.

"Pleasure doing business with you sweetheart," He winked, bowing jokingly.

"And don't call me that either," I ordered, as if he would actually listen.

"See you later princess."

I groaned as he threw his head back and began laughing. He got in the car and drove off after waving at me. I threw up both my middle fingers towards the back of that blasted car. I hope he saw that. Piece of shit.

I'll find a way to get him back for that. Mischievous dipshit. I kept cursing him out, using every insult under the sun to call him out. It's like he flipped a switch from this morning. He went from somewhat decent to a total traitor. I knew it was all a game to him. Ugh!

"What the hell was that!?" Sarah exclaimed as both she and Amanda ran up to me.

"It's a long story," I grumbled. I spun around and walked towards the entrance, past in-between both my friends, where we could hear the thumping of the DJ playing some music.

"But-"

"Not in the mood."

Amanda and Sarah ran up to me before we entered the premises, without waiting for Dillon. At least this will give me an excuse to not talk to him the whole concert if he does show up. Sarah told me he took his own car while she rode with Amanda. It's a good thing he's coming later. I need time to calm myself down before I lose my shit, even more than I am now.

Once the band came out to play, my anger seemed to vanish in an instant. Sarah was screaming at full capacity while Amanda began bobbing her head to the beat. Dillon...he went off to get drinks. I wasn't paying much attention to him. I was still ignoring him. I closed my eyes, erasing all negative thoughts before bopping my head, like Amanda, to the rhythm, finally letting loose.

I'll admit, when the concert was over, I was disappointed. I wish it lasted longer but unfortunately, time flew by so quickly. Now I was left to face the music of having to confront Dillon, yay, so excited. I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair, my mind racing with many thoughts. 

I just hope he can agree to stop this behaviour and agree to control his jealousy because I can't handle it, not for long anyway, not if what he did today will be his permanent reaction whenever he's jealous.

"Dillon, can I speak to you? Alone, please?" I asked him when we stepped outside, into the cold night where the wind howled and the moon brightened the dark streets that were dimly lit by the light posts.

"Sure..." He trailed off with a frown. It was the first time speaking to him tonight after ignoring him for hours. Sarah tilted her head with a raised brow, probably trying to figure out what I wanted to talk to him about. Amanda luckily knew and nodded before guiding Sarah away to the nearby café. Dillon and I began walking. "So you're finally talking to me?" Dillon asked.

"Yes but only because I wanted to discuss what happened this morning, not because I've forgiven you yet," I admitted. He sighed as he looked down.

"I thought that would be the case," he muttered. Silence fell between us. I was trying to figure out how to start this conversation.

"Do you not trust me?" I asked. Dillon's eyes widened.

"What?! Of course, I trust you! Why would you ask that?" He exclaimed, sounding almost offended.

"Well the way you acted this morning tells a different story," I said.

"Listen, I wanted to say I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lose control like that," he apologised.

I halted and Dillon stopped with me. When he turned to me, I took the opportunity to search into his eyes, to see if he was being honest. They only glimmered with honesty and regret. I was hesitant to give in and forgive him. He's apologised, that's a start.

"Do you promise to control your jealousy?" I questioned. He hesitated. Definitely not a good sign.

"I can't make promises I can't keep Amy," he tried to reason. I huffed and continued to walk, picking up my pace to get away from him. "Wait!" Dillon called out as he ran over and grabbed my wrist but my quick instinct was to pull it back out of automatic fear. I guess I'm still not over what happened this morning. I could see the hurt in his eyes as he took a step back, creating distance between us.

"I need you to promise me that you'll control your jealousy, that you won't ever do what you did today again, that you'll at least try," I said, trying to control my nerves as my voice shook. He nodded rapidly.

"Anything. I will try," Dillon affirmed.

"How do I know you're not lying?" I questioned, raising a brow.

"If I mess up again, I give you free rein to insult me and if you want, slap me," he grinned. I let my lip curl up into a smile in a slip-up. "I promise to be better for you," Dillon said softly.

I wanted to play with him a bit more so I decided to remain silent. I stared for a moment with my arms crossed before turning around and walking away. I only got a couple of steps ahead before Dillon ran in front of me to prevent me from going further and doing what Jack did not long ago, i.e. picking me up and throwing me over his shoulder. I yelped in surprise.

"Dillon! Put me down!" I demanded.

"Not until you say you forgive me," he negotiated.

I moved my head to better stare up at him. There was a sly smirk across his lips. I could be wrong though, everything is upside down and I'm not ready for a head rush. I used to always hang upside down as a child, doesn't mean it was good when I felt the blood rush to my head and I'd feel dizzy.

"It doesn't work like that you goof!" I argued. I pounded my fist on his back but lightly as a form of protest. "Now put me down!"

"Nah."

"Fine, I forgive you."

Dillon put me down to stand in front of him. I playfully glared up at him.

"Love you," he proclaimed as he kissed the tip of my nose. Heat crept up my neck, towards my cheeks.

"Love you too," I grumbled.

Dillon smiled and I returned the gesture. He hesitantly grabbed my hand and I intertwined them. That seemed to bring some relief to him, and brightness to his mood. We turned back to walk to where Amanda and Sarah were probably waiting for us so we could go home. A voice deep inside my head was telling me I was stupid and ignorant to forgive him but I ignored it.

"What did you two talk about?" Sarah asked as soon as she saw us.

She handed me an iced vanilla Frappuccino, knowing full well that if I drink this, I'm not going to sleep. But it's my favourite and I'm thirsty since I forgot to bring water so of course I was quick to start drinking that shit like it brought me life.

"We were talking," Dillon and I said simultaneously before chuckling. I leaned my head against his arm since my head didn't reach his shoulder.

"But about what?" Sarah frowned.

"It's their business Sarah, not ours," Amanda said. I mouthed 'thank you' to her, to which she nodded and smiled.

"But I want to know!" Sarah whined as they began to walk to the car.

"I know, I know, suck it up princess," Amanda mumbled.

"I have to go but I'll see you tomorrow?" Dillon said. I nodded with a smile.

"I will see you tomorrow," I said.

Dillon gave me a hug before pecking my lips and heading for his car parked across the street. I waved at him until his car left my sight. I got into Amanda's car but was faced with both her and Sarah staring at me with knowing smirks through the rearview mirror. I simply rolled my eyes and slouched in my seat.

I instantly ran into the house once Amanda parked up the street. It was dead silent and pitch black. There was only very little light from lamp posts outside that were trying to peek inside through the closed curtains of the window. I quietly tip-toed upstairs, stopping at my little sister's room to kiss her forehead and tuck her in. She hugged her teddy bear closer and curled up when I did so.

My brother was fast asleep in his room, with his door closed. I could hear his loud snores. He probably didn't get enough sleep last night and that's why he's snoring so the whole neighbourhood could hear him.

I stopped to look at the stairs that led to the attic where Jack's temporary room was. I sighed and entered 'my room' before changing out of my clothes. I paused mid-changing when my eyes caught sight of my wrist which had changed colour from red to almost black.

"Still thinking about this morning?"

I gasped as I jumped and quickly grabbed my shirt off the bed to cover myself as if that would work since I had been standing in my pink cupcake shorts, it's embarrassing, I know, and my black bra. Jack was leaning against the doorway to the room.

"Jack! What the hell?!" I whisper-yelled. He raised a brow.

"Nothing I haven't seen before," Jack shrugged. I scrunched my nose up in disgust. I didn't need to know that. I was fine without hearing that simple line.

"You're an ass," I mumbled, rolling my eyes. I quickly put my shirt on, feeling better not being exposed in front of the infamous Mr Reece. "What are you doing here anyway?" I questioned.

"Wondering what's going through your mind," Jack answered swiftly.

"Nothing is going through my head," I said, staring off into the corner of the room.

Of course, I'm not going to tell him how I'm really feeling or what I'm actually thinking. Yes, I'm still thinking about this morning but I'm trying to get over it. I have to move forward. The bruise on my wrist will be a reminder until it disappears. I can only hope that's when I'll begin to stop thinking about...all of this. It hurt at first, it still does, but I'll get over it in due course ... I hope at least.

"You're lying, did you know you tend to avoid eye contact when you lie?" He pointed out. I frowned and shook my head. It's not like I know my own habits. I didn't even know he knew my habits/traits. It's a small thing but not even Dillon knows when I lie though to be fair, I don't try much.

"Who cares, none of this is your business, now leave," I ordered. Jack ignored my demand as he walked over. My instinct was to back away but my back hit the drawers. He got close, crossing into my personal space. Before I could even tell him to back off, Jack picked up my wrist and analysed it. I silently watched him, wondering what the hell he was doing.

"Put ice on it if you want to speed up the healing process," He instructed. I tilted my head.

"What?"

"Your bruise."

"Ok...?"

I still didn't understand what was going on and I don't know if I'm supposed to. He remained standing in front of me with my wrist in his hand. He began rubbing his thumb over the surface of my skin softly. It sent shivers down my spine. Whether it was good or bad, I don't know but it didn't matter. Something seemed to click in Jack's head before he faked a cough and took a step back.

"I-I will leave now," Jack stuttered. I raised a brow and nodded but thought the stuttering was unusual of him. He backed away, almost tripping on thin air. I bit my bottom lip, attempting not to laugh. Jack began awkwardly chuckling as he exited the room. I shook my head and grabbed my writing book. "Also don't forget you still owe me for driving you tonight," he added, peeking his head into the room with a smug grin.

I groaned quietly as I grabbed the pillow off the bed to chuck it at him. He was quick to duck as he rushed to his room while laughing. I huffed in annoyance and fell back onto the bed. I still don't understand his tactics. Either this is a big game where he gets to have a good laugh or he doesn't know how he, himself, should act. I want to go with the second one or else I'll lose my shit.

I've had enough for the day. I just want to get lost in a whole other reality where all this drama doesn't exist. That's why writing in my journal helped me control my emotions. It's where I write lyrics as well but it's not often, just here and there.

I crawled into bed and opened my writing book to just spill out all the emotions I'd been feeling throughout the whole day. It helped control my anger and confusion when it came to Jack. I truly hate him and his act, it makes me conflicted.