Macy's P.O.V.

It was only until last night that a sudden realization overtook me. There was a lot more to Jonathan than I had expected.

I knew that he had a complicated history and I respected that, but there was always this part of me that yearned to learn more. I wasn't sure why. Curiosity was second nature for me, but it was different with Jonathan. There was no way of explaining how I felt.

Jonathan was still sleeping when I got up. It had been a long night and he needed the rest so I did my best not to wake him up.

Seeing him so peaceful brought a smile to my face. Soft snores left his mouth with every breath and his lips were pursed. Baby had taken refuge under the covers as well, cuddling up against my leg. It wasn't difficult to tell that Jonathan cared a lot for her.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw myself as one of the few people- or animals in Baby's case- Jonathan held close to his heart. These newfound feelings had only just surfaced and I despised them. I knew what was happening. I was falling for the boy behind the mask.

That couldn't happen. I cared deeply for Jonathan, there was no denying that, but he deserved so much more. He deserved a young woman who knew how to take care of him; not some kid who had taken a sudden interest in him.

Of course, I'd always be his friend. That wouldn't change. I didn't want to lose him but I was smart enough not to let anything happen between us; not that Jonathan would ever make a move on a girl five years younger than him.

Quietly, I got up from the bed, went downstairs, and called my grandparents. They were understanding when I told them I needed a bit of space, which I was grateful for. After my short call with my grandparents, my phone had rang again.

"Macy?"

"Jayden," I greeted. "What's up?"

"Not much. I was just wondering if you wanted to go out later. I preordered movie tickets to Suicide Squad, but my friend just called saying he was sick and I didn't want them to go to waste. I'll even pay for snacks."

A smile lit up my face. I had been wanting to see that movie. "Yeah, of course. What time?"

"We can meet up around five-thirty since the movie starts at six-fifteen. Where do you want me to pick you up?"

There was a part of me that wanted to hide the fact that I was staying at Jonathan's. That would raise suspicion and I definitely didn't want Jayden telling my grandparents.

"I'll meet you at your place, probably. I'll see you later."

"Can't wait."

The call ended and I nearly screamed as I turned around to see Jonathan sitting on the couch.

"You're going out with Jayden?"

My heartbeat quickened. "Yeah, he just called. He had an extra ticket, so I figured might as well go. Do you want me to come back after the movie?"

His jaw clenched. "No, it's fine. You enjoy your movie."

"That's nearly ten hours away, Jonathan. We have time to hang out if you want."

"I'm still a bit tired. I'm just going to lie down upstairs," he muttered, walking away.

I knew that Jonathan had something against Jayden, but I wasn't sure what it was exactly. Jayden only had nice things to say about him, while Jonathan did not. Still, that was their dispute. His feelings did not match mine and he couldn't possibly expect me to dislike Jayden just because he did.

A sigh escaped me. Jonathan was a bit sensitive when it came to certain things and I knew that, but as much I wanted to respect that, I hated how he never told me the reason why.

Baby had come downstairs suddenly and so I fed her and gave her water. For myself, I had poured some milk and cereal, quietly eating it on the couch.

"You won't get mad and leave without saying why, right Baby?" I asked mindlessly.

She barked in response and licked my hands as I pet her head.

"You love him too, huh? He's a good guy. I know that, but sometimes he can be so difficult. I just thought he trusted me enough to tell me what's wrong, but I guess I haven't been completely honest with him either."

There was shuffling coming from the stairs but there was no one there when I looked. I shrugged it off and went back to eating my cereal.

Then I almost spilled the entire bowl on Baby, who was sitting next to the couch. Thankfully, I didn't. I answered my phone after I set my bowl down on the coffee table.

"Jayden?"

"Who's Jayden?"

"Oh, Luke. How's it going?" I asked nervously.

There was a slight pause and I bit my lip in anticipation.

"It's going pretty well. I just called Jonathan, but he didn't pick up."

"He said he wanted to go back to sleep. Are you free right now?"

"I'm at the bakery right now. You're welcome to drop by."

I agreed to it and left a short note for Jonathan on the kitchen table:

I went out to the bakery and fed Baby already.

With that, I packed my things up again and stuffed them into my plain black backpack and got changed into jeans, a white tee shirt, black combat boots, and my favorite olive green parka. I had also put my hair up in a bun so that it didn't stray in front of my face as I walked in the cool morning breeze.

The walk downtown would take twenty or thirty minutes, but it gave me time to admire the small town. It was quaint, simple, and flourished with trees. Leaves were scattered on the sidewalk, leaving a never ending  trail of orange, yellow, and brown.

My back had begun to ache a bit since I had several clothes, my laptop, and toiletries in one backpack but I continued walking.

Luke's bakery was welcoming. There were a bit more people now. I walked up to the counter and saw Luke already smiling at me.

"You busy?"

"My shift just ended so I'm all yours. I'll get us something to eat and drink. Go find a seat."

I was still able to find an empty table even with all of the people occupying the bakery. It was a lot more popular than I believed.

Luke soon came to the table without his apron on, wearing a black button up and jeans, while holding a tray. He set it down and placed two avocado bacon sandwiches, cappuccinos, and  brownies on the table and quickly put the tray back in the kitchen.

"I thought this was a bakery," I said, eyeing the sandwich.

"Doesn't mean we can't make other things. So why'd you want to talk?"

"I wanted to talk about Jonathan a bit, but it's nice to relax with another person."

Luke smiled and pinched my cheeks. "You're adorable. Now, tell me about Jonathan."

"He told me about his mom and his brother, which I appreciated. I like when he actually talks to me about these things, but sometimes he can go back to ignoring me. Like today, I told him that I'd be hanging out with our neighbor, Jayden, and he was obviously angry. I know that they've had their differences, but that shouldn't affect my friendship with either of them. And he just doesn't talk about it."

"That's just how he is at times. It can be frustrating, but patience is key with Jonathan. Once he's ready, he'll tell you what he really feels. How are you liking your food?"

I looked down at my plate. I had only taken one bite of my brownie. My talking had become a bit of a distraction.

"I'll tell you when I'm finished."

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The food was more than delicious, especially the sandwiches, which Luke promised to make again for me the next I stopped by. We talked a lot more after we ate and by the time I was about to leave, I ordered another one of those sandwiches for lunch since it was around noon.

I still had five hours until the movie with Jayden and there wasn't much to do. So I walked to the park where Jonathan and I hung out the night prior.

There were no missed calls or messages when I checked my phone. I switched to the camera and began taking photos of the warm colored leaves and the slightly cloudy sky.

There was a lot more noise at noon. Kids ran around the playground like madmen as their parents watched from afar, suspiciously eyeing all the other kids around their child.

I thought about my mother. I wondered how she was doing; if she was cooperating and recovering. Ever since I came here, I tried not to think about her all that much. I loved her, truly and I knew she was in safe hands, but there were times like these were I was genuinely worried.

Although she had sometimes gotten out of hand, I knew that it wasn't her. It was someone else and she knew it too, she just didn't know the extent this bad side had when it came to me. But she knew now and she was getting help. I was proud of her, but I missed her dearly.

We weren't in the best financial situations at home, but it was still home. My grandparents' place was comfortable and nice, but it didn't feel like home at all, even with all the furniture and clothes in my room.

Time passed by and I realized it was already five. Another thirty minutes of walking and I found myself in front of Jayden's front door. I knocked and the door was opened by a young girl. I had remembered her from the first day I came here.

I think her name was June. She had the same warm brown eyes and blonde hair as her older brother, but her hair was in pigtails.

"June, right?" She nodded silently. "I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm Macy. Are you able to call your brother really quick?"

As soon as I finished my question, the door slammed in my face and I heard June's loud voice behind the door.

"Jay, there's a pretty girl at the door who wants to see you!"

The door opened again, revealing June staring up at me. She was no doubt observing me and had even went as far as to pull my sleeve down so I could lean forward and she could see the color of my eyes.

"Here, I actually have something for you."

I looked through my bag to find the chocolate chip cookie that was stored in a small ziplock container that Luke gave me along with the sandwich.

"This is a magic cookie. Make a wish before you eat it and you have to make sure you eat every last crumb, okay?"

June smiled apprehensively and took the cookie with excitement. She hugged me and I watched as she ran inside, leaving the front door open. Her shouts were loud as she told her mom all about the magic cookie and I hoped that her mom didn't think I gave her drugs.

"Hey, sorry about that. I forgot where I put the tickets, but I found them. They were in my pocket," Jayden laughed nervously. He saw June run up to the front door with the uneaten cookie in her hand. She quickly explained to him what I had told her and Jayden smiled at me.

"I'll see you later, June," he smiled, ushering her inside the house and closing the door. "Now, let's go."

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The movie was pretty good; not the best, but a lot better than I had expected. Harley Quinn stole my heart away and I was convinced that I'd run away with her if I could.

Jayden had also paid for popcorn, separate drinks, and candy for the two of us and had also dropped me off at my grandparents' house afterwards. There was no awkward goodbye, thankfully. We just side-hugged and said our good nights, as well as me saying thank you.

Then I looked to Jonathan's house. His bedroom lights were off and I wanted nothing more than to tell him about my day, but he was angry. I wasn't sure exactly what for, but I sensed it this morning, so I walked into my grandparents' house and they welcomed me with open arms.

I went to sleep that night knowing that my feelings for Jonathan should cease completely, but the daydreams of a life with him had clouded my mind. The heart and brain were never meant to agree.

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I am deeply sorry for not updating in ages. Things have just been really busy and I apologize, so I wrote a 2000+ word chapter for all of you. Vote and comment if you think Macy should continue to try to suppress her feelings for Jonathan or if she should tell him

And as always I hope ye enjoyed(:)

-lovelylittleturtles