Jade was fast asleep.

I could tell from her labored breathing and the mussed up covers. Despite her royalty, she slept as anyone did -- sprawled out everywhere.

It made me feel even guiltier for stealing from her. This would have been much easier if she'd just been some horrible selfish person who didn't care for anyone and was a total jerk.

But nope, she was so normal it hurt.

I let out a soft sigh and stepped quietly into the room. The carpet was cushioned enough that my footsteps barely made a noise. I kept my eyes glued to the bed, waiting for even a slight shift that might mean she was waking up.

Nothing.

I wanted her to wake up.

In a way, I wanted her to stop me. At least whoever blackmailed me might be somewhat understanding and not totally ruin me.

Oh well.

Just as was described in the note. The earrings were lying out on Jade's drawer. They were beautiful: sparkling diamond and intricate detailing. I wondered what on earth the blackmailer would be doing with them. Probably selling them. Unless they were like a fashion thief and wanted to amp up their wardrobe.

Hopefully, they'd leave me the hell alone after this.

I also felt like I was jinxing myself in saying that.

Ugh, why did I even get myself in this mess? This is what happened when you kept secrets. You got blackmailed and there was absolutely nobody you could talk to about it. I wasn't about to tell Kenzie, since I knew she'd freak out and probably just make me reveal my secrets to the public anyway, which would just get me locked up in an asylum.

The thing about Kenzie was that she had a strong moral compass. One that was only put second to my safety.

So, we were a little alone in this one.

I could feel the clock ticking, and I knew I had to just get this over with. If I didn't move now, I never would. And if I never moved...well, we knew what would happen.

I crept towards the earrings on the drawer. They were in a really intricately designed box with beautiful interlacing silver lines. I wondered how much the box alone cost. At least it made it easier to steal.

I carefully picked the box up in my hands, sucking in a deep breath as I turned towards the door.

One step. Two. And then I was in the doorway, pausing. I didn't know why I stopped. I should just keep walking, not think about it. Move on. Don't worry at all about what was happening.

But something stopped me.

Why was I doing this? What on Earth was I thinking?

Jade had wanted to hang out with me despite me being an introvert. Even though I'd just met her...how was I supposed to do this? How could I do this and then keep talking to her and acting like nothing was wrong?

I thought back to the note. They knew my secret but...seriously? What could they even do to hurt me? I was a millionaire. I had everything I ever could have. And if they tried revealing my secrets, I could easily call them crazy. Nobody would ever believe them.

I looked down at the box in my hands, then over my shoulder at Jade.

Before I could change my mind, I set the box back on the dresser.

_______________________________________________

I woke up exhausted.

I guess that's what happens when you spend all night dancing and drinking. And nearly stealing extraordinarily expensive earrings.

That entire night felt like a blur. Had I really danced with Kyle? Then...then fainted?

Wow, that was going to be a bit hard to face.

"Ughhh...," I moaned, rolling over and shoving my face into a pillow. Better question: where the hell was Jonah? Usually, he attacked me in some way each morning just to bother me. Like when he dumped a bucket of water on my head.

And...this was his perfect chance to prank me in some way. I glanced at the clock. It was already nearly noon.

Why hadn't he woken me up?

I rolled out of the bed, shoving the heavy comforter off me. I was still in the black outfit from last night. I guess I'd forgotten to change out of it.

It took me a solid minute to throw on some normal clothes (jeans and a light blue "You got this!" t-shirt). Then, I was fast walking downstairs.

I couldn't hear much as I went down the stairs towards the kitchen and dining area. There was a soft sound of shuffling, a screech of a chair being pulled back and some quiet voices.

I pushed through the dining room's doors. There were ten or so high chairs bordering the counter right next to gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows. And two of those chairs were taken.

I felt fear, pure fear, take hold of me.

Jade was staring at me, her eyebrows drawn together in defeat and pity. She looked at me helplessly, and I realized why when I took in the state of Jonah.

He looked like a wreck. His eyes were red-rimmed, his head in his hands, and I don't even think he realized I was there. He wasn't speaking -- just staring down at the marble table top. Jade had one hand on his shoulder comfortingly, but she didn't say a word.

I walked towards the two of them with great caution.

I needed to know.

Jonah finally looked up and met my gaze. He wiped his face with the back of his hand, seeming embarrassed to be caught in such a state. He was my best friend, though -- it wasn't like I'd judge him.

"Hi....are you...is everything alright?" I asked, treading carefully with my words. Maybe even asking was far too much.

Jonah just shook his head stiffly, before facing the table again. Jade whispered something under her breath to him, asking for permission to tell me. He just nodded.

Jade came over and grabbed me gently by the arm before leading me a little away from Jonah.

She sucked in a deep breath. "Something happened..."

I was panicking. What had happened? Had someone died? Was this...

...Was this my fault?

"What? What is it?" I asked frantically, eyes wide.

She looked down, as if she couldn't even meet my gaze while saying this. "Well...his house burned down."