2. Don't Trust a pretty face

So I was in the writing mood. So here you go! Oh and I apologize for the alternating POV's... Just thought it worked better that way.

(Clare's POV)

I grab a brush quickly as I hear the door knob turning. I fake a smile for him as he enters. He just looks at me for a moment. Then slowly he makes his way over to me. His arms snake around me and he rests his head on top of mine. I started swaying slightly, hugging his arms. He smiled and kissed the top of my head.

He leaned down towards the side of my head. "Sleep in my room tonight" he whispered in my ear. He was so close I could feel the heat and air the accompanied every word. I shivered slightly from the feeling.

I really didn't want to tell him 'no', I'm afraid of what he'll do. "Jake" I said lowly, lifting the cross from my chest and shifting it on the chain that it clung to. He looked down at it. "That doesn't matter" he said dismissively. I swallowed uncomfortably.

"S-sure" I said, unconfidently. No longer looking at him. "Don't worry" he said smoothly, releasing me. But I did.

It's at this moment that I lost it. That moment I fell from the pedestal of ignorance. Falling deeper and deeper into an abyss.

At the bottom I find myself sprawled out on the plain of reality. I'm approaching two roads. One continues the path I currently walk, and the other is behind a curtain. A path that can only be seen once you take it.

Once you choose your path. It's almost impossible to divert from it.

I cried as I slumped down against the wall. I'd never cried since I'd been here. Until now. I cried in regret of trusting him. I cried because of how homesick I am. I cried for what I allowed to happen. And I cried for what is to come.

I stood up, brushing the tears from my face. He's come out from behind his mask. His true colors aren't pretty. And I sighed as I slid my own on. I wear it for him, and only him.

(Jake's POV)

I spit the remaining toothpaste into the sink, turning the faucet on. I watched as it all swirled into the drain, leaving only a glisten on the smooth sink surface. A picture frame sat on the counter.

It's a picture of Clare and me. We went to the park with Alli and Drew. It was only a few days after we started dating.

(Flashback)

"I'll race you" I teased as we walked towards the swings. After handing her bag to Alli she took off to our destination. "Cheater!" I yelled as I ran after her.

She got to a swing moments before me. Laughing victoriously she sat down on it, rocking it side to side. I matched her rhythm, as I sat down. When she was close enough, I grabbed the chain suspending her swing. "You two are adorable" Alli gushed as she pulled her phone from her pocket. I pulled Clare's swing into mine when Alli held her phone to us. The sound of a camera shutter was emitted from the phone, and I let go of Clare. Leaving her to rock back and forth.

(End of Flashback)

I trace the edges of the frame with my thumb, and then I set it down gently. I look in the mirror at myself for awhile, taking everything in. Studying the person who is staring back at me. My eyes don't waver until I shut the light off. I took a deep breath, before I open the door.

My eyes instantly fall on the figure sitting on the bed. A copy of "Umbrella Academy Dallas" is in her hands. I see some of a young boy on the cover, a gun about the size of him in his hands. She takes no notice to me as she turns the page. "How many times have you read that" I ask. She shrugs, "I read it a lot, and sometimes I read the Apocalypse Suite."

I nod as I slip under the covers. I ease the book from her hands noticing her breath hitch. I mark the page and turn the lamp off. She doesn't move, just sits there against the headboard.

"Clare" I said lowly.

"Hmm"

"If I ask you something, you have to be honest"

"Okay…."

"Are you afraid of me?"

My heart pounds as I wait for an answer. "When you have an episode" she concludes, still uncertain of her words. I pull her down next to me, and lay on my side to face her.

(Clare's POV)

"Do you still love me" he asks in a monotone voice. I don't think about the situation, I just answer accordingly. "Of course" I say smiling.

His hand moves to the side of my face, the side of his thumb stroking my cheek.

"Good night" I said, turning around and avoiding further contact.

-The Next Morning-

I woke up at 6 am. And snuck from the bed, quietly making my way to my room. Without much noise I pulled on a pair of jeans and a red tank top. Missing when I could just tie my hair up, I tugged a brush through my hair. Slipping on a silver pair or flats, I made my way out the door, carefully shutting it behind me.

I made my way through the streets. The humid air causing my hair to stick to my neck. I pulled it off as I made my way into the bookstore.

The bell jingled as I entered. An elderly woman appeared, smiling as she saw me. "Clare" the woman beamed from behind the counter. "I haven't seen you in awhile… I almost thought you'd moved on from here." She said merrily as she motioned me to the back.

I worked here before Jake. But now, I only have time to pop in and do petty tasks. But at least she pays me for it. "Now Clare, these books need to be sorted and shelved. My back has been acting up again and I can't do any bending or lifting. Could you be a doll and do that for me?" she asked. "Oh and you can keep any of the damaged ones" she added. "It would be my pleasure" I said as I set to work.

-A Few Hours Later-

I counted the money one last time. She paid me ten dollars per box, there were twenty. This is more than I needed. I could leave. I could escape from him. If he ever laid a hand on me again I could leave that very night, and never look back. As I approached the house, I carefully stuck the money in my bra. Just in case.

I as I opened the door, my precautions seemed useful. He was sitting in the kitchen, a mug in his hand. "Where were you" he said loudly, not moving. "I-I was out" I replied shakily. And he scoffed. "Did I say you could go out?" he spat. When he finally looked at me, his eyes pierced me like daggers.

"No. I didn't know I needed you permission." I shot back, mustering up all the courage I could. He stood up and walked towards me. I absentmindedly held my breath when he leaned his face into mine.

"If you ever talk back to me again" he hissed. "You'll what Jake?" I taunted. A smirk spreading across my face. His hand made a swift motion to my face, but I raised mine to stop it. If this was a cartoon, he'd have steam emitting from his ears.

"You don't have the right to hit me. Ever." I growled, venom leaking through my words. "I have the right to do whatever I want to you. I make the rules here darling." He replied, shoving me.

I stumbled, not ready for his action. He took my moment of vulnerability, shoving me again. This time I hit the door. It didn't take me long to regain balance. I made a mad dash to get out the door. Somehow I managed to get out.

One foot after another hit the pavement. I glanced back quickly, he was right behind me. I ignored the screaming of my lungs and I pushed harder. If I go back inside, he might kill me.

I ran, further and further. Suddenly, I found myself in the park. I turned back; he was a few feet away. Too close. I felt my foot catch the root. I couldn't stop it. I came crashing to the ground. I put out my forearms as I hit the ground. I coughed as I tried to regain my breath.

"Are you okay?" I voice asks. It was a male, but it wasn't Jake's. I look up to see a pair of worried green eyes staring down at me. "She's fine" Jake barks, pulling me to my feet. I only stare at the boy. A small blush creeping on my face.

"I was talking to her…It looks like she was trying to get away from you" he retorts pointing at Jake. Jake just glared at the boy "Just mind your own goddamn business" he sneered. "What's your name?" Eli asks, ignoring Jake completely. "Clare" I squeak feeling Jake's fingers dig into my arm. "I'm Eli" he says, smirking at me.

Jake's fingers dig deeper, warning me not to talk to him anymore. "We have to go" Jake intervenes. I can feel his nails start to break my skin.

"Ow! Jake that hurts." I hiss, trying to get my arm from his grip. But Jake starts to pull me away. "Let her go!" Eli yells, pulling me back. I look at him, stunned by the shock. He's helping me. "I have a car" he whispers "I can take you where ever you want to go." This boy that I just met… is putting himself in danger to protect me. Why would he do that?

Oh Eli, I admire you for this. I really do. But you really shouldn't have pissed Jake off.

Jake whips around, glaring at Eli. "What's your damage? She doesn't even know you, dude. She's my girlfriend. If anyone should be letting her go… it's you. And if you don't do just that right now, you'll regret it." Jake says through gritted teeth, approaching us.

I step in front of Eli, not objecting to his hand still on my wrist. "Jake. Don't touch him. You don't have to get violent. Please." I reason. He stares at me, in disbelief. "Why do you care about him, Clare?" he asks. "Because I'm a decent human being, Jake! Nothing gives you the right to lay a hand on him." I reply, shaking. "Then let's go. Now." Jake said; a smug look on his face. "Fine" I muttered.

I turned to Eli. "Thank-you" I said, smiling. I wrapped my arms around him, "Get your car. Follow us." I whispered in his ear. I gave him one last look before hurrying off to the angered Jake.

What am I getting him into? I thought as Jake took my hand. Leading me back to my prison.

I have to get away from him. The more I think of it, the more terrified I get. If he hit me for little things like hiding in the closet or temporarily leaving… Imagine what he'd do now. I defied him, mocked him, ran from him and then I made contact with Eli. When I walk through that door… I don't want to think about it.

Will Eli come for me? Or was I asking too much from him. I understand if he doesn't, he doesn't know me. But my doubts disintegrate as I watch Eli heading towards us in a… hearse? It doesn't matter, he has a car, and I don't.

"Ah! I yell, throwing myself on the ground. Jake looks down at me, confused. "What?" he asks; annoyance in his tone. "It's my ankle; I think I did something to it" I lie effortlessly, staying on the ground. "Fine. I'll help you." He states, bending over to pick me up.

"Go to Hell, Jake." I sneer as I push him over. Surprise takes over his face as he falls on his side. But it's quickly exchanged with anger as I rush to my feet, running to Eli's car. I look at Jake as I open the door, swiftly getting in.

The look on his face is priceless. Anger, surprise and vulnerability all swirled into one. Painting an unforgettable master piece on Jake's face. "I can't thank you enough for this" I say looking at Eli. Suddenly worry spreads through my body when I notice how dark his expression is.

Did I escape from danger, or get in way or my head?