Down

Saturday 12 P.M.

Uneventful.

Today has been nothing but uneventful. But what did I expect? Working at the café has always been an obligation not something I'd do on my free will. The place is slowly dying down, and the only costumers it gets are the regulars and even those are gradually leaving this place to the dump. Marie Simmons, my boss, is losing hope of this place too. Aroma Café just doesn't have that spark anymore. The small venue once had a feel-at-home atmosphere, the pastel walls that are now fading to a dull gray color were inviting and calming. The smell of coffee was pleasant and it was those times that I felt safe but now it's just another place, another opportunity for miniatures Adrianna Masters to harass me.

"That would be 3.50."

I sigh and impatiently waited for the curly hair petite girl to pay for her Cheesesteak sandwich. "Hey Loren," she began. "Um what-what-"

"What do you want, Emily?" I averted my gaze from the cashier to her extremely bronzed face. She smiled neurotically and began twirling a curl with her forefinger. "Well, um, so you know how you and Eddie Duran are like best friends, right?"

I nodded curtly at her and quickly disdained her shriek. My eyes looked behind her. Damn. She's not going to leave anytime soon, considering that no one is in line except her.

"OMG really!"

"Um, yeah, I guess you can say that… What about it?" I gently drummed the rim of the open cashier with my fingers and Emily smiled excitedly. "How did you guys meet?" She asked. My eyes widened for a second as her question caught me off guard. I soon regained my demeanor and I shrugged. A small smile found it's way to my lips as I reminisce that day on top of the hill. I can still picture the sparkle in his eyes that illuminated when he laughed. I can still inhale his intoxicating scent. I can still picture our proximity and my body going numb, my cheeks pink with embarrassment, and my mind jumbled with incoherent thoughts. I can still hear my heart screaming; yelling so loud that I was able to feel the danger of falling for him. Falling hard. Falling deep.

I gently bit my bottom lip, "It's a long story." A sigh of disappointment escaped Emily's lips but soon a small smile replaced it. "Aw, oh well maybe you can tell me another time… if you want." I smiled politely as she cautiously added the last part. "Yeah, maybe." She nodded eagerly.

"Um, are you going to pay for your cheesesteak?"

"Oh! Yes, here." She quickly handed me a $20 bill. I accumulated her change and gave it to her. "Thanks." She grasped the brown bag but before turning around she hesitated, "Can I ask you something?"

I wanted to say no. Even though she's nice to me in this instant, even though she's not pointing at me and laughing uncontrollably; she's still part of Adrianna's posy and when it comes to Adrianna or anything that involves her, they mean trouble. Before I was able to reply, Emily had already placed the bag back on the counter. She pressed her lips together and I raised an eyebrow waiting for her. "Sure."

"Are you and Eddie a thing?"

She didn't waste a second. I blinked a couple of times, dumbfounded. "A-A thi-thing?" I stuttered.

"Yeah," She nodded enthusiastically. "You know, going out. Boyfriend, girlfriend kind of thing."

"Um-um" I stammered over my words. My cheeks turned scarlet and I began to fidget. Her question sunk, it registered in my head and I gritted my teeth trying to find an answer. I was thinking too long, too hard. It's a simple question, Loren. No. We're not a "thing." But are we? Maybe…

"OH MY GOSH!" She yelped boisterously and I flinched. "You are! You are!" Lucky me that this place is empty. "Look at you, you're all red and stuff! I totally knew it; I mean those looks that he gives you are undeniable. And the way that you look at him too! It's just so perfect."

"Emily, I-"

"I was right! And this is a first for me since I am completely wrong most of the time. But I'm right and Adrianna was wrong. That jealous bitch will have a fit when she finds out!" She exhaled cheerfully, "This is too cute for words."

"We're not a thing, Emily." Actually, I'm not sure what we are.

"Oh but you are." She stated. "You guys look so adorable together on pictures, I can already imagine you two like in the same room being all shy and cute and I- just can't. This is too much cuteness I can handle."

"Emily… Eddie and I we're just friends-"

"Ugh, you used the F word." She waved her hand at me, dismissing what I just said and there was a look of disgust on her face. "Please, stop lying to yourself and Eddie, who adores you soooo much, and just admit you guys are perfect for each other."

"We're-"

"No, I'm not hearing any of it. You, Loren Tate, and Eddie Duran, God of all rockstars, have it going on."

"You're impossible." I conclude with a genuine smile. She shrugged innocently and quickly took out her phone. "So, um, this talk has been fun. If you want we can hang out sometime…" She gently looked at me and my smile faded. I sighed, "Look Emily, you seem sweet but-"

"You probably think I'm like Adrianna," I avoided her gaze and I sensed a hint of hurt in her tone. "Yeah, I get that a lot. But I'm not like her… at all. And I sincerely want to be your friend, so let's get together sometime… It'll be fun, I promise."

"Emily,-"

"You can invite Melissa," She persisted. "You don't trust me and you most likely think I'm brewing up a plan to bring you down and Adrianna turns out to be the mastermind of all this but none of that is true. So what do you say?" She pushed her phone forward and I sighed. I don't know what are her motives to come to me and suddenly say she wants to be my friend. It's suspicious, I've realized that. I've known Emily since 9th grade and she has always been facing Adrianna's back; waiting in the sidelines, just like me, for her next victim. I shouldn't trust her, but yet I find sincerity and genuine in her hopeful smile. Nonetheless, that could just be an act. Do I want to be deceived again?

I deliberated for a moment before finally taking out my phone. She smiled merrily and I smiled out of politeness. But before we exchanged phone numbers, a gasp was heard. We both quickly turned to look at a pink blob with long, golden and curly hair about to pass out from complete bewilderment. "EMILY!" She screeched. "What. Are. You. Doing."

"Nothing that should matter to you."

"Why the hell are you talking to Ms. Ugly-verse?"

"You really need to work on your insults, Aid." Emily said.

"Answer me!"

"I'm just talking to Loren. You need to chill." Emily grabbed the brown bag and smiled apologetically. I placed my phone back on my pocket and closed the cashier. She walked towards Adrianna, which surprisingly wasn't accompanied by her look-alikes. She was fuming, the acerbity in her eyes was unmissable. "Let's go Adrianna." Emily said, she knew too. She knew that if they didn't leave now, Adrianna will begin attacking me. "Oh, so now that you know Eddie Duran you think you're higher than us. Don't you, you little shit?" I turned away from her. "Look at me!" She demanded. I ignored her and wished, gosh how I long for something or someone to come and take me away from right now. "I still haven't forgotten how much you humiliated me yesterday."

My body went completely rigid. My hands turned into fists and I fixated my gaze on the clock, ticking straight at me. "I humiliated you?" I asked incredulous. "What? Don't tell me you forgot how Cameron dragged me away because of you?"

"Adrianna let's go, we have to meet up with the guys."

"Shut up, Em." Her eyes were still on me and I swallowed hard. Letting all my fears go.

"You're gonna pay for what you did to me." She whispered callously. "You're not gonna get away."

This time I did dare to look at her. I stood my ground and looked straight at her cold, blue eyes. She narrowed them and I smiled as politely as I could. "Get out." I said. She blinked, "What did you just say?" I sighed irritatingly. "I said, Get out."

"What?!" She exclaimed. I dismissed her daggers. "What part of "Get Out" don't you understand?" I inhaled. "Leave, Adrianna. You're not wanted here. Take your awful attitude somewhere else. And you know what; keep acting the way you do. Keep thinking you're better than everyone else. I hope, God I hope, that one day someone will not take your shit and treat you as bad or worse as you do to me and the others who don't deserve to be treated like dirt."

"Listen, don't you speak to me like that."

"I'll speak to you like you deserve to be spoken. Your bratty attitude and your foul mouth have earned you a place in hell and I hope you rot there. Now, please," Her hands was gripping my shirt tightly in a fist. "Take your filthy hands off me. I have had enough of you." When she didn't comply, I grabbed her hand and she quickly hauled it back. Emily smiled proudly in the background but I didn't. How I stupid was I to let Adrianna Masters get in my head? How stupid was I to fall in her wrath and let her words get to me? How naïve and weak was I to let her do as she wished with me? That's not something to find pride of. Why? Why did I ever listen to her?

Adrianna was red, she was breathing uncontrollably, her body was tense and any second now, I expect her body to cut open in half and an obscene demon standing where Adrianna once stood. "Let's go, Emily." She finally said. I smiled relieved but prior to leaving through the door she said,

"You better watch your back, Tate."

2 P.M

"I can't."

Her smile fell. "What-why?"

I smiled, "I have to attend something important tomorrow."

"Is it a life or death situation?"

"Not that drastic, but it's really important…" I stated. I passed the wet cloth over the counter top while Marie's bubbly persona stood behind the cashier, attending the buzzing costumers. The café suddenly began to be filled with impatient, grumpy and broke students. "I guess your 2 for 1 special is working."

"Yes!" She exclaimed. "That's why I need you tomorrow! Imagine how full this place will be! Furious people at late hours of the day claiming their half off milkshakes with empanadas! Loren, please come."

"I told you, I have somewhere important to go tomorrow, and I'm sorry I can't help you."

She sighed frustratingly and then she went quiet for a moment. "What about…" She began again, "If you come tomorrow I will give you bonus. Yes, a bonus and you can eat free here!"

"I already eat free here, employees benefits."

"Well, it's not like you take full advantage of free milkshakes either… What about the bonus?"

"I-I" I'm torn between being broke and Eddie.

"You need the money for college and all that futuristic stuff. And it'll be a nice, pleasant bonus. We're talking about hundreds, Dear."

"Okay…" I mumbled. "What was that?"

"I'm coming tomorrow."

"Yes! I love you!"

My phone vibrated and I suspired in relief. "Shift's over." I told Marie and she nodded with a smile. I quickly went to the back room and grabbed my jacket. I never really do carry anything else.

I walked past Marie and as I was stepping outside, she screamed, "Remember, 12 to 10!"

I soughed and looked up at the blue sky. A small smile appeared.

I really did want to go to that concert.

Passing past my mailbox, pass the small garden my mother had planted a while back, I opened the front door and slowly walked in.

"Hi, Honey."

I look directly at my mother, who was sitting down on the dining table. She flipped through the pages of the magazine she was reading. "How was work?"

"Stressing."

"Hm, Did something happen?" Her gaze was now fixed on me and not on the paper lying on the table. Her eyebrows rose in a concerned manner. "No-yes. Um well…" I walked towards her and she gently flipped the page. "I can't go tomorrow…"

"Where?"

"The concert." She looked at me for a second before dropping her gaze down to the magazine. "Why not?" She frowned. "I have a shift, three actually. Um, it'll be busy tomorrow and Marie needs help."

"Wait, what about the other girls? Sasha and Julie?"

"They said they're taken."

"But so are you, Honey, you have to go to Eddie's tomorrow."

"Well, I can't because I have work."

"So you prefer to work non-stop instead of supporting Eddie?"

I soughed and clutched the chair for support. "At least I get a bonus." My mother flipped through the pages. "Well alright… Do you think Eddie will like that you're not coming tomorrow; he was pretty excited to see you again."

"He saw me yesterday; he'll understand…" She smiled. "He won't like it."

"He'll manage. Ah, I have to go call Mel and Eddie. Wish me luck with Melissa."

"Good luck."

I chuckled and walked towards my room. I closed slowly closed the door behind me and took out my phone. I sat on the bed and began dialing Eddie's number. I waited patiently for him to pick up but he didn't. After five rings, it went straight to voicemail.

"Hey this is Eddie; leave your message after the beep and I'll get back to you. Alright, bye."

"Hey Eddie! It's Loren… Um, I know you're busy with the concert tomorrow and I wanted to call you to tell you Good Luck! Yeah, I'd say it in person when I'm standing in front of you but that won't be possible. I know you'll probably hate me but I can't come tomorrow. I have a long shift at the café. But I know you'll be great and I'm sorry I can't come. Okay, bye. Call back when you can."

That's done. My thumbs danced around the screen for a moment before I finally dialed Melissa's number. After the first ring she picked up. "Melissa Sanders. What do you want?"

"Hey, Mel…"

"Oh-Oh why does that sound so disappointing to me?"

Night is the devil's advocate. Night is when demons lurk around. Night is when the incubus captures me again. My skin is glistening from sweat; my chest rises up and down rapidly. My mouth trembles and I hide under my covers.

I don't know what's wrong.

Everything should be okay. It should but it's not. And I don't know why. Why day seems to be fine to me, but then night comes and I feel myself suffocating again. I should be okay, but I'm not.

I'm losing what I never found.

Why?

What?

Where's the peace I thought I had? Where is he? Where's Eddie?

Night creeps in, and so does the demons. I wish they would just leave. The room is dark and eerie. It's perilous out there. I wonder what it feels like to fall asleep. To have a dreamless and soundless night and just… sleep. No nightmares, no ghosts taunting me.

I wonder… And that's my problem, I keep wondering about it. I keep them locked in and never let them go. I never learn do I? I never do.

Where's he? Who is exactly "he"? Maybe he's the one who always saves me in my dreams. Maybe he's just a hallucination… Maybe "he" is not real. But yet… I feel warm and complete fervor entrances me and I feel safe, secured. I feel protected from Trent. And I forget for a moment about his husky, drunken voice; his revolting breath that reeks of pure alcohol and his vivid red eyes. I forget, even if it's just for a second, about him and all I feel is peace.

Is Eddie "he?" Maybe, I don't know. Oh look, my thoughts are a mess now. I can't think straight. They're lurking again. They're searching for me, he is looking for me.

I'd call Eddie, I would. But I don't because he's sleeping. He's resting. I should too. I need rest.

Wrapped in his arms. That sounds nice, maybe I should think about that. Gently, he whispers my name. It sounds so sweet and tempting. Sleep.

Maybe I'm going insane. I don't care. I want sleep, and if thinking about Eddie does the trick. Then yes, I will think of him. I want to fall asleep thinking about him. His sweet caresses, his resplendent smile, his soft whispers. Everything will be okay. I'd like that, maybe I'll dream about that too. I'm not going anywhere. And if it's possible, I'd like to wake up thinking about him too. Hopefully just the thought of him will calm me down. It does, doesn't it? He makes me feel special. He makes me feel wanted, and I like that feeling. I like it and I like him. He's so gentle. He's charming.

Like… no that's wrong. It's the wrong term to use… I shouldn't use "like," not when my feelings for him are deeper. It's more than a simple crush…

Sleep.

I want sleep.

I do. My eyes can't take it no more and began to close. I fall asleep, thinking of him and only him. And I swear before I fell completely asleep, I heard a faint noise.

Maybe it was a ring. Maybe it was Eddie; he always manages to reach me in the most unexpected times.

Sunday 2 p.m.

"This is unacceptable! This cannot be! Loren Tate you promise you'd come with me. And you're not going to miss your boyfriend's concert! He needs you there for support but you missy, you are selfish. No. You are coming."

"It's a done deal, Mel. I can't go. Marie is holding me responsible for today." Melissa began walking around. She ran her fingers through her hair exasperatedly and I shook my head. "Sorry?"

"That's all you're giving me? An apology? Well then!" She crossed her arms and I smiled sheepishly. "What do you want me to say?" "That you're coming."

"Anything but that."

"Humph!" Walked towards me and I sighed. "The concert starts at 7 c'mon, everyone is expecting you there."

"I told you I can't come."

"Well, why not?" Melissa gasped then she began laughing. "Oh I get it."

"Get what." I was confused and Melissa smiled knowingly. "You're doing this to push Eddie's buttons, right? You want him to miss you so much today that he will have to kidnap you tomorrow and spend the entire day with you." I blinked. Only she would come up with this. I smiled curtly. "If I say that's what I'm doing, would you leave me alone?"

"Yes."

"Then yes."

"Ha! I knew it!"

She nodded proudly and I shook my head at her antics.

"I think we came to the wrong side of town, forgot this was Ugly Ville."

"If it isn't the brattiest of the brats, the ugliest of personalities and the obnoxious airhead's of them all. Adrianna Masters, may I ask, how do you do it? How can someone be so stupid? And I ask because you are an expert at being the idiot and the joke of the entire student body." Mel spat. She placed her hands on her hips and her gaze burned through Adrianna. She still held rancor for what happened on Friday.

"Hey Melissa." Emily smiled at Mel, whom was completely taken aback. "Since when did I become friendly with you witches?" Her smile faded and I shrugged. "Can you guys get moving? I have costumers to attend."

I looked at all of them, and when my gaze landed on Adrianna she immediately narrowed hers and turned around. I smiled. Of course, Melissa didn't miss this.

"What was that? Did I miss something, why are you smiling at her as if you know something and she doesn't? I want to know what that something is."

"It's nothing."

"Loren told Adrianna off. It was epic."

"Who are you? And you did! Why didn't you tell me this?"

"It wasn't important."

"Okay, this is pretty important for you because you stood up to the devil in pink over there."

"Gee, thanks."

"It's the truth."

"Whatever." I leaned on the counter seeing as there was no one else in the line. "I'm Emily, btw."

"BTW. Okay."

"Ah, you." Melissa pointed at me, "Need to give me full details later about this whole Adrianna thing. But I have to get going." She turned around to Emily. "I guess I'll see you around. Emily, right?"

"Yeah."

And she left. I sighed and Emily smiled before going back to her group. "We'll talk later." She left too. I felt a light vibration in my pocket. I took it out and carefully checked the text.

Eddie: Not fair. I'm going to miss you. To be honest, I was looking forward to seeing you today. Considering the fact I didn't see you yesterday. COME! Ditch work for me and just come! Please, I'm on my knees begging anyone up there to miraculously make you appear to where I am. Literally, I am on my knees. I'm THAT serious, I really need you here. Okay this text is really long, just like my need for you to be here. NOW COME.

I giggled. He can be so cheesy sometimes.

Re:Re Me: No can do, Eddie. I have to work. You'll be fine, and plus you saw me on my Friday.

Re:Re:Re Eddie: That's all you have to say to me? After I sent you out my heart that's all you say to me. You know what? FINE.

Re:Re:Re:Re Me: Okay…?

Re:Re:Re:Re:Re Eddie: Loren Tate, you Beautiful, will be the death of me. Well, got to go. I'm still holding on that wish that you'll be here. Make it come true ;). Bye.

Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re Me: You could've called… Bye.

Before I checked if he had texted back, someone cleared their throat and I was forced to instantly look up. I met amiable blue eyes nervously looking at me. He smile buoyantly and I nodded suavely. "Oh sorry."

"It's okay." He shook his head and his sandy, blonde hair followed. "So what would you like to order?"

"Just two red velvet cakes." I nodded and typed in his order. "That will be $5." He handed me his money and I handed him his desserts. "Thanks." I smiled. I waited for him to leave, but he didn't. "So um-" He started. "You and Eddie Duran, huh?"

"What about Eddie and me?"

He began scratching the back of his head and he avoided my gaze, a rosy tint appeared on his face. He laughed anxiously and I stared at him curiously. "Are you okay?"

"Me? Yeah, I'm totally fine. I-I-" He sighed. Cameron looked at me and his blue eyes were soft and genial. "Look Loren, I just wanted to know why you lied to me about having a Valentine's…"

"Oh that…"

"Yeah, that."

"I didn't lie. When you asked me I didn't have one."

"But then you did… You accepted Eddie's and… not mine." I watched with regard as his eyebrows pressed together, and his eyes showed… hurt?

"Well, yeah, I mean it just kinda happened…" I stated lamely.

"Right, right."

Where the hell is this conversation going? "I have to go." Cameron said finally. I nodded, relieved for both of us. As I watched his head hung low, I suddenly remember Friday. How he had been the one who stopped Adrianna from saying anything else. Nobody else had stepped in and stopped her except him. He was the one who dragged her away. And I feel gratitude towards him. He saved me, he helped me from going borderline crazy. From going anymore insane than I had.

"Cameron, wait!"

He slowly turned around and I smiled gratefully. "About Friday… Thank you." I said, lamely again. But he did smile and the sadness that hooded his eyes was gone. A new found spark replaced it. He nodded and placed his hands on his pockets. "Don't mention it, you didn't deserve that. And I hate it, I hate it when a girl cries." I smiled one more time. I turned back to the cashier and I felt the vibration again. I stared ahead and my gaze landed on cold green eyes. She didn't turn away instead she held our gaze. A smirk appeared on her face and my lips parted slightly. I know that look too well. I had to break our gaze and I distracted my mind with Eddie's text. I giggled softly.

Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re Eddie: I was going to but I know you. And knowing you, you would've hung up on me. That would've hurt. So I didn't.

Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re Eddie: Don't text back. Because if you do, I'd be tempted to go find you and take you with me. SO DON'T TEXT BACK! Okay bye. For real now.

Monday 2:21 p.m.

School was over. AP Chemistry was a haze. Time went by quickly. Everything went by fast. Melissa didn't come to school, she was "too exhausted to put up with ignorance today." Eddie called twice yesterday, at 11 p.m. and at 3 in the morning. The first time he called we talked about the concert and how it went well. Then I had to hang up on him because of curfew and school. The second time he called, I was having an insomnia attack. I couldn't fall asleep. But he called, and we talked relentlessly. At some points, I had to cover my face with the pillows to muffle my laughter. He told me childhood stories. He mentioned how he loved to be outdoors, how much he loved to stare at the blue sky and find figures and words with the clouds. He told me about how he craved adventure, how he always loved to be in the rush of adrenaline. And I threatened him that that would be his death. He talked to me about his mother, about how much he misses her home-cooked meals. He mentioned how kind, beautiful and funny she was. He confessed how there's not a day he doesn't think about her. He sounded so distant and distressed, his voice would agilely die down whenever he mentioned her. And I promised him I would cook for him, it won't be the same, but close.

We talked for three hours and when I walked through the door I wanted to fall asleep. I was putting all my belongings for the day in my locker. Everything was normal, the halls were empty. Everyone was leaving school for home. And I was happily alone, consumed by my own thoughts.

Everything was fine when my locker was abruptly closed for me and a cold hand grabbed my arm. I was pushed on the locker, my head collided against the metallic wall. It was brisk and pain followed.

Everything was fine until I met her icy greenish eyes looking precariously at me. She held me against the locker and I watched as she told two girls to watch the halls for her. I watched as she told a guy to hold me down. I recognized him, I talked to him once about how much we both detested Dr. Glatzer; our unfair Bio teacher. He seemed so friendly and he was kind to me. Ethan, that's his name, approached me, and there was no hesitation nor remorse as he did what Adrianna told him. This is when I tried to escape. This is when I attempted to escape her hold, but to no avail I couldn't. She had me pinned on the locker and her hands clutched me tightly. Her nails digging in through my sweater. And he had me on an unbreakable lock, holding both my arms behind me. My meek strength didn't compare to his.

"Hold her!"

"Adrianna let her go!"

That voice… Emily's! She was running towards us and that's when I felt the first blow. Right on my gut. Then again. Again. Again. And Again.

"NO!"

I was stuck. I couldn't move. Emily was soon grabbed by another guy. She flayed her arms, her legs, but he too was stronger than her. Then I felt the constant nagging on my gut. My arm, where she had grabbed, hurt. It was excruciating, and she kept punching me. Screaming every other punch, letting her feelings out. I wish I could do that. I wish I had my own punching bag to scream and hit. Maybe I'll make one.

I felt something salty on my mouth, it tasted like iron. Revolting. I spat it out. It was red. And it landed on Adrianna's arm. She shrieked in disgust and she continued hitting me. This time harder.

I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think straight. My mind was concentrating on one thing only, the constant pain on my stomach.

It hurt.

I should've known this was going to happen, the look she gave me yesterday should've been enough for me to know. But it wasn't.

It's my fault.

I should've kept my mouth shut and this would've never happened. She would've left me alone, who knows maybe I could be talking to Eddie right now. Or Cameron. Hm, I still need to repay him for his actions.

He's so nice…

"ADRIANNA! NO!"

Emily screamed again. But she didn't listen, she kept punching.

"Shit Aid. She looks like shit."

"Good."

"No. No. NO. NO. No. Loren!"

Emily, where is she. I succumbed to the floor and I held my stomach. It hurts so much. I want to cry, but I don't dare to let the tears fall.

Maybe she broke a rib or two. I don't know, I just know that the pain is too much.

"Hold Emily!" She shouted and slowly she began walking away. "Hold her and don't let her go. Shit. This is bad."

I must look terrible for her to say that. I wonder what I look like. A bloody hell maybe.

"Let's go before someone comes." One of the guys says, it must be Ethan. And that's that. They leave;they leave me. Trailing behind them are Emily's shouts. Screaming my name. It sounds so nice that someone cares for me. Maybe I was wrong about her; she's not like Adrianna

And I cried. The pain is too much.

Water.

Is my first thought.

Cold.

Is my second. My ribs hurt, and it's hard to breathe. It's a struggle, and I limp my way home. Fortunately, no one saw me. I don't know what I would've said either way. And that's for the best. I don't need Adrianna coming after me.

But the pain, my stomach hurts so damn much and it reminds me of that time…

Ah yes, that time Trent beat my mother. I remember it like it happened yesterday. He hates broccoli. He detests it so much but my mother loves it. Once, she forgot about how much Trent loathes it and she cooked it! And when she was serving dinner on our table, the look on his face was abominable. His face scrunched up in a disgusting manner and terror overtook my mother's and mine faces. And in an instant she was on the floor. He had punched her on her stomach. It was so powerful, he broke two ribs in one punch! He was angry, he was a mad man that detested broccoli. And my mother never cooked broccoli ever since that day.

I walk in the house, each step is harsher. Tougher than the previous and all I want is to stop it. I walked past the thermostat and decrease the room temperature completely and I hurry towards my bedroom.

It hurts.

Maybe if I lay down, the pain will go away.

Silly girl. It won't. You need water.

I crave it. I need it. The pain, why can't it leave. I enter the bathroom. I lock the door and I place my phone of the sink. And I notice how much it's ringing. It's ringing so much. Someone make it stop! The ringing phone is dismissed and I quickly turn on the water faucet of the tub. WATER! The cold is rapidly kicking in and I shiver. IT HURTS! Once the tub is filled all the way up. I get in, I don't bother on taking off my clothes and I descend in the tub. It feels good. Just like when Emily was screaming my name. But I frown because it's nothing like being in Eddie's arm.

It doesn't compare. I inhale and plummet deeper in the water.

Remember.

Remember that last time I was here? Yes! Yes!

Am I going insane? Is delirium taking me captive? Is it? Why am I going crazy?

I'm not. I am not, I just want to forget the pain. I want to pain to leave. But it doesn't. And now it seems that being in cold water is a bad idea. The pain is just intensifying. I shiver, my lips tremble under the water and I rapidly gasp for air. I twitch, the phone is still ringing. I would get up and answer it. But I have found some comfort being in cold water. Now the pain is not so bad.

1-2-3

I sink back in. And slowly I begin closing my eyes.

I want to sleep. That'd be nice. Sleep. It sounds tempting. Maybe if I could just close my eyes then everything will be okay. Everything will be alright.

Bump! Bump! Bump!

What is that? Sounds like wood hitting against something hard. It sounds desperate. But I'm crazy, and maybe that's just insanity talking. But it's so loud.

LOREN!

I hear someone yelling my name. It sounds so genuine. It sounds so familiar.

My lips twitch upward in this bitter cold.

But that's crazy.

YOU'RE CRAZY!

I am. Aren't I? Sleep. I want to sleep. But I'd like to wake up and see the sun again. I'd like to wake up and see my mother's never ending smile. I'd like to wake up and see Melissa jumping giddily around. I'd like to see Cameron's blue eyes twinkle strikingly and Emily smile hopelessly. I'd like to meet Max and get to know him and thank him... I'd like to love.

But silly you do!

I'd like to see him again, and again. I want to feel warm. I want to feel his warmth.

BUMP! BUMP!

What is that?

LOREN!

I want to live.

LOREN!

Sudden. It's all so sudden. My lips turning icy blue, yet trembling. My heart racing, my mind juggling. My body frigid. I was about to float back up too.

But then I felt someone pull me up.

Sudden.

Then I felt something warm wrap around me. It felt sweet. And that's when I realized it wasn't something but rather someone. I noticed how I wasn't the only one trembling, the other person's body was shaking. His head was on the crook of my neck, and his arms were wrapped firmly around me.

I was safe from everything.

But most importantly I was safe from myself.

"Loren. Loren. Loren. Loren. Loren." He repeated my name over and over again. I would nod my head even though he didn't dare too look at my blue face. His hold on me was undiminished. He would pull me tighter and my stomach would hurt. But I didn't mind the pain, not when he was holding me so strongly. His body trembled and he repeated my name almost as if he was reassuring himself I was in his arms and not there.

Where was I again?

I swallowed; I inhaled and I exhaled.

"Eddie..."

I whispered.

You're allowed to hate me and rant about how bad this was and I messed the story in the REVIEWS Section. I hope you liked it, or not. (But you most probably didn't)That's up to you and tell me in the REVIEW SECTION. Okay, okay, how was it? I'm sorry about this shitty story, I've been having a really rough day/time/whatever. And Worthless is where I go to let my emotions out. So I apologize. I just fixed some, if not all, the mistakes and some of the reviews/PM's bothered/hurt/made me feel really bad. I'm sorry guys, I didn't mean to hurt you or make you loose hope. But I'm not changing anything that I have written about this story and posted on here. Because believe me I have written worse for Loren but ended up deleting them all because it'd be too much. But bare with me for now.

I introduced Emily for a reason. She will be playing an important part with the whole Adrianna chaos. I didn't add her to be just an accessory. Remember, how she was screaming, and was always the bystander of Adrianna's act? Well, that'll trigger something. Cameron will have his own spotlight (err Jealousy causer actually.)

Dedication: To each of you and your patience with this story.

Estefy: Aw sweety, don't worry in High School you'll meet new people, new friends Okay? And I love your lyrics. omg.

Song: Down by Jason Walker. It's so sad :(

Stay True,

Leddiexx (mistakes fixed later, Damn this You guys are amazing.)