With a heavy heart, I picked up my fully packed suitcase and headed out of my bedroom door. Chase, Ronni, and Aunt Jennifer were standing by the front door, waiting to say their goodbyes. They all watched me approach, each one wearing different expression of sadness. Chase had his hands shoved in his pockets, trying to look cool as he leaned against the door. Aunt Jennifer and Ronni stood a few feet away from him and smiled, as I got closer.

Mia hadn't been around since yesterday, at least not that I knew of. But then again, there were a lot of things I didn't know. Yesterday was when I had told Chase I was leaving and ever since then, he had been mute. He hardly came out of his room and when he did, he wasn't out for long. Ronni and Aunt Jennifer had tried to convince me to stay, but my mind was made up, and now was the day I would head on the five o clock train back to Connecticut. Back to my old life and leave this world, and Chase, behind. Forever.

I set my bag down and looked at Ronni. She gave me a sad smile. "I'm gonna miss you, sweetie."

"I'll miss you too, " I said, giving her a hug.

"Call me," she demanded as I pulled away. I nodded and turned to Aunt Jennifer.

"Come here, you," she laughed. She gave me a motherly hug, and I knew she wasn't happy that I wasn't giving Chase a chance, but she respected my decision.

"Bye," I said. She smiled and rubbed my shoulder.

Chase was left. Ronni and Aunt Jennifer exchanged glances and left us alone to say our goodbyes.

Awkward…

"So, this is it," he mumbled, staring into my eyes. His gaze was intense but didn't hold the same love and passion that it once did.

"Yep, I guess so," I answered, wringing my hands and avoiding his eyes.

We were quiet again and I thought that was my clue to leave, so I reached down and picked up my bag.

"Please don't leave," I heard him say. His voice was soft and sad and I glanced up. I thought he was going to cry, but his face was as hard as rock, as if commanding me instead of asking.

"I have to. I can't stay here," I told him.

"Fine, but can I ask you one favor?" he asked. I figured he would ask me to tell his parents he was okay, but that wasn't it at all. "Will you kiss me one last time? If you feel something, then that means you should stay, but if you feel nothing but emptiness, you're free to leave and I won't stop you."

I didn't think I could do it. If I kissed him, I knew I would fall in love with him all over again, and I couldn't let myself get in that trap again. But before I could say anything, he stepped forward, held my face in his hands, and kissed me. Kissed me with more love than he ever had before.

I did feel something. It ran from my head to my toes, giving me shivers all over. It was the best feeling and the best kiss, ever. But when he let go, I turned away, not looking him in the eye. I couldn't give into him again because it never led anywhere good.

His face showed sadness, but he let go and stood back. He opened the door and held it open for me.

"Goodbye Mary," he whispered.

My heart was breaking into a thousand pieces because he wasn't fighting as hard for me as I thought he would. Maybe that meant he and Mia really did have something. And it must have been stronger than what he and I had, because it seemed to be all time consuming for him.

I picked up my bag and tried to confidently walk out the door, but I knew I must have looked sad. This was the hardest thing Chase had ever put me through. But I guess I was just as much at fault, because I was letting him do this to me. I was letting myself walk out the door and into the taxi that had pulled up to take me to the train station.

I refused to look back, even though my mind and heart were screaming for me to. I knew that if I did, I would see him watching me leave, and I would give in to his eyes, turn around, and run into his arms. I couldn't let myself do that. I had to practice being strong, and this was the perfect time.

As the car drove away, I stared into my lap, staring at my shaking hands, scared of what would happen when I got home. Would the cops come after Chase? And what about me?

When I arrived at my destination, I paid the driver, and headed towards the train. There were many people and I was pushed and shoved many times. With every step I took, my heart was breaking, and a new tear would start to fall. Suddenly, I ran head on to someone and fell back a few steps.

"Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry!" I heard a voice exclaimed. Glancing into this new face, my eyes immediately connected with a pair of soft, warm, and gentle blue eyes. I slowly straightened my shoulders and took a step closer. I gave the only smile I could muster and said, "It's okay."

When I could see this boy's full face, I was surprised to find I was facing Eric, the guy from the hayride parking lot fight.

"Hey, you're Mary, aren't you?" he asked. He didn't seem as mean or badass as he had before. He was giving me a kind look, maybe because I looked so vulnerable.

"Yeah," I mumbled shyly.

"Where ya headed?" he asked casually, like we had been friends for a long time.

"I'm going on the train back to Connecticut," I answered, feeling a little nervous.

"Oh, cool," he said, looking around. "Where's Chase?"

I was surprised Eric had remembered Chase's name, but also sad because Chase wasn't here with me. "Um, he's staying here."

I didn't know how much Mia had told Eric about us, but he knew enough to know something had happened. "Why? Aren't you guys, like, a couple or something?"

"Yes, well, um, no, I guess not," I mumbled, looking at the ground. I felt the tears coming down again and Eric immediately noticed.

"Hey, hey, don't cry," he said, stepping closer to me. He put his hand on my shoulder and I glanced into his face, which was soft and kind. He seemed genuinely concerned. When his hand made contact with my skin, I felt a fluttery feeling. Which was weird, because I barely knew him. "It's okay. Do you want to talk about it?"

I did and I didn't. I wanted to pour my heart and release my thoughts, but I didn't want to, to Eric, who wouldn't understand at all.

I shook my head.

"Come on," he insisted, stepping one step closer. "I can help."

"No, it's fine. You don't need my troubles, too."

"I want to know," he asked.

And I don't know if it was his comforting blue eyes or his calm façade, but I told him everything, starting from when Chase and I had met. He didn't make any rude or snarky comments, like I had expected him to, and instead listened and nodding.

By the time I had finished my story, I was tearing up again, and then he did a weird thing. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me, just the way Chase used to. He just held me until I had finished my little crying session. I pulled away from his embrace and he held onto my shoulders, looking into my eyes.

"I'm sorry," he said. "This shouldn't be happening to you."

"Thanks," I said, just a little suspicious at his sudden concern.

"Look, I know that this is totally up to you, but I think you should stay here," he said, glancing down, as if nervous.

I was surprised at his suggestion, but listened, with a curious look on my face. "Why?"

He shrugged. "I mean, think about it. If you go back, without Chase, you're only get into more trouble, and Chase will too," he said. "Plus, I kind of want to get to know you better."

I felt myself blush, and I shrugged. "Maybe." But he had a good point, if I went home without Chase, they would find him in a heartbeat, and I didn't want that. I wanted him to be happy, even if I was mad at him.

"Do you want to stay with me tonight?" he asked, letting go of my shoulders. "I know we technically just met, but I know that you can't go back to Aunt Jennifer's right away, so…. yeah," he said, looking away. "I'll understand if you say no."

I would be stupid to say yes, but he was right. I couldn't just go back after making such a dramatic exit, but I also couldn't just go to Eric's house. He was definitely not as tame as Chase. I mean, what if I got raped or something?

Okay, I needed to stop overthinking this. Besides, Eric didn't look so stuff or scary without the rest of his gang and pack of drooling girls following him everywhere. I mean, yeah, he really was cute. He had short brown hair that was spiking up in a few places and his blue eyes continued to shine.

"I…uh…I guess," I stuttered. He gave me a smile and took my bags for me and nodded for me to follow him. I did and glanced back at the train. It closed its doors and I knew my escape would just have to wait. Maybe I wasn't emotionally ready to come home, anyway.

Eric drove us off to his house in his F30 black BMW, and by the time we go home, it had gotten a little bit later. He lived in an apartment, a few miles out of the city. I was cautious and nervous about what I would find when I walked in the door. He grabbed my suitcase from the trunk and opened the door for me.

When I walked in, I took in every little detail. There was a tan couch against one wall and I flat screen TV on the other wall. The kitchen was off to the right, neat and clean, but he did have black curtains. What it is with boys and black?

I nervously stepped inside as he shut the door. "Okay, um, I'll sleep on the couch," he began. "You can sleep in my bed if you want."

"No! I can sleep on the couch, " I insisted. "I don't want to kick you out of your own room!"

He just laughed. "It's fine. I actually prefer the couch," he said, leading me to his room. He set my bags down and I took in this room. It didn't look much different. He had a light blue comforter that was perfectly made and a brown, oak dresser in the corner with a small TV on top.

"Let me just grab some clothes," he said, heading to his dresser. He opened his closet and grabbed at t-shirt. Then, right in front of me, he took off his shirt, his muscles rippling as he did. I looked away quickly, but not before I saw the many tattoos he had. He had one of a black heart, with a tear falling down. It was small and right above his left shoulder blade.

He caught me staring before I had looked away, and smiled, not saying the usual cocky reply that most guys do. For that I was thankful. I was also thankful that he decided to change his pants in another room. He turned around and headed out the door, and said, "Night! If you need anything, I'm right outside."

I nodded. "Thanks. And thanks for letting me stay."

"No problem," he smiled.

What was it about his smile that I seemed to find so attractive? It's been, like, two days since I broke up with Chase, and I'm already crushing on his new enemy. Maybe I wasn't crushing. Maybe I just found him cute.

I decided to stick with that conclusion and took my pajama's out of my bag, feeling a new awkwardness as I changed. After I was ready for bed, I walked cautiously to his bed, as if he was going to suddenly appear. What if he had screwed someone in this very bed? And I was about to sleep in it! I took a deep breath and crawled in before I could change my mind.

I actually slept good, considering the circumstances. The fear of the situation had slowly started to slip away and my eyes grew heavier with every second. In the morning I was awoken to a gentle movement.

"Mary," I heard a voice say. "Mary, wake up."

I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes and trying to make out the face that had spoken to me. For a second, I thought I was back with Chase and it felt good. But the same blue eyes that had greeted me yesterday, greeted me again now. Eric was halfway on the bed, extremely close to my body as he shook my shoulders.

"Morning," he said happily. "Did you sleep good?"

"Yes, thank you," I said, pulling the comforter closer to my body.

He noticed and backed away, giving me room to get out. "That's good."

I just smiled, unsure of what to say next as I got out of bed. "How did you sleep?"

"Great!" he laughed. "The couch was a lot comfier than I expected. I may never go back to my own bed."

I laughed and that seemed to relieve some tension in the air, because he smiled widely at me.

"I like your laugh," he whispered, stepping closer. My body instantly tensed up and I felt my breathing get shorter. My mind started to assume the worst as I thought, "Why? Why did this have to happen?" I thought everything was going to be okay. I was going to be fine and that Eric was actually my friend. But before my mind had a chance to think of something else bad, he gave me a smile and a quick hug, surprising me.

"How long do you want to stay?" he asked, going to his closet to get some clothes.

"Oh," I said, wondering if he wanted me to leave. "Whenever you get tired of me."

He turned to look at me. "I don't think I could ever get tired of you."

I blushed and looked away. "Well, I'm sure I can find another place to stay, eventually."

He shrugged. "No rush. I like having you here."

I shifted from foot to foot wondering what to say next.

Luckily, he did know. "Why don't you go back to Aunt Jennifer's? I mean, maybe not right away, but she and Ronni want you there. You don't even have to talk to Chase. Or you could at least be friends."

He had a point, but I didn't know if my heart was ready to see Chase coming out of his room shirtless every morning. My mind was so confused just thinking about Chase and going back. Obviously my heart didn't heal as fast as I thought it did. Eric glanced at me and saw I was still confused, so he changed the subject to breakfast.

"I have to run to the grocery store really quick for some things," he said, starting to leave.

"I can do it," I said, suddenly getting excited. I mean, I didn't want to be all alone in his apartment. Besides, I needed some fresh air.

He smiled. "Really? You can take my car," he said, throwing his keys at me. I caught them midair and he said, "Let me go make a list."

I nodded and after he left, I quickly changed. I made his bed, trying to imitate the way he had had it yesterday, and headed out to the living room.

He was scribbling some words on a sticky note. He glanced up at me when I walked in and smiled. "You look really pretty."

I blushed, as usual. "Thanks."

He finished writing and handed me note, glancing out the window. "You're gonna need a jacket."

"Oh," I said, glancing down at my t-shirt. I didn't really bring anything warmer, but Eric was already on it. He went over to his hall closet and grabbed a hoodie. I put it on and it looked really big on me. It came down mid thigh, but it was warm. We smiled at each other and then he gave me directions to the store he wanted me to go to. I nodded, said goodbye, and headed out to his car.

Driving his car was actually a lot easier than I had expected and I found the store easily. I parked the car and went inside, grabbing a basket. I went around the store finding different items when I heard someone call my name.

"Oh my gosh! Mary?" the voice said.

I winced, hoping it wasn't Mia again. She thought I had left and she would kill me if she knew I was with Eric. Which reminded me, I needed to ask Eric what was his relation to Mia.

I turned around, a fake smile already on my face, but I was shocked to see Ronni, waving at me like a wild woman.

"Hi!" I said, walking closer.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, looking me up and down. "Is that you're hoodie?"

I shook my head. "It's Eric's."

Her eyes widened. "Eric? As in Mia's Eric?"

I nodded, surprised she knew who Eric was, but I figured that Chase must have told her.

"Why are you still here? And why are you with Eric?" she asked, obviously confused.

I told her the story of how he had stopped me from going home. With every word I said, her eyes got wider.

"Wow," she mumbled.

"But, he also told me that I should come home to you guys eventually," I said, even though Ronni wouldn't be here for that much longer.

"Yes! And hurry!" she said. Her phone rang, so she gave me a quick hug, and we both headed our separate ways.

When I finished shopping, I headed back. Eric was stretched out on the couch, watching TV. He smiled when I walked in and took the shopping bags from my hands.

"Perfect!" he said, as he rummaged through. "Now, are you a fan of omelets? Because I'm a master chef when if come to making them."

I laughed, enjoying his happy attitude. And, like he said, he was a master at cooking. After breakfast, Eric had some of his own errands to do, so I was left along again. But not for long.

A couple hours later, there was a pounding on the door. My heart started fluttering and I looked through the peephole.

It was Chase.

I opened the door. Surprise didn't even cover how I was feeling. But Chase looked upset.

"What are you doing here?" he asked the minute I opened the door.

"Well hello to you too," I said sarcastically.

"What are you doing here?" he repeated, obviously not wanting to be polite.

"Eric is letting me stay here for a while," I answered calmly. No longer would I let Chase's hovering over my life control me. "How did you even know I was here?" I asked curiously.

"Ronni told me," he answered.

"But how did you know which apartment number I was in?" I questioned.

He shook his head. "That's not important." He lowered his voice and leaned his head closet to me. "You need to leave. You aren't safe here."

My eyes widened, but only because I was surprised at his nerve.

"No. This is the safest I've felt in weeks," I said, stepping back so I wasn't so close to him.

He looked frustrated. He was trying to convince me, but I knew he was just being overprotective. "Mary, listen to me," he said, grabbing my arm.

"Ow!" I exclaimed. He hadn't really hurt me, but I wanted him to let go of me. He didn't.

"I know what he's about. He's going to hurt you. Bad. And I don't want that to happen." His eyes were serious, but I refused to believe the boy who had lied to me before.

"Chase," I said stubbornly. "I'm not leaving."

His eyes instantly filled with hurt and anger. He let go of my arm, turned around, and slammed his fist into the wall. I jumped back, scared, and watching him turn back around slowly. I had never seen him like this.

"God, Mary. Why can't you trust me? I didn't lie about what happened with Mia and I'm not lying about his. Please. Trust me," he begged.

"Why do you care so much, anyway?" I asked, starting to get fed up with his constant pleading.

"Because I care about you," he said, his fist starting to bleed. "I know you don't have a very good reason to believe me and I understand why you're not. But I promise you, with every fiber of my being, I'm telling the truth."

I was shocked by his intense mood and part of my heart wanted to believe him, but Eric had been nothing but a gentlemen to me. I had no reason to doubt him.

I shook my head, making Chase's eyes look even more hurt. He stood back, as if he was backing out of my life.

"Fine. But if you need anything," he said, opening the door and walking out. "I'm always here for you. Just call." With that, he slammed the door. Leaving me alone and confused again.

This whole thing with Chase was so back and forth for me. I had always thought love was simple, even though I knew it had its complications. But whatever I had or have with Chase is so much more intense then they talk about. You don't hear about this kind of love in the movies. Whenever I see Chase, even if we are broken up, I always feel love for him. And I think I always will, no matter where my life takes me. Even if I fall for someone else, like Eric, I will always have a special place in my heart for the boy who showed me how to live. How to push the limits and how to live life like it's an adventure.

I missed Chase so much. I know, I'm the one who had pushed him away, but I had thought that was what was best. The only thing I wanted right now was to have Chase hold me and murmur in my ear that everything was going to be okay. Eric has been very sweet to me, but he will never be Chase. There is no other boy that has been or ever will be like Chase. He is one of kind and he used to be mine.

Did I make the wrong choice? Did my heart lead me astray from what was to be my destiny?

I stood staring at the door, wishing I could everything again. Tell him that our last kiss had been the most amazing thing I had ever experienced. I should have told him that I loved him with every fiber of my being. But he had let me go and I could never go back. He had accepted my wish when I still can't get used to waking up without his arms wrapped around me. I don't think I ever will get used to that.

Eric walked in just then. I had zoned out and was now staring at Eric without realizing it. He smiled like I had been waiting for him to get home this whole time. I didn't want him to know what I had really been thinking of, especially when he was trying so hard to help me forget and move on.

"Hey Mary," he greeted me. He gave me a big smile, stepping closer.

I know what he's really about. He's going to hurt you. Bad. You aren't safe.

I couldn't forget what I had been warned as I stared at Eric's face. He didn't seem dangerous and he certainly hadn't given me any reason to doubt him, so I wasn't about to start now. I knew Chase couldn't help but want to protect, but was he really telling the truth?

See? There it goes again. Back and forth; love and hate; honesty and lies. I love Chase but he makes me so mad I can't stand him. I don't know if I should trust him or learn to live my life by what I believe and not but what he believes.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, heading over to the couch.

I shook my head.

Eric paused, looking cautious, but continued. "Was Chase here?"

My eyebrows rose with curiosity. "Yeah. He left a few minutes before you got home."

He nodded. "Yeah, I saw him driving away as I was driving in," again he paused. "What was he doing here?"

My mind went into overdrive as I tried to make up a lie. "Just checking up on me."

He knew that wasn't the whole story but he just gave me a small couldn't-care-less shrug and turned on the TV. The sound of football filled the room, bouncing off the empty walls. I had noticed earlier that not a single picture frame was hung or set on a table. No pictures of his girlfriend, family, friends, nothing. Even Chase had some pictures of his parents and me. My heart wandered back to Chase, even though Eric was motioning for me to sit next to him. My feet lead me there as my mind created a new heart-wrenching question. What would Chase do with our pictures? Keep them? Throw them away?

Eric and I continued to watch football. Or, should I say, Eric watched football, while I struggled not to fall asleep. I didn't understand any of it. What did all those numbers on the grass mean? Which team were we rooting for, anyway? Eric glanced at me and laughed when he saw my confused face. He tried his best to explain, but I was so lost. But I did learn one thing; number 55 was really cute.

By the time the game ended, it was almost six o' clock. "Do you want to order take-out?" Eric asked me, turning the TV off.

The screen flickered then turned black, so I turned to face him. "Whatever you want, is fine," I smiled.

"How about Chinese?" he asked, arching his body so he could pull his phone from his back pocket. He grabbed it and sat back down, looking at me for conformation.

"Sounds great," I said, standing up. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom. Be right back," I said. He nodded and clicked some buttons on his phone before putting it up to his ear.

When I got out of the bathroom, I heard someone knock on the door. Just as I was about to walk in the hallway, I saw Eric open the door to reveal….

Ronni.

Wait a minute.

Ronni? As in Chase's cousin Ronni?

"How is she?" I heard her say. I quickly backed up and hid behind the wall.

"Good, as far as I can tell," I heard Eric answer. As I leaned against the wall, I realized how much spying I had been doing lately.

"Is she here now?" Ronni asked.

"Yeah," Eric answered. "She's in the bathroom."

Whoa, hold on. How did Eric and Ronni know each other?

"This is so wrong," Ronni said. Her voice sounded strained.

"She's going to be okay," Eric assured her. "She's safe."

"Is she really?" Ronni questioned as if she didn't believe what she had just heard.

"Absolutely," he said.

"Does that mean you've given up your old, nasty, dirty habits?" Ronni asked. "Because Mary is like a sister to me and I don't want anything to happen to her."

Gosh, why was everyone so protective over me? And what old, nasty, dirty habits?

"I get that," Eric said.

"Does that mean you have?" Ronni asked. I turned my head to look around the corner. Ronni had her hands on her hips and she was staring intimidatingly at Eric. But Eric looked calm as he stared right back.

"Sure," Eric said, his hands in his back pockets.

That answer seemed to satisfy Ronni because she relaxed her shoulders and took a step back. "Good. Well, make sure she stays safe."

"She said she might come back to Aunt Jennifer's," Eric informed her.

She nodded. "Yeah, she told me," she said, letting out a sigh. "Well, I'd better get going. See ya later."

Eric nodded and Ronni opened the door. I chose that moment to walk into the living room, as if I was just coming from the bathroom. Eric was shutting the door and he smiled at me.

"Who was that?" I asked innocently.

"One of my neighbors," he answered automatically. His voice was very convincing and if I hadn't been here to see the truth, I wouldn't have given his answer a second thought. I didn't understand, though, why he wasn't telling me the whole truth. Was there a reason I wasn't supposed to know about Ronni and Eric's friendship, or whatever it was?

"Hey, Mary?" Eric asked me, while we were eating. "Are you still a virgin?"

I raised my eyebrows, wondering what had made him ask me such a question. "Yes."

He nodded. "So you and Chase never…" he trailed off, letting me finish the sentence in my head.

"No," I said, suddenly feeling embarrassed. I dug around in my noodles, trying to avoid looking at him directly. Where was he going with this?

"I know it's none of my business, but why not?" Eric asked. I could feel him looking at me, but I still refused to give him a look back.

"I, um, I wasn't ready," I answered quickly, shoving some noodles in my mouth, so that way, if he asked me anymore questions I would have enough time to think of a good answer.

"Was he pushing himself on you?" he asked, suddenly sounding upset.

I shook my head, glancing up at him, then quickly back down. "No. I just wasn't ready, that's all."

"So he's doing it again, huh?" Eric murmured, but more to himself, then me.

"Doing what again?" I blurted, unknowingly looking up.

"Screwing poor innocent girls. Innocent, virgin, girls," he said angrily. "It's good you got out of there in time."

"Wait, what do you mean? He's never screwed anyone in his life! Well, except Mia, but that wasn't all his fault," I automatically defended.

"Is that what he told you?" Eric scoffed. He rolled his eyes and turned his head away, as if annoyed. I moved around in my seat, waiting for an explanation.

"Well, he didn't really have to tell me. I've been his best friend since forever," I said, watching Eric turn his head to look at me.

"Trust me, sweetie, there are a lot of things he never told you," he said.

It doesn't matter, my subconscious said. What he did or didn't do shouldn't matter to you anymore.

You know you're curious, my other side said. It's gonna kill you not to ask.

"What…uh…what do you mean?" I blurted. Dang it.

"He never wanted you to know what he was really going through because he didn't want to scare you. And he didn't want to put you through what he was going through," Eric admitted.

"How do you know?" I asked. Eric seemed to be so certain about Chase, which didn't make any sense to me. They didn't even know each other.

"Because," Eric laughed.

I waited, my head cocked.

"I'm his brother."

A/N

Thank you guys so much for the love! This story would be nothing for you and I wouldn't keep udating if you didn't express how much you loved it! This chapter is dedicated to all of you! Hope you liked it!