So yeah, I know, I suck. It's been way to long in-between updating chapters, but I actually have a pretty good excuse. First of all, it's summer. After 10 months of school, I finally get a break from books and work. I get to sleep in! Yeaaaah. Secondly, my brother took my laptop, so I basically have to sneak onto my mom's computer until I get a new one. Oh and I've have plans almost every single day. If I actually have a chance to chill and go on the internet for a while, writing this story isn't one of my top priorities. Catch my drift? Please don't be angry at me :( I tried my best to write this on my friend's laptop while sitting in a car on a road-trip thing with my family. I'm bored and I don't really have anything else to do besides listen to music or write. So, I'm doing both.

If you actually read that whole paragraph/me not making sense/babbling on and on, I LOVE YOU :)

SO, enjoy this chapter and PLEASE LEAVE ME A REVIEW detailing how much you hate me for never updating, or how you totally forgot about this story, or how about how you hate where this story's leading to. THANKS. (i'm joking btw)

Italics: Leah

Bold: Shane

Underline: Jacob

Wondering what I mean by that? You'll see once you start reading.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Twilight-related duh. I only 'own' depressive Ari, innocent little Shane, crazy Nicole, and secretive Alex. Oh, and I don't intend to use this story for making money or whatever. Writing is just fun to me :)

Chapter 24- Crazy

Shane's POV

Sometimes, your mind isn't capable of handling the truth. You think that you're prepared and ready no matter the outcome, but really, you're not.

When you love someone, you feel that you could probably ignore their mistakes because you are the only one that 'gets' them. Like with a convicted eighteen-year old murderer and his heart-broken mother for example: the mother may hate what her son has done, but she will always have to love him because of the bonds he made with her even just as a baby. While the jury, lawyers, judge and general public criticize her son for being a killer, the mother still sees the sweet little boy that was afraid of the dark. The other problem is that the mother now blames herself. If she was a better parent, could this have been prevented? If I didn't imprint on Ari, could this whole mess be prevented?

Am I even making any sense?

In simpler terms, let me just say that even if I have a hunch that Ari may have been hurt or beaten or raped by that Alex guy… I still have to pretend like I don't care. I have to ignore her mistake of going after him. I can't prevent Ari potentially hating me even more if I start to accuse her.

Even if it's not what I really want, I have to just bite my tongue and do and say whatever it is that Ari wants me to. Oh, but only if there's a small chance of me and her living happily ever after together… right? Is that what I want? Is that what I really and truly want from my imprint? A potential wife?

"Hey, where did my dad go?" Ari looked at me wearily. She looked so tired. I wanted to just plead her to sleep, but I knew it would be too weird.

I avoided her eyes and settled on staring at my shaking hands. I can't even lie anymore. "He had to… leave I think… uh let me go check. I'll be right back." I got up quickly and took the stairs down three at a time. At least Carlisle was upstairs to give Ari pain medication and that anaesthetic stuff that made you completely numb; I kind of begged him not to use venom on her because it hurt too much. I don't think he listened to me.

The door was still swinging open from when my mom and Jacob charged out. I wonder where they went and if they found Alex or not. I sighed, peeled my clothes off, and placed them on a branch by the edge of the forest surrounding the house. The heat rippled through me, my bones realigned so quickly it was (almost) painful, yada yada, and then I thankfully heard voices in my head. They were all yelling but I was glad that I could finally answer a lot of my stupid questions.

"Bloodsuckers…"

"…not again, fuck."

"…leader…war…"

"…Cullen's…"

I picked up my shorts with my teeth and walked slowly through the dense trees. I could identify my mom and Jacob's trail, which was a good thing. The voices were still yelling and I couldn't really make out any more words. I don't think anyone even acknowledged that I was there.

"…Shane! How's Ari?"

Never mind. Seth noticed me. I walked deeper into the forest, following my mom's trail. My mind subconsciously brought up images of Ari lying in the bed, looking terrible.

"Oh my God…"

"…what?!"

"How?"

"Jesus."

"Poor Jake…"

"...getting better?"

A billion voices swirled around in my head, but none of them were my mom or Jacob. It looks like there's some huge pack meeting going on in Forks with Sam filling in as the leader.

"Yeah man, we were just...talking... Leah and Jacob phased for a minute or two but both their thoughts were just growling and rage... then they probably phased back..."

"Oh thanks for the heads up Seth. I'll just leave this crazy meeting-thing and uh go see where my mom is."

"No problem Shane... let us know how what's going on as soon as possible...you know, with Ari..."

"Yeah... I'll try... wait, what's going on with the Cullen's? A 'war'? With who? "

Everyone immediately 'shut up' except for Sam.

"I think it would be best if you asked Jacob that."

"Oh... okay... bye everyone..."

I quickly phased back and pulled my shorts on. My mom and Jacob's trail still went strong deeper and deeper into the forest. Where were they going? I sped up into a run and hoped that things would (for once) turn up well in the end.

Ari's POV

Everything was off now. My dad never just randomly ran out of a room and then totally forgot about me. Actually, he never even cut his hair out of nowhere either. I remember he said that he was trying to grow it out as long as possible because my mom loved it 'silky'. Why did he buzz it short? Why was he sticking around Leah all the time? Why was he running around God knows where as a wolf? Why was my mom in Forks, and why didn't she call me back? Why were my parents not speaking to each other? Why didn't I know anything?

I think this time, I'm going insane. I mean it. I am going craaaaaaazyy.

"Hey, where did my dad go?" I looked at Shane and hoped that he knew.

He avoided my eyes yet again and stared at his shaking hands instead. "He had to… leave I think… uh let me go check. I'll be right back." He got up quickly and ran out the door. He didn't even look back at me once.

What the fuck. Now Shane's acting all weird too? It's my entire fault (yet again).

My life is just an endless circle now, isn't it? First, things are pretty normal, but then I suddenly wish Shane didn't imprint on me. That leads us to fight, but also eventually apologize and say we'll just be friends for now. Then, one of us gets hurt and the other regrets everything and we're all sad. Soon, the circle repeats itself. Right?

Shit. I hate my life.

I looked around the room but no one was around. I carefully lifted my head up, trying my best to avoid the tubes and needles, and grabbed my phone from the side table. It was off so I turned it back on and quickly went to my inbox. 45 texts, wow.

Most of them were from Nicole, Alex (!), and 'anonymous'. I skimmed through Nicole's instantly. The first couple where sent on Sunday night:

5:45 pm Ur going w/alex to the club? y?? do u like him? omg! Why didn't u tell me???

6:13 pm k nvm i think ur good for alex... better than some other ppl. ugh still grounded so i cant come... txt bk.

9:32 pm i think you forgot to put ur phone on haha. k just call me asap. love yaaa :)

These were sent Monday:

6:07 am how was last night!! too tired to check ur phone right? haha k well i'm going to shower but txt me back when you wake uppp

6:35 am do u mind if u pick me up today for school bc alex isn't here... k i'm going to try and call you too. :(

6:49 am ur phone's still off man ughh. k nvm about the ride my dad's dropping me off. u better come to school today... are u too hungover? do ur parents let you stay if u are? txt me asap i need to talk to u!

8:35 am yoo u should be here by now wtf are u skipping? grr. k well i'm going to class but mb i'll drop by ur house after school and you can dishhh

9:52 am oh my god what asdkajf;ahkh

9:54 am sorry dropped my phone. but OMG news going around that u fell or something and omg! ppl saying shit about u and my brother? i don't believe them but still. k i think i'm skipping lunch and last 2 periods to go to ur house and see whats up. im going on the bus i think :(

2:38 pm sorry for flooding ur inbox. k i just went to ur house and ur mom said ur at the hospital? omgomgomgomg yooooooo im dying here idk whats going on. shane was at ur house too but he was just eating and idk not talking. i feel soooo bad now :(

2:40 pm i txt my brother 1278 times but his phones off like urs. when u wake up ur going to have sooo many txts from me and im rlly sorry but i though you might turn ur phone on and hopefully see them. ugh sorry :( atleast call me no matter what time if you see these.

This final one was sent this morning:

7:15 am i hope ur okay :'( i tried calling ur house but no one picked up so idk what to do.

It's funny how all of Nicole's texts seemed to read like a story to me. I felt a lump form in my throat; poor Nicole's sitting around feeling really worried about me and I can't even let her know 'what happened'. (Um, I don't know either...)

I looked at the time: it was 11:30 in the morning. That meant that Nicole was having lunch, which also meant that it's the perfect time to finally text her back. Ugh, I don't even know what to say.

Hey girl :(

I pressed 'send' and waited. She didn't reply back automatically like I thought she would, so I went back to my inbox to see what (ohmygod) Alex texted me. Surprisingly, there were only two. The first one was sent on Monday morning:

5:32 am if you ever get this, text or call me asap.

The second one was sent this morning:

8:45 am if you see this one, text me asap and let me know if it's okay for me to come over? awkward but you know we have to talk.

I held my breath and texted him.

yeah i agree. you can come over, just call me when you get on the property.

Yes, simple and not weird or anything. I hit 'send'. The only reason I wanted him to call me before he rang the bell was so that I could prepare myself. Ugh I sound so stupid.

My phone suddenly vibrated in my hands. Nicole's name flashed across the screen.

"Ari? Hey! Oh my GOD, I can't believe it-" She sounded relieved to finally reach me.

"Yeah, hey Nicole... I got your messages." I sighed and leaned back into the pillows on the bed. I felt just a little bit dizzy from staring at my phone's screen for too long. Oh and yeah, my eyelids were feeling kind of heavy again.

"Sorry for sending, like, a billion. I was just so worried."

"It's okay." I whispered. My body was betraying me and making me feel sleepy again.

"So, are you okay? You don't sound too good."

"I'm... fine." I lied. Everything around me still hurt and felt numb at the same time.

"Oh. Is it okay if I come over after school today? Like, are you up for visitors? I don't know... I think it's better if we talk face to face or something."

"Um, sure, after school's great... just call me before you come so I know." I sighed and tried my best to keep my eyes open. Shane was hopefully coming back soon, and I really needed to talk to him anyways.

"Alright, I will. Listen, the bell's going to ring any minute now, so I gotta go... bye Ari, I'll see you soon girl." She sighed and clicked off before I could even say bye.

Sleep was overtaking me again, but I really wanted to stay awake. I don't even know why drowsiness just suddenly appeared out of nowhere when I felt perfectly fine a minute ago.

I went back to the inbox on my phone and decided to open the anonymous/unknown sender's messages.

Sun. 6:45pm why are you Alex's date? Stick with that Shane guy instead… do you WANT your heart broken?

Sun. 7:15pm I honestly think that you and Shane are an adorable couple. Ari+Alex? Never.

Mon. 8:30am The rumours will be proven true if you don't show your face in school today.

Mon. 9:10am Well then. I guess I have to thank you for making my job even easier :)

Tues. 1:15 pm Let's make a deal: you leave Alex alone, and I'll promise to stop whatever it is I'm planning to do. Email me: boxed_

Tues 1:16pm You have until 8 pm tomorrow night to reply back. Tick tock… time's running out ;)

Who is this person and what the hell are they going to do to me? What did I do to them, and why are they obsessed with Alex? I shivered unwillingly. This is beyond creepy. I saved the messages so that I could show them to Shane later. Maybe he'll provide some good advice.

Carlisle suddenly walked quietly into the room, carrying a tray. He placed it on my side table and smiled at me. "Esme prepared a bowl of oatmeal for you. Do you think you could stomach it?" He held out a bowl and spoon towards me.

I looked at it and shook my head. "I think I'm going to barf."

"Well, it's entirely your choice," He examined the various machines around me and shook his head. "But I'm afraid that your blood sugar level is dropping."

"Is that why I feel... so... tired?" I stifled a yawn and tightened my grip around my phone.

"You need some nutrition in your system Aria." He patted my arm and adjusted a tube.

"But Carlisle, I can't eat." I stifled another yawn and pinched my hand to force myself to stay awake. "Can you just give me some medicine or something?"

He gave me an odd look. "I think it would be best if you at least tried some solid food. If it doesn't settle well, then we can switch to a liquid diet."

I looked at the bowl of mush (wow déjà vu again) and decided to follow Carlisle's orders. He smiled, pleased that I'm acting reasonable, and placed the bowl in my lap. I sighed and tried a small spoonful. It felt weird to eat something after so long, but at least the oatmeal tasted good... unlike the last time I had it. (My 'date' with Shane, remember?)

Oh great, now I'm thinking about Shane. Just what I wanted.

I cleared my mind and focused on eating and trying to put on a good show. Inside, I wanted to just fall asleep and never wake up; outside, I looked like I was trying to regain my strength. Yes, act like the perfect little obedient daughter. No room for mistakes or thoughts of depression here.

Shane's POV

After being led deeper and deeper into the forest, I finally caught up to my mom and Jacob. Their musky scents were everywhere, but as I phased back into a wolf, something else caught my attention: a super sweet smell that agitated my nose. Is there a vampire around? It's not anyone I know, because the scent is definitely not familiar. I felt like I was breathing in fire or something.

Plug your nose then.

Mom? Oh shit, I forgot.

Forgot what, Shane? That you can hear voices in your head? That I can hear every single thought crossing your mind right now? That I can see- UGH stop it. Jacob-

Seriously Shane. Ari's not a fucking commodity you can fucking ogle. Cut it out or I'll personally make sure to it that you'll never fucking walk again.

JACOB!

You too Leah. Leave me alone, I need to concentrate.

Whatever boss.

I'm sorry Jacob, but you know, she's my imprint and um yeah uh I'm sorry… I'm really worried about her.

Aren't we all?

Yeah… did you guys rip Alex to shreds?

No Shane, we're here for something else.

What?

Shut up for a while and see.

Jacob cut off, and as I walked through a clearing, I could see him pulling on a pair of shorts. Where did he find those? I thought he was so in rage when he stormed out of the house that he ripped his clothes right away.

He did. We keep extra clothes lying around the forest in the hollows of trees. You know, just in case.

Wow, that's weird.

I know… I'm not phasing back because there's nothing for me; so it's either walk around half naked, or as a wolf. Whatever.

I walked in to the clearing and stood next to my mom. She touched her nose to mine for a second but then moved away to Jacob. I sat down and waited for an answer. What's going on?

My mom had blocked her mind from mine. After years and years of practice, she finally found out how to take control. I sighed and watched her sit beside Jacob. He stood with his arms crossed at his chest and his jaw clenched tightly.

A sudden breeze made my senses go into overdrive. It was seriously like flames shooting up my nose and burning me or something. I coughed and tried to hold my breath, but my eyes were beginning to water. Jacob shot me a look that basically said why-are-you-so-weak?-Man-up-or-else. I whined and tucked my nose into my paw. Accidentally snorting up dirt was better than this… this… acid.

I could see a muscle working in Jacob's cheek. He frowned and touched my mom's ear, a signal.

Just then, I had to literally stop the air from coming into my lungs because it was so full of this stench. For a second, I was scared that I'd throw up. I could feel my fur standing on edge, and my body was starting to coil. My heart started pumping twice as hard. I could feel the adrenaline taking me over, but I didn't want it to. No. I don't want to attack. Why is my body betraying me? Why am I acting on fucking auto-pilot? There must be some vampire around.

I'm right, of course. It's not just any vampire, it's the vamp. The king of them all (Well, one of their guards at least.) The unmistakable burgundy eyes, gross chalky skin… what was his name again? I can't remember. Valt-something…

"Demetri." Jacob spoke first in a nasty tone.

The vampire smiled and stood a couple of feet away from Jacob. "Well, if it isn't the pack leader. How are you dog?"

Jacob flinched but ignored his comment. He looked like he was on the verge of losing his composure. "Did you have a nice trip alone? I don't see the rest of the guard."

"Of course… it is but a joy to leave the walls for even a short period of time." Demetri flashed a creepy grin and adjusted his long dark cloak. "I have been ordered to go alone, as we are strictly on speaking terms, am I right?"

Jacob glared at him but didn't say a word.

"I see you're not entirely pleased with me in your presence. May I ask what could possibly anger you?" The creepy guy grinned again and I imagined his skin to shatter and break into a billion pieces. He looked so old.

My mom whined. Jacob closed his eyes and took in a shallow breath. "You know." He shook his head and opened his eyes again. "You want my daughter and I am NOT-"

"Alas, we have not even discussed this! Aria is-"

"Don't you dare even think about my daughter!" Jacob's bared his teeth and clenched his hands into tight fists.

"My visit is regarding her though." Demetri smoothed his shoulder-length hair and frowned. "Do you really think that her... ah, abilities would go unnoticed by the Volturi?

Jacob furrowed his brows and spit "Leave now" venomously.

Demetri smiled and shook his head. "I don't think you have any manners pup."

Jacob started shaking uncontrollably. His skin quivered and he looked like a creepy cartoon character. "I said leave" he said in an almost-whisper, "or you really will regret this."

"Now, you don't want to resort to violence, do you? Take a deep breath and calm down." Demetri crossed his arms and grinned, making himself look extra creepy. "Your daughter's safe for the time being, but you should know that one wrong move could change all of that."

"JUST GO!" Jacob roared. "LEAVE! GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HERE!"

Demetri didn't even flinch. "You should be ashamed of your childish behaviour, leader."

"I already told you that Ari has no intention of joining you. How hard is it to understand? Ari...does...not...want...to...join...you. Do you get that?" A fire was burning in Jacob's eyes.

Demetri flashed a menacing frown. "You don't get to choose for her, I'm afraid. Is she at your home? I think it really is time that I paid a small visit."

No. I don't even know what this guy wants, but I know it's something with Ari (Well, obviously). If he wants to 'pay her a visit', it definitely won't be about how she's doing in school or something. He's going to hurt her. I groaned out loud.

If was as is everyone had forgotten I was even sitting there. Everyone turned and stared at me. My mom was shaking her head (even if she was still blocking her thoughts from me), Jacob was noticeably pissed, and Demetri was looking at me in disgust.

Demetri broke the silence. "I do not think that it is safe to experiment with breeding in-between species. A dog with a hybrid? What are you trying to create?"

And really, that was the final straw.

I lunged.

Ari's POV

Maybe it was the fact that I was sitting alone in a room with only my own mind to accompany me, but I kept finding my thoughts drifting to the one night where I was a drunken mess. What really happened? I felt as if I was looking through a dirty glass and I couldn't really make out the fine details. But I did remember one vivid detail: the dream? I mean, if it was a dream. I shuddered and thanked God that my phone suddenly rang in my hand. What a nice distraction.

Oh great, it's Alex. And he was to talk to me. Not text, but verbally talk which sucked because I wouldn't be able to prevent my weariness to show.

"Hello, Ari?" he spoke in an almost whisper.

"Alex?" I tried to match his tone.

"How are you?"

I sucked in my breath. "I'm... alright. Are you in the area?"

"Um, yeah, I was wondering if I could come over and um... see you."

For some reason, I wished that Shane was sitting with me so that I wouldn't have to face Alex all by myself. But, he's running off to who knows where and he's probably not coming back any time soon.

"Hello? Ari, are you there?"

I forgot to answer him. My mind kept replaying the 'dream' (I'm going to assume it was one). I kept seeing flashbacks of Alex totally beating my up and trying to pull my jeans down and oh my god I really don't think I could handle seeing him face to face.

"You know what Alex, I'm sorry, I just... I don't think it would be really appropriate for me to... see you so... soon. I have to go." I tried my best to ignore my suddenly shaky hands.

"Oh... but, listen, my band got this great gig opportunity down in Vegas, and there might even be some record execs there... and I really don't want to miss this only chance." He sighed quietly. "Do you think it's okay if I just drop by for a sec? I just really have to see if you're okay and-"

I quickly interrupted him because I couldn't even seriously hold my phone against my ear; my hands were trembling so badly. "Um, okay, fine…" My voice sounded terrible.

Alex sighed again. "I'll be right up."

I began to feel all faint and weird and scared and shaky and weird and… weird. I snapped my phone shut and placed it on my side-table. Oh my goodness. I can't see Alex. What if he really did 'abuse' me. Oh my god. What's wrong with me?

I think the sound of my crazy heart beating wildly is what brought Carlisle up. He basically ran into the room and stared at me with an incredulous expression.

"Aria, what's wrong?" He felt my pulse and checked the IV bag hanging to my right.

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat but I couldn't.

"Ari?" Carlisle waved his hand in front of my face.

I stared at him with only wide eyes. I couldn't talk.

I was scared that the truth might come out.

***

"You really should have told me." Edward frowned slightly and kept his intense gaze fixated on my face.

I fidgeted and tried to ignore him.

"Aria." Edward slowly rose from the sofa across from me and sat down beside me instead.

I turned my head away and bit my lip.

I could feel his icy cold arms wrap around my shoulders. I tried to push away, but it was impossible to move from his grip.

"It's okay." He touched my cheek gently.

I felt like crying, but I knew that I had already run myself dry.

"I'm here to help you, not judge." I could feel his cold breath tickle my ear. I had to force myself not to move.

He sighed, released his grip, and rose slowly.

When he was halfway up the stairs, I whispered whatever it was that was burning my tongue. "I'm scared."

He tensed for a whole second then dashed over to me and held me as I shook with dry heaves.

After composing myself, I finally spilled all of the secrets that were waiting to pour out.

***

I can't believe I'm not dehydrated after that huge crying lag. I mean, isn't there a limit to how many tears a person can have?

That's all I could think of as I sat on the front steps and waited for a glimpse of the dirty BMW with the cute, skinny, pale, shaggy-haired driver.

***

Turns out, I was wrong. About everything. Alex really didn't do anything. I mean… that's what Edward said after he totally mind-raped the guy.

But now, I could only hope that I was imagining how his hand kept inching to mine, or how he could only stare at my lips when I talked. I felt exposed and naked, even if I purposely wrapped myself in a pair of my dad's old sweats and Shane's basketball hoodie.

I felt so paranoid and stupid, but I also kind of thought that I was doing the right thing.

***

He still looked really indie and adorable. His hair looked really dark and his eyes were perfectly brooding, and his dark brown shirt made him look a little less pale.

Oh my God why does he do this to me?

***

After Edward gave me a quick 'a-okay', he left. He had to go to Forks to be with Bella, and he promised me that everyone would be back home in a couple of days. Even my mom.

I frowned and stared at my feet. I was totally alone in that house; even Carlisle left me. He said that the cast on my arm was only to keep up appearances; I was actually almost perfectly healed. Yay.

Shane wasn't back yet either. Actually, I didn't even know where he had gone to in the first place.

I sighed and snuck a peek at Alex. He was sitting with his arms wrapped loosely around his knees and I could tell that he was sneaking glances at me through his hair.

I stifled a yawn and inwardly groaned. There were probably a million things I wanted to blurt out, but nothing seemed appropriate. Alex had worn a cautious and careful expression as he took in my dishevelled appearance. My hair was a mess, I wasn't wearing any makeup (my blotchy skin wasn't helping), and the stupid cast on my arm made me look weak.

But he still gave me a small hug, and he still smiled at me, and he still asked me everything about how I was feeling.

And after Edward touched my shoulder, the sign that everything would be 'alright', I couldn't help myself but to feel super confused.

Why the fuck am I constantly feeling haunted by that one stupid dream?

I shook my head and stared at Alex publicly this time. He turned, feeling my gaze, and offered a small smile.

"I'm really sorry that… you fell. I wish it was me instead of you that was hurt." He stared at his peeling sneakers the entire time.

"I've never really been that drunk before, so… I'm sorry you had to see me like that." I tried to keep a cool composure.

He looked at me and frowned slightly. "I should have just helped you and… not taken total advantage. I'm so stupid. I just- I just didn't think you'd ever really like me, and if I could only kiss you when you were wasted, I mean…"

I gulped. He just basically professed that he liked me and ohmygod he thought that I didn't like him and did he just call me a slut?

"Oh my God that sounded so bad. Argh. Why do you have this affect on me?" Alex looked me in the eyes for once, and I could feel myself cower slightly.

I sighed and didn't say anything. He's acting, I know it. He's trying to butter me up because isn't that what artists do? He such an amazing liar.

"Ari, I really do like you, just so you know…. I like you… a lot." He spoke in one small breath of a whisper.

And then, even if I was absolutely terrified of him (thanks super-realistic-dream-thing), I still kind of accepted the fact that he wanted to kiss me.

And maybe, I kind of leaned in a little and opened my mouth and twisted my hands into his soft shaggy hair and I let him kiss me as hard as he wanted.

I knew I was doing something terribly wrong when I held his hand and lead him inside and up the stairs to my room. I knew. But I also knew that this small piece of my heart was growing larger and larger, so large that I might explode, just because of him. I probably had an effect on him, but he affected me in too many ways to count.

When he pushed me down on my old bed, I tried to hold in my tears. When he slowly unzipped his jeans, I tried my best to just close my eyes and breathe. When he helped me lift Shane's (ohmygod please just don't even think about him) sweater off of my arms, I whimpered. When he pulled down the waistband of that one pair of black satin booty shorts, with the words HAWTIE stitched on the butt, the very ones that Shane had bought for me as a joke, I tried my best not to cry. The only thing he said was 'Are you sure?', and I just nodded because I couldn't speak at all. This wasn't how I imagined, mainly because this was the one boy I never knew I'd ever be with.

When he placed a feather light kiss on my lips after, I burst into tears.

Shane's POV

I was bleeding and defiantly had a broken rib, or five, because of Demetri, but for some reason, my chest or heart or whatever ripped me in half with the most excruciating pain.

I fell to my knees because I couldn't breathe properly.

Ari's stupid face haunted me and I felt like dying?

Ari's POV

He looked at me, panic-stricken. Yeah, I was a virgin, but he was too.

He grabbed his clothes, pulled them on hastily, and didn't look in my eyes ever again.

He was leaving for Vegas and I didn't even know how long he was going to be gone. But, I was glad that I wouldn't have to face him for a while. He kissed my forehead and then walked himself out. I could hear his stupid car pull away and when the realization finally dawned on me for what I had just done, I sank to my knees and curled up into a little ball.

I felt dirty. Wrong. Sinned.

I got up once I caught my breath.

I threw my clothes into the garbage and ran into the shower. I scrubbed my skin raw, then wrapped myself with a robe of my mom's that I found lying forgotten in the bathroom.

I still felt absolutely terrible and depressed and I never felt more like dying than before.

I could not, ever, on any circumstances tell Shane.

Or my dad.

Or anyone for that matter.

… but really. What the fuck did I just fucking do and ohmyfuckingGod I'm gonna throw up.

Shane's POV

I ran back, ignoring Jacob's commands and my mom's profanities.

I found her curled up in the bathroom, her face pale. She looked at me with wide eyes but didn't say anything.

I looked and felt like shit, but once again, I could only worry about her.

She willingly wrapped her arms around me and placed her mouth over mine, and I knew, I just knew, that she loved me. She didn't have to say anything.

I just knew.

A/N: I can't believe what just happened ahhhhhhhhhh akjdg;aoghjeauirjk

please review, and I promise I won't take three months to update ever again.