A/N Hey there! Here's the next slice of MTB! As I'm not accustomed to writing anything M-rated, I dont know what qualifies. Just in case this chapter does, can you mention it on your review? It will be appreciated! Anyways, enjoy!

Chapter 19

"Come on in," muttered Brad in response to my knock. I'd dressed casually this time, in jeans. I didnt want to be asking for a repeat of the other night.

"Hey," he said, and he smiled as I walked in. I closed the door gently behind me, and joined him, where he was sitting on his bed.

"So," I said. "What did you wanna talk about?"

Brad picked up a DVD. "Just wanted us to hang out. Wanna watch a film?"

"Sure."

Brad slotted Hellraiser III into the player. I sucked in my cheeks. I heard this was his particular favourite.

"Although," said Brad, slipping back onto the bed and putting an arm around me. "I did wanna check something. You're not mad about Debs are you? Because I'd much rather be with you."

I blushed heavily but met his gaze firmly.

"Brad," I whispered softly. "It means a lot that you say that, it really does."

"But?"

"But, I'm with Jake. I couldnt betray him with you."

Brad frowned. "That didnt stop you with Paul Slater," he growled.

"How did you-"

"I'm no idiot Suze," replied Brad sadly. "It was obvious. I mean, together, you look like Prom King and Queen. But I wont tell." He narrowed his eyes. "If I get what I want."

"Brad," I started. "Dont be-"

"I'm serious," he interrupted. "I love you Suze. I want us to be together."

I sighed. He had me, and he knew it. I couldnt let Jake know any more traits of my... rebellious side.

I was unhappy, but I didnt pull away when he kissed me. I winced when his fingers brushed against my body, ready to remove my clothes, but I didnt retaliate. Because how could I, really?

xxxxxx

As soon as daylight broke, I brushed off Brad's duvet and collected my things. I'd lain awake all night, squinting, trying to erase tacky memories.

I put my T-shirt on again, and creaked down the hallway into Lizzie's room. As I pushed open the door, I found Lizzie asleep, snoring (BIG surprise there). I dumped my stuff onto my camper-bed and headed to the en-suite.

Even though the soap lathered and frothed, and removed all outer dirt and crap from my body, it didnt do much for my wounded soul of poison-oaked wrists.

I flipped my head over under the running water, cleansing my tear-stained cheeks till they went pink with frustration. I only wished my spiritual well-being was so pure.

I tossed my wavy locks into a towel, and wrapped a bigger one around me to cover my body.

I sat down on my bed, rubbing my legs dry. Then something yellow caught my eye. I turned to my pillow, and picked up what I found. It was a slip of parchment, yellowed with age.

On it, read:

Get well soon, Susannah.

With love, Jesse.

And underneath it, lay a poultice of little yellow flowers.