"Addie," Rian said in a defeated tone.

"Please stop calling me that!" I said in exasperation.

Why couldn't he understand I didn't like being called Addie anymore, in fact I hated it. The name reminded me of the memories I fought so hard to suppress.

He left without another word and I turned to Alex. He had been watching me and I felt uneasy with his eyes on me.

"So…" he tried to start. Neither of us knew what to say.

"Thank you," I whispered so lightly that I was almost positive he didn't hear.

He nodded, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into him. I could feel my unshed tears wanting to escape. I willed them not to, but they betrayed me, coming down swiftly but thankfully silently.

Even though they were silent Alex noticed. He tilted my head up by my chin, whipping away my tears as he looked into my eyes.

"Tell me," he pleaded breathlessly.

I shook my head, unable to form words at the moment.

He nodded, understanding my inability to tell him, and held me close as I fell asleep.

When I woke up it was dark and I couldn't remember where I was. I could feel something beneath me, moving slightly. I moved my head and noticed I was still in bed with Alex. My head was on his chest and I could feel his chest rise and fall with each breath. We were both still fully clothed and he had his arms around me, making me feel protected. I let a few tears escape. I wasn't used to feeling protected.

As I lay there thinking about why I felt safe in Alex's arms my eyes landed on the clock on the nightstand. It read 10:23. Shit.

I attempted to slip out of Alex's arms, trying not to wake him. I failed.

"Hmm," he mumbled tightening his grip on me.

"I have to go. I was supposed to be home at 8:00," I whispered in the dark.

Alex looked at his clock and started to get up, pulling me with him.

"I'll walk you home."

"Alex, it's right next door. I think I can make it," I said lightly.

"Yes, but I want to," he said simply and I didn't argue.

We walked back to my aunt's house hand in hand in silence. When we reached the door I turned to say goodbye before going inside, but he opened the door for me, walking us both in.

The house was dark. I expected to find someone waiting up for me but the downstairs was empty. As I turned to push Alex out the door I heard my name from upstairs.

"Addison? Is that you honey?" my aunts voice asked as it got closer.

"Yes," called back quietly. "I'm sorry I'm late. I fell asleep at Alex's."

She came down the stairs with a robe wrapped around her slim frame. She looked from me to Alex who was in the doorway.

She nodded to Alex, "Alex, honey, why don't you head home. It's late."

"Yes, Shannon. I'm sorry I didn't get her back in time," he said nicely. I just stared at him. Why was he apologizing? It wasn't his fault I didn't make curfew.

"That's okay dear. I'm sure it was an accident."

Alex left through the front door, throwing his lopsided grin at me before closing the door.

"I really am sorry Aunt Shannon. I meant to come back on time, but we fell asleep."

"I trust you dear. Besides, it's not like I didn't know where you were. The Gaskarths are good friends, so I knew you were safe. Now why don't you get on up to bed, it is a school night."

I nodded and followed her up the stairs. I was astonished that I wasn't in trouble.

The next morning I woke up early. I was well rested; probably because of the nap I had taken at Alex's. Instead of lounging around for the next hour I decided to get up and ready my second day of school.

After showering, I let my hair air dry while I got dressed. I picked a pair of plaid Bermuda shorts and a green tank top that matched. It was still a little cold out this morning so I put on my gray cardigan.

I did my make up simply, a little bit of eyeliner and mascara, just to outline my eyes, and some lip-gloss.

I looked into the mirror. I was shocked by the reflection. I actually remember this girl. It was the real me, the me before my life was flipped upside down. She was happy, smiling with feeling. Her eyes had even changed, they weren't as sad. I could still see the remains of sadness and hurt, but they were less defined.

I through my hair, which was now almost completely dry, into a messy ponytail and made my way downstairs. My aunt was in the kitchen eating a piece of toast while my uncle was in his den with his morning coffee. I went to the refrigerator to get a glass of orange juice.

"Your up early, dear," Shannon commented.

I nodded as I took a sip from my glass. When I set it down I apologized again.

"Aunt Shannon. I really am sorry about last night. I didn't mean to be late."

"I can see that. Do you mind telling me what happened last night? Rian seemed upset when he came home."

"Uh, yeah. I guess Rian doesn't like that Alex and I are hanging out." I glanced away. I didn't want to tell her why he didn't like us hanging out. "I don't know. But after he left Alex and I just fell asleep."

She nodded her head silently while I explained. "Well, to be honest, Rian did talk to me last night. He told me why he doesn't like the two of you together."

"Really? He told you that?" she nodded. "Then why did you let me stay there?"

"Because from what I could tell of the situation, I knew you were probably upset and needed a friend. And I think Alex is the closest thing you have to a friend right now. Can I ask you something?"

I nodded.

"I trust you to tell me the truth. I know you've been through a lot and I hope being here will help you. I think Alex can help you the most."

"Why?" I interrupted.

"Well, it's not my place to tell his story, just like it's not my place to tell Rian your story. But he's been through some tough times also. I think you two are getting along so well because you can relate to each other. I've known Alex since he was born, and you two are a lot alike. Which brings me back to my question, you and Alex. April told me she walked in on you two kissing."

I looked away, slightly embarrassed to be having this conversation.

"I just want to know if anything else happened that I should know about," she finished and I looked up.

She was basically asking me if we slept together. And she thought she should know about because of my past. Great.

"Uh. No," I said quickly. "You wanted honesty right?" she nodded so I continued. "Well, when Rian came over, he yelled at us and was mad that I didn't come back here with him. Truthfully, the only reason why I didn't was because Alex stood up for me. No one has ever stood up for me. I was upset and confused and Alex comforted me. I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep, but to answer your question. No. Nothing happened."

"I believe you. Thank you for telling me."

I just looked down at my hands. Why was my aunt being so understanding? Wasn't she supposed to be the strict one? The straight-laced, do no wrong, stay at home mom?

Yet here she was letting me off the hook for my first screw up since I arrived here. Not only that, but she was almost acting like… like a friend. She understood me. She understood what I needed.

Maybe my mom knew what she was doing by sending me here after all.

A/N: sorry it took so long, i got a little stuck, but i think i know where i'm going now

comment/feedback is welcome, i love input and ideas

i hope you like it so far.