"Oh what's the matter brother? Didn't you miss me," Chase laughed.

"You are going to pay for every last tear I made her cry Chase," Caleb growled. "I swear it."

"Oh come on," he smirked, "I think she took it pretty well. It's all for the best really."

"What do you mean," Caleb asked, barely keeping his anger in check.

"Well, we both know little Ashlyn could do so much better than a son of Ipswich," he chuckled, "especially one on the brink of addiction."

"I will never become addicted," Caleb scowled. "I'm not like you or my father."

"Right," Chase smirked. "Keep telling yourself that and maybe miracles can happen but for now you keep your promise. Stay away from Ashlyn or she'll end up worse than Kate and Pogue. Trust me," Chase let his eyes go pitch black, "she won't be so lucky," and then he disappeared.

"Damnit," Caleb pounded his fist into the wall, leaving a dent. He remembered the look on Ashlyn's face before she ran out. She had been so hurt and he had caused. Even if she forgave him, Caleb could never forgive himself for it.

--- --- --- --- ---

Ashlyn didn't know how she got back to the dorms in one piece. She had been crying so hard that she could barely make out the road. Now, all she wanted to do was lock herself in her room and brood. She could cry. Her eyes had dried up and now they were puffy and red but most of all they were vacant; almost lifeless. It was as if part of her died.

"Hey Ash," a voice called behind her. Ashlyn turned around and spotted James jogging up to her. "What's wrong," he asked when he took in her appearance.

"It's nothing," she sniffled, trying to wipe away her tears.

"It doesn't seem like that," he said. He wiped away a tear drop and lightly caressed her check.

"Yeah, well," she began pulling back, "Caleb and I sort of had a fight and w-we broke up."

"Idiot," James said, shaking his head.

"Thanks," she gave him a weak smile. "Well I better get going."

"Wait," he said grabbing her arm. "Why don't you come to Nicky's with me to get your mind off Caleb?"

"Nah, it's been a rough day and I just want to go and crash but I'll talk to you tomorrow," she refused, pulling her arm back.

"Alright, I guess I'll see you," James gave her a hug before walking down the hall. When he was out of sight, she opened the door to her dorm and locked it tight behind her. As soon as she turned around, a pair of strong arms wrapped hugged her.

"That was an Oscar-winning performance," Caleb whispered in her ear. He pushed her back against the door and kissed her. Her hands clung to his shoulders and his dropped to behind her thighs and pulled her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, never breaking the kiss. Caleb pulled back and carried her to the bed; gently dropping her on it.

"Are you sure he bought it," she asked biting back a moan when he began nibbling on her earlobe.

"Positive, Chase doesn't suspect a thing," he assured her, "but I never want to have to fake break-up with you ever again. I can't stand to see you like that and knowing I caused it was even worse."

"Hey, don't worry;" she said kissing his forehead, "I'm not that easy to get rid off."

"I love you," he said, staring into her eyes.

"Love you too," she replied softy.

Ha, got you guys good didn't I. I couldn't possibly break-up my best couple. Please remember to review and also I'll be updating Unbreakable Bond some time this week.