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But I can't help it
If I'm just a fool
Always having my heart
Set on you

'Til the time
you start changing
The rules
I'll keep chasing
The soles
Of your shoes

-Fool, Shakira

"Nice talking to you, Ef."

"You too, Tone."

"Miss you."

"Miss you too."

The phone clicked and Effy sighed, wishing she could have talked to her brother more. Tony was the only person in the world who could really read her mind and see her for what she was. He could see through that facade she presented to the universe and she was okay with that. It was just other people she couldn't handle with letting in. Taking off her shirt, she walked across her room in her underwear and picked out a dark, ripped ensemble from her wardrobe. This was her usual armour and today, she was going to need it.

Katie was having a party. The girl who didn't like her after Effy had taken Freddie off her had invited her to a party at her house and Effy was being forced to go by Freddie, the boy who'd let himself be taken.

Effy entered the house which was stinking of alcohol and spliff. She clocked Freddie immeaditley and nodded her head. Freddie nodded too, not sure about what to do. Should he go over and kiss her? Or say hello?

This was ridiculous. He'd go over and act normal.

"Hey," he said, gently taking her hand. Effy let him do it. Silently, she watched the party as people danced and drank and got off with each other. She saw Cook glance over at them and look away. Freddie ran his thumb over the palm of her hand and she felt herself slightly relax from its rhythm. "Are you okay?" he whispered into her ear. She nodded quickly, not inviting any questions. She closed her eyes when she noticed Katie had come into the room. Katie looked at Cook and avoided him completley, choosing to laugh at something someone was saying, despite not being part of the conversation.

Three hours later and Effy was sitting in Freddie's lap. Right now, she was actually acting normal. She'd let Freddie hold her hand and kiss her cheek because she'd felt weary. She was tired of battling him off. Maybe it was Tony's phonecall to her that day but she knew that right now, Tony was gone and Freddie was here. Freddie was her protector right now. Her hand in his tightened when Katie lurched over to them, drink in hand.

"Here are the lovebirds!" she trilled. "How are you doing?"

Effy didn't answer. Freddie cleared his throat and muttered, "We're fine Katie. How are you?"

"I AM FUCKED!" she answered, laughing loudly. "I love my vodka.." she stage whispered, winking. Emily glanced over and told them not to listen to her, she was "just drunk". Katie shooed her sister away. "I am not, Emily! You're a lesbian, you should know how girls work!"

Emily glared. "That's fucking nice." Katie shot her the middle finger as Emily left the room to get away from her twin.

Katie looked down at Freddie and Effy's hand entwined together. "How cute," she said sharply. Freddie's grip on Effy tightened. Cook made his way though the crowd and took a hold of Katie, sensing trouble. "Um Katie.. come on, let's get some water down you."

Katie shoved him away. "FUCK OFF COOK!" she yelled. "Keep your disgusting hands off me! You already had your way with me at Panda's so now you can just fuck off!"

Cook raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "No need for the abuse, babe."

"I AM NOT YOUR BABE. I NEVER WANT TO BE YOUR BABE. I WANT TO BE HIS BABE!" she screamed before pointing a shaking finger at Freddie. "What the hell?" Freddie said, shocked at her outburst. "Since when?"

"SINCE YOU FUCKED THAT TRAMP SITTING ON YOU, THAT'S WHEN!" Katie shrieked with frustration. Effy flinched at her words. Normally, this wouldn't bother her but her defences were down and all she felt was hurt. "DON'T FUCKING CALL HER THAT!" Freddie yelled, standing up and staring into Katie's face. A stare that Katie took advantage of. Before Freddie could protest, she'd pulled him into her and kissed him on the lips. Her hands ran over his chest and up to his hair, gripping the dark locks for dear life. This is what Katie wanted. Cook watched in disbelief while Effy jumped up from the sofa and ran out the room. Freddie finally reacted after he managed to push Katie away from him. "NO KATIE!" he shouted. "I'M WITH EFFY!"

"OH REALLY? I'M SORRY BUT I WOULDN'T FUCKING CALL THAT A RELATIONSHIP."

Freddie had to stop himself from grabbing her. If Cook's hands hadn't shot out and held him back, he would have, he didn't care if it was Katie, or a girl for that matter. "Don't, Fred!" Cook ordered. "Just don't. She's drunk."

Freddie breathed in and out heavily. "Where's Effy?" he asked, his voice thick. Cook nodded his head towards the door and Freddie stormed out, trying to find her. Again, trying to find her at a party. She'd acted normal tonight and still, she'd run off and he couldn't find her.

He found her sitting on the kerb outside. She was smoking a cigarette and she was shaking from the cold. "Hey," he muttered. Effy looked up with her green eyes and nodded.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting Katie to-"

"I know," she answered shortly.

Silence. What was he meant to do now?

"I tried to be normal tonight," she whispered. "Did I do okay?"

Freddie stared at her, his eyes wide. She was asking him about herself. Was she letting him in?

"You were amazing, Ef."

She nodded. More silence.

"How was your kiss with Katie?" she asked, smiling faintly.

"Stunk of vodka. Nothing like you."

Effy rolled her eyes and turned to him. She studied his face and took in his beautiful features. His dark eyes, his full lips. Those lips. She traced a finger over them and smiled as he closed his eyes at her touch. Taking the opportunity, she kissed his lips and took in his ashy, boy smell.

"You're confusing.." he murmered when she pulled away.

Effy looked at the ground and blinked back tears. She was confusing. Not twisted. Not frustrating. Not dangerous. Not fucked up.

Just confusing.