Before I start Chapter 7, I would like to thank Ralai and The Doctor Rose for reading and reviewing! Your reviews and encouragement make me excited to continue with the story! Now, onto Chapter 7, enjoy!

My fight or flight instinct started to kick in when the figure continued to walk closer to where I was sitting on the swing. I quickly wiped my tears away and was about to get up and run when, low and behold, Jerry Dandridge comes into view. The sun was completely set now and the golden light from the lamp post above was shining on his sharp, handsome features. He looked good to say the least. I decided not to run since I knew Jerry, well, kind of. At least it wasn't my ex boyfriend then, I would have really had to run…fast.

"Hey, Jerry." I said nervously. Why was he here and by himself?

He sat down on the swing beside me so, I sat back down on my swing.

"Hey." He said with that million dollar grin. I felt my cheeks getting hot and I was hoping he couldn't tell that I was crying earlier.

"Everything alright? What's a pretty girl like you doing in the park all by herself at night?"

Good question, Jerry. Why was I? I'm lucky that it was only Jerry walking over to me in the park and not a serial killer. I just realized that I really didn't know how to get home from the park. I just kind of started running and didn't stop until I was out of breath. Smart, Brooke.

"Uh, I was tired of being in the house all day, so I thought I'd get some air." I looked over at him as I finished my sentence. He was looking up at the stars. Still looking up at the stars, he started to speak.

"Ya know, Brooke… there are a lot of bad people out there. A lot of bad, bad people." As he repeated himself about the "bad people" he looked me right in the eyes. "It must be hard for a young, pretty girl like, you adjusting to a new town, a new neighborhood, and soon, a new school. You gotta look out for yourself because who else will?" I nodded as if I completely followed everything he was saying. In reality, I was kind of unsure of him but, at the same time intrigued by his voice and his beautiful eyes, that seemed like they were burning into my soul. "Just be careful and remember if you need anything let me know." He finished off his speech with a friendly grin that relaxed my nerves.

"Yeah, I know. I don't know what I was thinking coming here by myself tonight. But, thanks." I said to him, looking into his eyes which looked almost black. Who has black eyes?

"Well, I should start getting back home. My aunt is probably freaking out by now." I said with a smile as I rolled my eyes. He laughed a little at my eye roll. I was hoping he'd come along with me so, I didn't have to find my way home by myself.

"Would you like me to walk you home?" Jerry asked. Okay, that was weird, I thought. But, I didn't object to it. I was grateful Jerry walked me home and I realized that we weren't far at all from our neighborhood. Jerry walked me all the way to my door. Once we got there I turned around to face him. My eyes widened when I realized how close he was behind me. I could feel the heat creeping up to my cheeks again. What is he doing? Those black eyes stared into mine and I watched his eyes travel from my eyes to my lips, which were probably quivering from my nervousness. Thankfully, my aunt opened the front door before Jerry could do anything. Thank you Aunt Azelia! I turned around quickly when I heard the door open. Jerry stepped back a little from me.

"Hi, Jerry! How are you, hon?" My aunt smiled at Jerry. "Where were you?" She asked me. I didn't answer her but, instead turned back around to face Jerry, thanked him for walking me home and speed walked passed my aunt into the house and up the stairs to my room. How awkward was that?! Why was he getting so close to me? I ran all the way to my room and shut the door behind me. I ran over to my window and opened it wide. I was burning up for some reason. I touched my cheek with the back of my hand. My skin felt like it was on fire. I told myself to freaking relax. I sat down on my bed and heard my door open. I looked up and it was Serena.

"You, okay? Why are you breathing like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like you just ran 20 miles. Plus, where were you? You were gone for awhile. Mom kept asking me where you were and I had to tell her at least twenty times that you went for a run like, what is she deaf?" Serena finished her rant with an eye roll.

"Well, yeah, I did just run all the way up the steps."

"You're really out of shape, cous'."

"Thanks, Serena. Can you please get out now?"

Serena turned her nose up and left, slamming the door behind her. Bitch. What was wrong with me? Why am I freaking out? It's just Jerry but, why was he so close to me and why did he keep referring to me as a 'pretty girl'? Is he trying to come onto me? Moments like these make me wish I still lived with my mom. She somehow always had the right answers. As I thought about her I realized that she hasn't called me yet since I moved to Nevada. She didn't even call to make sure the plane didn't crash into a million pieces or anything. My dad hasn't been picking up my calls either! What is wrong with my parents!? I put my face in my hands and let out a long sigh. I reached down and picked up my laptop from the floor and opened it up to check my email. I was hoping I had at least gotten one email back from one of the jobs that I had applied for this week. I opened my email and saw that I had an email from a manager at the small grocery store not too far from my house. Retail. I hated retail. Despite my hate for retail I continued to read the email. I was asked to come for an interview this Saturday and to respond to the email by giving them a call at the number listed at the bottom. Of course, I'd respond… tomorrow. I needed a job, bad. I saved the number in my cell and closed my laptop setting it back down on the floor. I was about to take off my sweaty top when I heard a knock at my door.