Chapter 6

Never Seen Nothing like You

Thursday

I woke up with the sudden urge to annihilate every single ounce of my being. The revolting memory came rushing back, hunting me. I grit my teeth and roll to the other side. I stare straight ahead of me and everything becomes a distant flashback. Everything except him… My eyes instantly close and I clutch my stomach. The yells, the screams, the void is locked and there's no escape to them. I can't set them free. I can't be liberated from his hell.

I roll back and look at my nightstand. I see my phone lying on my nightstand, anticipating the call that was bound to happen in a matter of seconds. It was expecting for me to quickly call Eddie. I restrained the urge to do so and instead covered it with one of the pillows; I turned the other way, ignoring it. My eyes welled up with tears as the palpitating images rushed back. I shook my head and swallowed. The covers were tightly wrapped around me and my mind was elsewhere, trying to detract itself from the incubus that has me on the verge of breaking.

For a moment I was able to control the thoughts on my head when I heard the phone vibrate on the table. Before my hands swiftly grabbed it, I hesitated and disdained the call. A minute later the vibrating stopped, and another brief vibration followed. Skeptical, I picked it up and I clutched the phone as his name illuminated the dark room. Sighing, I read the message.

Call me.

I read it over and over again, for a second startled. How he did he do that? How did he know in this instant I needed him? I shut my eyes and refrained from calling him right back. In an instant, I placed the phone on the nightstand and sat on the bed. I was still holding onto the phone. What the hell is wrong with me?

A sigh escaped me, and finally I let go of the phone. A few moments later, I contemplated the idea of calling him back and letting him to all my secrets, to all my nightmares. The vibrating was non-stop. He kept persisting but I tried my best to ignore them. Three times he called, and three times I fought hard with my body to not instinctively reach for my phone. I was within seconds of hearing his voice. But I didn't answer them.

Seconds passed. Minutes passed. Then he gave up, silence captivated the room and I never felt so alone.

12:30 P.M.

"I need a ride home."

I sat in front of Melissa while she popped a carrot into her mouth. She chewed diligently and I watched her take a million years to swallow.

"I can't give you one."

I sighed and slouched back in the chair. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm grounded. I have to be at home at exactly 2:35 or Lisa will strangle me to death."

"What did you do?"

"Nothing. Lisa just hates me."

"Melisa, I don't think-"

"Whatever."

She waved her hand and dismissed what I was going to say. I shrugged and looked around the lunchroom. There were several daggers shot my way and boisterous chattering and fingers pointed at me. I loathed attention. As the minutes pass, I grew smaller, sinking into my chair when I felt all kind of stares. I internally screamed for liberation of this instant. I folded my arms and placed them on the table. My forehead rested on my navy blue sweater. I groaned in annoyance while Melissa chuckled lightly. "Ignore them."

"I just want to get out of here."

"Call your boyfriend. He'll have a thrill if you do."

"Boyfriend? We're just friends Melissa." I sat up straighter and stared at her dead in the eye. She raised her eyebrows and motioned for me to continue. I sighed, "Nothing more."

"Sure Hon, keep telling yourself that."

She passed me her soda can. I scrutinized the design before opening it and taking a deep chug. The strong, refreshing taste calmed me down. I smiled bitterly and remembered the first time we met. His eyes lustered with curiosity towards the girl who wanted him out and gone. His persistence was captivating and sometimes I liked his company. His kind words, his sweet caresses were gentle, and I didn't mind them. The impact he left trailing behind after that fateful day that Trent got what he rightfully deserved, was immense and it emerged within me to see him again. What happened? Why did I stop going to the top of Griffith hill? What stopped me? I told myself countless of times that it was Trent and all that happened afterwards; From the long and tiring trial to moving to the Valley. But it wasn't that.

It was Eddie.

I didn't want to become too attached to him. I knew that if I kept going to my spot, he was always going to be there, he was going to make sure to be there. And I knew that I would've fallen deeper. So, I stopped because I was afraid... afraid of falling for him. I was afraid that if I did, I would be eventually broken up into bits once again. That was my fear, to be plundered into the deep depths of the ocean, beaten, cut and killed into my own sorrow all over again.

So, I stopped going to see him.

But in the end, my attempt to keep away was futile. Two years later I met him again, this time I was freed from Trent. Freed from his torture and misery, but not my own. After all, I am still locked in the past letting all the torment inflicted upon me haunt me. I'm still locked in my nightmares where they come and haunt me every night.

Then came Eddie with his soothing voice, his kind gestures, his lenient words; that was all I needed to control myself and come back to reality. To leave all my nightmares behind.

And it scared me; it made anxious and terrified how much I need him. How fond I had become of him. And this needed to end abruptly. I can't in any way get my hopes high; to lead myself to believe that maybe there's something between us… But it was so aggravating when his actions and his words always managed to ignite something within me. It feels so foreign, so strange; I don't know what to do.

"Loren, you should really look at what the internet says about you and Eddie."

I instantly averted my gaze to Melissa. She had moved her tray aside and looked at me intently. "No."

She sighed disapprovingly. "Look, I know that the breakfast probably meant just a friendly hangout between friends-"

"It was."

She narrowed her eyes and I zipped my mouth. "Maybe to you it did. But I see those pictures and I see how Eddie looks at you, and I know for sure that you mean a lot more to Eddie than what you think. Those articles with witnesses hearing fragments of your conversation, witnesses who can't mind their business and carefully observed how you guys acted around each other all said the same thing: Eddie Duran and his new friend are more than just "friends." Hell! Even videos show the opposite."

"Pictures? Witnesses? Videos? Why are people so caught up in this? We are just friends…" I whispered the last part, not conscious of that fact that leaned back on the chair and sunk deeper. Are we more than friends? I evaded my own conflict and proceeded to stand up. Melissa stood up as well.

"Where are you going?"

"Anywhere but here."

She shook her head, clutched my shoulders and pushed me, forcing me to sit back. A sly smile appeared on her face. I closed my eyes for a second to erase my thoughts, but they still lingered.

"You can't run away from the truth, Loren."

I opened my eyes only to glare at her. She waved it off and scooted her chair closer to the table. I sighed. "This is a stupid rumor created by the paparazzi and magazines who have nothing to headline."

"You say one thing, but you mean another." Her sparkling brown eyes looked over at me and a smile appeared on her face. "You're saying that you are only friends. But I'm not stupid; you don't think I notice how beet red your face gets when you talk about him? You don't think I saw how you basically melted in his arms yesterday? I can only imagine how your dismissive attitude hurts Eddie."

"What do you mean?" My glare on her softened, and my stomach sunk at the thought of hurting Eddie. Melissa shook her head disappointedly at me.

"Do you ever stop and think for how he feels about you? Do you take in consideration that maybe he feels something deeper about you than just "friends"? Loren, this man went through all the trouble to talk to you and to see you again. And I know you probably pushed me him away a dozen times; and a dozen times he stayed. He never forgot about you, and from what you have told me, he never gave up and kept going up to that hill to see you again. It doesn't matter if it was twice or even once that he went, the point is that he did go. And that's enough proof for me to say that you mean more than just a friend to him."

Melissa stood up, picked up her tray and looked at me one more time. "Just think about it and consider his feelings. There's just so much a person can take. Don't push him away again. Don't do what you did two years ago."

I sat frozen on my chair; I looked at Melissa helplessly because she was right. How much can Eddie take from me before he got fed up and left?

"Loren, answer this: do you want to be just friends with Eddie? Tell me no and I'll leave you alone."

She waited for my answer. She stood there and watched me and she knew that if I did say no, I would be lying. I couldn't lie to her, and I shifted my gaze from her knowing smile.

"I figured."

Then she left me alone to battle my confusion. I sat there on the chair, alone, wondering that maybe there is something between us. Maybe…

But there was possibility there wasn't. I sighed and stood up. With me followed my confusing turmoil.

A cool breeze blew my way as I was walking down the small steps of the school's entrance. I took careful steps and cuddled closer to my sweater. I walked down the cemented pavement, and carefully waited for the streets to be cleared from cars. Once the coast was clear, I walked across the street and ventured back home. My eyes casted down to the ground. My mind was elsewhere, and my heart pounded out of my chest.

I was turning around the corner when someone cleared their throat. I slowly looked up, leaving my gaze off my white Vans and turned my attention to the said person. My eyes widened for a mere second, then I continued walking. Suddenly, my path was blocked, the heels colliding against the hard floor, and her golden locks bounced in perfect synchronization with her movement. She eyed me for a moment, scrutinizing. Almost like she was trying to find something strange, different, new... something that's not there. She groaned and shook her head.

"What does he see in you?"

I raised my eyebrow and looked at her confused. "What?"

She crossed her arms and leaned closer to me. Her face was a couple centimeters away from me, her eyes narrowed and stared intently at my eyes. I slowly backed away.

"Don't pretend you don't know? What does the Eddie Duran see in you?"

I want to know too, I wanted to respond. I simply avoided her piercing gaze.

She didn't wait for my response and continued on her rant. "You're Loren Tate for crying out loud. Nobody likes Loren Tate. Not even you like yourself." I dismissed her remarks. "Why did Eddie choose you? I mean c'mon, you're so plain and boring." She crossed her arms and gave me one last scrutinizing look. "And you're not even pretty."

I stepped back from her and she took the initiative to find more flaws.

"And your hair is so dull and frizzy. And with the way you dress, you look like a boy most of the time. Don't even get me started on your skin tone. Is he into vampire looking freaks?"

I held a suspire, and I walked past her. I had too much on my head to be dealing with Adriana. Her words of insult bounced from my head, as I was too consumed with confounding thoughts of Eddie. I heard her heels smack the floor, letting me know she wasn't quite done with me. "Where are you going, Tate? You better come back here and apologize to me!" I shook my head and continued walking, ignoring her redundant remarks.

"You're going to pay for this!"

I turned another corner before fading from view.

As soon as the door shut behind me, my mother sprinted to the front door and bent down to catch her breath. She placed her hands on her knees and breathed heavily. I waited for her and when she looked up, I noticed the immense excitement in her eyes.

"I met Eddie today."

I raised an eyebrow and carefully nodded my head. "Okay…" She grabbed my hand and dragged me to the sofa. I found a comfortable position and laid back.

"I like him."

"Again, okay."

"And I think you should call him."

"What?"

"I said I think-"

"I heard what you said."

I stood up from the couch and walked towards my room. My mom followed suit and shut the door once we were both in. I threw my book bag over my desk and sat on my bed, kicking off my shoes.

"So, are you going to call him?"

"What? No."

My mother's smile faltered; I pulled my hair back in a ponytail while she sat down next to me. She turned to face me. I looked at her wearily. "Why are you so worked up on me calling him?"

"Because I approve."

"Of what?"

"Of both of you."

"Oh, well, thank you for your approval mom, but we're friends." I bit back my tongue. I was getting tired of my own dismissiveness. I laid on the bed. Her eyes followed my every movement. She heaved a sigh and shook her head. "Loren…" I waited for to continue; when she didn't, I stood up. I didn't miss her eyes filled with complete sadness. I walked towards my table and flopped down on the chair opening my laptop. Her eyes were still on me. She let out a hardly audible sigh.

"Honey, you can't be afraid your whole life."

"Who said I was afraid?"

I snapped. My eyes closed, and I controlled myself again. "Sorry." I muttered. She walked over to me and grasped my shoulders, squeezing it reassuringly. "I just want you to be happy." I stared at the black screen and shook my head. "I am happy."

"No, honey, you're not. And I can see it in your eyes."

"What makes you think I'm happy with Eddie?"

I whispered but her keen ears heard it. She smiled. "Because ever since you've met him, you're lighter in way, like a heavy load has been off your back. And do you honestly think I am oblivious to your conversations very early in the morning? I hear it all. I instantly wake up when I hear your gasps but stop from opening the door when I hear your quiet words, and I know you're better because you go back to sleep and no nightmares wake you up after."

My hands turned into fists and I shook my head. "What about you mom? You haven't been on a date since-"

"Don't turn this around me."

I looked up to meet her eyes and regretted doing so. I saw my nightmares being reflected in her dull orbs. The torment that always replays in my mind is shown in her eyes. I can't see my reflection, only my worst nightmare. She averted her gaze away me and smiled. I knew that smile too well. She opened the door and looked at me one more time. "Don't let him go Loren. Don't let Eddie get away because if you do, you'll live with 'what if's' and 'why's' for the rest of your life. And you don't want that. As for me, I'm not going to let Trent ruin my life. I'm not going let him ruin yours either, so please think about it. I just know that Eddie cares for you, I know that it pains him to see you hurt."

The door closed behind her and I continued to stare at the screen. I closed my eyes, attempting to stop the incoming tears. A tear betrayed me, and it rolled down my cheek. I rapidly wiped it away and concentrated on what to write for my report. My mind was off for a few minutes before it was interrupted by vibrations coming from my book bag. I reluctantly got up and took it out. I stared at the screen for three rings before answering. I swallowed and waited anxiously for his voice to appear on the other line.

"Loren?"

"Hi Eddie."

"You picked up!"

"Of course, I did. Why? Didn't think I'd answered you?"

"I thought you would answer but then hang up on me… again."

I frowned; I need to treat him better. "I'm sorry about that… so, what's up?"

He was silent for a few moments before sighing. "I was calling to see if you'd like to get together tomorrow for Valentine's…. or today. I figured since you're my Valentine and I'm yours we can spend it together… if you want."

I held my breath. "Maybe."

"Oh? Why don't I like the sound of that?"

"Maybe could mean yes."

"It could mean no, too. I can't pick you up, but I can send an Uber to get you."

"I can take my mom's car."

"Great! You should come, I'll text you my address. Pop up anytime you want."

"I should."

"You should."

"So, I'll see you later?"

"Absolutely." Eddie exhaled out of relief, "See you later, beautiful."

I ended call and sat down on the chair. I sighed and closed the laptop. A smile appeared and I bit my lip to disperse it. I began tapping on the chair in anxiety. I instantly looked at the time.

3:48 P.M.

I stood up and went straight to my mom's room.

I have no clue what came over me, but I needed to see him again.

"Okay honey, call me as soon as he tries to lay a hand on you inappropriately and Momma Tate will appear and beat the living hell out of him."

"Wow, I never believed there would come a day where I would hear you say that."

My mom rolled her eyes at me and gave me her car keys. "Now go so you can come back to me early. I still can't believe I'm allowing you to go to a grown man's house." She was pensive. "Or penthouse." She pushed me outside of the house, and I waved at her. Her eyes glazed with an unknown emotion. I got in the car; inside, I bit back a smile. I drove off.

I had parked my car on the side of the road. Once I paid for my parking ticket, I walked into the unfamiliar building. A friendly man with a kind smile welcomed me. "Good afternoon. How may I help you?"

I made my way towards him and he smiled warmly. My eyes hovered to his name tag, it had 'Jeffrey' labeled on it. "Hi Jeffrey, I'm here to see Eddie Duran."

He took out a black binder, and searched for Eddie's name. Once he found it, he read the content, and nodded knowingly. His smile faded. "You must be Loren Tate?"

"Yeah."

He looked at the binder conflicted. But nonetheless, he shook his head, pressed a red button and walked over to the elevator. "Everything okay?" I asked but he coaxed me to get in. "Yes. I am…" He looked at me contemplating. "I supposed she's left down the back exit." He gave me a nervous smile. I couldn't ask any further questions as the elevator doors closed. I leaned back on the metal walls and looked up at the numbers light up, correlating to the increasing levels. What did he mean by 'she'?

My thoughts were interrupted when the bell rung, and the metallic doors opened. I stepped out and looked for number 1901. Just my luck, it was the first door right next to the elevator. I stared at the number and I was about to knock when I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I deliberated on whether to go in or not.

He probably forgot to close it, I concluded but that didn't sound right. I shrugged and decided to go in. I pushed the door lightly and walked in uninvitingly.

I was received uninvitingly.

My mouth opened slightly, my eyes were silently welling up with tears, my heart was pounding, and I stood frozen in place as realization struck me hard like a lightning bolt. Worse. Like I was captured by a swirling tornado, which spun me around for a few seconds, but those seconds felt like hours and when I did land on the ground. I collided against the ocean, stomach first, and I drowned deeper and deeper. Realizing that my mom and Melissa and all those hopes, all their assumptions were wrong.

I was right.

I should've listened to myself. I should've never grown attached to him.

My eyes followed the scene in front of me. The two figures in an unbreakable lock. I watched the blonde's hands wondering all over Eddie, I heard the smacking of lips and her impatient sounds. I casted down my eyes. This shouldn't hurt as much as I did.

One Eddie. The other a woman.

I recognized her. She was the woman that was with him at the mall. His ex, the one he told me he broke up with. I looked up at them once more and a bitter smile formed. I sustained the tears and silently began to turn around. I wanted to leave this place; I wanted to run away and never see his face again. I clutched the doorknob.

"What the hell are you doing?"

I halted when his loud demanding voice filled with rage shouted at her. His voice send shivers down my spine. In the time I have known him, he has never sounded this furious. I heard her whimper and I felt so much incredulous fury radiating from Eddie.

I silently cursed as I was still in the room. As quiet as I could, I pulled the door forward and I took two step forwards, praying that he wouldn't notice me.

"Loren?" I held my breath. "Is that you?"

I bit my lip and nodded my head. I swallowed all my emotions before I turned around to face him. He stood a great distance away from the blonde. I notice a triumphant smile form on her face. Complete terror took over his. I avoided his gaze and he took a step forward.

"What are you doing here?" He barely managed to get out, almost like he choked before he was able to say it. I got angry as his question. What am I doing here? I looked up at him, I couldn't mask the pain, but that bit of angriness gave me enough fuel to respond. "You invited me to come over." I had never seen Eddie so helpless. I exhaled and shrugged. "I thought I could pass by. I'm sorry… for interrupting this." My voice was breathy and shaky and I hoped neither noticed. I held my breath to stop the tears that wanted to come out.

"You're not wanted here, little girl."

She spoke, venom laced everything she said. I stared at her briefly. And I felt so small, and so insignificant. I simply nodded. "Sorry."

"Don't listen to her, Loren. You didn't interrupt anything; she was just leaving."

My arm was back to my side and I stood there. "It's okay. I'll leave you guys alone." I turned around, but Eddie rushed to me. He grabbed my hand and stopped me from exiting his apartment.

"Stay," he pleaded. I looked at him and his eyes were begging me to stay. "Don't leave, please."

I stared hopelessly at him. My eyes searched his for answers. But I couldn't find any, and the desire to pull away and run away became poignant. He shook his head as if he knew what I was thinking. And I wanted to scream because when did he become so good at reading me. Why did I allow myself to be an open book with him? I searched his eyes desperately again; they were telling me something that I couldn't decipher.

"Chloe, leave." His gaze was fixated on mine, his hold on my hand tightened.

"What? But babe-"

"Leave! You and I have nothing else to say. Now go." He turned around to her; his eyes looking at her with a different emotion than when he looked me. He was angry.

He pulled me back inside, and I longed to be out. Chloe stomped on the floor like a child causing a tantrum because her dad bought her the wrong doll for Christmas. But she complied. As she walked past us, Eddie stood protectively in front of me. When she was at the door, she turned around to look at me with a smirk on her face. She still had the same triumphant look. She reminded me of Adriana who always needed to have the last word. Her malevolent gaze held my impotent one.

Why did I always let them get to me?

"Listen little girl, I recommend for you to leave right now and never come back because Eddie doesn't want you. He's using you. And when he gets what he wants he'll just throw-"

"Get out!" He abruptly left my side and suddenly pushed her outside. He shut the door with so much anger. But her words had already sunk deep. I registered every word and I began to wonder if I was just another toy to be played with? I stared at the ground and held my breath. I was soon looking at his iridescent brown eyes. He lifted my chin with his hand; with the other hand he gently stroked my cheek. He swallowed and he still had that pleading look.

Don't believe her. Nothing's going on. Please, don't believe her.

"Loren, let me explain, nothing happened-"

"You don't have to explain anything to me."

I pulled away from his caresses and stood a few feet away from him. He stepped closer. "I have to. I mean after what you saw I need to tell you. Loren, I don't want a misunderstanding between us. "

"We're nothing, Eddie." I blurted out.

Hurt flashed his eyes but it went away when shook his head. "Don't say that…"

"We're just friends… remember." Why does it hurt so much? "So, you don't have to give me an explanation."

This time the hurt look on his face came back and stayed. All the sudden I wanted to take back everything I said. But I couldn't, not when he hurt me so much.

"Loren, there's nothing between Chloe and me. We're over. Please, believe-"

Then why were you kissing her? I wanted to ask, but I couldn't find the words and it wasn't any of my business.

"Eddie… I have to go." I pushed him away, but he didn't let me go. I looked at our intertwined hands, his gripping my small hand tight.

"Let me explain myself. Chloe barged in here-"

"Is it true?"

He shut his eyes and controlled his ache and outrage. "What's true?" He choked.

"What Chloe said," I saw him hold his breath. My eyes were so close to spilling the tears I was holding back. "That I'm only another toy for you to use."

He cupped both of my cheeks and looked intently at my eyes. I froze, my eyes widened at the intensity he looked at me with. He breathed heavily. "Don't." He regained his composure. "No, Loren. You mean more than that. Don't believe a single word she told you. Never second guess me. Loren, please, you know I care about you. Why are you doubting me?"

I looked away from him. "I guess I'm used to being treated so harshly that it wouldn't be a surprise if those were your intentions."

"The last thing I want to do is hurt you, Loren."

You already did.

I slipped out of his embraced and walked towards the door again.

"Don't go… Stay with me."

I held the doorknob tight. "I think it's better if we stopped seeing each other for a while. That way I can clear my head, because obviously I misread our relationship. I don't know… we just know each other for a couple of weeks for crying out loud!"

My vision blurred; I couldn't hold back the tears. I wanted to terminate what I was feeling at that moment. A little voice in my head was telling me I was acting stupid and that I should trust him. And it felt right to trust him, but I was hurting so much. I shouldn't feel like this, but I was stuck in the past. And the past was silently consuming me. I should've believed him, but a part of me felt like all of this was a lie. It told me that this was all too good to be true, and Eddie would never look at me that way.

I'm nothing special. I'm no one.

I'm worthless.

And maybe he saw that, he saw how useless and broken I was and decided to play with me for a while. Making me feel special and wanted, but that was probably a façade. A part of his game. Maybe Adriana and Chloe were right. Why would Eddie Duran like damaged Loren Tate?

"I want you, Loren."

All his sweet words, all his gestures. Were they all fake, too?

"Please, stay with me."

He pushed the slightly opened door with his hand, and it stayed there, right beside me. With his free hand, he grabbed my waist and turned me around to face him. Pain and anguish were all written over his features. His body was rigid, yet he gently caressed my cheek, wiping my tears away. He was always so sweet and patient with me. Was that fake too?

I went back to earlier today, when Melissa told me she was positive that Eddie liked me. And I hate her for getting my hopes up, but I hate myself more for letting her. I went back to my mother when she came in the room and excitedly approved of him, encouraging me to go for it. Poor mother, how disappointed she'll be. I went back to the kind doorman; maybe if he didn't let me up, I wouldn't be where I am at this instant. I went back to a few minutes ago when I noticed the opened door. I should've stepped back and left. I should've, that would've prevented all of this.

He leaned closer to me, a few centimeters separating us. "I have never lied to you, Loren. Believe me when I tell you how beautiful you are. Believe me how it pains me, it hits me in the gut, when you deny it. Since I've met you, not a few weeks ago, but two years ago in our spot. Since that day, I knew I wanted to be a part of your life. And when you disappeared all the sudden, I didn't know what to do. I felt so lonely, because who was I going to talk to up on that hill? Then I met you again and this time I'm not going to let you go. I tried everything to be around you. Loren. I tried everything to see you again. There hasn't been a minute of the day that you don't cross my mind."

Please, stop.

"Nothing compares to you, beautiful. Nothing will ever, ever compare to how you make me feel."

No more.

"I've never seen nothing like you... So, please, stay with me."

"Please... Let me go, Eddie."

"No."

He placed his other hand on my other side, preventing any escape. I shook my head and gripped his shirt.

"Let me go."

"No, Loren."

I pushed him, but he only tightened his hold. Tears rolled down, and I pleaded. He shook his head and leaned closer. His body was firm, his face showed determination. With my small fists I plundered on his chest. "Let me go." I repeated. But he never listened; instead he pulled me closer and wrapped his arms around me. How can a day make a bad turn? How can something beautiful turn out to be a lie?

How can this be happening? All of it was a lie. I'm just here to be used and then to be thrown away. It was too good to be true.

My body shook, my head was spinning, my heart was caving in, and everything was becoming blurry. But Eddie's embrace was only becoming stronger by the second. A part of me wanted to melt in his embrace and believe everything he said. But I couldn't.

For a moment, I thought he was it. He deceived me into believing it. All those early morning phone calls post-nightmares; all those sweet caresses and kind words. What part of it all was real? Were they all a lie? So much confusion inundated my thoughts. My head couldn't stop spinning.

"Stay."

"Eddie-"I choked. "You're hurting me."

His body froze, his embrace loosened, and I was able to get out. The last thing I saw before I got out of there was his face. Filled with distress and pain. The last thing I saw was his fist collide against the wall. And I left.

He never did chase after me.

But what did I expect?

Author's Note:

Song: "Never Seen Nothing Like You" by Nate HighField

Don't hate Eddie, we all make mistakes. And don't hate Loren, she'll come to her senses and trust Eddie again.

R&R xoxo julia-neHH