Chapter 5





Hollowing my cheeks I bit the inside of them, impatiently tapping on the steering wheel. Parked outside of British Enterprise I waited, rather impatiently for Cameron as I saw a figure from my side view trudging through the parking lot in the distance. I felt like a toddler, waiting for the upcoming pep talk. I knew my actions were intolerable, and that I would eventually be scrutinized for my attitude. Never did I think it would be from my best friend; definitely from my mother, but never from my best friend.


“What in bloody hell is wrong with you!” A rather strong grip on my hand pulled me out of the car.

My eyes were met were frosty forest greens, and I lightly stumbled from fright. His appearance quite different than what I had become accustomed to, he stood quite tall and lean in a suit tailored to fit all of his masculine assets. It’s sleeves covering up all his tattoos; one could say he cleaned up. I had to remind myself that he was who I hated, and not someone who I could be attracted to.

“Don’t touch me!” I rubbed my wrists, frowning at his harsh actions.

“How dare you act like that in there!” He yells and I shoot him an incredulous glare.

“You are not my parent. I suggest you stop laying your filthy paws on me, and go bother one of the blonde harlots. I’ll go buy you a leash; maybe a diamond encrusted one would suit your taste.” I growled back opening the car in hopes for an escape, but with one swift motion he slams it shut again.

“Do not speak to me like that.” He growls back, and my hand had met his cheek yet again. His posture never faltering, he simply shakes his head. “You ought to know that slapping me won’t do you much justice.”

“You!” I pushed at his chest narrowing my eyes at him, as he chuckled. “Stop making my life difficult, and leave me the hell alone! I, I act like a barbarian around you, and it . . . it makes me mad that I can’t, not want to choke every ounce of oxygen out of you!” I shout, hopping into the car before he could respond back.

Pressing the lock button down, as he attempted to pull the door open, I reversed, shot him the middle finger, and sped off towards campus. And after a few minutes I had found myself parked in front of the frat house, my head buried in my hands. Heels resting on the leather seats, no doubt making impressions into the expensive Italian leather; I wondered what my mother would have thought. Mask your emotions dear Emilia . . . You are weak if you let men see you unmasked. Her usual remarks replayed over, and over in my head. Almost like a scratch on a vinyl. To the best of recollection, never had I once let my inner demons resurface. I kept my mask secured on and knew that the only time one could ‘let it all out’ was in the comfort of ones own home. This situation wasn’t as serious, but it stirred things within me that I couldn’t quite absorb.

This Henry, or whatever his name was made me appear choleric. Something, I was far from. Maybe. My subconscious had budded in. My mother had cared for me with such meticulousness, that I didn’t really know how to feel with the latest ‘changes’. Of course, I had my binge days back in high school. Where I had found myself acting almost brainless at times. A quite unusual time where I had been drawn to going out and being free. But, I knew in the end that continuing in this corrupted pattern of freedom that I had grown to become slightly accustomed to, was not who I was. Or so I had told myself. Neatly tucked away in the rear end of my memories I had already become quite acquaint with college life way before I had even entered. I reminded myself that it wasn’t something I wanted to re-live, although I knew the pattern had picked up again, over my short stay at BSU.

The knocks on the glass door beside me, made my heart skip a few beats. Peering up I noticed a slightly irritated Cameron. Pushing the car door open, I grabbed my belongings, and stepped out.

“I know what you’re going to say Cami. Just save it.” I growled slightly, locking the door behind me.

The cold rush of wind and my heels sounding awfully similar to horse clicks, I made my way towards the house without falling headfirst. I shouldn’t wear six-inch heels to work. I remind myself, but a small hand grabs my upper arm.

“Hey. I’m proud of you.” She smiles pulling me into a hug.

“You’re what? Why!” I hug her awkwardly.

“Because you didn’t tolerate his shit. I haven’t seen you like that since the day you moved into our hometown.” She smiles, rubbing my arm gently.

“It’s like the real you is hidden underneath this preppy exterior. You need to let loose . . . stop worrying about the outcome. Just have fun.” She smiles, opening the door to the house.

“What did you two do.” Louis greets us pulling me aside.

“I didn’t do anything.” I lie.

“Oh yes you did. Harry called me asking where you were. He went off to the fight, but assured me that he would ‘ring your little neck’.” Lou air quoted, chuckling.

“What fight?” I ask.

“Between him and Bradley! Awh it’s wicked, you should totally come along-” He was cut off by a round of ‘shh’s’ and his eyes immediately widened. “You weren’t supposed to know about that.” He murmurs.

“Well, why not?” I cross my arms over my chest.

“Well, for one we could all be arrested.” He sighs, scratching the back of his neck. “Listen if you want you can come, just don’t mention it to anyone outside of the frat unless you’ve seen them at matches.” He warns, and I shake my head like a impatient preschooler. “Meet me at Acerbus Hall. Ask for me. And um wear something different.” He picks at my blazer.


My eyes scanned over the old brick that seemed to be withering away year by year. Cars haphazardly parked all over the parking lot, I nervously glanced over at Cameron. Was this the right decision?

“Zayn told me they’re setting up and no one’s allowed in yet. We should probably head in now.” She grins nervously pulling me towards the burly college frat.

“Louis invited us.” Cameron smiled, as the college student grazed his eyes over the both of us.

“Go in.” He muttered, pushing the door open with one hand. “Down the hall, and to the right. Open the door, and head on down.” He instructed us before pulling the door shut.

“Wasn’t he pleasant.” Cameron sarcastically remarked, clutching onto my hand.

The faint smell of copper and week old sweat tang, made both of our eyes slightly water. There was no conclusive proof that either of us would be safe; only that we had each other. The halls were dark, and the moon made the path merely visible. Our shoes tapping against the thin flooring, my hand traveled along the walls until we were met with a doorway.

“I guess this is it.” Her hands shake slightly as she opens the door to head in. Distant sounds of chairs being dragged along the floor; Cameron and I made it to the middle of the room before someone had noticed us.

“Lou! Zayn! Girls are here.” A tall brunette yelled out.

“You came!” Zayn smiled at us, before draping an arm over Cameron.

“And you’re wearing normal clothes?” Louis cocked a brow, handing me a cup full of liquid.

“Trying to drug me already?” I suspiciously eyed the drink, before looking up at Louis.

“You know me too well.” He winked, but motioned for me to follow Zayn. “Stay back there until the fight starts.”

Slowly making my way over to the closed doors, I pushed it open slightly revealing majority of the frat house. Including Henry. Fidgeting slightly I wandered over to the corner, and sat down. Avoiding the burning green eyes that had followed my every move since I had walked in. I took a sip of the strong liquid before looking up.

His forearms leaning on his upper thigh, he no doubt was mentally reenacting my death. Didn’t someone ever tell him that staring at someone is creepy? Taking another sip of the drink, my eyes trail up to meet his again. Anger practically oozing out of his pores; His shoulders were tense, and his posture was rigid, as more people piled into the room beside us.

“Alright Harry. Fight starts in five.” Louis tugged at his arm pulling him up and out of the seat. Harry? Who’s Harry?

“Right.” Foreign jerk stands, and it all makes sense. He wasn’t Henry, he was Harry.

His eyes meet mine briefly, but turn back to the door. Louis from the distance strides over to me, and links his arms with mine. “This will help you get through the crowd. No one else will let you through.” He reassures me, and I clutch onto his arm as we pushed through the large mosh of college kids.

Blares of names, and who the crowed routed for was being belted out by the army of students. I assume all of them gambling money on this fight, I reverted my eyes from the ring, and onto the floor. Fighting, and severe damage was always something I didn’t enjoy. I hated the gambling, I hated the fighting, and I hated the crowd. Never come to one of these again. I mentally scribbled it down in my head.

“Hey! What are you doing here?” A British voice from behind me shouts in my ear. Turning to meet Stephen’s aqua blue eyes, he shines me a killer smile before looking back up at the game.

“Someone invited me!” I shout back, and he shoots me a weird stare.

“You shouldn’t go to things like this! You might get hurt. Majority of em people here are all drunk lads looking for fun!” He yells over the loud shouts, before shouting himself.

“Sorry.” He muttered, pointing an index finger at the claimed winner. “That Styles kid is amazing. He hasn’t lost a fight since he started, everyone bets on him.” He shakes his head in approval, and I roll my eyes.

“No wonder half the college girls go crazy.” I laugh looking around for Louis brown hair in the crowd.

“Ah so I’ve heard. No one’s been able to tie the lad down. I mean unless it’s in bed.” He laughs, and I cringe. The thought of someone wanting to tie him down was revolting, and the thought of sex made my head feel slightly dizzy.

“You seem to not like that idea, huh?”

“I don’t like him or the idea.” I mutter, sipping on my drink as everyone piles out of the steamy basement.

“Hey I was wondering if maybe after this a grub or noch?”

“To grab a what?”

“To grab a bite to eat!” He laughs, and I ponder on whether I should or shouldn’t. My stomach screamed ‘feed me’, and my brain craved sleep.

“I’m a, I’m a bit tired. But I’m really hungry too. So food it is!” I laugh as Stephen pulls me out for our late night cravings.

But in the back of my mind, I could feel something rising. I wasn’t sure if the awkward feeling was foreshadowing some sort of problem tonight, but it defiantly indicated that something wasn’t happy.



Our laughter’s filled the seemingly popular café although it’s popularity didn’t drown out our loud banter. A few miles off central Palo Alto, Stephen and I had ordered a few drinks, and laughed over old memories. My cheeks burned, and my stomach ached but it never faltered around Stephen. He made life not seem so dreadful. It was refreshing in a sense, although for an odd reason I still felt everything was a bit off. Not with Stephen but with my surroundings. It felt like an unknown time clock was ticking in the background; you didn’t know when it would stop or if it would anytime soon.

“You okay?” He asked, sipping on a random smoothie we had asked the waiter to order.

“Yea, I just feel a bit off. Like that eerie feeling something’s going to happen.”

“Well we’ve been having a wicked time, I would hate if that ruined it.” A muffled jingle, and Stephen held up a finger. Agreeing, and disagreeing to whatever the person on the other line had told him, he sighed in defeat looking up at me.

“I’m really sorry Midge, but I have to run. My mum’s car broke down on the way here. Can I drive you home?” He scratched the back of his head, as I shook my head.

“No, I’m okay. I need some fresh air. Say hi to mum!” I smile, and he hugs me quickly before bolting out of the door.

Grabbing my bag, I pull it over me, and head out of the café letting the crisp night air refresh my senses. The place screamed silicone, but it was better than being home. This place, and its inhabitants weren’t all that much of a difference, but it wasn’t home, and I thanked that it wasn’t. I was free for once, and it made me happy that I could do the things I wanted without having been bashed at as soon as I stepped foot at home. It scared me when I thought that if I hadn’t agreed to come to this school, that I would be home doing something even worse.

A strange noise from behind me pushed me out of my conscious thoughts. I turned my head slightly noticing a dark figure looming far behind. The figure noticing my gaze picked up his pace towards me, and I immediately picked my pace up as well. You’re just freaking out Mia that could be anyone. I reassure myself as I practically jog down the block. The street light beside me flickered on and off, the wind had picked up, and the darkness had set in. The eerie feeling that pranced in my stomach some time ago had resurfaced. Infused with a bit of bile, the feeling rose to my throat. Turning back slightly, the figure seemed even closer, and my feet started to run before my mind could even register what I was doing. A hard chest had blocked my mid-run, and I let out a shriek stumbling back onto the ground. Not bothering to look, I scurried to my feet, and bolted towards the forest behind me, as long fingers laced around my wrist.

“Emilia!” A deep voice pulled me into their chest. A bit relieved when met with Harry’s green eyes, I pulled back my wrist muttering little profanities to myself.

“What were you running from?” He pesters, and I look back to see the figure perched by the edge of the alleyway. Their features darkened under a hoodie and dim lighting, but just enough light to recognize it’s masculine stance.

“I thought he was following me, and I guess I just got scared.” I admit, and he looks up at the figure behind me before fishing for something in his jeans.

“Him?” I nod, and he unlocks his door before stuffing the key back into his pocket.

“Get inside the car.” He demands, and I glare at him crossing my arms over my chest.

“Don’t tell me what to do, Harry.”

“Get in the damn car Emilia, or I swear to god I’ll tie you onto the chair.” He growled clearly angry, and attempting to hold it back.

Once settled in the car he jogged over to the figure who seemed to scurry away at his presence. Harry disappeared into the dark alley as I sat nervously in his car. What if he’s hurt him, and I’m stuck in here with that dark ominous figure? A bunch of what if’s played through my head as I nervously tried to think of all the possible deaths this person could’ve done while I sat here. Thankfully, when I peered back up, Harry’s angry stance was stomping his way over to the car.

His knuckles were red, and bloody as they clutched onto the wheel of his car, but it didn’t faze him. Nothing did really. He seemed to be doing fine regardless of how terrible his knuckles look. “Harry you should clean that, it may get infected.” I mutter.

“I’ll survive.”

“At least let me clean the cuts up for you.” I offer, and he presses the gas pedal.

“Why were you wandering around in West Palo Alto. Do you know how dangerous that area is?” He scolds me while keeping his gaze on the road ahead.

“I just went to go for a bite to eat.”

“No girl travels a few miles from campus for a bite to eat. Who were you with?”

“Why does it matter?”

“It matters because you could’ve gotten raped, again.” He raises his voice at me in a parental manner, and I pout like a young child.

“I was with Stephen.” I whisper, and Harry slams on the breaks.

“And he left you there!” He exclaims.

“Yea, but-“

“I don’t give a shit. If you hadn’t decided to act like floozy maybe none of this wouldn’t have happened.” He yells back at me, but his words sting.

Harry had always assumed I had gotten around, and that whenever a boy was around that somehow I would end up fooling around with him although I never had. I stayed pure, although keeping my virtue till marriage wasn’t my intentions. I had never believed in waiting until marriage, just waiting until the right person came along. If I were at the right age, and I knew it was who I wanted to lose it too, then I would. The furthest I had ever gone to something involving sex was oral, and it was never preformed on me. Thankfully. But it still upset me that Harry saw me as some vile harlot who had liked sleeping with his friends.

“Stop the car.”

“What?” Harry questioned obviously taken off guard by my sudden answer.

“I said stop the car.” I growled grabbing my bag, and turning myself towards the door.

“No.”

“Stop the car, or I’ll roll out of it right now.” I warned as he pulled the car to a halt.

“Fine go fucking leave. Seems someone can’t handle the truth.” He hissed back, and I slammed the door behind me trotting my way back home as he sped off into the distance.

Who did he think he was? Judging people, and criticizing them on their looks. Hey I could’ve easily judged him too, but I stayed quiet respecting his boundaries. Ones he never knew of. I was angry, and slightly upset that I didn’t slap him again, but I knew even slapping him wouldn’t do much justice at all. The asshole wasn’t fazed by it.

“Get in the car.” A voice spoke from beside me.

Glancing sideways Harry’s car appeared beside me again, but I shrugged him off clutching onto my bag. Yes, I was cold. But I’d rather freeze than drive with him anyday.

“Get in the car, please.” He begged, obviously ticked off that he had to plead.

Don’t give in. Just keep walking Mia.

The car door slamming behind me caused me to look back angrily, and somewhat pick up my pace as an angry curly haired British boy stomped behind me. “Get back here Emilia!” He shouted as I kept my steady pace. “Emilia!” He shouted, and I turned and flipped him off before picking up my pace again. “That’s it.” He growled. A few distant stomps, and his long arms wrapped around my legs tossing me over his shoulder.

“Put me down!” I yell pounding at his back.

“No, you didn’t listen to me. Now you’ll get in the car . . . willingly of course, or I'll tie you to the roof.” He bargains, and I huff in defeat.

“I said put me down!” I grumble slapping his behind, as it was the only thing nearest that I could harm. A few seconds later he swats mine back, but harder.

“Harry! You did not!” I shriek, and hit his back.

“Oh because that hurts so much Emilia. Now shut up, and let me drive you back.” He grumbles slamming my door shut.

Notes

INCREDIBLY SORRY! I've literally been so busy with school work that I had no time to update! I do hope you like the update! Let me know your thoughts!