Tangled Love

I blink several times, feeling like I'm sensitive to the entire world right now. I let out a low groan, the pounding in my head growing to be ten times worse.

"Is this a hangover?" I mutter rhetorically to myself, clutching the sides of my head. My eyes squint as they adjust to the brightness. I glance around, realising I'm still at Ivory's house.

"Happy Birthday to me . . ." I sing bluntly, massaging my sore temples. My thoughts turn back to last night.The party. Austin and Jake.

Jake.

It's that exactly moment that I realise what I've done. My mouth falls open with shock and snap it shut again. "No, no way. What have I done?" I murmur, my head falling into my hands. Holy Mother of Jesus.

I told Jake my secret.

I climb out of bed quickly, glancing down at my outfit from last night. It's crumpled up, clinging to my body unattractively. I pull at the material, grimacing from the way it feels against my skin.

Ivory know I spent the night

Jake bail on me last night?

a soft knock on the door, snapping me out of my thoughts.

clearing my throat. The door opens and Ivory pops her head around. Her auburn hair is pulled back into a messy ponytail, dark bags underneath her eyes.

sign of a

"Hey Emily," Ivory said softly, entering the room and closing the door behind her. I give her

here." I mumble, staring at the floor instead of making eye contact.

it." Ivory smiles.

I ask, feeling my muscles relax. Ivory laughed quietly, reaching up to rub her temples.

paying for it today though, I feel like I've been dragged through a rose bush backwards." She groaned, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes meet with mine, flashing briefly with sympathy.

a place to crash,

my secret or not. I try and not think of Jake telling Ivory every last detail I

I appreciate it," I respond tightly,

bed and heading for the door. I inhale deeply before following her close behind. The smell of warm pancakes and chocolate wafts