Tangled Love

“Hey! What's wrong?" Jake asks me, his expression confused. I mutter a brief explanation and turn towards Ivory in a hurry.

"Thank you both for letting me stay here.” I smile at her.

"You're welcome, don't be a stranger." Ivory smiles, holding out her arms as she signals for a hug. I return her smile, leaning in and embracing her. I can't thank her and Jake enough for being so kind to me. I make my way towards the door, glancing down and sighing at my clothes. When I push down the handle to leave, Jake's hand slams the door shut again, stopping me from leaving.

"Where are you going?" He questions me, frowning deeply.

"Home. I really have to leave, like now." I reply desperately, trying to open the door again. Jake shakes his head at me, his jaw tense with frustration.

you can’t."

I need to go!" I tell him firmly, feeling the panic inside me

back there. Let me look after you." Jake argues back, anger lining his voice. I feel the panic increase inside my chest and images of Trevor growing increasingly angrier by my lack of presence clouds

my hero Jake!" I yell at him, trying to make him see sense. Hurt flashes through his eyes and he lets go of the door before taking

with him, pulling the front door open. I silently wish Jake doesn't

No-one else knows beside Trish. I pull my phone out of my pocket and glance at the screen. One message from Trish.

see you in college soon! Love you

later. My gaze lands on Jake who's leaning against the doorway, watching me like a hawk.

my secret," I plead with him before turning around and hurrying down the driveway. I hear Jake follow me from behind and his warm hand slip in mine. The smooth feeling of paper falls into my palm and I feel him close my fingers around it.

I look at him. I don't have time to question his action so I wrap my hand around it tighter, not wanting to lose it. Before I can leave Jake leans close to me, bending down slightly. I feel his lips press against my cheek tenderly and I freeze, stunned to the spot. The skin sparks up with electricity from his touch and his lips linger before he pulls away. I inhale

"Happy birthday, Muffin."