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."

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

after you." Jake argues back, anger lining his voice. I feel the

"You're not 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 a step back.

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

my birthday today but Mum has clearly forgotten. No-one else knows beside Trish. I pull my phone out of my pocket and glance at the screen. One message from

Happy Birthday Bestie! I'll see you in

my pocket, making a mental note to reply to her later. My gaze lands on Jake who's leaning against the doorway, watching me like

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

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

"Happy birthday, Muffin."