Tangled Love

I stand in the doorway, glancing around hesitantly. A daunting feeling washes over me as I try to imagine living somewhere else beside from the place I've called home for the past sixteen years. Change.

Change is scary, difficult to adjust to.

The last major change in my life was the death of my father which lead to meeting Trevor. That change ruined my whole life. That change is the cause of my night terrors, my anxiety and my fear of people. I feel my heart rate increase inside my chest as I continue to study the inside of Jake's house.

He doesn't sense my hesitation and walks straight in, placing my bag down before turning towards me. When he notices the expression on my face, he frowns. I decide to try and explain because I know I must look terrified right now.

"I'm not sure this is going to work out. It's too much to ask of you. Look at this place," I murmur, glancing around at the tall ceilings and beautiful decor.

It's all so. . . intimidating.

Jake doesn't respond and takes a step towards me, taking hold of my hand. Warmth instantly heats it up, travelling up my arm.

"You don't need to look so scared," He says quietly, his eyes flickering between both of mine. When I look into them, I feel the panic inside of my chest begin to melt away. Jake clears his throat and continues —

about you Emily and this is the safest place for

never heard anything say those specific words to me for years. Someone cares about me. For someone who's felt so lonely and isolated in this world, Jake's words are music

arms around his neck. The heavy burden on my shoulders feels like it's reduced slightly and I have Jake to thank for that.

can hear the thumping of his heart under his shirt. Moments pass between us and he doesn't respond but his body relaxes further

what — " before he can finish, he pauses, clearing his throat. My body stills as I

I feel his arms drop from around me and

for a while, his eyes falling around my features. I hear him let out a sigh before he turns away, heading for my bag. He picks it up effortlessly, beginning to

or follow me up Muffin?" He asks me, turning around to give me a playful raised

at him, following him close behind. He lets out a low chuckle, his wide shoulders vibrating

"We've already been through this,

I can't see his face, I can sense the smirk behind his words. I roll my eyes and decide to drop the topic because I'll never win with someone as stubborn as Jake Melvin.

a few posters hung on the wall and a computer desk. The left side of the room has a punching bag hung from the ceiling looking battered and bruised. A pile of weights are stacked neatly beside it.

I scan the rest of the room which is surprisingly tidy for a eighteen year old possible gang member. Huh, so Jake Melvin is a clean freak.

You're welcome to come and spend time with me in here." Jake winks in my direction. How does he manage to remain

squeak. I can feel my cheeks burning with heat and curse myself for blushing.