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

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

arms around his neck. The heavy burden on my shoulders feels like it's reduced slightly and I have Jake to thank for that. He appears startled at first, his body rigid before it softens ever so slightly.

"Thank you . . . for everything." I murmur quietly against his chest. I can hear the thumping of his heart under his shirt. Moments pass between us and he doesn't

throat. My body stills as I wait for him to finish

his arms drop from around me and he takes a step back. I immediately miss his warmth but I

my features. I hear him let out a sigh before he turns

all day or follow me up Muffin?" He asks me, turning around to give me a playful raised eyebrow. The sparkle has returned in his ocean blue eyes making

lets out a low chuckle, his wide shoulders vibrating as I watch

through this, Muffin."

face, I can sense the smirk behind his words. I roll my eyes and decide to drop the topic because I'll never

room with walls that are decorated in grey and black stripes. There's a double bed in the middle, a few posters hung on the wall and a computer desk. The left side of the room has a punching bag

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

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

more like a squeak. I can feel my