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 —

this is the safest place for you right now."

I've never heard anything say those specific words to me for years. Someone cares about me. For someone who's

Without thinking I walk towards him, wrapping my 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. His arms wrap around my small frame, returning the embrace.

. for everything." I murmur quietly against his chest. I can hear the thumping of his heart under his shirt. Moments

throat. My body stills as I wait for

drop from around me and he takes a step back. I

him a tight smile. He looks at me for a while, his eyes falling around my features. I hear him let out a

playful raised eyebrow. The sparkle

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

been through this, Muffin."

smirk behind his words. I roll my eyes and decide to drop the

the middle, a few posters hung on the wall and a computer desk. The

surprisingly tidy for a eighteen year old possible gang member. Huh, so Jake Melvin is a clean

with me in here." Jake winks

voice sounding more like a squeak. I can feel my cheeks