Tangled Love

My bedroom door flings open, the lock completely falling apart from the force. Jake stands in the doorway, his chest rising and falling heavily.

He looks angry, really angry.

"What the hell was that Emily?" he yells at me, eyes narrowed. I stand up off my bed and face him, my hands clenched angrily by my sides.

"Do you know how much I had to convince him to take you round there? He isn't someone you walk away from! He wanted to help you!"

His tone is icy and his face becomes cold, emotionless. I suck a breath, the anger inside me increasing until it's ready to explode.

"How dare you take me there without even asking me first Jake! I told you I don't want to live in fear anymore and you put my safety in the hands of a gang leader. He has a gun Jake, a freaking gun! Do you know how scared I was?" I say sadly, my voice breaking. I take a step forward, challenging Jake who's now silent, thinking carefully about my words.

"Taking me there made me realise how little I know you. You say they shouldn't be messed with but you're one of them, aren't you?"

Jake's eyes lit up with fire, his whole posture turning rigid. I knew my words have angered him, his entire body seizing up.

"I'm not one of them," he says bluntly, his voice quiet. His fists are clenched and he stares at me directly, eyes never blinking.

lying." I respond, shaking my

hands of a gang leader.

back, his usual beautiful features twisted with anger. I feel a pang of hurt stab through my heart and I blink before hitting back at his

myself!" I hit back, my voice wobbling as I speak. I knew my words are a lie but I need to say them out loud for myself. If I can't protect myself,

whisper, my voice

"I'm not Trevor, I won't hurt

tightly. My entire body is shaking as Jake picks me

your eyes."

them slowly and stare back at my reflection in the mirror. Jake is lifting my top up, exposing the blue and black bruises that are now slowly fading. They look alien next to my tanned skin, holding painful memories. I feel my eyes fill with tears and I look away, repulsed at the sight of me. Jake still has hold of my arms and is standing behind

your body, look at what he did. It kills me to see you like this Emily." His words echo down my ear and I squeeze my eyes shut, tears sliding down the side of my cheek.

"He was willing to help you. We all want to help

arms. They fall limply against my side and I let out a muffled cry as Jake leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. My body sinks into the floor, heavy sobs overcoming

battle I can't win

*****

her head round before joining me on the bed. She takes one look at my red eyes and pounces on me, wrapping me up in a hug. I hold onto her tightly, grateful to have her with me right now.

"Jake will look after you, I promise. He know's what