Tangled Love

I have to prepare myself for that because right now, my emotional state is on the line. How can I tell him how much I care about him anymore than I already have? I'm not prepared to stand by and allow him to use me and throw me away once he's done with me. If Tobias' words are true, I need to distance myself away from Jake and be nothing but friends.

I don't plan on avoiding Jake but somehow I'm aware of every step he takes and the small movements of his head as he turns to look at me. I can't bring myself to maintain eye contact with him because I'm afraid I'll break down in frustrated tears. Why do boys have to be so damn complicated?

I focus my energy on Ivory because right now, I need a friend.

"I can't wait to go back to college and see Trish. I'm seriously missing her chatting my ear off." I tell Ivory, glancing at my watch. There's only two weeks to go before we're back in school and my best friend comes home from being on holiday. I feel like I've lost my right arm without Trisha Lockwood in my life. Ivory nods, agreeing with me.

"Trish definitely needs to throw some fun in our direction. I feel like a slob binge watching Netflix all day." She chuckles, taking a bite from her toast. I giggle with her, lifting my mug and taking a sip of my coffee. Jake enters the kitchen, his shoulders physically tense and his jaw locked with tension. I avert my gaze, studying the fascinating checkered print on the dining table inside.

Ivory notices the hostility and awkward tension hang in the air and she raises an eyebrow —

"Trouble in paradise?" She asks us both. Jake turns to glare at her. "Shut up Ivory."

rising to my cheeks. Ivory looks up at Jake and waits for him to respond but he never does. The air grows increasingly thick with tension and I feel myself beginning to shrink inside my chair.

the issue is between Jake and

blurted out, annoyed at the mention of her brother. Ivory stood up, walking over to the

always been really close, like brothers. Two years ago, Tobias did something that hurt Jake. He still hasn't let it go and

intrigued to know. Ivory gives me a small smile before adding —

to say, you should ask Jake. He's a good person Emily, he doesn't trust many people. What Tobias said wasn't true, even I can tell you that."

for her keys, leaving me alone. I sit in silence for a few moments, inhaling and exhaling deeply.

pulling me away from my distressed thoughts. I looked up to see a women dressed smartly in a deep plum suit that contrasted perfectly against her skin. Her hair fell around her shoulders in soft dark curls and she had strikingly similar features to Jake. I stood up, pulling

 Jake's mum. They both had a gorgeous smile. I held my hand out nervously

said politely, pushing down the nerves. She smiled at me before walking over to the kettle.

need to call me Mrs Melvin, that title disappeared a

Her voice was smooth with a hint of maturity, she oozed sophistication. I nodded at her words before taking a seat, placing my hands in my lap. I fiddled with my hands nervously before remembering I had to thank her.

letting

look so worried. I