Emily I was at my dorm, safe and comfy. To be honest, ever since I'd been back from the hospital, I'd never stepped out. I was scared. Really scared.

I read the comments people made about me online. Some sympathetic, others saying I deserved it. The Whistleblower posted about my accident and even when I left the hospital.

Ava had teased me that I'd become a local celebrity now, but I didn't want to be a celebrity. I liked being unknown by everyone but my professors. It was all too much for me. I glanced at my legs, leaning back on my chair as I munched on some chips, another hand playing around with my laptop. Because of my fear of going out, Ava took it upon herself to bring her notes from every class and bought whatever it was I needed. Luckily, the university provided the best of everything, so I didn't need too much things. She got me gifts, and made herself available at all times.

She was so sweet, but I didn't want to be a burden. I was planning on leaving for the library at some point during the week.

However, one thing that made me feel better than before was Julian calling. I didn't even know why I was excited, but I just was. He sounded sincere with his apologies. He did have a point about it being his fault... it'd all blown out of proportion and now my face was everywhere. Who would believe that I wasn't dating him now?

I sighed, getting up from my desk, concluding that I wouldn't be able to study no matter how much I tried.

It was nighttime and I laid on my bed, scrolling through my phone when it started buzzing.

[Emily] [Mom's sick. We need some money.] My grip on my phone tightened as I deleted the message and blocked the number.

I knew it was all just a play to get something from me by Ronald. I didn't want to have anything to do with him. I had enough to deal with.

That didn't stop my hands from shaking with nervousness though.

I was awoken by midnight by Ava. A wide smile was on her face. I looked over her and commented. "You're going somewhere?" She grinned. "Yup. Ethan Morgan is hosting a party." Then she turned sad. "It'd be cool if you weren't in crutches." I laughed nervously. "No, no, no. It's fine." At least now I don't have to think of an excuse, I thought gratefully.

She smiled comfortingly and hugged me.

"If you need anything, just call," she told me, getting up and struting out the door.

And so I was left alone. And I fell right back into sleep.

Except... I had a nightmare.

Of chains and whips, screaming, curse words all thrown at me and tears running down my face as my body shook in bed.

"Leave me alone," I whimpered multiple times.

Truly, it was a nightmare I wanted to forget about.

****

Two days had passed and it was finally time for me to move. To get up. And I did. Shakily. Ava wasn't home and I felt claustrophobic now. I needed to do something with myself.

I sucked it up and took a car around to the school library directly from my dorm because I obviously had crutches, and I didn't want anyone to see me.

Sat faraway from everyone's sight, I browsed through the books. But when I tried to reach for a book higher than my height, I winced.

I let out a breath. I didn't want to ask for help from anyone so I didn't bother.

"Need help?" I glanced up to see Julian's friend, Ethan. "Uh..."

He smiled. "Hi, Emily. You look well." "Thanks," I said, still confused.

He laughed, then looked around before he whispered. "Okay, I'll get straight to the point: Julian wants to see you, and I'm here to deliver." I gave him an incredulous look. "D- deliver?!" He nodded, taking out his phone to place a call. "Hey." "What? Is there a problem?" Julian's smooth voice asked through the speakers.

"Nope. Just wanted to tell you I'm at the library to see Emily." "Okay, cool." Then the call ended, and I was left with the hairs on my body standing, my heart racing hard and my ears tingling from hearing just those few words. And I didn't know why.

"So?" Ethan probbed.

I hesitated.

He grinned. "Nothing's going to happen to you, I promise. I'm not a creep and I'm not stupid enough to do anything to harm you." Refusing would be rude. He'd already called Julian in front of me so what more did I need? Plus, I was... curious.

So I nodded. "Okay," I whispered.

He followed me out of the library, and I kept my eyes forward, trying to ignore the glances.

Hopefully this wouldn't be a problem.

He helped me into his car the moment we stepped outside and promptly started the engine, driving away from the building. The car drive was silent for a moment before Ethan asked me if I was alright.

I shrugged. "The doctor said I'll be out of my crutches soon, so it'll be fine." "You're not even worried about who hurt you and all?" he continued to ask.

I thought about it. "They couldn't find the person, and I don't know the person. I can't really be angry even if I want to because at least I survived." And I get a chance to continue school, get great grades and get a really good job. I'd get a chance to live a good life before death. A first in my family, sadly.

Ethan hummed, steering the car farther from other school buildings. "You seem to have an interesting look in life. Revenge isn't a bad idea sometimes." I shrugged. I actually didn't have anything against revenge or being hateful and angry, it's just that I tried and I just could never execute it. I didn't have the confidence nor power. So I just gave up on it. I wished I could say that it's peaceful this way, but it wasn't.

It was nice watching it in the movies though.

Ethan didn't try to continue the conversation and let the silence settle.

The buildings got more and more unfamiliar as we drove, but I didn't ask questions, which was probably dumb because what if he was kidnapping me?

It took a lot of minutes till we reached a very reserved neighborhood that from the outside you could tell not just anybody could enter. We got through after some security checkup and parked by a large building complex. I followed Ethan as we walked inside.

There were so many steps to go through that I was already exhausted by then. I just wanted to sit down and rest.

After going through an elevator, we stopped at a door and knocked. I looked around the fancy walls and marble floors feeling grossly uncomfortable.

The door opened and I returned my attention to it.

Then I saw him.

He stood tall and handsome, his eyes lighting up when he gazed down on me.

"Hi, Emily," Julian said, his smile slowly taking my breath away.

My stay at my parents' house for the week wasn't over yet, but I used the excuse of school to come see Emily.

The building was too empty, suffocating and just... nothing I wanted to be in, so I walked out early in the morning, not taking breakfast despite my mother's insistence.

I'd had an encounter with my father, and I'd honestly admit that it was the scariest I'd ever seen him. That powder on the floor seemed to really anger him. And it made me more curious and suspicious.

Somehow, I was going to find out what his deal was. I could never be in the know of his deeper dealings with people in higher positions, but I knew I'd find out somehow. Soon.

My thoughts went to my friend, Ethan. Getting Ethan to do my bidding again wasn't hard. He seemed really to sort of like Emily, which I ignored. He wasn't dumb enough to try anything as my friend.

He'd communicated with the culprit of Emily's injuries and got back to me. Now we just wait.

I waited in silence at my place, my thoughts on Emily. What will she think when Ethan comes to see her? How would she act when we meet? If she agrees, that is.

Fortunately, she actually did.

And I found her by my door dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans. Her focus was elsewhere before her eye met mine.

My heart constricted when I saw her crutches, and it did even more when I looked at her face.

She offered me a small smile when I offered her a wider one.

I let her in, and nodded at Ethan who proceeded to leave.

Closing the door behind me when she got inside, I simply observed her scanning my home with fascination. She moved in small steps each time, her hands tracing the walls and her eyes gazing up.

Usually, I'd curse out anyone doing that, but I liked her looks of geniune interest.

This also gave me the chance to notice the littlest things about her, like her tiny necklace and her cute dangling earrings, or that her hair was packed into a ponytail.

Then she turned to look at me, and I watched her flush, seeing it dawn on her that she was probably acting like she was at a museum.

"Sorry," she muttered.

"You didn't do anything wrong," I told her, walking towards her as I helped her sit down on the couch. "Let me get you something to eat and drink." "No, I-" she tried to refuse.

"I'm the one who called you here," I reminded her. "Let me get you something." I got her some snacks and orange juice, returning to her side immediately.

I noticed her shifting, but I didn't point it out. I motioned her to eat and she started doing so.

"So how's everyone treating you?" I asked.

"I haven't really gone to class yet, so I don't know. Ava's been really nice though, and people online are..." she trailed off, a trace of sadness in her voice.

"But it's fine," she suddenly spoke. "I can take care of myself, and nobody will bother me again because we're not dating." I knew she didn't want to talk about this again, so she switched to talking about school. Which I, admittedly, was uninterested in hearing about. But it was fine, I just wanted to hear her talk.

And having her comfortable around me was important too.

I glance at my phone, finding a message. [Hi, Julian. It's Angelina Ross, remember me?] I looked back at Emily, like it was nothing serious, and her face held no suspicions, drinking her juice. My eyes stayed on her throat, paying attention to her swallowing and cleaning her mouth after.

I gulped, unable to look away. She finished and smiled at me, none the wiser. "Thanks for the snacks and drink." I leaned forward, letting out a breath to calm myself. "It's no big deal. I have enough food that I don't eat. If you want, you can come over everyday."

I watched in amusement as she blushed. "I'm joking," I said.

I was not.

She said nothing, her face still pink.

It was a few minutes later, and she was ready to go. I didn't want to see her leave, but I knew I couldn't force her because I was trying to make her actually like me.

I called a cab and didn't allow her leave until the person notified that they were outside waiting.

We were by the door as I spoke to her, with me leaning on the wall and Emily finding it hard to look me in the eye.

"While I was joking about coming over everytime," I began. "You could call me anytime you want. If I'm not available, you can call Ethan." She looked at me with confusion and wonder on her face. "Why are you doing this?" she finally asked.

I sighed, not surprised by the question. "Because I think we're... friendly now. And I don't want anything to happen to someone I consider a friend." I continued. "I also want to see you happy.

We're not officially friends yet, but I hope we can be eventually." "Oh," she replied, her expression a mixture of emotions. "Thank you." I reached for a strand of her hair and played with it. "You don't have to say thank you everytime, you know." She backed away from me, looking down on the ground. "It's manners." Then oh-so-quietly that I almost didn't hear it, she added, "You should learn some." My eyes widened, and a surprised laugh came out of my mouth as my hand was frozen in the air. She really was... everything I liked.

I said nothing in reply and after giving her Ethan's number and forcing her to save my number, I followed her to the elevator and helped her get inside.

I badly wanted to follow her inside right to the cab, but I wasn't stupid. Anyone could see us together.

So I watched the doors close and waved a good bye. Then I walked back into my house, sat back on my couch and sighed.

Her scent was everywhere, just like blue berries with a hint of honey. I took in as much as I could as I closed my eyes, already missing her presence.

I stretched my hands a bit before placing it back down, then I realized I touched something.

I frowned, opening my eyes to see an... earring.

I instantly knew who it belonged too, though I almost forgot she wore jewelry.

I smiled to myself as I held it in my palms. I'd definitely see her soon.

My phone buzzed. I sighed when I looked at it and picked it up. "Hello." "Call Angelina Ross and ask her out on a date, Julian," my father's cold voice spoke. "This is not a request." Then he hung up.

My jaw tightened, mood already ruined as I sat in place.

I looked through the second message that Angelina sent.

[I don't know if you're busy now, but we can talk whenever you're free] So I placed a call to her, doing as my father demanded, though obviously reluctant.