"Don't do the crime, if you can't do the time."

****************

Chase's POV

At the moment, everything felt so uncertain.

What will happen next, is still an unknown. Will I ever be able to get through this and pull myself back up? I have no idea.

I still feel lost and out of character. I am still angry and hateful toward life for this cruel twist in events.

But, when she laid her head over my chest like this, when her arms wrapped around me, that wild muscle beating against my ribcage calmed down a bit. The voices throbbing against my skull became a fading echo as a peaceful comfort rushed down my veins, and for the first time today, I felt relaxed.

For the very first time today, I could breathe. In and out, without the pain pressing up against my chest.

I let my eyelids drop as my cheek pressed against the top of her head and her flowery scent invaded all of my senses.

It was insane, how much I felt for this girl. It was even crazier that somehow, she felt the same.

She edged her head back a fraction and looked up at me. Her eyes fell on mine, the unshed tears tightened my chest, the usual sparkle wasn't dancing in them, instead, they were pained, like she could feel my own.

My palm rested over her soft skin and I shook my head, "I don't want to be the reason behind your tears, Lilly." I said, addressing her previous sentence and the evidence of them in her eyes.

"You're not, you just make me emotional," She mumbled, her lips involuntary pouting and her eyebrows drew closer, "And I don't like being emotional."

"Why?" I asked.

Her eyebrow raised and a hint of playfulness took over her tone, "I have a reputation to protect, you know."

For the second time today, she made me smile. I couldn't stop myself as I edged my head forward a fraction, and my hand moved to the back of her neck, angling her face closer and pressing my lips over hers. She reacted to my kiss almost immediately, her hand went to my face, it rested over my cheek as she pressed herself closer to me.

This kiss was nothing like our usual kisses, this one was slow, it was gentle. It was expressing the whole situation we are in now. It voiced out how much I needed her and in return, it assured her promise, that she wouldn't walk away from this, as easily as she once did.

The sound of someone clearing their throat very loudly pulled us back from that little moment. Lilly pulled away from me so fast, both of our gazes flickering to the door, to see a very very unsatisfied Alex.

"Dad," Lilly said in shock, jumping up to her feet, "When...when did you come back?"

I stood up as well, preparing myself for his outburst. I couldn't miss the tick in his jaw as his eyes went from me to her, "Ashton told me what happened," His gaze went back to me and his eyes softened a bit, "I came back right away."

He stepped inside, till a few inches separated us, when he looked back at Lilly, he added, "Your mother is coming back as well."

She nodded, gulping down and I could only wonder why hadn't he over-reacted to our kiss yet.

"Lilly, can you leave us alone?" He asked, gently this time. Lilly's eyes went to me, they were a bit terrified, "Lilly?" He stressed out again, arching an eyebrow at her lack of words.

"Uh- ok...okay," She mumbled, nervously, and she started to walk, "I will go see where aunt Katherine is," When she reached the door, she looked back at me and mouthed, 'I will be back.'

I nodded my head and almost smiled at her terrified expression. Alex's eyes drifted from the now-closed door then back to me, "How are you feeling now?"

I shrugged, "I am not sure," I mean the pain is still there, but it's not as bad as before. At my answer, his eyebrows pulled together and he inched closer, taking me way off guard when his arms went around my body, pulling me to him. My eyes widened, pretty much shocked at his reaction, I thought he is gonna shout at me, instead...he hugged me.

"I am gonna kill that son of a bitch," He said, his voice hardening.

When he pulled away, he said, "I can't believe he crossed this line," The muscles of his jaw worked and he rushed a hand over his face, "I freaking told him, I knew that jealousy he had would make him do something worse by the end."

My eyebrows pulled together, "So apparently everyone knew about Zack, but me."

"Believe me, you were better off not knowing."

At the mention of him, the anger came back, filling me in. My jaw clenched and I finally said what I was feeling out loud, "I hate him."

He nodded, "I know, and you have the total right to," He said, "And if I can, I would bring him right here so you can beat the shit out of him," Air harshly pushed out of his nose and he shook his head, "But that's not the important thing now." He shook his head, "It doesn't matter, he doesn't matter."

"So, Instead of hating him, let's focus on you getting better," I wish it was that easy to just ignore that because of his selfishness I am gonna lose so much, "Now look, I know how hard this is on you, believe me...I know how bad an addiction can be," An unexplainable look replaced the anger in his eyes, "It changes you, it controls you, so you need to be stronger than it, you need to promise me, Chase, that you won't give up to the pain."

"It feels like you're talking from experience." I couldn't help but comment.

He nodded, "Kind of."

His word took me a bit by surprise, "Did you-" I couldn't even complete the sentence. It didn't make sense. It's him we're talking about.

He shook his head, "Not drugs," I noticed the bob in his throat, "But addiction comes in many forms."

I tried to understand, but somehow I failed to, "What do you mean?"

A low sigh parted his lips, he raked his fingers through his hair and he nodded toward the bed, "Why don't you sit down," He said as he reached for the near chair and placed it beside the bed. I sat down and so did he across from me.

"Look I am only gonna tell you this because I need you to understand," He started and my curiosity took the best of me, trying to figure out where he is going this, "Because I am scared, I am so scared you might end up making a choice that could ruin your life."

Confusion reflected from the look in my eyes, which had him leaning backward in his seat. I noticed the bob in his throat, the hard swallow before his hand went to his shirt's sleeve and he slowly started to pull it up. I felt my eyes widening a bit, he is not going to punch me, is he?

His arm was in his lap now, turned upside down, his eyes were focused on it and he muttered, "I also had a very unhealthy addiction once."

My eyes caught up with him, looking at his wrist and his whole upper arm area. What I noticed had me sucking down in a deep breath. Shock tightened my chest and it left me wondering, how come I never noticed them before?

The scars were old. Their faded whiteness proved that. My shocked eyes flicked back to his face, trying to make sense of the information being thrown at me, "It used to take away the pain, so I would do it," He said, exposing a part of him that I never knew existed.

"Now, the same is gonna happen to you," He explained, "Detoxifying isn't easy Chase, the meds they gonna give you, they're gonna hurt, you will be in pain, and you will think that taking the drug might just take it all away," He nodded, "It might, but for how long?"

"I can't let you make the mistake I once did," He added and I swallowed past the lump lodging in my throat, "You're stronger than me when I was your age, and with enough patience, you will get through this," He confidently added, "I believe that you can."

I gathered the courage to pull the question out of my mouth, "How did you...how did you get over it?"

"I didn't, till I decided that I had to," He honestly answered, "All that time, it was only up to me to stop, the problem is, it just took me so long to understand that," He shook his head, "I don't want that happening to you."

He was reflecting on his own experience, proving to me that if I can work hard enough for this, then I will be able to pull myself out of it, like he did. Just to prove that point, he shared with me a vulnerable part of him, and just for that, I was speechless.

"I understand," I said, finally grasping on the truth of what's about to happen.

He nodded, "Also, you should let the people around you help," A small smile pulled up at his mouth, "For example, I had your father, he helped me a lot, that's why I owe that bimbo my life." I couldn't help my smile at how he just called him that out of love, "Even your mother. There was a time in my life, if I didn't have your parents on my side, I don't know how it would've passed."

I pulled into a deep breath, my shoulders relaxing, and finally seeing tomorrow a little bit brighter. It's just hearing that someone has gone through something a bit similar to this and that he made it out, better than ever, it proves that I can do it too.

"So now, can you promise that you will try your best to get over this, and in any moment of weakness, you will reach out for me," He said, a plea in his tone, "Can you promise me that?"

I nodded, "I promise." This time, it finally felt like a promise I can keep.

A relieved smile came to his face and his shoulders relaxed as if he was carrying all of this weight for me.

"Can I ask something?" I said and he nodded, ushering me to carry on.

"Why-" I hoped that I wasn't overstepping my limits, "Why did you first do it?" That was the only part I couldn't understand. For me, I didn't start this, it was forced on me. But, for someone like Alex, what could possibly made him do this?

He looked at me for a full second, hesitation flared in his eyes before he finally let the truth tumble out, "I lost someone I cared about," He answered, gulping down, "My brother." He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and he added, "I felt guilty, I blamed myself, so I did it."

"I am sorry for that," I mumbled, unable to grasp how hard would it be to lose a family member.

He shook his head, "It's okay," He offered me a smile, "This all happened a really long time ago."

"Now, I need one more thing from you," He added and I immediately nodded, "Don't mention what we talked about to Lilly."

He shared this with me to help me, so no way in hell I am rejecting his only request, "Of course I won't."

**************

Ashton's POV

After I made sure every document was submitted and all was ready, I talked with the doctor that will be handling Chase's condition. He explained the whole process to me, and gave me hope that Chase could recover from this fast enough, maybe till the summer, he would be all better.

This means till then, I need to find a way to convince the department from disqualifying him for this reason. By the end of the day, he didn't do anything wrong. He didn't choose to get addicted. So, there must be a way to prove that.

My eyes fell on Katherine, by her side Lilly is sitting, talking about something. When I stepped closer, "Why you're not with Chase?" I asked them.

"Dad is talking with him," Lilly answered.

Katherine placed her hand over Lilly's arm, "Sweetie, can you leave us alone for a bit?"

Lilly's eyebrows pulled together and nodded her head. She got to her feet and lowly mumbled as she walked away, "Why does everyone keep kicking me out!"

I sat down by Katherine's side and asked, "What's wrong?"

She turned to me, her eyebrows pulling together and a bit of hurt flashed in her eyes as she asked, "Why didn't you tell me, about what Zack did?"

I sighed and shook my head, "I didn't want to worry you."

"But he's my son, Ashton, I needed to know why he wasn't okay all this time." She said, a bit of frustration seeped within her words, "You should've told me right away."

I nodded, "I know."

She stared at me for a long moment, many thoughts swirled in her eyes before she gulped down and asked, "Ashton, what's wrong?"

I stared back at her, confused, "What?"

"You're not you, for the past month, you're so distant, what's wrong?" She asked, worry and fear clouded her eyes, "Even Chase noticed it, you're rarely home," The hurt clouding her eyes had my chest tightening, "I don't remember the last time we sat down and just talked, even the last time we went out, it was for the work dinner and I didn't even see you all night."

"Is there something going on? Are you okay?" She asked, her tone changing as few tears filled up her eyes, "Because now, our son needs both of his parents, and I wanna be sure that you will be here for him."

"Katherine, of course," Guilt fluttered all over my words, "There is nothing more important than this now."

I shook my head, "I am sorry," Pain pressed tight around my throat over the thought of failing them, "I don't even know why I've been like this," My hand rested over her cheek, "I promise you, I am never going to do that again, because nothing...believe me, nothing in the world is more important to me than you two."

She nodded, "I know," She sniffled, her head tilting, "I just miss you."

I placed my arm over her shoulder and pulled her to me, "Come here," I wrapped my arms around her body and buried my nose in her hair, "I am so scared, Ashton." She mumbled in my chest and I tightened my hold, "Don't be, he will be just fine, I am sure." I tried assuring her and myself as I pressed a kiss over her head.

She stayed in my embrace for a couple of minutes, trying to gather her strength before she pulled away. I wiped the rest of the tears from over her cheeks and offered her a smile, before I nodded forward, "Come on, let's go."

She nodded and got to her feet as well, I kept her all tucked to my side as we headed to Chase's room. We stayed there for some time, Alex, Lilly, Katherine and me. We talked for a while and it was a bit relieving to see Chase finally smile. They said we can't all be here like this all the time, especially when they start with the treatment, Chase wouldn't have the enough energy to deal with a crowd.

But the good thing is, one person can stay with him at night. At least, he won't be all alone here.

After some time, Alex's eyes went to me, they gave me a questioning look. I nodded to outside and we excused ourselves after.

"So, what are we gonna do with him?" Alex asked, once we stepped outside.

"Well, I either beat him till he dies on my hands, or-" Although I preferred that choice, there was more at stake here.

"Or?"

"The drugs are illegal, and I am pretty sure he has more with him, I've caught him using a couple of times," I stated, "And he did this to Chase, so he needs to take responsibility for it, or else my son would lose everything, his school, and his university, so-"

Alex's eyes widened, understanding my motives, "You're not gonna put him in jail, are you?"

"That's exactly what I am gonna do."

*************

Chase's POV

I was arranging the books over the desk when a knock on the door interrupted me.

"Come in," I said without turning, expecting it to be mom or dad.

I heard the door opened and a low "Hey," came after. At Conner's voice, I immediately turned around to face him. His eyes fell on me before he took a few steps inside, "Uh, Lilly told me about-" He paused, gulping down, and at a loss of words.

I felt a bit shocked as well. I just didn't expect him to come here.

"So, you will be staying here?" He asked the obvious, his eyes roaming around the room as he walked inside.

"Yeah," Was all I said.

He stopped right ahead of me, he rubbed a nervous hand over the back of his neck, "Uh, I was gonna come right after school, but I had a shift at the diner and couldn't get out of it," He breathed out, "I just wanted to say that-"

My eyebrows pulled together when he paused in his words again. His gaze drifted away for a second, "Oh fuck it," He mumbled under his breath before he inched closer and hugged me.

My eyes widened at his action and couldn't help but comment, "I've been hugged a lot today and I really, really don't like it."

He pulled away after, his expression still serious, "If I see Zack, I swear to god I am gonna kill him!"

I shook my head, "I thought-" My eyebrows pulled closer, "I thought you said you don't want to talk to me ever again."

"To hell with that!" He said, eyebrows rasing in anger, "I am not gonna lose my best friend for a girl I don't even want anymore." He pulled into a deep breath, calming himself.

Worry cut lines over his forehead after and he asked, "Anyway, how are you holding up?"

"Better than I thought I will."

He nodded, "Don't worry, I am gonna be here almost all the time, you gonna get so bored of me, but I don't care, I am not leaving you alone."

At his words, I couldn't help my smile, "I am sure they're gonna kick me out of here." Because of all these people in my life that are planning on breaking the rules and not leave my side.

"I don't care," He said, ever so nonchalantly, "I am gonna talk with your parents, they won't be staying here, no way. I will, so better get used to that!"

He went and sat down on the bed, "Do you think there is enough space in that closet to put my clothes too?" He asked, ever so seriously.

"You're not staying here," I said with a low chuckle.

"I never asked for your opinion," He said before he pressed his palm over the mattress, "The bed looks comfortable enough," He pulled himself up and laid there. My eyebrow raised as he casually crossed his arms under his head and nodded toward the couch, "You can sleep there, don't worry."

The door opened again and Lilly walked inside, followed by Sally. Her eyes fell on Conner and widened, "Conner, what the hell are you doing, get up from there!"

They're so gonna kick me out of here.

"They said visiting hours will be over in ten minutes, but we snuck inside," Sally said, a small smile lifting up her mouth, "I just wanted to check on you."

"You really didn't have to," I said, "I am fine."

Lilly's eyes went to Conner and she asked, "Did you tell him?", Conner shook his head, "No."

"Tell me what?"

"So, we talked with our teachers," Lilly started, excitement flashed in her eyes as she carried on,
"And we explained everything to them, and since they know you and your grades have always been good, you won't be missing out on anything," She added, "Sally and I take some common lectures with you, we can help you with them."

"And since I am kind of a genius, the rest will be on me to help you with," Conner added, throwing an arm over my shoulder.

"As for exams, you can take them either online, or take-home, they will decide on that later," Lilly added, as a relieved smile spread over her lips, "In the end, you will graduate with your class, by the end of this school year."

"See how lucky you are to have us," Conner added proudly and I nodded, an appreciative smile curving my lips, knowing for sure I am so lucky to have all of these people, who are willing to do anything for me.

I kind of felt okay again.

The pain surging through my head didn't feel that superior anymore, because I was finally so sure that I will make it out of this, fast enough to get back and catch on with my life.

*************

Ashton's POV

I rang the bell, impatiently, and knocked on the door a couple of times.

"Just wait for a second, they'll open it," Alex said, annoyed at my frustration.

I just couldn't control it anymore. Since the morning, since we figured out what the drug is, I've been keeping it in. I tried so hard to hide my anger from Chase and Katherine, focusing only on him, but not anymore.

The door opened, finally and it was my niece Amy, she smiled at my sight and said, "Uncle Ashton, hey!"

"Where is Zack?" I immediately asked as I rushed in.

"He's in his room, I think," Before she could complete that sentence I was already making my way toward it.

My eyes caught him by his room's door, talking with Zoe. The sight of him alone broke something wild in me. Rage blinded my vision, I saw red as I marched forward, my fingers curling into the inside of my palm, ready to release all of my anger on his face.

At the sound of my nearing footsteps, his eyes drifted to me, but he couldn't react as in a mere second, my fist collided with an uppercut right across his jaw, the force of my hit pushing him backward and I heard Zoe gasp, "Ashton!"

My fingers curled over his collar and I pulled him up, slamming his back against the wall, "You couldn't rest till you ruined his life, could you!" I snapped, my voice bellowed off the room and I felt Zoe's hand over my arm, trying to pull me away from her son.

Thankfully, Alex gently pulled her away from me and tried to explain, while I gave Zack all of my attention again. Blood dripped from his mouth at my punch, the bruises from yesterday's hit still pretty much evident over his face. He helplessly shook his head, "I didn't know, I didn't mean for it to reach her, I swear." He said, and guilt fluttered all over his eyes, "I didn't want to hurt him like this."

I shook my head, "It doesn't matter," I grated out through clenched teeth, "You made from my son an addict, so you will pay for it!"

I let go of his shirt and looked around the room, I couldn't figure out where to begin to search, "Where are you keeping them?" I asked.

He gulped down and his eyes traveled to his mother then back to me, "What...what are you talking about?"

"Where are the drugs, Zack?" I asked again, stressing over each word, my tone showing him that I am not playing around.

"I...I don't have-" Before he could continue the sentence, I pushed forward, my fingers taking a hold of his collar again, "Where are the drugs?" I snapped, "You better bring them to me now, or you won't make out of my hands alive!"

"Ashton, what are you doing?" Zoe asked and I heard the tears in her voice but decided to deal with her later.

Zack's throat bobbed, he silently moved forward and pulled the side of the mattress, taking a small transparent bag from under it. He placed it over the bed and lowly mumbled, "That's all I have."

"It's enough to get me what I want," I said, my words confusing him at first, but the sound of police's siren blaring from somewhere so close had his eyes widening, finally making sense of the punishment he will be getting.

"What did you do?" He asked, fear flashing in his eyes.

I didn't answer him right away, instead, I stepped forward, "You did all of this, you hurt my son, and now his health and his education are in danger because of you, just because you didn't want my money," I shook my head, "But it's so ironic, isn't it?"

"That my money is the only thing that could get you out of this," I added and his eyes went wide when the two police officers came barging in, one of them took a hold of his arms and cuffed them behind his back, while the other grabbed the bag from over the bed.

"No, no, what are you doing?!" Zoe said in bewilderment and marched forward to pull him away from Zack, but I stopped her this time.

"I don't like this one bit," Alex mumbled from my side. But I didn't care. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

Zack's pleading eyes fell on me, and I made sure to hurt him one more time, "Your father would've been so disappointed in you."

********************************

Did I really update this fast? Am I okay? Someone check if I have a fever, please xD

SO, whatcha ya think? Chase is finally ready to face this, all of his friends are by his side, Alex told him something he wouldn't even tell Lilly about, Zack is going to jail,...etc etc

Anyways, if I am not mistaken, we are two chapters away from the end of part one. If not, max three chapters. Then, more drama will be coming our way *evil laugh*

Are you ready? You should be. Just tighten your seatbelts, because it might be a tough ride!

Also, I will try to update "Unraveling him" in the next two days, if I can!

Bye! Love ya all!