After we got back to the hotel from our busy day of sightseeing, we were all worn out and went back to our rooms. Ian and I fell asleep within a second, not having the energy left to do anything else. I'm up early the next morning, scrambling about in the bathroom trying to fix my hair after I took a shower and do a little make-up. It's the only thing I can do since Delphine was supposed to be here already with our clothes, but she still hasn't arrived yet. I hear Ian come back into the room and I ask him as I yawn.

'Has Delphine or Isobel called yet?'

Isobel Renaudin is a dressmaker in Paris who was supposed to make our clothes for tonight. We talked to her earlier by phone while we were still in the States and she asked us what type of clothes we all wanted. Ian texted her asking if she knew why Delphine was so late and if we needed to pick up the clothes ourselves.

'No, I haven't heard from either of them.'

He mutters as he walks toward the bathroom and knocks on the door. I take one more look in the mirror my fingers softly grazing over the necklace from Matt, still not able to take it off. My hair and make-up done, I stroll to the door wearing a pair of black shorts and a short-cropped top. As I open the door Ian hands me a mug while I mutter.

'I wonder why she isn't here yet... Normally I'm the one running late.'

Ian laughs amused as he rubs my arm and says.

'I'm sure everything is fine. I got you a hazelnut latte, it's your favorite right?'

I softly smile at him as I take a little sip enjoying the sweet taste on my tongue before I say.

'Thanks, Ian. I'm gonna head outside for a little while. I need a smoke...'

He nods laughing, before taking a sip of his own coffee as he says.

'I still don't know how you manage to smoke just one a day...'

Making me giggle as well as I walk over to my nightstand grabbing my pack of cigarettes along with a jacket as I say.

'I can't help it, alright! I tried to quit, but I just can't. I crave that one damn cigarette in the morning...'

He nods in understanding and says he'll see me in a few. I walk upstairs to the deck of the hotel, gazing over the city, leaning on the railing as I light my cigarette. I feel nervous... I think as I take a deep breath, inhaling the smoke over my lungs hoping it'll calm me down. It's the first time I'm going to perform this song and I hope to God it'll be the last. Though I really doubt it... I sigh, taking another draft. I love it, but at the same time, it's hard to sing this particular song to an audience. I just hope I can keep my act together... I pray as my eyes gaze over the city. The rooftop has a beautiful view since we're close to the city center and I'm able to see the Eiffel Tower very clearly from where I'm at. I'm really gonna miss this place when I go back home, especially this view... I murmur to myself reminiscing about our time here. The croissants too! I giggle as I take another puff of smoke. Let's just pray I can get through this without becoming a bloody basket case! I curse to myself as I put out my cigarette. At the same time the door from the staircase slams open, and Rebekah comes storming to my side as she sputters out of breath.

'I looked everywhere for you! Isobel is here with the dresses.'

'Yeah sorry, I needed a smoke to calm down my nerves...'

I tell her anxiously as she crosses her arms lifting an eyebrow as she asks.

'Why are you so uptight? You've had lots of concerts before.'

'Well, maybe because the song I'm about to sing in a few hours is about Matty?!'

I yelp frustrated that she wasn't able to guess my distress. I drag my hands through my curls pulling on them as I utter already on the verge freaking out.

'...And maybe it's because I have to sing it without having a mental breakdown in front of a massive audience!'

I curse not knowing what to do in order for myself to calm down. Rebekah sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose as she says.

'Quit being a drama queen already. You're gonna do fine, like always... I know this song is special to you and I think you should let the audience see that as well. You should let them feel the same emotions you had the day you wrote it. If you can do that, they will love it!'

I look up at her, knowing she has a point and I nod slightly as I bite my lip.

'...You're right.'

She sighs alleviated seeing my anxiety drift away a bit, as she grabs my arm and starts dragging me back inside as she says.

'Now that you're back to normal. Let's go and get those dresses! I can't wait to see what Isobel came up with!'

I chuckle at her giddy behavior as I stumble behind her trying to catch up, her hands still firmly gripping me as she yanks me down the stairs to her room. Isobel is sitting on the couch tapping her foot as she's waiting for us to return. Once she hears us walk over she stands up excitedly clapping her hands together as she says.

'Bonjour beauties! Delphine's flight got a bit delayed so she asked me to bring the clothes over myself. I hope you'll like them.'

She hands two boxes over to us, ushering us to go and change as quickly as possible. We walk into the bathroom and as I open my box I see two different dresses. They're perfect, just like I asked for. I think while looking over them both, one of them for when I'm on stage and the other for the red carpet. I hang the dress for later on the side as my fingers trace the fabric of the second dress, it's gorgeous...

Rebekah and I both need to act quickly since we lost so much time and we hastily put our dresses and shoes on. We both make sure each other's hair is in place before we walk back to Isobel. As soon as she lays her eyes on us, she clasps her hands over her mouth and shouts.

'Both of you look absolutely perfect!'

Making us giggle in unison. I'm wearing a short white strapless dress, with a wavy texture along the bottom, a pair of white lace heels, and of course, Matt's necklace along with it. While Rebekah's wearing a purple, strapless, draped dress with a sweetheart neckline and a pair of matching shoes, perfectly complementing her tattoos. Isobel nods, clearly satisfied as she mumbles.

'Now hurry up, mon amie! You're running late, the limousines are waiting... Good luck tonight, I'll be watching you!'

She says with a friendly smile on her face as she ushers us to go with her hands. We both thank her and hurry to the cars, hoping we won't be too late. I notice Ian has already left and I smile at Tyler and Rebekah as I get in my own limousine. Showtime... I think as the long vehicle glides through the streets toward the venue.

As soon as the driver opens the door I'm blinded by the flashes from the camera crew around me. I show them a magnificent smile as I step out of the car and make my way over the red carpet. Fans are straddling the fences, hoping for a clear shot with their phones as they scream my name among the names of some other celebrities. I don't think I'll ever get used to this. I smile as I wave over to both sides and scream.

'I love you guys!'

One of the reporters standing on the red carpet comes walking over to me, a cameraman closely following behind her as she says before pointing her microphone in my direction.

'Look who I found everyone... Lexi Davins! You're going to do a guest performance tonight, are you excited?'

'Of course, I'm thrilled to be here with you guys in Paris! The atmosphere is amazing tonight.'

The reporter nods agreeing with me as the crowd cheers. She asks me a few more questions, complimenting my look. Saying I look like an angel while asking me who made the dress. I tell her about the dressmaker, to which she responds I'm lucky to have such good connections since Isobel Renaudin isn't someone that easily agrees to work with someone. I nod giving my dress a twirl as I compliment the beautiful work she has done on it. She asks me about my collaboration with Tyler Reynolds and I can only tell her what a great time we had when we were recording our songs together. Before long she gets down to the real burning questions she wants to know.

'The song you're singing today is different from the others. Why?'

I can't help but snort at how she's just diving into the subject head-on and I tell her with a smile on my face.

'I wrote this song a really long time ago... It was about something I went through back when I was young. Honestly, I forgot I ever wrote it down... At least until I found the little piece of paper I scribbled it on, in my attic a little while ago and I thought it deserved to be heard.'

'Well, aren't we all glad she found that little piece of history people?!'

She says enthusiastically, pointing her mic to the crowd. They erupt in cheers making me giggle softly as I thank them and say.

'Tyler agreed with all of you as well and he hooked me up with Ian Moore to make the music.'

She nods excitedly as she shrieks.

'You're working on another album as well that's supposed to release this fall, right? Is Ian working with you on that as well?'

'Yes, he most definitely is!'

I tell her eager to share the news. The crowd erupts in another wave of ear-deafening cheers hearing this revelation and the reporter promptly chips in as she asks.

'There goes a rumor around that it'll also be a more intimate album, is that true?'

'Yes, it is... The songs I'm working on are very close to me, I've literally poured my heart and soul into those lyrics.'

'That sounds very promising, doesn't it?! So what you're saying is, you are really baring your soul for your fans in your upcoming songs?'

'To me, they are very emotional... So I guess I would have to agree with you, don't I?

I joke, trying to sound brave. She claps her hands together in anticipation as she asks.

'Earlier this week you gave away the name of the new album was going to be: Ghost from the past. What made you choose that name?'

'I need some closure for some of the things that happened in the past and this felt like the right time to do so. In a way, I'm saying goodbye to my own ghost from the past, which is exactly why I choose that particular name.'

I tell her, fighting to keep a smile on my face. This is getting a little too personal... I think worriedly as a devilish spark starts to glimmer in her eyes while she asks boldly.

'Who is the ghost you're referring to? Who was your inspiration for your last song? Are they all about the same person?'

I chuckle, trying to play it off as I say.

'I know this is what everyone wants to know and I'm really sorry to disappoint y'all, but this is all you're going to get for now...'

The fans around me huff disappointed, but luckily Tyler comes walking this way down the red carpet along with my sister attracting the attention of the reporter and several fans. Thank god! I sigh, this is my cue. I wave over to them as I whisper to the reporter.

'Tyler's here with my twin sister... Thought you'd wanna know.'

My statement immediately piques the reporter's interest, as she looks over my shoulder toward them and I sigh relieved excusing myself waving to the crowd around me once more. Now she can put their feet to the fire... I giggle to myself as I make my way inside. I immediately have to go backstage, to go and get changed because I'm one of the first acts to go out on stage. As I walk into my dressing room I'm almost relieved to see Delphine there, never thought I'd see the day!

She rushes to get me ready all the while yapping about everything that went wrong on her way here. I change into a long, beautiful, crimson red and black lace dress with a high slit by the side, the soft material hugging my curves to perfection. My back is almost fully exposed while the low v-line complements Matt's necklace all the more. I love this dress! I think as I look over myself one more time in the mirror while putting on my shoes. As soon as I'm done Delphine yanks me away, guiding me backstage while putting on my microphone. One of the guys backstage gives me a signal that it's my turn and Delphine smirks as she says.

'Make me proud darling... And just do what you do best!'

***

The crowd was amazing and it felt like it was over within a flash. Once I get back backstage Delphine guides me back to my changing room, the buzz of being on stage quickly starts to fade and I can feel my legs grow weak from all of the anxiety I've been holding back. That was bloody intense! I swear to myself trying to suppress the wave of emotions washing over me as Delphine screeches.

'That was amazing, hun! It almost made me tear up. Me! I never tear up.'

I plunge down in my seat, drowned of all my energy and I drag my hands through my hair as I mumble.

'Thanks... I need a minute alone, do you mind?'

She shakes her head as she waves her arms around dramatically while she shrieks.

'Of course not! Honey, take a breather before you join the others... You've earned it!'

She almost skips out of the room as she shouts on her way out.

'Marvelous! You really poured your heart out there sweetie! A job well done, our sales will fly through the roof!' 

If you'd only knew... I sigh as I hear the door close behind her. I twirl around in my chair looking for my pack of cigarettes. That was exhausting! When I had my other concerts it didn't feel like this... And they lasted for over two hours, while this was barely fifteen minutes! I swear to myself as I light a cigarette, I guess this song means more to me than I realized. I take off my heels and lay my feet on the table crossing my legs as I take a puff of smoke closing my eyes, my thoughts a million miles away. I wonder if he's watching the EMA's on television right now... I shake my head immediately hoping he's not. What if he recognized it was about him? I'd rather not think about it. He was the one who left in the first place, why would he care? I reassure myself, taking another whiff. Until suddenly the door of the changing room slams open, catching me off guard and I end up nearly flying out of my stool as I see Rebekah stalk inside.

'Busted.'

She snorts seeing a cigarette between my fingers, I chuckle as I shrug my shoulders and staddle back down. She closes the door behind her and sprints over to me hugging me as she shouts.

'Sis, you were a-ma-zing! Everyone in the audience either had tears in their eyes or were crying for real!'

She pulls back slightly eyeing me seriously as she mumbles.

'Are you alright though? I knew this was going to get to you today, that's why I came to check on you in the first place...'

'I'm not sure ...is that a good enough answer? Because I really don't know what I feel right now.'

She nods as she gives me another quick hug before pulling back and I heave one more time at my cigarette before putting it out. I take a minute to touch up my makeup and as I try to reach for my other dress and Rebekah jumps up. She points her finger all over me as she says with a smirk on her face.

'Oh, hell no. You're coming with me looking like this! You look smoking hot.'

'But~'

'No, buts! Let's go before we miss everything!'

As she tries to drag me along for the second time today I motion to my bare feet, she sighs impatiently tapping her foot itchy to go as I quickly put my heels back on. We hurry back to our seats, Bhek's guiding my way as I see I'm seated between her and Ian for the announcement of the awards. Because we work together people probably wouldn't think much of it. I think as I scoot past Tyler. He quickly compliments me on my performance before I sit down in my chair next to Ian. He looks me over and whispers closely so no one will overhear us.

'You look stunning... When we're going home I'm going to kiss you over and over again, I couldn't keep my eyes off you!'

I can feel my cheeks flush a little as he flatters me and I chuckle softly not knowing what else to say. His gaze finds mine as he whispers.

'You have no idea how badly I wanna kiss you right now...'

I bite my lip, my eyes quickly scanning around us to see if no one is listening in on us and I murmur.

'Same back at you, handsome. You look great in a suit...'

He smiles happily before he settles back in his chair watching the stage as they start to call out some of the nominees. All of us have been nominated in several categories. One by one they start to announce the winners.

***

Tyler and I ended up going on stage together once we get the award for best collaboration. After that Tyler gets three other awards, best male, best song, and best hip-hop. Ian got two, best electronic and best pop. I ended up getting another two as well best push and best look. By the end of the night, we're all in high spirits as we board our plane back home. Delphine heads over to one of the separate rooms on the plane, continuing to do some of her other work. Although even she's in high spirits as we party the night away.

The next few days Delphine gives us some respite, to get our energy levels back up so we can get rid of our jetlag. As we're all worn out it takes us some time to get back into our normal routines, luckily Ian and I are still going strong. We've gone out again... Eating at his favorite restaurant, both of us ordered the exact same thing we ordered last time. I think I'm really falling in love with him... I sigh, in between working on some stuff, in the studio by myself. My evil manager had to get some things in order for some benefit thing while Ryan's at home with the flu. Since the real recordings aren't scheduled until tomorrow it doesn't matter much and I'm just working, trying to perfect some lines from my lyrics.

'Why can't I make this work?'

I mutter to myself irritated as my eyes keep scanning over the same piece. The chorus, it needs to flow better... I get ripped out of my thoughts as I hear my phone ringing, once I snatch it out of my bag I see it's Ian who's calling. We weren't supposed to meet until our date tonight... I think as I pick up the phone.

'Hi handsome, what's up?'

He gives a short laugh, although I can hear his heart isn't in it as he continues in a gloomy voice.

'Hey, babe... I'm sorry but I have to cancel our date for tonight. Victor forgot to tell me I needed to go to this venue for a signing...'

'No worries, we'll take a raincheck then.'

He sighs relieved that I'm not mad as he asks.

'Anyways, what are you doing right now?'

'I'm trying to fix some flaws in some of the lyrics, but I can't seem to get it right... Hold on for a minute, will you? Someone's texting me.'

I say as I feel my phone vibrate. I pull back my phone and put it on speaker as Ian says it's fine and I see my sister's name on top of the screen. Weird. I think as my fingers glide over the screen, normally she never texts me when I'm in the studio. I wonder what's going on... I think as my eyes dash over the screen. *You need to get home, ASAP!! Xoxo Bheks.* I lift an eyebrow confused by her encrypted text. What the fuck? I think as my fingers are flying over my keyboard while I murmur to Ian.

'...I guess I had to cancel as well. Bheks just send me a really weird text that she needs me to come home as quickly as possible.'

'Strange. Does she say why?'

He asks his tone interested but also confused. I shake my head slightly, although he wouldn't be able to see it as I mutter.

'It's my sister we're talking about. Of course, she didn't...'

I can hear him burst out in laughter as my eyes scan over the message I typed one more time. *Alright? My day wasn't working out anyway... I'll be there in about half an hour, mind telling me what this is about? Xoxo Lex.*I press send rolling my eyes still confused by her sudden behavior as I start to pack my things, my phone still in hand while I grumble to Ian.

'Jesus. I pray to God this isn't one of her clumsy failures again...'

'That bad, huh?'

He asks amused and I can't help but sneer sarcastically as I throw my bag over my shoulder.

'Are you kidding me? The woman shouldn't be allowed to even go near any electronic devices except for her tattoo gun. I could write a book with all the crazy stuff she managed to get herself into...'

Ian's deep laughter rumbles out of the speaker of my phone as I get into the elevator. Once I reach my car we both hang up the phone and I swiftly start the engine quickly making my way home wondering what the hell is going on. 

It takes me about twenty minutes until I reach the gates, the tires of my car screeching underneath the gravel as I turn into our driveway. Once I'm in my parking spot I shut down the engine and leap out of the car toward the house. For fucks sake, can't she at least answer back?! I curse as I rumble with my keys trying to open the door, I slam the front door open as I call out and rush inside.

'Bhek's, what the hell?! Where the fuck are you at?'

I grumble, as there's no trace of her around. I expected her to jump in my neck the second I got home since it was something so bloody important she made me rush back here. I grumble as I throw my bag on the couch before I hear her yelling.

'I'm in the kitchen!'

I rub my temples saying a silent prayer as I groan. 

'I swear to God, please tell me your hair isn't stuck in the sink, again... If you had me rush back home for that, I'm going to throttle you!'

Please, tell me I'm wrong! I plead to myself as I start walking to the kitchen. It wouldn't be the first time... I think as I can hear her mumble a little uncertain. 

'...Not exactly.'

For the love of God, what now? I grumble as I swing the door of the kitchen wide open. Immediately I stop dead in my tracks. W-What?! I think as I blink a couple of times making sure my eyes aren't deceiving me. Rebekah is sitting on the counter. No hair stuck. No blood or other lethal injuries. She just sits there as she turns to me hesitantly a sideways smile on her face. N-No way... What makes me stand still like a statue isn't her, however. It's who's standing opposite from her against the counter. Even though his back is turned to me and I can't see his face I know exactly who that is, I'd recognize you anywhere. I think to myself, with hitched breathing I can't help but stammer.

'...M-Matty?'

Immediately he turns around flashing me a cheeky smile. T-This can't be happening! I curse as my eyes follow the features on his face, he hasn't changed in the slightest... I grumble under my breath and my heart instantly does a double-take as he eyes me over. Except for one thing, my eyes get distracted by his messy raven-black hair, it's way longer than it used to be... I breathe as I ramble without thinking.

'What on earth happened to your hair?'

And what are you doing in my bloody kitchen?! I cuss to myself, a question that I'd rather wish he'd answer. Ever since you left for Las Vegas, you haven't returned once! Rebekah always went down there to visit him and I was more than fine with that. Why come back all of a sudden? He laughs wholeheartedly at my comment crossing his arms. As soon as the sound of his voice reaches my ears a shiver runs over the back of my spine and I bite my lip.

'Hi, beautiful. Nice seeing you too... Is that really the first thing you say when you greet your sister's best friend after such a long time? Commenting on my hair?'

I sigh dragging a hand through my own curls before pointing to him as I snap.

'Right, you're her best friend. Which means I can say whatever the fuck I want.'

I walk past them both, my heart in my throat as I open up the fridge and grab something to drink while I mutter to Rebekah gritting my teeth.

'I take back what I said earlier. Right now I wish your fucking hair would be stuck again in the garbage disposal...'

'Hey! That happened one time!'

She shouts defending herself as she lifts her hands in the air, making both me and Matt burst out in laughter. Yeah, not counting all of the other incidents that happened over the years. I turn around closing the fridge, smiling cheekily at her as I lift my drink in the air and say.

'Next time you text me I need to come home ASAP, without telling me why ...I'm moving to frikkin' Hawaii!'

I take a sip of my drink as Matt snorts amused while he lights a cigarette and huffs with a smirk playing on his lips.

'...Someone's happy to see me.'

'Screw you, asshole!'

I bite out squinting my eyes at him as he takes another draft of his cigarette. A devilish grin plays on his lips as he blows the smoke back out and says teasingly.

'Now that's my girl.'

'Fuck off!'

I spit, sticking my tongue out as I hop onto the counter next to Bheks. Jesus, why did I love him again? I groan to myself rolling my eyes as I take another sip of my drink before I ask.

'...What are you doing here anyway?'

Swinging my legs as I look up at him. The diabolical air around him doesn't bode well with me as he quickly eyes Rebekah before he says while lazily leaning his arms on the countertop behind him.

'I'm back gorgeous. I'm moving back into town.'

My whole world instantly stops spinning and my drink clatters to the ground as I just stare at him, my mouth agape. God, kill me ...please! I shake my head a couple of times as I mutter lifting my finger in the air.

'...W-Wait, you're joking. Right?'

I continue shaking my head like a maniac, not willing to believe it. My eye twitches slightly as I turn to Rebekah next to me and utter, still pointing my finger to Matt.

'Bhek's... Tell me Matt's being his vexing self again and this is his way of trying to piss me off...'

Slowly she hoists her shoulders up looking apologetic as she smiles trying to look away from me, but before she can open her mouth Matt beats her to it and he says with a tragic tone lingering in his voice.

'It breaks my heart that you can't just outright say you've missed me, beautiful...'

I bite my lip trying to cool myself down as I eye him seriously, tapping my fingers on the set of kitchen knives beside me as I snap at him.

'I will throw one of these if you don't watch it, Matt! Just stay the hell away from me.'

I curse as I jump off the counter, this conversation is over! Matt snorts ironically while Rebekah scratches the back of her head, breaking out in a cold sweat and looking everywhere around the room but me. I put my hands on my sides eying her seriously as I whisper gritting my teeth.

'Rebekah... What are you not telling me?'

She starts to giggle nervously as she sputters stumbling over her words.

'Well..... I kinda, sorta, promised him he could stay here? ...Until he finds a place.'

'Y-You did w-what?! Are you out of your fucking mind?! Don't you think you should've, at least, discussed this with me first?!'

I scream at the top of my lungs. Rebekah, what the fuck?! How can you promise something like that to him?! I curse internally as my hands start shaking. Why on earth him out of all people?! Knowing exactly why I'm freaking out Rebekah tries to calm me down, holding my arms as she says.

'Please don't be mad, Lex! His parents moved to a smaller place with his sister, they don't have another spare bed. It'll only be for a short while, I promise!'

She pleads in a desperate tone. For fucks sake! I drag my hand through my hair annoyed as hell while I snap.

'Fine! But this better be goddamn temporary!'

She hugs me tightly as she softly whispers a thank you. I hug her back, somehow needing the support as I hear Matt chuckle.

'I'm almost flattered...'

I let go of Rebekah, turning to Matt my eyes burning with anger as I snap.

'You better behave yourself! Don't tempt me to throw you out on the streets in the middle of the bloody night, because I will! Oh and while you're here, make yourself useful. You can help pack our stuff since we're moving in a few weeks...'

'I'll pull my weight, as long as I get to tease you in the meantime...'

He snorts amused clearly challenging me. I take a deep breath counting to ten, or rather to five because I don't make it any further as I spit.

'Whatever... I'm outa here before I change my mind!'

I throw my hands in the air as a sign of defeat, clearly not able to get through to his thick skull as I stalk out of the kitchen. When I'm at the door I can hear Matt calling out to me, but I decide it's for the better not to give him the satisfaction of answering as I briskly walk upstairs.

'Bye beautiful, I'll see you around.'

When is this nightmare ever gonna end?! I growl to myself as I slam the door of my room closed. This can't be happening! I swear as I walk over to my closet and grab a jacket with a hoodie. Another few months and I wouldn't be giving a damn if he came back, but why now?! I mutter as I look in the mirror my hands still shaking, looking like shit. He has some nerve coming back after all this time, acting like nothing ever happened!

'...I hate his guts!'

I bite out, trying to convince myself. I'm doing better, I have Ian! A sweet boyfriend who loves me for who I am. Someone who doesn't want to break my heart, crush my soul, and then walk away as if nothing happened! I groan slapping my cheeks. Wait... crap, Ian! I panic realizing I'll have to talk to him later. Shit! Matt is staying here and Ian knows all about him... I grumble to myself as I kick my desk. Fuck! How on earth am I going to explain this to him?

'He'll freak out. And for a good fucking reason!'

I shout smashing some stuff from my desk onto the floor. Shit! Desperately I drag my hands through my hair, not knowing what to do. I need to get out of here... I mutter, grabbing my stuff as I rush out of the house. On my way out I call out to Rebekah telling her I'm going out for a bit. Not giving her the time to respond before I leave, heading for the sea. 

***

Not interested in strolling down the beach, I climb on the rocks until I find a place to sit down and I drop my stuff next to me as I gaze out at the sea. I'm fucked! I swear as I stare into the distance, following the waves as they clash with one another. 

'I can't believe he's back...' 

I whisper but my voice gets carried away by the sounds of the ocean. I sit there for another hour or so, feeling dazed until my phone starts to ring. As I scramble around in my purse my cap almost flies away and I hurriedly shove it into my bag. As soon as my eyes see the caller ID I start feeling tense, Ian... I take a deep breath my finger trembling above the green button. I've got to tell him sooner or later, I'd rather get it over with... I brace myself as I answer and put the phone to my ear. Here goes nothing.

'...Hey.'

I whisper, not knowing what else to say. I hear Ian breathe a sigh of relief as he says.

'Hi, babe. I was getting worried. You didn't answer any of my texts, what's wrong?'

'Right, sorry. I'm fine, I uhh...'

'Lex, what's going on? You don't sound fine.'

'Ian, I have to tell you something...'

'What? Is Rebekah alright?'

He asks distressed. I shake my head a little confused as I say.

'Yeah, she's fine. Why do you ask?'

'Because when we talked earlier you left in a hurry because she texted you, remember? That's why I messaged you several times, but you didn't reply and now you're acting all weird and distant.'

'Shit, yes of course. No Rebekah's fine! I needed some time alone I guess, that's why I didn't answer. Ian... Matt is back. That's why Bhek's wanted me to come home.'

I whisper softly, as I bite my lip expecting the worst. But he doesn't yell or scream. Instead, there falls a deadly silence between us. He's mad, isn't he? I'm almost wondering if he'd heard me right as I utter.

'Ian, please say something! I'm freaking out here...'

'What is there to say? I knew it would be inevitable that he'd come back at one point. I mean he's your sister's best friend, it's not like he'll be living with you...'

This time it's me who falls silent, he's going to kill me! I whimper as I drag my hands through my hair. Shit. Ian obviously notices that something's up as he asks wearily.

'...Right?'

'Well... Actually...'

'WHAT?! Lex, you can't be serious?!'

'It's not like I want this, alright! Bhek's promised him, what was I supposed to do?!'

'Say no! It's your goddamn house for crying out loud!'

'It's our house! Jesus, you out of all the people in the world should know, I'd rather shove him on a plane right this second! But I can't. It's not like I'm dying to live with the guy who broke my heart...'

'Why are you agreeing to it then? Please don't tell me you still got feelings for him!'

'I DON'T!'

I yell desperately for him to believe me.

'Rebekah promised him since his family moved to a smaller place, it should only be for a little while... Please, don't be mad at me!'

'Do I even have a say in this? What about Tyler? Is he fine with a guy living with the both of you?'

'I'm not even sure I have a say in it, let alone you guys... I don't know if she talked to Tyler about it, but knowing Rebekah she didn't. She sees Matt only as a friend and probably expects Tyler to understand. Please believe me when I say that I can't wait for him to move out again!'

'...I do believe you. I'm not happy with it though.'

'Well, that makes two of us then.'

I mutter as I kick one of the rocks in front of me. This sucks! Ian sighs on the other end slightly calmed down and I ask him.

'Can I come over? I really don't wanna be in the house tonight ...and I really, really, want to see you right now.'

'Sure babe, I'm on my way back home anyways. Victor pulled me out of the signing early because some people were making a ruckus outside. Where are you though? I thought I heard water in the background just now.'

'Been there... Drive safe, alright? I'm at the beach, I needed some air.'

'Yeah, I get that you wanted to get away for a little while. I'm fine, I'll see you soon then?'

'I'll be there in half an hour handsome.'

'Okay. See you in thirty, I take it you still need to eat dinner? I'll order something, sound good?'

'That sounds great! Surprise me, I'll see you in a bit. Kisses.'

I say in a slightly better mood as I hang up. That went better than I expected it to go... I sigh relieved as I send Rebekah a quick text before shoving my phone back in my bag.

On my way over to Ian's house, my nerves bubble up again. What if he changed his mind and we get into a fight? I wonder as I push my foot down on the accelerator. With one hand I turn on the radio, singing along with it trying to keep my mind off other subjects until I reach his house.

I shake my hands trying to get rid of my trembling fingers before pushing the doorbell. Please don't be mad! I plead, waiting for him to open up. His eyes immediately light up as he sees me and as soon as he closes the door behind me he pulls me close to him, laying a soft kiss on my lips. I look up at him still a bit anxious as I murmur.

'Hi...'

He smiles softly his fingers caressing my jaw as he whispers.

'Listen. I'm not mad at you, alright?'

'Really? That means a lot.'

'I trust you. I know he's the last person you'd want to see right now.'

I look at him quizzically as I ask with my brows drawn together.

'What do you mean, right now? I don't think there'll ever be a time I'd want to see him.'

'I mean with the album coming up and everything, I thought you'd~'

'Holy crap! I totally forgot about that!'

I groan frustrated, starting to freak out all over again. Goddammit! Ian pulls me into a hug trying to ease my turmoil, holding me tightly as he says.

'You'll get through this, alright? I'll be with you whenever you need me.'

'I... Thank you.'

I whisper turning my face up slightly as I kiss his jaw. This is exactly what I needed. I think snuggling against him, the way he comforts me when I need it so badly... One of his hands runs through my hair and I lean into him enjoying the feel of his touch. He makes me feel safe... I smile softly as I look up at him, his ocean-blue eyes staring back at me. I think I'm ...in love? I think as I grab his collar, pulling him closer to me and I kiss him passionately. He happily obliges, his tongue eagerly exploring my mouth as he kisses me back. The doorbell ringing interrupts our little moment and he pulls back slightly, smiling as he whispers.

'Dinner?'

I nod, biting my lip as I let go of him so he can answer the door. As Ian pays the delivery man I walk to the living room and sit down on the couch, enjoying the soft tingle of butterflies in my stomach when Ian comes back in he's holding two bags of Chinese food and says. 

'How does this and a movie sound?'

'Perfect.'

I chuckle as he settles down placing the bags on the table. After we ate our food we went into Ian's bedroom, laying down on his bed to watch a movie. Me snuggling up against him and eventually, I end up falling asleep in his arms.

The next morning I get a phone call from Delphine who reluctantly tells me I have a day off because Ryan's still sick at home, I walk over to Ian who's in the kitchen making us some coffee as I say.

'What are your plans today? Ryan is still under the weather so I'm free.'

Ian turns around handing me a mug as he says a hint of excitement in his voice.

'Well since I was going to drop by the studio for the music, I guess I'm free now too, aren't I?'

I smile brightly at him as I take a sip of coffee. This is delicious. I think as I put the mug down on the counter. This morning Ian had already left the bed before I woke up so I wrap my arms around his neck and softly peck him on the lips as I ask.

'So... What are we doing today then?'

As I pull back he smirks a little as he says, wrapping his arms around my hips.

'How about we'll go to the movies? ...Only this time you'll try and stay awake through the whole thing?'

I gaze back at him smiling sheepishly as I murmur.

'Sorry about that...'

'No worries. But does that sound like a plan?'

I nod before giving him another kiss. Sounds perfect. I think to myself as I step back. After breakfast, I get myself dressed to go home so I can change into a date outfit for later. Ian walks me to the hallway, giving me another kiss before opening the door as he tells me he'll pick me up later. I bite my lip as I walk outside, turning back to him as I say.

'...Hey, Ian?'

He tilts his head slightly, focussing his attention on me as I keep walking back to my car. I want to tell him... I think smirking slightly. He motions his hands ushering me to continue as he says. 

'Yeah? Spit it out...'

I open the door of my car, still focusing all of my attention on Ian. He's right, just fucking spit it out... I curse to myself.

'...I love you.'

As soon as the words leave my mouth I dash into my car, not giving him the time to say anything back as I close the door. My cheeks flush bright red as I quickly turn on the engine, speeding out of his driveway. Christ, I really said it...