Enjoy!

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."—Jimmy Dean
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Chapter 31|Part 2
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I watched as Raven shuffled through her closet, meeting several profanities to herself. From her deep concentration, I figured that she wasn't planning to only go and get a manicure.

I leaned up from the beanbag chair. "Why are we getting so dressed up for a manicure?" I asked slowly.

"What?" Maggie shifted to look at me, a silly look drawn across her face. "Raven didn't tell you?"

I shook my head, confused. "Tell me what?"

"She didn't tell you that—" Maggie's sentence was cut short as Raven abruptly interrupted,"That we are going to have a great time!" A look of disdain from Raven, followed by a shake of the head was soon thrown at Maggie.

My eyes fell into slits. In the short time Raven and I had known each other, I knew when she was lying and when she was telling the truth. But, right now, I knew she only leaked of a lie.

I shifted toward her. "Raven, I know when you're lying," I stated.

"What?" She shook her head, her brown curls bouncing across her shoulders. "I'm not lying, what are you talking about?"

"Then, you're twisting the truth," Maggie mumbled from beside me, tapping away at her phone.

Jax finally came from the bathroom, sporting a dark green tee with a cane and a top hat. "Alright ladies and gents! Who's ready to part-ay?" He tapped my shoulder with the cane, winking.

Raven anchored a death glare at Jax, who shrugged his shoulders.

Her shoulders finally fell as she sighed. "Okay, fine. I lied about the manicures."

Obviously. "Okay, then so what are we actually doing?"

I caught the piece of clothing tossed toward me. I didn't even bother to look at it.

Raven left back into her walk-in closet. "We're going to a Halloween party," I heard her say.

I shook my head roughly, offering the clothing to Maggie, who eagerly took it. Raven returned from the closet, smiling.

It was nearly laughable, how serious they were. "You guys might be," I snorted. "But I'm not."

Raven tapped my nose, before handing me another outfit of some sort. "Oh, pretty girl. Yes, you are."

"Okay, while you two argue about this," Maggie stood from the beanbag, grabbing her own outfit from the bed. "I'm going to go change." Maggie patted us both on the back before leaving to the bathroom.

Jax took Maggie's spot on the chair, and we watched as Raven returned to search her closet. "Let's see what I can wear." Jax and I shot a look at one another, and he rolled his eyes.

She continued to talk about the party as if we were all going to attend. I shook my head while she talked, knowing that her words only went through one ear and never came out the other. Hell, I hadn't even remembered that today was Halloween.

I didn't do parties; I had never even been to one. I wasn't planning on changing that tonight either.

The drunk teens, the groping and grinding, the drunken mishaps, all of it. I didn't live that life, nor had I ever wanted to.

Raven finally turned toward me, placing her own outfit down on the bed. "C'mon, please. It's our senior year."

Jax bumped my shoulder with his, forgetting that his body was much bigger than my own. "Yeah, come on, Kimberly. It'll be a fun time, I promise. We can all dance, snort coke and all that shit."

I laughed slightly, placing my outfit down. "I'm sorry, guys, but no I just won't...fit in there."

Raven sighed, leaning against the bed. "You know we won't let you out of our sight. I promise, it's much more fun than it sounds. You don't have to drink or anything if you're not comfortable. We'll dance and eat, and we'll be out of there." She paused to get closer to me. "But if you really don't want to, that's fine. I don't want to make you uncomfortable, I just thought I'd get you out of your skin a bit."

Jax nodded in agreement, tapping his cane against my foot. "Trust me, everyone's going to be too drunk or too dressed up to even notice a little mistake, if you're scared of that. If they do, who cares? We have your back, no matter what, okay?" He gripped my hands, squeezing. "We only have one life, babe. Let's fuck up a bit before it's over."

I sighed, eyeing the two. I hated that their attempt was actually working.

"Please?" They both pleaded in union.

***

"I hate this," I grumbled, tugging on the beginning of my dress.

Raven glanced at me through her mirror. "Don't you dare mess up my masterpiece." She continued to glance at my makeup, making sure I hadn't smudged it.

I reassured her with a scowl, glaring back at her reflection. "Who invited you to the party anyway?"

It took a minute of her nibbling on a lipstick pasted bottom lip, before she answered my question. "Levi." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

My hands froze. My heart froze. I froze.

"Raven, please tell me this is some type of sick joke," I said, pleading.

Levi was Kade's friend, and I already knew what that meant. Kade was bound to be there, and I knew I would somehow see him.

No, I couldn't be near him. Let alone talk to him.

Her expression grew entirely apologetic. "I-I'm sorry, Kimberly. I know they're friends, but I wasn't thinking in the moment, you know? I was just thinking about how Levi and I could hang out, and I'm sorry—"

I cut her off, "Whatever, Raven." Turning, I glared out the window.

I couldn't be selfish. I knew that her and Levi had a 'thing' going on, and I didn't want to be the one to ruin it. I couldn't ruin her happiness just because Kade and I weren't on good terms. But, I wished she would have thought about it more before making the decision.

I watched as we pulled up to a large house, drawing out my sigh. My discomfort only grew as the muffled music that came from the house found a way to Raven's car. The party seemed to be in full swing already. From here, I could see scattered bottles and the teens on the outside of the house, who sipped out of their red cups and chatted with one another. 

"I've been waiting for this," Jax said with a grin.

I ran my sweaty hands across the ends of my dress. I refused to wear a detailed costume. My outfit consisted of a white tee that was splattered with fake, glowing blood, followed by a pair of shorts. It was hard to get the confidence, but Raven had bought a pair of fishnets to help my nerves, which it had. Her and Maggie had used makeup to make an illusion of blood around my neck and face, as well as dark makeup and liner to compliment the look. To finish it off, were a pair of black high heeled boots that reached the middle of my thighs. My hair was curled—thanks to Raven—and bounced across my shoulders any time I moved.

Raven's hair hung in a high ponytail, and she wore a black romper that hugged her curves perfectly. She had fishnets on underneath, as well as the same pair of black, thigh-high, heeled boots. Her makeup was dark, and her skin was marked with fake blood as well.

Maggie decided on a spaghetti strap, black top. It showed a small bit of her stomach, but she had pulled it down to cover it entirely. I had seen scars in that spot, but I didn't comment on it, because I didn't want to make her uncomfortable. She added a black leather skirt, one that was tight at the beginning of her thighs, which shaped her figure seductively. To finish, she added ankle-cut black boots and a small cat ear hair decoration. Raven planned for us all to slightly match, and she had done that perfectly.

I was the last to step out of the car, following behind the three of them. As we stepped onto the lawn of the two story home, I stopped at the grab of my hand.

Raven sighed, her brows drawing in. "Kimberly, I'm really sorry. I was selfish and I should have thought about your feelings. Levi said that Kade probably won't be here, but regardless, it was wrong of me." Her hands grasped both of mine, fully turning me to her.

I sighed, nodding. "It's okay, Raven. I'm still freaking the hell out, but I accept your apology."

Her chest fell with relief before she leaned forward, embracing me in a hug. "I'm sorry, I feel like shit now." Her apology held sincere regret, and I took it to heart.

I knew that I would have to confront Kade another time, and I guess that date was here. Even though this wasn't how I wanted it to go, I knew I'd have to face him one day. Though, my heart seemed as if it were barely functioning under this pressure, I still smiled at Raven's regretful figure.

"It's okay, I'm going to be okay. This is about you and Levi, not me and my shit," I consoled, offering a smile. "Just enjoy yourself, and don't worry about me, okay?"

I still didn't feel quite right as I thought of the last exchange between Kade and I. I was never one to hold onto my anger, but I couldn't help it this time. After months of his torments, I couldn't just forget it. I knew that my heart was telling me to go against my mind, but every time we were close to one another, something tore us apart again. That was a sign, it had to be. I understood that Kade had shown me a different side of him, but I still held fear that it was only a game.

Her arms squeezed me once more, before letting go. "Damn it, you're going to make me mess up my mascara." With a strained chuckle, she swiped at her eyes.

I laughed, smiling as she attempted to fix it. "Let's just go and get this over with." She nodded, grabbing my hand as we walked to Maggie and Jax.

"About time," Maggie said, linking arms with me.

Raven nodded at the people who called to her; I noticed some of their eyes lingering on us. "Not to brag, but we look hot," Jax said. I glanced around carefully, catching eyes with some of the wandering ones. 

Immediately, I was hit with the stench of alcohol and music, all shoved into one big bunch of disaster. As soon as we walked into the house, we came across the sweaty bodies leaned against one of the walls.

Leftover bottles and cans of alcohol scattered the floor. Even as I tried to block out the blares of the music, I still couldn't keep my eyes from hovering over the interior. In every corner, against every wall, someone was either making out, talking, or stumbling around to find their hookup for the night.

Not everyone was wearing a costume, to my dismay. Some were just here to socialize, drink, dance, and hookup, I guess.

The house was big, but there were so many people, it was nearly impossible to avoid each other.  We brushed past the others, our skins sticking from the amount of sweat. My mind began to clutter as the stench of weed, sweat, and busy bodies all blended into mush.

The stairs were long, yet covered to the very last inch, with different couples and teens. I nibbled on the inside of my check, feeling as if millions of bugs were crawling across my skin, only feeding off of my fear.

"You guys made it!"

I turned around to see who was speaking to us. I hadn't seen or spoken to him since the diner, but it was Levi, whose attention was lured onto Raven. Her own expression grew flush in return.

I was happy for her. Levi was the closest thing to another relationship Raven had since Justin. She more than deserved it. From the bright smile across her face, I knew that she was happy and, if she was happy, then I was too.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, rich boy, where's the beer?" Maggie asked, crossing her chest over her chest as she awaited an answer. "From this house, I expect the gourmet shit, by the way."

Levi released Raven's chin, turning to point. "The keg is over there. Enjoy," Levi responded, his charismatic smile causing Raven to grin.

Maggie and Jax hurried over to where he directed. I stood around awkwardly as Levi wrapped a big arm around Raven's tiny waist, drawing her in. I looked around, attempting to look busy as they began to kiss.

I felt dizzy on my feet as I continued to stand next to them. My cheeks shaded as I thought of how crazy I must have looked, standing next to two people as they kissed.

Without any direction, I walked off after the many minutes I stood there. I didn't want to be the third wheel, so I decided it might just be better to go off and venture on my own.

That didn't turn out great.

I'd been cursed so many times, my wards burned as I continued to bump into the busy bodies. I was exhausted by the time I made it over to the drinks, some of the only ones that weren't in a bottle. My throat was dry, and I only felt the atmosphere of the room increase as the music was seemed to grow louder.

I eyed the liquid filled cups, trying to decide whether which one was safe and which one was not. They all looked the same though.

Suddenly, I heard someone shout into my ear, trying to be heard over the music, I assume. "This one is Mountain Dew, if you want it!" He outstretched a hand, grabbing a red cup, then offering it to me.

I raised my eyes, glancing up at the guys' baby blues. My hand loosely gripped the cup as he took one for himself as well.

The strangers' brown hair bounced slightly at the top of his head. His blue eyes seemed to be amazing at capturing the moment, brightening up down at me. His skin was slightly pale, but it all blended in well with the strong outline of his jaw, and the dazzling grin he wore.

"I—thank you," I said, breathless at his steady gaze.

The man was handsome, that was for sure. He was the definition of sexy.

Not as sexy as Kade, though.

I had to scold myself for even comparing. I blinked rapidly, shaking my head at my own sense.

"My name's Angelo," he introduced himself, placing his white teeth on display.

I nodded. Angelo. It sounded like a good name, for a good guy.

I bowed my head slightly, frozen under his eyes. He was watching me a little too closely for my liking. "I'm Kimberly."

"Cute name," he smiled, his dimple deep and effective.

"Thank you," I responded, tilting my cup toward him. "Yours is too."

He raised his drink, winking down at me. "Bottoms up."

As his head tilted back to drink the alcohol, I quickly tossed mine behind me while he drunk his. I knew better then accepting drinks from strangers, especially cute ones.

It seemed that he didn't catch it. I attempted to make small talk. "What school do you go to?"

"Lincoln High," he answered, tracing the rim of his cup.

I nodded, though I didn't quite know where his school was.

"What about you?" He asked in return.

I kept my eyes on my cup, tilting it slightly. "Winster High."

Angelo shifted to let someone through before coming back to me. He nodded, licking his bottom lip. "Winster, huh? That's cool, I guess we're rivals."

I looked at him in confusion, watching as he chuckled. "Our schools are rivals," he answered my silent question, laughing at my puzzled look.

Oh. "Well, I don't want to get jumped or anything for talking to the enemy," I responded, slightly raising my head as Angelo's laugh hit me like a symphony. It was deep and nice.

"Don't worry, pretty girl," he joked, eyeing my body carefully without losing his smile. "I'll protect you if someone tries anything."

Angelo's body structure was far from lanky, the exact opposite actually. His upper was covered with a hoodie, though I could tell that it would take someone a minute for someone to take him down.

He caught notice of me staring at his arms, causing a dark blush to leer across my face. "Yeah, I know. I was pretty stupid for wearing a hoodie to a Halloween party, huh?"

Yeah, that's most definitely what I was looking at. "Better to go comfy than fancy." 

His lips pulled into a hall-smile. "Who made that saying?"

I shrugged, smiling back at him. "Me, I guess."

Angelo nodded, resting his eyes on mine. He sucked on his teeth, before pulling his lips into a smirk. "A pretty face, and a big brain, I like it."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Yeah, thanks." Slowly, I felt my shoulders drop with comfort. He was nice; I needed nice.

We stood next to each other, carrying on with our small conversation. Angelo smiled and conversed with the people who passed by, sharing his positive attitude around.

I think I kind of like this guy.

I was safe in my spot next to him. Though, he ruined it when he opened his mouth again.

"So, uh...wanna dance?" he asked me, motioning toward the music. "I mean we've been standing here for a while."

I shook my head, scooting over as someone went for a cup. "I don't dance."

"Of course you do. C'mon," he pushed. "I'll show you."

I nibbled on my check as he went to grab my hand. "Oh, no really." With an awkward chuckle, I pushed his hand off of mine.

"Look, it'll be fun," he continued to urge.

Can this man not take a hint?

We continued to argue back and forth about whether or not I could dance, before I finally grew agitated. Why in the hell was I arguing about this?

I shoved his hand away, more roughly this time, showcasing my frustration. But, I pushed him too hard. His back bumped into the table, causing all of the contents to fall over.

I froze as everyone's attention landed on us. I couldn't hide like I usually could; I could only sit here and enjoy my embarrassment. The music seemed to be even lower as everyone guided their eyes toward me and the accident I caused.

Angelo was just as shocked, his mouth agape. He reached out again, but I yanked my arm back instinctively.

"I-I need some air," I choked out, clutching the edges of my shirt in hand as I hurriedly left the room.

I felt dizzy in the crowded room, the situation seeping in. Hardly, I shoved through the back door. It was sucking that the backyard was vacant, but it was definitely the only space that was.

My hands were clammy with sweat as I sat in one of the scattered chairs. I glanced around, checking once again for any signs of humanity. The small forest that sat in front of me stood populated with trees, and I struggled to see through them. I was alone with my thoughts now.

What am I doing?

Fuck. I didn't belong here. I knew I was never meant to be in a place like this, but I was still here. For some damn reason that I couldn't figure out, I was still here.

I shook my head, feeling that familiar burning sensation in my eyes. I rubbed my temples as a headache began to set in.

I just wanted to go home. To go read a book peacefully in my room. Alone.

I shouldn't have came here; maybe I was better off alone. Starting from Kade and I never getting along, and ending at Raven beginning to replace me with Maggie, they were all signs that I was only meant to be by myself.

I wiped at my eyes as I leaned back into the chair. My hands hurriedly went to unzip the boots that had been causing my ankles to ache all night, tossing them across the patio.

Crack.

My head snapped up instantly.

I froze eternally, my gaze switching directions as I searched for the source of the sound. I swallowed my fear, slowly standing as I reached for my boots.

"Our secret," I heard Jax say.

He emerged from the forest, hands fumbling with his belt. Another man followed closely behind him, doing the same. Both of their expressions screamed lust, their bodies were covered with sweat.

I clutched my chest, attempting to calm my racing heart. The guy froze as he saw me.

"Dude—" he began, flicking his gaze between Jax and I.

Jax—whose cheeks were as red as a tomato— turned and planted a kiss onto the guys' lips. "Clay, I know her, don't worry."

Clay was still a clustered mess, blonde hair stuck to his pale forehead. "I swear if my dad finds out—"

Jax placed a big hand on his small chin, turning his head toward him. I watched as their lips attached, and their hands began to grope one another.

I nodded awkwardly, standing up. I walked to another side of the house, thankful that there were some more chairs.

As I sat in one, I quickly took notice of how much smaller this side was. But, since I was alone, I didn't try to complain too much.

Just as I began to relax, another voice interrupted my quiet thoughts, "How about I show you how much I missed you?"   

I watched as a girl pulled a guy by his hand from the front of the house. It was hard to identify them, due to the dark of the night. Just as they stepped to my side of the house, she reached down to grope him through his pants.

I sat still in my spot as I heard Kade respond. "How about you leave me the fuck alone?"

The girl's hand didn't move, and I watched as Kade grabbed her hand roughly, shoving it off of him. "I said chill, Bailey. I'm not in the mood."

By Bailey's taunt features, including the downward motion of her lips, she obviously didn't like his answer. "Come on, Kade. It's just you and me here, no one else. You've fucked me out here plenty of times, what's your deal now?"

My stomach fell and twisted all in one sick disaster. The longer I heard them, the more I felt my chest cave in. I didn't want to be around for this next part. Kade was going to sleep with her, but I wasn't sticking around for it.

"Those times were then," Kade spat, stepping away from Bailey with a look of antennae. "Goddamn, can you not take a hint or hear basic ass sense? Go and find someone else to blow because I'm not in the mood. Leave me the fuck alone."

I was entirely too dazed; I cursed myself as my fingers slipped. My heel fell out of my grasp, causing their heads to turn my way.

I stared back at them, like a deer caught in headlights.

I didn't waste a second. "I-I'm sorry," I muttered, jumping out of my seat.

My hands clenched the heels as I made the mistake of looking up. I caught eyes with Kade, whose expression was unreadable.

But, as I stared back into his warm eyes, I felt the rush. I felt the electricity of a thousand stadiums. I felt something and everything, all at once.

I felt the good memories. The memory of our personal talks, the memory of us sneaking into the hotel, the memory of us cooking at his house, even the bad things. The memory of everything.

I swallowed them down with urgency and left the scene, retreating back into the busy party. It seemed that the more people left, even more followed.

Walking through the crowd, I willed myself to blur everything else out. I didn't apologize as I shoved through the bodies any longer, but instead continued walking.

Just get to the car, I told myself.

At the grip of my wrist, I jerked around at the small shot of pain throughout my arm. I felt like screaming at the sight of Angelos' baby blues.

With a hand sweep through his hair, he nodded me over. "Hey, where'd you go?" he asked, still holding up his positive attitude.

I shrugged, suddenly feeling naked in my outfit as he stared at me. "I told you I needed air."

"Well, I hope you had enough of it to talk to me now," he chuckled, pulling an eyebrow.

I wanted to roll my eyes at his flirtatious moves. He was cute yes, but I just wanted to be alone for right now. Was that too much to ask?

Finally, I sighed. "Look, I really don't feel good. I'm going to just head home—"

He cut me short with, "I can take you home, if you'd like."

I shook my head abruptly; there was no way in hell I was going home with a stranger. "That's nice of you, but no thanks. I can get myself there."

His dimple came into play as he flashed a quick smile. "Oh, c'mon. I saw you come in with your friends, and it seems like they're too drunk to be on the road. I've only had a couple of drinks, so don't you think you might as well come with me?" His words were urged, as if he were running out of time.

My skepticism grew at him. I continued to shake my head. "I'll be fine on my own, Angelo."

As I tried to pass him, I felt his hand wrap around my elbow. His grip was dangerously tight.

I turned back around to him with a sharp glare. "Angelo—"

His lips were in a frown now; I didn't even think it was possible of him. "Look, I like you a lot, okay? I feel bad for embarrassing you and I'm just trying to get on your good side," he explained, though his eyes seemed to be seeking an entirely different thing.

I shook my head roughly, attempting to yank my elbow back. "Angelo, I understand, but I just want to go home, so if you could just let me go—"

His grip tightened, his eyes darting from me and to a direction behind my head. "Then, let me take you home," he pleaded. "You'll be safe with me, Kimberly, okay? I swear."

His fingers dug into my skin as I continued to shake my head. I yanked my arm harder this time, his grip clenching down tightly at my skin.

His expression darkened as he shook his head. "I won't take no for an answer," he said, his tone rougher than before.

"You will today."

I turned to see Kade right behind me. His eyes were hard, and full with anger directed at Angelo.

His hungry gaze left mine, and instead became entrapped by Kade's. Angelo chuckled, the sound one of the devils.

Kade moved with the flash of lightning, his fingers dancing across my skin as he pulled me away from Angelo. His hand trapped warmth throughout my skin as he pushed me behind him, his stance protective.

Angelo watched this with a half-grin. "Oh, really? And, what are you going to do about it, Ryder?" he taunted, pushing Kade's chest.

A dark expression gripped every cress of Kade's face. "No one will ever touch her without her own permission—not you, not me, not anyone—and you better fucking remember that. This is between you and me, Calloway. Don't bring her into it unless you really wanna test your limit. You know when I say something I live up to it, so don't fucking test shit."

Kade stood entirely still, his fists clenched tightly on either side. He shut his eyes once, then twice, skipping over me before turning back to Angelo.

Angelo stepped closer to him, standing below Kade by a few inches. "You brought her into it when you stuck your dick in her. Maybe I'll stick mine in there, too. You know, see what I'm missing." His words were unpleasant, and unforgiving, yet his laugh was audible enough for our peers to hear. "I mean, fuck. I don't even blame you now that I've got a look. She's hot, she's got a nice ass and a set of perfect—"

Kade shoved Angelo into the nearest wall, so hard that it seemed to echo through the house. I gulped, my fear grasping at me as Angelo found his balance. Kade was so close to me, I would surely get knocked down if the fear held me in my spot too long.

Kade pressed a hand to my stomach, gently knocking me away from the situation. Hands from the crowd caught me, but I found my footing quickly.

Just as Angelo threw a punch, Kade weaved away from it, then punched him in his stomach. Angelo's balance fell as he clenched his stomach, his face red and tight with anguish from the strength of the punch. Kade didn't hesitate in throwing another punch to his gut, then followed it by shoving Angelo down so hard, his head smacked against the table. Oos rang from the crowd at the altercation, and I felt the space tighten with more people.

I gasped as Kade's clenched hand threw a punch at Angelo's face, then another and another. His arm never grew tired. Each one seemed to land even harder than the last. He was entirely blinded by rage.

Broken out of my trance, I rushed forward from the crowd. I grabbed Kade's outstretched arm as he went to hit Angelo again. Kade's bloodshot eyes glared at me, his anger woven into a dark, detached expression.

"Stop," I said, my chest tight with nerves. If he kept going, he'd kill him. As badly as Angelo deserved it, Kade didn't need a murder case, especially for this prick.

Kade searched my eyes, his own shutting tightly as his fist slowly began to lower. I saw it uncurl, the sight bruised and bloody. I gulped cautiously as I began to speak again.

"I'm okay," I tried to convince, though I knew my physical appearance was shaken up from the entire night. "I'm fine, and we can leave now, okay?"

Angelo leant up on his palms, spitting blood to the side. "There you go, listening to your bitch again." With a scowl, he wiped at his red nose.

Kade tore away from my grasp, returning back to Angelo. I went to step forward to stop another fight from breaking out, but stopped in as Kade leaned down to his eye level.

His head tilted at Angelo's slumped form, a wicked grin curling across his lips. "Me and you, bitch. Tomorrow night. You know where the fuck to meet," he sneered, voice taunt with anger.

Without another word, he turned his back to Angelo. I felt the tug of his hand as he grabbed mine, pulling me along with him. The crowd parted for us immediately, keeping their whispers to themselves.

"Kimberly!" I heard Raven shout from behind us.

Kade stopped walking, jerking around to glare at Raven's drunk demeanor. Maggie and Levi followed behind her, all staring at me in shock.

Ravens eyes grew wide with shock at Kade's knuckles. "Oh my god." She rushed closer to me, grasping my face then my arms. "Are you okay?" she asked, searching my body for any injuries.

Before I had a chance to answer, Kade glowered at her. "Yeah, she's fucking okay. No thanks to any of her friends though."

Maggie was the first to answer, her eyes squinting at him. "Excuse you? We weren't the ones that just caused a huge ass blowout."

"Oh, really?" Kade ran a hand down the length of his jaw as it clenched. "You weren't the one to save Kimberly from getting fucking kidnapped and god knows what else either, were you? Fuck no."

I was shaken by all of the events that had occurred tonight. Beginning with the spilled alcohol, and ending with the fight. It was all tumbling down onto me.

Raven ignored Kade, and instead directed her attention over me. "I shouldn't have left you alone, I'm such an idiot." She palmed her forehead, her lips in a frown. "Please tell me you're okay, Kimberly."

I nodded, pressing my lips into a thin line. "I-I'm fine, I just think I'm going to get out of here."

Maggie returned Kade's glare with menace, pointing at him. "With him?"

"No, Kimberly, I'm not that drunk." Raven shook her head, looking at me with a pleading expression. "Look, I can drive us home—"

"No, I think she'll be better off with Kade," Levi said to Raven, whose glare could be seen from miles away.

Maggie crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. "Well, we all know what happened if she comes up missing."

I heard Kade scoff. "And, we'll know what the fuck happened if you're found having sex with your voodoo dolls," Kade retorted, eyeing down her dark demeanor.

"Oh, shut the fuck up," Maggie responded, stepping on Kade's anger. "You little—"

Raven and Levi began to argue, and Kade and Maggie followed right along with it. I could feel my anger rising to the very top, suffocating me with the powerful rage.

Until I snapped.

"Can you all just shut the hell up?!" I yelled through their argument.

My agitation bit at me so hard, I had trouble keeping it under wraps. "I'm not a child, and I can make my own goddamn decisions without any of you! I don't care if some of you don't like it or each other," I shared all of them in a collective glare. "I'm tired, I'm hungry, my head hurts, and these fucking boots are driving me insane! Now, quit arguing over something so goddamn stupid, and let me go the hell home!"

All of their attention anchored right onto me. They all wore surprised expressions, brows raised to their hairlines after my outburst.

I glanced between them. Three out of the four were barely holding up; they were beyond drunk. The only one that wasn't was the one staring right into my soul.

"I'm going with Kade, and that's final," I decided, glaring at Raven, Maggie, Levi, and even Kade himself. "Make sure to text me when you're home." I nodded at my friends, who seemed bewildered at me.

I left their silent gazes behind me as I walked away. My back was turned, so I didn't hear any type of conversation that could have went on.

I heard Kade unlock the door to his car, then come to my side. I said nothing as he opened the door for me, I just got in. My hands clutched my shirt as Kade opened his door, allowing the chill of the night right into the vehicle.

Kade was the only sober one to drive me home, but I wasn't sure if that was the reason I was here. I didn't quite know what I was doing with him, in his car. I hadn't touched the alcohol, yet I felt drunk from the great stir of emotions.

I leaned my head back against the headrest, my stomach twisting and turning. I truly didn't care where I went, as long as I was away from the entire scenery in the next couple of minutes.

As we hit the road, I ran a shaky hand through my hair. I took notice of how slow he was this time, careful and quiet with the drive. Kade and I were silent for a majority of the ride until I broke it with my words.

"Just take me home," I mumbled, shutting my eyes.

Several moments passed as he drove. I pulled them apart as soon as the car stopped. Once I opened them, I didn't expect to stare directly into Kade's. I didn't move, but instead looked back at him, feeling the tense energy drift and cascade throughout the car.

What I didn't expect, were the words that left his mouth under our circumstances.

"I'm sorry," he apologized.

I frowned in confusion at him. His words sounded sincere, but as I told myself, I needed to stay away from him and those heavy words of his.

I froze as as he reached to the side of him then shifted to face me. I blinked once, then twice as I saw what he had.

He placed it into my lap, keeping his eyes forward. My gaze skipped over it, not quite believing what was right in front of me.

"Like I promised," he muttered.

I looked down, my hands grazing over it. The reality hit me harder than a train wreck.

He had given my diary back.