JADE'S POV

The night was dark and silent, the moon was just a crescent. Only the nocturnal bird was heard, the owl from the distance that was devouring to itself the silence of the night. A haze of red blurred in the dark from my digital alarm clock beside my bed. Once in a while, a car pass by, showing a sign of life. My arms were sadly wrapped around me, engulfing my weak knees to myself as I silently let the tears meander down my face. They flowed with endless pain and gave no relief. The panicky beats of my heart drizzled like a warning clock, ticking off by the seconds, engulfed and buried in burdens that was too heavy to carry.

Life never ceases to torture weak hearts I learned, but with no hope at all or anyone to stand by me, how was I supposed to stand on my feet? I hugged my knees closer, heaving a mute sigh, but why does it hurt so much?

A miserable gasp of pain escaped my trembling lips and the painful tears kept flowing. There were no shadows to hide, no rains to wash off the pains, no shields to protect me, no road to lead me, and no light to guide me, the silence of that night whispered how cruel the world can be.

I felt the sudden urge to brace up, to face life and show the world how strong you can be for yourself and even for others. Time to face the painful truth, enough of the ceaseless tortures; I couldn't sense an end to its trail. I wiped my wet face with the back of my hand, it was time to erase the painful fear and for the first time, that frown of courage flushed onto my face. It was time to smile all the way again and leave the awful past behind.

It was a sudden decision, struck by courage; one I will always live to cherish, the tunnel had thorns, but I never let them hurt, for I walked through it alone, just like a loner looking for life a second time; bracing my heart not to be anything but stoic. That night was a memorable one after all, I can still remember how strong I felt, wiping off the piercing tears to the beats of my heart; I realized I should live to be proud of myself.

The musty and dampness of the old diary made me realize how long things have been gone and how much I have changed. It stretched a smile on my face, mentally teasing myself at how weak I was, but then life can be so tricky, very, very tricky. Tricky at creating a beautiful illusion of letting your heart believe someone is always there for you, like believing you don't really need to be strong, or maybe you don't even know if there is need to be strong, and then just when the point in life comes when you need someone but they are not there for you, you realize just much you have been believing, and then the session of tortures and pain follow and you endure them alone, until you learn to realize you actually need to believe in yourself before others. So long, diary.
Jade Bradshaw, 2007

*** *** ***
Present day

The dreaded walk to Carla's beauty shop happens every Saturday morning. My eyes felt bleary even though I slept an hour extra. Before leaving the house, Carla had three times come into my room to wake me up but I just rolled and fussed out of habit. She sighed the third time before gently shutting the door and left. Getting rid of dyspnea will be a great achievement in my life if I ever make it. I finally fought it and got myself ready, leaving my room just messy as usual. It’s okay to be messy, I always tell my sister, being neat is old lads stuff, but hey, am not dirty, just messy, okay?
Carla had just brewed coffee before she left and thank God for blue berry scones she made last night.

Having to subject myself to listen to those lousy women who can't resist gossips and trends and tolerating their stupid fights and feigning nice to some fake bitch is just something I really don't feel like doing today.

I mentally rolled my eyes and wondered how many times in a trillion will Carla drag me to the back door and scold me for being rude to an arrogant customer.

"What is wrong with you, I thought we were done with this, c'mon Jay you’re making this hard on me," she would say, and there comes that sister puppy eyes that have been working on me ever since I was three.

Owning a beauty shop has been Carla's dream, and when Barry, her husband, made it come true a few birthdays ago, she came up too high on cloud nine and became just so obsessed; working long hours and harder than her three apprentices. I sometimes wish it wasn't a beauty shop. It got worse when the beauty shop became a regular for more than half the ladies around the blocks and Carla had to be stressed out between working and spending time with her family.

The breezy morning of autumn fluttered dried leaves from the trees. I walked down the blocks, coffee cup in one hand, and a paper bag in another with Iggy yelling from my headphones. A teenager might whistle and a dog might growl from a corner, but naa, I don't give a fuck. I walked in a slower pace than normal, going through the usual routine of catching enough air and atmosphere before getting choked at Carla's.

Chuckles

Aren’t I exaggerating? No am not. In my defense, people can be really annoying especially when they pay you in return for something but no, I don't take shit at all, so y'all need to suck it up.

There we are! Let the day begin. Sliding the glass door open, I stepped into the midst of ladies busy trynna look beautiful.

*** *** ***

NICK'S POV

The awful morning noise from Hazel started earlier than usual today. The roaring from the hair dryer, along with her, singing loudly out of habit, and as if that wasn't enough; she loudly walked around in boots. I pressed my head against my pillow with much frustration and wondered why I still haven't gotten the apartment rent upstairs.

Living with Hazel can get as annoying as living with ten kids at times, or maybe eleven; from early morning noises to fussing about virtually everything, apart from blaming me for all the mess around and she can’t stop this; ''talking',' but all the same, that's best friends, and because that's best friends, you get used to their annoying habits and learn to live with them, though pointing out each other’s 'but,' their bad sides, is just the easiest winning game, and when Hazel and I play it, the whole day goes to arguing and trying to sound how hard it is to tolerate one habit or the other.

Saturdays are my only days off (no lectures, no work?), but I have lost the morning sleep already, I threw off the blanket from the couch and sat up, my elbows on my laps, with my palms supporting my already aching temple.
Ugh

Life with girls!

''Can you stop walking around in boots and stop singing please?'', I yawned before yelling in my typical bored voice over the sound of the hair dryer.

''Wakey, wakey sleepy head, I'm almost late and breakfast is yet to be laid,'' she whined from the bathroom, just as the dryer went off.

"Sheesh Hazel, we agreed on coffee and the apple fritters you brought last night from the restaurant, and by the way, did you have to wake me up this way?" This is just the moment when I get so pissed off and just close my eyes for the moment.

"Oh! I totally forgot", she said, and I knew she was putting on mascara, when she started the usual lame humming of hers.

"Can’t I just have a day off for goodness sake? "

"Sorry Nick" She mocked in a high pitch voice.

I lazily walked across to the kitchen, tripping on a pair of high heels. Turning on the coffee maker, I sat at the table, my hands supporting my messy hair, I still feel tired and my eyes bleary as hell, I shut my eyes and seriously planned on renting the second apartment very soon.

''Drank enough shots of tequila last night? You should take some pills, I guess you’re having a migraine, aren't you?'' She sat across, in a pretty short red dress and that noisy black boots-- her hair a perfect bun.

We went to a party last night at Darron's, a college friend, though we left pretty early. Going to a party with Hazel meant checking on her every once in a while, and listening to her fuss about not being five.

I always keep her away from the chasers, especially my friends, who can't help drooling over miss little hottie. I don't mind her hooking up with the right guy, but then there are no right guys around and so I can't help being protective.

Last night was a bit rough, the moment we stepped into Darron's place; I met my gaze with that of Kylie, my ex-girlfriend. Long story short, Kylie is a beautiful girl and we dated for months last year and broke up for series of problems.

The first time we met was at the boys' restroom at school, while I was trying to clean some smoothie someone accidentally spilled on my shirt, and I caught the reflection of a pretty girl from the mirror, standing behind me. I quickly spun around, eyes wide and startled, wondering why this is happening for the fourth time.

''What the hell are you doing here?'' I barked.

''Am so sorry... I emm... am s... so… sorry'' she stuttered, still staring at my biceps, mouth agape.

"Hook it outta here young lady'' I yelled and startled her as she quickly waddled off.

The second time we met was at a party and I instantly recognized her. I apologized for my attitude the other day and she also felt embarrassed. We exchanged contacts, then became friends and started dating before long.

Nick's charisma earned her the 'Luna' title in college. We started off pretty good, until the fame made her want to show off and become the boss of the relationship but it never worked. I couldn't tell how long it was before she started cheating with other guys but I gave her a hundred second chances to make it up and she failed. Then her selfish jealousy started towards Hazel and poor Hazel had to face threats. I can't let any relationship cost me my best friend, so the breakup wasn't a doubted one.

Now her vicious eyes stared at my arm, casually slung around Hazel. Her gaze shifted to mine when she noticed I was staring; an angelic look quickly replacing the impish one, same of cunning demon, I shook my head and a smug cornered on my lips. She crossed her legs, revealing her smooth laps glowing under the disco lights; she jerked her head forward purring with a pout.

"No games baby," I shook my head and blended into the crowd with Hazel walking behind while her eyes followed.

"Hey, I'll be going upstairs, I need to get away from the noise to call Jade" Hazel said loudly, over the sound of Kidd Kidd's Ejected (song).

"Alright, stay outta trouble okay? I'll check on you soon," I pecked her on the forehead with a ruffle.

"Thanks, papi," she briefly hugged me before she left.

I joined my friends around the table, and after shots of tequila, Kylie appeared, succeeding in locking her glittering eyes in mine.

''Long time sweet heart, how much did you miss me?'' she purred, lashing her tongue against my ears. I gently pushed her away and she crushed her body beside me.

''Kylie... What’s up,'' I ignored her flirt, exhibiting a casual voice.

''I missed your body against mine?'' she whispered, nibbling at my earlobe, with a soft moan.

"We have been through this a thousand times, it's over Kylie, okay?'' I re-emphasized irritation-clear in my voice.

"But we can still be friends" she purred with seduction, reaching out to rake her hand through my hair. Her fingers shot rapid chills to my veins and I stifled a moan. She chuckled softly, her lips in my ears again. The fresh scent of strawberry reminded me of how much we've shared together. I took in a deep breath of the scent from her neck and series of intimate memories flashed before my eyes.

''I'm not very sure about being friends Kylie but if you'll excuse me...'' I attempted to stand up but she held me down. She caught the crack in my voice and giggled into my neck, trailing her tongue around. I felt quite weak and relaxed for the moment. She was sitting on my laps now, gently grinding against me. I felt the drama happening in my jeans and warned myself, I instantly pushed her away and left, catching her gasp of disappointment, my friends were too busy with other chics to notice.

I found my way upstairs, brushing and pushing into the crowd. I went up the rooftop, glancing around and seeing no one, I called Hazel's phone but it went unanswered. I called a second time and just as she picked, the line went dead again.

I instantly sensed trouble. My eyes were red and sore and the view was blurry. I rubbed them hard enough with my palms and it became a bit clearer.

I stood for a moment, taking in the air, unsure of where to go next.

Before long, a cigar smoke attracted me to a corner and there was a guy, trying to push a lady against the wall as she tried hard to wiggle out of his grip and they both staggered backwards.

I surged closer and there was Hazel.

Anger flashed before my eyes and I started for him, throwing him a punch but missed, I was slightly drunk but the second punch did not go avail. He fell down at the spot with a thud, clearly three times drunk than I was, I reached out for Hazel who was too scared to move and I cupped her face in my hands, asking too many questions if she was alright.

''I'm alright Blue, you came just at the right time, thank you'' she heaved a sigh and buried her head in my chest, both of us trying to catch our breaths.

''Too many shots Blue, you re drunk'' she scolded, slapping my head.

''Thank God you’re safe, let’s go home,'' I slung my arms across her shoulders.

''Your shirt is covered in colours, now who has the alpha in her diary?'' she teased amid chuckles.

''Let’s go home Hazel.''

*** *** ***
"Coffee?" Hazel handed me a mug, as she dropped between us a pack of chocolate chip cookies and a bowl of pretzels.

"Any plans for today?'' she broke the silence I was beginning to enjoy.

''Yeah, meeting with Coach Steve this evening for final practice.''

''All the best!'' she hummed, crunching pretzels.

She sounded happy and full of energy today and that made me glad for some reasons I don't know.

''So, Darrell 10 it is?... I mean next week?'' I asked, after a long sip.

''C'mon blue, not this again, get someone to wear your jersey, I mean, they’re dying to and you know that'' she nodded in the 'got it?' way.

I rolled my eyes and sighed loudly. I knew this was coming again.

''Hazel come on. I need someone who’ll wear my jersey and cheer me up and that person should be my best friend not some random chic, okay?'' the last word came on high pitch, but I needed to be clear and precise.

''I seriously don't wanna talk about this now, I'm late already, okay?'' she got up, placing her cup in the kitchen basin just like a good girl. ''If you were dating someone we won't be talking about this...''

''Seriously?'' I got up following her lead. ''Okay, I totally get it now, but I promise it's not gonna happen again, I promise Hazel, you’re gonna be safe throughout'' I emphasized, trying hard to win her over. I meant my words.

''Wait, is this some grenade jacket or something, why does it carry so much harm?'' she whined, her face scrunched up. She shook her head and scowled again.

''pleeaase?.... For Blue?'' I said it all sweet and puppy faced.
And I got her where I wanted.

''fiiine!'' she rolled her eyes and grabbed her bag, then jogged off without saying goodbye.''

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A/N
Now who has the alpha in her diary?......Chuckles

Hey! Guys, long time hunh?, am soo sorry for the late updates but I promise to improve, just like Nick promised to keep Hazel safe, oh my God, do you have a best friend as sweet as Nick?, I know I do....chuckles..... so what do you think happened? well, we are about to find out in the next chapter and very soon I promise again...Sigh

I think Kylie might be up to something, right?.

Well, what do you think of Jade? 'and 'y'all need to suck it up!''...Chuckles...That chic seriously does what I like...winks

Thanks for your support and everything guys, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, please don't forget to press the button and vote...your comments are welcome and yes thanks for reading!

Dedicated to my special Papi, for the motivation....0115 kisses...giggles

High five!...xoxo

Love,

Lil Harphs