Ashton's POV

Emilia had surprised us all when she said she was content despite the events that occurred at the party. I had figured since she withdrew herself from us and locked herself in her room, she was going to revert to her old self, but she had proved me wrong. She is able to smile and joke around a bit, and it was because of us; her friends.

It amazes me how much Emilia has changed. The quiet, introverted girl I met a little over a month ago is nowhere to be seen in Emilia now. Her entire personality has changed in such a short amount of time, and I can't help but feel gratification for helping her get to this point. She let herself become an open-book and allowed for us to read in between the lines of her life. I couldn't be more proud of her.

Although I may not agree entirely with Emilia's decision to not press charges on Jared, I tried to put myself in her position and understand why she rejected the idea. It still doesn't make much sense to me, but that could be because I wanted that son of a bitch to rot in hell. I knew I wouldn't be able to change her mind based on experience with her stubbornness, so I decide that the best thing to do was to give her my full support.

After doing some research on the internet and gathering information that we needed about Jared, we all had rushed over to the courthouse where Emilia filed for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order as well as a temporary order for immediate protection from Jared. She had to give a written explanation on what happened during her assault as well as take photos of the bruises on her arms, wrist, and shoulder. When she extended out the collar of her shirt to show the police officers the mark on her shoulder, wincing when her hand accidently grazed it, my stomach dropped. There was no way in hell that that was just a hickey. His teeth marks were still visible and there was even dried blood in the indentions. I had to take several deep breathes to calm myself down after that sight, but Emmie was able to brush it off and still keep a smile on her face.

Being assaulted is a traumatic experience for anyone, and yet, she's handling it like it's no big deal. Although people handle the after-effects differently, and she just happens to be unmoved by it. I know she's not faking it. Her high spirit and playful attitude proves it as I had watched her joke around with Calum and Luke in her apartment after we got back from the courthouse. We're her rock. We're the solid foundation that is dependable and unshakable in her times of trouble and strife. Even if she does fall one day, I will make sure to hold her together no matter what.

It takes only two days before Emmie receives information about her court hearing. She was in her history class with Michael when she got the call from the court who gave her the date of the hearing. It's scheduled for next Monday at ten in the morning—meaning she would miss our communications class—which Emmie isn't too thrilled with since she absolutely loathes Mondays and mornings.

The court had also told Emilia that the restraining order could not go into effect until Jared received the restraining order papers in-person before the hearing. She had panicked at first, her calm demeanor almost breaking from the newfound information, but she relaxed after they told her that she couldn't serve the papers herself. There is the option of having someone she knows serve the papers or the courthouse can provide someone to do it. It will be faster if I do it because it would have taken a few days for the court to find someone. It's a selfish decision, but I want to give Jared the papers myself. I would like to yell and tell him how much of a prick he is for laying his filthy hands on Emmie, but I have to keep myself composed when I see him.

Emmie had attempted to reject my request of being the server, but I was quick to tell the court that I would do it before she even had a chance to protest my decision, which resulted in a long scolding from a livid Emmie.

It had taken a little convincing and promising that I wouldn't start anything with Jared before Emmie had accepted my decision. I also had to agree to let her come with me and sit in the car while I give him the papers. When I had told the guys about it, they wanted me to punch Jared in the face for each bruise he left on Emmie. It's a great idea, but I'd rather not instigate a lawsuit with Jared for provoking a fight. Plus, I have to keep my promise to Emmie. She trusts me and I don't want to break that or else our friendship will be jeopardized.

Friendship.

I feel like I'm mocking myself by just saying the word, but it's for the best. She doesn't need to be in a relationship right now. I don't think she even knows how to be in a healthy relationship. Well, I don't either thanks to Natalie. Our hearts are scarred and even though years have passed after we were hurt, we're still in the process of healing. Who knows how long it could take before both us are stable enough to be in a relationship?

If we ever get in a relationship.

__

Emmie and I skip class and leave early this morning to go take Jared the restraining order papers. It had taken the court some digging to find his current location and we found out that he moved from Glendale to Fort Collins, which is about an hour from Denver. It's obvious Emmie is nervous by the way she keeps fiddling with her sweater and bouncing her knee up and down as we near Jared's house. Even though she has stayed positive through this whole ordeal, there's still a hint of fear of being in the general vicinity of Jared that she is trying to keep hidden.

I sneak a glance at the brown-haired beauty next to me. Her small, trembling hands are gripping the hem of her sweater tightly as she stares out the window. I pull my attention back to the road and signal a left turn into a residential area. Keeping one hand on the wheel, I reach my other hand over the center console and place it reassuringly on her thigh. Emmie jumps from my touch and stares at me with bewildered eyes.

"Everything is going to be okay," I say, patting her thigh lightly before resting it there. "I'm not going to tell you to 'calm down' because I can't force you to change your state of mind or the whirlwind of emotions that you're going through. It's natural to be scared, but I do want you to try and fight it. You have to prove not only to Jared, but to yourself that he has no control over you anymore." I paused briefly, making a right turn at the stop sign.

"By being nervous, you're allowing Jared to manipulate your mind," I say. "You need to be the stronger person and fight against him. You've done such a good job thus far. You stood up against him when he was assaulting you. You had the courage to put your foot down and file a restraining order against his ass. Don't let this ruin all that you've accomplished."

I park the car against the curb a few houses down from Jared's and turn to Emmie. Her eyes haven't left mine from the moment I placed my hand on her thigh to now. Her nervous gestures have ceased and she looks livelier.

"He's not going to ruin me," she says. "I won't allow it. He did his damage and now I'm putting an end to it. I may still have some things to overcome because of him, but his existence will no longer affect me. I'm taking control of my life and there's nothing else he can do to stop me." Her fierce, gray eyes glisten with confidence and integrity, and her lips curve into a smile.

Gratification. Happiness. Astonishment. Affection. Her words hit me like a tidal wave and I am flooding with so many emotions at once. This is no longer just a crush. I'm in deep and I can't fight it anymore.

"That's what I like to hear," I say, rewarding her with a smile full of delight. I grab the large clasp envelope containing the papers for the restraining order and head down the sidewalk to Jared's house.

The dark red brick exterior of his one-story house is discolored in several areas and the landscaping—overgrown and dying—looks like it hasn't been tended to in a while.

Once at his doorstep, I glance towards my car and see Emmie pressing her face against the window, watching me with caution. I give her a reassuring nod before ringing the doorbell and waiting in anticipation in front of the hunter green door. It doesn't take long before I can hear the twisting of locks on the other side of the door, following with a surprised Jared opening the door.

He squints his eyes as if trying to register my face. "Hey, you're the guy that was dancing with Emilia," Jared says; a fake, innocent smile spreading across his face. "What can I do for you?"

"Cut the crap, Jared," I bark, but he's unfazed. "I know what you did to Emilia so you can stop the whole 'nice guy' act."

His smile morphs into a smirk. "And?" he says.

And? We've barely started this conversation and I'm already close to losing it. "And, I came to give you this." I shove the envelope in his hand.

Jared pulls out the papers, scanning the text of the front page. His smirk quickly fades into a straight line. "Are you fucking serious?" he bellows. "A restraining order?"

"I don't know why you're acting so surprised," I say. "You deserve it after what you did to her."

"Did you put her up to this? Are you her boyfriend or something? My Emilia would never do something like this to me." He steps out onto the porch with me.

"I didn't put her up to anything. This was all her. And she's not your Emilia. She's tired of your shit and wants you out of her life completely. You're lucky she didn't press charges." I avoid his question of whether or not I'm her boyfriend just to piss him off.

"That bitch," he mutters, loud enough for me to hear.

I can see Emilia in my peripheral vision so punching him in the face isn't an option at the moment. "Don't you ever call her that again," I seethe, and he takes a step back. "What happened to you? You were her best friend and you betrayed her. She told me you used to be a kind person and then a switch flipped and you became a complete douche."

I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know why I'm even asking him this. Maybe I just want to get to the bottom of all this; his reason for taking advantage of Emmie.

Jared scoffs. "Do you know what it's like to not feel loved?" he asks. "Do you know what it's like to have your father hate you so much to the point where your very existence is enough for him to kick you across the room? Do you know how it feels to want someone—anyone—make you feel cared for? To feel wanted? All I had was Emilia. She was my friend and cared for me unlike my drunk of a dad. I couldn't lose her. I wouldn't let anything get in the way of our relationship. I didn't like her guy friends so I persuaded her to ignore them. I wanted to make sure that she wouldn't fall for anyone. She was stubborn though and tried pushing me away. She wouldn't listen to me at times and that made me angry. She should have listened.

"She didn't want to stay, so I tried everything in my power to force her to. When she got drunk, it was the perfect opportunity to show her how much I love her. I was driven by passion and needed to show her that she couldn't leave me; that she was mine. Then Julia barged in and ruined everything. I had a second chance at the party, but some guy interrupted us again."

If the circumstances were different and he didn't hurt Emmie, maybe I would feel bad for him for being a victim of child abuse, but he's a dick and I don't care.

"Are you seriously trying to justify assaulting Emilia?" I say. "She's not something you can just brand and make yours! You were her friend and you betrayed her for your own selfish reasons!"

He just shrugs and my vision turns red.

I press my clenched fist against my leg in attempt to restrain myself. If I don't leave now, I can't promise that I won't hit him. 'Love?' 'Passion?' No. He just wanted dominance over her. He's sick. He's psychotic. It's like he's a toddler who doesn't want anyone to take his toy from him. He sees her as a possession, not a person. He objectifies her and tries to take advantage of her fragile state for the sake of having someone care for him.

"Come near her again and your ass will be in prison before you get the chance to even look at her," I say.

"You think you're protecting her, but you're just like me," he says, piquing my interest and adding fuel to the building fire inside me. "I saw the way you looked at her when you two were dancing. You're very protective of her. Sooner or later you'll want to keep her for yourself and do the same thing as me."

"I am nothing like you!" I berate, probably causing all the neighbors to hear me, but I don't care. "I will never do anything to hurt Emilia." He's wrong. I will never become anything close to what he is. I actually have respect and care for her more than he knows. "See you in court on Monday you sick bastard."

I turn my back and all I can hear is the slamming of his front door and my shoes stomping against the sidewalk as I head to the car. I yank the car door open and slam it shut after settling inside.

"What happened?" Emilia asks. "I could hear you guys yelling at each other."

My forehead presses against the steering wheel as I rest against it. "Not now," I warn, hoping she will take the hint that I am close to my limit. I need to cool off before I say anything. Any little thing right now can and will set me off.

She stays quiet as I take deep breaths, releasing the anger with each exhale.

My eyes stay tightly shut and I don't move from my position. "You know I would never hurt you, right, Emilia?" I say. The shakiness in my voice is evident and I just need her to acknowledge my sincerity. I know I've asked her this before but her words are so reassuring. I may be protective, but I would never lay a hand on her.

"What's gotten into you?" she says. "You know the answer, I've told you before. Did Jared say something to you?" Her voice isn't the apprehensive tone I was expecting. Instead, she sounds like a mother trying to comfort her child.

I shake my head, unwilling to tell Emmie my conversation with Jared. I don't know if she knew of his abusive father or not, but it's not something that I want to bring up. It's all in the past and there's no looking back.

"Please, Emilia," I beg. I just need her to say it. It shouldn't be that important, but it is.

"I know you wouldn't hurt me, Ash," she says.

I don't know if it's her soothing words or the way 'Ash' rolled off her tongue that makes my stomach flip. All I know is that any anger that was left has been relinquished and I feel myself again.

I turn my head slightly, just enough to catch a glimpse of her face. "Good," I say with a smile before sitting up straight. "Let's go home now."

Emilia doesn't question me, she just nods with grin and buckles her seatbelt.

Just a little bit longer before she can finally move on with her life.

__

Of the many nervous habits Emmie has, this is the first time I've ever seen her bite her nails while she waits to be called into the courtroom. Not only that, but this is the first time she's worn something professional looking. Her green, silk blouse is tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt that falls just above her knee, and she's wearing a short pair of heels that look much more comfortable than the ones she wore at the party. Even though I can't go into the courtroom with Emmie, I had decided to skip class again and stay with her for moral support.

I pull her hand away from her mouth and hold it in mine. "I don't think he's coming so there's no need to chew your nails off," I say.

She nods and squeezes my hand.

Jared is late for the hearing, and by the looks of it, I don't think he's showing up. Coward. It won't make a difference if he were here or not. The restraining order won't be denied either way, so his absence is just an added bonus.

"Ms. Anderson?" an officer calls out to Emmie, his body peering out from behind the tall mahogany door into the courtroom.

"You ready?" I whisper.

"Ready to get this done and over with so that I can get some food afterwards," she says, half-serious.

I squeeze her hand once more before letting her walk off with her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She doesn't look back before entering the courtroom; she's on a mission. I don't know if it's because she's finally about to rid herself of Jared or because she is in a rush to get food. I'm leaning towards the latter.

It doesn't take more than an hour before Emmie exits the courtroom with the most alleviated expression I've ever seen. Emilia quickly waddled—due to her tight skirt—over to me and wraps her long arms around my torso.

"It's over!" she says excitedly, burying her face in my chest before looking up to me. "The restraining order lasts up to five years, but it can be renewed if needed. Jared can't have any communication with me and he also can't be within one hundred feet from me."

I would have preferred a larger distance, but it'll do. "That's great!" I say. "I'm so proud of you for going through with this."

"Thank you for sticking with me through all of this," she says as we release from our embrace and head out of the courthouse. "I'm glad I didn't scare you off with all my baggage. It wasn't really something I wanted to drag you into."

"I'm pretty sure I would have dragged myself in anyway," I joke.

"I wouldn't put it past you." She's beaming with happiness and I'm pretty sure my face mimics her grin. "I'm glad this chapter of my life has come to an end. I feel so much happier, like a weight the size of an elephant has been lifted off my shoulders."

"You and your elephants," I teases and she playfully slaps my arm.

I wince and feign hurt as I rub my arm.

"Don't judge me!" she says.

I laugh. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Her cheeks flushed but I'm pretty sure it's because of the brisk wind outside.

"Where would you like to eat?" I ask.

Emmie presses her forefinger to her chin, pretending to be in deep thought. "Can you make pancakes?" she says.

"I can attempt to," I say. "Your place or mine?"

"Yours," she answers immediately. She smiles brightly and tugs my arm, dragging me faster in the direction of my car and to the place where she is eager to feast.