It started at Emily Merrick's going away party. She was going to bootcamp and everyone was sad to see her go. Her parents had given her permission to use their large barn, renovated as a sort of guest house, for the occasion. They would be gone and there would be no one to go to for help in case something went wrong.

Sometimes you just know. You know when things have crossed the line. That night, a cold desperation hung in the air. It was hard to get ready when I had such a strange anxiety come over me that evening.

Zayn would be off work soon and we'd go together.

I ashed my cigarette and began to carefully put makeup back into my bag. I sat back on the couch for a few more moments, trying to steady my breathing. I had felt anxious like this before, but it never got better. I had been feeling sick and despite my efforts to take care of myself, I just wasn't seeing any changes.

"Hey, I'm home!" I heard Zayn somewhere in the kitchen, coming in from the backdoor.

He appeared immediately and I felt him kiss my head. I smiled. "Hey, you showered. I thought you had just gotten off?"

He nodded. "Yeah I did, went with the guys to the gym for an hour and just showered there."

"Oh, that makes sense. Are you ready?"

He looked at me intently as I got up and grabbed my phone before I could. "You found your phone, hm?"

I frowned. "I know you hid it from me."

Zayn put his arm around me. "Why would I do that?"

"I don't know why you don't want me talking to anyone... I'm not going to tell anyone," I said quietly.

He took my hand forcefully and I found myself following him as he dragged me out of the house. Just as we stepped off the porch, I caught a glimpse of our neighbor staring at us. I was immediately humiliated.

Zayn opened the door of the car for me.  I stared at our house. We lived in a nice neighborhood. We had nice things. I didn't have to work because Zayn wanted me home, so I just took care of him. His father was beloved by the town and had been re-elected as Mayor. Everything seemed to be perfect on the outside but it was all an illusion. No one lived a perfect life. I knew that too well. Everyone in this place was either successful or came from a very successful family. Failure was so rare. People looked at me like I had won the lottery.

A rich, future politician? Gorgeous, intelligent, and he loves me?

I wasn't deserving. I didn't deserve Zayn according to town gossip.

"Listen, Lena... You won't tell anyone," Zayn placed his hand on my chin and made me look at him. "There is nothing to tell. Try to enjoy the party. Who knows when you might see Emily again."