December 28 2023

Jennifer: *Eyes widen* Logan. . .

Logan looked at her while grabbing the bars, He gave a weak smile to her as Jennifer was shocked by the state of his look, His hair was messy and his face was full of bruises and marks.

Logan: Thank god, You made it here. How are you doing?

Jennifer: W-What did they do to you?

Logan: Well. . . I provoked one of the officers, They didn't like it and gave me a beating, The commissioner was also tired of my attitude.

He chuckled as Jennifer continued staring at him with shock, Tears were forming in her eyes as Logan's smile faded away.

Logan: Jennifer, I-

Jennifer: W-Why are you laughing about this!? Your life is on the line!!!

Logan was silent as she grabbed his hand and began crying, Logan stared in shock before he tried to calm her down.

Logan: I know. . . And honestly I expected this-

Jennifer: Then why didn't you stop!?. . . Why did you follow my path?

Logan looked at her as she continued crying while holding his hand, Logan told her to calm down as she took a deep breath and wiped her tears.

Jennifer: I-Its my fault. . .

Logan: Sis, Let's not play the blame game-

Jennifer: No! It is my fault. . . As an elder sister, I was suppose to teach you the right thing. . . Mom and Dad are probably angry at me. . .

Logan felt his heart drop by those words as he stared at the ground and began to feel emotional, He began having memories of his childhood as Jennifer continued sobbing, She was so disappointed in herself.

Jennifer: I'm so sorry, Logan. . . I ruined your life-

Logan: Stop Jennifer. . . None of this is your fault, okay? Your right, I should have stopped. . . . But i didn't. . . Because it was some kind of relief and enjoyment to me. . . But i finally realised that. . . I ruined my life.

She teared up and continued staring at him, Logan really wanted to touch her cheek and comfort her but he couldn't since he was behind bars.

Logan: I'm sorry for everything, Jennifer. . . But believe me, I love you so much, Sis. No matter what you did and no matter how distant we were. . . You are always my best friend. . . Please. . . Change yourself for the child.

He pointed at her stomach as she looked down before looking at Logan, She had affection and sadness in her eyes. Jennifer started to feel emotional as she nodded.

Jennifer: Fine, Logan. . . I'll stop, I won't take any more drugs, cigarettes, tobaccos, alcohol and whatever else is there. . . I'll change.

Logan: Promise?

Jennifer: P-Promise. . .

They both stared at each other as Logan gave a small smile to her, feeling a bit proud. But deep down, He felt so emotional as well.

Jennifer: Logan. . . I can get you out of here somehow.

Logan: No, Jennifer. I think I'll just end it here-

Jennifer: Logan, Please. Don't give up. . . You haven't even seen your nephew or niece yet.

Logan chuckled and fixed his hair while looking at her.

Logan: Hey. . . If its a boy, Name him Danny, If its a girl, Name her Cora.

Jennifer: Okay. . . But if you want to spend the rest of your life here, How will you see one of them? I want them to look up to you.

Logan: In my opinion, They shouldn't. . . I'm not a great guy myself.

Jennifer: If you're telling me to change. . . Then you can change as well.

No matter what he said, She really wanted to bail him out somehow. But Logan kept refusing. . . He didn't have a reason to continue his life outside.

Logan: Jennifer. . . .

He sighed to himself, feeling sad as he continued thinking about his sister's words. Suddenly, Something clicked on his head as he was about to say something until an officer walked in and spoke in a stern tone.

Officer: Time is up, You need to get going now, Miss

Jennifer: Wait, just two more minutes-

Officer: No, It's the commissioner's orders. You must leave now.

Logan: Okay, But just one second. *Looks at Jennifer* Do you have your phone?

Jennifer: Yeah. . I do?

Logan: I want you to save a number for me.

He thought for a moment before he began saying Samara's number to her, He mesmerised her phone number a long time ago in case he lost his phone or anything. But right now, He really wanted to see her one last time. However, he knew she was asleep around this time, Logan didn't realise it was one a.m. now.

Jennifer: Okay, done. . . But who's number is this?

Officer: Miss, you have to go.

Jennifer: Hold on for a minute-

Logan: Yeah, She's leaving right now. *Looks at his sister* Her name is Samara, She's someone that i love, Can you call her tomorrow and tell her everything?. . . If possible, Tell her to meet me. . Here.

Jennifer stared in sadness as she looked at the contact number, The officer kept pestering her to leave the cell as Jennifer nodded and looked at Logan one last time, He gave a small smile, to reassure that everything will be okay. Jennifer didn't want to leave yet but she was forced to go now.

Both of them left as Logan sat on the ground and began thinking about Samara again. . . What would her reaction be?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Morning)

The weekend was finally over as students were making their way to the college, However the finals of the exams were announced which is within two weeks. The college decided to extend it due to some problems and time schedules

Right now, Anne was walking to the college as she sighed and fixed her glasses, She's been feeling awkward and conflicted by her feelings, She spent a night with her ex boyfriend and Anne felt like those old feelings were returning, She always loved him since high school and even after they broke up, She would think about him before moving on.

But Anne didn't know what to do, There was so many things running through her head and both Anne and Dexter haven't spoken yet, But she can tell he was also feeling awkward to face her which was understandable.

Until someone touched her shoulder as Winters turned around and saw who it was.

Cillian: Hey.

He spoke softly and looked at her, Anne looked at him and gave a small smile.

Anne: Hey Cilli.

Cillian: You seemed a little distracted just now. Everything okay?

Anne: Just thinking about the finals schedule. It's a bit stressful.

Cillian: Tell me about it. Between prepping exams and grading last week's assignments, I barely remember what a weekend feels like.

They both shared a small laugh together as Cillian wrapped his arm around and began walking towards her office, However Cillian noticed her mood and really wanted to speak to her.

Cillian: Are you sure everything is okay?

Anne: Yeah, everything is okay, I'm just tired.

Cillian: I'm sure something's going through your head. You can talk me.

He spoke with concern as Anne felt her heart beat faster, She didn't understand though. This is the same feeling she had with Dexter. . . And now it's happening with Cillian.

Anne just nodded and told him to follow her inside as both of them got in the office and took their seat, Anne took a deep breath and didn't know what to say, She didn't want to tell anything about the night she had with Dexter.

Anne: So uh. . . I'm been feeling lost actually.

Cillian: Is it after everything with Will?

Anne: No. . . I moved on from that. I just feel lost in my life, I don't know if I could truly find what I really want.

Cillian continued staring at her and touched her hand as Anne began holding his hand.

Anne: I even spoke to Dexter about this. . . He told me that I deserved better.

Cillian felt a little upset when he heard Dexter's name, He knew she has been hanging out with him for a while. But he also couldn't help but agree on his words, Anne truly deserved better.

Anne: But I feel alone, I feel like i can't move back or forward in life.

Cillian: He's not wrong, Anne. You do deserve better. But you can't hold back Sometimes. . . the timing isn't up to us.

Anne: *Smiles* I'm almost forty though, When will it ever be my time?

Cillian: I get it. I feel the same way sometimes. I've done everything I thought I wanted, But at the end of the day, I still come home to an empty house. I. . . Just want to walk in and see someone waiting for me

He sighed and squeezed her hand as Anne frowned, knowing that he felt her pain.

Cillian: But. . maybe there's something or someone waiting for us. Maybe that day is closer than we think.

Anne: I mean. . . You have a point but. . .

She sighed heavily, feeling emotional as Cillian frowned before getting up from his chair, walking next to her before kneeling on the ground, He slowly turned her face around and leaned closer.

Cillian: I feel your pain, Anne. . . Believe me, I do. . . . But there's something about you. . .

Anne: What is it?

Cillian: *Smiles* You make me feel special. . .

He caressed her hair and spoke with honesty. Anne felt her heart skip a beat as she smiled a little.

Cillian: No woman has ever made me feel like this except you. . .

Anne: You're amazing as well, Cilli.

Cillian: I'm glad you think of me that way. . . But aside from that, Don't ever feel alone, Anne. . . I'm always right next to you.

Anne smiled a little and continued staring into his eyes as Cillian continued smiling at her and felt his heart race, He leaned closer, wanting to kiss her but stopped himself as Anne looked at him.

Anne: Cillian?. . .

There was some tension between them, The same feeling that they had whenever they spent nights together, But this time it also felt different. There was a moment of silence as Anne whispered in a arousal tone.

Anne: Do it.

Cillian looked at her and wasted no time and kissed her passionately, The kiss deepened, Almost like they missed their times together, Both of them were lost in the moment as Cillian carried her up and placed her against the wall as their kiss grew more passionate until they broke the kiss and took a deep breath, He unbuttoned her jeans and that's when the act continued on.

[Later On]

After both of them were finished, Anne was seen fixing her jeans and quickly buttoned it, She took a deep breath as Cillian was done fixing his belt before he hugged Anne from behind as She looked at him.

Anne couldn't help but smile as she began holding his arms, He smiled at her and gave a quick kiss on her cheek as Anne continued smiling at him and felt her heart race.

However, Deep down. . . She was feeling guilty, Having an intimate moment with Cillian right after spending a night with Dexter and none of them would know about it.

( What's going on with me?. . . What am I going to do? )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris was seen at Hunter's office as Hunter crossed his arms and stared at Chris who was looking at him. Johnson really wanted to speak to him, regarding his actions. After his talk with Zelina, He decided to fix everything and didn't want to ruin his future again, But he was still not done with his ex girlfriend.

Hunter: How can I accept that apology from you and your parents so easily?

Chris: Ignore my parents, They don't really care if you expel me or not, They're just worried about the money they spent.

Chris: Look, Mr. Hemsworth... I know I've messed up. I want to fix things before the semester ends. I don't want my time here to be just another failure in my life.

Hunter: Fixing things is easier said than done.

Chris: I know. But I promise you, I won't start any more problems. I just... I need this chance.

Hunter: *Sighs* Even if I let you stay, Chris, things won't go back to normal. The college won't see you the same way, and honestly... neither will I. Miss Cline has already faced enough fallout because of you."

Chris: I get it. But I've realized I need to be better, I'll take full responsibility for what I've done.

Hunter's gaze softened as Chris was looking at him, He knew Hunter wouldn't forgive him so easily but Johnson at least wanted to try and fix everything, Hunter leaned back on his chair while thinking about his words, After a moment of silence. Hunter finally sighed to himself and looked at Chris.

Hunter: I'll talk to you and your parents tomorrow, Go home for now.

Chris was surprised by that response but nodded as Johnson got up and left the office, Hunter sighed to himself and continued thinking about Chris's words.

Hunter: . . . Should I really give him another chance?

Meanwhile Chris was leaving the office while thinking about the situation, He wondered what Hunter was going to do now but he really hoped that Hemsworth would forgive him and let him continue his studies again, He was also willing to catch up and take extra classes. His thoughts were interrupted when someone wrapped their arm around his shoulder and it was revealed to be Zelina.

Zelina: Hey, Chrissy. Looks like there's still hope for you.

Chris: Were you eavesdropping?

Zelina: Of course. Someone's got to keep an eye on you.

Chris: *Chuckles* Thanks for that, And to answer your question, We have to see what happens tomorrow.

Zelina: I better see you at college tomorrow or the day after.

Chris: *Chuckles* I can't say much right now.

Zelina: Seriously. I literally enrolled here just to see you again.

Chris: What? That means you knew i was here? How?

She playfully winked at him as Chris smirked a little before raising an eyebrow.

Chris: Don't give me that look, I thought you said you didn't like the other university you studied in

Zelina: Well, I did hear this college had the best troublemaker.

Chris: Still doesn't explain how you knew i was here.

She began laughing as Chris continued staring at her with a smirk on his face, However he also loved how playful and funny she was. It was a trait that never changed.

Zelina: I'm just messing with you, Chris! I didn't even know you were here until I saw you.

Chris: Good, I actually thought i was getting stalked.

They both shared a laugh together while walking down the hallway, The jocks that were standing by the hallway noticed them and began whispering to each other, Chris and Zelina noticed them as Johnson wanted to say something to them but Zelina stopped him.

Zelina: You apologised to the principal and now you want to start a fight?

Chris: I can't stand it, I hate the way they're talking about you.

Zelina''s heart skipped a beat as she chuckled while patting his shoulder.

Zelina: Awww how protective of you.

Chris: I don't like it if someone makes fun of my friends.

Zelina: Awww, I'm melting.

She exaggerated as Chris looked at her, raising an eyebrow before sharing a laugh together as both of them continued talking to each other while making their way out of the college.

Unknown to them, Florence was secretly watching them as she clenched both of her fists and stared at them.

Florence: Is he not in trouble?. . . And why are they so happy?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The door creaked open, flooding the room with harsh white light. Benjamin squinted against it as he had anger in his eyes, three men stepped inside, their silhouettes looming over him

Thug: Well, well. The college boy's awake.

Benjamin: Thought you'd at least have the decency to bring snacks.

Thug: You've got a big mouth for someone tied up in a basement.

Benjamin glared at them until one of the thugs punched him on the face, He was already beaten enough as McFarland continued glaring at them.

Suddenly they heard the door opening where a man stepped in, Benjamin couldn't see his face as the thugs moved away, As the man got closer, Benjamin saw his face as his eyes were widen in shock.

Benjamin: No way. . .

???: You're stupid as always, No wonder my daughter is friends with you.

Benjamin gritted his teeth, The man in front of him was Racheal's father, The one who started this operation. Benjamin couldn't believe it was him, But all that was seen in his face was anger, Benjamin already had a hunch he was involved in his best friend's death.

Benjamin: You've got to be kidding me. You're behind this? Racheal's father?

He laughed out loud as Benjamin was glaring at him, clenching his fist.

Racheal's father: Behind this? Oh, Benjamin, I am this. Every shipment, every transaction, every little piece of the puzzle you've been trying so hard to uncover, it all leads back to me.

Benjamin: Harry trusted you. You're the reason he's dead. . . .

He gritted his teeth and looked sad as The man continued smirking at him.

Racheal's Father: Ah yes, Look what happenrd, Dead outside the school's gate. That fool really thought he could earn some money for his treatment.

Benjamin: I can't believe you did this!!!

Racheal's Father: Don't be afraid, Benji. If your best friend means so much to you, You can join him as well.

He grabbed his chin as Benjamin was glaring at him, but deep down he felt so hurt and angry right now.

Benjamin: Screw you. . . I will end you right here.

Racheal's father: *Laughs* Say what you want, Benji. You never know who's next, It could be your mother, your father. . . Racheal, Because we don't care about her. . Or her disgusting boyfriend.

Benjamin's blood was boiling from those insults until he said something.

Racheal's father: Or it could be your pretty girlfriend.

Benjamin's eyes were widen as he began yelliny at him.

Benjamin: Leave her out of this! She has nothing to do with any of this, And don't you dare involve my friends and family!

Racheal's father: Everyone you care about becomes leverage. It's how the world works.

Benjamin: won't touch her. Or Racheal. Or anyone else. I swear, if you do, I'll make sure you regret it. I don't care what it takes.

Racheal's father: *Laughs* Don't always play hero, It might not work for you. . . Besides, You dont have much time left anyways.

He spoke in a sinister tone and glared at Benjamin, He began walking away and told the thugs to follow him as Benjamin was staring in anger until they left the room and the door was shut.

(I can't let him win. I won't. He might think he's in control, but he has no idea what I'm capable of. . . . I'll find a way out of this. And when I do, I'll make him pay for everything)

A fire burned within Benjamin. He wasn't going to give up, not now, never. Racheal, Darby, his girlfriend, his family. . . everyone he cared about depended on him. And he would do whatever it took to protect them.

And what was more important to him was to avenge his best friend.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)