Zander's P.O.V.

"O-okay." She stares up at me and bites her lip, my eyes immediately darting towards the little bit of flesh between her teeth.

Why do girls have to do that, it's irritatingly adorable.

I turn my head to the side, giving her better access to my cheek. I watch her from the corner of my eyes, the doubt and fear clear in her eyes. Yet, determination flooding all of it out. Slowly, she leans forward, taking a deep breath in the process. Then she does it,

She kisses my cheek.

It wasn't what I was expecting. No, not at all. I was expecting slightly chapped lips, maybe a bit of spit left behind, but no. Her lips were so soft whilst pressed against my cheek. The small kiss so sweet, so innocent. It was like, like,

Like I was kissed by a gummy bear cupcake.

And damn it, I actually liked it.

Just as fast as it happened, it ended and I was left wondering why it ended so soon. Sarah was looking awkwardly down at her feet, her cheeks bright pink and her fingers twining together every few seconds. We both stand in silence, nothing but the sound of our breathing filling the space between us.

I finally come back to my senses and lean back, taking a small breath in as I do so. "Thank you, Cupcake." I smile and turn around, walking away before anything else can happen. Before I allow myself to let anything else happen.

I get on my bike and rev it up. Sarah finally starts walking towards her house, her face showing clear shock over what just happened. I don't blame her, I feel the exact same way too.

I shake my head of the thought, revving the engine again then taking off down the opposite way. Through my side mirror, I see her take a look back then shake her head too, turning and speed walking home.

I focus back on the road, my smile slowly dimming back into my stone cold mask the closer I get to the house. The house that I no longer can call home.

I pull into the driveway and shut off my bike. Walking up to the door, I get the key out and unlock it. Before opening it, I listen for any noise inside but hear nothing. Strange considering the car is still here.

I push open the door, beer bottles roll across the floor as the door pushes them back. I roll my eyes at the mess, bending down to pick them up. I gather up the five bottles there, then stand back up straight and walk to the kitchen. Empty pizza boxes and take out bags litter the table, dirty dishes piled high in the sink.

I sigh softly and shake my head, "Fucker can't even clean up after himself." I glare down at the sink, gripping the edge as the rage starts boiling. I take a deep breathe in, closing my eyes and thinking of something else, something that makes me smile. Before the rage can bubble over the edge.

I push off the counter and move towards the fridge. When I open it, the foul smell of, what seems like rotting eggs, hits me like a punch in the face. I choke back a cough and cover my nose with my arm, slamming the door shut and backing away. I could have sworn I saw flies in there.

I can't stay here, not right now anyways. I move towards the door, grabbing my keys and coat on the way out. I start up my bike then head back down the street. Slowly, I pass by all the buildings until nothing but trees surround me. I continue forward until I see the little pull off along side the road, leading a small path into the woods.

I pull over and park my bike, shutting off the engine and putting down the kick stand. I swing my leg over and get off, taking foot on the dusty ground beneath me. I pull my phone out of my pocket, No service. Just the way I like it. I smile down at the device then shove it back in my pocket.

The wind slightly picks up, sending a cold breeze through their branches making them sway back and forth. It's almost hypnotizing to watch it, just back and forth. Back and forth. I look away from the branches and start up the path. I step over fallen logs, unturned rocks, even some flowers still standing tall in the cold weather.

I reach the end of the trail, where a small creek lies. Not many know about this place, far as I know I'm the only one who comes here. It's out of the way, a place you could go if you don't want to be found for a while. Or in my case, ever.

I take a seat on the log nearest the water, picking up little pebbles here and there to throw in. The little fish quickly swim away from the intrusion, then herd back together in a different area. Farther down the stream I can hear a frog croaking away, probably sitting on a Lilly pad and eating flies.

I look up to the trees and smile, closing my eyes as I listen to everything at once. This is my safety net, my escape from everything that's happened. The place I go to be stress free, even if it's only for a few minutes. Nobody knows I come here, nobody probably cares. They never do.

A frown forms again, causing me to open my eyes and look back down. Picking up a stick I poke at the dirt, digging little holes then covering them back up again. I can never truly get away from here. Away from him.

I shut my eyes tightly, my grip on the stick deadly.

You'll never get away. You'll always be here, here with me.

I push myself up from my seat, yelling out in anger and rage as I throw the stick across the stream. Watching it land with a thud on the leafy floor. My breathing is heavy, my head starting to pound.

You'll never amount to anything. You're a disgrace, you won't make in this world.

My body shakes as I take deep breathes, desperately trying to calm myself down but failing miserably.

Nobody will care about you, nobody will worry about you.

I fall to my knees, tightly gripping my head as if to make the pain go away, but it only makes it worse, only makes everything more intense. Only makes them more intense.

You think you're better than us? That you can go to school and get that pretty girl to be your bitch?

I shake my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. My fingers tangled in my hair, tugging at the strands. I rest my elbows on my knees, shutting my eyes as tightly as possible.

She'll never like you, she'll never care about you. You think by blackmailing her you're making it easier? She hates you, she hates everything about you.

"No, no." I cry out, opening my eyes and looking up at the sky. I shake my head furiously, "She's not like that." I look back down and sniffle, thoughts of the kiss earlier today flooding my brain.

You disgust her. She was so disgusted, you saw how fast she wanted to get away from you. You're nothing but a lowlife scum to her. You're nothing.

I shake my head again, the tears falling down my face and onto the ground. I think of the look on Sarah's face, how her cheeks flushed after she kissed mine, how her eyes wouldn't meet mine. That couldn't have been disgust, could it? I shake my head again in denial, not believing she would do that to me.

What, you think you're so special now that a girl can't help but fall in love with you? Is that it? Stay away, Zander. Don't get too close.

I pound my fist against the ground, casting my gaze back up to the trees. The trees whose swaying now seems to be mocking me with their freedom. "Why?! Why can't I have one good thing?" I yell up at the trees, but nothing happens. They continue to sway without a care in the world.

Because you'll ruin her.

I drop my head down, my shoulders slumping as I process the words.

You'll ruin her.

"No, I won't! She's too sweet, I wouldn't dare!" My body trembles, sobs ripping out from my very core. Pain echoes through the trees, only to be lost in the wind.

Yes you will, because no matter what you do, you'll always be your fathers son.

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

Holy mother of fudge, my eyes hurt. This was a crazy chapter, that's for sure.

Let me know what you think, leave a comment, vote, or share this book with your friends!

Stay chillin' (Huehe, you know, 'cause it's winter where I'm at, huehehe. Sorry that was a bad joke, anyways.)

~Molly