I was in complete shock.

The aftermath of the tornado was actually scary. Like, insanely scary.

My house was lucky not to have damage like some of the ones in my neighborhood. Trees uprooted and tossed, roofs in other peoples lawns, cars smashed...it was all like a movie—one I didn't wanna believe.

The only thing we're experiencing is no power, which is lucky compared to some of the other people down the block.

But, even though it was cold, having no power meant being super hot and awkward family interactions.

"Do you think we should go see if they need any help down the road?" Mom asks, fanning herself.

"The hell would you do that for? They got enough help."

I glare at Roy, shaking my head.

"Some people aren't shitty human beings, that's why."

"Alina, you know better than that."

I roll my eyes. "He deserved it."

"That's enough of that, young lady."

I let go of a frustrated breath and rose to my feet. "I'm gonna head to Av's. Need a shower and cool air."

Mom was protesting, but I still left. I walk down the road, waiting until my message to Avery actually sent before I locked my phone.

Lifting my eyes, my heart sinks at all the debris that clutters around the roads. I kept walking, seeing a group of people down at the end of the block. They're hauling stuff from the back of the truck out, and I peek around to see if I can stop someone.

"Excuse me," I grab the attention of an older woman. "I live just up the block and I was wondering if you would like any help?"

"Oh," she smiles at me. "Aren't you just the sweetest thing? You live up the block, you say?"

"Yeah," I smile. "Uh, I'm up at 819."

"Well," she dusts her hands off. "I'm normally 835, but it's a bit of a mess at the moment." She chuckles. "But it's fine, sweetheart. We have the church that's helping us, and Red Cross on their way now."

"Are you sure? I really don't mind sticking around for a bit to help."

"Who's this, mom?"

The woman turns, revealing a teenage-looking kid from behind her.

"Kye, this is..." she turns to me.

"I'm Lina," I offer an awkward wave.

"This is Lina. She was kind enough to ask if we needed her help."

I note the similarities between the two, clearly indicating that they are related. The woman has dark red hair, green eyes and high cheekbones. The guy has dark brown hair, the same green eyes and a broader face. But they have the same broad shoulders.

The guys green eyes take me in. "That's mighty nice from a stranger."

"Oh, quiet." She turns back to me. "It's fine, dear. He's just grumpy his friends didn't wanna be around for cleanup."

"Ma!"

"In all seriousness, hun, we're okay. We have plenty of friends and family and everything in between helpin' us."

"If you're sure." I sigh. "I really don't mind helping out."

"She's precious," she says to her son, then looks back to me. "It's okay, really."

I nod, taking a deep breath. "It's nice to meet you."

"Oh! Julia," she laughs. "I never introduced myself. I'm Julia. My son, Kye," she motions beside her. "My husband Eli is back there somewhere and my daughter Ella is with him."

"Nice to meet you."

"Likewise. I hope your family is doing okay."

"Oh, we're okay. Tornado missed us."

"That's lucky. Praise God."

I blink, then slowly nod. "Of course."

"Have a good day, yeah? Stay safe out there."

"You guys, too." I nod.

I give a polite wave before I walk down the street. The tornado missed us, but you can see the impact that it left. Some people can't even live in their homes because of the damage it took.

Sometimes, things happen that make you grateful for what you have.

This is one of them.

I don't know what I did to not end up like these people. I'm a shitty person, my mom isn't the best, and Roy is the shittiest person I know. So how does a house full of terrible people stay safe, but a nice family like Julia's didn't?

I don't understand the logic of the world.

This whole ordeal was messing with my head. I think even Avrey had noticed when she saw me just sitting on her bed, in the spare robe she has for me, just letting my hair drip water onto my legs.

"Nana, you need to talk. Stop keeping everything in your head."

I look at her, shaking my head slightly. Avrey is an angel, so it makes sense why she was okay. This whole side of town was missed, and I couldn't be any happier. But still, why me?

"I'm just...confused, is all."

"About?"

I sigh, crossing my leg over the other. "As to why some people who don't deserve bad things get them, and why some people who deserve it don't."

"What do you mean?"

"I met a really nice family today who's trying their best to clean up after this whole ordeal, and they didn't seem to deserve it. And me and my family..."

I sigh. The only good person in our family is Brooks. And he wasn't even home. I have no idea how that works.

"Lina," I feel the bed sink as she sat next to me. "What are you even saying? You're one of the nicest people I know."

I look at Avrey. My beautiful, naive best friend. She thinks I'm good?

I'm broken. And no amount of makeup, no amount of sex, and no words can fix that.

I'm a lost cause. If I were her, I would've given up on me a long time ago.

"I dunno, Av. I just don't understand. I'm grateful to be alive. But I'm confused as to why."

"Because you're you. You have a kick ass job to do in this world, and all the gods in the universe know that." She grins.

"You're into gods now?"

"I mean, Dua Lipa is a fucking goddess, how can I not?"

I laugh, Avrey laughing beside me. She lets go of a long breath and places her hand over mine.

"You've got too much to live for, Lina. Don't feel bad as to why, just take it as an opportunity to live more and more as it's your last day. Make a fucking impact on the world."

I lean my head on her shoulder, and she rests hers on top of mine.

"Thank you."

"It's what I do, babe. Now," Avrey pops up and walks towards the door. "Get some clothes on. We're going to order in pizza and watch trashy movies."

"Like what?"

She grabs the door and smirks. "I think we need a Christian Grey fix, don't you?"

With that, she closes the door. At the thought of sexy, dominant men, Hayden immediately came into my head. All the thoughts I'd been pushing out of my head since what happened happened came crashing in, making my stomach drop.

I still couldn't believe I kissed him. I don't even think I was using my brain properly after hearing how close we came to death. If I was, that would've never happened.

All the sexy moans he made, the breathless way he said my name, his tight grip around my throat...I was ready to fucking combust just by that, alone. But I had to play it cool, like I wasn't.

I've never been turned on so much by just dry humping and moans. But the throaty sound Hayden made, coming deep within him, was far too attractive. It's unfair.

I shake my head, reminding myself of who Hayden really is—just someone who wants to get in my pants. He doesn't date, doesn't care about anyone or anything. Just himself. And all he wants is to say he finally banged his best friends sister.

I'm not about to give it to him.

And I know for a fact it's all he wants because he hasn't even messaged me to see if I'm okay. An actual human being would check on you after the situation we were both in. But he's a fuckboy and doesn't care.

Stupid, stupid Lina. Why are you so easy?

I get up with a groan, putting on some pjs that Avrey always lets me use when I'm here. I pull my wet hair into a ponytail and come down the stairs. To both of our surprise, Avrey's parents were home and had made us a big lunch, so we sat down to eat that, first.

Lots of sushi takeout and homemade wasabi and pita bread that Mrs. Pret makes to perfection. As much as I just wanted to enjoy my food, of course I was asked how I was feeling. Avrey tried to direct the conversation, which I appreciate. But I knew they wouldn't let up.

So I just said that I was close enough to hear it, and it was scary, but I'm very grateful to be alive.

No one needed to know Hayden and I were practically in the tornado. Especially since it was both me and Hayden.

Yeah, no.

Once we ate, though, Avrey's parents helped us clean up and then kindly found their way to their office. I look at Avrey, who shrugs.

"Sometimes they can take the hint they're going too far."

I wave her off. "It's fine. At least they care, right?"

Av smiles. "Yeah, I guess that's one way of looking at it."

"Can we watch Jamie Dornan be sexy now?"

Avrey cackles a laugh. "Hell yes!"

As we move towards the movie room they have, I check my phone. A bunch of threatening texts from my mother, who I know won't actually go through with any of it. And a couple from Brooks. I text him back, assuring him I'm okay, just with Avrey.

His response is immediate.

Brooks: Oh thank God. You gonna hang out there all night?

Lina: eh, maybe. depends on how i feel

Brooks: Alright, just let me know, k?

Lina: ofc. love u

I sigh and lock my phone, tossing it beside me. I don't know why I feel just a smidge of disappointment when I saw nothing from Hayden. I mean, I already knew he wouldn't.

I guess this is what I get for even having an ounce of faith in him.

Never again.

A/N

Hi! Sorry for the long wait, but I'm working on something else behind the scenes that I'm superrrrr excited for!! I hope you guys are, too!!

Thanks for reading, lovelies! Don't forget to vote, comment, etc!! <33