"Axel, you need to go. I don't need you here." I said putting my hands on my hips. He just stared at me without saying anything. After a few seconds I realized why. I didn't really look like my old self. I had been trying on my new clothes and was wearing something completely out of my usual comfort zone.

A pair of high waist skinny jeans with a black crop top and a brightly colored kimono. You could say it was a little sexy. Especially with the skin of my waist showing a little. Something I had never done before. Ever!

"Axel!"

His brown eyes focused back to mine "I am not going anywhere Em" he simply said. His attention went back to his books which he closed. "You shouldn't be alone now. I know we are not together but you need somebody to look after you. And since your parents don't have time I will."
He didn't even look at me while stating this. My jaw dropped. Really? What was I an eight-year-old? "What about your school? Your internship?" I argued him. I wasn't giving in that easily.
He just shrugged. "I can do my last test online and my internship will start in 2 weeks. I can even push back a week. He finished stacking his papers and put his eyes on me again. "You never told me about your grandparents. Let alone you liked art." A small frown showed on his face. I used to think this was cute... okay, I still did. But I knew I shouldn't.

"Would it matter?"

"Yes Emory! It feels like I hardly know you now."
I could see the pain in his eyes and I felt guilty. Shit, had I been such a different person around him? Really? I tried to think back to our two and a half year together. I was me right. Goody two shoes Emory. Always on time, always studying, never partying Emory.
I breathed hard and rolled my eyes. "Whatever Axel! I am perfectly fine! Just leave me be!"

Axel shook his head. "Not going to happen" He simple said getting on his feet his face back to his stubborn expression.

I pursed my lips. Dammit, I didn't need a babysitter!

"Emory? Hey, what are you doing here?"
I turned on my heals to find William behind me with a bright smile and a drink in his hand. He gave me a hug and a kiss on my cheek. "How are you, see you got some shopping done. You look amazing!" He said. I could smell on his breath that he already had some drinks. "Not that you didn't look amazing this afternoon but now." He looked at me and I could see a glint in his eyes. Something that to be honest, kinda scared me.

"Yeah." I smiled very aware that Axel was still right behind me.
"Hello" His voice soon enough followed and he showed beside me.
"Uh, Hi?"
William didn't understand so I knew I had to introduce them. Even though I didn't want to do this. "William, this is Axel... he is uh, well, my ex."