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UNEDITED
Selena's POV:

I walked into my dads room, my nerves sparking all over the place. I never have a problem talking to my dad, I don't know why I am so nervous right now. Maybe it's because he caught me and Justin making out and that's a super awkward thing for a dad to walk in on. Although, it is our fault, we were in the kitchen for the whole household to see.

I sat on the end of the bed, he was currently sitting up on against the headboard.

"I need to talk to you about Melissa." I sighed. I tucked my hair behind my ears. "She isn't who you think she is." I looked him the eyes, hoping to god that my dad was going to be understanding. He usually is, but for some reason, lately he's been acting different.

"Selena, I don't want to hear it, if you are just going to talk negatively about her, I don't want to hear it." He spoke sternly.

My jaw fell open, "But there is something you need to know! She's been making fun of me at school!" I threw my arms up.

"Why on earth would this sweet girl make fun of you? She seems to really care about you!" He furrowed his brows. I let out a groan.

"She seems sweet. I thought she was too. But she is very mean. She was telling me that I need to lose weight, and was calling me names. I just don't think it's a good idea for you to have her working with you." I sighed, I'm starting to think this conversation is pointless.

"I just can't picture her being so rude." He stated.

I stood up from the bed shaking my head, "Whatever, this conversation isn't going anywhere, it's fine." I walked out of his room, ignoring his calls for me to come back and finish this conversation. I didn't want to anymore.

It really hurt me that he doesn't believe me. Him and I are usually so in sync. I guess not anymore.

I walked downstairs in time for Steph, mark, and my mother to walk through the door.

"Heeeeey Sel!" Steph slurred. I rose my brows at her. I've only ever seen Steph drunk a hand full of times. Tyler was there with me and we would just watch her and giggle at all the stupid things she would do. Gosh I miss Tyler.

"Hi Steph, you had fun I see?" I giggled, my mom playfully rolling her eyes. "She is a hot mess." She laughed.

"You think I'm hot?" Steph gasped, slapping her hand over her gaping mouth before fits of giggle escaped her lips.

"Of course that's all she would get from that sentence." My mom smirked.  Steph is a person who only hears what she wants to hear, if you say something negative she will always find a positive out of it. I wish I could be more like Steph. We should all be more like Steph.

"Steph and Mark are crashing here tonight, I was wondering if they could use your room? If you don't mind sleeping on the couch tonight." My mom said. I would never mind that, they are always welcome to use my room when they visit.

"Of course! I'll just get my PJs, pillows and blankets." I smiled, darting off to head upstairs.

I remade the bed with different sheets and blankets for Steph and Mark.  I grabbed my things and headed downstairs.

"It's all set for you guys. Have a good night!" I smiled, hugging them.

Watching Mark and my mom try and bring the drunken Steph upstairs made me giggle. She was yelling about how she wasn't done drinking and needed to go dance. Mark had told her she could dance once they got into the bedroom.

I laid onto the couch, checking my phone to see if I had any messages. I had one from Justin.

Justin:
I need to see you. Now.

My heart sank. This is serious.

Me:
I don't know if I can sneak out, my parents aren't asleep yet. I am already in trouble.

Justin:
I promise it won't be long. I'll explain when I see you. Meet me at the park in 30 mins.

Me:
Okay, I hope you are okay.

Justin:
I'm fine, I promise.

I waited until I heard the snoring from my parents before slipping my converse on. I was already changed into a silk tank top and shorts pj set. Although I knew the temperatures might be cooler than earlier, it didn't make me put a sweater on. I was too worried about Justin. I had a bad feeling.

I slowly slid the back door shut. The front door is right under my parents room, I didn't want to chance it. I opened the gate, leaving a rock in front of it so it wouldn't slam closed.

I ran my hands up and down the goosebumps on my arms. It was a little chilly. I hurried down the street. Walking fast but not quite fast enough to bring me to a slow jog. The night creeps me out. Especially when I'm alone. I just feel like there's always people watching me.

I came up to the park and could see Justin sitting on one of the swings, gently pushing with his legs back and forth.

"Hey." I spoke quietly. My words barely coming above a whisper. Justin glanced to the side but didn't face me. My heart sank.

I don't know why but the instant fear of him not wanting to see me anymore races around my head. Even thought we aren't dating, losing him would break me. I've grown attached to him.

"Jay, are you alright?" I walked around to the front of him, his hood was on and his face looking down towards his lap. His fingers were clenching and unclenching around the chains supporting his body.

He gently shook his head no. I got closer to him and went onto my knees in the sand. Resting my hands on his thighs. I looked up to him and gasped. I watched as a couple tears ran down his face.

"Baby! What is going on?" I whined, begging for him to tell me what on earth has this boy so upset.

My heart was shattered, looking at the strongest person in my life, break into a million pieces. The look of devastation on his face was enough to make tears slide down my own face. I never want to see him like this. He deserves to be smiling always.

I grabbed his hands from the chains and held them in my own. Sighing, if silence is what he needs then I'll give it to him. Sometimes people just need you to hold them, even if they won't tell you what's wrong.

I brought the back of his hands up to my lips and kissed along the back of his hands, going back and forth slowly. Trying to show him that I'm here with him. It's you and me baby.

I peaked up to see the ghost of a smile on his lips, causing one to fall on to mine. There it is. But just like that it was gone and the frown once again took over.

He sighed, looking up to the sky, "My dad hit my mom today." He shook his head in disbelief. My jaw fell to the ground.

"No way." I tightened my grip on his hands. Justin nodded his head confirming what he said was legit.

I felt his hands start to tremble in mine, the anger burning up inside him all over again.

"I walked in the door just in time to see him slap her, once I yelled at him for it, he said it wasn't what it looked like. My mom started sobbing, holding her cheek. I shoved my dad and shoved him again. I kept shoving him, yelling at him for hitting her. But it didn't matter because my mom started defending him. Telling me to stop. So I left the house, and now I'm sitting here, with you."

I took in a shaky breath from my gapped mouth. I couldn't believe what I just heard. The worst part is that Justin has to go home later and look his parents in the eyes and make a choice. He is either going to let it go and forgive his father or he is going to hold a grudge and keep the family on edge. Whatever choice he makes I am okay with. I'll support him no matter what.

Just knowing the past of his little sister, you would think his dad would be more protective over the women in his life, not hurt them more by laying a finger on them. This is the kind of thing that scars a child for life. Justin nor his sister are ever going to forget this.

"Are you going back home tonight?" I rose my eyebrows, taking his hands in mine once again. He shook his head. "I don't want to." I nodded, understanding his point, but my heart was worried on where he would end up tonight.

"Where are you going to stay?" He shrugged, not sure of his whereabouts for later this evening. That's when an idea popped in my head, and I know it's a horrible idea that would never be accepted by my parents. Maybe they didn't have to know.

"Stay with me." I whispered, patting the top of his hand. His eyes shot to mine, "There's no way your dad will allow that." He scoffed. I shrugged.

"He doesn't need to know."

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