Thankfully, by the time we go home. My tears were down to sniffles.

My head hurt, so much, and my eyes burned from crying so much and I still just felt so scared. What was going to happen now? Was Jack going to pissed that I didn't go to him in the first place? What if Jared does do something to him all because I refused to...I can't even think about it.

Jack parked the car, and looked over at the house.

“Lights are off, mom and Carl are probably in bed.” He murmured, squeezing my hand lightly.

I hadn't looked up this entire ride. Slowly, he let go and got out of the car before going to my side and lifting me up and out of the car. I clung onto his shoulder, burying my face into his neck. I didn't want to let go, ever. This is where I wanted to be, in Jack's arms. It was safe.

We walked into the dark house quietly, we didn't go up the stairs like I thought we would but instead, Jack carried me to the kitchen. Stopping by the fridge, he took out something from the freezer before setting me down on the counter. I held on for a second, not wanting to be let go of, but my strength was gone, so Jack didn't even register my protest.

Wrapping up what I know identified as frozen corn in a dish towel, he lightly pressed it to my face. The frozen food immediately soothed the pain that was on my face. I put my hand over Jack's, holding it myself and he let go, looking over me. I knew he wanted me to tell him what happened, but I wasn't sure if I could relive it quite yet.

I trailed my eyes down to the floor, not speaking. I felt a hand gently lift my chin back up, and Jack leaned down to give me small, light kiss. It last a few seconds, being completely innocent, and I relaxed a bit at the feeling. When it ended Jack rested his forhead against mine.

“What happened?” He whispered, looking at me, pleading. “Who hurt you?”
“J-jared.” I stuttered, feeling more tears come. “He-he...made me go out with him, and he hit me until I...complied with what he wanted.”

Jack closed his eyes, anger clear on his face. One of his fists slammed down on the counter, making me jumped.

“Fucking dammit!” He yelled, and I flinched back. “What could he have possibly said?”
“He threatened to hurt you and our friends.” I mumbled.
“And how was he supposed to do that? Four against one isn't a very good way to win.”
“He was going to ask his friends...on the football team.”

Jack let out a loud sigh, sounding annoyed.

“Ember,” He spoke. “Those guys are definitely not Jared's friends. No one likes that kid, cause he's a dick and does shit like this.”
“He's done this before?” I asked, appalled. “Why isn't he in jail?”

“Wait... how far did he take this?” Jack asked suddenly, and I stayed quiet. “How far Ember?”

I didn't say anything, and just lifted Alex's shirt. Revealing that not only did I not have mine, but the bite marks, and hickeys Jared left behind. Jack suddenly looked like he just found the guy who kicked his puppy. He seethed out a breath before once again smacking the counter top, harder than last time and I dropped the frozen corn as I jumped back. Jack grabbed my waist and pulled me closer, his forehead resting on my shoulder. I stiffened, scared of how mad he was.

“Did he get further then this?” He whispered, and I shook my head. “Good.”

He let go of me, and leaned down to pick up the frozen food and put it away. He looked over, and held open his arms, silently asking me to come to him. I hopped off the counter and came up to him, just to have him scoop me in his arms once again, one arm holding me under my bum and the other wrapped around my back.

We went up the stairs, and Jack took me to his room. I didn't say anything, not wanting to set him off and because, I didn't want to be alone either. He laid me on his bed and looked through his drawers before handing me some of his basket ball shorts. I changed into those from my pants under the covers while Jack took off his shirt, and switched to sweat pants.

He crawled into bed with me, pulling me to him so he could hold me as close and physically possible. I probably should have voiced that our parents could see this, but didn't bother. We can come up with an excuse later, right now I was just in pain, tired, and wanted to sleep and forget that this night even happened. Jack slowly rubbed his hands up and down my back, almost as if he was making sure I was still here and okay. I hid my face in his chest and spoke quietly.

“I'm sorry....thank you.”

Notes

Poor little Ember. At least they're together now <3