It was Thursday night and I was in my room packing to go home for the weekend. Normally I would be packed and ready to go already. I worked all day at the shop so I was there more than I was home. I started cleaning as soon as I got home so I could come home and not have to worry about anything.

Once I finished packing I ordered chinese for delivery, poured two glasses of wine and made my way over to Adam's apartment. I knocked and he yelled for me to let myself in. I set one glass down for him and sipped my own. I relaxed on his couch while I waited for him to get out of the shower. There was light Frank Sinatra playing on his record player and I walked over to browse his vinyl collection.

"Hey," Adam said as he emerged from the bathroom. I turned to face him and was at a loss for words. I knew Adam was attractive but I didn't know I was best friends with a fucking model. His hair was wet and curly as he ran a hand through it and beads of water covered his chest and abs, which were impeccably toned. I quickly averted my eyes when I realized he only had a towel around his hips.

"Hey, I ordered chinese and brought some wine." I said as I returned my gaze to the records.

"Oh nice, what is the occasion?" He asked, his voice dulling as he walked up the stairs.

"Remember I told you, I am going home for the weekend. Baltimore, you know."

"Oh shit ya, I totally spaced. My mom is having this huge art gala Sunday and she is breathing down mine and Ryan's necks to help her and know how to organize these shit shows. 'Carry on the family name' and all that jazz." He mocked his mother as he came back downstairs pulling a sweatshirt over his head.

"Sounds exciting," I said sarcastically.

"It is anything but that," he dead panned, giving me a death stare. "So you got any plans when you get back home?"

"The trip is mostly to see my parents but I have plans with the band family. Zack's mom and I are spending time together and then we are all having a dinner before I come back. All their kids are gone until December so the least I could do is proxy. I am dying to get some of Rian's mom's cooking." I laughed. "I am going to hang out with my best friend Lisa, before she starts school too. Other than that I think I am just hanging at my house which should be nice to just relax for a couple days."

"Sounds exciting," he mocked my previous statement.

"I am really excited, both to have some time off and to go home as well." I sighed. I got up to answer the knock at the door which was my dinner, Adam however beat me to it and paid, thanking the delivery person as well. I finished my wine and the two of us walked back to my apartment for a refill. We argued for a little while on what movie we wanted to watch but agreed on Spirited Away. Dinner was uneventful but we kept light conversation throughout because we both had seen it before.

"Okay well I am exhausted so I am going to head to bed, stop in and say good bye before you leave tomorrow." He said while yawning.

"Of course, good night Fitz." I said as we kissed each others cheeks and parted ways. I cleaned up the empty food containers and washed the wine glasses before I locked the door, set the alarm and made my way upstairs. I quickly made work of washing my face and brushing my teeth. I headed into Alex's room for whatever reason and just stood there taking in the empty wall that once held pictures of him and Hannah. I made his bed, sat on it bringing my knees to my chest and hugging them. I just kind of sat there for a couple minutes, just sitting in his space surrounded by all things him. I noticed a black sweatshirt hanging on the back of his door and pulled it down, breathing in the scent. I closed my eyes and sighed, realizing that this was going to be the closest I got to him for a while. I left his room with the sweatshirt in my hand and a heavy heart, closing the door behind me.

I returned to my own room and stripped off my clothes and slipped on a lightweight sports bra. I grabbed a pair of under wear and pulled the sweatshirt over my head. I shut off my lights before crawling into bed with the thought of seeing my boys again on my mind.

I woke up relatively early and jumped in the shower before anything else. I quickly finished and brushed my hair out letting it air dry while I got breakfast. I threw Alex's sweater on my duffel bag to bring with me and pulled on some high-waisted, destroyed jean shorts with tucked in a Vans Warped Tour t-shirt that I had from last summer. I put on a red long sleeve sweater and some natural makeup before I threw my hair into a braid off to the side and took my bags downstairs. I set everything by the door and pulled on my all white Vans before doing a once over of my apartment. I made sure all the windows were locked and cleaned up my dishes from breakfast.

I pulled my backpack on and picked up my duffel to and set them in the hall leaving my apartment door open. I walked over to Adam's apartment and knocked to let him know I was leaving. He soon opened the door with a sloppy grin and wearing just his boxers, "Morning Dev."

"Hey," I said as I back up to my own apartment. "I was just letting you know I am heading out, just locking up the place."

"Okay," he mumbled. "Give me a second to put some clothes on and I will walk you out."

"Thanks," I smiled. I crossed the landing just inside my apartment and set the alarm to turn on in a minute. I turned to the table that held my water bottle and keys, grabbed those and rummaged threw the drawer looking for the spare key. I found it and shoved it in my sweater pocket before locking the handle and pulling the door shut. I locked the deadbolt and turned to get my bags but they were gone.

"You ready?" Adam spoke up, holding both of my bags.

"Absolutely." I grinned, more than ecstatic to go home for a little bit. Adam put the bags in the back seat of my car as instructed and turned back to me.

"Drive safe okay? Let me know when you get there," he demanded as he hugged me. I agreed and gave him the spare key for safe keeping.

"Just as a precaution, I like to be prepared. I have to stop by Neil's place too, as well as the shop. If I don't say goodbye to him and Zeia I might as well not come back because they would murder me." I laughed.

"Okay, and Dev?"

"Yeah?" I hummed into his chest.

He pulled us apart and looked me in the eyes with a devilish grin on his face, "Have fun." With a kiss to my forehead and another brief hug, the goodbye was over and I was so close to getting home. I dug threw my backpack for my wallet and locked my car before I walked towards the shop. I stopped on the way for a coffee to warm up my hands. It was the last weekend in July and though the weather had been exceptionally perfect recently, last night we were graced with a huge rain storm. Its reminence hanging in the sky in the form of a dreary overcast and a chill that only got colder as the wind blew.

I walked into the shop to see a slew of familiar faces and walked over to Zeia who was sketching. I gave her a weak smile and put my arms around her shoulders, resting my chin in the crook of her neck. "Hey darling," she hummed.

"Hey," I said as she kept drawing and I took a seat next to her. "That looks amazing," I said admiring her drawing of a skull covered in overgrown vines and blooming flowers.

"Thanks Dev, it means a lot coming from you. Are you heading back to Baltimore today?"

"Yeah I just came to say goodbye, Neil insisted that I take the entire week off but I think I will be back Tuesday or Wednesday."

"Aw Devon," she said getting up from her drawing. I stood as well returning her hug, "You didn't have to postpone your trip to say bye to little old me, it is only one week end. Drive safe and say hi to those gorgeous boys of yours for me." She laughed.

"The guys aren't home, they are still in Los Angeles for some promotion shit and a couple small shows, then they head out on tour until December." I sighed.

"Holy shit I would've said goodbye if I had known I wouldn't see their half naked bodies for that long." I laughed at her statement as did she. "How are you dealing with that?"

"It is getting easier, I am able to call and talk to at least one of them everyday so that helps. They are three hours behind us so that took some adjusting but it is working itself out." I shrugged.

"Well when you get back I am coming over and we are getting drunk and watching shitty romantic comedies," she said hugging me again. "Now go home already."

I laughed as she pushed us apart and kicked my butt before returning to her own drawing. I was on my way out when I saw Nick with a new girl sitting at my usual desk. "Hey," I said hugging him.

"Hey, I thought you would be in Baltimore already."

"Why does everyone think that I would leave for almost a week without saying goodbye," I sighed dramatically.

"Well you got me there," he laughed putting his hands up in surrender. "Devon this is my little sister Clarissa, she is visiting me for a couple weeks and I volunteered her to work while your gone."

"Nice to meet you Devon, but please call me Clary." She smiled and we shook hands.

"She is just doing the appointments and scheduling, I am taking care of everything else. Neil was really insistent that he could come in and help but I told him to just spend time with Layn for a bit."

"He is just really nervous about being a dad I think, but so far he is doing a great job."

"He really is, I mean he didn't have to drop everything for her. He just has lost too many people in his life to say goodbye to another," Nick sighed.

"Okay I will tell him not to worry. I am going to stop by there before I head out. See you next week, tell Amy I said hi." We hugged again and I yelled a goodbye to all the guys with some mumbled responses. I stepped back out onto the cold street and continued the short round trip to Neil's apartment. I threw out my empty coffee cup and pulled my sweater tight around me in hopes of fighting the cold.

Once I reached Neil's building I buzzed in to call up to his apartment and waited for the door to unlock. I climbed the stairs and walked down the familiar hallway to his apartment, knocked on the door and was greeted by Neil who was in some basketball shirts and socks but had no shirt on which revealed his mostly tattooed but toned chest and abs. "I swear to go none of you boys own shirts." I laughed, rolling my eyes as he welcomed me into his apartment. It was warm inside like I was laying out in the sun, I guess he turned on his heat.
"A little cold are you? It feels like we are in Mexico in the middle of July."

"Oh I didn't realize, I turned it up for Layn because her hands and feet were cold and I don't want her getting sick. Wait what are you doing here, get out. Leave. Go home."

"What? Calm down, I just came to say goodbye." I laughed fighting him as he tried to shove me out the door.

"Oh, you didn't have to," he shrugged and pulled he into a hug. "Drive safe, let me know when you're there. Don't have too much fun, don't drink and drive. Please come home though, don't stay there and change your mind. I don't know what I would do without you-" he was stumbling over his words and I couldn't help but laugh. "Am I forgetting anything, do you need gas money for money for lunch or something? What are you laughing at?!"

"No dad, I promise I will be okay." I mocked in a childish voice and continued laughing. "I will be fine Neil, just relax okay? Nick has the shop on lock down and he is going to call me with any questions."

"Oh jeez sorry," he blushed.

"No need to be sorry, its okay." I reassured him before searching for the little girl that stole my heart. I found her sucking on her hand and a toy in the other. "Hey baby girl, aw yeah. Now you gotta take care of your dad okay; bed before ten, no sweets after eight, and make sure he brushes his teeth." I smiled down at the little girl in my arms and kissed her fore head before handing her off to Neil.

"Thanks Dev, everything you have done to help me out in these passed couple weeks really means a lot to me." He kissed my forehead hugged me with his free arm.
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his forehead and then Layn's, "You're a great dad Neil. Love you guys, see you soon." I then excused myself and made my way back to my car.

My heart started racing as adrenaline pumped through my veins, I was so excited to go home. The drive took a little over three hours because of traffic and it was definitely different being in the car alone. I always had the boys or Lisa and Cass riding with me so singing alone to my favorite music kind of lost its fun without my best friends by my side. I was just crossing into Maryland when my phone rang and I answered it without looking at who was calling. "Hello."

Hey Dev, hows the weather? Alex.
"It is actually a little chilly today but not to the point where I need pants, and from your tone I am guessing that it is beautifully warm and sunny?"
Yeah pretty much, what are you up to today?
"Im driving down 95, just crossed into Maryland, about an hour away from home."
Oh shit yeah I forgot you were going home this weekend. Do mom and dad know?
"Yeah, I wanted it to be a surprise but I started planning it out and it wasn't going to work, but it is still really exciting. I made plans with Zack's mom one day, and another I am hanging out with Cass and Lisa another day. I think mom planned another Band Thanksgiving before I leave because she wanted to do it when I was home because you guys couldn't be there and blah blah blah. So I think that is Monday night and think I will leave Wednesday."
A 'Band Thanksgiving' was a tradition that my mom and Rian's mom started because they both love to cook. It began when all the boys started the band and wanted to go to each others dinners as friends. All the parents involved, and with my help, came up with 'Band Thanksgiving' where all our respective families come together for a big pot luck, everyone bringing their own dish to pass and more. It was on the second Saturday in November that way everyone could split up and join their own families on Thanksgiving Day.
However since my parents didn't celebrate Thanksgiving, Alex and I usually used the American holiday to stay in bed all day and watch movies and eat complete junk food if we didn't feel like going out. Jack's mom was always adamant that we were always welcome there, Rian refused to let us despite his mother's wishes but that was expected. Of course Zack's mom invited me as well. We excepted the invites with open arms but the closer senior year got, we decided to spend more time together. I was focused on studies and Alex was the exact opposite, to where he did the bare minimum to pass and threw himself into the band.

That will be nice, I wish we could be back for that though. I could use a decent meal right about now. Rian will sometimes cooks us dinner and most other times we are taking fast food, or delivery. I never thought I would say this but I might be sick of eating pizza.

"Wow, you poor tortured soul." I laughed but an idea sprung into my head. "What if we had our own Thanksgiving at the apartment? I could get the recipes from everyone while I am home and we could surprise everyone and it could be our little thing, kind of like a welcome home and start our own traditions based off of our new schedule. I mean we don't really do Thanksgiving but the guys do so its the least I could do."

I think that is a great idea Dev, I know they would love anything like that. Well tell mom and dad I said hi, I gotta go do an interview with Jack. Zack wants to talk anyway.

"Okay Lex, I love you."

Love you too Dev, drive safe. There then was some rustling and static before Zack's melodic voice came through the phone.

Hey Dev, how are you?

"I am good, pretty close to home now so I shouldn't be driving too much longer."

That is good babe, how has work been?

"I have been practically working full time so I have a bit saved up now. I am glad I was able to get time off though before orientation, I am really excited to go home."

I am glad everything is working out for you darling.

"Thanks babe, how are you? Enjoying the nice warm weather?"

Ha ha I mean I am trying to but we are in and out of places a lot for a press things. Alex and Jack have such a good camera personality so we keep making them do the interviews."

"Of course," I laughed. "I have a love/hate relationship with rainy overcast weather, because it makes me just want to stay inside and cuddle up with you, but I also hate it for the same reason because I can't do that exact thing." I sighed in frustration.

Hey babe I know, Alex and Jack keep getting asked questions and ten out of ten they manage to bring your name into it and I miss you so fucking much babe. I promise you that I am not going to leave your side for probably a solid two or three days.

"Okay darling, I will be sure to take off work too. I think it would be a little awkward if I was tattooing someone and you were just sitting there," I laughed at the image my head had created.

Wait since when have you been tattooing people?

"I actually haven't started on real people yet but I have been practicing with a gun and no ink, just getting used to it and all. I have been talking to Neil about managing the shop for him, I mean I already practically am, only because I couldn't do the receptionist and helping draw when I am in school. I wouldn't be there full-time like I am now but I would get a manager's wage so I wouldn't be making any less money even without being there all the time."

Oh geez Devon, you have more on your plate than we do and we are in the beginning of starting a U.S. tour.

"Its alright, I know that if I need it Neil will step in and give me the time I need to focus on school. It is functional and flexible so I am sure everything will work out."

I am sure it will too baby. I honestly am counting down the days until I get to see you again.

Also I hear you are hanging out with my mom while your home?

"I mean yeah, she asked me how the city was and I said we could catch up over lunch. We have done it before it is nothing new Zack."

First I am hearing of it, but whatever, tell her I said hi and that I love her.

"Why can't you do that again? You are able to talk to me on the phone just fine." I said with a little bit of edge in my voice.

Oh wow, yeah. I guess I didn't think of that, just a brain fart.

"Don't worry Alex said almost the same thing. Sometimes you guys impress the fuck out of me but then there is times like this where I genuinely wonder how you passed basic high school courses."

They literally all copied off you. He laughed and it was a deep raspy laugh, familiar to the point where I almost felt it echo in my chest.

"Okay well I am passing the school now so I am going hang up because I'm almost home."

Okay, I wish we had more time. I wish I could not be here for the dumb interviews that Rian and I aren't even in. I love you Devon, please never forget that. I know this distance isn't easy and we are both working towards our future. So I was thinking if we can work out this distance thing, I don't know I guessed that there wouldn't be anything we couldn't get through. I know it sounds real corny but I kind of see us together for a while so I have high hopes.

"It isn't corny babe, I think it really cute and to be honest I feel the same way. It seems silly now that I never told you but a little while ago I had a dream where I saw me at my graduation and you guys were doing great in the band. Then I saw us getting married and having a kid, I was scared to tell you because we never really talked about our future like that but honestly it is a relief to hear it from you." I sighed as I recalled the visions and a weight lifted from my chest.

I love you babe, now go be with your parents, tell them I said hi. We can talk tomorrow honey, have a good rest of your day.

"I love you bunches darling, have a great day, and tell Jack and Rian I say hi and that they need to call me more often." I smiled into the phone as a comfort embraced my heart and a blush covered my cheeks. I flicked on my blinker and made the turn into the neighborhood where my parents live. "Goodbye my love," and with that we ended the call.

I slowed as I neared the house I grew up in and I felt home and content. I pulled into the driveway and while parking the car the front door opened and revealed my best friends sprinting at me full speed. I returned their enthusiasm and met them halfway in a jog, where we all collided and fell to the ground. Laughter exploded from all of us as we were reunited after a long summer of separation. We picked ourselves up off of the ground and hugged again with smiles on our faces. I stepped back to my car, grabbing my bags out of the backseat and walking to the house. They almost erupted into gossip mode of what had happened this summer and how I missed it all. I set my bags down at the foot of the staircase and tuned out the girl's chatter as I investigated my house for my parents. I was welcomed by the smell of homemade cookies and found myself nearly running towards the kitchen.

"Darling!" My mother shouted in her thick accent as she opened her arms and tightly hugged me. "Oh dear, I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too mom," I said softly as I embraced her as well, a warm comfort washed over me and I smiled. "Where is dad?"

"I believe he just nipped to his office for a call, I would check there or the porch."

"Thanks mom, I missed you." I laughed and kissed her cheek as I ran off to locate my dad. I slid open the door to the back porch but was met with no one so I turned and let the door slam behind me, which probably made my mother cringe. I scaled the stairs by twos and cracked open the door to my dad's office to see him with a hand to his ear, holding his phone, and the other in his pocket as he looked out the large window in front of him. He must've heard the door creak as he turned around to meet my gaze which caused him to end the phone call and step towards me.

"Pumpkin!" He bellowed as a smile spread across his face and I took two large steps before leaping into his out stretched arms. His arms wrapped around me and he spun me around like I was still twelve years old. We talked for a moment in the solitude of his office about simple things like how my job was and if everything was sorted for school. He asked, as any protective father would, about how Zack and I were doing with the distance. He was glad everything was working out, only wishing that I was happy. We returned downstairs to my friends and my mother told us to go keep busy while she cooked dinner.

I grabbed my duffel bag and Lisa offered to carry my backpack, setting both on my bed before we all collapsed. We chatted about drama and boys, I described Adam and Neil on their demand.

"Oh my god, I need to meet these men. I am just going to kick Alex out. Liss and I will share a room, I desperately need to see what is in the water there if you keep getting surrounded with male models." Cass laughed as a blush covered her cheeks.

"I could compare Neil to Andy Biersack, tattooed with jet black hair and gorgeous blue eyes. He is like the best friend I could ask for at the time, just the way he got me through the guys leaving when he barely knew me, its like I almost didn't lose the boys but now I have an older brother. Now with his daughter in the mix, its like I have a little sister that I always wanted."

"That's real sweet Dev, but are you sure he doesn't have feelings for you? Even Adam? He did say that you were the first girl he brought around. I know you guys are really close-" Lisa began, but I cut her off.

"I have known the guys for three months now, don't you think one of them would've made a move by now if they wanted something more? Plus Nick, one of the artists at the shop, told me that Neil doesn't see me that way at all. I promise that if anything happens you guys are the first to know." I put my hands up in surrender hoping they would drop the subject, thankfully they did.

"So," Cass trailed with a smile on her face. "How are things with Zack? Im starting a bet that he pops the question within two years. You guys are seriously so perfect together," she paused as she was looking at my wall of photos, coming across one I hadn't known Lisa took of the first day I met Zack. "I called it from day one. We both did," she said matter-of-factly.

"Two years?!" I shouted and my jaw dropped.

"What?" It was Lisa who spoke, obviously siding with Cassadee, but her tone held serious emotion. "You have been together almost two years as is now. Both you guys started the relationship in some shitty places and really built on each other to get better. Honestly Dev, after Mike I didn't think you were going to see graduation day. The long sleeves, missing school, losing weight, scars that shown when you weren't able to cover them up. I noticed Devon. I think I was the only one that did because if Alex paid closer attention he would've never left your side. If anything happened to you," she paused and moved closer to me, resting a hand on my leg. "He would've blamed himself all over again."

My heart sank. I thought no one had noticed then, I was doing very better now about being healthy and was pretty much a year clean of self harming. I stuttered unable to speak on the spot so suddenly. "You don't have to say anything Devon, I just wanted to let you know that I am glad you are here. I am proud that you have made it this far. Whatever changed in you I am glad that it did because you had me so worried and I didn't know what I could do to help you. I was so nervous every time you didn't show up to school that I had lost my best friend."

I didn't know what to do, at a lost for words and shocked. I reached over and hugged her. There was a tense feeling in the room, cold and unwelcoming. "I am glad I am here too," I whispered. Cass was in tears, as she had witnessed the whole thing, maybe unaware over what I had gone through but she joined the hug as well. "I love you guys, thank you so much."

We talked about the guys, I asked Cass how her and Rian were doing. "Well we are great, just adjusting to the distance is new, plus not everyone is as perfect as you and Zack."

"Oh please, Zack and I aren't perfect. The distance is new for us too don't worry, we just have been together longer than you and Rian, there isn't anything to worry about Cass. I know Rian and he is a great guy I think I see you guys together for a pretty long time too."

"Speaking of which," Lisa chimed in. "I'm kind of talking to someone." And just as our jaws fell my mother's voice called saying dinner was ready. "It is nothing serious right now, we aren't official or exclusive or anything."

"Well what the fuck. Do we get to know who it is?" Cass laughed.

"No, we decided that if everything works out an appearance will be made at New Years," she said shyly.

"But that is nearly five months away!" I shouted in excitement. Lisa tried to date in the past but said it was on and off again, Cass and I hated the guy. So this news was ground breaking, especially so because the pair saw it going a decent way into the future. We continued to pester her as we made our way downstairs for dinner, but ended the conversation when we entered the dining room. My mom had made her famous mac and cheese which I was dying to eat. While there wasn't a feature for dinner the plate or two of green beans, tossed salad, garlic bread, spaghetti, and more than enough mac and cheese was quite filling.

We finished dinner and found some ice cream in the freezer and ate that while we sat in the living room watching The Devil Wears Prada, which was undoubtedly the best movie of the year. It was nearing ten at night when I offered the girls to stay the night but was just asked to give them a ride home, to which I agreed. Lisa had to get home and pack to move into her own dorm and Cass had to get home because she had to also pack to get to her school in Florida. We climbed into my car and silence fell upon us until the radio clicked on and started playing the boys CD, to which we all laughed but sang along nonetheless. I dropped Cass off first as her house was nearly on the way to Lisa's house.

I pulled up to Lisa's, lit with the garage open and the kitchen lights on. "Do you want to come in I am sure my mom would love to see you."

"Sure," I smiled. I complied on the grounds that Mike's car wasn't here so neither was he. I told no one about the night at the party with him and his friends, the only story that spread was the abuse. I entered behind Lisa and was met with the screeching sound of her mother noticing my presence.

"Oh Devon sweetie! It is so good to see you I am so glad your back." She said as she captured me in a hug, the look of pity that flushed her face every time she saw me ever present.

"I'm just back for the weekend, I have freshman orientation the week after next and I got a little time off from work." I shrugged but kept myself polite.

"Oh that is so great to hear! What do you do for a job?" She questioned.

"I help manage a tattoo parlor for a friend of mine, he is a single dad so I am trying to help in anyway I can."

"Okay mom don't scare her off, she will be over again before she leaves. You can grill her then, now let her go home." Lisa to the rescue

"Fine, I will see you again before you leave sweetie." She said hugging me again.

"Thank you for coming over for dinner and surprising me, I really missed you Lisa." I smiled hugging her tight. "I love you, never forget that." I whispered before we pulled apart. She offered a weak smile as I showed myself out the door. I was walking across her lawn back to my car as Mike was pulling in, panic flushed over me. We kept the peace by avoiding each other at all costs, the last time I saw him was at graduation because he was there for Lisa. Before that the only time I saw him was once after we ended. He climbed out as did his companions, I assumed college buddies, but he averted his gaze and tried to get his friends to follow him inside.

"Hey sweetheart, what are you doing? The party just got here you can't leave," one of them shouted and started stumbling over to me, just great. Drunk assholes are the last thing I want to deal with right now.

"Dude come on leave her alone," Mike mumbled harshly. His tough guy facade always seemed to fall when he was around me and I realized now, years later, that was the appeal of staying with him was that he was so rude and mean to everyone but me. Around me he was always sweet and endearing, but then the next thing I saw was his friend not slowing his advances. I was stuck. Immovable from the shock. The cat calls continued but faded into white noise as my heart beat quickened and my breathing fell short.

The world slowed around me and two of Mike's drunk friends were standing in my face, looking down at my small figure. One of them tucked a strand of hair around my ear and moved towards my face and my body went cold. He was stopped abruptly by a force pulling him backwards, Mike stood in front of me now. Our eyes connected and his only held sorrow, it occurred to me then that he had always felt deep remorse for what he did to me. He pushed his friends backwards away from me and turned to me, shaking my shoulders.

"Devon!" He shouted. I shook my head free of it's haze and realized that Lisa was bursting out the front door and her parents standing on the porch. "Get out of here!" I was still unable to move and out of the corner of my eye I saw his friend advance again. He put an arm around my waist and the other around Mike's shoulders. In one swift motion Mike's face filled with rage simultaneously as his fists balled and pushed the three of us apart, making his friend swear.

"Dude-" he was cut off as Mike's right hook met his jaw, sending him unconscious falling to the ground. I stepped back slowly as he turned back to me.

"Devon, I am so sorry."

"Mike what the fuck! How could you!?" Lisa shouted, shoving his chest and began punching him relentlessly.

"Lisa, its okay." I breathed which stopped her actions and made her turn to me. "It wasn't his fault, everything is okay." The words spilled out off my mouth as if I didn't have control of myself. I hugged Lisa and told her I was going to go home and asked her not to tell anyone, to which she complied saying she would tell her parents as well. "Thank you," I whispered as I set my hand on Mike's broad shoulder. I turned and walked to my car, starting it and driving away without another word. I looked in my rear view to see Lisa in Mike's arms crying.

I got home and was relieved that my parents were in bed already. I kicked off my shoes and climbed the stairs with the dog prancing at my feet. I slipped off my clothes and climbed into the shower, letting the hot water run over me and wash away the homecoming turned sour. I let a few tears fall before I wrapped myself in a towel and brushed my teeth. I dressed in some boxers of Zack's and a sweatshirt of his as well. I breathed in his scent and laid down to bed, wishing I had him here. Wishing I could be held by him and feel at home again.

I woke up suddenly with my heart racing and mind scheming. I could do it, I thought. I pulled
my laptop off my lap and searched for flight prices. From working at the shop full time I definitely had enough saved up. I picked up my phone to call Neil and tell him I needed the rest of the week off, but stopped myself when I realized that it was three in the morning. I booked my flight instead my calling the airport and saying I would pay on arrival. Sunday night after the Band Thanksgiving I would leave. It cut my time with my parents short but I would see them again before I was able to see the boys. They would understand and I was more than excited. I texted Neil to call me when he woke up and found myself too excited to go back to sleep.

Notes

ooooo its surprise time, I am seriously so excitedd. are you?

please comment and vote, tell me you love it, tell me you hate it. Is anyone listening?