I'm not adding a trigger warning in the title of this chapter, but there is mention of rape, it doesn't go in to detail. So I think it's ok. Also a bit of language warning too. I know we don't have to warn people about that here but I wanted to, just to let you know.

Alex's POV

In the past couple of months that flew by, I would like to say that Lily was all good and the nightmares had gone but I can't. Every night she goes to her bed and in the morning wakes up in mine. Even though I enjoy her company, I want it to be in better circumstances.

I watched as she poured herself some juice. "Lily," I began, which caught her attention.

"Can I mention something?"

"Yea," she took a sip of juice. "I've been thinking, I know you've recently moved in..." I trailed off for a moment, thinking I shouldn't say what I was going to, however I really wanted to. "But why don't you sleep with me?"

Her eyes widened and she almost choked on her drink. "Uh...I'm not ready, we've only just got-"

"I don't mean it that way." I interrupted, leaning on the kitchen bench. "You've ended up with me every night for a while because of the nightmares."

She shook her head. "Just can't," she mumbled.

"Why?" I snapped, then regretted. I hated seeing her upset.

"Because I can't..." She looked down like she was ashamed of something.

"That's not really a proper answer, Lily. I'm sorry, but you're practically sleeping with me already. I don't see why you just can't sleep in my bed."

"Stop it Alex!" She wiped her eyes and rushed out of the room, then I heard the front door slam. I frustratingly sighed. Why did I have to do that? There was something Lily wasn't telling me. I needed to know. I grabbed my car keys, just in case, and left the house.

"Alex!"

I halted to a stop, it was a female's voice but not Lily's. I turned to see a girl with blonde hair, she rushed over with a smile, flicking her hair out of her face. "What are you doing here?"

Her stare became serious. "Oh Lexy, I can't come and see you as a friend now?"

"Jessica, I said I never wanted to see you again. You cheated on me."

She laughed. "You cheated on me too."

I sighed. "No, I didn't...you just assumed I did and went mental on me. It was all you doing the cheating."

Jessica's eyes narrowed.

"How is he anyway?" I asked.

"He left me...but that's not why I'm here. I miss you Lexy." She winked.

I smirked as I pushed past her. "That's funny because I don't miss you."

"Alex!"

I swung round to see Lily standing right behind Jessica, who swung round to look at Lily. "Oh Lexy, who's this?" Jessica studied Lily and turned back to me.

"Lily, my girlfriend."

Jessica's eyes widened. "Seriously? She's like 12 or something? I knew you'd leave me for a school girl."

"I'm not 12, who are you?" Lily piped up. Jessica stepped closer to Lily. So did I, I knew how bitchy Jessica could get.

"I'm Jessica, Lexy's girlfriend-"

"No you're not!" I snapped.

I expected Lily to rush off but no. To my surprise she just stood there and bursted into laughter.

"Lexy? That's cute Jessica. It's nice to meet you but Alex isn't yours anymore, he's mine."

Lily rushed over to me and the next thing I knew, she smacked her lips on to mine. The thumping in my chest grew stronger. I immediately placed my arms around her waist. Lily was full of surprises. She deepened the kiss, holding me tightly. We almost forgot that Jessica was here until her frustrated sighs cut through our moment.

Lily pulled away. I widened my eyes, to say what was that. She smiled and turned round.

"You can see he's moved on from you Jess."

Jessica turned on her heels and stomped down the driveway. "Is she 12 or something?" Lily turned to me with a smirk.

I shook my head and grinned. "Thanks." I mumbled, feeling overwhelmed by the kiss more than anything else. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't-"

"Alex it's ok, you're right. Being with you makes them go away. Also..." Her cheeks flushed pink. "I don't know what came over me to kiss you like that."

I chuckled. "The moment made it kind of feisty, I liked it."

Lily playfully punched me in the arm. "Such a man..." She giggled.

"It surprised me, Lily. I've backed away from kissing you like that...I thought with what happened last time...I shouldn't."

She grinned. "Yea...I wasn't sure what would happen but nothing did apart from nice things."

I pulled her into my arms and our lips met. My heart thumped like crazy as we got lost in the moment again.

"Woah! Get a room!"

I instantly pulled away. Jack smirked with a wink.

"Sup, Lil!" He smiled and waved at her as he entered the house.

I glanced at her. "Jack seems to really approve of you. I can see it in his eyes."

"That's a good thing, right?" she asked.

"Yes...it is."

I took her hand in mine and went back inside. I noticed Jack was diving into a chip packet and scoffing them like there was no tomorrow.

I still had a hold on Lily's hand so I lead her upstairs.

"Alex?"

"We need to talk about..." I trailed off as I dragged her into my room. I let go of her hand and shut the door. "Sleeping with me."

She looked down shyly and then up at me. "I said sorry for that."

"I know but seriously Lily. I wouldn't mention it, if it wouldn't help you."

I walked up to her and placed a finger under her chin, lifting her head gently. "I mean this in the nicest way possible but you look absolutely horrible. Black eyes again. Please you're my girlfriend. I'm meant to be there for you. Is there something you're hiding from me?"

Lily blinked, her blue eyes made my heart flutter, before they glazed over with tears.

"What is it?" I asked, calmly.

"No...I don't want to bother you." She began to walk out when I grabbed her arm.

"What is it?" I said with more force than before.

"It's him," she sniffed. "He rapes me...they're...they're so vivid..."
She shoved her arms around me and sobbed. I gently stroked her hair. "You should have told me that."

She pulled away and sat heavily on the bed. "It's stupid...to fear someone I hardly...no I don't know. It's ridiculous, isn't it?"

I had no time to reply as she kept on going. I just stood there taking it all in. I was the one who felt stupid right now.

"I shouldn't have gone out that day. I wouldn't be in this situation. I can't take the fucking dreams anymore, Alex."

I was kind of taken aback when she swore, I'd never heard her swear before. Rage filled her eyes when she glanced over at me. This caused me to go over and pull her in to my arms, holding her tight as the tears fell. I even had tears well up but I had to be strong for her.

"Lily. I hate saying it will be ok all the time but trust me it will. You're actually a strong girl underneath all of this."

She looked up at me.

"And I'm actually freaked out that you would think I would make a move on you in bed because of these shitty dreams... I meant it when I said, I'm a good guy, you can trust me."

She sniffed and held me tighter.

"So, from tonight you're in here with me or in your room. I don't care."

She nodded, as if answering what I'd just said like it was a question. It wasn't one at all.

Notes

Next chapter! :)

ohhh Alex got a tiny bit jealous of Jack there haha.

Jessica is back in this but still don't know what to do with her. This chapter makes it feel like she'll be back but I don't know about that.

I've been trying to add a chapter or a couple more a day but I won't post much on weekends at the moment.