Hello April

Chapter 13: A Masterpiece

A warning.

That's what I wished the universe could have given me. A warning that Elias was back in town. A warning that Elias was going to kiss me. A warning that Jeremy was going to tell everyone about my first time.

Just a fucking warning would be nice. Is that too much to ask?

Most of my life has been me putting out fires and taking care of the people around me. Little did I know, I would be the biggest reason for the fires this time around.

And here I am, once again trying to put out a fire that is partly caused by me. It's my fault for not blowing out the match when I had the chance. Soon the flame reached the end of the match, burning my fingers. The surprise made me let go of the match only for a second, losing control, and now the whole ground is on fire.

A wildfire spreads faster than you'd ever expect. In the blink of an eye, it's already hitting you. You're reaction isn't fast enough, the fire department tries to hold it back, but the flames overpower.

I watch the fire I started unfold in front of me, the fire reaching Jeremy before anyone else was able to stifle it.

You know what they say... Play with fire and you'll get burnt.

Jeremy tested it, he wanted to see what would happen if he fought the fire with fire, not realizing it would be getting him hurt.

Everything seems to happen in slow motion as Elias throws the first punch. In seconds everyone stands to their feet, throwing themselves in the middle, ready to protect their own.

My hands find my mouth as I watch Elias sit on top of Jeremy, throwing a second punch. Jeremy wasn't prepared, he didn't expect to get hurt.

He probably wished for a warning too.

Jake is quick on his feet, ready to protect his own, showing the true athlete in him. I didn't realize I was on my feet screaming for them to stop, until I see the blood surge from Elias' face. I don't know who threw the punch as tears cloud my vision, making it hard to see who's winning the fight. Everyone gets involved as they run to the scene, pushing away the enemy.

The fight slowly gets some distance as my friends try to hold Elias back while Jake and Jeremy are ready for round two.

Before the fire ruins everything, I find myself standing in the middle, holding both hands up to create distance.

"Stop!" I yell as tears stream down my face. I watch both sides bleed as they breathe harder than before. The primal instinct to protect your own.

"Walk away!" Lucas shouts to Elias, trying his best to pull him away from the situation. Elias takes his last look at us before he storms away, with all my friends following him.

My eyes catch Jeremy's as I notice the red blood ooze out of his nose. But without thinking about it, I turn around and run after Elias. My feet go up the stairs two at a time as I rush to the room I hear yelling from.

"We know!" I hear Evan yell as I open up a bedroom door. As the door opens, everyone turns to look at me. I close the door behind me as Elias goes back to pacing around the room.

With clenched fists and labored breathing, Elias ignores everything the guys say.

"Can I have a moment with Elias?" I ask softly, getting everyone's attention.

"He needs to blow off some steam." Adam says, trying to dismiss me.

Something the guys have always done with me. Telling me how guys deal with things differently, yet they can never calm Elias down, but I can.