One Temptation

Chapter 5 - Healing

I woke up to the sun shining through my blinds. My head was throbbing. Then last nights events start to flood my brain.

Justin. Justin kissing me. Justin choking me. Oh my god. Cooper. Oh my god.

"You're awake," Mack says as he walks through my bedroom door.

"Yeah," I say as I move to sit up. "I'm sorry about last night."

Mack moves to sit next to me. "Why are you apologizing?" He runs his hand through his hair. "It's that asshole that should be apologizing."

A shiver runs through me. What was I thinking putting myself in that position? That was a whole new level of slanderous, even for me. So stupid!

"Hey, don't cry," Mack says gently as he wipes away a tear. "I can guarantee you that Justin won't be trying that again. Shit, I've never seen Cooper that angry."

"How'd he even know where I was?" I ask as I move to sit next to Mack.

He sighs, "he came into the den and saw that you weren't with us and demanded to know where you were."

"Weird," I say chewing my bottom lip. "He can't even stand me."

"I don't know Kennedy," Mack says moving to stand. "All I know is that he was pissed."

Mack left to go downstairs while I showered. I looked at myself in the mirror and I looked just as bad as I felt. I don't even remember getting into bed last night, let alone changing into one of my dads t shirts.

I strip off my shirt and examine myself in my mirror. Purple bruises start to appear along my right breast and what looks like a handprint has begun to form around my throat.

That's just great, I think to myself sarcastically. Its a good thing my parents are so busy. This is one thing I just don't want to explain to them.

I take my time showering and once I'm finished I make quick work of getting dressed. I know Mack is downstairs waiting for me. I throw on a tee and a pair of black leggings and go downstairs.

When I reach the kitchen I hear Avery and Mack talking.

"Hey," Avery says with a soft smile.

"Hey," I say hugging her.

"You okay?" She asks and I just nod my head. I guess I'm okay as can be.

My phone pings with a text from my mom.

**I'll be home around 6.**

I shoot off a quick reply and set my phone down.

"So," I say sitting down at the table. "What do y'all have planned today?"

Avery just laughs and I feel all of the tension in the room dissipate. "Well, I figured you and I could make a day out of it. You know, a much needed girls day."

I smile at that. "That actually sounds wonderful."

After hanging out for a little while, Mack heads out. I write a note for my dad in case he wakes up and I head out the door with Avery.

First we hit the mall, deciding on mani-pedis, and then we did some shopping. I got a few new outfits and we decided that we both needed some soft pretzels. This was just what I needed and my best friend knew it.

I got home around 7, and mom was in the living room watching tv. "Hey baby girl," she says as she pauses the tv.

"Hey mom," I say walking over to her and giving her a peck on the cheek.

"Had a good day I see," she says noting the bags in my hands. I smile and flash her my manicure.

"I'm beat, I'm gonna head to bed." I tell her as I head towards the stairs. "Love you. Goodnight."

"Love you, goodnight," she yells after me.

I toss my bags onto the floor, strip out of my leggings and hop onto my bed. My phone pings with a text from an unknown number.

**That was very dangerous last night.**

I respond: **Who is this?**

Unknown: **Cooper.**

Me: **I didn't realize I had to answer to you.**

Cooper: **You play with fire, expect to get burnt little girl.**

Me: **I'm not a little girl Cooper. Now leave me alone.**

Cooper: **I've noticed.**

With that, I place my phone on silent and put it on the charger. I don't know what his deal is, but I don't need him or anyone else telling me what to do.

I made a mistake. I've learned from that mistake. I sure as hell won't be making that mistake again.

I roll over and pull the covers up to my chin. Sleep lulls over me and slowly I fall into the abyss.