The clarity to my tragedy.

Chapter 5- Deal With The Devil

I didn't get much sleep that night. Instead I had kept Derrek awake till 2 a.m, sparring with him in the gym Emma had set up when I had first moved to Malibu. Then I had taken refuge in my room, going through every album I owned.

Gazing at photos of my mum and dad together as a happy couple they had once been, helped to calm my erratic thoughts.

By 8 a.m I decided to head to Derrek's room to see if he was ready for our daily morning jog.

'Just lemme grab a shirt and we can go.' Derrek had stepped out of the bathroom wearing only a pair of khaki shorts. His six pack was all glory for the world to see.

I noticed that there was a new picture frame of him and me in Disneyworld on his bedside table.

'You still have that photo?' I asked him, pointing towards it.

He glanced at the frame while putting on a black polo shirt.

'Of course. It was the day you told your dad you would let me protect you and we went there as my treat..' Derrek's face was nostalgic for a moment before he quickly shook it off and walked out.

The sun was shining brightly and the crisp, cool air helped to clear,my mind.

'So are you ready to tell me what's going on with the phone call. You practically bet me up in the middle of the night.' We continued jogging at a steady pace, our usual route around the block.

I felt guilty about keeping Derrek up when it wasn't part of his job description. So I told him everything about how Jordan was trying to find out about my past, our oath to each other, the dream and our phone conversation. He remained silent for a few minutes and I dared sneak a peak at his face. His expression was blank.

'If he finds out about her, I'll make sure he keeps his mouth shut.' Derrek's voice was hard and steely.

'You know violence isn't the answer to a problem.'

'Obviously. But it will make me feel better.' He grunted as we turned the corner, passing through a public playground.

'Maybe he hasn't even found out anything and he is just bluffing.' I prayed that my wishful thinking would be right, knowing that it wouldn't happen. I was also hoping Derrek would let me speak with Jordan by myself.

'Fine. You can question him alone. But he so much as touches a hair on you and he is dead.' Derrek had clearly read my mind. I didn't doubt Derrek's words and decided that even if Jordan did try hurting me, I wouldn't tell him. Some fights I had to handle alone. I didn't depend on Derrek for my problems. I mainly kept him around because he was a comforting friend and doing so got my dad off my back.

We finished the rest of our jog in silence, enjoying the slight breeze in the air and the sound of birds chirping. Before I knew it we had already arrived at school. Derrek had made sure to come even earlier than ususual, the faster I could interrogate Jordan, the better.

But it appeared he hadn't arrived at school yet. Chris, Josh and Rachel however, had.

'Why are yous' here early? Figured you'd still be styling your hair.' Josh shoulder bumbed Derrek. It always gave him pleasure to annoy Derrek about his perfectly styled hair which came naturally to him.

'Madison actually needs to speak to Jordan.' Derrek didn't give anything away, keeping his face neutral.

'Trust me, you're not the only one.' Chris remarked and it was only then I noticed his appearance. His face was disgruntled and he appeared restless.

'Don't you live with him? Why do you have to speak to him now?!' Rachel asked.

'Got some call from his stupid mum in the morning. I went to find him but he was gone. I tried calling,it just kept going to voicemail. He didn't even get back by the time I left which was an hour after.'