Ed and Irene

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We didn't get back to Axel's house until three a.m. Like his mother directed, we both stayed in separate rooms. Axel, go figure, wasn't fond of the idea. When we did get back and I got settled into the guest room, he had already made himself comfortable where I was supposed to sleep.

"My mom will get over it." He had said when I reminded him of his mother's clear directions.

Per usual, I had to force him out of the bed and tell him that he needed to go.

But when stubborn wills clash...

Well, he ended up staying in the room until I fell asleep. So here I was only hours later, already repacking my things. Overstaying my welcome wasn't something I planned on doing.

The key to the beach house reflected off of the light in the room. I grabbed onto the cool metal, the ridges diving into my palm.

"Don't live with hatred in your heart..."

I didn't want to hate them. I didn't hate them, but I was a coward. There was no way I'd be able to face my dad, well uncle, after the way things ended. And Sarah...

Maybe being cowardly this once won't be so wrong.

Before I could tell myself otherwise, I grabbed my phone and sent her a text. She would be in class so I knew she wouldn't be responding for a while.

I'm okay. I'm sorry for reacting the way I did. I know you and your dad were trying to protect me. It just hurt, you know? I decided to stay at the beach house for a while. Tell dad I love him, but I'm just not ready to go back home yet.

I was such a coward.

Pressing the small send icon, I sighed loudly.

"What's with the dramatic sighing, Red?" Axel's humor filled voice made me jump.

Pressing a hand to my chest, I could feel the rapid beating of my heart. "Nothing. God you really scared me."

He grinned a little, before slowly making his way to where I was folded up on the floor.

"So you talked to them?" Axel asked, peering down at the screen of my phone.

I grimaced. "Does sending a text count?"

He shook his head and looped an arm around my shoulders. "Not really, no. But it's better than nothing."

I scowled and said "Aren't you supposed to lie to me so I feel better about being a coward?"

"No." He looked down at me, his dark eyes shining with honesty. "If I lied, you wouldn't ever learn to be brave."

My head fell against his shoulder. "Why do you have to be so perfect?" I sighed loudly.

He chuckled quietly. "I'm not near perfect, Ginger."

That was a lie.

"Why are your things packed up?" Axel asked suddenly after taking a notice to my packed bags.

Shrugging, I fiddled with the black strap of the bag. "I don't want to overstay my welcome. I think I'm probably going to go check out the house today."

His warm hand fell over mine, dammit if I didn't immediately look into his dark eyes. "My parents love you. I want you here with us, with me."

It was almost hard to say no again.

"I already told Sarah that's where I was going to be." I smiled a little. "Besides, living there by myself won't be so bad."

That was the ultimate truth. I never really minded being alone.

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