The Fear Of Falling Apart

-25-

It seems like I just enjoy creating drama, huh?

Tanith's POV

It was a nice time. Relaxing and rewarding and amazing. It was great seeing everyone in one place again, and I couldn't wait to finish the next two music videos and then tour with the album. This was going to be awesome.

And then she showed up.

I was laughing about something with Pete when Diane walked into the backyard, a man following closely behind.

Suddenly everyone was quiet and the atmosphere was gone. Pete's happy face turned into a glare and he discretely stepped in front of me.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing here?!" Brendon exclaims angrily. Every muscle in my body tenses up.

"I'm here to see my daughter." She responds harshly. The man just glares at all of us.

Dan and Phil look confused, but protective of Fin anyway. The boys from All Time Low look ready to fight, and Alex has his phone in his hand. Spencer puts his hand on Brendon's shoulder. Frank's glare is possibly the most terrifying thing I've ever seen, and it makes me glad I'm not on the other end of it. Sarah looks shocked and confused and protective all at once.

Dallon slowly inches over to me, Patrick and Pete, taking my hand and slowly leading me towards the door. I pull my hand free though. If Diane wants me, that's what she's getting.

"I'm right here." I say evenly, gently pushing through Pete, Patrick and Dallon.

"You're not touching her." Frank growls angrily,

"She's my daughter-" She tries to defend herself.

"You don't abduct someone you care about!" Brendon exclaims angrily. "You took her away and you hurt her. One more step and I'll personally punch your lights out."

She fixes him with a harsh look, but it doesn't seem to mean a thing to Brendon.

"Why are you here?" I ask, stepping a little bit closer. "And who the hell is that guy?"

"Tan, stay back." Fin begs. "Please stay back. Don't let her take you again." I feel Buddy's wet nose nudge against my leg and he growls at her.

"This is your father." She says, not dropping the harsh look on her face. I scan my eyes over him. His eyes are the same green color as mine, but I don't see much more resemblance. He's tall and well built, and honestly the kind of person I'd try to avoid. I decide I won't accept her answer.

"Um, no." I answer. "That's my father." I point at Brendon. "And I'm not going anywhere with you." For a moment I think of Lucas, and I doubt whether or not I want to stay. And then I remember everything she's done.

The thoughts left my mind immediately.

"Tanith." She says evenly. "Think about it. I don't have to spell it out in front of all these people, do I?"

"Fuck you." I say, rolling my eyes.

She grabs my arm, and that's when everything turned to shit.

Everything's a blur. I feel someone grab me and drag me backwards, away from Diane, and I watch as Frank looses it and throws a punch. The man standing behind her springs into action, and Frank goes flying. His head hits the ground hard and then he goes still.

"Frank!" Someone calls, and then Gerard's rushing to his side. Chaos ensues. Everyone's running somewhere or trying to attack the powerful man before us.

I watch as Brendon launches his fist at the man, and suddenly everyone's fighting alongside him. I pull away from whoever was pulling me away, and turn to face them. "Spence, please, we have to stop this." I beg. He nods, glancing at all the commotion and trying to think.

Brendon's face is bleeding, and whoever this guy is doesn't hold back on the punches. I watch helplessly as he practically throws the people away from him. Dallon stepped towards him, hands raised in surrender as he tried to say something. I couldn't hear what it was, but he was shoved to the ground.

He groaned, not getting up and instead bringing a hand to the back of his head. Nobody seemed to notice how badly he was bleeding, so I rush over to him, falling to my knees at his side. His eyes roll back in his head as he closes his eyes.

"Dall, stay with me Dallon." I say, taking off my jacket and putting it under his head. The light color of the fabric begins to darken with red.

"I'm okay." He mutters, forcing his eyes open.

"Thank god." I sigh, just happy he isn't unconscious.

Suddenly his eyes widen and a panicked look crosses his face. "Tan look out." He exclaims. I turn around, but Diane has already grabbed my arm between her hands. She yanks me away from him and I fall to the ground. The impact is enough to shock me, and I can do nothing but watch as she takes something from her pocket, and I feel a stinging sensation in my arm.

The world spins for a moment, and I hear someone screaming my name. Everything's moving so fast. I open my eyes, and through the haziness I make out one face. "Fin." I breathe.

And then Diane's dragging me out of the backyard and into the house.

No. No this is not okay. No!

I take the rest of my energy and twist suddenly in a desperate attempt to get away. I stumble to my feet, the world swaying around me and I force myself towards the kitchen. I fall against the counter, knowing that Diane was about to reach me. I fumbled to get the drawer open, and cut my hand in retrieving the knife. But I get it.

I fall backwards against the wall, holding the sharp object in front of me as she stepped closer and closer.

"Tan, put the knife down dear." She says, talking down to me as if I were a child. "We're gonna go see Lucas again, and be a family."

"No." I whimper, falling further down the wall.

"It's all going to be okay." She coos. "Just give me the knife."

My eyes fight to stay open as a couple of tears leak out. My arm falls limp by my side, and the knife clatters to the floor. I catch a glimpse of Zack and Alex running into the room, but my eyes fall shut before I can do anything about it.

"Tanith!" Someone screams, and then nothing.

I've lost consciousness.

Hi guys. This end note is a lot more serious then any other, and you don't have to read it.

I dedicate this chapter, and in fact this entire book to Lexy2710 and her amazing cat who sadly passed away today. Maddy was an amazing cat, family member and friend and it's not fair that she is no longer with her family. She was loved by everyone who met her, and she won't be forgotten. I know she's in a better place now, and I hope your feeling better soon I love you so much, and I'm always here to support you. <3

If anyone read to the end of that, would you maybe be able to comment something to her? Its alright if you don't want to, but I know it would probably help, just to know that someone out there cares. If you do happen to comment something, I'll shout you out at the start of the next chapter. Losing anyone is hard, but Maddy meant a lot to her (and to me, too).

Anyway, I hope this chapter was alright.