Danger // J.N

Chapter 48

Jace's POV.

I wake up in Corey's basement, groaning at the pain of my stomach. I take a deep breath.

Last night was rough. I didn't exactly stay sober like I had wanted to. But that's been every night, I guess.

At least, ever since Anna and I broke up.

My head starts throbbing, and my mouth waters. I close my eyes, feeling around the floor for my phone. I find it and pick it up. I open my eyes and look at the time and my notifications.

12:45pm.

Anna: hey, I'm on my way over.

Anna: you up?

Anna: I can stop by a Starbucks and get you some coffee!

Anna: yooooooo

Anna: I'm guessing you're sleeping?

Anna: I've been here for like a half an hour.

Anna: I'm gonna go home if you don't answer in like five minutes.

Anna: k

My eyes widen. My stomach churns. "Shit!" I mutter. I sit up. I rub my forehead as I call Anna.

"Hey, it's Anna. Please leave a message!"

I groan. I stand up and grab my stuff. I look over and see Corey passed out on the couch. I see Sean on the floor next to the couch. He rolls over on his back. "What happened?" He mumbles.

"I told Anna I'd meet up with her at noon, and she fucking went home because I wasn't at my house. I'm beyond late," I say, shoving my feet into my shoes. I rub my eyes.

"Tell Cor I'll call him later. I gotta get home," I say. Sean nods.

I hurry upstairs and out the door. I walk down the gravel driveway and approach my car. My phone starts ringing. I immediately answer it, not even looking at who it is.

"Hey!"

"Hey, it's Anna," Anna says. She sounds like she's in a hurry.

"Hey! I'm so sorry. I'm at Corey's and I overslept. I'm a little hungover."

"It's fine, Jace. I'm really sorry but someone didn't come in for their shift and it's busy at the pool. I gotta go in and cover," Anna explains.

My lips part as I feel my stomach hit a pit of disappointment. I nod.

"That's fine, I understand. Could we-"

"Fuck, my car won't start. I'm sorry, I'll call you back on my break," Anna says.

"Anna-"

She hangs up.

I sigh. I open the door to my car and get in. I toss phone in the passenger seat. I close the door and start the car.

I start to drive home. Thoughts of Anna race in my mind. It all becomes stress, making my headache grow.

Every memory with Anna hurts. It makes me emotional, and I can't help but freeze. I miss her. I miss her voice and her laugh. I miss her presence.

I wish I could tell her that.

I wish I could just tell her everything, that it's not her fault. I know she's depressed because of her family. I know she wants someone there, I'm just not sure I'm the one.

***

Anna's POV.

I sit outside on my balcony, smoking a cigarette. I couldn't sleep. I kept having nightmares of the weirdest things. Somehow, it all ties together. Losing Jace in some crazy yet traumatizing way, and my dad and Maddy, teaming up against me.

I lean back against the glass door, exhaling the cigarette smoke. I look up at the beautiful California night sky, feeling completely at peace.

I really wanted to hang out with Jace earlier, and just tell him how much I miss him. How much I need him.

I'm so confused.

I need him. I need him more than anyone, yet I feel like I don't deserve him. I don't deserve anyone the way I've treated everything and everyone.

The more I think about it, the more I feel emotionally drained. I just can't react to anything. I feel numb. The only feelings I have felt are guilt and pain.

I finish my cigarette and stand up. I put it out in the ashtray. I stand up and open my door, walking into my bedroom. The only light inside comes from my bedside lamp.

I hear the faint sound of yelling. I squint my eyes as I gently walk to the door, opening it a crack and listening.

"Todd, I can't believe you!"

"If you want to put up with this more, go ahead! But I'd ask you to leave and take her with!"

My eyes widen. My stomach churns.

"She is YOUR daughter! What on earth are you thinking? What were you thinking before? All those times you threw her out?"

"She chose to leave!"

"No, she did not! I can't take you anymore! You are abusive to Anna, me, the family! It's sickening!"

Soon after my moms statement, I hear a glass shatter. My eyes widen. My body suddenly tenses up.

Addy's bedroom door opens, and she exits her room. She turns to my room and looks at me with a terrified look on her face.

I motion for her to come in. I move out of the way and she runs in. I close my bedroom door. I hug Addy as she cries into my chest. Hold her tightly in my arms.

"What happened?" I ask, softly.

"I don't know," She replies. I walk over to my bed and sit down. Addy sits next to me. I hold her hand as I reach for my phone. I let go of her hand and stand up. I walk to the door and open it. I peek out, and see my dad sit down on the couch. He cups his face with his hands. My mom turns towards the stairs and walks upstairs.

I look at her. "Mom? What's going on?" I ask.

She looks at me. She closes her eyes. She lets out a breath. "Savannah, please go to bed. We'll talk about this in the morning."

"It's 1am, its morning."

She tilts her head back. "I don't want your attitude, Anna. Please, go to bed!"

I scan her body, noticing faint scratches on her arms. My lips part. She catches me looking at the scratches. I look up at her. I stare into her eyes. I stare deep enough to reveal the pain behind the beautiful hazel eyes. I hug her tightly.

***

I wake up to the smell of fresh coffee. I sit up, rubbing my tired eyes. I barely got any sleep. Addy ended up sleeping in my room, she was too scared to leave.

I look at my nightstand for my phone. I find a note left. I pick it up and read it.

Anna and Addy,

I went to grandmas for the morning. I will be back soon. Please start packing things you will want to bring, as we will be moving out in a week. Grandma will be giving me money for a down payment on a new home and furniture. I've had enough. I can't stay silent anymore. There will be immediate change.