He loves me; He loves me not *Currently Editing*

Chapter 40

I realize I need to make a stop at the gas station, so I stop at the nearest one. I park at a pump then walk inside.

Deciding to grab a soda for the trip, I bring a pepsi up to the counter to buy as well.

"Hi, gas for pump 3 too please??" I ask. He nods as I give him the money.

I walk out & notice a familiar car parked.

"Oh God no..." I mumble, right before someone puts their arms around my waist.

"Miss me," Jack says.

"No," I say as I pull away & walk over to my car & put in some gas.

"Come on, you can't stay mad at me forever."

"Are you even sorry??" He stands there, looking dumb founded.

"I'm sorry that I let you get away.." He looks up & me. "Next time you won't be so lucky, babe." Jack walks over to his car. My hand trembles as I take the pump out of my car & place it back.

Next time.

Next time, I won't trust. It doesn't matter who it is, I can't possibly put my trust in them. There's no telling who could be another Jack.

Next time I won't be so lucky?? I wouldn't consider myself lucky NOW. Sometimes I cut myself. I've been constantly at fear, first from Dad, now at Jack. I'm scared of losing my mom, too. I can't talk to my grandparents like I can talk to her, if she leaves me, i'll have no one. How is a girl like me supposed to survive a world like this??

I drive out of the parking lot & go to the highway. I'll be safe from Jack when I get to the house.

I keep drifting off as I drive. 1 hour down, 2 more to go til I get there. Ok Emma, I can do this. I will not fall asleep.

I bring my pepsi up to my lips & sip. Caffine will help.

A couple of hours later, I'm back. I look up at the blue house & smile.

I unlock the door & step in to see nobody home. Walking up the stairs, I decide to take a well needed nap.

I snuggle up in my blanket & smile. Safe. For now.

I wake up to feel my phone vibrate in my pocket.

'Yo lil E, when ya gettin back to town??' from Mike.

'Here (:'

About 10 minutes later, I hear a knock on the door. I open to see the gang all right there.

"Hey come on in," I welcome. They all pile right on the couch. They ask me questions about how I am & about my town.

"Y'all would love my friends," I gush.

"We shall have to have a meeting," William says.

"Yeah! How bout a beach party??" Ashley suggests. I feel myself go pale as all the memories of what happened with Jack pour in my brain.

"Or..a park party," I offer. They all look curious at me, but end up nodding anyway. "Next weekend??" I ask.

"Sounds perfect," Macy says. I give a weak smile, trying to fight the urge to go puke from thinking of the beach events. I go to the kitchen to get everyone something to drink instead.

"So what's up??" I ask them all.

"Well I'm about to be late for this skate board thing," Josh says, looking at his watch & standing up. "See y'all later." We wave goodbye. Hmm skateboard dude. That's attractive.

We all hang out for a little while more til they all get going. Awesome kids, those kids are.