Second Heartbeat [Avenged Sevenfold]

Chapter 8

You know those moments when you completely lose all sense of who you are, where you want to go in life. It's honestly one of the worst feelings in the world. You feel lost, insecure and just plain useless because you don't know where you fit in.

"Jimmy told me what Laura said to you." Val spoke as she continued to carefully tape my ribs.

"Yea I don't think I made a very good impression." I chuckled.

"Anyone with a set of boobs doesn't make a good impression with that girl." Val mumbled.

"She had it out for you before she even met you, trust me. She's just threatened by you."

"Threatened? By me?" I burst out laughing.

"Scar stop. You're going to hurt your ribs." Val laughed with me.

"Have you seen me, though?! How can she even feel threatened by me. She's basically perfect. I'm nothing compared to her."

I thought back to her piercing blue eyes and dark blonde hair. How my unhealthy, skinny, pale body didn't compare to her skinny, tanned, toned one. Then I thought back to my lifeless bright orange hair and green eyes.

"She has the personality of a plank of wood."

Val clarified.

I nodded and chuckled, agreeing with her.

"Those things she said, how did they make you feel?" Val asked.

I took a deep breath thinking of a response.

"Weak." I paused.

"Vulnerable. I've always known what I've wanted in life. I've always been able to stand strong through anything. I've never needed the help of other people."

I sighed.

"When she said those things.. It just really hurt me. I guess because I believed I was giving off some 'attention seeking vibe' which is the last thing I want. I just like being independent."

It was silent for a few seconds.

"Anyway, she has nothing to feel threatened about. I'm not after Brian, or Jimmy for that matter."

"But that doesn't mean Brian's not after you."

My mouth fell open in shock.

"What? What are you talking about, Val? He's perfectly happy with Laura. Like I said, I'm nothing compared to her."

"Bri would beg to differ." I heard to say under her breath.

"Alright, we are done here."

She helped me get changed into a black halter neck to and blue skinny jeans.

"I don't feel comfortable in this top."

I mumbled. My cast was more than obvious and black bruises were still visible on my skin.

"Shall we go 'officially' meet everyone?" Val ignored me.

"Um, I'll meet you down there. I'm just going to put some makeup on and change my top."

"Scarlett are you crazy?! You don't need makeup. You're naturally a goddess. And you're not changing your top. No one is going to judge you, they know what you've been through."

"I just want to make a good first impression. Well, second technically. I've already ruined the whole first impression thing." I laughed.

Val smiled and grabbed my hand leading me out the door and down the stairs.

As we neared the bottom laughing could be heard coming from outside.

We stepped outside everyone stopped talking and turned to look at us.

I suddenly felt exposed. I cowered behind Val a little as they all continued to stand there. I noticed Laura was missing.

Jimmy was the first to make his way over, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and pulling me to his body.

"Everyone, with the exception of Brian and Val, I want you to officially meet my little sister, Scarlett. Before I introduce you all, I want to make something very clear, none of you are permitted to lay a hand on her. Got it? No hugging. No touching."

Everyone burst out laughing.

"What is so funny? I'm serious?!" Jimmy joined in their laughter.

"Just introduce them already, Rev." Val laughed.

"Alright, alright. Scar, you already know dipshit Brian, that there is short-shit, formally known as Johnny. Call him what you will. Zacky is the chubby one and that's his girlfriend Gina, I don't know how he got so lucky." I laughed a Jimmy dodged a shoe thrown in his direction.

"Animals I tell you!" He looked at me with an exasperated look.

"Continuing. That there is Matt or Shadz. Val's other half. Anndd that is all. Oh and there's Johnny's girl, Lacey, but she couldn't make it today. And well, you know Laura who also isn't here."

I looked at them all giving them a small smile.

"Good to have you on board, Scarlett." Matt said raising his glass.

> Brian's POV <

Everyone had been here for a while now and I watched as they all took turns in talking to Scarlett; making her feel welcome and wanted. Unlike Laura who had been such a bitch.

I watched as she excused herself from her conversation with Johnny and make her way inside.

I got up off my seat and slipped inside looking around for her. I found her sitting on the couch staring out the window with a glass of water in her hand.

"Everything alright?" I sat down next to her resting my arm behind her.

"Yea, just came into get some water."

"And sit by yourself?" I laughed.

I saw her cheeks blush a warm shade of pink.

"Yea. I'm just a little overwhelmed, as stupid as it sounds. You're all just so welcoming and caring."

She tuned to meet my gaze and I offered her a small smile, tucking a piece if hair behind her ear. My hand lingered on the soft skin of her cheek for a moment longer than necessary.

"I can tell them to leave."

"You can't do that, Bri. They're your friends. You can't just kick them out because some girl is overwhelmed."

"You're not just some girl, Scarlett. You're stuck with us all whether you like it or not. You're part of the family."

She stayed silent and diverted her gaze back out the window.

"Why don't I go and tell everyone you're not feeling well and when they all leave, you and I will go for a walk along the beach?"

She seemed to consider it for a moment before replying.

"Okay."