Twisted

Chapter 12

Ashley's POV.

Everything was finally going my way. It'd been so long since I could finally say those words, but I could now take the current events of my life into a positive liking. Not only was I going to get Erin back, but I finally had the money to pay the tuition for my dream college in New York: The Liberal Institute of Broadcasting and Journalism. 

And Erin didn't have to know a damn thing as to how I got the money.

Today, I decided to take the long route to school. Why? No particular reason, just wanted to use the extended time given to me to clear my head and think. 

Then, I saw something.

Although I couldn't see their faces, I saw the recognizable structure of a fairly tall blonde haired boy and a short brunette with long, curly hair walking together; though, there was a recognizable width of separation that they held on the sidewalk. When he turned his head downwards to her, she looked up at him, responding.

It was Erin and Vanessa.

Making sure to cruise my car in the slowest motion possible, I squint my eyes and lean up a bit in my seat. I can't really depict what they're talking about from this angel, but I find a spot of comfort and solace, within me, to simply know they're communicating with each other. See, I knew Vanessa would come through for me.

She always does.

Driving forward, a bit more quickly this time, I notice that they fail to take awareness of the fact I just drove pass them. I can still see them talking in the rear view mirror, completely emeded in their conversation.

It makes me...smile.

And as I pull into the student parking lot, I can't help but to wonder what Vanessa could be telling Erin about me. I hope she's told him how much I care, and that silly nonsense that I pulled over summer break is all behind me. From here on out, I'm ready to move forward and start thinking about our relationship together. I'm more than ready to be a serious and committed girlfriend.

Most importantly, I'm more than ready to be faithful to him and only him.

When I finally park my Honda in a valid spot, I can't help but to think how Senior year is going to be my year.

Yes, my year.

I turn around and grab my book bag out of the back seat, slinging it around one arm. Then, I casually step out of the car, pull my keys out, and lock the vehicle. It's been getting a bit chilly outside lately, so I decided to wear some dark blue jeans, ankle boots with a little heel, and a long sleeve, pink top that stretches to my waist. My blonde, grayish hair clung to my neck, and I was wondering if I should dye it again anytime soon.

I almost make my way in the building, until someone suddenly grabs me by the arm and pulls me forcefully behind the school. My body viciously collides against the cool, hardening brick structure of South Shore High, and my bookbag loudly connects with the concrete.

"Shit," my head is throbhing, and I clinch my teeth as I bring my arm to the back of my neck, rubbing it. I look up, and I see a pair of green eyes menacingly piercing through mine. His eyes are red, most likely from a lack of sleep, his plain red shirt is disheveled, and his blue jeans are wrinkled into oblivion. His muscular, large arms bulge with purpose around my waist, keeping my body pressed against the school, while the front of me is pressed against him. His mouth is set into a line of grim and pure hate. Hate for me? I'm not sure.

"Jake, what the hell is wrong with you?" I hiss. I try to escape his embrace, but he only grips his arms tighter around me. 

He lowers his head to my ear, and my body instantly chills at the warmth of his breath; the warm substance lurks over my ear lobe and swirls a smoke of sin around my neck. "I can't sleep"