Liar || Sequel to Missing Pieces

-3-

I tried to shut out all the noises around me except the ocean. My mind completely engrossed in the way the water was moving.

Despite trying to forget whoever was behind me I felt a hand fall onto my shoulder.

"Hey.." Ashlynn's voice calmed me.

Slowly I forced myself to turn and face her. My chest rose then slowly let out as I spoke up.

"I want to do better."

Her mouth moved forming into a shy smile, her hand still on my shoulder, "Come to the apartment. Let's talk, just us girls."

Nodding I followed behind her talking in last look at the setting sun. It was beautiful.

As soon as the building came into view a smile spread across my face. The future I had always dreamed of was still ahead of me.

My room was still the same as when I'd left. However, a box sat on my bed with my name on it.

The three girls stood behind me jumping around excited for me to see whatever was inside.

With the box open my eyes fell on a card first, the words, 'welcome home bestfriend' on the front.

Inside lay a simple few words, "We're so incredibly proud of you and how far you've come. We hope with this gift you can continue doing what you love."

I turned to them already scared for what was to come, "You guys didn't have to oh my god"

"OPEN IT" Mira squealed before Maddie's hand covered her mouth.

I laughed reaching my hand back into the open box. I pulled back up a new camera just as Ashlynn pushed her laptop towards my face.

A youtube link with five videos, an introduction and our dance improv. My eyes drifted up to the subscribers count.

"50 THOUSAND? FROM JUST THAT?"

We bonded over it for a couple more minutes before I called them to come sit on my bed.

"How much do you all know.. about today?"

They all just shook their heads confused besides Ashlynn.

"The basics first, Zach had obviously kissed another girl.. but no one knows the reasoning behind it or the story. I confronted him about it after reuniting with the boys this morning though it didn't end how I planned. After Jack and Zach got into a fight I left the house which is when Ashlynn come for me at the beach."

I laughed slightly watching their expressions change throughout the story, "One more thing, I decided.. I'm turning my life around."

They pulled me immediately into a group hug before all talking at once. Someone knocked on the door causing me to become confused.

Who had a key to... oh Jack oops.

He smiled and pulled me up into a hug, "I'm so proud of you."

I just stood in his arms savoring the moment before saying goodbye to the girls. We pulled into the driveway but I stopped Jack from getting out.

"What now?"

"You break up with him and knock some sense into him."

"No Jack I.. I feel like there's more to it. I think he's just scared to tell me."

"It's up to you Carmen, I'm sure it's a misunderstanding on all parts."

I fidgeted with my hands before stepping foot into the house again. My eyes moved straight to where Zach stood.

"Hey." I said surprising him.

"Hi." He muttered glancing away from my eyes.

I stepped right up to him and placed my hand under his chin, forcing our eyes to meet, "I'm sorry."

His eyes glazed over, pausing a moment to think before I felt his arms wrap around me. I held onto him tightly knowing how he must have felt.

Looking up slightly I saw Daniel smile at us and shake his head. I laughed and pulled back grabbing Zach's hand.

As soon as we stepped foot into his room he broke in my arms. After seeing him all these years as this tough kid who never let things get to him it hurt.

We just sat in the middle of the room, his eyes flooded with tears, mine threatening to fall. I rubbed his back, neither one of us daring got speak.

Instead we just enjoyed the company of one another while it lasted.

"Can I explain." His voice shattering my heart.

I nodded climbing up onto the bed pulling him up, we face facing one another his hand in mine.

"It was a fan, she asked me to kiss her cheek for a picture. Before I knew it she grabbed my face and pushed her lips to mine." He paused slightly pulling his hand back.

I grabbed it placing it back in mine, "I understand."

"I'm so sorry."

Without thinking a second longer I launched myself into his arms, "I love you so much bubba."

"I love you the most angel."

I smiled at his words drifting off into my own place of mind. I couldn't be happier to be back in his arms.

~~~