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Dedication: Janemoore123 for the hot cover on the side! It's great, thank you!

Recap:

I was worried about Imogen.

She was going to be having withdrawals. She was going to be alone, the guards don't count. I sighed, sinking further underneath the covers of my bed, curling up into a ball. There wasn't really much to other than sleep right now.

I couldn't wait for Colin to be released. Not only to just be able to hug him again, but more for the escape. I wanted to leave here, just for the weekend and spend proper time with him. With that decision made, a smile made its way onto my face.

This gave me a little hope that this wasn't going to be the worst week of my life.

Three hours, twenty-four minutes and roughly about 12 seconds until Colin is released from isolation, not that I was counting or anything. I sighed, staring up at the ceiling. I was at the point I was going to get submitted to a mental asylum. Double trouble aka Annabel and Jaedeen were driving me insane. Now that Imogen (their ring leader) was out, they took it upon themselves to follow me around like a bad smell. I was going to definitely punch one of them in the throat by the end of the day.

"Party tonight?" Annabel asked me for the umpteenth time.

"No."

"Just a small gathering?"

"No."

"Come on, if you just-"

"For the love of God I'm going to backhand you in the face." I growled, pushing to my feet. "Wherever you two crawled out from, I would appreciate it if you go back there."

"That's not very nice." Jaedeen frowned. "We just want to have some fun."

"Awesome, go do that. Away from me." I wandered over to the bathroom and leaned on the sink. I splashed the cold water onto my cheeks, feeling a little flushed.

"What crawled up your butt?"

I groaned dramatically, pressing my palm against my forehead. These girls were going to be the death of me.

"You're a partier, I can tell Hayley." Jaedeen drawled, speaking slowly. "You're not fooling anyone."

Just breathe.

Pivoting, I shoulder barged my way around her. Fetching my bag, I began throwing some essentials in there.

"Where are we going?" Annabel asked, materialising beside me.

"I'm going away from you, seeing as you've invaded my room."

"Where?"

My hands were literally shaking with the desire to hit one of them. Exhaling, I let my eyes drift close. I counted to ten in my head and focused on my breathing.

"What is she doing?" I heard Annabel mutter.

Slowly, I re-opened my eyes and continued packing. Really, I was proud of myself. Not very often I had this much self-control. Still focusing on my breathing, I put a few more things in back. I swung it onto my shoulder and grabbed my pocket knife. I swung around, flipping it open. Annabel's eyes popped open dramatically.

"If you follow me, I'm going to use this on you."

"But-"

"And don't think I'm not serious. I've used to plenty of times before."

With that, I strode from my room, leaving dumb and dumber with their mouths wide open. I marched toward Colin's room, it having been my sanction for a while now. I entered and Chase was there, lounging on his bed, reading a surf magazine.

"Well hello Hayley, come on in." he said sarcastically as I barged through the door.

"I'm going to be wanted for murder if I stay in my own room any longer." I spat out, dumping my back on the floor and collapsing on Colin's better.

"No way, the twins? They have such charming personalities."

"I can't handle your sarcasm right now."

He laughed, giving me an amused grin. "Suppose we're in the same boat. You waiting for Colin, me waiting for Imogen."

"Misery loves company."

"Aye sir," Chase saluted. "Want a magazine?"

"I would love one."

He reached over to his bedside table and threw me one of his many surf magazines. I smiled gratefully, reclining back onto Colin's bed. Never thought I would be one of these girls, the ones who just sit waiting around for a guy to show up. Suppose this happens when your two only friends are locked away. I could always go hang with the other boys but Jeremy (the only one I would go hang with) is with Johnny (who I never want to hang with again) or Alex, who is a bit weird. I would prefer Chase than him. I sighed, flicking open the cover.

Just three hours to go...

"Well I'm certainly glad you see you." I breathed.

I had missed staring at his tanned complexion. His electric blue eyes bored into mine as I moved toward him. A genuine smile stretched across my face as I embraced Colin. Burying my face into his chest, I sighed, having waited for this moment for what felt like an eon. He let out a small laugh, tightening his arms around me. I had missed that. If possible, I hugged him to me even tighter.

"Isolation is death, I'm certain of it."

"I agree." I stepped back and our lips met with a rush.

Breathlessly, we broke a part. He trailed his finger down my cheek, stepping back with a small smirk. My cheeks felt slightly flushed from our contact.

"You really did miss me, didn't you?"

"Don't let it go to your head." I laughed, rolling my eyes. Interlocking our fingers, I tugged him after me. "I just want to get out of here."

"As in come back to my place for the weekend?" he asked, noticing my not-so-subtle hint at being invited over.

"Oh yeah, that would be nice, thanks."

He let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Yeah okay. I'll text mum and see if she can come get us."

I felt the urge to do a fist bump. Escaping here temporarily was going to keep me sane. I squeezed his hand, grinning at him. He gave me a genuine smile back, before looking down at his phone. It didn't take Miranda long to reply.

Colin exhaled. "She's not happy. The school contacted her about the isolation. She said as a punishment you shouldn't be allowed to come with me, but you're coming so that's final."

"Yeah I am." I agreed. I didn't want to be a burden but no way was t I staying here without him for the weekend again. "When is she coming?"

"In about an hour, so we better go pack."

"Ugh," I groaned dramatically. "Devil Spawn one and two are probably still there."

"What?" he laughed.

"Annabel and Jaedeen," I muttered bitterly, my face scrunched unattractively. "They're the two new girls and they're nuts. They're like Imogen, but on crack. Literally. Imogen got busted with drugs on her and is also in isolation, so I've been miserably alone."

"Aw you poor baby." He cooed, rolling his eyes. "Maybe I could call you Nigel from now on. Get it? Nigel No Friends."

He let out a chuckle at his own joke while I frowned at him. "That was too pathetic to even pretend to be funny."

"You found it a little funny..." he trailed off, nudging me.

"No."

"Grumpy bum." he snickered, continuing to nudge me. I rolled my eyes, playfully pushing him away from me. "I'll accompany you to meet these infamous twins you sound so enthusiastic about."

"Get em' tiger."

I pushed open my door and the twins were still annoyingly in my room, despite it being hours later. I didn't say a word as I walked over to my bag and began dumping everything I needed into it.

"Oh, who's this?" Jaedeen purred seductively.

I swivelled my eyes to her, narrowing them into slits. "Colin."

"So you're Colin?" She drawled, running her eyes down his lean body. "You live up to my expectations, that's for sure."

Fire was practically spitting from my glare at this point. Slowly, he sauntered toward her. He didn't stop until he was mere inches away from her face. He leaned in close and my eyes were practically popping out of my skull. I couldn't quite comprehend the tidal wave of jealousy I felt as soon as Jaedeen laid eyes on him. Who knew I was the protective type?

"You're one of the most disgusting human beings I have ever seen. Please refrain from ever speaking to me again."

Her jaw fell open and I wanted to fist pump. Actually, I wanted to throw myself at him for a celebratory hug. I bet no one has spoken to her like that before. Turning to hide my wide smile, I continued packing. She began spluttering incoherent words but we all ignored her. Annabel chose to remain quiet, which I think was a smart move. Colin waited nonchalantly for me to finish, resting against the door frame. I could tell he wanted to wind them up more, but was storing it for later. I grabbed the essentials I needed from my bathroom and headed out. I paused at the door, looking over my shoulder, unable to wipe the smirk from my face.

"See you guys later."

An unattractive snort escaped me once the door closed. I high-fived him, my grin inhumanly wide. He grinned back.

"That was nothing to what I can do."

"I know but it's still exciting. Thank you." I replied with all seriousness.

We made it to his dorm without any other interruptions, thankfully. He began packing his own bag while Chase stood there, arms folded across his chest. Colin glanced up and quirked a questioning eyebrow at him.

"Yeah?"

He scoffed, staring at him incredulously. "You haven't seen me for God knows how long and not even a hey? I am disgusted with you. You didn't even notice the new plant in the bathroom!"

I let out a laugh, unable to stop myself. They honestly sounded like an old married couple. Chase genuinely looked cut up about the whole situation, whereas Colin remained oblivious to him. Of course.

"Chase, it's a weed plant. What was I supposed to say?" he frowned.

"That it contrasted perfectly with the texture." he retorted in a duh tone. "Have I not taught you anything?"

"Sorry..." Colin trailed off, glancing at me with an amused smirk.

"Not good enough."

"Mate," Colin laughed. He walked up to him and thrust his hand out. "I love the plant. It spruces up the place in just the right way. Yes, I said the word spruce so shake my hand for respect."

Chase smiled slyly at him and shook his hand. "Thank you, I knew you would like it."

They shook hands and did the awkward shoulder hug as boys do. Colin turned around and rolled his eyes at me. I bit the inside of my cheek in attempt to stop myself smiling. He continued to pack and not long later, we were wandering out the front, waiting for Miranda to come get us.

"I cannot wait to get out of this place one day and make a life with you." he murmured, taking me by surprise.

As I stared at him, butterflies, (yes, actual butterflies) exploding in my stomach.

I wholeheartedly agreed with him.

I can not express how wonderful the feeling of freedom is. Walking outside, inhaling my lungs with purity that the air provided. Actually being allowed to walk outside without the feeling of security guard's eyes following my every move was amazingly refreshing.

As sappy as it sounds, Colin and I were walking hand in hand down the beach. Okay, so I know it sounds like we're some lovey-dovey couple you'd read in a romance fiction story that seems totally unbelievable and we kind of were, but I am loving every second of it. I wasn't embarrassed to hold his hand in public and show the world how much I loved him. I didn't think I would ever feel this way and was going with it as much as I can. I'm happy and I'd like to stay that way.

Last night had been pretty nice. We had had a family dinner with Colin actually being able control his emotions and not stab Derek (his step-father) with a fork. I was proud, to say the least. I had spent most of the night playing with Clarissa, her showing me all new toys she had. Matt had started a crystal collection which Colin and I both had to endure an in-depth lecture about. I can't say I really listened much but it was cool the parts I did pay attention to.

It was late afternoon and the sun was beginning to fade, which illuminated over the water. It was breath taking really. When you're locked up in a boarding school most days, you really begin to appreciate nature when you actually get the chance to see it. I tugged Colin to a stop.

"Let's sit for a while." I suggested, my eyes absorbing the view.

We collapsed roughly on the sand. I reclined back so that I was staring up. Flames of orange and pink were splashed over the sky. I sighed in content, absolutely loving this moment. Here, with Colin. It was truly amazing. I rolled to my side and stared at him. He was also laying on his back, squinting up at the sky. He rolled his head so that we were staring at each other once more. His tanned complexion contrasted perfectly with the orange light being shed on us. His eyes were bright and his lips curved in his signature smirk. He was beautiful. I know using the word beautiful for a guy seemed a bit weird but that honestly was the word that came to my mind as I stared at him.

"I love you." I murmured, leaning down and brushing my lips to his.

"I love you even more." he whispered back.

I was so ridiculously happy.

Last night had been wonderful. Yes, I was actually using the words 'beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful' right now because they were the only ones strong enough to explain how I am feeling. So what if it makes me sound sappy?

Currently, I was munching away on some toast with Clarissa perched next to me and Miranda across from us. We were have breakfast together and it was actually nice. I didn't have to pretend to be polite this time, I was honestly so grateful to be here that I didn't need to pretend. Derek had already left for work and Colin was still dead to the world in his room. I'm not exactly sure what Matt was doing but it probably involved him having his head glued inside a book.

"What are you up to today?" I found myself asking Miranda as I lifted my cup of orange juice to my lips.

"I have some paper work to do for Derek but I really need to go grocery shopping as well. Not sure when I'm going to find the time for that though and make sure this one gets to her ballet lesson on time." she sighed, glancing down at her watch wearily.

"Do you want me to go do the shopping?" I asked, surprising myself. "I have nothing to do while Colin's sleeping anyway."

"Would you?" she asked gratefully. "That would be really helpful."

"Yeah sure."

I disappeared into my room and slipped on a pair of denim shorts. Chucking on a loose, black shirt that ran long down the back and some boots. After running my fingers through my wavy hair, I emerged feeling more human. She handed me over some money with another grateful smile.

"Thanks Hayley."

I glanced down at the money in my hand. A few months ago if someone handed me money like this, my first thought would be to flee with it. But now I literally just wanted to help out Colin's family. It's funny how things change, isn't it?

Giving her a warm smile in return, I turned and made my way out the door. I sighed, staring up at the clear, blue sky. The day was warm with the hot sun fanning across my skin. A small smile danced around my lips. The sunshine always made me feel happier. Picking up the pace, I strode down town, my eyes wandering everywhere.

Seeing one of the metal bubblers, I quickly skipped over to it and had a few sips. I reclined back into standing position when hands wrapped around my waist. My eyes closed blissfully instantly. I smiled, leaning back.

"Morning," I breathed, assuming Colin had followed me down.

"I have waited so long to hear your voice."

My blood went cold. My heart stuttered to a stop, it had to. I felt completely and utterly sick to my stomach as I recognised the all-too-familiar voice. It couldn't be... How did he find me? How did he know where I was? My body tensed automatically. I went to defend myself but his arms tightened, constricting around me savagely.

"Don't. Move." he whispered roughly, his lips against my ear. "Don't want me to hurt those little siblings of Colin do we?"

My mouth watered involuntarily with disgust.

Thomas...

My uncle...

Memories burned my mind of him beating and sexually harassing me. Black dots began to dance across my vision as I felt nauseous.

This could not be happening.

As always, would love to hear your thoughts!

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