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Dedication: ZeniBeni for the cover on the side, thank you!

Recap:

"That," I said slowly, making sure my gaze was penetrating through her. "Was for telling my uncle of my whereabouts. Next time you do anything like that again, I will kill you. I swear Eliza, I will kill you."

I paused momentarily, as she gave me a confused look but I shrugged it off. With that, I rose to my feet. Still holding my weapon of choice, I walked from her, leaving her gasping for breath in the middle of the floor. Just as I was rounding the corner I heard the footsteps of guards rushing toward her.

That felt good.

"First the drugs, now this?" the same guard who has dealt with me a few times (mainly my late night searches for milk) asked with a sigh. "I know the drugs weren't yours, but you took the fall for it. This isn't the same though is it?"

I shook my head slowly. "No and I would do it again."

"You know I can extend your visit to isolation for saying things like that?" he questioned, quirking an eyebrow at me as he slowly withdrew a pair of slightly rusted handcuffs from his pocket.

"But you won't."

He narrowed his eyes slightly at me. "I think you're overestimating my tolerance for you."

Rolling my eyes, I gave him a lope-sided smile. "Just put the handcuffs on and stop embarrassing yourself. We both know you're not going to."

He breathed a quiet laugh, shaking his head at me. He was just fastening the cuffs around my wrists when one of the other guards emerged around the corner. I stiffened slightly, my carefree attitude drying up. Most of the guards were indifferent and cold, this new one on the scene included. I have never liked this guard. He was one of the two that escorted me in on my first day. I only recall that because I distinctly remember his missing tooth.

Other than Anthony (my current guard), I had not made a connection with any of the others. I think Anthony knew deep down I wasn't going to suddenly stab him in the neck with a pen one day walking down the corridor. I think we somehow, without communicating so, had found an understanding with each other. Despite us needing to have a very professional relationship, if he didn't push me around like the other guards did, I wouldn't be a hassle. It was a win-win for both of us really.

"Got this one handled?" he asked gruffly, adjusting his belt slightly.

"Yeah, straight to isolation?"

"Principal first." he announced and my head snapped up.

Why did I need to talk to the principal? He usually only spoke to us if we were in really serious trouble (fights are so regular and this one being mild, I don't really see the fuss) or if we were new. The last few visits I had had with the principal, had always been about some "act of violence". I really wasn't winning him over with my charismatic attitude, that's for sure.

"Why?"

He didn't reply. I swivelled my eyes to Anthony who only shrugged, looking as clueless as I was. He placed his hand on the small of my back (rather than digging his fingers into my biceps like the other guards do) and guided my down the hall. Once we were out of range from the other guard, I turned to Anthony.

"This is going to be bad, isn't it?"

He grimaced at me, putting more pressure on my back to indicate I need to keep walking. "Meetings with him don't usually end well."

A sigh escaped my lips. The rest of the trip was silent, other than our echoing footsteps on the wooden floor. It didn't take long for us to reach his doors. My palms were beginning to feel a little sweaty. What if he took me away from general population and permanently put me in isolation, due to my behaviour? I wouldn't be able to see Colin and I would definitely go insane.

The erratic thoughts that were bouncing inside my head fell silent as I was pushed through the door. Mr Wood was perched behind his overly large desk, files scattered around him. He glanced up at our arrival. He had gingerly blond hair and a reciting hairline, probably due to the stress of being principal of one of the worst-behaved schools in the state. The wrinkles gathered in the corners of his eyes made him look older than he probably was. His eyes were weary and his skin pale.

"Ah, Ms Larson," He said with a wan smile. He stood, leaning heavily on his desk. "Nice to see you again."

He gave Anthony a nod. He squeezed my arm slightly, before disappearing through the door. I sighed, walking toward the desk. He gestured for me to sit down as he took his own chair again, fiddling with some papers. He moved them from my line of sight, as I realised they were student files.

I wonder what mine said?

"We seem to meet upon unfortunate circumstances." he smiled grimly, entwining his hands together in front of him. "What happened this time?"

I stared coolly at him. Would it be best to say something nonchalant and possibly increase my isolation time, or to actually be honest? Lately, I've found honesty to be quite refreshing and somewhat rewarding.

"The truth, Hayley." he sighed tiredly, rubbing his eyes. "I know all about your history. If there's something more to the story, just tell me."

It was though he read my mind. I glanced down at my fidgeting hands. I was playing with a loose thread on my denim shorts.

"So, you know about my uncle then?" I asked, my voice cold.

He genuinely looked sick as he nodded.

"Eliza tipped him off to where I would be this weekend. He found me. Luckily I got away, but I needed to teach her a lesson."

His lips spread into a thin line. His eyes sparkled with surprise as I actually gave him an honest answer, for the first time of me being here.

"You're positive it was her?" he asked, surprising me.

I stared back. "There wouldn't be anyone else."

That question surprised me. I hadn't even considered it possibly being anyone else. It had to have been her, right?

He nodded slowly, rubbing his fingers over his temples. "That wasn't the most appropriate method of dealing with the situation. If you had come to me first-"

"I needed to hit her." I ground out, getting to my feet. I strode toward the desk and leaned on it, so that I could levelly look him the eyes. "I needed to feel her blood against my skin, so that she knows how much she betrayed me. She could have gotten me killed. Or worse."

He leaned back in his chair uneasily and glanced at the door, where Anthony had peered inside. Mr Wood raised his hands in a peace gesture and Anthony slipped back out. He didn't respond to what I said. He fell silent for a few moments and I stepped back, waiting.

"There's something else I need to speak to you about." he pointed at the chair and I sat back down roughly, not responding to my mini outburst. This ought to be good, I thought bitterly. I reclined back, just wanting to get out of here. "You're eighteen in a week."

I blinked in surprise, his words slowly sinking into my brain. How could I have forgotten one of the most significant parts of my life? People are usually counting down the days, the minutes until they're eighteen and here I am, a mere week away and the thought had completely slipped my mind. I suppose that's what happens when you have no family or many friends to celebrate with. In here, the days and time get muddled together.

"Yeah." was all replied as my mind was surging with thoughts.

"Do you understand what that means?"

I opened my mouth to reply with something witty, but he continued speaking despite having asked me a question.

"You no longer have to stay here, if you wish. You're legally an adult and can sign yourself out when you like."

My mouth fell open. I could leave? Voluntarily? My heart began rapidly beating against my rib cage at the thought of leaving here. I wanted to leave, so desperately, but the scary thing is, where would I go? Of course I wanted to leave, but this palce had been a sort of safety blanket for me, in hinesight.

I didn't reply to him, I was too busy thinking. He gave me a small smile.

"It's also perfectly okay if you want to stay here."

I laughed, without an humour. "No, I'll sign myself out."

"If you wish." he gave me a small smile. "Only condition is you do have to show evidence of either having a job or a stable place to live. We can't just let you go live on the streets, now can we?"

"Arrangements can be made." I stated, although panic rushed through my veins.

I'd need to start researching as soon as possible. The desperation to leave this place and go searching for a job or somewhere to live was almost unbearable. The desire of freedom itched underneath my skin to the point I wanted to scream.

"There's another thing." he said and I quirked my eyebrows. He sure had a lot of things to tell me today. "The school has been contacted by a family, who would like you to spend the weekend with them. The girl's name who contacted the school was Ameika."

Ameika. My best friend. The memory of her giving me her number burned my mind. In the midst of everything, I don't even know where that piece of paper was anymore.

"I would love to go see her." I spoke, my mouth suddenly dry.

"We can make the arrangements for you to see her this weekend. Usually, since you've just been in a fight, your visitation rights are meant to be revoked. In this case though, I may make an exception."

He was pitying me, but I was grateful.

"Thank you." I told him earnestly. "I appreciate it."

"That being said, does not mean I can leave you entirely unpunished. You will need to go to isolation for two days."

I groaned dramatically. He shrugged at me and gave me a look which perfectly illustrated 'it's your own fault', which was true. I went after her knowing the consequences. Now I had to deal with them. Two days would still be long, boring and downright terrible, but it could be worse. I had to take what I got without complaining. He was being favourable to me, I had to take advantage of it.

"Unfortunately, you have to go to isolation straight away. But I will keep you updated with any arrangements made about the weekend." he stood up and gave me a curt nod. "I'm sure the time will pass quicker than usual, with your newly learnt knowledge."

With that, he waved at Anthony, who materialised into the room immediately. I dragged my eyes away from Mr Wood and let Anthony lead me out to the corridor. He glanced at me worriedly, assuming the news had been bad. I had as well.

"I can leave this place in a few weeks." I murmured, my body still in shock.

"That's great, Hayley!" He beamed, squeezing my shoulder.

"Yeah," I said numbly, my eyes unfocused.

"Do you have any family you can stay with, until you sort something out?" he questioned.

"I have no family."

He fell silent beside me awkwardly. "Any friends?"

"Very few. None that I would want to burden with my arrival."

He stopped and I glanced at him. "I know this is completely unprofessional and I could lose my job for even suggesting it, but if you're desperate, you're welcome to stay at my house until you find somewhere. It's not impressive, it's a three bedroom flat and my fiancé  will not be happy about the situation, but if you are polite and the stay only temporary, it would be fine."

"You mean it?" I asked, my eyes watering. "I couldn't impose-"

"Hayley, I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it. Honestly, to help you get back on your feet, it would be a privilege."

A tear slid down my cheek. My mouth felt hot and sticky, with the urge to cry like a baby. There really were kind people in the world.

"I'm leaving this weekend, so I can go job hunting. I won't let you down." I promised, hastily wiping at my cheeks. "Thank you."

He gave me a small smile, and pressed on my back. I kept walking, tears tumbling down my face. Who would have thought today, that I would be told I could leave this place in a few weeks and a guard offering a temporary home for me.

Stranger things have happened, I suppose.

Isolation had almost ruined me.

The only way I managed to get through it was the idea of leaving this place and the elation I was feeling because of it. I practically ran all the way to Colin's dorm, eager to let him know the news. I bustled through the door without knocking. He was lounging across his bed lazily, his eyes closed. They popped open at the disturbance and he quirked an eyebrow at me.

"How was isolation?" he smirked.

He looked gorgeous. He was wearing his signature black shirt, which tightly wrapped his defined torso. He had a pair of dark jeans on, despite it being quite warm. He had one arm bent behind his had, his bicep bulging deliciously and his tattoo revealed. He stretched and I almost had to check if my tongue was still in my mouth.

"I get to leave." I burst out, ignoring his question.

"What?" he asked, stiffening.

"I get to leave this place in a week." I exclaimed, tears of joy burning at my eyes. I rushed toward him and kneeled onto his bed. I leaned forward and grabbed his hands with mine, unable to wipe the ginormous grin stretched across my face. A slight jolt of electricity buzzed through my at our touch. I stared into his fierce, blue eyes, feeling ecstatic. "When I turn eighteen I can legally sign myself out."

His eyes were wider than I had ever seen them. He opened and closed his mouth several times, as if needed to say something but couldn't quite string a sentence together. His expression surprised me. He didn't share my excitement. In fact, he more looked confused.

"Are you going to?"

I stopped squeezing his hands. I just stared at him like he was crazy for a moment, waiting for him to laugh. He didn't.

"Of course?" I replied, it coming out more of a question. "Why wouldn't I?"

"So you could spend time with me? Your friends?"

"Friends?" I echoed, my voice too high for comfort. "Well yes, they're my 'friends' but only because they have to be-"

"You don't think they care about you?" he asked, cutting me off, a hint of anger to his voice.

My eyes bulged out of their sockets. The entire two days at isolation, I kept imaging Colin's expression of pure happiness for me. I never, for a second, imagined any other reaction. I stared at him as though he had three heads, waiting for him to say something else.

Yeah they were my friends, but we were all stuck here so we had to make friends. I never really thought I would keep in touch once I got out. I hadn't really thought of me getting out much at all, actually.

"You're not happy for me?" I asked.

"I am..." he said slowly, removing his hand from mine and scratching his neck. "I just thought you would want to stay here, with me?"

My mouth opened but no words came out. I could hardly gather my thoughts right now.

"I can see you on weekends..." I trailed off, unable to fathom what he was saying right now.

"When I'm spending time with my family?" he asked dubiously.

"Yes?"

"Why don't you stay here until I can sign out as well?"

I understand where he is coming from, but I couldn't help think he was being selfish. He wanted me to stay in a place that I hated, to be with him? Also incredibly sweet... a voice whispered in my mind but I forcefully shoved that to the back of my mind.

"You of all people know how much I hate this place. Why would I stay here any longer than I have to?"

He wrenched his other hand from me and clambered to his feet. I felt like I had been slapped in the face. He didn't turn around. I sat there quietly, staring at his back, waiting. He didn't say anything else. Slowly, I got to my feet, pins and needles shooting down my legs.

"I thought you would be happy."

"I would be happy if you stayed."

"I hate this place."

"So you keep saying." he muttered bitterly, still not facing me.

Reaching out, I touched his shoulder and he flinched, recoiling away from me. Pain spread across my abdomen at this. He turned, our eyes connecting. His were cold and impassive towards me. I felt a little breathless, still finding this whole moment incredulous.

"Alright." he said with a nod, his voice calm. "Go. I'll see you on the weekends."

He was angry. I sighed, closing my eyes. I planted my hands on my hips and counted to ten in my head, so I didn't punch him.

"Why are you being like this? Be happy for me."

"How am I supposed to be happy when you're out there and I'm stuck in here." he bit out, striding toward me. He viciously grabbed my shoulders and shook me, as if that would knock some sense into my mind. "Stop thinking about yourself for one minute!"

"Me?" I echoed angrily, shoving him in the chest. He staggered back from me. I stepped forward and pushed him again. "You're the selfish one! Why are you making me stay here when I could be out, living the life I deserve to?"

"You're going to forget about me!" He snapped, throwing his hands up. "Once we're not together, you will forget. I will be stuck here with no one."

"Oh my God!" I cried out in frustration, tears of anger welling in my eyes. "I am not going to forget about you! I'm not that shallow Colin. You're one of the best things in my life! I can't forget you."

"Then stay!" he yelled into my face, his face reddening the more we fought.

"No." I bit out. "I have been waiting for this moment far too long. I'm not going to throw my freedom away when I can still see you every week. You have more friends in here than I do!"

"You're ridiculous."

"You are!" I screamed back, my fists balled.

He spun on his heel and projected his fist into the wall. He screamed out with a mixture of anger and pain, his belligerence on full display.

"Sure, go hit something. Get angry. That will help the situation." I spat out, sarcasm dripping from each word.

"Don't." he ground out, his back tense. He was breathing raggedly, his forehead pressed against the wall. Despite being angry as hell at him right now, seeing him like this... All I wanted to do was have his arms around me.

I exhaled, trying to calm down. "I'm leaving for the weekend. I'm going to let you calm down. We will talk about this when I get back."

He mumbled something incoherent and I stared at him in annoyance.

"What?" I snapped.

"Where are you going?" he asked louder, his voice venomous. He pronounced each word as if I had a hearing impairment. I rolled my tongue across my teeth, trying not to scream.

"I'm going to visit Ameika, my best friend I told you about."

His fists clenched. "Same town as Gabe?"

If I'm honest, I hadn't even thought about Gabe. I was too busy thinking about Ameika and seeing her parents again. The last time I had seen Gabe... I still remember his lips against mine.

I didn't reply.

He slowly turned, his eyes narrowed into slits. "You going to see him?"

"I'll probably run into him, yeah."

His jaw was ticking furiously. He closed his eyes, looking as though he was in pain.

"Get out Hayley."

"Colin-"

"GET OUT." he screamed, his eyes snapping open. "Go have fun with your friends. Get your things gathered to leave this place. Just go."

"You're acting like a five year old boy." I argued, my arms folded across my chest.

He looked like he was going to explode. His face as red and his body so tense, I'm surprised he hasn't snapped in half. His mouth opened to retort when Chase entered, looking a little scared. His eyes switched between us as if watching a tennis match.

"I just saved your butts from the burly guard I like to call Sideshow Bob," he said levelly, a little scared to walk in any further. "Mind telling me what's going on?"

"I'm sure Colin can fill you in." I clipped, storming past him.

I barged out of the door and marched all the way back to my dorm, shaking in anger. I opened the door and slammed it behind me with me force than necessary. I turned, opened it and slammed it shut again. This continued a few more times, as if that would help evaporate some of the pulsating fury I was feeling. Slowly, I pivoted and glanced over, seeing Imogen curled up on her bed.

"Sorry," I muttered, assuming I had woken her. I probably woke the whole town with that. She didn't even stir.

Squinting, I saw a bottle clutched in her palm. I wandered over to her slowly, peering down at her. She was passed out. Slowly removing the bottle from her hand, I placed it on the bedside table. I grabbed the blanket that was draped off her bed and covered her with it. My hands were still trembling from my fight with Colin. There was something in her palm. Cautiously, I pulled it.

It was a photo of her and who I assume is her family. She looked gorgeous, as always. Her long, blonde hair was piled into a messy pony tail on the top of her head. She had a big grin on her face, holding a champagne bottle. A blonde lady, looking quite similar to Imogen stood beside her, clutching a framed certificate. A man stood boldly behind them, a hand resting on either of the girl's shoulders.

"What are you doing?" she slurred, causing me to jolt in alarm.

"Trying to sort you out, you drunken mess." I rolled my eyes, attempting to keep my voice light. "You were ruining your photo."

"Rip it up." she muttered, her eyes still closed.

"Is that your mother and father?" I pried.

"Mum and step-dad. Hate his guts."

I stared at the photo more closely. The man looked so familiar but no names came to mind. I definitely had seen him before, but couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"What's your step-father's name?" I asked quietly, not taking my eyes from the photo.

"John."

That name sounded familiar too. Imogen groaned and rolled to her side. She snatched the photo from me and shoved it forcefully under her pillow. She turned her back to me and fell silent. I fell back and leaned against the wall. I pressed my forehead into my drawn up knees, feeling drained.

My mind kept thinking about the man in the photo.

John...

Johnathon...

The memory of meeting him burned my mind.

His hand grabbed my arm. He pulled my jacket back, revealing the Downright High emblem, perched above my left breast. I jerked my arm from his as though he had burned me. I could still feel his hot breath as it fanned across my face.

His smirk was full stretched across his face. "Downright High? That's interesting."

Imogen's step father was... Colin's step-father's boss? Was this just a coincidence? Dread and feelings of trepidation filled my veins.

Definitely not a good coincidence.

Thoughts?

My Completed Works:

Downright Delinquents, Faithless, Childhood Sweethearts, The Best Thing For Me, Bad Liar, Chasing Casey, Not Quite Dead, Coach's Number One.

My On-Going Works:

Coach's Second Best (Coach's Number One sequel) and Darker Than Sin 🖤

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