Previously: (short recap) "What about you getting injured?"

Candice stopped, and turned around, "What?" She asked.

"Bryan explained to me how you injured yourself but you won't tell him why-"

"He's lying." Candice deadpanned, feeling betrayed and angry that Bryan didn't keep it a secret.

-

"Look, i had to tell her, i mean...it didn't feel right keeping it from her."

Candice laughed, "Right...out of all the things that happened you didn't feel right keeping a little secret from her. You're full of shit."

"I don't know it just- came out. Candice, i'm sorry."

-

He stepped closer to her, and put lifted her chin up. "Don't look like that. I'm sorry."

Candice slowly and carefully wrapped her arms around his neck, her body pressing on his. "Prove it." She whispered.

Without waiting, their lips crashed together, as Bryan tried to suppress his urge to do what they intended to do yesterday, before they were interrupted.

-

"Bryan-"

"Do you forgive me now?" He murmured into her ear.

She did a small nod, as he slammed himself into her again. "Tell me." He hissed, grabbing her hips tighter.

"Yes!" She finally choked out. "Yes..." She whispered.

14: Confrontation

'The best kind of kiss is when you have to stop because you can't help but smile.'

Candice rested her head on Bryan's chest, as she trailed her fingertips along it.

Bryan smirked down at her and sat up, gently grabbing her face, then kissing her neck passionately, giving a low, sexy chuckle.

Candice's phone buzzed on the coffee table, as she slightly turned her head to it. "Hold on, i gotta take this." She said.

"It can wait." Bryan's muffled voice said.

Candice giggled, from Bryan's touch, as she tried to get away from his grip, "No it can't." She replied, sliding out of his grip and grabbing her phone, while Bryan sighed, dropping his head on her shoulder.

"Hey Hayley." She said.

"Candice, i know you haven't been in school for a while but there's gonna be an epic party of the year in a week."

Candice sighed, rubbing her forehead, "I'm not too keen on parties anymore..." She mumbled.

Bryan frowned and sat up, searching for his shirt.

"What? Don't you remember when we had a blast at the last party we sneaked into?"

"Hayley, you had a blast coming out of your shell." Candice said, gritting her teeth.

"Just hear me out; The basketball team are throwing a big party to celebrate their victory in this season's basketball game. So if you don't want to look like a total loser who doesn't give a crap about Lincoln High's basketball spirit , you have to come. You should've been at the game. It's such a blast being a cheerleader, i feel like i'm actually becoming something and marking my place in high school! People notice me, now, Candice! They notice me! "

The basketball team? Brandon is bound to be there, then. Candice thought, the thought of partying with Brandon was making her close to throwing up in her mouth.

"I'm not sure..." Mumbled Candice.

"What? Weren't you the one who tried to persuade us to be social involved and stop being quiet losers? Now is seems as if you're stuck in the past. So get with the game, sister!" Hayley squealed.

'Get with the game, sister'? That doesn't sound like something shy, introvert Hayley would say.

"I'd rather not." Candice deadpanned. "If it involves obnoxious teenage guys throwing footballs around and getting wasted and showing off their abs then-"

Hayley sighed on the phone. "I just thought it would be a good idea, that's all..." Hayley said, obvious that she was getting irritated.

"Well it's not. It's not a good idea at all. It's bad. Stay away. Especially from Brandon. The reason they throw these party isn't just to climb the social ladder." Candice said, bitterly.

"What are you talking about? Brandon's a great guy."

"Are you sure about that?" Candice snapped, "Look just- don't go to that party, Hayley. Especially if you're a cheerleader for the team. They'll take advantage of that. They'll treat you like a groupie and try to...they'll try to..."Candice trailed off.

Hayley sighed, "Y-You've been ordering me around since the day we've met and i'm not going to listen to what you tell me to do anymore. And i'm sorry but- just because you're not making any effort into fitting in doesn't me you have to drag me down with you."

Candice bit her lip, and silently nodded, even though she knew Hayley couldn't see her. "Is that what you think then, Hayley?"

"I'm sorry, but yes. That's the way i see it."

Candice kept quiet for a moment, then talked, "Okay...glad we had this talk. Have fun at the party." She said, then hung up.

"Everything okay?" Bryan asked, walking over to her.

"I don't want to talk about it." Candice said, coldly. The sweet, open side of Candice was gone, as she locked her jaw, trying hard to fight down tears.

"Are you...sure?" Bryan asked, worried.

When she didn't reply, he bent over and kissed her forehead.

She looked as if she was going to say something, but she remained quiet.

FLASHBACK: Candice struggled to place one foot in front of the other, as she staggered up the stairs, one hand taken by Brandon, as she felt Tucker's hands on her waist, guiding her up the stairs. The music echoed on her head, as she tried to shut the noise out. She looked behind her, to where everybody was dancing and drinking, making her miss a step as she tripped. Tucker chuckled, "Careful there, blondie."

She was aware of what was going on, but she wasn't in control of her body, as her head felt like it was splitting open, and her stomach was churning.

Brandon cursed and turned to Candice, grabbing her painfully by the waist, and lifting her up over her shoulder.

She tried calling for help, but her mouth was glued shut. What the heck are they gonna do to me? She thought, panicking.

END OF FLASHBACK

Candice gritted her teeth in anger, frustration and sadness at the memory, as Bryan watched her grab her underwear and slip it back on, then grabbing her clothes and putting that on too.

Hayley was bound to be the next victim of Brandon and possibly Tucker too. She's shy, innocent, a cheerleader and too nice to say no. But she doesn't see that. She's too naive. Candice bit her lip in anger at what Hayley had said to her earlier.

-

Samantha sighed, letting her hands, that were full of papers and folders, drp to her sides. "I guess that is a good idea." She said.

"I guess so to." Marcus said, looking at what once was his wife, the love of his life. Now here eyes bore a solemn expression, with a hint of exhaustion, but also determination. Her hair was fiery red, as if she was wearing all the rage that has built up inside her over the years. He couldn't admit it, but she was still beautiful to him.

"What made you change your mind?" Samantha asked.

"I don't know. I am her father after all."

They stared at each other for a second, but understanding what it feels like to be a parent, to want to make everything right, as Samantha almost felt that same feeling she had when she would always support him, or depend on him.

She blinked and snapped out of it, as she held out two black folders with a notepad that had his name written on them. "Two contracts from major companies in the Philippines and Canada that are offering a partnership."

Marcus took the folders in his hands and skimmed through the papers.

"It will expand our business network up to 35%." She said, putting on her professional voice. When she wasn't dismissed, she stood awkwardly, holding her hands in front of her. "That is all..." She trailed off.

His head shot up, "Oh. Yes. Thank you." He said, giving her a quick nod.

-

Candice let the burning water splash against her skin, as her nails trailed along her hips. It was as if she still felt Brandon and Tucker's touch. She grimaced, and dig her nails inside her skin, then scraping until raw red. She felt grotesque. She hated this feeling, having a bitter taste in her mouth. She'd give anything to have revenge on them. For them to suffer.

Or die.

-

"Bryan..." Candice began, "Can you drive me somewhere?"

"Where to?" Bryan asked, skeptically.

"I just want to see Hayley." She said in her brittle monotone voice.

Has she been crying? Bryan wondered. "You sure everything's okay?"

Candice took a deep breath then exhaled. "No. Everything's not okay because my life is fucked, i'm losing my friends and my dad doesn't want me." She rubbed her temples and looked away from him, sniffing.

"I know, i'm sorry. I want to help. Tell me how i can help."

Candice shook her head, looking as if she was thinking about something, then frowned, furrowing her eyebrows. "Why?" She asked.

"What?"

"Why do you want to help me so much?"

"Because i told you i care about you."

"You said that but how do i know you mean it?" She asked.

"Because if i didn't mean it i wouldn't say it, Candice." He stepped closer to her and brushed some hairs out of her face.

Candice dropped her shoulders, "I'm sorry. I know you mean well but...i just find it hard to trust people nowadays..."

"I understand, Candice. I'll do whatever it takes for you to trust me."

Candice looked down, feeling guilty. She hugged herself, then looked up at him, "Can you just take me to my friend's?"

-

Candice sighed as they stopped in front of Hayley's house. She got out of the car and walked onto the front porch. It seems like forever since she's stepped foot in this house. She slowly knocked three times and waited.

Maybe she shouldn't have came here uninvited. She felt out of place.

She turned around and ran back to Bryan, about to open the car door and tell him to drive fast.

"Candice?" She heard her name, as she froze and turned around. Hayley's mother, looking as shocked as Candice to see her there.

"I'm sorry." Candice said, too quickly, "I thought no one was home."

"Come in, come in!" She exclaimed, spreading her arms out for a hug.

Candice jogged to her and hugged her.

"Here to see Hayley?" Hayley's mother asked.

"Yeah..." Candice mumbled.

"Great. She'll be happy to see you." She said.

I doubt it, Candice thought.

They walked up the far too familiar dark wooden stairs as Hayley's mother knocked on her bedroom door. "Hayley. you have a visitor."

The door opened, as Hayley spotted Candice. At first, Candice thought Hayley was about to yell at her and tell her to get out, but she gave her a tight hug instead.

After she pulled away, she grabbed Candice's arm and dragged inside her bedroom. "Candice, i'm so sorry about what i said on the phone it's just that-"

"No, i'm sorry i didn't mean to come off as aggressive or controlling."

"I know, and i was just angry that you were shutting me- all of us out and them just..." Hayley sniffed. "I just wanted everything to go back like it used to...but it never does."

"I'm sorry...I want that too..." Candice took both of Hayley's hands, "I'm saying this as a friend. Be careful at that party. It you sense that anything's wrong, call me or text me."

"I know...i know that you always have my back. But i wasn't going to the party anyway.I'm not a social butterfly like you. I just wanted you to go so that..."

Candice dropped her shoulders and let go of Hayley's hands.

"Oh." She said.

"I'm sorry. It was stupid." Hayley said, but even though she said that, Candice can't help feeling like she got played, making her get scared shitless about what Brandon might do to her at that party, and driving out here for nothing, only to find out she was just pretending.

"It's not that simple." Candice said, gritting her teeth. "I have to go."

"Are you upset?" Hayley asked, worried. "I can make it up to you."

Candice walked away, and waved her off, "No that's okay." She mumbled quickly and left, feeling betrayed.

-

"I mean i can't believe she tricked me into thinking that." Candice ranted, as she told Bryan the full story.

"She didn't know it would make you so worried, though. She doesn't know about your...situation."

Candice sighed, seeing his point, but kept going on. "But why would she lie to me, Bryan?"

Bryan shrugged, "Because you're er friend, and she did it because she's worried about you. Just like you were worried about her. You both won't understand each other unless you open up."

Candice thought about ti for a moment, then faced him. "Bryan...should i tell her about-"

The front door opened, and Samantha walked in, with less tress shown on her face than normal.

Candice greeted her then threw herself on the couch.

"Hello Mrs Harrington." Bryan said.

"Hello Bryan," She greeted back. "Candice, your father and i spoke today and..."

"And what?" Candice asked, bitterly.

"And he decided to let you stay with him for a month."

Again, sorry for the long wait for this update. But i promise by mid June i'll upload more regularly as that's when my GCSEs will be finished. For now, it's gonna take a bit longer to upload each chapter.

<3