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Lucas' POV

"I can't believe Ruth could do such a thing. When you called and told me about it, I wanted to argue that it isn't true," Axel said from his spot on the floor.

"Ruth was the only one I cared about before you and I reconciled. She cared about me too and we always had each other's back. Yes, she threatened to make my life a living hell if I don't stop smoking, beating people up, and walking with criminals. But, it's just sad that the people close to us can do such a thing," I said, rubbing my face in agony.

Ruth was someone I would kill for before Jackie came into my life. Even before she was raped by one of my adoptive father's business friends, I had always cared for and protected her but now, I wanted to hate her, to despise her for going low. It was disgusting that she did such a thing to another woman, in the same manner.

"What are you going to do now?" Axel asked.

"I already called a friend of mine. He's going to get more information about her before this week comes to an end. I only hope that whatever he finds proves everything as false," I said and rose to my feet. I went to the kitchen and grabbed the can of energy drink I had been drinking, off the counter. I took a sip and dropped the can when someone knocked on the door.

"You have a lot of visitors, man. Almost every day, someone's knocking," Axel complained as he got up. He crossed the room and opened the door. "Oh, hey."

I looked toward the door and saw Maddy walking in with a paper shopping bag. She smiled at Axel before meeting my eyes.

"Hey, Lucas. Where's Jackie?" She asked and dropped the bag on the couch behind her.

"She went to school. She wanted to check the courses she's going to take next year. What are you doing here?" I asked and when she was about to reply, Axel came to me.

"Bro, I just got a text from a guy I hired to help us. He says he has some interesting information about Ruth after speaking to him yesterday. I'll go meet him now. I'll be back," Axel said and rushed to the front door. "Maddy, be normal."

Maddy showed him her middle finger and I laughed at their behavior. Once Axel left, I motioned at the can on the counter.

"No, thank you."

I nodded my head and looked away from her. I was still feeling awkward about us being friends? At least that was what we were since we squashed our differences. I looked up when she sat on the stool beside me and then propped her elbows on the counter with a smile on her face.

"You know," she said. "It's kind of funny to see the Lucas Hamilton this way."

"How so?" I became curious and dragged a stool close. I sat on it and leaned my elbow on the counter.

"Well, if someone told me a few years ago that you would have a beautiful woman, fall in love, become a father? I would fucking laugh because I remember you telling me one time that you would never fall in love or even settle down. I wish I made a bet about it, I could probably have won," Maddy said and laughed.

I could not help but laugh as well, finding it funny. It was funny how I felt more grown-up than I was years ago. I was going to be a father in a few months.

"How are your parents handling this new side of you?" She asked one question I've been avoiding thinking about.

"They don't know yet and I don't plan on telling them. The moment I left Redside was the day I decided that I wanted to stay on my own and not involve them in any of my business," I replied and ran my finger around the top of the can.

"I wish I had your type of life, Lucas. Too bad that my family will never let me be the person I want to be. I wish I could just disappear. I hate how they expect me to be a perfect image, the typical Kingston image. I just want to do my thing without a care in the world but I can't when outsiders even eye me with so much scrutiny, wanting to see me mess up," Maddy said in a wavering voice.

I could sense the tears in her voice. I knew how strict her parents were, they were friends with mine. So, I understood a few things from what she said. It was disheartening because she had no choice in whatever she did or said.

"I'm sure you can prove them wrong someday. They can't keep you limited for long," I said and got off the stool. I stood before her and took her hand in mine.

"It's not that easy, Lucas. The last time I told them that I wanted to live alone, they started insulting Jackie because they know I'm friends with her, saying she was influencing me to become something else. I felt offended and swore that I would run away if they don't respect my friend. They agreed. I wish I was as tough as you and Jackie. You two looked your problems in the eye and told them that you'll be the people you always wanted to be. I wish I was that tough," Maddy said and I felt sad when I saw tears brimming her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.

Maddy sniffed and wiped her face with her free hand. She met my eyes and I leaned down and hugged her. I felt her stiffen in my arms, which was a normal reaction for me since we have never done such ever since our past. I smiled when she awkwardly patted my back.

"Uh, what's going on here?"

I moved away at the sound of Jackie's voice and spun around to face her.