"Leah" Masons voice wakes me up immediately.

"Yeah?" I yawn, rubbing my eyes.

"Are you okay?" He asks, throwing a t-shirt over his head.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I mumble, ransacking my closet.

"Last night. You were pretty shaken up" He scratches his neck, nervously.

"Mas, can we talk about this another day? Please" I throw my closet door shut, not seeing anything to wear.

"Yeah, okay. I'm sorry" He hugs me, grabbing some clothes from my closet.

I slip the white crop top, grey shorts and cardigan on. I pull some slip on vans on, keep my hair natural and do some quick makeup, putting some chapstick and lipstick on.

"Do I look okay?" I dab concealer under my eyes.

"You look gorgeous Le. Just really tired" He frowns.

"I know, I have not been sleeping" I sigh, grabbing my bag.

"Want to sleep over tonight?" He asks.

"Okay, that works. I have a double shift after school but I'll stop home after work and pack a bag for your house" I nod, kissing his cheek.

I feed Bella while making our coffee and then we hit the road.

Mason let me sleep in pretty late so we didn't have time for my original plan, to take Mason to coffee.

"Can't we just skip today?" I whine as we walk into the school.

"I wish. Only a month left" He kisses my cheek, placing his hand in mine.

"I like this outfit by the way" He spins me, making me crash into his chest.

I shriek, collecting unnecessary attention. "Sorry" I blush, not wanting anyone to look at me.

"You still have that attention thing, huh?" He smirks, a smile on my face.

"I do. Is that a problem? It's not my fault the only attention I got during school was from your friends who wanted A's on their homework's" I poke his chest, dragging him to my locker.

"Hey, you know I don't like that, I would have stopped it" He places my books in my locker, grabbing the correct ones.

"Okay, sure Mr. Big-shot" I joke, sliding down to the floor.

"You okay?" Richie laughs.

"Get up" Mason smiles, pulling my arm.

"Let me nap. I'm tired" I yawn, placing my head on my knees.

"Babe, come on. The bells going to ring and then you're going to get trampled" Mason laughs.

"So? Let them trample me" I mumble, closing my eyes.

"If you get up, I'll get us Chick-Fil-A for lunch" He says, my head shooting up.

"Promise?" I question.

"Promise" He holds his pinky out. I quickly connect them and stand up, happy with our compromise.

"Get us some too dude" Aiden laughs.

"You wish" Mason throws his arm over my shoulder.

Class goes by like molasses. I just want to eat, I'm starving.

When we get to lunch I see Mason at my locker, Chick-Fil-A in hand.

"You got it?" I take the bag from his hand, smelling the food.

"Someones a little happy" He chuckles.

"Um, yeah. I thought it was a joke" I laugh, taking a milkshake from him.

"That hurt. I'm a trust worthy person. I keep my promises" He jokes hurt, holding a hand to his heart.

"You are babe. Thats why you're the first person I tell just about everything to" I kiss his cheek, placing his arm around my waist.

He laughs and we start to the cafeteria.

"So, what time are you working till?" Mason asks.

"I'm closing" I sigh, regretting the choice.

"What? Leah, we have school tomorrow. And you can barely keep your eyes open" He looks at me like I have 10 heads.

"I know Mason. I'm an idiot. I thought I was going to sleep last night and I really need the money. I need another job" I shake my head.

"You need a raise. You put so much time into that damn job. You cant work till closing time" He shakes his head.

"It's not that bad. She pays me extra sometimes" I sit down at the table, smiling at everyone.

"Fry anyone?" I hold out my fries as everyone takes one, Aiden takes a couple.

"Hey, I saw that" I laugh as Mason places the nuggets down and another thing of fries.

"I knew you would offer them some so I got another for you" He laughs.

"Are you trying to fatten me up?" I laugh, thanking him.

"Damn, you caught me" He shakes his head, throwing a fry in his mouth.

"So what time is closing tonight?" He asks.

"It's Wednesday, so 11:00" I think back to the hours.

"Leah, thats too late" Ellie gasps.

"Ellie, hush. You're not helping me. I need the money" I take a sip of my shake.

"You look like you didn't sleep last night" Christine point out.

"Yeah, a girl needs her beauty sleep" Dani laughs.

"I didn't sleep last night" I mumble, being reminded of my nightmare.

Mason places his hand on my thigh and rubs it comfortingly. He then shoots everyone a look and the topic is changed.

I stare at my hands, trying to distract myself. It's getting closer and closer to the day.

"Le?" Mason looks at me, concerned.

"Hm?" I hum, looking into his eyes. Maybe they will distract me.

"Can you eat a little more?" He looks at me knowingly.

"Yeah, sorry" I grab a fry, forcing it down. I completely lost my appetite.

"Can you at least drink the milkshake?" He whispers, knowing I'm no longer hungry.

I nod, just wanting today to be over. I want to be laying in Masons arms, safe and protected from my darkest times and memories.

"Y-yeah" I take a couple sips and another fry. I feel terrible but I really don't think I can eat much more.

"Don't eat it. It's okay" Mason says reading my mind.

"I'll drink this though. I'm sorry" I frown, looking at Mason.

"It's okay, really" He kisses the top of my head, pulling me in for a hug.

It takes a lot to not burry my head in the crook of his neck and just cry.

The bell rings way too fast and soon I'm off to class.

The rest of my classes drag on, like usual.

"I don't wanna go to work" I drag myself out of the school, backpack in hand.

"I don't want you to either" He takes it from my hand, swinging it over his shoulder.

He throws my bag in the car and opens the door for me.

We start on our way to my apartment. "I have practice for a couple hours. But pack a bag, throw it in here and I'll drive you to work. I'll pick you up too since you'll probably be exhausted" Mason explains.

"Mas, its fine. You'll be more tired" I yawn as we pull up to my place.

"Leah, come on. Do you need help?" He asks.

"No, I'm just going to change. I'll stay at home tonight. Don't want to intrude especially that late. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow" I kiss him.

"Babe, don't be ridiculous. Lets go pack a bag quickly and I'll get you to work. You could never intrude. You need the sleep" He steps out of the car, locking it.

"You're something else, White" I sigh, pressing the button for the elevator.

"I'll take that as a compliment, Williams" He smirks as the elevator opens to be empty.

"Don't get any ideas. I'm tired" I smirk, causing his smirk to grow

"You'll be even more tired by the time I'm done with you" He whispers, brushing my hair off my shoulder.

"Cut it out" I shiver, staring at the elevator door.

"Come on Le, I know what I do to you. You don't hide it very well" He runs his fingers over the goosebumps.

"Lets keep it PG today, okay?" I force a laugh.

"Personally, I'm a rated R type of guy" He smirks.

"I'm not surprised" I smirk back, walking out of the elevator.

"What does that mean?" He follows me into the apartment.

"Just that you're a guy" I shrug, grabbing my work clothes.

"Hm, okay. If I was such a guy then I wouldn't tell you to change in the bathroom and not here" He crosses his arms.

"Okay. Sucks for you" I shrug, toying with him. I was going to change in the bathroom anyways.

I quickly get changed and throw my hair in a messy ponytail so its out of my face for when I pack.

I throw some toiletries into a bag, not worrying about missing anything. I really only need my makeup, and some clothes. I could even get away with no clothes.

"I picked out an outfit if you don't mind" Mason says, putting some makeup in my travel bag.

"Yeah, thats great. Thanks so much" I help him.

"Of course. I like your hair" He smirks.

"Zip it, I just wanted it out of my face" I grab my hat and apron and lay it on top of my bag.

"I think I'm all good" I grab my keys and shove them in my pocket.

"Alright, I'll grab Belle and we can get going" Mason smiles, throwing my bag over his shoulder.

I grab some of her food and we go in the car.

"You're sure this is okay? And you won't be late for practice?" I double check.

"Yes Le, its all good. The school is a couple minutes from me. Practice is at 4:00. Its 3:15" He smiles, shaking his head.

"Okay, have fun. Stay safe, please. I love you. Thank you. Bye Belle" I kiss Mason and Bella and run into Starbucks.

"I'm sorry I'm late" I rush into Sydney's room.

"No worries Le. I'm lucky to be having you in today. You're my most trusted employee" She smiles, sending me off.

I get to work, the hours dragging on.

"Hey Le, funny seeing you here" Andrew says.

"Hey Drew, how are you? What can I get you?" I yawn.

"Someones tired. I'll have a vanilla bean frap and whatever you want. My treat" He takes out his wallet.

"Oh, don't be silly, I'm fine" I shake my head, checking the clock. Just two more hours.

"Okay, I'm heading out. Thanks Leah. Keys on my desk. Keep it" Sydney runs out, waving.

"You're closing? Make sure you add expresso to it. You look about ready to fall asleep" He laughs.

"You have no idea" I make him his coffee and give it to him.

"Hello babe" Mason walks in with a bag of chips and a dunkin' ice coffee.

"Hey Mas, what are you doing here?" I smile, leaning over and kissing him.

"I brought you a snack and something to keep you up. I know you prefer dunkin' coffee" He smiles.

"You're sweet. You're also lucky no ones in here. Thank you" I laugh, hiding the coffee from view.

He turns around and says hi to Andrew. We all chat for a little, the occasional customer coming in for a coffee or a cake pop.

"Okay, I'm going to head out. You sleeping over?" Andrew says.

"Yeah, tell Cody I say hi. By Andrew" I wave.

"You know, you're an hour and a half early right?" I smile, taking a sip of my drink.

"Yes ma'am I do" Mason nods, getting his homework out.

Shįt.

"I came to keep you company. And before you freak out, I have your homework too" He laughs, copying down some work.

"Mason, don't worry about it. We're in different classes" I laugh, taking the sheet from him.

"So? Thats what Googles for, duh" He laughs, staring at my psych work.

"Hi, what can I get you?" I run back behind the counter as someone walks in.

"Hi, I'm so sorry for coming so late. Can I just have a chocolate chip muffin?" She smiles, putting $10 in the tip jar.

"Um, thank you so much" I stutter out, handing her the muffin.

"You're welcome. Keep working hard, have a good day" She smiles, walking away.

"Damn girl" Mason smiles.

"I'm done" I sigh, leaning my head back.

"That was terrible" I laugh, taking my hat and apron off.

"I'm sorry" Mason takes them from me as I take my tips out of the jar.

"Its perfectly fine, I just can't wait to shower and go to bed" I say, walking into the back to grab the key and put my uniform in my locker.

"I bet" Mason smiles, grabbing my hand.

I lock up and follow him into the car, barely being able to keep my eyes open.

The drive to his house is short and Bella is up, running around.

"Belle, shhh. Stop it" I try to calm her down.

"She's fine Le. Go shower and I'll make you a quick snack, okay?" I nod, kissing his cheek.

I shower quickly, excited to get some food in my stomach.

After ripping through my bag and realizing I didn't pack any pijamas, I decide to go downstairs in my towel.

Mason meets me halfway, his eyes bulging when he sees me.

"I forgot clothes" I blush.

"That was intentional hun. You can borrow a shirt" He smirks.

I nod, following him into his room.

He hands me a t-shirt and I change into it in the bathroom.

I snuggle into the covers and take a bite of the grilled cheese. "My God Mason" I groan, how could a grilled cheese be so good?

"Shh, people are going to get the wrong idea babe" He smirks, my cheeks flushing red.

"I hate you" I mumble, taking another bite.

"Do you? Because two seconds ago you were groaning my name"He holds back a laugh.

"Shut up" I roll my eyes, flopping on my back.

"Don't forget to brush your teeth" He smiles.

"I wont" I tease him, finishing my sandwich and making my way to the bathroom. He follows, brushing his teeth as well.

We quickly do that and make our way back to the bed. I waste no time to lay down, not even getting under the covers.

"Come on babe" He rubs my arm, pulling the covers.

I whine, letting him cover me.

He pulls my half clothed body to his bare chest, running his fingers over the skin on my stomach.

"So, are you going to tell me why you've been off all day?" He whispers in my ear.

"I'm not ready Mason. I'm sorry" I sigh, wanting to tell him.

"Okay, I respect that" He takes the hair tie out of my hair.

"Go to sleep Le, you're exhausted" He runs his fingers through my hair, calming me down even more.

"O-okay" I stutter out, not being able to keep my eyes open anymore.

"I love you. Goodnight" He kisses the top of my head.

"I love you too" I whisper, being cased in darkness.

Hey angels, I hope you enjoyed this. I've been so busy so I apologize for not staying on top of things. I have so many future chapters written. I'm so excited for you to see them! Don't forget to vote, comment and share!

13 votes and 80 comments

Word count: 2542

~Leah