There were absolutely no words in my very large vocabulary that my brain could muster about what I was witnessing ten feet in front of me.

I had been stood for a good few minutes glued to my spot.

To anyone else in the restaurant it looked like two normal very overly attractive people who could easily be on the cover of Vogue, were talking to each other.

Unfortunately for me I knew the blonde too well to know that she had her flirt face on. My eyes were fixed on her, I didn't even bother to look over at Nixon. I'm sure he was loving it from what I could see on Stacey's face. A part of me was angry, a part confused and weirdly, a part that was hurt. I mean the bad boy and my brother's slutty girlfriend?

I repeat, the bad boy and my brother's slutty girlfriend?!

There were so many questions that were running through my head. How did they even know each other? Sure Stacey knows everybody but I never thought that included the school's loner bad boy too. He was feared by pretty much everyone. What on earth were they talking about? She knows Aiden's hatred towards him so what was she doing? What if Stacey saw me? Does my brother know they know each other? Would she tell my brother about me?

Oh I would be doomed if Aiden found out he'd totally bury me alive and then go after Nixon. The risk of Aiden finding anything out was too high and definitely not worth it. I, Mara Ellsworth would have officially initiated world war three if that ever happened.

All I could think of was that I had to get out of here. What was I even thinking going out in public with the school's bad boy who was also my brother's hatred. This isn't like me. Hanging out with people I normally wouldn't.

I've spent every day with Nixon ever since we were in detention together. Being part of a street race. Going to parties. Having unwanted hands on me. Causing fights. That's when I remember feeling scared and wary. I should be wary. When he talks it's almost like he has a double meaning to everything he says. Not to mention the numerous times he's lashed out or disappeared for long periods of time.

All the thoughts of the bad memories and Nixon's bad reputation flood my brain within seconds. Everything I pushed to the back of my mind and never wanted to face hit me like a ton of bricks. This was the reality and who was I kidding? Yes, I hated the fact that all it took was slutty Stacey to make me realise it. But he was a dangerous bad boy.

And I really shouldn't be here.

With that in mind I turned around from the pair making my way through the clusters of people. My heart started to feel heavier and heavier as I got further away. I could feel my eyes starting to water so I clenched my jaw as hard as I could to stop any tears from falling.

"Woah, hey Mara are you okay? Are you hurt? What's wrong?"

"No it's nothing Ethan I promise, but I gotta go. It was really nice to meet you Nova and I'm so so sorry to cut this short guys," I responded whilst subtly wiping a tear that escaped.

Ethan started to get up but I curtly shook my head to stop him and made an effort to smile. Grabbing my bag, I took out two twenty dollar notes, put it on the table wordlessly and walked towards the entrance.

I could hear Ethan calling out my name which eventually disappeared as I found myself outside.

It was exactly 8.54pm and I was stood staring at my front door with my keys in my hand. I had six minutes left of my curfew and I intended to make full use of it. Plus I was exhausted of all that walking I had to do. I made a mental note to hurry up and pass my driving test. Admittedly I got a taxi half way but still, I was tired of all the thinking I did.

I've decided that it would be ideal for everyone if I stayed away from Nixon and had nothing to do with him. It had only been a few days and I've done so many things that were out of character.

Nixon and Ethan were definitely not the crowd I usually hang out with. I've decided to look at it as a vacation and now I'm back home to reality. Back with my real friends and back to the real me.

Even if it surprisingly hurt.

I'm also pretty sure that Nixon is hiding something big about himself, though I'm not sure what. With his reputation it was most likely a bad thing. I realised that a small part of me was still scared of him and it always will be.

I don't know him well enough which made him unpredictable. His face when he fought at the party still gave me shivers whenever I thought of it. He was bossy, intimidating and too cocky for his own good. And then there was the most important reason of all.

Aiden. Clearly it wasn't something Stacey had in her mind but it's not like I can go up and ask her. I know for a fact that Aiden would be very angry and disapprove.

It's like he always says, family comes first.

"Earth to Mara," My head snapped up as soon as I heard a voice and was faced with Jake who looked confused with a hint of amusement. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, well I just got back. I was getting my keys out, see," I dangled my keys in front of him and exaggerated a smile.

"Yeah nice try I've been stood in front of you for the last two minutes and you've been staring into space the whole time," He gave me an accusatory look which made me laugh nervously.

"I-well you know I like to daydream. Plus, I was tired so I stopped to catch my breath and technically my curfew is at nine so I had a few minutes to spare so-"

"Alright you weirdo just come in it's getting cold," Secretly thankful that he interrupted my rambling I stepped into the foyer where I was met with warmth and our housekeeper Carla.

"Hey Carla I didn't know you were back early and what are you doing here so late!" I went to hug her and she laughed her chiming laugh that I had grown so familiar to as I was growing up. For me, her laugh was home.

"I wanted to surprise you guys, I missed you all so much. I wasn't going to leave without seeing you was I Miss Mara? Now tell me, have you eaten? If not, I made pasta earlier and it's sitting in the fridge,"

"No I'm okay I've eaten dinner. I'm just thirsty so I'll get a drink. I'm glad you waited but I'm sorry it got late, you should get home. Jake will drop you off," I grinned at her, briefly forgetting the day's events.

"Thank you my sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow morning," Kissing my forehead we said our goodbyes and I made my way to the kitchen. Stupid slutty Stacey didn't let me get my drink so it's all her fault that I was thirsty.

I also got out the tub of my other best friends, Ben and Jerry. I didn't realise that I was a little angry until I slammed the freezer door a little harder than I was supposed to.

Guess I really did need the ice cream.

****

One sad movie, lots of tears, an empty ice cream tub, a change of pyjamas and a piece of completed homework later, I finally made it to my bed.

All I could think about was school tomorrow. I was really dreading it. I mean, what if I bumped into him? Or Ethan? I wish I could just avoid him altogether.

No you don't.

My subconscious was right. Of course I don't. And there was one last question that was at the back of my mind.

Why didn't Nixon come after me?

I was feeling what felt like a hole in my heart just thinking about it and it made me realise something which I didn't want to believe. With tears prickling in my eyes it dawned on me.

I was starting to fall for the bad boy.