I ran inside and hurried upstairs. I hoped Griffin wasn't here anymore, although I doubt he'd want to be sitting up here alone.

All of the rooms were locked. I tried the bathroom, but all I did was make myself nauseous, as I had walked into a girl throwing up into the bathtub. I wrinkled my nose and closed the door. It also wasn't much comfort knowing I'd have to stay after and clean.

I found a small library tucked between two bedrooms. I guess no teenager wanted to even be near books at a party, so it was empty. It was a small little room but plenty of books manged to fit. The room had shelves that went all the way up to the ceiling. It looked like it hadn't been used in a while. I'd been in charge of cleaning downstairs, so I didn't even know this room existed, but whoever was upstairs had missed it completely. There were two dark red armchairs and a little wooden table between them. On top was a vintage lamp. It was small yet illuminated the area where the chairs were. All of the books that didn't fit on the shelves were stacked on the floor. As I closed the door, I felt a lock by the handle. This door locked from the outside and inside.

My only consolation right now was books. I loved reading. I always did, although lately I didn't devote much time to reading- something that once used to be one of my favorite pastimes.

On one of the armchairs there lay a book. I picked it up. It looked old- the book was leather bound and the pages were yellowing and some were slightly ripped and bent from use. "The Dreamer in You." It was called. I didn't recognize the title but I sat on the armchair and opened it. My cup of alcohol was on the floor- I didn't have a sip. Nothing was a better distraction than a good book.

My tears had dried and as I flipped though the pages, I forgot- just for a moment- why my eyes were even wet in the first place. When I made it to the back after a quick look at the book, I noticed writing on the inside of the back cover.

My dearest Katerina,

I figured sending a letter would be too risky- so I delivered one of your favorite things instead. I hope with the words you read in here, you also remember mine. I know you're with that man- Elliot Garry. But I know your mother forced it. Once I left, she took her chance to force the ring onto your finger. I knw you love me. When I come back, I will marry you. Don't marry him just yet. Wait for me, Katerina. I still love you. With each day I think of you and your face is forever in my mind- just I wish I could see you in the flesh. Remember me too.

-William Hawthorne. (1941)

I nealry gasped on the date on the letter, and what it contained. It was short but it was sweet. It also got me thinking- who was William? Elliot and Katerina were Kyle's grandparents. I'd never heard of anyone named William.

Before I could ponder this any longer, I heard a door open. I heard voices, too.

"Come onnnn." A female voice said. Whoever she was talking to didn't reply. I tucked the book under my arm, turned the lamp off, and tiptoed to the library door. I was bored and sad and alone, and had stooped to spying on people. I grabbed the handle, and as soundlessly as I could, I opened the door, just a crack.

Erin and Jay were at the open door of one of the bedrooms. I couldn't make out what they were saying, though. Erin's hair was all ruffled and her shirt was unbuttoned. Jay didn't even have a shirt on.

What they had done and what it seems like they were about to do was another stab to the gut. I shouldn't have kissed Griffin. I still had feelings for him, yes. We broke up only a few months ago and you don't just stop loving someone. But I had no intentions of ever being with him. I didn't mean to kiss him back. I was in charge of my actions but my brain and heart were acting on their own.

I didn't exactly cheat, and neither did Jay. But I thought we had something, and here he was, with the last person I'd want him to be with. This whole trip Jay was so sweet and acted like my boyfriend. We weren't dating, but it sure felt like it.

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was a fool to think Jay Von Baron- who slept with a different girl each week- had any feelings for me at all.

I looked closely at him. He was drunk- Jay could barely walk and each word he said was almost indecipherable through the slurring. Yet he held a whole bottle of alcohol and continued to drink. Those grey eyes that had started warming up around me were now red and angry.

I turned around and saw a boy around my age. He was tall and tan, with dark brown hair and piercing grey eyes. His brows were furrowed and his sharp jaw was clenched. He was shirtless, and so fit and muscular that he looked like he could be a model for Calvin Klein or something. I assumed he wanted to go swimming. He was staring right back at me before blinking and looking away. He was so attractive I couldn't help but stare.

"I'm Alina. I'm staying with you for two months." I managed. I felt a flush on my cheeks and hoped he didn't notice. He then looked at me, before scanning me up and down with his piercing eyes. A look passed over his face, but I couldn't tell what it was.

"The fuck?" He said, after finishing staring me down. He raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

I tried to stay something but he cut me off. "You know what? I don't care. Leave."

I managed a sad little laugh at the memory. When I first met Jay I thought I'd hate him. He was the epitome of a condescending asshole and I dreaded these two months- I felt like this summer would be a nightmare with him around- I thought he hated me. But a short month later, everything fell into place- we talked, laughed, and fought sometimes but it was always okay. He was my friend instead of an enemy.

And I fell in love with him.