Never in my life did I think I would have to stand in the crowd, listening to someone else sing songs about my girlfriend.

I squeezed Jess' hand tighter, quickly finishing my drink. One would be enough to at least hold me over until the end of the set. My heart started beating faster as I felt her thumb gently tracing over the top of my hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her peeking up at me. Finally, I looked back down at her, and she gave me a subtle smile. My cheeks burned.

All I wanted was to go back to her place. I reached my hand into my pocket, holding on to the little black box. I had decided that.. tonight was the night.

"Hey.." She said, pulling me down towards her. I looked back, snapping out of it.

"I'm sorry." She mouthed. My heart dropped. This wasn't about her, this had nothing to do with her. I wasn't angry with her at all. She did nothing wrong. I just.. I hated how I got. I hated how easily I could get so jealous, even when she gave me no reason to be. I held my stare on her, leaning in, gently kissing her cheek and forcing a smile. My heart jumped as she pulled me in closer, holding on tightly to my arm, leaning her head on my shoulder. I bit down on my lip, holding in my smile. I always loved when she held me like this.

"You guys sound amazing out there!" Travis yelled, making his way towards the front of the stage. "We're gonna slow it down a bit with this next one, sing along if you know the words."

My heart sank. I held my glare on him, clenching my jaw.

"Is he fucking joking?" I snapped.

"Jake, I swear, I had no idea, I'm sorry.." She said.

"What went on between you two?" I said, keeping my eyes forward. I felt like I was going to be sick. Two songs about her, and who knew how many more there were that he hadn't sung. And after everything, I had only written her one. I hated feeling like.. I was never doing enough for her. Like even someone like him..

I quickly shook the thought.

"Do we really have to talk about this now?" She asked. I rolled my eyes, pulling away from her, going back over to the bar. I had to get out of there before I said something I regretted, something I didn't mean.

"Just a water please." I said softly, keeping my eyes down. The last thing I wanted was to be too drunk for later. I was nervous enough as it was, but I knew it was for the best.

I must've had about four or five glasses before the show ended, just something to keep myself and my hands busy. I would explain everything to her later. Hopefully, in a matter of hours, this would all be behind us and we'd be celebrating.

"Hey! You guys waited!" I heard. My heart dropped. Travis. Unfortunately, I'd now know that voice anywhere. I perked my head up, turning back to face them. Jess had made her way over to her parents, Travis walking up behind them. I hopped down from my stool, nervously tripping as I caught my footing. My cheeks burned. When I got over, I wrapped my arm around Jess, pulling her up against me, flashing Travis a huge, fake smile.

"Great show!" I lied. Travis turned to me, his cunning smile making my skin crawl.

"That's funny.." Travis said, crossing his arms. "You look a little different than you did in your video." My stomach dropped, my body going cold. Of course he had seen the video. My heart started beating faster, my face flushing with rage. But I couldn't let him know he was getting to me, despite knowing damn well that wasn't me.

"We're really gonna do this?" I said, smirking back at him, trying my best to sound as calm as possible. It was taking everything in me not to swing at him right now. He shrugged, flashing me a smug smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You were great, Travis!" Jess' mom chined in. "As always." My heart sunk. She hadn't said that to me. Not that I needed her to but it never helped when the girlfriend's parents favored the ex. He flashed her a wide grin, wrapping his arm around her, pulling her in close, kissing the top of her head.

"Thanks, Momma." He said. My stomach turned. Momma. I hated the idea of her being his mother in law. She was supposed to be mine.

Hopefully, in a matter of hours, she would be.

Travis eventually turned to Jess, reaching over towards her. She quickly moved away before I could do anything, glaring back at him. It made me feel a little better to see how much she couldn't stand him either.

"Can we talk for a minute?" He asked her. I felt a pang of anger throughout my entire body.

"Absolutely not." I snapped, wrapping my arm around her waist, pulling her up against me. I felt my face get hot as Travis peeked over at me, giggling to himself.

Oh my god, I hated him.

"Oh, she can't make her own decisions now? Didn't know you were so insecure, man. Can't handle her being away from you for two seconds?" He said smugly. My grip on her got tighter. This had nothing to do with being insecure. She gave me no reason to feel insecure, not around him at least. I just didn't want him near her, he didn't deserve to be anywhere near her.

"I'm.. I'm not." I snapped, my cheeks burning.

"We were just heading out, Travis." Jess finally said. I sighed, peeking down at her.

I couldn't wait to just get her alone, and then everything would be perfect. Finally.

"Just a few minutes, Jess." He begged.

"I don't think there's anything for us to talk about." She snapped. I bit down on my lip, containing my smile. I liked when she got like this.

"Oh, I think there's plenty for us to talk about, Jess. But apparently you have to babysit your little boyfriend, I understand. Sad there's not enough trust there.." He trailed off, peeking back over at me. My heart started racing. At this point, I was seeing red. He knew exactly what he was doing.

"Jess, you go. I'll wait here." I said sternly, holding my glare on Travis. I could see her staring up at me. She wasn't what I was worried about. It was him I didn't trust. The last thing I wanted was her to be alone with him, but I needed her to know that.. of course I trusted her. She could make up her own mind. I didn't control her. I didn't want to.

"Jake, I don't have to, it's okay, we can just g-"

"No, it's fine." I said. I felt even better knowing she didn't want to. She bit down on her lip, hesitating.

"Jake, I don't want to upset y-"

"It's okay, go ahead. I'll be here with your parents. Don't worry." I sighed. This would at least give me some time alone with her dad. I was dreading it but.. I don't think I could ask her knowing he wasn't happy about it.

"Jake, really, I-"

I then quickly leaned down, cutting her off by pulling her into a passionate kiss. My heart jumped as she reached up, gently holding my face in her hand. I felt her sigh as I backed away, giving her a gentle smile.

"I'll be here." I assured her. She hesitated, peeking back at Travis who held his sleazy grin on her, gawking at her like a piece of meat. I clenched my fists, doing everything in my power to contain myself. I wished she would just hurry up and get it over with.

"O-okay.." She said softly. "But.. I'll be quick, okay? I promise." My heart jumped as she leaned in, quickly kissing me again. I loved how I never got used to her kisses, each one more exhilarating than the next. I hoped this feeling lasted forever.

"And there will be more of that later." She whispered. I nodded, smirking back at her, my cheeks burning red. If only she knew...

She held her stare of me for a moment before going off, following Travis backstage. I went back over to the bar, getting another water before forcing myself back over towards Jess' dad.

"You enjoy the show?" He asked, smirking at me. I felt my cheeks burn as my eyes got wide.

"Yeah." I said sarcastically, forcing a smile. He laughed, taking a sip of his drink. I bit down on my lip, unsure of how to even go about this. My heart was pounding, my hands now sweating. I wasn't sure how I was even able to hold on to my glass.

"I don't like that guy." I finally sighed. He laughed again, shaking his head.

"Yeah, neither do I." He admitted. I sighed. Thank god.

"Hey, I.. um.. I was wondering.. if I could.. talk to you about something." I managed, already feeling my mouth go dry. I took another big sip. He held his stare on me, a small grin escaping from his lips.

"And.. what is that?" He asked, crossing his arms. I took a deep breath, going into my pocket and pulling out the little black box. His eyes got wide as he looked down at my hands, and then back up to me.

"I.. I want to ask Jess to marry me. Tonight. But.. I can't.. if you don't approve of it. Because I know.. your opinion means everything to her..so.. I just-"

"Jake, you seem like a good guy. I don't know much about you, but.. from what I've seen.. I just.. I can't."

My heart dropped.

"W-what?" I asked. My entire body went cold, my hands now stating to shake. He sighed.

"Jake.. you don't understand what she's been through. You have no idea. And to be honest, I don't think you ever will. But.. I don't think being with you is.. healthy for her anymore."

I stared up at him, feeling tears start to come to my eyes. I quickly blinked them away. My stomach felt hollow, my knees getting weaker.

"I.. I don't understand, w-what have I-"

"Jake. If you love her.. you can't be with her anymore. She needs to be alone." My cheeks burned bright red, more tears coming to my eyes. I quickly wiped them before he could see.

"I.. I love her more than anything." I said softly.

"Then you need to trust me. You need to end it. She will never do it, and.. one day it's going to be too much for her. You need to end it."

"But.. I.. I don't understand.. what's wrong with m-"

"It's way more complicated than you could ever understand. But this is what's best for her. If you love her.. you need to end it. For good."

I wiped my eyes, feeling my face get hot.

"I.. but I.. I can't-"

"You have to. And.. only you know what will keep her away for good. In the end, this is for the best." I bit down on my lip, shoving the ring back into my pocket.

It was then I heard footsteps behind me, her hand slipping into mine.

"Ready to go?" She asked. I looked down at her, feeling my face still burning, my eyes now stinging.

"Sure." I sighed, my face dropping. She quickly shot her dad a look, who's face remained neutral.

"We'll.. see you back at the apartment?" She asked him. He nodded, looking back over at me. My stomach dropped as I nodded. She then reached over, taking the glass from my hand, placing it back on the bar.

She probably assumed I had been drinking all night. That would be the only way to explain all of this.

"Come on." She said, tightening her grip, leading me out of the venue.

I was silent the entire walk back, avoiding her eyes, knowing one look and I'd break. When we got to her building, she guided me up the stairs. I leaned most of my weight on her, occasionally wobbling here and there, doing my best to try and convince her I was wasted.

I wanted nothing more than to actually be so drunk I didn't remember any of what was about to happen, but unfortunately I knew.. I would never be able to forget.

As she opened the door, I wobbled in, grabbing on to the closest table. She came over to me after hanging up her coat.

"Here, let me help you." She said softly, unzipping my jacket. She was so gentle with me, so sweet and caring. Is this what I was missing every time I drank too much? I wish I could have this version of her all the time. After she pulled off my jacket, I plopped down on the couch, closing my eyes, trying not to let the tears fall.

"What happened?" She sighed. It broke my heart.

"What do you mean what happened?" I snapped, forcing an angry tone. I hated yelling at her. This was making me sick.

"I mean.. I thought.. you weren't gonna drink like this anymore." She said softly, sitting down next to me on the couch. I rolled my eyes, looking away. I couldn't bare to look at her, not when I had to be like this.

"I can have a drink, Jess, I'm fine."

"Yeah, a drink.." She muttered. I glared over at her.

"Jess, you act like you haven't gotten completely hammered almost every night." I yelled, instantly looking away. This was absolutely unbearable.

"Jake, I have not gotten hammered every night. We had a couple of drinks a few nights ago-" I remembered that night so vividly. That was the night she told me she wanted our kids to look like me, the night she kissed me again, the night she told me she loved me, the night.. everything really felt like it had changed. For the better. For the best. We were done.

"Yeah, I remember a few nights ago." I said, keeping my eyes away from her. "That's when I had to babysit you." And how much I loved taking care of her. All I wanted to do for the rest of my life was take care of her. I'd do anything for her, each and every day.

"You didn't have to do anything." She snapped. I looked back over, staring back into her eyes. She had such beautiful eyes. I wondered if I'd ever get the chance to get lost in these big beautiful eyes again after tonight. I wanted to savor every second.

"Where's your room?" I asked. I wanted to at least see where she grew up before she inevitability threw me out.

"We can talk out here." She said. I sighed. I guess I would never know.

"What were you and Travis talking about?" I asked, scrunching up my face.

"It was nothing." She sighed, reaching over, placing her hand on my leg. I had no doubt it was nothing. I knew she didn't care about him. I shook my head, pushing her hand away.

"Nothing, sure." I forced.

"Jake, I.. I didn't even want to talk to him. You told me-" I never should have pushed her. We should've just left when the show ended.

"Why the fuck is he still writing songs about you, Jess?" I yelled. "Are you still talking to him?"

I knew what kinda guy Travis was, so quick to play the victim, and I knew for a fact she wasn't talking to him. If anyone hated him more than me, it was probably her.

"Jake, of course I'm not. I don't want anything to do with him. I don't know why he's-"

"Let me see your phone." I said abruptly. My heart dropped. Her and I had talked about couples going through each other's phones hundreds of times. And neither of us believed in it. I knew this would put her over the edge.

"Jake.." She sighed. I held my stare on her, hoping at any moment she'd just know I was forcing this, she'd know what was going on and.. would tell me it was all going to be okay. "You really think I would still be talking to him?" I shrugged, staring back at her, wide-eyed.

"How am I supposed to know?" I said, as smugly as I could manage.

"Because I'm not!" She yelled.

"Then show me your phone!"

"I'm not gonna show you my phone!" She said, getting up from the couch and going into the kitchen. I quickly followed behind her.

"What are you hiding then?!"

"Jake, I'm not hiding anything! What is your problem?!"

My problem is the fact that I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you, but now I was being forced to throw it all away, because I loved you more than anything.

"My problem is the fact that everyone wants you and I just have to be okay with it?" She laughed, shaking her head and going into the fridge, pulling out a drink. I reached out for one, but she quickly shut the door, leaning up against it. I glared back at her, feeling my cheeks burn. She was laughing, maybe she knew this was all ridiculous. Maybe there was hope.

"What's so funny?" I snapped. She popped open the cap, tossing it onto the counter, taking a big sip.

"I think I know better than anyone, how it feels to be surrounded by people who want you, and just having to be okay with it. Cause it's all part of the job." She scoffed. My heart dropped. She had never mentioned that before. I had no idea she felt like that. I wish she would've said something sooner.

"That's every single night of my life. You think I just love that? Girls throwing themselves at you every night? Photos that I take of you, on thousands of girl's phones? People literally waiting outside for hours, just for a second of your attention?" I bit down on my lip, staring back at her, my face dropping. I couldn't believe this was what she was going through every single day, and she never mentioned it.. not once. She was so much better than me. I know there's no way in hell I would be able to handle her getting that kind of attention from guys every day. But I didn't even see them.

All I saw was her.

"Just show me your phone, and then we can drop it." I forced. I didn't know how much longer I could do this.

"No, we're gonna drop it now."

"If you're not hiding anything, then what's the prob-"

"The problem is you don't trust me. I've told you countless times, I want nothing to do with him anymore. I don't want anything to do with anyone here anymore. All I want is you, and for some reason.. you just.. can't seem to grasp that. You ruined another night by getting completely wasted, for.. whatever reason, after you told me you wouldn't do this anymore. And.. I just.. I don't want to do this tonight. All I wanted was to have a good night with you, and get to show you where I'm from, the same way you did, but you couldn't even give me that. I.. I just want to go to bed." She said, turning away.

That was it. I couldn't do this anymore. This was eating me alive. I couldn't stand hurting her like this anymore.

"I should just go." I said plainly. She wiped her eyes. Oh my god, she was crying.

"Jake, please don't go." She said softly. "I would rather.. we just fight it out." I looked down, hiding my eyes as they filled with tears. I quickly grabbed my jacket, sliding my arms through the sleeves.

"Then just let me see the phone." I finally said, zipping it up.

My stomach dropped as she slammed her drink down onto the counter, going over to her bag, pulling out her phone, tossing it at me.

"Fine. Here. Go through everything." She said sternly. "But if you do that then I know there is no trust between us."

I looked down at her phone as it flashed on, now face to face with a photo of us. My face got hot, more tears coming to my eyes. I remember the exact day this photo was taken. It was before we started dating, the morning of our first kiss. We were lying in the back room, my arm wrapped around her, kissing her cheek. It was my favorite photo of us, and it was my wallpaper too.

Finally, I peeked up at her, tossing her phone onto the table, making my way over to the door. I just couldn't do this.

"Jake, please." She sighed. I could hear her voice crack. "Don't do this again. I can't do this again." I reached out, grabbing onto the doorknob.

"Jake, if you leave then we are done." She yelled.