As soon as I enter Mike's place, I head into the front room and see him sat on the couch, trembling from rage. His whole face red, with his hands clenched.

"You killed him." He grits out, through the silenced air. His glowering bloodshot eyes moving up to me and I see tears shining in them.

"I told you I would." I chuck the keys onto the table, as I take the seat opposite him.

"He was my fucking cousin, Killlian!" he roars.

"Yeah, I know. You told me about a thousand times before I shot a bullet straight through his head." I respond, casually, as I loosen up my tie.

He lets out a pained laugh, clenching his teeth as he shakes his head.

"How could you?" He spits. "He didn't do anything wrong!"

I rub a finger against my temple, releasing a sigh. As I pull out a cig. Lighting it up and placing it in my mouth.

"Just shut up, Mike."

"But why--"

"I'm not gonna fucking repeat myself, Mike. I told you time and time again why I had to do it." I snap, glaring at him as he releases an angry sob, shaking his head.

"And don't think his death isn't partly your fault either." I lean myself back, as I take another puff, before blowing it out.

His eyes glimmer with something, as his red eyes meet mine again, growing angrier.

"It's cuz of that bitch isn't it?" He says, growling. "YOU KILLED HIM CUZ OF THAT BITCH!?" He then shouts, addressing to Layla.

I let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose as I try to keep my anger in control.

"I'll give you a week to get over that piece of shit, you don't need to attend the new years event either. I'll handle it." I say, standing up.

"After that it's back to work. Do you understand me?"

He sneers at me and screams "FUCK YOU!" Slamming his fist into the table. An angry tear slipping down his cheek and I scoff.

"Get your act together, Mike. You look pathetic." And with that said, I pick up my keys and exit his house.

Acting as if I'm the bad guy here.

I throw the fag away and head to the car, entering.

I start the engine when suddenly my phone begins to ring and I let out an annoyed sigh.

I pull it out, and check the ID, before accepting.

"What do you want, Nicole?" I say, as I begin to drive off.

"I can't wait to see you tomorrow." She purs and I cringe.

"What are you talking about?" I pull the phone slightly away from my ear, with narrowed eyes.

"The new years event. I'm coming with you."

Fuck.

~~~~

It was the next day and I was sat on my bed staring at the boxes again.

I had cowered away yesterday and the same thing was happening now, as I nibbled on my bottom lip.

My eyes wondering on both of the boxes, scared to peek inside.

I reach forward and grab grandma's box first letting out a deep breath as I open it up. The emotions inside of me welling up already.

I find pictures, and lift them as I see many of me stood next to her or in her arms. In each one both of us growing older.

I stare at her face, crinkles around with a warm smile on her face and sadness washes over me as I smile sadly, tears gathering up.

I flip through the pictures.

My young face was filled with happiness in all of them, as I hold onto grandma's hand.

My hand moves around her things, and I find a lot of my hand made gifts in them, my colourful beaded necklaces, bracelets and drawings and cards.

I cant believe she still had all of these..

My hand moves on to a thin sheet and I lift it up and notice that it's a will.

I open it up and find out she decided to leave all her money and belongings with me and I feel my chest contract, as I try to keep the tears at bay.

I find a batch of hand written letters folded together and realise she had written these for me and I frown, picking out the first one.

As my eyes skim over the words, a tear drops down as intense anger enters my body along with pain.

My eyes flipping over the rest of the letters until it reached her final one which she wrote just before she... Passed away.

These were meant to be sent to me!

The first one explained how after she was drugged she found herself in America with her sister.

She kept apologising and telling me she missed me and how she wanted to see me but she couldn't because of Luise who forbade her to come near me.

I know how hurt you must be, darling. But this is the only way how I can keep contact with you for now. You're father agreed to hand these to you so I'll be expecting a letter back from my favourite granddaughter.

My eyes skim over the next part.

You'll get through this, Layla. I know you will. You're strong. Just take care and believe in yourself. You'll get out one day. And when you're old enough, I want you to come and stay with me here in America.

The tears run down my cheeks as I skip over the letters.

Darling why aren't I getting letters back? I know how angry you must be for leaving you but I promise you I would never do this purposely. I miss you, sweetheart. I hope you're okay.

I skip through some more.

It's been years since I've seen you. You must've grown so big now, my princess. I wish I could see you. There isn't a day that goes past that I don't think about you. I just hope one day that you can forgive me and write back or maybe even visit your old grandma. I love you.

I spend hours reading every one of her letters that didn't get to me as I cry my heart out.

...I haven't been feeling well lately. But I'm sure it will be nothing. I've been worried sick about you. I've tried contacting your father but he isn't responding. I doubt all these letters would get lost in the mail..

I then see a tear stain on one the words, and my heart contracts painfully.

A few letters later I get to the final three.

I just wished I could see you one last time, sweetheart..

The words written wobbly.

But I know I can't.

Another tear rolls down my cheek.

I'm putting these last few letters into a box that I'll leave for you. In case you come and look for me one day.

I then flip to the next letter, rubbing my sleeve over my nose as I hold back my sobs.

I know you're 16 now, such a big girl. And I don't know when you'll read this but I know now you're old enough to know who your real mother is.

My eyes fall shut as I take deep breath.

You probably already know, but just in case I'll explain everything.

I then read what she tells me, everything that dad had said. How she died, how she was like. Everything.

She would've been a great mother. Just know that this wasn't your fault, I know Luise has given you a tough life over it. But I know you will get through this. I have faith in you.

The next letter is the final one.

Your family visited me. But you didn't come.

I hear you've moved out and into a friends house. I'm happy for you, and glad you're finally happy and out of that mess of a family.

As I read the final parts, a sob releases from me as I shake my head.

Today's my last day. It was going to come sooner later. I knew it. If you read this please don't be upset, but rather just think about the good memories of us. I know you're safe and happy now, but just know that I'll always be watching you from above.

I guess this our final goodbye, my sweetheart. I love you.

Tears were pouring onto the letters making it soggy and I quickly shove the letters back into the box and push them onto the floor, roughly. Causing it to make a loud thud as I release a loud sob.

I can't believe she had been sending me letters all this time!

She wanted me to visit her years before. I had an opportunity to see her again!

I sob into my hands.

I was angry, I was hurt, I felt guilty for making her feel the way she did.

After half an hour of crying I decide to get a hold of myself.

She doesn't want this for me.

I wipe my palms against my cheeks and eyes, taking a deep breath.

My heart still had a shallow hole in it that wouldn't go away. Maybe I shouldn't have read these. I was clearly still not emotionally strong enough to deal with this.

I look at the clock and see that it's nearly 11pm. Tomorrow would be the new years event.

I would see Killian.

I felt my heart squeeze with warmth, and I ended up blushing with my cheeks puffed and eyes bloodshot.

Ugh, why am I like this?

~~~~~~

It was now the next day, the time nearing to 10pm as I get ready for the new years party.

I rub my index finger onto the gold glittery eye-shadow before rubbing it onto my eye lid, then doing the same to my other one.

"Hurry the fuck up, you midget!" Matt shouts from outside the door.

"Shut up, lanky." I scowl, quickly smearing some pink lipstick onto my lips, before running my fingers through my hair.

I look down at my outfit, fixing my dress that reached a little above my knees.

I run my fingers along my eye bags, rolling my eyes. It's become more puffy over night.

"Layla, you're taking fucking forever!" Matt whines like an annoying child.

I pick up my phone and slip it into my dress pocket before finally opening the door.

We soon enter the car, with Luca driving.

I wonder if Killian's actually gonna be there.

"You've been quiet all day. What's up?" Matt breaks the silence and I turn to him.

"Not feeling well." Is all I say.

"Aw, babe. Alcohol will fix that." He ruffles my hair.

I scowl, pushing his hand away as I fix my hair.

Soon we arrive and exit the car. My eyes looking up at the big venue. Lights all around.

"Come on kids." Luca locks the car, before walking towards the building Matt following.

I have to walk fast to keep up, almost tripping over my small studded heels.

I hate being short.

"Man, she's hot." Matt mutters and I finally stand aside him, my eyes follow his to a blonde lady and I roll my eyes.

He really does love blondes

"Please don't leave me Matt."

He glances down at me and grins, swinging his arm around me.

"Now why on earth would I leave my babe all alone?" He leads me into the venue.

And fifteen minutes later I'm left standing on my own with an annoyed expression.

Turned for one second to get some food and he disappeared.

Where the hell is he gone!?

I sigh, tucking some hair under my ear as my eyes roam around the dozens of people, looking for no one in particular.

There was loud music coming from the speakers.

I turn back to the table, as I begin to eat some food, lifting up the plate. As I turn back around, looking at the people dancing.

My eyes are suddenly met with a pair, and I tense up.

Luise.

She kept her stare on me, with a smirk on her face. My eyes wonder next to her and see dad sat there. When he feels my stare, his gaze flickers towards me as he takes a sip of his drink.

He gives me a brief nod, before looking away and I quickly turn back around, placing the plate back as I try to push away the anger and hatred that swept through my veins.

I begin to pour some punch into a cup as I try to push away the thoughts of grandma that started forming in my mind.

No, I shouldn't think about this.

I take a deep breath, as I take a gulp of the drink.

I wince at the sour taste. Yeah this was definitely spiked with alcohol.

I turn back around, my eyes meeting Luise's again.

Yeah, I think I need it.

I then down the cup, and refill it, before walking away to find Matt.

A couple of minutes later my eyes swarm over the couches but I stop on my tracks, when my eyes land on Killian.

And he wasn't alone.

Beside him, Nicole sat giggling and laughing with her hand on his thigh, as both of them chatted away to an older couple beside them.

I blink a few times, as I feel a painful prick in my heart, feeling it accelerate from both the alcohol and hurt.

It's then when my eyes finally land on her left hand, a diamond ring shining on her wedding finger and that's when my eyes begin to blur with tears.

What the fuck?

I barely notice that I had caught Killian's attention, feeling his stare on me as I quickly turn back around taking another big gulp of the punch as I try to get rid of the pain that began to feast on my heart.

But that's when I feel a sharp bump against my shoulder and I almost start choking on the drink, as I stumble back. The cup in my hand dropping and spilling all over my dress as I release a gasp.

"My bad." I hear the sly voice of Luise who stared down at me with a smirk.

I blink a few times, feeling anger mix with the hurt as I glare up at her.

"Why do you always have to act like a stupid bitch?" I spit out in a slurring voice, and her smirk drops.

"Excuse me?" She says, "It was an accident, don't ever speak to me like–"

"Oh can you just fuck off!" I snap, fisting my hands as I glare at her, anger rushing up to my head.

She laughs coldly. "You're just mad about them two." She nods over to Killian with a smirk, as she cocks her head. Speaking again.

"So don't try to take it out on me, sweetie. It's not my fault you're too much of a brat to be loved. I'll let you know I was actually invited to their wedding." She smirks as she sees the tears swarm my vision.

"I couldn't care fucking less." My slurry voice wobbles in a raising tone.

"Me and him weren't even together. You and dad on the other hand." I say as she stares at me with a hint of anger from where I was heading to.

"You had a kid with dad, and he still went behind your back and had an affair. So tell me, what does that say about you huh?" I yell, as her eyes fill with shock and outrage.

"You bitch!" she growls as she tries to lunge at me.

"That's enough." Dad snaps as he comes between us and I turn my glare to him, as he looks around cautiously.

"Try to fucking touch me, I DARE YOU!" I continue to yell in my drunken state as I try to get past him, as Luise continues to look at me with anger and disgust, as I continue to speak.

"I am done with your manipulation, thinking you can still tell me what to do and touch me like that, fuck you!"

"Layla calm down." Dad tries to put his hand on me.

"NO! STOP!" I scream at him, a tear sliding down. "Don't even try to act like you're the good one here. You knew how much she meant to me!" I begin to sob and he looks at me confused.

"What are you talking about, you aren't making any sense–"

"Grandma!" I snap, shaking my head. "You promised her you'd send me her letters, BUT YOU DIDN'T!"

My voice slightly raises above the music, drawing the attention of a few people.

"Sweetheart, I think you've drank a bit too much. We can talk about this later–"

"NO!" I scream. Feeling nothing but pain in my heart.

Pain over grandma.

And pain over Killian.

Both mixing together, as the tears stream down.

Guilt flashes through his eyes as he sighs, putting his hand into his blazer.

When he pulls out about a thousand dollars in cash he brings it towards me, and my eyes drop to his hand in disgust, as I curl my lips into a sneer.

"Look, here's some money–" he tries to hand it to me but I laugh coldly.

"It's always been about money for you, hasn't it?" I spit out, shaking my head.

And he remains quiet, rubbing a hand over his face.

"You know mum had wrote that you'd be a great father to me." I say, my voice shaking and he glanced at me again, pain crossing his eyes.

Yeah, that's right. I had looked into her box when I couldn't sleep from the curiosity of what could be in there.

The way she spoke so highly about him made me cry. I just wished he was exactly the way she had described.

"But you were the complete opposite." I say, another tear dropping.

I had forgiven him. But the fact he had hid grandma's letters made me revoke it.

"Sweetheart, you're drunk–"

"Nothing to say, huh?" I tilt my head, as my lips lift up in a mocking smile. Tears still running down.

"Expected from a pathetic man like you." I spit.

He opens his mouth but I stop him.

"Just think how she would feel if she knew exactly what you put me through. Both of you." I point my finger at them.

"The way you shoved my head down the toilet on my fifteenth birthday." I growl, endless tears running down as I watch his eyes close for a moment as he takes a deep breath.

"I'm sure she was ecstatic when she saw that." I spit out, sarcastically. "Seeing her own lover beat her only daughter, who PROMISED to take care of her!" I then direct my glare to Luise.

"And her own fucking sister." I growl. "Who –"

"Layla please–" Dad tries to cut me off with a pleading look. "I'm sorry–"

"YOU PROMISED!" I scream at him, completely losing it. "YOU'RE A LIAR! A VINDICTIVE, MOTHERFUCKING LIAR!"

"I told you, you shouldn't have given her those boxes." Luise mutters to Gerald. "Now look at her."

My head was pounding at this stage as I bring my blurred eyes to her. "I can see why he cheated on you." I speak out, harshly.

"LAYLA, ENOUGH!" Dad bellows at me and I just laugh.

"Fuck you."

And with that said, I turn heels and walk off, the tears still streaming down my cheeks, as I make my way to the table.

I pick up a cup and down another glass of punch mixed with alcohol.

I refill the cup again, and when I'm about to put it to my lips, I feel a hand grab onto my wrist stopping me.

"That's enough, love." I hear his firm voice near my ear, and I grind my teeth together the tears never ending.

"Get your filthy hands off me." I spit out, as I try to pull my wrist away.

"You need to stop–"

"No, YOU NEED TO STOP!" I scream, turning around, the cup in my hand dropping and spilling over his shirt and he lets out an angry grunt.

My eyes dart over his shirt before quickly looking up at his face, and I sneer at him.

His blue eyes darken as he glares back at me. "What the hell is the matter with you?" He says as I try to pull my wrist away from his grasp.

"Get off me!" I shout, tears blur my eyes again and he sighs, releasing me.

"Can you let me explain?" He takes a step closer to me.

"No!" I choke out. "You made it loud and clear, Killian. I know exactly what you're trying to do." I take a step back, my back hitting the table.

"Tell me then. What am I trying to do?" I see him raise a brow through my teary eyes.

"You already know!" I yell. "No don't come near me! I don't want you touching me!" I shout, when I see him getting closer.

"Alright, fine." He immediately stops, running a hand through his hair as he stares me annoyance.

I was breathing heavily from the shouting as I stared at him, after a few moments I quickly walk past him, speeding up my strides as I try to get away.

I head straight towards the exit doors.

I could hear his steps behind me and I let out a growl, as I finally exit I change pace and end up running across the building.