Jax and I walked inside the house. Taking a deep breath, we went to the living room.

"Iris," Lisa sighed in relief, "thank the Gods."

"Hey Lisa," I smiled, "where are the others?"

"Hey Iris," Daimen poked his head in the room.

"Hi little sis!" Oscar yelled from upstairs and I heard a loud CRASH!

"Oscar! What was that loud noise?" Lisa shouted.

"My shirt fell!" Came the reply.

"That didn't sound like a shirt falling..." Lisa trailed off.

Oscar came into view sporting a large bruise on his face, "I was in it," he smiled at me, "hey Iris! Hi Jax!"

"Hi Oscar, I need to talk to you all," I said adding, "it's important."

Lisa nodded seriously, "okay. I'll call the others."

"Avengers assemble!" Oscar shouted.

X

We assembled in the living room.

"What happened?" Lisa asked and everyone stared at Jax and I. I reiterated Sam and Aubrey's message.

"I want to accept their offer," I finished quietly, "it's too good of an opportunity to miss."

David exhaled leaned back on the couch, "but what if it's a trap?"

"It's a huge risk," Brandon said, "we can't lose you, Iris... not again."

"Don't worry, guys," I gave them a lopsided grin, "I ain't going anywhere."

"Group hug!" Oscar said excitedly, extending his arms out.

"How bout no?" Julian deadpanned.

Oscar pouted and folded his arms, narrowing his eyes when we laughed at his petulant behaviour.

"Oh by the way," I said, "Jax is staying here for a few days."

"Hope you don't mind," Jax asked sheepishly.

"We don't," Lisa replied, "stay for as long as you like." Daimen and Julian exchanged glances.

I yawned, "I think I'm going to bed now."

My family said 'goodnight' and I went to my room. A few minutes later, Jax came in dressed in an old T-shirt and shorts.

I leaned against the headboard and Jax sat opposite with his knees drawn to his chest.

"Four years," I said quietly.

"Four years," Jax echoed. A tear made its way down his cheek and he quickly wiped it away, "do you still have it?"

I smiled weakly, "never got rid of it," I stood on shaky legs and walked to my wardrobe. I opened a drawer and reached under the mounds of clothes and brought out a rectangular brown book. The spine was creased and the pages worn with finger marks and tears. But it was the memories inside that counted.

Sighing, I sat next to Jax and opened the first page, spreading it across both of our laps.

The first photo showed nine-year old me sitting in a high chair at an ice cream shop. I was laughing at something the person opposite was saying. Next to me was Jax who was smiling and sipping his sundae.

The next photo showed Alex and Jax with their arms wrapped around me. I was looking up at them, grinning toothily and they were looking at me with all the love in the world, yet there was an underlying sadness to them. The beatings from Elise had started.

The other photos were similar to that. Jax and I laughed and cried at them until we finished the book. I put it back in its proper place and lay down on the bed. Jax got the sleeping bag and slept on the floor. Neither of us said a word and we let sleep over take us.

X

The next day I was in a sad mood. I got changed for school, but it was like I was a robot. Memories flashed before my eyes and it took everything within me to not cry. I was wearing all black and pulled my hood up. It was slightly early so Jax and I decided to walk to school. I left a note and we quietly slipped out.

We walked in silence.

At school, Jax and I went out separate ways, having a silent agreement to sit next to each other at Lunch.

I walked into the classroom and sat down next in my seat. I took out my book and continued reading.

"Hey," I looked up and saw Aiden.

"Hi," I mumbled, going back to my book.

"What's with the black outfit? Did somebody die?" Aiden joked.

"Yeah, my best friend four years ago," I said coldly.

"I'm sorry," Aiden's eyes went wide.

"It's okay," I smiled tightly, "you didn't know. I'm going to sit with Jax today."

Aiden nodded and the lesson started.

X

At Lunch, like planned, I sat with Jax.

"Hey Rainbow," he smiled, "how are you feeling?"

I shrugged, "you?"

"Same here."

We didn't talk much, but being in each other's presence was enough. We both understood what it was like to lose people close to you. In the first year, Jax helped me through my grief. He understood about losing people.

"See you later," I whispered and he replied.

I walked to my next class with my head down. Suddenly, someone grabbed me. I tried to scream but they put their hand on my mouth. I kicked and trashed but they were too strong. They shoved me into an abandoned classroom.

"What the-" I gasped when I saw who it was.