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N ever have I ever. It felt so stupid.

I mean, I'm not one to brag.

I do brag occasionally but this fact is irrelevant.

I've never failed at anything. The last time I failed an exam was during that algebra test in tenth grade.

My point is I shouldn't be here. Completely failing a concussion test.

I have absolutely no memory of what the doctor instructed me to remember.

Elbow, apple, cuddle, bubble?

I don't know.

It's ridiculous.

One perfect throw. One perfect catch. The one perfect moment was ruined by that foolish boy. The plan was to throw a pointless long-range ball while having fun.

Until I ran into him.

It appears he delivered me another fucking concussion. He caused another concussion which makes two for this year. Colliding with him resulted in my injury. How fucking lucky am I?

Let's say I'm less than amused. I'm beyond pissed. The moment I entered my house I endured the torture of hearing his voice.

Why the fuck is he here?

I can blame Elijah for that. Those two are inseparable. Having him inside my house is bad enough yet living across the street makes it even worse. I remove my shoes and think god; he's such an ass-

"Honey." My mom interrupts my thoughts. "Why don't you get some rest? The doctor advised me to avoid bright lights since it's getting late. "Got it," I mumbled back to her.

But I wasn't heading upstairs just yet. Not without talking to him first. Or maybe yelling, I don't know.

I have this overwhelming certainty that I am completely furious with him.

As I make my way to the kitchen I stare at the ground because the lights are overly bright. I lower my gaze while I turn down the lights so I can look up though only just.

He stands against the island counter observing me closely. My mind triggers an automatic response that makes me visualize punching or slapping him.

One of those two.

I end up doing something that is completely unexpected. "You're such a dick, you know that?" I blurt out.

He lets out a laugh at this. "Firing insults already, Em? A hello would be nice."

"Shut up," I argue. The pounding headache in my head prevents them from rolling their eyes at me.

"Shut up." he mocks me, leaning off the counter.

My vision becomes focused as I feel my tongue press against my mouth's roof.

He's fucking obnoxious.

You need to work on improving your behavior. He responded with a disrespectful remark saying your forehead wrinkles might disappear if you quit frowning at me.

His sideways head triggers my anger towards him.He has hickeys. All down the side of his neck. Dark ones, too.

I think I might murder him.

"Are you fucking serious, Jaxon?" En route to the counter I voice my complaints.

"What?" His face shows a confused frown.

I have to tell you that you represent the most terrible human on earth.

That's if he isn't the devil already.

"I mean, seriously? You threw me to the floor and failed to help me stand up. I did that myself. After I knocked you down you also gave me another concussion. I would've appreciated an apology but expecting one from you is unreasonable due to your massive ego.

He lets out a sigh as he shakes his head before saying, "I'm sorry," followed by a pause in his words. "Sorry, you have a soft head."

I push his hand away and feel pain shoot through my hand instantly. Why do I bother trying to do it with you? You don't even care. You always leave to hook up with another girl."

He stops talking when I pause between words and gives me his usual carefree stare.

I'm puzzled why I expected anything from you at all. My arms cross while I move toward the counter. "Who's the piranha now?" I ask.

"Hailey," he shrugs in clear accomplishment.

I shake my head in annoyance. Before heading to the kitchen's archway I told him that his mom would kill him upon seeing those.

"She's not." I hear him say behind me. What else could be keeping me here at this hour?

His grin must be covering his whole face right now. I had to use all my energy to resist turning around and slapping him. "I hate you, Jaxon," I shout while walking through the hall.

"Oh, wouldn't you like to do that." Jaxon responds with his usual comeback as I begin ascending the stairs.

I released a loud groan because I felt frustrated. A few minutes is all he needs to get me fired up. I would have pursued the hatred of him as a serious hobby if it were possible.

The weekend passed by quickly. My luck allowed me to get injured on Friday, which enabled me to rest for the entire Saturday and most of Sunday. Although my vision improved with light adaptation, I still felt discomfort when I looked around.

I found myself outside the house across the street I liked on Sunday night when the certain someone wasn't there.

My entire group of friends went out this evening, but Jaxon also joined them. Elijah and I grew up with identical friend circles. Our twin status meant we usually spent time together.

But tonight, I couldn't. I wanted to join you but being broke as a teenager prevented me from doing so. Hazel wanted to cover my expenses yet I refused because I couldn't handle more debt than my friends were dealing with.

That was a long, long paper trail.

One I needed to start paying off. Staying home ended up being the smarter choice.

Ro, would you mind showing me what you're currently drawing? I take a seat at the table as I pose my question.

The sound of food frying reaches my ears as Lucille and Ms. Rowan prepare dinner for Rory and her guest.

Elijah had already left before I walked into the room. My parents stayed at home yet I experienced boredom.

I considered the Rowans as my second family. I would never leave if Lily's son had been such a problem. I became someone like this during my younger years because the other girls were present.

As the eldest child in the Rowan family Laura stood out among her siblings. Laura spoke with me anytime she wasn't buried in her books. Based on my memory she always kept one in her hand.

Anabelle was next. She is honestly my soul sister. I love her so much. She extended invitations to me all the time which made me popular among seniors when I joined her at school. She went to college two years ago and our meetings have become less frequent.

Then came Jaxon. Starting with Jaxon isn't something I want to do. I should stop because continuing would not be good.

So, I'll skip to Ro. Rory was the youngest of them all. Although I am much older than her she started kindergarten this year and we maintain an excellent relationship.

She completes the picture by coloring its final section then pushes the paper across the table. "Look! Look at this picture where you and I and Mommy and Maddox stand together!

She laughs while leaning across the table. The picture reveals colourfully drawn stick figures standing on bright green streaks when I examine it.

Grass maybe?

I almost forgot about Maddox. Maddox was their golden retriever. Maddox arrived as a gift from my family for theirs following Ro's birth and he has received excellent care throughout.

I would love to have that dog as my own but my parents have forbidden it. The moment I wanted to see him I would visit here to spend time together. "Em, why didn't you go out tonight?" Lily asks from the stove. I let out a sigh and return the drawing into Ro's hands. "I'm broke," I said honestly.

Her laughter reached me from her corner. "Weren't we all at your age." she jokes.

"Not. I can't find a job." I complained. "It's like every place doesn't need employees."

The way she turned the stove knobs made it clear she was shutting it down. She offered me a sly grin as she served the meal while suggesting she had a solution.

This piqued my interest. "You do?" I asked.

She had to put away the pans in the sink which caused a brief silence.

A college student backed out of their commitment at the last moment. She says with a convincing tone "There's a free spot at the parlour if you want to fill it."

"Are you kidding? I never imagined I would have the chance to work at that place! I exclaimed, standing up from my chair.

The Rowan family operated an ice cream parlor situated centrally in town. Everybody wanted to work there. Everybody goes there.

I've never visited a better ice cream establishment. If you missed the March deadline all the college students took the available jobs.

She looks back at me with two plates of food saying, "We didn't have any open spots until now."

The sound of Maddox's collar bell rings through the air as he trots to the corner. He will likely stay close to determine if he can get some leftovers.

He presses his body against my legs which makes me sit down to stroke him. "Oh my god! Thank you so much! I love you so much! I love you so much! I love you so much!

"No problem. My son's behavior this year deserves some compensation, so I'll give you two extra dollars an hour on top of your pay.

"You don't have to," I defend. "It's fine."

She chuckles softly before placing Ro's plate before her. She reaches for her fork immediately and begins her meal.

"No, don't worry about it. I'm happy to do it. Are you able to work Fridays?" she asks, sitting herself.

"Maybe after the yearbook. So I could be there around five?" I tell her.

"Great. I'll start your training next Saturday." she smiles.

A grin pulled across my face.

My financial issue just got solved.

I bent down to rub Maddox's head because he continued to nudge my legs under the table. "I'll see you there," he said.

"Emmy! Emmy! Will you join me for a movie?" Ro asked. Ro begged.

I looked at her and then checked my phone. The time was eight, but my schedule was completely open.

"Yeah," I agree. "But you have to finish eating first." I point to her half-empty plate.

The moment I finished speaking she responded by smiling and starting to finish her meal. My grin returned as I redirected my focus toward Maddox.

Ro quickly finished her remaining food and tidied up after a few minutes. I picked the movie as Lily instructed her to get into her pajamas.

Of course, I chose her favourite. Tangled.

"Yay! Yay! Tangled!" she squealed, running into the living room.

I noticed her landing on the couch while I switched off the lights. I moved to sit at the end of the couch and rested my elbow on the armrest.

She snuggled close to me as usual while we enjoyed the film together. Maddox ran to my feet and positioned himself down. When we reached the one-hour mark of the movie Ro recited her familiar line.

"Flynn is so cute. I'm marrying Flynn when I'm older." Her head moved onto my shoulder as she let out a yawn.

Her comment made me giggle and I lifted her onto my lap. She placed her head beneath my chin and fell asleep before the credits ended.

I switched off the television and lifted her into my arms. I walked upstairs with her before laying her in her bed and then tucked the covers around her.

I yawned while softly closing her door after turning off the light. My phone told me that it was almost ten o'clock.

I went downstairs where I put on my shoes. Movement came from the kitchen, so I decided to investigate.

The kitchen held Lily who remained awake next to the counter. "You're still awake?" I asked.

She explained she struggles to fall asleep when her children remain outside.

I gave a slight nod because I comprehended her situation. "Well, I'm gonna go. It was nice hanging out here." I sighed.

"Goodnight, Em."

"Night Lily."

I opened the door without hesitation yet I almost gagged the moment I did.

"Ew. Get a room." My eyes rolled when the blonde woman walked away from him.

She scowled at me but my face remained completely expressionless. The number of times this has occurred has surpassed my ability to care.

"Who the hell are you?" She questions while shifting her gaze between Jaxon and me.

"Trust me. No one of concern." I let out a soft chuckle before I pushed through them to cross the street.

As I opened my front door I remained aware of people staring at me.

But again, I didn't care.