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The Morning After
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Safe All Good Things (Epilogue)
POV LaylaThe next couple of years had some ups and downs but our friends stuck together through everything. At first, I had to fight with Leo, Van, Jake and even occasionally Finn for my independence and against their natural tendencies for being overprotective asses. Eventually, they got better or at least livable although I still had to punch Leo from time to time.Marissa and her Mom both moved to Porter for a 'fresh start'. It may seem strange to move to the place where your son/brother committed horrible crimes for a new beginning but somehow, it worked. Marissa had a long road to recovery but since she had so much support here, she has remained sober for the last years of high school and graduated with a full ride to a good school back in Chicago. She and Vander dated for a while again but just couldn't make it work. She ended up casually dating Jake for the last year of school and for some reason, they seemed to fit. Vander was happy for them both.Jake and Pam broke up right
Safe The Move
When they were just seven years old, Layla and Leo's parents divorced. Leo chose to move with their father to a small town named Porter while Layla stayed with their mom in Chicago. Leo and Layla remained close and called and texted each other frequently even though they grew to be polar opposites. Layla was a straight A student, a classic good girl and Leo barely went to class and followed their father's footsteps to join the local gang called the Watchmen. This went on for nine years.Layla and Leo still told each other everything, they were twins after all. Leo could tell that something was off with Layla. It was nearing the end of the summer before the start of their junior year and for the last few weeks, Layla was growing quieter and quieter with him.Leo POVI woke up Saturday morning with a terrible feeling. I went to talk to my dad about it."I don't think that she would outright lie to me, but she's definitely not telling me something and I'm worried." I explained to Dad."I
Safe The Club
Layla POVAs we pulled into the Den's parking lot, I felt the familiar spread of anxiety in my stomach and heart. I hoped that all of my father's and brother's friends would like me. I knew that I wasn't like them mostly due to my mom forcing me to be someone I'm not. I'm sick of being the perfect girl and I needed to find out who I truly am. I was hoping that this move would help me with that. I didn't want to be a completely new person just a more authentic one.I noticed how full the parking lot was, there were a few cars and trucks but it was mostly full of motorcycles. Leo parked next to dad and we took our helmets off and got off the bikes. I took off Leos jacket and handed it back to him. He frowned at me. As we walked in, Leo must have noticed my anxiety or maybe he was feeling the same way because he grabbed my hand and held it.Dad opened the door for us and we all walked in. I swear that everyone stopped talking as they looked at us."Everyone, this is my daughter, Layla. L
Safe Shopping
Layla POVMy alarm went off early. For a moment, I didn't know where I was, then the last day came rushing back to me. I felt a wave of homesickness and sadness and anger. I felt like my mom chose that random guy over me. I told her that I didn't feel comfortable with him and she moved him in anyway. I started to tear up but I shook my head. She wasn't worth my tears, I had already wasted nine years on her, I wasn't going to waste any more time on her.My Dad and Leo were who mattered now. They were the ones who wanted me and loved me. I smiled and got out of bed. I went to take a shower and get ready. As I got dressed and did my hair and makeup, I thought about last night and Finn. Things almost went too far with him. I did not need to get involved with anyone right now. I resolved that I was going to be very clear with him that we were going to be just friends. I sighed, just friends no matter how hot he was. I wore a short pink skirt and a black V neck t-shirt. I left my hair down.
Safe Lunch
POV Layla trigger warning, talk of abuse, language We decided to go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. We piled all our bags in the trunk and got in the car. We drove for about five minutes and then got out at sushi place. "Do you like sushi, Layla?" Tom asked. I smiled and started to answer when Leo cut me off, "She loves it. Especially since Tate hated it so she didn't get it for like a year." The girls frowned while Vander looked alarmed. "Who's Tate?" Finn asked with his eyes narrowed. "He's my ex boyfriend. He lives in Chicago" I explained. "Is that why you broke up? Because you moved?" Van asked as we sat down. "No. They broke up before that. I never liked that dude." Leo cut in again. I frowned at him and said, "You never even met him." "I don't care. I don't like anyone that dates you. No one is good enough for you." Leo said looking at Finn, Jake and Vander. The three shifted uncomfortably. I rolled my eyes and said, "Really, Leo? Get a grip. Plus you have nothing
Safe Settling In
POV Finn Trigger warning small physical fight and language Did he just say date? No. I was pissed. "I thought you were little miss I don't want to date" Jake said to Layla. Van glared at him and shook his head. She shrugged and said, "We both agreed to keep it really casual. Plus, I'm allowed to change my mind" I ran my hands through my hair. I needed to do some damage control. The rest of the group came up to us. "Van, get your arm off my sister" Leo said darkly. I'd never seen Leo like this. He was tough and if you didn't know him, he was downright scary but I'd known him for years and he was never this aggressive or protective before. His bond with his twin was deep and I could see that he would die or kill for her. I couldn't blame him. Layla was beautiful, kind and sweet. Someone that you wanted to be around and protect from the harshness of this cruel world. She was strong too. I could see that. Stronger than her brother seemed to realize. "Not unless she wants me to" V
Safe Afternoon
POV FinnI kissed her. It wasn't a deep, passionate kiss but it wasn't a peck either. She looked surprised as we separated and I smirked."See ya later, Lays" I said as Leo pulled me away"What the hell was that, man?" Leo demanded as we walked outside."Would you rather Gunner keep putting his hands on her?" I asked calmly"Of course not but I'm sure that there was another way besides making out with my sister in the middle of the Worm in front of me" Leo growled"I just helped you out. Now the rest of the Watchmen won't hit on her. She's safe now. Come on, man. You saw how they were all looking at her. If they know that I like her, they'll back off" I explained"Or they'll just see her as a challenge" Tom added and I glared at him"Don't act like you did this to help me. You did this because you like her and you want her and everyone else to know it." Leo spat back."Why can't I have multiple reasons?" I askedLeo glared at me while Tom laughed.Tom and Leo left a few minutes later
Safe Date
POV LaylaAfter we picked up Tom and Sally, we headed over to the other side of town. We pulled up to a huge house and I'm overwhelmed. As we get out of the car, Vander scurried to help me out. He kept ahold of my hand as we walked to the door."Don't worry." Vander whispered to me, "It's just a house, don't be intimidated." I glanced at him and he smiled."Thanks, Van." I said, gratefully and he squeezed my hand. He slowed our pace so that we were behind everyone else."I'm so sorry about having to go to this movie with everyone. Leo is in full on protection mode with me moving back and telling him about Tate. I'm finding it better to pick my battles and compromise for the time being." I said to him."It's ok. I just wanted to spend more time with you, I don't care what we do. I can understand why Leo is so protective. He missed you so much. He talked about you all the time. It was so sad sometimes. Now that you're here, I understand. I would be protective too." Van said and I grinne
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Safe All Good Things (Epilogue)
POV LaylaThe next couple of years had some ups and downs but our friends stuck together through everything. At first, I had to fight with Leo, Van, Jake and even occasionally Finn for my independence and against their natural tendencies for being overprotective asses. Eventually, they got better or at least livable although I still had to punch Leo from time to time.Marissa and her Mom both moved to Porter for a 'fresh start'. It may seem strange to move to the place where your son/brother committed horrible crimes for a new beginning but somehow, it worked. Marissa had a long road to recovery but since she had so much support here, she has remained sober for the last years of high school and graduated with a full ride to a good school back in Chicago. She and Vander dated for a while again but just couldn't make it work. She ended up casually dating Jake for the last year of school and for some reason, they seemed to fit. Vander was happy for them both.Jake and Pam broke up right
Safe The Morning After
POV FinnPeter and I walked back to our house a bit after Layla and Marissa went to bed. To say that I was frustrated was an understatement. I slammed the door closed and threw my hat on the table."It'll be ok, Finn. She's not going to leave. She's just pissed and needs some space." Peter tried to calm me."Space? How am I supposed to give her space when all I want to do is have her with me all the time? My head understands what she needs and wants but the rest of me is violently disagreeing" I storm. Peter nodded."I get that but you are going to have to find a way or you really will lose her" he replied. I sighed."I know. I know." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath."You know her. What should I do?" I asked him."Back off. Let her call you, let her make the first move. Give her some freedom. She's safe. Give her what she's asking for." he suggested."Freedom?" I asked weakly, knowing how dangerous that sounded."You have to risk losing her. She needs to find herself again. If
Safe Pissed
POV LaylaFinn finally parked his bike between Leo and Tom. I quickly took off the helmet and went to hop off when Finn grabbed my hand."Where are you going?" he growled. I glared at him."Inside." I replied, furrowing my eyebrows."Not without me. I meant what I said before. You need to stay with me." he ordered. I scoffed at him."Don't be ridiculous. I'm fine. This is the Den. It's safe!" I argued."No, he's right. The same goes for you, Eve." Leo piped in from behind me."What the hell?" Eve stormed and I looked at her. She looked as pissed as I felt. I was trying to be understanding and all but this was too much."Listen, we aren't some helpless girls that can't take care of ourselves." Eve began but Leo cut her off."That's sure what it seemed like today, am I right, Finn?" he snapped. Finn nodded as he looked at me."Are you fucking kidding right now?" I raged. I slapped Finn and Eve did the same to Leo. Neither of them reacted except to try to grab us. Eve grabbed my hand fir
Safe New Problems
POV Layla"What was that?" Dan shouted."I don't know. Come with me to check it out. Steven come with us. Pam, Suzy, watch them!" Tyler ordered. He pulled out two guns and handed one to Pam and one to Suzy."If they move, shoot them" he finished. He held his gun while both Dan and Steven pulled out theirs as well. The three of them ran up the stairs. I glanced at Jake's hands and saw that he was free as well. He raised his eyebrows at me and I nodded slightly. I started to double over and cried out."What's wrong with her?" Suzy demanded."It's my stomach. I think that I'm going to be sick" I called as Suzy walked over to me. Just as I was about to punch her, she fell at my feet. We all looked up in shock as Pam put her gun away. She had just hit her own cousin on the back of the head and knocked her out cold."I'm so sorry, Layla, Jake. I never wanted to do any of this. My dad and uncle forced me. They said that they would beat me if I didn't help." Pam cried as she went to untie me.
Safe Lucky?
POV Marissa (Remember her? Billy's sister and Layla's best friend from Chicago?)I was so glad to be out of that rehab! Mom was overjoyed that I was out too. She was so happy that I convinced her to let me go visit Layla. I needed to make some things right with her and I knew that I needed to do it in person. I decided to surprise her on the day she and her friends were getting back home. With any luck, I might even run into her at the airport. I hurried off the plane when we landed and went through baggage check. I checked the screens to see when the flight from Florida would be in. Shit, it had already landed a while ago."Guess I'll just have to take a cab to her house." I mumbled to myself as I walked out of the airport. A cab pulled up to be just as a van passed. I looked up to catch a glimpse of Layla and Eve with some other friends in it. They didn't notice me. I smiled."Please follow that van. Some friends are in it and I need to catch up with them." I asked my driver. He loo
Safe Home
POV LaylaAfter we landed, Finn and I got our carry on bags as the rest of our friends did the same. We waited until everyone else had gotten off the plane to leave together. Finn and I followed our friends off the plane and into the airport. Keri led us all to the baggage claim where we wrestled with all the suitcases."I think that's all of them." Hart announced and I sighed at the huge pile of suitcases."Our drivers are over there." Eve gestured to three men all holding signs with her name on it."Why are there three? I thought you ordered two?" Finn asked. Eve shrugged."It's ok. We'll need them." she replied as she nodded toward the luggage."Why don't you girls and Hart all go in the first van while the rest of us help load the luggage?" Tom offered. Finn looked annoyed but he nodded."Ok but Peter and Jake should go with them. Just to be safe." Finn added and I agreed. I wanted to argue that we could take care of ourselves but we shouldn't take chances with Hart's well being.
Safe Traveling Home
POV Layla"Since it's our last full day here, I think that we should enjoy the beach and house today and then go out for a nice dinner tonight." Eve announced at breakfast the next morning. The rest of us agreed."Great! There's a really nice steak and seafood restaurant not too far from here that I already have reservations for at seven." She added and I chuckled. We all went and changed into our swimsuits."Finnie, we should pack up some tonight too." I suggested and he nodded."Let's go to the beach and then come back this afternoon and start packing." he recommended and I smiled."I'm going to miss sharing a room with you" I said and he smirked."I'm going to miss sharing a bed with you." he added suggestively. I rolled my eyes but giggled. We grabbed some towels and headed down to the beach. We laid down between Peter and Eve."It's so cool that your housekeeper washed all our laundry. Now I don't have to take dirty clothes home." Peter was saying to Eve as we settled in."Eve, I
Safe Vacation Fun
POV LaylaThe next day we decided to go sightseeing. Peter seemed in a better mood and loved every second of visiting the sights of the area which were not that exciting to the rest of us but we humored him. To be honest, it was boring but it got us out of the house and walking around. By the end of the day, we were exhausted. We got drive thru for dinner and everyone went straight to bed when we got back to the house.Everyone slept late and we all met up in the kitchen the next day."I don't want to cook. Let's just do fruit and cereal for breakfast" I suggested. The rest agreed and as we munched, we discussed what our plans were for the day."The weather is perfect. Let's have another beach day. We can make a bonfire tonight." Eve suggested."That sounds great." Keri gushed and everyone else nodded.Finn and I changed into our swimsuits and grabbed some towels. We spent the morning splashing in the water and building sandcastles. When we got hungry, we went back to the house and ma
Safe Rainy Day and Shopping
POV FinnLayla and I woke up to the sound of thunder the next day."That was loud" she commented as I got up to shut the window before it rained too much in."Let's get up, I want biscuits and gravy." Layla suggested."You can make that?" I asked, excited when she nodded back.We both took turns in the bathroom and then hurried down to the kitchen. She directed me as what to do and soon, the kitchen smelled wonderful. Van and Jake were surprisingly the first to stumble down the stairs."What are you two making?" Jake demanded as Van got them both some coffee."Lay's making biscuits and gravy and I'm making eggs and sausages to go with it." I answered.They both looked shocked for a moment and then Jake smiled a sly grin."If things don't work out with Finn, I'm here. Just so you know..." Jake faked whispered to Layla."Hey! I'm already signed up to be her rebound!" Van argued.I glared at both of them as Layla shook her head."Nope. She's mine, boys." Peter added as he walked in.He w
