Chapter One

At the coffee shop

I sat at a corner of Steph coffee shop. I watched as my best friend served her customers with joy. It was after two and Mark had not showed up. He promised to be here exactly one.

Mark was never late for any thing. Mostly. He was always there on time and hugging you. I haven't faced a lot of lateness lately though. At Pullman were we school, we always did everything together. Bathe together even. But now he seems so distant. My blonde friend walked over to me. Gesturing for me to order. When i shook my head, she scoffed.

"He won't show up cause he's fucked up."

"Don't say that." I complained. I could feel my cheeks flush.

"Whatever then. But even if he does, you guys would go else where to eat. Not my shop."

"Steph"I complained and she huffed pulling her hair in a bun. Sweat lingered around her neck. It was cold November not hot June or August. Anyway... I turned to her.

" I haven't told him I'm leaving to Miami to finish my school." I said as if he was close by.

"Must you. Just pack your bag and leave. If he tries to stop you, call me." She winked. She was an awkward sweet friend.

"Its not that simple" I said.

"Just do it. He shouldn't find out himself. Things will go all jumpy crazy" she said twitching her nose.

"Too true." I agreed. Mark was known for his temper. If he found out, things could go really bad or even worse we would breakup. Something I'd dreaded for years.

"Speaking of the devil" Steph said and I shot her a death glare.

"Angel" she quickly says. I follow her eyes to the door to find Mark approaching us. His hair seemed damp or wet. He wore an Ash sweatshirt that turned out to look almost big on him but cute. He wore his famous black pants and a black boot. I was panicking. How would I tell him about Miami.

"Hey babe" he said bending down to kiss my nose tip.

"Your late" I said.

"I know I'm really sorry. Plus the streets of Seattle is too busy. Traffic."

"Oh..."

Steph cut from behind me. "The next time you make my friend cry, that'll be the last your eyes shall see." She threaten.

"Did you cry baby. I'm so sorry." He says leaning unto me.

"I'm fine." I assure him.

"Hmm. You can't go around breaking promises boy" steph said.

"Do you have a problem with me Steph?" Mark asked raising His brows. Not this again. They don't get along too well and then they make me to pick sides.

"Stop it you two" I scold.

"No. Steph should tell me what the fuck is her problem."

" your my problem. That's what " she states with her brows dancing. She was getting on his nerves.

"Steph I swear... " Mark started getting up but I pull him down.

"Ignore. Please."

"Fine" he said balling his fist at his side to conceal His anger. It was good to see him getting along so well. If it was like other times he would curse or pull her shiny blonde hair. I planted a kiss on his cheek to tell him I was proud of him. He smiled and then raised the menu off the table.

"Ready to order?" He asked.

I nod.

"Hey steph!" He called. Oh great. "My girlfriend is hungry!"

Steph jogged over to us and stood by me. "She can order not you" she states plainly.

"We'll eat together then. Or do you mind her inconvenience.?" Mark asked smirking at her.

"Order up." She groaned.

"Tacos with ketchup then of course a yoghurt." Mark said and steph wrote it all down.

"You?"

"Just chocolate and coffee" he grinned. Steph ruffled his hair before walking away with our order.

"So how has Seattle favoured you so far?" Mark asked me. Pulling me out of my thoughts. I gathered myself together quickly before he could notice my fumbling.

"Hmm..."

"My parents are taking us to their cabin."

"Wow." I said

"I want you to come."

"Its a family thingy." I said. I don't like intruding.

"Your family May." I love it when he calls me that. It made me feel so special. Like I was his to have and he was mine to command. "And by the way, my mom needs someone to carry out her stupid recipes with." He smirked at me.

"I'm sure you'll love it." He added.

Steph brought our food and then smirked at Mark.

"Leave please." Mark said.

"Have all you want now cause you won't be getting that soon enough." She said and quickly closed her mouth with her black painted nails.

"Meaning?"

"What I meant is I'll make her break up with you". Steph said covering her mess. I sighed.

" well it won't work cause she would never leave me nor I her" he said smiling at me. Ouch mark I'm leaving to Miami in three weeks. My subconcious said and I shoved her off.

...

The eating section was too quiet and I felt my food coming up to my mouth every time I tried to take it down.

"Mark"

"Hmm." He groaned cleaning his lips with the napkin on the table.

"I have something to tell you"

"I'm all ears" he said bringing his face close to mine and I gulped washing away every ounce of courage in me.

"Nothing" I sighed but he didn't draw back instead he placed his lips on mine taking me off guard.

I protested against his lips and tried to break free but he blocked me with his hand. I gave up struggling.

"This is no kiss and tell shop" steph said breaking into our heaven and I quickly pulled away.

"We were just leaving" Mark grumbled.

"Good. Now leave" steph said placing her hand on her hip. Mark assisted me up and we made for the door.

"Next time remind me why we cone here" Mark said when we were out of the cozy shop. The cold air hit my face turning my nose pink.

"It's for free" I shrugged.

"Don't work for me no more. I'll pay our bills somewhere expensive" he smiled. "You deserve it"

He pulled the car door open for me allowing me to step into the cold car.

"Fuck. I'll turn on the heater." He said.

He removed his jacket and placed it on my thigh covering my leg. He smiled and then pulled out of the drive way.

...

I argued and won that we go to his house. All through the drive, he kept on scowling and I couldn't help but laugh at how adorable he looked.

"Don't regret it" he said as he pulled into the driveway. I laughed and then placed my hand on his thigh and he stared at me.

"Don't or you won't be seeing anyone. " he threatened but I swear I could see a glimpse of smile.

The first welcome I received was from lily. Marks baby step sister. Her blonde hair was matted to her back and then designed with lily flowers and her smile was from ear to ear.

"Maya!" She screeched jumping on my body. I caught the toddler and shook her gently.

"I trust you've been well" I said.

"Mom got me new bunny toy and a jacket for Mark" she said grinning as if she won a medal. I looked over to Mark and he snorted and sat down focusing on his phone.

"May darling..." Marks mom said emerging from the kitchen.

"Maya" Mark corrected from the parlour. He clearly hated when anyone except him calls me May.

Rose rolled her eyes and smiled at me. "How are you dear" she said pulling me into a tight hug. I looked to Mark for help but he walked up to his room with a grin. Can't breath

"I missed you dear" she said after releasing me from her hug.

"Me too. But I miss lily more" I said with a clear smile and she smiled.

"I was just making dinner".

" I'll help" I offered pulling my gloves away and placing it on a stool.

"Oh thank you" she said pulling me into another hug. She walked to the kitchen me at her back. I just couldn't seem to take my eyes of the woman. She wore a tight red dress, her blonde hair was free around her shoulders, her lips fiery red and her high heels clicked on the tiles. She was an obvious person. Mark shouldn't always be a bitch about her.

"You can help chop onions" Rose said handling me a chop board.

I collected the board with a smile and started chopping.

Mark POV

My room smelled like damp. I strode over to the window to open it. I just arrived in Seattle and the best my mom could do was change my bed sheets. I've stayed in a hotel for as long as I could. Clearly evading my mom.

I stared around my room savouring it like cake. It wasn't the way I left it. I'm sure my mom brought in visitors here. The room reeked of stale bread to.

"Mark!" A small voice called from behind my door.

"Come in."

Lily peeped from the door and stepped into my room. She fidgeted with her gown like she was shy. She had to understand that I don't hate her. Just a little dislike. My mom has the problem. She got pregnant for a guy Sylvester at her work and then my dad left. I hate her for that. Such a bitch.

"Yes?" I was growing impatient with the little being.

"Maya said to check if you were okey" she said not looking up at me.

"I'm fine. Go ahead." I said plopping on my bed.

...

My eyes slowly opened and I scanned my environment for Maya. I was in my bedroom. I had fallen asleep.

I got up and strolled down the stairs and met familiar faces. What the fuck were the neighbours doing here.

I quickly moved to the kitchen. Maya was alone her head on the kitchen counter. I placed my hand on her waist and pulled her up. She mumbled and then struggled to open her eyes. Fuck she looks so cute.

"You fell asleep"

"Yeah" she said trying to take in her environment.

"Why didn't you come up. You look sick. I'll take you home." I said but she shoved off the idea. After so many arguments, I won.

We were on our way out, when my mom approached us. She was all smiley. Bitch.

"Are you going already?" She asks Maya.

"Yes" I snapped and led her out of the kitchen.

"I was hoping you'd stay for dinner. I mean you both have been away from home. Its a welcome party."

"That's why you fucking invited the neighbours" I said my voice almost raising.

"Yes. I just thought I'd welcome you well" she said softly. I wasn't buying that.

"Yeah, I forgot you always love to brag." I said harshly and she flinched at my words.

"Mark stop it" Maya said from under me. I ignored her and started for the door but Maya stops us.

"I'd like to stay for dinner" she said making my mom smile. Fuck.

"Your not well. I'll take you home now."

"I'm fine really." She says. I turned to my mom and she was grinning from ear to ear. I let go of Maya stumbling her a little. She was surprised by my harsh behavior but I didn't care. She chose my mom over my me. I'm acting like a stupid teenager right now. I know. When in fact, I'm twenty.

I quickly found the steps to my room. I heard my mom mutter something and Maya calling my name softly.

"Mark"

I kept on walking.

"Mark!" She called one last time but her voice was faint. She hit the kitchen table. Fuck!