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Dedication: Vaepour for the amazing cover! Thank you!

Recap:

"But then..." she whispered, her face pale. "I heard a creak. I woke up and there was someone standing over me..." Her voice broke as more tears fell down her face. "Sadie..."

I cocked my head to the side, my heart beginning to race.

"They had a pillow. They were trying to suffocate me."

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Marissa was completely traumatised. She didn't attend school for a week, she stopped eating, she couldn't sleep and it was my fault.

I should have known better than to get close to someone and let them into my messed up life. I should have known it would be dangerous.

Confusion.

Marissa was scared, I was confused. Someone is in my house of a night - watching me. Whether they're protecting me or wanting to get me, I'm not sure. But the facts are there, it's not just in my mind anymore.

It could be Casey...

I now sleep with my light on. It's extremely irritating, but it's the only way I feel safe.

It's scary, thinking that someone is there. It's even scarier that I know it isn't just paranoia. It's true. And the truth is terrifying.

At first, Marissa didn't want to hang out with me. She didn't want to talk, she didn't even want to be near me. But a few weeks have gone by and she's becoming more and more like her old self.

I think she's realising it wasn't really my fault. I wasn't one holding the pillow over her head. It's just a part of the baggage, that plagues my life.

"How are things with Marissa?" Isaac asked as he had a sip of his coffee.

I heaved a sigh. "Better. It's going to take a while to move past this."

"She's sure she wasn't just dreaming?" he asked, furrowing his brows. His eyes had dark circles underneath them, much like my own. "She sounds like she was quite sleep deprived."

I shrugged. "I don't think she was sleeping. Someone attacked me in my own bedroom - I still have the marks on my body. There's something going on, I just don't know what."

"You don't think..." he trailed off, hardly daring to say the words, a slightly tortured look on his face.

"Casey?" I finished for him, wrapping my coat tighter around me. "I don't know. It's impossible, you said so yourself."

"Nothing's impossible," he muttered. "I'm beginning to really believe that."

I was silent for a moment, before glancing up at him.

"Me too."

***

"You sure you want to go?"

"Yeah."

"You sure you want me to go?"

"Yeah."

"Because-"

"Sadie," Marissa said softly, reaching over and squeezing my hand. "I've been a terrible friend the past few weeks. I was frightened and took my fear out on you. I know it wasn't you and you didn't have anything to do with it. I'm just scared to close my eyes, and that's not your fault. I'm sorry for making you feel like it was."

"It's understandable," I replied, shifting my weight awkwardly from my right foot to my left. "No sane person would just get over something like that."

"You did."

"I now sleep with my light on, if I sleep at all," I pointed out. "You're not the only one afraid to close your eyes at night."

She shuddered. "You shouldn't even be at that house. It's haunted or something."

"I don't think it's the house," I muttered, rubbing at my face.

"Let's stop talking about it," she said, suddenly shaking her head. "Let's just focus on tonight and how much of a good time we're going to have, yes?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Ainsley Potter was holding her eighteenth birthday tonight and invited all our group. Including me, which was weird. No one really invites me anywhere. Marissa was convinced that we need to put the horrible situation in the past and move on - starting by getting drunk tonight.

I had honestly told myself not to drink anymore. I glanced down at my drink and shrugged, before taking another sip.

I was never good at keeping my self-control.

Besides, I didn't want to upset Marissa. Not that she was the person that would get upset over me not drinking, but I was just happy to have her talking and laughing with me again. I was surprised at how much I missed her.

Marissa had become a huge part of my life. I wasn't going to take her for granted anymore.

"Where's Owen?" I found myself asking. "I assumed he would be here."

"He's pre drinking with the boys tonight," she explained, running the straightener through her auburn waves. "He said something about Cody planning something before the party."

"Who's Cody?"

She half shrugged. "Some guy that they know through footy. Personally, I think he's kind of a dick."

"Why's that?"

"We hooked up once and then he went and hooked up with one of my good friends about ten minutes after," she sighed. "I kind of had a crush on him at the time, so it really sucked."

"Sounds like a jerk." I countered, playing with the button of my coat. "Like Josh."

"Like Josh," she agreed.

Not long after, Marissa was finally ready to go. We walked to the party, considering it wasn't too far from Marissa's place.

I was just excited not to spend a night in my room. I slept well, ironically, last time I was with Marissa. It would be nice to have a proper sleep again.

The air was cool, but not as cold as I thought it was going to be. I was borrowing an outfit from Marissa. It was a high-neck, black singlet, tucked into a pair of light brown shorts. The outfit looked quite nice and advertised my petite waist. I had my coat draped over me at first, but soon became too hot.

I felt over exposed revealing both my arms and legs, but it was too late to run back and change now. I had a pair of converse shoes on, also Marissa's. I felt quite trendy, which I liked.

"Your hair looks nice in a high pony," she said, after glancing at me. "Shows off your pretty face."

"Thanks," I smiled, ducking my head slightly.

This whole outfit was definitely outside my comfort zone, hair style and all.

We arrived at the party and people stared immediately. I'm not sure if it's because Marissa and I haven't been seen a lot together recently, or if it was my outfit choice.

This was the first time, I had attended a full on party, with Marissa. Everything had been quite low-key, except for Splendour.

I hastily sipped at my drink, suddenly feeling thirsty for alcohol. I wanted to drink and have a good night. I deserved it.

"Heyyyyy," Owen slurred, barelling towards me and looping his arm around my neck. He planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek and I made a face at him, dramatically swiping at my cheek. "I'm so glad you're here!"

"Wow, you're really drunk," I frowned, pushing him from me.

He would never be that brave, sober.

"You smell gross," Marissa said, wrinkling her nose. "Why are your eyes so blood shot?"

He swayed. "Cody gave me something."

"Gave you something?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "As in drugs?"

"Dunno'."

"Great." she snapped, throwing her hands in the air, looking more like his mother, than his friend. "Remember the last time you took something?"

"Yeah."

She sighed, pinching the skin between her eyes. "I need another drink."

She turned and stalked from us. I shook my head at Owen.

"You're an idiot."

"A lovable idiot," he replied with a goofy grin.

"No, just an idiot."

I turned from him and followed Marissa. We both grabbed a drink from our esky, before bumping them together and taking a long swig.

"Let's make this a night to remember," she said to me, with a smile.

"Let's," I agreed.

Marissa swiped at my hand and dragged me to the dance floor. She began moving to the music and I shuffled awkwardly. I had to be very drunk, to dance. A guy I didn't recognise began dancing with us. He placed his hand on my back and I stepped away from him, shooting him a warning look.

He shrugged and continued dancing. I scowled, annoyed that he interrupted our girl time. The music changed and I chose to go get another drink. When I returned, Marissa and the creepy guy were locking lips and grinding together.

With a heavy sigh, I turned and walked back in the direction I came.

I wanted to find a quiet place to just sit for a while. I liked to sit and drink.

I wound up the stairs and opened the bathroom door. Josh was there, one hand cupping the face of a blonde girl I didn't know, the other up her shirt. They were making out against the sink and I groaned, before slamming the door shut.

This night turned shit, really quick.

Stomping into a vacant room, I sat on the bed, downing my drink. I buried my head in my hands, just wanting to go home. Which ironically was also the last place I wanted to be.

"This room taken?" a voice slurred.

I glanced up, to see a staggering Owen.

"Just me."

"Good," he said, before collapsing beside me. "I'm tired."

"Same."

He reeled into sitting position. "I like you."

"I know."

"Will you go out with me?"

"No."

"Damn," he muttered, before taking a drink. "It just never works."

"No, it doesn't."

"One day."

"Just give up, man," I said, shaking my head. "You can do better."

"But I want you."

"Why?"

"You're gorgeous," he stated simply.

"Anything else?"

"You're funny and kind of nice."

"Kind of nice?" I questioned, cocking my head to the side. "Gee, that's a compliment and a half."

He let out a chuckle. "I know you're nice, you're just not that nice to me. Which I understand."

"You're annoying, that's why."

"Adorably annoying?"

"No, just annoying!" I laughed, shoving him lightly. "You just never give up, do you?"

"Nope," he grinned, popping the 'p'. "Why are you up here?"

"I just wanted some space to chill out."

"Trueeee," he drawled, taking another sip.

"Yourself?"

"I was looking for you and then I just got really tired. But then I found you."

"Why were you looking for me?"

"I have something for you."

"And what's that?" I asked.

Suddenly, he lent in, his warm lips pressing against mine. Instantly, I was overwhelmed with a strong scent of alcohol. I pushed him gently, but he didn't budge. His lips possessively claimed mine. His hand gripped the back of my head, forcing me to stay there.

With a lot more force, I shoved his chest, finally getting him to release me. I reeled back breathlessly, my lips feeling swollen from the sudden impact.

"No," I said firmly. "Don't."

Ignoring me, he kissed me again. This time, it was rough. His tongue invaded my mouth and I let out a slight yelp at his force.

"Get off me," I snapped, shoving him again.

His fingers wrapped around my bicep, digging into my skin as he continued to kiss me. His body was pressing against mine and he felt like dead weight. I cried out, the sting of his nails biting into my flesh, burning me.

"Get the fuck off me," I growled, pushing him again.

I got to my feet hastily.

"Whatever chance of friendship you had," I snarled, pointing my finger into his face. "All of it, is gone."

"Sadie," he slurred, running a hand through his hair, before reaching for me again. "Don't overreact. Just come here-"

He tugged at the hem of my shorts and I pulled back, before sending my fist straight into his face. He let out a groan, falling back onto the bed.

"Fuck!"

I didn't look back as I stormed out of the room.

As the door shut behind me, I paused, realising my whole body was trembling.

I bolted down the stairs, my heart slamming inside my chest. I can't believe that just happened. Owen, seemed so harmless. I thought his crush was just that - a crush. But no, it was more than that.

He was obsessed and tonight, he really showed his true colours.

After searching for Marissa and giving up, I stormed from the house. With shaky fingers, I withdrew my phone and dialled Isaac's number. The screen was hard to see, as my eyes were so blurred from tears.

About twenty minutes later, he arrived. I had sat out the front of the house, bawling my eyes out. For a while, I thought I would never cry again. I proved myself wrong.

He tumbled out of his car.

"Sadie-"

I ran into his arms, burying my face into his chest.

"Thank God you're here."

"Are you okay?"

I looked up at him, through my tears.

"I don't know what I would do without you."

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What did you guys think of Owen's behaviour? He was obviously affected by the drugs, but do you think he will ever salvage his relationship with Sadie now?

Please comment what you think and vote if you liked it!

Thanks for reading!