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"Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible and suddenly, you are doing the impossible."  - Francis of Assisi.

Dedication: Aaruasrani for the awesome cover on the side!

Recap:

"You won't win." He breathed, his eyes trained on my lips while mine were trained on his chest.

My own was rapidly rising, my breath hitched in my throat. Uneasily, my tongue snaked out, moistening my bottom lip. Xavier inched toward me and a rush of exhilaration filled me at the thought of his lips against mine. As he moved closer, his grip on my arms slackened. Of course I used this to my advantage.

I didn't expect to punch him in the face.

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"Shit!"

Xavier rolled off of me with a dramatic groan. I blinked at the ceiling, confused for a moment. The throbbing of my hand effectively snapped me back to reality. I just punched Xavier. After he tried to kiss me. Does this mean the physical attraction I feel towards him is mutual? Or am I just another girl to add to his list, of what I assume, to be many.

His string of cuss words brought me out of my internal dilemma. I glanced over at him, where he was nursing his swelling nose. His eyes were narrowed in my direction. Wincing, Xavier removed his hand. Blood was trickling down his upper lip. I wrinkled my nose at him, clambering to my feet hastily.

"What the hell was that for?" He barked, too getting to his feet.

His fists were clenched tightly, struggling to remain calm. His cheeks were reddening by the second and the veins in his arms were protruding out of his skin. Tantalisingly slow, he ran his tongue across his teeth, never breaking eye contact with me.

"Were you not teaching me to fight?" I asked, the sarcasm dripping from each word. "Oops, my mistake."

"You have serious issues." He growled, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "Serious mental health issues."

I shrugged lightly, wiping my hands on my tightly. "Yes, no, maybe so."

"You're going to regret that."

"Oh, I'm shaking." I retorted with an exaggerated eye roll. Grabbing my towel which was draped over the treadmill, I slung it over my shoulder and turned my back to him, striding from the room. I didn't stop until I was in my bedroom with the door locked securely behind me.

I doubled over, leaning onto my knees. My hands were shaking, not due to his threat though. Why was I so affected by this? I've hooked up with people before and after Jacob, remaining emotionless. Even kissing Jacob the other night didn't have the stomach-clenching affect it used to. Why did I have such mixed feelings about Xavier? It would have been nothing but a kiss to him, if I had let it happen. He's that type of guy. I couldn't let myself get close to him like that. I wasn't going to get hurt again.

Wiping my clammy skin against the towel, a long sigh escaped me. I need a distraction. Just as I was getting ready to shower, my phone began blaring. An excited grin spread across my face as my screen read Alex.

"Hi Chook," he sang and I actually jumped up and down on the spot at the sound of his voice. Alex, was the third musketeer to mine and Brooklyn's posse. He has been over in Amsterdam for the last two months and I have missed him so much. I completely spaced that he was coming back this week. I haven't heard from him for a while and with everything going on, the thought had completely slipped my mind. "How are ya'?"

"ALEX!" I screamed, my cheeks aching as my smile was so wide. "You're home? Come over right now!"

He chuckled. "I'm still at the airport Chookie, just thought I'd call you to say the greatest person you know is back. I have to call Brooklyn quickly before I go get my bags. I will call you once I get home?"

"Yes! We have so much to catch up on. I'm very disappointed at your lack of Facebook activity."

"Tell me about it, Chook. I'm having some serious withdrawals. Will post all my pics as soon as I can."

"You better," I laughed. "I am so glad to hear your voice again."

"Oh stop your rot," he laughed and I just knew he was waving his hand. "Talk soon!"

The line went dead and I let out an excited squeal. Alex brought out this side to me. There was no one I was more excited to see.

This week just got ten times better.

***

"That is your new roommate?" Alex asked, his sunglasses down the end of his nose. He lightly began fanning himself. "I'm definitely coming over more often."

"Don't you start," I groaned.

I didn't need another one of my friends gawking at Xavier. I slowly let my eyes wander over to him. He was leaning back against one of the tables, talking to one of the football guys. I let my eyes dip over him. He was tall. Taller than most of the other guys, surprisingly. I hated how nice he looked in our uniform.

Comparatively, Alex was also extremely attractive. In fact, Alex was one of the prettiest human beings I have ever met. He was prettier than me. He knew it too, of course. I glanced back over to the boys. I must admit a smug smirk danced on my lips as he had a wicked bruise forming on his face. Suck on that, Xavier.

"Are you sure he's straight?" Alex asked me.

"I think so, I'm afraid."

Alex sighed dramatically next to me, sliding his sunglasses back over his eyes. "What happened to his face?"

A sheepish smile danced around my lips. "He got in my way."

"You did that?" Alex asked, his mouth falling open. "Why would you do that?"

I felt my cheeks turn hot as both his and Brooklyn's scrutinising stares swivelled my way. I shrugged in attempt to be non-chalant. "We were practise fighting."

The smirk that formed on Brooklyn's face was instant. "Is that all you were doing?"

I glowered at her and Alex raised his eyes suggestively. "Oh?"

"No, not "oh"," I frowned. "Don't look at me like that."

"Does Chookie girl Faith have a crush?"

"What are we, primary school kids?" I snapped, my cheeks glowing. I didn't like the unwelcome suggestiveness about Xavier and I. Yes, I may be physically attracted to him, I would be crazy not to be. But I didn't have a 'crush' on him, as Alex so immaturely stated.

Thankfully, the school bell buzzed loudly, saving me. I scrambled to my feet, eager to get away from them. I was just rounding the corner when a heavy hand rested on my shoulder. A surprised squeak left me as I turned.

I met the dark, brown eyes of Jacob. An automatic sigh escaped me. This was drama I did not have the patience to deal with. I hadn't seen or spoken to Jacob, although he had messaged me, since I drunkenly (and very stupidly) hooked up with him at Xavier's party. My party as well, I guess.

"Hi," he smiled. "How are you?"

"Late. So if you'll excuse me."

"Faith!" He said, reaching out for me once more. I stepped back out of his contact. Swallowing uneasily, I cast my eyes down. "Did you get my messages?"

"Yeah."

"How come you didn't reply?"

"Jacob, I have to get to class. The kiss was nothing but a drunken mistake which I regret." I turned on my heel and stormed towards history, feeling like a total ass. Because I was. I mentally slapped myself. No way was I feeling sorry for him. What he did to me was worse.

I sat down roughly in my chair. I was not in the mood to be at school today. I pressed my forehead against the cool desk, dreading the double I had of this. There was only so much I could take learning about 19th Century Russia, this early in the day.

"Was almost late to class, having to ice Jacob's burn."

The constant source of my bad mood had decided to bless me with his presence. I dragged myself unwillingly into sitting position and dragged my eyes to meet his. His lips danced with a playful smirk as he sat beside me.

"Do you often eavesdrop on people's conversations?"

"Only when they're interesting." He winked, his smirk only increasing. "Yours always are."

"Nice face, by the way. The bruising of your nose really brings out the colour of your eyes."

His smirk twisted into a scowl as he looked away. That comment soon changed his tune. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself grinning. I was honestly so proud of myself for the damage I did.

He would have been loving the attention from it though. The second he stepped into school the girls were drawn to him, asking if he was okay. He probably fed them some bullshit story on how he was in a street fight. If only they knew. I felt like screen-printing a confession of me punching him onto a T-shirt and wearing it around school. Might even make some badges of his swollen face. I couldn't help let out a laugh, imagining it. I would enjoy that way too much.

"I forgot about it for a second." he muttered.

"It was a good shot."

"Just you wait. I'll get my revenge." He threatened, narrowing his eyes, the playful attitude he had a moment ago quickly being replaced with yesterday's rage. The look in his eye gave me no doubt that he was already underway with this 'revenge'. A tired sigh escaped me. It was exhausting always looking over my shoulder in my own home. What is he going to do, throw another water bomb at me?

"Good, it was getting a little dull around here." I snipped as Mr Jones finally managed to make it to class. He hastily dropped his books onto his desk and straightened his tie, looking flustered. Sweat had formed across his forehead, giving the indication that he may or may not have ran to get here.

And it was just about to get a whole lot duller.

***

"Please tell me you're joking."

"Faith, please?"

"You can't be serious."

"It will be fun!"

"Why on earth would you sign me up for this?" I exclaimed, slamming my hand down onto the poster for dramatic effect. "I attend these things, not organise them."

"Same with me but they needed help and Mrs Cloud scares me." I clenched my fists and glowered at my moronic best friend. She gulped uneasily, scratching her forehead. "You also scare me."

"Good. I'm not doing it."

"You have to, I signed you up."

"Then un-sign me!" I cried, exasperated.

Brooklyn had volunteered us both to organise the big, annual fair that our school holds every year. It was awesome. Everyone in the town went. It was one of the most exciting things that happens around here. The fact that Brooklyn involuntarily signed me up to organise it, dampened my parade a little. I was not impressed. I didn't want the pressure of maintaining the fair's awesome reputation.

"That would just be unprofessional."

"We're not even a part of the student council. Let them do it." I argued, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. I exhaled loudly, leaning back in my chair, knowing she was about to plead.

"Faith..."

"No."

"Please."

"No."

"I'll buy you pizza."

I narrowed my eyes at her, folding my arms defensively across my chest. "I think this goes beyond buying my willingness with food, Brooklyn."

"I will buy you pizza and hand deliver it to your house tonight with a side snack of Nutella. Plus, I will sit through watching Prison Break with you, again."

My eye twitched. I wanted to say no, but that was an excellent offer. Damn her. She knew me too well. A victorious grin lit up her face as she knew she had me. Hook, line and sinker. I groaned and she squealed in excitement, clapping her hands together.

"This is going to be so much fun!"

"Fun isn't the word I'd use."

A wide grin stretched across her face. She ran a hand through her short, messy hair. Her cheeks were tinged a hue of pink as she began to organise a pile of papers in front of her. How she was actually excited about this bewildered me.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked in defeat, hanging my head.

"Go tell the boys where to start setting up the tents. I thought that was something you would enjoy doing." She said, slipping into professional mode. She rummaged through her glossy, leather handbag and withdrew her glasses. She perched them on her nose. She didn't even bother to look up at me as she began jotting down notes. "What's wrong now?"

"Why are we setting up the tents already if we haven't even organised how many tents we need yet?"

"It's roughly around the same each year. It's just quicker if we jump in and start setting up now. That way it's easier to organise the sequence of which stalls go where." She pointed out matter-of-factly, licking her thumb, before turning a page. It was as though she knew I would ask the questions before I did.

"But-" I interjected with a frown.

"Faith." She scolded me, dragging her eyes to meet mine. "Go. Please. Pizza, Nutella and Prison Break. Think of that."

With a huff, I stood up and stormed over to the other side of the hall, where a group of the football boys were huddled, wrestling and barging each other like wild animals. I clapped my hands to get their attention, before clearing my throat.

"Let's start setting up, shall we?" I asked. "You four, I want you on the blue tent. You three can handle the red and the rest, I want you to set up the big marquee. Let's go."

"You heard the lady." A new voice said, growing louder with each word. "Let's all take a lunch break and come back in halfa'."

"Of course." I deadpanned.

"Hi Faith." Xavier said, materialising through the crowd. "How are you, babe?"

"Can you not be difficult and just do what I said? I want to be here about as much as you do."

Yes I was being a hypocrite as not even a minute ago I was the difficult one, but it's different when it's me.

"Me? Be difficult?" He asked with mock hurt, slapping his hand to his chest dramatically. "Would I do that?"

"Can you just leave? You're giving me a migraine already." I sighed, turning my back to him. "Okay boys, where are we waiting for?"

They all glanced at each other. My frown deepened. What were they waiting for?

"Oh Faith, they listen to me." He must have been only mere millimetres from me. I could feel his hit breath on the back of my neck, making skin prickle uncomfortably. "So when I say, go on lunch break..." He trailed off, his chest actually bumping my back. His next words were so loud against my ear that I jumped. "They go to lunch."

A few of the boys laughed as they turned and continued their wrestling and jumping all over each other, as they exited the hall. I planted my hands on my hips. He moved around me, still in ridiculously close proximity.

"Anything else?" He asked, his trademark smirk twisted onto his face.

Much to my surprise, I wasn't that annoyed. He must have thought that having the boys rebel against my orders would infuriate me. I would also assume that, but I felt unusually calm as I stared into his clear, entrancing eyes.

"Yeah," I replied, a relieved smile appearing on my face. "Just get them back to work when their break is over. Thanks for handling it for me."

I reached forward and thumped his shoulder, before turning on my heel. I bit back the urge to laugh. His face would be priceless, I'm sure of it.

"Where do you think you're going?" Brooklyn called out to me.

"I tried." Was all I yelled back, before shouldering out of the building. I would have my own pizza, Nutella and Prison Break party. I didn't need to be blackmailed into organising the fair for it.

I glanced down at my watch, seeing that I had time to get home, eat some food, before I started work. After re-doing my hair, I began the short trek back to my place. I was just turning off the street to school when a car pulled up beside me. I gave it a sidelong glance, recognising it immediately.

"Want a lift?" Jacob asked.

"Walk isn't that far, thanks though."

"Faith, please."

"I like walking."

"I'm listening to Eminem."

He knew the way to my heart. I paused for a second.

Don't do it.

I could hear the lyrics of 'Sing For The Moment' playing and it was enough to make me take the few steps needed to get to his car, before sidling in to the passenger seat. Not walking home in this heat and listening to Eminem? Yeah, I would choose that. I'm weak.

"You're still a die-hard fan, clearly."

I grinned involuntarily. "Of course."

Leaning forward, I turned it up. One thing I loved about travelling with Jacob, was his car. In addition to it being a complete and utter boy's ride, it had the sickest sub in it that I have ever seen. When it was loud, the doors and the seats underneath you vibrated. It was awesome.

"Do you have time to go somewhere? Maybe grab some food? Or coffee?"

"I don't want to drink coffee and I don't have time." I clipped. His face fell. I sighed, realising how rude I sounded. I really need to work on that. "Sorry, I have to work. Another time, perhaps."

"Tomorrow?"

"We'll see."

He gave me a lope-sided smile. "I'll settle for that."

I couldn't help smile at his determination. Maybe he really did miss me. After taking the scenic route back home, clearly buying more time with me, we slowly came to a stop out the front of my place. I gave him a small smile.

"Thanks."

"Have fun at work."

"I'm sure I will," I said with an eye roll, climbing out of the car. I gave him a lethargic wave as I headed up my driveway. I stopped short, staring. Xavier's motorbike was positioned in the driveway, meaning he was home. He must have left the same time we did, since he would have travelled faster. Poor Brooklyn, she would have to handle my part herself now. However, the fact that Xavier was here wasn't the thing that had me hovering nervously outside my own home. It was the fact that the front door was open.

It was never left open.

That was actually a specific rule my dad had in the contract of the rental agreement. One too many times have I wandered into my room to find a not-so-friendly snake taking up residence. As we lived that little bit out of town and more in the bush, we had all sorts of interesting creatures sneak into our house if the door was left open. So far, Xavier had respected that rule.

Narrowing my eyes suspiciously, I edged toward the house. If he threw water bombs at me again I was honestly going to make the swollen nose seem like a massage. I would relocate that stupidly attractive face of his. No one would be there to stop me, either.

It was just water, I know, but then it would wash my make-up off and ruin my hair. I didn't usually go out of my way to look presentable for work, as I ended up gross and sweaty anyway, but I still wanted to look half decent walking there and back. Plus, we had really cute customers sometimes. Doesn't hurt to look half good. Maybe if I found myself a nice cowboy, this annoying attraction to Xavier would diminish and I could live the rest of my life happily.

I stood stock still for a moment and swept my eyes over my porch. It seemed relatively normal. I listened carefully to any odd sounds, but also, everything seem to be as usual.

"Hey Faith!" There it was. I swivelled my eyes up to see Xavier dangling out of my bedroom window. "Guess who forgot to lock their bedroom door this morning?"

Grinding my teeth together, I blindly ran forward. I began charging into the house like there was no tomorrow. As I reached the door, it apparently wasn't as open as I thought. A layer of sticky tape had been placed, in replacement of the door. I ran face-first into the sticky side. A strangled cry left my lips as I fell forwards, ripping the sticky tape off the wall.

Xavier's laugh was hysterical. It was so loud, it bounced off the walls. It was so loud I felt he had surgically planted his voice box inside my head. He doubled over, slapping his knee, while I wriggled on the floor, desperately trying to peel the tape off of me. My knees felt sore from connected with the tiles and my wrist ached, as usual. He must have sprinted from my room as he was almost peeing with laughter at the top of the staircase.

"Should I put it on Youtube? Or just stick to Facebook?" He gasped through hysterics.

I froze. Slowly, I dragged my eyes to where he stood, video camera in hand. He was grinning from ear to ear, his cheeks flushed from laughter.

"I am going to kill you."

"Good luck catching me." He turned and took off up the stairs.

An enraged scream tore from my throat. I attempted to quickly detangle myself, but the faster I went, the more I got myself caught up. I wanted to cry. With tears of hot, fiery anger, that is. Exhaling slowly, I began to rip the tape from my skin, wincing as some of my arm hairs came out with it. Eventually, I got myself free of the tape. Gathering it up, with trembling hands, I deposited it into the bin. I was ready to explode.

Stomping up the stairs, I slowly walked toward his room. Dramatically, I kicked open the door. I stormed in, ready to unleash my fury, but he wasn't there. I heard another door open.

"Looking for me?"

Slowly, I turned. His head was in the doorway of my room. My bedroom. My teeth were grinding together painfully by this point.

"Hope you don't have anything too secretive in here." He said sweetly. "Would hate for me to find anything you don't want me to."

I took a step towards him and he disappeared back into my room, the door slamming. The sound of the lock clicking shut was sickening. I wanted to scream. I wildly turned around, scanning his room. He had somehow found time to clean it. He must have been planning this all day. His room was wiped clean. All the drawings and other items on his desk were gone. Only his usual, boring stuff lay were it usually was.

So, I did the only rational thing. I started to trash his room.

The rage hit me. Hard. I threw myself at his bed, ripping the cover off. I kicked out, knocking over his nightstand. His lamp toppled off it with a loud clatter, fortunately, not breaking. That hardly mattered to me right now. I swiped across his desk, sending his textbooks and school stuff flying off onto the floor. With my chest heaving, I wrenched his drawers open and began frantically throwing his clothes about like I was possessed.

Okay, this was immature but I was angry. I was going to be late to work because of this moron.

I spread his clothes around everywhere, not caring where they landed. Grabbing his leather work chair, I pulled it up, almost falling over with the weight of it. I lifted it above my head, just as he opened the door. His eyes were popping open.

"Faith," he said slowly, looking shocked I went that far. His tone was deep and laced with authority. He sounded like a police officer dealing with a dangerous criminal holding a weapon. "Put the chair down and step out of the room."

My breathing was ragged as I stood there. I needed to put the chair down. My arms were shaking with the effort of holding it above my head. Just as I went to lower it, I saw he had paper in his hand. I would recognise that signature, sloppy hand writing anywhere. That was a letter Jacob wrote to me after we broke up. I had blocked his number and all his accounts on social media. I hadn't left the house for a while so he thought writing me a letter was an appropriate means for communication.

It was a very personal letter. And he was reading it. My arms went slack. The chair dropped to the floor with a sickening thud. I felt a little dizzy as I stared at him. He was reading my letter. That contained a lot of things not many people knew.

"Did you read that?" My voice was so low, I hardly even heard myself.

"What?"

"Did you read my letter?" I asked, each word excruciatingly slow. Hot tears welled in my eyes. I felt sick.

He paused, his eyes darting to the paper in his hand. "I didn't get to the end-"

His words triggered my body. I propelled forward. By the time I reached him, he tried to step backwards, but it was too late. Our bodies slammed together. I didn't feel anything, I was that fuelled with anger. We fell fast to the ground. He reacted quickly, struggling underneath me. I landed a hit on his jaw, before he flipped me onto my back.

"Stop."

I kneed him. He groaned, rolling off of me. I clambered to my feet, ready to get him while he was down. Unfortunately for me, he was too quick. He was up on his feet almost before I was. I threw my fist forward, but he caught it. His warm fingers enveloped around mine. I didn't let his touch affect me. I threw my other hand up, but the attempt to hit was once again futile.

"I'm sorry," he breathed, surprising me. "I didn't know..."

"I hate you. I honestly hate you."

His jaw clenched. "It was meant to be a harmless prank-"

"Well you got me." I said through gritted teeth. "Congratulations."

"Are you still going to hit me?"

"I think so."

His grip around my fists tightened. "Breathe."

"No."

A flicker of a smile danced on his lips. "Well that won't help you in the long run..."

I wrenched my hands from his and slammed his chest. He staggered back. I went to push him again before he grabbed my waist and slammed my back against the wall. He pressed his entire body up to mine. My breathing so loud, it was all I could hear. My heart was slamming against my rib cage. My face was pressed against his defined chest.

"Stop." He said, his voice stern.

"No."

Grabbing my hands, he pulled them above my head. "Look at me."

"No."

"Is that the only word you're going to use?"

"No."

He breathed a laugh. The more he found this humourous, the angrier I felt. His knees wedged between mine to the point there was no space between us. Our bodies moulded together as if they were specifically designed to.

"Look at me." He whispered.

I titled my head back, meeting his eyes challengingly.

"I'm sorry I went through your room. I'm sorry I read the letter. I'm not Jacob. I wouldn't ever do to you what he did."

Suddenly, I was drained. I sagged back against the wall. My hands fell from his grip, limply landing by my side. I was too tired to fight him. He read it. It was too late to take that back now. No matter how good it would to feel to punch him (again), it wouldn't change that. His thumb began rubbing the exposed skin on my hip. He knew what he was going to do. He was going to try and kiss me. After what he just did. After what he just found out. After what he just said, he was going to go ahead and kiss me. And it would mean nothing.

I shoved him from me. He staggered back in surprise.

"Get out."

"Faith-"

"Get the hell out." I spat.

His hands were held up in some sort of a peace signal. He nodded in understanding, backing slowly out of the room. I think he was scared to turn his back on me, in case I went for him again. I still felt like it, but I was too tired. I had to get to work, although all I wanted to do was cry and curl up in a ball.

Xavier said he would get back at me for punching him.

He did. He got me where it hurts the most.

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What do you think Jacob did to Faith? Any ideas?

Love to know what you think!

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