Merry Christmas my little bears!!!

You didn't think I wouldn't post a chapter on Christmas did you?! This time last year I posted a chapter for A Quarter Mile Away, have to keep with the tradition!

To all my aussies, I hope you had a beautiful Christmas Day. To my international babes who are a day behind, I hope you enjoy it! Stay safe!
Love you - Claire

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My eyes widened as I looked at the last photo, I couldn't move past it. I tried to look up at Jaxon but I couldn't. I was stuck on the photo that was taken only a meter away from where I slept. I swallowed the lump in my throat as my eyes began to water. I didn't want to cry. I couldn't break down now because then he wouldn't tell me the whole story. I took a deep breath as I lifted my head up to look at him. It was at that point that I finally took in his face. His face was full of concern as he bit on his bottom lip, no doubt regretting showing me these photos.

"Thank you." I whispered as I gave him his phone back.

"Are there messages along with these photos?" I asked.

I watched as he kept biting on his bottom lip, no doubt contemplating my question. He licked his lip before shaking his head.

"I don't understand." I said, shaking my head.

"Don't understand what?"

"Why would he just send the photos to you with no message or warning? That's not like him." I said as my eyes creased a little.

Jaxon let out a sigh that had a hint of annoyance in it, "Okay, there was a message. I just don't think you need to know about it. The photos were enough."

"Tell me, Jaxon." I said sternly.

"Fine. He said that if I got near you again he would make me regret it, that he would film the whole thing and blast it to the world." Jaxon stayed through gritted teeth.

"He said that when he sent me the photo of you sleeping in the hospital. I couldn't bare to think of the things he would do to you, so I ended it with you. I would rather you have a broken heart than to end up hurt worse, had I ignored his threat." He added.

My stomach turned at the thought of that. What made it worse was how oblivious I was because of all the pain killers they had me on, pain killers that knocked me out throughout the night. Just thinking about the possibility of him taking advantage like that made me want to throw up.

"Im sorry. I shouldn't have showed you." He whispered, lowering his head in shame.

I leaned forward and grabbed hold of his hand, "I'm glad you did. But, why now?"

"Drew knocked some sense into me. He made me realise that I was letting Noah win. I gave him full control of the both of us and he was taking advantage of it."

He let out a sigh as he leaned forward to place his other hand on top of mine, "I couldn't bare for you to think that I didn't care for you. I know now that the biggest mistake I made was letting you go."

My eyes creased in confusion, "I don't get it, aren't you afraid that he would find out and then do something?"

He shook his head instantly, "No, we have a plan in place. He knows we are ready for him. If he was really watching. He would know that."

"Who is we and why do you keep throwing that word around?!" I asked

"Me, Isaac, Lucas and Drew."

"They know?!" My voice raised in shock as my eyes widened in horror.

"They do."

"Why did you tell them?!" I asked, pulling my hands out from his grip.

"I had to! I wasn't going to let him win! I won't let him win. It's about time we started fighting. He is outnumbered!" He said as his voice raised in anger.

"When did you tell them?"

"The night of the race. I told Isaac first at the beginning of the night, then we told Lucas and Drew. Worst timing on my part, because I forgot Drew didn't know that you race." He said, chuckling lightly at himself.

"What do you mean?" I asked as my eyebrows creased in confusion.

He shook his head lightly, "Drew went into panic mode because he thought Isaac left you home alone and was going to leave. We told him that you had your friends over so you weren't alone."

I let out a sigh as I chuckled, placing both hands over my face.

"What's wrong?" He asked, worry evident in his tone.

"He asked what I did that night. At first I told him I was alone, but when I saw the way he went into a panic I quickly lied and said I had friends over."

"Oh, thank God." Jaxon said as he sighed out in relief.

"You guys can't keep doing this behind my back!" I forced the words through gritted teeth.

"I swear, there isn't anything else. I meant what I said. No more secrets anymore." He said, grabbing my hand to hold.

"I know I've just bombarded you with a lot of information right now, but I still want to talk about us."

I looked up into his eyes as he said those words. It was happening, we were finally going to have this conversation. A conversation I have been wanting to have for quite some time now.

"What about us?" I asked.

"Would you guys like anything else?" The waiter asked, who appeared out of nowhere. I smiled before shaking my head.

"I'll grab you the bill then." He said, smiling at me before walking away. When I looked back at Jaxon he didn't have an amused look on his face. It was comical how alike we were at this very point. I watched as Jaxon looked around before redirecting his attention to me.

"I want you back." He said with no hesitation.

"It's not that simple Jaxon. I get why you did it but you still hurt me. You were so quick to drop it all." I said, shaking my head sadly.

He let out a sigh as he leaned forward, "I know. I will always feel like shit for it but I want to make it up to you."

"How do I know you aren't just going to run again when it gets tough?"

He licked his lips before shaking his head, "I'm not going anywhere. That I can guarantee."

I hadn't planned on having this type of conversation. I guess I was naive when I thought about what we would talk about. Him simply stating he wanted me back with no hesitation was a lot to take in. I wanted nothing more than to pick up where we left but I had trust issues now, more so than ever. I was hella scared about going back into this relationship. What if Noah did something that was on a whole 'nother level and Jaxon couldn't handle it? Would he run again? It was easier to say no but when the going actually got tough. Would he stay?

I knew I had a lot to think about, but I also knew I was in no position to agree to anything right now. I needed time to think where I didn't have the influence of his eyes or smile.

"I don't know, Jaxon." I whispered as I lowered my head.

He grabbed lightly onto my hand before lifting it up to kiss the back of it, "I'm willing to wait. I'll fight for us again, just give me a chance."

I closed my eyes for a few seconds, it was all too much to take in. I definitely needed the time to think.

"I need time to think about- us." I said as I looked into his eyes.

He gave me a sad smile, "I understand."

I went to open my wallet but chuckled when I heard Jaxon clear his throat. I looked into his eyes and saw him looking at me one eyebrow raised. Rolling my eyes I nodded, "I know. I know. How could I, right?"

"One day you'll get it right." He said as he placed $20 into the bill folder before getting up and then reaching out to help me out of the booth. I smiled at him as I took his hand. He kept holding onto my hand as we walked out of the cafe and to be honest, I didn't mind. It felt nice to hold his hand again, it felt perfect.

I shook my head lightly, I was starting to get a migraine because I was so confused. I didn't know what to do. Was I ready to get back with Jaxon?

When we reached my car, I turned to lean on my door so that I could face him. He placed one hand above my head where my car's roof was. I looked up into his eyes and my heart skipped a beat. I knew I needed to leave but I was stuck in place.

"Just have a think about it but I'm not going to give you up." He said with such confidence in his voice. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around him and kiss him right then and there. But, I had a point to prove. He couldn't just click his fingers and everything happens the way he wants. He had to fight for this, fight for us. He was going to have to earn my trust again.

"I will, I just don't want to rush into things. Thanks for tonight Jaxon." I responded before turning to open my car.

He stopped me in my tracks before leaning closer, "Avery, I wake everyday to see the sunrise and the sunset."

I smiled before looking away. I didn't want to admit but he was close enough that I could smell his cologne. I also didn't want to admit that I had no idea regarding why he was telling me this.

Jaxon let out a chuckle before shaking his head lightly, "You don't get it. Avery, the sun sets and rises with you."

My head whipped back to face him, I stared into his big brown eyes. My face started to warm up as his words sunk in. I was the reason for him getting up everyday? Something told me he wasn't just saying this for the sake of saying it.

I cleared my throat as I looked away to hide the blush, "uh- Thanks again for tonight." I said before I looked back into his direction.

My eyes closed as I felt his lips touch my temple, before he whispered against the side of my face, "Message me when you get home, so I know you made it home safe."

"I will." I managed to whisper. I smiled at Jaxon as he held open my door for me, before closing it once I got in. He tapped the window so I rolled it down and waited as he leaned over it,

"Despite the secret I kept, I had my reasons because I thought I was protecting you. Avery, I'm not like him."

"I know you aren't, Jaxon." I whispered as I smiled weakly at him.

He lightly patted the roof just as he walked off to his car. I made my way out and began driving home. I couldn't help but think about everything Jaxon said. Was I ready for this? Last time, I said I needed closure from the other men in my life and yet I've made no progress at all. My thoughts were interrupted at the sound of my phone. My breath caught in my throat when I saw the message on my screen.

Thu, May 19, 10:43 PM
Noah: Changing your number won't get rid of me.

I almost let out a chuckle because I should have known that he would find out sooner or later. Maybe this was a sign from God, my one opportunity. I knew my dad was going to be work but I could at least get closure from Noah. If I'm careful in my plan then I know this will work. Not thinking twice, I pulled up on the side of the road before unlocking my phone.

Thu, May 19, 10:48 PM
Me: I'm willing to meet up at a cafe to settle this and put this behind us.

I hope I made the right decision.

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A/N: Hopefully I can get one more chapter posted before the New Year!

Next Chapter: Avery and her friends organise a day out. Should she invite Jaxon along?