I looked around one more time as i walked home. Alone.

I had arrived to school in Justin's car so i had to leave mines home.

However, he had football practice and couldn't drive me back.

i was going to catch a ride with Beth but she left before i had a chance to. And i sort of failed to mention that to Justin, so here i am.

Walking home alone.

I was fine until a few minutes ago when i felt someone following me.

In fact, i could still hear the footsteps of someone but every time i would i turn around, no one was there.

I picked up my pace and rushed home.

<><><>

I sighed in relief once i made it back home and threw myself on the couch.

I was probably just being paranoid.

I shook off the thought and walked to the kitchen.

I took out a pop tart and went back in the living room, turning on the tv when someone knocked at the door.

I groaned and stood up.

I opened the door to a sobbing Elena, mascara running down her cheeks and staining her cheeks black.

I gasped at the sight of her and immediately pulled her in the house, closing the door behind us and turning around to hug her.

She sobbed on my shoulder and probably ruined the shirt with her makeup but i couldn't care less. Her tiny body shook as she hiccuped repeatedly and all i could do was stroke her head in what hopefully was comfort for her until her cries ceased.

"What happened?" I finally asked her once she pulled away and wiped her face.

"I need to tell you something." She choked out, sniffing.

"Okay, let's sit down." I told her as i led her to the couch. "What happened E? You're worrying me."

"Im sure you noticed how strange I've been acting lately." She struggled to say.

I nodded my head hesitantly, letting her know she could go on.

Though I hadn't commented much on it, Elena had been acting strange. Although Beth had enough personality to fill up a whole country, Elena's lack of presence at our usual hang outs did make a difference. She was always somewhere else, or couldn't hang out. When she was around, she was quiet and distant. I felt like a bad friend now, seeing the state the blond headed girl had been in this entire time and i didn't know.

I just assumed she needed her space. Gosh was i wrong.

"Sof...im in big trouble." She started, biting her lip anxiously as she looked around her in an almost paranoid state.

"What do you mean Elena?" My heart was beating fast, not knowing what my friend would say. What could it have been that would get her this scared? I questioned myself but could only wait patiently as the girl mustered up the courage to speak.

"I've been keeping a secret for the longest of times. And now..someone, I don't know who, is blackmailing me about telling everyone. A-and I don't want you to hate me but i cant-" She broke off into another sob and i stroked her hand as she tried to continue. "I cant keep it to myself any longer."

"You can tell me anything Lena, you know this." She nodded her head and took a deep breath to calm herself.

"I've been seeing someone." She started.

I tried not to react.

"Is.. is he from a bad crowd E?" I whispered and my shoulders slumped in relief at her head shake.

"Then what is it? Is he threatening you with anything?" I asked gently but inside i was fuming. Whoever this prick was, i would make sure to ruin if he did anything to hurt Elena. She was crying now harder than I've ever seen her.

Elena hesitated.

"No.."

"Then?"

"Im seeing a girl, Sofia." The room went silent as she looked down at her feet, picking at the skin around her nails.

My eyes widened in surprise.

This, I really didn't expect.

Elena must have misinterpreted my reaction because she immediately started rambling.

"You hate me don't you? Im sorry I didn't tell you Sofia but i was fearing well..this. And now you don't even want to be my friend anymore, I should've just stayed silent, im so st-"

I interrupted her by pulling her in a bone crushing hug.

She tensed for a second before hugging me back tightly.

"You're still my best friend Elena, I couldn't care less who you like." I smiled.

"Really?" She asked as she widened her eyes.

"Of course. Does your mom know?" I asked quietly.

Tears filled her eyes again as she shook her head.

"I just- I don't want to disappoint her." She whispered as her chin trembled. "I don't know how i would deal if my own family couldn't accepted me." She cried and i pulled her in another hug.

"Elena..i promise you that they will love you no matter who you like." I whispered to her, rubbing her back.

"I know." She swallowed hard.

"It's just..Sarah's parents didn't approve of us..they actually kicked her out. She's fine, she got her own apartment and stuff but..I've had one parent leave us. I can't have my mom abandoning me too." She explained.

"No offense, but your dad is an asshole." I assured her. "Your mom would never do that to you." She smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

"Yeah, you're right i'm just.. scared."

"So..her names Sarah huh?" I wiggled my eyebrows as i nudged her.

She laughed nodded her head.

"She's amazing, I can't wait for you to meet her." She smiled.

"I can't wait to meet her either." I grinned.

"It feels so good to hear you say that." She sighed as she lunged at me and  hugged me again.

We both fell on our backs laughing.

<><><>

"Do you thin Beth will ever forgive me for telling you first?" Elena asked.

"Uhm..probably.." I winced.

Elena groaned.

"I should have told the both of you at the same time." She face palmed.

"Hey, don't worry im sure she'll get over it." I smiled.

"Thank you lot Sofia. For everything, it all really means so much to me." She took my hand in hers.

"No need to thank me, you know im always there when you need me." I grinned.

"So..now that you told me, you wont start ignoring me again, right?" I asked.

"Sorry about that, i just didn't really know what else to do except hide from it." She explained.

"It's all good, as long as you're back."

"Alright, well i have to go." She said as she stood up and collected her stuff.

"Gotta prepare myself for the next..month really. It's gonna be a tough one." She said a she rubbed her forehead.

"Goodnight." I yelled at her retreating form.

I was about to turn on the TV when my phone rang.

I picked it up and frowned.

Unknown is calling..

"Hello?" I answered.

"Heyyy Sof," slurred the voice on the other line.

I sighed in disappointment as I recognized the voice oh so well.

"Are you drunk Alec?" I asked him.

"No! You are." He huffed defensively.

"Where are you? I'll come pick you up." I sighed in defeat.

He mumbled the party he was at and abruptly hung up.

<><><>

"You're so heavy." I huffed as he leaned all this weight on me.

"Im sowwy ." He pouted adorably.

"It's fine." I muttered as i dug my hand in his back pocket and opened his front door.

It was now 12 am, everyone was probably asleep.

I didn't want to disturb them by ringing the doorbell.

"Will you stay the night?" He asked as his eyes widened a fraction and his mouth parted.

The light was off and he was trying to see me better.

"Can't. We have school tomorrow." I explained.

"Please Sofia. I'll drive you back in the morning and you can get your school stuff then." He pleaded.

I hesitated.

"I just..i miss my best friend." He bit his bottom lip slightly. "You used to always stay over when i asked."

I sighed and placed him down on his bed once we finally made it up the stairs and into his room.

I then proceeded to take off his shoes and lay a blanket on him.

He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it somewhere in the room.

"So will you stay?" He asked hopefully.

"I don't know.." I answered.

He was still mad at me, although he didn't seem like it now, and if he saw me in the morning he would probably throw a fit.

"Please Sof. You always spend the night with him." Alec spat, venom lacing his words.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Im talking about Justin. He just waltzed back into our lives and..stole you from me!" Alec slightly shouted.

I place my hand on his mouth to quieten him.

"I don't belong to anyone." I hissed.

"No you don't." His eyes softened as i took away my hand. "But you were my best friend first. Now..you spend more time with him than you ever did with me.."

"Alec..." I tried to speak.

"I made one mistake Sofia and you immediately dropped me. But Justin practically ruined your life and as soon as he throws some pretty words at you, you immediately run into his arms like some..love sick puppy."

I sighed sadly.

"You don't understand Alec. I expected more from you. Ever since Justin came back you started acting like a completely different person." I stated. "And i didnt drop you. You're my best friend, I'll always love you."

He opened an closed his mouth, unsure of what to say.

"But you discarded me to the side and when you finally talk to me, it's to use me in some way. That hurt me..a lot." I explained.

He hung his head down; obviously ashamed.

"Im sorry. I don't know what the hell is wrong with me." He apologized.

"Forgive me?" He asked as he looked up at me.

I was a loss of words as i looked into his perfect hazel eyes.

How could anyone argue with him when he's looking at you like this?

I nodded my head silently.

"So will you stay?" He asked again.

I laughed and nodded my head.

"I'll stay." I smiled.

He smiled back before reaching over to the drawer next to his bed an pulling out a navy colored shirt.

"You can change into this. And take a pair of sweatpants from my closet, they'll do for the night." He offered.

I mumbled a thanks and went to change.

By the time i was back, Alec was half asleep.

"Goodnight Alec." I said as i leaned down and placed a kiss to his forehead.

I brushed a piece of his hair back and re adjusted the blanket so it covered his whole body.

He really is like a child when he's drunk. Atleast he's back this way.

I was going to turn around so i could sleep in Elena's room when he grabbed my hand.

"Where are you going?" He asked in his sleepy state.

"To Elena's room." I whispered.

"Why?" He asked in confusion.

"What do you mean why? Where do you expect me to sleep?"

"Here." He said in a 'duh' tone.

He sat up straight and patted the place next to him.

"Come on, get in." He motioned with his head.

"Alec-" i began to argue.

"Shut up and come to bed." He interrupted as he pulled my arm.

I landed uncomfortably on top of him.

I awkwardly rolled to his side and put a generous amount of distance between us.

I turned so he was facing my back.

Alec shuffled closer to me and pulled me closer to him by the waist.

We're spooning.

Alec Adams is spooning me.

I silently squealed inside my head as he placed a gentle kiss to my neck and mumbled a 'goodnight'.

I mumbled one back and moved a little so i was more comfortable.

After a few silent moments, sleep over took me.

<><><>