Chapter 19: Chapter 19

"Jake's room?" Tobias asks me, stopping off at the top of the stairs.

"Can I bunk on your floor? I haven't spoken to Jake for hours and I don't want to be alone right now." I tell him. A heavy weight settles on my chest. Ivory's hurt face flashes through my mind, playing on a continue loop. I can't help but blame myself for upsetting the people who mean the world to me.

"You can stay in my room but you're not sleeping on the floor, take the bed." Tobias murmurs. We both shuffle towards the direction of the room and I breathe out a sigh of relief from having his support and company.

The last thing I want is to be alone right now.

"Thanks Tobias, you're a great friend," I tell him truthfully, feeling the back of my eyes prick with tears. I inhale deeply, forcing myself to stay strong, I can't remain an emotional unstable mess for the upcoming months. . . It isn't fair on the baby.

"Movie night?" Tobias chimes in. I turn to look at him and he smiles softly at me, his dark brown eyes warming. I nod my head, already beginning to feel better — "Yeah, movie night."

*****

"Pass me the popcorn," Tobias mumbles, nudging me softly in the ribs. I respond with an inhumane noise from having to share. Tobias turns to give me a weird look before taking the bowl from me.

We ended up throwing all of his blankets and pillows on the floor, creating a den of warmth and comfort. I'm propped up against several pillows, junk food surrounding me. A jar of Nutella is balanced in my lap and I take out a huge spoonful, eating it in one mouthful as I watch the movie. The light from the television illuminates the dark room, creating a soft glow around us.

"Who do you think murdered her?" I whisper out loud, staring at the television screen in suspense as the background music heightens.

"Isn't it obvious? It's her boyfriend." Tobias responds, taking a huge handful of popcorn before chowing down on it loudly.

"No way! He loves her!" I whisper-argue back, giving him a look of disbelief.

"He's possessive. Did you miss the entire start of the movie? A guy like that is capable of murder." Tobias explains, taking a swig from his can of beer.

"I think you're wrong. . . He's been trying to help find her killer this whole time."

"Emily, he's the main character. She's mysteriously murdered whilst on a romantic vacation for two? It's obvious." Tobias scoffs, running his hand through his dark hair and pushing it out of his eyes.

I open my mouth to protest, my eyebrows in a permanent frown when Tobias' doorknob turns. We both snap our heads towards the door simultaneously, eyes wide.

"Holy shit, it's the murderer." I whisper, talking out loud. I stare wide eyed at the door knob which continues to move side to side. Beside me, Tobias snorts with laughter —

"Or. . . It's Jake and Ivory? You know, the people we live with." Tobias hits back, pulling himself up off the floor. He walks towards it lazily, stretching his arms over his head.

"Did you lock the door?" I ask him.

"Yeah, it's a habit." Tobias shrugs, leaning over to unlock it. As soon as he does, the door swings open to reveal an angry Jake. His eyes roam the room before they fall on me and I watch him visibly breathe a sigh of relief. His posture remains rigid as he takes a step inside, blue eyes flickering between Tobias and I —

"What's going on here?" Jake demands, his voice wavering.

"We're watching a movie." I tell him, pointing at the television screen. Isn't it obvious? Jake ignores me and turns towards Tobias, his chest rising and falling with adrenaline —

"Why did you lock the door?" Jake questions.

"I'm a creature of habit," Tobias responds casually, placing his hands in his pocket and leaning back against the wall.

"You only ever lock the door when you're doing one thing Tobias. . . One thing. You always have done." Jake hits back at him, his words spoken warily.

"He hasn't done anything!" I cut in, throwing the blanket off me and standing up. I wince from the pain flaring up my stomach and I clutch my hand against it tightly.

"You're taking this the wrong way Jake," Tobias responds, one eyebrow raised at him. Jake takes a slow step forward, blue eyes burning brightly.

"Stay away from her."

Tobias' eyebrow shoot up at Jake's words and his eyes darken, growing dangerous. The frown lines in his face deepens and he pushes himself off the wall so the two of them are squared up against each other.

"Stay away from her? She needed a lift home from hospital, you asshole. If it wasn't for me, she'd be walking in the freezing cold because you can't man up and accept her decision." Tobias shoots back at him, his voice rising in anger.

Tobias reaches out and shoves Jake, his face flashing with anger. I take a step back because a reaction like this would usually result in Jake retaliating. Instead he remains frozen to the spot, his chest rising and falling as he breathes. He slowly turns towards me, his eyes filled with guilt and remorse. I release a shudder of a breath at the intensity in his eyes and he shuffles towards me, his hand outstretched.

"Is that what you think? That I don't respect your decision?" Jake murmurs. I take a step back, ignoring his outstretched hand towards me. Hurt flashes through his blue eyes and I feel a stab of pain at the sight of it.

"You left me with no explanation Jake. I haven't heard from you in hours."

"I needed space Emily, I've been out clearing my mind. I shouldn't have ignored your calls so I apologise for that. There's a chance I could be losing you Muffin and its breaking my heart but I respect your decision, I do." Jake pleads with me. I feel my eyes fill with unshed tears and I blink them back, pointing at Tobias' bedroom door.

"Well what was that with Ivory before? She completely ignored me and I've never seen her look so hurt." I ask him, my voice wobbling. Jake sighs, reaching up to run a hand through his hair.

"She's having a hard time accepting it but she'll come around." Jake tells me. I nod my head, reaching forward to take hold of his hand. He breathes a sigh of relief, pulling me towards him. I immediately bury my face into his chest, breathing in his scent. Despite seeing him this morning, I've missed his presence. Jake holds me tightly, his breathing laboured.

"I'm so sorry." He mumbles, his words spoken in a hushed whisper.

"You won't lose me." I mumble into his shirt, trying to re-assure him. He tenses slightly underneath me, his arms tightening around my small frame —

"Don't promise me that Emily."