Chapter 26: Chapter 26

I leave Tobias' room with him trailing behind me. When I enter the living room, Jake is sitting on the edge of the couch, his leg bouncing up and down in anticipation. Upon noticing me, he smiles, reaching out. I take hold of his hand and take a seat next to him, resting my head on his shoulder. He turns to look at me, blue eyes searching mine —

"Is everything okay?" He whispers, waiting for my response before acknowledging Tobias. I nod my head firmly, giving him a reassuring smile.

"We talked it out, everything is fine." I respond. His body visibly relaxes and he leans forward, lips pressing against mine. I kiss him back slowly, melting away any underlying fear or concerns he may have. I know his trust has been betrayed in the past regarding Violet but I'm proud of the way he handled the situation tonight. It's a far step from the way past Jake would have handled it.

Tobias clears his throat from behind us and I pull back, turning around to give him an apologetic look.

"Sorry T, didn't mean to shove our PDA down your throat."

I feel Jake's arm circle around my waist from behind and he gently pulls me against his body, nestling his head in to the crook of my neck.

"He's used to it," Jake whispers, kissing my neck softly. I gently nudge him away, widening my eyes at him. Jake sighs in defeat and turns towards Tobias -

"Sorry Tobias." Jake murmurs, his words barely audible.

"What was that? I didn't hear you properly," Tobias responds, raising his brow at Jake's inability to apologise properly. The boy has too much pride.

"Jheez, I'm sorry!" Jake repeats, louder this time. He sighs and lets go of me, walking towards Tobias and holding his hand out. Tobias pauses for a moment before he rolls his eyes and takes Jake's hand in his. They both shake hands, a sign of peace settled between them.

"Sorry about Jane man," Jake says, pulling him into a hug and slapping him on the back. A look of hurt flashes through Tobias' eyes at the mention of Jane but he quickly masks it over.

"I'll be alright, I always am." He mutters in response, letting go of Jake and settling himself down onto the couch. Jake turns towards me, giving me a questionable look and I know exactly what he's thinking. Tobias doesn't know that Jane has already moved on with a boy and cheated on him in the process.

"Erm, T-Tobias?" I murmur uneasily, feeling my nerves rise to the surface. Tobias looks up from his phone. I don't want to do this but he deserves to know.

"Yeah?" He asks, his eyes flickering between Jake and I. As soon as he notices the uneasiness between us both, he frowns deeper and leans forward.

"What's wrong?"

"Well..." I trail off, my voice quiet and low. I can't physically get the words out of my mouth, knowing the devastating effect it would have on him. He's already heartbroken from the news that Jane is leaving him and I don't want to be the one to pick up a piece of his shattered heart and stab him with it again.

Jake sighs beside me and walks towards Tobias, taking a seat next to him. He places an arm around his shoulder, pulling him gently towards him.

"Has someone died?" Tobias asks, his eyes full of confusion.

"Someone might die," Jake mutters, knowing Tobias will probably plan a funeral for both Jane and Dylan once he finds out.

"Can one of you just tell me what the hell is going on?" Tobias says, glancing between Jake and I. Jake let out a heavy sigh, closing his eyes.

"Jane was cheating on you, she's already with someone else." Jake reveals quietly, his voice apologetic and sincere. I watch as Tobias' whole body stiffens, his eyes turning emotionless. He slowly turns towards Jake, his cheeks draining of their usual colour.

"She cheated on me?" He asks quietly, his voice shaking with anger. I notice his hands clench up into tight fist's and his leg begins bouncing up and down. Jake nods slowly, wincing slightly.

"With who?" Tobias snaps, yanking Jake's arm off his shoulder and standing up. His shoulders square up in defence mode and I know he's furious. His balled up fists begin twitching and from my experience with both of the boys, I know he's on the verge of lashing out.

"Tobias, calm down." I murmur, walking towards him to comfort him. He whirls round, dark eyes zoning in on me with a blazing fury —

"Calm down? You want me to calm down? Are you crazy?" Tobias yells at me and I widen my eyes at him, taking a step back. I immediately silence, my eyes drifting to the floor.

"Get away from her, now. Do not be angry at the wrong person here Tobias. Remember who you're speaking to." Jake snaps, standing up off the couch and putting himself between Tobias and I. He's glaring at Tobias threateningly, his eyes narrowed into two dangerous slits.

"Who is he?" Tobias yells at Jake, completely ignoring his last comment. Jake shakes his head in anger before turning towards me instead.

"Are you okay Muffin?" He asks me quietly and I nod silently, shocked from Tobias' dangerous tone.

"His name is Dylan, that's all we know." Jake snaps back at Tobias, taking hold of my hand. Before we leave, Jake turns towards Tobias, his tone low.

"Don't scream at her like that ever again or you'll be sorry."

Jake guides me out of the room but before I go, I turn around and connect eyes with Tobias. He appears enraged, his chest rising and falling heavily. I want to walk over and comfort him because I know he's hurting but I also know the anger is still fresh.

"I want to help you Tobias but I'm pregnant. I have to think about my safety first." I tell him quietly. A darkness flashes through his eyes and he takes a step forward, immediately alerting Jake who stands beside me protectively.

"You think I'd hurt you?" Tobias responds, hurt filling his features. I shake my head —

"Not intentionally." I tell him before I leave the room with Jake. As soon as we're out of there, the sound of Tobias' frustrated yells fills the air followed by furniture smashing. He begins lashing out, destroying everything within his reach to make up for the despair and pain he's feeling inside.

I release a small sigh, hating that he's hurting right now. Another loud bang fills the air and I jump, snapping my head towards the closed door.

"He'll calm down soon," Jake reassures me, guiding me up the stairs. I nod slowly —

"Lets hope so before he destroys the entire house." I murmur in response. I pause halfway up the stairs, turning to look at the door.

"We should intervene, stop him from hurting himself."

"He's a big boy Emily, he can handle himself and like you said, you have to think about your safety first." Jake responds, taking my hand. I nod because I know he's right but it doesn't help the guilt settled inside my stomach.