4 CHAPTER 4

J A K E

"How could you take your eyes off of her, especially after I told you not to take her in the first place!" I growled at my brother.

"I didn't mean too. And I thought that she would be able to handle herself" he whispered.

"You have known her for 3 days. How are you going to know how she handles alcohol?" I bit out.

"Elouise told me she is normally fine. She handles her alcohol well" he defended. He really thinks that after 3 days he knows this girl well. He doesn't and that's obvious. She shouldn't have been left alone, she shouldn't have even gone.

"I need to cool down" I mumbled and darted out of my room and down the stairs towards the front door.

I head towards a small playground a couple of blocks away from the house and after 5 minutes I finally reach my destination. I can't believe that my best friend could do something like that. Cassidy may not be my favourite person but she definitely didn't deserve to have something so demoralising happen to her.

My phone ringing pull me out of my thoughts and I look down to see who was ringing me. Aiden. I immediately decline the call and turn my phone off. Why does that bastard think that I will actually want to speak to him. After another hour of sitting there in silence, I decided it was best to start heading home.

I start walking to my bedroom as soon as I get in, just wanting to sleep, but I stop outside Cassidy's door. Something was willing me to check up on her, to make sure that she wasn't physically hurt, and so I did. I quietly opened her bedroom door, walking inside and shutting it again.

Cassidy lay asleep in her bed, a frown on her face and only half the covers over her. I walked over to the bed and stood there watching her. I know its creepy but she looked so scared laying there.

"I promise you Cassidy, I won't let him hurt you again" I whispered, tucking her hair behind her ear. I pulled away and hastily left her room. I think I just need to sleep.

The next morning I wake up earlier than usual, around 8 am. My phone buzzes constantly from my bedside table. I reach for it and see that everyone is talking in the group chat.

Elliot - Anyone know if Cassidy got home alright last night?

Carver -She didn't seem well last night

Ellie – Yeah, it was strange. She normally handles her alcohol well. Hope she is safe.

Bro – I brought her home. Let me add her to the group.

*Cassie added*

Me – Meet up at the café. I'll bring Cassidy, she needs cheering up

I get up and walk across the hall to the bathroom to shower. I stop by Cassidy's door, debating whether or not I should check on her, but decided against it.

I took my time in the shower, thinking about the everything that had happened the night before. How was my best friend capable of such a thing? I should have made sure that Cassidy didn't go. Or at least have gone myself. I can't even imagine how Josh was feeling about all of this.

"Jake hurry up would you" Josh shouts from the other side of the door, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"One second" I shouted back and turned off the shower. "Is Cassidy awake?" I asked.

"Yeah, I just want to check on her. She ain't herself Jake" he replied.

"Would you be okay if something like that happened to you?" I asked opening the door.

"Hell no, I just don't want Cass to think it was her fault. She needs all of our support" Josh mumbled before pushing past me and into the bathroom. As I passed by Cassidy's door, I heard the faint sound of 5 Seconds of Summer playing and the shower running. That girl loves that band more than anything. I quickly scurried back into my room to get ready for going out. I decided on a pair of black skinny jeans and a plain white top.

Twenty minutes later all three of us were ready and climbing into my car.

"Will Aiden be there" Cassidy's timid voice broke through the awkward silence.

"Not if he knows what's good for him he won't" I growled. I could stand the though of that boy right now, and I honestly don't know what I would do if I saw him.

"I haven't told Elouise yet. I don't know if I can face them" her voice breaks as she speaks.

"We will be with you the entire time Cass. Jake and I aren't going anywhere" Josh turned around to comfort the scared girl. I hated seeing Cassidy this way, don't get me wrong, it's not because I care for her, but because no one deserves to go through that no matter what.

"We're here" I say and quickly jump out of the car. I walk into the café and look around for my friends. I spot them in our usual spot, but what makes me stop in my tracks was the cocky, smirking idiot that was also sitting at the table.

"Josh" I heard Cassidy gasp behind me. She had obviously seen who was at the table. I turned back to face Cassidy, seeing the horror and terror on her face.

"He can't do anything if we are here Cass, we won't let him" I reassure her, although from the look on her face, I don't think it worked.

Awkward silence engulfed us as we sat down, everyone looking at Cassidy.

"Hey guys" I said after a while.

They all snapped out of their trance, realising we were sitting in front of them.

"Cass, what happened last night? You disappeared without telling me where you were going" Elouise asked. I looked over at Josh not knowing what to do, but his face was ghostly pale.

"Josh, you okay mate" Aiden asked with a grin on his face.

"You know he isn't, but why don't you tell everyone why he isn't huh" I snapped. His face drops. A small hand wrapped itself around my arm and pulled my attention away from everyone else's confused faces. Cassidy looked like she was about to breakdown.

"Aiden, what is Jake talking about?" Elliot asked.

"Nothing. Listen I gotta go, i'll see you later" Aiden rushes out before getting up from the table and running out of the café.

"Jake, what's going on?" Michael asked. I looked down at Cassidy, telling her we need to tell them. She shakes her head vigorously, terrified to let this secret out.

"Seriously guys, what is going on. Did something happen last night?" Elouise asked and just like that, Cassidy was in tears.

"Cass, you need to tell them" I tell her.

"No, you don't" Josh butts in.

"Cassidy, its for the best" I reassure her.

"You don't have to do anything you dot want to-

"What is going on! Cassidy?" Elouise interrupts. Cassidy slips her hand into mine before looking at the group.

"L-last night, A-aiden h-he took advantage of m-me. H-he drugged me a-and h-hurt m-me" she sobbed. No one said anything.

"What" Elouise exasperated. I felt Cassidy trying to get up so I pulled her body into mine and let her cry into my chest.

This could be a very long recovery.