Hi there! So, I got it out today! Woo! It's a lot longer than my last 2 chapters as well. I'd love feed back if you are reading this. Even if it's bad. I need to know what is good and what isn't so I can make this book better. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read this.

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We're sitting in the car and singing along to the song on the radio. "I DON'T CARE, I LOVE IT!!!!" Emma practically shouts at the top of her lungs, her smile is contagious. I sing along with her and then suddenly everything goes silent and still and loud and crazy all at once. I never even saw the car coming; there wasn't a car on the road. I know there wasn't.

Everything is black, I slowly come to and everything is shaking around me. Or maybe it's just me. Then I hear the sirens. I try and move but I think my leg might be broken. My arm and head hurt too. I look to my right. Where is Emma? I look in the back seat. I look everywhere I can see. She's gone. No, no. "EMMA, EMMA!!!" I'm frantic as the paramedics get to me. "My sister, my sister she was in the car too!!" They try to calm me but I continue to yell.

I Jump up in the bed. I hadn't had that dream in months. It must have been seeing my parents last night. I look at the clock, 2:00 am. I curl my legs up to my chest and cry. I should have been paying attention to the road. Why didn't I see the car? My sobs get louder and I briefly wonder if anyone else can hear me before I can't think straight anymore.

My alarm goes off at 5:00 am, and I've only been back asleep for an hour. I groan turning it off. I wish I could just stay home today. I rub my eyes and look at my phone, I could call Angie, I'm sure she would let me. I can't do that, I can't mope. But my body wants me to mope. I stare at my phone, hoping it will tell me what to do. When it rings I jump throwing it across the bed. And then I hurry to get it.

"Hello," I start, having to clear my throat a few times. I'm sure you can tell I've been crying.

"Hey Hal, bad news, the breaker is blown and we won't be open until later this morning." There is someone talking behind Angie. "Oh what? Ok... well, now they are saying it'll be early afternoon. So I guess you have the day off. Go back to bed sweetie!" I can feel my whole body relax.

"Thank you Ange, I will try."

The next time I wake up its later, I'm not sure what time but someone is beating on my door. I jump up wrapping my blanket around me I walk slowly to the door. "I'm coming!" I shout, angry to be woken up again. I slam the locks open and pull the door with too much force. "What?!" I don't hide my hostility. Benjamin is standing in front of me with coffee and a bag of something. He looks sheepish and rubs his neck.

"Um, sorry. I went down to Angie's and she said you didn't work because of some problem; I thought you might be up and want some coffee. I'm sorry I should go." he steps back and I shake my head.

"Oh no you don't, you pound on my door, wake me up, and try to leave with the coffee?" I open my door wider and usher him inside. I look down and my eyes widen. "I...um... let me go change." I run from the room into mine. I can't believe he saw me like this. All I have on is a tank top and short shorts with a thin sheet around my waist. I change into some sweats and throw on a tee shirt.

He's sat out a couple donuts and some fruit beside the coffee. "I didn't know how you drank your coffee, so I just got it black." I smile grabbing the sugar from the kitchen.

"Good, I like it black, with sugar." I grin dumping way too much sugar into my cup and close it back up. Taking a small drink I close my eyes. "Just what I needed." I take my hair down from its messy, slept on bun and redo the bun so that it's up higher on my head. He hands me a donut and I take a bite. "So what made you want to bring me breakfast?" He stills and takes a deep breath.

"Well... look I'm sorry I shouldn't have...but you know... I ..." he sighs and looks down at the ground. "When I got in last night I heard you crying in here. I know that's horrible, I wasn't trying to listen." My eyes get big and I curl my legs up to me. I guess that answers if people can hear me.

"Oh, I'm sorry... I, well I had a bad dream... I'm sorry; I hope I didn't keep you up." I can feel my whole body heat up. I'm so embarrassed I could cry again. I bite my lip to keep the tears at bay. I can't let him see me; he already heard how bad I was last night. He takes my hand slowly and looks into my eyes.

"Hallie, I just wanted to make sure you were ok, I know I don't know you well, but you seem like a really sweet girl. You can talk to me if you want to." And looking into his eyes, I know he knows. He either heard it from someone or looked it up. But he knows about my sister. I pull my hand from his and shake my head.

"Nothing to talk about." He looks lost and he can tell by my tone I'm done with this conversation. I stand "I'm sorry, I have some things I need to get done. Maybe I'll see you around later?" He looks like I kicked his puppy.

"Oh, ok yeah, sure. I'm sorry." he grabs his stuff leaving the food on the table and bolts out the door. I close it behind him and sag against it. It's all been pity. He never liked me. I grab my phone and keys and head out to my car, I have nowhere to go, but I have to get away.

I find myself on the road the wreck happened on and slow down and make my way to the spot and stop on the side of the road. I get out and walk to the little cross on the road. I sink down onto my knees and let my tears fall again. I'll never get over this.

The next 2 weeks pass quickly. Benjamin and I seem to be trying to avoid each other. I haven't seen him since that morning. I park my car and grab my purse, heading into the building, looking down, and run right into someone's chest. Before I look up I know its Ben, his smell is his alone. His hands wrap around my arms steading me. "Watch where you're going there speedy." He laughs. Once I get my footing I step back out of his arms.

"Sorry Ben. I really need to watch where I walk." I can tell he wants to say something but instead he smiles.

"No problem, I'm like a brick wall, you can huff and puff but you can't knock me down." I let loose a very un-ladylike snort and his laugh is rich and low when he hears it.

"I'm really sorry about the other morning Ben, I just don't like talking about her." He looks everywhere but my face.

"Don't Hallie, I understand. But I am here if you need a talk, or a help up." He ruffles my hair and I send him a glare. "Oh, you are so scary, like a Chihuahua." I press my lips into a thin line. "Well, I'm off to check on my shop. Maybe you'll run into me again later." I roll my eyes.

"Bye Ben." he waves and gets in his truck.

When I get back upstairs I want to bake something. So I get the stuff together to make my homemade chocolate chip cookies; my mother taught me how to make them when I was really young. After they are in the oven and I see that I've made a million cookies I decided to give some to Ben. I find a note pad.

'Oh my white knight, thank you for making sure this maiden didn't fall on her face. I have a prize for you, it rhymes with bookies. -H'

I grin and go and slip it under his door. Coming back into the kitchen I take out the cookies and set them to cool. I turn off the oven and grab a couple still hot. Walking into my room and flop onto the bed, Benjamin has made me miss friends again. I pick up my phone and stare at it, 5:12pm. I lay back and close my eyes; maybe a nap is what I need.

When I wake, the sun is setting. I rub the sleep out of my eyes and head into the kitchen to figure out what I'm going to eat for dinner. Walking passed the couch I notice something on the floor by the door. It's a note. I can't help my grin.

'Dear fair maiden, I knocked twice with no reply, so I didn't know if you were out or asleep. This Knight loves things that rhyme with bookies. Please come bring them ASAP! -Ben'

I gather up a plate of cookies and walk next door, hoping he's still home.

An older woman opens the door and I'm taken aback. "Oh um, hi, is Benjamin here?" she smiles brightly at me, "Yes, of course he is." She turns her head back "Benji, you have a visitor." She waves me in. His apartment is much more like a home. He has pictures of his family around I realize this must be his mother. He walks into the room his hair is wet and he has his shirt in his hand. I gaze at his chest and abs and I'm sure my eyes look like saucers. He obviously works out. His grin lights up the room and he pulls the shirt over his head. "Are those my cookies?!" he eyes them.

I shake the plate at him. "All yours." He all but runs at me and grabs one and shoves it in his mouth before taking the plate and setting it on the counter.

"Mom, this is my neighbor, Hallie. Hallie, this is my mom." He nods at each of us. She smiles and takes my hand. "Call me Deborah."

"It's nice to meet you Deborah." He's already eating his third cookie. "Slow down Ben, you're going to choke."

He shakes his head at me. "No way, these are delicious. I hope you made more." His mom swats his hand. "Benjamin Bellini!" he rubs his neck.

"Sorry, but they are great. Thanks for them." His mom turns back towards me, "So, what did my son do to earn these cookies from a beautiful young lady." I shuffle on my feet looking down.

"She likes to run into people as she's walking, she doesn't watch where she is going." He answers for me. I laugh lightly. "Well, Hallie, as much as I love these cookies and your company, when you aren't trying to knock me over. My mother and I are going to have a mother-son date." Oh I can't handle how cute that is. And I tell him as much.

"That is the sweetest thing ever! You must be a mamma's boy!" he glares but it turns into a smile.

"He is my sweet boy!" she laughs, "Benji, I like this one, she's funny. You should bring her to Sunday lunch!"

"Yes, of course, the next Sunday you are off, you'll have to come to lunch. It's always a riot at my parents' house. Plus you've already met my sister, just my dad left to meet."

"Sure, I'll let you know when I'm off. I'll let you two go. Don't eat those cookies too fast; I don't have too many more at my place." He salutes at me with another cookie before it goes into his mouth as well.

Right before the door closes behind me I hear his mother, "Oh Ben, she's gorgeous. Please tell me you are more than friends." I freeze waiting for his reply.

"Mom, don't, you know I can't date her." My spirts fall, but at least I have a new friend still. As I open the door to my apartment it swings open with too much force and I look at my hand in confusion. It's shaking just slightly. I hold them together once I get inside my room and sit down on the floor. What is going on with me lately? I can think back to many times just the last month that my hands have done this. Maybe I need to go see a doctor. I stand once they have stopped and find something to eat before falling into bed.

I dream I'm standing on a tall hill. I look down and see my sister, looking up at me. "Emma" my voice drifts away with the wind. All the sudden the ground starts to shake beneath me. I look down at my hands and for once they aren't shaking. When I look back to my sister her face has morphed into an something other worldly.

I jump up, breathing hard. What was that dream about? Trying to get it out of my head I go to take a shower and get ready for another long day at the diner.

All through my double shift I can't get shake the bad feeling I've had since I woke up. As Angie and I close up she asks me what is wrong. I can't even tell her because I have no idea. I just shrug my shoulders and give her a tight smile. As I'm walking back to my apartment I can tell someone is watching me, so I pick up my pace. I'm pushed into a nearby wall just outside of the view of the street. It's dark and I can smell liquor in the air.

"Hi there Hallie, funny seeing you again." I try to focus on the man in front of me but he slams me against the wall again. I let out a big gush of air, and it keeps me from screaming. "Don't you remember me?" he says again and I finally get a good look at his face. It's James. He cups my chin, his palm just a hair away from my throat. I hold my breath worried about what he'll do next.

"Now listen, bitch, you will give me what I want. And I want you." His breath is hot and sticky and the hand that isn't holding my head grabs onto my lower thigh. And that finally gets me to move. I slam my foot down onto his, breaking his touch on my leg, trying to push him backwards. But he doesn't let go and his hand closes on my throat. "Oh, I do like it rough." He whispers into my ear as I grab his arm with both of my hands and push back on him. I start to panic; I can't remember anything my father taught me on how to defend myself. I start to shake and I feel like I'm having a panic attack. Not now, that's the last thing I need. I finally get myself to push one last time using the little strength I have left and he falls back hard onto the ground. His eyes are wide as he looks up at me and mine mirror his. I don't know how I did that.

"What was that?" he scoots back from me more as I take a deep breath and start running as fast as I can. Once I get to the apartment I run to the elevator pushing the button several times. "Open, open, open." I mumble trying to get to my room without breaking down. When the doors open Ben is standing there and I lose it. I drop down to the floor of the elevator and my tears start flowing.

"Hallie," he reaches down for me and I whimper. "What happened?" he steps back away from me and pushes the button for our floor. When we reach our floor he crouches down in front of me. "Hallie, we have to get into your apartment ok? Can I help you or do you want to get up yourself?" I slowly push myself up and walk slowly down the hall to my door, I fish out my keys but keep dropping them. Ben picks them up and opens the door for me. "May I come in? Or would you rather me leave?" he sets my keys on the table by the door and steps back out.

"Please come in." I whisper so softly I don't even know if he could hear me but he must because he comes back in and shuts my door. "What happened Hallie?" I sink into my couch and hold my neck. I can still feel his hand on my throat. He sits down on the floor in front of me and looks up at my face. "Did someone hurt you?" I nod my head.

"He grabbed me on the street. He tried to..." my voice gives out as a sob breaks out of me. "He grabbed my throat when I moved his hand off of my leg." Ben doesn't make a move to touch me. I can tell he knows I can't handle that right now. "I somehow knocked him back and then I ran."

His jaw clinches tight and I can see the anger coming off of him in waves. "Do you know who it was? Can you describe him?"

"Yes. He was in a class with me last semester. James... something." My whole body is shaking, and Ben stands up.

"Ok, first off, what do you need me to do? Call the police? Go find the douchebag? Get you some water." I shake my head hard.

"No, no he won't mess with me again. Don't call the police, and don't go get yourself hurt. Water would be nice though." He looks at me like he wants to protest. I can't call the police because then I'll have to try and explain what's going on with me, and I think I might be going crazy. He walks to the kitchen and brings me back a bottle of water from my fridge.

"You can't know he won't come back again. And believe me, he wouldn't hurt me." I see his eyes flash, and I know he wouldn't stop until that man couldn't walk again.

"It's ok Ben, I'll just start driving to work again, I used to but it's so close, walking seemed better." That seems to appease him a little and he nods and sits back in front of me again.

"Are you ok? Is there anything else I can do for you?" His eyes find mine and he doesn't let me look away. And I start to cry again. He reaches his hand out to grab mine but puts it back down again. I slide down onto the floor beside him because for once in a long time I need someone's touch, I need someone to tell me it's ok. I slowly rest my head on his knee that he has up, wrapping my arms around my own knees, pulling them to my chest and close my eyes. Tears still steaming down my face I suck in a breath. And he slowly starts to run his hands through my hair. "Hallie, I'm so sorry. What can I do?" I shake my head and slowly open my eyes to look at him.

"I don't know what else you can do. Thank you for this. For being here for me." my voice cracks. "I haven't had anyone be here for me in so long."

"Shh don't. I want to help Hal." I close my eyes back again and then he's pulling me to him he wraps his arms around me and rests his head on top of mine. I slowly wrap my arms around his chest and bury my face into him. I haven't had this kind of contact with someone in so long I forgot how nice it was. I can hear how awful my sobs sound but he just rocks me back and forth, whispering to me that everything will be alright.

When I wake up I'm on my couch. And for a moment I can't remember how I got there. Then everything comes back to me and I sit up looking around my living room. "Good morning sunshine." I jump turning around to look in the kitchen. Ben looks to be making breakfast. He smiles sheepishly. "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you. You fell asleep last night and I didn't want to let you wake up alone. I put you on the couch and slept on the floor. I should have asked I'm sorry." I'm already shaking my head.

"No, it's ok. Thank you. I needed that." And then I remember how much I cried all over him and turn red. He sees this and starts laughing.

"Oh no, don't be embarrassed now. I've got your snot all over me." He grins and brings me over some toast and scrambled eggs. "I took it upon myself to make us both some breakfast. I figured you owed me." I take the plate.

"I'll have to make some more cookies for you again." His eyes light up.

"Deal. Those were delicious. Actually just keep those coming, I'll be here any time you need for an unlimited supply of those." I can't help the giggle that comes out of me and the smile that takes over my face. "There it is, I've been hoping to see that smile. It's a nice sight to see." I look down at my plate taking a bite of my eggs. "So, you don't work today right? I want to take you somewhere." I cough a little.

"Yeah, of course, I'll have to shower before we go though." He's already eaten everything on his plate; I swear he must not chew.

"Sounds good, I have to go shower myself. I'll be back over here to get you in a few hours ok?" He puts his plate in the sink and walks back over to me and wraps me in a hug. "It's ok Hal." I sigh into him. "Now, take a shower, smelly." He smiles down at me and leaves me alone. I stand up and stretch. I can't believe the luck I got with my new neighbor. And he's gorgeous. I roll my eyes at myself and go to get ready.

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Again, thank you soo much for reading. It means a lot.

Xoxo,
Lacey