I watched the clock as the hours dragged by. With each tick, my anxiety grew until I thought I would scream. I felt like something was lurking behind me, but when I checked, nothing was there. Three a.m. became four and then five. Six o'clock crept ever closer, and I still couldn't sleep. My nerves were shot after stumbling across that gruesome scene and seeing the ones who ran the club trying to cover it. It all had taken a toll on me.

At first, I attempted to reason my way out of the situation. I needed an explanation, unwilling to accept the notion of insanity. My mental state seems stable. I have never experienced an episode that made me doubt the validity of my reality.

Well, not until now, anyway. But it would be better. I mean me going through a mental breakdown instead of a woman being murdered. Unfortunately, the mental breakdown came afterward for me. And it was a quiet one. I didn't want to wake anyone and have to answer their questions, so I steeled myself. Trying to calm down.

My heart pounded fiercely, beating the life out of me and shaking my rib cage as if it wanted to escape. I was desperate for an outlet, yet all I could do was sit silently and feel the pain building inside me. The woman's death was vicious, violent, and cruel. It seared into my mind like an unforgettable scar.

I don't think her family will find out what happened. It looked like the big man wouldn't go to the police. Still, seeing how angry he was with her death was reassuring. If my guess was right and he was in charge, he didn't want her to die.

Vincent was truthful in everything he said too. He didn't say much, but anything he did say was true. When he said it would be better to make me forget he wasn't lying. This strengthened my belief that he held this weird power to do just that.

I didn't know what was going on. The only thing that was clear is that the people who run this club are different. It got me curious, but at the same time, I didn't want to go near the place ever again. Another thing that really bothered me was how they treated the woman's death. It wasn't the fact that she's been murdered that scared them, but who did it, which is fair enough. Yet, it seems like they weren't even interested in the fact a woman just died inside their club.

"When did you get home? I haven't heard you coming to bed". To say I jumped out of my skin would be an understatement. Thank god I managed to keep my voice down and not scream. Jaron was looking at me with his big blue eyes, so much like my own eyes.

I met his gaze, trying to come up with something to say. "Earlier, I was so exhausted that I passed out on the couch," I finally uttered. Hoping my voice didn't give me away. "are you... ok?" Jaron asked. "yeah, of course, just tired. And well, I know what I was getting myself into, so it's fine," I answered. Jaron just nodded and went toward the kitchen.

A loud grumble echoed from my stomach, reminding me I hadn't eaten since yesterday's lunchtime. Had it only been one day? Seemed like forever ago. I quickly prepared a cereal bowl and sat next to Jaron.

"Do you have any big tests or anything today at school?" I queried. Jaron gave me a sidelong look that seemed to say, 'I wasn't asking for small talk.' I understood but still wanted to make conversation, so I jumped on the chance.

"Nope, just the same old school routine," he said. I took a few spoonfuls of cereal while thinking of something more interesting. "I'll probably be smelling like dish soap if I keep up with this job," I joked and laughed. Jaron merely nodded his head in agreement as he finished his breakfast.

It was worth a shot. It's amusing that I almost forgot about the awful picture I saw earlier today in less than sixty seconds. He distracted me from my worries by giving me more problems to think about. But still managed to distract me.

I got ready for the school day. Hunter wasn't picking us up today. He had an early start. Jaron was no longer in the house as I stepped out of my room and onto the stairs. As usual, he doesn't say a word before leaving. Grandma is still sound asleep. So now I'm alone again. Just my swirling thoughts and me. I had another shift at the club today. Every rational thought discouraged me from going to that shift. I really didn't want to go back there. But if I didn't go, they'll suspect something. They weren't stupid.

I don't want them to start asking questions. They have my address. What if they decide to come here and... no. I need to stop thinking about it. I glanced down at the envelope Vincent gave me last night. I haven't even counted the money yet. Didn't touch it. It felt so wrong all of a sudden to accept money from them.

My hands trembled as I opened the envelope and peered inside. There were crisp, new bills stacked neatly, much more than we had agreed upon. Was it a bribe? To something they think I'm not going to remember? Well, maybe Vincent felt bad for me. I took some of the money to buy groceries after school. The rest I left for Grandma to use however she saw fit.

I left her a note and a text for when she'll wake up. Then, ensuring I didn't forget anything, I started walking to my school. I didn't want to think of anything. If I do, I'll go mad. So I put on some headphones and tried to focus on the songs. Putting only happy pop songs to numb anything else inside my brain.

At least the walk to school was quiet. When I made it to school, I wasted no time heading straight to my first-period class, history. By the time I had taken a seat next to Rid, the lack of sleep from the night had finally started to catch up with me. I smiled at him. "Good morning," I said. "Hey," Rid replied and smiled back at me.

"Did you finish the paper?" he asked. I did, last night, just before a woman was murdered in front of me. Or close to me, at least. "Yeah, it wasn't easy, but I'm free of it now." Rid nodded. "You're right. I still have some work left on mine. I was too busy with some painting again. Sometimes I just get lost in those," he mumbled at the end.

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll finish it in no time." The teacher threw us a glance, so we stayed quiet for the rest of the class. I was very focused on the somewhat dull lecture. I refused to let my mind wander for even a second. I felt like I was acting in a movie. Trying to look and sound normal as if nothing happened.

But it had happened, and I couldn't simply ignore it. Could I confront Vincent, explain all that transpired, and hope to get some answers? What if what he was hiding was of such magnitude they'd go to any lengths to keep the truth hidden?

I couldn't afford to think about it. What if it would put my family or myself in danger? No, I needed to focus on something else. I'll have to stay calm and act as if nothing happened for now. After a few weeks on the job, I'll leave for unrelated reasons.

When lunchtime came around, Jake and I sat on the grass, leaning on a tree. For once, I decided I needed some alone with him, not trying to put on a brave face in front of everyone. They were great friends, but I didn't want to trouble them. And with Jake, I feel as if I can just be myself.

He was the only one who knew everything that happened with my mother. He didn't care I was the son of a junkie. He just cared about me. "Did something happen?" he asked. I knew he would notice that something was wrong. He always did. "The club was a bit tougher than I anticipated, and it's taking its toll. But the paycheck is worth it".

Sitting quietly beside Jake, I started eating the sandwich I had packed for myself. "You're not eating?" I asked as I noticed his lack of chewing. "Nah, we had a big breakfast today. I'm going to be stuffed until the evening," Jake said. I nodded, not thinking about it, and put my food down.

Suddenly I wasn't really hungry. I just wanted to close my eyes for a bit. I was running thin on things to keep me distracted. "Mind if I nap for a bit? I think I won't be able to finish the school day otherwise," I said as a big yawn came out of my mouth. "Sure," Jake said. "You can use my lap as a pillow," he joked.

It was obviously a joke, and yet I didn't feel the buzz in the back of my head. He was okay with me using his lap as a pillow, something I didn't want to call him out on. But it didn't feel like such a bad idea right now. I could use the comfort, And Jake was offering, after all.

"Sure," I said, putting my head on his leg. The rest of my body lay down on the soft grass. It wasn't really comfortable, Jake had a lot of mussels, and it felt more like putting your head on the floor instead of a pillow, But Jake feels warm and real and here. I melted.

Our eyes met, and Jake's face suddenly drained of color. His hands trembled as he tentatively brought them to my head, his fingers lightly grazing my scalp. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, releasing the tension in my shoulders as I reached behind me and pulled out my elastic band. I felt my locks tumble freely around my neckline.

That gave Jake better access, and he kept running his finger through my hair. "Is that okay?" He asked, watching my reaction. My cheeks began to warm, but I only nodded in response. His gentle touch melted away all my worries and awakened something inside me. The curiosity was too great for me to resist. I really seemed to like it.

"Not too weird?" Jake asked a glimmer of amusement in his voice. I glanced at him, the corners of my lips turning up. He was smiling now, pleased knowing he had such an effect on me. "It is weird, but good weird. Right?" I asked, nervously searching his eyes for reassurance. Finally, with a devilish smirk, he responded, "Right," and proceeded to run his hands through my hair.

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I was taking the whole finding distractions thing to a new level. But fuck it. If the club is going to be the end of me, I don't want to miss out on what could be with Jake and me. Seeing someone begin killed in front of you can put things in perspective. And it gave me the answer I was searching for regardless of Jake.

Jake's fingers threaded through my hair, the heat of his palm igniting a flame inside me. His scent made my heart race, and everything I thought I knew seemed to disappear instantly. Then, summoning all of my courage, I grabbed his free hand, drew it to my lips, and pressed a tender kiss against his skin. I wouldn't let either of us deny this moment later.

Jake's breathing stopped for a second, and he let out a strangled sound. "So, it is a date on Saturday we're going to, okay?" I declared it more than I asked. Jake quickly nodded. "Yeah, we can make it a date." I chuckled at his response. "You wanted a date from the start, don't lie," I said. Jake laughed. "Maybe, but I didn't know if you'll want it to be a date," he said shyly. It was really adorable.

"I mean, I'm... like... well, I just would love to go on a date with you," Jake rumbled. Same here, I thought. "We can talk about everything later, don't worry. I don't really get it myself, but I would like that. So we can figure everything out later. Right now, I'm going to take that nap, so don't stop doing what you do with your fingers." I mumbled. Feeling embarrassed when I realized what I'd implied.

Jake laughed. "I can do a lot with my fingers-." God, why did I have to say that? "No, can't hear you right now. Julian is out for a nap. Give him cuddles to recharge," Jake was smiling.

The gentle rhythm of his fingers in my hair lulled me into a deep state of relaxation, and soon I was asleep. I awoke to find that, somehow, I had nestled closer to Jake in my sleep, and my head was now resting on his shoulder. His arms were around me, cradling me against his chest.

"What... how did we end up like this?" I asked, confused. Looking around, I saw the schoolyard was completely empty. "Shit, what time is that? How long did I sleep?" It seemed like I overdid it. "Your last period got canceled. The teacher is out sick. Sara came up here to tell you. You were sleeping, so I told her I'll relay the information to you". Hunter informed me.

"Fuck, we were in this position? What did she say?" Jake grinned. "She had a very mischiefs look on her face. She even took a picture. I'm pretty sure it's for future blackmail. Other than that, she didn't seem to care. And we weren't exactly in the position we are now. I just told her you needed some sleep," Jake clarified.

I felt awful all of a sudden. "Jake, it's not like I'm ashamed or anything, you know that, right? It's just all so new and-"

"I know, don't worry about it. I get it. It's new for me too, and way too soon to have this talk with the rest of the group."

"Good, because I don't want to fuck it up," I finally said. Jake just laughed. "you won't. If anything, I should be afraid. After all, you're way out of my league," Jake said. If I'd been drinking water right now, I would have spat them out.

"You need to get your eyes checked," I told him. "My eyes work just fine." We were still entwined, my hands moving up his neck and caressing his nape. I could feel the short buzz of his hair beneath my fingertips, and I felt a thrill shoot through me. My hands moved further upwards and tangled in the softness of the long curls atop his head. His breathing was coming fast now as I moved my fingers through his mane. Making a complete mess of it.

"Jules, you're killing me," Jake whispered into my ear. A shiver went through my body. "It wasn't my intent, but I'm not sorry."

"Of course you're not." Jake chuckled. Our eyes met in a smoldering gaze. I watched as his tongue darted across his lips and felt an undeniable urge to do the same.

I lowered my head, and my lips met his. It was soft, different from what I pictured. I only kissed one person except for him. And it was a girl. I thought it was gross and wet at the time, but we were thirteen. Right now, with Jake, it didn't feel gross. Not exactly good, but nice. Comforting.

We parted, and I looked at him. He had a dazed look in his eyes. We stayed like that for a while. Hugging each other. "Wait, my class got canceled, but don't you have any classes?" I finally realized. "I do, but I wanted to stay with you, don't worry. A little bit of ditching won't kill me," he smiled. "Okay, if you say so, I'm glad you stayed with me."

"Me too," Jake replied.

My mood was lifted entirely. I felt so happy on my walk back home. Not needing the music this time. My head was filled with Jake. I let the euphoria wash me. It made me forget the club, the murder, Vincent, Ari, Money. Everything seemed all right. I knew my bubble would soon burst. I had another shift tonight.

And, of course, there was the matter of Jake's own humanity. An issue I meant to talk about on our date. Date. Funny how this thing turned up.

Jaron was home, doing his homework. He looked up from his book. "You look happy. Seems like you're feeling better right now. You weren't doing so good this morning."

"Yeah, I feel better right now. The school was fun today. I'm going to make dinner." I smiled at Jaron.

As time passed, my good spirits waned. The thought of going to the club weighed heavily on my heart. I didn't know how I would feel when I saw everything again today.

The ride to the club was unbearable. Anxiety had built up in my chest, and I was on the edge of breaking down. It was one of the most nerve-racking rides of my life. Should I tell Vincent what was going on? Or should I keep quiet?

I was worried about the woman. Worried that her family would never know what had truly happened to her. I wanted to do something, help in some way. And yet I couldn't help but feel that Vincent, despite his friendly demeanor, would be less than pleased to know that I remember everything.

I stumbled off the bus, my mind a jumbled mess. Vincent could alter memories. I knew it was true because my buzz didn't go off when he asked the big man to make me forget.

The higher-ups that ran the club were in on it. But not the rest of the stuff. Vincent mentioned coming up with an excuse for Vera. If I could really trust my ability, it means there are also wolves, wendigos, and someone who could put on wards. I was hanging off each word they said in the room, and none of it was untruthful.

I reached the front entrance once again, and as expected, Vincent was there. As soon as he saw me, he smiled in my direction. "Hey there, how's your arm?" My arm? Oh, right, it was the cover story he tried to feed me. "It's better. Honestly, it doesn't even hurt anymore. Thanks for your help yesterday."

"No problem. I'm glad you're feeling better."

Was my voice normal? Did I sound normal? I was shaking on the inside. "We had a rough night after you left. It got a little crazy. It's good that you went home a little bit early." I tried to smile at Vincent's words. Still feeling as if I'm going to throw up. "Vincent, I saw the payment from yesterday. It's way too much. Way more than what I agreed upon with Sam-" Vincent cut me off. "Don't mention it, a little bit of a first-day bonus and a feel-better fee," he grinned at me.

I relaxed to some extent. Vincent was really nice. I'll think about telling him. There was so much I wanted to know. Could those black-eyed people help me? I entered the kitchen and was met with Vera's stern look. She probably didn't like the fact I left early yesterday. Not wasting any time, I started cleaning and washing a variety of dishes.

No one paid attention to me. Vincent seemed indifferent, and Sam hadn't looked at me even once. He just sat in his office making calls. They really were sure I knew nothing. Sam stepped out of his office and walked towards me. I tensed and tried to stay focused on the task in front of me. But he walked past me to the back entrance talking on the phone.

I was close to the entrance from where I stood and could hear everything he said on the phone. I tried to pay attention. Trying to hear anything significant. "Yeah, it was intense, really put the boss under stress. We haven't seen anything like that since we opened the club." I was now sure he was talking about what happened yesterday.

"You can't seriously believe I had anything to do with what happened to that whore. It was obviously a wendigo." Sam shouted into the receiver, and the sound of his voice reverberated through my skull. The buzz went through my head like a siren. It never was so loud. I forced myself to stand still and maintain an emotionless face even though I knew he was lying. He had something to do with yesterday's events. He more than likely contributed to her death in some way.

My blood froze, Sam had a part in what happened, and he was lying through his teeth. I had to tell Vincent. I can't keep quiet about that. My hands shook slightly as I hastily put the dishes away and informed Vera that I needed a minute in the restroom. Without waiting for her answer, I sprinted towards the entrance where Vincent was checking IDs before allowing customers into the club.

I approached Vincent and the large man standing next to him. "Can I talk with you for a second? It's urgent," I said nervously. Vincent seemed caught off guard, but he gave an apologetic look to the man next to him before turning to me. "Of course. What do you need?" I glanced at the other person again, unsure if they should stay present while discussing this matter. "Could we speak in private? I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important." Vincent looked apprehensive but still guided us to a small room at the front of the club. Nobody will hear it if I scream my heart out from here. Now it would be simple for him to end my life if he wanted to. I hope I'm not wrong about Vincent.

"What's wrong? You seem scared," he said. I fumbled with my shirt. Looking for the right words. "I'm going to talk, and when I finish, you can say whatever you want. Just let me tell you everything before you judge me." I started, looking into his eyes with determination. Vincent nodded.

"I remember everything that happened yesterday. The woman that was murdered, Ari talking about different beings, you wanting to make me forget. I don't know what's going on. I don't know what you are or what anyone else at the club is. The thing is, since birth, I've been able to tell when someone is lying. I know what you said yesterday was true. I know that when you said you could make me forget, you really meant it. Everything that Ari talked about was true as well. Maybe that's why you couldn't make me forget, because of my ability. I'm not going to tell anyone. It's clear to me you didn't want her to be dead. I wasn't going to say anything. I wanted everything to be normal. But then I heard Sam saying he had nothing to do with what happened to someone on the phone. And I immediately knew he was lying, he knows something, he was involved, and now this poor woman is dead," I finely finished.

I was berthing heavily. Vincent was quiet, his eyes going big. "It's impossible. You cannot remember. I-" he looked at me. "What are you?" he asked suspiciously. "I don't know. I just can sense when people are lying, I swear."

"And Sam was lying? He had something to do with that?" I nodded. Vincent seemed to be lost in thought. "I don't trust you or believe you just yet. You were able to avoid my compulsion, so something must be going on with you. That woman was murdered just after you started working here. Seems suspicious. Maybe someone made you do that and frame Sam."

"No, I swear, I just needed a job. Why would I talk to you otherwise?" I said. Full panic in my voice. Vincent seemed cold all of a sudden, not the friendly man I had met. "As I said, maybe to frame Sam, we'll get to the bottom of that. Ari will make a decision."

Vincent's grip on my hand was bone-crushing as he dragged me up the stairs. I felt like a ragdoll in his grasp, and my heart raced as we neared Ari's office. What if they didn't believe me? Panic flooded through me.

"Should have known someone as otherworldly as you can't possibly be human. What are you? A witch?"

"Vincent, I swear I don't know. I don't even know what you are. But, please, you have to at least hear me out."

"Don't worry, we will, even if it was you who did that; Witches are too valuable to kill. Maybe you know that. Maybe that's why you felt safe telling me about everything. And maybe you're innocent, and this was an unfortunate coincidence for you. We'll see."

My eyes were wide with fear aswe approached Ari's office. I didn't want to discover what would happen if theywouldn't believe me. We stopped in front of Ari's door, and I took a deepbreath before opening it, dreading what might come next.