Why did love have to be so difficult? I just wanted my boyfriend back, he was smart though now. If he attacked me he wouldn't touch anywhere that bruising could be seen. I was now sat in the canteen at school, I hadn't sat in my usual seat.

“Well this is a surprise....” said Mike's voice beside me, causing me to jump a little. “I'd of thought you'd of been over there waiting for lover boy.”

“Is it a crime to want to spend some time with my twin?” I laughed a little. I didn't want to be within a metre of Tony. Truth is, I was terrified of him. I was now that scared I had turned down university acceptance to New York. “Did you find a guitarist?”

“Vic did, you'll never guess who?” he replied shovelling a fork full of food in his mouth. I shook my head. “Tony..”

“Tony as in...” I questioned. He nodded. Oh how great. Now I can't avoid him as much as I had planned. School was over in a few weeks and if I'm honest I wasn't looking forward to it at all. Summer included having big parties, as well as the annual (yet famous) Tony Perry party. Anyone who was someone went. But a part of me really wanted him by my side again like before.

“Are yo...” he stopped as we spotted Tony sitting across from you. I quickly looked down at my plate, Mike stood up and walked off. Probably to stop him beating Tony up. I went to leave as well, I was feeling uncomfortable. “We need to talk.”

Sighing I sat back down. “I know what I've been doing is wrong & I want to prove to you that I'm sorry.”

“You beat me up Tone, you...” the tears were pricking my eyes. I looked straight at him. “It's not me you have to convince, it's my brothers.”

“Then let me?” he shifted round, closer to me. We'd only been broken up 3 days and am I really about to take him back? I nodded, in all fairness I regretted breaking up with him. I really loved him, them feelings don't go away. “I promise you I won't do it again.”

“Good because if you do, that's it. This is your last chance Perry.” I smiled, he hugged me from the side, placing one small, soft kiss on the side of my head. “I best go tell...”

“I'll come with you.” Well here goes nothing. We set off to find Mike. I was nervous. Tony clung to me, making sure everyone knew we were back together. If I'm honest it felt good to watch the girls who wanted him get 'upset' over it.

We soon found Mike in our usual smoking place, he looked at us both. His eyes flicking from ours down to hands that were intertwined. He gave me a questioning look. “It's better you hear it from me...” I paused. I knew he'd flip out but oh well. “..me & Tone are back together.”

“You what? Claire, are you stupid?” he shouted instantly.

“Maybe yes, but jesus christ Mike I'm in love with him.” I replied in a calm voice. I wasn't going to shout, despite the fact he just basically called me stupid. Yes, I was stupidly in love if that's even a thing.

“Well it's your life...” He shrugged, turning his attention Tony who was now shuffling on the spot and looking down at the ground. I guess he was uncomfortable. Mike then continued to speak. “If you lay one single finger on her again, I swear to god Perry you will not live to tell the tale.”

“I promise you Mike, I won't hurt her again. Ever.” he smiled up at my twin brother. Well he took it a bit better than I thought. If he took that well then telling Vic would be easy. I just had to tackle Jaime about it, then Natalie. This would go one way or the other with them two. I wouldn't be surprised if Jaime didn't talk to me again. Natalie would probably give me the 'silent treatment' to show she was disappointed.

*** time lapse: end of school ***

I'd been waiting for the others for what seemed like an eternity. That was until Vic pulled up, jumping out quickly. He didn't even talk to me, he just stormed straight into school. I was a little worried so I decided to follow him. Vic didn't do angry so whatever it was must of been bad.

I followed him round the school, an arm stopped me from walking any further. Jaime's arm to be precise. He shook his head & pulled me inside the room. “Jaime, what? I need to see Vic....”

“Check this out, for me please?” he smiled an uneasy smile. He was hiding something. I nodded in agreement as he pulled out his bass and starting playing along to some music. I got to admit, he was good. “So..?”

“You're pretty good Hime-Time. But I must go. Call me later honey bunch?” I smiled, getting up to leave.

“Just one more thing...” he paused, pulling a chair out and sitting on it. “Why have you back with him Claire?” I sighed & rolled my eyes. Clearly some people could not wait to tell him.

“I'll explain later...” I quickly said as I spotted Vic walking past. He seemed much calmer. I rushed out the door & up to Vic. I stood in front of him, making him stop. His hands were covered up & he was rubbing them as if to ease pain of some sort. I grabbed his hands, revealing them to see small cuts and swollen knuckles. “What the hell Vic?”

“It's nothing, I did it earlier trying to fix something.” he smiled his all too famous smile at me.

“Come on, let's get you home. I'll drive.” I suggested as we walked out of school. Mike was already at the car, he looked like he had taken a beating. “So you two decided to beat the shit out o...”

“No. I was jumped by some random guys.” Mike replied quickly. Liar. That is such a big lie. I chose not to question it any further. What was the point? They'd only continue their stupid lies.

***
“Claire get the door will you?!” called Vic from the kitchen. With a big huff I heaved myself of the sofa to see who was at the door. As soon as I opened it, my hand clapped over my mouth. Tony was there, he looked a real mess. “Jesus baby, what happened?”

“Are your brothers in?” he mumbled, it was barely audible if I'm honest with you. I nodded. He took my hand and pulled me outside. We sat on the doorstep, he didn't say much else. That was until I asked what had happened. “Mugged on the wa...”

“Don't you lie to me as well..” I rolled my eyes. It was clear he was lying. That's when it hit me. “Come on, inside now.” He agreed after several minutes thinking about it. He stayed stood near the front door. “Michael, Victor here now.” I shouted.

They both come in, worried looks on their faces as they looked at each other, gulping hard and chewing their lips. “Which one of you did it?”

“Did what?” Vic put on the most innocent voice he could.

“That.” I yelled, pointing at Tony. Both of them shrugged. “Fine, don't tell me.” I walked into the kitchen, grabbing the alcohol I could carry. “Until you can be honest, I'm not coming out my room.” I spat, before heading upstairs. Tony following closely behind.

Welcome to a long night of pain and suffering.

Welcome to a long night of not giving a fuck.

Welcome to self-destruction.