POV FinnPeter and I walked back to our house a bit after Layla and Marissa went to bed. To say that I was frustrated was an understatement. I slammed the door closed and threw my hat on the table."It'll be ok, Finn. She's not going to leave. She's just pissed and needs some space." Peter tried to calm me."Space? How am I supposed to give her space when all I want to do is have her with me all the time? My head understands what she needs and wants but the rest of me is violently disagreeing" I storm. Peter nodded."I get that but you are going to have to find a way or you really will lose her" he replied. I sighed."I know. I know." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath."You know her. What should I do?" I asked him."Back off. Let her call you, let her make the first move. Give her some freedom. She's safe. Give her what she's asking for." he suggested."Freedom?" I asked weakly, knowing how dangerous that sounded."You have to risk losing her. She needs to find herself again. If
POV LaylaThe next couple of years had some ups and downs but our friends stuck together through everything. At first, I had to fight with Leo, Van, Jake and even occasionally Finn for my independence and against their natural tendencies for being overprotective asses. Eventually, they got better or at least livable although I still had to punch Leo from time to time.Marissa and her Mom both moved to Porter for a 'fresh start'. It may seem strange to move to the place where your son/brother committed horrible crimes for a new beginning but somehow, it worked. Marissa had a long road to recovery but since she had so much support here, she has remained sober for the last years of high school and graduated with a full ride to a good school back in Chicago. She and Vander dated for a while again but just couldn't make it work. She ended up casually dating Jake for the last year of school and for some reason, they seemed to fit. Vander was happy for them both.Jake and Pam broke up right
When they were just seven years old, Layla and Leo's parents divorced. Leo chose to move with their father to a small town named Porter while Layla stayed with their mom in Chicago. Leo and Layla remained close and called and texted each other frequently even though they grew to be polar opposites. Layla was a straight A student, a classic good girl and Leo barely went to class and followed their father's footsteps to join the local gang called the Watchmen. This went on for nine years.Layla and Leo still told each other everything, they were twins after all. Leo could tell that something was off with Layla. It was nearing the end of the summer before the start of their junior year and for the last few weeks, Layla was growing quieter and quieter with him.Leo POVI woke up Saturday morning with a terrible feeling. I went to talk to my dad about it."I don't think that she would outright lie to me, but she's definitely not telling me something and I'm worried." I explained to Dad."I
Layla POVAs we pulled into the Den's parking lot, I felt the familiar spread of anxiety in my stomach and heart. I hoped that all of my father's and brother's friends would like me. I knew that I wasn't like them mostly due to my mom forcing me to be someone I'm not. I'm sick of being the perfect girl and I needed to find out who I truly am. I was hoping that this move would help me with that. I didn't want to be a completely new person just a more authentic one.I noticed how full the parking lot was, there were a few cars and trucks but it was mostly full of motorcycles. Leo parked next to dad and we took our helmets off and got off the bikes. I took off Leos jacket and handed it back to him. He frowned at me. As we walked in, Leo must have noticed my anxiety or maybe he was feeling the same way because he grabbed my hand and held it.Dad opened the door for us and we all walked in. I swear that everyone stopped talking as they looked at us."Everyone, this is my daughter, Layla. L
Layla POVMy alarm went off early. For a moment, I didn't know where I was, then the last day came rushing back to me. I felt a wave of homesickness and sadness and anger. I felt like my mom chose that random guy over me. I told her that I didn't feel comfortable with him and she moved him in anyway. I started to tear up but I shook my head. She wasn't worth my tears, I had already wasted nine years on her, I wasn't going to waste any more time on her.My Dad and Leo were who mattered now. They were the ones who wanted me and loved me. I smiled and got out of bed. I went to take a shower and get ready. As I got dressed and did my hair and makeup, I thought about last night and Finn. Things almost went too far with him. I did not need to get involved with anyone right now. I resolved that I was going to be very clear with him that we were going to be just friends. I sighed, just friends no matter how hot he was. I wore a short pink skirt and a black V neck t-shirt. I left my hair down.
POV Layla trigger warning, talk of abuse, language We decided to go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. We piled all our bags in the trunk and got in the car. We drove for about five minutes and then got out at sushi place. "Do you like sushi, Layla?" Tom asked. I smiled and started to answer when Leo cut me off, "She loves it. Especially since Tate hated it so she didn't get it for like a year." The girls frowned while Vander looked alarmed. "Who's Tate?" Finn asked with his eyes narrowed. "He's my ex boyfriend. He lives in Chicago" I explained. "Is that why you broke up? Because you moved?" Van asked as we sat down. "No. They broke up before that. I never liked that dude." Leo cut in again. I frowned at him and said, "You never even met him." "I don't care. I don't like anyone that dates you. No one is good enough for you." Leo said looking at Finn, Jake and Vander. The three shifted uncomfortably. I rolled my eyes and said, "Really, Leo? Get a grip. Plus you have nothing
POV Finn Trigger warning small physical fight and language Did he just say date? No. I was pissed. "I thought you were little miss I don't want to date" Jake said to Layla. Van glared at him and shook his head. She shrugged and said, "We both agreed to keep it really casual. Plus, I'm allowed to change my mind" I ran my hands through my hair. I needed to do some damage control. The rest of the group came up to us. "Van, get your arm off my sister" Leo said darkly. I'd never seen Leo like this. He was tough and if you didn't know him, he was downright scary but I'd known him for years and he was never this aggressive or protective before. His bond with his twin was deep and I could see that he would die or kill for her. I couldn't blame him. Layla was beautiful, kind and sweet. Someone that you wanted to be around and protect from the harshness of this cruel world. She was strong too. I could see that. Stronger than her brother seemed to realize. "Not unless she wants me to" V
POV FinnI kissed her. It wasn't a deep, passionate kiss but it wasn't a peck either. She looked surprised as we separated and I smirked."See ya later, Lays" I said as Leo pulled me away"What the hell was that, man?" Leo demanded as we walked outside."Would you rather Gunner keep putting his hands on her?" I asked calmly"Of course not but I'm sure that there was another way besides making out with my sister in the middle of the Worm in front of me" Leo growled"I just helped you out. Now the rest of the Watchmen won't hit on her. She's safe now. Come on, man. You saw how they were all looking at her. If they know that I like her, they'll back off" I explained"Or they'll just see her as a challenge" Tom added and I glared at him"Don't act like you did this to help me. You did this because you like her and you want her and everyone else to know it." Leo spat back."Why can't I have multiple reasons?" I askedLeo glared at me while Tom laughed.Tom and Leo left a few minutes later