I stir the hot chocolate as I continue to think about today's events. Amy knows Harry is trying to stay away from drama, so why did she get out of the car knowing Joe was there. She knew Harry would help her as he's not exactly afraid to stand up to someone. The problem is, Joe hangs around with some of the roughest people in our town, the last thing we need is them having a grudge against Harry.
I take the hot chocolate and I make my way upstairs. I can't help but feel so angry about today, I know it's selfish but something just doesn't add up to me.

I open Harry's door to see him asleep. I place the hot chocolate next to him and I watch his chest move up and down slowly. I look away and I decide to leave him to it, I head downstairs and I grab my coat. There is someone I need to see.

"Stephanie?" Dad asks as comes of the studio, I look at him. "Where you going?" He asks.

"Just to see if Amy is okay." I lie and he nods. "Won't be long." I say as I open the door and I close it behind me. A car is parked at the end of our street and luckily it's the person I wanted to see. Jason.

"What are you doing here?" I ask as he steps out of the car.

"Your silly little boyfriend made quite a mistake." He says and I roll my eyes at him.

"Don't bother Jason just leave him alone." I say as I fold my arms.

"I'm not here for him. I'm here for Amy, I gathered she was at yours?" He asks and I shake my head. "Well Joe is going crazy, he's told people about Harry and they are now after him and Amy too." Jason says and I feel psychically sick. I can't bare the thought of anyone hurting them.

"But you know Joe well, please tell him it wasn't Harry's fault." I ask as this is the reason I wanted to see Jason. He and Joe often hang out together and if I can get Jason on my side, I'll do whatever I can.

"Steph, Harry hit him.." Jason says. "He gets involved in people's business like we saw for ourselves." He adds. "Look get in the car.." He says.

"What? No. I'm going to Joe's and I will talk to him myself." I snap and Jason shakes his head.

"Don't Steph. He's not in the mood, just get in the car." He says and I start to walk off.

"Fine! I'll take you there." Jason says and I stop and look at him. "Get in." He sighs and I walk back to his car and I jump in.

"Why did this have to happen? Harry's only staying with us for a bit and this is the last thing he needs." I sigh as I look out the window.

"What do you see him?" Jason asks and I turn to him.

"He's my friend, I've known him years." I say and Jason frowns. "We are friends Jason." I lie as it may be easier to get him on my side if he knows I'm not seeing Harry.

"This is Amy's fault." Jason says changing the subject. "If she didn't cheat on him Joe would never be like this. He loved her, she proper hurt him." Jason adds.

"She was stupid.." I say as she's not exactly in my good books at the moment. But Joe was out of order just grabbing her and trying to drag her away, creating that sort of scene can make anyone suspicious.

"Amy has created a lot of drama Steph." Jason says and I look at him puzzled. "Forget I said that." He mumbles.

"No tell me what you mean Jason!" I say as we pull up outside Joe's house. "Tell me later." I snap as I get out of the car. I walk towards the building of flats and I hold down the buzzer for his door. Jason appears behind me.

"Yeah?" I hear Joe answer.

"It's Steph." I say and I hear the door unlock. I look at Jason as I open it and we make our way up to the second floor. Joe opens his door.

"What are you doing here?" Joe asks as he looks at me frowning. Joe and I used to get on quite well when I was with Jason, but when we broke up we never really saw each other anymore. He's not my sort of person to be honest.

"Someone needs to sort this mess out" I say as he lets me walk inside. "I just wanted to say that Harry had no idea who you were, he's a family friend." I say and Joe frowns.

"So why did he think it was okay to hit me?" Joe asks and I sigh.

"He didn't know what was going on.." I answer and I can't believe I'm here doing this.

"He had no right to get involved and he made me look like a complete twat and I don't like people like that. He made a mistake Steph." Joe says and I can't understand all of this, why are men so pathetic when it comes to fights?

"He was his trying to help Amy because she is my best friend." I snap and Joe laughs.

"She's a slag Steph." Joe says and without thinking I slap him. He looks back at me, his eyes full of anger. "Get the fuck out." He says quietly.

"Whatever issue you have with Amy, keep it to yourself. Harry doesn't need to be involved." I say and Joe rolls his eyes.

"How thick are you? He got himself involved and now you turning up here has made everything easier in my head." He smirks, I look to Jason who looks away sighing.

"Just leave Harry alone, please." I ask and Joe looks at me.

"Go." He snaps and I know I've got no chance of him letting me stay. I turn around and I push past Jason.

"Steph wait!" Jason says as I head downstairs. My heart is pounding as I'm not the sort of girl who is strong enough to take these guys on. They are stubborn and nasty, I should never have came. "Steph!" Jason says as he touches my shoulder.

"Get off me! I cant believe you're letting Joe behave like this! It's pathetic and immature. This isn't green street, or any violent film that you may watch. This is real life!"

"I will try and do something okay?" He say as he lets go of me.

"Grow up Jason." I snap and I walk away. I'm so angry that I've let Harry get caught up
In this mess. I should have kept him quiet and away from Amy.

---

Harry's POV
I must have dozed off as I look to see I'm on my own. The hot chocolate next to me is cold, how long have I been sleeping? I slowly get up as I want to see Steph, she was so worried and I need her to realise I'm okay. I've been hit in the head quite a few times and it's never affected me that much.

The worst time was when my sister was going out with this guy and he pushed her to the floor. His face looked like he was going to hurt her and I couldn't stand there and do nothing. I was sixteen at the time and my Mum was at work. It was just us three at home, they were arguing in the living room so I watched through the gap in the door, then when I seen her fall, I ran straight in.

He was much bigger than me and I felt proud at the fact I managed to get him down on the floor, I'll never forget leaning over him and I just kept punching. But then he threw me off and I remember Gemma screaming as she tried to protect me. He hit me so hard I was nearly unconscious, he hit me again and I was out. Gemma must have made him stop as I truly believed he was going to kill me that night.

We didn't tell the police though, Gemma begged for me to report him but I refused. Mum was in a state when she arrived at the hospital, I remember smiling at her to try and stop her tears; it didn't work.

But the most scared I have ever been was the day he came into the hospital and I thought he was there to finish me off. It was only me and him and I knew I was about to die. But he shocked me as he sat down and he apologised for his behaviour and how he should have never hit me. He went on about protecting families and how he would have done the same. I forgave him as I wanted everything to be forgotten but as long as he stayed away from Gemma. Which he did, so that was fine by me. I've never seen someone so relieved and thankful for not reporting them to the police.

I learned eventually from Gemma that he was a personal trainer and his name was Greg. But if it wasn't for Greg, I may not be as strong as I am now. Because if I can survive getting hit by a guy who I think is about six foot four and is very stocky built, then I can survive many other hits.

I knock on her bedroom door a couple of times and she doesn't answer. She may be down stairs? So I slowly head down stairs as I try to hear for voices. I look in the kitchen and it's empty, I try the living room it's empty. Then a knock on the front door makes me jump and I go to answer it.

Maybe Stephanie has forgot her keys, I've done it enough. But it's not Steph, it's Amy.

"Is Steph home?" She asks and I shake my head. "Harry I'm so sorry about the fight!" She says and I shrug.

"I guess these things happen.." I say and Amy steps inside. I close the door.

"I keep seeing his car going past my house, why haven't the police questioned him?" She asks and I can hear the panic in her voice.

"They will talk to him, don't worry." I say as I smile to her. She smiles back.

"I can't thank you enough, you're such a caring person." She says as she throws her arms around me. I slowly pat her on the back and I stop as he front door opens, Stephanie walks in and her eyebrows are suddenly raised.

"Sorry I hope I'm not interrupting?!" Stephanie snaps and Amy quickly lets go of me.

"I was just thanking Harry." Amy says and I look away. I'm not in the mood with this, not now. I've got far too much to worry about.

"Whatever." Stephanie mumbles as she barges past us and She heads upstairs.

---

Stephanie's POV
"Steph!" Harry says after me and I ignore him. I don't want to be around them. I've been out trying to make peace with people they have pissed off, and here they are hugging and thanking each other. I don't usually get this angry. I can't be in this house. Now with them there, what does Amy want? Harry? Has she fallen for him because that would be the dumbest move. I open my door and I hear them from the top of the stairs and I listen.

"I better go. I'm sorry again." Amy says as she sounds like she's crying, I roll my eyes.

"Do you want me to walk you home? Incase they are following you?" Harry asks and that's enough to tip me over the edge. I make my way down stairs and they look at me.

"I don't think so Harry! You should be resting!! Amy got here in one piece, I'm sure she can get back too." I snap and I've never spoke to Amy like this.

"Steph, lay off her yeah? She's had a shit day come on." Harry says and I literally fall speechless.

"She's right. I'm fine on my own." Amy says and she opens the door. "I'm sorry guys." She adds and she leaves. I look away as I know I may have been out of line.

"That was uncalled for Steph! She's your best friend!!" Harry snaps as he opens the door and leaves.

"Harry!" I shout as I wait for him to realise he shouldn't be leaving. But he doesn't come back. "Shit." I mumble to myself and I grab my coat and my keys from the side.

"What's going on?" Mum asks as she walks towards me.

"I'm just popping out.." I say quickly and I open the door. My Mum calls me but I ignore her and shut the door behind me. I quickly head round the corner of our house and I take the alley way as a short cut.

"Hey!" I hear a girl shout. I turn around to see four girls walking towards me. "You're Amy's best friend, right?" She asks.

"If you can call it that." I say as I suddenly feel a little intimidated and out numbered. She squares up to me.

"Where is she?" She snaps and I know Amy is in big trouble. What the hell has she done now? First Joe and now these girls?

"I don't know." I say as I lie for her. I know I'm angry at her but I can't be disloyal to her.

"Are you sure?" The girl asks and I suddenly get grabbed by two girls who are holding my hands back.

"I swear I don't know." I start to panic and the girl rolls her eyes, I suddenly bend over as a girl stood behind the other one hits me in the stomach. "If I knew I'd tell you." I say as I look at her. She hits me again.

"You're a liar." She says as she pulls my hair and lifts my head up to look at her. I feel sick and I can't believe I'm in this mess. I've never been in this situation before.

"Please.." I say as I gasp for a breath. The girl hits me again and this time she doesn't stop. I feel my head going dizzy and each punch gets harder. I can't cry, although I really want too I know I can't show that kind of weakness. Suddenly I'm smacked in the face and I spit out blood.

"Hey get off!" I hear someone shouting and they let go of me and I suddenly fall to the floor. I ache all over and I need to be sick, the blood in my mouth begins to form a small pool.

"Stephanie!" I hear and I recognise Jason's voice. "You're okay, come on." He says as he helps me up.

"Leave me alone." I sniff as I don't have the strength to push him of me. Where was Harry? He's supposed to be here with me? He choose Amy. Right now, I don't want to see either of them again.

"It's okay Steph." He says and I shake my head.

"I can't go home." I sigh as I spit out a little more blood. Jason doesn't say anything But he guides me to his car.

"Slowly Steph." Jason says as he helps me sit down. How does Harry put up with being in fights? I know I had no chance of fighting back but this is so painful I can't imagine why anyone would want to risk getting like this.

"Thanks." I mumble as he shuts the door. He soon sits down in the drivers seat and I look out the window as he drives off.

"Why was Kaya doing that to you?" Jason asks and I look at him surprised he knew who they were.

"Because of Amy. I wouldn't tell them where she is." I say and I go to ask him how he new them but he begins to speak.

"Fuck! Amy has really got herself in shit now. Kaya is Joe's cousin. They are so close she is just as bad as him." Jason shakes his head and looks at the road. "Where the fuck was Harry?" He asks.

"He went after Amy because he thought she shouldn't walk home alone. So he protects her and I get.." I stop as its to painful for me to think about.

"Joe is out looking for her!" Jason snaps and my heart sinks. What if he's found them? Jason suddenly does a U-turn on the road and we head in the direction towards Amy's.

"Why can't Joe just leave it?" I snap as I try to look out for Harry and Amy.

"Because of his bloody pride. It's fucking stupid." Jason snaps. I've never heard him speak like this before. "Is that Harry?" He asks as I look over.

"That's him!" I say relieved as he's okay. I flinch at the pain which is starting to become sore. Jason pulls over and Harry's looks to him.

"You need to get in." Jason says and Harry shakes his head.

"Look I know I -" Harry stops as he glances towards me.

"She's been beaten up. Now get in the car." Jason snaps and Harry quickly opens the door and climbs in. Jason does too.

"Shit Steph! What happened?" Harry asks as he leans forward and I look away from him.

"Some girls attacked her because of Amy." Jason says and I look out the window. I'm too upset to look at Harry.

"Fuck!" Harry snaps. "Because of that Joe kid?" Harry asks as we stop at a red light.

"Yeah it was his cousin." Jason says and Harry hits the back of the seat. "Where does Joe live?" Harry asks and I look at him in shock. Hasn't he learned anything from this?

"Don't Harry." Jason sighs and Harry shakes his head.

"Tell me where he lives." Harry snaps and Jason ignores him and we head towards my house. "I'm not scared of him. I'll happily go to his and tell him to leave Stephanie alone." Harry adds.

"Harry! You have no idea Mate. Joe's a fucking psycho, he knows too many people that have already been told to kick your head in if they see you. So calm down because you're not going anywhere." Jason snaps as we pull up outside. He turns round to look at me.

"Thanks." I mumble and Jason nods as he looks to Harry.

"Take her inside mate and look after her. I will try and sort Joe out." Jason says and Harry looks away.

"Alright.." Harry says as he gets out and I suddenly see him opening my door. He slowly helps me out. "Thanks." Harry says and he shuts the door. I hear Jason drive off and Harry puts his arm around me. I stop.

"Get off me." I snap as I look at him. "Get off!" I shout. Harry lets go of me and I walk on my own.

"I'm sorry Steph.." Harry says and I turn to him.

"You wanted to protect Amy. Well done because that's what you achieved. I stupidly ran out after you, worried that you two may have bumped in to Joe! But it's me who gets fucked." I cry as I can't say anymore, the pain is too much and I need to save as much energy as I can. I open the door and I head upstairs hoping not to bump into anyone. Luckily I make it to my room and I fall on to my bed.

The pain becomes more sore and I know it's going to bruise. I'm really confused about today, I'm not sure what to think anymore.

---

Harry's POV
I sit outside on the door step. How the fuck did I mess up this badly? The one person I had to protect and make sure is always safe, has been attacked. How the fuck did I manage that?!

Why didn't I listen to Stephanie? Why did I try so fucking hard to be friends with Amy. If I didn't follow her then Steph wouldn't be in the state she is in. These people are not getting away with this. They may scare everyone else but they haven't met me yet. I'm not scared of them and they need to realise, hurting Steph was a big mistake.

I take my phone and I Facebook Amy. I ask where Joe lives and she knows I'm not in the mood to mess around. She quickly writes back:

Harry, this isn't a good idea.
He lives 12 Ferling Way.
Please don't go to his.
Amy xxx

I've got his address, I unlock my car and I jump in. It's about time I meet this Joe properly. I make my way towards his knowing its not that far as I've been near that area before. It's by the shop we walked too.

I know this isn't going to end well but if I give myself Into Joe and I let him get it put of his system, then he will know there is no reason to why Stephanie should be involved.

I speed and I arrive at is already. Jason's car is parked outside. I quickly lock up and I head the flats.

"Harry!" Jason snaps as he walks out d the door. "Go home." He adds.

"This has to be settled once and for all." I say as I push past him. "JOE?" I shout as I have no idea which one is his.

"I mean it Harry." Jason says and he stops as a door opens and I head upstairs to be met with Joe. Jason quickly gets by my side. "Joe don't.." Jason adds.

"We finally meet." Joe says as he smirks to Harry. What the fuck does this kid think he is? The mafia?

"We do. But before we start you understand that no one las a finger on Stephanie. This is between you and me." I say as I push past him and I walk into his room. Jason follows.

"Steph, sweet Steph. I like her, she was never meant to get hurt. I've already had words with Kaya. I can guarantee that won't be happening again." Joe says and I frown. I don't believe anything that comes out of his mouth.

He suddenly charges to me and pins me up again the wall, he takes a Stanley knife from his pocket and raises the blade upto my cheek, slightly pressing down on to my skin.

"I've wanted to speak to you. To make it clear that you don't get involved with me, Amy is a girl who sleeps around as she totally fucked me over. I don't take that too kindly." Joe says and his anger shoes clearly in his eyes.

"Well I don't care what Amy is like, I just didn't agree with a guy hurting a girl." I say as he still had me up against the wall.

"I've been trying for fucking months to get her to admit the truth. Will she tell me? Duck no. She's a slag and she needs to learn that I don't get fucked over!" Joe snaps and I shake y head. I push him off me.

"Get into the real world you prick. You're not some gangster like you think you are. Whatever Amy has done to you, I don't care! I'm not interested in Amy's love life or what she does with her own life. All I care is about Stephanie." I shout and Joe shakes his head.

"You made me look like mug!" Joe snaps.

"You did that all by yourself mate!" I snap and joe charges to me again.

"Joe just back off!" Jason shouts as he stands next to us.

"Steph showed up here earlier. Pleading for me to leave you alone." Joe says and he lets go of me. Steph came found here? Why the hell did she risk doing that?!

"She shouldn't have." I say loud enough for him to hear.

"I actually felt sorry for her. The worry in her eyes actually made me realise she was scared for you. Because she knows what I'm capable of." He says as a threat, I watch him as he talks. "But she changed my mind. I realised she was right, you didn't have a clue who I was or what Amy did to me. I understood that you were so clueless." He adds and I dare take my eyes off him.

"So what's your point?" I snap and Joe sits down.

"My point is Stephanie got you of this mess. She wants to protect you and I actually respect her. Amy's her best friend, it should have been her round her trying to tell me that you didn't deserve this shit." He adds and I look away. I hate the fact Stephanie came here.

"So what is the outcome of this? I heard you have people after me? So why not do what you wanna do now?" I ask and Joe shakes his head.

"I've told people to leave you alone. I took Stephanie's words into consideration. But just so you know, don't ever think it's okay to hit me again." He says and I feel confused. My adrenaline was rushing ready to protect myself and here I am having a one to one talk?

"What about Amy?" I ask and Joe's nostrils flare out.

"She still needs to speak to me. I've waited long enough to find out if she was lying behind my back. She thinks it's okay to cheat on me With two guys." Joe says and I feel shocked by his words. I never thought any would be like that especially when she knows how crazy Joe is.

"But your cousin beat Steph up, surely she wants Amy too?" I ask and Joe shrugs.

"Amy knows she needs to come here. My cousin apologises on what she did to Steph. But Amy needs to tell me the truth be side there's so much I've heard and I need the truth." Joe says and I nod.

"Get Kaya off her back and everyone else. Then make her talk to you. That's the only way you'll get her to talk." I say and Joe looks up at me.

"You could bring her to me? She trusts you right?" Joe asks. God no, I can't do that.

"But I can't bring her here. I can't mentall accept that image of bringing a girl to get hurt." I say and Joe shrugs.

"Fine. I'll find a way. If I were you Harry, I'd tell Stephanie to stay clear of Amy. She's really not who she thinks she is." Joe says and I frown.

"Okay. So that's it is it? You no longer wanna kick the shit out of me?" I ask and Joe looks at me and smirks.

"It's funny how you've turned out to be alright. But don't tell anyone I said that." Joe says and I shrug.

"Cool, see ya then." I say as I walk past him. That was the weirdest outcome that I would never have imagined.

"Harry!" He calls and I stop, Jason leaves and heads outside. "Look after Stephanie, she's a good one." Joe adds, I look away and I leave.

"You're so lucky." Jason says and I feel as if everyone think Joe is the king around here. Three cars pull up outside and Joe opens the window. Everyone gets out and I start to think have I been stitched up? Was that all bullshit and these guys are going to kick the shit out of me?

I watch them glare at me and I look to Joe. They walk past me and head inside, I guess I wasn't stitched up. I look to Jason.

"See ya Harry." Jason says as he gets in his car.

"Thanks Jason." I say as I walk to his side of the car. "For getting Stephanie and for picking me up." I add and he nods.

"Just look after her Harry. And just remember, Joe isn't lying about Amy. She's done a lot of things this Stephanie has no idea about. Try and keep them apart." He says and I nod.

I say bye and I head to my car. I want to confront Amy about what they keep telling me and why she's not who I think she is. Stephanie has a right to know and I hope she can confront her. But at the end of the day, Amy is still a girl and a human being, I know Stephanie wouldn't want anyone to hurt her.
I look at my phone as I receive another message from Amy:

I didn't want you to be involved in this mess.
I'm sorry you've been dragged into it Harry.
Please say you didn't go to see Joe? He's such a horrible person.I'm so grateful to have a friend like you in my life, you make me feel safe.
Amy xxx

I toss my phone to the other seat and I start the car. All I want to do is go home and check Stephanie is okay. I'll have to figure something out with Amy later.

Notes

I hope you guys liked this chapter.
Things aren't over with Amy just yet. Stephanie will soon see what her best friend is really like. It sucks when you think you know someone and get it totally wrong!

Also, Harry tries his best to keep Amy distant but when she starts to become scared from threats, it's Harry she comes running too and poor Stephanie witnesses it all.

Thank you to my readers and subscribers! Xx