Stephanie's POV
I study my bruised eye carefully in the mirror. How am I supposed to disguise this from my parents? My Mum is going to go crazy about this. It's quite tender to the touch and it makes my eye water when it starts to sting.

"Stephanie?" My Mum knocks on the bathroom door. "Stephanie there's someone here to see you." She adds with another knock.

"I'll be out in a minute." I say loud enough for her to hear. Who the hell is here to see me? Mum would have said if it was Amy. I haven't seen any of my friends that I used to hang around with for weeks, I suppose it could be any one of them.

I quickly take my concealer from my make up bag and I forcefully plaster it on over the bruise. The stinging increases but I don't care, I need to cover it up as much as I can. Thankfully it hasn't swollen up yet It's starting to look a bit better and I blend it in with some foundation as I cover my whole face. I start to finish up as its much better that it was.

Maybe I should wear my reading glasses? That will help as the frames are quite big and will cover quite a lot of the bruise. I quickly leave the bathroom and run into my room, taking my glasses from my desk. I glance in my mirror for my final approval. It covers it well.

So, back to my surprise guest downstairs. I start to feel nervous to who it could be as it's clearly not anyone my Parents know. As I make my way down stairs I can hear voices, I head into the living room and I freeze as Kaya, the girl from yesterday, is sat casually talking to my Mum.

"Oh here she is! I'll leave you two in peace!" Mum says as she looks at me and I look away. She looks to Kaya who smiles and she then leaves.

"Get out." I say loud enough for her to hear as I slowly look up and I meet her eyes. I feel my hands start to shake and I shift my feet as I slowly feel panic rising.

"Woah, Chill. I'm here because Joe sent me. He said that I had to apologise.." Kaya says and I step back shaking my head.

"Get out!" I snap and she looks down. How does she have the nerve to come here after what she has done? She fooled my Mum so she could step in our house, it makes me feel sick.

"Stephanie, I'm sorry okay? We shouldn't have hurt you!" Kaya says as she walks towards me. "We didn't mean too." She adds and I step back until I reach the wall.

"Get out! Now!!" I shout and she rolls her eyes as she scratches the back of her head. I jump as the door suddenly swings open and Harry runs in. I look at him. "Get her out! Please!" I beg and Harry looks at her.

"You need to leave!" He says and Kaya nods. He frowns as he tries to work out what it is going on, I look down to the floor, I can't face her any longer.

"I'm sorry.." She mumbles as she passes us and leaves my house. I let a few tears escape my eyes and I fall into Harry's arms.

"That wasn't.." Harry stops as I nod frantically as I cry into his chest. I feel his grip tighten around me. "It's okay, you're safe here." He says soothingly as I tug at his t shirt.

"What's happened?" My Dad asks as he and Mum walk in. I slowly look up at them. "Steph?" He asks and I part away from Harry. I wipe my eyes and I control my breathing, I cough to clear my throat.

"It's nothing." I lie and Harry shakes his head as he looks at me. I look away as I sit down on the sofa. They all do the same, my Mum sits next to me. I know I have to tell them but I just don't know how they will react and the last thing I want is them to think Harry has anything to do with this.

"Stephanie, who did I let into our house?" Mum asks in a stern voice and I look at her and I feel the tears starting to appear again. I take my glasses off and I use the back of my sleeve on my eye as I rub as much make up off as I can. My Mum looks to my Dad.

"Her name is Kaya" I start as I look down at the floor. I feel their eyes piercing through me, waiting for me to explain what happened yesterday.

"And who is Kaya?" Dad asks as he leans forward looking at me worried. I look to Harry who nods encouraging me to answer and I start to talk.

---

Harry's POV
I couldn't look at Stephanie as she told the story of how I walked Amy home and she got attacked. Susan puts her arm around her as Stephanie continues to relive last night. She sobs through her words and I look down at the empty space in my lap.

"Shall I call the police?" Susan asks Ryan and he nods. That's every parent's first reaction isn't it? You want justice and to make the other person realise what they have done is wrong and to prevent it from happening again.

"No! I don't want the police involved!" Stephanie says and I look up at her. "It's done with. They won't hurt me again." She adds.

"But she came here to our house Stephanie?!" Ryan asks and Stephanie nods and he looks at her confused.

"She wanted to apologise, but I just couldn't have her in our house!" Stephanie answers and Ryan looks to Susan.

"And will she stay away now she's apologised?" Susan asks and Stephanie nods. I hope she's right because things will have to get ugly if they ever came back here.

"And you said it was about Amy? what if Amy is in trouble?" Susan asks and Stephanie looks to me, they follow her gaze. "Do you know what Amy has supposedly done?" She asks a little puzzled at her own question.

"No.." I say as I look at her and then to Ryan. We're interrupted by a knock on the door, Ryan stands up and quickly leaves the room. We can hear him talking and it sounds like the band I'm supposed to be managing with have arrived.

"Don't worry, they won't ever come back here." Susan says as she comforts Stephanie. I stand up and excuse myself as I know I've got to help Ryan.

"Harry, meet Eliza, Danny and Zack." Ryan introduces me with a smile. I look to the band and I individually shake their hand as I say hello. "Shall we go on through.." Ryan says as he guides the band into the studio. He turns to me before entering.

"Stay with Stephanie if you want. I can go over all of this with you tomorrow." Ryan suggests and I bite my lip as I think. Does Steph want me? Or does she want some space?

"I think I should stay with Steph. Thanks Ryan." I say as I think I have made the right decision, I wasn't there for her enough yesterday so I'm making sure I'm here today. Ryan nods and smiles as he enters the studio and closes the door. My phone goes and I look at the screen. It's facebook so I know it's Amy. I hover over the screen and I decide to read:

Harry,
I really need to thank you for everything you have done.
I can't ask for a better friend.
You've been there for me when other people haven't.
I appreciate you so much,
Stephanie doesn't know how lucky she is.

Amy xxxx

I close the message and I lock my phone screen. What am I supposed to do about Amy? She appreciates our friendship and I can't help but feel so guilty. I've gone so far with inviting her into my life as a friend, I thought I was doing the right thing. Maybe if I get them both together they will see how close they are and Stephanie can just talk to Amy and find out what's going on.

I quickly get facebook back up as I unlock my screen and write back to Amy:

Meet me at the Bella Italia in town.
Be there for half one

Harry.

I lean back on the wall as I wait for her to reply. It would be so much easier if she had my number but then I don't know how Stephanie would feel about that? Maybe I'll stick to facebook. I look down to see a message received. That was quick...

Yeah sure, I'll be there :)

Amy xxxx

I smile to myself as I put my phone in my pocket and I head to the living room to see Susan standing up. I smile as she passes me with a sympathetic smile on her lips, she closes the door behind us. I sit next to Stephanie.

"I'm so stupid." Steph says as she folds her arms and sinks down into the sofa, I shake my head as I take her hand, she looks at me and smiles.

"You're far from stupid Steph." I say and she tightens her fingers as they entwine with mine. "We're going out for lunch." I add and she smirks suspiciously at me. "You up for that?" I check and she nods.

"Yeah okay." She says and I pull her towards me, remembering I have to be gentle with her. She puts her head on my shoulder and I kiss the top of her head. I just hope I haven't made the biggest mistake by doing this.

---

Stephanie's POV
I'm quite excited to be going out with Harry for lunch. It's sweet he's trying to cheer me up and distract me from everything that has happened. But it doesn't block everything out when I think about Amy. I need to know what's going on in her head, but I also don't want to see her Incase I say something I regret. She's my best friend, how the hell did we come to this?

"Are you ready?" Harry asks as he knocks on the door and it slowly begins to open. I quickly place my glasses on and I look at him and smile.

"Yes I'm ready." I answer as I grab my bag and phone, I walk towards him. "Can you drive in? I don't want to walk.." I say as the last thing I need is bumping into anyone that's caused hell to us recently. Plus I still ache quite a bit and it gets uncomfortable.

"Course I can." Harry answers sweetly. I smile at him as I close my door behind me, he looks at me and smirks. "I like you with glasses, it's hot." He says quietly for only us to hear! I can't help but blush at his words as I'm not used to him being like this, but I have to admit I really like it.

"You two heading out?" Mum asks as she comes out of her bedroom. I look at her and nod explaining we're popping out for lunch. "Right okay, well enjoy yourselves" She smiles as she looks at us pleased. I nod as we head downstairs and we shout bye to everyone.

"So where are we going?" I ask as we put our coats on and we head outside. Harry shuts the door behind us and unlocks his car. I take a seat and I look over to Harry who taps the side of his nose, indicating that he's not tell me. I playfully roll my eyes and I look out the window as we pull away off our drive.

My mind wonders to Amy as I hate how things have turned out. I've never had so much dislike towards my best friend, it really sucks and all I want is to have the Amy back that I knew. I know I need to talk to her about what she's apparently been hiding from me, but I'm still a little nervous to find out the truth.

We've never had a fall out, we've had bickers between us and had moments where we haven't talked for a couple of hours. But we've never completely stopped talking for a few days and that's what's happened recently. It's weird that she isn't in my life when I feel like I need the people who are closest to me by my side. It's a horrible feeling that I really am struggling with. I also don't understand what she wants from Harry? I know my jealousy has created drama in my head and I've got so wrapped up in what she could be thinking, or needing for him. I just hope she just wants the friendship that she tried to convince me and Harry of.

We suddenly pull up and I look to see a sign reading 'Bella Italia'. I've only been here a couple of times and I really enjoyed the food, I feel proud that Harry picked this place.

"Ready?" Harry asks as he opens my door and I step out. I thank him as he shuts the door and locks his car, we head inside and I smile to him. He looks a little nervous and I don't understand why. I brush it off as I open the door and we walk inside. Harry starts to talk to the server and I look around to see how busy it is, I stop as Harry starts to walk away and I quickly follow him. I suddenly notice Amy sat at a table on her own, she's looking at me a little puzzled to why I am here. Why is she here?!

"Harry.." I say as I stop and he turns to look at me. "What's going in?" I ask as I look at him and then to Amy.

"Look, you two really need to be there for each other right now. Amy has a lot of explaining to do with you and you need to listen. Then vice versa, just don't be stubborn and sit down. Please?" He asks as he guides me to the empty seat opposite her. I roll my eyes and sit down, truth is I'm scared to hear what is going to come out of Amy's mouth.

"I had no idea.." Amy says as she looks at me and then to Harry. Harry pulls a seat up to us and sits down.

"Please just sort this out. Because I tried to get a friendship with Amy, for you Steph." Harry says as he looks at me. "And now you two need to remember who you are, you're best friends who need each other. Just talk and get everything out and just go from there. Okay?" He asks as he glances between us. We both nod and look back at him. "I'll pick you up in an hour or so?" He asks as he stands up and puts the chair back.

"You're not staying?" I ask him and he shakes his head. He leans down and kisses my cheek.

"Just talk!" He says and he then walks away from me. I take a breath as I look back to Amy who nervously looks at me and sighs.

"I'm sorry you got beaten up. I never intended that Steph." Amy starts and it feels nice to hear her say that. I nod as I look at her and I start to ease up a little, I'm glad she's started the conversation.

"I just don't get what is going on with you Amy? Where has all of this come from? Why did those girls want you and why haven't you spoken to Joe? You were supposed to tell him about James." I ask as I watch her every move, she looks away and shakes her head.

"I've done some stupid things Steph." She sighs as she looks back at me and leans forward on the table. We pause our conversation as the waiter comes over and he takes our order. We decide to share a pizza and we ordered a drink of coke. Once he takes the order he walks off and we go back into the conversation.

"Tell me Amy.." I say as I feel a little more confident. I sighs as she runs a hand through her hair.

"I slept with James when I was seeing Joe. I haven't admitted that because joe will go crazy-" she starts and I shake my head making her stop.

"He already knows! It's the fact that you haven't owned up and admitted it to him!" I say and Amy nods in agreement.

"I just don't know how to tell him, what if he goes mad? He's already got those girls onto me!" She looks away and I can tell there is something else.

"Those girls are after you for a different reason, aren't they?" I ask and she quickly looks at me sharply. I keep my glare on her and she bites her lip. "Amy.." I sigh as I just want to know what she has done.

"I left a club with this guy, oblivious to him being Kaya's boyfriend. I stupidly stayed over his, but I swear I didn't sleep with him! We just kissed.." Amy says and I look away as that girl's name sends shivers down my spine. "Please believe me." She begs and I slowly look up at her.

"Why did you leave a club with a guy when you have a boyfriend?! And Kaya's the girl who got her friends to beat me up!" I snap as I let my head fall in my hands, ashamed that this conversation is taking place.

"I'm so sorry!!" She says but I can't look at her. How could she be so stupid? And why? She was never like that, or at least I thought she wasn't.

"Why? Why not tell me any of this and why, most importantly do you do it?" I ask as I look at her and I feel a little angry. Her behaviour has made me feel so ashamed as I know this isn't Amy, she isn't the girl that everyone thinks she is. It's almost as if she's lost and she's trying to find herself, but she's looking in all the wrong places.

"Because I knew you'd be angry with me. You're not like that and I knew you wouldn't approve, so I just kept it to myself. I've lost so much self respect and I don't know how to get it back Steph! I only do it because at the time, I feel wanted" she says as she starts to wipe a couple of loose tears.

My anger subsides and I start to feel sorry for her. All this crap she has been through and I had no idea what she was doing. She's made mistakes and she's going to pay for them, but right now it sounds as if she needs me. She needs someone to understand her and just to be there for her when things get tough.

"You really have dug yourself a hole. Kaya's not the nicest girl I've met and because you kissed her boyfriend and cheated on her cousin, things are going to be bad and you may feel like breaking down. But you have to be strong and just confess to Joe. You owe him that." I say and she shakes her head. I sigh as I feel frustrated at the fact she isn't listening to me.

"They'd kill me." She says and I bite my lip as I try to think of a way she can tell him. I suddenly think that I may have an answer.

"Write him a letter." I say and Amy frowns unsure to my suggestion. "It's better than nothing! And then you can say you've told him." I say and Amy looks at me and starts to chew the inside of her cheek, a habit she's always had when she's thinking about something.

"Okay." She says as she sits back in her chair and I smile feeling so pleased at her. "But can we not talk about them anymore?" She asks and I nod.

"Okay. But I wanted to ask you something.." I start and Amy looks at me a little nervous. "You and Harry.." I start slowly as I don't want to jump in and scare her off. She nods and looks away, playing with her cutlery. I stop as the waiter brings our drinks over. "Thank you" I smile to him and I look back to Amy. "Are you interested in him as just a friend?" I ask as sensitive as I can.

Amy looks at me and smirks, I immediately feel stupid and as if I've asked a really dumb question. Her patronising look makes me feel so small.

"Did you really ask me that? Of course it's just friends! I wanted to get on with him because he's going out with you." She says as she rolls her eyes playfully at me.

"We're not going out, we are just seeing each other." I correct her but she takes hardly any interest as she sips her coke.

"Well, I'm not after your man if that's what you were worried about. Jeez Steph, you're my best friend." She laughs as she looks away and smiles as our pizza arrives. I watch her as I don't feel too pleased about her answer, I can't push it any further as she's told me her answer. But something in my gut is feeling a little uncomfortable and I'm not sure what to think.

Notes

So Stephanie isn't sure on Amy's answer about her and Harry...
Do you think Amyis just desperate to have him as a friend? Or do you think she has other plans?
Let me know what you guys think?

Thank you to everyone who is reading this story and who have voted and subscribed!

Much love to you all! X