Okay, before you read this let me say I am so sorry. SO INCREDIBLY SORRY. The wait for the chapter was ridiculous and I completely understand any agitation. I hate when writers don't post for a long time, as well so I'm angry with myself that I did that to you guys. Okay, without further ado, let the drama begin. ;D

…

Baylie

I sat there, frozen in shock. By this point my eyes were probably like giant saucers due to the amount of surprises that had been happening to me today.

Joel Williams saw beneath my mask. He didn't laugh or look away. And now he wanted to kiss me.

Kiss me.

His green eyes were looking deep into mine and I saw his gentleness, he was real. I knew that before, but I know it now more than ever. I took a deep, shaky breath and closed my eyes, leaning in gently.

I felt his warm breath on my nose and lips as his face got closer to mine. He smelled good, like smoke and leather, and I wanted him to get closer.

"Well?" he whispered.

I nodded my head and tilted it up slightly so our lips could meet.

And they did.

And it was one of the most perfect moments of my life. It seemed to last forever, and yet it only lasted a couple seconds. When he pulled away, he left me wanting his to kiss me again. His lips were so soft and warm and gentle, it left me a bit cold when he moved.

Instead, though, he touched his forehead to mine and sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Thank you," he said and stroked my face with his thumb, rough from playing the guitar without a pick.

"I'm trusting you, you know. This is going out on a thin limb for me," I replied.

"I can imagine," he chuckled, "But I have a question."

"Yeah?"

"I saw you outside once, that day where you sprained your wrist. You were without a mask. Why?"

"Jenna convinced me, I don't really know how…"

"Is there any way you'll try it again? I promise I won't chase you down the stairs this time. At least I don't think I will," he teased. I scoffed at him and shook my head.

"You know that you are only the fourth person to see my face in years? That in itself is… a big step for me. Can you understand that?" He nodded slowly and I pulled back. If this was going to happen, it will happen at my pace, no faster.

Joel seemed okay with that, though. When I turned to face him again, I blushed at the expression on his face. It was almost star struck. By me?

"You really are beautiful, Leah. You shouldn't worry about your scars, they are barely visible. Really." I stood up from the bed and made my way to the fridge where I pulled out a water bottle.

"You want one?"

"No thanks," he replied, walking over to where I was standing. I hopped onto the counter and crossed my ankles while he leaned against the wall across from me, studying me carefully.

"What?"

"Will your friends care about this… us?" Oh yeah, how could I forget them?

"Jenna will be elated. I'm not sure about Mason…" He grimaced at the name. The two boys still didn't get along real well.

"When will you see to them again?"

"They're supposed to come over tonight. Why?"

"Just wanna talk to them."

"Why?"

"Just do." He shrugged and his green eyes met mine. The smile came back to his face when I grinned at him. He was right in front of me in a split second, face hovering mine.

"Hey," I whispered. I could really get used to this.

"Hey. Can I kiss you again? Oh, and you smell good."

"Thanks, you do, too," I giggled.

"So I'll take that as a yes? I still won't do anything you don't like. Just tell me."

"Why not?" I moved my face up again and we kissed. This one was longer and he wrapped his arms around my waist. I took his gesture and I wrapped my own around his neck. His hair was so soft…

"What the hell?" a male voice cursed from the doorway. We tore apart, almost guiltily, and looked at the onlookers who had entered without our knowledge.

Mason stood there, fuming, and Jenna was smiling like an idiot. Joel came around to my side and wrapped an arm around my waist.

"What the hell?" he repeated, his face growing red.

"Mason, calm down?"

"Why should I calm down? Why was he kissing you? Did you let him?"

"Of course I let him. He asked." Mason's blue eyes went wide with rage behind his glasses which he took off and flung onto the bed, taking a step towards us.

"Baylie, move away."

"No."

"Mason," Jenna cut in, "Stop it. You're being a jealous fool. Let's just talk about this calmly."

"Why? So he can try and eat her face again? Jenna she hasn't been through any of these experiences. He's just gonna hurt her!"

"No, he won't," us girls said at the same time. Joel pulled me closer to his side, protectively.

"Baylie, move," he growled again.

"No," I also repeated. Before I knew it I was being flung on the bed and Mason and Joel were throwing fists.

"You idiots!" Jenna was shouting, throwing pillows at them and having no effect what so ever. It seemed Mason was on offense completely and Joel was trying to protect himself.

I couldn't just let them fight like that! I pushed my self up and grabbed a hold of Mason shirt, clinging to him.

Okay, so maybe that wasn't the smartest idea in the whole wide world, but it seemed fine at the time.

I actually ended up getting elbowed in the face. I can honestly say that it didn't feel too great. Not at all.

I ended up on the floor with a bloody nose.

"Shit," the boys said simultaneously. Once the colored dots disappeared from my sight I saw the three others leaning over me with worried expressions.

"Bay, you okay?" Mason asked, taking me in his arms.

"Yeah, but I can't breath through my nose." I felt fingers hold my nostrils shut and tip my head upwards.

"See what you two did. Especially you, Mason," Jenna scolded.

"Well, what else was I supposed to do?"

"Not attack him, maybe?"

"Talk to us," I added nasally. He glanced down at me and guilt flooded his features.

"I'm sorry I hurt you, Bay, but I'm not sorry for getting angry. Surely you must know why I did that? Please tell me you know why."

"I don't. It seemed rather ridiculous to me."

"It's because I love you."

"I love you, too, but I wouldn't throw myself at some girl you were kissing."

"No, I don't think that we're talking about the same kind of love," he said, sadly, "What I mean is I am in love with you. You know, like a man loves a woman kind of love." I stared at him wide eyed, shocked. He was in love with me? And I only noticed just now when he told me? Man, I can be really dense sometimes.

"Mason…"

"I was jealous. I still am jealous. And if you are going to pick him over me, then fine be it. But you can be sure that I will fight for you." I looked over to where Joel was kneeling in front of me. He and Mason shared a meaningful look and I felt the arms around me shifting so that I was in Joel's instead.

"I think it would be best if we left. Sorry, again," Mason said, standing up. Then he leaned over and kissed my now bloody lips. Okay, is it really bad that I just kissed two guys in a matter of ten minutes? Yeah. Bad.

With that he turned and walked out the door with and excited Jenna following him out.

"Well then," Joel said after a minute, "It looks like I have some competition." I couldn't like the sound of that less.

…

Well, there ya have it! Hope you enjoyed! I apologize, again, for taking so long to update. I've been so busy and when I wasn't I was in place with no internet or anything.

Thanks to all you guys who reviewed and have stuck with me through that dry spell (yeah, we've had a drought where I live, too, so I meant it both ways) and I hope you will continue to voice your thoughts.

P.S. I think I know what I'm going to do with Mason in the end. I'm so excited!

P.P.S. Don't forget to tell me anything you want to see happen or ideas you have. Really, I will take them into consideration!

Hope you guys are having a good summer and happy Fourth of July!:)

~JaseCD