[Kayla was in her kitchen in complete shock. Her ex-boyfriend Elijah, or whom she thought was her ex, had just showed up professing his love for her. In fact the knucklehead still thought they were together, Kayla would have corrected him on it had she not been terrified of him and his temper. Apparently Eli had moved out to Echo Park in order to keep an eye on Kayla and ensure that their relationship continued as planned. He had made himself right at home at Kayla's parents and had helped himself to a Miller Lite that was in the fridge. The two of them were standing in the kitchen, Kayla had her arms crossed against her chest as Eli looked at her with a smirk on his face.]

Kayla Harlow Knix:
I just can't believe you're here Eli, I mean...

Elijah Carter Torrance:
I know that Baby. [He said as he took a long drink from his beer.] But it's really for the best you know? I mean in order for us to get married I am going to have to be close to you. Why put off the inevitable?

[Kayla just stared at him open-mouthed for a few seconds and quickly shut it. Before she could reply to him, the doorbell rang. Kayla subtly breathed a sigh of relief at the distraction.]

Kayla Harlow Knix:
You know what? Finish your beer, I'll get the door.

[She offered him a believingly fake smile before walking out of the kitchen. As soon as she was out of his sight her smile disappeared and the rate of her breathing quickened. It had been a long time since she had suffered a panic attack and fearfully she was about to suffer one at the time. Upon getting to the door and looking out a window, she saw that Alex was standing at her doorstep. A wave of relief washed over her as she studied her best friend standing there. With him there, there was no way that Elijah would try anything and that was the little strand of hope she needed to feel safe. Biting down on her lower lip, she unlocked the door and pulled it open. She looked at Alex and kept her warm smile on her face.]

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Hey Alex, I'm glad you're here. [She subtly glanced over her shoulder and saw that Elijah wasn't in sight. She lowered her voice to an almost whisper.] I missed you.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Hey Kayla. [He pulled her into his arms and gave her a quick hug.] Everything okay? [He looked behind her and shrugged a bit when he saw nothing.] Do you have guests over? I can come back later.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
No, I'm glad you're here. [She stepped outside and shut the door quietly behind her.] What's up?

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Actually, I came to apologize for that kiss. [He looked down as he took her hand.] Not that I regret it, but I shouldn't have done it. I made a complicated situation even more complicated.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
[Her smile evaporated as she took her hand out of his.] It sounds like you regret it...

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Really, I don't. [He frowned a bit at her.] I just meant that with everything going on with Bella and Alanna... I shouldn't be pulling you into the mess too. It would be much easier for me not to feel guilty if there wasn't all these complications.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
[At the mention of the two other girls in his life, she looked angry and jealous.] First off Alanna should have nothing to do with this. You aren't even really dating her and sometimes I don't even think you like her very much. And don't even get me started on Bella.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Alanna's alright... She gets on my nerves sometime acting like a ditzy cheerleader... And what is your problem with Bella? You don't even know her.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Maybe I don't know her but my problem with her is that she is stringing along one of the best friends I've ever had. Alex you can do sooo much better.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
I know she is... But you have no idea how hard it is for me to let go. I have loved her for so long that I'm not sure I know anything else. I'm not saying I've never felt anything for another girl since her, because I have and I even do now... I don't know. It's just so hard to explain in words.

[Before Kayla could reply to him she heard footsteps coming toward the door. Immediately she panicked and looked at Alex pleadingly before the door opened. She turned her head and saw Elijah standing there with his arms crossed against his chest.]

Elijah Carter Torrance:
Babe, care to introduce me?

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Ummm yeah...[She said a bit sheepishly as Elijah put an arm possesively around her shoulders, pulling her close.] Alex this is Elijah, my... [She swallowed hard.] boyfriend....And Eli this is Alex Knightly, he was my first friend when I came to Echo Park.

Elijah Carter Torrance:
I see... [He extended his free hand.] Nice to meet you.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
[He looked Elijah up and down, frowning a bit as he crossed his arms, refusing to shake his hand.] I'm sure.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
[She couldn't meet Alex's eyes.] Eli's moved out here to Echo Park to be closer to me...

Elijah Carter Torrance:
Yeah I figured it was about time to make an honest girl out of her. [He smirked.] So Alan thanks for keeping an eye on my girl for me while I was gone but I don't think I'll be needing you to anymore.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
[He looked at Kayla and thought back to something she had mentioned the other day.] You know, I think I'll be sticking around, thanks.

Elijah Carter Torrance:
Yeah well it's not necessary. [He said as he tightened his grip around Kayla.] Seriously, you can get on with whatever it is you do.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
[He pulled Kayla out of Elijah's grasp and pushed her gently behind him as he glared at him.] I think it is necessary.

Elijah Carter Torrance:
[He stepped down onto the walk-way of the house and glared at Alex with a smirk.] Seriously Dude you don't know who you're fucking with.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Guys just stop....[She moved so that she was standing in between the two men. She turned and looked at Eli.] Babe just go in the house and have another beer, I'll see Alex out.

Elijah Carter Torrance:
Whatever.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
[He walked back in the house and slammed the door behind him. She turned and looked at Alex.] I am so sorry about that...

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Kayla, what is he doing here? What the bloody hell is going on?

Kayla Harlow Knix:
He just showed up this morning. [She looked at him.] I didn't know he was coming Alex, I swear. If I had known I never would've told you I liked you or any of that other stuff.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
What? So you're actually serious? You're dating this wanker?

Kayla Harlow Knix:
What do you want me to say Alex? [She exhaled.] I guess I am.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
You know what? Now I really am sorry I kissed you. [He turned away from her and started walking towards his car.] And now I do regret it.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Alex wait... [She said as she started walking after him.] Please don't leave it and me like this.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Well, what do you want from me, Kayla? You don't like Bella for what she's doing to me, but you're no better.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
You don't know what you're saying. [She shook her head.] I am nothing like Bella.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Really? And how do you figure that? You tell me you like me, you kiss me back and now you're dating some complete arsehole who bloody well moved here for you. You're right. You're nothing like her. You're worse.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
[She began to tear up at hearing him say that.] Alex you don't understand, please don't be like this. [She swallowed hard as tears streamed her face.] I need you in my life.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
[He pulled the driver side door open before he turned to her.] No, you clearly don't need me. You have him. I'm already getting jerked around by one girl, I don't need it from two of you.

[She watched him get in his car and drive off. She could feel her heart breaking as she turned her body and slowly walked toward the house. When she got inside Elijah was waiting for her and as soon as she shut the front door she felt a strong smack to her face. She immediately brought a hand protectively and gently to the throbbing side of her face. She looked up at Elijah with fear in her eyes as he stood over her with his beer in hand.]

Elijah Carter Torrance:
You listen to me and you listen good, if I ever see you talking to that asshole again you are going to live to regret that. You got that? [She nodded quickly but not quick enough as he grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her closer.] I said, do you got that!?

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Yes Eli, I've got that.

Elijah Carter Torrance:
[He shoved her away from him and let go of her hair.] Good, make sure you do. Now go get me another beer.

[She scrambled to her feet and made her way into the kitchen to get his beer. It was at this point with her face throbbing and starting to blacken that she wished Alex was there to hold and protect her. She shuddered as she tried to hold back her tears, knowing that taking back Elijah and pushing away Alex was the worst mistake she had ever made.]

-----------------------------------------------------

[Kayla's stomach was filled with knots as she pulled into the parking lot at school. Luckily Eli was too hungover from the night before to drive her to school like he originally wanted to. As she sat in the parking lot she pulled down her viser mirror and checked out her black eye. She all ready had an excuse as to why her face looked the way it did, she's going to tell people that she was wrestling with her younger brother and he elbowed her in the face. She also had knots in her stomach knowing she would have to face Alex. She knew he probably hated her and she couldn't blame him. Finally she grabbed her bookbag and got out of her car. Keeping head head lowered she walked into the building and into her first hour class. She took her seat next to Alex and said nothing to him, knowing that he probably didn't want to talk to her. She turned her head so he wouldn't see the black eye. Alex stared ahead at the blackboard as they waited for the teacher. He couldn't even look at her, he was so angry. He had thought he would have cooled down overnight, but when he felt her sit down, it stirred everything back up. She could feel the anger radiating off of him and it made her shudder. Shutting her eyes for a moment to collect her thoughts, she turned her body toward him. She had to make this right at all costs.]

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Alex before the teacher comes in, can we please talk?

Alexander Charles Knightly:
I think we said everything that had to be said yesterday.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
No we didn't because we're still not friends. [She swallowed hard and exhaled.] Please, your friendship means more to me than anything.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
You don't need me. You have your boyfriend. [Alex gathered his things, not wanting to even stay for class.]

Kayla Harlow Knix:
That's not true. [She grabbed her things as well and followed him out into the hallway. She quickened up her pace to keep up with him.] I do need you, more than you know.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
[He walked to his locker, not looking at her as he threw his things into it.] And why would you need me?

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Because you're my best friend. [She stood against the locker next to his.] I know I should have told you about Elijah but I really thought things between him and I were over. I had no idea he was just going to show up in Echo Park like he did.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Well, I don't need you stringing me along. I've had enough. [He slammed his locker shut and turned to her. Her appearance caught him off guard. He grabbed her chin and looked at the bruise.] What the bloody hell happened to you?

Kayla Harlow Knix:
I was ummm wrestling with Jacob and he accidentally elbowed me in the face. [She kind of shrugged her head out of grasp and looked up at him.] It's not a big deal.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Yeah, I can tell that's bullshit. [He walked away from her, heading outside.]

Kayla Harlow Knix:
And what in the fuck are you even insinuating? [She asked as she walked toward him.]

Alexander Charles Knightly:
I'm insinuating that you are full of it, that's what. You want to lie to everyone else, go ahead, but I'm not going to listen to it.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Fine then let's not talk about it. What we do need to talk about is us.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
There is no us, Kayla. [He stopped and turned to her.] There is no us.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
I didn't mean us like boyfriend and girlfriend; I meant us as in friends. [She placed a hand on his arm.] Please Alex, I can't lose you.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
And I can't do this. I realize that things aren't exactly perfect on my end but I was honest with you. I told you everything.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
And I told you everything like I thought it was. He just showed up Alex, I never thought he would do that. You have to believe me when I said I thought he and I were broken up.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
You thought you were broken up? You either were or you weren't. There isn't any grey area there.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
It's not that simple; the last time I spoke to Elijah before I moved out here was two weeks prior. He didn't contact me or anything, can't you see how I thought he and I were broken up?

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Yes, well you can call me when you are.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
That's freaking bullshit. [Her eyes went wide.] Now I get it, you only want to be in my life when I'm single and can be available to you.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
It wouldn't be an issue if you hadn't thrown yourself at me, telling me how much you cared about me then turned around and started shagging some other bloke you said you were broken up with.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Thrown myself at you!? You were the one who kissed me, not the other way around. And for your information I'm not shagging Eli, we've never even had sex.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Well, I wouldn't have done it if you hadn't said anything. I shouldn't have done it, and I don't care what you and your boyfriend do.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Then why did you even bring it up?

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Kayla, just go away. I don't want want to talk to you about any of this anymore.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
[She stood directly in front of him and stared him in the eyes.] And why not Alex? What are you afraid of?

Alexander Charles Knightly:
I'm not afraid of anything. I am done with this situation!

Kayla Harlow Knix:
Well I'm not and I'm not done talking about it. [She semi-glared at him.]

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Well, too bad. You don't get a choice. [He turned and walked away from her, heading back into the school.]

Kayla Harlow Knix:
[She followed him and tried to get him to stop.] That's not fair, why are you so afraid of talking about this?

Alexander Charles Knightly:
I'm not afraid. There is a difference between being afraid and not wanting to do something. I do not want to talk to you.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
What do I have to do to make this up to you? I don't even know why you're so mad. Yes I did something stupid but it's not like you like me so I don't understand why you care so much that I'm with Eli.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Well, maybe I do and things are complicated enough as it is. I can't do this again.

Kayla Harlow Knix:
You know what? [She swallowed hard and shook her head.] I can't make you want to talk to me or be my friend anymore. I'm sorry I hurt you so much and I hope some day you can get past it.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
You knew what I was going through with Izabella and you turn around and do something just as bad. How else am I supposed to feel?

Kayla Harlow Knix:
I've apologized to you I don't even know how many times. Like I said I'm sorry I hurt you so much but I didn't do it intentionally.

Alexander Charles Knightly:
Fine, I'll see you around.

[He headed toward the cafeteria, not sure where else to go. Never had Kayla felt as helpless as she did at this time. She had to find a way to make things right with Alex no matter what the cost. But first she had to figure out how to get rid of Elijah.]