Hilary nodded, and stood up pulling me in for a hug. “I’m just glad you’re all right.”

Hilary and I spent the rest of the morning and afternoon hanging out like a couple of teens. Buried under a heaping pile of pillows and sheets, snuggled on the couch, and watching reruns of our favorite shows.

“Seriously? Dan and Blair? Ugh!” I scowled, fast-forwarding through their scenes on screen together.

Hilary popped an Oreo in her mouth, giggling at the look of loathing covering my face.

“I agree Chuck and Blair all the way. Although, he really needs to stop sleeping with everything in heels.” Hilary giggled before taking a giant swig of milk and maneuvering to face me. “Speaking of rich playboys, what is going on with you and Logan, anyway? I thought you were completely done with him after interrupting his night.”

“I was, I mean…I am,” I didn’t know how I felt anymore so instead of dwelling on it, I snatched the bag of Oreos from Hilary’s lap. I shot her a fierce look when I realized the bag was empty. “Okay, you are so going jogging every morning this week.”

“Don’t try to change the subject,” Hilary scolded. “I think its sweet he was looking out for you. From what Caleb tells me, the guy really isn’t so bad.”

“Logan showing up last night was anything but a romantic gesture,” I scowled. “But if he hadn’t, I hate to think of what might have happened. I drank way too much to help me relax, but a part of me wonders if I really would have been able to go through with anything if Kurt and I were alone. It’s not like hooking up with guy on a first date is something I’ve experienced before. And if I tried to stop things with Kurt once we were back here…” I stopped myself, closing my eyes, trying not to think the worst.

“I never should have pushed you to go out,” Hilary muttered, her voice full of shame.

“Looking back on last night, I’m grateful Logan was there,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I saw a side to him that was so different than what he lets everyone else see. He’s a good guy, it’s just hidden under many, many layers of head games and irresponsible behavior. He helped clean me up and even refused to leave until I was tucked into my bed.” I chuckled, remembering how stubborn he could be.

“That doesn’t sound like the Logan Caleb normally talks about,” Hilary said, raising her brows.

“I know, completely caught me off guard that he may actually have a heart buried in that chest of his.”

“His gorgeous, perfectly chiseled chest, you mean to say,” Hilary teased in a sing-song voice.

“Yeah, he definitely has the sexy part down, but we decided to be friends. Start over and try out a real friendship.” After the texts this morning, I was painfully aware of how hard being friends with him was going to be. My body craved his. It was strange and unnerving and I just hoped my brain was able to outweigh the natural urges I felt around him.

“Can you do that? I mean you said you’ve had how many naughty dreams about the guy?” Hilary giggled when I cocked my head to the side, narrowing my eyes at her.

I chucked a pillow across the couch at her, laughing. “I know,” I blew out a breath, “but it’s complicated. Between not wanting to hurt Oliver, and Logan’s reputation for sleeping with most single women in town, a friendship is all it will ever be.”

“Well, I think he likes you, so if starting over as friends is what you guys want to call it, then I’ll support you. Just be careful,” Hilary said, before turning the volume back up on the television.

I awoke to loud banging on my front door. I peeled open my eyes and looked over to see Hilary passed out on the other end of the couch. The television sang the theme song from Gossip Girl.

With a soft yawn, I threw back the blankets, and sauntered sleepily over to the door, my hands rubbing my eyes. I glanced over at the clock on the wall, shocked to see it was after eight in the evening.

I knew who it was so I didn’t bother with the peephole. The moment I opened the door, my mother brushed furiously in past me.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” she yelled. “I have been trying to call you all day!”

Hilary sat up, her eyes groggy and quickly slipped on her shoes, shooting me a sympathetic smile. “I should go. I’ll see you at school in the morning.” She walked quickly to the door.

I nodded, turning my gaze back at my fuming mother. Her tense expression caused me to step back. She looked livid, and it took a moment to realize she was staring not at me, but at my lip.

“I’m sorry I didn’t answer my cell or call, but I just needed to unwind today,” I explained hoping to draw her attention away.

It didn’t work. She reached out and gently cupped my cheeks, inspecting my injuries.

“That piece of shit,” she mumbled and dropped her hands. I could see the pain crossing her face.

I shifted my weight and then headed back to the living room and began picking up the empty food wrappers. After flicking the television off, I asked, “Shouldn’t you be at work?”

My mother always worked nights, so I was surprised to see her at this hour.

“I’ve been working double shifts for the past week. I just left the station, but have to be back in four hours.” She sighed heavily, leaning against the wall. “Don’t avoid the subject, Cassie. What happened?”

“I’m sure you already read the police report,” I muttered.

“Damn right, I did! What the hell were you be thinking going out with that man?” She pushed off the wall and began pacing the room.

“Mom, I know you worry about me, but I’m fine, all right.” I left the room, throwing the last of the empty water bottles in the trash and came back out waiting for her rant to continue.

Watching me, her eyes softened. “Why don’t you come home for a few days? You can sleep in your old bed.”

“And have my mommy in the next room with a pistol waiting to protect me?” I laughed folding the blankets on the couch.

“Exactly.” She grinned, falling into the small chair across from me. “I know you’re all grown up, but I’m still your mother. It’s my job to protect you.”

“I know, now go home, and get some sleep. You look exhausted.”

“Of course I am. I spent my entire shift trying to get a hold of you.”

“Well, as you can see, I survived and will live another day to keep you on your toes.” I smiled.

She sighed, accepting defeat on the subject. “Fine, but keep ice on that lip and don’t forget you still need to come down and give your full statement. Don’t think I’m letting that son of a bitch get away with hurting my baby girl! Logan West was there earlier.”

I stilled, surprised to hear that since he said he wasn’t pressing charges.

“By the way, that Kurt guy was just released from the hospital. They’re transporting him back to prison as we speak.”

“I just want to forget it ever happened.”

“I know, honey.” She hugged me. “I love you.”

I squeezed her tightly. She was always the best at giving hugs that melted away my problems.

“I love you too, Mom.”

I opened the door and watched her reluctantly walk out to the squad car parked in my driveway.