Athena woke up next to Brian in his bed around midnight. She took in his scent of cologne and cigarettes before wiggling out of his grasp and pulling on a pair of his boxers and Pantera T-shirt before walking out of the room quietly. Athena headed down the stairs and into the dark kitchen. She opened the fridge and reached inside to grab the bottle of orange juice, but before she could someone harshly shoved her into the counter top. She hissed in pain then felt whoever it was flipped her around so she was bent over the counter.

“Let go of me.” She snapped.

He chuckled, “What you don’t like this? Isn’t this how Syn plays?”

“Matt fucking let go.” Athena spoke louder.

He flipped her around so she faced him. The refrigerator light shining on them. She could she the hurt in his hazel eyes. He pinned her lower half down with his and held her arms down onto the counter preventing her from moving.

“Tell me what he does to you. Just tell me what he does that I don’t.” He begged.

She hesitated then spoke, “He would do anything for me.”

“Just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.” He pleaded for her to tell him.

Matt clutched her arms tighter, digging his nails into her skin brining tears to her eyes.

“Tell me!” He yelled.

“Matt let go of her.” Jimmy spoke from the doorway.

He turned on the lights and kicked the refrigerator door shut before prying Matt off of Athena. He whispered something harshly to Matt and they both watched him walk out of the front door, slamming it behind him. Jimmy gave her an ice pack for her wrists then attempted to make her feel better by offering to take her out for an hour.

“You’re hair needs to be done.” he pointed out.

“Are you gonna do it?” She asked pressing the icepack softly onto her wrist.

“No but I’ll take you to get it done, you know Zack’s mom does it for free for you. And she hasn’t seen you in ages.” he tried to persuade her to leave the house for a bit.

She thought about it for a minute then finally agreed, “Okay, in the morning.”

“Nope right now, she’s still open.” Jimmy grinned.

“Why the fuck is she open at this time?” She asked.

Jimmy scoffed and tugged gently on her hair, “Hair emergencies, duh.”

Athena rolled her eyes and followed Jimmy out of the house. She could just imagine herself leaving but she knew they would find her no matter what, Matt would always find her. Sooner or later he would catch up with her. Athena kept fiddling around with the radio until she landed on a station that was playing a Rancid song. Jimmy locked the doors on the car as they drove down main street. She imideatly knew where they were.

“We’re in Huntington?” She exclaimed.

Jimmy nodded, “Yeah…..”

“Oh my god isn’t that where you used to live?” She giggled pointing at the building that was to be torn down.

“Aw their tearing down my home!” Jimmy exclaimed.

Athena burst into a fit of giggles, feeling like they were back in high school. When Jimmy and her used to drive around randomly and go out for a beach day with the rest of the guys which actually meant ‘bar hopping’.

“Wow it’s the same as when I left.” She smiled up at the familiar building that said ‘Mama Baker’s Beauty Salon.’

Jimmy gave her a small smile and led her out of the car and loudly knocked on the front door. It took a few minutes but soon Zacky’s mother answered the door.

“Hello Jimmy, who’s your friend?” She asked yawning a bit.

“Mama, you don’t recognize me?” She asked with a small pout.

The woman straitened up and pulled Athena into her arms, “Athena! Honey it’s been ages since I’ve seen you! What are you doing back? I thought you were going to New York.”

“I decided to come back, you can’t keep me away from HB for long.” She lied for the woman that had been like a mother for her when she was growing up.

“Well let me guess you didn’t just come to see me at one in the morning.” Mama laughed and ushered both of them inside.

Athena told Mama what she wanted then let her work her magic. Jimmy gave her a look that Mama didn’t know what kind of guys they were now. She didn’t know that they had killed in the past. Athena kept her mouth shut and kept it brief when she told Mama all about New York.

“Damn Jimmy, isn’t Matt feeding her?” Mama asked remembering when Matt and Athena were together.

“I’m actually with Brian now.” Athena smiled softly.

Mama shot her a look, “I thought you and Matt were perfect for each other.”

“I guess it wasn’t meant to be.” She fought to stay strong.

Mama dropped the subject and finished Athena’s hair then made them both promise to come see her more often before she let them leave. Athena was quiet the whole ride back to the house. She was trying to keep the memories of Matt away so she could have a fresh start.