I flinched again as Collin said that. “Say something.â€? He ordered softly and then again in a bark.

I stood frozen, afraid that if I moved I’d break into a million pieces because of the heaviness of this issue. Collin waited a little bit but not for long. He took a step toward me until he was in my face.

“I said, I love you.â€? He repeated with a glare but it wasn’t the kind of love I was looking for. “Cathy, I know you love me too.â€?

“No!â€? I screamed in his face and he reached to slap me, hard. I fell back but caught myself before I hit the ground. Hands were at my shoulders anyway, helping me.

I looked up at Jason. His face was a mask of anger as he set me up right. “You are like ten different kinds of stupid.â€?

I’ll take that as a compliment.

Jason turned to glare at Collin. “And you! What the hell is wrong with you, man?! Do-you-have-like-mental-problems?!â€? Jason sounded out each word like he was talking to a kindergartener.

“Can we settle this another way?â€? Collin growled viciously.

“Gladly.â€?