Author's Note: The first chapter is told from both Marissa and Alex's perspective but that will change to only Alex's perspective. Feel free to tell me what you'd like to see happen, what needs to be worked out. This is meant to be fun and realistic.

The ocean had always been her escape. Natures perfect way for her to feel grounded, connected and content. The waxing and waning of the waves provided a therapeutic symphony that allowed Alex to settle into her thoughts and ready herself to face another day before reaching that state of simplicity. Nearly everything to her seemed chaotic and it made her tired. She had finally felt as though she had her dream home in a nice apartment she stylized herself. She had finished her first semester of college. She had thankfully passed her GED, surpassing her own expectations and was overall content with the few friends she allowed to get close to her and be a part of her own family she had created. A breeze picked up and she hugged her jacket closer to her, her arms wrapped themselves around herself and she listened to the waves, breaking away from her thoughts. She kept walking slowly, the sound of the waves matching her steps. She sighed to herself, feeling her shoulders fall slightly, feeling the tension drift out of them. I need to relax more. Maybe I'll take a bath when I get home or put on my calm playlist or…

She heard screaming in the distance, breaking her out of her reverie. "Stop it….No…God…Stop." She picked up her speed and shortly came to an abrupt halt a few feet away from a girl and a guy.

What the hell is going on? Oh my god…

Alex stood there for a few seconds until her brain caught up with the images in front of her. A girl was trying to push a guy off of her as he pulled at her sweater. Before Alex could process what she should do she felt her legs move and then her foot lift off the sand. Kicking the ribs after he lifted himself off the girl a bit she brought her foot down, hearing a muffled pop when her foot impacted with his body. He grunted and rolled over, his hand at his side, his face in shock. She looked at the girl who still lay on the sand. Blinking a few times to make sure she was seeing clearly...she tried to find her voice.

"Marissa?" she asked in a whisper. Marissa didn't say anything but Alex could see a flash of many emotions flash across her face. From desperation, fear, relief, recognition, shock, vulnerability…

Oh my god…what is she doing here? I mean…really Alex?! Thank god she's here…but…oh god Trey…Marissa thought, her thoughts overlapping and jumbling together in a chaotic mess.

Trey started to get up off of the sand, making painful groans as he tried to stand. Alex quickly looked from Marissa to Trey and back to Marissa. Holding out her hand and offering it to Marissa, Marissa grabbed hers. Alex helped her up, careful to not touch Marissa but consciously trying to make sure Marissa was steady she held onto her arm, looked her in the eyes then checked on Trey to see what was happening with him.

He had stood now, breathing in deeply, looking at Alex with an angry glint in his eyes and began to advance towards her. His fist clenched as he took the few steps towards her and Marissa. Marissa's back was faced towards Trey…Alex held Marissa's hand tighter and pulled her towards her making Marissa think she was going to hug her, going to give her the comfort she wanted but instead Alex maneuvered Marissa behind her and Marissa frowned at the movement. Instead of answering Alex let go of Marissa's hand and whispered to her to go to the jeep knowing it was visible from where they all stood. Before leaving Alex, Marissa glanced at Trey and instantly felt sick. He looked crazed and there was Alex, standing as though in a fighting stance between herself and Trey. Her shoulders tense and her hands almost in fists.

This isn't happening. Alex is going to get hurt…I can't…

She put her hand on Alex's shoulder gently, trying to get her to focus on her and make her leave but she wouldn't look at her. Trey was getting closer and she felt Alex become even more tense.

"Who the hell are you?" Trey asked angrily, his voice clashing and seeming more hostile in contrast to the peaceful waves.

It was then that Alex turned slightly to Marissa and whispered to her gently but with an urgent undertone, "Just go to the car," a bit of pleading in her voice.

I can't have anything to happen to her. Who is this guy? It doesn't even matter, she needs to get out of here. But Marissa still stood there, seemingly rooted to the spot she was in and looked at Alex with fear in her eyes.

Why won't she come with me?

"Please…go..," Alex whispered to Marissa, looking into her sad eyes while she kept Trey in her peripheral vision. Marissa slightly nodded and quickly walked up to the jeep, checking back ever so often.

"Who the fuck are you?" Trey asked again. Alex didn't answer. She knew not to engage with someone who was that angry and out of his mind with adrenaline and hostility. Though she knew she was almost close to his level of anger as well. She could almost see red. He was trying to hurt Marissa…he was actually trying to…

She stopped her thoughts, her jaw tensing as she saw him step the last bit of distance between them and take a swing at her.