Harmony High

I tell them everything, and invite them to stay with me, even though I should be used to it by now, I hate being alone and feeling abandoned. Basically that's why I hate my life, is because of what my life is like at home. Then Lauren has a genius idea, well not genius, most likely to get me beat, but I don't care, it'll be worth it. Lauren suggests having an all-freshman party tonight, and with a whole week left, I can definately clean up before they get home. Lauren, Matt, and I, send out group messages, inviting the entire freshman class. Then we walk to the store and get refreshments and such. This is going to be awesome! I wonder if Avery next door would rat on me to my parents, probably not, but I'm going to go talk to her just in case. I walk next door, but she's on her way out. "Oh hey Carly! How's high school been for you so far?" "It's been fine," I say, "Look, I'm having an all-freshman party tonight since my family's out of town for a week. Please don't tell my family, even though it's all-freshman, you're more than welcome to come and bring some friends if you like, just please, don't squeal!" I get out. She laughs a little. She just shakes her head, "I won't squeal. I'm not like that! And I'll think about that offer, but no promises." "Okay! Thanks!" I say, and I trot back to my house. I can't wait! This is going to be a great party!

Luna

I was driving home from working out at the gym in my beloved dark plum purple 2012 Mustang and jamming out to my music. It was a nice night. I hadn't changed out of my Dan skin sports bra or tight black work out shorts, so my tattoos and piercing, as well as the long vertical scar on my right cheek were showing. Then I see a kid from school I recognized standing on a corner looking like he was ready to knock someone out. William, I believe his name is. I make a U-turn and and pull up beside him.

"Hey," I roll down my window. "do you need a ride somewhere?"

He moves closer to to get a good look at me. "Your name is Luna right?"

"Yea," I nod. "so do you need a ride? It's no problem. I can take you anywhere you need to go."

Lena

As we were comforting Will that everything was going to be alright, Avery walks in, worried. I can see her eyes concerned and she runs over to him and gives him a huge hug. They don't let go after Chris clears his throat, which I, Avery and Will chuckled too. I was happy that Will was at least smiling. That ought to cheer him up a little.

After the emotional drama acted by all the four of us, Chris offered Will to stay over at his house. See? This is just the Chris I know. Kind-heart, loved by all, helpful. Will looked a little uncomfortable but we convinced him so he agreed. Chris also invited Avery and Will over to his house that evening to watch a horror movie.

Avery passed me a wink, and I saw myself blushing. She giggled.

"Nah, I think we'll go with your movies, Chris." Avery said, looking at Will and me. "Right, guys?"

I nodded and Will smiled. It was going to be a perfect night. Me and Chris, Avery and Will. I wanted to explode with happiness.

"Awesome. See you guys at 7? Oh, we'll deliver some awesome food too, to go along with." Chris said.

"Sounds great!" Will said, starting to forget things a little now.

The bell had rung and we said our "good-bye" 's, as we were off. I could Avery squeaking a little, and jumping and talking to Linnie. I laughed a little and Vivienne came up to me.

"You're dating Chris?!" Vivienne exclaimed, for the whole school to hear.

I frowned and shook my head. "Relax, boo. Not yet to that stage. But he invited me over to his house to see a movie." I said, dreamily.

"You and Chris? Really?" she asked, surprised.

"Viv, he's freaking hot! And the best guy I've ever met in ages!"

"Just make sure you don't screw this up." she said, shaking her head.

"What do you mean 'screw this up'? Obviously I wouldn't think of it! I've found my perfect guy."

"And a perfect new enemy to ignore for the rest of your life if you're going to be his girlfriend."

"What is wrong with you? If you've got fucking issues, spit it out!" I declared.

"You think I've got problems? Pfft. I've got other fucking things to think about. I'm talking about Joseline." Vivienne said, narrowing her eyes.

"Josie. Not Joseline. What about her?" I asked.

"Don't you realize she likes him too? You would be stealing him away from her!"

"Not my fault! She should have tried to fight with me for him. Not just eagerly wait around for him." I said, kicking the door to the car, slightly.

I got in, and switched on the engine. Giving Vivienne a look, I drove off. The next thing I would want is negative comments from Viv. Oh, no. I could go well off without that.

I went home, and ran upstairs to get dressed. I picked my clothes carefully. Okay, so... Polka dotted bra, or maybe not. Oh, yes! this silver one looks good. Knowing that it has a transparent strip.

I picked out my velvet red top with an amazing dark green mini skirt to go with. It had glitter on it, so it'll look good. I slipped it on and I put some gloss, and fixed up a huge ring sort earring. Applying mascara and some eyeliner, I was ready. I switched to my stilettos and put on a bunch of accessories to go with.

Then, the next thing I do is text Avery :-

Hey, you all ready junky? xD I text.

Just a little touch up. And... Yeah. I'm done.

Great, see you there?

Drop by my house, bitch! We'll go together. xPP

Boom. I'm comin'.

I left the house at 7, yes, the girls are pretty late. We'll have to reach Chris's house half an hour late. I reached Avery house, and I just saw her closing the door behind her. We took her car this time, and zoomed off. According to my calculations, I was correct. We were half an hour late.

Before we rang the door bell, we checked ourselves.

"Do I look okay?" I ask, fixing my hair.

"Fantastic! How about me?" she asks, a little worried.

"You'll make the perfect girlfriend for Will! But stay off mine." I said, teasing her. "Just kidding."

"I've got Will. That's all I want." she said, as we walked to the door and rang the door bell.

Spoiler

I don't know what to do with Allen now. He seems like a left out character in the story. What do I do with him?

Chris

I bumped into Josie after school. She looked a little concerned.

"Hey, what happened at lunch? I wanted to apologize for punching your arm and you never showed up," she said.

"Oh, Will got in some trouble with his mom so Lena and I picked him up and brought him back to school. He's staying with me for a while," I explained. "And no need to apologize. I made myself look like a jackass and I deserved it."

She smirked a bit. "Yeah. Last time I let you drink at a party. I was wondering about the baseball game though. The Rockets have their last game of the season on Saturday, so do you still wanna go?"

"Of course! I'll buy the peanuts," I grinned.

She laughed. "Alright. Saturday, the game starts at 2:30. I'll meet you out front."

I nodded. "Gotcha. See ya later!"

"Bye!"

Will's advice was working. I still liked both of them, but maybe it would be clearer after I saw them both. I raced home in my car, feeling excited and nervous at the same time. When I got there, only Gramps was home, and he was shut up in his room, probably sleeping. I cleaned the house like a madman, scrubbing the floors, washing the windows, and cleaning the entire basement from top to bottom. Will was the first to come over at 6:30, just as I was putting fresh sheets on the bed downstairs.

"Hey dude," I said, straightening out the blankets. "Just go ahead and put your stuff on the floor."

"Hey. Thanks for letting me stay here, by the way," he said, glancing around.

"No problem. I already asked my mom and she said it'd be fine."

"Sweet. So what movies are we watching?" he asked, looking at the pile on the couch.

"I was thinking we'd start off with a classic like 'Silence of the Lambs' first, and after that it's up to you guys, but I definitely recommend 'The Grudge' or 'The Ring'," I shrugged.

Avery

"Lin...I don't know man...I feel like him getting kicked out is all my fault" I say sadly to Linnie while she applies her makeup for a date while I drive.

"Oh come on love, you know that its not you fault. It's probably something else. His mom can't hate you forever just because of something you can't control" Linnie said supportively while she closed the lid of her lip gloss.

"Maybe...maybe I should do something. Like offer him the guest house out back" I say, hope filling my tone.

She raises her eyebrows at me than says "To stay in or to fuck in?" she finishes with a waggling of the eyebrows.

I laugh out loud and shake my head at her. " Get your mind out of he gutter, girl. I mean I know how much he hates handouts, thats why he was so hestitant to take Chris's offer. But if I offer him to stay there, and get daddy to offer him a job...things will be perfect!" I say enthusiastically.

She smiles at my sudden exuberance then shakes her head. " Speaking of your dad how is he? And your mom? I haven't seen them in forevs! And i've been hoping that whe i do see them again i'll be served some of that delish filet mignon your dad grills wonderfully." I look over and literally see Linnie salivating.

" Moms at a new hospital and daddies in Jamaica right now visiting moms side of the family to fill them in about her progress and to take care of some biz." I say.

I pull up in front of Le vanas, a fancy resturant located downtown and watch as Linnie pulls down her dark red blouse and denim mini. She leans over to me and kisses me on the cheek and reminds me to use protection. I smile and roll my eyes at her as she skips to her date with Matt, a pretty smexy basketball player that she's had her eyes on for maybe a day before he asked her out. I get to my house and find the place sparkling clean. Ahhhh maid service, what would I do without 'em. I jog upstairs and jump into the shower to rinse off todays stresses and worries.

Okay now maybe I handled my talk with Allen wrong today but darn it he's just so full of himself, the asshole. Thinking that he can just yell at me for slapping him. Ha, thats not even .0000000001% as bad as what I wanted to do to him that night. Than there's Jane. I didn't even see her today sadly so I didn't get to talk to her about the party. And the stains that she and Allen left on my bed. The water sprinkles me and helps me relax enough to decide what i'll do next, not think recklessely and decide on something stupid. I sigh and decide to just put them out of my mind for until I get out of my shower.

I than think of Will. I don't know how in the world I can pay him back for what i've done. I knew that his mom hated me...but i just put it out of my mind and decided to live in the moment. "stupid, stupid, stupid Avery" i mumble, while palming myself in the forehead. To think that some tiny offer would make less of what i've done. I cry for a little while the water sprinkle hot water on my curly head. The only thing I can do is be the best girlfriend I can be. And to plan my idea the best way I can because it a awesome idea. I am sooooo telling them when I see them tonight.

I hop out of the shower, brightened and energetic from my awesome birthday idea. I put on my mango balm to give myself that nice sweet tangy smell and put on a thong and lacy bra. I squeeze myself into a pair of black skinny jeans throw on a purple tank top and than my sparkly silver vest. I'm putting on my flats when I get the text from Lena. Ahhh that girl. I seriously adore her. Her old badass exterior is still there but has also made room for the girly girl that I knew and still love. And i'm glad that she can tolerate Linnie. Not many people can which just reminds me what a great friend the both of them are.

I braid my hair into two pretty french braids and decide to throw on a purple beret just for the hell of it. As i'm walking outside to get in my car and wait for Lena, my next door neighbor Carly comes outside with a huge smile on her face. She begs me to come to not rat her out than she invites me and some friends to her party. I crinkle my eyebrows and think what the hell. If the party is up until maybe 1 or 2 a.m I just might make an appearance, mainly just to show the kiddies how to really party. If possible her smile grows even bigger when I tell her i'll think about it and as soon as she steps inside Lena drives up.
I drive us to Chris's and thats about when I decide to text Allen:

Meet me at the freshman party tonight and we'll talk

We finish setting up and put the music on just before the first people started arriving. This is already a great party, and it just started! All of the other freshman are really excited to be here, because being freshman, we don't see too many high school parties. The more people that arrive, the awesomer it gets. I look around and see everyone is really excited. Matt is acting as our DJ and Lauren our bartender. All three of us are enjoying ourselves, but making sure nothing gets too out of hand, like a stabbing or something. Also, I'm acting as security, like if a senior who I didn't authorize shows up or whatever. I take some sips of whatever it is Lauren poured me, it makes my head fog up, and it's a little hard to get down, but I like it. Matt lets one of his friends, whose name I forgot, take over DJing for a while, and he lets Lauren pour him some of whatever I've got. We put our drinks down as he drags me to the floor to dance with him.

Spoiler

If it's alright, I think I'm gonna add a profile for Matt and write for him as well

Luna

I'd just got home home when Lini came downstairs.

"Hey," Lini kisses me on the cheek. "did you hear about the party at Ford's?"

"No." I shake my head and head up to take a shower.

Lini follows as I head into the bathroom and turn on the water. "You should go."

I unzip my sports bra and toss it to the floor. "Why?"

"Maybe you'll meet someone." she shrugs.

"Like?" I pull off my shorts and panties.

"I don't." she shrugs.

"You just want a ride." I laugh.

"You got me." she smiled.

"You know you can just ask right?" I begin to pull my hair up but stop. "should I wash my hair?"

"How long's it been since you last washed it?" she walks over.

"A couple days." I fell my hair.

"Then yea." she nods. "And I want you to go have a little fun for once."

"I do have fun." I say as I get into the shower.

"Nope." she shakes her head.

"Uh huh."

"Nu uh."

"Uh huh."

"Nu uh!"

"Uh huh!"

"Nope." Lini chuckles.

"I'm not going to argue with you over this." I say.

"Well fine then." Lini sighs.

"Besides, you just wanna bump into Keo at the party." I smirk.

"Bite me." she replies.

"Aw," I coo. "little sister has a crush on one of the new- AHH!!"

She flushed the toilet on me! Bitch!!

"Ok i'm sorry!" I shout.

"What?" Flush.

"I'm sorry!!" I yell.

"That's better." I hear the smile in her voice. "Now are you going to the party, or do I have to start flushing again?"

I jump out of the shower and glare daggers at her. "Fine."

A smile spreads across her face as she skips merrily out of my bathroom.



We walk up the porch and knock on the door. Carly opens the door.

"Hey," I smile. "I know this party's only fro freshman, but we were wondering if you had room for a few seniors?"

She sighs. "Sure, why not?"

I walk inside trailed by Lini. From the look of it this party was in full swing. People are talking, laughing, and having a good time. I nod. Nice. Lini and I split up and head off. I find a couch and chill. Carly came over and sat down beside me.

"So what do you think?" she asked.

I nod, "Awesome. It looks like everyone's having a good time."

"Good." she looks around with a smile.

"Why do you let it happen?" I look at her.

She frowns. "Let what happen?"

I touch the side of her face where I see a faint bruise and she pulls away.

"You don't what you're talking about." she looks anywhere but at me.

"I know exactly what i'm talking about, because i've been through it." I say.

"What would you know." she scoffs.

"I know you just sit back and take what ever your mother dishes out." I glare.

Her face flushes red with anger.

"It'll only get worse." I tell her sadly.

"What ever." she gets up.

I jump up and grab her arm. she turns to glare at me. "I'm here if you ever get tired of it."

I see the surprise in her eyes. I'm hoping she takes me up on my offer. She looks at me for a moment, and I see a flash of something, but it's gone just like that, and she closes up. She yanks her arm out of my grip.

"I don't need your help." she disappears into the crowd of people on the dance floor.

I sit back down and say, "I'll be waiting." because I am.

William Franco

As I stood on the bus stop, a car pulled up next to me. A pretty expensive one too. A girl, very familiar, peaked through her window.

"Hey, do you need a ride somewhere?" Now that was a first.

I moved up to her car to get a closer look. "Your name is Luna, right?" I asked.

"Yeah," she nodded. "... so, do you need a ride? It's no problem. I can take you anywhere you need to go."

This is probably the first time I've ever spoken to her.

"Thanks, but I'm actually waiting for a friend to get me. He said he'd be her in a few minutes." I pulled off a smile.

"Your lose," she smirked and rolled down the window.

As she sped off, she waved at me. Weirdest interaction of my life.

-------

I was at Chris's by six thirty. He was in his basement, newly renovated, looking for some DVD's.

"'The Ring' man, I can watch that again." I smiled. "Hey, I'm gonna call Avery and see what's up."

"Alright, ask if Lena's with her..."

"Okay, lover boy..." I joked.

Clicking on Avery's name, I waited for her to pick up. The dial tone was long and pretty annoying.

"Come on Ave," I sighed.

"Not answering?" I heard Chris from down the hall. I kind of wanted space for my phone call.

"Nah," I hung up.

Jane Wills

I was in the car with Emmett. It was really nice, brand new but not-so-brand-new. It was a used car which he just got.

The silence was very uncomfortable. All I wanted to do was jump out of the car so the time wouldn't drag. And so I would get out of this tension, it pulled at my sides.

My phone rang, triggering the pain in my head. "Dammit," I hissed quietly, thinking I would make a tear in the skin of the universe.

Answering it, I heard my mother's concern.

"Lizzie! Where are you? My God, I didn't sleep all night. I was waiting for you. Baby, are you okay? What happened?"

"Everything's fine, I'm fine. I slept over at a... friend's house. It was a long night, that's all. I fell asleep by accident. Sorry mom." I said as calmly as I could.

At least the time past by and I had someone to talk to, this tension was killing me at every stop sigh, red light, crosswalk, and train track.

"Oh my baby. I was so worried. Are you coming home?"

"Yeah, I am mom." I rolled my eyes.

"Good, we'll talk then." Now her voice was serious.

"Bye," I clicked the 'end call' button.

I took a deep breath, shutting my eyes. Five more minutes, I can survive. The weather was at least nice, I could look at the clear skies instead of beg for no tension.

Avery

"Hey babe whatsup you haven't been answering your phone." Will say's as soon as i'm done hugging him.

"I'm sorry love. I put it on silent since all of these freshmen are asking me if i'm going to this party tonight. I may make a guest appearance." I say with a smile.

" Ugh don't even mention the word party to me dude." Chris says as he walks in with some snacks. Lena runs up to him and hugs him tightly and adorably. He has a huge smile as he looks down at her and say " Why hello to yo to Len."

Lena smiles and just buries her head down in his chest. Will smiles down at me than and kisses me softly before pulling away and yelling "Lets get this show on the road!" Which we all hoot to.

Later into the ring while Lena and Chris are cuddling up i whisper to Will " I have to go to that party later tonight to talk to Allen."

Will looks down at me with a frown. " Why would you go to a party with that guy when you caught him fucking some ho? IN YOUR BED!" He says reminding me quite loudly of what i've already seen with my own eyes. Luckily Lena and Chris were to sucked up into each other to hear him.

" It had to happen at some point babe. You know that you can come too if you want." I say with a shrug.

"Well of course i'm coming Ave. I don't trust that bastard anywhere near you." Will says with a protective glint in his eyes.

I get up and tell Lena and Chris where we're going and they give a quick nod of consent and continue to cuddle. I drive Will and I there quickly and brace myself to hear utter bullshit. We walk inside and when I see Allen looking quite lonely by the drinks I approach him slowly and tell Will to wait in the living room.

" Hey." I say slowly.

"Hey." He says back.

"Let's go somewhere a bit quieter." I say to him hesitantly. He nods his head and I look around for Carly. I see her dancing with a cute guy that I think is a close friend of hers, and decide to not ruin her fun. I lead Allen into her bedroom, close the door, sit on the bed and wait.

"Babe...I miss you" Allen says.

I walk around for a while talking to some of the guests while Matt takes a bathroom break. There's a knock on the door and I find Luna and her sister. They ask if they can come in, it is a freshman party, but Luna saved my butt, so I can make an exception. I sigh and welcome them. Luna sits on the sofa and I take a seat beside her. She seems to think she knows me talking about my mother and how I just let it happen. Unbelievable! I just met her and she is telling me how to live my life already! I walk away out of frustration and anger. Then Matt returns and we resume dancing. I knew he was a good dancer, but I didn't realize how good. He looks so cute, what am I saying!? This is Matt, the goofball I call a best friend! The drinks must be getting to me. Then Allen walks in, and I assume Avery invited him, I don't really know him, but I see him with Avery a lot. A few minutes later Will and Avery walk in, but I stay with Matt until the end of the current song. When I walk over, I find Will standing by himself. He tells me that Avery and Allen went to go talk. I show him to Lauren's own little bar and he has a seat. He seems a bit uneasy. Not my problem. I go back over to dance with Matt and he does what I never expected from him. He kisses me.

Spoiler

Matt's profile
Name: Matthew Jeffery Derekson
Nickname: Matt
Gender:Male
Year: Freshman
Appearance: Matt is fairly tall and is good looking. He has mid-length dirty blonde hair that falls perfectly. He has piercing blue eyes that are easy to get lost in, when your not staring at his blood red glasses. He has light skin with freckles on his face. He has braces, but underneath, his teeth appear almost straight.
Personality: Matt is his own person, and no one is quite like him. He's very random and funny and smart. He is kind and really cares about his two best friends, Carly and Lauren. He is there with Carly through everything she faces. He is very musically inclined.
Family: He lives with his parents and his younger brother Felix.
History: Matt has had a pretty normal childhood. He has lived here his whole life.
Problems they're facing: None really, other than bullies, and not many people like him.
Quirks/Habits: He likes to play with his glasses when he is bored. Cracks jokes often, but especially when he is uncomfortable.

**********************************************************************************************


I ask Carly to dance with me, I don't know what's in this drink Lauren gave me, but it seems to have given me the courage to do what I always wanted to. I have had a crush on Carly since she moved here towards the end of seventh grade, when Lauren and I figured we would hang out with her, since no one else would be nice to her. Then, when I really work up some nerve, I do it, I kiss her! She doesn't seem to mind, I actually think she enjoyed it as much as I did. Then just as I go to speak to her, we are interrupted by some drama.

Emmett

Welcome, for your dining and dancing pleasures, the ultimate failures of Emmett Ahote Lopez.

Yea. Hope it amuses you, cause it's sure as hell done amusing me.

I know I screwed up- and I know I just know better. I'm curious. I'm flawed, okay? As soon as Jane gets off the phone, I glance over at her. She almost catches me, and I turn to look at the clock. 3:47. School's over, and Lacey will be home soon. If she tells Mom and Dad I wasn't home...

I keep driving. Don't think. Drive.

Think. Maybe a little. Apologize. "Look, Jane, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be impolite."

I glance over at her. She's pretty sober now, and her eyes glint in the sunlight. I quickly decide I like her better sober- but not completely. Sanity almost seems to wear her down. She shrugs. "Whatever."

Keep driving. There's a silence, and it's so thick with awkward I could take a knife to it. "Turn here?"

She looks over at me, her eyes glazed over from the clear of the sky. "Yeah."

I do. The silence resumes, but it's less awkward. Another few minutes pass. "This house. Here." Jane says, blinking the daze from her eyes.

I take the turn, pulling into the driveway of the old house. We both sit in the car for a moment, neither of us moving a muscle. I want to say something, anything at all. I feel the impulse to reach over and kiss her on the forehead. I don't. I can't. I'm smarter than that. So I just say; "Good Luck. See you tommorow."

She nodds woodenly, pulling open the door of my car. She begins walking away and, as I'm pulling the car out of neutral, turns around. "Thanks for everything, Emmett."

I smile at her through the wind sheild and pull away. See you tommorow, Jane.

Now I only have to face Lacey.

Chris

I started 'The Ring' first, knowing that it's scary but nothing too scary. Will and Avery cuddled having a quiet conversation. The movie began to pick up and I can already tell that Lena's scared.

"Don't do it... don't do it..." she muttered, her eyes wide and fearful.

At the scary part she let out a small scream and buried her head in my shoulder. Pleasantly surprised, I chuckled and put an arm around her comfortingly. Blushing, she stared up at me and started to stammer an apology, but I cut her off.

"Hey, it's fine. No worries," I flashed her a grin and gave her shoulder a light squeeze.

Relaxing a bit, she rested her head on my shoulder. It felt nice, like it was right. She looked beautiful too. I guess we slowly snuggled in closer to each other, because the next thing I knew, her hand was entwined in mine, her head on my chest and my arm around her waist. I closed my eyes and rested my head on hers, sighing contentedly.

Avery tapped my shoulder, startling me. "We'll be back. We're going to my neighbor's house for a minute."

I nodded and turned my attention back to the movie, giving Lena a small squeeze. It was almost over and now Lena and I were alone. When the end credits rolled, I stretched, standing up slowly so she wouldn't fall.

"Good movie," she grunted, bringing her arms over her head.

"Yeah, it's one of my favorites," I said. "It's hot down here, do you mind if I take off my shirt?"

She raised an eyebrow and smirked, making me blush a bit. "Not at all."

I took it off, making me feel a lot better; it really was stuffy in there. I could tell she was looking at me, and I jokingly flexed.

"Sexy," she laughed. "So that's what swim team does to you..."

I smiled and sat next to her on the couch. "Gotta look good to wear that speedo."

She took a pillow and hit me with it, and we started a pillow fight, giggling and throwing pillows all over the room. At last, I scooped her up and playfully threw her on the bed, two pillows ready in my hand.

"Surrender!" I shouted, pelting her and laughing.

"No! Fuck you!"

"Is that a threat or an offer?" I teased.

I let her go and we sat there laughing for a minute. I turned and looked at her before leaning in and kissing her on an impulse. She seemed surprised at first, but quickly leaned in and deepened the kiss. One of my hands entwined in her hair and the other one was on her waist, pulling her close. She tasted faintly of peppermint and her kisses were soft and sweet. At last she pulled away.

"Should we watch another movie?" she asked.

I shook my head, smiling. "I'm not really in the mood for another movie."

I leaned in and started kissing her again, pulling her on top of me.

William Franco

I hated this idea. I wanted to be in the room with Ave. I was scared. Allen might win her over, I mean, they just ripped apart in a tragic moment. The feelings were still there. And that feeling of losing her, yeah, it sucks.

All the freshmen were experimenting with themselves and others at this party. Now true teenagers, not preteens. Officially high schoolers. They were having the time of their lives. I caught a couple of 'em making out, some getting drunk or high. It was crazy, the music blasting, too loud for my taste and people grinding up against each other as if that were the only way to even dance.

I walked to the bar, trying to get some space to myself. This was nuts and these were freshmen, they will experiment. And I did not want to be their lab rat.

"Want anything to drink?" a ginger from behind the bar asked. He looked older, like twenty at the most.

"No, I'm good. Thanks anyway..." I turned to look at the party.

Where was Avery? I kind of want to go back and watch movies. But I should probably leave Chris and Lena alone, they needed the privacy. I'm really proud of the guy, but what about Josie? Did he cross her off yet?

Jane Wills

What Emmett had done was nice of him, I shouldn't have blown up on him like that. But at the same time, I hadn't known him at all. And it was strange, scary to be somewhere with someone you had no clue who he or she was.

But I thanked him anyway, he deserved it. I really needed a reality check. What was wrong with me?

Stepping into my old Victorian house, I noticed that the living room has changed. Mom moved the furniture around again. The sky blue flannel couches surround the TV in a half circle with the coffee table, all glass, in the middle. It was a new TV, flat screen and up on our avocado walls, we used to have a standing TV, ten years old.

"Mom...?" I called through the house, shutting the door.

"Lizzie!" I saw her figure running up to me.

Ready for the impact of a strong hug, I opened my arms and let her in. She was warm, like a fireplace with smores. Her black hair smelt of ocean, a new shampoo.

"I missed you baby girl. God, I was terrified. You should have called." she pulled away. "Me and your father were so worried." she smiled, her eyes a little teary.

Like I said, my parents always cared. They always supported me. But I was in depression. Or had bipolar disorder. I don't know. It might even just be teenage crisis. I hope. Nothing helped me and they gave up, hoping it would wear off like I would like. I really wish all the pain and hurt would just go away. It started after eighth-grade, it wasn't developed fully, this cover-up personality (I pretended to be this strong, fearless girl when really I was weak and dying inside, no, not dying inside. I wanted to sound dramatic. I'm just scared of everything). But it was growing so I could protect my weak being. I was called a slut.

"I'm fine mom," I was happy, really. With my mom. "Really, See? I'm all okay, not in pieces." I smiled.

My heart beat went back to normal and lifted up. I was happy.

"You're not pieced together either." she smiled right back.


-----------

It was seven o'clock at night and I was on Facebook bored out of my mind. I heard there was a party, a freshmen party so I excluded myself right away. And 'cause really, I should not drink anymore. Wow, I'm actually thinking rationally about this. No, I've been telling myself for years to stop. I have, but got on the horse again multiple times. Hasn't helped.

But today I won't. I'm drinking tea and that's all I need.

I got a message from someone. Reading the blue box, it said Allen Saravia.

Who the hell is this guy? I don't remember knowing him or even meeting him. Clicking on his name, I got onto his Facebook page. We aren't friends yet so I can't see everything. But his profile picture was enough. I met him at school yesterday. He was nice, maybe he just wanted to see how I was doing.

Jane, we need to talk

???

Okay...? For the first time talking to the guy, he seemed... straight forward? Or just plain weird. What did we have to talk about? That he didn't walk me to class? Was he mad about that? Seriously?

Don't act like you don't remember. What we did last night was horrible. You ruined my relationship. How could you do that?! I love Avery and now it's all ruined 'cause you were horny and drunk.

Oh my Jesus. I hope this is a lie. Oh I hope God dammit.

Josie

While putzing around on the internet, I had checked out the Rockets' schedule, and found a bunch of seats for their game next Friday. If I remembered correctly, everyone was free on Friday--Chris, Ave, Will, Lena, and some of their friends, too. I had reserved the seats so someone else wouldn't take them, and had planned to check with Chris, just to make sure everyone could come.

I drove to Chris's house, parked out in front, and walked up to his front porch, seat printout in hand. His car was parked in the driveway, but there weren't any lights on inside. Huh--that was odd. What would Chris be doing with all the lights off?

I rang the doorbell, and waited. When Chris didn't answer the door, I rang the doorbell again, and then started pounding on the door. "Chris!" I shouted. "Open the door!" I stepped back and crossed my arms, wrinkling my seat map in the process. What was taking him so long?

Chris

Mid-makeout, I heard the faint noise of someone knocking on my door. I rolled my eyes and ignored it, thinking it was Avery and Will. They didn't need to knock, so I was just going to wait until they let themselves in. The pounding continued, followed by a couple rings of the doorbell. I broke the kiss, sighing heavily.

"I'll be back. Apparently Will and Avery don't know that they don't have to knock," I laughed, kissing her forehead.

I walked up the stairs slowly, ruffling my hair and trying to clear my head a bit.

"I'm coming, just calm down," I shouted from the top of the stairs. "Next time just come in. You interrup-"

I stopped when I threw open the door to see Josie standing there, one eyebrow raised, with a seating schedule for the Rockets.

"Uh, hi Chris. I was just dropping off the seating map," she said. "Um, why are you shirtless?"

"Oh, it was kind of hot in my basement..." I stammered. "Thanks for the map though, I uh, appreciate it."

She nodded, handing me the slip of paper. "I was thinking we could get seats in the third row-"

"Chris?" Lena asked, coming up behind me. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Josie, eyes wide.

"Hot in your basement, huh? Wonder why," Josie said, storming off.