Harmony High

Matt and I get into the room and lay beside esch other, kissing. We undress eachother and he gets on top of me. This feels so right. After a whilee we stop and lay beside each other and fall asleep.

I wake up the next morning and look over at Matt, sleeping soundly. He looks so hot. Avery calls us down to breakfast. That wakes Matt up. We put our clothes back on and head down. Avery and her friends are there. There is an assortment of delicious looking food in front of us. We accept their offer and sit down. After the meal, when we go to leave, I look outside and see that mother is out on our lawn, having a yard sale. Oh crap. How am I getting out of here without her noticing!?

Name: Laila-Angie Christa Charles

Nick Name: La-La

Year: Junior

Appearance: La La with a three in heel she is a perfect six feet tall, he olive tone skin glows under the florent light of harmony High hallway. She is an extreme beauty with long dark brown hair that highlight her olive green eyes. La-La is a Slim Africian American girl with long legs, slim body breast and but poporationaly equal. Her favourte casual clothes apple bottom jeans and tan tops with matching purse and wedge heel sandals.

School Activities: President Of the Asociated Student body, member of the Drama club, And Presdent of the Art club.

-Personality: independent, Out Spoken, likes to keep busy and productive, her talents are masterminding organizations that would overwhelm anyone else and concentrating no matter what distractions come hey way. She is highly goal-oriented, few things will deter her from finishing what she've started—She is no quitter.

-Family (siblings, parents, etc): mother and father no siblings. Mother is Doctor Transfered to Harmony Hospital. Father is Police Detective now stationed at Harmony Police Department.

-History/ Problems They're Facing: Parents never home. La-La has a medical condition called Sicke Cell Desease. Perfectionist Parents who have high expectation of Her.

-Quirks/Habits: twirls the ends of her shirt when she is nervous. Being in control and ordering people around. Ex cheerleader.

You already gave your profile, so why are you doing it again?

that was an honest mistake i'm sorry.

Hakuna matata chica:) just wondering.

Avery

I step out of the shower my hair smelling of this weird crystalline mint stuff i bought earlier that day. I stared at my dress and heels and sighed. This is gonna be great. Awesome. Wonderful. So why do I feel so empty. So sad. I smile at myself and shake my head, my dark brown curls slapping me in the face. I can't keep my crowed waiting now can I?
After slipping on my dress I stare at myself in the mirror. Wow, not thats an ice bitch for ya! The dress is gorgeous and cost a hefty $50,000. It's a bright aqua and falls down to the ground. It's beautifully backless and has a sweetheart neckline. I wear a simple diamond heart necklace and a pair of tiny diamond earrings. I slip on my four inch bow tie heels and begin my hair. When its straightened it hits the bottom of my butt and for the last touch I put a little tiara in it. My makeup was sparkly and mystic with glittery eyeshadow and liner and a subtle pink lipstick.
As I went downstairs everyone stared. A chorus of "You look great's!" and "Whoas..." echoed around my dining room. Whe I hit the last step I slipped on my diamond encrusted mask with two white feathers sticking out of the sides and smiled at my guest.

" Hey guys im so glad you could make it. It means so much for me for you guys to be here. And I just wanna thank my awesome friends for helping out with all of this. Oh by the way we're going to have a little game. Now you see I have A LOT of extra money left and I was just thinking that those best at ballroom dancing and salsa will win a large portion of the money. Oh and by the way each person who wants that prize will have to be able to keep up with me throughout the song. Let's see who can do it!" I said the last part loud and there were cheers at the end.

The music started up again and a very handsome Willy Pop approached me.

" May I have this first dance my princess?" He asked with a sly smile.

" You shall." I say with a wide dimple-y smile of my own.

Carly was freaking because her mom was outside. Take a chill pill and sit down.

"Calm down." I wave a hand at her. "You can just walk out to the car with something over your head like you're carrying something to the car."

"Oh." Carly blinks.

"Yea," I nod. "It's that simple."

Just then Lini comes down the stairs. Really? "You too, huh?"

"Yea," she sighs. "I ran into Keo."

That explains it. "Please tell me you used a a condom?"

"Of course I did." Lini frowns. "What kind of girl do you think I am?"

"I'm not gonna dignify that with an answer." my head falls back against the couch i'm sitting on.

"No wonder you have the same glow Luna does," Carly nods. "and don't think I didn't notice that little walk of yours, Luna."

I blush. "Are you guys ready to go?"

"Yea." Lini nods.

"Yea." Carly stands up.

Spotting a towel on the couch I toss it to Carly before standing. I find my keys in a tray by the door. We say good bye to Avery and power walk out to the car. I rev it up and burn out of the driveway.



When we get back to the house mom's car isn't out front. "Ok, mom's car isn't out front, so she's not home. When we get inside head for the showers. We need to get the smell of sex off of us."

"Where are you gonna shower?" Carly asks.

"I'll shower in mom's room." I say.

We head inside and go straight for the showers. I'd just gotten out and dressed when the door bell rang. "I'll get it!!"

I open the door to find Keo standing there with Kai right behind him. I smile and hug Keo. "Hey! What are you guys doing here? And how do you know where we live?"

"Looked you up in the phone book." he smiles.

"You're lying. We're not listed in the phone book." I glare.

"Ok, I looked at Lini's ID and got the address." he confessed.

"before or after you fuck her?" I raise an eyebrow.

"I came to see her. Can I come in?" he asks.

"She's taking a shower," I say. "but you can wait in the living room."

"Mahalo." he smile and steps by me.

As Kai moves to get inside he bumps into me. I lose my balance and before I can right myself, he catches my waist, and pulls me against him to keep me from falling. I'm caught off guard by the way his body feels against mine. I look up at him. His touch feels so familiar. Realization dawns on me. I slept with Kai last night!! I pull away and clear my throat.

"Is something the matter?" he asks.

"I'm all good." I nod.

He's watching me. I can feel it. I take a deep breath and look at him. "Did you go to the party last night?"

He smiles. "Yea. It got pretty wild towards the end of the night."

"So you had fun?" I ask.

"It was a crazy ride, that's for sure." he leaned against the wall. "Did you fun?"

"Oh yea," I laughed. "it was amazing."

"Really?"

"Yea," I nod. "a night i'll never forget."

Just then Carly comes skipping down the stairs. "Hey guys, what's up?"

"Hey Carly, this is Kai, Kai, Carly." I introduce.

"Nice to meet you." Carly blushes as she steps for ward to shake Kai's hand.

"A pleasure." he murmurs, her hands disappearing in his as it closed around hers.

Lini comes flying down the stairs without warning. "Hey Kai. What's up?"

He lets go of Carly's hand and smiles at Lini. "Keo's here to talk to you and I came with him. He's in the living room."

Lini shoots off in that direction. Kai smiled at us both before following Lini. I sighed in relief. I couldn't believe it!! I slept with Kai last night!!

Lena

After we eat breakfast, my head almost spinning, I get up. It seems that almost everyone was here. Luna, Lini, Carly, me, Chris, Ave and Will. It was cool. And the breakfast was more delicious. I pushed my chair back, placing the fork on my plate.

"I'm done." I said, smiling. I made my way to the kitchen and washed the plates when Luna came in.

"Hey..." she said, coming in with her plate too.

"Hi, there. Had a fun night?" I asked her, cheerfully.

"Yeah, good." she says, grinning. She looked equally happy as me. "How about you?"

"Great." I replied, nodding.

I kept the washed plate aside and Luna stepped in front to wash it when Avery came in, annoyed.

"Guys! Why're you washing the plates when there's a dishwasher?!" she says, grabbing the plate from Luna and putting it in the dishwasher.

"Didn't see that." I lied.

"Really?" Ave teased.

"Okay, I better get going. Bye, guys." Luna said, waving and she disappeared.

"Go home, doll! You need a shower." Ave said.

"Yup." I said, and went back to the drawing room.

I told Chris I was off back home. He offered to drop me back but I told him it was alright. I took my car and kissed Chris one last time and went back home.

x--xHome

I ran upstairs so mom wouldn't hear me closing the door. I locked the door, quietly as I can, and then went in to take a shower. The hot bath. It was the nicest thing on this planet. The most peaceful place was the washroom.

I got out wearing just a simple top and jeans, typing my hair to a ponytail. Mom knocked my door.

"Lena! Get up!" she yelled.

"I'm up, mom!" I told her, opening the door and kissed her on the cheek.

"Where were you last night?" she asked me, checking my hair.

"At Avery's. I came back at midnight." I lied.

"How's Chris? Did you make-out with him?" she nudged me and I laughed.
My mom was the coolest.

"Mom..." I groaned.

"No, tell me!"

"Okay, maybe a little."

"Isn't that sweet! Now, you get your bedroom clean now. Its a mess. I'll be down." she said, leaving me in my bedroom.

Allen

Well... Yesterday was a fun night. Dancing hard was great and might have met a few girls from school. Sad, that it ended too soon. There were just too many people going upstairs.

I combed my hair, and kept it back. The girl who most seemed interesting was Carly. Even if she is a freshmen she seemed really nice. I don't know what made me like her. Carly was just different. The drink, me buying her one. Sad, that she's taken by Matt.

I took the car out and went to get some grocery's. I hate it when I have to live alone. My sister - Alex, is just every time in front of the television or listening to music. It's hard.

I was going through the grocery's when I bumped into the same person I did, last night. Carly.

"Oh, hi. We meet again." I say, grinning. I grab the milk.

"Hey." she says, smiling and I see Luna come in.

"Allen. Nice to meet ya." Luna said, smiling too. Then, I see Lini, her identical sister.

Woah. Too many girls.

"Wow. You all a family or something?" I ask as I see two more guys coming out.

"What? Oh, no, no! We're just best buddies." Luna says, nodding at everyone.

"Aah." I say. "Anyway, nice to see you'll again."

"Yeah." Carly said, and everyone looks at her.

I chuckle. "How's the spill?" I asked.

"Oh, its gone. Thanks for the drink again." she said, blushing.

Jane Wills

I bet you all want an input from the party since I was the only one here making it seem like no big deal. So, here I go.

I wore a velvety red dress that was long and hit my ankles. My hair was in an up-do and I had on black heels. The mask I had was black as well, covered in feathers. I looked amazing in it, if I do say so myself. It was my mother's dress, she lent it to me. Me and my mom were pretty close, she has gained trust and started helping me but my father...?

Oh, he was another story.

The door bell rang an hour later, just as Emmett said and I heard my mom dashing to the door.

My heart was racing but I didn't know why. It was a crazy feeling. I just stood in my room and waited until he came into the house. I stared at my navy walls, trying to feel calm.

"Lizzie! A handsome boy just walked in!" yeah, she was a cool mom.

"Be right down in a minute!" I yelled back, staring at a picture that hung on my wall.

It was of me and my dad when we loved each other. I was about eight in a Little Mermaid costume and him as King Triton. It was a father-daughter holiday. My mom would always laugh at us but she enjoyed that I was a daddy's little girl.

He loved me then.

I felt something wet run down my cheek and I touched it. Tears. Of course. Gonna ruin my make-up now. My chest was closing up as I tried to breath deeply. I missed him being nice. I missed the love we shared.

No. Don't cry.

Taking a deep breath and rubbing my eyes, I checked myself in the mirror. I'm fine, the tears were not visible.


Once I reached the first floor, I saw Emmett just staring at me as if I were some princess. I felt a blush rise in my cheeks as I smiled. He looked devilishly handsome. He wore a burgundy bow tie and a black tux. I just wanted to kiss him so badly.

"Wow, my baby has grown up!" I caught tears in my mom's eyes.

She got really emotional, like my brother. They shared that characteristic but thankfully I don't. He's off at college now so there's not too much emotion in this house. I miss having him around, defending me from my dad and trying to help before my mom knew how. I still trust him the most.

"Oh mom. I am eighteen." I smiled.

She pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing all my organs. "I-" "can't" "breathe." I said.

Pulling away, I saw a soft smile and tears staining her cheeks. I wiped them off with my thumb.

"You guys go have fun, bring her back before midnight!"

And we were off.

Once we reached the party, it was mid into it. People were dancing, making out, and drinking like maniacs. But this house was amazing. Huge as hell and the prettiest on the block. These folks got money. The girl who owns the place looked beautiful. I recognized her as Avery, that nice girl. But that dress would have burned my pocket.

"Emm, this is huge." I sighed, holding Emmett's hand.

"I know,"

He pulled me into a dance to a Maroon 5 song and that I couldn't resist. After the song ended, we were in the middle of the dance floor like all the couples were. I took a few deep breaths.

I kissed him, so happy that he was in my life. He kissed me back.

"I'm happy we came." we were so close, our foreheads were touching. My heart couldn't beat any faster than it already was.

"So am I," he smiled, kissing me again.

NEXT DAY

"Mother!" I called out, sitting on the kitchen stool.

"Yes Jane!"

She came from the pantry, carrying a various amount of items in her arms. I saw some flour, sugar and vanilla spice.

"I'm grabbing some coffee with Emmett. Want me to get you some?" I smiled.

Placing all the stuff onto the counter, she nodded her head.

"That would be great. Our coffee maker broke. Thank you honey."

"No problem mom,"

Just then the doorbell rang and I ran up to the door. Opening it, I saw Emmett and a girl with him. They looked a bit alike. But she had a stomach, she must have been pregnant. How nice, she's going to have a baby. I love babies.

"Hey," he smiled.

"Hey, who's she?" I asked.

"My sister."

She smiled, waving.

Oh thank God.

We get back to Luna's and take sshowers. Luna introduces me to a guy named Kai. Him and his brother Keo hang out for a while, but I don't pay much attention to them. Then there is another knock on the door. Luna yells up the stairs that Matt is here. He comes up and pulls me close to him. We share a kiss. "Last night was amazing." he smiles. "Yeah it was." I agree. "But I was thinking, we say we're boyfriend and girlfriend, but we've never been on an official date. So do you wanna go to the movies?" "Sure!" I laugh, "Just let me get changed." He goes downstairs and I pull on a pair of black jeans and a teal blouse. I let my hair out of its bun and head downstairs. We head to the movies and we have a great time! Afterwards he drops me back off at Luna's. "We should do this again." he jokes. "Yeah it was nice." I say. We share a quick kiss and he leaves. Then Luna, Lini, and I head to the store, where we run into Allen. Luna introduces herself to him. "Nice to see you again." he says to me. "Yeah." I say, looking at the ground, I feel Luna staring at me. "How's the spill?" he asks. ""It's gone. Thanks for the drink again." I feel myself blushing. Why am I blushing?

Emmett

I saw immediately that Jane noticed the growing bump called Lacey's stomach. I don't know how she recongnized it- you could hardly tell- but that sparkle in her eyes makes me think that she knew it was more than just a... stomach.

"Ah," I start off awkwardly, "you might notice that Lacey- that's my sister- looks a little... y'know..."

"Pregnant?" Jane seems unfazed, but answers back quietly all the same. "Don't worry- I love babies."

That little domestic sentance- I love babies- makes my insides grow warm. It's such a nice, homely thing... that someone who shunned Jane for what she was would never see. That made me feel victorious in its self.

"Yes, well... I wouldn't bring it up unless she does. She's rather self-concious about it."

Jane shrugs. "Okay."

I open the passenger door and she climbs in, smiling warmly- somebody who cares. I get into the driver's seat and put it into drive. In the rearview mirror, I see Lacey looking Jane up and down as well as she could from the back seat.

"She's pretty. I approve."

"Lacey!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We stop at a cute Coffee shop- in town by the name of White Heuron. It smells heavnly- like Hot Chocolate, Coffee, freshed baked bread, and dounuts. Most people have already done their offee run, so the place is fairly empty, subtracting two older couples, an artistic girl with a laptop, and two Middle-Schoolers playng Bannagrams from the equation.

"What do you guys want to have. I'll pay." I ask my two female companions.

Lacey doesn't protest. "One of those Long-John donuts and a Latte."

Jane seems less certain. "I can pay for myself. I'm getting my Mom a coffee, after all..."

Lacey stares at Jane. "How many places have you gone with my brother? It's a part of his 'gentlemanly code'- if you're a girl, you don't pay, especially if he likes you. Guys get the bill dumped on them a lot, but whatever."

"I'll pay for my Mom's coffee." Jane insists.

Giving Lacey a sharp look, I oblige. "I'm not that strict! I support Jane''s proposal."

"Government talk? Really?" Jane teases. "I just want a coffee for myself, actually."

I repeat the orders, along with my own, for the lady at the counter. She hands us our stuff, and Jane waits for her mother's coffee. We choose a table, sitting down and perparing ourselves for whatever came next.

"How long have you two been together?" Lacey asks, taking a not-so-delicate-and-ladylike bite from her long john.

Jane blushes. It's cute, and it suits her better than the green shade I saw her that once when she was drunk. "Ah... we aren't, technically."

A bit of cream falls from Lacey's mouth. She wipes it away with her napkin, embarassed. "Really? I mean, but you are pontential, right? 'Cause it would be a shape to let someone who actually seems to like my brother's nerdiness..." She grins her michevious, Lacey smile. "He thinks you're adorable, you know. I can tell!"

Now I'm blushing too, I stir my Hot Chocolate- I've never really liked the taste of Coffee, which is often seen as stupid and ironic- "We're working on it, Lacey."

"Ah. 'Working on it'. Well, I guess that's better then taking it to fast, huh?" She briefly touched her stomach, but then her hand fluttered away. "You guys have at least kissed, right?"

"Lacey!"

Some cute fluff there. Do what you will wth the rest.

Jane Wills

I love Lacey. End of story. She's adorable! I mean, me saying that is a first. I like how she cares about Emmett. You could see the mother growing in her already. She reminds me of my own brother. Man do I miss that guy.

"Yeah," I replied to her question.

She dropped her Long John, not caring that the creme splattered on the table. I could see some filling drip from her bottom lip.

"Thank God. Emmett, this girl is a keeper." she smiled.

Like I said, she's growing pretty quickly into a mother. My own mom does this sort of thing.

"So, what are you planning to be?" she asked.

"Uh, I'm trying to get into Journalism." I smiled.

"Ah," she picked up her long john. "What a wonderful choice. Writing about news." she took a bite.

Emmett took a sip of his hot chocolate looking a bit embarrassed. Poor guy. But I liked to see that he could get humiliated. I mean, his cheeks are growing a light pink!

"How was that party?" Lacey asked.

"Did you guys dance? Did you have your first kiss there?!"

Oh Jesus Christ.

"Lacey," Emmett huffed.

"What? I just want to know!"

I felt my phone vibrate and I pulled it out of my pocket. A text from Drake. Damn this day.

Next time you don't want to make-out, tell me instead of sicking a bitch on me. But I forgive you Jumper. Wanna hit me up at Sarah's party tonite?

Taking a deep breath, I forgot that I was even having fun. I forgot that I had someone who cared. I forgot what life was. I just remembered being harassed by him. I remembered the pain and fright I had felt that day.

"Janey...?" I heard Emmett's voice, but it was faint.

My heart was racing rapidly as I got another text from Drake. It was a nasty picture of me and some dude naked on a bed. It wasn't him and it was recent. I could tell by my hair. I just dyed it dark brown.

That's your one night stand with Allen bitch. If you can hit one guy, you can hit me too.

"Jane?" Lacey asked, trying to shake me out of things.

If you don't, guess what? Your little boyfriend will find out.

The phone flew out of my hand as I trembled in my seat. I saw Emmett's face in front of mine. He took away the phone and put it on the table.

"Look at me Jane," he said looking me straight in the eye.

"Look at me,"

I nodded and tried my best to focus on him and only him.

"Oh God," Lacey gasped.

I turned to look at her and she had my phone. She saw the picture and the texts. No, no, no, no, no. This can't be happening. Not now! No!

"Janey," Emmett said. "What's going on?"

"Give me the phone back," I hissed, pulling it away from Lacey harshly. I almost broke her wrist from pulling so quickly.

Emmett grabbed my hand, the one with the phone.

"Jane."

I looked at him and then I saw it. He was mad. His eyes were wide and full of kindness and anger all at once. It frightened me and brought me back to myself, and non scared angry freak.

Every time I got scared, I needed someone to show me they're there for me or else I do anything I can to escape. It natural instinct.

"Don't do that to my sister," he spoke harshly. "What's going on?" now he had a softer tone.

"I didn't want her to see what was on the phone." I spoke up.

"What was on the phone?"

I took a big gulp, ready for the ending of us. Whatever it was.

"Jane, what was on the phone?" he let my hand free.

I handed him my phone every so slowly, knowing that the end was near. I just so badly did not want to lose him. He cared. And I loved that.

Taking it, he looked at me for verification. I nodded in reply and he scrolled though it.

"Oh," he whispered in shock.

"Is this that Drake you told me about?" now he was angry, his eyes bolting at mine.

"I thought you would have told him to leave you alone?"

Shutting my eyes, I didn't know what to say.

"I'm sorry Emmett... I thought he would have after Josie protected me."

I opened my eyes and saw him more relaxed.

"I'm going to do something to this guy." he said mostly to himself.

Spoiler

You can add on

o.

Lena

I cleaned my room and flopped on the bed. I felt today was going to be a peaceful day. I really did. It was so calm, the party last night, sex with Chris though I still didn't know what I was doing but sleeping next to him was more comfortable than I ever thought. I sighed deeply.

My phone vibrated and I checked my screen. It was from Ms. Claire.
Lena, meet me at The Arts Club Auditorium at 33, Avenue Street.

I frowned.
Today's Sunday, Ms. Claire. Its a holiday. Can't I do it tomorrow?

The text came back just after a minute.
No, you can't. Its something to do about your Art job. Come fast.

Groaning, I pulled myself up from the bed, and put on a dress with spring flowers. I left my hair open and I put in a pretty earring. I put some silver bangles and wore sandals. I grabbed my key.

"Mom! I'm going to meet Ms. Claire. I'll be back before lunch!" I yelled from the living room.

"Okay, lovely!" she replied back from the kitchen.

I got into my car and I drove off to the Arts Club Auditorium. It was a little crowded and I also saw a limo coming in. Is there a festival or something. I'd have to find for myself, then. I parked the car a few meters away from the Auditorium.

I grabbed my bag and went inside. Ms. Claire was next to the stairs. She smiled, and took my hand as we walked up to a conference room. The walls were polished with wooden-marble walls. There were huge leather rolling-seats. A few men and women smiled at me.

"I forgot to tell you that you should have dressed a little decent. But you've done yourself well, though." Ms. Claire whispered to me as we took our seats.

"Yeah, well. If I had been informed that this was for something formal, I should have worn a skirt." I replied, smiling.

"Never mind that now." she said, and she got up.

"Ladies and gentlemen! May I welcome you, the new head of senior arts, Lena Crystal John!" Ms. Claire said, swinging her hands in the air. "She's the student I was saying that would lend a hand for your campaign. As from my earlier experiences, I have noticed that she has made great effort for the work she has done and put in every feeling and love towards it.

"I am sure that Lena will not fail to impress you. She has always made the best of me and I'm proud to represent her. Lena, a few words?" Ms. Claire said, nodding at me.

Fuck! I don't know formal speeches!

I get up, shaking a little. I stand, balancing myself on the table but Ms. Claire narrows her eyes at me and I take my hands off it. I clear my throat and try to give in a warm smile.

"H-Hi there... Well, I'm not really good at all these speeches." I say, laughing and they laugh with me. A good start. "So, I'm just going to go by that it my pleasure to be taking up this spot and I shall work towards it with gratitude and confidence. Thank you for accepting me.'

I sit down, and they all smile at me. The meeting gets dispersed after a half an hour after discussing what I was supposed to do. I nod, and scribble them down on my journal. Good thing I always carry that around. I walk back to the parking lot when Ms. Claire compliments me.

"Well done, there. Never expected that you could speak well." she says, with a gentle smile.

"Not really. Its just that I write. Maybe its because of that." I say, opening the doors to my car.

"Nice. Anyway, meet you tomorrow." she says, and our conversation ends up with that.

I think about Chris after that. I go into a bakery shop. I had promised mom that I would get her something. Cakes were her favorite. I get in and order a strawberry shortcake. I wait for it, as I feel someone tap my shoulder. I turn.

"Hey." he says, smiling.

"Chris!" I say, swinging my arms around him.

Chris

After breakfast at Ave's we all went our separate ways. Will stayed behind, saying that he wanted to hang out with Ave today. I went home on my own, eager to take a shower and relax. The warm water feels good, and I can't help but think back to last night. I had sex with the girl I loved, and we were finally together. Everything was perfect. Except...

"Chris, dad's here again!" Penny screamed up at me. "Get out of the shower and talk to him!"

I was numb with disbelief and anger. Why was he back?

"Give me a minute!"

"Hurry up! Grandpa's threatening him!" she sighed.

I turned off the water and toweled off my hair and body, throwing on the pair of sweatpants and T-shirt that I had been planning to change into.

"What do you want?" I said curtly as I came down the stairs.

He smiled at me. "I just want to get to know my son and daughter. What's wrong with that?"

Man, he just didn't get it. "Look, we've already told you that you're too late. You don't just get to show up now and expect everything to be okay."

His face fell. "I know, but I was hoping-"

"No! Stop hoping! We don't need you, so please just go," I said, interrupting him.

Grandpa started shouting something in Italian, stopping him from saying anything.

"I'll take care of it," Penny said, shooting a glare in my dad's direction.

"Listen, let me just take you out for coffee," he said, his eyes pleading.

"Fine," I sighed.

He grinned and pulle out his key. "I'll drive!"

"Sure."

Big mistake. His truck was only ten years old but in much worse condition than mine, which was over thirty years old. It was already rusting around the doors, and the red paint was now a hideously faded red-orange in places. On of the side mirrors was hanging by a thread and the passenger door couldn't be opened from the inside. Cigarette butts and beer cans littered the floor of the filthy red pick-up. He had to turn the key three times before it started, giving a shuttering gasp before loudly roaring to life.

"My friend sold it to me cheap," he said fondly, patting the dashboard and sending dust flying.

I nodded, trying not the touch anything. I didn't even want to know what might be in the glove compartment.

"So what've you been doing while I've been gone?" he asked cheerily.

"I don't know, a better question would be what have you been doing?" I said sourly.

"I was travelling, just like I wanted to," he said after a pause. "I was backpacking across Europe and it really was amazing, you should've seen it..." he stopped when he saw my raised eyebrow. "Alright, I was in jail," he huffed.

"What?! You went to jail and never told us?"

He nodded, looking sheepish. "I was involved in a hit and run, I'm afraid. Then I got in more trouble for also driving under the influence, and carrying an unregistered fire arm in the car. I was too ashamed to say anything to your mom."

I did the math in my head. "But that should've given you more than ten years..."

He looked at me and smiled, putting a finger to his lips. "Don't tell anybody, but my friend slipped some money to the system and I was let out on 'good behavior'!" he said, laughing.

He was nuts! I had to get help. As we slowed to a stop in front of a red light, I tried to quietly open the door and slip out, but the door was broken.

"No good to escape," he said seriously. He pulled a knife out of his pocket, watching it glint in the light. He looked at me out of the corner of his eye. "Just do what I say and you'll be fine. I'm meeting some friends at this coffee shop. The bitch that owns the place is the daughter of the guy I hit, and she's the one that landed my ass in jail. Now just follow what I say and you won't get hurt."

I nodded numbly, shivers going down my spine. He parked the truck and we got out. He put an arm around me, looking kind and fatherly, but with the knife blade touching my back as a reminder: Don't do anything stupid.

"What do you want?" he asked, a wide grin on his face.

"J-just a mocha," I whispered, trying to smile back.

"Alright, why don't you get us a table," he looked into my eyes, his eyebrows raised, "near the front?"

I nodded, and walked away quickly. I sat at a table, my hands shaking as I tried to act casual. Looking around the shop, I saw a girl that looked familiar. Shit, Lena! I had to talk to her. I tapped her on the shoulder as she waited for her order.

"Hey," I smiled.

"Chris!" she said, hugging me.

I hugged her back, fighting the urge to cry again. Oh God Lena, if you knew what was going on you wouldn't be happy...

"Lena, I-" I paused, not sure what to say.

"Well, who's this?" my dad asked, walking over to us. He handed me my coffee so roughly that it nearly spilled.

"This is Lena, Lena this is my father,"I said stonily.

"Nice to meet you," she said, looking a little puzzled, but happy.

"You too," he said, turning to her. "So I assume you and Chris are dating?"

They began to chat, and I took the opportunity to text her.

Help. Call 911. Dad has knife.

I had just put my phone back in my pocket when he turned to me, a grin on his face and a strange glint in his eye. "Why don't we invite her to join us?"

"Uh sure," I said.

Just then, two burly looking men walked in, looking out of place. My dad gave a slight nod, and one of them pulled out a gun and shot a round into the air. Screams filled the room. "Alright, everyone down!"

Spoiler

Sorry if this is weird, I've been meaning to make the dad do something dramatic/horrible

After we get back from the store, I call Matt and tell him to meet me at his street corner. I walk down there and we head out to get some coffee and pastries. We walk for a while until we finally get there. We each get some coffee and a muffin and take a seat near the front of the store. I notice a few people from school show up as wel, Lena and Chris from Avery's oarty are here. We talk for a while and everything's fine until two large guys walk in and one starts shooting. I thought I was done with this when we moved here from New York. Matt instantly drops under the table, but I stay in my seat. Im done acting like a weakling, even if it means reliving New York. I sit there and sip my coffee while one of the guys orders everyone to the ground. Here we go. I dont care how scared I am right now, Im not moving.