Harmony High - Sequel

Oliver Hemingway

Kissing Lacey was something else. It's like visiting an old friend, and realizing how much you've needed them in the time they weren't there. Her lips fit mine so perfectly. God, I sounded like a twelve year old girl.

But who cares.

It felt right.

"So, how's school treating you?" I asked.

Lacey took me to this library/study hall in her school. We were sitting at this love seat by a fire place. This place was so nice and prestigious. It reminded me of my old boarding school in London. They made this place almost exactly the same, but better. I had my arm wrapped around her as she had her head on my chest.

"Eh, it's alright." she smiled. "No, it's great. I absolutely love it here. Really. Playing my violin again is just a dream."

I run my hand down her hair, feeling its softness.

"I'm so happy you're doing this. Why didn't you ever tell me before you were into playing the violin?" I asked.

She looked up at me, her eyes catching mine. I couldn't help but stare at her for a while longer, looking into her beautiful brown eyes.

"I surprised myself." she smiled, sitting up so we can be eye-to-eye.

I touched her cheek and ran my hand down her face, reaching to her neck. She then put her arms around my neck, closing the small gap between us. I let myself fall again. Fall for her again. I brushed my lips against her, and once again, I was in euphoria.

Once we pulled away, I smiled, as did she. I still had my arms around her.

"Oliver," she paused, looking away from me for a moment. "Do you think this is a good idea?"

I lifted her chin so she could look at me again.

"I hope." I smiled.

She pulled me close. All we did is hug for the next few minutes and that was enough for me. She was warm against me, and I loved it. I squeezed her hand until she started to laugh, begging for me to let go.

"I just love you so much!" I protested, letting her go.

A smile grew on my face once we pulled away, just looking at each other. Somehow, that was enough.

Jane Wills

Emmett means the world to me. And when he kissed me, it felt like it was actually him. Like some part of his suddenly remembered me. It's our first kiss all over again, in the same place.

I pulled away first, realizing this wasn't real. I mean, it was real, it just felt like it wasn't. Because it wasn't him. Okay, it was him... but not him. Maybe, kissing could help? Or was I just being selfish? Well, it could bring back some memories. And, I really miss him. Though, if we were in opposite places, would he still commit to wanting to be in a relationship? Even if I didn't remember anything? It's a scary thought. Because I think he wouldn't. No, I think he actually would.

"This feels weird." I spit out right away.

"Am I... bad?" he asked.

"No!" I smiled, "It's not that. It's just... you don't remember ever kissing me before, God, it feels like I'm cheating on you."

"But you're not, it's me."

I place my hands on my hips and look down, taking a deep breathe. Then, I looked back up and caught his staring at me.

"I know that Emmett. That's why I enjoyed kissing you. But still, it feels like I'm cheating on you with the love of my life. It's... weird." I sighed. "But, I'm willing to try."

"You just want to try so you could kiss me again?" a smile crept onto his face.

He knew me. In that moment, he was back.

"Yeah," I moved closer to him, wrapping my hands around his face. He froze for a moment, then put his hands on my waist. I felt him get jittery, but that was okay. Closing the gap between us, I kissed him, running my tongue along his lower lip.

"I really like kissing." He said against my lips.

I smiled, kissing him again.

I can't write much now. I have to run, but this is what I got.

Kristin

"I just don't think that I wanna do this anymore Kris." Ashton says as we sit at the bar.

I take a chomp out of the olive from my dry martini and look over at him from the side of my eye.

"What do you mean?" I ask, slowly chewing.

He sighs and takes a sip from his beer bottle. He looks down after swallowing.

"This whole business. I just...I hate how it works. I hate how I can't be with who I want without hurting them. I just..." He stops and runs a hand through his hair.

"You just want to be...normal?" I ask quietly.

He nods.

"I-I'm in love with her Kristin. And I just can't stop the feelings. Being in this fake relationship with you has been awesome. It's been hilarious and fun. If I wasn't in love with Jasmine, we would probably be together. But...I am. And you know, it really sucks. Because...fuck. I mean you're beautiful, well drop dead gorgeous really, funny, smart, easy-going, sweet, nice, won-"

"I get it, I get it." I say laughing.

"So what do we do?" he asks quietly.

And I think. These past few weeks with Ashton have been just what the doctor ordered. After the breakup with Oliver, I needed someone more than ever. Having Ashton around has been seriously great. And...I don't want to have to be left alone. I'll truly be lonely if our fake relationship ends, and I can't let that happen. I can't let thoughts of Oliver stir in my head, until its just a tidal wave of depression, loneliness, and all around horribleness. I can't. I know that Ashton is in a really fragile state of mind right now, so I have to do this while I can.

"Well...what if we were in a real relationship?" I ask, crossing my legs.

"A...what?" Ashton asks, puzzled.

"What if we turned our...friendly feelings, into real relationship ones." I say slowly.

"I don't know if I could do that with anyone but Jasmine right now Kris." Ashton says quietly.

I unbutton two buttons from my shirt, which reveals my pale cleavage.

"Are you sure?" I ask quietly.

He visibly gulps and looks around.

"Kristin, you know that I think that you're sexy as hell. But..." I put a hand on his thigh and slowly move it up.

"But?" I ask huskily.

I hop down from my stool and cross over the one step that separates us. I tilt my head up at him and inch my lips closer and closer to his. When we're just a breath apart I stop.

"Are you going to stop me Ash?" I ask quietly.

He closes the distance and softly plants his lips on mine. He places a hand on the back of my head and makes the kiss harder and rougher. We separate with a gasp.

"So...wanna go home?" I ask with a small smile.

Emmett

The kissing goes on for a long time. The cold has left me with chapped lips, but I continue on like a starved man at a rich man's buffet. Which is a surprisingly good metaphor, actually.

I don't think Jane realizes that this is my first kiss. I mean, I've kissed her before, and I think there may have been somebody before that. This is my first kiss back. Back from what, I don't know. Just...back.

We pull away again. "Do you want to go shopping?" I ask.

"What?" She looks confused.

"Shopping. For positive pranking."

Now she smiles. I kinda think she should stop doing that, because at this rate I will seriously never get another thing done ever again. "You always talked about wanting to do that, but we never did." If she has become a ray of sunshine a cloud suddenly passes her view, but she shakes it off. "Why not?"

She moves out of the willow tree's hanging branches, towards the car. I yell over at her, ducking out myself. "Do you mind if we walk?"
******

We spend about twenty minutes in the grocery store, arguing about what kind of candy to buy. I want to buy tootsie pops, but Jane says nobody actually likes those, and we should get chocolate or something instead.

This argument goes on, casually, until I throw up my arms with a 'Fine!', something I sort of hoped I did and she liked. I grab a dozen boxes of Hostesses and bring them to the counter. The clerk looks at us weird, but we walk out with plastic bags full.

"Do you think anybody is actually going to eat these?"

"I hope so. I mean, I'd hate to see it all go to waste."

Jane smiles, and it is so real and infectious that I have to smile back. For the first time since the accident, things actually seem to be looking up. I may not know her, but at least she knows me, and she's real. have to step closer to her, feel her breathe on my dumb face. She leans back up to kiss me and I, feeling a tad bit more courageous, put my hands on her hips, feeling them under her layers of clothing.

"If we don't stop this, we're never going to get anything done."

Jane pulls away. "I'll race you?"

And we jet off to the nearest house to make somebody's day.

Lacey

Oliver's words leave me itching, a tad uncomfortable. He loves me? As he heard absolutely nothing that I said earlier? I have to bring myself to let that go, I can't say anything, because there can't be anything to say if this is to work out.

Oliver hasn't exactly completely reassured me yet.

I lean back into him. "We have to be completely honest with each other, okay? I don't like dating people unless I know we can work out for awhile. And we'd fail utterly without honesty."

"We're dating?" His eyes light up.

"God, you're such a boy. Yes, I'd sort of presumed so. Unless you feel the need to prove me wrong."

His arm wraps around me. "As if."

We're quiet for awhile. "Oliver?"

"Yeah?"

"You never replied."

"I can be honest, for you. I can be anything you need me to be."

"Aw, stop. You sound like a boy band, and I certainly don't want that."

"I can buy a bow tie."

Damn.

"If you did that, I'd never be able to get off of you." He laughs. "I'm being serious! Bow ties are seriously attractive."

"Well, on my shopping list."

He leans down and kisses me again. I want to be cautious about this, just like I was the first time. I want to talk about everything, talk about where were going to go and where we were before. Every time it seems like I try, his lips are covering mine. It feels like Hakan all over again, only more British and even more ruthlessly erratic. With even better cheekbones. Even without the bowtie, it seems like we can barely get away from each other. I guess that's just the kind of guy Oliver is.

I sort of know that if we were to head over to my room and begin you-know-what-ting, that the relationship would truly become unfinished business because it would end right away. I'm surprised at myself for how torn I feel about that; part of me wants to have him and be done with it, just like he's use to, but the other part knows better. Knows what is better for both of us.

I finally am the one to pull away, and we go back to breathing. "Lacey?"

"Yeah?"

"What's the furthest you've ever been from home?"

I'm sort of embarrassed. My family has never had very much money for vacations or anything, so I am not well traveled. I consider lying, but I can't. This is an honest relationship. "Virginia."

"Come to Britain with me."

"What?"

"Right now, or next week. Whenever you can catch up with enough schoolwork. We can do the whole tourist thing, and if you don't want to meet my Mom, you don't have to."

I know of the consequences, but I also know my new school would actually smile a on it, as long as I got my work done. My parents would be worried, and Emmett might kill me, and- before I can wear myself out, I say, "Yes. Please, yes."

He grins. "Alright. It's nice not having an international girlfriend, because I can actually show you the sights. When do you want to go?"

I'm going crazy, I think. "Right now."

He looks amused, but does not question it. "Okay. Get your work, pack your bags. We're going over."

Jasmine Urbaniak

I wonder if Avery is still in Paris. If she is, I could ask her to join me at this party. Someone invited Bradley over and it'd be a good idea to have someone to tag along with. I looked on my phone and found her US number. Dialing it u[, she answered within seconds.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Hey Ave, are you still in France?"

"No, I left like a week ago."

I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror. My blonde hair draped over my shoulders. I had thrown on one of those party dresses that Avery lent to me, that purple one from her wedding thing. I looked great on me now. All celebrity.

"Shit, that sucks. I have this party and was gonna invite you." I said.

"Well, that is bad." she laughed. "Have fun there Jasmine. Maybe you'll see Ashton?"

My heart sank at his name.

"Yeah," I sighed.

There was silence for a moment, and then something ruffled at the other end, the line going dead. Maybe I was too... hung up for her. Maybe it drove her crazy that I still wasn't over Ashton after all this time. It's been years, but that kiss made everything worse.

I threw my phone in my clutch and left the hotel.

***

The party was yet again just another party. The people threw it at a local bar, it was an exclusive one too. They begged me to sing a few songs, so I was on stage, belting out my music. People were dancing around me as colorful lights jumped off the walls. I could hear myself sing, that's how powerful the speakers were. The band around me played perfectly. I couldn't ask for a better stand in.

Once I finished my first song, I took a breather and spoke to the band.

"What should we play now?" I asked.

"How about you do a cover?" Marcus said, raising his eyebrow.

"Without practice?" I said.

"Well, it's not like we just had five minutes of practice on your songs backstage..." he sighed.

I ran my hand over my hair and smiled at the rest of the group. There was Marcus, he was the most handsome. He was at the drums. Next to him was Jean-Louis, he looked like the cute geek with his square rimmed glasses. He has the electric guitar. Lastly, I had Franco, he was an Spaniard who was sick at the piano.

"Okay, what songs do you know how to play?" I asked.

The group thought it over as some random music was replacing us for a moment. Franco started to text on his phone and then showed us the phone. I guess he wasn't texting. A picture of sheet music was on it.

"Um, what is that?" Jean-Louis asked.

"These are the chords to the cover of Toxic by Britney Spears." he explained.

I took the phone in my hands and read the chords. They were rock chords, perfect for us right now.

"I love Britney," I paused, looking at my guys. "We are doing this."

"Okay, I guess we'll practice and do it." Marcus smiled.

It took us a few minutes to get with the music. They had dropped the drapes behind us so we could have some quiet to hear ourselves. It felt like we were in a different world as we played. Once we had it right, the curtains rose and someone turned off the music so we could play again.

I smiled at the immense crowd and put the microphone to my mouth, eager to see how this would work.

"Hey guys," I said and the crowd cheered. "This is Bradley and The Guys." again, cheers. "We are going to play a cover of Britney Spears', Toxic."

Marcus started us up and we got playing, driving the crowd wild. It felt exhilarating as my heart raced. It was hard to top an amazing song and an outstanding artist, but it was freaking worth the risk. When we finished, the crowd cheered, clapping like mad men. A few people were still dancing as I spoke for a little.

"I guess my voice is music." I laughed. "Guys, we are gonna play an original of theirs." I pointed to the guys behind me. "And then another of mine."

We got strumming again. That's when my eyes landed on Ashton. I was hoping he wouldn't be here. I was hopping that this would be my night where I learn to be okay, and he's not helping. Especially since... where's Kristin? He was alone. Maybe she was getting drinks or something. Hopefully. It'll help me move on.

Oh how I don't want to move on. If I could, I would. I would run off this stage and kiss him.

But, to my surprise, I managed to push away my thoughts and sing The Guys' song. We practiced it earlier, so I knew the lyrics and the beats. The crowd swayed as I sang, it was a slow song called, Buckingham. These guys really knew how to write music. Marcus sang with me at the drums, he was the lead singer in their band.

"Thank you guys!" I smiled once we finished the song. And right away we went to my best hit in all across the world. It was called Seattle. Another slow song. This song reminded me of when Avery found out I was Bradley. It wasn't too long ago, but it was long enough ago.

When this song finished, I put the microphone back on the stand and walked off the stage. I found my way to the coat closet and I took it, leaving the bar.

Jane Wills

Every time I was even a foot away from Emmett, I wanted to kiss him again. I had hoped that that helped him remember. That that helped him be him again. It felt like that anyway to me. It was the same kiss. The same emotions. Gosh, the same love.

But I felt like I was betraying him. He didn't remember the cheat. He didn't remember the break-up.

I forgot about that for the time being as we walked door to door, giving people Hostess chocolates. Some people accepted with gratitude, others yelled at us for supposedly smuggling drugs into their hands. God. People were weird.

I was holding the last bag of chocolates. There were four boxes left. We were walking back to my car and Emmett hoped in to the passenger seat, cringing. I knew he wasn't comfortable with driving, but soon he'll get it again. Gosh, soon is not soon enough.

After I hopped in, I started the ignition and buckled up, Emmett followed with that. I opened one of the boxes and stuffed a cake into my mouth, indulging in the fatty-sugary-goodness. Handing the box to Emmett, I expected him to eat one too. After he did, I closed the box and tossed it into the backseat, started the drive back to Emmett's house.

"You still frightened?" I asked, looking over at him.

"A little," he admitted.

I smiled, turning up the radio. My favorite song by AWOLnation started to play. This Kid's Not Alright. Humming to it, I tapped the steering wheel as I drove. In about a few minutes, I reached his house and parked on the street, putting the car into park.

The tension that was flooding me was overwhelming. All I wanted to do was grab him and kiss him all over. Being able to have him again and on good terms was a dream come true. I let my hands fall from the wheel as I ran them down my thighs. It was an act of nerves overwhelming me.

"Jane, do you want to come inside?" He asked.

I looked over at him and smiled.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"No one's home."

The next thing I knew, we were in his living room, making out as we made our way up the stairs to his room. He was rough at first, unsure of what to do, but I led him along and now he was a pro at the whole make-out thing. I knew where this was going, and I had to stop it.

It's not like I wanted to. But. I want to do this when he remembers everything. Cause if we do this now and he regains his memory, he won't remember we did this. And it won't be special. It won't be right. But I couldn't stop.

Oliver Hemingway

Lacey was serious about this. She had her bags packed within minutes and her work as well. I called my travel agent and got us two tickets back. The only plus side of this was my mum promised to pay for my tickets back. I had nothing because of my trip there and back.

I helped with her bags and we were on her way to her mother's house. She wanted to say bye in person. It was an hour ride.

"Do you want to grab something to eat before we get to your mum's? Or eat there?" I asked once we got into the BMW.

"Um, I think we should eat at my mom's. It's the least I could do."

Nodding, I started the car and we were on our way. I had my iPod on and I wasn't shocked that Lacey knew the words to practically every song I had on. We both sang along until we reached her house. I parked next to Jane's car. What was she doing here? I couldn't see her. She'd be disappointed I'm leaving.

But, I held my breath and we both got to the front door. The cold air brushed around us, so I took Lacey in my arms and hugged her so she'd stay warm. Knocking on the door, no one came. So I started to ring the doorbell.

"Jane's car is here, she at least should open the door." Lacey said.

And then a thought cam eto mind. I looked at Lacey and she looked at me. Now she knew, her jaw dropped and she pulled away for a moment.

"Hey. they're dating. they can do that." I smirked.

"But he wouldn't remember."

I pulled her back in a hug and she rummaged through her bag, opening the house herself with her keys.

"You could've done that, you know?" I said.

She smiled over her shoulder at me and let us in, the warm air making me stop shivering.

"I don't think they would do anything if your mother was here." I said, shutting the door behind us.

I took her coat and hung it on the coat rack along with mine. She rang up her mother and spoke to her over the phone. I let myself into the living room and saw the evidence. Jane's jacket was on the floor next to Emmett's T-shirt. Man, if Mrs. Lopez came in to see this, they'd be dead. They should be thankful I'm here. I picked up the articles of clothing and found my way up the stairs.

There I heard some kissing, and then whispering. Then more kissing. The sounds led me to Emmett's room, which had the door slightly open. I pushed the door open and saw Jane sitting on Emmett's lap. All she had on was her tank top on jeans. While Emmett just had his bottoms. I snickered, tossing the clothes inside and shutting the door again.

Would she really have sex with him? He wouldn't remember it. I think she'd want him to.

"No," I heard Jane breathe out. So I stood by the door to hear more. "I can't do this."

"Why not?" he was breathless.

"Emm," a pause. "It's not right. Not now."

"Why not now? Did we ever do this before?"

A moment passed and Emmett said "Oh...". I presume she shook her head to his comment.

"And I want our first time to be right. You're not you now... and I really..." she couldn't find her words.

I was so focused on what they were saying that I forgot where I was for a moment. Lacey was probably wondering where I was.

The front door opened and I saw it from the stairs. Lacey's mother walked in, opening her arms to Lacey. they hugged for a long moment, making me feel all gooey inside. Some ruffling was going on behind the door, they probably heard the door. I walked down the stairs to say hello.

Emmett

I ask the question before I really know what I'm asking. Jane's body felt right in my hands, so I didn't question it; I figured, for her to care this much, we must have been dating awhile. By 'dating awhile' I mean make-out a lot, I am surprised by her 'I can't do this'.

I don't know her, and I remember this now. She might be extremely religious, might be an innocent. I try to momentarily convince myself of this, but I cannot shake the image of my hand on her thigh.

I think this until Jane shakes her head, and I swallow. "Oh."

"And I want our first time to be right. You're not you now... and I really..."

All at once, I understand what she's actually saying. My cheeks turn red, and I move away from her. I just wanted to make-out, feel her realness. I wouldn't have minded a little touch-the-boob action, because she has nice boobs, but what Jane was suggesting was far more than that... she was certainly not an innocent, which falls into the 'I don't know what to make of this' category.

"Jane. Jane, I don't think we're in the same category."

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't really thinking... I wasn't... taking things that way. I just wanted to... enjoy kissing you." I'm really embarrassed, and I feel so bare. I should put a shirt on. My nice, cotton shirt.

It is Jane's turn to blush. "I guess I was jumping to conclusions."

I do, now. I put my shirt on, and Jane shrugs on her sweater. Is she that sort of girl? Is she the jump all the way to Home Run sort? I don't know how I feel about that. "Things were getting hot, but I wasn't... well, you know."

Neither of us say anything. "Emmett, I need to tell you something."

The silence has led to perked ears to the voices downstairs. My Mother's home, and I think I see another female voice- Lacey? "Shh. Not now. My Mom's home, so let's go say hi."

She frowns but nods. I can't help but envelope her in a hug. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I can touch your boobs anytime you want."

She sort of snotty laughs into my shirt. We go downstairs. My Mother, her head poking out from the kitchen, smiles when she sees us. I don't know why she trusts me so much.

"Your sister's home," she says. "I've got food in the oven, and she's got news."

I gesture Jane to the kitchen where, to my surprise, Lacey and the cheekbone guy are sitting together. My Mother has a close eye on them; she does not trust Lacey's evidently new boyfriend as much as her old.

"Oliver?" Jane seems surprised, and a little hurt.

"Only here to convince Lacey that I'm..." he looks at our mother, "worth giving a shot. Then it's back to Britain."

"I'm going with him." Lacey speaks up. "Uncle is funding it."

My Dad's brother has a well-selling patent, and is rather wealthy, but my parents refuse any help up from their lower middle class standing. I'm surprised Lacey went to him. My Mother frowns, but hurries away for my father as he walks in.

"Your Mother's so pretty," Jane whispers.

I smile and nod, grabbing a biscuit from the basket. Dinner is terrible awkward; Jane and 's sexual tension eradicating my Father's annoyance and the rough exchange of numbers. In order for Lacey to go, Oliver's mother must be a big part of the trip. Lacey does not sway; a day into foreign boyfriend and she already wants to travel. Eventually, the deed is drawn. They leave as soon as dinner is over.
______________________

Lacey

The plane ride is long and boring. Despite my initial excitement ('It's a plane, Oliver, I've never rode in a plane before! Look how blue the sky is, Oliver! Look how it turns into the night in the clouds, Oliver!) I end up sleeping on his shoulder most of the way there. It is surprisingly soft for his general lengthiness.

He wakes me up and we get off the plane, getting our stuff. I have a terrible sense of jet lag, but Oliver clearly knows what he's doing. We are on the way to his mother's in a cab, no time flat. I'm starting to wake up a little.

"I've never rode in a cab before!"

"There's a lot you haven't done, but the same could be said of me."

"You're too nice." Hakan wouldn't have added the nice part, but I appreciate Oli doing so. It does wonders for my self esteem.

"Maybe you should take me to a rain dance next time I'm around 'Merica."

I shove him playfully. "Maybe you could get your Native American middle name." The ideas so silly, we both laugh.

We arrive at an apartment complex. "She lives in a flat? Oh my God, can I really call it a flat?"

"You can call it a flat," he confirms.

We go to the cute, artsy second floor. He holds the door open for me, when I walk in.

A woman's voice calls "Oliver, is that you, sweetie?"

I want to giggle. British accents galore! I think this trip, and the brashness of it, has me a tad loopy.

A middle-aged, tall woman walks out, but she stops in her tracks when she sees me. I get self-conscious all of a sudden. Any other girl Oliver ever brought home would have been pale and British, or sexy European as the likes of Kristen. I'm not any of that. I have the curves of Hispanic Aunties and the skin of my Native American mother. You could not be too familiar with the likes of me.

Oliver's mother smiles. "Beautiful! Tasteful! I'm Oliver's Mum, but you can call me (her name here?)"

Tasteful? I look down, eyeing my Doctor Who shoes. Right. Britain. "You really call her Mum?" I whisper to Oliver, smiling. He nods. "I'm Lacey."

"Oh, I know. Come on in, take off the shoes. Welcome to England, my dear!"

Oliver Hemingway

The dinner was nice. But I knew both of her parents were eying me like crazy. I wasn't exactly the guy they expected Lacey to be with. Not only that, we had a short fling which they knew about and they weren't pleased about it. So my example to them so far wasn't extraordinary... but maybe it'll get better.

My mother introduced herself as Sandra. To which Lacey used with gratitude. I was surprised she accepted her so quickly, without even a blink of an eye. To be honest, my mother was actually very okay with everyone. She wasn't a racist like most. She actually wanted me to find a nice girl that was ethnic, it was broaden my knowledge or culture or something like that. She never liked Kristin much, due to the fact it was toxic.

She had breakfast set up for us since we flew in at seven in the morning. We arrived at the house at around nine thirty. Bath was two hours off London.

"Oh, it's so great of you to come to England. You're going to have a really good time. Oli knows all these places... just watch out for the pub's. He likes a good drink." and that was my mother for you.

I had just finished my plate of pancakes when she joined us for breakfast. Not only was I a fast eater, I was extremely hungry, so I took some more pancakes and slapped them on my plate, chowing down. Lacey sort of eyed me, then went back to eating.

"So, Lacey." my mother started and Lacey looked up at her with a smile. "Do you go to school in America?"

"Yes, yes I do. But they let me take my stuff here just so I could travel. My school encourages travel."

It was weird to hear an American voice in my home. Being in America it was different, normal. But back here it was really odd to hear it. It's like at home I expect just the British tone of voice... I guess it's something I had to get used to.

"Oh, that's wonderful. What do you study?"

She was just like any other normal mother.

"I was just branching out my music. I am a violinist." Lacey said with a soft tone.

My mother smiled broadly, giving me and eyebrow raise. I laughed in response and Lacey gave me a smile that said she was confused and felt awkward. I couldn't blame her at all. I took her hand in mine and gave me mother a look. She then proceeded to finish her breakfast.

"You and your mother..." Lacey whispered into my ear. "You guys are something else."

***

I decided to take Lacey out. Yes the time difference is killing her, but this is one of the ways to get used to it. Get yourself worn out and tired so you could sleep at night. I was the experienced one here. We rode into the city centre and found ourselves in one of those traditional English pubs that she was just dying to see.

Here the drinking age was eighteen, so I believed we didn't have a problem. Lacey did of course, it was unnatural to drink publicly and legally in America at that age. But she'll get used to it.

"So," I started.

We were in my uncle's pub. He made it dark but comfy with the wooden walls and wooden furniture. It looked rustic, which I loved. There were candles at every table and at the bar, they had those ceiling lights that were made out of cans. Like tin cans you found everywhere. Talk about recycling.

"So," she replied.

"You want to walk someplace?" I asked her.

She lifted an eyebrow and smirked. I took a long gulp of my beer and stepped out of the booth we were in, taking her hand and pulling her up with me. We walked out of the bar and stepped outside into the square. This was the funny thing about this year, the weather in America and Europe switched places, so here it was warm enough to walk in just sweaters.

So I was happy to be greeted by a cool wind as we walked around, hand in hand. Like the normal coupes around here. As we walked, I caught sight of a familiar face.

"Aye, Hugh!" I yelled.

The guy lifted his head. And in fact, it was Hugh. He was with my friend Tyler. They both walked up to us and grinned at the sight of Lacey. Yeah, she was the girl a lot og guys dreamed of seeing.

"Oli. Long time no see... well, not since Paris." Hugh laughed, pulling me into a small hug.

"Yeah, when did you guys leave anyway?" I asked.

"Just a day later than you..." Hugh replied.

Tyler eyed Lacey and I shifted my weight, feeling a bot uncomfortable about that.

"Where did this lovely lady come from?" Tyler asked.

I looked over at Lacey and she looked at me. Putting my arm over her shoulder, she leaned into my side.

"This is Lacey, she's from America." I replied with a confident voice.

They both rose their eyebrows, high-fiving each other. I didn't know why, but they did. Hugh ran his hand through his hair, ruffling it up to a more shaggy state.

"Wow, I didn't know you went that way." Tyler laughed a bit. "But yeah, I like this one. Lacey, nice name."

"Yeah, thanks." I could hear how uncomfortable she was when she said that.

Jane Wills

Now it was me who felt uncomfortable. Emmett didn't want... shit. I don't know how to react to this. If I should feel bad for even thinking that... or unattractive. Like, being rejected. It's just here's the difference. I felt like I knew him well enough, and he didn't. Cause he didn't even remember me.

This while thing was toxic and I had to stay away from it. So right after dinner, I proceeded to make my escape.

"Jane, it was lovely of you to stay." Emmett's mother told me when I helped her pack the dishwasher.

Shutting it, I leaned against the counter, smiling at her. Lacey resembled her. She had the same face really, just younger.

"Well, it was my pleasure."

Oliver poked his head into the kitchen and looked at me. Just seeing him made my stomach churn. I walked over to him, pulling him into the biggest hug I could. Feeling him again felt like I was missing something before.

"Why do you have to leave? Why did you leave in the first place?" I asked, my voice muffled due to the face my mouth was against his chest.

"I love you Jane," he said. "But I really need to go home. You know that too." his voice trembled.

I felt him move his arms over me, squeezing me tighter. I squeezed him back, not willing to escape his arms. He was my best friend anyway.

"Stay safe, Janey. Take care of Emmett." right when he said that, tears started to well up my eyes.

"You take care of Lacey. Make sure she doesn't leave you for a hotter Brit. There she has a better range than here, you're the only one here." I laughed as I pulled away.

He had a smile plastered to his face as his eyes got glassy. I couldn't let him cry, so I turned him around and walked him to the door, Lacey following behind us. When we reached the front door, Oliver took me into another hug. I smelled the cologne he always used, it smelt of a rainforest. When we pulled apart, I hugged Lacey. She was warm and comfortable.

"Seriously take care of Emmett." she begged with a whisper.

I nodded against her shoulder and pulled away.

***

When they left the house, I finished clearing the kitchen with Emmett's mother. She was still tearing up over Lacey,s o I made my way to leave myself. I really didn't need to be here. I threw on my coat and opened the door, completely phased by the blizzard that started.

I walked out and shut the door behind me, finding my way to my car. My shoes were durable, so I wasn't worried about soaking my feet. I managed my way to the car and hopped in, turning it on right away. It'd take a while to heat up, but I needed to sit for a while anyway. I shook in my seat and looked back at the house, noticing Emmett stare out of his window at me.

What was he thinking? Probably that Jane was weird for just leaving. Was she always like this? Why would she ditch me?

Shaking my head, I started my way back home.

Posting for Will later. And Jasmine as well. I kind of wanted Ashton's character to interact with Jasmine.

William Franco

After I left the restaurant, I decided to hop in my car and drive. The form of escape wasn't the best idea, but I needed to be alone for a little bit.

When I was with Harley, I forgot about the whole coma thing, because she was a new person in my life and she made my life feel more real because of it. Now, when I spoke to Avery or Kristin or even Jane... it still felt like I was missing out on something. The coma still haunted me then.

That's why I never mentioned it before, because with Harley it just disappears.

So, I wanted to be with her. But the thing was, I needed a breath of fresh air. I got onto the highway and drove off. Just thirty minutes in and my phone rang. I picked it up and hot the speaker button.

"Will!" It was my uncle. "Where are you?"

"Um, I decided I need a drive. I'll see you at night."

"Oh," his tone of voice got soft. "Well then, I hope everything is okay. Stay safe,"

I smiled, "Yeah, I will. Bye,"

I hit the hang up button and put my phone on the center console. There was a text message blinking on my phone, but I'll check it when I get there. This time it wouldn't be the beach or the city.

Next thing I knew, I pulled up to a house. It was just any ordinary house, it was the house I grew up in when I was a kid. This was the house where Cassie was still alive. I parked in the driveway, shutting off the car. This house was for sale for years, but no one bought it. So now it stood empty.

The house was in the middle of a subdivision, but it was separated in a way. It had it's own spot and space, so the neighboring houses were actually far off. I walked up to the house and opened the front door, smelling the dust already. The house was dark, due to the lack of cleaning and the dim sunlight coming through the windows. The walls used to be a nice white but now they looked almost grey.

I found my way to the stairs and climbed up. The steps creaked as I walked until I reached the loft on the second floor. From there I saw something unexpected. There was graffiti painted on all the walls. I guess that since this place was abandoned, some kids decided it was okay to do this. It didn't phase me so I walked on into my bedroom.

There, it looked the same. Except for the graffiti and cigarette butts on the floors. The windows were broken. I walked over to the closet which was on my left and opened the doors, seeing it was untouched.

When I was a kid, I would use a ladder to climb up and push the ceiling board up to hide my things. Now all I had to do was lift my arm and push it open. I caught sight if what I had left in here since the move. Good thing no one saw it. I reached my arm in and pulled it out.

The small key chain lied in the palm of my hand. It had a metal teddy bear on it with the name Kobe inscribed in it. Cassie got me this for my fifth birthday. I know I should have token it. Because whoever would own this place would throw it out. But I had hope that I would come back and take it back.

I slipped the key chain into my pocket and walked back out.

Lacey

I was in England! England! It sounded exotic and foreign to say it. England!

It looked foreign and smelled foreign as well, but it looks like members of the male species were the same everywhere. I heard once, on the forums of tumblr, that British people found American accents attractive; these guys seemed a tad less concerned about that. There would've been a time where I would have relished in such affections, but these are Oliver's friends and despite his newness to me, I know how to act.

I've always sort of hated my name. It seemed cheap to me. I mutter "Yeah, thanks."

"How do you like England so far?" One of them asks.

"I haven't really gotten to explore it very much yet; we haven't been here very long. I'm really looking forward to Hogwarts Museum, the Doctor Who shop, and Big Ben. Maybe a few castles outside the city; American's aren't so royal."

One of them laughs, and Oliver tightens his grip. I want to tell him I can handle myself, but his touch feel warm. I like to think he likes my softness; Ace always sad that's why people liked to hug me, because I was warm and soft. "Hey, Olli. There's a party on the Bend later on. You should come, and bring your date, of course."

Oliver shrugs, sort of lifting my body up. I'm quite a bit sorter than him. "We'll see if we can make it. I'll catch up with you guys later, okay? We've got some tourist stuff to do."

He leads me away. It's not as cold as I would think here, and I cuddle into the warmth of my sweater. I picked out a cute knit hat just for the occasion. There isn't really snow here ether. I really, really like that. Oliver is quiet for awhile.

"I'm sorry about those guys. They aren't really used to being serious, not as serious as I am about you, anyway. They're used to a little bit more intimate of girlfriends."

I understand what he's saying, and nod. "Yeah, not a big deal. Guys in Britain, guys in America. Not as different as you'd think." I fix my hat, which was slipping from my head. "How far is the Doctor Who store?"

"Not very far." He grins, and we're hand holding again, walking into and out of any store that catches my fancy, not buying anything until we get to the Doctor Who shop.

After that, I walk out with a large bag of apparel and toys to show Emmett and Jane, bouncing up and down on my heals like an addict in a tobacco shop.

"Would you like to go out for texting and scones?" I ask. "It's getting sort of late-ish, but the time zone has knocked me around the other way, and I am wide awake. The museums and such would probably already be closed.

He laughs, and we go to a little café. I devour the scone as Oliver sips his tea. "This is so British." I laugh, still not completely believing this is happening. My life has been crazy the past few months. "I need to get a post card."

"Do you want to go to that party?" Oliver asks, suddenly.

My scone is lodged in my throat. I used to like parties, but ever since having totally-bad-idea-sex with Hakan, I couldn't stand the idea. Even in England. (England!) What say is; "You'll be doing what I want to do for the next couple days, so we can do what you want on this one."

And I wait.

Kristin

"Ashty..." I ask, trailing two fingers up his bare chest as we lay down in his huge bed.

"Yeah Kris?" He asks as he lounges after another session of wild sex.

"The friends I met with Avery a couple of months ago and have hung out with invited me over to a party in England. At the bend." I say, laying my head down on his chest.

"You want me to come?" He asks, planting a kiss on my forehead.

I nod my head and he smiles softly.

"No problem. Why England though?" He asks, combing his hand through my hair.

"She's dating some guy or something. Her name is Anabella and she's wonderful."

"That's great. Can't wait to meet her. I'm gonna go get showered. Care to join?"

I shake my head.

"Nah, I wanna call Avery really quick. Maybe i'll come in when you're washing your hair."

He winks at me as he gets out of the bed. I quickly get up out of bed and yank my phone out of its charger. I grab my silk robe quickly and rush out of Ashton and I's shared bedroom.

"Hey boo!" Avery says happily on the other line making me smile.

"Hey...Avery...I'm the worst."

She sighs.

"What did you do?" She asks.

"I...I'm manipulating Ashton. Into being in a relationship with me."

"What?!" She screams

"I was lonely, alright? It's just- I was so broken up over Oliver-"

"Kris...we don't manipulate our friends. I know you were lonely. I get that, i've been there, but Kris...Ashton is going through quite a bit you know. I know that he's told you about his moth-"

"Yes. I know. And that's what makes it worse."

Avery sighs.

"He's our best friend Kristin. You've got to stop this." Avery says seriously.

"I will. As soon as i'm over Oli."

"But Kris-"

"Bye Avey! Thanks for the advice!" I hang up quickly and sigh.

I know that Ashton and I don't really love each other. I know that really, this is a one-sided relationship. But i need this. I really do. And Ash will understand.

The doorbell rings and I open it to reveal an excited and flustered looking Anabella. Her green eyes are bright and shiny and her blond hair is stylishly pulled back in a high ponytail.

"Oh gosh I can't wait to get there Kristin!" She says in her cute little high voice and thick accent, as she strolls inside.

"What's the guy like?" I ask, as she follows me to the upstairs of the townhome.

"Oh he's just wonderful. His name is Caleb, and he's adorably shy, and has this wonderful blonde hair and these beautiful blue green eyes. He looks a lot like Tom Felton to be honest. He was with that guy you went home with, the brit."

My eyes widen but I keep my voice neutral.

"Do you think...that the brit will be there?" I ask.

She shakes her head.

"Nah. From what Caleb told me, he flew back to the U.S. So don't worry, you're free from that dreadful after-sex meet up." She winks at me.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized that I had been holding and smile at her.

"Come on, help me pick out a dress before Ash gets out of the shower."

As soon as we get into the walk in closet, Anabella rips my red and gold Elli Saab mini dress out of the closet, and then she tears out a pair of gold peep toe stilettos and a pair of dangly diamond and gold earrings.

"Now you can decide. Either we braid your hair to give it loose waves, or we can do the bump and curls."

"Loose waves of course!"

She nods her heads and smiles.

"It's nice having another blonde around." She says tugging on a loose strand of my hair.

"Same to you boo boo!" I say, smacking a smooch on her cheek.

I like the way things are. Everything's perfect. I've got my boyfriend, i've got my new bestie, and I don't have to deal with a sexy ex running around all over the place. I just couldn't be happier.