Kassy Boy teased her right back and she beamed bright than a sunflower in the summer. "What a casanova~" she laughed lightly, and rocked on the tips of her feet to her heels and back again. It was easy to expect such teasing from him, especially when she knew his down and dirty workings. Not that she minded. After all, he always carried those special ingredients that kept her mama's desserts extra special. And extra delish.

In fact her entire family rather doted on him when he came around, though it wasn't often. Poetry wished he'd stick around a bit longer during those visits, but he always had somewhere to be. He ran his own business after all, taking care of his family like a good man should. But other than that, she really didn't know much about him. Something in her suspected he didn't like to get very deep and probably enjoyed keeping it all light hearted. And she and her family were happy to oblige. Though all the Sundance family saw him as a relative and wished that he'd lean on them a bit more. But that was just how she and her family were.

A guy she hadn't seen before (though granted she didn't know many people around her age) came up and gave Kassy Boy a warm greeting, which made her smile a bit delighted. Though her old world vocab kept her from keeping tabs on exactly all of of what was said. What do you expect when you were raised by hippies and only knew how to speak in such oldie slang. But she was just happy to see Kas happy.

Putting a hand to her pale pink cheek as she was mention, she grinned brightly, a bit flattered, tipping her head to the side to let pale loose waves of silk hair fall over her should. The brit boy looked back at her and she wiggled her fingers friendly at new guy around her age.

Kas leaned over to her, looming over her which made her laugh lightly. Alice in Wonderland, huh? Well, she knew she talked odd, but it was fun. A lot less boring especially when everyone around, who always sounded the same, gave you funny looks. Peering up at Kassy Boy with those round pale eyes of hers, she smiled slowly and let a bubbling giggle spill past her porcelain pink lips.

"Oh, of course, you tough munga~" her musical voice alight with amusement, "You never have to ask, you know. S'not like you're asking for something totally loose..." She lifted both her arm, perched up on her tiptoes, then slowly slipped her hands on and over his shoulders. Turning her head to the side, she let it fit right at his shoulder. And when she hugged, it wasn't something shy, no, not her. Her entire body was flush against the person she hugged, tangling the warmth of both bodies together till the air was all just soothing heat. A soothing hug was the best hug there was after all.

It was nice, hugging someone taller than her who was warm and smelt good. An odd thing to notice, someone's scent, but it was comforting to say the very least. Looking up finally, she grinned and just as fluidly slipped her arms back down, settling back down on the flats of her feet. Looking over at Ezera she raised her brows in surprise when a rather heart-rending creature folded herself around him. Tragic thing looked like she had been crying, though why Poetry didn't know, though she expected the bruises had something to do with it. Her brown haired friend had escorted her, like good friends usually do, but this was all still a puzzlement to Poetry, since she didn't truly know what was going on.

In fact, she didn't even know who the girls really were, besides having seen them in homeroom. But her brows knitted in concern, wondering if there was something horribly wrong. Bullying was prevalent in high schools across the nation after all. And from those bruises and marks, it was her best bet that the bullying was quite violent. Though...then again... It could be family related. She glanced to Sadie, her features in well sewn concern but laced with confusion. That was the red-haired girl who said in their very first class that she had home troubles. Oh jinkies... What to do? She was too much a stranger to ask if everything was alright. And she had a happy home life, so she really couldn't say anything without sounding condescending or ignorant. Biting the inside of her cheek, as per nervous habit, she watched this couple with deep concern, glancing over at Kas now and then, wondering if she should leave to give them all privacy.

Sadie didn't really know what to do. Amelia was still crying bad. It physically hurt Sadie that her friend was going through something so horrible as this. She knew though that everyone would work together to make it better.

While they were getting their food Sadie got a text. She pulled out her phone to see Lily had messaged her. She quickly read the text and responded,



All Sadie had grabbed to eat was a small thing of fruit. Really she wasn't all that hungry. The two friends walked over to Ezera and two other people. Sadie merely just waved 'hi' since she didn't want to say anything because she hoped Ezera would try to say something to make Amelia feel better.

---

---

While Amelia was hugging Ezera, Mitzie walked into the cafeteria, wobbly in a way and saw Amelia and scowled. Mitzie was at a doctor's appointment earlier. She walked over to Amelia and her friends. "Hello everyone, I am Mitzie Sloane" she put on a fake smile as she looked around at everyone. She looked around and commented on everyone in her head with things like 'uncool' and 'boring' but when she saw Selene she thought 'she is cool we could be friends' and then for Abbie it was 'She is kinda cool we might be friends someday'. She saw Indiana next. 'She is awesome I really want to be friends with her'. She then got to Amelia. 'I hate her she ruined my life'.

As Mitzie's eyes finally landed on Amelia herself, she kept a smile plastered upon her face despite the burning anger she felt. She was just about to shout something at the girl when she noticed how close Amy was to one of the boring guys in the group. Perfect.

Shooting a flirty look at the guy, she dimpled and tossed her hair. "You must be Ezera." She dared to flicker her eyes towards Amelia before continuing. "I'm definitely not disappointed. I can't wait to be very good friends." She leaned into Ezera extra close with the last three words, pretending to be unaware of that fact that his girlfriend was standing right there.

"Oh hello Amy it has been so long, don't you remember me, don't you remember little Zia, the little shy girl who couldn't walk" Mitzie yelled at Amelia.

Amelia was guilty about it but hid it. "Of course I remember Zia, it has been such a long time, where have you been" Amelia remarked, glaring at Mitzie. She was fuming after she flirted with her boyfriend.

Mitzie had an expression of shock. "I had to move to the city for Middle School because of you, you changed me Amy, you caused all of this" Mitzie snapped at her. "You don't know how much I hate you"

Amelia glared at her. "I can see you have changed especially as you are flirting with my boyfriend, and how did I cause all of this, care to explain after you stop flirting with my boyfriend, Zia" She glared at her.

"Oh is this your boyfriend, I didn't know, I am sorry, but you don't know the meaning of that word do you" She glared at her angrily while being sarcastic because Amelia never apologised. "What do you think changed me, oh let me think, wait I can't can I, what did you use to say 'Stupid Zia, can't even think let alone walk' well I can do both" She glared at her.

"Oh, yeah, sure, totally. Uh just lemme..." the boy said hurriedly, his sentence trailing off as he cleared his things off the table. Her smile growing slightly, Ebony sat her food tray on the table, muttering a quick, "thanks," before taking a seat, She'd recognized the boy from all of her previous classes, but for some odd reason, couldn't recall his name. She'd always been terrible with names, but was always quick to remember a face. Once she'd sat down and took her plastic fork out of it's wrapper, Ebony noticed that he, like herself, was a photographer; his camera was sitting on the table. She was about to point that out, but it seemed as though he'd already beat her to it.

"Ebony, right? I'm Caleb," the boy said, "That's uh, a pretty nice camera." The boy spoke nervously before dog-earing the page of his book and gesturing to the camera around her neck. Ebony made a mental note of his name, her smile widening as she glanced down at the camera around her neck. "Thanks," she said, removing the strap from around her neck and placing it on the table beside her food tray. "My Auntie got it for me a couple of years ago, as a birthday present!" She was just about to speak again, when she felt a hand land lightly on her shoulder.

Turning her head quickly, Ebony saw none other than one of her good friends, Poetry. She was grinning, her head tilted slightly to the side. "Let's sit together in science class next time, Ebony-Gold," she said, "Maybe we'll get to be project partners." Flashing Poetry a quick smile, Ebony just nodded her head in agreement, before her friend made her way towards another table. "Catch you on the flip." (@LovelyAnastasia)

Directing her gaze back towards Caleb once more, Ebony shrugged her shoulders before continuing on. "Anyways, my Aunt saw me eyeballing the camera while we were in the store, so she bought it for me." She shifted her attention to his camera, "That's a cool camera you got there, too. What do you like to take pictures of?" Her eyes also landed on the book that he'd been reading not too long ago. "Whatcha' reading?"

As she spoke, Ebony opened her Italian dressing and poured it all over her salad, mixing it all together with her fork. When she'd finished speaking, she took a few small, delicate bites, awaiting his answer. It wasn't long, though, before someone else made their way to the table, taking the seat right next to Ebony. Blake had a smile plastered across his face, as usual.

“Hey Caleb, Ebony! I hope you guys don’t mind if I sit here too.” He told them, even though he essentially already made that decision to sit. Ebony laughed lightly, shaking her head.

"Nah, we don't mind, Blake," she said with a friendly smile, "How's ya day going so far?"

She averted her eyes away from Blake, though, when she'd caught a glimpse of red hair walk by. She instantly recognized the girl as Amelia, who had also been in their previous three classes. After hearing a bit about how things were for the girl at home during homeroom, Ebony had made a mental note to try and befriend her, maybe even help her, but she had yet to follow through. Her eyes followed Amelia as she made her way towards a group of students, her arms wrapping around her boyfriend, Ezera. From where she was sitting, Ebony could see that Amelia was crying. She also couldn't help but notice the nasty bruises the covered her arm, and the large red welt on the girl's cheek. "That poor girl," Ebony said. She and Amelia were only acquaintances, but somehow she knew that something had been going on with her. The bruises and welts practically confirmed it. She was just about to leave the table and see what was up before another girl entered the picture. (@carla6677)

She watched Amelia and the new girl argue for a few minutes before shaking her head and turning back to the table. "This is just way too much drama for the first day," she sighed, stabbing at her salad leaves with the fork.

---

Catching back up with his homie Kas, he fist bumped him as he heard when's the last time Kas whooped someone's ass. Ezera noticed this female speaking to him as she hugged him and When Kas mentioned her name, Poetry, he looked over at this sweet girl and gave a nod and cleared his throat "Well you're improving bro. I will say that." then turned to Poetry and cleared his throat again. "Sup...Poetry huh? Cool ass name. You got a good dude here....you ain't gotta worry about anybody messin with you having this guy around (Pointing to Kas). In fact-" before he could finish, he felt arms wrapping around him as he turned to notice Amelia. He turned with a smile and cleared his throat "Yo Baby whats-...hm?" he said taking a closer look at her. He saw the bruises on her and she was crying.

What could possibly happened to his little Fire? "baby did someone hurt you?" he asked but he noticed someone coming towards them, wobbling and greeting herself. Mitzie...interesting name....but what did she want though? did she know anyone in their group...unless she just wanted to make new friends? That did go through his mind at first until she came a little closer to Amelia and himself. When she guessed who Ezera was, he nodded wondering where this was going. He didn't remember meeting this girl and fir her to know his name...shit! was this a set up! Were the cops wrongfully accusing him to send another black life to prison just because? He was a little skeptical a first watching her as she declared she wanted to be friends with him, obviously flirting and feeling a flattered but yet uncomfortable being that she's doing this in front of his girl friend.

Ezera looked around a little "Oh yeah?" was all Ezera could say because he felt any response besides rejection would sound like he was interested in her. He noticed Sadie coming up, knowing Amelia was close to her, maybe knowing what was going on with his girlfriend but then thinking, maybe this girl that approached them was the one that caused her to cry....no...had to have been something else but what?" he was clueless about this turn of event. Hearing these girls going back and forth and bringing Ezera in the middle of it, Ezera started to speak "Yo yo ladies....people are lookin over...can we take this drama somewhere else or calm this down?" He asked seeing these girls had some history with each other.

Aria had woken herself up early this morning, 04:15AM to be exact, knowing full well her two brothers would need help getting up themselves. Their deadbeat father downstairs being of no assistance at all, and Laurel already gone to work. It was the first day of high school for her, considering she had been sick for the actual first day. Today would mark the second day for Wyatt's third year, and young Christopher would be going down the street from Arrowsmith to his babysitter's house, who happened to be a family friend. Aria managed to get her morning shower out of the way before going down the hall to wake up Wyatt, then headed downstairs to start making some breakfast for the three of them. Eggs sunny-side up, hashbrowns and toast. Aria's personal favorite being the eggs and toast, knowing the boys would love her for the hashbrowns. Beep beep, beep-beep! Aria's text tone sounded off from her back pocket, knowing full well who'd be the only person texting her at 05:30 in the morning, she smiled softly as she retrieved her phone.

нey greaѕer gιrl. canт pιcĸ υ υp тoday, ғorgoт ι нad pracтιce early тнιѕ мornιng. ιм really ѕorry. love yoυ, вeaυтιғυl хoхo

The smile that had formed before slowly disappeared. Aria sighed to herself and replied a quick response before slipping her phone back into place. After plating the last few pieces of toast, Aria ran upstairs and woke her youngest brother for breakfast. She had to get him ready to go to the sitter's by the time her and Wyatt were ready to leave. She did so, with ease. Aria was used to having the responsibility of her youngest brother, since Laurel was gone every morning except Sundays to go to work, and her dad was, well.. her dad. A drunk, who they could hear snoring so loud that it echoed throughout the whole house. It was a surprise to Aria how any of them ever got any sleep, especially Laurel. The three siblings walked out of the house not too excited for their day. Wyatt was old enough to drive and had just obtained his licence a few months back, and took it upon himself to drive their father's truck that morning. 'Dad won't be needing it, today.' he offered. Which wasn't a lie. Aria's father would spend the rest of the day sleeping after the late night drinking he had gone on with Mr. Danvers from down the road. He'd probably not be up till after the kids got home from school.

Aria and Wyatt drove past the school, taking Chris to his sitter's and leaving their father's truck parked in their drive-way as they insisted. Trying to find parking in the parking lot at school would probably be a b*tch. Aria grabbed her canvas bag from the bed of the truck and handed Wyatt his own pack, both making their way down the street to the school's front doors to enter inside. The two siblings parted ways, Wyatt heading towards his first class while Aria headed to the Main Office to hand in an absence slip Laurel had thankfully remembered to leave her for missing the previous day. After getting everything in order at the Office, Aria headed towards her first class which should already be going through roll call by now.

Running upstairs where a wandering Senior teachers-aid had told her her homeroom would be located, she walked down the hallway while glancing down at the small printed schedule in hand searching for her- Ah. There it is. Aria walked up to the doorway of the room and saw the teacher, Mrs. Wayne standing in front of the class, speaking of bullying and how it wouldn't be tolerated in her class, nor on campus if she could help it. As Aria went to step through the doorway, her eyes caught a glimpse of blonde hair sticking up in the far back of the room. Aria froze mid-step as her eyes sank down to the face the hair belonged to. Jacob. McKinnon. By this time, the teacher had caught Aria in the doorway, which she politely asked who the girl standing before her classroom was. Aria swallowed quickly and took a step back to avoid being seen by her ex, turning her attention to the teacher instead. Caught up in the moment, Aria simply pointed down the hall and choked out, "Sorry, wrong room." And with that, Aria almost ran down the hall and stairway, bee-lining it for the nurse's office.

The nurse took Aria in and quickly gave her a thermometer to see if she'd had a fever, but made the mistake of taking a moment to step out and speak with another student already in line waiting to be seen. Aria quickly held the thermometer under the lamp, knowing all too well how to get around faking sickness in school. Letting the temperature rise, Aria could hear the conversation between the other student and the nurse come to a temporary end as she entered back into the room. Aria quickly stuffed the thermometer back under her tongue and assumed a neutral expression. Of course, the nurse found Aria had quite the fever and had her lay down in a separate closed off part of the room while she attempted to contact Aria's father, who Aria knew wouldn't be answering. Aria stayed in the office for the first few block periods, pretending to lay down and rest but all the while exchanging texts with Kol about the incident. Letting him know of the potential scene that could unfold at lunch.

Once the lunch bell rang, Aria went to the nurse insisting she felt much better and that since her father wasn't answering she'd have to tough it out through the rest of the day. Reluctantly, the nurse let her go and Aria quickly gathered up her jacket and bag before walking out into the sea of kids heading for the cafeteria. Aria snagged her phone out and text Kol her whereabouts, where only seconds later he popped up at her side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, giving her a tender kiss on the lips. 'Hello, gorgeous.' Aria's grin spread across her face practically from ear to ear, blushing deeply. "Hello, my handsome." Kol flashed his usual charming grin, extending his arm out for Aria to wrap hers around as they headed towards the cafeteria and soon entered in with the masses. Clinging close to Kol, Aria kept her eyes out for the familiar faces in the crowd, but being very wary of getting caught up by her ex.

"Avoiding it isn't gonna help. I'll have to deal with it in next period." Aria looked up at Kol who was already looking down at her with a distant look in his eyes, and didn't say anything in response. After grabbing their food from the line, both Kol and Aria went to sit at the empty half of a table near the back of the cafeteria where they picked at their food while talking of Kol's day.

---

---

Quinten's eyes flew open when his phone began to ring, quickly rubbing his eyes to help clear the 'crusties' in them. Laying there for a moment, Quinten stared off at the ceiling before reaching over to grab his phone. Skylar. Quinten huffed softly and clicked the screen to answer the call, his voice a bit deeper and scratchier than usual, "Hello?"

'Hey, think you could walk home with me after school? Mom text me and told me she won't be able to pick me up after school, says Culver's is making her stay for some overtime.'

"Sky, you realize you could just come downstairs and talk to me, right? Your legs work, walk yourself down here!" There was a long silence before his sister responded.

'Quinn, you're not still home are you?'

At that, Quinten's face changed to quite a confused expression as he asked cautiously, "Sky, what time is it?" Skylar's answer sounded a bit distant, like she'd taken her phone away from her face to check the time on it.

'A little after 1130. Why?'

Quinten's heart dropped, "I'll see you after school!" Click! Ending the call, Quinten turned and dropped down the 5 feet from his loft bed to the floor, snagging his backpack and a change of close before bolting upstairs to the bathroom his sister and him shared. As much as Quinten hated to skip a shower, even though he'd taken one just before bed the night before, he decided to skip his morning shower and just use some deodorant and body spray. Changing quickly into his clothes for the day, he tossed his night clothes into the hamper, grabbing his Old Spice Lionpride deodorant and spray to apply them both. Combing his messed up bed-head hair down, he turned his head back and forth to check himself in the mirror. Quinten grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter and his backpack from by the door where he'd left it in his haste to the bathroom, and locked the door before running out. Grabbing his 20in from the garage, he sped off towards Arrowsmith.

With his bike locked up in the front of the school, Quinten snuck in passed the front office and practically ran through the hallways. A few wandering students down the hall told him it was lunch, and suddenly it became clear to Quinten just how hungry he was. Smiling, Quinten travels down to the cafeteria where he looks out at the crowd of kids sitting around the tables and a few still in line. The roar of conversation was a bit overwhelming, but Quinten walked in anyways, heading for the line. On the way over, Quinten managed to find Caleb sitting beside two other people at a table, his smile spreading wider across his face to see his friend who he hadn't seen all summer. Quinten had been on his first cattle drive with his grandpa, and hadn't gotten back home till late the night before. Quinten quickly grabbed a tray of food and paid for it, running over to the table his best friend was seated at.

"Caleb!" Quinten called out as he walked passed the row of tables, finally ending up at their table. Quinten at one point last year had been the same height as Caleb, but knew he'd grown a few inches since the last time they'd seen each other. Though Caleb was currently sitting and Quinten standing, Quin felt a bit overwhelmed at how much he seemed to tower over him. He quickly sat down with the three of them, making the group an evenly squared off group at the table, now. Quinten turned to see the two somewhat familiar faces sitting around him. Offering a hand out to both, one after the other, Quinten shook their hands and introduced himself. "Sorry to intrude. Quinten Rumancek. The two of you look kinda familiar but I don't remember your names. And please, don't take it personal. I'm not too good with names, at all." From the other side of the cafeteria, Quinten picked up the screaming fight that had started just before he ever entered in, the whole time he'd been getting his food he tried to drown out the nauseating fight that was ensuing. He decided not to comment on it, instead offering an 'okay then' kind of expression, picking up the slice of pizza from his tray to take a decent-sized bite. Looking towards Caleb, Quinten spoke around his food with his hand covering his mouth to act somewhat polite while talking with a full mouth. "Could we petition for Taco Tuesdays? I think it should definitely be a thing!" he laughed as he turned to stare at the two girls getting into it, again with a semi-disgusted look.

Kas’ face lit up brightly as the girl hugged him. She was very beautiful after all and an almost extraordinarily sweet person. The thuggish and usually on edge lad let himself drift into the comfort of her embrace, wrapping his own arms around her and briefly letting his eyes close. It seemed to last for quite a while but when they parted still he wished it had lasted far longer. Smiling he massaged the back of his neck, somewhat embarrassed. He was nervous those around could tell how many shields he had just accidentally lowered, it was like his mind had an army on guard and for a few moments she’d somehow made them all stand down.

“That was better than some of the sex I’ve had.” He chuckled, trying to cover some of what he perceived to be his vulnerabilities.

The next moment Amelia came up, hugging Ezera tightly and crying. Kas only got quick looks at her throughout the day but it was obvious there were bruises on her, faded slightly but most definitely there. His mind immediately went back to what they’d discussed yesterday and it seemed the only logical answer to him. One day, no bruises, the next, he’s back, bruises. The fucking asshole moved fast. Although he’d never seen him and he had no idea what he looked like Kas saw himself stabbing him, piercing his abdomen multiple times with a large hunting knife. He saw himself running him over, powering through him with a car and leaving him to die in the road. He saw himself raising up a handgun and squeezing the trigger until the gun clicked empty. Suffice to say, rage was boiling inside of him.

“What the fuck happened to your face!?” He demanded, although reckoning he already knew the answer. Before he could get one though yet another girl came over and almost immediately started arguing with Amelia.

“Oh for fuck sake, I’ll find out later.” Kas said annoyed, intending to either text Amelia or meet up with her later to get some answers once crap calmed down some. “I’m good in a dogfight, but even man like me back up when it comes to catfights.” He spoke to no one in particular, quickly recovering from the darkness in the moods.

“I don’t suppose you know what the hell this is about?” He asked, catching Poetry’s eye when she glanced over at him.

---

Selene nodded and, no sooner had Wynona spoken did Ezera cross into her line of sight, glancing around. Selene nudged Wynona. "Well, there he is. I don't see Amelia with him, though..." It wasn't like the two were glued toether but after homeroom? It seemed weird that she wasn't with him. That hunch of something being wrong only intensified as Ezera made his way over to the table.

"Hey sorry y'all. Don't mean to cut in but is Amelia here?" Selene had begun to shake her head when Ezera apparently spied someone else and darted away. With the cafeteria's size, it was hard to miss hearing him call out to Kas. Selene shook her head.

"I... guess he won't be sitting here?" She glanced to Wynona. "I'll introduce you two properly later, I promise."

Wynona's eyes narrowed as Selene nudged her and mentioned the boy who was named Ezera. She had remembered him strolling in late to homeroom this morning.

Bad boys.

Swoon.

Before they knew it, he was at their table and asking where Amelia was, and Wynona in sync shook her head with Selene's. He soon answered his own question and took his leave after the red head in the sea of students and chaos. "I guess not." she responded, as her gaze fell back to her tray that was now empty. "Don't worry about it too much." she smiled, as she placed her empty milk carton sideways on to her tray. "Are you done with your tray? I'll toss yours if you'd like." she offered, standing up from the stool, looking at Selene for an answer before she threw her own tray away.

"Mmm-" She glanced at her tray - it wasn't like she had grabbed a lot of food in the first place and, while she had been talking with Wynona, it didn't take long to eat. "Thank you, but I'll walk mine over too. It'd be awful if you ended up dropping things, or if maybe my milk carton had just a tiny bit of milk left." She didn't think so, but Wynona's clothes looked too nice to let milk spill on them. She stood up with her tray.

"I have to ask, though, where did you get your jacket from? Were there any other colors?" The style was nice, she just preferred the lighter colors was all. Not that there was anything wrong with Wynona's tastes.

Wynona let out a small chuckle as Selene worried about her dropping things. She was often clumsy and if it wasn't Selene's tray she'd spill it would be hers. As the two walked towards the garbage can, Selene asked about her jacket and a sparkle came into her eye. She loved talking about clothes and where she got from them, how much they were, and how that person needed to get it as soon as possible.

"You like it?" a bit of excitment could be heard in her voice as she tossed her tray into the trash and pushed up the sleeves of her jacket. "I got it for a great deal over at that little discount place over in Creekview." she admitted, "It's perfect for fall here, since it's not too heavy and not too light." she continued, putting it out for Selene to feel the material. "It's freaking pleather too, could have fooled ya right?" she laughed, putting her arm back by her side as the two walked back to their table. "They had it in a light brown, maroon, and a white. You'd look great in any of them, honestly. Your skin tone is to die for." she complimented, a gleam in her eye.

"Really? I think I'd have a few things on my closet that would go with the light brown or white," Selene said as she lifted her hand off the sleeve. Wynona was right - it really did feel and look like leather. Quite an impressive find, too - not to say Selene hadn't made her own finds at the Creekview strip mall, or the neighboring city even, but credit where it was due. There came a point where such finds were skill rather than luck: knowing where to shop, what brands would hold up just as well as the designers, when sales would happen, who was prone to helping customers find discounts. Judging by Wynona's style, Selene suspected it was a matter of skill.

"But thank you! It's my parents'." A little joke. Ha. "It looks good on you. Any chance you remember the store's name?" She hadn't exactly gone on a spending frenzy before school, and she was responsible in her purchases. Her parents would likely allow her to have the new jacket.

Reaching back to the table and taking a seat, Wynona nodded while Selene talked, smiling when appropriate and truly appreciating the conversation the two were having with one another. "It's legit called Creekview Discount Clothing." Wynona said, a smirk on her face with how clever their small town was with naming things.

Close by, a bit of commotion erupted and Wynona turned not just her head but her whole body to investegate. "What is going on?" she asked Selene, looking between her and the scene that was forming.

Selene turned to the sound - it looked like a group of people, their edges slightly fuzzed out. Yeah, halfway across the room. Even if it was small enough to provide acoustics for the brewing argument, it didn't help her vision problems at all. She squinted, trying to focus the sight before her a bit. There was Ezera and Amelia, right there. Also a few others - Sadie and Poetry, she recognized from the homeroom game. There was also a girl, who she didn't think had been in homeroom at all - and it looked like she was yelling at Amelia. Oh boy.

She glanced to Wynona. "Looks like Ezera found Amelia - and so did someone else." She had only met Amelia yesterday, so she wasn't sure if this was typical or not. She really had been hoping for a peaceful schoolyear - could she be blamed for that? There was already a fair-sized crowd around them, and, at a glance, she and Wynona weren't the only ones who had noticed. Other students were staring too from their seats, clearly interested with no intention of trying to break up the fight.

"...is there a teacher around? I don't think we're supposed to leave the cafeteria." The only other option Selene could think of was to join the crowd and be ready to split them. Selene didn't like to think of herself as a person of violence if it came to that, though.

"Besides the lunch ladies? No." Wynona repled, looking to the front of the cafeteria where the women could be seen cleaning up after the lunch had been served. "Let's go over there. They are your friends." Wynona insisted, standing up again and taking no time to walk over. With her sleeves rolled up, she looked like she was ready to get into a fight as well.

Selene nodded and had begun to stand - and already Wynona was striding over, rolling up her sleeves. Selene glanced into her bag and reserves of candy. Well, candy couldn't necessarily stop a fight, but maybe it could at least provide incentive to calm everyone down? She followed after Wynona to the group of largely freshmen (and a few confused-looking seniors).

"You know, I suggest we all go sit down for now, and maybe talk it out? My friend and I-" Was that too forward? Selene glanced at Wynona, hoping she wouldn't take offense to the sudden title. "-well, we just came from an empty table. We can discuss this all in relative privacy. What do you think?" She beamed - yes, the situation seemed serious, and were those bruises on Amelia's arm? But this was the best she could do: try to defuse.

---

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"What do you like to take pictures of? Whatcha' reading?" Ebony asked as she began to dig into her salad. Caleb simply shrugged in response. "I guess I just take pictures of everything. My friend Indie will model for me sometimes. She's...great. Oh and it's The Great Gatsby. It's one of my favorites." he said, holding up the book to show Ebony the worn cover.

Just as he was about to ask Ebony the same question, the duo became a trio, joined by Blake Rooke. Caleb had met Blake a few times, and he seemed like he was a genuinely nice person. Rare in Caleb's opinion. He was friends with Jake and Lily, so the two had met at something Lily had put together when she and Jake had first started dating. "Hey Blake," he said with a small wave. Before he could continue the conversation though, his gaze was drawn to the fight that was brewing over at one of the other tables. Caleb had no interest in that kind of drama, and so he turned back to face his group, sparing only one last judgmental gaze for the two girls.

"I thought middle school was over," he said, chuckling lightly. He glanced up from his plate to see a boy, taller than most, striding across the room towards him. Not just any boy though. His best friend, Quinten Rumancek. He hadn't seen Quinten all summer, their only form of communication being texting, and the cell service while cattle driving had been pretty shit. "Quinn!" Caleb shouted in greeting, a grin spreading across his face. Quinten took the seat next to him and Caleb smirked as he introduced himself. "It's true. He's pretty awful with names. Quinn, this is Blake and Ebony. Blake and Ebony, this is Quinn, aka the reason I had to spend most of the summer with my brother," Caleb said, thumping his best friend lightly on the shoulder, a show of faux annoyance.

The ó Faoláin triplets walked into the cafeteria, having just arrived at school. THeir excuse was valid, hoiwever. As new arrivals to the USA, they had to go to the doctor's to make sure that they had had all of their requisite vaccinations, combined with a routine check up. The three of them didn't really know what to do, until Maeve spotted her friends Ebony and Blake.

"Ebony, Blake!" she called out. After grabbing their attention, she walked over their, with her two brothers in tow.

"Hi," Maeve said to her two friends and the people with them, before directing herself to the two strangers, "I'm Maeve, and these two are my brothers, Conan, and Tadhg."

"Hi," the two boys said in unison, before Maeve began talking again. "How are we all today?"

Blake's heart ached in pain as he followed Ebony's gaze to Amelia. He was going to answer Ebony with how his day had been going, but his mind told him that Amelia was a much more sad topic, especially because he had danced with Amelia on several occasions. As he looked at her more now, he began to notice the bruises and welts more than he ever had before. Worse, the poor girl was crying, and it disheartened him slightly. He knew that he could take things that like if he had to, that he wouldn't let it affect him, but he felt genuine sorrow when he saw such suffering inflicted upon someone else.

Nodding in agreement with Ebony about how it was too much drama, he didn't find the particular situation funny. It was made worse when that other girl came and the two started to argue, and Blake didn't want to pay attention to that anymore. He had to stay positive, and the sooner he could get a smile on his face, the more happy he believed he would be and the more smoothly the day would go. However, in the corner of his eye he spotted another freshman, standing off to the side and eating alone. He seemed familiar to Blake, almost enough for Blake to get up and say hi to the kid. (Nathan)

But, instead a different kid that was unfamiliar to Blake decided to come and say hi. From his rather eloquent introduction and honesty about not knowing their names, Blake wasn't offended in the slightest. He accepted the handshake as he seemed somewhat polite in his introduction, and Blake once more nodded when Caleb told Quinten his name, good to see Caleb have yet another friend.
"Well, it's nice to meet you Quinten. As Caleb said, my name's Blake."

Speaking of people it was nice to meet, the triplets stopped by the table as well.
"Hey there Maeve, Conan, Tadhg! It's been a decent day if you ignore the drama going around. Just gotta stay positive, as it's meant to be a good day today. First day of high school, start of our futures, more important plays and songs... These upcoming years are going to be fantastic!"

Kassy Boy had given a compliment that was worded in such a way that her face turned a bit red. She was by no means someone that drew fantasies to hormonal boys, but even if what he said was to lighten the atmosphere, it still was a bit flattering. After all, she was a willowy little thing, so it was a grand compliment. From him at least. If anyone else were to say something like that, she would have smacked them smartly across the cheek. Or poked both of their eyes. Either one. Both were good.

But it was Kas, and he was special, so she just smiled her sunflower warm smile. Till everything went all tilt-a-whirl, of course. Amelia was hurt and crying, hugging on Ezera and for the most part all Poetry could do was look to Kas. And boy did his face change real quick. Profanities aside, it would be an understatement to say that the boys were pissed.

And then of course another girl stepped onto the scene. Cautiously, the blonde fae of a girl slipped over to Kas's side. Perhaps he wasn't a boyfriend, as the flustered Ezera had misinterpreted, but he was as close as it got for her. She wasn't very confrontational, but even this was a bit jarring to the senses. As the tall temperamental boy said, it wasn't as if the guys could step into the fight. A girl though... She glanced over at Sadie. Would she step in? Seemed as though she and the red-haired girl were friends...

“I am afraid I am all in the air about this," she murmured towards Kas's question, her fingers nervously intertwining with one another as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. It all seemed rather blown out of proportion, if she were to have any opinion. But as her grandmother always said, 'everything was the end of the world when the kids are trippin' on hormones'. Now Poetry could sort of see what she meant.

Finally, having far more than enough of the dramatics of this whole thing, she looked down then slowly let her blue eyes travel up onto Mitzie. Stepping forwards, she pushed her hands down to her side and turned on a one hundred watt smile that not for one moment reached her eyes. A burning smile with ice cold eyes. And it was all aimed at the source of the problem.

"Hello~" she wiggled her fingers, stepping in front of the wobbly girl who was causing so many problems, "Hi! Nice to meet you~ I am Poetry and this," she gestured around her with sweeping arms, "is the very public place of the cafeteria filled with people who find this girl," she gestured to Amelia, "far more empathetic than you, Miss Anatgonist~" She pushed her hand to her mouth, letting her fingers push into her cheek, in a mock questioning confusion.

"I wonder why?" she snapped her fingers, like an air-head who had just found the solution, "Ah! Yes, that is right!" She stopped smiling, every inch of her below-freezing. "It's because this is the very first day and no one knows who you are," her usually bright cheerfulness was dulled into cold apathetic dryness, "All we know about you is that you flirt with other people's boyfriends, screech like a wild animal in the middle of lunch, and are for some reason claiming some offense at a rather beaten down girl we do know."

She advanced and place her hand on her hips. "Frankly, you are not at any sort of advantage here," she smiled her then, that grin on fire as her cold eyes pierced through the shallow terrible girl, "So perhaps you should try to build up evidence and support before ruining everyone's lunch with such a weak case as this." She leaned back on her heels, like she was being playful with a new friend. "Oh, and of course getting suspended for fighting on the first day really isn't ideal~"

"I think I'd do as our wonderfully level-headed friend here says," she gestured to Ezera and Selene @RBYDark, "And just let sleeping dogs lie for today." The blonde clapped her hands together, tilting her head to the side, "After all, it would be terrible to be the most hated person in the entire school on the very first day, now wouldn't it?"

Talk about a one-eighty. Perhaps it was because Poetry just couldn't stand seeing people having a rough time or that she just down right disliked the cheddar out of this girl, but she was like fire and ice. The section of the lunchroom they were gathered in had gone quiet to listen to all the dramatics, but a pissed off Poetry wasn't one to get very diplomatic. Not when someone was being down right dipzy. Her eyes were like pale blue spears, slicing through that Mitz-Bit girl. Selene could be good cop, but Poetry was going for bad cop. And even a few seniors could feel a shiver going down their spine as her eyes pressed into the wobbly antagonist.

Everything was starting to get better. Sadie and Amelia had found Ezera so getting Amelia to feel better would be so much easier now. That was until a certain someone walked up. It was Zia. When was the last time they had seen her. Sadie was about to greet Zia, but then it began. First Zia openly flirted with Amelia's boyfriend while everyone was there. Then the two had a short back and forth causing the tension to rise heavily. Both boys had instantly retreated in a way trying their best not to get involved.

Soon people around them began turning to watch the argument occur. This was getting bad awfully quick. Then to make matters worse Selene and Wynona came over to try and help calm the situation. It was good that they were kind enough to try to help, but in the long run the more people that had to help the worse it would make Amelia and Zia look. Then Poetry spoke up as well. Sadie could tell everyone was trying to help Amelia, but Sadie knew that since they didn't know what was really happening it was just going to make matters worse. Sadie knew that Zia wouldn't just give in that easily.

Sadie suddenly realized that during this whole time she had just been standing there not doing anything. What kind of friend just stands there as her friend gets into a situation like this right after having been crying so hard. While also letting others who barely know either girls in the argument try to help before she says anything. Sadie suddenly felt like she was not being a good enough friend right now. She disliked conflicts so much and didn't like being around them, but she forced herself to do something.

With a death grip on her phone and clutching the fruit cup out of nervousness she stepped in between Amelia and Zia. "Zia, please stop. This isn't the time or the place to do this. I'm begging you both to please stop." Her voice was barely audible and was shaky, but she made sure that both Amelia and Zia could hear her. She couldn't bring herself to look at either of them. She was ashamed of the memories. She felt bad for not trying to get Amelia to reconcile. She just wanted the two to stop arguing for now though. She hoped one day they could all be friends but even Sadie doubted it. "Please."

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"Heya Sadie and actually not even Sadie knows the full story, it started a long time ago, Me and Amy grew up together but one day we had a falling out, that day was the first day in elementary school," She started telling the story.

"Zia Zia it is our first day of school I am going to join the singing thing" Little Amelia smiled to her best friend, who was in a wheelchair, Mitzie.

"So am I Amy" Little Mitzie giggled to her best friend. She was really excited. Singing was her secret talent.

"But you can't sing Zia" Little Amelia was confused because her best friend couldn't sing. She was the star of the two.

"I can sing listen" Little Mitzie starts singing and she was good for a 5 year old.

"Well we can't be friends then" Little Amelia got angry and turned away from her best friend.

"Okay then" Little Mitzie wheeled off and went to class.

"So that is how it all started between me and Amelia but that was not the problem, the problem comes next" Mitzie looks saddened then continued on with the story.

Little Amelia had made a new group of friends and had become popular. "Look who it is little Zia, can't do anything, she can't read, she can't write, she can't even walk, how lame is that" Little Amelia laughed as she said this to her former best friend.

Little Mitzie wheeled off crying and it continued for 2 years until it suddenly stopped from Little Amelia. Little Mitzie was still bullied until she left to the city for middle school.

"I never got an apology from Amy and I was so angry and it has built up, I am" Mitzie said before she was cut off by Amelia.

"Mitzie, you have nothing to apologize for, I bullied you for 2 years and I am sorry, just please don't flirt with my boyfriend and get into a fight in front of my friends" Amelia told her, looking down, ashamed.

"I will try to forgive you Amelia but I can't guarantee it" Mitzie told her as there seemed to be something in her eyes that had been lost for many years, hope.

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Great, if this wasn't already bad enough that the girls were arguing and making a scene, now they were getting others involved. Ezera looked towards his boy, Kas as he responded in a way of annoyance and who could blame him? To have some girl that no one knew, showing up and starting an argument and claiming things right after Ezera and a few others caught Amelia with tears, things were just going to get worse.

Ezera looked over to notice Selene and the Selene was sitting with, who he didn't get the name of...hmm...maybe she could be named Stylez nah...Miss Fabulous? from the appearance she took looking like a woman who could appreciate a little fashion. He was going to work on her nickname though. When Selene tried to play peacemaker, Ezera knew he could count on his wing-woman to come a simmer down a situation. He smirked looking at Wynona and Selene with approval for their assistance. It seemed things could calm down. Maybe the worse was over if this was to stop here?

How much worse could it get? Ah...Kas' potential main squeeze, 'The Flower', Ezera thought of her as. She looked like one of those tree hugging flower girls but he didn't mind that. She was cool in his eyes. But he saw a side of her that looked as if she went from planting a pretty little garden to potentially burning down a forest. What the fuck was Ezera witnessing. She seriously took a 180. Was this hippie gal really going to beat this new girl's ass? Oh man this was becoming a super soggy shit sandwich situation (try saying that five times fast)

Ezera noticed Sadie around them as well and it seemed that drama and brewing fights attracted lots of attention like flies to shit. They didn't need to witness a jumping on the first day of school where the next few days, you could see this fight on world star hiphop, snapchat, ghetto white girl fights, youtube, and any other live broadcasting feeds there is out there. But...Ezera heard the voice of Sadie when she stepped in. When she spoke to them to make them listen to reason, Ezera didn't know if this was going to be the beginning of cliques being made to rival other cliques or what but this was an interesting way of getting noticed but it was not really in a good way. Yes, Mitzie was at a disadvantage until she and Amelia explained something.

After learning what happened, Ezera felt that the past should be the past and the apology that Amelia should at least bring this to an end. Ezera looked over at Amelia "Alright...I hope that this is the end of this fight...Fire apologized, Blue head got attention...not a good attention but got something out of this." he looked over at the surrounding people "See the kind of support we got here. Shadez........Miss Fabulous(Wynona)...thanks for trying to calm this, Uh....Fire's friend(Sadie)...appreciate your help too. I got to see Flower show her thorns....I'll remind myself to never pee on a tree again. And Big Kas.............we coulda saw a catfight" he shrugged. He looked at Amelia and looked at her bruises "Look whatever happened in the past babes...it's in the pst as long as you right those wrongs and don't bully anyone...now...if we're all good...I'm hungry as hell and we can talk about what happened to your arms." he said quickly putting his arm around Amelia's shoulders and had her quickly walk with him as he grabbed his tray and went to find a seat to choke down his food before it was time for the next class.

The first day of school had been an over the top experience for most. Though the drama in the lunchroom was dismissed eventually by a teacher who noticed the crowd and broke up the group immediately. Amelia and Mitzie were given a small lecture by the guidance counselor but were not given any other punishment. No other students were punished either, though given a fair warning- "Fighting is not allowed here. Anyone caught fighting with their words or their fists on school property will be punished appropriately." As lunch came to an end our group of freshman students continued on with their allotted schedule as planned.

Math came with Mrs. Kordos. She is an older Greek woman who if given the chance would break a ruler over your behind if you give her any problems. She is an old school teacher, but a very very good one. She can make you understand the hardest of math equations and situations if you are listening. She knows what she is doing and she won't take "I don't get it" for an answer. She assigns daily work, lots of homework, and has given you a workbook that you must complete by the end of the year. Whether you do a little bit each day or all of it in one sitting- that is for you to decide.

Mrs. Ford came shortly after, another older woman with a strict teaching style and over perfectionist outlook on life. She is perfectly manicured and even wears a tailored pant suit to class. You will notice she has one on for every single day. Even Fridays. She requires you to keep a binder of all your work, that she will require you to turn in for her to grade every Friday. If you are messy- you will be docked points. She is excited to be teaching, but she can seem a bit overwhelming because of her perfectionist ways. Do NOT leave a mess in her class or she will make you late for your other classes by keeping you to clean.

Mr. & Mrs. Porter are a very eccentric couple. They pleaded with the higher ups to teach their classes together, and so far the results have been good. Though their often public displays of affection sometimes make the students feel uncomfortable. However, because no one has said anything- they haven't been caught on it yet. The two of them believe the best way to teach the arts is to combine them into a group. So this class is a mixture of Art, Choir, and Band. Mr. Porter excels in the art section while his wife has most of the virtuoso trait. You will be required to learn an instrument by the end of the year. As well as participate in both choir/band concerts. Art projects will be weekly though- though each of them are very relaxed in their teaching style. They just want everyone one to feel the "groove" and find "peace and love" within themselves.

By the end of the day you are back to Mrs. Wayne who really allows you to just detox yourself from the day, work on any homework you may have, chill with your friends, plan out any night plans, or ask any questions about the day that you need help with. She is there as an all around guide.



Before you know it, is Friday. Your first week of your first year of High School completed. You have already turned (or not) in homework, small assignments, and have developed a sense of who you might be interested in being friends with and who you can't stand. Within the week you have been assigned your groups for the volcano project for the science fair. They are the following:

Group One:
Aria Delaney. Oberon Grimbald. Ebony Washinton. Clyde Lee. Thomas Jones. Jacob McKinnon.

Group Two:
Maeve ó Faoláin. Indiana Ryder. Wynona Belvue. Caleb McKinnon. Amelia Rashfree. Tadhg ó Faoláin

Group Three:
Conan ó Faoláin. Mitzie Sloane. Cass Rowley. Derek O'Leary. Lilac Rider. Kelsey Hartford.

Group Four:
Jess Grossman. Sonny Kassem. Sadie Hill. Selene Cross. Blake Rooke. Francisco Cortez-Willams. Kris Hartford

Group Five:
Nathaniel Anderson. Nicoletta Soriano. Quinten Rumancek. Lily Westburg. Poetry Sundance. Ezera Porter.

You will be required to make the volcano by the science fair which is in two weeks you will be graded on Function, Creativity, and Group Participation. Your group members will be able to tell Mr. Shmiddt if someone isn't helping the process along or is just slacking. If you group wins you will be rewarded with a small pizza party in the library that Friday during your normal homeroom schedule.

By the end of the day, you are back in Mrs. Wayne's room relaxing, some talking with their volcano groups to figure out what they are going to do with their project. Others are talking with their friends to figure out what they should do this weekend for some fun. Some are doing their homework and some are just sleeping on their desks. Mrs. Wayne has the radio on slightly and is just doing some classwork at her desk if you need anything from her.

No matter how much Aria pleaded with Mrs. Wayne during lunch to let her switch into a different group, the teacher wouldn't budge on her decision. It was final. The day had passed too quickly and before Aria knew it, she was back in homeroom sitting in her seat near the far back-right of the class. Once the bell rang, Aria listened intently to what Mrs. Wayne had to say before releasing them to their own devices. Aria took out the homework folder from her backpack and brought out the science half of it, starting on the packet that had been given in second block. She needed something to distract herself, and Aria still wasn't too sure how the teacher would feel if she brought her iPod out to drown out her surroundings. Instead, she sat with her head ducked down with a slight hunch in her back, hovering over her paper with her hair draped to the side, flowing over the side of her desk. Since she didn't want to risk getting her iPod taken, Aria took it upon herself to be her own DJ, singing Thinking Out Loud in a quiet whisper as she did her homework.

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Quinten sat quietly in his seat near the front where he'd been placed. He half wondered if his mom had requested him to be seated up front a ways away from Caleb like she'd done back in middle school, cause she knew he was a talker. The kind of talker that got in trouble for never shutting up in class, who also tended to string his friend Caleb along with him. Sighing softly to himself, Quinten reached down and unclamped his guitar case, taking it out as he stands up from his seat and wanders towards the back of the class. Passing by Aria, he could hear her singing softly to herself and it both made him smile and gave him an idea. Sitting down near Caleb, Jacob and Lily, Quinten slumped down against the back wall with his guitar in his lap. Gently stroking the strings a couple times, Quinten stops to tune his guitar before continuing to play Thinking Out Loud with his acoustic, giving a friendly smile to Aria who had turned to look back at him before smiling back as she returned to her homework. As Quinten kept playing, he looked up at the three of his friends and asked softly, "So, you guys excited to make some volcanoes?" He couldn't contain the chuckle that soon followed his question.

She moved away. Clyde continually looked to where Abbie sat and sighed with loneliness. It had only been a few days since his closest friend had moved and it was painful readjusting to life. Every morning he had expected Abbie waiting for him in his kitchen playing with his little sister. Even after school he waited for the girl who will never show, but more so from habit than anything else. It was a habit that will be hard to break, and it was a little bit heart breaking knowing he would not be seeing that gal come sauntering by. It was incredibly embarrassing when he helped Abbie move from her home. He couldn't stop himself from bear hugging the poor gal, nearly suffocating her in his chest, and crying uncontrollably. She had to punch him a few times to get Clyde to let go, and even then, Clyde was still trying to get a hold on his sobbing. He could still feel the gal patting his head telling him not to worry and to enjoy life as best as he could (plus a little encouragement on his blossoming love). Just thinking about it made his stomach feel heavy.

It was Friday and the only thing on his mind was finishing his homework early so he could head off to the community center. Thoughts of the science fair came to mind and immediately Clyde regretted thinking about his future project. He did not know anyone in his group and his heart began to race. There were two females in his group, two guys he was not familiar with, and Jacob McKinnon of all people. He twiddled with his thumbs for a moment imagining the kind of torment he would have to sit through.

“It'll be alright,” thought Clyde. “Contribute what ya' can 'n keep ya' head down.”

Clyde rested his head against his arms on his desk and waited patiently for the day to be over. Hitting the punching bag always calmed his nerves.

It was hard not to stare at the girl sitting at the back of the class filing her nails in someone else's seat. It might have something to do with the scowl engraved in her features, or the fact that her face had no trace of makeup, or maybe the bandage taped to the left side of her head. It was probably the bandage, she guessed, due to the fact that multiple ignorant kids had approached her asking what was wrong with her head. This only dampened her already shit mood because 1) she had never spoken to any of them in her life and 2) what the hell has it got to do with them?! And she told them just that.

Indiana Ryder's week had gotten off to a good start. The first day, as per usual, had its fair share of drama - mainly focused on two girls and some irrelevant guy. One of the girls in particular, the one with the blue hair, was outspoken and brash and, most of all, interesting. Indie had flirted perhaps a little too much with Mr. Mysterious, Oberon; and she was lucky enough to be placed in a group with Caleb for the science fair. So, excluding the events of last night, the week had been decent and, so far, she liked her place in this school.

Then why was she sitting there looking as if she was ready to murder some kittens? No one knew. Indiana had walked into school this morning without her usual sarcastic comments, dry humour and 'better than thou' attitude - she was almost a completely different person. Entering the homeroom class, she had completely ignored her previous seat, and the people that would usually sit next to her, and slumped down into a chair that she suspected was actually Ebony's usual seat at the back corner of the class. If her expression wasn't enough, even her clothing screamed 'fuck off' after she had chosen to wear the baggiest clothes she could find.

The only time she displayed anything other than sheer pissed-off-ness was when her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a text from William, of course. And another, and another, and one more, all sent in the space of five minutes demanding to know where she was. Indie's fingers tapped at the phone screen as she typed out a reply and sent it, inspecting her chewed nails once more before sitting back against the wall.

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"Can you guys not do that in public?" Caleb groaned from his desk, burying his head in his arms to avoid watching the canoodling session that was happening between his brother and Lily. Lily was seated on Jake's lap, a image Caleb feared would taint his view of Santa Claus forever. Jake simply shot a glare in his brothers direction, and continued to rub his nose against Lily's, nauseating Caleb even further. As such, when Quinten came back to distract him, he was thrilled to be distracted.

Turning his back on Lily and Jake, he grinned at Quinten as he quietly strummed the guitar. "I'm actually kinda pumped for it," Caleb said. He didn't bother to mention the reason he was pumped. The reason being a girl who he considered to be one of his best friends, and who he was madly in...well love wasn't the right word. Like? Whatever it was, he didn't need to say it out loud. Quinten already knew about his outstanding crush on Indie, and it wasn't like he needed her to overhear. "I wonder why you're so excited Lover Boy," Jake said, shooting Caleb a teasing grin, which was met with a glare from his brother. Lily gave her boyfriend a playful smack to shut him up, and went back to their increasingly gross public display of affection.

Caleb turned back to Quinten. "Parents are outta town for the weekend. Wanna come over after school? We can play some CoD, mess some people up," Caleb suggested. His parents were off on some trip with his and Jake's aunt and uncle, leaving the twins home alone for the weekend. Their mom had of course, prohibited Jake from having anyone over, specifically Lily. She'd granted Caleb the right to have Quinten over though, seeing as how Quinten was practically part of the family.

Caleb's mention of their parents being gone stirred Jake from his canoodling session. "Oh yeah, that reminds me babe. You wanna come over later tonight? We can watch a movie and hang out?" Jake asked, smirking at Lily. Lily blushed at his question. She knew very well what Jake wanted from this night. It's what every boy wanted it seemed. As much as she cared for Jake though, she knew he wasn't all that different from many other boys. But she didn't want to end up some hussy, like Emily Kates, who'd lost her virginity to her boyfriend over the summer. But she also didn't want Jake to think she was some sort of prude. You are a prude Lily she said to herself. Torn between her morals and her boyfriend, she made a choice. "Sure! I'll tell my mom I'm staying at Sadie's house!" she said, grinning and planting a kiss on Jake's cheek. Jake ignored Caleb's disapproving glare and simply smirked. "Awesome." Jake could tell this was going to be an eventful night.