"I'm sitting in class. Writing the history test I wish I spent more time studying for. All I can hear is the ticking coming from the clock. It always drives me crazy. Mr. McCabe was sitting at his desk. Probably guessing who would fail. Sometimes I wonder if he likes watching us fail. I answered the last question as the bell went. Then I hear it. I always wake up at the first gun shot…"

3 weeks earlier…

Aislyn Cormier was sitting at the table in her kitchen studying for her history test she has today. Its hard to focus with her older sister and her mom fighting over stupid little things. Today, it was over curfew.

Being 17, Aislyn's older sister Laurie was very outspoken and hard headed. She always thought she was right.

Aislyn and Laurie looked nothing alike, except for their eyes. They have the same gorgeous blue eyes, as blue as a clean ocean. Laurie looked more like their father. Aislyn was a carbon-copy of her mom. Just younger looking.

"Why the hell does it matter how long I was out for? Its not like I was out at some club like you were when you were my age!" Laurie shouted at her mother. They have been going on about this for a good 10 minutes now. And Janette Cormier has had about enough of her daughter's behaviour. "Because I said so! That's why."

Every fight they have, Janette always gives that reason.

"Is it possible for you both to realize there are other people in this house other than the 2 of you! Other people who actually want to pass history?"

The house went quiet. All that could be heard was a car pulling into the driveway. Then the cars horn honked. Aislyn knew her boyfriend would be waiting outside for her. She knew he would make her feel better. Make her forget about her dysfunctional family.

Aislyn's parents divorced when she was 6 years old. They would fight day in and day out for as long as she can remember. Over silly things to. Like, who was going to take Laurie to soccer or take Aislyn to dance. Where to go for dinner. What side of the bed they wanted to sleep on. One day their father, Jack Cormier, just walked right out. He had enough of having to deal with Janette. They went to court to make the divorce legal. They had joint custody for a while, until Jack decided he wanted to move to Cleveland Ohio. He couldn't stand living in the same small town of Norwood. As long as Janette was living there, he knew he would never go back. All of Jack's family lived in Cleveland. It made sense for him to go there.

Aislyn opened the car door. Sitting in the driver's seat was her amazing boyfriend. Hayden Fletcher. In Aislyn's mind, Hayden was perfect. He had gorgeous brown eyes. They reminded her of chocolate. And his brown hair fell perfectly over his face. What made her melt the most was the crooked smile he always gave her. Aislyn was living in a fairytale whenever she was with Hayden. A fairytale she never waned to end.

"What's wrong?" Hayden asked as Aislyn sat down. They were so in-tuned with each other, they always knew when something was wrong.

"My mom and Laurie wouldn't stop fighting this morning. So, I couldn't study for that stupid history test."

Aislyn closed her eyes. She wished she could stay with Hayden and never go back home. Drive far away. Maybe to Florida. Get away from everything. If only Laurie and Janette knew all that was going on with Aislyn. Maybe they would stop all the fighting, seeing as how much its hurting her. Being the youngest, Aislyn gets ignored from her mom and sister. Its either Laurie and her mom are fighting, or Janette is at work. Whatever it is, Aislyn is ignored. Sometimes she doesn't mind. Since she isn't noticed, its nothing for her to take just one of her mothers sleeping pills each time her new order comes in. she keeps each pill she gets in a baggy hidden deep inside her socks drawer.

As they pull into the school parking lot, Aislyn puts the smile on her face. Make it seem like everything is ok. Like she didn't just escape from a storm she calls her home. She waits for Hayden to go to the other side of the car to open the door like he does every morning.

As they walk towards the school, they find their usual group waiting for them outside.

"..then I walked out of the house and then BOOM! My stupid stepbrother slammed the car into the garage door. My god. Hes soo stupid!" Angel said.

Angel Laplante and Aislyn have been best friends since kindergarten. On the first day of school they both noticed how they had the same bag and running shoes. From that day on, they have been inseparable.

"Your brother shouldn't have a licence. Like, really! Who does that?" Kyle Baker, Angel's boyfriend said.

"That's what my mom thinks. But my stupid step-loser thinks it's a responsibility as a man to have a licence. Whatever. Its all bull." Angel said.

Angel was one of the girls other girls were jealous of. She had long blond hair that always had a perfect flow to it. Never had a flaw. She was the perfect height and weight. Not too short, not too tall. She wasn't skinny as a stick either. She was fit too. Perfect almost. Her name suited her so well. Everyone in the school would say she almost looked angelic. Not only was Angel gorgeous, she was also a genius. Never once has she gotten anything below an 80% average.

"Emma Lauren and I are pretty sure we're going to fail McAde's test today. We kinda spent all last night watching The Hills marathon. Oh whatever its just history." Kayleigh said.

"Smooth." Aislyn said. At least now she knew she wasn't going to be the only one to fail this test.

The warning bell rang for the students to go to homeroom. Her first period class was the only class Aislyn was in alone. She had friends in it, but they weren't her best friends. This gave her time to study.

But before she knew it, first period was over. Time to write her test.

Hayden's class is across the hallway. Along with Kayleigh and Lauren. The four of them would always walk to history together.

When they got to class, Lauren and Kayleigh walked right in. Having this weird feeling in her gut, Aislyn stayed out in the hall with Hayden for just a little bit longer.

"Don't be nervous. You'll be fine." Hayden told Aislyn as he bent down to kiss her.

As Hayden walked away, Aislyn had this weird suspicion in her gut that this would be the last time she would see his beautiful face.

Thinking that was nothing, Aislyn walked into class and sat down beside Emma.

"Alright. This test shouldn't take all class. But knowing most of you, it will. Take one and pass it back. No essay this time. Promise." Mr. McCabe said. "and begin."

Last question. Finally. Aislyn thought to herself. She looked around the room. Lauren was already done. Smartie. Emma looked confused. Some other students looked bored out of their minds. Kayleigh was one of them.

Kayleigh Hennessey moved to Norwood in grade nine. First semester she was an outcast. No one seemed to want to be her friend. Once second semester came around, Kayleigh was in a class with Aislyn Lauren Angel and Emma. They were working on a group project and needed five people. Lauren thought maybe it would be a good idea to include her. Ever since, Kayleigh has been their best friend.

Aislyn finished the last question as the bell rang. The class cleared out into the hallway. As Aislyn handed in her test and started to walk out the door, she heard the first gun shot.