Chapter One:

School. Why did she have to start at a new one? Why couldn't she just stay where she was with her friends? Answer: Life. That was pretty much all there was to it. Sure, new things were exciting, but Diane was not in the least happy to be moving. At least it was still near the beginning of the school year. She wouldn't have missed much, hopefully.

Hopefully, she would get along with everyone. In fact, she was sure she would. She had never had an enemy before, but this high school was different. Diane had heard many...disturbing things about the school she was going to attend. Apparently, this high school was the most chaotic one out of all of them.

Drugs, bullying, the whole deal. I mean, Diane had nothing against them. She had never used a drug in her life, never had bullied anyone, not because she disliked those things, but because she didn't see the point. And want to know what's more messed up? She started today. She had barely had enough time to cope with the move, barely had time to get everything organized and she started today. What a wonderful first day in a new house, in a new town. She just hoped she would survive the first day.

"Ah, Diane right? I'm Principal Erection, no connection whatsoever. It's nice to finally meet you. I hope it wasn't any trouble, moving into a new school so early in the year." Diane shook the Principal's hand, smiling warmly at him.

"Not a problem Mr...um, Erection. I'm sure I'll get along well with this school."

"Thank goodness. Well, I won't keep you for long. I sent someone here to show you around. If you have any other questions feel free to ask her."

"Thank you sir." He left her standing there awkwardly alone in the room. She looked around and, strangely, found a full length mirror against the wall. She looked at herself.

Her light blonde hair reached down to her shoulders in waves and a scatter of freckles decorated her face right below her eyes. She wore a black leather jacket with a matching black shirt underneath that read My Chemical Romance, a pair of black boots, and black pants. She currently had a guitar case strapped to her back and couldn't help but glare at herself for the way she had dressed. It would have to do.

Someone tapped on her shoulder and she spinned around, making the person behind her jump in surprise.

"I-I-I'm sorry! I d-didn't mean t-to scare you." She said to her. Diane widened her eyes. She had short brown hair and wore glasses, a dark blue skirt that reached her knees, and a white shirt with a tie. She looked incredibly shy and nervous.

"It's okay, you didn't. My name's Diane, and you are?" Diane asked her, stretching out a hand. The girl took it hesitantly.

"M-my name's Elizabeth, or you can call me Liz, though no one does."

"Why is that?" Liz grew worried, looking from side to side.

"N-nobody ever t-talks to me. T-they say I'm weird, a-and a nerd." Diane frowned at her. She really didn't see what was wrong with her. She seemed so sweet.

"Well Liz, I'm honored that you're the one to show me around." Liz looked up at her, surprised, before face broke into a wide grin.

"R-really? That's the first time anyone's said anything like that to me!" Suddenly, the bell rang, echoing down the empty halls and Liz jumped, almost dropping the books in her hands. Diane caught one of them and handed it to her just as the halls began to fill up and she looked up at her.

"Wow, you're really pretty!" Liz said to her. Diane stood straight, rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment.

"Ah, thank you. Should we get going?"

"O-oh, yeah. W-what classes do you have?" Diane looked down at her schedule.

"It says I have History."

"Ah, t-that's my next class! Y-you won't mind if I walk with you, r-right?"

"Of course not!" They began to walk down the halls. One person in particular pushed roughly pass Liz, who fell forward. Diane caught her and turned angrily toward the person.

"Hey! Why don't you watch where you're going!" She yelled at his back. He turned around, his eyes widening. He had short white hair and was taller than her. He also wore a white shirt, blue jeans, and a light jacket over it.

"Oh, I'm sorry Liz! I'm kind of in a hurry." He said, rushing back to see if Liz was okay. She blushed and looked down at the floor.

"I-it's alright Adrian." She mumbled. Adrian looked down at Diane, his eyes widening even more.

"Whoah! I've never seen you around here before! New?"

"Yeah, sure. Look, we should get going." She wasn't too sure about him.

"Of course! I forgot I was in a rush too. See you later Liz!" He waved at them goodbye and hurried down the hall. Liz stared after him, a dreamy look in her eyes and Diane gave her a questioning look.

"So, Adrian huh? He seems nice." She blushed and they continued to walk down the hall.

"Y-yeah. He's the only one w-who doesn't see me as a freak." She sighed. "It's a shame though."

"What?"

"He hangs around Sanchez."

"Who?"

"Ah, y-you don't want to know. He's kind of a...n-nevermind. We're here!" She stopped in front of a classroom and smiled at Diane. "I-if you want you can sit next to me." Diane nodded her head and they walked in. A few students were scattered around and Diane saw a group of girls turn from their seats to point at Liz with evil grins. Diane grabbed her hand, dragging her to the opposite side of the room.

"M-my seat is right here." She said, pointing to the one second from the back. Diane sat in the seat behind her, looking around curiously. Then she looked back at the group of girls from before.

"Friends of yours I suppose?" Diane asked her sarcastically. Liz sighed.

"T-they aren't that bad. Lunch time is w-when it gets worse." That was when the bell rang, the rest of the class rushing through the door. Many gave Diane curious looks, especially the boys who smiled and winked her way. She ignored them all and turn toward the front, where the teacher was waiting for everyone to come.

"Alright, settle down everyone." She said, glancing around the room. The teachers eyes settled on Diane and she smiled at her. "Ah! You must be the new transfer I heard about! Why don't you come up and introduce yourself to the class?" Diane groaned inwardly but put on a smile, standing up to walk to the front of the class. She turned to face everyone, and with one hand in her pocket she saluted with the other.

"What's up? My name's Diane and I just came from Bordertown, a few hours away." The teacher stood there, waiting for her to continue. When she didn't she turned to the class and asked:

"Alright! Anyone have any questions for her?" Almost everyone's hands went up, including Lizs'. A boy near the front went first.

"How old are you?"

"Oh, I'm seventeen."

"Do you play the guitar?"

"Yes, yes I do."

"Can you play some for us?"

"Um, I don't think right now's the right time."

"Are you dating anyone?" Before she could answer this someone barged into the classroom. He had strange blue hair and wore a spiked leather jacket and boots and underneath a blue shirt and ripped pants. Following behind him was Adrian.

"Sorry teach, we got caught up in something." Adrian said to the teacher, casting a weary look to the blue-haired guy who collapsed into the closest empty seat. A few girls behind him seemed to swoon and giggled when he gave them a wink.

"It's alright Adrian, though I expect you both to be on time from now on." Adrian nodded his head, seeming to be relieved that he avoided getting in trouble. He sat next to the guy frowning as he continued to smirk at the girls behind him.

"I'm sorry about that Diane but I'm afraid that's all the time we have. You can ask her questions after class." Some of the students looked disappointed and that was when the guy turned to the front, eyes meeting hers. She hardened her gaze when his eyes seemed to travel up and down her body.

"It's okay. I'll just sit back down." She said. Ignoring the guys gaze and the glares from the girls she retired back to her seat behind Liz, relaxing when she saw her familiar gaze.

"Are you okay?" Liz asked her. Diane looked at her, a little confused.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Liz seemed to grow nervous, glancing around the room.

"T-the guy that just walked in, h-he seemed to be eying you."

"Who is he by the way?"

"T-that's Rick. Rick Sanchez."

"It's lunch time? Already?"

"Y-yeah. You started late today so we only h-had those two classes."

"So, what do you want to get?" Liz looked at her, then back to the ground.

"Um, I-I usually don't eat. It gets t-to crowded in here, but y-you don't have to eat with me if you don't want to."

"Liz, I'm here for you. Please believe me when I say this but I like hanging out with you. A lot." She looked up at her.

"Really?"

"Really really. Now, let's go find someplace to sit." Diane turned and practically banged into someone, knocking herself and the person in front of her backwards.

"Diane!" Liz yelled, catching her.

"Sorry about that." Diane said, looking up. She felt a frown come to her face when she saw the blue-haired guy, Rick who had been caught by Adrian.

"I'm pretty sure I can let it slide for a hot babe like you." He said. Diane stared at him for a moment, a look of disbelief on her face before she put her hands on her hips and glared up at him.

"Don't you have a group of girls to fawn over?" She asked him. He looked down at her, surprised, then leaned forward, a grin on his face.

"Nah, I would rather much spent time here swooning over you. You're new here, right?"

"No, of course not. I've been here all my life."

"Nice try sweetie, but I'd have remembered you." Diane turned away from him, took Liz's' hand and started to head to a door leading outside.

"Hey! Can I get your number!" He yelled after her. She turned, smirked, and gave him the middle finger, leaving both that Rick character and Adrian gaping after her. After they had left through the door Adrian turned to Rick and began to laugh at his stupefied expression.

"Rick my man, I have never been more shocked in my life! A girl as hot as her, denying your request to get her phone number. I'd never thought I'd see the day!" Rick glared at him.

"She shouldn't be that hard to convince. I'll get it eventually."

"Dude, should you be even trying? She seems pretty determined. Plus, what would Jordan think with you flirting with someone prettier than her?" Rick sighed, the thought of his girlfriend giving him a headache. Speak of the devil, she was approaching them right now.

Jordan was pretty…..interesting. Always wore crop-top shirts and REALLY short shorts. Her hair was dyed a light blue to match Rick's and was easily the hottest girl in the school. Well, that was before Diane came.

"Babe!" She yelled, wrapping her arms around his neck to kiss him on the forehead. "You miss me?"

"Yeah yeah. Come on, you ask that everyday."

"Of course I do!" She lowered her voice. "Wanna go somewhere fun?" He grinned at her.

"Let's get out of here."

"I don't have you until the last class of the day?!" Diane yelled near the end of the lunch hour. Liz looked at her with an apologetic smile.

"Yeah, I-I don't have a band class like you or your science class. You must be r-r-really smart to get into that class."

"Nonsense. You're just as smart as me. Probably smarter. But...can you show me how to get to the band room?" Liz smiled turned warm.

"Of course. A-and, th-thank you Diane."

"Huh? For what?"

"F-for being my…" She stopped and looked at her, worried. "Um, a-a-are we friends?"

"We are. 100%, best friends." Liz suddenly sprang forward, suddenly enveloping her in a hug. She seemed to be crying and Diane panicked.

"Liz! Are you okay? W-why are you crying?"

"No! I-I'm fine. I'm just so happy. I'm not alone anymore." She pulled away from her, wiping the tears from her eyes. "So, s-shall we head to class?"

"Sure!"

"See you later Liz!" Diane yelled to her from down the hall. Liz turned, smiled, and waved goodbye to her. Diane turned back to the door to the band room. This was what she had been waiting for. She just hoped they were as good as her last school.

When she stepped inside she groaned inwardly. That Rick Sanchez was there, leaning back against the chair in the middle of the room. He was surrounded by a group of people, about seven or eight, the majority of them girls. Adrian wasn't in this class, which she was slightly sad about. He was the only non-jerk-weirdo besides Liz she had met today.

Diane edged around the room, successfully avoiding everyone who's attention was currently on Rick. She rolled her eyes when they broke out laughing and turned to find the teacher right in front of her. She stepped back, surprised.

"Oh, hello sir."

"Ah, I've heard of you. You must be Diane right? Pleasure to meet you." She shook his hand, smiling back.

"Nice to meet you to."

"So Diane, what instrument do you play?" Diane pulled of her guitar case from her back, smiling.

"Guitar, but I had to bring my electric one today."

"Very nice. We needed another electric guitar player. Do you mind playing for me?" Diane glanced around the room and nodded her head when she saw that the others were still distracted. She set it up. Her dark blue guitar was decorated with swirls of a lighter blue that seemed to light up in the room.

She plugged in the amp and glanced up at the teacher, nervous. He gave her an encouraging smile and she took a deep breath. This was nothing to what she did, performing in a band. She was one of the lead singers and players of their three person band. She had this.

She played a flourish of notes that seemed to echo across the room. She smiled, feeling the familiar sensation of excitement and familiarity. Diane continued to play a song by one of her favorite bands. It was catchy. Not too fast, and not too loud and it made her grin widely. She closed her eyes, her hand moving in time with a beat only she could hear.

The last note bounced against the walls and she opened her eyes, grinning at the band teacher who looked at her, very VERY surprised.

"I-I'm speechless. How long have you been playing?"

"Since I was six, which was about eleven years ago."

"That was beautiful! Have you ever considered playing in a band?"

"Ah, I already am."

"What's it called?"

"Unforgivable Shard." She could hear a clatter behind her and turned to see Rick had fallen off of his chair. Everyone had sat down, some staring dreamily at her when she had been playing. She turned back to the teacher.

"Um, d-do you want me to sit?"

"Yes, we should really start the lesson soon. Thank you Diane." She found a seat in the quiet corner of the classroom and looked up. She suddenly made eye contact with Rick, who had been starting at her. He winked at her and she frowned, turning her attention to the teacher.

"Diane right? I heard you play earlier, that was amazing!" One of the girls came up to her saying right as the bell rang.

"Thank you." The girl then looked behind her and a blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Unforgivable Shard huh?" She heard someone ask behind her. She turned to see Rick, hands in his pockets, approach her. The girl excused herself, blushing hard and quickly left the two of them. Everyone else had left the room, so that left her staring blankly back at him in the quiet room.

"Yeah." She said. "You heard of them?"

"Are you kidding? They're the best teenage band this side of the continent. You would be crazy not to have heard of them."

"You play guitar?" His eyes widened in surprise.

"How'd you guess?" She took his hand, surprising him even more, and she indicated his calloused fingers.

"These kind of gave it away. I guess you practice a lot? Pretty much everyday."

"Y-yeah, that's right." Diane suddenly chuckled to herself, letting go of his hands quickly.

"Sorry about that. It's a little habit of mine." She strapped her guitar to her back and sighed. "Well, I should get going. You were surprisingly….less annoying this time."

"Aw come on princess, when am I ever annoying?"

"Nevermind."

"Hey wait, let me get your number princess." He fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a piece of paper, handing it to her. She sighed, took it, and scribbled something onto the front with a pen. She then winked at him the same way he did to her and rushed out of the room. Rick looked down at the paper and chuckled. On it in her neat handwriting said:

Nice try, but not anytime soon

Unfortunately for her, she had the next class with him as well. To be honest, she didn't expect him to be in this science class, the highest one the school offered. Maybe he was a science geek? But, she did have good news. She had came in early (well actually, almost came in late but everyone else came in after her) so she was able to find a very quiet seat in the back.

She rolled her eyes when Rick showed up with a girl who wore a crop-top shirt and not school appropriate shorts in his arms. The girl immediately took notice of her and stomped up to her, giving her a wickedly evil smile.

"Hey there, Diane right? I've heard so many things about you." Diane could immediately tell she was trouble but kept the smile on her face all the same.

"Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you…"

"Jordan. Jordan Wells. I just have one thing to say to you."

"Come on Jordan." Rick said, trying to interrupt. Jordan ignored him and narrowed her eyes at Diane who stared curiously back. "You stay away from my boyfriend. I don't care how pretty you think you are, which you're not, or where you came from. He is mine." Diane stared at her for a moment before she burst out laughing, catching the attention of the other students in the room who began to form a crowd.

"Jordan. You're so beautiful!" She said suddenly. Jordan stared at her, dumbfounded. "I mean, really, I am nothing compared to you. Even if I did want to take Rick from you I wouldn't be able to."

"So...you're not interested in him?"

"Not in the slightest. You guys seem to have a perfect relationship." Jordan smiled at this, wrapping her arms around Rick.

"Yeah we do. Sorry about that, I tend to get overprotective." Diane smiled back.

"No problem. So we're okay, right?"

"Most def. Hey, why don't you come to my party tonight? I'm hosting a back-to-school celebration." Diane waved her hands.

"I'm sorry, I can't. I'm going somewhere tonight."

"You sure? We got a band hired and everything! The best in the world actually."

"No, really. I have plans. Maybe next time." Jordan shrugged her shoulders.

"Sad, we could really use another girl like you there." She dragged Rick to their seats, Rick giving her a strange glance over his shoulder.

"Liz! Thank goodness, I almost went crazy the last few classes!" Diane yelled when she saw Liz enter her classroom. Liz smiled at her.

"H-how so?"

"Oh you know, just the pain of being framed for trying to steal someone's boyfriend."

"You o-okay?"

"I'm fine, now that said person isn't here." And it was true. Neither Jordan or Rick had this class. Plus, she was back with Liz. Pretty good ending to her first day here. Diane then snapped her fingers, remembering something. "Liz, you have any plans for tonight?"

"N-no, why do you ask?"

"I want to invite you to something. I'm performing in a band today at some girl's party."

"Oh, I-I've never been to a party before." She mumbled.

"Then this is the perfect opportunity for you to have some fun! I promise I'll be there with you, well, besides when I'm performing, but you can hang out on the stage." Liz frowned, thinking it over.

"Well, my parents did s-say I should try to be more involved."

"Great! So I'll meet you at your house?"

"B-b-but you don't know where I live…"

"You can show me! You walk right?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"Oh, just this little perk I have. I walk too, so we can just go over to your house. I'll help you get ready!"

"I'll need to check with my mom first. But, s-sure. I'll go with you." She seemed to be excited, getting invited to her first party and Diane felt a surge of pride for her. Liz deserved so much better than what she dealt with now.

Diane whistled.

"Nice place." Both her and Liz were standing in front of her house, Diane looking up at the three stories, eyes wide.

"Y-yeah. My parents work as doctors." Diane rushed up to the door, opening it wide.

"Well, let's hurry up! The bands picking us up in two hours and I want to get you perfected."

"I-it takes two hours to get ready?" Diane shrugged.

"I don't know, but I warn you. I've never done makeup before." She saw Liz step away nervously. "Oh come on, it won't be that bad."

"Oh my lord, Liz you look so different!" Diane had dressed her up in a simple laced black dress, but she looked stunning in it, even before she had put makeup on her. Her hair was decorated with small, white flowers. It had taken them the whole time to get ready, mostly because Liz had denied to wear anything short or without long sleeves. Diane had convinced her though, with the promise of some of her homemade cookies she had made yesterday. Food. Always the answer.

Just as they were descending the stair the bell rang and Diane rushed up to it, slipping slightly on the waxed floor. She opened the door and threw herself in the arms of the person on the opposite side, who grunted in surprise.

"Peter!" She yelled happily. Peter, who wore the same rock outfit as her with dark red hair, looked down at her with a wide grin.

"Hello love, whatcha been up to?" His voice had a heavy British accent, which made him such an exotic and good singer for the band.

"Not much." She then turned to Liz, who was awkwardly standing in the background. "This is my new best friend, Liz. Liz, this is Peter." Peter held out his hand to her and she took it shyly.

"Nice to meet such a beauty! Tell me, are you coming with us?"

"Y-y-yes, I am."

"Brilliant! Charles and Mark are all waiting in the car. We gotta head straight for the party and get all set up and such."

"W-who's Charles and Mark?" Liz whispered to Diane as they headed to the car waiting for them.

"Charles is our drummer and Mark plays the keyboard. They are awesome, well, we all are. I promise this will be fun Liz, especially if you stick with us." Liz nodded her head as the window to the car rolled down and a familiar face popped out. Charles was in the passenger's seat and wore a pair of glasses, but that didn't stop him from putting on a show. They were all dressed up in their black outfits.

Charles had black hair that reached to his shoulders and Mark sat in the driver's seat, same black hair but short. They were actually twins, though Mark was taller.

"Hey and look who it is!" Mark yelled, grinning at her from ear to ear.

"What's up Mark? Charles?"

"Ah, nothing much. Same old same old. Ready to make one hell of a performance tonight?"

"Most definitely. It's okay if my friend Liz hangs with us right? She's never been to a party before."

"Heck yeah! Hey Liz, can you play an instrument? Sing maybe?" Liz smiled.

"I used to play piano when I was younger." Marks eyes widened.

"Do you think you could still play it? I also play bass guitar but I couldn't switch to it cause someone needed to play keyboard." Liz froze.

"Y-you want me t-t-to play with you guys? At the party?"

"Why not! If you can play keyboard I can move to bass, plus you'd be able to hang out with the most amazing people in the world!"

"I-I don't know. I know nothing about your s-songs or anything."

"Liz! You should play with us! Not today, but if you come with me to our practices you can learn our songs!" Diane said this time, wriggling in excitement. Liz pondered this.

"I do miss playing the piano, and I studied the keyboard too for a couple of years. I...yes. Yes I will."

"Awesome! Not that we have a new keyboard player let's head out to the party!" Diane and Liz quickly entered the car followed by an ecstatic Peter. On their way to the party, which was taking place at someone's house, they talked and talked. About school, about their lives. Liz fitted in well with them all, her nervous personality fitting in well with Charles especially. It was when they arrived outside the house that Diane's jaw dropped, though not in a good way.

In a big banner written in huge, blue words said:

JORDAN'S BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY

Liz looked at the name with equal surprise and they made eye contact, starting open-mouthed at it.

"You alright Diane?" Peter asked her, nudging her shoulder.

"I-I know who the host is...personally."

"I get the feeling not in a good way?"

"Eh, we're not friends. She tried to blame me for trying to take her boyfriend."

"It's okay love, she saw it as a misunderstanding right?"

"Yeah, but I want to stay away from her. She doesn't seem like a good person to be with." Peter nodded his head in understanding and opened the door for them.

"Shall we get going?"

"It's not like the party will be fun without us. Let's kick their doors down!" He smiled and offered his hand which she took happily. Diane also grabbed Liz's' hand gently, making sure she didn't try to back out. They had barely took a step through the front doors before Jordan came running up to them.

"Oh my gosh you came! Welcome!" She said, throwing open her arms.

"It's a pleasure to be here. Shall we set up?"

"Yes, of course! My party will last after the show too. Please stay for the whole thing!" She made puppy eyes at Peter who shrugged.

"Might as well." She smiled and clapped her hands together.

"Yes yes yes! Thank you so much!" She then noticed Diane, and then Liz. "Oh, Diane, I'm surprised you could make it." Her eyes narrowed slightly and Peter wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders.

"She's with us. Our electric guitar player." He said coldly to her. Jordan's face instantly turned back into a smile.

"Of course! How could I not know?" She then turned to Liz. "And Elizabeth, I thought you were too cowardly to show up to a party." Diane stepped in front of her.

"Actually, say hello to the newest member of Unforgivable Shard. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a party to set up for." She pushed past her followed closely by the rest of the band.

"Well, she's a bitch." Mark said, looking over his shoulder with disgust.

"Yes, but we are being paid. Just keep it cool mate." Peter said. He looked down at Liz and Diane. "You all alright?"

"Oh I can't wait to wipe that smile off her face one day." Diane mumbled darkly. Liz giggled.

"I can't wait to see that too." She said. Diane smiled at her as they reached the stage.

"Okay Liz, you stay right here. Watch, observe, all that fun jazz. Then I'll start taking you to our practices and we'll see you blow us away." Liz nodded her head. Everyone stepped onto the stage and began to set up.

"Babe come on! I don't want to miss the band I hired!" Jordan said, dragging Rick away from the couch.

"Alright, alright. What sort of band did you get anyway? It better not be Pop Girls, you know how much I hate them."

"Oh no, not this time. You know, we've officially been together for three months. I want to celebrate it. Unforgivable Shard will be performing." She smiled up at him, knowing how he would react. She wasn't expecting him to start running to the set-up stage though and she stared after him, confused.

"Rick, why in such a hurry?" Adrian asked him when he approached the stage, looking wildly around.

"Adrian, Unforgivable Shard, they're performing right?"

"Yeah, of course. I have no idea how Jordan convinced them though. Why? Something wrong?" Rick smirked up at the stage as the song began, spotting the person he had been looking for.

"Nope. Not at all." He leaned against the wall, staring up at Diane when she came onto the stage carrying her electric guitar. His smile faded when he saw another boy following close behind her, arm around her shoulder. He frowned when she laughed at something he seemed to say. Strangely, Rick felt a pang of something. Something that made his skin boil with rage. It was jelousy.