Authors Note:

Hey Guys! SO happy to be back. I felt it was time for a fresh start and I think this will be the story to do it. If you guys have seen Skins (preferably UK) than you'll understand my formatting. I want to do each chapter from a different characters POV, starting with my own. (I know, Im that little bitch who puts herself in her stories... whatever.) I hope you like it! And If you read my other story, this is a direct continuation from that, so fear not SOTCG readers, I've not abandoned those characters quite yet.

Chapter 1: Gioia

I woke up to the sound of jackhammers in the street. I turn to face my dusty black alarm clock, 6 AM. Fuck. Luckily it's only Saturday and I can sleep in for the day and check in on people before catching the plane back to Toronto. Zig is still at the foot of my bed, his black side swept hair ruffled from his constant tossing and turning throughout the night. I lay back down and listen to the steady rhythm of his breathing, calming me almost instantly.

I stare up at the ceiling and try to relax. Looking up at the uneven ceiling swirls used to be one of my favorite things to do. I would spend hours looking for hidden messages and pictures within the random swoops of lines. I think I was looking for a way out. I'm still looking for a way out, but the messages in the ceiling aren't helping these days.

Zig begins to toss and turn, mumbling words I can't make out. I decide to text Danielle. There's nothing like some serious girl talk to get over someone. Speaking of someone I wonder what the hell he's up to. I mean, really, did he really decided that it would be a smart idea to be with another girl? I would have figured it out sooner or later. He is smart though... I'll give him that. He was smart enough to make it long distance. I'm kinda glad in sick twisted way. I always assumed he was this great guy who really understood and accepted me. But, alas, he isn't and didn't. He, like everyone else, decided that he would end it when someone better came along. I just thought he was smarter than that. But hey, these are the sucky cards I've been dealt, I might as well make use of them.

"Hey." Zig says, yawning as he sits up, groggy from sleep. "Well hello there Sleeping Beauty, you look particularly ravishing this morning, disheveled is your look." I say sarcastically, looking into his glowing green irises. "Well someone has good taste." He says winking and attempting to crack his back. "Didn't sleep too comfortably?" I ask, looking at the pained expression on his face as he swivels his hips. "Not quite, but I'm fine. How you holding up." He asks gently, innocence evident in his face. "I've been better." I say with a half-hearted smirk. "Alright... Now, where is your bathroom?" He asks, getting to his feet a bit too quickly. "Out this door and the first door on your left." "Perfect. Thanks. I'll leave when the room stops spinning." He says, grabbing a post of my bed to balance himself. "Aye aye captain." I say, scooching back under the covers and waiting until my heavy eyelids drooped from exhaustion as he exited. I'd been up the past couple of nights with restless thoughts playing around in my mind. I slowly drifted between consciousness, thoughts and images blurring together with ease.

" up." I hear as my eyes begin to flutter open, seeing Zig standing above me. "Hey." I say, my voice groggy and scratchy. I take in Zig's appearance: ungelled wet hair, glowing green eyes, natural smile playing on his lips, and rumpled clothing. And yet, he was still just as adorable. "I wanted to know if you wanted to take a walk with me. Its a really nice day and I think you could use some head clearing time." He says, putting on his shoes. "Sure. Just a sec." I say, pulling the covers away from me and walking to my closet. I pull out running shoes, a light sweatshirt and cropped yoga pants. "I'll be out in just a minute." I say, walking him to the door and locking it after he headed out.

I swifty took off my fluffy sweatpants and oversized t-shirt, standing in front of my mirror in only a bra and panties. I'm a shadow of who I used to be. Sure my voice is the same and so is my vulgar and dark humor... but I look so different. I look happy. I look well rested and... pretty, even. I'd never thought of myself as a pretty girl. I was just the girl with glasses and a big chest. No one would talk to me. But now, now I'm confident. I have friends who help me and all those who hurt me are out of my life for good. I can relax and focus on school again. I can have a social life without the drama. I can be happy.

Our shoes hit the gray pavement in sync as we turn the corner, picking up the pace to a jog. "Race you to the white mail box." He says, a devilish grin forming. "Prepare to eat my dust." I say, zooming ahead of him with ease. "Not if I can help it." He says, quickly pushing past my lead and making it to the mailbox while I wheezed my way behind. "No fair. Its not my fault I'm fat." I say, grabbing my stomach. "You're not fat... you're perfect." He says sincerely, eyes glistening in the bright sun. A deep red blush creeps onto my pale cheeks. For a minute we stare at eachother, our locked eyes unbreakable. But then we heard it... Lauren.

"Hey Geeeeeeeeegg." She says purposely extending syllables as we turn her way. "Oh hey Lore." I say, disappointed, my bright smile fading within seconds. I took in her new appearance. She'd gotten her hair straightened instead of gel running through her hair into rock solid curls. And she wore a skin-tight leopard print dress with black pumps, her foundation seven shades darker than her skin tone and unblended. "Who's this?" She asks, gesturing to Zig and subconsciously twirling her hair, turning it frizzy. "This is Zig. Zig this is Lauren. We've been friends since grade 6." "Nice to meet you" He says politely extending a hand. "Oh trust me... the pleasure is all mine." She says winking and beginning to walk away. Her hair flowing in the wind that came soon after.

"Well that was..." "Yeah, she's kind of a..." "Whore." "Exactly. I really only keep her around because I want to be the friend they interview when she's on '16 and Pregnant'. I think it would be fun." I say honestly, bending down to tie my shoe. "She's so fake. I don't get why there are girls who slather themselves in makeup... does it have anything to do with self esteem issues? Cause I think she has a few." He says, offering a hand when I'd finished with my laces. "Thanks. And I would think so. She only got this way after she and her long distanced boyfriend broke up. I bet she thinks it attracts more boys or something." "Well, at least from my perspective I can tell you that it isn't working. We don't want Barbie dolls, trust me." "Oh yeah, and what does the future famous musician Zigmund Novak see in a girl?" I ask, punching his arm lightly. "We want someone intelligent enough to talk to without dumbing things down, and unique. Different is kind of a turn on." He says shrugging his shoulders, his hands in his pockets. "Thank you Mr. Novak, we'll be right back after a few words from our sponsors." I say, speaking into my hand as a makeshift microphone. "My first interview... feels official." He says grinning. "You're damn right its official, I've interviewed the greats. My stuffed bear, my Dad, a ladybug... To be in the same category as those three is something to be very, very proud of my friend." I say, placing a hand on his back. "I feel like a star." He says, dramatically placing his hand over his heart and sighing.

We round the corner and walk to my street and enter the house. Its dark. "Hello?" I call into the echoing kitchen. "Look theres a note." Zig says, unclipping the sheet of paper that had been on the pot rack above my head. "Well, it might be worth having you around after all, you can reach high things." "Ahh but that's not all." He says, one eyebrow raising as he puts a hand on the ceiling. "You're cheating." I say, pointing to him standing on his tiptoes. "Am I?" He questions, his eyebrows knitted. I swipe the note from him and begin reading, "Went out to get milk and things. See you after I get back from the gym, my pants don't fit and I refuse to buy more. Love Dad." I read to myself, laughing at the fact that he'll pay for a gym membership but not new pants. "What's it say?" Zig asks, peering over my shoulder. "Dad's getting milk and then going to the gym. He'll be back in like two hours." I say, walking to the trash and crumpling the note. "I'm gonna go change out of these clothes, make yourself at home." I say smiling and gesturing to the living room.

I quickly run up stairs and lock my door, changing into whatever I could grab. My phone buzzes. Danielle: Stop by my way if you get the chance. I have excited news about McSlutty. I assume McSlutty is either Katie (the pregnantest) or Lauren (the girl who will do anything to turn a guys head). Me: Oh I'll definitely swing by. Is it okay if I bring a guy? And not five seconds after I reply do I hear the familiar noise indicating an incoming text. Danielle: Look at you scouting for dudes. No problemo. Its just me and Jared hangin out at the house. Jared is her boyfriend. They've been together for two months and are probably the most successful couple ever to come out of WHS. They were truly made for each other. He gets her quick wit and keeps her on her toes, not many people can do that. She's always a beat ahead of the boys she dates which makes it nearly impossible for her to joke around with guys. But she found her man. And that's what makes me so happy. She's a beautiful girl, but people find her personality a little off putting. And she's one of the biggest advocates for women's rights that I've ever met. She's always making sure that she is doing beyond what is expected of her so people take her seriously, which I find beautiful. Me: Hahahaha, you know me so well Dani. Cool cool, see ya soon. I type back as I search for an appropriate outfit in my closet. After about three minutes of flipping through things and wrinkling my nose at what I used to wear, I settle on a black t-shirt and faded gray jeans. One of my standbys when I had to rush out the door in the morning. I decide to put my hair up and out of my face, but struggle brushing through the snarls in my hair. But after tedious untangling I manage to get my hair into a ponytail, swiping on lip gloss and rushing down the stairs, phone in hand.

"How would you feel about going out today." I ask as he sits up from the couch. "I knew you wanted me Carlo. I see how you work. Always trying to 'hang out' with me... I get it." He says snickering and putting quotation marks around "hang out". "I guess you're onto me." I say, grabbing his hand as we step outside into the crisp late autumn air, leaves falling from surrounding trees and a chilling gust of wind enveloping us as we sit on the stoop and wait for Danielle and Jared.

So I hope you enjoyed reading this. And if you get a minute please review this story. I appreciate all that my readers do for me and it makes me very happy. (No pressure though hahaha). I would love to know what you guys think of my new ideas. Be it good or bad. Thanks and I hope you guys are ready fro the episode tomorrow, I known I'm not.