Understanding

KC walked off angrily and left me in the hallways, startled by his actions. Why could he not talk to me about his past? Why does he think that I'll judge him when he doesn't judge me?

And more importantly, why do I care so much about what he thinks?

It's obvious that he's cute, and yes I admit to flirting with him these last few days, and for some strange reason I thought he was flirting back. But what do I know? He can't even tell me about his old life, why would he like me anyways?

I said goodbye to Connor and walked out of the school. I needed help, for the first time I was having boy troubles and my older sister isn't here yet to help me.

If only all this drama could happen tomorrow, when Darcy is coming back on break form the retreat in Africa. She could help me with everything and tell me how to handle it.

I kept thinking as I walked home. The weather was slightly warmer than most days, but still windy. I wrapped my arms around my chest for warmth as the breeze picked up. My thoughts kept me so lost that when I turned onto my street I didn't even notice the strange car in front of my house.

Walking into what seemed to be an empty house I began to shout.

"Hello? Is anyone here? Mom? Dad?"

"CLAREEEE!!!"

A voice I hadn't heard in a while floated through the house, footsteps could be heard overhead.

"DARCY? What are you doing here? You're not back until tomorrow!"

"On the contrary little sister I managed to get an earlier flight."

"that's so cool! How long are you here for?"

"Oh, only a month!"

"A MONTH! This is great Darce, I am so excited!"

I fought the sadness that tried to creep into my tone and hugged my sister who has been gone for months. God answered my prayers.

"Hey Clare do you want to hang out with me, Emma, Manny, and Jane tonight? I know you only really know Emma but I want you to come."

"Really Darce, I would love to."

"Cool, now let's go upstairs and find you a killer outfit, we're going to have a full night! Wait, how much homework do you have?"

"I did it at school while waiting for Alli to finish her science report."
"Ok then lets go!"

We both changed our outfits and grabbed our purses then headed for the car. It was a short drive to the mall. The ride consisted of Darcy and I getting along better than ever. This African retreat was really helping her to be a better person and lighten up.

Singing loudly, and most likely badly, we finally pulled into the mall parking lot. We walked inside towards the food court waiting for the other three to arrive.

Jane and Emma were already there. Emma and I got along. A lot of the time when her and Manny came over to help Darcy and comfort her Emma would talk to me and see how I was. At that time it seemed like she was the only one I could talk to.

"Clarebear!" Emma yelled towards me, arms wide open for a hug.

Damn that nickname. How I hate it so.

"Hey Em."

All of us got through the formalities, with a lot of screaming coming from the older girls the four of us sat down.

"Hey where's Manny?" Darcy asked

"Oh jeez. Is she still in the shoe store? I told her only 10 minutes because you were on your way." Emma replied.

She picked up her cellphone and talked to Manny letting her know that it was time for her to come so we can all start shopping.

The three of them talked as they waited while I looked around the Food Court. My heart stopped when I saw a familiar face.

KC Guthrie.

He was with an older guy and two younger girls. They must live in the group home with him.

His facial expression was less then pleased. He seemed annoyed or angry. A side I had never seen until today.

"Hey Clare, Manny's here, you ready to shop?"

"Let's go!" I said throwing a smile on my face.

When we walked away I had to turn around and see where he went, only to find him glance at me too.