Part One

"NO. HANNAH!"

I've dreamt of her every night since that fateful day and I think I always will. She was my best friend, my advisor and my saviour. To her I am eternally grateful and I will always miss her. You see, she showed me the way and despite all the hurdles and opposition we faced I don't regret any of it, not for a second.

"Come back to bed, J."

"I will I just want to get this down."

"Hurry. I am cold without you."

"I'm coming my love. Just go back to sleep."

I can't help but smile as he does that cute thing he does. I can't explain IT, but it is so typically him and one of the many reasons that I love him. Craig and I have been together now for three glorious years. I treasure every memory we have made and I hope to make many more together in the future.

So how did it all begin?

Craig and I had attended Oak Hill Boarding School since the tender age of eleven and had been best friends and roomies since our first meeting. I can't pin point the exact moment our relationship became more intimate, but Hannah's arrival during sixth form blew our whole situation wide open.

I remember the whole thing like it was yesterday…

Hannah waved gloomily at her father's retreating back under no illusion this would be the only time she would see him this year and he was too wrapped up in Toni, her evil step-mother to even notice.

"It does get easier."

Mrs Jenson the kindly, old, Head Mistress slipped a comforting arm around her shoulder.

"Oh I know." 'At least it can't get any worse.'

"I'd like you to meet someone who is simply fantastic. John-Paul!"

"Just a sec."

Hannah looked up for the first time, as a pair of scuffed football boots ground to a halt in front of her and she came face-to-face with the sexiest blond haired blue eyed boy alive.

'Maybe it won't be too bad here after all. In fact this could be interesting.'

"Give us your case. So you're next door to me and Craigy?

"I guess. I mean that is what Mrs Jenson said."

John-Paul couldn't help but roll his eyes in amusement.

"I'm guessing she doesn't like the idea of us being up here on our own any more. We get away with all sorts."

"You do?"

Hannah wasn't sure whether this scared or excited her.

"Well that would be telling now wouldn't it? John-Paul quipped. She couldn't help, but turn to putty under his gaze. He had the most stunning smile. So there is the bathroom and the showers. You need anything just knock."

"Thanks I will."

"When you are sorted come and join us."

Hannah collapsed onto her new bed, which happened to be a double as she was bunking on her own, Bobo held tightly against her chest, tears falling silently. However as she reminisced about her old life, her home, her school and her friends sounds of fun and laughter filtered into her consciousness. As she looked out of the window over the grounds she failed to hear the stranger entering her domain.

"You got a light?"

"AHHHHH!"

"Sorry did I scare ya? Do you want one?"

"No. Thank you."

What she really wanted to ask was what the hell he was doing creeping up on a defenseless girl, but he started talking again before she had the chance to recover.

"So…you're the new girl? J's right you are kinda cute. I'm Craig Dean by the way. You are?"

"Hannah, Ashworth. And I have never been to a boarding school before."

'You don't say.' "You'll fit right in. Just give me a hand with this. Lets really get the party started."

Craig waved a half empty bottle of Vodka in her face, she decided now wouldn't be the best time to inform him she didn't drink.

"We need some new tunes."

"Obviously."

Swept up in the moment and Craig's insistence, Hannah traipsed in Craig's wake as he put a mix CD in the player, before heading over to a stunningly beautiful brunette who had been checking out his backside, kissed her lightly on the cheek and led her to the centre of the deserted dance floor, as all eyes turned to them.

"I am so sorry. Dance with me?"

"I know. Me too."

"Am I forgiven?"

"Always."

Stood on the outskirts of the dance floor, leaning casually against the wall, drink in hand, Hannah's eyes were once more drawn to the sparkling spheres of one John-Paul McQueen. His attentions seemed to be firmly occupied by none other than his room mate and her new found friend Craig Dean. Despite holding the school's prettiest and most popular girl in his arms, Craig seemed to be desperately and rather obviously in Hannah's opinion flirting with John-Paul. He finally cottoned onto the fact she was looking over at him and in order to quash her suspicions he twirled her onto the dance floor as far away from the loved up couple as possible.

"You want to dance?"

"Sure."

"Sorry If I was ignoring you just now it's just I was…never mind it isn't important."

'I could tell.' "No don't be daft it's fine. We don't have to dance if you don't want to…"

'I don't, but-' "Of course I want to dance with you. In fact I am sorry for being so blunt, but I have to say you are…simply beautiful."

"Thanks I mean you are too. I mean you are good looking."

"Thank you very much. Do you want another drink?"

"Yeah, but a sit down would be great my feet are killing."

"So, what would you like?"

"Anything, but the punch. Your friend over there spiked it."

"What Craig?"

"Yeah with Vodka. I am guessing he has big plans for whatever her name is."

"Sarah? Believe me he won't need it."

"Sorry. I take it you and her don't get along then?"

"You could say that it's just she's very…shallow."

He finished rather lamely.

"And what Craig is Mister Deep and Meaningful?"

"Okay I do take your point, but there is more to him than you may think. Well more than her anyway."

"I don't really doubt that."

"Can we talk about something else?"

"Sure."

"So, what are you into then Miss Ashworth? Clothes, make-up, gossip…"

"There is more to me than that I'll have you know. But you did forget shopping."

There was something about this girl that John-Paul found endearing. She was beautiful, smart and not afraid to laugh at herself, but he wouldn't say she was confident. They collapsed into a fit of hysterics caught short as their eyes connected, the urge to close the void between them overpowering. They were brought back to reality by Craig sitting down opposite them, clearing his throat noisily.

"Do you want something, Craig?"

"Don't be like that. Can we talk?"

"Later. If you're not too busy."

"J? Please?"

"Later, Craig."

"Fine."

John-Paul pulled back hastily, embarrassed by their close encounter.

"Do you want that drink?"

"No. Thank you. I may as well finish unpacking."

"Okay, see you later then."

"Yeah, bye."

Hannah kissed John-Paul on the cheek before walking passed Craig who shot a death glare in her direction. She was suddenly very sure about one thing; this place was going to be interesting.