For future reference; Rivermoore's Horse is now Apogee from Paradise.

Okay, this is my first One Piece Fanfic. It's a sequel to Rivermoore's Horse's Friends in High Places: Secrets Are Finished. (Don't worry, she's my friend, I know and she said it was okay). ;) Also, I'm using my character I created (Melissa) but me and Rivermoore's Horse share her. (She's in River's Amicus' Like Me and also again, in Plushed).

As you will notice in this story, I will address that lovable green haired swordsman by both Zoro AND Zolo. I prefer to type his name as "Zolo", but there's a point for his name to be "Zoro" in this story. But I won't type Zoro more than I need to. (This meaning, in ending notes -in bold before and after chapters- I will type his name as Zolo!) Thank you!

ONE LAST THING!!

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo is the what I'll use for scene change!

Disclaimer: Okay, no, I do not own One Piece, nor do I own Kris (who belongs to Rivermoore's Horse).

Please. Thought Melissa as she stared out her window in the moving truck. Let this place be different.

You see, Melissa had never had any friends, except her dog, who had tragically died three years earlier in her life. She was always picked on because she was different. Being the smart kid never helped her fit in. She had skipped two grades! Her mother pushed her too hard. She had to hide her real personality, especially around her mom. For example, Melissa had a amazing talent for drawing. She always wanted to take a course in it, but, "Brains are better than pictures," as her mother said. Melissa didn't share the same view on art, as her mother.

I just want someone to like me for me, a friend. I want just one real friend.

"Oh... Stop acting so glum and look out the window. We're at our new house, isn't it beautiful?" Melissa's mother, exaggerating again, pointed to a small white ranch-styled house. Melissa scoffed. Please, that's no bigger than a bird house.

As if reading her thoughts, Melissa's mother said, "I know the house is a bit small but--,"

"But we'll learn to love it." Melissa said in unison with her mother.

"Excuse me? Are you getting an attitude?" Ms. Fox warned. She was trying her hardest, but her teenage daughter didn't seem to care at all.

"I'm sorry mom, but, I hate this whole thing! We've moved six times in the last year and eight months! Face it, we're a broken family without a place, a purpose, or-"

"That's quite enough! I know it's been hard these last two years, but don't you think I've been trying! Your father's death has been hard on me too!" Ms. Fox snapped.

Melissa looked at her mother for a minute, as they pulled up the drive. Melissa thought for a second. I hate my life, my family, myself... A silent tear fell from her eye.

"Oh sweety."

"It's okay," Melissa spoke as her lip quivered, "It's just that, nothing has been the same since we lost dad."

Then, both Melissa and her mother broke into tears. They fought a lot more since the death of late Mr. Fox. Actually, they never fought at all when he was alive.

After a few minutes, the Fox women calmed down. Ms. Fox took the key out of the ignition.

"Tell you what, let's unpack our bathing suits and some towels and let's walk on the beach."

"Seriously?" Melissa's mother was a stickler for timing and work. Is this some kind of trick Mom's pulling?

"Yeah. We can always unpack later. Tomorrow even."

Melissa couldn't help but grin. "Can we get hotdogs and ice cream too?"

"Sure, we can get also some french fries."

Melissa expected a 'Well, I'm not sure,' -or a- 'No, just a quick walk on the pier'. I think I may get used to this new easy going mother.

That night Melissa and her mom spent hours touring their new town and walked along the beach. They didn't get home until ten that Sunday night. Melissa was thankful that her, her mother, and some of the neighbors even, helped load their beds previous to their little 'adventure'. None of which had been children Melissa's age.

There was one lad, but he was two years older, and kept hitting on her. He also used pet names. Frankly, he got on Melissa's nerves. He also made rude and insinuable comments while moving Melissa's bed into her room.

That night Melissa barely had enough strength to climb into her bed because she was tired. She feel asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The last thought that crossed her mind was, Tomorrow, school starts.

Please tell me that was acceptable. Please review. Everyone seems to hate my work. Just tell me what you think, please! I think I made a rather dull chapter... AND I'M THE FREAKIN' AUTHOR!

I just want someone to like me for me, a friend. I want just one real friend. (A/N: Sound familiar?)

P.S. Sorry for the shortness.