Chapter One:

Sometimes I wish I was more like those other girls. The One Tree Hill/OC/90210 girls. The popular, pretty fun girls. The girls who have no problem blowing off homework or even school for a good time. The girls who have their pick of any guy in the school. The girls with the fabulous wardrobe, great clothes and not a care in the world. The girls like... them.

I pulled my locker door half shut and peered around the door when I heard the high pitched squealy giggling coming down the hall. Four beautiful, popular, seemingly perfect girls were walking two-by-two towards me. One of them noticed me watching them and sneered at me.

"Stare much, loser?" She snapped, flipping her brown, wavy hair over her shoulder. The other girls giggled as they pushed past me and continued down the hall.

I still can't believe I used to be friends with them. The four of us used to be inseperable. We did absolutely everything together. I wish I knew why we weren't friends anymore. Well, truth be told, I know why. They decided to drink and be party girls, and therefore sluts, and Becca and I decided not to become sluts. I guess when people change, you really find out who your true friends are. Becca and I... we'll be friends for life.

I shover my biology text into my backpack, slammed my locker shut, and headed down the opposite end of the hallway. No one acknowledged me as I walked past them, no one said hi. The only acknowledgement I got was Shea Rodowski crashing into me as he tried to catch a football someone tossed to him.

"Oompf... sorry, Char." He said with an apologetic grin. Shea and I have known each other since we were kids. We live across the road from each other, always have, so I have dealt with many football, baseball, paintball incidents with Shea in my life.

"No worries." I assured him quietly as I continued down the hall. I heard a few snickers behind me, and I assumed they were laughing at me for Shea crashing into me. I picked up my pace down the hall, and rounded a corner towards Becca's locker. She was crouched in front of it, flipping though her day planner and chewing on her lower lip.

"Hi, friend!" I said cheerfully, crouching down beside her. "What are you doing?"

Becca sighed and shut her book. "Trying to figure out how many days I am going to need to finish all this fucking homework I have to do. I swear, they really don't want us to have a life. They want us to spend friggin forty hours a week in this prison, then spend another seven zillion hours on the weekend? I hate school!"

I laughed at Becca's over exaggerated, dramatic bitch-and-moan speech, the same one she dishes out every Friday. "You know Beck, if you just did home homework every night-,"

"I know, I know!" Becca interrupted, closing her locker. "But the weeks are so busy... Monday, One Tree Hill.. Tuesday, 90210, Wednesday, America's Next Top Model... There is just no time for stupid homework. And you know, my dad, my mom... they never bring their work home. So why should I?"

"Bullshit, I've seen your dad working on cases tons of times at home." I told Becca as we made our way to the main entrance of the school.

"Okay, fine." Becca answered. "But Daddy likes his work. I don't!"

"Tough shit." I said simply as we walked out into the cool, crisp, Connecticut autumn air.

Becca breathed deeply. "Oh, I'm so glad to be gone from there! I wish it was longer than two days!"

"Beck, you do realise school has only been in session for six weeks, right?" I asked her. "We still have aways to go. Plus, we're only sophomores. We pretty much have three years of high school left."

"Fuck you, Donna Downer." Becca said with a laugh. "I have a great idea!"

"Is it the same great idea you have every Friday as we walk home?" I asked her, knowing full well that it was.

"Yeah." She answered. "Let's blow off homework tonight, even though I know it's soooo important to you that we do it early... Let's go for pizza tonight. Maybe we'll run into someone fun."

"You mean I'm not fun?" I teased.

Becca shrugged. "Not really." She replied. She must have saw the look on my face because she burst out laughing, and exclaimed. "Charlotte! Of course you're fun! I'm only kidding... I want to see boys, that's all!"

Becca is definitely a bit boy crazy. She's not a slut like the other girls, but she does like the boys. She dated Jake Kuhn last year, but it was kind of a silly relationship. Neither one knew what they were doing. Becca said the first time they slept together, Jake was so embarassed, his whole body, not just his face, went red. But he is a really nice guy. Becca just always saw him as a friend, not a boyfriend. But ever since she got a taste of 'men', Becca has been wanting to find another boyfriend, or at least someone to make out with. Me... well, I'd just like some guy to talk to me.

"I overheard Jeff Schafer talking today." Becca began. "He said that a bunch of them are going for pizza tonight then going up to Miller's Pit for a party. We should go."

I snickered. "Okay Becca." I said sarcastically. "We'll just tell our parents to buy us booze, then hitch hike our way up the muddy, rutty, road to a party filled with seventeen year old boys ready to nail us in the back seat of their piece of shit Chevy pickups. Sounds like a really great time!"

Becca rolled her eyes. "Char... don't be an idiot." She told me. "We'll go to Pizza Express, we'll chit chat with Jeff and the boys, they'll invite us up, and we'll each get to make out with someone tonight!"

"You're forgetting one thing." I reminded her.

"What?"

I pointed across the road. "Them."

The Four Slutateers were walking home also... Though I don't know how they can walk in shoes like that. They must not have gotten the memo that stated this was Stoneybrook High in small town Connecticut, not the cat walk in Paris. They were walking with a few guys, Shea and Jeff included, giggling and flirting like stupid girls. I hated to admit it, and I never would, not even to Becca, but I was jealous of them. They seemed to have it so easy. They didn't study all weekend, preparing for a history test. They didn't freak out if they only got a B on an assignment. And they definitely didn't worry about how to get to a party. If they wanted to go, they just went. Not a care in the world, just being teenage girls.

Becca waved her hand. "Who cares about them?" She asked. "None of them hold any claim to any guy, except maybe Tiffany with Jordan. But who cares? Nothing saying we can't go for pizza, talk to them a bit and see what happens. And I bet if the guys see them being bitches to us, they'll be pissed off."

I shrugged. "Maybe. Nothing saying we can't eat pizza either, I guess."

Becca punched me in the arm. "Exactly!" She exclaimed. "Let's go change and go then, I really don't want to sit at home all night, listening to my mom bitch and moan about my stupid sister."

Becca and I came to her house. She said she'd text me when she was ready to go, and ran inside. I continued down Locust Avenue to my house, which is right next door to Becca's.

My mother's car was not in the driveway, which was not unusual. She is a doctor at the hospital and ever since I started high school, she has been putting in ridiculous amount of hours. I guess she figures I don't need her anymore. I hate coming home to the empty house. It's cold, dark and lonely. I wish I could tell my mother to come home more. But I am supposed to be a big girl, and I should be able to be alone. But it doesn't mean I have to like it.

"Hey Carrot, hey old boy." I crooned to my old dog as I unlocked the front door and walked in. He's kind of an ugly old dog, but he seems like a puppy at times. I think he hates being alone too.

I threw my backpack by the hall closet and kicked my shoes off. Carrot was dancing around my feet, just making sure I didn't forget about him. After feeding him and opening the back door for him to go in and out, I went up to my room and flopped on my bed.

I really didn't want to go out tonight. Okay, maybe I'll rephrase that. I would love to go out. But I just wish I was more comfortable. My parents have told me that I need to get out more, have more of a social life, cause high school is over so fast. But I hate being out of my element. I feel shy and awkward and embarassed. Especially if there's boys around. I don't know how to act around them. I don't know what to say, how to react to their conversations. I don't know how to flirt and I don't know how to tell if I am being flirted with. I have only been kissed once, by James Hobart, this little Australian kid who is actually my age but looks about nine. We were playing Spin the Bottle in 6th grade, and the rest is history.

Beep, beep, beep!

I rolled over and pulled my cell phone out of my jacket pocket. Text from Carolyn Arnold. I have known her since we were in diapers. We have never been super close friends, but always friendly to each other. She usually texts me about once or twice a month, inviting me out to a party or something.

hey char party up millers pit tonite. u should come! if u need a ride let me no im goin up with corrie. hope 2 c u there!

"Oh shit." I muttered to myself. Carolyn is one of those people where, unless your mother is dying, you better be at that party. No if's, and's or but's. She is a super fun girl, she is outgoing and hilarious, but if you have a water bottle, you'd better lie and say its vodka. It's easier to lie to Carolyn about getting drunk than it is to let Carolyn get you drunk and deal with a wicked hangover in the morning.

Hey, you're a crazy bitch, but you fuck so good, I'm on top of it!

Becca's ringtone. My mother hates it. I love it.

"Did you get a text from Carolyn?" Becca greeted me.

"You bet." I answered, walking towards my closet.

"So you wanna go with them?"

I pulled a pair of dark jeans off the hanger and threw them on my bed. "I guess so." I answered. "But I'm hungry. Why don't you see if they are going to go for pizza? Then we can all go up there together."

"Really?"

I shrugged. "Yeah. I mean, why not? It would be fun, I guess."

"Yay!" Becca squealed. "I'll text Carolyn right now and get them to pick us up soon okay?"

"Kay, I'll be ready." I replied, hanging up. I pulled off my jeans and put on the clean ones, then took off my top and put on a purple tank top with a pink and purple plaid men's style button down shirt. I ran a brush though my dark hair, put on some lip gloss and shrugged.

It's not that I don't think I'm pretty. I think I look pretty good. Sometimes, I think I look better than the 'popular' girls. But it doesn't matter if I think that. If I go to school and I think I look good, it doesn't matter. Those girls could wear a potato sack to school and still be drooled on by all the guys. I could have a professional stylist and still not get a date.

"Guess this is as good as it's gonna get." I said to myself, grabbing my jacket off the chair. Carrot was laying under my bed, but when he heard me leave, he trotted down the stairs with me. I think he thought he was going to go for a walk, poor guy. I tried to ignore him as I slipped my shoes on and snuck out the door.

I walked across Becca's backyard and into the back door. I don't have to knock at their house, ever, and Becca never knocks at my house.

"Hello!" I called out, stepping over the sleeping dog on the floor in front of the patio doors.

"We're in here!" a voice called from the kitchen. I walked into the kitchen and saw Becca's mom, Janice, sitting at the table, drinking a tea and helping Becca's brother John Jr. with his homework. I grabbed a cookie off the cooking rack and bit into it. Becca's mom always has fresh cookies or cinnamon buns or some kind of yummy baking. Sometimes my mom buys Oreos.

"You look cute tonight." Janice told me. "What are you girls up to?"

I shrugged. "I guess we're going for pizza, then up to Miller's."

"Becca has been wanting to go up there for ages." Janice told me. "You girls will have a good time. Just call me if something happens with your ride, okay?"

"You know we will." I told her as Becca came bouncing down the stairs.

"Yay, you're here!" She exclaimed. "Corrie just texted me, they will be here in five minutes! Let's go wait outside."

Becca leaned over and kissed her mom goodbye, and ruffled John Jr.'s curly hair. "See you guys later." She said, walking towards the front door. I waved goodbye and followed Becca out the door.

"Get over here, quick!" Becca hissed, leading me to the side of the house. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a vanilla flavoured cigar. We both love them, but if either one of our mothers found out, they would pretty much murder us.

"Yummy." I said as she pulled the wrapper off and lit it. After taking a long drag, she passed the cigar to me. I inhaled deeply, feeling a tiny bit of a head rush already.

"Who are you gonna try to hook up with tonight?" Becca asked me as I passed the smoke back to her. I looked at her like she had three heads.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

Becca laughed and blew the smoke out, trying unsuccessfully to blow O's. "Well, you did say that you wanted to make out with someone. Maybe James will be there." She said teasingly.

"Shut up." I told her, feeling my face turn red. Becca nudged me playfully.

"I'm just joking Char!" She laughed. "Don't be such a stick in the mud. Seriously... there will be a lot of boys there. Bet you could pick whoever you want!"

I scoffed. "Oh please." I answered. "These guys see me everyday at school and don't give me a second glance. Why would tonight be any different? Especially since the Sluts will be there, drunk and easy."

"Char, we really need to work on your confidence." Becca said with a sigh. "If I looked like you, I'd never stop looking in the mirror!"

I rolled my eyes and took the last drag of the cigar, just as Corrie and Carolyn pulled up in Corrie's little piece of crap Toyota. I flicked it on the ground, stomped it out and walked with Becca to the car.

Corrie and Carolyn are two of the coolest girls I know. I have known them both since we were kids, but we didn't really become friends until last year, when Carolyn and I were partners in a year long English project. Becca and I were both going though a crappy time, and Carolyn and Corrie were always up for making new friends. Becca and Carolyn are both very outgoing and fun, and got along great right away, and also helped me come out of the shell I had. Corrie is a year older than the three of us, a junior, and she is completely laid back and easygoing. She is a great person for advice, and has a definite 'big sister' feel to her.

"Heeeey!" Corrie exclaimed as Becca and I climbed into the backseat. "You guys ready to party?"

"You betcha!" Becca replied. "Should be fun!"

Carolyn peered at me though the visor mirror. "How about you Char?" She asked. "You looking forward to it?"

"She's looking forward to making out with someone hot." Becca teased.

"Who?!" Carolyn and Corrie asked in unison.

"Do you have a crush?" Carolyn added.

I shook my head vigorously as Becca laughed. "Nah, she doesn't... At least, I don't think she does!" She joked. "We need to find her a guy."

"Hmm." Corrie pondered. "How about the boy next door, Shea?"

"Or Adam Pike." Carolyn suggested.

"How about Jeff Schafer?" Becca joked. The three girls started laughing. Jeff is a very good looking guy, easily the best looking guy in school. But he's also a drunk, arrogant and the rudest person I've ever met. I would rather stay a virgin for life than have anything to do with him.

"I don't think I should date Shea." I told them. "I've known him since... well, forever."

"I notice how you say you can't date Shea, but say nothing about Adam." Corrie said, grinning.

"Ooh, we're sooo setting her up with Adam!" Becca squealed.

I blushed. Adam Pike is, well, gorgeous. He's got these big, blue-like-the-ocean eyes and dark, almost black, hair. He's tall, muscular, athletic and one of the nicest guys I know. Unfortunately, his sister is Vanessa Pike.

Vanessa and I were great friends since elementary school. I loved spending time at her house, because she's got seven other brothers and sisters, and my house was always empty. We were pretty much inseperable, until we got to high school. I guess people change, and some don't change, and that sometimes tears people apart, I wish I knew what happened between Vanessa and I. I wish I knew if I did something wrong. I wish I didn't have to walk through the halls and avoid her, scared of what she might say to me. Or scared of what she won't say. Sometimes I hope she will forget the last year and just say hi to me. Just be my friend again.