A/N: This isn't the most interesting chapter and I apologize, but I promise it will get better! Also, before you read this, yes, I am starting it off at the dance in 'That Was Then, This Is Now'. Enjoy and please review! (:

"C'mon Curtis!" Mark laughed, pushing grass in my face. I chuckled nervously but pushed his hand away. I was already at risk of being skinned for sneaking out, if I got high Darry would find out for sure. I wasn't risking it. Mark was a little himself, otherwise he wouldn't be trying to get me to smoke. I was pretty shy so we sat on his car, away from the dance. Mark began to tease me and with a grin I just accepted it.

"Say one more thing about me bein a chicken and I'll belt ya." I said trying to sound serious but the hint of laughter flowed in my voice. All of a sudden a boy showed up and by the look in his eye, I knew he was lookin for a fight. I held up my hands, keeping my distance.

"C'mon man, we don't want to start anythin." I said trying to talk my way out of it, half heartedly. I didn't have time to think before he punched me in the face, square in the eye. I felt my teeth bite into my lip and could taste the rusty, warm blood in my mouth. I threw a punch back, hitting his cheek, and soon we were all at it. I hadn't been looking for the fight, but a sudden rush of adrenaline flowed through me, making the fighter within me excited for the match. Just then, the boy picked up a beer bottle and I felt the excitement drain. Mark, who had been watching, had enough.

"C'mon man, have a fair fight." He said stepping between us. I heard a loud bang as the boy cracked the bottle over Mark's head, he crumbled to the ground. The boy stood there in shock of his actions as a bystander screamed. Kids started to crowd Mark as I pushed through them. I only had one person on my mind.

"Bryon! Come quick! Mark's hurt!" I yelled when I spotted him. We made our way back to the unconscious Mark. I was a little shook up, so I answered the questions without processing them.

"Buddy boy, you are dead. You had just better make up your mind to that. When I get through to you, you are going to be dead." Byron said looking me straight in the eyes, voice sincere.

"He meant to get me, if that makes any difference." I replied, not phased by his threat. "If he had gotten you, he'd be doing me a favor." He replied coldly back. I gave a wry grin and the dreaded question of 'what happened?' Was asked. I told the story and by the end he looked up at me.

"You know Angela Shepard?" He asked, I could see he knew something I didn't behind his eyes.

"Not really..." I answered in pure honesty. "I know her brothers real well though." I added and he nodded, "Why?."

"I'll tell you later." He replied shortly. Mark suddenly opened his eyes and I knew immediately he was in shock. I took off my jacket and put it under his head, while answering Byron on what was wrong. The ambulance finally arrived and took Mark, Bryon went with him. I got in Mark's car and carefully pulled a little trick he had taught me. A spark came and I nearly dropped the wires, but the engine to my relief began to purr.

"You comin?" I said giving attention to Kathy who had been silently watching the entire time. She snapped out of whatever daze she was in and nodded hoping in the passengers seat. I felt my heart leap, gosh was she pretty, I thought as I began in my way to the hospital.