AN: Well, here's the next chapter for my story. As far as structure of the story goes, I'm going to try to dedicate one chapter at a time to a smaller set of characters (just focusing on one or two at a time) at first and I'll see how it goes from there. As always, R&R please! Thanks for reading! Hope you all like it :)

Revelations

Stacey rubbed her sleepy eyes as the bright sun shined through Julia's open window. She turned to her blonde friend who was still fast asleep. Stacey stretched and smiled. For once she had stood up for herself and finally broken up with that loser, Dylan. She couldn't be happier.

She got up softly, making sure to be quiet. She walked into the bathroom to the mirror, fixing her smeared makeup and messy hair by throwing it into a high bun. Before leaving the bathroom, she stopped herself. Peering closer, she couldn't help but grin again. Most mornings, Stacey would spend hours in front of the mirror, covering any blemishes with makeup, making sure every hair was in place or double checking that her outfit didn't make her taut stomach look chubby. But this particular morning was different. Despite just waking up, she realized she looked fine. No, not fine. But great. No blemishes on her forehead and even her messy hair looked naturally shiny. Turning around, she checked out her own backside and lifted up the black shirt she borrowed to admire her toned legs. She dropped the hem of the shirt, letting it fall back into place above her knees. Returning from the bathroom, she saw Julia sitting in bed fiddling with her nails.

"Morning party animal," Stacey slid back into bed next to Julia, closing her eyes. "So guess what?"

"What?" Julia murmured. The blonde's hair and makeup was also a bit wild but her eyes seemed like they didn't get enough sleep.

"I broke up with Dylan last night!" Stacey said excitedly opening her eyes wide. Julia looked unresponsive but replied "Good, he's a complete asshole". Julia, for the first time, felt the guilt pang in her stomach as she remembered that not only did she cheat on Pete, but Dylan was Stacey's boyfriend. And Stacey was her best friend.

"Thought you'd be proud," Stacey replied. Julia was silent for a few moments, picking at her nails. Stacey knew Julia wasn't exactly a morning person, but something didn't seem right. After a moment, Julia sighed and laid her head on Stacey's stomach. "I broke up with Pete this morning".

"Seriously?" Stacey was genuinely shocked. They had been together so long, that she never thought her friend would gather the courage to dump him. Then again, she never thought she would find the courage to dump Dylan either.

"Yeah. It was harder than I thought". Julia's eyes started watering but she turned her face the other way so her friend couldn't see her weakness. Julia hated crying, especially over something so cliché like a breakup.

"I didn't think you were going to actually end things… I mean that's crazy. I thought you guys were going to work things out". Stacey twirled the blonde's hair around her fingers and tried remaining poise but was surprised by the news. And despite having always supported Julia and Pete's relationship, Stacey knew both girls could do better.

"It wasn't going to work, Stace. I couldn't take care of him anymore". Julia sniffed and wiped her eyes. She hated crying! Especially in front of people. Stacey reached behind her, pulling a Kleenex from the box on Julia's nightstand, giving it to her friend.

"It's going to be fine, Julia. I promise. You know, I thought I was going to be sad about Dylan but I'm actually happy. And I think you're going to realize that this is the best for both of you. You know?" Julia nodded her head but then broke out into a full on sob fest as Stacey pulled her into a tight embrace, comforting her long-time friend.