Author's Note: Hi everyone! I just want to thank everyone who reviewed and subscribed to this story, it means a lot to me. And I also want to mention that there is a phone to phone text conversation in this chapter so Dougie's text will be in bold and Cara's will be in italics. Thanks for reading and enjoy!

After going to three interviews in the third district of Manhattan, I was finally hired at one of the local middle schools teaching science to eighth graders. Once outside, I pulled out my mobile and dialed Ashley's cell. After a few rings, she finally picked up.

"'ello?" she asked groggily.

"I got a job!" I squealed into the phone once I was safely in my car.

"Oh my god! You did? Great job girlie!" she said excitedly, the grogginess wearing off, "At which school?"

"It's a local middle school in district three in Manhattan. It's not too bad of drive, only a half hour," I said, pulling out my spot and driving home.

"Well that's great, congratulations," she chirped into my ear, "When do you start?"

"I start next week on Monday."

"Since you have a job now and you are less stressed… how about we go out tonight and have a girl's night?" Ashley suggested.

I contemplated over her idea, and after a moment of thinking it over, I gave in; I needed to have some fun. "Sure, we can go out."

"You serious?"

"Yea, why?"

"I really thought you were going to say no!" I heard her laugh lightly.

"Well, I need to celebrate and have some fun before I have to deal with brats all day long and grade homework and tests," I replied, quoting her words from earlier.

"Alright, girlie, when you get home I'm picking out your outfit and you better like it," she said.

"Okay, I'll let you do that since I have no idea what to wear."

"Well, I gotta go. My grilled cheese is starting to burn. Toodles!" I could hear the slight panic in her voice.

"Bye Ashley." I clicked the end button and pocketed my phone. I knew today was going to be a good day.

By the time I got home and in my room, Ashley was rummaging through my closet trying to find some decent clothes.

"You know what? I'm gonna let you borrow some of mine," she said, giving up on my wardrobe that mainly consisted of professional and slob; Professional for weekdays and slob for weekends.

I sat down on my bed and waited for her to return and eventually she did with an armful of clothes and shoes. She plopped them all on my bed and began to arrange them into the 'perfect outfit' as she would call it.

"I really want you to try on this," Ashley said, holding up a short, jean skirt and a white cuffed, button-up top with a black cami, "It is so cute!"

I looked at the outfit and the first thing that came to mind was skank. I nodded no and pointed to another outfit which consisted of an even shorter skirt and a very low cut top.

"Do you have anything that's less revealing?" I asked, silently hoping that she would. Ashley looked at me, analyzing every detail before she made a weird noise and pranced out of the room.

A few moments later she came prancing back with an outfit in hand.

"Try this on, I think this will suit you better," she said, handing over the outfit. I looked at the pile of clothes that were in my arms and sighed. This better not be a hooker outfit.

I stripped down to my underwear and bra and began to put on her clothes. I put on the black skinny jeans and a gray short sleeved shirt with a draped v-neck. I slipped on the black heels and made my way to my bathroom.

I looked beautiful and sexy, for once. I even felt sexy. No wonder Ashley wears these clothes all the time.

"This is so pretty," I sighed, gawking at my own reflection.

"Good cuz you can have it," she said, walking into the bathroom.

"What? Why?" I looked at her as she rummaged through my drawers and pulling out some make up that I never really wore as well as my hair brush and curling iron.

"I have never worn it and it has been in my closet for weeks. You can have it, consider it a Christmas present," she said, motioning for me to sit down on a small bench near by.

"It's April," I said.

"Fine! Happy Easter!" she huffed, brushing my hair. I really need to know how to do this kind of stuff… I'm a girl for Pete's sake!

I waited in silence until she was done with my make up and hair. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and once again, I found myself gawking. My hair was in soft curls and my make up was a mixture of dark and light gray.

"You should really get into the fashion business," I said, "You'd be amazing."

"I know but working at the salon is where I belong," Ashley said as we walked out of my bathroom.

"Thank you so much for helping me," I said, giving her a hug.

"You're welcome, girlie," she laughed as we pulled apart, "Now, I gotta go get ready. Wait for me." She quickly pranced out of my room and to her own. I laughed at her happy-go-lucky antics as I sat down at the computer.

That's when I remembered the email I got earlier from Douglas. I opened my browser and signed into my email account. I clicked the email and began to read.

Hey Cara,

Yea we can be net-buddies. lol. But, at the beginning of May I'll be visiting the states for holiday. Maybe we can actually see each other in person but that's only if you want too. Talk to you soon.

-Douglas

I thought for a moment, contemplating over his suggestion. But, after everything that I have heard about people getting killed and raped because they met someone online, I felt it was a bad idea. But, what if we hung out in very public places? Well, NYC is a very public place. I just have to remind myself to ignore dark alleys.

I clicked reply and began to type.

Hey Douglas,

Are you making fun of my term of net-buddies? lol. Well, let's just get to know each other first before we make any plans on actually meeting each other. Here's my cell, feel free to text or call me. I have international service since I have family in Greece. Talk to you later.

(646) 973-1231

-Cara

I clicked send and signed off just as Ashley came prancing into my room in an excited manner.

"Come on, girlie, let's get going!" she chirped, grabbing my bag and throwing it at me. Just as I grabbed it, she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the chair. She dragged me out of my room and down the hallway before we stopped at the front door.

"So, where are you taking me?" I asked hesitantly.

"I am taking you to Hunk mania," she said, going through her purse and pulling out some lip-gloss.

"Hunk mania?" I immediately began to question her plan of going out. Hunk mania was a strip club for the ladies.

"Oh it's not what you're thinking. It's where I usually go and meet the most hunkiest men ever and hopefully I'll find one who's decent in bed too," she replied, pocketing her lip-gloss, "C'mon, girlie, let's go have some fun!"

We left our apartment and made our way down to ground level. Once we were outside, the streets were illuminated by street lights as well as colorful and vibrant neon signs.

"Oh and make sure you put a ribbon on your door in case you bring any nighters home," Ashley teased as we walked down the sidewalk. I glared at her playfully.

"You know what? You should go out more often. You need to loosen up and meet people your own age. You gotta mingle and have a social life, especially after dealing with those evil minions that go to that school," she said as we got in line for the dance club.

"I do have a social life!" I defended, pulling out my I.D. from inside my bag.

"What? Me? I'm just your best friend, girlie; you don't hang around with other people. You'll be hanging out with all the fuddy duddy old teachers in the lounge talking about nerdy stuff. You need to meet people your own age and tonight is a good night to meet some," she said, handing her I.D. over to the bouncer. I sighed, she was right; my life is quite pathetic.

I handed my I.D. over to the bouncer and he just grunted in response before unclasping the red velvet rope for me to get in. That's when Ashley grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. The music was so loud; I could feel the vibrations flowing through my body.

At the edges of the club, there were booths and bars just for people who wanted to hang out and have a drink. But in the center, there was a mosh pit of people dancing close together and grinding to the music.

"C'mon, let's dance!" Ashley said before dragging me to the center of the dance floor. She let go of my hand and immediately started dancing to the beat. I on the other hand, have no idea how to dance to this kind of music. My body can't just magically bend that way.

"Why aren't you dancing?" she asked loudly over the music.

"I don't know how!" I yelled back in response.
"Anyone can dance!" she yelled, grabbing my hands and thrusting my hands in the air, "Sway your hips to the music!"

I did as I was told and I just couldn't help but feel ridiculous. What happened to the more classic dancing like we did in gym class in high school?

Eventually she let go of my hands and began to grind her hips against some guy whose hands were all over her.

Okay… I need a drink. I began to walk through the crowd, attempting to get to the bar, when I suddenly felt someone grab me by the waist.

"Hey… where yo' goin'?" he slurred, grinding against my hips. I struggled against his grip.

"Let go of me!" I said fiercely. When he didn't respond, I stomped my heel as hard as I could on his foot. I heard him yelp in pain and I took that as my cue to leave.

I finally made my way to the bar and plopped down on one of the stools. The bartender, who was a surprisingly hot male, came up to me and asked, "So, what can I do for ya?"

"Can I have a sprite please?" I asked.

"Sure thing sweetie," he said, charming his way into getting more tips, especially from the female population.

He handed me my sprite and I paid for it. I sat at the bar for a while until I felt my phone buzz from inside my pocket. I took it out and flipped it open to see it was a text message. I clicked the ok button and read it; it was from Douglas.

Hey its Doug. You can call me Doug or Dougie if u want

Ok Dougie. How should we start this?

Im not really sure. This is my 1st time talking to somebody that i met online

How about a game of 20 ?s

Sure. Ok

Whats ur full name?

Douglas Lee Poynter. Whats urs?

Cara Michelle Edwards. Whens ur bday?

30th November 1987. u?

December 1st 1986. Ur Sagittarius right?

Yupperz. Do u have a job?

Yes I do & officially today. Im a teacher

Well congrats

Thx. What about u?

Im in a band.

U serious? That must be fun.

Yea it is. Me and the guys go all out. We've been a band 4 about 4 yrs now

Well thats really cool. What kind of music do u play?

Punk, pop rock basically. What about u? what do u listen to?

I listen to some pop rock. Especially from the 90s.

I like blink 182, they're my fav band. I wish they were still 2gether.

I like them 2 as well as Sum41. & I know this gonna sound weird, but can I have a pic of u? I have no idea what u look like.

Sure np.

A moment later, I received a picture message and I clicked ok to accept it. As it was loading, nerves began to bubble up in the pit of my belly. What if he's gorgeous? What if he doesn't think I'm good enough? All these thoughts were coming to mind when I heard a familiar beep from my phone saying it was complete. I slowly looked down at my phone that was in my lap.

This man was beautiful. Shaggy dirty blonde hair framed his fair skinned face. His eyes are gray and full of happiness and child like. And his nose was the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Suddenly, my phone began to vibrate, another text message.

So what do u think?

What should I say? That he's the most gorgeous man I have ever seen? I think that'd work out well… not!

You are really cute

so r u

I felt all the blood in my body rush to my face in embarrassment. He's not even in the same country as me and I am already blushing like an idiot.

"You okay miss?" the bartender asked, "You look a little flushed."

"Ahh… yes I am, thanks for asking," I said embarrassedly. Oh geez, the bartender probably thinks I'm a total quack job, just great.

Thx

Ur welcome. XD

Suddenly, I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder. I looked behind me to see it was just Ashley.

"Hey, who ya talking to?" she asked, trying to peek over my shoulder.

"My brother Josh," I lied.

"Oh, how is he? He's in Greece right?" she asked, sitting down on the stool next to me.

"He's good. He's still living with my grandparents though," I said.

"Aww… well that's too bad. Well, I'm gonna go dance some more. Toodles!" she left her stool and immediately began to dance with some random guys.

Well Dougie I g2g. I have to catch a cab. I'll ttyl tho.

Ok. Ttyl

I closed my phone and pocketed it. I downed my sprite and was about to leave when I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder.

"Okay Ashley I'm gonna go-" I was interrupted when I felt a sloppy, wet kiss on my cheek.

"Hey babe, what are ya doin' here all by your self?" the man droned out, taking a seat beside me, "You want to go back to my place and have some fun?" He raised his thick eye brow in a suggestion. Then the smell of alcohol hit me like a ton of bricks.

"Uhh… no thank you," I said trying to be polite.

"Aww c'mon babe, you'll enjoy it," he said, his hand moving towards my thigh. I was starting to get nervous and my hands started to get all clammy.

"No I won't," I replied, moving his hand away from my thigh.

"Why do you think that?"

"I'm gay!" I said loudly. I can't believe I just said that, "And that girl over there," I said, pointing to Ashley, "Is my lover." I stood up and walked towards Ashley.

"Play along. We're lovers," I whispered quickly into her ear. I wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her over to the bar.

"See? I'm not available," I said. The man looked at me and then to Ashley.

"Okay… whatever," he mumbled, turning to face the bartender.

"C'mon babe, let's go home and make some love," Ashley said loudly as we walked away and out of the club.

Once we were outside, we let go of each other and started to laugh.

"I can't believe we just did that," Ashley said, hugging her ribcage.

"I can't believe I said I was gay!" I exclaimed as we headed home.

"I know! But I'd do anything for you girlie," Ashley commented, her fit of giggles coming to an end.

"But the last bit was overkill," I said, smiling at her.

"Overkill? I was in the moment!" she defended, but her defense was breaking because of a smile that was threatening to come through.

"It was so overkill," I said, smiling. Let's just say tonight was not going to be forgotten by the both of us.

Thanks for reading!