"So, how are you?" Annie asked, her voice a little timid. She sat in the passenger's seat of the car she shared with her brother.

It was later in the day and they were on their way to the party at the country club. Debbie had told Dixon to take Annie with him; he'd agreed but Annie knew he'd rather leave her at home. She didn't blame him.

The more she had thought about going, the more nervous she had become. Her stomach had been in knots and her hands had been sweaty. She'd paced her room till her mother had told her it was time to leave. Annie had pushed herself out the door and plastered on a smile. For her mother's sake she'd look like she was excited to go.

Now the worry was back, crawling up her spine and settling into her bones. She could feel her shoulders start to ache and her chest tighten. Maybe she could ask Dixon to drop her off at the movies? A nice, dark theater full of strangers sounded better than a high school party.

"How do you think I am?" Dixon's voice was remote, his eyes on the road.

Annie bit her lip, "I don't know. Haven't really seen you much lately." She gave a weak smile.

"Yeah, well, summer school keeps you busy." There was an edge to his words. Salt in the wounds she had given him.

"But it's over now. Gotta be happy about that." She tried to sound positive, tried to show him she cared.

"Sure, it's great. Finish school to only have to go back in a week." He rolled his eyes in irritation.

Annie slumped in her seat, her eyes going to the window beside her. She watched as they passed various stores and restaurants. People were walking the sidewalks, looking happy and at ease. The early evening sun shined down on them, making them glow.

A minute passed before Annie heard Dixon sigh, she looked over to see him staring out the windshield.

"Look, Annie, I know I've been giving you the cold shoulder." He began, "Mom's told me to talk to you about what happened, and I've avoided it. But, I mean, you gotta know that what you did wasn't cool." He glanced at her.

"I know." She murmured, a little surprised he was bringing this up.

"And, I guess I know why you did it." He shrugged as he pressed his foot on the gas and drove straight.

"You do?"

"Yeah, you were pissed at Naomi and you wanted to hurt her. Which is pretty low considering you already had." He explained, his voice flippant.

"What?" Annie frowned, her eyes narrowing.

"C'mon, Annie, you know." He raised his eyebrows, "You slept with Liam. You took Naomi's boyfriend." There was no judgment in his voice but there wasn't any kindness either.

Annie felt her stomach drop, the old frustration coming back into her blood. She'd had this fight with him already; she'd told him that it had been a lie but he hadn't believed her. She'd try to explain, try to tell him it never happened, but he wouldn't budge. He'd close the door on her whenever she'd try to press forward, like he didn't want to hear her side.

"No I didn't." She said, her tone shocked. She knew he didn't believe her and that hurt the most. She was his sister, his best friend, why wouldn't he take her side on this. He knew her.

"Annie." He gave her an almost pitiful look, "It's okay, I won't judge you; but at least apologize to Naomi."

Annie opened her mouth but couldn't find the right words. She'd repeated her statement a thousand times to him before and he hadn't taken it. Why would this time be different?

"Why?" She blurted, her voice icy, "Why should I apologize for something I clearly didn't do?"

Dixon furrowed his eyebrows, "But you did, Annie, you slept with your friend's boyfriend. That's not good, so you should apologize."

Frustration boiled in her stomach, she gritted her teeth, "Dixon, I'm going to make this painlessly clear, okay. I. Did. Not. Sleep. With. Liam. Ever." Her voice rose with each word.

"Why are you denying this?" He asked, his voice loud with annoyance.

"I'm not, I have nothing to deny because I didn't do anything!" She found herself shouting, her voice echoing inside the car.

Dixon clenched his jaw and roughly turned the car into the parking lot of the country club. He put it in park but didn't unlock the doors.

"Look, I know it's embarrassing to admit, you messed up and you don't want to own up to it." He turned to face her, his voice no longer loud, "But you have to. It's the right thing to do."

"Did Liam own up to it?" She hissed. She didn't know why she was bringing him into this. She hadn't seen him since that night; she'd also heard he'd moved back to Maine or wherever he'd come from. Coward.

"We're not talking about him." Dixon brushed aside her words.

"So, he didn't." She spat, "He just got to walk away scot-free." So they'd just put all the blame on her since he was gone? Disgusting!

"Annie, you don't have to make this harder than it already is." Dixon explained, he looked tired, worn out by the same old fight.

Annie wanted to laugh, he was tired? He wasn't the one being iced out by his friends and hated by the whole school.

"I'm not, I'm just telling you the truth, which you chose not to believe. Which really shows me the kind of person you are, Dixon. One who would take the side of people he's only known for a few months instead of his own sister." She crossed her arms, satisfied to see a flash of pain flicker across Dixon's face.

Good, let him feel the pain she's felt all summer.

"You know what?" Dixon unhooked his seatbelt and unlocked the car, "Fine, whatever, don't own up to what you did. Let yourself believe what you want." He opened the door and stepped out.

Annie hastily did the same, she closed her door and walked toward him.

"The fact that you can't even apologize for what you did just shows that you aren't as sweet as everyone thinks you are." His words were cold and they hit Annie like bullets.

She watched as Dixon walked away from her and into the country club.

Annie was just walking out of the bathroom of the country club when she smacked into someone.

"Oh, sorry, I was—"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Naomi's voice was a whip, hard and painful against Annie's face.

"Naomi!" She gasped, her eyes meeting the other girl's blue ones. They were burning with hatred.

"I said: what the hell are you doing here?" Naomi repeated, her glossed lips pulling down into a sneer.

"D—Dixon was coming here so I came too." Annie hated that her voice shook, hated that Nomi was seeing her break.

"Really? Didn't see you come in with him?" Naomi raised a plucked eyebrow and tilted her head, "Or is that another lie?"

"I—it's not, I came here with him but we got separated."

More like he ditched her but she didn't want Naomi to know that.

"Right." She rolled her eyes, "You know I've had a pretty good summer, despite the fact that I had to go to summer school." She glared menacingly, "Part of the reason is that I didn't have to see your skank face. But know that I've seen it I'm bummed out. So why don't you just get out of here because you aren't welcome." She gave Annie a thoughtful look, "In fact I think I'll give the front desk a photo of you and tell them you're banned from this place." She turned to leave but Annie's hand shot out to catch her wrist.

"Look, Naomi I'm sorry!" Annie pleaded, "I'm sorry that you thought I slept with Liam; I'm sorry I put you in summer school. Okay, I'm sorry! But I can't take it anymore, please! Can we just put this behind us?" She was surprised to find her eyes dry, her voice calm. Maybe she'd cried herself out.

"One: don't touch me." Naomi ripped her wrist out of Annie's hand, "The last thing I need is skank germs. Two: honey, I don't think anything. I know you slept with Liam and won't own up to it. And three: there is no putting it behind us because I'm done with you. We're all done with you." She took a step away from Annie, "So why don't you do us all a favor and head home. Or better yet, why don't you go to Hell? I'm sure you won't be lonely though; Liam's already there." She gave Annie a parting smirk and walked away.

It wasn't sadness that filled her veins now, it was anger. Anger at Naomi, anger at Dixon, anger at all of them. She clenched her jaw and started toward the back doors of the club; she could hear kids talking and laughing. All having a good time before school started next week.

Well Annie was going to join them. Why should they have all the fun while she's being shut out? And screw her 'friends,' she didn't need them! She could meet new people and enjoy herself without them. Let them be pissed at her for something she didn't do; let them think she was a lying skank.

I lived without them before, I can do it again.

And that's what she was going to do.

Live.

Annie was at the drink table, trying to figure out what she wanted.

Teenagers were all laughing and yelling behind her; all talking about past summer parties and how school was coming back around. The crashing of the waves could be overhead a loud rap song; people were dancing on the dance floor and raising their cups in the air.

Annie had gotten a few glares the half hour she'd been here but she didn't let that stop her. She'd gotten a beer from the pile in the ice bucket and had taken a walk on the beach. She'd forgotten how nice the wind and the smell of salt was. The soothing swell of the waves against the shore. She'd missed it.

It's was the only good thing about this place. She could stay on the beach forever. Or until it rained, either one.

Now she spotted one last beer in the ice box. She reached out to grab it until another hand beat her to it.

"Hey!" Annie exclaimed, her eyes going to the owner of the grubby hand, "I saw that first."

"Yeah, but I got it—" The voice froze.

Annie's mouth almost dropped open as her eyes connected with Ty Collins's.

She hadn't seen him in months, last thing she'd heard was that he was with Adrianna, getting ready to be a father. Though that hadn't worked out because the baby was adopted by someone else. And Adrianna was with Navid.

He looked the same though: jet black hair, smooth and wavy; ice blue eyes that she'd let herself get lost in. A smile that could give the sun a run for its money.

"Uh, hi."

"I was—" They spoke over each other, voices mingling clumsily.

Annie smiled timidly, "Sorry, I didn't know it was you."

"No, it's fine. Here." He smiled crookedly and handed the beer out to her, "You saw it first."

"That I did." Annie took the bottle from him and rolled it in her hands, "But, um, I don't want you to not have one."

"No worries." Ty shrugged and his eyes scanned the table, searching for a replacement drink. He leaned over, his arm stretching toward the very back of the table, and pulled out a six pack of beer.

"Finders keepers." He joked as he held it loosely by his fingers.

"You're not going to drink that all yourself are?" She asked.

"No, I'm thirsty but I'm not stupid. Want to help me?"

"Sure." Annie said before she could back out. She did want to talk to people, granted Ty wasn't new, but she'd take him. He didn't seem angry at her for the party being broken up. Or that she'd 'slept' with Liam.

Unless . . . .

"Though, do you really want to have a beer with a girl who ratted out a party?" She tried to sound flippant, but there was a worry to her voice.

Ty chuckled, which had her frowning, why was he laughing? He had to have known it was her who called the cops? Everyone at school knew.

"You'd think they'd be over it by now? What's one busted party to a bunch of high schoolers?" He explained with a roll of his eyes.

"What?" Annie asked, how was he so . . . okay with her?

"I mean they're at a party right now. Prom was, what, two months ago? You'd think they'd bounce back. Gossip wise, anyway."

"Wait, what?" Annie was lost.

Ty chuckled again, "I don't mind hanging out with you, Wilson. You're one of the few people at this school that I actually like." He winked at her and guided her away from the table.

"Wait, you're not mad? You haven't heard . . . ?"

"Why would I be mad? Wasn't my party and I wasn't there, so it doesn't affect me." He shrugged, "And as for the whole you-slept-with-Naomi-Clarke's-boyfriend, I can't judge. After all, you're looking at the guy who got a girl pregnant." He gave her a sarcastic smirk.

Annie wrapped her arms around herself, not sure how to respond. She was a little stunned to see someone not angry with her. She should be put-off by him believing the rumor; but she'd let it pass because he was being kind about it.

"Good to know someone doesn't hate me." She sighed, her eyes focusing on the ocean.

They were further away from the party and could barely hear the cluttered noise of it. Annie took a seat on the smooth, cool sand and fiddled with her unopened beer.

"They'll get over it." Ty said as he sat down beside her, he kicked off his boat shoes and stretched out his legs.

"You sound so sure." She gave him a dubious look.

"Because I'm always right." He said matter-of-factly, "You should know that, Wilson." He pulled a beer from the pack and opened it.

"Seems I don't." She smiled softly as she opened her own bottle, "What else don't I know about you?"

Ty gave her a teasing smile, "So many things, Wilson, so many things."

"Wait, what?" Annie laughed, her hands covering her mouth as giggles poured out.

"I shot a rocket into my neighbor's pool house when I was twelve." Ty repeated, a chuckle in his voice.

"I heard you, I just didn't believe it." Annie bumped her shoulder against his.

They were laying on the ground, side by side, and looking up at the star lit sky. Annie was surprised that there were this many stars, she'd thought with the city lights they'd be dimmed.

The party was still going on, getting wilder by the second, but it didn't bother her. For the most part she'd forgotten about it while she'd been catching up with Ty. Engrossing herself into his words and allowing herself to relax.

The beer was just a plus; she was a little buzzed.

"Well, it's true." Ty answered now, "My parents were so pissed. The pool house wasn't completely destroyed but the rocket did a number."

"The rocket?" Annie raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

Ty rolled his eyes, "Okay, fine, I did."

"My neighbor was furious, he went off on me. I was pretty sure his screams could be heard from San Francisco. He threatened to sue but my mom convinced him otherwise." He continued.

"What'd you have to do?"

"I spent my summer repairing the pool house."

"By yourself?"

"Yes. But I guess it came in handy, I know how to rebuild a wall and install windows." He shrugged and took a sip of his beer, "My mother says it built character. Guess she was right."

"Well, if I ever need someone to rebuild my house, I'll give you a call." She poked his bicep with her finger.

"Just call me your personal contractor." He teased, an amused smile on his face.

They were silent for a moment, both looking up at the sky and taking in the sight of it. Annie closed her eyes and breathed a deep sigh, she let her shoulders drop. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this calm; months ago probably. Before her life became a big mess of guilt and fear. It was nice to have a part of that back, even if it was just for a little while.

"What about you?" Ty's voice had her opening her eyes and turning her head to see him.

"What about me?" She asked.

"What don't I know about you?"

"Um . . . ." She bit her lip, a tremor going through her stomach.

I killed an innocent man.

No. Not that. She wasn't going to think about that. Not tonight.

"I—I don't know. I'm an open book, I guess." She stammered, the relaxed feeling seeping out of her bones.

"I find that hard to believe." Ty questioned.

"Believe it. I have no secrets." She gave a pinched smile.

"Everyone has secrets, Wilson. Even the good ones."

Annie swallowed, not sure how to respond. She did have a secret, one she could never tell. One she'd never tell him.

"Do—" She was cut off by her phone vibrating in her pocket.

Her heart fell and she could feel her hand start to shake as she pulled the phone from her pocket.

The police knew it was me. They're calling to tell me I'm going to jail.

Panic made her dizzy as she unlocked her phone and her eyes swam into focus as they landed on the screen.

I'm headed home. Can't find you, so get your own ride back. –Dixon.

Relief flooded her stomach and she sighed, it was only her brother. Just her brother telling her he was going home.

Wait! I'm on the beach, I'll leave right now! –Annie.

Hurry. Or I'm leaving without you. –Dixon.

"Um, I'm sorry I have to go." Annie told Ty as she put her phone back in her pocket.

"No worries." Ty said.

They stood up, Annie's head spun a little, either from the beer or nerves, she wasn't sure.

"I had fun." Annie said as they made their way back to the country club.

"Me too."

"Avoiding parties with the most hated girl in school is fun for you?"

Ty chuckled, "It's defiantly new for me."

"Builds character." She joked.

"That it does." Ty agreed.

As they walked into the country club Annie saw Naomi, Silver, and Adrianna in the lounge. They were sitting on the tan couches, holding glasses of wine. Silver said something and the two other girls laughed.

A tinge of longing shot through Annie's chest; if only she could join them.

Annie turned her head just as Silver's eyes caught her face.

Ty and her made it to the parking lot and Annie was grateful that Dixon was still there. The car was running and he honked the horn as she stopped a few feet away.

"So, I'll see you at school." She said.

"Yeah, or we could do this again. Like tomorrow?" He asked.

Annie felt her lips turning up into a smile, "I'd like that." She pulled out her phone, "What's your number?"

Ty raddled off his number and Annie had promised to text him tomorrow. She gave him a parting smile before heading toward her car.

"Thanks for waiting." She said to Dixon as she put on her seatbelt.

He didn't say anything, just pulled out of the lot and made a right turn.

Annie bit her cheek, she knew he'd still be mad at her; why would tonight be any different?

A/N: Ty is here! I loved his and Annie's relationship-it was short lived and fleeting-but i really liked how happy they made each other. I hope you liked this chapter and please leave a comment :)