It was astounding how much things had changed compared to what it had been like the previous year for Franky. She'd went from being constantly bullied every day and having only one person in the world who could stand her to having actual friends and being a mostly normal teenager. It was almost as if she'd traded lives entirely. Take right now, for example, she and her friends were in a pub, just fucking off and having a good time. Franky never imagined she'd have a group of friends, yet here she was partying with Mini, Grace, Liv, Alo and Rich.

"Having fun, Frankykins?" Mini yelled over the pounding dubstep music. Franky nodded, a huge grin on her face as she danced enthusiastically. "Great! I'm a bit hot though – want to go out and get some air?" Mini asked, leaning closer.

"Sure. Franky wiped the beads of sweat forming on her forehead. "I could use a break."

As they began to depart for the alley outside the club, Liv turned to them and spoke loudly over the music.

"Where do you think you're going?" She screamed.

"Outside—we'll be back!" Mini assured her.

"Ugh, don't be snogging out there yeah?" Liv told them. Mini turned to Franky, rolling her eyes and grabbing Franky's hand, pulling her through the thick crowd toward the door.

Once outside, Mini let out a sigh of relief.

"Ah, this is much better." There was a light breeze and it felt wonderful compared to the sauna-like temperature of the club. Franky took a pack of cigarettes from her pocket and lit one. She offered them to her friend, who shook her head. "No thanks, I'll just take a puff off yours if that's alright.

"Yeah." Franky took a few puffs before handing the cigarette over to Mini. The blonde smiled, taking it into her hand and breathing it in. She let out a breath, smoke pillowing from her pink lips.

"Ah, thanks." She said, handing it back. "So um, how you been lately with the whole…Matty thing?"

"Oh," Franky took a long drag before answering. "I'm over it. Like you said, I deserve better. I can't be bothered with his mindfuck shit any longer."

"Good for you." Mini congratulated, watching her carefully. She leaned against the side of the building.

"What about you? The whole Nick thing?"

"Same. I was over it ages ago. Not worth my time, you know?" She gazed at Franky, her fingers brushing against her friend's. Franky smiled. Growing brave, she curled her fingers around Mini's slowly. Neither of them spoke for awhile until they were interrupted.

"Oi! What are you lot doing?" A voice called out, causing them to instinctively jump apart. It was Alo, and seeing their reaction, looked sheepish. "Sorry."

"Just getting some air." Franky offered.

"Yeah, well, we're thinking of fucking off and going to get some food. I'm famished, so's Grace and Rich. Want to come with? Plenty of room in my van." He invited them along. Franky turned to Mini in questioning.

"You up for that?" She asked. "I could use a bite, myself."

"That's fine. Sounds cool. What about Nick and Liv?"

"Eh, already asked 'em. Liv found a bloke, and Nick doesn't want to leave. So I guess it's just us guys. Anyway, let's go!" Alo sounded like an excited Dora the Explorer.

Mini laughed, following him to his parked van. Mini and Franky got in the back with their friends. Alo turned around to look at the four of them in the back, rolling his eyes in annoyance.

"Seriously? NO ONE wants shotgun? Come ON." Alo complained.

The four of them exchanged looks. No one looked like they were enthused about the idea. Grace, always the nice one, climbed into the passenger seat. Alo smiled at her.

"Hey, thanks, Grace. At least someone doesn't mind sitting by me." He sniffed, turning back around and starting the car.

Alo pulled out of the parking lot and began to drive. Rich studied the two girls carefully, and Mini and Franky exchanged bemused grins.

"What?" Rich asked, confused. Mini started to laugh. "Did I miss something or what?" Mini only laughed harder and Franky joined her. "Oh my god, are you freaking having a conversation without even speaking?"

A giggle could be heard from the front seat—Grace's.

"Girls can do that, you know." She said matter-of-factly with mock seriousness. Rich sighed. He withdrew a silver flask from his back pocket.

"Cheers." He spoke before taking a swig. He offered it to the girls, and both of them took large gulps. Grace declined.

"THAT'S more like it!" Alo screamed from the front. "If I wasn't driving…"

Mini nudged Franky in the ribs and Franky called out in distress.

"Fuck. That hurt."

"Sorry, babes." Mini half-smiled, planting a kiss on Franky's cheek. She was amazed at how soft her cheek felt under her lips.

"It's, er, fine." She blushed. Rich was watching them carefully with a surprised grin on his face.

They arrived at the restaurant and Rich took his time, pulling Grace off to the side and walking slowly with her.

"Um, is something going on between Mini and Franky?" He questioned seriously. Grace just laughed.

"Don't be silly, Richard."