AN: WOW! Thank you everyone for the support! I'm glad everyone liked the first chapter and I hope the second one doesn't disappoint! I work on my own motorcycles but I don't know anything about cars so please forgive me if I get anything wrong. I'm researching classic car restoration for accuracy but it is mind boggling how much information is out there. Enjoy!

Lauren POV

Summer was in full effect and I welcomed the break from school. I was taking all AP classes and on top of that I was also enrolled in twelve hours of college courses. The plan being that the credits would transfer to Yale once I was accepted and I would have at least one semester under my belt once I started there though my parents were hoping for more.

My parent pushed me towards Yale. It was their alma mater and it was also where they met. I wasn't opposed to going there as it was one of the most prestigious schools in the States – I just wanted to be able to make my own decision. I felt like that was stripped away from me. I wanted to get into Yale on my own merits and not because my parents were alumni. They had this picture of what my life should be and I was just along for the ride. I was not trying to sound ungrateful. My parents did provide for me anything I could possibly want or need. I was well aware that not everybody in this town was so fortunate.

My thoughts drifted to Bo. I knew she had it rough. We had only spoken in passing until today and even then our conversation was shorter than I would have liked. I was very aware of the rumors that surrounded her and her family. I hated rumors. I tried my best to keep everything with a blank slate and only believe something to be true once it came from the source. There wasn't much anyone could do in this town without it spreading like a disease.

Her dad was a drunk and a gambler. I had seen that for myself. My classmates and the people in town talked about how he would beat Bo and her mother. There were several times Bo had shown up to school with a split lip or a bruise on her cheek but until she confided in me I wasn't going to join in the rumor mill.

Her brother was the man to see about anything you could want regarding recreational drugs. I had seen that for myself as well. While classmates I partied with would talk trash about Dyson and his family during the week – when Friday night hit he was the man they all went to see. It was hypocritical and it ate at me constantly.

I had a group of girls that I hung out with but I always kept them at arm's length. They weren't the type of friends that I would consider running to when I needed to confide my deepest thoughts or dreams. They were the daughters of the families my parents deemed fit were good enough for me to socialize with. I always wondered what it would be like to have a true and real friend. In that sense I felt very lonely despite being one of the 'popular' girls in school.

I had driven everyone to the lake for an afternoon swim after we left the cafe. The sun was high in the sky making the heat almost unbearable. When early days of summer grew hot we would always come out here to cool down. Ciara, Kate and Cassie were stripped down and enjoying the cool water while I sat on the dock with my shoes off letting my feet dangle over the edge.

Ciara splashed me with water getting my Capri pants wet. I looked at her with irritation as she asked, "So are you going to finally tell us what you and Bo were talking about earlier?"

My friends had been nagging me about this since we left for the lake. I watched as Kate and Cassie swam closer so they could listen in on the conversation. I rolled my eyes as I answered, "I just thanked her for fixing the car. Which by the way, we wouldn't be here now if she hadn't so it wouldn't hurt for you ladies to show some appreciation."

Cassie pulled herself up onto the dock from the water and sat next to me while wrapping a towel around her shoulders. She leaned over and bumped me exclaiming, "Aww. Lauren you're always sticking up and looking out for everyone. Besides we never said we weren't grateful."

I shook my head and sighed but didn't comment. My friends were never outwardly mean to anyone we went to school with but they certainly always seemed to feel they were better than everyone else. The four of us had been friends since the day I moved here almost four years ago and for the most part they had good hearts. It was hard for me not to get upset when they talked as if being well off gave them special privilege that others weren't entitled to. It seemed to be the theme across the community and it drove me mad.

Ciara laughed at my reaction and stated, "Lauren you don't seem like you're having a good time. What's wrong?"

I put my hands up in surrender, "Nothing's wrong. I just have plans with my parents later. I really should be getting back."

I lied about my plans but I didn't want to tell my friends what was really on my mind. I wasn't ashamed. I just knew that I wouldn't have answers to any of the million questions they would throw my way. I couldn't shake Bo from my thoughts. She intrigued me. I was in awe that she offered her help to me without question or expecting anything in return. I was impressed by her knowledge of engines and I wanted to know more about her.

Kate whined as she made her way back to shore, "Lauren we just got here. Why didn't you say anything earlier? We could have done something else."

"I forgot." I lied again. "Now grab your towels and get dressed. I'll drop you all off."

An hour later and I had taken all my friends home with promises that we would get together tomorrow. I threw caution to the wind and made my way to the auto shop Bo had mentioned to me earlier today. I pulled into the parking lot which was really nothing more than a fenced off dirt lot and saw Bo in the last bay to the left hunched over a car.

I walked over and entered the bay but I didn't approach her. I watched as she used some sort of sandpaper to remove the paint from the car. She was so engrossed in her work that she had not noticed me.

I cleared my throat and I saw her jump as her head shot up to see who was there.

It wasn't my intention to scare her, "I'm sorry if I startled you."

I saw her blush as she chuckled nervously, "No its ok. I didn't see you there. I zone out sometimes when I'm working on my pride and joy here."

I walked closer inspecting the car as I went, "So you're restoring this car?" I knew nothing about cars. It honestly looked like a heap of metal but what did I know.

She stood a little taller as pride filler voice and replied, "I am. The interior, exterior and the engine. It is my project for the next year. I hope to have it done before graduation."

I could hear the confidence in her voice and it made me smile. I admitted, "I have never seen anyone restore a car from the ground up. Seems like quite the task."

She looked like she was debating something before she asked, "Want to help?"

That caught me by surprise but I wasn't going to pass up the chance to learn something new. I nodded my head and she walked over handing me a sheet of sandpaper.

She motions for me to follow her, "Start here and work your way to the right. To avoid any grooves from the sandpaper, sand in every direction changing direction every few strokes."

We worked on the hood of the car together. Bo and I side by side working our way in different directions taking the paint off as we went. It was tedious, my arms ached and I was sweating within ten minutes of starting my work. Every so often I would glance at Bo and I could see she was back in her zone.

We had finished most of the hood by six and it was closing time for the shop. Bo took the sandpaper and dumped it in the garbage when she came back and asked, "Are you hungry?"

I hadn't even noticed until she mentioned it but I was famished, "I'm starving. You wouldn't think this would work up such an appetite."

Bo looked extremely nervous and she wouldn't look me in eyes, "Do you want to order a pizza or something?"

I didn't understand why asking me such a thing would make her so anxious but I gladly accepted, "That sounds wonderful. Do you want to go somewhere or…." I let my sentence trail off so she could finish what I was asking with her own thoughts.

She looked uncomfortable as she placed her hand on the back of her neck, "We can eat here if that's ok with you."

I didn't care where we went for food though I did finally realize that we were a bit dirty and had been sweating for most of the afternoon. Going out in public like that probably wasn't a good idea.

"I'll be right back." Bo said as she jogged over to Karl and whispered something to him. I watched as he nodded while glancing in my direction before he discretely passed Bo what looked like money. She stuffed whatever Karl gave her quickly into her back pocket before coming back to me.

She walked passed me and into an office only to return a moment later with two folding chairs. She set them down in front of the car and gestured for me to sit. After I sat down Bo followed while asking, "What don't you like on your pizza and we can go from there."

That was an easy question to answer, "I don't like anything like pineapples or anchovies but other than that I am good with anything."

She gave me a funny look before she started dialing a number on the wireless phone she had in her hand, "Anchovies are just nasty and pineapple should never be considered as a pizza topping."

I laughed at how adamant she was in her statement. I waited while she ordered a supreme and a meat lovers before asking me what type of crust I liked. She relayed the information to the person on the other end of the line ensuring she ordered exactly what I wanted.

After she finished with the order I watched as she hopped up and went back into the office. She returned with two bottles of water, handing me one while she sat down again.

The silence was a bit unconformable as we sat there glancing at each other trying to think of something to say. I was starting to wonder if I made a mistake coming here today but I wanted to get to know the person that went out of their way to help me for no reason at all except to be helpful. I just didn't expect the awkward moments that seems to follow us.

I was about to put my social skills to work when she spoke, "So how is the car running since this afternoon? Any more trouble?"

I set my water down on the hood the car and smiled, "No more trouble. You worked your magic and it hasn't tried to die on me since and Bo I really want you to know how grateful I am for the help. If you hadn't been there I would have ended up having it towed and then finding other transportation. You really save me a lot of hassle."

She looked away from me and I could see she was trying to hide her blush before she turned back saying, "Your welcome Lauren. Actually whenever you have some free time I could look your car over and make sure everything is in good working order. That is if you want me to…I mean I'm sure you get it serviced but just in case…."

Her rambling was adorable but I saved her by placing my hand on her knee as I cut her off, "That would be great. Thank you for offering."

As I removed my hand from her knee I thought I saw a flash of disappointment in her eyes before she asked, "So you moved here right before freshman year right?"

I nodded and when she had confirmation she went on, "Where did you live before coming here?"

I leaned back and stretched my aching muscles while I answered, "Los Angeles. My parents both worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center before they were offered better positions at Yale New Haven Hospital. They knew Ciara's parents so we ended up moving here instead of Westbrook. They commute back and forth and I hardly ever see them. I like it here for the most part. It is far different than living in a big city."

Bo had this look that made me feel like I was the most important thing in the world. She was about to say something when I jumped in, "What about you Bo?"

I could see her visibly tense up before answering vaguely, "I've lived here all my life."

I dug for more, "Well that's vague."

She took a deep breath and elaborated, "I have never been anywhere else but here. I haven't traveled or gone anywhere exciting. Aife and Jack were born here as well. I have one older brother. His name is Dyson. We're not close at all. I want to leave here and never look back. Go to college and make something of myself. There are good people in this town but I prefer to just be alone. It's better that way."

I wondered if she was bothered by the fact that I showed up here considering her last statement but I decided not to push it. Instead I asked, "You call your parents by their first name?"

Her soft features hardened just a bit as she replied, "I do. I will never acknowledge Jack as my father," she looked down and started fidgeting with her fingers, "I love my mother though. I just wish she had the strength to fight for herself but she's just too scared."

I had a million questions but I bit my tongue. I didn't want to press on a subject that she wasn't willing or ready to talk about.

A knock at the side door startled me and Bo laughed as she stood up, "Food is here."

I started to pull money out of my pocket when she asked, "What are you doing?" She had the most intense look on her face.

"I was going to pay for the food." I said as she started to shake her head adamantly.

The tone in her next statement had an air of finality to it, "It's on me."

Before she gave me a chance to object or offer to pay half she turned on her heel and went to open the side door. I heard her friendly greeting to the delivery person as she took the boxes from him and waited for her change.

As she set the boxes on the hood of the car and laid out the napkins it occurred to me that my offer to pay may have made her feel like it was some act of charity. I cursed my stupidity but my manners wouldn't allow me not to offer.

When she sat back down she seemed more relaxed as she flipped open the lids on the pizza boxes and smiled over at me, "Consider it a thank you for all your help on the car today."

We ate in silence, both of us too hungry to engage in conversation. The food was delicious but we still ended up with leftovers. Bo placed the remaining slices in one box and threw the empty one away.

She picked up the other box and smiled while walking back to the office area, "Leftovers equals a good breakfast." That statement struck me as odd as I followed behind her.

I stopped at the entrance while I watched her put the box away in the little refrigerator when I noticed a cot in the corner of the room. It made me wonder if she slept here. I was trying not to make assumptions but I was concerned. Did Bo sleep here and if so why? If we didn't have any leftovers would she not have anything to eat tomorrow?

Question after question swirling around in my head. I was staring at the cot lost in thought when Bo joined me at the door asking, "What's wrong?"

She followed my gaze before looking back at me expectantly.

I couldn't hold it back and I think she knew that, "Do you sleep here?"

She shoved her hands in her pockets while looking at a spot on the wall behind me, "Most nights yes. It's no secret that things are shit at my house. I'm sure you know that. Everyone does. I stay away from there as much as I possibly can. I usually sleep here and then go home in the morning before anyone is awake to shower and change clothes or whatever. It keeps me away from Dyson and Jack. I just feel guilty that I am leaving my mom there to take the brunt of it. When I was younger I tried to get her to leave and take me with her. It didn't matter where just as long as we got out of that house but she was too afraid. I can't get her to do anything she feels she can't do."

I reached out and placed my hand on her forearm bringing her eyes back to mine, "I'm sorry Bo."

She took a step back causing my hand to fall away as she flashed a smile, "Don't be Lauren," she sighed, "I can't believe I just dumped all that on you. You're just so easy to talk to."

I started to speak but she cut me off, "Do you have to be anywhere tonight?"

I had no plans and my parents were in Westbrook as always. I was curious what she had in mind, "No. I'm free. Why?"

This sweet yet mischievous smile slowing graced her lips when she answered, "I know you're a member of the astronomy club. It's a clear night. I want to take you somewhere."

She walked over to the cot and grabbed a blanket before grabbing my hand and leading me outside, "Can we take your car? My motorcycle won't seat two."

I agreed taking the blanket from her while she locked the shop door. I tossed her the keys and told her to lead the way.

Her eyes got big in surprise and her voice was full of shock, "You're letting me drive?"

"I trust you." I laughed out as she opened the passenger side door for me before moving around and climbing in to join me.

The drive was quiet but the silence was comfortable. It felt like something settled between us and we were both more at ease.

We had been driving about forty minutes when I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer, "Where are we going?"

She looked over at me and winked before quickly looking away again, "There is this raised field that I love to go to on nights like this. There is hardly any light to drown out the open sky. It is right up this road."

Bo parked the car and leaned back to grab the blanket from the backseat.

She opened her door and looked back at me with expectant look on her face. I shook my head while trying to contain my smile. I followed her lead as she walked us away from the car and into the field. After about thirty yards Bo stopped and laid the blanket out on the ground. She grabbed my hand and pulled me down with her as she sat down on the blanket.

I looked around at my surroundings and I saw we were in a raised field about one hundred yards from a two story house.

I turned to her and asked, "Where are we?"

She looked at me and answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "My favorite star gazing spot." She then proceeded to lay down on her back and look up at the sky.

I laid down as well and was amazed at how many stars we could see from this spot. I was in the astronomy club at school but we mostly went to observatories and participated in activates around school. I had never laid down in the middle of a field and just looked at the sky. I enjoyed being in the astronomy club because I found the whole idea of studying celestial objects along with the physics, chemistry, and evolution of such objects fascinating. It also looked good to have a variety of activates listed when applying for colleges. I was also the class President three years in a row and planned on running senior year as well. I participated in the debate team and was on the swim team as well. I felt with my grades along with my extracurricular activities I would make a great choice for any college. Despite my parents insistence I was applying to Harvard, Dartmouth and Princeton along with a few others. I had a need to see if I could get accepted to any other college that wasn't Yale. I would then know it was on my own merit.

"This is wonderful Bo." I said breaking the silence that always seemed to settle upon us.

I could hear the smile in her voice, "I'm glad you like it. This is private property so we are technically trespassing but unless the people that live here are assholes I don't see this being a problem."

I almost laughed. I could add trespassing to my list of crimes. The only other thing on that list was underage drinking. My friends and the people I hung out with at school loved to race cars, drink, use whatever drugs they could get their hands on, fuck around and do anything they could find to pass time.

Those things didn't really appeal to me. I would have the occasional drink at a party but usually I just ended up being the designated driver and made sure my friends didn't find themselves in too much trouble the next morning. That in itself was rather entertaining.

I could hear Bo let out a nervous breath beside me before she asked, "I haven't seen Nadia since the end of the school year. What's she up to?"

Nadia and I had dated on and off since freshman year. We were never exclusive or in a committed relationship but we had fun together. She was also the only girl my parents approved of. When I finally told them I was gay they were horribly unhappy. It was not an easy time for me and things were tense between us. They may have my life planned out for me, they may try to pick and choose who I can befriend but his was one thing I would not budge on. It was who I was and I would not relent. They finally begrudgingly accepted who I was and things got better over time.

I was a bit curious as to why Bo was asking about Nadia. I wondered if she was interested in her. I looked over at her but I couldn't really see her that well, "Nadia is traveling through Europe with her parents for the whole summer."

Bo came back with another question. She sounded tentative and her voice was barely above a whisper, "Are you guys still dating?"

I was starting to think maybe Bo helped me today so she could get information about Nadia. I always thought she may have had a crush on me but maybe I was wrong. I looked back at the sky and answered, "No. She and I aren't dating or pursuing anything right now. Are you interested in her?" I couldn't hold the question back. It escaped me before I could grab it and lock it away.

"No. I'm not interested in her. Sorry if I was being nosy," she said before pointing up at the sky, "look there's Aquarius and…..there's Scorpius."

I was impressed with her keen eye to pick out specific constellations. I wanted to reassure her that her questions didn't bother me, "I don't mind you asking me about Nadia Bo or anything else really."

I could sense her eyes on me when she said, "I'm glad. So what does life hold for Lauren Lewis after high school?"

I laughed but it had a tinge of bitterness to it. I wasn't sure if Bo picked up on it. "I'm already taking college courses now. It's to jump start my college career my parents said. They want me to go to Yale. I wouldn't mind going there but I want to keep my options open. Both my parents went to Yale so they have all sorts of connections to get me in. I want to be accepted by my own achievements – not my parents. Whenever I bring it up with them though they shut down the topic."

"I think you could do anything you set your mind to Lauren." Bo said and the sincerity in her voice had me reeling. It had me believing and I didn't want to let go of that feeling.

"You must already know what you want to do with your life. What does the world have to look forward to from Lauren Lewis?"

Bo's offhanded compliments were clouding my thinking. I shook my head a little before I answered, "I want to become a medical researcher. I want to study genetics. If not that then maybe becoming a doctor and specialize in cardiothoracic surgery."

Bo let out a low whistle, "Damn Lauren. You have plans. I don't know what all that entails but I think it's great. Whatever you set your mind to, I mean it."

There she was again with the encouraging compliments. I decided it was my turn to ask some questions.

"Ok Bo. What about you? What are you plans exactly?" I scanned the sky as I waited for her reply.

"Mechanical Engineering. I love cars, the mechanics of it. How each individual part comes together to work in unison. I could maybe find a career with an automobile manufacturer. It requires only a bachelor's degree but I thought maybe I could even go for a master's degree. That would open up even more opportunities. I want nothing more than to leave this town and never look back. There is a whole world waiting for me out there. I just haven't discovered it yet. Only problem is money. With my family I will need either a full scholarship or maybe I could quality for financial aid. I don't know much about that but it's on my summer to-do list."

It was my turn to let out a whistle, "You said I have plans. Your goals are impressive. I can help you research scholarships and financial aid if you want me to. Just let me know. Have you applied to any colleges yet?"

I heard Bo sigh and I could hear the defeat in her voice, "Yeah. I've applied everywhere I could find that offered engineering programs but I haven't heard back from any of them. I figured maybe I was applying too early. I would like take you up on your offer though."

I found it strange that Bo had not heard back from any of the colleges she applied to but I was committed to help her get what she needed to get there. I felt this pull to her and the thought of spending more time together had me feeling giddy.

She bumped my hand to grab my attention, "Pick out a constellation Lauren and then we can get out of here. I could easily fall asleep right here if I'm not careful."

I squinted my eyes and looked at the sky above us until I found the one I was looking for. I pointed and said, "There's Sagittarius."

Bo sat up and then helped me up as well. We folded up the blanket and went back to the car. I rode shotgun again and allowed Bo to drive. I could sense she enjoyed my car and I liked giving her that joy.

On the way back to the auto shop I told Bo about the swim team's prospects this year for winning state. She told me she was looking for a second job since her work at K & B mostly paid for the parts she needed to restore the Camaro. I shared what it was like to grow up in a big city and how it was so different from a small town like this. Bo mostly listened and I was happy to share stories and more tidbits about myself with her. I got the sense she was still hesitant to talk about her childhood and family life. I wasn't going to push on such things. If she ever felt comfortable I wanted her to know I was here with a listening ear. She would find no judgement from me.

Bo pulled my car into the dirt lot and parked next to her bike. I told her I wanted her to teach me how to ride someday soon. She laughed but agreed. I found the idea exhilarating. I felt free with Bo. Maybe it was because she just let me be me. At least that was how it felt.

Bo looked over at me and the air got heavy while the ticking moments felt awkward again.

She looked down at my hands and said, "It has been a great day Lauren. Thank you. Spending time with you this afternoon and this evening was wonderful. Would you be interested in hanging out again?"

She glanced up at me and I could see the hope in her eyes mixed with fear. Her question sounded like a really laid back way of asking me out or maybe I was reading too much into it.

"I had fun too Bo. Thank you for dinner and taking me out to your spot. I would like to hang out again soon. I know where to find you now." I laughed and I could see her relax.

She opened the door to get out but paused and said, "Good night Lauren."

She was already out of the car by the time I returned the sentiment.