A/N : Thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate it. Every chapter is going to be different. But I thought I would interrupt last weeks episode the way I would have liked to see it happen. Which means I might add some dialogue of my own and also dialogue that was actually said in the episode. If I don't like something that happens in the episode I will change it.

Grace's POV

Chapter: Gossip Part 1.

Friday was probably the worst day at school that I've ever had. It was just horrible. I hated being gossiped about. I hated gossip in general. I think it's cruel to talk about innocent bystanders - and even if they aren't innocent, it's still wrong to discuss their private business with others. Jack had gotten all upset with me. He said he wished he never went along with Ricky's plan. But in fact, it wasn't Ricky's fault. He just wanted to be a good friend and look out for me. I owe him for that. Jack should have never left me on that street corner. I could have God forbid been killedor violated. But I wasn't. Ricky rescued me. And you know what he said to me at school on Friday? He told me that he was grateful that I wasn't hurt and he said he would never leave me alone at night like Jack did. When he said it, I felt butterflies form in my stomach. I don't know Ricky all that well. I don't think anybody in school really knows his story. Everybody just identifies him with the band. He's the drummer- and he's plays them really well too. I guess it just took awhile for me to notice him. Before I never used pay attention to Ricky or look his way but now he's one of the first people I seek out when I'm walking down the school hallway. I am the type of person who tries to believe the good in people. And I truly think that Ricky is a standup guy. He makes me laugh. He lightens up the most tense situations. For example, this whole "crime fighting cheerleader" scenario that has everybody so riled up.

Today is Sunday. The weekend defiantly went by faster than I would have liked. I quit cheerleading so I was a no show at last night's game. I insisted that quitting cheerleading should be my punishment for sneaking around with Jack. And trust me, it is the worst punishment. I was practically having withdrawal syndrome while sitting at home last night. My friends kept sending me texts messages saying 'Wish u were here. Luv ya. 3 ' It just made me sick to my stomach that I was punished. I never got punished. I betrayed my parent's trust . None of this would have happened if Jack wouldn't have kissed Adrian.. In front of the whole school.

I'm on my way to church - solo. For some odd reason my parents weren't up for church this morning. I knocked on their bed room door and they were quite cozy in bed.. It's not like them to miss church. I think everybody is just losing it this week.

I finally reached the front of the church rectory after walking all the way to church with my older brother , Tom by my side . I silently wished I would have asked Ricky for a ride but I knew he had done enough for me already and I hated to impose. I looked down at my outfit. It was conservative. A simple black cardigan, white top and floral skirt. I clutched my bible in my hand. There were reporters and cameras set up in front the church. Here we go again. I thought.

"I told you, you're a hero." Tom exclaimed nudging me.

"I'll be right back Tom okay." Sighing I decided to approach the reporter.

Reverend Stohn was already being interviewed. "Grace come over here." He insisted. "This is the young lady right here." He told the reporter.

"Are you Grace Bowman?" The reporter inquired.

"Yeah, I am." I replied shyly into the microphone. I wanted to clear the air and stop the gossip once and for all.

"Terrific. I really wasn't expecting you to show up- But I was hoping." The reporter said with a pleased look on her face.

"I just wanted to say that it's very kind for our minister to speak so highly of me after what I did. But that's just how he is. And that's how our church members are. Supportive and caring.. Even though I made a mistake.." I said.

"And what was your mistake exactly?" The reported asked.

Suddenly I saw Adrian and Jack get out of his car. Adrian was dressed in an outfit that wasn't at all appropriate for church. I turned back to the reporter, " I was sneaking around trying to see a guy my parents didn't want me to see. And it was wrong to do that.. Very wrong. My parents know what's best for me, they always have my best interest at heart. And I didn't listen to them. And so I found myself on a street corner late at night, waiting for a guy to pick me up to pretend to be my date.." I glared into the camera. "And I got myself into a very scary situation." I said, realizing at that moment how ridiculous I must sound.

"And then you got yourself out?" The reporter asked.

"Well.." I said smiling at the thought of Ricky shirtless, running to my rescue. "I think I must have had a guardian angel looking out for me."

"Oh. I see.. Guardian angel. That's the explanation?"

"Well, not everything in this life can be explained." Reverend Stohn chimed in.

"And do you have an explanation as to why your friend was shirtless?"

I blushed a little, "Well the guy that I wasn't suppose to be seeing dropped me off, so I called my friend and I woke him up and so he jumped out of bed, got in his car and raced over to help me out. " I explained. "You know, we like to think that when we do the wrong thing or make a bad decision that it only affects us.. But that obviously isn't true. I just wanted to say I am so sorry for any problems I might have caused anyone."

"Isn't that your friend over there?!" The reported asked .

My whole entire face lit up, "Yeah it is." And he looks so handsome. I thought. Suddenly it didn't bother me that Jack and Adrian had shown up at church. At least I could sit next to Ricky or talk to him afterwards. I honestly wasn't expecting him to show up at church.. But I was grateful to have a friend.

The sermon discussed the values of taking responsibility for your actions and I glanced over at Ricky a few times. He was actually paying attention and he seemed to be really connecting with the message. His eyes were up front - not like he was starting off into space but as if he was really listening. I bit my lip to hide the smile that was slowly creeping on my face. I just couldn't help it. He made me smile. I noticed that I wasn't the only one looking at Ricky. Adrian was also stealing glances at Ricky. She just wouldn't quit.. I can't believe she showed up at church just to make a mockery out of me.

When the mass ended Ricky ended up right next to me as everybody was leaving their pews and exiting the church. "Do you want to come over for lunch?" I suggested. Please say yes. I thought.

He nodded, playing it cool. "Sure, I'd love to Grace." He said. "Under one condition.."

I scrunched up my nose. "And what is your condition?"

"A turkey sandwich on rye. " He grinned.

I smiled brightly. "Sure thing.. Drummer boy." I teased.

R&R!