Hey guys :). Out of all of the people who guessed the clues, only one of you got it right!

*drum roll*

FunOne007! *gives sticker* Congratulations. You have won the contest!

But…for all of you who want to know what the clues are…I'm not going to tell you! *cackles*

Anyway…. FunOne007, you will be in this chapter and the future ones. So, yeah. Okay. By the way, you sound like exactly like me. Really. That's cool.

Also, hi dogLOVER411!!!! I haven't said hi to you in a long time, so, yeah… XD

On with the story….

MPOV

"Max! Fang! Over here!"

"Hey, Iggy's here, too, you know!"

We all laughed and walked over to Zena and Ella. Zena had been my friend since fourth grade, the year I was brought up out of my shell by her.

*FLASH BACK!!!*

I sat hunched over at my own lunch table in the back of the cafeteria. I had no friends. I didn't want any friends. I wanted to be my own person and on my own. This is how I lived twenty-four/seven. It was the same at home. I get home from school, go up to my room, and lock myself in for the night.

Today was different, though. A girl walked up to me. She had dark chocolate brown hair with matching warm brown eyes. She had on a small sarcastic smile as she approached.

"Hey there," she greeted, sitting down.

"Hi," I squeaked. I didn't talk much, my voice was raspy

"The name's Zena. You say anything about it and I swear I will throw this banana at you." Zena held up a banana from her tray.

My lips twitched a bit. "Max," I replied.

Zena grinned "Sweeet."

I nodded.

There was silence for maybe a couple of seconds. Then, out of no where, Zena starts talking like we had been friends for years now. "So David, my brother, came home from college yesterday. Some winter break or something, who knows? Honestly, I think he might've dropped out of college. Quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised. Just saying. Anyway, he came home with this chick. I don't like her at all. She's a slut. I'm sure of it. Her name's Brigid. Ugh." She shuddered. "I asked David why he was with her and he was all like, 'She's hot'. Come on. So, naturally, I had to get rid of her. But I couldn't be found out. So, I took all her bras, filled them with pudding, and stuck 'em in the freezer. You shoulda seen her face! Classic! Anyway, after that, I melted all her brushes in boiling water, replaced her concealer and foundation with mud, and her blush with chili pepper. Then, the last stage was put into action. She hated animals. So I filled up her room with birds, dogs, and cats. Totally chaos! Ooooh, I wish you could've been there."

I couldn't help it, I laughed. It was a real, loud, natural laughed. Heads swiveled to look at me and I immediately ducked my head and blushed. Zena grabbed my chin and forced my head up.

"Don't be shy. Come on, who cares what they think?"

"I do…?"

"No you don't! And to make sure your courage is up to its fullest, we are going shopping today. And you know what I mean by shopping, don't you?"

"Buying clothes?"

She rolled her eyes. "You are so clueless, Max. Honestly, after years of my training, you'd think that you'd know by now."

"Uh…"

The bell rang and Zena jumped up, starting to hurry away.

I knew it, I thought. Probably just some dare or something to come talk to me.

But I was wrong Zena noticed I was following her, stopped, then turned around and sauntered back over to me.

"Well? Are you just going to sit there? We're going to be late to Math class!"

In a daze, I nodded, stood up, and walked away with her.

I had made a friend.

*END FLASHBACK!!!*

I had made friends with Ella a couple years later when she moved into our little town. We were all joined at the hip. Even Iggy and Fang couldn't help but feel free and childish around the two. There was just so much energy packed into their souls it was impossible to conceive.

Zena pulled me into a tight squeeze, Ella joining in a second later. We pulled back grinning.

"So, Zena how's David? Any more sluts brought over lately?"

Zena laughed. "Surprisingly no. Although, if he does, I'll give you both a call. We can all sabotage her!"

"What? The guys don't get any fun?"

Zen rolled her eyes. "No, Iggy, you don't."

"I feel excluded!"

"As a loner should."

"Are you saying I'm Emo?"

"No, I was simply implying it."

"If anyone is Emo here, it'd be either you or Fang."

"Since when do I look Emo?"

"Have you looked in the mirror lately?"

I watched silently as the two bickered back and forth. If Zena had a perfect match, it would be Iggy. They were in perfect contrast with each other in looks, but matched each other's personalities to a T. I would have to get them together one of these days…

Sighing, I turned around to Ella and Fang, ignoring the two in the background bickering away.

"I propose we all get some smoothies after school today. I'll ask Rob if I can get a discount."

I worked over at Java Smoothie. Coffee and smoothies all in one place. Plus, I got discounts. Who wouldn't want to work there?

Fang nodded and Ella clapped. "I haven't been there in ages!"

"We went last week!"

"I know!"

Fang and I shared a look before bursting into laughter. Ella huffed and joined Zena's side in the battle still raging on between Zen and Ig.

I elbowed Fang in the side. "You're quiet today Mr. Emo."

He quirked an eyebrow. "Mr. Emo?"

I nodded. "Don't worry Fang, I know all about your little secret. I found the knife under your pillow last night. There's nothing to hide. So, where did you get it?"

"I think the better question would be why were you in my bedroom in the first place?"

He caught me.

"Uh…"

He smirked. "Can't get enough of this sexy body, Maxie?"

I gagged. "Uh, gross much?"

His smirk grew. "Come on, Maxie. You know you love this body."

"Sad you have to believe your sister thinks you have an awesome bod to help your ego."

"Actually, you're the only one who thinks otherwise. My ego doesn't need helping."

"So you're admitting that you and Iggy have deep heart-to-heart conversations about your feelings toward each other in the middle of the night?"

His eyes widened. "What? No-"

"Of course not, Fang. You know, I'm a pretty good therapist if you needed some help sorting out those confusing teen hormones."

"Max, Iggy and I don't-"

"Oh, no, I totally believe you. Believe me, I do. But still, I think this needs help from the professionals."

"Please, Max-"

"Hey, I need help with some of my Algebra II homework. Can you help?"

Fang rolled his eyes. "Yeah, it's definitely that time of the month again."

I put my hands on my hips. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Your mood swings are giving me a headache, Max."

I rolled my eyes and took out my textbook and notebook. "Just help with the homework, Fang."

"Fine, fine. Lemme see."

I slid the book over and as we worked on problems, Zena, Iggy, and Ella continued their fight. Just another normal day in school.

Next chapter is at Java Smoothie. SNEAK PEEK!

I leaned against the counter, waiting for the hand on the clock to reach 5:00 so I could end my shift and pick up the gang. Subconsciously, I drummed my fingers against the counter. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

A boy with sandy blond hair and green eyes walked up to the counter and rapped his knuckles on the counter to get my attention. I jumped, startled.

"Um, hi there. What can I get you?'

"A smoothie, obviously."

"Well, we do serve coffee, you know."

"Yeah, but it sucks. No offense."

"Not my coffee. But it's true. I'll have to talk to Rob about getting a new brew."

"Please!"

I laughed. "Okay, what kind of smoothie tonight?"

"Strawberry-banana."

"Alright. $4.75."

He took out a five and when our hands touched, a tingle went up my arm.

Maybe I could chat with him a bit more…