Disclaimer:i dont own anything but corine.

author's note: Last chap. i went a bit O/C with Marko and David's characters i'm going to try to do better now.I'd like to credit all those who have reveiwed so far, those who both encouraged and gave input, thank you, i'm always looking to improve. Please read and reveiw, thank-RR

LB_LB

(Corine's POV)

I awoke to an afternoon sun, i had slept in for the first time in years. By that i mean that this is one of the first times i slept for and extended period without nightmares,since my mom died. I decided to take a shower since i wanted to look decent when i went out job hunting with Lucy. I figure i'll be in line for a few good ones in a few days after i turn only now do i realize is the 5th anniverary of my mom's death. I get out of the shower all squeaky clean and slip on my black jeans and my Iron Man t-shirt. I run downstairs and almost run into Sam.

"Hey Cori how'd you sleep?"

"Pretty well,Sam, thank you. No nighmares this time."

I smiled and walked into the kitchen to find Grandpa drinking rootbeer and having what seems to be a tired staring contest with Mike.A bit surprised at this I almost ask why, until i realize...there is one root beer left and Mike wants it. I almost giggle as i slip it from the fridge without either noticing it.I sip my soda as i go into the (not so) aptly named "living room",and prop my feet up. Soon i'm on my last sip, i look up and silently say:

'This one's for you mom.'

I down the last gulp and walk up to Lucy's room.

"Hey Lucy, um, when are we going out? I really want to get and early start, ya know around sundown."

"Soon, Hun,i just need to fix my hair and then i guess me and Sam can ride the bus up and Mike can take you on his bike,if that's okay with and mighty."

"Why is he ' and mighty'?"

"Well he won a staring contest with Dad earlier for the last few slices of cheese,and was very proud of himself. And now i think he's trying for the last root beer."

"Well he wont get it,it went to me and mom."

"Oh,honey i'm so sorry i forgot that was today."

Lucy comes up to me and gives me a motherly hug, I always did like her.

"It's okay Lucy, I myself didnt remember until i was in the shower. Besides i think mom is okay if i dont always sulk in my room. I think she'd rather me be out getting a job."

We both laughed a bit, as she put the finnishing touches on her hair, and we walked down stairs. Upon hitting the first floor i heard a 'damn' from Mike.

"Lost the staring contest?"

"Yeah, i guess i'll have to buy a soda at the boardwalk."

"It's okay i dont think you are missing out on anything,anyway, i'm riding with you, right?"

"Yeah if you want just dont forget you jacket or-"

"Helmet. I know the drill Bike Boy."

He stuck out his tounge at the familiar nicname, and i shoved him out the door behind Lucy and Sam, just as i heard Gramps yell:

"Who drank the last rootbeer?"

I Burst out laughing as I ran to Mike's bike, wanting to get gone before I was found out.

LB_LB

We get to the boardwalk just as the sun is going down. I see Lucy going toward some video store,with a help wanted sign in the window. Mike walks off toward some concert on the beach. So it's me and Sam, alone, with no adult influence.

"Comics?"

He asks pleadingly.

"Comics."

I confirm, and we are off to the store I found last night. One of the employees may be a douche but they have a good selection. As soon as we step in i notice bandanna boy isn't there. I smile inwardly,small blessings are a wonder. I see Alan at the counter and nod as I walk towards him.

"Hey again Alan,how are you?"

"Oh, Corine, hey. Umm i'm okay. And we just got in a new shipment of Tales of The Crypt, if you're interested."

A boy after my own heart, he remembered. But I knew he wasn't my type, he was a vampire hunter, and if i could i would be a vampire hugger.

"Not today,Alan ,but thanks for telling me. No,today I'm here on a strictly social call, but my friend over there needs some graphic distraction. But be warned, he's not into Horror like I am. If you are going to make a sales pitch, try something a bit more 'mainstream'."

"I'll keep that in mind."

He laughs a bit then looks over at Sam,with...longing?

"...Umm..do you know...if..he..would happen to be...availible?"

"He is very availible,just be careful, I'm not completely sure that he swings that way."

I gave an encouraging smile and walked toward the exit to look out at the beach. I looked up at the moon, a beautiful moon, almost full. I had to check my lunar calendar when I got back, i think it will be full by my birthday in three days. After a few minutes I looked over to find Sam and Alan talking. Alan was flirting and i think Sam was...flirting back? Well,go Sam. I looked back to the beach and saw Him walking towards the shop.

I yelled back to Sam that i would be just outside, and smoothed my hair as i sat on a bench outside the shop. Soon enough he walked over to the bench and sat next to me. I had this weird feeling like, a good weird.

"Beautiful veiw isn't it."

I try my hand at small talk, not doing too well.

"Yeah the veiw is beautiful from here."

He responds,only then do i realize, he's looking at me, while he says it.

"I'm Marko by the way."

"Corine, nice to meet you."

Smooth sailing so far, lets just hope we don't hit rough seas.

"So are you new here in Santa Carla?"

"Yeah I actually just moved here yesterday,with friends."

"You,too?"

"What?"

What did he mean, 'me,too'?

"Living with friends, I mean, I live with three good friends of mine."

"Oh, well, i live with people that i knew when i was younger, it's...complicated."

"Say no more, if you don't wish to, i won't pry. But i will ask, why Santa Carla?"

"Well that's part of the 'complicated'. But i might as well tell you."

Oh god, here i am about to tell this stranger my life story,am i really that lonely? Or, is he just that convincing?

"But there are two conditions."

"Of course,and they would be?"

"One:Don't tell anyone about this. And Two:Be my first new friend."

He smiled like a 5 year old.

"Yes! I love making friends, and i promise not to tell a soul."

"Pinky swear?"

"Is there any other way?"

We locked pinkys, but unlike others, we flipped our hands and touched thumbs,with our pinkys still locked. I'd never met anyone else that did that,it was only me, and Sam if i made him.

"Okay, kiddies get your blankies ready and have popcorn on hand, this will be a long one."

Marko crossed his legs and rested his head in his hands.

"Ready."

"Okay so it started when I was 9 and my dad died, i was really close to him, so it was a hard blow. Then when i was almost 11 my mother died, today is actualy the 5th anniverary."

I started to tear up, and Marko looked up at me sympatheticaly.

"You dont have to tell me, you know."

"I want to,just can we go somewhere with less people, I don't want to cry in front of a crowd."

"Okay, i think i know just the place, if you dont mind going for a little ride first."

"I don't mind at all, just let me tell Sam, he's like my little brother, i don't want to worry him."

We both looked back to where Sam and Alan had been, and saw them bonding over Super Man comics. Ahh young gay love, so adorable.

"Hey Sam, I'm gonna go for a little ride with a new friend, if lucy wants to go home, tell her I'll be a bit late."

"Okay Cori, just be careful."

"Yes little brother,i will."

I gave Sam a hug and followed Marko to his bike.

"It'll just be a few minutes to the cliffs, Okay?"

"Kay."

We got on and I zipped up my jacket.

"Don't be afraid to hold on tight, you might need to."

I tightened my grip and layed my head against his shoulder.

"Ready"

He patted my hand and we were off to the cliffs, i almost didn't believe myself, or what was happening, but i am happy that is is happening.

LB_LB

Cliff hanger before the cliffs,i know i hate cut-off chapters too,but i should have the next chapter up before thanksgiving. so it's not too long of a wait.

please reveiw,thank you