KIERAN P.O.V.

I wake up groggily to the sounds of birds chirping, and the heat of the sun radiating on my face. I open my eyes to see that I am outside, still fully clothed, but my shirt is rumpled with lipstick stains all over it. Nina.

I stand up and stumble as I do. Around me, the place looks trashed. Next to me lies Nina, who's wrapped up in Tyler's arms. There's no sign of Will. I feel for my phone in my pocket and take it out. I have 7 missed calls and 10 messages.

Shit.

My Aunt's probably pissed. Scratch that, she is pissed. I sigh to myself. Way to make a responsible impression in a new town. I put my phone back in my pocket and leave the house. Once I'm outside, in the front, I find the car and get in. I groan to myself. ...What happened last night?

Images flash through my mind. I remember having a couple drinks, sharing a hit of a blunt with Jake. I remember playing beer pong with Tyler, then going against Will. I remember sharing a few laughs with Will, and then having Riley join us, along with Emma. Nothing too serious. Good. As long as I didn't scare Will away with my honest feelings...or any of the others. I start the car, as I get ready to pull off I hear a knock on my car window. It's Will. I roll down the window.

"Some party huh?" He greets.

"Yeah. I didn't expect to..stay as long as I did." I reply.

"Nina's parties can do that to you."

"No kidding." I laugh. Will laughs too.

"Emma, Riley, and I are going out to get a quick bite to eat if you wanna come?" As much as I want to answer with a yes, and I really, really do. I know I cannot accept Will's offer. It's almost three in the afternoon and I have to get back home as soon as possible.

"I think I'm gonna have to take a rain check on this one, unfortunately."

"That's alright. Next time. Plus you have all of our numbers anyway."

"I do?" I ask, but then I remember. I huff a laugh to myself. "I do." I confirm. Will gives me a smile.

"Alright, well I'll see you around."

"You too." I say, giving a nod. Will waves goodbye and walks away from the car. He's so beautiful.

Time to make my way home, and endure whatever wrath awaits for me.

I stalk into the house, walking into the kitchen. I throw the keys on the counter and get a drink of water. I take two sips before my Aunt barges in with Eli in tow.

"What the hell Kieran!?" She shouts angrily.

"I'm so-" I begin but am cut off again by her words.

"No! No Kieran! I told you to be back no later than one in the morning, and you what, you decide to drop off the face of the Earth!" She sighs and runs a hand over her face. "I know you've had episodes before Kieran-"

"This wasn't an episode." I grumble. "I just partied too hard. It's no big deal."

"No big deal? You're not like other kids, Kieran." I stiffen. "You're different. You're troubled."

"I'm not what those demented doctors say I am!" I shout. "I've been off my medication for three months and I've been fine! And I'm fine now! Excuse me for having a normal life-"

"You're not normal Kieran!"

CRASH!

I slam my glass of water on the ground in agitation. My Aunt jumps and Eli grows defensive. The house is silent for a moment. The only sounds heard are my heavy breathing. My Aunt speaks up again, but calmly this time.

"I'm just worried Kieran. You've been through alot and I don't want you to repeat what happened last time. And I don't want you to repeat what you did to your dad. I need to protect you-"

"I don't need your protection." I retort. "...I'm sorry okay? I didn't mean to stay out that late. I didn't mean to worry you. Just...just don't make me get back on that stuff. Don't make me go back to that way of living. ...Please." My Aunt sighs and rubs her temple.

"That was the first strike Kieran. Two more and you go back on at least one of the medications." My Aunt takes the keys from the kitchen and leaves the house without another word. I go to get the broom to sweep up the broken glass, but as my hand encloses around the handle, Eli places his hand over mine. He looks up at me.

"I don't agree with her Kieran. You were just being normal. Normal people make mistakes. ...She's just got a stick up her ass." Eli says, smirking at the last part. He's right. But for some reason I can't help but feel that I'm in the wrong. I don't think that my mistake calls for me to go back on my medication...but I could've been more responsible. ...And she has put up with a lot, especially during my first month off my medication. ...Still. ...She wanted to take me in, so she has to deal with me.

I feel Eli place his hand on my face and I slowly turn to meet his gaze. His eyes bore into mine. "Stop." I say firmly, letting go of the broom and pushing past him. I go into my room and shut the door. I take off my shoes and get in my bed. I let sleep overtake my tired body.

(Ten Years Ago)

It was the third day that my father and I were on the farm. The boy's name was Will. I slept in the same room as him but on the floor. Every morning I would get up with Will and help his dad with some of the farm work. My dad included. We worked really hard because it was the summer season and Will's dad suspected that there would be a severe drought coming up real soon. I didn't talk to my dad much. He would always be out helping on the farm, or talking with Will's dad and mom, his dad mostly. I kept to myself. I would read most of the time. Will had a lot of books. He had a lot of everything. His life was perfect. That's why I didn't talk to him much. I resented him for it. I know my mother taught me better but I just couldn't shake that feeling. Why was his life so perfect? ...I decided to ask him. One day, when we were taking a break outside from the farm work, Will and I sat side by side on his porch sipping on some lemonade made by his mother.

"Why is your life so perfect?" I asked him.

"You think my life is perfect?" He asked, shocked.

"Yes. You have a family. Books. Lots and lots of pets."

"Those aren't really my pets. But I do have a horse."

"See, perfect." I grumbled, placing my glass of lemonade down by my feet.

"Well I think your life is perfect." Will responded.

"My life is far from perfect."

" Yeah right," Will scoffed, "You get to travel all across the country with your dad."

"Is that what he told you? That we're traveling the country?"

"Yeah. I mean it sucks that your house burned down, but you guys have been to New York, L.A., Washington, until you guys can scrape up enough money to find a place to settle down. And it sounds like he really loves you too." I laughed at Will's statement. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," I said, calming down from my giggle fit, "It's nothing."

"All I've ever seen growing up is this dreary place. This boring town. I've always wanted to see other places. Travel across the country. That's my biggest dream. ...What's yours?"

"Mine?" I asked. Will nodded. "...I wanna live on the moon." Will bursted out in laughter.

"That's the most stupidest thing I've ever heard." I shoved him hard.

"Shut-up! It's not funny!" I said folding my arms and huffing a huff of agitation. Will calmed down from his laughter.

"I'm sorry okay? Geez. It's just...why would you wanna live on the moon? There's nothing to do."

"If I lived on the moon, I'd be able to look at all the stars and planets all the time. I could see comets and shooting stars, and maybe even aliens. It'd be...magical. And I wouldn't have to be around my dad anymore. ...I could be alone, and happy." A beat of silence passed between Will and I.

"...How can you be happy, when you're alone? You wouldn't want anyone there with you?"

"My mother. ...But she's gone."

"Because of the fire?" I rolled my eyes at Will's question.

"Something like that."

Soon, Will and I were called back to work. While working, I realized that on that day, that the most I've ever talked to Will since first arriving on his family's farm.