Macy's POV

"He… what!" I exclaimed. I went over at Bea's house around seven. She was sitting on her bed, holding her old sketchbook close to her. I was wondering why she was so attached to it at this moment in time.

"It's no big deal," she laughed, "He definitely lifted my spirits… sort of."

"Good," I said. I believed her, "So what else did he do?"

"Well," Bea sighed, "He brought my sketchbook back… he looked through it." I was really surprised to hear that one. Bea NEVER let anyone touch her sketchbook. Joe, Stella, and I weren't even allowed in it and we were her best friends.

"Wow," I said, "What did he say?"

"I don't really know," she said, "We didn't talk a lot… I mean… he doesn't like to. I can tell why too."

"Just think," I said, "He's coming out of his shell… for you." She looked down, her face blank, "You know it's true, Bea. Something's going on in his head and it has to do with you."

"I-I know," she replied, "That's what scares me the most."

"Bea," I began, "You are alike… you are connected. Don't say you aren't. He, in a way, cares about you."

"He doesn't even know me… I don't know him," she whispered.

"He knows you more than you think," I said.

"I just…" she shrugged, "I wish people would stop talking in riddles. Let's just all come out and say that we were both abused so we should date."

"It's a lot more than that," I smiled, "You two could grow into… something amazing. You could be each other's escape.

"I wouldn't expect anything," Bea said, "Because I'm only letting him come to me. That's how he operates."

"By all means," I said, "Use the correct method. But don't ignore the facts, Bea. Don't ignore the facts."

Bea's POV

I've never had an "escape" before, other than art of course. That was the closest thing I had to an escape. But was Macy right? Could Nick possibly be a physical form of happiness? I mean, I was happy. What happened to me was so long ago. I wasn't expecting anything like that to happen to me again despite the random, disturbing flashbacks I have.

Nick, on the other hand, would always carry those repeated memories. Every family he's been to, hurt him. He lived off of pain and neglect. No one understood him, which is why I would always be bothered by the "Did you hear Nick" this and "Did you hear Nick" that. And… and he didn't deserve that. He deserved a happy life. I didn't know him… but I could tell he had a lot more potential then his numerous "parental figures" could see.

All I know is tonight, Nick reached out. And it wasn't something he would normally do. I would be lucky to see it again. That's the way I had to approach. If he came to me, then he came to me. I would do the same as I did a while ago.

Macy had left a while ago, leaving me to my thoughts. But all I needed was sleep. I felt so tired, so shaky. I wonder why that was.

Nick's POV

I woke up a lot earlier than I normally do. I couldn't believe myself. I was getting my hopes up for nothing. If I didn't want to get hurt, I would have to forget Bea. But what if I didn't want to? I'm not afraid to get hurt. But by Bea it might be a whole new level.

I walked to school in the cold. I tried hard not to shiver as I walked through the parking lot, letting everyone stare at me all they wanted. I didn't care what any of these imbeciles think of me… except for that beautiful imbecile sitting in her rusty green van. Without her seeing me, I managed to get a glance at who she was with. Considering she was pretty surrounded I walked past her. I wasn't sure what to say even if I did show up.

You have to believe me when I say that I really like Bea already, and I don't even know much about her. I wish I could have the chance. But there's that whole thing about taking chances. I'm not really good at it. It would just have to happen slowly, until I can figure out what I'm doing.

The rest of the day droned on, leaving me in mental peril. It wasn't good all the time to be left with your own thoughts, especially mine. But when art came, I knew something interesting may happen. Bea would be there and everyone would be whispering about the incident yesterday. As I walked in the classroom, I noticed that she was already there. I slowly assumed my seat across the room. Distance was key. It was like driving a car; I had to compromise space, let her come to me so I can come to her… if that made any sense at all.

"Bea," I heard the one guy she was with yesterday say. I think his name was Joe. He was helping her cheer up too, must've been a close friend in early childhood, "Big bash tonight in the old settler's park. You coming?"

"Uh, yeah," she said mindlessly. I hid my smile, she wasn't even listening. She was drawing something.

"Great," he smiled. Did he like her? I sure hope not…

Did I just say that?

It didn't matter. Because no matter what else could've happened, I wish I could go back and prevent Bea from going.

Bea's POV

The rest of the day dragged on and on. I heard something in art about a party but I didn't really listen to it. I said I would go (although it was a Tuesday). I didn't have any homework though. Plus, my dad wouldn't mind as long as I was back at a decent time. I haven't given my dad a reason to take away my freedom so I had a lot of perks.

"Hey," Stella caught up with me as I was walking out in the parking lot, "You coming tonight?"

"Yeah," I said, "Yeah I am."

"Cool," she laughed, "It'll be great. I'm hoping that by now Bryan with ask me out."

"Bryan?" I asked, "What happened to Jason?"
"Jason," she said, "Nope, doesn't ring a bell." I laughed in spite of myself. Stella couldn't pick a guy. So she hopped back and forth. I guess it wasn't the healthiest thing, but we're only teenagers.

"Alright," I sighed, "I'll see you then."

Joe's POV

It was about nine. I everyone was already in the park. I was planning on meeting Stella, Macy, and Bea there. But unfortunately I got a little lost. The old settler's park was pretty far out of town. Plus, when I was pulling in that jag off Kowalski nearly cut in front of me. He was such a jerk. He thought that just because he was heady for Ivy League that he was better than everyone.

As I got out of the car, I noticed him walking, "Hey, Lucas," he said, "Getting lucky tonight huh?"
"Uh, you've been drinking haven't you?" I laughed.

"What's it to ya?" he slurred, "Don't worry about it."

"Alrighty," I said.

"I'm going to tap that Bea chick," he said, "She's hot." My face went scarlet. I glared at him but stopped myself from saying anything. He wasn't going to hurt Bea. By the looks of how tipsy he was, he wouldn't be able to recognize anyone.

I started looking for Stella, Macy, and Bea. There was no sign of them. I ran into a group of girls who, of course, digged musicians (which I am). I'm sure none of them could even spell guitar but what's a little mingling going to do?

About an hour had passed when Stella and Macy had finally emerged, "Ladies," I said, "I'll have to take a rein check." I waved and met up with the girls.

"Hey guys," I said, "I've been trying to find you forever."

"Yeah sorry," Stella said, "We were following Bryan for a long time, making sure he didn't get himself killed." I chuckled but stopped.

"Where is he now?" he asked.

"By that old barn far out there," Macy said.

"But… where's Bea?" I asked.

"She told us to go on without her," Stella said, "She said she'll-"

"Oh no," I said, "We gotta go."

Bea's POV

"Bryan, why don't I take you home?" I called. He disappeared inside this old rickety barn. I was nervous to go inside, afraid that it would collapse on us. But he wasn't safe in there. I slowly came inside. I looked around but didn't see him, "Bryan?"
I turned around when I heard the door of the barn shut. Bryan was standing in front of it. He took out a pack of cigarettes, planning on lighting up, "You smoke?" he asked.

"No," I said, "But thank you."

"Mm," he hummed. He walked forward, blowing it in my face. I coughed a little but redeemed myself.

"Bryan, you should probably…" I stopped breathing as he moved forward, inches away from my face. I was about to say something when he kissed me, long and good. I pushed him away and slapped him across the face.

That was a mistake. It really was. It was like pulling the pin from grenade.