Sunlight streamed through the window and fell across the bed, warming Fayth's face. Sighing, she rolled over and pulled the covers over her head, wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep. But instead, her bedroom door slammed open at the same time someone said, "Good morning, Sunshine!" Groaning, she clenched the blankets tighter, but it was no use. A few seconds later the blanket and sheet were ripped from her grip and bright sunlight washed over her. Shooting the girl a glare, she buried her face in her pillow and curled into a ball.

"Come on, Faythy," Christina chirped happily. "Wakey, wakey!"

"No," Fayth mumbled.

"Don't make me get the water," Chris said in a sing song voice.

"You wouldn't," Fayth challenged.

"I've done it once, I'll do it again."

Growling, Fayth rolled from the bed, flipped the annoying girl the bird, and trudged toward the bedroom door.

"You love me and you know it," her friend laughed.

"Not at the moment." After showering, she returned to her bedroom and changed into a pair of light cargo capris and a black spaghetti strap. She combed her red hair and left it to dry around her shoulders, applied a little mascara and eyeliner, clipped on her pendant necklace and added her silver hoops. Turning, she glared at her friend again. "Why did you wake me up?"

"You mean other than the fact that it's noon?" Chris asked. "I was hungry and thought we could go to a diner or something."

Rolling her eyes, Fayth slipped on her black wedge heeled sandals. "You woke me up because you were hungry?"

The girl shrugged. "I figured you'd be waking up soon anyways."

"Let's go," Fayth sighed, grabbing her keys, cell phone and money from the top of her bureau. Out in the truck, she started the engine and backed out of the driveway while her friend found a radio station, and then turned the truck in the direction of their favorite diner. Glancing over, she saw Christina typing on her cell. "Who're you texting?"

Chris hit SEND and stuffed the phone into her pocket. "Tyler."

"And what are you and lover boy talking about?" Fayth asked.

Her friend shrugged. "Nothing much."

After sliding into the booth at the diner and ordering, Fayth rested her head on her arms on the table. "What should we do after this?"

Chris shrugged. "Movie?"

"I guess."

"Hey!"

Looking up, Fayth groaned inwardly as Christina smiled widely and waved them over.

"What are you doing?" Fayth hissed.

"Being friendly," Chris replied before moving over so Tyler could sit beside her. Of course that left one seat at the table. Shooting her friend a glare, Fayth slid over, giving Reid room to sit. The waiter came back and took the boys' orders and then bustled off to tell the cook.

"So, what are you two up to today?" Tyler asked casually, slinging his arm over Christina's shoulders.

Chris shrugged. "Probably going to see a movie."

"What movie?"

"Dunno."

"We should see Wolverine," Fayth pipped up, leaning back in the seat.

"No," Chris groaned.

"Why not?" Fayth asked, smiling.

"You know I hate X-men," Chris stated.

"Oh come on. Hugh Jackman's hot," Fayth said. "Please?" She let out a frustrated breath when her friend shook her head. "You're no fun."

"Well, Reid, haven't you been wanting to see Wolverine?" Tyler asked.

Fayth's attention snapped to the blue eyed brunette, but not before catching Christina's lips twitch. Then she remembered that Christina had been texting Tyler in the truck on the way here. And how convenient that the two boys just happened to come to the exact same diner. Her eyes narrowed the tiniest bit. What were those two up to?

"Yeah," Reid said slowly, eying his friend.

"Well, why don't you and Fayth go see Wolverine, and Christina and I can go to a different movie," Tyler suggested.

That was what they were up to. Those little--

"Sounds good to me," Chris chimed happily.

"Can I talk to you?" Fayth hissed at her friend. The boys stood and let them out of the booth, and Christina followed her out of ear shot of them. Fayth spun to glare at her. "You scheming little bitch."

"What?" Chris asked innocently.

"You setting me up with that jackass!" Fayth fumed quietly.

Chris rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "Number one, it was Tyler's idea, not mine. Number two, I only went along with it because both of us are sick of listening to the two of you complain about the other."

Fayth blinked a few times. "He... he talks about me?"

"That's what Tyler says. Well, he mainly complains."

"Complains about what?" Fayth asked. Reid thought about her?

Christina shrugged. "How you're a bitch and he can't figure out what you see in Aaron and shit like that." She smirked. "See? Got your attention. Now your curious."

"Maybe."

"Well if you want to find out what else he thinks about you, you're going to have to ask him."

"No," Fayth said stubbornly. "I don't care what he thinks."

"Bull-shit," Chris said. "You're just pissed."

"Pissed about what?"

"Pissed that as much as you hate to admit it, you still have feelings for Reid," Chris stated.

Fayth's eyebrows pulled together in a frown. "I don't have feelings for that prick."

"Oh, please. I'm your best friend, I can see through your lies." She sighed and stepped closer. "Please, just try a movie. See how it goes."

Clenching her teeth, Fayth glanced back at the guys, who seemed to be having a heated discussion. Taking a deep breath, she growled, "Fine."

A huge smile lit up Christina's face and she grabbed Fayth's hand and dragged her back to the booth, where their food was waiting. "Well we're okay with the plan. How about you guys?"

"We're good," Tyler grinned, moving over so Chris could slid in beside him. Reid's eyes narrowed slightly before he slid over as well, giving Fayth room at the table.

After eating, Fayth and Christina hopped in the truck while Reid and Tyler jumped into a black Hummer. Twenty minutes later, the four of them were standing at the ticket counter at the theater. After letting the door person rip their tickets, they started down the hallway.

"So, after the movies how about we all meet back at Reid's place?" Tyler asked.

"Why?"

He shrugged. "Since your movie starts first, it'll get done first. And since Reid's house is closest, we can meet there."

Fayth and Reid mumbled their agreements and headed for their theater. Just before they walked through the door, someone grabbed Reid's arm and pulled him back. Turning, Fayth saw a girl with long silky dark hair and bright green eyes. Her plump lips curved into what was supposed to be a seductive smile while the hand that wasn't holding Reid's arm slid down her side to rest on her leather skirt-clad hip.

"Hey, Reid," she said, licking her lips and letting her eyes travel the length of him.

Fire burned in Fayth's stomach as her eyes narrowed at the girl. She watched the girl's hand slid down his arm as she stepped closer, and the fire seeped into her veins.

"Hey, Tiffany," Reid smirked.

"It's been too long, Reid," Tiffany said quietly. "Where have you been?"

He shrugged and took a tiny step back. "Around."

"Oh, Reid," she giggled, making Fayth want to slap her. "You're always so mysterious." She took a step closer and Reid stepped back again. "We should hang out."

"I'm actually pretty busy," Reid replied casually, gently pulling his arm out of her grip.

"Aw, come on," Tiffany cooed. "I'll make it worth your while."

"Look, Tiffany. I had a lot of fun with you," Reid began, but was cut off when her lips crashed against his.

Wow, desperate much? Fayth thought. But the fire inside her had turned into an inferno.

Reid pushed the girl away and sighed. "Tiffany, really--" Again he was cut off by the girl's lips against his.

Rolling her eyes, Fayth sighed and stepped forward and cleared her throat. When the girl didn't pull away, she tapped her shoulder. Well, more like poked. The girl looked up and cocked an eyebrow. "Uh, Reid? Our movie's going to start any minute."

He nodded and pulled away from the girl. "Nice seeing you, Tiffany." And then he disappeared into the theater. Flashing the angry girl a false smile, Fayth turned and followed him. Reid stood by the door, waiting for her. "Uh, thanks."

"Friend of yours?" Fayth asked, walking past him.

"Sort of," Reid answered. "We fooled around a little, and she thought it was more serious than it really was."

"Oh. So it didn't work out?"

"She's too... clingy."

"So I saw."

As they took their seats, the lights dimmed and the previews began, but Fayth couldn't concentrate. Why had she felt jealous? Her and Reid weren't even together, let alone friends! She shouldn't care if some slutty girl wants to make out with him. She was over him anyways. Right?

* * * * * * *

The ride to Reid's house was extremely quiet, and somewhat awkward. Neither one tried making conversation and simply stared out the window. As they pulled onto the drive for the Garwin Manor, memory after memory washed over her. The days spent running around and playing hide-and-go-seek, the nights spent chasing lightning bugs. A smile tugged her lips up as she remembered.

"What are you smiling about?"

Blinking, Fayth looked at him. "Nothing." With a shrugged he climbed out of the truck and started for the front door. With a deep breath, she hopped out of the truck and looked up at the large stone building before her. It looked exactly the same, with vines climbing up the walls and the tree branches stretching over the roof. When the front door opened, she hurried after him, but paused when she stepped over the threshold.

"Reid! Give it back!"

The little blond boy raced up the steps and through the door, laughing the entire time. "You gotta be faster than that, Fay!"

Fayth ran up the steps and stopped right after going through the door. Reid stood in front of her, dangling the blond Barbie by her hair, his blue eyes gleaming. "Reid, give it back."

"You have to say the magic words," Reid sang, his lips curved in a smirk.

"I'm not saying them," Fayth said, crossing her arms. "It's stupid."

Reid took a step back. "Are you sure?" He took another step back. "Really sure?"

"Give it back," she whined, stomping one foot. "It's mine."

"Those aren't the magic words," he sang, taking another step backwards. "Come on, Fay. Just say it."

"Why do I have to say it?"

"Because it's the only way you'll get your doll."

Her lips pushed out in a pout and she frowned. "It's stupid. I don't wanna say it."

"Fay."

"No."

"Fay."

"No!"

"Fay."

"Fine! I... love you."

His smirk grew and he tossed her the doll.

"Fay?"

She blinked and looked up at the tall boy standing in front of her. His face had grown out of its child pudginess and became slightly more angular, and his blond hair hung over his amazing blue eyes in a sexy mess. Something in her chest changed, but it wasn't painful. It was a stutter in her heartbeat. That same stutter she used to feel when they were growing up.

"Fay, you okay?"

She licked her lips and glanced away. "Yeah. Fine." And now she couldn't deny it. She still had feelings for the blond prick.