I'm seeing Nick Jonas on Saturday, and I really wanted to update before then. So here you go. Unfortunately, I didn't get a meet and greet but I'm gonna put my stalker skills to the test xD

This is kind of a filler, but I had to do this before the next chapter, where things will really get interesting ;)


"So Nate," Tess starts talking while we continue eating lunch. I look up at her and nod, urging her to go on. "I'm having a party next Saturday. Wanna come?"

I hesitate before answering her, thinking about the dates. "That's actually… my birthday, and I was gonna have a little gathering or somethin-"

"Oh!" Tess squeals, ripping her hand out from under mine as she claps them together. The rest of the table goes silent as the queen bee shows her excitement. "Your birthday? Well that changes everything. How about we just move the party over to your house so we can all celebrate with you?"

I stare at her for a second, trying to figure out if she's serious before looking around the table. Everyone looks back at me expectantly, telling me I can't say no. "Sure."

Tess smiles and goes back to eating, whispering with the girls around her details for 'my' party. I don't feel comfortable enough to chat with the others at the table since I don't even know them at all. Instead, as I vacantly take bites of my food, I look around the cafeteria. Before I know it, my eyes lock with Dana's, and it takes forever before I can pull them off her, looking at the other faces occupying their table. The rest look over at me, then their gaze falls on Tess before coming back to me. I can feel the judgment, I can feel the betrayal. I have to turn back to my own table.

Why do I care? They weren't really my friends. They were my friends through Dana, true, but until she realizes how bad Luke is for her, I'm not gonna follow her around. Whether or not the others want to hang out with me is up to them, though I think the glares I'm receiving means they won't want to be near me for a bit.

Lunch comes to an end and I head to English, where Peggy completely ignores me but at least Barron gives me a slight nod. Ella even moves to another table in chemistry, making our other table mates give me weird looks. I couldn't be more glad when the last bell rings and I finally can go home.

I made it to my Mustang without any sight of them and quickly drive home. I arrive to an empty driveway, with an equally empty house. Sighing, I drop my keys in the on the counter and pick up the phone. It's time to call the boys.

The phone rings a few times before it's finally answered. "Hello? Who is this?"

I smile. "Hey, Jason."

"How do you know my name?" he gasps.

I laugh as I hear scuffling on the other line. "Nate, you know you can't do that to him," Shane scolds me. "What's up?"

I sigh, my laughter finally dying down. "Same old, same old. I still don't understand why I have to be here while you guys are there."

"You know why you have to do this," Shane softly says. "You need to chill out before we try this again."

"I know." I absentmindedly play with my keys as I talk. "When can you guys come down here?"

"In a few weeks. We can jam like we used to." That gets me to smile again. "Listen, Jason is trying to stuff his red-necked stint into a birdhouse he just made, I gotta stop him."

"His what?" I knew Jason loved birds, but personally, they make me nervous. They're like flying death machines.

"He finally got a bird— but really, I have to go, bye." And with that, Shane hangs up on me. Groaning, and with nothing else to do, I put the phone away and grab my bag, heading upstairs. I guess I'll start on my homework. While yesterday was nothing but ice breakers and outlines for the year, today was all about getting started with school work. However, before I can start working on my chemistry synthesis questions, I hear the front door slam and the familiar sounds of bickering drift up to my room.

"Why are you home so early, Paul? You said you had a meeting!" my mother asked my dad.

"It ended early, okay," he snapped back.

I blocked them out and try to continue my work.

This is going to be a long stay in Stone Harbor.


The rest of the week, and the next week for that matter, go exactly the same as my second day of school. I get to school, see Dana with him, Tess drags me away, I eat lunch with her while watching Dana's table, and the others ignore me. Barron is the only one who seems to not hate me as much as the others, at least. He talks to me a bit before Peggy starts glaring at him. He grimaces, gives me a shrug and turns away. Every time.

But it's okay, I guess. I get it. I'm hanging out with their archenemy, therefore I am the enemy by association. At least until I ditch Tess and get back with my first group of friends.

Right now, though, I just need to see where this is going. My party is tomorrow, and I'm anxious to see what unfolds. Tess and her crew are obviously coming… but I invited Barron too and he said he'd bring everyone else.

This should be interesting.


Next chapter is where Nate will have to make decisions haha. I'll try to update maybe next week because I'm going to New York in 2 weeks then I start school -.- but we'll see. I look forward to writing next chapter :) It will probably be longer too.

Follow me on twitter at joannacamilley or KevinJonasArmy

I cannot stress enough how much I want you to review. CrazyKitCat seems to be the only one reading this haha thank you so much for your reviews! As long as I get a review each chapter, I will update :)