A/N: *This is important, so read it, beyotch!*

BEFORE I DO ANYTHING I'M TELLING YOU NOW THAT I'VE UPLOADED THAT LITTLE PREFACE THINGY SO YOU GUYS SHOULD GO READ IT AND REVIEW SO I CAN TURN CAPS LOCK OFF! Much better. Yeah, I know, I haven't updated in a million years, so this chapter is super long (over 10k words). I now have OVER 50 FUCKING REVIEWS! Words cannot explain how much I love you guys! Exclamation point! I have a feeling all the reviews I get from Luvurstory are going to make me laugh, so I'm looking forward to that. I've also recently decided to start PMing everyone who Reviews, Favorites, or puts this story on their Alert List. BE PREPARED! I might just force you people who sit quietly in the shadows to Review!

I was just thinking about it the other day, and I have no idea how long this story's going to be. My brain is an asshole, and doesn't give me ideas for how I should do things that need to be accomplished first in this story, only random ideas for things that happen later, or ideas for other stories altogether. My brain is an asshole. But I still love it. I'd be an even bigger idiot without it, so I'm glad it decided to be smart, haha. That's how brain functions work, right? Don't brains just decide whether or not they want to be smart? I'll look into that…

So, based on your guys' feedback, I'm using the surname Verlotte. Yay, now she has my initials :D Anyway, ignore my stupidity, and many apologies. I'll actually probably change the chapters I've already published so that her last name is the same as in the chapters after this one, haha.

Also based on your feedback, I'm not rewriting. I'm sure you're all jumping for joy now, or what-the-fuck-ever. So this story will be finished, and I will continue on with whatever story I feel like starting afterwards. (Reframe: Actually if you guys like the improved version better and you want me to, I'll put my focus on that one.) Do you guys want me to start with Bloody Memories, the sequel to this story, or something else, because I have several story ideas in progress (several of which I've already began writing).

And you know how Jamie's kind of awkward with the whole relationship thing with Alex? Well, that's supposed to be like that. I find myself in awkward moments about 10 times a day, so I wanted to incorporate that into my character, but with relationships, she's also had the company of many boys – though she's still unicorn bait – so on the other hand, she has that sort of confidence with guys. It's weird, because I'm weird, and my personality will be all cute and shy one day, and totally confident and "Come at me, bro!" the next. So yeah.

And you know how my descriptions for things aren't always super descriptive? It's because Jamie's sort of scatterbrained (because I am). She's very observant, but that's mostly with reading people and their body language, and she tends to be more aware of what's going on around her, rather than right in front of her. (She's easily distracted) Oh, and she's very high-strung (because I am) so nearly every time she's talking (which is quite often) her voice is very fast, but the people around her have grown accustomed to it, so they can usually tell what she's saying. Of course, there's still times where they have to be like "Wait, what? Say that again." Because my friends have to have me do that from time to time. Haha, it's 'cause I'm crazy. Anyways, so basically, all of my ANs, and Jamie's dialogue, I read in a very hyper, upbeat tone (unless it's a sad moment) so I would advise you do that, toooooo! (Back on track, away from the tangents!)

Alex is very observant, however, and he notices the smallest things. For example, like everyone has a sort of "tell" for if they're lying or not, and he's able to pick up on it, even if people are really good liars (like Jamie). I'll add little details to make this more apparent from now on, and in the sequel, so keep on reading :3

AND I almost forgot! You know how Alex has a…well like pretty much perfect physique? There is a reason! It may or may not be shown in this story, but it definitely will in the sequel. I don't know, if you guys really want to know, I'll put it in, but it'll only be gone over briefly, since this isn't his POV. *End longest AN ever*

*For FictionPress Readers!*

I feel so, so, so, so, sosososososo stupid! I completely forgot to even put your guys' AN in last chapter! I guess I was just a little too excited about updating, haha. Anyways, I'm so freaking happy I have over 20 Reviews now! Squee! It seems like it's more difficult to get Reviews on FP than FF for some reason, so I'm legit psyched I have this many Reviews. Virtual hugs to all (I'd make a heart if I could. Oh, well, less than three!)

Now that I think about it, your guys' ANs are always way shorter that my FF ones! It's probably because all the crazy flows out when I first start typing. So you should probably just read both the original and the FP Notes, so stuff makes sense. See? You guys get all this extra stuff! Aren't you lucky? (Or maybe not…I don't know, more stuff to read is Heaven to me, but I guess if you're sitting there thinking "'Eff this, uh jus wunnah read the dam storeh!" (My bad translation of Fangirl) that it's really not the great huh? Oh, no, that's what I'm doing right now, isn't it? Never mind! On with your reading!

Let my words whisk your mind into a different dimension! And my characters steal your hearts, to love and fap to! Wait…Lolwut? o3o Hey, look at that! It's a super long Author's Note. Crap, now I have to make an Old Spice joke.

Hello, Readers! Look at your AN. Now back to mine. Now back to yours, now back to mine. Sadly, it is not mine, but if you stopped to think (or not think at all) and let random shit come to your mind, it could look like mine. Look down, back up. Where are you? You're on my Profile, looking at my stories that you'd like to read. What's in your hand? I have it, it's this story with a chapter that you'll love. Look again. The chapter is now Skittles. Anything is possible when you just type what random thoughts come to your mind. I'm on a laptop!


"I am so stupid!" I screeched at myself.

I was throwing stuffed animals – yes, I still had a crazy huge collection of stuffed animals from my childhood; I'd never gotten around to getting rid of them – around the room like a mad woman, and I probably looked like one. I was going around the room, screaming, with a crazy look in my eyes.

I jumped when I heard the doorbell ring.

I knew who my mind immediately placed the intrusion on, but that outcome would only end horribly.

So I hid.

I launched myself under the covers of my bed, pulling them to cover my entire body. It was a really crappy hiding place, but it worked for the time being.

"Jamie! Hello! Hey, get your ass out here before I yell something embarrassing!"

Oh, it was Shelby.

"Alright. Hey, everyone, Jamie has wet dre-"

As soon as the first word left her mouth, I tore down the stairs. Both of us had no shame, but Shelby found it hilarious to fuck with us.

I wrenched the door out of my way, and tackled her.

"If you dare to finish that sentence, I will kill you."

She just laughed, even though I had her pinned beneath me on my front lawn. "You look like Hell grew arms and legs and started attacking people."

"Only when those people are being a nuisance."

She still just laughed. "Hey, Emily, say something to calm down the Hulk, alright?"

"Oh, hi, Emily." I hadn't seen her at first. I was a bit preoccupied…

My eyes darted around for a half-second, taking in Maddie's absence.

"Hi," she smiled. "So what was Shelby talking about before?"

"Oh, just that J has wet dreams about A-"

"You…will…die!"

"…Alex?"

I sighed, climbing off Shelby and dusting myself off as I walked back to the doorway. "Yes. Unfortunately, since I'm a teenage girl, and my body currently holds enough hormones to actually kill someone in their 30's, my libido is out of whack, I guess you could say." A smirk crossed my face. "However, since it seems my brain was made to reside in the gutter, it doesn't bother me all too much…"

She grimaced, which I took note of.

"Yeah, I mean, there was this one where-"

"No! I don't want to hear it!"

I giggled. "That's 'ight. It was nothing compared to what actually happened, though." My hand immediately smacked over my mouth. Word vomit, why do you loathe me so? Actually, I wasn't entirely sure I hadn't meant to say something…

"What?" Both of them immediately asked, though Shelby was much more in my face about it.

"Ah…" My split personalities were grappling with each other, fighting over what I should say.

Tell them! Every last detail! My gossipy side giggled.

No! Tell them nothing! Imagine the problems it would cause!

But I really want to tell them… It was a natural inclination I had. Everyone knew I was always the one supplying words to the conversation, so unless the information was off-limits, I would burst with the need to share it.

"…We kissed last night," a paused, biting down on my lip, "Actually made out is probably a better term…" the last part was mumbled mostly to myself, so I wasn't sure they'd heard.

Silence.

"Oh. My. Fucking…" Shelby trailed off. "I don't even…I don't even know where to begin, but I'm going to do this." She flew through the door, bouncing like a jumping bean. "Oh, I'm so excited for you!" Her voice was so high-pitched, it almost hurt. "We have to do something, you have to call him, and be like, 'Hey, just wanted to say that I love you,' or something like that!"

Emily was almost as bad. "Aww, this is perfect! You wanted him, right? So now you have him! Oh, my gosh, I'm so happy for you!"

"You guys act like I'm getting married," my tone sounded almost annoyed. Possibly because part of me was.

"Nearly!" Shelby screamed. "But don't worry, when that day comes your Bachelorette party will be unforgettable."

"Why aren't you happy?" Emily asked, looking worried. "This is good, right?"

I stared at her blankly, though my bubbly side was clawing at its restraints…

I finally broke, and started squealing, too. "Yes. Oh, my gosh, it was amazing, like…"

"Fireworks?" Her blue eyes sparkled.

"More like a nuclear explosion!"

"So he's a good kisser, then?" Shelby inquired.

"If by good you mean, able to make me practically do him after about 10 seconds, then yes."

"For real?" Shelby's eyebrows shot up.

"Yes. I felt really trashy after, though, because you know I want to…wait…" I looked away from her eyes.

"Yay, abstinence!"

"Shelby, you're not a virgin anymore."

"Oh, right."

"Well! Away from that point in conversation!" Emily cut us off. "What are you going to do?"

My expression became neutral again, and my response was instant. "I'm going to avoid him at all costs."

"No! Not likely at all!" Shelby frowned.

"I kind of have to agree. This operation is going full force." Emily smiled, determination glinting in her eyes.

"What does that entail?" I asked, voice dark.

"Anything we find necessary," Shelby answered haughtily, "So be prepared."

"I don't think that's possible."

She ignored me, hopping up the stairs to my room.

I followed, my shoulders slumped. This was going to be a long day. "Come on, Em. This is sort of routine. We're used to being at each other's houses, so we probably know them better than our own," I explained.

Shelby was already in my room – probably doing something I'd yell at her for – so Emily and I were alone, momentarily.

"You know, I still don't actually know who this guy is."

"Oh, I'll introduce you if the world doesn't implode first," I smiled.

"Fun. From what I've heard, I'm picturing a sort of Pete Wentz meets Boy-Next-Door."

I threw my head back in laughter. "I guess you could say that." I stopped momentarily, my eyes going off to the side in thought. "Well…no."

"No?"

"Mm…More of a…Frank Iero." I paused thoughtfully, a smirk playing over my lips. "But he still wins in that competition."

"That settles it; I'm definitely meeting him!"

"Uh huh. So how'd stuff go with your dance partner last night?" These deets needed to be spilled.

"It was amazing! I didn't really find that much out about him, though," she frowned, a thoughtful look coming over her face.

"Do you at least have a name?"

She smiled. "Nick."

"Not a last name, eh?"

"…No," her grin became almost apologetic, then shifted to shock. "Oh! I'm so stupid!"

"Don't worry, Emmer; happens to the best of us." I liked to try out nicknames, sue me.

"Emmer?" She gave me a "Did you really just say that?" look.

"What? Sounds cute," I pouted, giggling when she snorted.

"Are you guys making out around that corner, or what?" Shelby called out.

"Ugh, God no!" Emily's nose wrinkled. "Strictly into guys."

"And disappointing many more with that statement," I looked at her seriously. "…I'm kidding," I tacked on at her expression.

"What a relief," Sarcasm dripped from her voice. "Okay, so what are we doing? Being girls and just talking, or plotting?"

"Most likely-"

"PLOTTING!" Shelby screamed.

"Okay, so we're plotting." I smiled. "I take it about something I'd rather not discuss?" I looked pointedly at Shelby's manic grin as I entered the room.

"Of course! Like how you need to inform him about your lack of a gag reflex – in depth," she winked.

I snorted.

I figured either Emily had given up on even reacting to the bile spewing from our mouths, or she wasn't paying attention. It was the latter.

"Hey, so I was thinking, what if you just like…were up front about it?"

"'Bout what?" I turned to face her.

"The…thing. With you guys."

"Ah, I'm so glad you cleared up any doubts about what the subject of this conversation may be. Okay, sarcasm aside, I don't think that would work."

"Why not?"

"Well…I briefly mentioned how we're both kind of the same, in a way, and we're both kind of awkward about a lot of the same stuff. Honestly, I'd treat it like nothing – well, not nothing, but you know what I mean – if I kissed another guy, especially since pretty much all the other guys at this school are just using First Base as a segue to Home Plate, but he's different, like I explained, so it wouldn't work out, because that would make me awkward, and if I'm awkward, the whole thing is going to get all jacked up. 'Awkward' is a prominent word in my vocabulary." I hadn't stopped to breathe once, as I often did when I wanted words out. In that situation, I actually often tripped over my words, since they wouldn't come out fast enough.

"Oh. I see what you mean. I don't know. I think you should at least…try…to do something. It's better than regretting not doing something when you grow up, right?"

"All hail Emily Dubois, Motivational Speaker!" I raised my hands in a mock worshipping pose, causing her to laugh.

Over the past few days, I'd learned Emily was French, though English was her first language. Her parents were originally from France, but had immigrated to America, wanting to better understand "us Americans." Emily was actually born somewhere in the States; the Dubois had jumped from place to place in the U.S. before deciding they liked the life of our tiny, Californian city.

"I'm still planning on being a Lawyer."

"Don't care. Give speeches in your free time," I shrugged.

"Okay," Shelby said, serious for once, "Now, we," she pointed to herself and Emily, "are going to make sure she," she pointed to me, "gets with him," she paused. "Pretend he's right there," she pointed to the empty space beside me.

"Question!" Emily raised a hand.

"Yes, Miss Dubois?"

I snorted, which they both ignored.

"What if we don't know what the target looks like?"

"Good question. I'll point him out to you, so don't worry."

"Question," I mumbled.

"You're not allowed to have questions," Shelby said curtly before continuing. "Alright, so you guys were going hot and heavy last night-"

I giggled, which she ignored.

"And then what?"

"…Hm?"

"What happened?"

"Oh, he…left."

"Why- well no, I guess that makes sense…"

"Why are we talking about this?" It was a stupid question, but I really couldn't fathom why they needed to drag up all the embarrassment of the subject.

"Are you retarded? You can't really be asking that question."

"Bite me! This is just…stupid. I don't feel it's important to bring up something so personal, especially since I don't want to talk about it." I knew Emily would probably drop it if I pulled the Personal Card, so I was counting on it. Shelby would be more difficult.

"You had no problem telling us."

My head turned to the side so quickly, it's a wonder I didn't get whiplash.

Emily was smirking at me, clearly pleased with her statement.

I opened my mouth to refute the claim, but quickly closed it. I could argue all I wanted, but it was true; I'd basically dug my own grave.

"You can all burn," I hissed in a low voice.

"Don't worry, we're already going to Hell, so we might as well just live it up while we can," Shelby shrugged, quoting me. "Now, what can we do…?"

"Idea!" Emily chirped.

"Yes?"

I was thinking about how it was pretty stupid, letting me listen to their scheming, since that would make it so much easier to escape them. Well, it was good for me.

"Well what if we-"

"Wait. J, you can't listen in, you have to go."

"This is my damn house!"

"Don't care. Out."

"Make me," I folded my arms over my chest. It was childish, but I was not going to stand for being extracted from my own bedroom.

An absolutely wicked smiled slid onto Shelby's face, as she stalked towards me.

*Two days later*

I sat in my car, my entire body shaking.

I was terrified, but it was also freezing outside, so I would have blamed it on that.

Emily and Shelby had come up with a solution – that I wasn't aware of – to apparently get me and Alex together, and it was scaring the crap out of me. Shelby was crazy, and Emily seemed to lose a few screws when things involved a friend's love-life. Thinking about Saturday reminded me of Shelby's method for getting me out.

I certainly hadn't been expecting it. Honestly, I thought they'd pull some elementary thing and just carry me out.

But no.

Shelby had walked over to me, climbing into my lap. I didn't think much of it, since all of us were rather touchy-feely, but she took it farther when she kissed me.

I had no real problem with stuff like that – she'd pulled that once at a party – but it was a bit – a lot – nerve-wracking when she started to really kiss me. Like the type of things you do with someone when you're thisclose to hooking up. The addition of the heavy petting was what set me off.

I'd torn out of that room in record time, barely noticing Emily's shell-shocked expression.

I watched a few people pass by before I closed my eyes, sighing. Just get it over with.

I squared my shoulders before sliding out and making my way towards first period. I met my groupies about halfway, stopping to talk to them for a bit. Funny how you can go on about absolutely nothing for such a long time. I was in the middle of a sentence when I saw him.

He was leaning against a wall a few yards away, attractive as ever, his attention directed towards a small piece of metal I identified as a cell phone.

God, all the indecent things I wanted to do.

As soon as the thought was in my mind, it wouldn't remove itself, and it was slowly becoming more appealing, by the second. It would be a really, really stupid thing to do, but the more I looked at him, the less I cared.

I weighed my options, mentally waving my hand before I could lose the nerve. So I slowly stalked towards him, a no-doubt sultry look in my eyes. His eyes flicked toward me as I came closer, and looking into them made me throw away all of my caution. I grabbed a fistful of his shirt, yanking his mouth down to mine.

"Hi, there," I whispered after I pulled away.

"Hey," he smirked. "Everyone's staring, you know?" His voice didn't seem all too concerned for a change.

"Then let's give them a show," a said haughtily, our lips crashing together again.

I shook my head. That was all in your imagination, you need to snap out of it, J.

But he looks so good! Why didn't I do anything with that lip ring when I had the chance…?

Knock it off! This isn't going to work if you keep thinking like that.

But we have all our classes together, so it's not like I can really avoid him.

Shut up, you know you're great at stuff like that if you really want to avoid someone.

Only half of me does…

I frowned, turning back towards the group I was currently entertaining.

"Hey, I have to go, I was planning on meeting someone," I explained, quickly rushing off to where I always met with my friends.

"You better tell me what the fuck you're planning if you want to survive the day," I whispered harshly once I reached Shelby.

"Classified information," she responded.

"Emily?" I turned towards her pleadingly.

"Not a chance," she smiled.

I huffed out a breath. "Well if I don't have an anxiety attack, I'll kill you both."

"No you won't," Shelby waved me off, knowing my tendency to make threats I wouldn't follow through on. "And you'll thank us later."

"That's what people say when they're doing something someone doesn't want them to do!"

She shrugged, not bothering to answer.

"Fine. So, anything new with your boyfriend?" I asked Emily, eyebrow quirked. Emotions be damned, I could gossip all day long.

"He's not my boyfriend. And no, I haven't seen him since the dance," she frowned.

"Aw."

"Yeah. There's this one guy I think is pretty cute, though."

"Oh? Who?"

She blushed, "Well, he's really sweet, his name's Derek. He has dark blond hair and navy blue eyes."

"That sounds familiar. What's his last name?"

"Hurley."

"Oh! Oh, hell no, you cannot date him."

"Why?"

"Emily," I placed a hand on her shoulder, "Let me tell you about this thing called the metaphorical closet…"

"What does this have to do with anything?"

"Because he's so far back in, he's in Narnia," I explained.

She snorted. "No he isn't! He was actually flirting with me."

"It's called acting, Em."

"I refuse to believe that."

"Fine, but don't complain when he cheats on you with your poolboy."

She burst into laughter at that. "Fine. But I still don't think he's gay."

I nodded. "Alright. So you gonna wait for him to ask you out?"

"Of course! Obviously I'm not going to do it."

I rolled my eyes. "Do you know how many girls are the first to initiate a relationship nowadays? Guys actually think that's hot, you know?"

"No, it makes you look desperate."

"It does not. Only if you become some kind of stalker. But seriously, if you want to date him, initiate! I mean, don't just ask him out if you've only known each other for like, a day, but you shouldn't worry about it so much."

"No. I…I don't know, that's just embarrassing."

I shrugged. I understood the whole "out of my comfort zone" thing, so it was fine. But no one ever got anywhere by just swaying in the shadows. I didn't push it though. "Well, I would prefer you get with Mobster Nick, but if you're craving something fruity, be my guest."

She giggled, shaking her head at my obnoxious nature.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

I was walking towards the Office after school, going to pick up my uniform. I'd left it there that morning, since I didn't want it to get messed up in my backpack during the day. Our coach required us to wear our uniforms during every practice, pom-poms and all, since it helped us grow accustomed to performing in them.

I pushed the door open, greeted by a rush of warm air that returned the feeling to my fingers and nose.

"Anything I can help you with?" A secretary asked me with a smile.

"Yes, I left my Cheer uniform here this morning, I was coming to pick it up."

"Oh, let me get it," she replied, flitting into another room.

I shifted my weight to one leg, staring blankly at random objects in the room as I waited, my attention mostly occupied by the digital photo album that resided on the front desk.

"Here you go!" she returned, holding my duffel, embellished with our school's red and white colors.

"Thank you," I beamed, taking it from her perfectly manicured fingers and walking out.

I slipped into the bathroom to change, pulling my hair back into a ponytail. We had to always look perfect in uniform, which I was very adamant about. I smiled at my reflection, my skirt swaying around my thighs as I went out towards our regular practice area. I shivered at the burst of frigid air that attacked my skin immediately, my muscles nearly freezing completely. I shook my head, staring down at my feet in order to will them to keep moving forward.

Until I slammed into something.

Fuck, that hurt, I cursed internally.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't-" I stopped, when I saw who it was. "…Paying attention."

He looked down at me, taking in my attire. "Uniform, huh?" There was a strange bitterness in his voice I didn't understand.

"…Yeah."

Silence.

"Hey. Can we…talk?" I asked, not looking at him. "What happened…that was-"

"A mistake, right?" His voice was harsh, so I hesitated, trying to stop myself from focusing on the crack in the pavement that I suddenly found fascinating, and avoiding conversation.

"…No. It was…unexpected. And…it probably wasn't a smart decision, but it…" I paused, looking for the right words, "I don't regret it," I said finally, looking up to meet his eyes. I didn't bother worrying about the intensity my gaze probably bore, since this needed to be said. It's now or never…

"I…I…"

He said nothing, just continued to stare back at me with those eyes. Those impenetrable eyes.

"I like you," I said, my voice strangled, half whisper and half shout.

He still said nothing.

"…Okay?" I whispered after a moment, my voice more fragile than a spider's thread.

His gaze finally shifted, looking away from me for a half-second before returning to my eyes, a more hardened expression in place. "No, you don't."

He gave me no chance to reply before he turned on his heel, vanishing into the thick fog looming around.

I didn't move. I don't think I could.

I was shocked, to say the least. How could he think I'm lying? Have I been reading too much into things? What if he really doesn't feel the same way? Of course he doesn't, I mean-

He might just not believe you.

But …why, dammit? Why the fuck is everything so hard?

I was starting to lose it. That always happened to me if I was ever upset, I would get pissed off soon after.

But why? Nothing makes any sense…

"…mie! Jamie! Hey, Jamie!"

I remained motionless.

"Hey! What are you doing, we need to get to practice or Coach is gonna be pissed!" Maddie.

"Sorry, I'm coming," my voice was flat, even to my ears.

"Okay, good."

We walked in silence, which was out-of-character for both of us, especially when we were together.

"…I feel like we haven't really talked that much," I said after a while.

"Yeah," she responded curtly. Even now, I could tell she was avoiding conversation.

"So…what's going on?"

"Nothing," she shrugged. Her voice sounded too snippy for my taste.

Something in me just snapped, and I stopped, turning towards her. "That's bullshit and you know it Madison, now I don't know what the fuck your problem is, but I can tell you're avoiding me."

She turned, a glare leveled on her face. "Oh, I don't know, could it be your fucking PMS? God, what is your problem?"

"You! I don't understand why you're being such a bitch lately!"

"Me? Me? Oh fuck no. You just so fucking perfect and you complain about the stupidest shit all the time! 'Oh, I'm so ugly, I can't do this, I can't do that, you're so much better than me!' Shut the fuck up."

"What is that supposed to mean? Just because I'm not so fucking full of myself like you and go around bragging about how 'I'm so hot and obviously everyone wants to get with me, I just feel bad for everyone who isn't as fortunate as I am!'"

"That's bullshit!"

"Bitch, no it is not! You say stuff like that all the fucking time!"

"Are you that fucking stupid, you can't understand a fucking joke?"

"Are you that fucking stupid, you can fool yourself into thinking it's a joke? Because everyone else can tell that you're being serious!"

"What's going on, here?"

Our heads both whipped in the direction of the voice.

My heartbeat skyrocketed. If it was our coach, our lives would pretty much be over. For fighting – especially the way we were, right now – we'd be off like that. It was one thing to not make it on the squad, since only the best were accepted, but being kicked off was, by far, one of the worst things that could happen to anyone at this school. It was social humiliation, something that may or may not actually kill me.

Thank God, it was just one of our teammates.

"Jess?" I asked tentatively.

"Yeah. Um, what's going on? I heard yelling…"

"Nothing," I replied quickly. "Don't we need to get to practice?"

"Yeah, Coach actually sent me, since you guys were taking so long."

"Oh, sorry about that."

"It's fine, but you should probably hurry."

I took heed of her advice, though my head was still reeling.

Ugh, that bitch!

No, stop it!

I was causing drama because of my own issues, and that was stupid. Granted, I wasn't the only one in the wrong, but I was causing the conflict, as of now.

I think logically about everything, huh?

Not about your love-life.

I frowned. If my mind was a person, we'd either be best friends, or total enemies.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

I was dripping sweat from practice, even though it was about 40 degrees outside, but we worked our damn asses off, so honestly, people could go fuck themselves if they said Cheerleading wasn't a real sport. We worked harder than most people who played "real" sports.

I hadn't changed out of my uniform, but I'd let down my hair, and for some reason, the mostly undone curls looked perfect in a reckless way.

Maddie and I had strictly avoided each other the whole time, which, for right now, I was more than fine with. I shook my head, the hostile thoughts falling away with the movement.

They were only to be replaced by other ones, though.

No, you don't.

The scene kept replaying in my mind, and that same feeling crept back into the pit of my stomach along with it.

I glanced at the clock on my dashboard, having to stare at it for several minutes before I registered the time. About 20 minutes had passed since I'd first begun to leave. I took note of the lack of feeling in my hands and feet, and quickly turned my car all the way on, blasting the heat.

This was a really stupid idea, and it was terrifying, just thinking about doing it. But I needed to. I'd learned a long time ago, you never got anywhere if you didn't take risks, whether you knew they could completely screw you over if they failed, or not. You'd almost always end up regretting not trying when you had the chance.

My eyes were far away, and it was really dangerous, but I wasn't really paying attention to where I was driving. The next thing I noticed was the vaguely familiar wrought-iron gates and the sound of a voice squawking through an intercom system, asking me what I was doing there.

"It's Jamie. I'm here to…see Chad." I grimaced at the way the words sounded.

The gates opened after a moment.

Of course it would work.

I drove through, yanking the gear into Park and turning my ignition off. I just sat there, though. I breathed deeply through my nose, trying to gather my haggard thoughts. What I was about to do was stupid, but I couldn't think of any other ideas. And I would die if it didn't work.

I strolled up to the door, my walk slightly flustered by the way my body was shaking.

From the cold, of course.

I knocked lightly on the large wooden doors that now seemed so ominous to me, and was met with an unfamiliar face. It was a woman, who I noticed was of Hispanic decent after a moment. She was slender, medium-height, with tanned skin, dark brown eyes and hair, and a sort of exotic beauty.

"May I help you?" She asked with the smallest hint of an accent.

"Yes…I'm here for…Chad." The words still felt bitter in my mouth.

"Oh," I noticed the shift of her voice. She probably thought I was another one of his booty calls. "Come in," she appraised me as she spoke, much to my irritation. "I assume you know the way to his room."

Yep. Definitely thought I was another booty call. I suppose the Cheerleader get-up wasn't exactly helping, though…

"Yes," I snapped, eyes narrowed. "Thank you for your help."

I saw the way her eyebrows rose as I turned, walking down that hallway. I glanced back, glad to see she had disappeared, so I kept walking, stopping at the door I actually wanted to find. I almost opened it, before I decided that probably wasn't a good idea. So I knocked.

I heard a very irritated "What?" through the door.

"It's Chad," I responded, mimicking his voice rather uneffectively to my own ears.

The door was tossed open within seconds, however, and his tall form was in front of me, though his eyes were closed, an almost pained expression on his face. "Don't you ever get tired of me telling you to fuck off?"

His eyes opened when I didn't respond, and I nearly shrank back from their hostility. They widened, morphing to something slightly less intimidating. "What are you doing here?" His tone was sharp, but I'd been expecting that.

"I…" I trailed off, trying to gather my thoughts. "I know that you don't think I'm being truthful when I…vocalize my…well…my feelings…but…I need you to-"

"No, this is all bullshit-"

"No, it's not if you would listen-"

"What's the point?"

"Please, just let me-"

"No. This is just stupid, because you're you, and I'm me, and there is never going to be anything there!"

I felt like my entire world had just been shattered. "…Why?" I choked out.

"You're really going to ask that?" He laughed bitterly. His gaze was so intense – like it always was – but this time, in such a dark way. "Take a look at where we are. We're in high school. Nothing like this happens, except for in a bunch of stupid fucking books and movies, and even if it did, not a damn thing lasts more than maybe a year, because that's how this shithole of a world is, so just sto-"

I silenced him with a kiss, hard and fast. For a second, it almost felt like he kissed me back, but I pulled away, just an inch, staring right into his eyes. "You can't look me in the eyes and tell me you don't feel something, too."

With that, I swept out, willing tears not to fall. I didn't know why I was being so emotional; nothing had ever taken control of me so much, possessing every thought, feeling and action I had, even when I hated everything about life.

I think that very clichéd half of me was willing him to come out after me, and sweep me up and just kiss me as dramatic music played in the back-round.

The funny thing about clichés? They almost never happen.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

I woke up the next day to a dark and bleak morning. It was freezing, even while I was wrapped in a furry blanket and a comforter, so I had no intention of leaving my bed. Even though I had school.

Fuck school. Fuck everything.

I was not leaving this bed today whether or not I was murdered by my parents for my recently shitty attendance record.

My life really has become affected by this boy…

No! Don't even think about it!

A lone tear rolled down my cheek.

Too late…

I laid, not moving an inch, except to shiver at the low temperature. I was surprised my parents hadn't yelled at me for not getting up. Maybe I was actually lucky for a change.

"Jamie Verlotte! You need to get ready for school or you'll be late, ya slacker!"

Or not.

I sighed. My mother was like me, and she didn't do the bullshit. She also understood how to not hover, which was good. But she could be kind of abrasive, and I didn't want to hear a single thing right now. "I don't feel good," I whispered, mimicking the breathing pattern of someone with a sore throat.

"You don't sound good," she observed, holding a slender hand to my forehead. "You feel kind of hot, too."

I nodded.

She looked as if considering something. "Alright…you can stay home." There was a strange look in her eyes, as if she knew I was lying, but was letting it slide.

"…Okay," I said hoarsely.

She smiled, brought me some medicine – that I think we both knew I wouldn't take, sick or not – and bode farewell when she left for work.

I just laid and slept periodically, though I got up once to apply makeup – for some reason, I had a peeve where whether or not I was going to see other people, I had to look presentable, otherwise I would be embarrassed to even look at myself – and another time to fetch the iPod I'd abandoned so long ago.

I stared at the empty blackness of the screen, thinking it was a good representation of my old self. I'd once labeled my iPod as my most prized possession, but I had tossed it away, never to be seen again, once I'd become the person I'd dreamed of always being.

I think I was scared other people might see my song lists, and write me off as a freak, but that couldn't have been the only reason. There was something else, some other explanation for why I'd kept the unoffending device away for so long, even though I missed it more often than not.

I flipped through my song selection lazily, the smallest of smiles on my face at the return of my precious music. But nothing seemed to fit my mood like I'd like it to. I kept sliding down before something registered, and I quickly scrolled back up, my eyes staring at the song title I'd skipped over.

I tapped it lightly with my finger, the first notes of the song already making my eyes prick with unshed tears.

Well, when you go

Don't never think

I'll make you try to stay

And maybe when you get back

I'll be off to find another way

And after all this time that you still owe

You're still a good-for-nothing I don't know

So take your gloves and get out

Better get out

While you can

When you go

Would you even turn to say

I don't love you

Like I did yesterday…

My tears were falling heavily now, and I knew there was no way I could stop them.

And I laid, crying silent tears, like the pathetic damsel I would have kicked myself for being if I'd been in my right mind.

But I still laid, my phone ringing every once in a while. First, a call from Shelby, then random ones from others in my main, other "clique." A little rush went through me at the sound of each one. I knew who I wanted it to be, but I knew that was impossible, so I forced myself to brutally murder every bit of hope before I answered each call.

The next time I woke up, it was about 6:45.

I rolled over, and I felt like I'd never felt worse in my life. Everything just felt…wrong. I couldn't explain it.

My phone alerted me to a new text, one of about 30 I'd slept through. I went through each one, starting with the oldest, before I got to the last one.

"Life sucks."

I hadn't uttered those words in years, and they left a foreign taste in my mouth.

But it was true. Life did suck, no matter how you looked at it. It would always find some way to suck, even if you thought you were finally happy.

I sighed, falling back to sleep.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

I now found I couldn't live without my iPod, and there wasn't a thing I did without it for the past couple days. I could remember back to a time where my dependency on the small piece of metal was similar, and I questioned how one person could make me feel all the same degrees of awful as I once had.

"You look bad," Emily murmured, her voice barely louder than the music in my ears; the same song I'd been playing nonstop for days, now.

I probably did. I hadn't gotten much rest, and when I had, I was crying myself to sleep. I was beginning to wonder if my sudden – and rather violent – emotional outbreak had something to do with the fact that I never admitted I actually had feelings, and kept everything hidden beneath my carefree exterior.

"Yeah," I smiled, only lowering the volume a bit, "Thanks, Em."

"Oh, well, not that you look…bad…just-"

"Didn't you just say that?" I quirked an eyebrow at her, smile still in place. No matter how messed up everything was, I'd still enjoy messing with Emily.

"Well, no that's not what I-"

"I was kidding," I cut her off before she could have an anxiety attack. "I know, I look like shit, you could say that, and I wouldn't get offended."

"I would never say that. But no, I was just saying, you seem…"

"On the verge of suicide?" I breathed dramatically, holding the back of my hand to my forehead.

She snorted. "Not exactly. But apparently, you're well enough to still make fun of me, so I guess nothing's wrong."

"You would be right. But making fun of you isn't that hard, Em. You make it too easy."

"I do not."

"Yes, you do. I mean, with your little stomps and everything."

"I do not!" She squealed, becoming agitated again.

My wicked grin probably gave me away, and she sighed. "Fine. Yes, it's easy to make fun of me."

I smiled, slightly less sinfully this time, at the fact that I'd probably convinced her there was no problem with me. It wasn't all too difficult; Emily was probably one of the best people in the world to confide in, but she wasn't all too observant. It didn't matter, though. Lord knew she had her own problems to worry about.

We were on our way to a class, when we came across the person behind all of my – most recent – issues.

It wasn't like how books or movies make it out to be. I didn't feel like I was slowly dying, or being ripped apart, piece by piece. I did, however, feel a small jolt run up my spine, but otherwise, my years of never showing a thing came back to me, and I walked on, sparing him only a glance.

But as Fate would have it, he looked at me right when I sent that glance.

This time, it was how books and movies make it out to be. Time didn't necessarily stop, but there was something there that could only be captured within the clichéd pages of a romance novel.

But clichés would not rid me of my pride, so I showed nothing as my eyes quickly averted themselves, going back to Emily's bubbly chatter, and a simple line whispered in my ear,

I don't love you, like I loved you yesterday.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

*I'm outside if you want to talk*

My eyebrows furrowed, as I stared blankly at the text. I had to reread it about three times before the words finally registered, but they still didn't make any sense. I looked at who it was sent from.

Of course. How obvious.

I immediately hit the Reply button, about to say I'd be out.

Then I stopped.

No. This has gone on too long.

I glared down at the small, lighted screen, willing my words to sting as much I wanted them to.

*Fuck you*

I sat, staring at my phone, nearly willing it to go off with a reply.

But it didn't.

I was concentrated so hard on my phone I gave out a small shriek when I heard a faint thunk against my window. I traced the source of the noise, noting it came from my window.

Stones.

Oh, could you be any more ridiculous?

I ripped my sheets away, not even flinching at the cold before I stalked over to my window, wrenching the frame out of my way. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

"Trying to get you to talk to me."

"You didn't seem too keen on that when I wanted to," I hissed, "In case you haven't noticed, that ship has sailed."

"Please, listen to me."

"No! You can go fuck off for all I care because this is all stupid!"

"Will you tell me what you were going to say before I acted like a complete douchebag?"

"No. Read my lips. Fuck. You."

I moved to close the window again, since the cold wind was beginning to strip all feeling from my exposed skin.

"Wait!"

"What?" I snapped.

"I thought you didn't regret it."

I froze.

I wasn't very much a person for guilt trips, since it's hard to feel guilty when you usually act heartless. But for some reason, it just struck home. Probably because every little bit of me believed it so much that it hurt.

"…I'll be down in five."

I closed the window, turning away. I had no idea what I was going to do, but I would probably have to do it well.

I yanked on a pair of jeans and a warm sweater, checking my hair and makeup to see it was – for reasons unknown – perfect, though I did look a bit lifeless.

I slid down the stairs and out the door, greeted by that grey I could never get out of my mind.

"Well?" I quipped.

"Just…talk to me…"

"What do you want me to say?" My voice was not friendly, and I knew he'd take notice.

"Whatever you want."

"There are lots of things I want to say to you, but I doubt you would find them very positive."

A flash of something passed through his eyes, "I want to hear the truth."

"That's a pretty fucking broad spectrum, since on the one hand, I'm fucking pissed off, because you've been acting like a complete asshole since I tried to say fucking shit, but on the other, I'm completely unable to even stay angry!"

His hardened expression became slightly upbeat.

"I mean-I…you piss me off! That's the truth!"

"And?" He asked quietly.

"And fucking what?"

"And what about the other hand?"

I opened my mouth, about to say something along the lines of how he could go fuck himself because there was no other hand, but something stopped me.

I took a deep breath and said what I'd meant to a long time ago; what I'd all but rehearsed saying to him.

"…Well…I'm…not good with these kinds of things, since I don't usually…like to…bring up how I actually feel, but…I…well, I don't even know how to explain it," I laughed breathlessly, "but…I'm not lying when I say that, and I don't know how I could prove it, either, since you don't seem like you believe a word I say, lately, since…things like this…they don't really make any sense, do they?" I stopped to breathe, since it seemed like I couldn't get any air in my lungs. "But…I like you!" I exclaimed, suddenly gaining confidence to go a bit further. "And when we kissed, it was amazing, and…I can't help but feel like I want to be closer to you all the time, and I know I probably look like a crazy person right now, and I-"

My words were cut short by his mouth on mine.

"I believe you," he whispered against my lips.

I looked up into his eyes. That cold, hard steel had become sparkling pools of silver.

A smile slowly spread across my face, and I felt like I could breathe again. Happy, overjoyed, ecstatic, delighted, elated, thrilled, blissful…I could list every word in the dictionary that could describe how I felt, but none of them would be enough.

I pressed our lips back together, and I felt like I was surrounded in a ray of sunshine. Oh, those were his arms around me.

"So…what does this mean?" I asked, after we'd made our way into my room.

"No idea."

"Well…what are we, now?"

"No idea."

I smiled. "You're helpful. There's going to be such an uproar," I murmured after a moment, looking into his eyes mischievously.

"Who cares?" he shrugged.

I raised my eyebrows. "Usually you do."

He smirked, pulling me into his lap, "It'd be worth it."

I didn't register his words at first. "What?"

"It'd be worth it. More than just worth it, actually," he mused.

I was glad he couldn't see my face, so he couldn't see the blush that crept up to color my cheeks. I cleared my throat, "Oh?"

"Definitely." He began playing with a stray lock of my hair. "I hate to sound obsessive, but -"

"Actually, most girls like it when boys are obsessive."

I heard him chuckle. "Well then it works, doesn't it?"

"Definitely," I giggled. "So what, do all the couple-y things start now, or what?"

"Only if you want them to."

He's kidding, right?

I turned to face him, my incredulous expression not masked, "You're kidding, right?"

"…No?"

"Obviously I want them to start! I didn't make a fool out of myself going on about Love for nothing, did I?"

"Love?" He quirked an eyebrow.

"Well, I-um, well, I-I-I didn't mean it like-like that," I stuttered, embarrassed by my careless choice of words.

He didn't bother hiding his laughter.

"What?" I asked, exasperated.

"Nothing. I just always thought it was funny when you trip over your words. It's adorable, too," he whispered the last part in my ear.

I was reminded of a time when we'd first met. He'd accidently called me cute when I was annoyed at him for something. "So you get a kick out of me when I'm pissed off, too, huh?"

"Yep," he murmured against my cheek, "It's kind of fucked up, but you looked amazing while you were cussing me out."

I laughed, pulling his arm tighter around my midsection. "Interesting."

I would blame it on the fact that we'd – finally – just admitted our feelings to each other, so we were rather touchy-feely.

We sat in silence for a while, just basking in each other's presence, while he stroked his fingers through my hair, and I traced random patterns on his arms. It was a comfortable silence, and for once, I didn't feel the need to fill it with my mindless chatter.

"You know, we're talking about absolutely nothing, and it's still not boring or anything," I pointed out.

"True. You're not exactly a boring person, so that could have something to do with it."

"Give yourself more credit. I wouldn't be talking to you now if you weren't interesting."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. You got that whole mysterious emo thing going on. It's very attractive."

"Oh?" He asked again, turning me so I was facing him.

"Very."

"Well your whole Girl-Next-Door image is rather misleading."

"Girl-Next-Door? How? And how is it misleading?"

"You're very…innocent-looking," he smiled at my mock insulted expression, "but I know for a fact that's not entirely true."

"Oh, with all the cutting and depression? Yeah, I guess." And the sex dreams, I added mentally.

He laughed. I marveled at the sound. It was lovely, now that I paid attention to it; it had a deep timbre, and I felt the vibrations it sent through his chest.

"Well, yeah. And the cursing and the slander…" his eyes veered off to the side as he listed things.

"Hey, you do that, too!" I pointed an accusatory finger to his chest, and he unfurled my small fist, taking it in his hand.

"Yes, but I'm a mysterious emo," he replied.

"Fine," I said simply, more distracted than I should have been by the way our hands looked together, fingers intertwined, to argue.

I eventually regained cognitive function, bringing up the matter at hand, "Well, we might as well beat the Rumor Mill to it, and just be up-front about everything."

"True."

"So how should we do it?" My voice became dramatic, "Declare our undying love with a session of PDA for all the student body to see?"

He scoffed. "How about not? Just if anyone asks, be honest."

"That's way different than telling everyone."

"So?"

"I thought I was 'worth it' or something stupid like that." Oh, crap, that sounds mean. Why am I so anti-heartfelt-things?

"Well," he smiled a tiny smile and pressed our foreheads together, effectively vaporizing my train of thought. "It's definitely not a lie."

I stared up at him, at his eyes radiating this special warmth I'd never seen before. I tilted my head up, eyes fluttering closed.

We were there, kissing for what seemed like forever. There was nothing rushed about it, it was just…sweet. Like a perfect romance movie moment.

x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x

*So today's the day, huh?*

*I guess. What do you think everyone's going to do?*

*Start a riot, but who cares, right?*

*Not me*

*Because I'm just so amazing?*

*Of course*

*Haha, thanks. Hey, meet me by our first period when you get there*

*Sure*

I smiled, tucking my cell phone back in my pocket. I was a little apprehensive about today, but in all honesty, I thought things were going pretty fucking awesome. I'd neglected to tell Shelby or Emily about a thing, and I was planning on waiting to tell them along with everyone else. But if I was feeling nice, I'd tell them this morning.

I jogged to my car, turning the heat on as soon as possible. I cringed. It was blowing cold air at me for the time being. Before, I'd managed to get the key in the ignition after a few tries, since my hands were shaking so badly – along with my entire body.

I turned up the radio, singing along to a random pop song, trying to distract myself from my lack of heat.

I finally warmed up – as soon as I pulled into the parking lot, of course – so I sat, attempting to salvage what little benefit I could from it. I gave up after a minute or two, though. My entire body burst into shudders as soon as I left the car.

God, I hated Winter.

"Hey."

I turned. "H-hey. What are you doing? I thought w-we were going to meet over by-"

"Didn't want pneumonia," he smirked.

"Reasonable," I shivered. "Well, I guess-s if w-we walk ont-to campus together, th-that'll make things e-easier."

He gave me a look before sliding his jacket onto my shoulders. It was ridiculously warm, and had a faint, delicious scent. I was touched, to be quite honest. It was a total cliché, but I loved it. "Wait, no put it back on!" I pushed it back towards him, tremors rocking through my shoulders. "You'll get sick or-r something!"

"High immunity," he replied nonchalantly.

"I don't care! I'm f-fine, I'm cold, but I won't c-catch somethin-ng. I actually get co-old very easily, s-sometimes I'll be q-quite cold on ver-ry sunny – w-wait never mind," I shook my head, "No, p-put it back on." I didn't even notice how screwed up my speech was.

He stared at me for a long while, before sighing and shrugging it back on.

"See? I'm f-f-fine." Why, stutter, why?

He looked at me, doubt clouding his features. "Fine, here," he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

"Holy shit, you're warm," I mumbled, moving closer towards him.

He chuckled, rubbing my arms to create friction. "It'll be rather difficult if we walk like this."

"Difficult is not a problem for me," I said quickly. "Plus, we're not the only ones doing it," I gestured to a few other groups with the same idea.

And who cares if we're seen together like this? The thought was unspoken, but we both seemed to be thinking it.

He shrugged, and we walked like that, with me leading the way to Shelby and Emily. It had occurred to me that Emily still didn't know Alex – which I found kind of funny – so I figured now was as good a time as ever. Plus, he'd put me in a good mood, so I felt like being nice.

"Oh, I'm going to have you meet my friend Emily. Oh, and you don't really know Shelby, either, huh?"

"No. Uh, can I bail on this?"

"No!" I cried, indignantly.

He chuckled, "Worth it," he whispered, causing me to blush.

"Hey, Em," I smiled, taking in her expression at the sight of us together.

"I don't believe we've met," Alex said, smiling at her.

"Um, no," she mumbled, eyes wide.

"Okay, so this is Emily," I gestured to her slender form, bundled in fuzzy, very warm-looking, accessories. "She'd not very fluent in Innuendo, is scared of asking out guys-"

"I am not!"

"Is very competitive, and is good at catching you when you're bullshitting. I miss anything?"

"You forgot that I have a tendency to go for gay guys," she added dryly.

"Oh, yeah," I giggled. "And this is Shelby. Sociopath, ADHD, I'm not quite sure about her sexuality, but she's pretty awesome, so it's cool."

"Yep!"

"I love how you ignore everything else I just said."

"What did you say before that?" She asked, legitimately confused.

"ADHD. Don't worry about it," I smiled. "So, I bet you guys are happy your plan worked or whatever."

"Oh…about that…" Shelby fidgeted.

"Yeah…There was never any plan," Emily told me.

"…What?"

"We didn't actually come up with a plan. We were going to see if you guys would figure it out for yourselves."

"Yeah, we were going to give you a few days or so, and then intervene, but I guess it's fine, so whatever," Shelby shrugged.

"So you're saying that I freaked out that much, all that time…for nothing?"

"Yeah, pretty much," Shelby smiled.

"I'm going to kill you both."

"Quick, Emily, distract her!"

"What? I don't know-"

"So! Has Jamie told you about the dreams?" Shelby asked Alex.

Emily started cracking up next to her at the mention of the dreams, though she tried to hide it.

"No…What dreams?"

I gave Shelby a look. "Nothing, she's just an idiot, ignore her-"

"You mean you haven't told him?"

"There's nothing to tell!"

She just smirked, with a tell-tale look that told me she would spill every detail – and probably a few extras – to him sometime when I couldn't stop her.

I sighed, somewhat vocalizing that I knew I'd lost before the fight had even began.


A/N: Okay, now that I'm looking at the chapters I make, I can't help but wonder if I'm offending any gay/lesbian readers. It just seems like I always make jokes about that, since I'm just one of those kinds of people who makes jokes that aren't always completely inoffensive. It's weird, 'cause I'm actually pro-gay, but I couldn't care less about someone's preferences you know? I actually can't stand it when people make a big deal about it, and-

I'm gonna go into a tangent, so never mind. Anyway, for any of my readers who are gay/lesbian, I just want to know if anything that I ever say in this story offends you or anything, 'cause it's been bothering me, and I've been getting a bit worried.

Hey, hey, hey! You guys might want to read this, because it could mean something very good for you (; You know the song Jamie was slowly becoming obsessed with? Yeah, well if you guys can figure out which one it is, I'll write you a one-shot of your choice! Just PM me the song and artist, along with your one-shot idea, and if you're the first one to get it right, I'll write and publish it, 100% dedicated to you! :D Those of you that share my taste in music, and recognized it when I first wrote it in, I love you. Just saying. And I really recommend listening to the song, whether you win or not, since I can honestly say it brings me to tears more often than not (even with my lack of having any relationships to cry about) and it's truly a very beautiful song. (Watch the video, it makes it more moving.)

New topic! There was some major shit going down in this chapter! Maddie and Jamie fighting (don't worry Maddie, I still love you, haha), Emily and her possible suitor(s), Shelby and her crazy plotting (or not plotting)…Yeah, I think that's everything. OH WAIT! Jamie and Alex got together. Fucking FINALLY! God, even I was starting to get annoyed at myself and be like, "Oh, just tell each other already!" Anyway, I attempted to make it realistic, since I have no romantic experience (only been alive 13 years) but tell me what you guys think.

And I made a small ode to my love for Pete Wentz and Frank Iero (though mostly for my lovely Frankie, haha, *fangirl squee*). Emily knows of my loves, even though they're like 20 years older than me. Believe me, when I found out I nearly curled up in a ball and cried. Well…maybe not…but I felt very sad, okay? And it's not fair, 'cause they don't look their age! D: Anyway, don't listen to me rant about that, before I start talking about Frerard.

And, since you're more likely to read the bottom AN than the one at the beginning of the chapter, I will say it again. Alex is all perfect-looking for a reason. Jamie spent a while checking him out, right? I mean, he's built nice. But, yes there's a reason, not just me being shallow. AND he's very observant! There's a reason for that, as well, but I will not tell you now!

Anyways, I can't think of much to say, now, which is strange, but you guys better Review and all that good shit, or I'll hunt you down. Just a smiley face or something if you don't want to actually write anything, but seriously, and I've said this before, Reviews give me street cred, so to speak, so I need them! Anyways, lots of virtual hearts (and hugs!) and GO READ AND REVIEW MY LITTLE PREFACE THINGY! HAHA CAPS LOCK!