77 reviews?! That's crazy, never expected that! :') Lets see if I can get to 100 xD ;) Thanks guys. No really Thank you so frikken much!
I do read all your reviews and they put a smile on ma face I hope dis story puts a smile on ya face too c:
Yes I did leave at a cliff-hanger, and I know the question your all thinking: 'Is she going to tell Dan?'

I hope you like this chapter and remember don't change yourself for anybodyyy!

Reply to Reviews:

Maria Monaghan: Whoa your reviews were really long xD Anyways I've taken in what you said and I'll keep it all in mind. I'm really glad you enjoy my work. Much love ;D

CHAPTER 14

Dan froze and turned to Runo expectantly. His brown eyes perked up innocently as he was caught of guard. To Runo it seemed as if there was a huge gap growing between them as they gazed intently at one another. There was silence except for the sound of the cold, whispy breeze that caused her hair to sway. But those few moments of silence felt like hours.

"I don't know if now is the right time to tell you," Runo said bravely with a slightly shaken voice, "But I-"

Dan held the bridge of his nose and sighed, "Please don't say you really like me or something like that…And I really have to go..."

His words stung Runo a bit. She felt a drop of water on her head and she looked up as it showered down with cold rain which dampened her clothes, only making her feel colder than she already was.

"Look, never mind." Runo said bitterly yet spitefully as her eyes were fixed on the ground beneath her. She stormed into her house refusing to look back at Dan; she could feel his heavy stare on her.

"Jerk." She muttered to herself; slamming the door shut then leant back against it and slid down to the ground.

"Runo!" Melissa called stomping down the stairs.

Runo quickly stood up, wiped her shoes and removed them.

"Yes." Runo replied flatly.

"How's Dan?" She beamed.

"Fine." Runo rolled her eyes as she nudged past Melissa. Melissa gasped at her rude action but Runo ignored this and continued to her room.

She looked out of the window that overlooked the busy road.

Runo switched on her laptop to see if Alice was on Msn. But she wasn't which annoyed Runo since she couldn't call her.

Runo stared blankly out of the window which had rain droplets sliding down as she reflected on the events which happened today.

'I don't get it…He's nice then he goes into jerk mode, and he didn't even hear what I actually wanted to say, he just assumed! To be honest, I don't ever want to be with somebody as narrow minded as him.' Runo thought when suddenly something out of the window caught her eye.

She saw a familiar figure standing alone in the rain. Looked as if they were crying. Once Runo recognized who it was her eyes widened and she grabbed a coat then ran outside to them.

"Julie?" Runo said with confusion, "What are you doing out here?"

Julie sniffled and turned away, "What do you want Runo?" Her voice was scratchy.

"I know you're crying." Runo stepped closer with a slightly concerned tone.

"No it's just the rain." Julie whimpered defensively.

Runo laughed softly.

"What's so funny?" Julie asked vunerably.

"When we were little you used to always go out in the rain when you were upset, then say your tears was just the rain." Runo reminded.

"Oh yeah." Julie giggled slightly.

"So what's wrong?" Runo said curiously .

Julie remained silent.

"Why would you care?" Julie quivered.

"Because, I know the real Julie. & She's my friend." Runo said deeply.

Julie looked up with shock.

"I'm sorry Runo." Julie said sincerely, the sadnesss in her eyes said it all.

"I wanted things to be different; for once I wanted to be popular girl and I didn't want to get bullied ever again." Julie with an uneasy voice

"But, I lost my best friend, and now the whole school thinks I'm this…Bitch…" Julie whimpered.

"I don't think that." Runo put her hand on Julie's shoulder.

"I've been horrible to you for all these years, just because I wanted to be popular…" Julie said regretfully.

"Julie, you shouldn't have changed for other people. It's not too late now." Runo said supportively.

"Why are you being so nice to me, when I've been nothing but horrible to you…?" Julie looked at Runo strangely.

"Just because you stopped being my friend, doesn't mean I stopped being yours." Runo smiled sweetly.

"So you forgive me?" Julie said with a glimmer of happiness.

"Yeah." Runo nodded.

Julie hugged Runo tightly.

"Kinda dying here Julie…" Runo wheezed.

"Sorry." Julie laughed.

"Can we go inside? It's freezing out here." Runo shivered.

Julie nodded. Both of them rushed inside and went to Runo's room.

"So why have you suddenly realized?" Runo raised her eyebrows and leaned expectantly to Julie.

"I noticed I wasn't happy and I wasn't being myself. Because of that people hated me, when I thought changing me would make people love me. & when I looked at you and Alice…you guys were so happy…" Julie explained, "My mum used to always say to just be yourself."

"I could tell you were never happy, you didn't have to change yourself. Me and Alice are true friends that's why we're happy." Runo said sympathetically.

"I don't actually have friends…" Julie mumbled and looked down.

"What about Mira and Fabia?" Runo asked slightly alarmed.

"Oh please, Mira just was with me because I was dating Dan. She's all over him. And Fabia is Mira's tag along." Julie said with disguist.

"Do you actually well, like Dan?" Runo asked as nicely as possible.

"Honestly, no… he's like the most popular guy in school so…I mean he's hot but I don't really know him. Sounds kinda stupid right?" Julie said hesitantly.

"Oh, well he acts like a total jerk." Runo rolled her eyes.

"Yeah you got that right, but I act way worse." Julie frowned.

"So you want don't want to be like this anymore right?" Runo said comfirmingly.

Julie nodded.

"Then promise me, you're going to be yourself from now on. And trust me Jules people will love you for who you really are." Runo said with determination.

"People will think I'm some kind of joke." Julie sniffed hopelessly as she gestured.

"Start fresh Julie. Eventually people will accept you." Runo said positively, eager to get the real Julie back.

"Okay, I promise. Man I really missed you girl!" Julie squealed.
Runo was happy, she knew sooner or later Julie would realize and be real with herself. She missed Julie too. She knew Julie better than anyone, and she could see how regretful she was.

"Missed you too Julie." Runo smiled warmly.

"Anyway, how about you?" Julie asked with concern, "I know you live with that evil woman. And she makes you work in that café."

"I'm fine Julie, I learned to live with it." Runo reassured and nodded.

"I know you're not okay, you can't do whatever she wants!" Julie said seriously as she stared at Runo.

"What can I do?" Runo sighed and shrugged.

"Sorry Runo, I wish I could change things, I really do." Julie said helplessly.

"It's not your fault." Runo shook her head, "Anyway it's late, and your parents must be worried."

"Parent." Julie murmured sadly, "The reason I wasn't at school today is because...it was my Mum's funeral…"

"Julie I'm so sorry to hear that." Runo said sadly, she knew exactly how Julie felt.

"She was in a car accident." Julie said with tears in her eyes, on the verge of an outburst, "Losing her made me realize everything…"

Runo hugged Julie.

"You're welcome to sleep here tonight." Runo said comfortingly.

"Are you sure?" Julie asked.

"Well it's like 10 already so yeah." Runo shrugged.

"Thanks Girl." Julie smiled genuinely. A smile Runo hadn't seen in a long time.