The next morning, Kate awoke to a beautiful summer morning. "Of course," she muttered through sleep. "A perfect day for a party."

Surprised her mother let her sleep past ten, Kate got up, showered and dressed without any of the disturbances of yesterday. Walking into the kitchen, she realized why. A Post-it hung on the fridge.

Kate- Taking Justine out for summer clothes, then hair cuts and a late lunch. Tom is out with some friends. Dad's at work. Be ready for Mark to pick you up at three. Have fun, honey! Love, Mom

Kate pitied Justine then immediately wondered how Tom had made friends in two days. The sixteen year old who thought he was twenty made friends faster than Mari, even. Kate shrugged it off and pulled out leftovers from the past night's dinner. After eating in front of the TV, which was strictly forbidden, and playing her radio well above Mari Grant standards, Kate resigned herself to getting ready for the party. She pulled jeans and a black T-shirt on, then applied eyeliner, just to spite the neighbors. At exactly three o'clock, there was a honk from the driveway. "You couldn't even knock," Kate mumbled as she locked the door behind her.

Mark was sitting in the front seat of a classic Chevy, wearing black shades and way too much cologne. Kate slide into the passenger seat and threw him a fake smile.

"You look beautiful, Kate." Mark looked her up and down as he backed out of the driveway.

"I always thought it was customary to keep ones eyes on the road while driving," Kate said through gritted teeth. Mark just grinned, resembling a shark.

Pulling into a driveway to a house that looked like Kate's, Mark turned off the engine. "Now Kate, don't be nervous. Everyone's going to be real nice. And if any jerk tries to start any trouble, just come and get me. I'll protect you."

Kate was sure he didn't even hear here during his speech when she said, "I'm not nervous."

The pair got out of the car and Mark led Kate to the backyard. A punch of perfect looking people were hanging around, laughing and smiling with perfect teeth. Kate nervously picked at her nails. 'Alright, maybe I am nervous,' she thought.

"Hey, listen up! This is Kate Grant. She just moved in," Mark bellowed to everyone. They turned and stared at her. Murmurs of "Hi" and "Hey" made their way to her. She smiled feebly.

"Mark, is this the girl?" Kate turned to see a tall, middle aged man standing in the porch doorway.

"Yup, Dad. Kate, this is my father, Jim. Dad, meet Kate."

Politely shaking his hand, Kate felt a chill in the hot summer afternoon. This man gave her the creeps. His eyes were cold, almost steely and he held his body rigid.

"I've heard a lot about you. Mark hasn't been able to stop talking about the new girl in town."

Kate uneasily wondered how much he had heard, considering she had moved in two days ago. She was pulled out of her thoughts to hear Mr. Baker saying, "Don't let her get away, Mark. She's a very…unique girl."

Mark grinned. "Aw Dad, don't start with that 'girl that got away' crap." Mark turned to Kate. "He let his high school sweetheart go. Stuck with my mom now." He laughed as if it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. Kate just nodded slightly.

Mr.Baker frowned at his son. "I didn't let her go, Mark. Kim was different toward the end."

Kate looked up quickly. "Kim? Was her last name Boggs?"

Mr.Baker looked at Kate suspiciously. "Yes. Why?"

Kate floundered for an answer. "M-my parents used to know a Kim Boggs. Small world, isn't it? My folks lost touch with her though. Do you know what happened to her?"

"She died in a car accident about five years ago." Just then, his wife called for him to stop bothering the kids and he walked back into the house, casting a shady glance back at Kate.

Kate felt horrible. She would have to break the news to Edward. How would she do it?

"C'mon, Kate. Come and meet everyone," Mark said, dragging her into a crowd of perfect people.

Four hours later, it was dark and the backyard was lit with torches. The fast pace of the party had slowed and now the couples were in different corners of the yard, making out. Mark's parents had left an hour ago, his mother saying they would be home at eleven and to 'be good'. Mark had celebrated his parent's departure by breaking into his father's liqueur cabinet. Kate sat on the sidelines, watching Mark out-drink every guy who challenged him.

Sitting by the sliding doors, Kate felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up, Mark was leaning against the door, grinning down at her. "I need your help in the kitchen. My mother said to clean things up and everything else is busy."

Kate sighed and stood. "Sure, Mark. I'll help you clean up."

She walked into the kitchen. "What do you want me to do," she asked, counting the minutes until she could leave.

Mark came up behind her and turned her to face him. "You…are so…beautiful." The alcohol fumes coming from him could have withered a plant on contact. Kate backed up and found herself against the fridge.

"What do you want me to clean up, Mark," she asked again, hoping to distract him from her looks. Mark lowered his head and kissed her. Kate tried to push him away but he pulled her closer to him, his breathing hurried. "Get off me," Kate yelled when he came up for air.

"Not a chance, baby. Believe me, you'll like this."

Kate tried to scoot under his arm, but he pulled her back, slamming her into the fridge. The handle jammed into her back, knocking the breath out of her chest. She gasped for breath and felt dizzy. Mark kissed her again, his hands traveling up her waist.

With all the strength she possessed, Kate pushed him backwards. He stumbled then stood upright. "You're a bitch, you know that," he said before pushing her backwards again and storming out of the room.

Kate held on to the counter, tears blurring her vision. She had to leave. Sprinting out the front door, she blindly made her way through the community until she found herself on the hill. Knocking on the door, Kate tried to stop crying and put on a composed face. When Edward answered the door, her poise faded and she burst into tears again.