Ashley sat on the steps outside of school. Everyone walked by her, not noticing. This wasn't like grade eight anymore! She was always noticed in grade 8. She was Ms. Picture-perfect, of course! Who couldn't notice her. Now, she was just the goth chick. Even when she got attention, it was negative. She wanted people to like her for her, maybe that's why she changed. She didn't want to feel like she was always wanted. She wanted to stop living her dream world, and before she could really give it up, it caught up to her. She was now treated like a person, and sometimes less. She realized she never really HAD her dream world. She actually didn't know what to think. She jumped when she heard the faint voice of Jimmy behind her.

"Hi Jimmy," Ashley said sweetly. Jimmy sat down next to Ashley.

"Am I invited to the big bash?" Jimmy smiled. Ashley nodded.

"Only if you want to come," Ashley added.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll, I'll be there," Jimmy answered. The two sat there. Awkward silence.

"Listen, I'm sorry for our.um-"

"Date?"

"Yeah, I had a lot of things going through my head,"

"It's cool. It's uh, it's fine," Jimmy nodded looking down. Now less and less people spilled out of the school. Ashley stood up.

"I'm going to head home," Ashley announced. Jimmy nodded as he stood up.

"Are you into maybe, trying again? Maybe it was just weird for you," Jimmy asked nervously.

"Sorry Jimmy, I have a date with someone else. Jimmy, I just want to be friends. o-okay?" Ashley replied walking slowly away. Jimmy stood there and watched Ashley walk away, fade, slowly down the street.

"Hey Jimmy!" Spinner said jumping down the steps. Jimmy turned to look at him as he let out a sigh.

"Hey Spin," Jimmy replied.

"Dude, you went on a date with Ashley and didn't tell me?" Spinner asked. Jimmy's lips firmed a bit before answering.

"Didn't think I needed to tell everyone," Jimmy said.

"Does everyone mean me? Dude, it's going around the school and I'm the last to hear about it," Spinner said. Jimmy's head shot up.

"What?"

"Yeah, everyone is talking about your date, her new date. It's all so confusing," Spinner put his hand to his head.

"You know who she's dating?" Jimmy asked in interest.

"Yeah, Craig"

"Manny your splits are awesome! Assistant star every year," Paige said watching Manny's moves. Manny smiled in thanks.

"I've been working on it," Manny nodded.

"Were going to be the star of the game this Saturday!" Hazel grinned holding a pom-pom in each hand. Manny walked over to the stands and sat her chin in her hands.

"Hun, practice doesn't involve sitting on our bottoms," Paige said half- smiling.

"Oh um, sorry I just-" Manny's voice trailed off.

"Are you okay?" Hazel asked.

"Yeah it's just, I know I shouldn't be butting into my friends business but I think she's really unhappy," Manny explained looking at the wood floor she once had done the splits on.

"Lemme guess, you mean Emma?" Paige said walking closer sticking out her lips.

"Yeah," Manny said finally meeting Paige's eyes. "She is having problems with Sean, I KNOW IT! But she won't admit it. I just think she is trying to feel for something that isn't there," Manny spilled her guts.

"Touching really," Paige laughed.

"Paige, I don't want her to get hurt," Manny said half-yelling.

"Okay, okay, take a downer," Paige said sitting her pom-poms down. "But you can't be Emma, believe me. There isn't much you can do, sweetie," Paige shrugged.

"How can I get it through her head?" Manny asked almost desperately.

"I don't know? When did I become the author of the 'advice columnist'," Paige shrugged again. Hazel stepped up.

"Maybe your talking to the wrong person," Hazel suggested.

"What do you mean?" Manny asked. Paige rolled her eyes.

"Guys, we need to practice! We don't have time for soap operas!" Paige reminded them.

"Let's get back to work," Hazel said walking back to the center of the room as Paige picked up her pom-poms. Manny followed.

Ashley started to clean up her room. Dirty clothes, blankets, and shoes thrown everywhere. As she listened closely she heard the doorbell. She didn't know who could be there. Kate wasn't home nor Jeff. It was just her and Toby, and he wouldn't answer it. She hurried down the steps. She saw Toby sit lazily in a chair in front of the computer. Ashley stared as the doorbell continued to ring.

"What?" Toby asked. Ashley rolled her eyes and opened the door. There stood Amya each hand folded together against her long jean skirt, a smile upon her face.

"Hey," Ashley greeted.

"Hey," Amya said in a half-whisper. Ashley's hand flew behind her.

"Come in," Ashley suggested. Amya nodded as she entered the house. She looked around. Her eyes caught a glimpse of Toby but ignored it. Toby observed the girl and swallowed hard as he stood up to greet her. He stuck out his hand.

"Toby Isaacs," He smiled. Amya grinned as she shook his hand. Ashley, done closing the door, stood beside Amya.

"Amya Lilac," She replied to him. Ashley rolled her eyes.

"This is my little brother," Ashley said flatly. Toby then rolled his eyes as he released his hand from Amya's. Toby ignored his sister's comment.

"Nice to meet you," Toby grinned.

"You two," Amya said sweetly.

"Um, Amya, how about we go upstairs?" Ashley asked. Amya nodded.

"Bye, Toby." Amya waved going up the stairs. Toby waved back before going to his computer.

"So, what's up?" Ashley asked sitting on her bed. Amya sat down with her.

"The question is, what's up with you?" Amya grinned.

"What do you mean?"

"You and Craig!"

"What about us?"

"Are you guys like, officially dating yet?"

"NO, the party is going to be like a date"

"Ah, I see"

"How about you and Sean? Everything working out okay? Like your evil plan?"

"Sean is definitely coming! He told me! And he is excited about coming and meeting me here KNOWING Emma isn't coming," Amya chuckled. "You didn't invite Emma did you?"

"Of course not!"

"Will your brother?" Amya asked. Ashley gasped a little. The two raced down the steps to see Toby still playing on the computer. He smiled as Amya entered.

"Toby did you invite anyone to the party yet?" Ashley asked. Toby nodded.

"J.T." Toby answered.

"That's it?" Ashley questioned. Toby made a face.

"Yeah? Why?" Toby asked.

"No reason"

"Well I told J.T. he could invite some people, but not a lot. And oh yeah, I invited Kendra. So don't freak," Toby rolled his eyes.

"Who's J.T. inviting?" Ashley panicked.

"I don't know! Probably Manny Emma his friend Derek-"

"He's inviting Emma?!" Amya cut in.

"Mhmm. Most likely," Toby answered. The two made a groaning sound. "What's wrong?"

"Toby, you ruin everything!" Ashley yelled. Amya touched Ashley's shoulder.

"Ash, let's just, let's just forget it. I'll get to talk to him, even if SHE'S there"

A/N: Please submit your reviews. I need it! Hope you like it so far.. There is WAY more to come! Luv ya fans!

x Elle