Words inside of – indicate thoughts.

B&C

"Whoa Callie, what was that all about? I was just starting to get along with that guy and you dragged me outta there like the sky was falling!" Bradin snapped at Callie. He narrowed his eyes, irritated with her. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but it HAD been her that had let Ben sit with them in the first place.

"Look…Bradin…I know we haven't known each other very long, but I really like you, as forward as that may sound. If we're gonna go any farther in…THIS, then you need to know some things about me. Can we go somewhere and talk?" Callie put her hand on Bradin's elbow and looked up into his face with earnest eyes.

Bradin's forehead wrinkled with worry. Callie was right, they hadn't known each other long, but he felt strangely very much attracted to her. He was a moth and she was a light, he just wanted to be next to her.

"Yeah sure, no prob. We can go down to the shore. It's kind of cold and windy so I don't think many people with be down there, other than a couple of surfers."

"Mhmm yeah, everything is fine. I just have a past that you might need to know about, since it seems to want to creep back to me at the most inconvenient of times." Callie fiddled with her fingers as she spoke, looking down to avoid Bradin's worried face.

The two walked to the shore. It was like time was standing still, everything was silent and dark. They settled down in the sand and Bradin put his arm around Callie. The sky was full of dark clouds and the air spoke softly of rain.

"Bradin, as you've probably guessed, Ben is from my old life. My life back in Oklahoma. I left there trying to forget everything that had happened. Ben rescued me during a time when I was desperate for rescuing. And then my mom informed me that she'd gotten a fabulous job offer in a little town called Playa Linda. I just remember so clearly that I was thrilled to hear that. My mom had been so good to me after the disaster I went through that previous summer. I felt that I owed it to her, she wanted this and I didn't really have any reason to object. So…we moved. And I fell in love with Playa Linda instantly; it just has this radiating charm." Callie spoke softly, slowly letting her words sink into Bradin.

"So do you Callie. You radiate more than Playa Linda ever could. I hope you don't think I'm prying but…what was the disaster? What happened to you?

Callie turned to look Bradin squarely in the face. She stuck out her chin bravely and with tears in her eyes whispered three little words that made Bradin's blood run cold.

"I was raped."

C&N

Nikki awoke to bright sunshine filling her room, along with the smell of frying eggs. She popped out of bed with excitement and glanced at her alarm clock.

-OH NO!! It's already 10 o' clock! I only have an hour to get ready-

Nikki yelped out loud and rushed to get into the shower before it was taken. Luckily, it was empty and she took the fastest shower of her life. She dashed back into her bedroom and started ripping outfits off the hangers. Ava appeared in her doorway and looked amazedly at the mess that now consumed Nikki's bedroom.

"Nikki…what on EARTH? Your room is a disaster!" Ava shouted over Nikki's blow dryer.

"Aunt Ava! Didn't I tell you? Cameron broke up with Amber for ME and called me yesterday and we're hanging out today and I woke up late and now I have hardly any time to get ready and I have nothing to wear and I'm so nervous. HELP ME!!" Nikki's frantic words came out in a rush.

"Nikki, calm down. You do realize who you're talking to, don't you? I'm a fashion designer sweetheart. I also happen to have my workshop in the attic of this house and it's full of great clothes that will be perfect for you. Come on; let's go pick something out for Mr. Cameron."

After 15 minutes of picking through the piles of clothes, Nikki finally settled on a black polka dot skirt that swished around her knees and a purple tank top. Ava approved the outfit just in time, because Cameron came knocking at their door promptly at 11:00.

Nikki scrambled to the door, barely stopping to catch her breath before yanking it open. To the untrained eye she appeared calm and collected, but inside her heart was beating wildly and her mind was spinning.

NOTE: I am SO SO SO sorry that updating this took so long. Life has been wild, but since it's slowing down right now I'll be able to update soon. I hope this chapter makes up for my lack of updating. Please R&R!!!