Prologue
Katie
It's not everyday you come across a clear, sunny afternoon free of dramatic crowds and pick-pocketers. And today just wasn't one of those scarce days in this small town. Everything is dull; this place is bland. Typical Lanchester.
I'm stuck in Pinebrook Loop, 3605. The house with the comical garden and the smell of fresh cut grass. My room is at the top on the right side of the house – the window never open, the blinds always cracked, and my door always shut. I like my privacy. The neighbors are great, though. I mean, what else could I say; we're best friends. We all live in this loop – 5 houses in a half-circle. Can't get any more awesome than that.
Rick
Ever since Katie moved here, everything's just been… So wow. I'm not as "dark" as I used to be. I'm actually wearing (very few, though) color. Can you believe it? I barely can. She's just so rad. I think I speak for all of us – Dylan, Chance, Jesse, and I – when I say she's the best thing that's happened in this town. And she's only been here for six months.
Jesse
Fuck it, man. Let's get high…
Chance
God, can you say "fine"? I can't believe how lucky I am to have Kirsten as my girlfriend. This is the longest – and best – relationship I've been in since… Forever. Maybe even longer. And I'm going to keep it that way. We're the happiest couple ever. Nothing could ever go wrong. It's all perfect, a fairy tale. We'll definitely have a happy ending.
Next week is our one-year anniversary. I have no idea what to get her. This gift can't be like the other dinky ones I've given her on our monthly anniversaries. No. I mean, this has to be special, big. Mind-blowing. I want her to be absolutely speechless, come running into my arms, telling me how much she loves me. Because I love her. I'd do anything for her. I'd die.
I've gotta call Kate.
Dylan
Hey, Jess, you better pass that. Or I'll kick the shit outta you. You think it's funny? Shut the fuck up, dude! You're making me laugh! Oh, shit, let's go to Rick's house. That bitch is going soft.