A/N: I have some VERY interesting ideas for this story. The whole thing will have strategically placed & scattered lyrics from the Howie Day song "Collide" at the parts where they fit best. If you know what the next line is after the one used in this chapter, you'll know part of what's coming...muahahahaha. Hope you end up liking it. It's for all those PELLIE fans.
Also, this story is for Medicated And Dedicated, a huge Pellie fan who R&R'ed my Manelli story. I thought Pellie would be interesting.
Oh, I revised this chapter a little. Taking out the Dinky the Dinosaur reference, because apparently no one got it. Ohh well. And I tried to improve upon Ashley's character, because apparently she was OOC.

Paige Michalchuk was sprawled out beneath the stars, eyes locked on the sky. It was almost as if they were having their own little private staring contest. She was lost in her own little world, and she loved it when things were this way. It was peaceful to shut out everything she claimed to adore every once in awhile. Paige realized a long time ago that fashion wasn't important, and popularity wasn't important. But she didn't have anywhere else to go, so she just kept on in the direction she was. There wasn't anything else out there for her to do. Everyone has a talent, and it just so happened that hers was being beautiful. She would rather be a great painter, or a dancer, or something else. Paige was a decent singer, but not as good as some people she knew.

Paige felt lost in the world, especially lately. She didn't know where she truly fit in. Hazel was the girl she called her best friend, yet the girl wasn't trustworthy at all, and she really couldn't even stand her. She was sick of living a lie. She wanted to find some friends she actually liked for who they were. She had to start somewhere.

Paige got up from the grass, walking back inside. Cold dew tickled her feet. That was always such a great feeling. Sighing, she ran a hand through her thick blond hair and curled up on the couch.

The next thing she knew, it was morning. Yawning and stretching, Paige arose. She went into the bathroom, brushing her teeth. Deciding this day was going to be something to remember, she put on jeans and a shirt. Something simple. She didn't feel like putting on makeup or doing her hair, so she didn't. Grabbing her car keys, she was out the door.

Summer was always an excellent time. A time for bikinis, waxing, and tanning. Summer meant beautiful. But that was what Paige was trying to hide from. She was sick of being one of the beautiful ones. She drove for a little while, no destination in mind, when she found herself parking her car at Ashley Kerwin's house. Ashley was a friend of hers. They'd been through some rough times, but she was one of the few that Paige actually considered a true friend. The girl had been there for her through her rape, and was the first person she told. Rapping on the door, Paige stood impatiently, shifting her weight from one foot to another.

The door opened, and Paige was surprised for a split second. She was anticipating Ashley being at the door, but it was Ellie.

"Oh, Ellie is Ashley here?" She asked sweetly, smiling at the girl.
Ellie gave her a strange look, probably not used to her being so kind.

"Actually, she had to run to the store. I was supposed to meet her here, because I'm spending the night. She left this note," Ellie held up a note. "Said she'd be back soon and I could wait for her. But if you want to come in, feel free to." She opened the door, letting Paige in.

Paige gazed around at the pictures on the wall, taking note of everything. "Man, I forgot how nice this place is. I missed it," She flashed a smile at Ellie, joining her on the comfortable looking couch. Ellie stared at her a little, and Paige laughed. "Why are you staring at me?" She asked suspiciously.

Ellie shrugged, leaning back into the couch with a sigh. "You're being really nice. No offense, but that's very unlike you. Not that I mind it. I like nice Paige." Ellie bit her painted fingernails nervously, chipping the black paint.

"Me too. This is me from now on. I'm sick of being fake. I'm just gonna be Paige. People don't like it; they can...blow me. Or something." She tried to keep a straight face but ended up laughing hysterically. Ellie joined her in the laughing.

They held their stomachs. Laughing made them hurt. They looked at each other gleefully.

"Ellie, you're cool." Paige complimented. "I know that sounds totally lame. But you're the type of person I've always wanted to be."

Ellie nodded. "I know I'm cool. It's a gift." She winked, taking the TV remote and flipping it on. Searching through music videos, she settled on Fuse. That station had really good music, when they weren't playing r&b and rap crap.

Ashley walked in, startled to see Paige. "Oh, hi, Paige. What are you doing here?" She asked, carrying the groceries in and beginning to put them away.

Paige smiled, walking in after her and helping. "I just wanted to see how you were doing. Well, actually, I've been doing some thinking. I think we should be friends again. Good friends. Like we used to be. You know? I miss you. And Hazel's not very qualified for the best friend title if you know what I mean." She explained shakily, knowing that Ashley would find what she was saying to be a little odd.

Ashley shrugged. "Alright, I guess. I guess I could give it a shot," she took out a candy bar, taking a bite of it. "Well, Ellie's spending the night and I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind if you did too. So what about it, Paige? Wanna stay here?" Ashley offered, mouth half-full.

Paige considered. "That sounds like fun. But I don't have anything with me. I'll have to go back to my house to get some stuff." She smiled, turning around and heading for the front door.

"Ellie, why don't you go help her? You two don't know each other that well. Maybe this will give you more of a chance to get to know each other better," Ashley asked, smiling at the redhead in encouragement. She wanted her friends to get along. Paige and Ellie were from very different worlds, at least from what she knew. Paige was a part of the inner Ashley, the Ashley she used to be. So what harm would it be to introduce her old world to her new world? Ellie didn't look too enthused, but she followed Paige out the door obediently, not wanting to disappoint her best friend.

So Ellie and Paige drove to the blonde's house. They went inside, Ellie was in awe. The house, well, wasn't a house. It was a MANSION. It made Ellie's house look tiny. Paige ran quickly up the stairs to her room, Ellie trailing behind her. She picked out pajamas and an outfit for tomorrow, plus some essentials. Ellie was enthralled, looking around at all the stuff on the walls.

She saw a really risqué poster of Angelina Jolie on the wall, then chuckled to herself because of the use of the word risqué. Paige smiled, everything stuffed in her duffel bag.

"Ready?" She asked, watching Ellie look at her room.

"Yeah. Nice poster of Angelina Jolie." Ellie smirked, walking back down the steps and they returned to Ashley's house.

This was the beginning of a very interesting night of bonding for the girls.

Bonding. Not bondage. Just to clear that up.