Hey guys, I hope you like this chapter. I've already started writing the fourth chapter for this fic, so don't fret about not getting another update in ages, which is what i tend to do.

Anyhow...on the more important matters. The fic!

Disclaimer: Did i do this last time? No? Oh, well, MUST remember. I do not beyblade, nor any of it's characters (imagine owning Kai!! Hmm...) but i do own Willow and Holly Tate! Hands off people!

Eye Of The Storm

Chapter Two: Not So Innocent

I twirled a pen idly in my hand, staring out of the window. An arm stretched around the back of my chair and wrapped itself around my waist. I turned and smiled at Johnny, who was watching me stare out of the window.

'What's the matter?' he asked softly.

'Nothing.'

'I'm not stupid, Cass.'

'Really? That's news to me.' I giggled, trying to throw him off course. But, of course, Johnny being Johnny and my best friend, wasn't deterred.

'It's Kai, isn't it?' he sighed and I briefly wondered how the guy who has only known me for two years could possibly know me as well as Holly, who is my twin.

'Yeah. I CANNOT believe he's going out with Amber! He knows I hate the bitch, is he going out with her just to annoy me?? Coz, if he is, what did I DO to piss him off!?'

Johnny chuckled, ruffling my black hair, now short and stylishly spiky with red streaks, before replying:

'Nah, don't worry Will. The guy probably thought it would be interesting.'

'Interesting!?' I exploded, huffing. 'INTERESTING????'

'Yeesh!' Johnny laughed, rubbing his ear. 'Yell a bit louder, I think they're a couple of people fifty miles away that didn't hear ya.'

I sniggered against my own will, before whacking him around the head. Holly strode into the kitchen, Kai and- OH FUCKING HELL, WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE!?!?

'Hello Willow.' Amber Trendson said in a sickly sweet voice, giving me a cold glare. I shot her my darkest look, before rounding on Kai.

'What is YOUR GIRLFRIEND doing in MY house????' I bellowed, causing him to stuff his fingers in his ears.

'Sorry, Will, I forgot my keys at home and my mom won't be back for ages yet.' He said with apologetic look. God, I hate when he does that...he knows it makes me lose my resolve.

'Yeah, well, what exactly does that have to do with HER?' I asked, my voice dropping back to normal now that all the fight in me had flown out the window. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Holly roll her eyes at Johnny.

'We were suppose to hang out a bit.' Kai replied, shrugging, although I could see the amused glint in his auburn eyes.

'Oh God, help me.' I muttered under my breath, totally aware that everyone could hear me. 'Kai's completely lost it.'

Holly and Johnny sniggered behind their hands.

'I heard that Cass.' Kai said in a bored tone.

'You were suppose to.' I shot back at him, before whirling around on my heel and storming upstairs to my bedroom. Max gave a questioning look as he poked his head around his bedroom door. I suppose he heard me tramping up the stairs.

'Amber Trendson is sitting in our kitchen.' I said shortly, before heading into my room. I threw off my uniform, which consists of a black pleat skirt, white shirt and a black and blue tie, before pulling on my blue skater jeans, a red tank top and my favourite motorbike leather jacket that been with me years and STILL fits. Good stuff, eh?

I whistled loudly, and straight away the door banged open and, once again, Ruby toppled me over.

'Hey Rubes. Fancy a walk, just you and me?' I whispered, and Ruby thumped her tail against the floor enthusiastically. 'I take that as a yes.' I laughed, heaving myself up, and grabbing my skateboard, Viper. 'C'mon then.' I headed down the stairs and back into the kitchen where Holly, Johnny and Kai were talking and Amber was staring around the kitchen distastefully.

'I'm going out.' I said, and they whirled around at the sound of my voice. Amber, upon seeing Ruby, let out a shriek and slid off the stool, hiding behind Johnny who was furthest away from Rubes. This is hilarious!!

'What is THAT!?!?' she shrieked, not noticing that Johnny was trying to shove her away from him.

Holly gave up on silent giggles and burst out laughing.

'This is Ruby. She's a German Shepard and an ex-police dog. She's gorgeous, isn't she?' I purred, winking at the others. Johnny was shaking with laughter, and Kai was avoiding my eye. Which basically meant, I'm not making eye contact with you cos I'll start laughing if I do.

'It's HIDEOUS!!!' Amber yelled.

'Don't say that.' I frowned. 'Ruby doesn't like being insulted. Once she ripped off the arm of a thief who was swearing rather violently and holding a gun to my head.'

Okay, a little fib there, but hey, do I care? She's scared witless!!

It was too much for the boys. Both burst out laughing. Something that somehow only I can manage with Kai.

'Cass.' Kai gasped through fits of laughter. 'Cass, stop teasing her. She's scared enough now.'

I giggled. 'All right, see ya guys. Laters Amber. Maybe me and Rubes will see ya around...' I left the sentence hanging and Amber let out a terrified squeak as she ran to Kai, as I left through the back door. I could still hear them roaring with laughter.

Man, that was fun.

You see, Amber Trendson and me have been enemies ever since I insulted her rather badly in the school cafeteria about a week after I first arrived. She happens to be blonde, blue eyed and quite tall. Very attractive to most boys, so with her bitchy attitude, of course she and her little gang are the most popular in the school.

But that changed slightly. Since that insult match, some girls have been looking at me with a certain amount of respect, and boys seemed to admire my looks and attitude. Of course, Holly got her fair share of attention. Being as gorgeous as she is, and majorly innocent, PLUS she's my twin, a lot boys fancy her. Especially the not so popular boys. The problem, the more popular boys, and the players, seem to keep making bets to see who can steal her innocence first.

It resulted in a lot of fights on my part. Not to mention the fact whoever I fight, Tala, Kai and Johnny ALWAYS help me out.

It also meant I've been suspended at least three times so far.

Not good for my report.

But anyways, yeah, I think the school really has been divided now. Most of the hottest looking guys and most of the school on my side, and Amber and her little groupies on the other. Unfortunately, cos she's so goddamn good looking in her Barbie wannabe way, she's pretty much remained popular. It doesn't bug me. No, what bugs me is her fucking attitude to all the not-so-popular guys. That's what I usually fight for.

It totally helps the hottest looking guy (Kai, obviously) in the school is always on my side, IF he gets involved. Which isn't often.

So you can get why I'm so pissed off with Kai for actually dating her. I know it's totally physical, it always is for him. He's a player, Johnny's a player, Tala's a player, jeez, most of our group are players. That includes Ray Kon, whom Holly is dating at the moment (Max and I have already interrogated and warned him pretty severely). Though I don't exactly have to worry there. Ray is a decent guy, even if he's a player, and hasn't had any intention of hurting Holly so far. In fact, being the gentleman he is, he asked Max and me before asking her out.

So, yeah, that's all pretty cool so far.

That was before everything with Holly and Ray went pear-shaped.

But that's later on.

Not now.

No, now, I'm going down to Oliver's parents' little café overlooking the beach. Mariah and Mariam said they'd be there for a while after school, so what better time than now to hang out with some of my only girlfriends.

'Babes!' I called, getting the attention of everyone in the café as I entered.

'Hey, Willow!!' Mariah called back from the corner of the café, our gang's little spot. Mariam sat next her, and opposite was a Kara, Kai's little sister in our year, and probably my best friend where girls are concerned.

'Hey girls, sup?' I said brightly, sitting next Kara. Oliver appeared next to me with a notepad.

'Hello Cass.' He said in his slight French accent, greeting me with a kiss on each cheek. His usual way of greeting us girls.

'Hey Ollie.' I replied, 'You been all right? Ain't seen you in ages.'

'Yup, the flu cleared up yesterday.' He said happily, running a hand through his green hair and smiling brightly at me. Oliver's smiles tend to capture any girl nearby, since it's so gorgeous. It took me a while to get over it, which I gotta say, is something! And, of course, bang on cue, several girls behind me swooned. I rolled my eyes and Oliver gave me a helpless shrug. 'So, the usual?' he asked.

The usual meant loads of chocolate ice cream and strawberry milkshake. Scrummy!!

'As always.' I replied, grinning brightly, before turning back to the girls. I let out an audible sigh.

'What's wrong Willow?' Mariam asked, concerned.

'Heh. Only Amber Trendson.' I snorted.

'What'd she do now?' Kara asked, smiling behind her glass of lemonade. She finds my enmity with Amber hilarious, though I don't have a single clue why. Maybe it was all the pranks I've pulled on her, and all the detentions Amber has managed to land me in for doing something I didn't even do. Bitch extraordinaire, huh?

'Kai turned up with her. Apparently forgot his keys. No way am I staying there with that!'

The two girls opposite me sniggered.

'Oh Cass...!' Kara sighed.

'What?! What did I do now?'

'Kai- no wait, I'm suppose to be his sister. Me no type of sis who spill secrets.' She said, deciding to forget her grammar, as she does often. On purpose. It's quite funny when she puts on the baby voice.

'Huh?'

She shook her head. 'All I can say is that you are quite blind. You can't see what's right in front of you.'

'Oh, Willow, you're hopeless. You're in for a nasty shock when you realise!' Mariah told me sympathetically.

'What are you on about?' I demanded. These girls confuse me more than boys, which is funny, since for everyone else it's the other way round. Hey, I told you I'm unique.

They shook their heads at me.

I have to say, I hate it when they do this kinda thing!

'Forget about it,' Kara told me, knowing perfectly well I wouldn't, 'Lets go. I'll get Kai out of your kitchen.' She said, getting up.

'I don't mind Kai being in the kitchen, just Amber! And what d'you mean "forget about it"?!?' I yelled after her, scrambling across the café and waving good-bye to the others.

The journey back to my place was rapid, seeing as Kara decided to be as quick as possible. Her skateboard skidded rapidly around the solitary people making their way through the small town, and with me skidding after her with Ruby running at my side, it was no wonder people were constantly diving out of the way. Before I knew it, we were rolling up the path to my front door, going around the house and entering the house through the back door into the kitchen. There was Kai, Amber sitting on his lap, having a rather boyish conversation about car engines with Johnny. Holly was making some toast peanut butter sandwiches.

'Kai, a word, now!' Kara told her brother, pulling Kai from underneath Amber and dragging him outside. Okay, only Kara could manage that.

Cassie ran up to greet us, and I scratched her head fondly. Holly and Johnny had their eyebrows raised at me, sending me silent questions. I replied with a confused shrug.

'Give us one if those sandwiches sis.'

'Magic word?'

I rolled my eyes. 'Please!'

'You're welcome.' She said brightly, placing the plate of her delicious sandwich in front of me.

'You totally need...'

'...a life. I know, Will, but excuse me if I happen to prefer you being at least a little bit polite. At least I have a boyfriend.' She shot at me.

'Ohhh!' Amber crowed, loving this. I narrowed my eyes at her.

'Holly, you and everybody else knows I prefer enjoying my teenage lifestyle before I have to grow up. Why waste time with just one person when you could pull three?'

'Amen to that!' Johnny laughed.

'Wait until you find the perfect guy. Then you'll be glad.' Holly sighed.

'Yeah, but that hasn't happened yet, so why wait?' I quipped.

'She's got a point.' Johnny said. This is exactly why I love this guy!! He always stands by me, no matter what. But he does have his own opinion, don't worry about that. And it usually gets him into trouble with the teachers too. Bit like me really.

'Johnny, you're NOT helping!' Holly shot at him.

'Isn't that the whole point of me being here?'

I burst out laughing.

'So, what was up with Kara?' Johnny asked, carefully manoeuvring away from that conversation.

'Don't know, she, Mariah and Mariam went all weird on me when I said Kai had forgotten his keys and was sitting in here with that thing.'

'It wasn't my choice, y'know,' Amber shot back snottily, flicking back her sandy blond hair and looking at us with disgust, her lip curling. 'Who would want to come to this dump anyway?'

'Uh, a lot of people actually, including half the guys you've dated, and Kai.' I shot at her. 'So get used to it sweet heart.'

'No thanks, I'll just have to keep Kai away, won't I?' she said, smirking.

I stared at her in disbelief before Johnny burst out laughing. This thing, keep Kai under control? Is she that dumb??

'Trendson, no one apart from Kara and Voltaire can command Kai around, trust me on that.' Johnny snorted.

'Whatever.' She said, trying to hide the light blush that had crept upon her face.

I was still marvelling at her stupidity when Kara and Kai came back. Kai was muttering something under his breath that I couldn't hear, and Kara was looking at me weirdly. Her auburn eyes that mirrored Kai's exactly were sparkling with a sudden intensity and unheard laughter that it alarmed me. Especially since she was smirking rather evilly.

'I'm going upstairs to say to Max.' She told us, waltzing away.

Have I said that Kara happens to be soul mates with Max? Yeah, they're both often hyper, both have happy-go-lucky attitudes. It's really sweet, since they're both totally in love as well. Okay, so no one knew about it for a while until I happened to walk in on them snogging quite passionately last year, and with a couple of shoves from me, they came out into the open. Kai was annoyed that he hadn't known about it before, but when he saw them together, he totally lost his resolve. That's how happy they are together.

We groaned. The noises had started.

'They're not exactly the most silent pair, are they?' Holly sighed, scowling at the roof.

I returned to the conversation I was having with Johnny.

'I reckon you should just get Enrique to DJ.' I told him. He shook his head.

Johnny's birthday is in two weeks and we're having a massive party at his place. No adults around, so I reckon it'll be good fun. More boys to pull, anyway.

'Nah, it'd be brilliant if the Twisted Angels could play.' He replied, smiling one of his killer smiles that could send any girls falling into a pile of glup. One of the bad things about having hot boys as best friends is the fact you have to try really hard to get over their looks and charms. I'm still working on that one where Kai is concerned.

The Twisted Angels. That's the band me, Holly, Mariah and Kara formed. Holly has the voice of an angel and is the lead singer, Mariah is awesome on the bass and Kara has this amazing talent on the drums. I play the lead guitar and my vocals, while not as good as Holly's, are pretty good. We often play down in the local club, The Topaz Dragon.

'Your party, your choice. Personally I'd prefer getting drunk with best friend and pulling some cute guys but I could do that afterwards.' I grinned as Johnny swept me up in a hug. I love being hugged by Johnny; it usually makes me feel safe and content, with his strong arms wrapped around me and his chin resting on the top of my head.

'Thanks Cass!'

'No problem!' I laughed, and not for the first time, I thanked the lucky stars I had friends like Johnny.

'Holly, tell Mariah and Kara we're booked for Johnny's bash!' I chirped enthusiastically.

'Gotcha.' Holly replied, smiling. She's always glad when we have gigs; it gives her a good reason to lose herself in the music. Both of us love music with a certain passion, and we're well known for it. Holly's already on grade eight for singing, and about to take an exam for grade seven on the piano. I'm on grade eight for the electric guitar and on grade seven for the flute. We happen to make a great duet and more often then not we're playing in concerts at school. Needless to say people find this a really weird clash with my personality.

'Hey, we need to schedule rehearsal then,' Holly quipped.

'Yeah...lets find the others first and see if tomorrow at seven in the garage is good.' I said, turning to Kai to ask him if we can use his garage again for practice. He was glued to the lips of Amber. I pulled a face.

Can I kill her now, anyone?

Has anyone ever noticed that boys can be so mischievous? And that they often plan something and you know something is wrong but you just don't know what? Yeah, I get that often. And I'm usually on the receiving end on their pranks. Mostly because I'm usually up for a laugh and I don't get angry with them. Usually.

But then there are times when things get a bit too far.

It's annoying. I mean, for the last two months I've had to endure "the chase" which while it may be funny, some girls just don't want to snog their best friend.

Yeah, "the chase". That's what Tala named it. Nutcase. You see, Johnny has this goal to snog every cute girl in the school. The boys already wrote him up a list and the Scottish redhead had somehow managed to cross off every one of those girls.

EXCEPT ONE.

That one? Yeah, that would be me.

Can you believe it? I mean, he's already snogged Holly and all, but that's only cos I dared them to. This was before Ray, so there was no conflict there. But ME??? I don't want to snog my best friend!!! But this hasn't deterred him. Oh no, he's a player, and therefore, he shall get me. And he probably will, but that's not the goddamn point. I mean, I'm tempted, I really am. Cos Johnny is seriously cute, and has amazing violet eyes. But, well, snogging Johnny will throw my hormones into mad zone. I've happened to have experienced this sort of thing before.

When I slept with Tala.

That was, what, six months ago? No, seven. It was after Ray's birthday party, and I had to go to Tala's because it was too dark for me to go elsewhere. Tala's place is just down the road from Ray's, and we managed to get there, even it meant helping a drunk Tala down the road.

At the time I was complaining cos I was really pissed at Kai for not giving me a lift home. At the time I still had a slight crush on him so you could see why I was so upset. Anyway, seeing Tala in just his boxers really did it for me.

Having sex with Tala was simply mind-blowing. I still maintain that he is the best I've ever had, and that happened to be my first time so he kind of ruined sex for me so far. I'm not the kind of player who jumps into bed with anyone, that's just wrong. But I have had sex a couple times since then, so I know how to measure standards. Plus Tala actually knows this and he's damn proud of it. Luckily, he knows better than to broadcast this piece of information around, and it also helps for me to know that I was the best he ever had. And there is no way he was still a virgin then.

But everyone knows now. And it doesn't matter, because both of us got through that difficult strain on our friendship and came out with a stronger friendship. But the part in between? Shit, it was confusing.

That's what I'm worried about. If I snog Johnny, and if he's as good as everyone says, I might just fall back into that really confusing mad zone again. And god please, don't let that happen again.

My hormones do really weird things when I get off with my mates.

Strangers? Nope, nothing there.

Mates? Help!!!!!!

Uh, you know what, I got majorly off track then.

As I was saying before I went into the whole "the chase" and sleeping with Tala thing, boys can be damn right annoying if they want to be.

Cos you know what they've done now?

They've stuck my flute on one of the beams that run across the gym's roofs. The only way I can get I back is by climbing up the ropes. The problem? I'm wearing a skirt with no tights.

Which means while I climb they'll be able to see my knickers.

I usually don't have a big problem when not so many people are watching, but the fact a large crowd has gathered, mostly boys, is really hacking me off.

What do they take me for???

'Aw, c'mon Cass, it isn't that bad!' someone called. The crowd jeered.

'I think it's really mean.' Holly declared.

'Thanks for that vote of confidence sis.' I sighed.

'Cass, just go get it. I mean, its nothing I haven't seen before.' Tala told me, smirking. I hit his arm, annoyed.

'When I find out who did this, there is gonna be some serious butt kicking!' I declared, finally giving up and launching myself up the rope. There was a loud cheer. I sighed as I pulled myself up the rope, the tough material scraping and burning against my hands. The boys below were surrounding the bottom of the rope, peering upwards. Why did I wear the REALLY short skirt today? I knew it was a bad idea!! Thank god I wore my black knickers and not the semi-transparent ones that Tala gave to me as a joke when we had just gotten over the whole sleeping together thing. That had really got us laughing.

Half way up, I looked down. My friends had formed a small crowd away from the others, staring up at me with sympathy. I could see Ray with his arm around Holly, whom I realised was very angry at whoever had pulled this stunt. I could tell by the way her chocolate brown eyes were glinting dangerously, her forehead upturned in a frown. A rush of gratitude passed through me, and I gave her a warm smile, and a sign in our old special secret sign language that said don't worry.

She replied with a rusty God, I'm gonna kill the person who did this!

My sister can change very dramatically when someone hurts me. It's amazing really.

I continued upwards. The crowds were still jeering, hooting. It's incredible that the teachers haven't heard them. A sudden thought struck me.

Why me?

Why? Because I'm usually up for a laugh? Because I'm a player?

That's exactly it. Because I'm a player.

That's it. All they see me as is a body, someone to snog in parties. It's as if I don't have morals, I don't care who I jump into bed with. All because I slept with Tala, all because I pull guys in parties.

When had I earned a reputation like that? It's sick.

It's wrong.

In my crowd, pranks are pulled on me because I'm up for a laugh.

In school, pranks are pulled on me because they think I'm like Amber. An airhead with a body. And something else Amber doesn't have- attitude.

So someone played on my love for music and thought I wouldn't care. They thought I would giggle like Amber would and just go up they without any hesitation. Maybe they even thought I'd ask for a leg up.

I was angry now. Angry...and upset. Tears of frustration had welled up in the back of my eyes, and I fought against them hopelessly. My hands trembled as I pulled myself upwards, and I was glad when I finally reached the beam- I wouldn't've been able to hold on any longer. I hauled myself up on the timber beam, crawling along it as the crowd below cheered and laughed. I felt sick, my whole body trembling as I crawled along the narrow thick piece of wood. The flute sat in the very middle. I was high up, in the very centre of the gym. I sat cross-legged and pulled the flute case onto my lap. It wasn't damaged, neither was the silver flute inside. I ran my fingers along the metal, slotting it together and placing the mouthpiece to my lips.

A single tear rolled down my cheek.

I think everyone saw it. They probably did, considering a sudden hush fell over the entire room. More tears were falling, and I did nothing to stop them.

'Cass,' a soft voice called up. I recognised it as Tala's. 'Cass, come down,'

I didn't reply. Instead I blew a few notes. Then I began one of only grade eight pieces I've perfected. It was a moving piece, so moving that Holly burst into tears when I first played it to her. And that's when I had only started practicing it.

In a way, I was glad I had captured their attention, alarmed them when I had started crying. It served them right. They had no idea who I am, no idea what I'm like. And I was also glad Johnny and Max weren't down there. They're in detention for throwing paper balls at each other. And I'm glad because they would easily be able to get me down. They're persuasive; they know me really and truly. So does Holly, but she's dealt with me all her life and hasn't got enough patience for it. She knows it, that's why she's silently listening to me playing the flute, her eyes glazed over with tears.

The tears pouring from my eyes were coming thick and fast, so thick that I couldn't see anything. It was too blurred. So I squeezed them shut, and everything went black as my fingers numbly darted over the metal, emitting breathy notes.

After several minutes of flute playing, the last note fluttered into the air and I set down the instrument. I noticed Johnny standing in the crowd, his violet eyes filled with such anger it alarmed me. He had obviously arrived while I had been playing, and was now rapidly conversing with Kai; the thunderous expression deepening as Kai told him what was going on.

'I wish you hadn't made me come up here.' I murmured, but everyone had heard it. They jumped at the sound of my voice, staring blankly at me. 'I have feelings, y'know. I'm not just some pretty airhead who doesn't care about morals. Cos I do. If you wanted someone who could just giggle and ask for a leg up, then next time steal Amber's make up set. Cos I ain't that kinda girl. I've never been that kinda girl. But most of you wouldn't know that, would you? You wouldn't know cos I'm just another pretty girl with no brains and no morals. Newsflash, people, cos having you thinking that is what's making me upset. And I ain't coming down until I find out who did this.'

There was an eruption. Everyone began talking at once.

'WILLOW!!!' Holly cried, alarmed.

'Willow, don't be stupid and come down!' Tala ordered, frowning at me.

I ignored them.

Instead, I began to play again. A shorter jazz tune I had made up.

'WILLOW CASSANDRA TATE, DON'T MAKE ME COME UP THERE!!!' I winced at the sound of Max's voice but continued playing.

'Cass, listen. DON'T DO THIS!!' I think that was Enrique.

I think I'm gonna be here for a while.

Okay, so what d'ya think? Is the story for keeps? My mate reckons it's good, but she might just be saying that to keep me happy. (glares at Ti) anywho...review, plz!!

Thanx to those who reviewed!

OrAcLe Of ThE oNsLaUgHt Don't worry, this isn't a mary-sue fic, there's a lot of twists in this fic!

Truble thanx Ti, always appreciate da reviews. keep em coming!

Spazzy's Girl thanx for da review, glad u liked it. I suppose ur a big Johnny fan then. lol. hope u liked this chappie. keep those reviews coming!

Another thing, check out my Corrupted Dreams fic, its very different from this one.

Keep reviewing guys!

Ciao people

Chiya