How is everyone today? This Chapter is likely going to be a bit long, because a lot of things are about to happen here! Still, I think it'll have some fairly cute and or slightly satisfying moments. Enjoy chapter 9, feel free to leave reviews, and leave questions that I will happily answer in the next chapter as always!

Minor NSFW Warning, Trigger Warning for Suicide Mention and Hard Drug Mention.

Disgust is the first to push her head off of the controls, her face entirely contorted as the groggy emotion rubs her cheek, feeling the indents of the buttons she made the mistake of falling asleep on, "Ugh, I feel like ass, you guys."

"I mean...she'll eventually throw up and it'll be fine." Joy is looking to the screen and speak of the devil, "...Crash landing into the toilet."

"Please tell me Carl has aspirin." If it's one thing Fear despises, it's headaches.

"Odds are the other drunken assholes from last night downed the entire supply." Anger is already annoyed that Riley hadn't woken up sooner. Ah yes, the emotions, as well as Riley, are hung over, "I barely remember last night, we had a few tequila shots with that last beer, can we do some replays of last night?"

"On it." Says an exhausted sounding Joy.

It starts innocent enough. Hugging her drunk best friend...getting handed a joint from Carl...Dancing with Amanda...and then-

"Woah, woah, what?" Joy immediately pauses the screen, "We kissed her?!"

"...I don't think that's all." Sadness is already pressing fast forward, and though certain moments are nothing but a black screen (thanks alcohol), The emotions all gasp together in utter disbelief.

Disgust is both embarrassed and taken back, "Oh, Jesus Christ, we went down on her?!"

"I-I mean, Amanda's clearly enjoying it by her noises-"

"That's not the point, Joy! Oh god, what the fuck, guys, this is a mess."

Sadness is cautious in her tone, "...Well I warned you guys last night that you would regret this and you insisted on doing it anyway." The screen blacks out again, "I mean...she's single- they both are, so nobody did anything wrong."

Fear dramatically slides out of his chair with a sound of regret, "And now we've successfully made things awkward for Riley and Amanda. What are we gonna' do now?!"

The question is bound to be answered when a just as grimy looking Amanda is sitting on a bar stool next to Carl's kitchen counter, staring at an untouched plate of toast. She'll sit up immediately. The two girls will share very clear awkward eye contact with one another before abruptly breaking it. Riley, attempting to diffuse the situation, greets her with a quiet, "Hey." before looking for the bottle of aspirin that she's so thankful isn't empty, "...Need any?"

Amanda doesn't look up from her plate, "Yeah, yeah that'd be good." A very long pause, "Just drop them next to the water bottle...I'm afraid if I look up too fast I'll vomit, so I'm going to stay like this." It's a great excuse, but it's not why she won't look at Riley.

'Great, we've lost our best friend. I told you guys last night we shouldn't have done this. Amanda can't even look at us.'

'How is this just our fault?! She egged us on, she kissed us back!'

'She was drunk, Anger, Amanda couldn't really egg us on, Riley just took it that way.'

'Riley was just as drunk!'

'Hey, hey, guys! Just stop yelling, you'll make the headache worse.' Joy is hoping Riley won't be made vomit again from this constant bickering, 'Let's just agree they were both drunk, and that they both screwed up equally. I think that's fair, okay? They'll talk. I know they will.'

As instructed, Riley pushes two white pills beside her best friends plate, she's not looking at Amanda either. But, god, this silence is the worst thing in the world right now. She'll take a breath, "Can we talk about it?"

"Please."

'See? They're gonna' talk it out, so everyone chill out.'

"Look. I'm really sorry Amanda, I don't even remember a lot of it. I was really, really shitfaced, I swear I don't- I don't want you thinking that I look at you or think gross things about you." Even if it'd once been discussed for fun with Carissa on more than one occasion, " I swear I don't think of you romantically or whatever- it- it wasn't- I didn't-"

Amanda, surprisingly, finally looks up to greet her best friend with a little shake of her head, "You sound like you're thinking about middle school right now."

Maybe she is. To this day, the insecurity that other girls assume she's into them just because they're girls, still hangs over her shoulders. The last thing she wants is for Amanda feel this way and no longer wish to have contact.

"I don't think like that. Let's be real, I'm so not your type. Too high maintenance." She's only making the light-hearted joke in the hopes of reassuring Riley, "I-I will say this. I was...also very drunk. I'm not gay. I'm very confident in that fact. I think...last night only happened because we were drunk and you're my best friend, and I guess deep down I was a little bi-curious. You're the only girl I could do that kinda' experiment with. But I'm not...into you like that, just like you're not...into me like that. So it was just...a momentary lapse of judgement. Do you understand?"

Honestly, it's such a relief to hear that. And the once tense body language will deflate with a sigh of relief, "I completely understand and I am so fucking relieved to hear that." The last thing she wanted was to lose her best friend over something so messed up, "So, uh." She'll open her arms awkwardly, "Maybe we can bring it in for a little we're cool hug?"

The blonde will laugh, hopping right off of the stool, "Goofball." But yes, she'll accept the offer and embrace Riley. Lingering there only for a moment before drawing back, "Does that mean we can take the bus and walk home together?"

"Yeah, no problem. I got you." But just as she's downing those pills, the atmosphere will take a drastically different turn because.

"So, I don't know how much you remember, but since we talked it out, there's something I wanna' tell you."

"...Look if it's to tell me I was a lousy lay, I was drunk so you don't really get to say shit." But she's grinning, "Go easy on me, 'Manda."

"Actually it's...the opposite."

'Wait, what?'

'What is she talking about?'

Riley quirks an eyebrow, "I don't understand."

Amanda will shyly cover her face with one hand, "Okay, I'm only telling you this because you're bummed about...you-know-who and I think you could use a confidence boost."

'OUT WITH IT, AMANDA! WHAT HAPPENED!'

"Okay?"

She'll look at her feet as she speaks, "When you went down on me last night..."

"...Yeah?"

"I came really hard."

'Holy shit.'

'We made her cum?!'

'No way!'

"...I- what?" She's honestly shocked, "...I did?"

Another little laugh, "Yeah- yeah, you did. I won't go into detail." Because maybe she's a bit nervous. Totally straight, may not be completely accurate, "First time not by my own hand. And now you will never tell anybody about it. And neither will I."

"Deal." But god forgive her for that disgusting smirk creeping across her lips.

'Wow, her islands just came back online!' Aside from romantic relationship island.

'Look at that, I guess mom and Motivation were right. We just needed a rebound to feel good about ourselves. Y'know, to boost our confidence.'

"Stop making that face! You look so proud, you pervert!"

"I am proud, bitch!"

"Well, be proud away from me!"

"Hell no, I am such a good best friend, I literally went above and beyond for you!"

"Oh, god, shut up, asshole!"

The two girls, for the first time since the uncomfortable discovery, are laughing together as if nothings changed. What a relief it is for both parties.

It's later in the day, and Carissa is only just leaving band practice. She's quiet, loading up the trunk of her jeep with her drum set. Today, at least, she's looking a little more put together. She's gone from heart broken to angry at Riley. Because if her own ex girlfriend isn't willing to hear her side of the story, then fuck it. Fuck Riley's stupid insecurities. She doesn't care anymore! That's...what Carissa will tell herself, at least.

"Boy, you really missed such a good party last night, baby." Jensen, who seems to appear out of nowhere, stands with her hands behind her back.

Carissa doesn't stop what she's doing for a minute. Not even to make eye contact with the other girl. She's white noise to her, "Don't fuckin' call me baby. I'm not gonna' keep telling you."

Jensen is ignoring her. Whipping her phone out and staring at her screen with an amused breath, "Looks like Riley really enjoyed it too, according to this video footage one of my friends texted me."

That's enough for the punk to come to a halt, "...What are you talking about." She doesn't bother to wait for an answer. She takes the phone right from Jensen.

Which, is exactly what she wanted Carissa to do. To watch her press play and see the glory that is Riley Andersen furiously making out with her own best friend, "I guess she doesn't love you after all."

Her heart is shattering right now, "They're both drunk." That's the argument. That's why they're doing it isn't it?

"My poor baby, you deserve better than that pathetic excuse for an ex, Carissa."

Too stubborn for her own good. Carissa refuses to look like shattered glass right now. She'll scoff, shoving the phone back into Jensen's hands, "Bummer. We always swore we'd take her on together."

The surprise is obvious in Jensen's face. This isn't the reaction she wanted.

"But damn, good for her. I gotta' get the details, bet Amanda was good in the sack. If she bagged her. Since I'm single, that means Amanda's fare game. No way Riley's dating her." She'll open the front car door to climb in. Purposely looking directly to Jensen, "Maybe I'll ask that sweet little thing out myself." As if. Riley is the only one she wants. But if Jensen wants to play? Oh, she'll play, "And don't fucking call me baby. I'm not your fucking baby." The door is slammed shut, the car is started, "I'm never gonna' want you, Jensen." She'll drive off without another word spoken.

"...You belong to me and I'm going to make it happen. No matter what it takes."

Most of the summer is surprisingly chill. It's almost like it used to be. The threesome that is Carl, Amanda, and Riley are once again hanging out and being idiots together. And let's not forget the celebratory trip up to the mountains when mid July rolls around and Riley happily announces that she passed her road test. On the first try.

Slowly but surely, she's finding her groove once again. Yeah, for now, romance is being put on hold. She's not looking for love...and quite frankly, deep down, she still wants Carissa after everything. Every now and again, she finds herself staring at her phone, inches from pressing send before she'll delete the attempted text message. She can't right now. Just as she almost makes the mistake, Carl is joining her "Yo, so this awesome bitch who lives on my block is throwing a party. Her mom is almost always outta' town and they're loaded. You gotta go. I can drive you if you need it. Amanda's coming too. The girl made a huge facebook invite."

But Riley's phone is slipped into her pocket and she'll raise her eyebrow, "...You aren't talking about Amy Sang are you?"

"Yeah, that super hot Korean chick? That's her."

"...I actually know her, aha. Long story." Yes. Amy Sang. The quirky little girl she'd spent her month and a half in the hospital with as a roomate. The first couple of months after the two of them were released, they hung out a few times, but things abruptly changed. Amy stopped answering her text messages and seemed to vanish. She remembers hearing that her and her mother came into some money and once that happened, things just drifted, "I haven't seen her in, like, a year. I wouldn't mind catching up, so I'll totally tag along. Amy's good people, at least she was the last time I saw her."

"Sweet! So you wanna carpool? I can drive, or you can."

"You drive, my mom needs the car tonight. She's gonna' be in the hospital."

"Oh shit, everything okay?"

"Oh yeah, everything's fine. My dad just went in to get a cyst removed from his leg. It runs in his family, and he gets them all the time. It's completely benign and nothing serious, but he's gonna' be there over night so she's gonna' stay with him."

"Oh, okay, so wanna' just keep hangin' until the party? Or you wanna' meet up later?"

"Let's keep hanging out." Mostly because, "You've been acting weird around me lately."

"Have I?" He'll tense up.

"...Is it because I hooked up with Amanda?"

Carl is silent.

"Because if it is, I promise you, I don't like her that way, it was a one time thing we both regret and it's not happening again."

"...Yeah I understand." He'll go with that. Truthfully, that isn't what's bothering him at all. After all, he's the one who practically encouraged the two girls to go at it together. This all boils down to Carissa. He listened, he observed, he's one step closer to getting answers from Jensen. That's his plan for tonight, at least.

"I hate when you get weird around me, then it feels like we can't talk."

"You're right. But um...listen. It's- it's not about Amanda."

"Well, then what is it?"

He'll sigh, "You're gonna' think this is crazy of me...but I don't think...Carissa cheated on you."

'Is he fucking kidding me?! He wasn't even there, what the fuck!'

"Dude, you gotta' be kidding me! You weren't even there, you didn't see what I saw!"

"Yeah, but I also know more than you do!"

"The fuck's that mean?!"

"Her dad does have a criminal record!"

A pause, "...What?"

Carl scratches the back of his head uncomfortably, "She didn't want anybody to know and the only reason I know is because she got really trashed one night so I drove her home in her car. She blurted it out and next day she called me up and told me not to tell anyone. So, yeah, you didn't know about it because she didn't want anyone to know. I only know because she slipped up. I normally wouldn't break our promise, but you need to hear it. You need to...give her a chance to talk. I'm in the process of finding out more. Jensen is gonna' be there tonight and I'm gonna' talk to her straight up and unbiased. See what she's got to say."

Riley can't even form sentences. So the criminal record wasn't a lie? It only seemed so because she didn't know about it? Still, "Then how did Jensen find out?"

"I'm going to take a guess and say she tried to find some dirt on Carissa to get what she wanted, googled a few things and found it. I've tested it out myself. You google her dad's name and then type San Francisco, it comes up, mugshots included. So all she'd have to do is google him and it's easily found. Along with a link to Carissa's tumblr with a post about the day it happened years ago where she writes 'I hope nobody ever finds out, I love him so much I don't want anyone to think he's a bad guy. He accepted my sexuality before anyone else did'."

Complete silence is all Riley can manage, she's deep in thought.

"And on more than one occasion, Carissa's shown up at my house at 4 AM in absolute tears. Crying hysterically over you and how badly she wants to talk to you. About how since you two have split she feels like trash. And you know her better than anyone, Riley. She's a tough girl. She isn't a crier and you know it."

"And knowing how Carissa is...she's not sad anymore, she's gonna be stubborn and angry. If I try to talk to her now, it's gonna be a fight. Shitty passive aggression included."

"Then have your shitty little argument and cool off to talk it out like you guys always do. I'm gonna' find out more tonight. But you're both miserable without each other and you know it."

She hates it when he's right. Her eyes are watery, and that ugly heartache is back again.

"...So talk to her, Riley. Just give each other a chance to talk. Okay?"

"I agree with Carl and I have this whole time." Nobody agreed with Joy, but it didn't change her mind, "I still don't think she cheated. It doesn't add up. It may not be a completely flawless theory, but I do think she was set up."

"Do you really think Jensen would go to such lengths?" Fear is sitting with his chin resting in his hand, "I don't know that she's that smart."

"But she is calculated." She'll argue, "She's very calculated. And a calculated person is willing to go this far for something they want."

"I agree with Joy, I think." As if Disgust has suddenly seen the great light, "I don't know. Carl set off some alarms for me. He could be right. Carissa and Riley went so heavy for so long and the worst fight they ever had was that drunken night where Carissa blew her off for the band when they'd planned a date together and the two of them in their trashed stupor yelled and cried at each other for not caring about each others needs. Then the next day when they were sober they talked it out and it was fine. They've never really...had serious problems that they couldn't work through."

"Exactly!" Agrees Joy, "I think when we see her next, we should try talking to her. We can even text her maybe. Just...play it by ear."

"...Couldn't hurt." But Anger wants it to be clear, "I can't promise I won't say something stupid, still mad at everything. So, bare with me. But I'm willing to give it a shot."

It's almost like a party at Carl's on steroids. The amount of teens crowding around the large property is staggering. From all different schools and areas of the city. She's surprised anyone is able to have a good time with how crongested it is. She reaches for a beer before she finds herself asking party goers for Amy. They all point to the stairs, and just atop it, the first door of the hall, the only door that's shut. Her room. She's apparently retreated there alone. Riley has to admit, that's very strange. Who throws a party in their own home and then doesn't attend it? Still, she'll climb up those stairs and knock on the door. Over all of the noise she can't hear anything, so she'll cautiously enter the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. The room is dimly lit. Hang lights over a lavish bed. The walls and curtains...and bedding are white and lacey, But in the corner? A black vanity, covered in spikes, patches, polarioids and...in the vanity chair is a pile of dirty clothes, blacks and plaids. It looks like Carissa isn't the only gutter punk she knows. But what throws her off is that the room itself...? Doesn't fit the aesthetic of it at all.

"Is that Riley Andersen?"

She jolts, not expecting that voice, "Yeah- yeah uh-" There's Amy who's rising from the floor, standing in nothing but an over sized black sweater. Her hair is significantly shorter, a side bang, pixie style cut. Riley eyes her up and down. Immediately she's worried. This girl is...too skinny. Just as skinny as years ago in that hospital. Legs are bone, and she's appears as though she's being eaten by that sweater that's likely a size small and still too big for her, she's tiny. Her smokey eye makeup, a mess. Looking as though it hasn't been washed in days, "...Amy?"

"How's it goin', boo? Fuck y'got hot, babe. I ain't made it a habit to let people just walk on in here, but if ya'll are single, maybe we can hit the sheets and forget that you just came on in without askin' me first." She'll wink.

Something's off, "I know it's forward but." Even the way Amy talks, my god, it's so different from years ago, "...Please tell me you're eating." What the fuck is going on?

But of course she is. In fact, Amy reaches over to her nightstand where a bowl with chopsticks laying upon it, is picked up, "I'm a rice junkie, love bein' my own racial stereotype. I live off it." She'll happily eat it right in front of her.

Then why is she so skinny?

'Guys, I have such a bad feeling.'

'This isn't the girl we met years ago.'

"Oh, then I guess...well, it's been a while. What's new?"

"Same shit, I guess? Or maybe not- girl ya'll missed so much." She'll act as if disappearing isn't at all her fault, "I'm fuckin' loaded now. Y'see this house? It's gorgeous. So many rooms."

"...Where's your mom?"

"Who the fuck knows, probably outta' the states. She's a big important business women so she's never home." She drops the bowl of rice down, looking sad only for a moment, "She's never home." No. She doesn't want to talk about it, "So how're you and your girl? You fair game yet? I'm so in the mood for some fun, boo."

'Is...is she?'

'Is she what, Anger?'

"...She cheated on me back in May." That poses the question, "I guess you and Brittany aren't together?"

She'll laugh an eerie laugh, "She died. Killed herself, actually. It was closed casket, cuts all over her body. It was nuts."

'...Is she fucked up?'

'What do you mean fucked up?'

'I mean like THAT.'

She's opening a small box, pulling out a dime bag. A dime bag of cocaine. She flips open a compact mirror, pours out one line, evens it out with a razor, "Oh, you wanna do a line, babe?"

"Um. No- no thanks." Still, all of this strikes a hard nerve. How could she be dead? She did so well in recovery, "...When?"

"About a year ago, I think."

'...That's about the time Amy vanished.'

"...Amy, I am so sorry." The look of sympathy can't be stopped. Riley can't even imagine, "Do you wanna' talk about it?"

"I want y't'shut the fuck up." And she'll lean down, snort that line clean, "...I'm fuckin' tired of it all. I don't care about her, I didn't love her. The bitch meant nothin' to me."

"...Amy."

"Don't fuckin' start, Andersen. Love is bullshit!"

"I'm not trying to start shit, I'm worried about you- look at you!"

"LOVE IS BULLSHIT!" Amy takes her hand abruptly shoving the contents of the nightstand onto the floor, "She promised she'd never fuckin' leave me, but she did! Ya'll are the fuckin same! Oh I love ya', I'll never hurt ya'! We'll always talk shit out and never just leave without talkin' first. Then the bitch fuckin' leaves me behind after promising to stay forever." She's on the verge of tears, "Fuck college. I'm packin' my fuckin' bags come September." She'll turn to Riley, "None of ya'll are ever gonna see me again. I'm tired of livin' in this big ass house alone. This rich life- it ain't me. I'm born n'raised in the slums s'where I belong. I just blow the damn money on drugs. I'm a fuck up who's gonna get nothin'. Because that's just it. Ain't got nobody. Momma's gone, bae is gone, everyone's gone. And these kids that're all downstairs drinkin' their asses off? They don't give no shits 'bout me."

Riley is in complete astonishment. In a way, this somehow gives her good advice. She needs to talk to Carissa. If Amy can get this messed up, who's to say Riley and Carissa can't? This needs to be fixed, "Amy...where will you go? You can't just...leave without a plan."

"Fuckin' watch me! It don't matter. Just not gonna' stay here. Anywhere's better than here. Maybe New York." She's stepping past Riley now, "I need me a beer." But she'll say one more thing before exiting, "No day but today, right, Riley?"

It takes her a moment to snap out of her trance-like state. This moment had been so difficult for Riley to witness. The hospital helped her, and so clearly it didn't do a thing for Amy. In fact, she's worse than she had been in the past. It's a crushing blow, how could Amy have turned out so wrong? So cynical? She sighs, crossing the room to kneel on the floor and pick up the contents scattered on the carpet. To be safe, she'll take the dime bag, open the first drawer and place in there out of site. But inside the drawer? Even more gut-wrenching.

'Guys...look at this.'

She finds two different photo booth strips. The first one is clearly from right after the hospital. Amy and Brittany acting like goofs in the photo booth, laughing and smiling, kissing each others cheeks. The next strip, is from a few months later. Amy is all smiles, Brittany's smile? It's shrunken, more subdued. She'll put them back down, pick up a small Polaroid with Amy's arm around Brittany, who isn't smiling at all. And written in black sharpie is 'We made it, still going strong. Together. Fuck mental illness.'

Even more distressing.

The drawing Brittany had done of Amy, torn to complete shreds, messily taped back together with scotch tape. She can only imagine Amy's heartbreak, and in her fit of disappointment upon hearing of her death, she must've torn the drawing up, then proceeded to regretfully tape it back together. It destroys her to see all of this. She'll place her hand over her mouth.

'Guys, this is...so awful.'

'I-I feel so bad.'

'...That girl's not even gonna' make it past age 25, I can feel it. This is terrible.'

'We can't let this happen to us. We can't let this eat us up.'

Meanwhile, Carl who's drinking with Amanda and making small talk, is side-eyeing Jensen from across the room, she's outside, away from the loud noise and ruckus. He'll take a sip of his beer, "I'm goin' in, if you see Carissa. Distract her." He's brave, chest puffed as he crosses the room and heads outside, "Hey, Jensen, you just get here?"

She looks to Carl, "Kinda' surprised you wanna' talk to the girl Carissa cheated with."

"Ahahaha." It's dry laughter, "Yeah, the thing is? Yeah, Austin let it all out. He couldn't keep your secret."

"What are you talking about?" But she's internally panicking.

Did Austin say a word? No, but Jensen doesn't know that. And Carl has been extra observant. He's seen them talking. He knows Austin has something to do with this, "He told me your little plan to set her up. So tell me why you did it?"

She hesitates for a very long time before she'll roll her eyes, "I liked Carissa first in middle school and Riley took her from me."

"First of all, no she didn't. Carissa just liked her. Carissa can't help who she falls for. Now why did you do it? You've ruined their relationship. They're never gonna' get back together and now they're both crushed and it's all your fault!"

"And that increases my chances! I know Riley's ridiculously jealous of me. She hated every time I hung out with you guys!" She pauses again, "So I told Carissa I'd blab her little secret about her dad unless she kissed me. A real kiss. Eyes closed, hands on my hips." She smirks, she's proud of what she's done, "And now it doesn't matter what you tell Riley. She's always going to believe Carissa cheated because she's too selfish to hear her side of the story. She saw what she saw...which is exactly what I wanted."

"...You're fucked up."

"I guess I am." With a grin, she'll lean in to kiss Carl's cheek, "I think I see Carissa, so I'll see you around, sweet cheeks."

Yes. Jensen think she's won. What a mistake she's made. Carl remains where he stands. His phone, which has been in his hand the whole time is raised. He'll press a very important button to save the remainder of his battery life: STOP RECORDING.

What time is it even? Riley pulls out her phone: 11:45 PM. It's about to be slipped into her pocket when she looks up to see Carissa coming right towards her. Oh god.

But it's not what she expects. Carissa's eyes are bitter, and she walks right past Riley, her shoulder roughly shoving Riley's. The action causes Riley's phone to fall onto the floor, screen first, "Oh, oops, my bad."

"What the fuck- did you just fucking do that on purpose?" The question is rhetorical. She knows Carissa better than anybody else possibly could. That was absolutely on purpose. She knows it.

"Well, I'd try to explain it, but you probably wouldn't stick around to hear my side of the story."

"Oh, grow the fuck up!"

'Guys...remember the whole thing about being calm and rational?'

She'll pick up her phone, when she turns it over, much to her seething disappointment, "...You shattered my screen!"

'Oh, fuck that, Joy!'

"That's fine! I'm sure mommy and daddy will buy you a new one!" And she's talking in baby-talk of all things, proud to be condescending as she exits the house without an apology.

'Oh hell fucking no, bitch, you aren't walking the fuck away from this!'

Riley is right on Carissa's tail, following her outside, "Don't you fucking walk away from me, Carissa!" She'll grab hold of her arm, "You better fucking pay for a new phone, I know you did that on purpose."

Without hesitation she's flashing a malicious grin, "Yeah, I did." But she's forceful in pushing out of Riley's grip, "Don't fucking touch me."

"Don't fucking touch you? you just shoved into me and smashed my damn phone screen! I didn't even do anything to you! I was actually gonna' try to talk to you!"

"Too little, too late. I'm not talking to you."

"You're acting like a stubborn brat, just like always!"

"Aw, good one, Riley, I see your bitchiness is finally showing itself."

"And I see yours never fucking left." She'll fold her arms. She's not backing off.

Carissa shoves her hard enough that Riley fall's right against the front house.

The fire is ignited.

Riley shoves her right back, only she's not quite so gentle. In fact, she's pushing her right onto the ground. But Carissa will grab her leg, nearly twisting it in the process, forcing her to fall against the pavement with a loud thud, "Oh you wanna fucking play, huh?!" Carissa, straddling her ex, wraps her hand around Riley's neck.

Riley, enraged and in a coughing fit, nearly choking, raises her arm, punching Carissa dead in the face. Carissa falls back only for a moment, returning the nasty gesture, right into Riley's left eye. It's a full on brawl.

Riley Andersen and Carissa Smith are beating the ever living shit out of each other.

Amanda comes running outside at the sound of commotion, "Guys- GUYS! STOP IT, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? CARL! CARL! CARL GET OUT HERE!"

Too little, too late.

The faint sound of siren's approaching. And nobody seems to care about the two girls physically fighting in the driveway. All they care about is saving their asses from getting caught drinking under age by the authorities. They're fleeing like a pack of gallimimus during the cretaceous period. Carl is attempting to break through the crowd, but in truth, he's too busy thinking about Amanda. He promptly throws the petite girl over his shoulder, "We gotta' go! I'll take care of it! I'll come back for them!"

Too little, too late.

It won't be much longer until the two girls are forced apart, pushed onto their stomachs, where they'll be handcuffed and arrested. The pair will be placed into the back of a police car, escorted to the precinct.

What the fuck were they thinking?

The emotions, are completely mind blown by what they just witnessed. Two girls, clearly so in love...just beat the crap out of each other with no remorse it seemed. But that's just it, there is remorse...it's so much more complicated than that. The answer lies with one emotion, and all of the others will turn to Anger.

He can only manage to say one thing, "...i just got so mad!" For once, in a very long time, there are tears in his eyes, "...Why do I have to want her so much?"

That's the answer: pent up frustration... E.

The two girls, each with one hand cuffed to the hard wooden bench they're sitting on, refuse to look at each other. Their faces are messed up and their hearts are heavy. A police officer stops right in front of them with a few papers tucked under his arm, "Well aren't you two a site for sore eyes." Officer Castellanos, looking not much different than years ago, "Just a little shocked to see you two girls in this position this time around."

Neither of the girls speak.

It's enough for Officer Castellanos, to chuckle a little, "Let's make this easy: who started it?"

"Riley."

"I did not! Carissa started it!"

"You liar!"

"Hey!" He'll whistle, attempting to silence the girls, "I'm going to let each of you speak. But I don't want you guys talking over each other. I will hear both sides of the story and then you girls are gonna' sit here while we run these papers, okay? So, Riley, how about you start."

"Well, first of all, she started the physical fight." She's pushing her slouched beanie back up on her head with her un-cuffed hand, "I was checking my phone and she purposely bumped into me which knocked it right out of my hand, shattering my screen." She'll even show him the phone as evidence, "So we had a verbal altercation and she shoved me right into the wall and it escalated from there. So she started it."

He'll turn to the other, "Carissa? Is this true?"

She'll sigh, staring at the floor, legs spread apart, "...Okay, yeah, I started it, But it only happened because we broke up because some bitch set me up and she wouldn't hear my side of the story. So I got passive aggressive. I didn't intend to start a fight...but then halfway through I guess I ended up acting on impulse."

"...Ah, young love." He shakes his head, clearly making a cynical joke, "How ironic. The last time I spoke to you, you were fighting in the name of Riley. Must be true love." However, "Just because you two are having a lovers quarrel, doesn't mean your violent behavior is justified. Do you understand how screwed up this is? Now, I can't promise anything, but I'll see if I can't level with the chief. Both of you, stay calm and don't start anything else. I'll be right back."

This prompts Riley's legs to spread apart, so she can lean forward with both elbows on her thighs. Another mistake to be made.

Because Carissa is eyeing her. But no, not her face. Her left wrist. The scar from a few weeks ago, clearly it's fresh. She hasn't done that in years.

Riley will take her free hand to cover the scar, "...Don't pretend to care right now." But she'll look up, upon realizing that Carissa hasn't stopped staring. And just when she wants to be mad again.

There's that look of concern and...love. And my god, it brings back memories.

With tears welling in her eyes, she's trembling where she stands as she extends her left arm hesitantly, revealing the hideous, terrifying sight of over two months worth of self affliction. And Carissa sucks in a sharp breath, trying so hard not to cry along with her, "Jesus Christ, Riley-h–" "Please don't tell-h–" "But you're hurting yourself!" "I'll stop! Just please don't tell!" "You don't just stop! That's not how it works!" "Carissa!" But it'll be no use, the girl grabs her wrist, demanding for a closer look, and the moment she get's it, she has to step away shortly after. Her back is facing Riley. The feelings are unclear. "…Carissa…?" She'll turn back around, no longer holding back the tears, "…Baby." And that's enough for Riley. She'll lose her composure too. The tears will come full force…it's over now isn't it? "Why-h?" And it'll be said as she wraps her arms around the distraught girl. Wishing so badly she could take those scars away. "…Because I'm worthless." "No you're not, baby, you're not."

Carissa still cares, she never stopped. Riley can feel the color rushing to her cheeks, "I regretted it immediately, I'm fine."

"...You sure?"

"...I'm sure."

"Because if you're not, it's okay."

"I'm okay, Carissa."

"...Wish I could have talked you out of it over the phone like I used to."

And for the first time in ages, they dare to lock eyes, whether it's admitted or not, they're both well aware that they're looking at one another with somber, lovesick gazes.

Officer Castellanos returns, "Alright, girls. I'm gonna' let you guys go. But Your parents will be contacted, so what they do is up to them. But since you two don't often get into trouble, we're not going to take this further. Just don't let us catch you two doing this again, alright? Next time we won't be so lenient."

They'll simply nod, waiting to be un-cuffed.

'We gotta' talk to her guys.'

'Maybe just not right now.'

'Well, let's at least tell her we wanna' talk!'

They're walking down the steps of the precinct when Carissa, so suddenly and so nervously starts babbling her feelings, "Okay, I shouldn't have started that fight with you, like fuck, that was so fucked up of me. Now we both have bruises and like, I'm not gonna' forgive myself for this one, That was so messed up, like what the fuck? I feel like I'm gonna' be sick. But I was just upset with you, okay? It built up and I needed to get it out, and obviously so did you because we both kinda' went crazy and started fighting. I don't think we'd ever do this again, especially not sober. I had some drinks and you did too- this isn't us. You didn't trust me and the fact that you wouldn't listen to my side of the story made me feel like you've never trusted me even before that and it really hurt, Riley."

At the bottom of the steps now, Riley stands, watching Carissa with a very small smile.

"I didn't fucking cheat on you, Riley. I didn't. You've gotta' fucking believe me."

Not another word is spoken. Riley steps forward, both hands pressed carefully to Carissa's cheeks. Lashes bat lightly, her eyes closing. She'll give Carissa a feather-light kiss, "Stubborn asshole. I know how you get when you're angry, and it's why we're not going to talk right now. Let's...cool off and talk tomorrow."

Carissa is so shocked that she's nearly shaking. Sh-she kissed me. Her eyes from angry to innocently surprised, "...Tomorrow."

Riley is shoving her hands into her pockets this time, will take off. For now, it's best to leave things alone. They can talk tomorrow.

Carl arrives just in time to see Riley leaving, and Carissa standing there completely frozen, "What the hell were you two thinking?! You both fucked each other's faces up! What the hell?!"

Once again, she's being reduced to tears. Only this time, they're tears of Joy, "Sh-She kissed me-h-" Hysterical, "I-I think it's gonna' be okay-h-"

He'll stand there, shaking his head as he pats her back, "Lemme' walk you home."

She'll follow along with him, still crying as she argues, "Fuck, I hate crying-h- I'm no bitch-h. But, shit-h, that girl's got me so weak in the knees for her-h."

"Tell me about it, Casanova. Never seen you cry like this before. She's turned you soft."

We're soulmates, Riley. And

H.