Thirty One Days

Chapter 1: And so it Begins…

-x-

Fact: Tall, tanned, toned brunettes are hot.

July 2nd, 2007

I woke up this morning really believing that maybe this whole thing had been a dream, actually it even took me a few minutes to figure out where I was. Then I stared at the four new text messages from my best friend and realized that this is reality and I really am stuck in Texas for a good portion of my summer. My life sucks.

"Good you're awake" My mom concludes as she peaks her head into my "room", pfft…more like closet.

I know I must sound ungrateful but I'm used to a whole different lifestyle, is that so horrible?

Plus, I'm really cranky in the morning. Talk to me in a little while and I'll be more personable (insert smiley face here)

-x-

My mom and I are sitting in the kitchen once again, it's a Saturday morning and I have no plans. How weird is that? Well maybe not for you but if I were to tell Sora I am reading a newspaper on a Saturday morning in July, well she'd excommunicate me as her friend. Ha-ha, that was a joke, but seriously this self pity thing is getting pathetic. Not to mention boring.

I blow a piece of my brown hair out of my face, as a sign of utter boredom, "I'm telling you, go next door" My mom mentions, not looking up from her book, "You used to love hanging out with Kari and Tai…" She trails off.

Tai. Boy does that name bring back memories. The last time I was here it was for two weeks, four years ago. I was thirteen, decked out in Gap, my best friend at my hip, pink hair and brightly banded braces. Shudder. But I distinctly remember this short, palish, bushy haired boy who was practically married to his soccer ball. Him and Sora had their one on one's often enough but I don't recall him ever being fun.

Plus, I was never a fan of soccer.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Shouldn't I be past that stage? "Mom, I don't want to go next door, it's going to be awkward" Doesn't she get that? I mean god...why can't parents just pretend like they get it? It would make my job easier.

She sighs, "Look, I refuse to let you sit around and be bored" She starts off sternly and wow, she even put her book down, I'm totally not going to like what's coming next, "So it's either you go there or I'm calling Kari over here" I knew it.

I pull a hand through my hair, "God Mom, fine you know what I'll go over there!" Oh, she is so getting on my nerves today. I really do not want to go next door but the thought of my mom arranging a playdate is absolutely mortifying.

I stalk up the stairs in a dramatic huff, making sure I stomp up the like three stairs. The second I get into my room I slam my door and attach my phone to my ear.

"Pick up, pick up, pick up" I pray, sliding out of my flannel shorts.

Just as I'm about to hang up, my best friend answers, "Sorry, I couldn't find the phone!" She breathes into the phone.

I laugh, "Oh God, I swear you are so my best friend" We can be so alike sometimes its scary.

She laughs too, "How's it going? Are you dying slowly?" Compassionate, isn't she?

I roll my eyes this time, at least no one's here to see it "Slowly and painfully" I admit, plopping down in front of my suitcase. At the very least, this gives me an excuse to dress cute.

I hear Sora shift positions, probably to get more comfortable, if I knew her at all I'd bet she flew across her room to pick up the phone, "I'm sorry, as much as I dislike you having fun with out me…" She trails off playfully, "I would much rather you were enjoying yourself"

I can't help but feel a rush of gratitude towards my long distance best friend, "I know Sor, and I'm sure it'll get better" Not sure if I believe it myself, but I'll lie. For her sake anyway. Maybe even a little for my own.

"I think so and besides it's only a month, right?" She's look for reassurance from me, what a joke.

But I'll do it anyway, just to avoid looking like the drama queen I am and to give her a little peace of mind. "I'm sure and on the plus side, my mom's eased up a bit" There, not a total lie.

"Seriously? Your mom" She asks skeptically and I can't really blame her. My mom used to be an anal you know what, she was never "cool mom" material.

I nod even though I know she can't see it, "Yeah, trust me. No one's as surprised as me" I assure her, "I've ruled out alien abduction for the time being but cloning…" I would probably sound crazy to anyone but Sora.

She laughs; "Definitely cloned" She humors me.

I finally find the garments I'd been aimlessly searching for, hoping to God that I had in fact packed the ripped A&F denim shorts and the white tank that Sora says was "made for me", "Yeah well, I don't think aliens or cloning will get my father's attention" I sigh loudly.

Sora clicks her tongue disapprovingly, "You dad loves you, you know that" She says impatiently, "He's just doing what your mom asked"

I know she's right but I need someone to blame and my mom is making it awfully hard to blame her. So it has to be the parent that's a bazillion miles away, right? "Yeah, yeah, broken record, I get it"

"So anything new?" she asks casually.

Well…there is one thing. "You remember, Tai?" I ask a little nervously, why I'm nervous though, I have no idea.

"Oh yeah! Bushy haired, short soccer kid next door!" She exclaims happily, "Boy was he a challenge" She remembers fondly.

I grab my clothes and throw them on my bed, not even bothering to zip up my suitcase, "Yeah, you had more fun that summer then I did" I recall sourly, "Anyway, my mom seems to have some deluded idea that I'm besties with the two of them—

"Two?" Sora interrupts in confusion.

Of course she'd only remember Tai, "His sister, Kari" I answer.

It's silent for a minute; "Ohhhh" Clearly realization has just dawned on her.

Patience is not a virtue I possess, "Anyway, my mom's making me go next door and like hang out with them…it's so third grade"

She lets out a low whistle, "I thought you said she was better?" She asks bleakly.

"I mean she's only trying to help, she doesn't want me to be miserable" I say a little defensively.

Sora backs off, "I have no doubt about that, but I mean if you really don't want to go…" of course she's only looking out for me.

"Yeah, I know I mean I'll do it to make her happy, I don't want her to think visiting her is a death sentence or anything" Even though, leaving my home and my friends for one month of my summer is pretty damn close.

Sora knows this but she doesn't point it out, "Its so weird not having you here Meems, its like everything is out of whack" She complains, "You know Taylor Lee didn't even wait an hour after you left to name herself cheer camp captain" She seethes.

What?! "But camp doesn't start until I get back! I made sure to schedule it that way the second I found out about this horrid excuse for a vacation" I screech into the phone.

She's immediately regretting that she told me, I can tell "Listen, I'm still second in command and I think that the girls will listen to me, I'm sure they'll wait till you get back" She doesn't sound very convincing.

"But I earned that spot" I feel tears stinging at my eyes but I squeezed them shut, I refuse to cry over this.

I hear Sora grumble a few unintelligible words, "Don't worry, me and Yolie are going to sort it out" She ensures me.

I don't know if I can believe her but I don't think I've got any other choice, "Thanks, I know I can count on you guys" I say half heartedly, "Listen, I've got to…—

"Go? Yeah…me too" She admits sheepishly, I can hear Yolie's voice calling for her.

"Tell Yolie I said "hey" and that I miss her" I smile sadly.

Sora sighs, "Will do, I'll give you a call later?" She says.

"Sure, bye Sor" I say

"Bye" She says back before I hang up the phone.

I pull a hand through my mahogany hair before snatching my clothes off the bed and retreating to the bathroom. I really didn't want to go visit the freaky, soccer obsessed, lanky dork next door but maybe a really cute paper boy will be making his rounds. I know, I know, fat chance right? But a girl can dream…

-x-

There was no cute paper boy hanging around in my mom's driveway, nor did I meet anyone in the second it took to walk next door. Now I had no hope left and a very grumpy attitude. If this boy had a prayer left to him, he'd better not piss me off. Goes for the girl too. I just don't remember her as vividly as I remember him; he always seemed to be around. Annoying kid.

I took a deep breath and knocked against the white door, hoping I wouldn't have to exchange awkward pleasantries with their mom. That would be worse then either of them answering the door. I think. I smoothed a hand down my hair and waited. What could possibly be taking so long? I'm practically sweating out here for crying out loud.

Finally I heard shuffling on the other side, I took another steadying breath, hopefully this would be over and done with without any damage to my ego.

The door opens slowly and carefully, like I'm some kind of serial killer. But the person that's behind it knocks the air straight out of my lungs. He's tall, tanned and totally toned, his hair's dripping and his naked upper body's practically glistening. He's so totally gorgeous that I can barely pick my jaw up off the floor. I don't realize that I'm staring until he clears his throat.

God…I feel like an idiot, he must think I'm totally lame. "You lost?" He asks, I catch his eyes swiftly panning the length of my body, by the nod of appreciation I can tell he's impressed.

His abs are so defined I just want to run my fingers over them, his chest is rippling and glistening in the sunlight and god he is gorgeous. I shake my head. Coherent thoughts Mimi! C'mon you can do it! "Uh no, I um well I live next door, I mean not me but my mom does and I'm visiting her so technically I guess I live there but not really coz it's only temporary and—" I cut myself off, my rambling is so embarrassing.

He grins, great. He finds me amusing. "So, either you're here coz your mom sent you or you're sellin' cookies"

I let out a nervous giggle, "Not selling cookies" I manage to get out.

His deep brown eyes meet mine, "Well then, come on in" He steps to the side.

I hesitate for a minute but ultimately decide to go in; once he closes the door behind me he disappears down the hall.

He comes back a few seconds later, in a loose fitting white polo to go with his khaki shorts.

He's. So. Hot.

"So, you really don't remember me?" I ask him making sure I didn't sound like an idiot this time. I don't blame him for not recognizing me right away though, if my mom hadn't told me that Tai still lived next door I probably wouldn't have believed this was the same boy.

He stares at my face for a long moment, "Mimi?" He eyes me carefully, "Dude! It's you!" He laughs.

Great. He just called me dude, how flattering. "Yeah…do I look so different?" I ask curiously, taking a seat on the couch.

He nods, "Hell yeah, last time you had like pink hair and a mouth full of braces…" he trails off, clearly trying not to offend me.

"And now?" I ask, I know the answer but I just want to know if he'll say it.

He looks towards the muted television, "Well now…you're uh well you got your braces off" Nice Tai, way to make a girl feel special.

"You look different too" I add, "Last time you were glued to a soccer ball and hadn't hit that growth spurt yet" I gesture to his obvious height.

He chuckles, "Yeah, it's been a while huh?" He asks, I'm pretty sure it's rhetorical.

But I answer him anyway, "Yeah, yeah it has" I say in agreement.

It's silent for a few minutes, but a comfortable silence I guess. I don't feel the need to sift through topics to make conversation because the silence doesn't feel awkward. Finally he opens his mouth to speak "So, where have you been this whole time?" He asks casually.

I don't really know how to respond so I go with the obvious, "Home, my mom would usually visit me whenever she'd get time off…um if that's what you meant" I answer him.

He nods, "Oh, and the red head?" Of course he'd remember Sora just as she'd remembered him.

I look up to meet his eyes, "Not here" I respond.

He nods again, "You look like you'd rather not be here, too" He notes.

Am I really that easy to read? "I just don't think I've adjusted…besides I got some pretty devastating news this morning" I tell him gravely.

His eyes widen, "What? What's wrong?" he asks immediately.

"Well," I start off, "Sora, the red head, told me that my position as cheer captain is in danger of being usurped" I whisper solemnly.

He looks at me for a second before bursting into a fit of laughter, "That's. all?" He manages to choke out.

I'm past affronted at this point, I reach behind me and grab a pillow to throw at him, "I'm glad this is funny to you" I snap, throwing the pillow at him.

He catches it with ease and tries to hold back his laughter, "I'm sorry, its just that you made it sound like some one was dying!"

I roll my eyes, "Boys" I mutter.

He tries to sober up, "Really, sorry. But you cheerleaders just take it so seriously" He shakes his head.

I glare at him, "You still married to your soccer ball?" I shoot back.

He looks vaguely impressed, "Ha ha, and not so much anymore" He defends, "Besides soccer's a sport"

I raise a threatening eye brow, "You don't want to go there" I warn him.

He puts his hands up with a look that says "don't shoot", "All right, I won't" He amends.

I nod curtly, "So Tai, what have you been up to?" I lean back against the comfortable couch and stretch my arms.

Tai shrugs a shoulder, "Not much, same old" He says nonchalantly.

I notice for the first time since I've been here, how incredibly quiet his house is right now, "No one's home" It comes out as more of a statement then a question.

He shrugs another shoulder, "Nope. 'rents got work and my sister's out" He answers.

"You're not?" I ask, a small smirk on my face.

Tai looks at me sheepishly, "Well I was getting ready to leave before you came" Great. Now I feel lame.

I feel the heat rise to my face, "Oh, right, well I'll just go then" I say quickly, getting up to avoid further embarrassment.

He shakes his head, "No, that's not what I meant" He gets up too, "Seriously, stay" He's practically pleading.

God, I feel like such an ass. "Tai…I don't wanna keep you from your friends" I sigh, trying to walk towards the door.

Tai catches my wrist, "Davis can wait" He says softly, "In fact, I don't care if he waits all day" It sounds so honest.

I turn around to face him, his hand still enclosed around my wrist "Sure?" I ask unsurely.

He smiles a half smile that makes my breath hitch, "Sure" He breathes out, his eyes flickering over my face.

"Ohkay" I say unsteadily. Never has any guy made me feel what I'm feeling right now. Maybe its because I was with the same one for so long that I never experienced it, but right now its indescribable. My heart's hammering out of my chest, my stomach feels like its sheltering a swarm of overgrown butterflies and I have an irresistible urge to kiss the guy in front of me.

Tai gazes at me a few minutes longer before dropping my wrist to my side, immediately I wish he hadn't. Is that bad? I haven't even spent an hour with him and… "So" I clear my throat, hoping we'd get past that slightly awkward moment.

"So" He sits back down on the chair in front of me and I take a seat on the couch, "What do you want to do?" He asks with a smirk.

What do I want to do? Hm…except him I don't know. Wow that was bad. God, I need to stop, this is becoming ridiculous, "Well I don't know much around here, maybe you could suggest something?"

He takes that into account, "Well, we could still meet up with Davis" He suggests.

I'm not sure how I feel about that but I agree to it anyway, "Whatever" I smile.

Tai gets up again, "Then I guess I'll lead the way" He grins, staring over at me.

I nod, "I think that would be best, I'm pretty much directionally challenged" I admit, not to mention I don't live here.

He laughs, "Most girls are" He winks, opening the front door and heading out of it.

I slip my feet into my flip flops and follow him out.

Things were definitely starting to look up.

-x-

We ended up at a boy named Davis's house. Apparently this boy is Tai's best friend, all I know is, he's hot too, what is with the boys down here? Not that I'm complaining. And even though they look a lot alike, I still think Tai's hotter.

"Is that Mimi?" A feminine voice asks behind Tai. It wasn't really one I recognized though so I hope it isn't impolite to ask her name.

Tai nods slightly.

The girl comes into view. She's got light brown hair that reach a little past her shoulders, cute brown eyes and an eager smile. Like she really wants to meet me. "It's me Kari" She smiles and I'll admit, I'm a little taken aback, she's got a really pretty smile. Plus the Kari I remember was two foot five and had a camera around her neck. Now she's all grown up…

"Kari" I can't help but hug her, I feel like I'm meeting an old friend.

She returns my embrace completely, the look in her eyes says she feels the same. I think we're going to be really good friends. "You look awesome" She says in a way that instantly reminds me of Sora.

I feel a wave of love pass through me as I think of my best friend, "Me! Look at you!" I laugh, gesturing to the difference in her appearance.

She flips her hair off her shoulder dramatically, "What can I say?" She jokes.

From the corner of my eye, I see Tai smiling at us. I'm not sure why, but it makes me feel light and airy inside.

"So" Davis tilts his chin at me, "Where's the red head?" He asks coolly.

I don't roll my eyes at him, "Back home" I shrug, just as coolly.

He smirks, "Then I guess you'll do" He winks, earning an elbow to the stomach from Tai.

"I was kidding…" I hear him mumble and I have to stifle a giggle.

Tai shakes his head, "Yeah, I knew I shouldn't have brought you here" He says apologetically.

I laugh, "They're fun" I tell him honestly. Surprise I know, since it must seem like I'm always lying.

Kari loops her arm with mine, "Don't worry, Davis and Tai will be playing soccer soon enough, we'll go shopping" She grins into my ear.

My eyes light up at the thought, "We have to…" I tell her.

Tai looks over at me and Kari, "Am I that easily dispensable?" Tai frowns, feigning hurt.

I laugh, "Yeap, unless you wanna come shopping"

He makes a face, "On second thought…" He trails off.

Kari looks at him triumphantly, "Exactly. Ready to go, Mimi?" She asks me.

My eyes meet Tai for just a second. He gives me a small nod "Yeah" I nod, keeping my eyes on Tai.

She smiles, "And we'll take my car, since Tai's is a death trap" She throws her brother an innocent look.

Tai looks offended, "You didn't just say that about my baby" I'd laugh if he didn't sound so serious.

Kari sticks her tongue out at him, "Guess I did" She laughs, before dancing out of the room.

I wave at Tai and Davis before following her out. I'm just about to leave Davis's house when I hear Tai calling after me.

"Yeah?" I didn't realize how close he was until I turned around; suddenly my face is very close to his.

We stay like that for a second.

Finally he breaks our gaze, "I just thought I'd ask what you're gonna be doing tomorrow" He says softly.

So I don't think I'm supposed to feel as I happy as I do. I mean I just met him, well technically I didn't just meet him but still…

"What do you think I'm doing?" I ask him.

He gives me a crooked smile, "So we'll hang out?" He asks.

I wait a second before answering, I don't want to seem overly eager, "Yeah, we'll hang out" I confirm, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

What happens next is something I should have seen coming but I didn't. I see him searching my face, his eyes flitting from my eyes to lips. I feel myself move subconsciously closer to him, his face leans down and my eyes flutter closed of their own accord. I can feel his breath on my lips and I'm anticipating their feel.

But then Kari honks the horn and the moment's gone, "Bye" I call fleetingly, running out of the door in embarrassment.

-x-

Shopping wasn't nearly as fun as I thought it would have been. I think its because I kept thinking about how I pretty much made an ass of myself with Tai but I don't know. I just kept thinking about him.

Kari raises an eye brow at me, "You okay?" She asks, as we walk out of the fourth store we've been to.

I barely hear her, "Hm? Yeah, I'm fine" I assure her, trying to keep my thoughts away from Tai.

She looks at me skeptically for a second but then shakes her head, "So, nothing you like yet?" She asks.

I shake my head, "Nope, but I'm very selective" It's the truth, I can't just buy clothes from anywhere.

She nods, "I get what you mean, I am too" She agrees, "I barely shop anywhere except Aber—

"Crombie and Fitch!" I finish for her excitedly. Its my favorite store on earth and suddenly I remember why I love to shop.

She pulls me even faster, "They got new bikinis" She tells me happily, "I've been meaning to go"

I can't help but like Kari. She's so mellow and down to earth, she's so easy to get along with and I already feel like she's one of my friends. Hanging out with her is almost like hanging out with Sora again and I can't be more grateful. She's too much fun and I have a really strong feeling that we're gonna become really good friends. All in all, she's awesome.

Not to say that I don't miss being back home. But so far, Tai, Davis and Kari have made me feel a lot better.

We were only a few steps in to the store when something or rather someone caught my eye. She's standing by the cash register and she's absolutely gorgeous. Like I feel plain compared to this chick. WTF?

I nudge Kari, "Who is that?" I ask.

"What!?" She yells over A&F's blaring music.

I suck in a deep breath, "Who is she?" I ask into Kari's ear.

She looks in the direction I'm nodding at, sudden realization spreads over her face, "Zoe Ishida" She says immediately, "Pretty, isn't she?" There isn't a hint of bitterness in her voice, just genuine admiration.

Pretty had to be an understatement though. The girl had pale blonde hair that glittered silver even in this dim lighting. She's got piercing blue eyes, the color of ice. Her face seems perfectly symmetrical, from her high cheek bones to her bow shaped lips that are pursed in impatience. She's leaning against the side of the register as she waits for her transaction to go through.

"Yeah…" I breathe out, her eyes are looking straight ahead as her back leans against the counter.

But then a figure next to her draws my attention. I don't even have to ask "That's Matt Ishida, Zoe's older brother, he should be on an underwear billboard somewhere" She mutters into my ear.

I barely hear her though, I'm already walking behind a mannequin to get a better view of the Adonis. As if his profile wasn't impressive enough, when I peek out from behind the model I feel the air leave my lungs. He's beautiful. Sandy blonde hair, a few shades darker then his sister's, pale skin that seems to glitter even in the harsh lighting. Light stubble around his masculine jaw. But the feature that caught my eye, his breathtaking blue eyes. Not like the ice color of his sister's but an ocean blue. The kind of clear you'd only see in Caribbean waters.

His eyes met mine for the briefest of seconds. His jaw was set in tense annoyance, his nostrils flaring lightly in aggravation. But he seemed to soften the second his gaze fell on to me. A small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Then I realized why. I was spying on him from behind a mannequin.

Stamp retard on my forehead and ship me off to Loserville, will you?

I turn so quickly I swear I got whiplash and walk towards Kari, "Hey, you see anything you like?" She asks me genuinely, holding up a yellow top against her body.

Yes. "Oh, no" I answer her.

She nods, "So, yes or no?" She asks, turning towards with the shirt still held against her.

His face is still swimming through my thoughts, "Uh yeah" I tell her absentmindedly, I'm so wrapped up in him that I can't even give her a proper critique. It's a good thing I'm pretty sure anything will look good on the girl.

She seems satisfied with my opinion, "I think I'll buy it" She says and its more to herself then to me.

Through my peripheral vision I see that the two of them are done. Actually I think she was shopping, he wasn't. She doesn't wait for her change and he's right behind her. She's about as graceful as a ballet dancer and has the arrogance of a Miss Universe contestant. But the girl's flawless so she can be cocky, I guess. She doesn't keep my attention for very long though, because he's right behind her.

She passes by Kari and I without a glance in our direction. But I feel his eyes on my face, I don't dare look up. His steps slow to an almost halt, his gaze is so intense its like he's looking right through me. I want to look up at him, but my eyes are fixed on the floor.

"Matt, hurry up" She's tapping her foot in annoyance.

His eyes leave my face at once and in two strides he's out of the door.

-x-

Fact: Pale, mysterious, brooding blondes…also hot.

-x-

A/N: Early update for our devoted fans! Super long chapter, we better get maaaaad reviews, lol.

Thanks! To everyone who reviewed and read, if you guys enjoy this story it makes then we have reached our goal :]. Just let us know, all we ask.

SO read, review, have fun!

-Christina and Liya