As I sat in my room, trying to concentrate on the third act of Macbeth, trying to remember what my English teacher Ms. Buis had said about it- something about a paradox was all I could muster- I was really listening for my car. I would have thought, even over the occasional screaming siren, I could have heard the engine's gentle purr. But when I went to look out the curtain, it was suddenly there.

I had just remembered about the beach trip and now wasn't looking forward to Friday. When it came it more than lived up to my bad expectations. Of course there were the shin comments. Jesse especially seemed to get a kick out of that story. Luckily Michelle had kept her mouth shut and no on seemed to know about Layla's involvement. Jesse did have a lot of questions about lunch, though.

"Hey so what did Layla Kelby want yesterday?" Jesse asked in Trig.

"I don't know," I answered truthfully. "She never really got to the point."

"You looked like you were in a trance," he noted.

"Did I?" Maybe because I was in one.

"You know, I've never seen her sit with anyone but her family before. That was weird."

"Weird," I agreed. He seemed annoyed, probably just jealous. It probably shouldn't have but it made me feel pretty good about myself.

The worst part about Friday was that, even though I knew she wasn't going to be there, I still hoped. When I walked into the cafeteria with Jesse and Michelle, I couldn't keep from looking at her table, where Raelle and Ethan, Addison, Jackson and Enton sat talking, heads close together. And I couldn't stop the gloom that engulfed me as I realized I didn't know how long I would have to wait before I saw her again. And for the first time it occurred to me that she may not want to see me, after the kiss. That made me feel even worse, the thought that I may have already damaged our somewhat shaky relationship.

At my usual table, everyone was full of our plans for the next day. Michelle was animated again, going over and over the things we all needed to bring, as if a beach trip wasn't pretty self explanatory. The weatherman promised a break in the smog and a small breeze, so maybe the outing wouldn't be completely miserable.

I intercepted a few unfriendly glances from Luke, one of our group, during lunch, which I didn't understand until we were all walking out of the room together. I was right behind him, and either he was unaware of that or he just didn't care.

"…dunno why Dan doesn't just sit with the Kelbys from now on," I heard him muttering to Michelle. I'd never noticed what a nasally voice he had, and I was surprised by the venom in it. I really didn't know him very well at all, I just assumed he was jealous.

"He's my friend; he sits with us," Michelle whispered back loyally, but also a bit territorially. I paused to let Jesse and Andrew pass me. I didn't want to get too close to Luke.

That night at my usual dinner with Nadia, she seemed enthusiastic about my trip to Santa Monica in the morning. I think she felt guilty for having to step in as my substitute mother, and was happy I was finally doing something with my friends. It turned out she wasn't in the house when Layla was over. She knew all the kids I was going with and seemed to approve. I wondered if she would approve of my plan to ride to Sacramento with Layla Kelby. Not that I was planning on telling her.

"Do you know were the best place to fish would be?" I wanted to test what Layla had told me.

"Strange question, but probably pretty inland. Not very far out. In these waters right off the sandbar the sharks dominate. Oh! I forgot to tell you. You've heard me talk about Magdalena, right?"

So Layla was supposedly fishing in shark waters… that was something to think about. And I had heard Nadia mention Magdalena a few times but I hadn't wanted to interrupt. I nodded quickly.

"Well I tend to speak before I think, and just so you know that's my daughter. She's a sophomore, that's a year younger than you, right?" I nodded again. "It turns out she also has plans to go to Santa Monica tomorrow! Maybe you'll run into her!" she continued excitedly. I wasn't stupid. I could tell she had set this up. I only hoped Magdalena didn't turn out to be an annoying kid that stuck herself to me all day. I tried to look happy.

I meant to sleep in but when Nadia came in my room to collect dirty clothes, she opened my window as far as it would go. I woke up inhaling the freshest air I had experienced since arriving in L.A. I couldn't go back to sleep.

I pulled up to the gas station we had planned to meet at to see Erica, Bailey, Courtney, Jesse, Andrew, and Luke. There were three other guys there that I didn't know, though one of which I was certain I had tripped over in Gym on Friday. That one chuckled when he met my eyes and whispered something to Luke. Luke took off his sweatshirt to reveal the tightest t-shirt I had ever seen in my life, wrapped around his completely ripped torso. I had to keep myself from laughing, but I could see it was going to be one of those days.

At least Michelle was happy to see me.

"You came!" she squealed as soon as I got out of my car, obviously delighted. "Isn't the weather fabulous?!"

"Oh, yes… fabulous…" I couldn't help but laugh.

"We're just waiting for Lilly and Sam… unless you invited someone," Michelle added.

"Nope, but a… family fried might be coming. Nothing to worry about," I added quickly. She looked hesitant, but shrugged.

"Will you ride in my car?" she pouted and put her hand on my chest, pitifully looking up at me.

"Sure."

She smiled blissfully. It was so easy to make Michelle happy.

Lilly ended up bringing two extra people, so that every seat was full and Jesse got to squeeze in between Michelle and I. He seemed pretty happy.

Santa Monica was only about thirty miles from L.A. so it took us right around a half hour to get there. Everyone hopped out cheerfully but me. I sat in the truck with the door open, squinting in the blinding sun. Ugh. I chose board shorts and a thin t-shirt, but I knew before long I would have to take my shirt off. The heat was breathtaking. I regretfully slid out of the truck, reminding myself to thank Nadia for forcing sun block on me this morning. I trudged over to Jesse.

"Dude, what are we gonna do all day?" he looked at me like I was stupid, then whipped his shirt off.

"SWIM!" he shouted at me and barreled off to the water. I was left looking moronic by myself when Michelle skipped over to me. She had also stripped and was wearing only a skimpy red bikini. I had to admit, it was a nice sight.

"You coming in?" she beamed up at me.

"Uh, yeah. Definitely. I just forgot something in the car, I'll be right back." I walked back to the truck, opening the door and leaning against it. I didn't want to be here. Maybe I could get away with just walking up the crowded beach for now.

I took my shirt off, a little reluctantly, and snuck past the others. I walked up for what seemed like an hour, lost in my thoughts as usual. I fiercely wished Layla were here, walking next to me, telling me what exactly she was, if I was extremely lucky kissing me , that kiss. The only girl I had ever kissed was Jordan Murphy in the seventh grade, at the first boy-girl party our class had ever had. It was very dark in that closet and neither of us knew what we were doing. Needless to say, it wasn't a great experience. Now the kiss with Layla, on the other hand, that was incomparable. It was obvious she knew how to kiss. Even if I had forced myself on her, she gave in, for maybe a split second, but that time had been heavenly. I could only imagine what kisses she was capable of…

Distracted by this last trail of thought, I accidentally stepped on a dark-skinned girl lying on her stomach. She had thick curly black hair and was wearing a tiny white bikini. The contrast had a nice effect.

"Hey! Watch it!" she jerked up angrily, but softened when she saw me. I get that a lot. I guess I'm so pathetic people don't feel like I'm worth being mad at.

"I'm sorry. Really. I was thinking about something else." And with that, I tried to scoot by.

"Hey, wait. You're Dan Strada right?" her voice was a bit hoarse, but it suited her. She lifted her giant sunglasses up to look at me more clearly and smiled a straight, gleaming white smile at me.

"Um, yeah. How'd you know?" she really was cute. Her eyes were a golden chocolate color and long black ringlets fell over her shoulders.

"My mom is actually Nadia. You're cleaning lady?" she didn't seem embarrassed about this, even with her friends sitting right next to her. It made me like her more.

"Yeah… more like stand-in mom. She's awesome. Wait, I don't know you're name," I realized as I said it.

"Magdalena. But you can call me Lena. Or Maggie. Whatever," she laughed in that rough voice. It made me smile.

"Okay. Good to know. I guess I'll see you around. I'm just gonna keep walking now." I was getting awkward again, I could hear myself. But again she stopped me.

"Wait. You want someone to walk with?" she dropped her glasses back into place and smiled again. I wasn't sure what this meant, and I wasn't sure how I felt about Maggie (I decided this was what I would call her). But I was sure I wanted to spend more time with her.

"Uh. Sure." I smiled back.

I can only imagine what we looked like walking next to each other, my stunningly white skin and her stunningly brown skin. I honestly couldn't make myself care, though.

"So what does a guy like you do in a place like L.A.?" she asked jokingly.

"A guy like me?"

"Well no offense but it's pretty obvious you're not a party animal," she responded honestly.

"That obvious? Yeah… I spend a lot of time reading," I sounded painfully lame, even to myself. I quickly changed the subject. "So then what do you do around here?"

"Uh friends, family. Not much. I'm in an accelerated program in the school I go to so I'm actually taking senior classes. That takes up most of my time. What?" she asked indignantly when I started laughing.

"It's just, you really don't seem the nerd type," I smiled at her. She laughed.

"I guess that's a compliment. And it's not often you find a guy that chooses to spend free time reading," she responded.

"Well I don't have much else to do. I mean it's pretty obvious I can't spend my time tanning. Or partying, as you so astutely pointed out. So…" I trailed off.

"You'll find something to do. This city is always doing something."

"Do you have any weird hobbies?" I wasn't sure what I was looking for.

"Umm… my family goes fishing once a month. That's about it," she replied.

"Oh? Fishing for what kind exactly?"

"A really huge, rare kind. They're ridiculously hard to catch. Their minds are sharp. I can't pronounce the name," Something struck as me strange in that statement. But just then she laughed her coarse laugh again, making me forget. I realized that laugh made me smile every time.

"Sounds like fun. Oh crap! What time is it?" I remembered my group was supposed to meet back at the truck and eat before heading back.

"Judging by the sun…" she shaded her eyes with her hand and looked into the sky. "I'd say around three?" I was impressed.

"Agh. I have to start heading back. It was nice to meet-"

"I can walk back with you if you want? I grew up on these beaches, I know my way." I didn't see why not.

"Sure."

We walked and talked about school and books and life until we reached my group. Jesse looked impressed.

"Well, nice to meet you, Maggie," he said in a voice deeper than his natural one. I suppose he was trying to be seductive.

I intervened. "I'm glad we hung out today. I'd like to again, if that's okay?" Was I asking her out? I couldn't tell, and I was the one asking.

But she seemed to know, because she beamed that white smile up at me before answering: "I'd love to. I'll see you around," and with that, Maggie leaned up and kissed me on the cheek. I felt my boyish grin before I could help it.

"Okay, bye." I said smugly. She walked back down the beach with more swing in her hips than I noticed earlier.

"Score, dude! Dang. I underestimated you." Jesse high-fived me. I had to laugh.

We went to eat at Applebees then drove home, all happily sunkissed, or in my case roasted. I was dropped off close to last, and as I was getting my bag together Jesse scooted over to me.

"Hey dude my friend in Pasadena is having a party tomorrow night if you wanna come. I can give you a ride too if it's easier. So you coming?" he was keeping his voice low, as if maybe Michelle wasn't supposed to hear. I didn't see why not. Maggie had given me confidence today.

"Yeah, definitely man." I agreed. We had reached my house.

"Awesome. I'll pick you up at seven." He slapped me on the back and I climbed out of the truck.

Nadia was off weekends so I had the house to myself. I went to bed early, nervous about the next night.

I woke up with a sick feeling in my stomach. Anxiety for that night.

I spent hours debating what shirt to wear, which jeans looked best, if I should try to gel back some of the particularly crazy curls, if I should shave or leave some stubble, before I came to a final conclusion. I chose a pair of dark wash jeans with minimal ripping, a black t-shirt, and a grey flannel button up shirt left open. I decided I wouldn't bother with my hair, I would only make it look more stupid.

I ordered a pizza and lay on my couch, thinking. I had never been to a big party, as I imagined this one would be. If Jesse was close to those in charge of it, it would be crazy. But I had to think of this as a way to network, to meet people. I was a normal, fairly attractive guy, I thought, maybe, and I should be able to handle one party.

At six I hopped in the shower. At six-twenty I shaved. At six-thirty I got dressed, spraying on cologne I used maybe three times a year and coughing. At six-forty-five I heated up a piece of pizza and wrote Betsy a note. And at seven on the dot I heard a honk out front and took a deep breath. Here went nothing.

I slid into Jesse's grey Mustang and we took off. He blasted something resembling heavy metal the whole time so I was stuck with my thoughts. I made up my mind I would have something to drink, but I would not get fubar. And I would not go too far with a girl I didn't know. Of all this, I was sure.

We pulled up to a house even bigger than mine with music throbbing from inside and a couple drunk people already collapsed on the lawn. And it wasn't even eight.

To my horror, but not complete surprise, Jesse patted me on the shoulder and slipped away in the opposite direction as me as soon as we walked in. I shook my head. Trying to orient myself with the house, I looked around. There was a massive staircase straight ahead of me with a crystal chandelier vibrating in the center of the hall. On my right was a large room cleared to make a dance floor, complete with a disco ball. Definitely not the direction for me. On my left was a huge hall with a long table of food and another of drinks. There was a doorway that lead to a kitchen at the back wall. That was definitely more like it.

The food table was complete with every type of fruit I had ever seen in my life, along with two chocolate fountains, one white and one milk. There was also a couple vegetable trays and some dip and chips, but if I was going to do anything with a girl tonight that was probably unwise. The drink table had hundreds of liquors and neon plastic cups, a kind of do-it-yourself I guessed. There was also a giant punch bowl full of who knew what and four coolers underneath full of various beers. I didn't feel like fixing my own drink, it would probably taste disgusting anyway, so I went with the punch. I was waiting for the punch ladle when the girl using it turned to me.

"Dan! Hey! What're you doing here?" I recognized the coarse voice before the face. Maggie looked amazing, decked out in a short pale yellow dress dipping down dramatically in the back. Her dark skin glowed and black ringlets surrounded her angular face. Electric blue was smeared over her eyes.

"I came with my friend Jesse. But… wow. Maggie. You look fantastic," I managed over the music. She smiled even bigger.

"Not so bad yourself, hot stuff. Follow me." And she pulled the arm that was holding my punch, almost sloshing it over the side. I grabbed a couple strawberries on my way out.

When we got to the steps I hesitated. They had to lead to the bedrooms, and I was in no way ready for that.

"Whoa whoa whoa, hold up," I stopped us.

"Calm down! There are places to sit up here. I'm not like that!" and she resumed our hike. I couldn't think of a reason to say no.

I followed her up the steps and down a long hallway to a small room with a very comfy looking couch. We fell onto it and faced each other. I took a bite of one of my strawberries.

"So wow, how weird that we see each other two days in a row. You really do look great, by the way. I didn't notice how green your eyes were yesterday," Maggie started. I chewed my strawberry before responding.

"Well thanks. So do you. You really do know this area don't you? I didn't expect you to be here at all. I'm glad you are though!" She chuckled. I started to take a sip of the punch when she held up her hand.

"I wouldn't drink that if I were you. I got a buzz from one sip," I drank it anyway. It really didn't taste that bad. Kind of like rubbing alcohol and fruit punch. I gagged a little, but took another sip.

"Well I don't party very often so I might as well enjoy myself." I decided out loud. She chuckled again. Feeling a bit looser now, I continued.

"I imagine you know how to party though, right?" It didn't occur to me that that might offend her.

"I guess. Growing up here. But don't get me wrong, I'm not a slut. Not by any means," she said firmly and I nodded. I believed her. She definitely seemed like she could take care of herself. I happened to glance out the door and saw a glimpse of red hair. That reminded me.

"Do you know anything about the Kelbys? Or Hurleys?" I asked.

Maggie tensed. "Yeah. Not a great crowd to hang around with," she warned. That was weird.

"Why?" I responded quickly.

"They're… different. Very different. Dangerously different." At this, I took another sip. Probably not smart of me.

"Huh. Different how? From a weird place? Or…?" I had no idea what she meant.

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "Remember when I said my family went fishing? Rare, smart, huge fish?" Whoa, wait a minute.

"They're fish?" I said a little loudly, and a lot stupidly. She shook her head again.

"What's… between fish and human?" she sounded like she was talking to a slow third grader. Which was probably about as coherent as I was at the moment.

"I… I can't really think straight right now. Oh! A strawberry!" I found my other one and ate it quickly. She full out laughed now.

"You are so wasted. But that's okay. I think it's adorable." And with that, she leaned into me, pulling my chin to meet her and laying her lips on mine. I was shocked. Pleasantly shocked, of course. I responded as best I could, what with my extremely minimal lip experience. She tasted incredible, warm and sweet. And she knew what she was doing.

This went on for some time, though I can't really be sure how long. We got more and more enthusiastic until I had to call it quits. I really liked Maggie and I didn't want to ruin it. She suggested we first go to the kitchen and get me some water, then maybe move to the dance floor. I wasn't in my right mind, that much was obvious, so I agreed to the dancing.

I staggered down the stairs towards the kitchen, my arm around Maggie not only as a sign of affection, but because I needed the support. She didn't seem to mind. We made our way to the kitchen and she got me some ice water. She left me with my water for a minute and came back with a plate of strawberries. I put my water down and took the strawberries from her, setting them on the counter. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her.

"Thank you." I said simply. I couldn't figure out why she was being so nice to me, or where my party personality had come from (the punch, most likely), but I was insanely glad I had come.

After another at least hour of making out and close, awkward dancing Jesse found me and informed me we were leaving. I was a bit more sober at this point and I had to agree. I pulled Maggie to the door with me and we stepped outside the door. While Jesse went to pull the car around Maggie and I shared one last, warm, sweet kiss.

"I had a fabulous time tonight. Thank you." She said, that gleaming smile playing on her lips.

"I have much more to thank you for." I replied.

"Okay. Well I'll see you around." She said finally, kissing me on the cheek and slipping back in the door to the throbbing music. I glanced over the lawn, curious about the groups sitting around. As I scanned a very distinct, very familiar head of fiery red hair approached.

"Layla!" I exclaimed.

Her fierce smooth mask was in place. "Exactly how many girls do you kiss in a week, Dan? I really didn't peg you as that kind of guy." And before I could think of a response, she marched back into the house. I was happy before she showed up. But now that I thought about her, about our talking and that kiss, I felt miserable. Miserable at what I did with Maggie, even though Layla and I didn't really have anything legitimate. That I knew of. I was so confused, and so drunk, that I thanked God when I saw the grey Mustang.