Ok last one before the wedding and it's the hen party!! ahhhh good stuff to comeeeee! :P

Breakouts

Thursday 24th September

Jas

I think I'm drunk. I've never been drunk before in my life so I can't be sure but it's definitely a reasonable guess. I feel lightheaded and slightly crazy – like anything can go. Which isn't like me at all. So drunk right?

It's all Georgia's fault. Of course. I should have known when Ellen, Mabs and Jools came pouring into the house with a load of alcohol under their arms. Obviously I was happy to see the rest of the Ace Gang, but I still should have been aware of what was coming.

We spent the first couple of hours catching up and telling each other what's gone on in our lives while we've not been together. And it's all quite interesting stuff I have to say. Ellen, shy Ellen is an estate agent. That's basically talking for a living – but she has lost her stutter so I guess she's pretty good at it. Jools and Mabs have stayed really close like me and Gee. They share a flat in London and work for the same business company or something. My head is fuzzy so it's hard to remember the exact details. I do recall Mabs saying she has a "toy boy" though – he's twenty four. Well actually Jools said it and Mabs went bright red but what the heck. She hasn't brought him up north with her though. Jools has a boyfriend who is coming up on the train on Saturday. But according to Mabs there are some commitment issues there. As long as they don't make a scene at my wedding I don't care.

I probably should mention that before, during and after this "catch up" session there was alcohol continually being drunk. I tried to refuse as much as possible but apparently it didn't work.

And Gee has this 'list' of things that we have to complete throughout the night. It's kind of weird. The first one was that we had to play truth or dare which I thought was a bit pre-school.

Well that was until I got dared to ring up my postman and claim that I have always loved him and think we should run away together while Tom isn't here. And it was strange because it actually felt fun – another indication that I am clearly drunk. Because thinking about it, it doesn't sound fun.

And I'll never be able to collect my mail by hand anymore.

Then Rosie cracked out a cd with all our dance tunes on so we had to teach Christina and Karen all the Ace Gang dances which trust me, takes a long while when you have eight uncoordinated drunk women.

After some more things like that (which incidentally involved Rosie dying her hair orange) Gee decided it was time to go out. I knew I was feeling scared somewhere in me but luckily the alcohol seemed to drown out most of it. Besides that was what was next on the list so we had to do it.

First we went to a bar. Then each of us had to go and make out with some random guy that the other seven people chose. Of course Mabs and Rosie dived right in there and asked to go first. I felt sorry for Karen and Christina at this point because they really are quite reserved.

Or so I thought. They seemed to love everything – they're still having a great time.

My turn came last. Of course. I think I've kissed about four people in total in my whole life. This was not something I wanted to do. Plus, I claimed it would be cheating. That didn't go down too well.

"Just do it Jazzy Spazzy no one's going to tell!" Georgia yelled at me; although that was probably because 1) we were both drunk and 2) the music was really loud.

"But I'll know and it'll haunt me every day for rest of my life." I told them trying to sit up straight. And failing.

"You need to let go more missy," Mabs said, "It's actually quite nice if you get a nice one."

I shook my head, "Nope nope nopppeeeee."

Then Georgia looked at all the others with raised eyebrows before saying, "Do you really think Hunky's not going to get any action tonight?"

My eyes went wide then and it took me about ten seconds to slam across the room so I could stick my tongue down this guys throat. Who turned out to be the wrong guy instead of the one they pointed out. So I ended up snogging a fifty year old. Ew. Tom must never know.

I'm going to kill Georgia.

It's now just gone twelve and we're in the middle of town – we left the bar about fifteen minutes ago. Oh and town is deserted. Probably because all the shops are shut and the bars and clubs are at the other end of the street.

"Gee Gee why are we here?" I said with a smile on my face. I don't know what's wrong with me but I can't seem to stop smiling. How odd.

"Because Mrs Soon-to-be-Jennings," Gee began and I giggled at that, "You need something borrowed before you can hitch up."

I nodded my head quickly as we walked along but really I was a bit unsure about what she meant. We stopped around a minute later. In front of the Jenning's fruit and veg store. Oh no.

"Well this is where you're going to get it from" Georgia declared and everyone (including me because I no longer have control over my actions) went "ooooooo".

Gee said, "You have to get something from here because this is where you first glanced an eye on that fruity fitty."

Then we all nodded our heads like billio until I thought my mine was going to fall off my neck. Why was I even nodding?! I shouldn't be nodding!

"But-t-t Gee..." I said pawing at her arm. I leant up so I could whisper in her ear, "I don't have the key."

She looked at me. "So?"

Oh crap.

I can't believe I'm doing this. But I am. I'm breaking in to Tom's parent's store. I'm bad. Very very bad. I should have stopped after the first glass. And not downed the rest of the bottle. Even if it was on Gee's stupid list.

"What should I get?" I called to the others who are standing outside with their faces pressed against the glass so their noses are all turned up. They look funnnnny. Hahahahaha.

"What do you want?" Jools said. At least I think words came out. Unless she was just mouthing it through the glass. Hmmmm what do I want? That's a weird question isn't it? What fruit do I want? What veg do I want?

"I want... I want Tom!" I yelled and stomped my foot on the ground to illustrate my point.

They all giggled at me through the window. Idiots.

Then Mabs nudged Ellen who said, "Well what reminds you of Tom?"

I looked around. What does remind me of Tom? I don't know. Let me think...

"Mango!" I shouted happily, grabbing the nearest one to me.

"Why that?" Karen asked.

"Because..." I started, "because... it's hard and strong on the outside like my Hunky... but-t-t on the inside it's... cuddly and soft and sweet..."

Uh-oh everyone is laughing at me. And I appear to be hugging a mango. Hey, how did that get there?

"But Jassy," Georgia yelled to me, "Tom is a weakling you know that."

WHAT?! I spun round quickly and threw the mango at the window where it splattered over Georgia's face. Well, bar the window.

Oh no, Gee is coming into the other shop with everyone and... and she's picking up an orange and she's looking at me excitedly. Oh no.

"Did I ever tell you what the next number is Miss Spassy?"

I shook my head and backed up. "N-n-no you didn't."

She grinned, glanced down at the orange in her hand then up at me, "FOOD FIGHTTTTT!!!!"

Oh no.

Bryony

It's actually quite late now. Gone midnight at least. And so far my plan is working. The plan where I get Libby back to old self that is. And when I say old self I mean old old self. Like in Gee's diaries when she was a crazy three year-old. I want to meet that Libby. I think she doesn't know what she's missing being so serious and quiet all the time. I want her to let loose and be free for once. And she has done. And it's great.

If I thought I got on well with Libby before, it's nothing to what we're like at this very moment. She is actually on top of the kitchen table dancing and singing at the top of her voice to "Dancing Queen" which I think is quite appropriate as it says in Gee's diaries that she used to like that one.

"Bry get up here!" She yells at me and I smile. This is how she should be. Happy. I haven't seen her like this in... ever.

"Coming!" I reply taking her hand as she helps me up to the table which I'm pretty sure will collapse if we jump around on it for long.

It wasn't easy of course. In fact for the first four hours all we did was sit and talk before watching films despite my complaining. It was ok in the end though. I ended up blurting out loads of stuff about everything that's happened since the start of school with Cal and Nathan. If she judged me for what I did (since I told her the whole truth – you can't lie to Libs) she didn't show it and I was grateful for that. I even told her about how I was really upset when Nathan said those things to me on Tuesday. I wanted to know what she thought that meant but I ended up cutting her up before she could answer and asked if she wanted to talk about anything because she did seem a bit on edge. But she said no and I respected that. And I said I was done discussing my silly "boy" problems if you would call it that and Libs respected that. She always does.

I thought I could get round the film issue by putting on Mamma Mia so we could at least go crazy to that. But apparently Libby had scheduled the Abba events later on.

When the film ended around half eleven I decided to really push out the boat. So I thought I'd push her limits and see if that does anything.

"Hey Libs," I had said, "do you remember dancing round in your undy-pants to everyone and running down the road?"

She looked at me, an appalled look on her face and said, "I never did that."

I shrugged, "Maybe you didn't. But it's the sort of thing you would have done at that age."

Libby gave a small smile, "Lucky I'm not that girl anymore then isn't it?"

I frowned and ever so slightly pouted as I said, "Maybe it'd be fun to be that girl again."

She didn't look convinced. In fact she looked positively terrified.

"It'd be like acting. You know that I love acting," ok that's not exactly true but I knew it'd work because Libby is the sort of person who thinks she knows me best.

"I..I... you do?" She questioned.

"Oh yes. But I love acting the most when other people act with me."

She narrowed her eyes, "You're a little schemer you are. Why are you acting like this?"

I shrugged and went to put on some loud music so it'd be hard for her to hear me. I think "poker face" was the exact track.

"I may have read Gee's diaries!" I yelled dancing around the living room like a mad loon. And I probably looked even worse considering Libby was sat stationary on the sofa. At least at this point she made an effort to get up and try and stop me moving. She didn't succeed.

"What did you say? I didn't hear you!"

I jumped up and down a bit more, "I know how you were when you were little!"

I grabbed Libby's arms so she was half dancing as she said, "What? When I was little?"

I laughed and pulled her around so we were probably psycho dancing on the floor. "Yes! I want you to be that person again!"

Libby laughed and threw her head back. Is that a start? "I don't think that's a good idea Bry. I don't even remember that person."

"I can help you!" I pressed, making her dance more until my head was dizzy. And hopefully, (to go with my plan) hers.

We collapsed on the sofa and I looked over to her. "Just one night? Pleaseeeee. For me, before you go off to Uni. We never have fun."

I regretted saying that automatically though because Libby looked upset, "You don't think we have fun? We have fun. We can have fun!" Ok I take it back, that statement seemed to work. I don't know what went through Libby's mind at that moment but it was what I wanted.

I smiled devilishly at her, "Can I decide what we do?" I put my hand out, "Shake on it?"

Libby looked at my hand hesitantly and bit her lip, "Oh well... what do you- I don't know I mean..."

I raised my eyebrows, "Fun fun before you're off for a longgg time remember."

Libs frowned before grabbing my hand (with more force than I thought she had) and shaking it violently.

"Great!" I shouted, "This means you're in!" Then I yanked her off the sofa to dance once more. This time she really let go.

So mad dancing is all we've been doing for the past hour or so. And I actually can't believe how much energy Libby has. I thought she never did any sport? I didn't even think she left the house. Which gives me an idea...

"Let's go for a walk!" I tell Libs as I jump down from the table and pull her down with me.

"What now?" She says and I worry that she'll snap out of this happy mood so I quickly grab the keys, shove them in her pocket and push her towards the door.

We're outside before I smile at her and say, "Yes. Right now."

"Hmmm..." Libby starts looking back at the house that's now empty. I turn her around, "Where do you want to go?" She asks.

"The river," I decide because it's the first place I think of. Mine and Cal's place...

Libs stops me in my tracks and grins a grin that I can safely say I have never seen on her before. "Race ya," she says before racing off down the street.

Ok that did not just happen. Libby is... so un-Libby like! This is... one of the most fun nights of my life! I can't believe I got Libby to open up this much. Somewhere inside me something is telling me it's because something is up with her. But I ignore it. Probably because I'm having such a good time and am predictably selfish at this moment in time.

I quickly laugh to myself before running off after Libby. I need to show her our exact spot anyway.

It took us little less than ten minutes to run there, or here I should say as it is where we are now as we laugh our way down to the bank. Libby is sort of leaning on me to stay steady which is kind of funny if you think about it because technically she's meant to be the adult. But I guess not right now.

When we get fully down to the river edge I halt in my tracks though. It takes Libby a little longer to notice but when she does she stops suddenly too.

There's someone on the bank. In Cal and mine's spot. And of course, because God seriously wants to ruin my fun night, it's Nathan.

He had clearly heard us (no shock there considering we were rather loud) because he was sat with his legs hanging over the bank but he had turned his body to face us.

"Bryony," he says frowning which makes me frown and Libby to go suddenly confused.

"Nathan?" she questions looking at me to which I nod my head to confirm her suspicions.

"We were just... just... we'll go," I say quickly preparing to pull Libby away.

Nathan says "No I was just leaving anyway," but he doesn't make any attempt to move.

Then Libby, because she's apparently not done enough anti-Libby stuff tonight jumps in and says, "Actually I think I'll go." Then she gives me this weird look and nods her head in Nathan's direction.

Is she really going to leave me with Nathan in the woods at god knows what hour? This really isn't like Libby. But there's something in the way she's looking at me that makes me curious to stay.

So I guess that is why I'm currently nodding slowly as Libby walks away. This is freaky. And I don't know what to do because when I turn back to Nathan I see that he is already looking away in the opposite direction.

And I do something I never thought I would do. I go and sit beside him, resisting the urge to push him in again. I think it was round about this spot...

"You're out late," he says, not as a critique like normal but just a simple statement.

"You too," I say quietly because for some reason I feel rude. It's like I'm invading his private space. Except it's not his private space it's mine and Cal's. Well if I'm being annoyingly awkward I guess it actually belongs to the council who own the woods but whatever...

"Do you know why I come here?" he asks and I shake my head because I don't want to speak anymore. And also I'm quite curious as to why it appears he's been here more than this one time... and at such a late time...

"I come to think. To think and to be grateful. Grateful for what has happened to me, to who I am now and where I am, but still... I sometimes wonder..." I see him glance at me then turn away sharply, "I know you and Cal come here a lot. I found that out years ago. So I come at night." Ok that's seriously freaky. How did he know I wanted to know that?!

"I'm adopted. Did you know that?"

Oh crap does he want me to answer? "Erm... no," I mutter, "no... I didn't."

He opens his mouth to speak again. I have a feeling that what he has to tell me is going to make me feel very, very bad about myself and my behaviour over these last few weeks. "I guess Cal never told you then." I shake my head. "It happened a long time ago. I can't even remember my real parents."

Is that upsetting for him? "I'm sorry," I say because it seemed like the right thing to say.

"Don't be," ok maybe not. "It's not like anything can change. I like my adoptive parents," then Nathan gives me a sardonic laugh, "And no, it's not because they're rich like you probably think. They are actually quite nice you know."

I nod my head in agreement even though I've never met them. But his story, it's starting to make my eyes fill with water and I don't even know why. There's just something about the way Nathan's talking – I can sense something bad is coming.

He pauses for a moment and I can't help but stare at his face that is incidentally shinning in what limited moonlight there is. "My parents didn't want me," Nathan says, turning and meeting my eyes for the first time. They're shining brightly and I feel dull and shallow in comparison, in all sense of the words. "Well my mum didn't want me, I never learnt anything about my dad."

I turn away from his eyes and stare out into the water, "But you want to know," I presume and I see Nathan nod his head from the corner of my eye. "Why?" I can't help but ask.

"Why wouldn't I? He's my dad. And from what I'm hoping he's a decent guy." Pause. "You... Cal said you don't know your dad."

I want to feel angry right now because I can't believe Cal would ever tell Nathan such things about me. But then I remember that I don't really care.

"No I don't." I say sternly and Nathan must catch the tone because then he says;

"And why don't you want to?"

I glance back up his way again and try to think of an answer. "He left me. He doesn't want me." I shrug, "I don't need him. We don't need him."

It's Nathan's turn to shrug and he does as he says, "maybe you just want to think that because he's not around."

I throw a nasty glare at him, "No it's because I don't want to know him. I don't see why you would want to know yours either."

Nathan holds my gaze, "I know you don't. That's exactly why we're here, arguing."

I turn my nose up, "You think this is arguing? You do not know arguing."

Nathan laughs at my joke (was that a joke?) and I suddenly feel rather awkward. I'm not meant to make him laugh; we're meant to argue. This is so weird.

I don't want to think about my dad or Nathan's dad or any dad any longer so I stand up and shake off my pants, "Well I... erm... bye." I say and the weirdness just keeps on rising.

"Bye," Nathan says but he doesn't look round or anything. How rude.

I head back home then, hoping to find Libby on the way.

Georgia

This is going fab! Fabber than fab! It's a fab night in fab world in fab universe!!

We've just had the most marvy food fight ever! And yes, I did get splattered with fruit and veg but it was so worth it. I can't wait till afterwards as well because there's more to come! Oh yes my list of splenderosity does not end here oh no!

"Jassy!" I yelled weaving my way behind the orange counter. Crikey it's like a war zone in here. Although we do have Rosie with us so that's understandable.

"Jas!" I shouted touching her arm which made her go suddenly spazzy and she nearly knocked me over the head with a pineapple.

"What do you want? I'm winning!" She is really into this fruit throwing business. Maybe I should suggest it Tom. Unless they already do something of the sort... oh no, I do not need to think about that. I could never ever be that drunk.

"Time to go Jassy!" I told her tapping my arm. I don't have a watch there but I'm sure she'll get the nub and gist.

"But I'm winning," she moaned. Who knew she'd be even whinier with a bit of alcohol in her blood? Maybe it's a good think she doesn't drink normally.

"Off we go," I said gently (or not) dragging her towards the door by her arm. She may have got hit several times over on the way as I hid behind her but that was a risk I was willing to take.

"We're leaving now everyone!" I shouted once we were clear of the veggie business. No one looked too impressed although slightly drained. Food fights really take it out of you.

"Where are we going Gee Gee?" Jas asked as we took to walking down the streets. She's clinging onto my arm as well. I'm going to have to disinfect that later.

"We're going to a club," I told her honestly. I think alcohol brings out the best in me personally.

"Oooo a club," Jassy cooed, "what's that like?"

I giggled along with everyone, "You'll see when we get there!"

Sat scrunched up around a table. They said it was only for two people – we've got eight round it! People these days, they're just not as smart in their noggins as they used to be. Tut tut tut...

"She's up! She's up!" Ellen suddenly yelled in my ear. Thanks. I turned to where she was pointing and screaming like the mad and slightly deranged woman she is.

Hahahahahaha oh this is too good. Where is my camera?

Jas. Mrs Soon-To-Be-Jennings is doing karaoke. I think my life is complete. She's up on the stage right now ready to sing her heart out to... Wait what is she singing (or rather attempting to sing)?

Oh yes that's it – 'My Guy'. Isn't that some religious song? I didn't know Jassy was religious.

Well she's not a very good religious person is she? Singing about her only "guy" when we all saw her snog that guy earlier. And the fact that we told her to doesn't count in the slightest...

I love hen parties.

We're back at home now. But the party is not over oh no. It's back to the old school part of the list now. Which is exactly why Mabs is currently streaking all the way down the street and back again while we all hide behind the garden hedge. Vair vair amusant if I say so myself.

And Mabs really knows how to add to the hilariosity by singing "Oh we do like to be beside the seasideeeee" as she skips along. Hehe.

"Right your turn Jas!" Mabs said collapsing to the ground as she pulled on her clothes again. And rather in an un-orderly way as well – but I'm not gonna tell her that her pants are on back to front.

Jas is looking rather tipsy right now. I don't think she'll manage to even stand up never mind make it down the street.

Oh yes there she goes falling over. Someone's going to have a teensy head ache tomorrow. Tut tut.

But not me. Oh no. I am the perfectly sober one... I think. I don't remember drinking. Although actually I think I may have had a glass a bit ago... and there's a bottle in my hand! How did that get there? Very sneaky and rude of it to pop up without telling me. I will alert the village elders.

Do we have village elders? Like Call-Me-Harold. No Barny. Robert. Roger. Alister. ARNOLD! It was Call-me-Arnold. Ahh the good old days of setting people's scarves on fire in Call-me-Arnold's church. Sometimes things just write themselves.

Anyway where was I? Oh yes, Jassy Spassy was attempting to stand up. Fat Chance. This is a tad dull now so things will have to be spiced up hehehee...

"New game!" I yelled making several people jump and literally jump out their clothes. But only because they weren't fastened properly and vair vair small. I'm surrounded by a pack of cheeky minxes I am.

They all sat up excitedly and looked at me like I was the Queen which if I say so myself is a pretty accurate description.

"What is it what issss it?" they said. Or some of them did anyway.

I rubbed my chin and pretended to think up the amazing stuff on the spot when really I had pre-planned it with Robbie earlier.

"We're going on a treasure hunt!" I shouted, "A guy treasure hunt." Haha they all looked even more excited now. If that's possible. Which it is because they are. "Around this area now there's Hunky, Robbie and some other guys that are on Tom's stag due. Our mission girls, should we accept and we will is to find them all and bring them back here where they will be destroyed."

Ellen gulped, "Really?"

Rosie then saved me a job by biffing her over the head and yelling, "No you twit. Now let's get to it!" Then out of NOWHERE she pulled EIGHT VIKING HORNS! Oh this is fabby. We all passed them round, put them on, stood up and prepared for battle.

Everyone lined up single file with moi at the front. We were just about to march off when Jools barked up, "Wait! Most of us have never seen these people before. How will we know who they are?"

I did that really clever and wise thing where people tap their nose with their finger before revealing tip top secret information. "Well my friend," I said, "All those in need of capturing are wearing zorro masks."

"Zorro masks?..." everyone started murmuring so I figured it was time we moved.

"Right then!" I yelled raising my arm to the sky, "Let the battle commence! CHARGEEEEEEEEEE!"

We are going to find them! We are going to win! We are going to find them and win! I'm searching the back streets with a slightly spastic Jassy and mad' hoc Rosie who is taking this alarmingly seriously. Mabs and Christina are searching the back woods and near the river and Ellen, Karen and Jools are doing the other side of town by the park.

I hope we find Hunky. Just so I can see Jassy Spassy go even more loopy because she said that they're not supposed to see each other till the wedding on Sunday. And apparently (according to her mushed up brain) the zorro mask will not stop this. Meh. She just needs to use a little imagination.

Anyway when I spoke with Robbie yesterday. Or is it two days ago now since really it's Friday morning? Ahh well... on Wednesday Robbie told me that they'd be around and about between two and four and that there'll be six of them to find. We have them outnumbered! Even better!

Jas keeps muttering, "Don't let Tom see me... don't let him see me... hide my face... close my eyes... jump behind the others..."

Then every few metres or so she has a "practise" and completely flips out and acts like a cat is strangling her. She reaches for her head and eyes and puts it near her kness and rolls behind us. Quite amusing to watch actually. Rosie doesn't think so though.

"Will you quit it woman!" she yelled, "we need to focus on finding enemy troops!"

Jas stood up straight (for now) and pointed her finger at Ro Ro though it was swinging around slightly. "Silly Swwilly girl," she garbled, "Tom isn't the ENEEmyyy. Tom iss... Tomss isss... Tomss iss..."

"HERE!" I yelled suddenly, "I SEE HIM I SEE HIM!"

Jas of course had a panic attack and did her hiding and rolling before getting up and charging down the road after me and Rosie who were running after Tom.

"You can run but you CAN'T HIDE!" Rosie called.

This is so good. We're gonna get them all! I wish this night would never ever ever end!

Libby

This is bad. This is very bad. I think I've lost my sister's daughter. My niece. Bryony. And I don't think, I know. This is all my fault. I can't believe I lost a thirteen year old at some ridiculous time in the morning. I can never go home. I can never show my face again. Ever.

Ok I need to just stop and cool off. Just stop. Just breathe. Calm down.

It doesn't help that its pitch black out here. I need some light. This is why I never "have fun" as Bryony was saying before. This is why I never go out. This is why I don't "let loose". This is why I don't like the outdoors.

I should never have let Bryony talk me into coming outside. I should have said no at the mad dancing. This will never happen again. I will go back to being an inside hermit. If Georgia lets me live that is.

This is spooky. And I don't like it. Not one bit. I've managed to find my way to the river. I nearly managed to find my way into the river but thankfully found some nearby shrubs to grab and pull myself back up. It was not fun sliding down the muddy bank. I'm now covered in dirt and mud and have horrible things in my hair. I can't believe Bryony likes this place.

I step through some more plants and things, now officially aware that I have lost any path that is around here. However, I do see someone sat near the river up ahead and luckily I'm able to remember him as Bryony's not-so friend, Nathan.

His eyes go slightly wide as he sees me approach, which is not altogether surprising considering the state I'm in. I probably look like a confused Stig of the Dump.

"Excuse me," I say in a way that would be more appropriate if I didn't already have his attention. But I do. And I don't blame him in the slightest for staring at me. He nods his head in acknowledgement anyway so I carry on, "Have you seen-" I stop myself. Of course he's seen Bryony he was with her a bit ago. "Do you know where Bryony went?" I say, trying desperately to keep my voice casual and not full of desperation like the rest of me.

Nathan shakes his head, "I... She left quite suddenly a while ago." He says quietly and I take a step closer so it's easier to hear him.

"And you don't know where she went?" I ask.

Nathan shrugs, "I presumed she was going to find you... I guess I was wrong."

I throw my hands to my face then, this time not attempting to pretend like nothing is wrong.

"Do you want some help?" Nathan says.

"For what?" I ask suddenly.

"To find her," he says simply, although doesn't move from his spot on the bank. I wonder how long he's been sat there. And at this silly time in the night-morning, in the morning.

"Erm... I... err," what am I doing? I don't know this boy. He could be weird, untrustworthy... but I was desperate. And very worried. "Ok," I continue, "How about you go that way," I motion with my hand, "and I'll search over here."

Nathan nods silently and finally moves to get up. He just gets up and straight away moves off so I shout, "Thanks" after him. Either he doesn't hear or chooses to ignore it though because he doesn't acknowledge it, which I think is a bit rude but I'm in no circumstances to judge right now.

I head off looking in the opposite direction but it just feels like I'm retracing my steps. Probably because that's exactly what I am doing. And it's getting me nowhere.

I decided to turn off to my right so I'm now facing away from the river and walking more towards civilisation. Or so I like to think.

It's about thirty or so metres later that I hear voices, which is odd in itself considering the time. I try to ignore them and walk quicker but it seems that either I'm walking towards them or they're heading towards me. Either way it's not good. I keep on going though because I figure I have a pretty good chance of hitting the road before I meet any of the people who are now shouting and yelling in quite excitable voices.

I'm wrong though because next thing I know I'm falling over something, or as I now realise, someone. He's definitely male, tall and as I peer up from the ground I see he's wearing some sort of mask over his face. Brilliant, I've bumped into a robber.

"Erm... sorry," he says which surprises me because I didn't know robbers were polite and also his voice seems definitely put on, like he's disguising his real one.

"It's... ok," I stutter as I try to get to my feet and oddly enough I feel grateful when the masked man helps me up.

I press myself back against a near tree for support as well as security. But it's weird; I don't feel scared anymore. I just seem to know (or delude myself) that this person isn't going to hurt me. I hope I'm right because I'm certainly an easy target.

"Thanks," I mummer and move my head to look down where the guy's hand is still on my waist. From the corner of my eye I see him look down at it also. And then he steps closer and looks at me funny. At least this is my assumption because I can't actually see for the mask. We seem to stare at each other for ages and I wonder if he's ever going to move... and if I even want him to.

I can't tell the colour of his eyes due to the darkness but they're intense; definitely intense. Is it suddenly hot out here or something? I feel uncomfortably warm. And I can't stop staring at those eyes now. What is happening to me? I feel... I feel like before. Like Bry wanted me to feel. Free...

I don't stop him as the guy moves his head down to kiss me. Well this is what I presume he's aiming to do even if he does pause millimetres from my mouth.

This annoys me. And I realise I want him to kiss. Really want him to. I don't think I've ever wanted anything so bad and it makes me shiver violently. But still he doesn't continue his actions. What's he waiting for? Me to say no? To push him away?

I do something really un-me like then. I lean forward and timidly push my lips against his. I don't know why but in the last eight hours I've done more un-me stuff than I will probably ever do in a lifetime so I'll just include it in with that and blame Bry. Maybe she put something in my drink.

I feel strangely confident (which is something I can safely say I've never felt around boys). And it helps enormously when he reacts to my kiss and seems to press into me. But I don't feel claustrophobic or powerless like I thought I would. It feels amazing and I even feel the need to push my arms up his chest (which is solid) and around his neck. I can't believe I'm doing this but I don't think I want to be anywhere else right now.

When he breaks away and ends the kiss I feel like pouting in annoyance. Even if it lasted forever, to me that kiss was way too short (although noticeably longer than any of my previous kisses). He rests his forehead on mine and I see that his lips are still so close to mine.

I'm in half a mind to initiate another kiss but then the guy says, "Erm..."

And the fake voice is gone. And even from that one word I know it's someone I know. And it makes me feel infuriated yet excited at the same time.

Timidly and with shaking hands I move them up to the edges of his mask. He tenses then as he realises what I'm about to do but luckily he doesn't try and stop me. This could mean several things – that he wants me to know who he is, that he doesn't really care or that he can't see who I am in the darkness so won't think it'll matter.

I pull the mask off seconds later and his stance doesn't change. And from the way he's looking at me I know it was option number three – he doesn't know who I am. He doesn't recognise me like this and it makes me feel funny inside.

But I know who he is. And it's for this reason that I slide away as quickly as I can and run away from him and towards the road. I can't believe it. I can't believe who it was. I can't believe he didn't recognise me. And I can't believe he was even kissing anyway as weird as that seems. I guess I was under the impression that he liked someone else...

In fact I was certain that Robbie liked my sister.

Yes I know what you're all thinking... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

but don't worry everything will sort itself out... or will it?

keep all your ponderings coming in... I love reading the Dave/Robbie/Dave/Robbie-ness :P

horns out ;)