Thought I'd update super quickly before my go-see, so review please. They show me you care. And wish me luck in Ontario!

Massie drove home in silence. She didn't turn on her radio. She didn't have her cell phone anymore, but even if she did, she had a feeling it wouldn't be ringing.

As she drove into her familiar driveway, Kendra and William rushed out of the house. Kendra was trying to look happy, but her relief was taking over.

"Oh Massie," she hugged her daughter as soon as Massie stepped out of the car. "Where were you?" Now was her time to be angry. "What were you thinking, just taking off like that? You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Now, Kendra," William patted her shoulder. "Massie just returned; no need to smother her."

Kendra sniffled and stepped back. "Why did you leave, though?" she asked softly.

Massie would never admit the truth to her. It was too embarrassing! She wouldn't even admit the truth to her dog.

"Um…I just wanted a vacation before school started…I meant to tell you and I tried to get back before school actually started…but," she shrugged, leaving the sentence hanging.

"Well, nothing's wrong now. You're home and that's all that matters. Come on in for dinner," Kendra gave her one last hug.

"Um I stopped at Burger King on the way home, so I'm not hungry. Mind if I just stay out here?" Massie asked.

Kendra eyed her suspiciously. "Well, okay…but give me your car keys."

"Why?" Massie asked.

"I don't want you taking off again." She held out her hand, palm side up.

Massie sighed and dropped them into her mom's hand. Then Kendra turned around and followed William into the house.

"Don't stay out too long, it's going to rain!" She called before shutting the door.

Massie climbed into the tree house. That was the last spot she had seen Derrick before leaving. She heard tires crunching on the gravel of the next house, so she hid in the house and peeked out the window.

Alicia and Olivia got out of Alicia's black BMW and walked, giggling the whole way, into Olivia's house.

Massie felt her heart twinge. Even though she and Olivia had only been friends for a month, she missed her bubbly attitude. And she missed Claire and Dylan.

She missed her old life –the one where everyone liked her. Massie would do anything to get it back.

Derrick heard Olivia crash through the door, giggling.

"Derrick!" she yelled. "Alicia's here!"

Derrick leaped off the couch and ran to the front door. His sister looked totally tipsy –her hair was coming out of its bun, her eyes were a little glassy and of course, she smelled like a winery.

"Hey, where'd you guys go for dinner? It was a bar wasn't it," he smirked at Olivia. "Leesh, if Olivia even has two glasses of wine she'll become insane." It was because of how small she was, and so she always had the unfair part of passing out first.

"How was shopping? Did you get me anything?" he began snooping around in Alicia's bags.

"Not unless you want a purple, size two Marc Jacobs dress," Alicia held up the adorable dress. "Or six inch Prada heels?"

"Um, no thanks," Derrick backed away.

Alicia and Olivia giggled again as Derrick pulled Alicia into the living room. "Stay a little longer?" He asked her as they sat down together on the couch.

Mr. Harrington got up and tossed Derrick the remote. "I'll leave you guys alone. Just don't do anything too private until your sister leaves," he winked at Derrick.

"Ew, dad!" Olivia whined while Derrick tossed a cushion at their father.

"Just saying," Mr. Harrington chuckled as he retreated upstairs.

"So…we ran into Massie in the city. She's probably home by now," Alicia said, snuggling into Derrick's chest.

"She's back?" Derrick asked. He'd been having sort of mixed feelings lately. Part of him really did love Massie, and it would never go away. But then there was Alicia, sweet and beautiful Alicia.

"That'll make Kendra happy. She had a total meltdown when I told her that her only child was missing."

"How'd you find out anyway?" Olivia asked from the kitchen. She was making herself a pot of coffee, hoping to clear her head. "About her leaving, I mean."

"I was up in her room and I—"

"Wait," Alicia interrupted, narrowing her chocolate brown eyes. "What were you doing in her room?"

"Um…" Derrick said. He couldn't tell her that he felt bad for her; she'd think he was flirting with her or something. Girls always jumped to conclusions. "I just—"

"Never mind," Alicia said. "She's such a loser. I can't believe you were ever friends with her," she said to Olivia.

Derrick's breathing tightened. He expected this kind of trash talking from his sister, but not from Alicia.

She stood up. "I have to go, anyway. I told my mom I'd be home by eight."

"Bye," Derrick smiled at her.

"Bye," she blew him a kiss and walked out the door.

"I approve of her," Olivia grinned, sipping a steaming cup of coffee.

Derrick shrugged. He didn't really want his family to scare Alicia away. She probably wasn't used to the craziness of the Harrington's'. In face, the only people outside the family who were used to it were the Blocks. But then again, the Blocks were pretty messed up too.

"I'm going to bed. Night," he waved to Olivia.

She nodded in response, too engrossed in her magazine to look at him.

After Derrick climbed into his bed, he saw Massie's light go on. He reached for his laptop, hoping she'd be online. He wanted to apologize for the way he treated her.

Shortz4life: hey Massie

Massiekurr: what was that? did I hear something? Is DERRICK HARRINGTON actually speaking to me?

Shortz4life: OK, I probably deserved that. which is why I am talking to u. I'm sorry

Massiekurr: u should be

Shortz4life: R u going to accept my apology or not?

Massiekurr: give me one good reason why I should

Shortz4life: ….

Massiekurr: exactly. Not even u can think of a reason for me to forgive u. so good night derrick. don't IM or talk to me ever again. I'm serious.

Shortz4life: But Massie wait! Open ur window and hear me out, k? for like 1 minute max.

Massiekurr: fine. 1 minute. Timing.

Derrick saw Massie's window open, so he opened his as well. Their bedrooms were facing each other, and they used to communicate with each other using flash lights at night.

"What do you want, Derrick?" Massie asked, almost a little sadly. Her face was angry, but her eyes looked sad and tired.

"I-I'm sorry," he stammered, not sure what he was going to say.

"You said that. If you're going to do nothing but repeat yourself, I'm leaving." She snapped. "I'm not in the mood for it."

"But Massie—"

"Said that too."

"Will you shut up and let me speak?"

"Oh so now you're telling me to shut up? What a great way to start an apology!"

"SHUT UP!" He raised his voice. He wanted to yell, but it was late and his parents were asleep.

"No! Derrick you asked to talk to me, and you're doing a pretty crappy job of doing so."

"Massie—"

"Good bye." She reached up to shut her window.

"Wait!"

"What?" Massie paused, glaring at him. In a minute her eyes had gone from lonely and sad to pissed off.

"I think I'm in love with you."