Another cigarette.

Good thing, Rodney was drunk.

Bryn lights a cigarette, doesn't inhale the usual lungful before she stubs it out beneath her heels, discarding it into another heap once lit. Used Camels and incompetent lighters reside on the hard-packed dirt. After she lit again, she thumped her cigarette across the waste violently and was ready to continue but realized her actions were paused when someone caught her wrist.

With scowls dinting her forehead, Bryn is met with sapphire eyes in wayfarers, a dimpled smile, and slim eyebrows. "Wasting a perfectly good cigarette, Bryn?" he teases, sweeping a hand through his hair. "Doesn't seem like you." He sat beside her, crossing his ankles and releasing her wrist.

Bryn shook her head and rubs an eyelid, smudging her eyeshadow. "I'm just … tired." she lies, adding a fake yawn for emphasis. "The Heartbreakers and I kinda disbanded yesterday."

The boy's face softens in concern and his smile fell. "Oh, I'm sorry, Bryn." he replies and ran a hand up her arm, halting at her shoulder. Bryn kept a stern face but anyone in their right mind would be able to see through. She was hurt and despite adoring her band more than any guitar, it looked like something else was in her thoughts. "Why don't you tell me what else happened now?"

Bryn reaches for another cigarette but his hand retook her own. His eyebrows rose until gone in his choppy bangs and finally yielding to his seriousness, she met her brother's eyes. The frowns on her forehead lighten and disappear. "There's a new bitch in town, Harper." she admits, jerking her hand from his. "And she said a whole load of bull about Tinsley and –"

Harper waves in Bryn's face. "Wait, wait ..." he interjects, discontinuing Bryn's monologue. "don't you hate Tinsley? I kind-of figured since you stubbed your cigarette on her."

Bryn scowls and kicks an old cigarette away from her brother's sneaker. "I do." she advises, pointing a nail and narrowing her eyes like a tiger cub. "But, you don't see me going around, saying she's some stupid blonde bitch."

Harper sighs and notices Bryn staring over his shoulder, her dark eyes never waif from beyond him. He blinks and peers over his shoulder, a reflection of the sun on his shades.

Matthew and a girl with obsidian tresses spoke. He figured she was Vena. Matt smiles ominously as he remains with Vena and from beneath the table, their fingers were twined. Bryn looked like she'd puke any moment, then claw and attack and rip Vena's throat out.

"Disgusting," Bryn snarls, stands, and brings her bag to her shoulders. "I skipped last period and I'm totally starving. Wanna go get lunch?"

Harper blinks and took a minute to process what she'd said before frowning. "I'm kinda … going out to lunch with Tinsley. But I'll –"

Bryn smiles, waves him off. "Chill, Harper." she reassures, interrupting with a backhanded wave. "It happens. We'll meet up later."

Harper looked suspicious but took her word for it. "Alright," he agrees, reluctantly. "I'll hold you to that."

Bryn salutes and flips strands off her shoulders before heading out into the crowd, without another returning glance.

Harper watches until she disappears. She was like their father. Fearless, audacious, and never giving a spontaneous fuck – that was Bryn, alright.

And he was glad for it.

X

Matt held Vena's hand, his gaze never falling from hers. He was always unbelievably zealous. He felt the impulse to smoke but didn't want to leave Vena. She was different and he liked that in a girl. Many girls he knew like Bryn were different and their bassist/friend, Floria, was also.

But he could never date Bryn. Not ever. The world would become 2012 if that occurred. He'd consider Floria because she's cool and one hell of a bassist. He could never imagine Bryn and Steven as a couple because as much as he hates to admit it – it was sickening.

Steven and Bryn were like siblings to him and if you could imagine them dating, it'd sound like the plot of a twisted novel. He was always sure Steven liked Bryn seeing as he'd do backflips for her yet he knew she didn't feel the same.

Most of the time, Steven was injecting needles into himself or popping pills but knew his limits and once he'd reach his coke-limit, he'd tell Matt to take any drug from him before any permanent damage could be done. Despite heeding his requests, Steven was usually so high and would challenge him for the meds he'd toss to where he'd once broken his nose for a pill he just managed to throw out a window.

Sure, he apologized afterward. But he'd still do his best to have him sober, especially in school, where he makes a complete fool of himself in front of Bryn. She didn't necessarily care because she knew Steven's sobriety issues around this time, smoking blunts with the unknown.

It was almost-humiliating to see someone get high in day because they'd be hungover by midnight.

Knowing Steven, he was usually too stoned to remember his own warnings.

Bryn did more minor drugs since he'd witnessed her first-and-last encounter with angel dust when someone spiked her drink at one of Rodney's after-parties. She was off-the-walls with drunken excitement. Steven, also drunk, chuckled the night away, holding his glass to bartenders every five minutes for a refill.

A loaded Bryn came to him, babbling nonsense and stopping to glare at Rodney's Parisian rug. He withdrew his glass as she rambled, demanding the carpet to stop breathing and everyone to quit looking like ghosts before she passed out. Matt glared at the smashed Steven so fiercely, he managed an apology.

Before either of them could worsen, he dragged them out the scene, which later became a terrible night for all because half the partiers had hangovers and were diagnosed with alcohol poisoning.

See what he had to go through?

"Bryn was saying the weirdest thing." Matt told Vena, loosening his hand in hers. "She said you said all these terrible things about Tinsley and were basically the devil woman. Weird, huh?"

Vena nods and her soft eyes narrow when Matt's hand evades her in an attempt to reclaim it. "Definitely." she agreed. "I mean, why would she say things like that? I would never be mean to Tinsley. She's one of my best friends."

Matt's smile doesn't fade when he meets Vena's gem blue eyes. "Yeah, that's nice. But she must've had a motive because she just doesn't go around saying things like that ... I'm gonna go, alright? I'll check if she's cool so I'll be seeing you."

Vena stood, catching his arm. "You shouldn't leave." she stats, kicking a crushed cola can. "Bryn will suspect you and will take advantage of you. You act like her father all the time."

Matt steps in and kicks the dirt. "Maybe because I have to. You ever get that?" he inquires, ice in his eyes. "If I didn't act like her brother all the time, she might not even be alive." He swung his bag over his shoulder and turns to leave but before he faces Vena. "Whether you care or not I'm going."

"Do whatever you like," she adds, feeling his arm freeze beneath her hand. "Just don't come crying to me when she takes advantage of you."

"Thanks for your support." he scoffs and wrenches his arm as he heads off.

Vena opens her mouth to speak but closes it. She was out of words. She watches Matt leave and slumps in her seat. He was really defensive over the crazy-haired, Steven and that punk-rock chick, Bryn. Why did he care about them, anyway? He wasn't even their real family. They were just addicted losers, who were probably used to him caring for.

Why?

Whatever. It didn't matter. She had better things to do like destroy reputations.

Because she knows for sure he'd return.

They all come crawling back and then she'll dump him once everyone is against them.

It's just that simple.

X

Hayden approaches Floria, the black dye in her hair diminished. Her natural red flared, sidebangs framed her forehead, an aqua blue cardigan enclosed over her blouse, a knobbed belt on her hips, and striped tights hid the gauze on her knees.

Hayden in a cheap skirt and biker gloves frowns at Floria. "Why you still with that look, man?" she sneers at her acquaintance. "Bryn ditched. You gotta get used to it. She has these new guys in her band and we could do without her."

Floria raises her sleeve when she submerges her hand in the fish tank in Science, reaching to grab the misshapen net. "I know." she answers, managing with the net before returning it to the surface. The fish hidden behind plastic coral and fake starfish reappear after her leave, swishing their fins. She dries her arm with paper towels and lowers her sleeve. "Still, we were only backup and never wrote songs, so everything belongs to her."

Hayden rolls her eyes and unravels the net, wringing it out. "'Pretty Vacant' doesn't." she indicates, throwing down the mesh. "That belongs to Sid and the Pistols. Duh."

Floria watches the fish zoom in thought. She remembers when it was easy, when she first met the Blackwells, when they moved to New York from Italy. Their English wasn't any good so they pronounced things wrong because of their accents. She aided them with their English and they lost them overtime and couldn't help but always joke with them over their slurs.

Floria nods at Hayden, still not meeting her eyes. "True." she responds after some time. "But I never really wrote a song. I only helped Bryn with one of hers, so I doubt we'll be able to do much."

Hayden narrows her eyes. Why were Angelina and Hayden so mad? Bryn was impulsive and did things without thinking at times but still had a conscience and knew when she's done something wrong. It didn't bother Floria as much as the others. She cared about Bryn and if she wasn't happy, she would've said so. It's not so bad to have collaboration songs with some guys but since Angelina spoke for her, she wasn't even a part of Bryn's band and their great singer completed something new.

And she couldn't help but miss her Gucci-wearing singer because she was the closest she had to a sister. She was close to Hayden and Angelina, too, but Bryn was the little girl she longed to protect.

Hayden scoffs. "We don't need her. Has that ever stopped Bowie? Give it a break, man."

Floria blinks and seizes the can of fish food and sprinkles some into the tank. "Guess I have no choice." Floria muses, watching the fish, raises her hand for the teacher's attention. The man turns from a cage holding lab rats. "Mr. Pierceton, may I go to the bathroom?"

Without answer, he returns to the cage, signaling a yes to the clipboard. Still not meeting Hayden's gaze, Floria heads for the door and exits into the halls quietly.

Floria tosses loose strands from her eyes, leading herself down an empty marble hall. Her mind flushes with a sense of thoughts and ideas. It made her want to cry.

She had to get Bryn back somehow.

She just had to.

X

Bryn was out at her favorite deli on Madison and 86th. It was the only place that made her perfect Philly Cheese Steak with just the right amounts of onions, cheese, and meats. The girls at Constance were all on freaky diets and crazy exercise routines, so the thought of a carb-filled, cheese-covered sandwich wasn't exactly appealing.

Not that she gave a shit. She knew that she would burn it off the same way all rock goddesses did … with a good two hours of heavy rocking.

Nothing makes you fit into your Gucci leather pants like that.

"Well, well today must be my lucky day."

Bryn rolls her eyes at the familiarity in the voice. She quickly turns to see piercing eyes down on her. It just happened to be Javier Dominguez.

"What do you want?" Bryn asks as she reaches into her tattered and spiked leather hobo bag. She pulls out a cigarette and places it to her cherry lips.

Javier suavely reaches into his khaki corduroys and pulls out his lighter (engraved in perfect script was a JD) lighting her cigarette.

"Thank you." Bryn says, rather annoyed as she began to walk up towards their schools though she could hear him behind her. "You know, I never quite thought of the infamous Javier Dominguez as one of those stalker-fan types."

"I'm usually not." he says as he stood before her. "But I have to make an expectation for the ridiculously intriguing Lila Thorn."

Bryn's eyes grew wide as she saw Javier's lips turn in a cocky, satisfied smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Bryn glares up at Javier. "But if I did, I would remember all about an arrogant asshole like you trying to snake your way into my panties."

"Well, a lot of girls actually like the whole asshole move."

"Oh, really?" Bryn asks, stepping closer to the handsome heartbreaker. She had to admit that Javier was actually really hot from the way his St. Jude's shirt hugged his biceps to his seductive green eyes. "Well, I'm not one of those girls."

"Really?"

"It's going to take a lot more than some suave talking and stalking to make me fall for you." Bryn said as she starts up the steps into their school. "Maybe you're better off with one of Claire's bimbos or a clueless tourist. I bet you'll be glad to show her the city."

"You know, I'd rather show you around." Bryn could feel her back against the marble handrails and his breath on her neck as his lips barely pressed to it. She closed her eyes, sort-of hoping he'd go further.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Bryn's opened her eyes to see Matt, stubble and rasp and all. His expression a mix of confusion, anger, and did she sense a hint of jealously?

I sure did.

"Nope, we were just ending." Bryn says with a twinge of venom. She glares at Javier as she pries his arm off hers.

"Well, if you want to continue this –" Javier reaches into his pocket and pulls out a card. It was typical for an Upper East Sider to carry around a personal business card. "Just give me a call. I'll be sure to make space for you."

Bryn would have normally kneed the hell out of a cocky asshole like Javier but couldn't help but actually find his flirting entertaining.

X

Once Matt saw Javier disappear in St. Jude's. He turns to a glaze-eyed Bryn as she smirks to herself, throwing the business card into the hedges. He could only wonder what she was thinking, probably about the Casanova that attempted to seduce the rock goddess she thought she was. Bryn was easily breakable and only few happened to know. He just happened to be one of the lucky ones.

The varnish was gone in her smile. "Hey, Matt, what's up? You seem awfully jealous."

Jealous? Jealous? He was for a fact not jealous. Well, it was half a lie – he wasn't jealous of Javier being with Bryn. God, no. He was only fuming because he would've gotten to spend time with Vena smoking and listening to her stories from the past. He couldn't because he worried for Bryn, worried she may one day risk her life.

Just the thought was creepy.

"I'm not jealous." he spat and saw Bryn lift a brow. She was shocked at his venom. What was his problem? He didn't need to be so cruel. "You're over here acting like a hooker. You may play one onstage but it don't mean you need to act like one offstage."

Bryn removes the cigarette from her mouth, breathing smoke. "Matt, if you're gonna call me a whore, just do it. Don't act like a poet."

"I'm not gonna say but don't trust that Javier. He's bad news."

Bryn looks toward the doors, then Matt. "I don't necessarily do." Bryn admits, remembering when his hand slid up her thigh when she was wearing the corset. "I promise nothing will happen between us. Plus, I have you and Steven. You guys pretty much count as bodyguards."

Matt smiles gently. "And the Heartbreakers."

Bryn's smile crumbles and she flicks her cigarette, her gaze on the concrete. She wasn't mad at him for bringing up her broken band because he didn't know but she couldn't help but feel sad at the thought of Angelina's anger and Floria's brokenness. Bryn sighs again before returning into Constance.

"Not anymore."

Matt frowns and raises a brow. "What?" When Bryn didn't turn, he considered going after her but knew she wouldn't give in. He could always pry the answer from Hayden or Floria. They weren't as stubborn.

But why was she so upset? It didn't seem like The Heartbreakers anymore.

He could swear on his life that he'd find out.

Well, maybe not his life but you know what he means.

X

Tinsley bit out of a romaine lettuce leaf from across Harper in a Madison Avenue café. His hair glistening golden in the sun and his eyes a scorching inferno of white-hot blues. God, he was gorgeous.

It was nice because no one could ever hold a grudge against Tinsley Hastings, could they?

Not in Vena's case. They were hidden enemies and sadly Harper was oblivious. Vena being her seductress self was acting like a peachy bitch by inviting her and Claire to brunch. Claire wasn't stupid but the opposite. She was the cunning ice queen.

"Thanks for coming today." Harper answers, stirring his black coffee. "Many girls have been awfully suspicious of Vena lately. She seems cool, don't you think?"

Tinsley uncaps her mineral water and downs a mouthful. He was caught in Vena's cobweb lies, too? Now, that was sad. One of the only sane Jude's boys was in her claws. She could only wonder what the devil child would do to him. She could soil his poor mind with brutality.

Tinsley lowers her water. "Vena isn't the sweetest person around. I think you should be cautious, Harper." the blonde told. "She isn't exactly trusting."

And that's putting it lightly.

Harper scowls in his coffee. "Not you, too," He sighs, shaking his head in shame. "out of all people, I never thought you'd be distrusting. Sometimes, I think you're just as immature as Claire." He took his messenger bag off a seat, swinging it across his back. Smacks his bulging leather wallet on the table. "I gotta go. Pay with this. There's enough for a tip, too. And don't bother paying me back. There's more where that came from."

He left her, eyes ahead until he took a turn, vanishing down the block. Tinsley slowly got up, requesting the check and forgetting her meal – she'd lost her appetite, anyway. She wasn't being immature, only trying to help. Vena would never change, no matter how many boarding schools she'd be kicked out of.

She'd have to draw in reinforcements. The only blackmailers she knew.

Yes, that means you, Queen C and Rocker B.

X

The whore, the bitch, and the hooker all combined into one.

The news going around is V is supposedly trying to seduce every rock in St. Jude's including the purest player, H, who practically lives on the field and is spending the second-most time with V from carrying her tacky Birkin to walking blocks to the coffee shop, where D always hangs to buy stale chocolate chip scones. Seriously, are you all sure she's a girl? Because I most certainly wouldn't eat a stale pastry without suing first.

Many are already setting carved pumpkins on their doorsteps and scarecrows on their lawns like good old-fashioned New Yorkers in the Halloween spirit. But, in advance, don't be scared if I don't leave note on October 30th (Not dead!) I'll be around Park Avenue, throwing eggs at your Mercedes-Benzes and tossing Christmas lights and toilet paper through those pretty autumn trees you've spent weeks perfecting.

And remember to get your costumes! It's the only time, where girls could dress like complete sluts and get away with it! So all you Constance girls get your seamstresses to make your sexiest, sluttiest, jaw-dropping genies, princesses, and fairies, so every guy around will be wanting more than your candy.

Sightings:

Rocker B standing outside Rodney's before walking to a vintage shop to check out new boots. F moping through Central Park, smoking joints she received from A earlier. Who would've ever thought she'd take a drug from A's hands? S waiting outside Constance for V and ironically enough Sweet T was outside around the same time, looking for the infamous blackmailers to help get V out of her well-conditioned hair. But she was out of luck because Queen C was at a mani-pedi appointment and Rocker B was occupied with buying those limited-edition boots. Try again next time, Sweet T! The same has been happening with D and J because D heads to Antonio's for decaf and J is always leading another lucky lady into his penthouse suite. I say no more because we all know what happens there.

Dear Beebers,

What's up, bees? I saw you at Antonio's during the Rocker B and Raw Roses debut – I was wearing the striped polo and cargo shorts and was wondering if you'd like to go out with me because I think you're the hottest.

-Poloman9

Dear Poloman9,

I'll answer this with a plain no. And, polo and cargo shorts? Puke. Is that the best you can do?

Kisses and disses, Gossip Bee

X

Bryn sits outside Constance, flicking her lighter on and off and watching the tiny flame. Harper always chose to take long when leaving school. He's probably not even in there. Maybe being stepped all over by Vena's trashy platforms.

It was cool how different their hearts were. He'd let someone step all over him and she would fight her way out. His heart was paper and hers was steel.

It wasn't very surprising the great Bryn Blackwell's heart was unbreakable. Maybe, because it was broken so many times it just got immune to the attacks? The heart wants what the heart wants or that's the overused quote that people use when they get dumped.

Well, I don't necessarily believe that's true but I know people like D use those.

"Bryn!" a chiming voice calls from ahead. It wasn't Harper's and had a hint of a nervous soprano. Bryn switches off her lighter and pockets it, snapping forward with a deer's reflex to see Tinsley holding a muddle of college applications. She found Tinsley good-looking enough and much friendlier than Vena. Why was she getting used to this Barbie? She wasn't even dating her brother yet.

It'd be weird to imagine. Tinsley and Harper sound like they'd make a good couple with just the names. Anyone with her like Bryn and Derek or Bryn and Edward sound like they'd be a couple that would screw up within a week or two of being married but a couple like Tinsley and Harper would be wed for centuries.

It's sometimes bothersome to be a twin, especially when the complete opposite of yours.

When Tinsley made it to Bryn, she dug a hand through her bag, searching for the untouched joint Steven had given her. She managed to fish it out but decided not to light in front of Tinsley. Tinsley was urgent, a wishing to pour out her troubles. She circles her bangles awkwardly. "Bryn, I need your help. You seem like you're the only one who could."

"Never thought I'd hear the day. Cue the death march."

Who would've ever thought Tinsley would be begging for her help? The rocking rebel that set off a cigarette on her but had gotten what she deserved when Harper grounded her and gave her the ultimate punishment of not playing at Rodney's for three full weeks. She created the alter-ego with wash-out hair-dye and was never caught.

Ah, the life.

Tinsley brushes sweat off her brow, choosing the chase. "Harper's so naïve. No offense." She was relieved to see Bryn smirk and nod understandingly. "He met Vena and thinks she's a princess yet she's not. I need you to help me get her out of here."

Bryn nods again. Vena had gotten her brother? The bitch would pay and as long as she didn't get anyone else. It would be pretty. "I hate to say this. But revenge isn't really my specialty. We may need backup." Bryn breathes. "I'll do all I can but we need someone else," She retrieves her Blackberry, punching keys rapidly. "She's even better than me at the job."

Her phone chimes before receiving an answer on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Hey, Claire," Bryn says through her smirk. "let's collaborate."

X

After Harper returned home from practice, he threw his bag down and took off his hat, ruffling his hair until it took its usual tousle. Bryn ditched him earlier though he knew it was like her, she seemed busier than usual and said she'd be hanging with Claire and Tinsley. The two she hated most. Coincidence?

He didn't bother stopping her because he trusted her and she'd obviously say if she was going to do something to either of them. It was odd, even for her. The brutal slam of the door and a foreign swear interrupts his musing.

Harper heads for the stairs, standing at its foot was a bruised Bryn, throwing her gig bag down and wobbling to the steps. Ignoring her twin's prodding gaze as her shaking hand grazes the banister.

Her hair was unkempt and loose around her shoulders. Her clothes coated in sweat, dirt dredged her leather pants, and the sleeves of her jacket were torn, exposing small cuts and bruises. She bit her lip as if holding tears back as she passed. "Night." she mutters, Harper reaches for her arm but stops himself.

If he'd push, it'd become worse. So he'd stay shut for now. No need for extra-pressure.

He withdraws to his room as Bryn locks her own. The two instantly find sleep, throwing their troubles aside. Was it really right to stay in hectic New York? Constance and St. Jude's were just pooled with drama and emotions. Life's become so stress-inducing.

And bordering on 3 AM., Bryn's Blackberry vibrates on her ribs, waking her. She groggily checks the caller ID to see: Steven is amazing. His own editing when he'd found alone time with her phone. She blinks and rubs her eyes, accepting the call. "Yeah?"

Silence. Heavy breathing and rattling glass, more breathing, coughs. Bryn raises a brow, sits up in bed. Why was he calling this late? He usually knocks out around nine from the consistent drug use and alcohol consumption. "Hello, Steven?" Bryn calls. Louder. She silently hoped she wouldn't wake Harper or he'd be pretty annoyed seeing her on the phone this late.

"Help …" someone familiar gurgles. "help ..."

Bryn's blood froze to ice and she begun from her mattress, heading for the window to meet the black sky. "Steven!" Bryn demands harshly, a terrified look coming on. "Where are you? What happened?"

Another burble. "Home ..."

Bryn slid on her beaten boots, keeping the phone to her ear. "I'll be there!"

When she received no audible reply, she clicked End. Not even reaching for her coat before running out her room.

X

Aw. Steven, I really like him so it's sad to do something bad to him.

So I published another chapter but this one is four thousand words shorter than the last and I was out for practically the whole day so this turned out to be a late update, it's almost midnight and I'm exhausted.

Here's an analysis for Gossip Bee's little names if anyone didn't realize.

Rocker B- Bryn
H- Harper
A- Steven
S- Matt
Queen C- Claire
D- Dean
J- Javier
F- Floria
Sweet T- Tinsley