Seriously... I make so many damn mistakes. xD I'm really sorry if there's a mistake in this one, too. D:

"Well, this place hasn't changed one bit."

Those were the words that would always haunt Claire. They symbolized the end of her happiness, the end of her easy life, the end of waking up with a smile. Granted, life could be so much better, but she would get around to that… Another day. Those words symbolized the end of all that, the beginning of chaos, the beginning of drama, and the beginning of turmoil.

But she didn't know that at the time. All she could think was, Massie. Massie was back. Her best friend – or at least her second best friend – was back, after all this time…What's going to happen now? Would they go back to being buddy-buddy? Would she start dating…

Derrick.

Oh no, she had forgotten all about him, until now. How could she stand seeing them together? She and Derrick barely talked anymore, but with Massie around… Well, of course they'll start talking. Of course. Alicia, Kristen, Josh, Dylan, Chris, Kemp… They would just be in the background. It would just be the four of them again, basking in the center of attention, playing the perfect role of the perfect, happy, and popular group in high school, the ones you always saw on TV and always dreamt of being a part of.

"But you, Claire! You've changed so damn much." Massie opened her newly tanned arms wide, and stood there grinning, waiting for Claire to embrace her.

But she got nothing. Claire just stared at her in shock.

Slowly, awkwardly, Massie lowered her arms, and Claire watched her eyes dart left to right and finally locking back on hers nervously. What was Massie thinking right now?

What the hell was she doing? Why didn't she hug Massie?

Because she was afraid. She was afraid that Massie would get back together with Derrick, and the whole… cycle would start all over again. The two of them would never have the guts to confront each other.

Never.

"Oh, Massie, I'm sorry, I'm just.. Two years…" Claire's voice started out loud and steady, but as she progressed, her voice began to fade out into the background, like in movies. But at least she had managed to push this whole… situation with Derrick to the back of her mind, and focus on Massie. Her best friend. Her best girlfriend.

Claire couldn't bring herself to stop calling Derrick her best friend, because he still was. He could always be there for her when she needed him the most, and she knew that.

A big smile finally appeared on Massie's nude lips.

"You can make up for it with a big hug, you bitch." And the two were embracing, close to tears, even. So many memories sprang back in their minds, so clear and so fresh and so new…

And Massie's vulgar vocabulary made Claire grin. She hadn't changed much in personality. In appearance? Her hair was still a beautiful brown color, reminding her of rich dark chocolate. Her eyes were still a breathtaking shade of amber, fierce and focused, a certain wisdom and ageless beauty and confidence in them. Her skin had tanned over the years, and now they seemed to glow from within. And what guy doesn't find tanned legs sexy, really? Especially since Massie's were long and thin and all muscle.

Had she gotten involved in sports? Huh.

"Now, how has everyone been? I can't wait to give everyone a hug."

It was easier to act like she didn't care about Derrick anymore, now. The gratitude and joy she felt in having her best girlfriend back overpowered it easily.

"Oh, everyone's at class, dumbie."

"Then why are you here? And I've told you time and time again, Claire, you just don't say dumbie. You say dumb-ass."

"I was cutting myself in the restroom, of course! And I don't curse."

Another inside joke, involving Claire cutting herself in the restroom and Massie committing suicide. Dark jokes to a stranger, hilarious to the two girls involved.

"Tch tch tch, you still haven't given up that habit?"

"Like you've stopped jumping off of cliffs."

"True dat, homie!"

The two began to laugh hysterically at Massie's pathetic attempt to sound gangster. It wasn't even that funny, but Claire reasoned that Massie's appearance made both of them over-excited.

"Well, we should get to class. I have English next."

"So do I!"

And the two were off, chattering and laughing and having the time of their lives as they walked towards Room 15.

But Claire had forgotten who else had English first period.

Cameron Fisher.

That was one of the most awkward moments of Massie's life.

When Claire hadn't hugged her back, she had thought that… Well, that Claire was mad at her for some reason. And Claire had passed it off as shock. But she knew damn well it wasn't shock. Her face was so easily readable, that was one of the things Massie had always loved about her.

She didn't want her to be at Westchester.

It was so easy to tell. The only thing Massie wasn't sure of was why exactly Claire didn't want her there.

But as they were walking down the hall together in peaceful silence… It hit her.

She must know.

Cam told her.

Cam told her everything.

And she should be angry about that… But she wasn't. She was relieved. Finally, no more secrets. But just in case, she had better not bring it up. What if it caused drama between the two of them? She couldn't stand that. Awkwardness was just as bad. She didn't want that. She wanted her friendship with Claire to be forever youthful and fun, and occasionally serious.

That was what she wanted.

What she needed.

She wouldn't let Cam get between their friendship.

Would you give up everything?

That question had haunted her for so long, ever since she read it in a book.

Yes. She would give up everything.

But the question was….

Would you give up everything for Claire?

Or Cam? Which person are you talking about?

And the scary part was… She didn't know.

Wasn't it supposed to be chicks before dicks?

But what if the dick was her true love? What if the dick was the one person who actually understood her 100%? What if he was her best friend, and she truly loved him with everything she had? What if the chick wasn't even close to being what the dick was to her?

Oh… She didn't know. She just didn't.

"Hello, I'm Massie Block."

Cam kept his head down. She wouldn't notice him, she wouldn't notice him…

Too damn bad the only empty seat in the class was next to his. Well, there was the one in the front, and Claire was obviously going to sit there. She always sat in the front. Always. He knew her that well. Almost as well as he knew Massie.

And before he knew it, Massie tapped his arm and asked, "Hey, um, sorry, but… You just look… Kind of familiar…?"

Well.

He raised his head slowly, deliberately, wanting to avoid this moment as long as possible.

Half of him expected a gasp and a hug.

Half of him expected a smile and a warm greeting.

Instead, he got a kiss.

Sparks were flying.

You like? (: I do. xD I actually like it! :D

Finals on Monday. Damn. I think I'mma fail. D:

R&R. (:

CLIFFHAAAANGER. :D