Teenage Dream

by Lucy Samb

You/ Darren Criss fanfic. The story is about your life with Darren in high school, college and professional life among friendship,love,fights,comings and goings and how you both go through serious stuff such as bullying,suicide,discrimination and life itself. It starts when you meet Darren, a guy of your school in St. Ignatius College Preparatory who never noticed you, a loser.

24. Playing the game

A/N: Hello guys! I updated earlier than usual! Yeah, I wasn't going to be able to update on Saturday, so I updated today. Well, the Iast time I left you with a terrible cliffhanger, judging by the reviews I got! Yeah, I know it was terrible and more terrible was that you had to wait to 2013 to read the next chapter, but here it is! The return of W was kind of intense, right? I wanted to write more action, since it's been a while since the last time W appeared. Well, what I have to say it's that the following chapters are gonna be just as intense, I guess. You'll read more action and you'll find new things. The first part of this story it's coming to its end, guys! Are you excited? I'll tell you something: I planned this story to be shorter than it is; I never thought I could write so many chapters and you still have to read a lot of more chapters. Yes, it's a really long story! But what can I say? You guys and your reviews made me feel better and you encouraged me to keep writing more and more... and more. I love writing for you because I love the way you seem to be into the story, it always makes me smile when I read your reviews and I don't know, sometimes I feel as if I'm doing something right! Thank you for that, Teenage Dream would be nothing without you all and your reviews, advices and constructive criticism. And… I reached the 150 reviews! Geez, that is super crazy! Thanks! Alright, now I'll start answering each one of you!

alicegursk: Alice! I think you were like freaking out when you wrote the review! All your feelings! It was a great review, it made me smile! Yeah, I get it; W is a piece of shit, that asshole! But you know, I wanted to make W' return a bit interesting, and this what I wrote, the crazy idea once I had. I remember myself thinking: All the bad things happen to Freckles, why do not I try it with Darren? After all, this is a fictional story and they're fictional characters and nothing (almost nothing) of what I write is real. Do I need an award for the most outrageous person after the last thing I wrote in the last chapter? Noooo, do not use the gun! W someday will get what deserves for messing with Freckles, Darren and Jen! Or not... Muhahaha, it's a surprise! Yes, Amanda! I always intended to write about her as if she was this mysterious girl who was hiding something and then later realizes all the good things she's missing for being such a bitch! haha. Well, you wished this chapter could be full of happiness, unicorns and Chris Colfer's diet coke (which is awesome!); and well, I can't promise anything, you'll just have to read it! And... I think I have a wife now! You better give me that unicorn as wedding gift, then! Haha

amanecerita83: I haven't really realized that this chapter, precisely this chapter, was going to be the last chapter of 2012! I haven't planned it, but now that I think about it, it was a good chapter to end the 2012, because it's the chapter when the action starts and when you'll find more things about W and all. Well, you see, you had to wait only one day less to read the next chapter, I hope it is a good thing! Thank you for wishing me a happy New Year! I hope you had a good start!

Kaylacriss332: Ouch! I know that it was a terrible cliffhanger and more because it was the last cliffhanger of 2012! I know, I was cruel there; but I can't help it! One of the first things I think when I write a new chapter is about all the things I'll write and most importantly how I'm gonna end it; so the cliffhangers are totally premeditated and that makes me cruel! haha. Well, you didn't have to wait until Saturday to read the new chapter, maybe it makes me a little bit less cruel!

Wow: hahaha do not freak out because the next chapter is here now! Now you'lll get more and you'll find out what happened to Darren! Anxious to read it?

Monique: Did you really like it? I don't know why my cliffhangers are always a topic of conversation! haha Are they that intriguing? Awww thank you for what you said you think that I can't write a better chapter and I prove you wrong! I really try to get better and write more interesting things; sometimes I'm satisfied with what I write and sometimes I think that it was a boring and terrible chapter; but I guess I'm learning everyday how to improve and the reviews help a lot with the advices and stuff! Thanks for thinking that this is an amazing story and that I'm an amazing writer! I don't know if I fully believe it, but you should know that I'll always try to do my best for you to enjoy the story and never get tired of it, because it's a very long story and you'll have this story for more time! By the way (this has nothing to do with the fanfiction) Have you followed me on Twitter? Because the other day (can't remember when) I finally checked my Twitter and Monique Naude is now following me; so I wanted to know if that is you or if I'm completely wrong! Anyway, if that is you, I'm now following you and well, it's been a while since the last time I used Twitter because I do not have much free time, but now that I'm starting vacations, maybe I'll be more often there. And surely I'm boring you with this, so I'll stop talking! Haha

RoseIsabelleCarrow: I don't know why I always smile when I read something like "Oh my freaking wizard god." I love saying that and I love when people say that! Yes, I was cruel when I wrote that about Darren and you'll hate me more after you read this chapter! Poor him! Alright, I won't tell you more so you can read it! But I really wanted to write something like this of Darren, because always all the bad things happen to Freckles and well, it had to change sometime! Yes, I wanted Mandy to really change, but change, grow and mature after a certain important event. Since the beginning I wanted to characterize her for being the popular, cruel and selfish girl who cared only about herself and superficial and material things; and I wanted her to be the girl who has lived wrong and then, with time, realizes that she was wrong and discovers the real important things in life once she's about to lose it all. Because, in certain way, we all can't enjoy the little things of life that truly make us happy until we're about to lose it or, worst case, when we already lost it. I hope I could have made Mandy like that. About the suicide, I always wanted to write about it, just as much as bullying; because it's a reality that it's happening nowadays and I try to give my points of views about it all when I have the chance. I'm ambitious, I know, but it started with Chain Letters when I decided that I wanted to write about serious stuff that happen in real life to give my point of view and maybe to help people who are going through similar situations. I always wanted to help people, I never knew how to do it because I'm not good at talking and opening up to someone and I like to write, so maybe I could put it in words and share it with people. I don't even know if what I write helps people, but I wish it could be like that. Anyway, I didn't write so much about suicide because I'm saving that topic for later and I'll elaborate on the topic. Okay, I think I've talked a lot and I may be boring you, so I promise I'll stop! I hope you can enjoy this new chapter and thanks for your words!

caarolineboeira1: Hi! You don't have to be sorry, really! It doesn't matter if you can't review soon, I'm more than glad that I get always a review from you and that is really awesome and I do thank you for that! :) Business? That seems hard! I guess it's because I always sucked at it, I suck at so many things that better I'll stuck with architecture, the only thing I can feel good enough! :P Aww, I also like that line, imagine Darren telling you something like that, I'll be crazy and screaming of happiness! haha. I know, maybe it was something silly to write about a break up; but there I wanted to show how insecure she can be for all the she found out; like when you're freaking out, disappointed and sad that you really don't think what you say and then you regret. Mandy, Mandy, Mandy; wasn't she always so suspicious? Before starting writing Teenage Dream, I never thought about Mandy being involved on this, but with time I thought that maybe it was a good idea, a good excuse to show how people can change for better when realize and admit that they've done something wrong; because, after all, that is how we learn to be better human beings, from our mistakes! Weird way of learning, isn't it? Maybe I'm crazy and maybe he's gonna be dead and he'll turn into a zombie now and the Darren we know actually it's a zombie, a funny and cute zombie! haha I'm just kidding and making up on my mind silly things. Yeah, I guess I'm not that crazy. Once I wrote a short story (a fantastic and unrealistic one) in which Darren not only died once, but three times. The story didn't end in a bad way; but no one liked it! haha. Of course, I wouldn't like it either. He's the boy who lived not died! Well, now you had to wait until Friday to read this chapter and I hope it's a good thing!

Mockingjay-Potterhead: Ouch! I wasn't in the city to change my mind and update earlier than usual! I'm sorry! Yes, it was one of the worst cliffhangers and I know you might be very intrigued to find out what the hell happened to Darren! Well, you'll know it in this chapter! The action has begun and the return of W is gonna be terrible! Aww, thank for your words! It's really nice and crazy to read that you think that my writing is insipiring! I pledged to write about serious stuff that happen nowadays, sometimes it seems I forget about it and I write about other things; but from time to time I try to write implicit advices, from my point of view (doesn't mean that my advices are fully right because it depends on each person and the existing diversity). But well, it means a lot to me what you said; so thank you very much!

Sarah: Yay! I'm very happy that you like more action in the story! I gotta admit that I like writing action and I always wanted to write something with action and mystery, but I always ended up writing about love, friendship and stuff. So this is something new for me and I'm glad that I'm trying new things and that you like it. In the next chapters you'll get also more action and I hope you can enjoy it soon. And well, well, soon you'll find out who W is! Do you suspect of someone? Maybe it's obvious, or not... The end of this first part is coming closer!

vicky: Because I'm the cruelest person you'll ever meet! And also because I have an obsession with cliffhangers! This is the first time I got your review! So welcome! Thank you for reading this story! :)

MeMi83: First of all: Welcome! You're new here and I'm super happy to know that you're reading this silly story! It's always amazing for me to know that more people read this story! It makes me really happy to know that you like this story and I hope to never disappoint you! Thank you! I always try to make the story interesting so that explains the plot twists as you said; I don't want to bore anyone with the story considering it's a long story. I know that sometimes, some things of the story are boring or pointless; but I try to find the way to write funny or lovely things from time to time as I also try to find the way to write more action and suspense. I'll keep writing and you'll get more of Teenage Dream for a really long time! I never planned this story to be this long, but oh well, it just happened! I only hope that you can keep liking it and finding it interesting! And soon, very soon, you'll find out who W is!

Gabby: You don't have to be sorry! It's okay if you couldn't review! It's enough for me to know that you keep reading this story and you didn't get bored of it! I know that what happened to Darren is terrible and in this chapter you'll find out what exactly happened to him! And yeah, W is such an asshole, right? And soon you'll find out who that person is! Yes, I think that everybody suspected of Amanda! She wasn't so nice and her actions were suspicious, as if she was hiding something and now you know what she was hiding! And yeah, this situation taught her that she was wrong and she wants to change for the better; or maybe not! You'll know!

Whoa! I really need to stop talking too much! This was really long, but I can't help it! I always end up talking a lot. Sorry! Now I'll let you read this new chapter so you'll find out what happened to Darren! Enjoy it! :) Have a lovely week and until next Saturday, guys!

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Teenage Dream – Part 24 – Playing the game.

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While you were trying to swim to him, you almost drowned; but for some inexplicable reasons, you were in fact swimming, as if you magically could swim only to save your love and best friend. You tried to do it the best you could and finally you arrived to where he was floating unconscious. You grabbed him by the sleeve of his shirt and you pulled him closer to you to then realize... It was only a doll with his clothes.

"It's a fucking doll!" You yelled angrily and you clung to the doll, so you could float with it to the edge of the lake.

You didn't know what to feel, if anger because of this ambush and cruel joke; or relieved because that body wasn't actually Darren's body. Because as soon as you saw that body, you knew it wasn't alive, only that you didn't want to admit it. Instead, you started shedding tears because of the fear and the adrenalin recently felt. You finally arrived to the edge of the lake and Mandy helped you to get out of the lake, as she gave you her coat. It wasn't so cold, but the cool breeze was freezing you. Your sister hugged you tightly and rubbed your back energetically to warm you up while she started scolding you.

"Are you completely insane? Are you out of yourself? How could have you jumped to the lake if you can't swim? You could have died in there!" She yelled very upset but nervous.

"It was about Darren, Mandy! I saw Darren there and I needed to save him! He was there unconscious; I would never leave him there!" You defended yourself, still trembling because of the fear.

"But you could at least have told me!" Mandy yelled again.

"You also can't swim, Mandy!" You yelled with trembling voice. "It doesn't fucking matter because it was a damn doll!" You screamed in tears, desperate and angry. "Those are his clothes, Mandy! Those are his clothes! I could smell his perfume!"

"Alright, calm down." Mandy said now looking deeply into your eyes and placing her hands on your shoulders. "He must not be away from here."

"I need to find him, Amanda!" You yelled desperate and edgy.

"And we will. You just need to calm down." Amanda said quietly.

"I can't calm down! They've got my boyfriend! They've kidnaped him! How do you expect me to calm down? How the fuck?" You yelled out of yourself, in shock and very terrified until your sister slapped you and you looked at her astonished and in silence.

"I'm sorry. You needed to calm down somehow." She apologized and you started to take deep breathes. "Let's go find your boyfriend." Amanda said determined, but right there your phone buzzed.

"It was a big fright, wasn't it? But it's interesting how much you can do for your ex-boyfriend. Let's see what else you can do... Hide and seek! Go and find him before is too late! He could end up drowned for real now... -W-"

You read it and your body started trembling again, your heart started beating fast again and you could barely breathe. Your sister also read the text message and she seemed to be thoughtful now. You, unlike your sister, couldn't think about anything. You only wanted to find Darren and you also wanted to find W, who was right there, in the same place than you. You needed to know if it was Susan or not.

"Let's go! I know where he could be!" Mandy exclaimed energetically and she grabbed your hand to lead you to somewhere.

"Where?" You asked while you were running.

"The Stow Lake!" She exclaimed energetically again.

"How do you know?" You asked curious.

"Well, the text message said that it could happen for real now; we know he isn't here... And the other important lake in this park is the Stow Lake." She answered quickly and you looked at her stunned, while still running.

"You're a genius, Mandy!" You exclaimed, admiring your sister.

"I learned from the best. You." She smiled brightly while you were still running.

You finally arrived there and you started searching for him. Amanda and you decided to go different ways so you could find him faster. At first, Amanda refused to do it because it was dangerous; but then you convinced her. You were feeling very tired, but you wouldn't stop searching untiringly for Darren until you find him. You were losing your hopes until you saw, in the distance, a man's figure walking through one of the bridges that connected to the inner island. You ran to there, you were sure it was Darren. But... Was he walking? Because you saw him unconscious in the picture. Now you stopped running to walk to there, gingerly and scared. What if that person over there was W? You didn't have anything at all to protect yourself. You crouched and grabbed a stone that was on the grass. Then you kept walking to there, very slowly. When you were the close enough, you noticed that it was Darren indeed. You let out the stone and you ran to him, screaming his name. He didn't look at you, he didn't answer; but you kept running. He would be completely naked if it wasn't because of his underwear. You ran to him and then you jumped to him to hug him tightly and to weep in relief. He didn't hug you back and he didn't do any kind of movement; but you didn't care because he was safe now, he was with you now. He was cold and his body was fragile. You finally looked at him and what you saw scared you. He was very pale and his lips were almost violet because of the cold. His eyes were swollen and red; his pupils were dilated and he couldn't focus his sight. He was like lost.

"Darren, look at me." You said firmly and almost bossy, but Darren didn't look at you. His gaze was really lost. "Darren." You said louder and bossy. He finally looked at you, but he was still lost. "Are you okay?" You asked worried.

"You so funny, like a cartoon. I like you." He said babbling, still with his gaze lost but trying to look at your face. "Do you wanna swim?"

"No, I don't want." You said serious.

He wasn't fine and you needed to take him at hospital or at his house. But first, you needed to warm him up, so you gave him the coat that Mandy lend you. He only grabbed it and looked at it with eyes wide open. You looked at him very intently and you were getting very nervous now. What was wrong with him? You took the coat again and you dressed him because, apparently, he didn't seem to be able to do it by himself. He let you doing so in silence. Then you hugged him and started rubbing his back; just as your sister has done with you. He placed his hands on your hips and got closer, as he started kissing your neck. What?

"This is hot." Darren babbled.

He placed his hands underneath your wet shirt and he started pulling you closer. Oh well, you were so close that you could feel that he was already hard, considering that he was like pressing his hips against yours. He started kissing your neck again and to lick it. It felt really good, but you needed to stop him, because he wasn't fine, something was bad, really bad with him. You placed your hands on his shoulders and pulled him away softly.

"Stop, Darren." You said firmly and he tried to look at you.

"Wanna swim now?" He asked stammering.

"No, I said no." You said firmly and he placed his hands on your hips again.

"Come on, let's go swim, is fun!" He said pulling you with him near the edge of the lake.

"Stop, Darren!" You said trying to stop him, but he was stronger and he wasn't listening. Then you took all the courage to seem as bossy and scary as never before. "Darren Everett Criss. Stop right now."

And it worked. He was now looking at you with eyes wide open and almost innocently. Then you heard some steps running to you. You turned around quickly to find Mandy. But then you heard a plunge in the water. You rolled your eyes and then you turned around resigned, to see that Darren was now in the water, of course wearing the coat.

"What is wrong with him?" Mandy asked frowning and confused.

"I don't know; he's acting weird..." You said looking at Darren who wouldn't stop laughing.

"Join me, cartoon girl!" Darren yelled from the water.

"Cartoon girl?" Mandy asked very confused.

"Yeah, he called me like that." You replied frowning. "Help me to take him out from there." You asked and Mandy nodded, so you both walked to the shore. "Give me your hand, Darren. We need to go." You said extending your hand.

"To get candies?" He asked excited and you frowned, exchanging a look with your sister, who nodded.

"Yes, to get candies." You lied, but Darren took your hand.

Damn. You should have guessed it. He pulled you to the water with him. You almost drowned, but Darren placed his hands on your waist and he pulled you up. Of course he also pulled you closer; and of course you clung to him, wrapping your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck not to drown again. Of course now he placed his hands on your hips and pulled you even closer, something that didn't seem possible to do. Of course you looked at him befuddled, because he looked completely beautiful all wet, with some drops falling from his curls. But you needed to focus why you were there and it was because Darren wasn't fine... His pupils were still dilated. But how could you focus on it if Darren was now smiling at you in a very sensual way? How to focus if he was now kissing the corner of your lips? This boy was your perdition.

"You're sexy." He whispered in front of your lips before he kissed them passionately but a bit awkwardly.

"Sister!" You heard a yell behind you. Yes, you needed to get out of there.

"Could you take me to the shore? I'm cold." You asked Darren, seeing if in this way this was going to work.

"Everything for the sexy lady." He whispered with the same sensual smile.

And he did so. He took you to the shore and he helped you to get out from the water. He also got out of the water and then he snuggled to you, as if he was a little kid. He was trembling, of course, he was cold. But you couldn't give him any clothes.

"For god's sake!" Mandy exclaimed bewildered next to you. "They've been drugged him."

"What? How do you know it?" You asked concerned, now looking at Darren, who was still snuggled to you, trembling.

"I've seen a lot of people high. See? His pupils are dilated and he's very pale, his vocalization is unclear and he's having problems with night vision. He's been very elated and accelerated and now he's somnolent. Look at his arm, there's a needle stick, they injected him... Surely it was heroin." Mandy said very concerned and you looked at her puzzled. How did she know a lot about it? Then you looked at Darren, who now had his eyes closed.

"How could they?" You asked very worried and distressed. "Is he gonna get better?"

"Yes. He needs to drink a lot of water and we need to take him home as soon as we can or he's gonna catch a hypothermia." Mandy said and you nodded, still feeling very worried about him.

Darren was already sleeping, so Mandy helped you to carry him home. You crossed one of his arms around your back and so did Mandy. This way, the two of you arrived at Darren's house after a while. He wasn't fat, but he was heavy; so it was hard to take him home. When you arrived to his house, you were very nervous. How would you explain his parents this situation? Mandy told you that probably you should tell them that he suddenly fainted because of the blood pressure and the wet thing... well; it was because you were walking in the park near the lake so you two fell into the water when he fainted. You couldn't think about something else, so that was what you were going to tell them. Oh, you didn't like to lie; but it was the best option.

"Are you sure that you're going to be fine?" Mandy asked concerned and you only nodded. "Fine, remember to give him a lot of water, he's gonna need it. And if possible, sleep with him tonight because he could vomit and well, I know it sounds disgusting, but he can choke on his own vomit." Mandy said serious and you nodded again. "Good. Goodnight, sis. See you tomorrow in school." She said kissing your cheek and you smiled slightly. "Please, take care."

Darren was still unconscious, so you crossed his arm firmly around your back and you placed a hand over his hand and the other hand on his waist. Like this, you walked to the front door. You didn't even need to knock the door, because Chuck opened it quickly. He looked worried at his little and unconscious brother and then he looked at you terrified.

"What the hell has happened?" He asked very serious and puzzled.

"Darren? Freckles?" Jen asked from behind, now appearing to look at you both horrified. "What has happened?"

"I... He... He has fainted..." You replied edgy, stuttering. You didn't know how to lie. Damn it.

"Do not lie to me. Tell me the truth." Chuck demanded bossy. You were so scared now; they were going to hate you.

"I... I was with my sister... And then he left... And he disappeared. I found him in the Golden Gate Park. He was drugged." You answered while crying because of your nervousness and your distress. Jen looked at you with eyes wide open, as if she knew that W was involved on this. Chuck, instead, looked at you kind of mad.

"Have you drugged him?" He asked in disbelief.

"No, I haven't!" You denied quickly. "I just found him like this!"

"You're lying!" Chuck said upset and you felt even worse, more frightened.

"Chuck, she's telling the truth. I know it." Jen said quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder and Chuck calmed. "Just... Let's help her to take him to his bedroom."

"Yeah." Chuck answered coldly and he crossed the other arm of Darren around his back. "Let's be quiet. Mom and dad are already sleeping and they wouldn't like to see Darren like this. If they ask, you two were walking because you were feeling bad and needed to take fresh air."

"Fine." You answered gloomy.

Like this, you took Darren to his bedroom and left him in his bed. You needed to dress him with dry clothes, but you were too shy to do it in front of Jen and Chuck. You remained there, not knowing what to do or say. You needed to ask Chuck if you could sleep with Darren only for this night and you knew he wouldn't want, less after he witnessed this situation and he was thinking that you were the guilty one.

"I was wondering if... If I could sleep here, only for tonight." You asked shyly, looking down.

"I don't think is a good idea." Chuck answered coldly.

"Chuck." Jen said serious. "Maybe is better if she stays here, just in case something bad happens to Darren in the night."

"I don't know..." He said unsure. "If my parents see that they're sleeping together..."

"Then we'll tell them that it was because Freckles was feeling really bad and she needed to be near him to sleep well, she was having nightmares or something like that. They'll understand it." Jen said quietly and you smiled at her faintly to show her your gratitude.

"Okay, fine." Chuck agreed. "Just take care of him, please." He begged looking at you.

"Will do, I promise." You assured and apparently he felt more relaxed.

"Chuck... Could you leave us alone for a while? I need to have a girl's conversation with Freckles." Jen asked looking at Chuck and he nodded.

"Goodnight." He greeted and then he left Darren's bedroom. When Chuck wasn't near, Jen looked at you worried.

"Was this all because of W?" She asked in a whisper and you nodded sadly. "Has W drugged him?"

"Yes. They've kidnapped him, Jen." You answered now shedding tears of distress and guilt. "I wanted to find him on time, but it was late!"

"Oh my God." She exclaimed terrified and then she hugged you. "It's not your fault, Freckles."

You told Jen all that happened. You started telling her the conversation you had with your sister and how she was one of the members of W team. You told her how you treated Darren in a bad way and you were sorry, you told her how he disappeared and how your sister helped you to find him. You showed her all the threatening text messages from W, all the pictures. Then you told her how W ambushed you with that doll wearing Darren's clothes and how then you really found him. She was astonished and incredulous. She tried to convince you all the time that it wasn't your fault and then she helped you to dress Darren with dry clothes.

"I'll sleep in your bedroom. If you need any help, just call me. Okay?" Jen said kindly and you nodded and smiled. "Goodnight, Freckles. And thanks, for saving Darren."

You lay in bed next to Darren and you looked at him deeply. He was now peacefully sleeping and you couldn't help it but shedding some tears. For little, you almost lost this boy who was the person you loved with all your being. How could have you left him alone in that moment? How could have you treated him in a bad way? How has this all happened? How could have W drugged him? This was insane. And you knew this was your entire fault; you wished that Darren could forgive you sometime. He now snuggled up to you and wrapped his arms around your waist, placing his head on your chest. And he smiled faintly. He seemed to be happily sleeping and you only hurt him. You hurt the boy you loved. Still weeping, you slowly ran your fingers through his curls and he smiled as if he was enjoying it. Then you kissed his temple and caressed his cheek.

"Please forgive me. I do love you." You whispered and you heard a sound coming out from Darren's mouth, but you couldn't tell what he said.

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"Drink this water, you'll feel better, I promise." I heard her sweet voice.

I just drank it, not so aware of why I was doing it or why I had to do it. But her voice was telling me that it was the best option; that voice would never tell me to do something to hurt me. I knew I was in my house, I knew I was in my bedroom, I knew I was in my bed, I knew I was with her. I didn't know how actually I arrived here; I didn't know what happened after I was in her old house talking to her and her sister... I had flashbacks of me being at the park, of me seeing weird and unnatural things, of me having difficulties to see, of me feeling my mouth dry, of me having difficulties to breathe; of me feeling exalted and then cold and sleepy, very sleepy. I remembered I was alone and then she arrived magically, I remembered I was happier than ever to have found her there, when I needed her the most because I wasn't feeling good. Now I couldn't stop throwing up, I had no idea what was happening to my body, I couldn't control it. I was throwing up and I wanted it to stop, but it never happened. But she was there with me and that was making me feel better; she was there, taking care of me. She was there rubbing my back, covering me with the blankets, caressing my hair and my cheeks. She was there and with her I felt safe. She was protecting me.

"Shh, it's alright."

She whispered with her angelic voice, still rubbing my back when I started throwing up again and tears fell down my face because of this, after I drank the water. I didn't want her to see this; I didn't want her to see me like this and I didn't even know why I was like this.

"You'll feel better." She said kindly, kissing softly my forehead.

I snuggled up to her, placing my head in her chest and wrapping my arms around her; as searching comfort in her, as searching protection in her, as searching safety in her; as a little boy. I was feeling helpless and she was the only one who could protect me as a mother; but she wasn't my mother, she was different, she was the girl I loved; this was another kind of protection different of a mother protection but not less comfortingly. She held me in her arms and I felt much better; it felt good to be in her arms. Gosh, I didn't want to let her go.

"Please, stay with me. Don't leave me." I begged, holding her even tighter, still resting my head on her chest, with my eyes closed. I needed her, not only now but always.

"I'll stay." She whispered fondly while caressing my hair.

"Promise me that you won't leave me, that you won't walk away; never ever." I begged again desperately.

"I promise." She assured.

Those words were the ones I needed to hear to feel safe. Thanks to those words I could sleep again, always feeling her next to me. I still remembered what she told me before; I don't know if minutes ago, hours ago, or even a day ago... I just still remembered when she told me that we shouldn't be together, when she broke up with me. I couldn't deal with it... Why would she want to break up with me if like this we were fine? If I could feel safe in her arms, why wouldn't she feel the same when she was in my arms? What was I doing wrong? I didn't want to do something wrong, less with her. I wanted her to change her mind, I wanted her. Now it was the morning, I knew it; I could feel the sun on my face. I had to go to school, what time was it? I slightly opened my eyes to take a look at the clock. I needed to get ready for school and I was feeling really well, as if nothing happened during the night. I turned around and I saw her. She never left. She was fast asleep and she seemed to be very tired; surely she hadn't slept all night long to take care of me, as she has done. I watched her sleeping while I started caressing her soft hair. Damn, how was it possible to love her this much? I was scared, scared to lose her. I leaned and I kissed her cheek; she opened her eyes slightly. Her eyes were really tired indeed.

"Good morning." I whispered softly with a warm smile. She smiled me back and it lit up my day.

"Morning." She said sitting on the bed and looking at me worried. "How are you feeling? Are you any better? Do you need something? More water? Something to eat?" She asked very quickly and I just giggled because it was cute.

"I'm much better. And no, I don't need anything at all." I said smiling sweetly and apparently she felt relieved. "Thank you for taking care of me even though..." I said now looking down and biting my lower lip, remembering with anguish her words 'break up.' "You know..." I finished saying weakly and distressed.

"You shouldn't thank me; it's what everybody else would have done." She said and well, it made me feel bad.

I was hoping to hear something like... 'I did it because I love you and I care about you.' or something like that. Maybe I was expecting too much, maybe I should be just thankful for what she did, considering that she didn't want to be with me.

"I guess..." I answered shrugging and still looking down. "Do you want something for breakfast? I could bring you it here."

"No, thank you. I don't think it'd be a good idea; you know, being here wasn't proper because... well, because it was like disrespectful to your parents." She answered nervously, looking away and I felt even worse. She didn't want to be here with me.

"Good morning, guys." Suddenly my mom entered the room with a warm smile and bringing a tray with breakfast.

Both Freckles and I looked at her abruptly and astonished. It was kind of awkward this situation. I was in bed with my girl... ex-girlfriend and my mom was there... bringing us breakfast in bed? Like, what? My mom never wanted me to be in my bedroom with girls; it took years for her to accept Jen. But now she was aware that Freckles was here and she wasn't even mad; as if she already knew that Freckles was here. Well, surely my mom was fond of Freckles; of course, Freckles was a lovely person. My mom walked to my bed and gave me the tray, while I was still looking at her stunned and Freckles was looking down embarrassed.

"How are you feeling, darling?" My mom asked and I was about to answer her, but then I noticed that she was looking at Freckles. I just frowned in confusion.

"I'm better, thanks." Freckles answered with a shy smile.

"Good to know." My mom smiled fondly and I was still very confused. "Anything you need, don't hesitate to ask." My mom said caringly and Freckles nodded with a kind smile. "Now I'll leave you alone so you can have breakfast before school. Darren." My mom said and I looked abruptly at her. "Please take a shower before school, you look terrible."

"Well, thanks mom." I said frowning in disbelief. "I'll consider it."

"You won't consider it, you'll do it." My mom said bossy. "When was the last time you took a shower?"

"Mom, stop it." I said looking at her fixedly with eyes wide open, feeling embarrassed. I just hated whenever she asked things like that in front of other people; as if she had no filter.

"Just take a shower, Darren." My mom said bossy and then she turned around to leave, but before she looked at Freckles. "Darling, what would you like to eat at lunch?" She asked and Freckles raised her eyebrows in surprise, as if she wasn't expecting this question.

"Mom, today is my day to choose what to eat!" I complained like a spoiled child.

"Not anymore, you'll choose tomorrow. Mondays will be the day that she chooses the food." My mom answered tranquilly and I huffed.

"Uhm... I don't know... I..." Freckles said nervously, frowning and apparently stunned. Maybe her family wasn't used to choose the food each day. "Whatever... Darren, what do you want?" She finally asked awkwardly.

"No darling, this is your day to choose." My mom said.

"Well... I... Maybe pasta?" Freckles answered uncomfortably and my mom nodded with a kind smile before leaving and closing the door behind her.

"Pasta... Really?" I asked in disbelief and she looked down.

"Well, I didn't know what to say. No one ever asked me what I wanted to eat." She answered kind of uncomfortable and I just looked at her. Something simple as that and no one ever has done it for her.

"It's fine. After all, it's Monday and Mondays belong to Garfield... And Garfield loves pasta. Accurate." I said trying to end with this uncomfortable situation and it worked because she chuckled.

"You're so silly." She answered still chuckling and I smiled cheerfully. "So... when was the last time you took a shower, huh?" She asked amused, now looking at me.

"Ugh!" I exclaimed annoyed, huffing. But then I looked at her and her amused smiled and I couldn't help it but smiling. "Last Monday." I joked and she looked at me with eyes wide open in disbelief.

"You gotta be kidding me!"

"I am." I answered laughing. "But it was worth it. You should have seen your face." I said trying to imitate her face and she laughed.

"I'm sure I didn't do that awful face!" She exclaimed still laughing.

"You did. But it wasn't awful, it was cute. Hey, not everybody can do this face as gracefully as you do! Don't blame me for having this awful face." I said amused, but pretending to be pouting.

"Oh, please." She exclaimed incredulous. "Don't play the victim here. You're aware that you have a beautiful face."

"Have I?" I asked amused, raising an eyebrow seductively.

"Just, shut up." She said laughing and I laughed along with her.

"Alright, can I ask you something first?" I asked.

"You just did." She answered amused and I looked at her just as amused, biting my lower lip.

"Oh, so astute." I replied amused and she just chuckled. "No, really. Why has my mother asked you if you were fine?"

"Oh, I guess it was because what Chuck and Jen said." She answered grabbing her cup of coffee and I looked at her still expectant to know. "After they saw the situation last night, they thought that the best would be to tell your parents that I slept here because I wasn't feeling good and I was having nightmares."

"So... Chuck and Jen saw me last night? I just can't remember it; I don't know how I got here." I said frowning, expectant that she could tell me what happened.

"Yeah, they saw you. And of course you can't remember because you were sleeping. What's the last thing you remember?" She asked serious.

"Well, that I was in a park with you and your sister... I... We were on a lake, right?" I asked because I wasn't sure if that was real or it was part of my imagination, as everything seemed to be.

"Yes, we were... And from that moment you fell asleep. So you can remember what happened last night." She kind of assured, but actually it was like a question.

"Just some of it. I can't tell what actually happened and what was imaginary. I have flashbacks but everything seems unreal, like... things that don't exist... Like, how is it possible that I saw a unicorn last night? It just has no sense." I said troubled and Freckles was still looking at me fixedly and serious. That look was kind of scary.

"What do you remember besides that unicorn you saw?" She asked serious but the question seemed to be really ridiculous.

"Well, that I was; I don't know how and why, walking alone in this park until I saw you. Then I remember to be in the lake with you. Why were we in a lake?" I asked because I was intrigued, it was so absurd.

"You were exalted and you wanted to swim, so you pulled me to the lake with you." She simply answered.

"Oh, sorry for that, I guess?" I said frowning because I was still confused and she only nodded.

"Before you were in the park... What's the last thing you remember?" She asked as if she was very worried.

"I was in your house with you and your sister and... I went away to talk to Chuck." I lied because I'd never admit that actually I went away to cry. "And then I felt how something heavy hit my head. From that moment I don't remember anything until I was walking in the park alone."

"I see... Isn't there something else?" She asked curious.

"Well, actually yes. But I don't know if it's something real or not. I heard voices. A woman's voice and a man's voice; but I couldn't see them. The girl was saying something like 'Just do it.' she seemed to be annoyed. And the man was saying something like 'It's not easy to inject this shit.', as if he were complaining." I said frowning and Freckles was now looking away, thoughtful.

"Did you recognize those voices?" She asked now looking at me fixedly.

"Yeah, those sounded familiar... But I can't remember. I don't know who they were. I can't." I answered trying my best to remember but I couldn't.

"It's okay..." Freckles answered and looked away again.

"Do you know what happened to me?" I asked kind of afflicted. I really needed to know.

"Yes." She answered with cracked voice and teary eyes. What was that? "They've kidnapped you and they... They have drugged you. I'm so sorry!"

"What?" I asked terrified. "Who?"

"W. I'm so sorry, I really am!" She exclaimed desperately.

I looked away, still in shock for what I heard. How could have they done it? They kidnapped and drugged me; that was too much. This was insane and completely murky. This was a crime, they were committing serious crimes; this wasn't anymore a simple bullying thing. What would have happened if Freckles wouldn't have found me? What would they have done? How far would they get? Man, I was freaking out; this was really scary. I never ever imagined that something like that could ever happen to me. What could have they done while I was unconscious? I couldn't remember anything at all and that was maddening. I preferred not having received this information. I looked at Freckles again; she was looking at me with teary eyes, apparently feeling guilty because of this situation. I just hugged her, still in shock.

"Not your fault. Thank you, thank you a lot for having found me." I said with trembling voice.

"Darren!" Suddenly Chuck yelled angrily, getting inside my bedroom.

Freckles and I jumped startled and broke the hug to look at him abruptly and stunned. Oh what the hell? Not right now, Chuck. Whatever he wanted to scold me for, it wasn't the appropriate moment. I just looked at him crestfallen.

"Why the hell haven't you told me that someone was threatening you, Jen and Freckles?" He yelled angrily and I looked at him puzzled and then I looked at Freckles kind of upset.

"Have you told him?" I asked looking at Freckles very severely.

"No, no I haven't." Freckles answered with trembling voice and then she looked at Chuck just as puzzled as me.

"I've told him, I'm sorry." Jen suddenly said guiltily, appearing in my bedroom and closing the door. "Chuck, I told you not to make a fuss about this." She said now looking at my brother angry.

"How do you expect it? Someone has been threatening you since months; someone has kidnapped my brother and drugged him. How do you expect me not to make a fuss of this?" Chuck yelled very furious.

"Why have you told him, Jen? We promised not to tell anybody, I can't believe it! You knew how he would get! Why have you done it?" I asked very irritated looking at Jen, who now looked down.

"He... He was convinced that Freckles was the one who drugged you and I couldn't leave it there. He wouldn't have believed me otherwise. I'm sorry." Jen said exasperated.

"How the fuck would you think that Freckles was the one who drugged me? That's completely insane, Charles." I said really mad at him.

"What is insane is that you haven't told me a damn shit about this! Darren, goddammit, are you an idiot? You should have told me!" Chuck said in a rage but also worried and I huffed in annoyance.

"I'm not an idiot, you're an idiot! And you too, Jen! We shouldn't have said anything about this, now we are all screwed! Fuck!" I yelled very mad.

"What is happening here?" My dad suddenly asked severely, entering in my bedroom.

"Nothing is happening here, get out of here! All of you get out of here!" I yelled furiously, not controlling my manners and words.

"Darren Everett Criss. You're grounded for a week!" My father said very severely and bossy and I just looked away, frowning and feeling even madder. Everybody else was just looking down in silence. "That's not the way to talk to your father! Now get ready for school and beware of your modals, Everett." He said upset, turning around to leave the bedroom.

"You all get out of here." I said very irked, looking down and clenching my jaw. "Get out!" I yelled now and everybody looked at me astonished.

I wasn't a violent person and I wasn't used to treat people in this way, less people who I loved. But now I was out of control, now everything was going out of control. Mandy was one of the people who was helping W; Freckles broke up with me; W kidnapped and drugged me; Jen broke our promise of not telling this to anybody; my father grounded only me for a week; Chuck now knew that someone was threatening us and that was bad, too bad. I still remembered one of the text messages that W sent to Freckles...

"Listen, pimple face with fat ass. If you tell anyone how you feel waiting for some kind of help, we're gonna beat you to death; but not only you but all the people who attempt to help you. Would you let them suffer what only you should be suffering? Are you that kind of selfish bitch? We're watching you. -W-"

Now Chuck knew about it, now I knew he was going to get involved and they were going to start threatening him; they were going to hurt him. I just looking down, feeling a total mess in my mind. No one moved from they were, the only one who stood up was Freckles and I looked up at her, distressed. I just wanted Chuck and Jen to leave, not her. She already left me when she broke up with me, now I didn't want her to completely leave.

"This is not good." She said with trembling voice. She was scared; after all, she was the only one who already knew how guilty it felt to involve someone else on this. "You shouldn't know about this, Chuck."

"Why shouldn't I? This is about my brother, and they kidnapped and drugged him, that's a crime!" Chuck exclaimed furious. I didn't want to see them fighting. "Sometimes I think you don't care at all about my brother." He said coldly and I looked at Chuck in disbelief and upset. He just did not say that. He had no reasons to say that, he knew that Freckles was the best thing that happened to me lately… So why was he saying that now?

"I know and I'm sorry!" Freckles yelled with teary voice and shedding tears. Everybody looked at her stunned. Well, nobody was expecting that kind of reaction. "I'm trying my best but sometimes things go out of control and I feel helpless. I see how everybody is suffering and this all is because of my fault and I'm aware of it! There's not a fucking day that I don't think that things would be different if never ever I would have told this! There's not a fucking day that I don't regret of involving Jen and Darren on this, and now you too are involved!" She said afflicted and I noticed how Chuck looked down, feeling guilty to have yelled at her. Jen was also looking down and I was looking at Freckles, feeling bad because she was anguished of this... And all this time holding back those feelings... "This is something that I have to solve by myself because it started only with me and I don't want you all to suffer the consequences because of my fault. So I want you all out of this." She said determined, looking down and everybody just looked at her in silence for a long time.

"You know I won't stay out of this. If I have to suffer the consequences, good then, I will. This is what I choose. So don't ask me to do something I can't do that is to leave you alone on this." I finally said softly, looking at her even though she wasn't looking at anybody. She only shook her head.

"I also choose to suffer the consequences if I have to. We're friends and friends are together always no matter what." Jen said after me, also looking at her. Chuck was only looking at all of us, stunned.

"No..." She said weakly shaking her head and I quickly stood up and held her hand.

"Yes." I assured looking into her eyes and then our eyes met and it was wonderful and so intense. "It doesn't matter what happened between us. You're still my best friend and I'm not walking away so easily." I said kindly.

She looked at me thankful, shedding more tears, so I just pulled her into a tight hug. Then we broke the hug and I smiled at her fondly; and she smiled me back faintly. I noticed how Chuck wanted to say something but he was having troubles to say it. I was still kind of mad at him for what he told to Freckles.

"I'm sorry, Freckles." He finally said apologetically. "I was worried about my brother and I didn't mean those words. I know that you're a good influence for him and you've always been there for him. And I'm sorry for thinking that you were the one who drugged him... That was so stupid to think. I'm just so sorry." He finally said feeling very guilty.

"I understand you, Chuck. Don't worry." Freckles answered with a soft smile. "After all, I'm the one to blame of this situation."

"No, you're not..." I started saying distressed. She couldn't be thinking that.

"We all are guilty for different reasons. But the one responsible of this is that person who's harassing you. I'll find that person, I swear." Chuck said kind of upset.

"No Chuck, you'll stay out of this... You don't even go to school and you don't even receive those threatening text messages." I said firmly, looking at him serious and Freckles and Jen nodded.

"Do you really think that I'll stay idly while I see the things that this person does to you all?" Chuck asked in disbelief.

"No, I don't think so. But you should; more than you should, you have to stay out of the scene." I said firmly again.

"No way. I think we should call the police, or tell mom and dad, or talk to the principal." Chuck said worried and thoughtful.

"Are you fucking insane? You're not gonna do it. Chuck, that's not way to help, that's a way to send us to the doom. Bro, you have no idea what kind of person is the one who is harassing us." I said kinda terrified. "Things won't get better with it; they will get even worse. Neither you nor mom and dad will be there in school, where things happen. And the principal? He's not gonna do a damn shit, he won't believe it 'cause he thinks his school is perfect." I said bitterly and almost sarcastically. "Do not dare to do it, Chuck."

"Fine, will not." He said huffing and frowning. "But I won't stay idly..." He said annoyed. "That person will know that shouldn't mess with you all."

That was the last thing he said before he turned around and left my bedroom. Jen looked at us apologetically and she said sorry over again until she also left my bedroom. Then I was alone with Freckles again and the situation was a bit uncomfortable.

"I'll take a shower, so then we can go to school."

I said to break the uncomfortable situation. She only nodded and left my bedroom, probably to take a shower in her bathroom. Oh shower, the perfect place to think over a lot of things, like almost philosophically; a lot of times I found myself thinking about the origins of life and its sense while taking a shower, but this time all I could think about was about W and the fact they've kidnapped and drugged me; but mostly, I thought about Freckles. It was hurtful to feel her distant, it was hurtful to have her and at the same time not have her at all. I thought and thought about which the reasons of the break up could have been, but I couldn't understand. She wouldn't come back with me... Unless if I do something. Yeah, I needed it; I needed to get her back and for that, I needed to do something. So we all went to school. I was kind of scared, I didn't know how it was going to be, how W was going to react; but I took the nuts to walk around as if nothing odd was happening. It wasn't long until we passed Jim on the way. I looked at him very furiously and he looked at me with a cocky and derogatory smile; but he did nothing. Then we passed Brian and that was when I felt weird. Freckles and he exchanged a long look and it was a weird look; I didn't know if actually it was like that or if it was because I was more intent of things now that Freckles wasn't with me anymore and after she told me that thing about him. Brian looked at her sadly and a bit worried and Freckles looked at him curiously; but neither of them spoke; Brian didn't even say anything gross or aggressive. Maybe Freckles was telling me the truth about him, but it was hard to believe. Then we passed next to Susan and Freckles looked at her furtively but suspiciously; surely she was still thinking that Susan was W. I also looked at her suspiciously, but she didn't seem to be W because she wasn't sinister such as Jim and Brian were. No one talked to us and no one harassed us, everything seemed to be quiet; this was weird... Could this be part of a plan? Then someone finally walked to us: Amanda.

"Hi little sis." She said smiling widely but there was something weird on her face, as if she has been crying. Freckles greeted her sister politely; they seemed to be fine now. "Darren, are you better?" She said when she saw me.

"Yeah, thanks." I answered curtly but not harshly. "Are you okay?" I asked curiously.

She really didn't seem to be the same as always... there was something weird and after a while I noticed it: She wasn't wearing her cheerleader uniform. Why? She was the best of the cheerleaders; why wouldn't she wear it? I wondered what it could have happened. What if she was kicked out because of us, because of W?

"I'm fine." She answered with a faint smile.

"What happened with your cheerleader uniform?" Freckles asked curious. Maybe she was suspecting the same as me.

"Oh, I got tired of it. I really wanted to wear normal clothes, like this pretty dress." She said faking a smile. She was faking it, she wouldn't cheat me.

"Yes, it's really pretty." Freckles said smiling kindly. I couldn't believe that she believed what Mandy said.

I looked at Mandy serious like telling her 'that's not what actually happened.' and she noticed I was looking at her. She exchanged a furtive look with me and then she looked down. Obviously, whatever it was, it wasn't something good and she didn't want to say it in front of her Freckles because she didn't want to worry her; so I just decided to play fool. We talked about other things and then Mandy joined us. That was also weird, because before Mandy was never near Freckles, so that's why almost nobody knew that they were sisters. People started to look at us as if we were weirdo; because Mandy, the most popular girl in school, wasn't wearing her cheerleader uniform and she was talking to losers like us. But Mandy seemed to be fine with us, even though I noticed this was being hard for her; she wasn't used at that kind of looks.

"Alright guys, I have to go to math class. See you soon!" Mandy greeted cheerfully and then she looked at Freckles. "Please, take care and if something happens, call me."

"Yes, thanks." Freckles said stunned because this was something odd. Mandy was never this protective with her sister. Once that Mandy left, Jen also left, because they both shared that class.

"Well, we both have Spanish class. Let's go?" I asked and Freckles only nodded.

We walked in silence, both of us looking down; I was glancing from time to time her hand. Man, I wanted to hold her hand so badly. Yesterday morning I was wishing this day to come; I was excited because I was going to be able to hold her hand in public, in school and that was making me happy; but now it was different and it was hurtful. We arrived at the class in time to sit in the last seats. Brian was already there and Freckles and he exchanged looks again. I didn't like it. Mr. Rhodes arrived and the class was being so fucking bored, I couldn't understand how Freckles could pay attention at this class. Man, I was falling asleep; I needed to do something to entertain. I just grabbed my pen and I started drawing random things until I saw a note on my desk. I recognized that handwriting. Freckles.

"You should be paying attention, Mr. Criss."

I smiled when I read it and then I looked at her, but she was already looking at Mr. Rhodes again, now with an amused smile. I loved these things about her.

"I say the same. You shouldn't be sending notes during the class, though I love it. By the way, you look gorgeous today, missy."

I wrote flirting with her. Why wouldn't I do it? It was innocent. And like this, we kept sending each other notes, laughing very low so no one would hear us. Suddenly the class turned into a very entertaining class and the notes were very funny and flirting, which was awesome. I think that both of us forgot about W for a moment and that was more than awesome. Everything was going pretty well until...

"What are you doing?" Mr. Rhodes asked upset.

I really didn't listen to him; actually I did, but I thought he was asking something at the class. Freckles also thought the same as me. We kept sending notes and laughing, neither of us aware of what was happening in the class or what Mr. Rhodes was explaining. Well, at least it was like that until I heard his steps coming closer and he suddenly took the note that I was writing for Freckles. That was when both Freckles and I realized that Mr. Rhodes has asked that question to us. Damn, he was reading all the notes that we exchanged and he was reading some of them loudly, so the entire class started laughing at some of our silly things; but actually they were laughing at our faces. We both were super ashamed and nervous. I couldn't believe that we've been caught. When Mr. Rhodes finished reading all of our private notes, I was expecting the worse; I couldn't even look at him in the face.

"You two, to the principal's office. I won't allow these kinds of things in my class." Mr. Rhodes said severely.

Neither Freckles nor I complained about it; we knew that we shouldn't have done it and we knew that it was probably that Mr. Rhodes would find us out doing it; but I didn't regret. I didn't care if I had to the principal's office; I was just happy because Freckles and I were having a good time, and I loved every single thing she wrote me. So I grabbed my notebook and I put it on my backpack; Freckles did the same.

"Could you give me the notes, Mr. Rhodes?" I asked politely and the whole class laughed. I didn't mean to say it to make them laugh; I just wanted to keep with me those notes.

"No, Mr. Criss. This will teach you that you don't have to do things like this during the class." Mr. Rhodes said severely and I looked at him frowning.

"But that's something private!" I said very annoyed and the whole class laughed again. Damn, I didn't want them to laugh. "That is ours, it doesn't belong to you!"

"Excuse me?" Mr. Rhodes asked in disbelief and kind of scary. Well yeah, I disrespected him.

"Mr. Rhodes, if you excuse me... Actually my classmate is right. You're in all your rights to send us to the principal's office because we've done something that we shouldn't; and I speak for the two of us when I say that we apologize for our bad manners during your class." Freckles started saying very quiet and politely, very formal and well-mannered that amazed me. Oh gosh, this girl. "But you can't keep a personal and private belonging, because that way you'd be violating student rights as set out in the school rules. I would argue strongly that both parties, teachers and students must respect these rights and obligations, to consolidate an education based on justice and integrity, as established in this school." She said almost as a politician, very mannerly and respectful.

I was looking at her stunned, the whole class was looking at her stunned, even Mr. Rhodes was looking at her stunned. She was only a sophomore, man, and she could talk better than me, better than anyone in the class. Geez, I loved her. Mr. Rhodes babbled a few times; Freckles literally left him without words; surely no student ever talked to him this way. Then finally, Mr. Rhodes sighed. Everybody was expectant to hear his answer.

"You're right." He finally said and I opened my eyes widely in surprise. No way! She got it! "Here you have your notes, but you still have to go to the principal's office and you'll get extra homework." Mr. Rhodes said giving her the notes and she only smiled politely.

"We'll accept it and we apologize for our disrespect minutes ago. Won't happen again." She assured respectful and Mr. Rhodes only nodded before continuing with the class.

Freckles gave me the notes and we started walking to the door while the whole class was looking at us in silence. It was kind of uncomfortable to leave that class. After we left, I noticed how Brian and Freckles exchanged looks again. Why were they looking at each other all the time? Ugh. When we left and we closed the door behind us, I walked in silence for a while till make sure we were far enough and no one will listen to us. I stepped in front of Freckles and I started walking in reverse.

"Oh my God! You were amazing in there!" I exclaimed very excited and with a huge grin as she giggled softly, not saying anything. "You should have seen Mr. Rhodes face! He was like... I don't know how to explain! He was..." I said imitating his face, still very excited and she laughed louder.

"You're so silly." She said giggling while we were still walking like this.

"And you're splendid! You left him speechless! Who does that? You! Only you!" I said pointing at her, smiling widely and remembering the whole situation. "Yeah! You're a fucking genius! Where have you learned to speak like that?"

"Speech classes." She said winking and giggling. Oh fuck I wanted to kiss her, I was just so hyper.

"Bless those speech classes!" I said laughing and now walking in between jumps, still on reverse.

"Oh my god, Darren. It wasn't so spectacular, you're overreacting." She laughed out loud.

"Are you fucking kidding me? That was one of the best things ever seen! And you should have seen the whole class! They all were like..." I said now imitating their faces and she burst out laughing.

"Stop making faces, Darren!" She giggled and I looked at her with bright eyes, still grinning widely.

"You know what? It reminded me to the first time I met you, just in this same class." I said remembering my first Spanish class, when I arrived late. "I remember I sat next to you and I started drawing... Hey, I caught you that time! You were looking at me; you, sneaky, were trying to see what I was drawing!" I said giggling while she blushed. Why would she blush?

"You caught me? I can't believe that." She said raising her eyebrows and shaking her head, but smiling.

"Yeah, of course I caught you! No one ever tried to see what I was drawing as intrigued as you were that time! It was kind of funny. I remember that I thought... Why is she looking at me that way? I thought I had something odd in my face." I admitted laughing and she seemed to be ashamed. "It was cool, though. Then it was when Mr. Rhodes caught you not paying attention at the class. And then... Bum! You hit Brian's face and you faced Mr. Rhodes because of his stupid sexist remark! That was also so awesome!" I exclaimed very excited, still jumping while walking and she laughed amused.

"Yeah, I remember that time." She answered quiet.

"It was kind of my fault that time too. I think I'm a bad influence for you." I said really amused and she raised an eyebrow, also amused.

"You are, Criss. But I love it." She said giggling and my heart skipped a beat. Oh damn, I was so into her. Well, it was time to flirt.

"I could take you to the dark side." I said seductively winking at her and she looked at me amused, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, really? How?" She challenged me and I totally loved it. I loved whenever she challenged me and more when I was flirting with her.

"Yeah..." I said walking closer to her, now placing my hands on her waist. But we kept walking, me in reverse... No one was around, so I was free to do this and she didn't seem to mind, which was great. "Beware of me because I'm a bad boy." I said seductively, almost whispering in front of her lips.

"Oh, bad boys turn me on..."She whispered just as seductively. Man, was she also flirting with me? Whoa! She was the one who was turning me on by the way she was talking and looking at me.

"Then let me be your bad boy." I said looking intensely into her eyes.

"Give me reasons to do it." She challenged me again.

"Any kind of reason?" I asked pulling her closer.

"Any kind. You have to convince me." She challenged me in a very sensual way. Oh man, I really didn't want to go to the principal's office now.

"Well..." I said biting my lower lip and now looking at her lips. "Bad boys would do something that a girl doesn't want... But bad boys would make her feel the time of her life." I said whispering in front of her lips very seductively.

"Such as?" She challenged me and I looked into her eyes to find her looking at me fiercely.

"Such as..." I whispered and I leaned to brush my lips against hers.

She was like giving me a free pass, so why wouldn't I do it if it was what I wanted to do the most? She did nothing, so I pulled her even closer, still placing my hands on her waist firmly. I moved one of my hands to place it on her cheek and then I nibbled her lower lip very softly and slowly. Still, she did nothing. So I took a chance and I kissed her very slowly; but then I turned that slow kiss into a very passionately and deep kiss; now placing both of my hands on her cheeks. I wasn't aware of where I was, I was just enjoying that kiss that probably would be the last kiss I could give to her, so I did my best there. Gosh, I was going to really miss the taste of her lips and her kisses. I slowly lead her against a locker while still kissing her passionately. I broke the kiss several times only to breathe and bit her lower lip; both of us, yes, both of us; were breathing fast. Once she was against the locker I broke the kiss to look intensely into her eyes for a while and then I kissed her again, this time fiercely. Man, this kiss was perfect and I refused to believe it was the last one. Then she was the one to break the kiss and look at me intensely.

"And who told you that this isn't what I want?" She asked defiant and very sensually.

That was a great turn on. I pulled her into a very fierce kiss again and she was kissing me just as fiercely. Oh fuck, where the hell has she learned to kiss this way? She was driving me completely crazy, my hormones were exploding and I just couldn't get enough of those kisses. My phone and her phone buzzed, but we just didn't care; we kept kissing as if we were in a private place. I knew that we would be in troubles if someone catches us, but I didn't care; after all, we had to go to the principal's office already. When I broke the kiss this time, was only to whisper something in front her lips.

"When you met me for the first time and you were looking at me in the first Spanish class... Have you ever imagined that we were going to end up like this?" I asked intrigued.

"Never. This only happened in my dreams... You see, I've had a crush with you since the first time I saw you; but I never thought I could get to be so in love with you as I am now. And I never thought that you could ever love me back." She confessed looking deeply into my eyes.

Her words literally moved me and I felt how my heart skipped a beat. Her words literally lit up my day and made me really happy that I couldn't avoid smiling widely and brightly. She was still in love with me; maybe I still had chances to be with her as I wanted so badly. This time I caressed her cheek very softly while still looking into her eyes fondly. Then I leaned to kiss her one more time, this time sweetly. It was a short kiss, but a good one; and after the kiss I hugged her.

"Please, tell me that you want to come back with me." I whispered in her ear.

"I never wanted to break up with you because you're the best I have." She whispered fondly.

I couldn't help it but feeling thrilled and emotional. I hugged her even tighter as my body started trembling because of the thrill. I was so relieved to hear those words, to know that she was still mine, that I haven't lost her. I broke the hug to look into her eyes and show her how happy I was feeling but our phones buzzed at the same time; and this time, both of us grabbed our phones to read the text messages.

"Mr. Rhodes wouldn't like to know that you two, instead going to the principal's office, you stayed in the hallway making out. Bad done! -W-"

"Oh guys, you're a bad boy and a bad girl. I wonder how bad you can be after someone, accidentally, shows at the entire school the film I just recorded of you two making out. It'll be fun, don't you think? -W-"

Freckles and I exchanged a terrified look and then we looked around to see if W was around. But there was no one, how was it possible that someone could have recorded us? This wasn't good, we needed to find that video, we needed to prevent W from showing it to the entire school. We were in troubles.

"What are we gonna do?" Freckles asked edgy and I looked at her in silence, serious.

"We're gonna find that video." I said firmly.

"How?" She asked even more edgy.

"I don't know." I answered honestly looking down. I have no idea where to start, because we didn't know anything at all about W. "Fuck!" I exclaimed very angry and Freckles looked at me distressed, holding my hand.

"Dare, calm down." She said reassuringly and I looked at her in surprise. Most of the times, it was me the one who was used to say it. There was something in her voice that could always reassure me. "We're not gonna find the video, it's impossible because we don't even know where to start."

"Yes, we will!" I started saying because I didn't want her to lose her hopes.

"No, we won't. Let's be realistic; if we're realistic about this, then we won't feel frustrated when we don't get it as W is expecting us to feel." She said quiet. She was right, but I refused to think it was lost. Why was she quiet anyway? "Instead wasting our time thinking how we're gonna get the video... Why don't we think how to react after this? What to do after the entire school watches it?" Freckles said whispering in my ear, in a secret. Obviously she didn't want anyone to hear her. "I think W won't expect it. I have a plan, but we can't talk about it now." She whispered again. I looked at her intrigued.

"Good. Sounds good. Where do you want to go?" I whispered in her ear.

"I'll text you. We should pretend that we're searching for the video in different ways for now; we're gonna distract W. I'll text you everything." Freckles whispered and I nodded. I was really curious and this sounded like a really good plan. "I'm gonna act, you just do the same, okay?" She whispered and I nodded again. "No, Darren. That's ridiculous. We're not gonna find it! What are we gonna do? What? This is your fault." She pretended to be angry and I got quickly what she tried to pretend. She wanted to pretend a dispute between us.

"What are you saying? Is this my fault now? Oh, good, I'm always the guilty one. If for you this is ridiculous, good then; but it's not for me. I'm not gonna allow W to do it, I'll find that video with or without you. You do whatever you want, I don't fucking care, but then don't run to me asking for some kind of sympathy." I pretended to say very coldly and harshly. Whoa, I didn't like to say it all.

"Screw you, Darren. You're gonna waste your time; but go ahead and do it. Sometimes you're very stupid. I can't believe I let myself to be seduced by you; I don't regret to have broken up with you." She said harshly and it hurt me, even though I knew she was acting it.

"Fuck you. I'm done with you." I said just as harshly.

"Yeah, good luck, you idiot." She said very contemptuously and then she turned around and left me there alone.

I didn't know what to do, so I just pretended to huff and I walked to the opposite way she went. And now? Where would I go? Uhm, to the choir room. Yeah, that would work; there was no one there at this time. It wasn't long after I received a text message; I thought it was from Freckles, but actually it was from W.

"Going your own way, Criss? Feeling your heart broken again? The worst is gonna be that you won't find the video, the entire school will watch it, people will start asking and you'll have to explain that she is none for you now, people will think you're a liar. Hard... And then, maybe you could be expelled from school. Someone is in troubles! -W-"

Oh fuck W... This scared me, though. Could I really be expelled from school because of this? And Freckles wasn't texting me yet. I was so anxious...

---

You left Darren there. You did have a plan, but first you needed to do something else and for that, Darren shouldn't be with you. You knew exactly where to go. You watched your clock, right in time when everybody had their next class. You went straight to the Spanish room and waited there outside, being careful not to be catch by Mr. Rhodes. Then you saw him coming out, he saw you but he avoided your gaze and he walked away quickly. You followed him in silence, he didn't stop; not until he was near the entrance of school and looked at you kind of frightened; just as the same way he has been looking at you since you arrived at school.

"What do you want?" He asked aggressively. He was pretending it, you knew it pretty well. He was also nervous; he wouldn't stop looking around to see if someone was looking at him.

"We need to talk." You answered firmly.

"We have nothing to talk about, geek." He answered again aggressively.

"I know you're pretending it, Brian. I know why you're doing this, I didn't forget." You answered firmly, very serious and looking at him straight in the eye. He got even more nervous.

"I don't know what you're talking about..." He said nervously looking around.

"They're threatening you as well, Brian." You said still firmly. You weren't scared of him, not anymore.

"I... What..." He said very nervous and then he walked closer to you. Maybe he was going to hit you, but you didn't care. But he didn't. He whispered in your ear instead. "Please, don't talk about it now and here. No one must know that I told you that and no one must see us together, I beg you." He whispered supplicant.

"Good. Give me your number. I'll call you later." You said bossy and he nodded. "See you, Brian." You said curtly and he looked at you with sad eyes. You looked at him fixedly and then you held his hand furtively. "You're forgiven."

That was the last thing you told him before you left him alone. But before you walked away, you could see in his eyes something new: He was very thankful. Immediately, you received a text message from W and your heart skipped a beat in fear, because W surely saw you with Brian.

"Do you know what is funny? Not only you and Criss will be completely screwed. Also your friend and your sister will be, those bitches who help you. Group destruction! Sounds so funny! -W-"

You looked at it for a while, serious. On one hand, you were relieved because it meant that W haven't seen you with Brian and that was surely because you distracted W with Darren; because Darren was the one that supposedly was going to search for the video. You planned that and it worked; even though you felt a bit bad because you kind of used Darren for that; but your plan had a good reason in the end. But on the other hand, you were feeling scared and nervous because of them all: Darren, Jen and Mandy. They couldn't end up hurt and you wouldn't let it happen. Right away you texted Darren.

To Darren: I'm sorry, just give me a minute and I'll tell you how to go on.

From Darren: Do you really think we have a minute? W could show that video in any moment. Where are you? What are you doing?

To Darren: I'm really sorry; I promise I'll tell you later. Go for Jen and my sister and stay together. It's important; W wants to hurt them too. Then go to a crowded place, to the cafeteria.

From Darren: Ok.

He answered curtly as he wasn't used, so you could tell he was upset and you wouldn't blame him. He had been waiting for your text message for a long time and when you finally did it, you didn't give him any kind of explanation; but everything was for the plan. You really had hopes that it could work. You were nervous, jumpy and very exalted and overexcited. For once and all, at least once, your plan needed to work; at least once you should be lucky. So you ran to the place that no one ever would go, at least no student would go: the cleaning storage area. You locked yourself in that dirty and very small place after you were sure there was no one and no one saw you getting in there. You grabbed your phone and called Brian. Your hands were trembling because of the adrenalin. Gosh, he needed to take the call; you didn't have so much time.

"Hello?" Brian answered.

"Brian, it's me." You said low and there was a long silence and then you heard how he was closing a door.

"What do you want?" He asked nervously in a whisper.

"Are you in a safe place?" You asked.

"Yes, I am. But I could be lying and you would never know." Brian said again in a whisper.

"I trust you." You assured and there was a silence again.

"Why?" Then he asked stunned.

"Because I know the kind of person you are. You showed me your real personality. I know I can trust you, I know you're actually a good person, Brian." You said surefire and confident.

"What do you want? I don't want any kind of problems." He said after a silence.

"I want you to help me. Would you do that for me? Only once." You asked firmly but inside you were dying of nervousness; your plan depended on his answer.

"What kind of help?" He asked and you felt a little bit less nervous.

"I don't want you to change. I want you to treat me just as harshly as you were used to treat me when we haven't talked yet." You said.

"What? Why are you asking me that?" He asked confused.

"Just promise it. Is the only thing I'm asking." You said insistent.

"I... I don't know." He said unsure and you were amazed. You weren't expecting this answer. "Why should I do that after you were the only one who cared about how I was feeling?" He asked apparently distressed and you were now puzzled. Wow.

"Because your father's job is in risk, remember? Just treat me as rudely as you were used; for me, for you and for your father." You answered still feeling weird because of his answer.

"What I've done to you isn't cool and I don't want to do it anymore. Don't force me. I don't want to treat you like crap as before, because the last time I got to know you more and you don't deserve it." He answered still distressed. Brian was surprising you.

"Please." You begged.

"I don't know... Anyway, you know that I could tell this conversation to W. Why are you talking to me?" Brian asked curious.

"I noticed how you've been looking at me furtively, so I know you won't do that, will you?" You asked to make it sure. Silence again.

"No, I won't do it. But you shouldn't trust on me, just for your own good." He said honestly.

"I told you that I trust you because I know what kind of person you are, I know why you've done all you've done. And I do understand and I've already forgiven you." You said softly.

"Thanks." He said thankfully. "But why do you want it?"

"Because... I need you." You admitted honestly. "You're one of the few people who are close to W. My sister was one of them, I already know it. But she decided to be out of it, so I can't have any kind of contact with W now. W won't trust on her. But W will trust on you if you keep being as you were used to be." I confessed and Brian was silent.

"I don't get your point." He said.

"Well..." You said nervous now. This was the hard part. "You told me that you weren't feeling fine with all the things they were forcing you to do, that you wished it could be different. But you can't stop doing it or W will mess with your dad's job. So I was thinking... If you don't want to do it but you have to do it; you could pretend that you're doing what they tell you to do; but actually you're helping me." You said very nervous. Now it was time for Brian to answer and he wasn't doing it.

"I'm in." He finally said firmly and you felt an extreme happiness.

"Really?"

"Really. I don't want to belong to the W team; I'd rather to help you." He assured again.

"Why would you rather to do it?" You asked to make it sure, you needed to be sure that he wasn't lying.

"Because I like you." He said and you felt really weird. "Whatever... I'm with you and that's what matters. So, what do I have to do?"

"I... Well..." You babbled, still shocked for what he said. "You just keep treating me in a bad way and if you know something about W, tell me. I need to find out who W is. Do you know it?" You asked very intrigued.

"Sadly, no. Jim was the one who was forcing me. He's the only one who knows who W is and he wouldn't tell anyone." Brian answered honestly. "But I'll help you. If I find something new, I'll tell you. You never deserved to be treated like shit, so this is my way to apologize."

"Thank you." You said thrilled. "Brian..."

"Yeah?"

"This must be a secret between the two of us. No one else must know that you're helping me. Not even Jen, not even my sister... And not even Darren." You said gingerly and clearly.

"Why? I thought they were your friends." He asked confused.

"Because I tried to tell them that you're a good person and they didn't believe me. I just don't want them to know; at least not for now. Only you and me, okay?" You insisted.

"Alright. Only you and me, I got it. I like to know that I share something with you that anybody else knows." Brian said softly and you felt weird again. "Count on me, we'll find who W is."

"Yes, thank you a lot." You said kindly.

"Thank you for having forgiven me. Hey, I have to hang up; I think someone is getting in here. Talk to you later." He said quickly and nervously.

"Brian, what are you doing here, dude? I thought you were in the cafeteria..." You heard a voice. Jim.

"Nothing, I was just looking for something..." Brian answered.

"But why...?" Jim said but then the phone conversation ended.

Your whole body was trembling. You still weren't sure if this was the best option, but it was something. You only wished that Brian was being honest with you and he wouldn't tell anyone about your plan. This was like this now: Risking everything. There was nothing certain, so you only had to take chances. Good, the first part of your plan apparently worked. Brian was on your side and that was a new help. Now it was the video thing. You knew you wouldn't find it on time. Your phone buzzed.

From Darren: You said a minute, Freckles. Now it has been more than a half an hour. Where the fuck are you? Things are getting crazy; I need to know where you are and if you're safe.

To Darren: I'm really sorry. I'm going to the cafeteria now.

From Darren: Are you crazy? There's no way you can get in there. Aren't you aware of what happened? Where are you?

To Darren: What happened? Where are you? Tell me and I'm going.

From Darren: Outside, right next to the fountain. The entire school is outside, there's no way to be inside the building. I can't find you among all people. Hurry up, please.

Why would he text it? You frowned in confusion and then you got out of the cleaning storage area. Wow, everything was dark and foggy; as if someone has done a joke with one of those smoke bombs. There was no light and there was no one around. Everything seemed lugubrious and tenebrous, like in a horror movie. Damn, you couldn't see anything at all. You grabbed your phone and you tried to light the way with it. But then you started to hear some sounds and some steps; right behind you. You illuminated that way, but you didn't see anyone. You started walking faster to the entrance and the same steps started running behind you. You heard a voice, it was a machine and distorted voice.

"Finally we're alone, the two of us." That voice said with an evil laugh.