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.

48. Unpredictable plans

A/N: Today I'm very lazy to write something, so I'll just answer your reviews!

alicegursk: I can't take away the sound of your evil laugh! You sounded like The Joker, oh dear! "Why so serious?" Or... You sounded like Bellatrix! "I killed Sirius Black!" No! Mental trauma! See, that's what you caused! You're as insane and cruel as Bellatrix Lestrange! I'll have to be careful around you! Alright, ah! I hate saying this, but I give up. Someday, in the right moment, you'll tell me, I guess. But please don't hurt my feelings! Don't be as me, I was wrong! I'm sure you had a fantastic time there! Summer, fuck yeah, I love it! Lucky you, here's almost winter; yet I can't complain because the weather is crazy and it seems is spring-summer. Ah, I want vacations! And I won't have them till February, so screw everything! Well, well, well, I want to see how you appear in the story to act like a big man and make them kiss each other, I want to see Freckles and Darren's faces when you do that, I want to see everything of that! I guess I could take the role as spectator for a while, it could be quite interesting; so I won't make them be together, so I won't miss this chance. You see, you were cruel? I'll be cruel again! Don't tease me because I suffer and... and... and I'll make Darren and Freckles suffer because of this. That sounded as something a terrible person would say, oh god. I have bipolar problems. Seems a little bit more now... What the hell could it be? Is it something related to Freckles and Darren? Ah, this is what I call frustration, frustration because of you!

Emma: Emma, hey! Don't apologize for that, you don't have to! I completely understand; if you can't, you can't and that's it all. We all have moments when we're super busy that we don't have time for anything; it happens to me too, it happens to everybody. Besides, the reason why you couldn't review is a super important reason! Ah! I bet you were (and are) very excited to start preparing everything for your time in nyc and Julliard! And you have a twin brother? How cool is that? I always dreamed of having a twin brother or sister; obviously that will never happen, but I can still dream, haha. Were you nervous when you talked to your future professors? How was that experience? I guess it's kind of intimidating the first time you see them. Oh a central place! That's the best you can do when you first move to another city, because you have everything close and you don't have to take too many buses or subways, one of the complications when you first move. And two handsome and nice guys, huh? It's really good to know that you'll live with nice guys, because nice people can help a lot when you're feeling down because you miss your family. It seems something silly, but you'll see it's not; it's a good point to keep in mind. And handsome! Well, let's see what will happen there; living with handsome people can make you feel confused, not always but it can happen! So, at some point, I understand you mom's concern. Yet, if I were in your place, I'd feel excited for that! haha. The important thing about this is that... you got two rooms! You'll need space, so that's great! And besides, the guys are attending Julliard as well, so that's really good; usually you have troubles when you live with people who are studying something very different from what you're studying because of the activities you have to do. All in all, I think you found an excellent place to live! Then... Have they been interested in your work? Have they been following your work? Whoa! That's very impressive and that's for sure good news! Didn't it feel weird when they told you that your representatives were in your musicals, plays and ballets? I mean, they were there all the time and you didn't even know! I think they're actually spies, you should be careful! I'm just kidding. Now, in all seriousness, that's amazing! You know, they already know you and they chose you for your work because they are aware of your ability! You should feel super proud of it! So, I'm pretty sure you'll rock the auditions! September, it's seems like you have time, but at the same time, it's like September is only in less than 3 months! I bet you're getting ready to show them all you can do and leave them speechless with your breathtaking performance! Your prom theme was the 50s? Oh dear, I love it, it's so classy! So, wait, not only you can act, dance and sing, but you can also design clothes and make dresses? I feel like a total undistinguished, ignorant and incompetent person! haha. Seriously, you seem to be super talented. Well, from your description I can picture your dress and the make-up and I'm sure you looked very pretty and also stylish. I love red lips, that's my favorite lipstick color! Now you'll be able to see all the pictures you took and say: Damn, I was gorgeous that day! And that and the good time you had are gonna be a good memory forever. I remember my prom wasn't so cool, such a shame! Well, it's good that you and your boyfriend (well, it'd be ex) broke up in good terms, that's very mature and something good, I hate when relationships end in a bad way, like it makes you question a lot of things that aren't nice. About myself? Oh! I don't have much to say, only that I've been super busy with college and it's gonna get worse until August, because the first term is ending; but after that (hopefully), I'll be doing only my final thesis to finally get my degree in February; thanks god you didn't study architecture, here it lasts 6 years and that's a lot of years! I can't wait to start working! Yet, I'm a little afraid of it at the same time, I'm still not sure what I want to do or if I'm gonna get a job, or things like those that always happen. But I'm sure I want to apply for a graduate study in urban planning and design in another country; I was thinking about studying in US, but it'd be kind of complicated, it involves a lot of complicated things, one of them is that I must learn the language and also legal issues; yet I'll try not to lose hope. Gosh, I think I'm talking too much! Now, thank you a lot for saying I'm smart! I'm really not; I mean, I'd love that, but I still have a lot to learn to be a bit smart! Those views of things are just the silly debates I have with myself, trying to figure out different things in life, I love observing and thinking all the time, I'm kind of weird. Oh! Darren will meet a new girl for sure; you only have to wait 2 chapters! But the girl may or may not be just a new friend, I don't know!

Guest: That bitch of Kelly is back! Why would she be back? What does she want? Would Darren kick her out or not? Is Kelly a real bitch or not? Ah! Let's see what happens! Yeah, maybe syrup on pancakes it's not a good idea, I have some kind of rejection to syrup; in general, I dislike the word syrup, it reminds me to when I was a toddler and I was sick and my parents forced me to take syrup. Just, ugh. So yes, I think I'll share my Nutella with you, just so you see that I'm nice! It's really hard to share Nutella! I never had a teddy elephant! Aww! I love it! Yes, you are that cool! Ugh, exams, they suck! How were them? I couldn't wish you good luck, so I wish you luck for your French speaking exam! Oh, you'll see what happens with Chuck and Freckles in this chapter, and you'll figure out that maybe he's not completely okay with her, but they will have a talk! Let's see what happens after that! Kelly in a male disguise! That's so effing good! haha, oh dear! The teacher, oh, the teacher will remain apart until the right time comes and the mystery will be revealed. No one likes Noah and the guy keeps messing around, but don't worry, Freckles won't let him mess with her... or yes?

Adorkable Sherlock: Well, hello adorkable Sherlock! You might have a kind of problem because, seriously, Mondays? The worst day of the week (you know, for several reasons, but mostly because, oh damn, it's the beginning of the week and I'm already tired). But, when you comment on Mondays, then my Mondays have something good; so you're allowed to review on Mondays. I promise this time you won't have too much to think, so you're safe and you can read the chapter! Who is the asshole who wanted to make you have a nervous breakdown? We need to find him and kick his ass so hard so that he won't dare to mess again and he'll know with who he is messing! Or just screw those asshole people, who do they think they are? Aww, I'm happy that my reply helped to dissipate those feelings and that nervous breakdown! Remember, asshole people don't deserve your tears; so don't give them anything because they don't deserve anything. Oh god! Do I deserve the sun? No, just stop because see? You're making me feel thrilled. To say someone deserves the sun is to say too much, it's something beautiful, I guess. Teenage problems? Old people like me (I'll steal Darren's stick!) and even older people (with gray hair and wrinkles, I'm not there yet!) also have those problems from time to time, only that they don't show it. It seems there's no age limits for assholes; even if the causes of being an asshole are different. And we, the old grumpy people, say those things to kiddos like you, because we want to feel superior, feeling that we got over all of those shitty things; which is very stupid if you stop to think about that. Or maybe we only want to help but we never find the right way. And yes, you were wrong, I'm not like 80, I'm actually 90; and people my age also have nervous breakdowns, but probably caused because we lost our stick or we forgot to take all the pills we have to take. Dammit, I forgot what pill to take this time! The red or the blue one? Nervous breakdown. Dammit, where's my stick? I need it to walk! Nervous breakdown. Dammit, what day is today? Nervous breakdown. Dammit, I forgot where I left my glasses, I can't see! Nervous breakdown. Dammit, that guy is a real asshole! Nervous breakdown, boom! Explosion. It happens, you know? I only hope that if you have an explosion because of a nervous breakdown, you take that asshole with you. Okay, I think I'm being silly and you may be thinking... Gosh, this girl really forgot to take the pills. Math is the worst thing that can happen; there are few things that are worse than math; soup, for example; I really hate soup, it's depressing, like... this is not real food! This is only some weird flavored liquid I'm drinking, give me a taco! No, god, don't go to summer school! Back in my high school time (see? another proof why I'm old, this is something only old people say!), I was a really bad student and I liked partying, and thanks to math, one year, I had to go to summer school. It was the worst that happened to me, like damn! When are gonna be my real vacations? Yes, it really surprised me that it was you! Well, keep feeling thrilled because that's the truth, my mom taught me to always tell the truth. Well, sometimes I lie, like when I arrive late somewhere, I always blame the bus and the traffic jam when actually the real reason is because I fell asleep; but that's just a little white lie, isn't it? And in any case, what I told you it's not a lie. Now, believe it because I wasn't good at it, but I think in part was because I hated the teacher and the teacher hated me, maybe. And I couldn't agree more with you and Carson Phillips; I recently watched a movie (it's more like a documentary) called The Prohibited Education that talks about that schools are the first place to brainwash you and make you adapt to what society wants and it started since the industrial revolution. It's kind of traumatic to know all the things that the documentary showed. And I was like you in high school, I only wanted to get the fuck out there, mostly because I didn't like my high school (it was a private school run by nuns with students who thought they ruled the world because they were very wealthy, and I wasn't like that and for that people make my life impossible, argh, screw them). Now I'm happy because I started college and people here is really cool and no one gives a damn shit about money and those stupid things, you just talk to everybody no matter if they're white, black, Asian, wealthy, poor, hippie, hipster, purple, orange or a dinosaur. And I like beaches and cute animals that don't bite but I don't like sushi. I'm also glad I met you! You're like the funniest person ever! And even if you say you're a badass, you're a cute badass, that's possible, right? Anyway, what I want to tell you is that you always make me laugh, you have that ability to make people laugh and that's one of the greatest things; and besides, you have that ability to make people feel comfortable while talking to you, I mean, I have this feeling I can talk to you about whatever and you won't judge saying, oh fuck, what a stupid person telling totally lame jokes. No crying babies! I can't stand seeing a baby crying! "He deserves the sun" why was it cruel? Not creepy but cruel? You confuse me sometimes, haha. Oh no, Mia won't appear in a long, but long time, so don't worry, you still have time to get ready! Now, J.K. Rowling 2.0? Seriously? What did I do to deserve being called J.K. Rowling 2.0? Firstly, I don't know why you decided to call me like that, but if it was because of the unnecessary murdering of cool people who did not deserve to die, I don't care; I take that as the biggest compliment. Secondly, how the hell do you know that I consider Brian as Fred? You're a fucking good Sherlock, okay? You'll see what happens to Brian in the future; I may or may not kill him, I may or may not give him the Gryffindor goblin-made sword, I may or may not let him live to become the Headmaster of Hogwarts, I don't know; I actually know it but I ain't telling you! Thirdly, you compared me to the writers of Lost! Oh my wizard God! Did you know that Lost is one of my favorite series ever? Obviously I was highly influenced by Lost when it comes to plot twists! However, I'll never be as good as them. But plot twists all the way. And exactly, I wouldn't be a good Moriarty to your Sherlock otherwise. I need to give you excuses to keep entertaining your Sherlock with unpredictable mysteries to resolve. It's the second time I I kill your brain! That wasn't called creativity and smartness, that was called 'I'm sleepy and I'm in mood to write insane and tangled things'. And I'll consider moving to your country since I want to leave this country because the Mrs. president here is getting on my nerves. And oh god! The thing you told me you thought at first is hilarious! I think I'm good at spanish, I don't know why, but I think I master that language and I have the feeling that so do you! I use the translator 'Writing spanish by a girl who speaks spanish'. And that's a very boring and long name for my own translator site! I can't believe I got my very own website! I feel like Larry Page or Mark Zuckerberg, okay no. Jeez! You really made me laugh with that! And what makes you think that the guy following Freckles wasn't actually Mr. Fluffy with a costume of a guy? Think about that, Sherlock; and be careful tonight when you go to sleep, look under your bed and do not repeat his name in front of the mirror three times or it'll appear! Let's get drunk with butter beer! Actually, I think that would be like a bomb for the stomach, but who cares? It's butter beer! I'll send your way some chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and Honeydukes Mice Pops. See? I'm providing you a lot of candies and sweets because you're totally awesome, my Sherlock!

MeMi83: Is Darren having feelings for Freckles again? That poor boy is really confused! Let's see what decision he's gonna make, same goes for Freckles. I think this is the time in which their 'we're only friends and are cool with that' starts being something really messy in between the old and new feelings. After all, it's always complicated to be friends with your ex. About your question, I must admit that was a little part of what my brain discusses with itself when thinking about something. I've been through a lot of stages in my life with different point of views, like my person in the present is not the same person I was in the past; some of the things they said were some of the things I thought in my past, some of them are part of my present and some of them are things I'm still wondering. Besides, I was influenced by the debates I sometimes have with my friends, we always debate about random things and it's a great thing to do; that's why I have different points of view. You don't have to apologize for the late review! I understand you're busy, so don't worry. These are crazy times for everybody! I barely have time, so I understand you! Oh! I'm also very excited about Darren's new songs and I completely love them! As you, I can't wait to get the studio versions of the songs! And like you, my favorite song was Once Upon a Time! I simply loved that song, its meaning is wonderful and I think I love it so much because I felt identified with some of the things, and you always love a song more when it's meaningful to some aspects of your life, right? Besides, I loved the melody and everything, I don't know much about music so I can't talk in the correct way with the correct vocabulary. And I also liked very much Words and Any Of Those. In general I like those songs with slow tempos, and I don't even know if that's the right way to explain what I try to say; you know, those songs that are quiet and... Ah! I can't, this exceeds my knowledge. I'm so ignorant! Oh jeez, what a shame, because everyone in my family are musicians. Anyway, I hope you could understand what I tried to say!

Vcriss: Kelly appeared to screw Darren's life again and make everything unnecessarily harder! Or maybe not. What is Kelly plotting this time? And also, what will Darren do about this? But I agree with you on something: She lost every kind of sex privilege. Or well, she shouldn't have any kind of sex privilege with Darren, let's see what happens. And hell yeah! Freckles is the one who has sex privileges; but will she use them? Or does Darren want that? None of them used those privileges so far. And Brian does have sex privileges too? I wanna think it can be applied only to Freckles and not to Darren. But maybe it's only one-part privilege. Would Freckles want to give Brian sex privileges? Mmm, I'm not sure! Yes, Channing had his baby! I haven't seen the baby yet, have you? Is a baby girl, Everly, right? With that daddy, the baby girl is gonna be freaking gorgeous! Don't worry, someday we'll find the formula to clone people and we'll clone Channing so that you'll have him all for you and you'll have a lot of adorable babies! You should start thinking about the names!

Well, well, well, guys! That was it all. Now it's time to know what the hell Kelly is doing at Darren's apartment! What will happen now? You'll figure it out in this chapter! Now, I will proceed to withdraw. Have a totally awesome week full of bird songs! Warm fuzzies!

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Teenage Dream – Chapter 48 – Unpredictable plans.

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I couldn't believe Kelly was here. How the hell did she know where I lived now? I haven't talked to her since that time she made a fuss saying I was touching her boobs and a huge guy punched me in my face, when actually she was the one who was stalking me. And I really didn't want to see her and less to talk to her; I felt contempt for her and for what she has done that day. Seriously, how the hell did she know where I lived? Because none of my friends liked her, they all thought she was nasty; they would never tell her where I lived. Such an imprudence and audacity to have come here!

"I asked you something, answer." I demanded harshly, looking coldly at her.

"Can I come in?" She asked softly, completely ignoring the way I was looking at her.

"Of course not." I answered harshly again. "What are you doing here? How the hell do you know where I live?"

"I have my own contacts, Criss; so I found you." She replied really serious, looking fixedly into my eyes and that made me feel even more irked. "And I came here just to talk."

"Guess what? I don't wanna talk to you. So why don't you just turn around to get the fuck out of here? Thank you." I said very harshly and I started closing the door, but she placed a foot to stop it.

"I'll better come in." She said haughty, sneaking into my apartment and I looked at her furiously.

"What the hell? Get the fuck out of here, Kelly!" I yelled very furious but she remained with a quiet expression, crossing her arms, and that made me feel even more furious. "I swear I'll call the police if you don't go away."

"Do you think the police is gonna believe you instead me?" Kelly asked provocatively and I felt very rabid. "You perfectly know I can make them believe I'm the one telling the truth, it happened that day at The Blue Apple. What makes you think it won't happen again?"

"Get the fuck out of my sight." I said very coldly, looking at her almost in an ominous way.

"I won't." She said firmly and arrogantly while walking to my couch to sit there.

"Excuse me? Who do you think you are to feel like you can do whatever you want in my apartment?" I asked raising my eyebrows, letting out a bitter and incredulous giggle. However, Kelly remained sitting on my couch.

"Stop with all that shit and come here. I want to talk." Kelly said roundly.

"But I don't want. I want you to leave. Right now." I said firmly and severely.

"Okay, I'll tell you something. I just came here only to apologize. This is hard for me to say and do, so I'd appreciate if you stop being rude with me." Kelly said expressly, looking straight in my eye. I looked at her agape, raising my eyebrows in surprise, but still incredulous.

"How do you expect me not be rude after what you've done that day, Kelly?" I asked disgruntled.

"And how do you expect me to make up for that mistake if you're reluctant to talk to me?" Kelly asked looking into my eyes, but this time she didn't talk in an arrogant or nasty way.

"Okay, I'm listening to you." I said serious, crossing my arms, still standing.

"Can you please sit? It's really awkward to talk this way." Kelly asked, looking down; and she asked it in a softly way.

So yes, I sat on the couch, but very far from her. Then she looked at me and I couldn't see evilness as usual in her eyes. She seemed to be really sorry this time, although I couldn't fully believe it. Anyway, I was going to give her the chance to say whatever she had to say.

"I'm really sorry for what I did that day, I acted completely wrong." Kelly started saying softly.

"Yes, you did." I commented rudely, looking away.

"I know. And I really never apologize to people because I simply don't care about them." Kelly said and I looked at her thinking 'what a bitch'; but I didn't say anything. "And maybe I shouldn't be apologizing to you because we weren't even friends, we were just fuck buddies and this year nothing was as before, so I guess we are nothing at all." Kelly kept saying and I was just looking at her disgruntled, thinking the weird way she had to apologize to someone. "But somehow I have a need to apologize to you, I don't even know why."

"Should I feel honored?" I asked with a bitter short laugh, in a sarcastic way.

Yet, Kelly didn't change her face and she remained quiet, still looking down. Maybe my words and my sarcasm didn't hurt her because she was just like this, because she was used to be the one to be like this nasty, so she didn't mind.

"Feel the way you want, I don't care." Kelly answered shrugging; and even if that was a rude comment, she said it softly and not rudely. "I don't know why, because I honestly don't know you even if we had sex for a whole year, but I feel as though you were a nice guy unlike other guys I've met. So, I hate to admit this, but I felt kinda bad when I did that the other day. And, even if I don't have to do this and even if it's really ridiculous and I hate doing this, I think I owe you an explanation." Kelly said apparently troubled as I was looking at her frowning. Why did this all seem to be hard to say? Maybe she wasn't one of those girls who used to tell their feelings or whatever, that was why she repeatedly said she hated doing this or that.

"I'm listening." I commented softly, almost indifferently, looking at her intently as she was looking down and frowning. Yes, this truly seemed to be something hard for her that she wasn't used to do.

"I have a problem." Kelly huffed and I looked at her raising my eyebrows.

"Do you?" I asked awkwardly.

"Yes, I do." Karen said firmly, completely avoiding my gaze. "I'm a bitch." She said roundly and I looked at her raising my eyebrows in surprise. Well, at least she admitted that. "I can't be nice to people, I say rude things to them, I'm arrogant and I'm always on the defensive, I'm egocentric, I'm not a caring person, I'm not a person who would let you have a deep conversation, and I don't believe in love at all." Kelly said shortly, still looking away and frowning. "I don't like being so nasty around people; but I can't be any other way. I just can't accept any kind of nice gesture and I hate when people try to be nice to me, so then I turn into a bitch over them to push them away. I surround myself with superficial relationships because I cannot accept the fact of having a deep relationship with someone; because I simply can't. I try to be with as many people as I can to feel that there's someone; but when someone tries to get closer, I push them away in a really rude and nasty way. I hate when someone compliments me, when someone gives me something, when someone wants to go on a date, when someone wants to share something with me. I'm constantly running away from all of those things; therefore, I act like a bitch so they'll stop bugging me. I can never have something stable; I'm a fickle person who is only seeking for superficial things." Kelly said as I was looking at her stunned. She was really weird. She sighed and frowned. "And all of this because I have a problem." Kelly said as if she was frustrated. "So, I just wanted to tell you that you're not the problem. I'm not a bitch only because it's you; I'm a bitch with everybody and I can't help it. And I'm not a bitch because you are the problem; I'm a bitch because I have a problem. And that's all I wanted to say."

"Okay..." I said very low, looking away and raising my eyebrows; really stunned and still thinking how weird she was. Then I looked at her again. "May I know what that problem you have is?" I asked intrigued.

Maybe she was only this nasty because of the problem she had and maybe she needed to talk to someone about this; after all, she mentioned she didn't like to be this nasty with people. So maybe if she talked to someone and someone showed her that was interested in what she was going through, maybe she would feel better and stop being a bitch.

"Of course I won't tell you, Criss. Haven't you heard me? I hate when people try to have a deep conversation and I hate people being nice to me." Kelly answered rudely.

"I'm not gonna be nice to you." I answered coldly, shrugging indifferently. I knew this could be a good way to make her talk. Yes, maybe the way was treating her bad. "You better tell me, Kelly, because I really don't wanna waste my time with a person like you." I said harshly and she looked at me astonished, raising her eyebrows. "And this is not gonna be a conversation because I won't talk; I'm really not interested in talking to you. I'm forcing you to tell me what your problem is."

"And what makes you think I'm gonna tell you?" She asked defiant, raising an eyebrow.

"Because I'm the guy who's not gonna comment anything about your problem, who's not gonna tell you nice words of compassion, I'm the guy who's not gonna feel pity for you. And this all only because of the fact I don't have any kind of feeling for you and I'm not interested in having you as a friend or whatever. I really don't care what you're going through; but I demand you to tell me; otherwise I'll think you're a coward for not wanting to admit what your problem is; so people would start saying you're not a bitch and as badass and rude as you seem, they would start saying you're weak and coward." I said nastily and very rudely. Maybe this could work because Kelly's face showed concern.

"Alright, I'll tell you, Criss. But if you dare to say something nice as showing me you feel pity; I swear I'm gonna punch your face." Kelly said threateningly, pointing me with her forefinger.

"I won't say a damn word. My face is way more important than what you have to tell me." I said sternly and she looked at me raising her eyebrows and nodding. I considered this as a victory.

"Good enough." Kelly said looking away and she stayed silent for a really long time. "You know what? I think I won't tell you anything. This is stupid stuff and you don't even know me, so I won't tell you a damn thing. This is stupid." She said frowning and she attempted to stand up, but I grabbed her arm and I forced her to sit again.

"Tell me, Kelly." I said firmly and severely. She glanced furtively at me and I could notice a sad expression in her eyes that quickly turned into indifference, obviously a pretended indifference.

"Okay, when I was young I grew up in a home where the concept of a family didn't exist." Kelly started saying looking away while I was looking at her very intently, without saying anything at all. "My father was an alcoholic; he died when I was fourteen. My mother was addicted to sleeping pills and depression pills because of what was happening to my father; she abandoned me when I turned eighteen, she just disappeared without a trace. And I have a twin brother who is schizophrenic and has problems of psychosis because of all that was happening in our family. The last time I saw my twin brother, Wade, was when I was twelve; he was admitted to a mental hospital." Kelly started explaining very coldly.

But I guessed it was a way to hide the sadness she was feeling for remembering those things; I knew that because I saw her eyes before she could look away to avoid my gaze. I was very astonished for what she was telling; I was looking intensely at her while raising my eyebrows in surprise. Her past seemed to be terrible, but of course I wasn't going to say anything, otherwise she was going to stop telling me that; so I remained silent and she kept talking in a dismal way.

"The last thing my brother told me was that I should never believe in love because love didn't exist; he told me that love is a stupid thing human beings invented to destroy people. And he exemplified the situation of my mother and father, who said they were in love but they were destroying each other and not only themselves but also us. He told me that I should never trust anyone and I should never show anybody how I feel, because then people would break me and turn me into a weak person." Kelly explained and I frowned, completely disgruntled with his brother's comment; yet I didn't say anything at all. "Of course I didn't listen to Wade. I refused to believe that love didn't exist, even if I didn't have the best example in my home. I knew there was something good in the world outside my home; I knew that not every guy was as my father was and I refused to have the same destiny than my mother. I decided to risk and believe in love, because I wanted my life to be as good as the stupid romantic movies showed." Kelly said letting out a short and bitter laugh and I remained looking at her frowning, a bit confused because before she mentioned she didn't believe in love. "And before my prom, there was this guy with whom I had a crush since my Sophomore year. By then, my dad was dead, my brother was hospitalized and my mother gave up on looking after me; but I was fine, not completely, but I was trying my best." Kelly said coldly but I noticed her voice cracked, even though she tried to hide it. She was still avoiding my gaze. "So, this guy proposed me to be his date. I couldn't believe it, I was really happy and I was feeling that stupid tingly you have when you think you're in love. I remember I thought my brother was completely wrong, because if love didn't exist, then why was I feeling that way? If love was something human beings invented to destroy people, then why all I wanted to do were good things and everything seemed calm and lovely? Wade was wrong, I thought. Being in love and trusting someone was good, I thought." Kelly said with a half-smile, but it was a bitter smile. I didn't understand. "I had a pretty good time with this guy; he was nice, he was funny, he seemed to be interested in me, on what I thought, on what I felt, on my troubles; he even was caring and supportive. He told me he loved me and I told him I loved him back. That was real love, I thought." Kelly said gloomy, looking away and absent, as if she was deep in thought. And I was very silent, just listening to her. "Then the prom came and I had a really amazing time with this guy. After prom, we went to a hotel room; I was ready to lose my virginity with the guy I loved and loved me back. I was feeling really good, as never before." Kelly said frowning and somehow it made me remind to the night after prom when Freckles and I went to a hotel room. "And yes, with him I lost my virginity and I was glad it was with him. But next morning, when I woke up, he wasn't there anymore. He disappeared and I never saw him again. He just used me to have sex; I trusted him and he lied to me only to have sex. What he felt for me wasn't love. Love didn't exist; it was just an excuse to have sex and destroy someone's life. That was the moment when I understood what my brother tried to tell me. It was stupid from me to believe there was something good for me. What was I? A stupid girl with a father who died because he was an addict and didn't care about his daughter, because alcohol was in first place; with a mother who abandoned me because she wanted to live her fucking life alone, making me feel worthless, like a burden, like someone who didn't deserve anything; with a brother who taught me only bad things that were certain but rude. I had no family, I had no friends, I had no one to love and be loved. I was alone and I had to deal with all of that alone. I wasn't good." Kelly said with cracked voice, still looking away.

And this time I could see few tears streaming down her face in silence; but obviously she didn't want me to notice that. I was looking at her distressed for all she was saying. It was a really sad thing to hear. But I didn't know what to do; if it was another person, I'd hug that person; but I knew I couldn't do that with Kelly because she was going to think I was feeling pity for her and she wasn't going to like it. Seriously, I'd have never imagined that a person like Kelly could have had such a terrible past; but now that I thought about it, it had sense somehow. It had sense why she was this kind of aggressive and rude person.

"So I decided I wasn't going to feel depressed forever. I needed to move on with my life; but this time I wouldn't make the same mistakes. I needed to restore myself and the only way I could do it was if I was strong. I built like this huge wall between me and people, so I wouldn't be hurt again. I came to the conclusion that I needed to be distant, that I shouldn't trust anyone and I shouldn't let anybody know how I was feeling and what I was thinking; only for the purpose of avoiding people hurt me again. I've figured out that I shouldn't be nice to people, because I knew how that was going to end; I needed to show people that I was strong and that I didn't care about them, that I cared only about myself; because at the end, I only had myself. So since then I became this nasty, rude, egocentric, and fickle girl; I became this girl who was never going to let anybody know how she truly is and was never going to have a deep conversation or relationship with anybody; only because I didn't want to be hurt again." Kelly said again with cracked voice, looking down, still absent. I was looking at her really sadly; but I didn't do anything. I've never seen her like this; this was a side I didn't know about her. "And I'm not a bitch; I pretend I am because it's the only way people can respect me; because it's the only way I found to forget my past and the way I found to never living that hell again. But truth is I'm not strong, truth is I feel lonely, truth is I have feelings and I'm still hurt. And I don't wanna feel like that, so I pretend all the fucking time. I just don't want to suffer again." Kelly finally said covering her face with her hands, breaking into tears.

I observed her for a while and then I moved closer and I took the risk to wrap my arms around her; to make her feel a bit better, at least. It surprised me when she didn't pull me away; when she, instead, buried her face on my shoulder to cry. I rubbed her back smoothly, without saying anything. I honestly didn't know what to say, I was just shocked for all she admitted. Maybe this was the first time she admitted it in front of someone, judging by the way she was disconsolately crying. Sincerely, I've never seen her crying and I'd have never imagined she could cry in front of someone. This really was categorically different than the other times I saw her; she seemed to be different. But she wasn't different; she just let me see her real personality that was constantly hiding. I just let her cry while rubbing her back to reassure her, in silence.

"I shouldn't have told you this. I shouldn't. Now you surely feel pity for me or something, and I don't want that. I hate that." She said still crying.

"I'm not feeling pity for you. I understand you, that it's something very different than feeling pity." I answered softly while still rubbing her back.

"I hate that! You shouldn't be nice to me, you shouldn't! I know you don't care, I know you'll hurt me eventually! I shouldn't have said anything and you shouldn't be nice." Kelly said still crying.

"You see, Kelly, sometimes people are just nice and they don't want to hurt you. You had the bad luck to meet bad people in your life. I've also met bad people and they have also hurt me. But it comes a point in which you realize there are still good people who just care about you without expecting anything in return. They just care; so they're just nice. And that's not bad. You just have to break that wall you've built; I know it ain't easy, but you have to." I said softly, still rubbing her back.

"I can't!" She sobbed.

"Yes, you can. You just broke the wall a little when you told me all of what happened to you in the past that made you be what you are now. And that's good. I got to see who you really are and I'm sure good things can happen to you; but only if you let yourself be the way you truly are. Life is a fucking bitch that always have bad things for us; but if we learn how to deal with that bitch the way we truly are, then we can realize that actually life can be pretty cool." I said and she wiped her tears away and parted to look at me frowning. "And you know? I also thought love didn't exist. I've been there too. Then I realized I was wrong. Love does exist, only that not in the way people or books or movies say love is. It's just a feeling that not always involve a girl or a boy; like... it's a feeling you always have when you do something you really like to do, when you sing or act, or when you read a good book, when you eat your favorite food, when you see a cute pet, when you see a little child playing or when you see an old man who is laughing like their life is gonna end in any moment. Love is always there, implicit, and there are a lot of ways to love and be loved." I said smiling softly and shrugging as Kelly was looking at me frowning, as though she was thoughtful. "And you'll never be happy and you'll always suffer if you are constantly pretending to be something you aren't. What if people get to know how you truly are? What if they find out you're not strong, huh? Nobody is strong, we all have moments of weakness, we all cry, we all are still trying to find out what this shit of life is. So don't focus on what people would say, focus on doing what you like and being the way you are. Then, they can wipe your ass if they don't like you; screw them! Life is already too complicated to add another complication that is trying to live it as if it was a play. Think about it, that's exhausting! You always have to think and plan all the script, and damn, sometimes that's a pain in the ass. Wouldn't it be much easier to just live it the way you are and not give a damn shit if the audience likes it or not as long as you're fine with it?" I asked with an amused smile and she let out a giggle and shrugged.

"Maybe." She answered.

"Screw people! Just be yourself and I promise everything will be fine, because that's the fucking thing you want." I added still smiling and she smiled back.

"What if I trust you, I do what you say, and then everything goes wrong?" She asked looking fixedly into my eyes.

"Then you'll be allowed to kick my ass for being an asshole who gave you a terrible advice. And saying you'll be able to kick my ass is much to say; so you can picture how sure I am that if you start being yourself everything will be fine." I replied.

"It seems fair enough. But you see, I can't change all of a sudden. I can't start being myself all of a sudden. It seems easy, but it's not." Kelly said looking away.

"I know. But you can start and that's what matters." I replied and she looked at me again.

"I guess." She said softly. "I hate saying this, but thank you lot. You know, for listening and for giving me an advice."

"You're welcome." I answered smiling softly.

"Hey bro, we're ready." Chuck suddenly said appearing in the living room, and then he saw Kelly. "Oh, hi." He greeted looking fixedly at Kelly.

"Hi." She greeted softly.

"Umm, Kelly, this is my brother Chuck and Chuck, this is Kelly." I said to introduce them. Chuck walked to where we were and he shook his hand with hers.

"Nice to meet you, Kelly." Chuck said politely while Kelly was looking at him frowning and suspiciously, maybe because she still wasn't used at people being polite with her.

"Nice to meet you." Kelly said looking away, uncomfortable; surely because she felt the pressure of being nice to someone, something she's never done.

"Oh damn! It's really late!" Joey exclaimed entering the living room, without noticing Kelly was here. "We better go!" He exclaimed and then he finally looked up and saw Kelly. His face turned into a disgruntled face and then he looked at me even more disgruntled and also confused. "What are you doing here?" Joey asked coldly, looking at Karen.

"That's none of your business, Richter." Kelly replied rudely, looking fixedly at Joey.

"Of course this is something of my business because this is my apartment and you're not welcome here." Joey said coldly again. Yes, it was weird that Joey didn't like someone, but he was never going to stand Kelly.

"I don't care what you want or what you think. I didn't come here for you, so make me a favor and spare me your stupid argument. I came here for Darren and he let me in, so stay out." Kelly said severely and I just looked down while Chuck was looking at Kelly and Joey bewildered. Yes, definitely it was going to be hard for her to change and start being nice as she was when she was herself.

"Excuse me? You don't live here, so you don't have any kind of right to say what I should or should not do. At least have the decency to respect all the owners of this apartment. And as an owner of this apartment, I invite you to get out of here." Joey said irked. Geez, I almost never saw him irked; but when he was upset, he was really upset.

"What makes you think I'll do what you say, Richter?" Kelly asked aggressively.

"Joey, can we talk?" I asked, standing up, when I noticed the situation was going to get worse.

He didn't answer, he remained looking fixedly at Kelly until I started walking to my bedroom, and he followed me. Once we were inside, I closed the door so Chuck and Kelly weren't going to hear us.

"What the hell is she doing here, Darren? I thought she didn't know where we lived." Joey said really moody.

"And I thought the same. I still don't know how she found out where we lived. She only came here to apologize and talk to me. Just that." I explained quietly.

"She's a fucking stalker!" Joey exclaimed irritated.

"Yes, maybe she is." I replied still quietly and Joey looked at me frowning. "But she only talked to me and apologized. And she explained me why she acts like a bitch; she told me about her past and I understand her."

"Are you insane? Did you really believe her?" Joey asked in disbelief. "Dammit, Darren; I never thought you could be so stupid, man."

"Maybe I'm stupid, but I believed her because I saw her when she was telling me it all. She really had a crappy childhood and adolescence; and now that she opened up to me, I can really understand why she acts the way she does. I'm not saying I agree with the way she acts, because I still think it's really rude; but at least now I understand and now I know she'll try to change for better." I said still quiet, looking at Joey as he was looking at me as if I were crazy.

"And is this the way she changed for better? Because she didn't say anything at least a little nice." Joey pointed annoyed.

"It's hard, Joey. You cannot change in a matter of minutes. It's a process and we both know that." I said sighing.

"She could have tried." Joey said still annoyed.

"Hey, I know she'll try; I know it and I chose to believe her because everybody deserves second chances. She really, but really had a terrible past and this is hard for her. I'd like if you can be nice to her; so maybe you both would stop insulting each other and you'd help her to be herself. Trust me, very deep in her heart, she's a nice person." I said almost in a supplicant way.

"I don't believe that, Darren. I just can't be nice to her and less if she keeps talking like a bitch." Joey said determined.

"Don't do the same than her. If she's rude, act politely anyway; because you're not a nasty person like she seems to be. So, do not act any differently than you are; not even with her." I said again in a supplicant way.

"Alright, I'll try." Joey agreed, looking away and serious.

"Thanks, dude." I said while nodding.

"Whatever, just let's go to the Beezy's Cafe. Or are you gonna change the plans because of Kelly?" Joey asked moody and I frowned.

"No, of course I won't change plans. You know I won't miss a day which I could spend with Freckles." I answered firmly.

"Oh, about that..." Joey said and I started looking at him suspiciously. "What do you want from Freckles?"

"Nothing, absolutely nothing." I answered looking away, a bit discontented with his question.

"Nothing? Seriously, buddy? Cause the way you've been acting around her lately doesn't seem nothing." Joey insisted and I huffed in annoyance.

"Well, it's nothing. I'm just trying to get along with her and I enjoy being with her. But nothing more than that. And I'd appreciate if you stop talking about that and asking me questions." I said very roundly.

"Cool it, buddy." Joey exclaimed while raising his eyebrows.

"Whatever, just lets go." I said walking to the door.

When Joey and I walked to the living room, Chuck was sitting on the couch talking to Kelly. Kelly seemed to be acting in a moderately nice way with Chuck and she even laughed at his jokes; even though I could notice she was still uncomfortable because this was something new for her. I looked at Joey who was looking at them astonished; and when Joey looked at me, I looked at him in a 'Ha! I told you!' way. He quickly looked away, huffing. Well, now it was time to tell Kelly that we needed to go, so she needed to leave.

"Okay... Umm, Kelly, we have to go right now because we have plans for today. But it was cool to talk to you." I said looking at her, smiling faintly.

"Oh, Darren!" Chuck exclaimed so then my gaze drifted to him. "I invited Kelly to come with us today." He said and I looked at him perplexed.

"You did what?" Joey exclaimed in disbelief, alarmed. Of course Joey didn't like anything about this.

"Yeah, I invited her. She told me she had no plans so I just invited her, the more the merrier everybody says. Besides, it's cool to get to know the people with who my little bro is surrounded." Chuck said jovially and I looked at him serious and a bit suspicious.

I knew why he was doing this, I knew exactly why and I didn't like it at all. He was doing this because he wanted me to be with any other girl but Freckles. So he surely thought that Kelly was a good option, because after all she was a pretty girl. But he did not know Kelly; and he didn't have the rights to force me to be with somebody else. Damn, I was just tired of him trying to control everything. And why would he still think I wanted to be with Freckles after the conversation we had? However, after a while and after Joey complained, we all accepted the fact that Kelly was coming with us. So now we were at Beezy's Cafe waiting for Freckles and Brian to arrive. Hopefully this wasn't going to be uncomfortable. Freckles still didn't know about Kelly and I honestly didn't know how Kelly was going to act around me. Shit.

---

"Come on, Brian! We're late!" You hurried once you got off the bus, walking to the Beezy's Cafe.

"It's not my fault that you decided to change your clothes like five times. I told you that you looked good the first time, but you wouldn't stop saying you weren't sure." Brian replied frowning.

"What do you expect? I'm a girl." You answered while chuckling.

"Really? I swear I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't told me." Brian said mockingly and you nudged him. "So, are you telling me your plans or are you still gonna be reluctant to tell me?"

"What do you think, Brian? That I'm gonna change my mind in one second?" You asked looking at him amused.

"Uh, yeah... You said you were a girl." He mocked and you laughed.

"I'm firm about this, so I ain't telling you anything." You said with a mischievously smile.

You kept walking until you arrived at Beezy's Cafe. When you entered you felt very cozy in between the warm place and the smell of coffee. You looked round, the place was crowded, but you found Darren with Joey, Chuck and... Who was that girl? You've never seen her before. Maybe she was another of the many Darren's friends, or maybe she was Joey's friend or friend of both of them. Well, you didn't mind they brought a stranger, you liked meeting new people and all of Darren's friends were amazing. Besides, it was really cool the fact you weren't going to be the only girl. You looked at Brian, he also found them and he was also looking at that girl he didn't know.

"Who's that girl?" Brian asked curiously.

"I have no idea. Maybe she's another friend of Darren. Look at her hair! She's ginger! Isn't it amazing?" You exclaimed joyfully. You always liked ginger people; you always wished to be ginger since little. "And she's very pretty." You exclaimed looking at Brian and winking at him.

Brian just looked at you frowning and a bit displeased by your comment. You couldn't understand why he kept rejecting every girl with who you could pair him off; maybe you should stop doing that for a while; after all, Brian was supposedly in love with someone.

"Don't look at me that way, Brian Thomas. I was just commenting she's pretty, just that." You said trying to make him feel less displeased or pressured.

"Okay, just let's go there." Brian said softly.

You were the first to start walking, they still didn't notice you were there because they were entertained talking. Joey was the first who saw you because he was the only one who wasn't talking. He stood up and when you were close enough he hugged you and you giggled. This was when the rest noticed you've already arrived. He whispered something in your ear that made you frown a bit confused.

"Thanks god you arrived! I couldn't stand any other second." Joey whispered and then he looked right where Darren, Chuck and the ginger girl were.

"Why?" You whispered intrigued.

"Long story." Joey grumbled. He seemed to be upset or moody and this was really weird because he was always happy, always joking and laughing.

"Freckles!" Darren exclaimed joyfully and he stood up as Joey greeted Brian.

"Darren!" You exclaimed just as joyfully, walking towards him.

You hugged him and he hugged you back, tightly. You noticed how the ginger girl looked abruptly at you both, in a very piercing way and serious. That made you feel a bit uncomfortable. Why would she be looking at you that way? It was intimidating. Then this girl stood up and took Darren's arm, as though she was pulling him to stay away from you; so Darren and you broke the hug to look at her. She was looking at you fixedly into your eyes and she seemed to be upset or something. What the hell? Why was that girl looking at you that way? Then she linked her arm with Darren's. You couldn't help looking how they linked their arms and then you realized something... What if this girl wasn't just a friend of Darren? Judging by the way she tried to interrupt your hug and by the way she was looking at you as if she was irritated; she could be someone more than a friend of Darren. But then, why would Darren frown? Anyway, you were working on not overthinking things, so that was what you were trying to do; but you couldn't help feeling weird. This was weird, seeing Darren with another girl was weird, even if you and Darren were nothing but friends. So you tried to act nice to her as you were with everybody.

"Hi!" You greeted happily and you walked towards her to hug her quickly as you were used to greet people.

When you did this, the girl pushed you away; not in a rude way, but she pushed you. She looked at you even more irked and you looked at her perplexed. This was the first time that someone rejected a hug from you and it felt rough because you were only trying to be nice. Darren played fool and looked down, biting his lips.

"What are you doing?" The girl asked harshly. You were kinda speechless because of the surprise by the way she treated you.

"I was just about to greet you; this is my way to greet people. Sorry, I didn't know it could bother you." You apologized softly.

"Well yes, it bothers me; so don't dare to do it again." She answered rudely and you raised your eyebrows while Darren was still looking down.

"Fine, sorry." You apologized again, this time not so softly. Then you looked behind this girl and you saw Chuck. "Hi, Chuck." You greeted with a polite smile, not feeling as good as you were when you just arrived to this place.

"Hi, Freckles." He greeted also smiling. Well, at least he was nice to you.

Then you noticed Brian stood next to you and he shook hands with Darren and Chuck and then he looked at the ginger girl. He greeted with a shy 'hi' that didn't sound so cheery, surely because he saw the way the girl acted with you.

"Hi." The girl greeted Brian and she remained looking at him.

She kinda raped Brian with her look; she looked him from head to toe; and this made you feel a bit annoyed. You didn't like the way she was looking at Brian, not in front of you, not in front of Darren. What was up to this girl? She was linking her arm with Darren's as if they had something but she was raping Brian with her gaze. You didn't like this at all. Brian looked away and he stepped closer to you, he was obviously feeling uncomfortable.

"Umm, well..." Darren finally spoke and you and Brian looked at him, but the girl remained looking at Brian. "Guys, this is Kelly... And Kelly, they're Brian and Freckles."

"Hi again, Brian." The girl greeted Brian smiling... seductively? Ah! You didn't like this; you didn't know why, but you didn't like that. Then she looked at you and stopped smiling. "And Freckles... Freckles? Really? Who has that stupid nickname?" Kelly asked rudely and you looked at her astonished raising your eyebrows. You didn't like this girl so much. Why would she be so rude?

"I have that stupid nickname and I love it." You answered firmly, completely serious. Yes, you wouldn't let that girl treat you like shit without doing anything about; you were not like in high school. "I have other nicknames, such as Sunny..." You started saying a bit coldly until Kelly laughed in a derisive way. "May I know why you're laughing? As far as I know I didn't say anything funny. Would you let me know what the joke is? Because I wanna laugh too." You said coldly and everybody looked at you puzzled; everybody except Kelly who looked at you as if she was upset.

"Just that having a nickname is completely stupid; and yours are completely ridiculous and silly." Kelly replied in a very unkind way.

You noticed how Darren looked away uncomfortable, Chuck also looked away biting his lips, Joey looked at her disgusted and Brian looked at her frowning, apparently disgruntled. You remained looking at her fixedly; no way that you were going to stop looking at her that way, no matter what others would think. However, you were going to try to keep your temper, because you came here to have fun with your friends, so you wouldn't let anybody ruin it. Besides, you had no idea who this girl was and why she was acting that way. Screw her! You wouldn't let a stranger ruin your mood. But why would Darren bring that girl?

"I'm so sorry that people never gave you a nickname, considering that nicknames are a way to demonstrate affection. I love mine because they have a significance; whatever you opine about it, I don't care." You said controlling your temper; trying not to sound rude but trying to let her know she wouldn't mess with you and the moment. "So, guys!" You exclaimed before Kelly could answer something. "I'm dying for a coffee and you?" You asked with a bright smile, trying to change the topic of conversation.

"Oh yeah, I am too." Chuck said quickly, sitting again.

"Sure, bring me the coffee already!" Joey exclaimed loudly and he tried to giggle before he sat on the table again in front of Chuck.

"Yeah, it's gonna be nice to have a hot coffee." Darren said smiling faintly and awkwardly.

Darren let out his arm and sat on the table, next to Chuck. Kelly remained there, though, still looking fixedly at you while you were also looking at her very fixedly. Brian, next to you, placed a hand on your shoulder and squeezed it softly, as trying to tell you to let it go because it wasn't worth it; yet, you didn't look at him and you remained looking at Kelly.

"Come on, Sunny." Brian whispered before he sat.

You glanced at Kelly one more time and then you looked away and walked to the table to sit in between Brian and Joey, right in front of Darren. After a while, Kelly sat in front of Brian and right next to Darren. You noticed how she placed a hand on Darren's thigh and you grabbed the menu to get distracted with something. You were really going to try to have a fantastic day as you've planned and no one was going to screw it. The waitress came and asked for our orders.

"I think I'll go with a Caffè Marocchino." Joey said, reading the menu.

"Oh look! They have Irish Coffee. Of course I'll order it." Chuck said.

"I'll go with an Irish Coffee as well, just to honor our dad." Darren said chuckling softly.

"Ugh... This is the worst menu ever." Kelly said while reading the menu and you looked at her raising an eyebrow, but ignored her. "A Skinny Latte for me. You better bring me a good one." Kelly said unkind, looking at the waitress.

"Let me guess..." Brian said looking at you amused and you smiled at him. "You want Cafe mocha."

"That's exactly what I was going to order." You replied looking at him with a bright smile. You noticed how Darren glanced furtively at you and Brian and frowned, but he quickly looked down at the menu again. "What about you?" You asked amused even though you knew his answer.

"Umm... I think..." Brian said reading the menu and frowning. "I'll just go with a Caffè latte..." He said and you looked at him frowning.

"You gotta be kidding me." You said still frowning. "I thought your favorite coffee was Cappuccino."

"It is." Brian replied. "But I just want... the Caffè latte." He said uncomfortable.

"You don't even like the Caffè latte." You said still frowning, a bit confused.

"Well, but I just want that coffee." Brian said looking at you fixedly as letting you know he was uncomfortable.

You frowned again and you read the menu and found out why Brian was ordering that coffee he didn't like. It was only because the Caffè latte was the cheapest in the menu. You shook your head and looked at the waitress.

"Just forget what he ordered. I want a Cafe mocha and he's gonna take a Cappuccino." You said firmly and Brian looked at you abruptly.

"No, I don't..." Brian started saying but you interrupted him.

"Stop, Brian. I already ordered." You said determined and Brian frowned and looked down, apparently disgruntled.

But you didn't care, you knew that Cappuccino was his favorite coffee, so he was just going to enjoy that coffee and of course you were going to pay for it. Even before coming here you were decided to pay everything for him because, after all, you were the one who spent hours trying to convince him to hang out with you today and he didn't want because he had to study, more than he already was doing, and he didn't have the money. And you really didn't care to pay for him, you wanted to do it; it was the less you could do for him. The waitress took down the orders, smiled and said she was going to come soon with the orders.

"You shouldn't have ordered a Cappuccino for me." Brian whispered a bit upset. "You perfectly know I cannot buy..."

"Do you think I'll let you pay? I was the one who invited you to hang out, so this is my invitation, so I pay. End of this argument." You interrupted him in a whisper.

"I hate when you do that. I don't like when you pay, I could totally have paid your order and mine if you wouldn't have ordered the Cappuccino." Brian whispered still upset and you looked at him in silence for a while. What Brian said made you feel thrilled, this was sweet from him.

"You don't like when I pay for you and I don't like when you pay for me. I guess we're even. What are the chances that both of us are too stubborn to listen to each other? It's as if some external force has reunited us for sharing the same characteristics." You whispered with an amused smile and you made Brian chuckle softly.

"What are you whispering, guys?" Joey suddenly whispered looking at you and Brian and you and he couldn't help laughing loudly.

"Only that you look fantabulostic today." You whispered jokingly.

"Yeah, I know. It must be because of my totally awesome beanie." Joey whispered with an amused and proud grin, as Brian and you laughed again.

"This is a really undistinguished and tin-pot place. Of all the amazing bars in Ann Arbor, you've chosen one of the worst places." Kelly suddenly commented in a nastily way.

You looked at her serious and disgruntled, yet you didn't say anything, you didn't care about her unconstructive opinions. You also noticed that Joey looked at her the same way; maybe he also didn't like her. Darren and Chuck just played fool and for some weird reason Darren glanced at his brother, apparently uncomfortable or annoyed.

"As I see it, this place is really cool. Not too humdrum, not too fancy. It's colorful and lively; ideal for a hot coffee on a cold Sunday afternoon for people who came here only for the purpose of having a good time instead of flaunting purchasing power." Brian suddenly commented looking fixedly at Kelly.

He made clear he didn't like her comment but he did it controlling his temper and retaining his politeness. You looked at him surprised because he was facing a stranger only because of the fact he knew Kelly was getting on your nerve; you were really thankful for that, so you smiled kindly at him. Of course Kelly didn't say anything, because for some reason that girl only seemed to have a problem with you and besides because she wouldn't contradict a guy like Brian; an intimidating and handsome guy, a guy she couldn't stop raping with her gaze. Ugh, that was irritating.

"I completely agree with Brian." Joey commented and you looked at him and smiled at him.

"No one asked your opinion, Richter." Kelly said harshly.

"No one asked yours and no one wanted you here." Joey replied raising an eyebrow and you looked at him frowning slightly. Well, you've never seen Joey being unkind with someone; he was always funny and nice.

"Do I have to remind you the Criss brothers are the ones who invited me here?" Kelly said with a wicked smile. You glanced furtively at Darren who was looking down; he was really silent and uncomfortable. "Right, Darren?" Kelly said now with sweet voice and she started caressing Darren's curls.

When you saw this your smile vanished and you looked at them frowning and feeling really annoyed but also confused. Who was this girl? Why was she looking at Darren that way and why was she caressing his curls? Was she maybe Darren's girlfriend or something? Again, you still didn't know if Darren was in a relationship or not. But if he was and Kelly was his girlfriend, lover or whatever she was, it was a bit inappropriate from Darren to have brought her here and act like this in front of you. Not that he owed you an explanation and not that he couldn't date anyone because Darren and you were just friends; but at least out of respect. It wasn't long since you met again and you talked about what happened in the past; and this thing of being friends with him was a completely new thing for you; and you and Darren were something in the past, so it was awkward to see him with a girl in front of you so soon. You thought you could bear listening to Darren telling you he was interested in a girl or even showing you a picture of the girl or something; but bringing the girl to the same place you were... you just weren't ready for this yet. Darren moved his face away and looked at Kelly frowning, surely because he noticed how uncomfortable you were.

"Right." Darren answered almost in a whisper.

Kelly smiled victoriously as you remained looking down, trying to smile because you still wanted to keep in mind that you came here to have fun and that girl wasn't going to blow it. Now there was an uncomfortable silence and the waitress, thankfully, appeared to break it, giving you the order. Everybody, in silence, started drinking your respective coffees.

"Ugh! What is this? This is the worst coffee I've ever had!" Kelly exclaimed once she took a sip of her coffee.

"Weird..." Brian said also after taking a sip of his coffee. "Mine is delicious!" He said smiling joyfully and you looked at him and smiled.

"Mine too!" Joey exclaimed. "I guess good people get the good coffee." He said chuckling and shrugging.

"So..." Chuck exclaimed loudly and he looked at Kelly. "Kelly, tell us how you met Darren." Chuck asked smiling.

You looked abruptly at Chuck. Why would he ask something like that in front of you? Why? He probably knew you were uncomfortable because of this situation, because of the way Kelly was acting with Darren and because Darren was very silent. Then, probably Chuck asked that on purpose, but why? Then you looked at Kelly, she was smiling brightly. You were intrigued to hear the answer, but you weren't sure if you could take it. Why was this happening? You didn't plan this.

"Well, last year I saw Darren in one of my courses and it's incredible how good we started to get along. Of course it wasn't long till he and I started..." Kelly started answering and you were listening to her very intently, looking at her fixedly.

"Do you know what would be cool? A chocolate to accompany this coffee." Darren exclaimed ridiculously loudly; evidently to interrupt Kelly.

He was very uncomfortable, so this only made you sense that he and Kelly definitely had something; and apparently they had something since last year. Since last year? Then what was that entire thing he said he was still in love with you? Then why has he kissed you in Munising? Then why has he thrown a tantrum of jealousy when you were at the Blind Pig and he thought Noah was your boyfriend? Then why would he have done all he has done? You couldn't understand.

"I could buy you some chocolates." Kelly said with sweet voice, looking at Darren and caressing his cheek.

Darren, over again, moved his face away and frowned. You looked at them and you felt really bad; this wasn't at all what you've planned. This wasn't fun; this was uncomfortable and fraught. You had to drift your gaze, so you started looking at your coffee in silence and took a sip of it. You noticed how Brian glanced at you and then he looked away, maybe feeling bad for you or maybe concerned. Darren also glanced at you furtively, but you didn't look at him; you just couldn't. Enough, you were decided to have a good time, with or without Kelly's help.

"The best things in life are chocolate." You exclaimed joyfully, trying to comment something to end with the tense situation. "Like, anything is good and useful if it's made of chocolate." You exclaimed again.

"Other things are just food. But chocolate's chocolate." Brian commented also cheerfully when he got what you were trying to do.

"What is the meaning of life? All evidence to date suggests it's chocolate." Joey exclaimed as if he was thoughtful and you laughed.

"A little too much chocolate is just about right." Chuck also commented.

"Exactly! Like, why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous? Obviously because no one wants to quit." Darren commented with a giggle.

"And because any sane person loves chocolate." Kelly commented and this time she didn't sound rude, she just sounded nice, the first time in the meeting. And she was smiling. Oh wow.

Fortunately after that comment everything started being nicer and less uncomfortable. Kelly, from time to time, touched Darren's hair or hands; but she didn't say anything rude and she even smiled, laughed and commented funny things. You couldn't stop looking at her furtively; that girl was weird; she could be really rude and she could be nice, you didn't get it. But you focused on having a good time and make your friends feel entertained and amused. After having coffee, everybody was intrigued to know what your next plan was. You didn't say anything at all and you kept the mystery; it was way funnier and more interesting this way.

"Come on, Freckles! Cannot you just say where are we going?" Darren asked amused and really intrigued and you smiled mischievously.

"Not at all, Criss." You answered mischievously.

"Ah! She'll keep the mystery at all costs." Brian exclaimed amused, walking next to you. "Why are we even friends with her if she's this cruel with us?" Brian asked jokingly and Darren and Joey laughed.

"I second that, bro." Joey commented and you pretended to be offended.

"Well, you're the stupid ones who are friends with her; no one is forcing you to be." Kelly suddenly commented and you decided to epically ignore her comment just as Darren did, but Brian didn't.

"I was noticeably joking. She's a funny, nice and just an extraordinary person; so it's evident we all want to be friends with her. But you're right about something, no one is forcing us to be her friends; we just are because once you get to know her it's hard to stay away from her." Brian said firmly and you looked deeply at him, smiling kindly. His words were just sweet and it made you feel good. Brian noticed you were smiling at him, so he turned his face and smiled back at you.

"Hell yeah! Freckles, don't you ever dare to get rid of us, or we're gonna wrap you in a tortilla and then we'll eat you as a snack for being so cruel!" Joey exclaimed while laughing and you laughed along with him. He also made you feel good. Chuck didn't say anything, he was just focused on the way and he seemed not to be paying attention at your conversation.

"Yeah, I agree with them. You should get to know her, Kelly." Darren commented and you just looked at him with a faint smile.

"Maybe." Kelly answered looking away, serious and apparently disgruntled.

So you kept walking, ignoring Kelly's comments here and there. You mostly spoke with Brian and Joey who also seemed to be trying to turn this into an entertaining and amusing hang out as you've planned. You only exchanged few words with Darren because he was actually very silent and still uncomfortable because of Kelly's comments; he was surely suspecting it wasn't a good idea to have brought Kelly here. And Chuck simply hasn't even tried to talk to you. You didn't know why, though; if you thought that after your debate everything was fine with him; but apparently you were wrong. Anyway, you finally arrived to the next place of your plan: the Riverside Arts Center Gallery. It was one of your favorite places in Ann Arbor and you wanted to show them this place. Well, everybody seemed to be interested in that, except, of course, Kelly who didn't stop huffing and complaining that this was the most boring way to spend a Sunday. Why wouldn't she just leave? Damn, she was truly getting on your nerve and it was being hard to keep your cool and enjoy the moment. She was literally screwing your plans. Then you saw a painting and you started explaining it to them in a very merrily way because you were excited to explain them what you've learned in college so far.

"This is a very interesting painting, for example!" You exclaimed happily. "It's called Explanation of Peace. Based on what I know about paintings and their symbolism, I can perfectly say that the symbolism that is used in this work uses some really old icons of the past." You explained them while looking at the painting. Everybody was listening to you very entertained and curious. "The mountains in the background have always been used to express an idea of an inner peace. The walls represent the defense people put up around themselves after realizing that they were much different than those around them and felt were often misunderstood. If you look at the walls, there are included clouds within them and on them; they give the harder images a softer feel. The heart beat is the way of adding a human element to the painting, because this is all about a human feeling after all. This is a very metaphorical painting and you have to look at it very intently to discover the entire meaning." You said smiling brightly, stunned because of the amazing painting.

"I only see a very bad drawn mountains and walls that have not perspective; I see a senseless painting and I can tell the painter was very bored and decided to say 'hey, I'll play that I am an artist'. So then the painter had good luck and the work was exposed here, in this mediocre gallery. You're only trying to fill up the terrible work with big words with no sense." Kelly commented harshly and you looked at her very disgruntled, raising an eyebrow. "And it makes me throw up." She said even more rudely.

You were feeling very angry, this time you couldn't stay idly, but Brian placed a hand on your shoulder to prevent you from saying something rude. Joey was also looking at Kelly disgruntled. Chuck was now frowning and looking down and Darren was biting his lips, feeling completely uncomfortable. You couldn't believe that Darren wasn't saying anything at all, he should say something, he knew Kelly was being nasty with no reasons and he knew she was screwing everything; and he should say something because after all he was the one who invited her. But no, he chose to play fool.

"Excuse me…" Brian suddenly said looking fixedly at Kelly. You looked at him, very surprised because he was actually facing Kelly when Darren was the only one supposed to do it. "Are you studying art or something?" He asked softly.

"No, of course not. That's lame; I'm into the drama program." Kelly answered.

"Well, then you shouldn't opine so much about this and you shouldn't contradict the expert of this matter, that is Freckles, Sunny or the way you choose to call her. If you contradict her, you'll probably end up losing because you don't have the knowledge and the experience to describe a painting or a drawing because you just don't know anything about it. So you should just shut up and let us enjoy what the expert has to say. Thank you." Brian said very firmly but still in a polite way.

You always admired the way he could point someone that was being rude without being rude himself. Kelly looked at him astonished, raising an eyebrow; but she didn't say anything else, she just huffed in annoyance. Joey grinned amused and apparently very content with what Brian said and the way he made Kelly shut up without sounding harsh like her. Chuck looked at Brian surprised but he nodded and looked at the painting again. Darren just remained silent, looking at Brian with a weird expression, but he smiled very faintly at him as though he was thankful and Brian just nodded. Then Brian looked at you and you smiled sweetly at him, as letting him know you truly appreciated what he was doing for you. Brian smiled back at you and he wrapped an arm around your back, placing his hand on your shoulder.

"So... What were you saying about the painting, Sunny? I'm really intrigued to know more about this." Brian said friendly.

"Oh, yes!" You exclaimed very joyfully.

You continued touring the gallery and you kept explaining the paintings from your point of view; always relating everything to what you've already learned. You loved doing this because art was your passion, besides theatre; so you only wanted to make them feel your passion so then they'd also feel passion for art; you just wanted them to enjoy this the way you did. Fortunately Kelly didn't say anything rude and she remained silent, just listening to you. At first she didn't listen to you at all and she started texting with someone and you didn't care; but then she started listening to you and that felt nice. After the gallery, you brought them to have an ice cream and walk down the downtown; but not in the typical malls and shops but in a street you found a series of interesting and quirky shops that sell a huge variety of products, those things were more like handcrafts and extravagant products. You thought that maybe they were going to like this because Joey and Darren liked quirky things, but you weren't sure about Chuck and Kelly; and Brian just enjoyed whatever you had to show him. Of course, Joey and Darren were like exaggeratedly excited when they saw this place. They started running everywhere like little kids, yelling things when they found something cool for them. Kelly at first didn't like so much this place because it wasn't a common place, but then she started laughing while seeing weird things with Darren and Joey. Brian, Chuck and you were the most tranquil now, just seeing the things but not yelling like Darren and Joey.

"Suck my balls! Look at this shit!" Darren exclaimed noisily and enthusiastically, grabbing a pair of pink sunnies, trying them on. "Look at me! I look like badass with these sunnies!"

"Pink? Really?" Kelly commented with a giggle when Darren started making silly faces with the pink sunnies.

"Oh yeah! Pink totally rocks!" Darren replied making metal horns and sticking out his tongue.

"Fuck, dude. I'll take the yellow ones!" Joey exclaimed very excited, grabbing a pair of yellow sunnies and trying them on.

"Freckles!" Darren suddenly yelled and you looked at him surprised.

He was being very rowdy and enthusiastic. Darren walked towards you with an absurdly huge and bright smile that you couldn't help smiling back. Darren was finally smiling at you and talking to you as he was used to do when Kelly wasn't around.

"You should get this one! Blue is your favorite color, isn't it? These are perfect for you! Come on, try them on!" Darren exclaimed excited, handing you a pair of blue sunglasses.

"Oh no, I don't think so." You refused softly, still smiling.

"Come on! Just try them on!" Darren insisted energetically. You noticed Kelly was glancing at you surreptitiously.

"No..." You started saying again, but Darren stepped closer and he put the sunglasses on you. He basically forced you to try them on. "Okay, you won... How do I look?" You asked while giggling.

"Actually..." Kelly started saying and everybody looked at her abruptly and fixedly. Yes, of course everybody was now expecting something rude. "You look good." Kelly said with a faint smile.

You raised your eyebrows in surprise. Was this Kelly saying something nice to you? Wow! What was this? Everybody was just as surprised as you were.

"Thank you, Kelly." You said smiling slightly, still amazed by her nice comment. "I think the green ones will look amazing on you, it'll contrast with your hair. Why don't you try them on?" You said in a friendly way. Now that she was being nice you wanted to be nice to her, so maybe she'll stay nice for a little more time.

"I don't think they'll look well on me." She said looking away.

"Come on, Kelly, try them on!" Darren exclaimed and he grabbed the green sunnies and put them on Kelly. She giggled softly and amused, placing her hands on Darren's arms. "You look really good!" Darren said smiling brightly and Kelly smiled back as you were just observing that situation. You really needed to look away.

"Okay, I strongly think that Brian should take the red sunnies and Chuck the purple ones." Joey said handing them the sunnies.

"No, no way I'm wearing one of those." Brian said firmly.

"Come on, bro!" Joey exclaimed insistently.

"No way." Brian refused strongly.

"Come on, Brian. We all will look really cool with these sunnies." You said smiling at him and he looked at you and huffed.

"Okay, fine." Brian said and you chuckled. Then you drifted your gaze and saw Darren and Kelly very close to each other, laughing and trying on some scarfs and hats.

"Brian, bro! Come over here and take a look of this crap!" Joey exclaimed excited looking at a Go Blue themed dangle hat. Of course when Brian saw it he got very excited and walked right to where Joey was. Brian loved football.

"Go Blue, hell yeah!" Brian exclaimed joyfully, like fanboying.

You smiled at them but you were really not so interested in hearing them talking about the Michigan Wolverines and football. You knew Brian could spend literally hours talking about football and you were never going to forget the damn day you decided to watch a football game with him because it was like traumatic the way he could be so excited about something. You looked at Darren and Kelly and they were still laughing and trying on some weird clothes, so they were really close to each other. You saw how Kelly started combing Darren's hair with her fingers while Darren was trying on a galley as he was looking at her with a smile. You looked down feeling a bit sad and you had no idea why you were feeling like this, but it was really weird to see Darren with another girl right in front of you. You noticed Chuck walked towards you, so you finally took your eyes off Darren to look down.

"You should let Darren go and let him live his life, Freckles." Chuck commented almost in a whisper and you looked at him abruptly, astonished.

"Sorry, what?" You asked frowning, just in case you didn't hear well. Chuck sighed and put his hands in the pockets of his jeans and he started looking at Darren and Kelly.

"What do you want from my brother?" Chuck asked looking at you fixedly now and you looked at him still frowning.

"Umm... Being his friend?" You said like a question but because the answer was obvious. You didn't know why he was asking that but you could sense there was something wrong.

"You see, Darren and you had your time; now it's time to let him go so he can start his life again." Chuck said and you frowned suspiciously.

"I don't know exactly what you're trying to say, Chuck. Why don't you just say it?" You asked gingerly.

"Well, what I'm trying to say is that I think you should stay away from my brother. It's nothing personal, it's just that my brother should start living his life again and he cannot do it while you're all the time around him." Chuck started saying and you were just looking at him perplexed, raising eyebrows. You couldn't believe he was saying that. "And I don't believe that you only want to be his friend, otherwise you wouldn't have kissed him last Friday night." Chuck pointed and you frowned. How would he know about the awkward kiss? Well, Darren surely told him. You didn't like the way Chuck was talking to you. "Darren deserves to be happy with other girl and Kelly is the right person, but he cannot do anything because he's surely afraid he'll hurt you; so it must be really hard for him to start something with someone while you're still around. And this is for the good of both of you, because I think you also surely feel weird if you're with another guy when he's around. You'll never be friends because neither of you can forget what you had in the past; it's impossible. Yes, it'd be cool if you could be friends; but you can't. You had your time, now it's time to let go and go different ways; so the two of you can start again with someone else and fall in love again. If you keep being together, you'll never get that. So I want you to stay away from my brother." Chuck said and you remained looking at him in disbelief, very aghast.

"I'm sorry Chuck, but I think what you just said is completely inappropriate. You don't have any kind of right to decide for me or for your brother; we're the ones responsible to make our own decisions. You cannot interfere in this because this is something personal, something only between Darren and me." You started facing Chuck in a very confident way because you were sure of what you were saying, so you wouldn't regret. "I don't know exactly what your reasons are to have said that Darren and I cannot be friends, because actually you don't know it; because you weren't here all this time to check that with your own eyes. If Darren and I can or cannot be friends is something only Darren and I have to figure out; no one else can decide that because no one knows how we truly feel. And when I say no one, it's no one; it includes family, friends and fellows. No one." You emphasized very clearly, looking fixedly at Chuck, still feeling very self-confident. Chuck was looking at you very serious and apparently disgruntled, but also surprised by the way you were facing him. "If Darren wants me to stay away for a certain reason; only if Darren is the one who tells me that; then I'll do it, after having a conversation with him and we both agree. But I won't stay away from someone only because other person tells me to do so. I think we're mature people, Chuck; and I'm pretty sure we both know that obeying what someone, an outsider to the situation, tells us to do; is something completely stupid because we're not unthinking puppets." You said raising an eyebrow with a half-smile.

Someone who didn't know you would have thought you were being haughty; but actually you were standing for what you considered it was right, letting Chuck know that now you weren't that girl who would do what other people say even if you were against it. So yes, Chuck was surprised and he also raised an eyebrow and looked away, but apparently it was because he didn't like the way you were talking. You didn't want to sound harsh and rude, but you wanted to sound firm and determined. So you knew you were saying the right thing, maybe not in the best way, but it was what you thought. And you didn't even know why Chuck was being like this.

"So, even if you're doing this because you think it could be something good for us, even if your intentions aren't bad; you cannot interfere in this, Chuck, and you cannot say what I should or should not do. I'm a free person, Darren is a free person; we both are old enough to be aware of the decisions we either make or not, aware we are the only ones who are gonna suffer the consequences of our decisions." You clarified strongly, looking very fixedly into Chuck's eyes while he was looking at you very serious, frowning. He was upset, you knew it; but you weren't going to take your words back because you were resolute about this. "I just wanna think that your intentions when you said what you said aren't bad. Whether or not your purposes of this conversation are good, you cannot say what I have to do. You can give me your point of view, you can give me advices, you can help us out, and that's okay; but you cannot force us, under any circumstances, to do something we don't wanna do. Because, Chuck, I really don't wanna be away from Darren. I just wanted to clarify you that." You said determined and very confident. Chuck remained looking at you in silence for a long time, very serious and apparently annoyed and displeased.

"It's obvious that Darren will never tell you a damn thing because he's too nice to tell someone that is actually making him feel uncomfortable and doesn't want that person to be around. Haven't you noticed the way Darren has been very silent and uncomfortable now?" Chuck asked looking fixedly at you and squinting and you looked at him frowning, a bit upset. "He was fine until we came here. He was fine with Kelly until you and Kelly met. Now he has found another girl and he cannot be with the girl because you're still here. Cannot you see them right now? Look at Kelly and Darren together, laughing and being happy now that you're not near them, now that you aren't looking at them. Haven't you noticed he hasn't laughed when you were around?" Chuck asked kind of harshly and you looked at Darren and Kelly who were indeed laughing very close to each other. Then you looked down and frowned, feeling a bit sad again. "You're making my brother feel unhappy, Freckles. So you should just stay away from Darren and Kelly and let them be happy together. I know you want to see Darren happy, so why don't you just go your own way and find another guy? You're very pretty, smart and nice; you can get the guy you want. Why Darren? Leave him in peace! Let him be happy, Freckles!" Chuck exclaimed exasperated and you remained looking down and feeling distressed. Now you were frowning only because you didn't want to cry. What if he was right?

"Why are you doing this, Chuck? Why are you trying to make me feel bad?" You asked gloomy, finally looking into Chuck's eyes distressed.

"You've hurt my brother, Freckles." Chuck answered firmly and he sounded coldly.

"Yes, maybe I have. But he's hurt me too, Chuck." You said looking down again, feeling distressed. "Remember why Darren and I fell apart, remember the version I knew before I could talk to Darren again. He left me, Chuck; he left me alone, he dumped me; and Darren meant the world to me, but he left. How was I supposed to act about it? What was I supposed to do in that moment? What would you have done in my place? Try to understand me, try to put yourself in my shoes; try to understand why I parted. What you're doing right now it's not fair." You said loudly with cracked voice, looking at him in the eye again, still feeling distressed.

"I try to understand you. I just don't want you to meddle in my brother's relationships with a girl. He deserves to be with another girl and if you're still here, you're not giving him the chance to meet someone else." Chuck said softening his voice when he noticed you were indeed feeling bad; yet he still sounded firm and a bit annoyed.

"I'll never meddle in your brother's relationship with another girl. He's single, he's free and he can do whatever he wants and date whoever he wants and I'll never prevent him from that. But I don't have to stop being his friend to let him enjoy being with another girl and to let him fall in love with someone else. If he ever gets that, I'll feel happy for him; because I really want him to be happy." You said in all honesty, feeling anguished and looking at him straight in the eye as he was listening to you intently. "I'm just trying to say that what you're doing right now it's not fair. Bringing Kelly for the only purpose of flirting with Darren in front of me it's not right. And this is not because I'm jealous, this is not because I don't want to see Darren with another girl; it's because this is too soon." You said again with cracked voice and you knew you had teary eyes now but you couldn't help it. You were feeling bad. Chuck just looked down, huffed and pursed his lips. "Yes, I want to see Darren with a girl who can make him feel happy as he deserves, but right now it's too soon for me to endure. It's not as if what Darren and I had in the past was something inconsequential. Darren was my first real love, Chuck; and I loved him with all my being." You said with choked voice as a tear streamed down your face, but you quickly wiped it away. You gulped and tried to speak clearly again as Chuck was glancing at you surreptitiously; and this time he didn't have an annoyed expression. "I'm aware it's different now; but it's weird for me to see him with another girl so soon, I wasn't ready for that and not because I'm still in love with your brother but because everything happened too fast since Darren and I talked about what happened to us. I'm still trying to find out how is this new thing of being friends with your brother; and now this happens and there are too many new things to learn and I'm not ready. It's a huge change." You said with choked voice again, you couldn't help it. Now more tears started to stream down your face; but you turned your face so Chuck wouldn't see you crying. You really made a big effort to stop crying. "And I feel bad. I'll never show it to you; and I'll always smile and try to be happy and cheery; but I'm feeling bad inside; and it makes me feel really sad the rude way you act around me because you were always like a part of my family, Chuck. It hurts me, even if I'll always keep the smile on my face, it still hurts. And I'm trying my best but sometimes I break." You said now completely weeping.

You had to cover your face this time because it was too obvious that you were crying and you didn't want this. But you were truly feeling bad about everything that was happening. You were a happy person, but right in this moment you weren't feeling good. This day, this complete day, was being really bad and it happened a lot of things that made you break for all that you've been accumulating. Even if you were truly happy and you knew your life was worthwhile and everything was good enough and it was a wonderful life; in this moment, right in this moment, you couldn't see everything so positive because a lot of unexpected things unbalanced you. You tried to wipe your tears away in vain because more tears were streaming down and you couldn't even control it, even if you were trying hard. You felt something you haven't felt in a while: A heartache; as though there was something missing, or as if there was like a hole; it was painful. You knew it was going to stop eventually, but right now you couldn't control it because you were feeling vulnerable. You noticed Chuck stepped closer to you and placed a hand on your shoulder. Yet you kept covering your face with your hands.

"I'm so sorry, Freckles. I really am. I don't even like Kelly and I was just worried about my brother and the fact he could end up being hurt again. I just overreacted and said things I didn't mean. I'm sorry, Freckles." Chuck said softly while rubbing your back. You sobbed a bit more for a while, until you were able to control your feelings a little, so you'd be able to speak. You looked at Chuck and you saw his regretful eyes.

"You don't have to be sorry; I just wanted to let you know how I feel about this. I understand you're doing this only because you're trying to protect your brother and that's totally fine. And after all, for you I'm the girl who fucked up your brother's life." You said looking away and pursing your lips and frowning to try to avoid the ugly crying again. Chuck wrapped an arm around you and he rubbed your shoulder very smoothly; yet you didn't look at him.

"You're not that girl. You'll always be the girl who brought happiness to my brother. And yeah, I won't deny that maybe I was doing this because I was angry with you for what happened. But I'll never forget all you've done for my brother in the past; and I'll not forget the time we spend together. You were also like my family, Freckles." Chuck said softly and you finally looked at him thrilled with tears in your eyes. He was smiling kindly at you and you smiled back. "And now I can really see what kind of person you are and how wrong I was about you all this time you were apart. And I'm sorry for that, Freckles. I hope you can forgive me." Chuck said apologetically, feeling regretful.

You didn't answer, you just hugged him and he hugged you back, rubbing your back. If only Chuck and you could have the same relationship you had before Darren and you parted. He was like your brother since you were living in Darren's home. You just couldn't talk because you were feeling thrilled. But you wished you could have showed Chuck that you did forgive him and that you were apologizing to him too for the stubborn way you've talked to him.

"Would you give us the chance to start again? This time to do things right and not wrong." Chuck asked amused once you broke the hug. You chuckled softly.

"Why would you want that? Everything happens for a reason. It's better if from now on we just start getting along again. Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places. And, after all, I do believe that any concern about what is right and what is wrong shows stagnation in intellectual development. And we don't want that, do we?" You said with a saucy smile and Chuck laughed while shaking his head.

"You'll never stop saying philosophical statements about life, will you?" Chuck asked amused, still smiling.

"No, I'll never stop doing that. But hey, remember, those aren't statements. They're just my point of view, so whatever I opine about life is not a statement because we all have different experiences and we all conceive life in different ways, which is very interesting. So whatever I say about life is not factual and is always open to debate and to exchanges of opinions. Something I love doing." You replied smiling cheerfully and Chuck chuckled softly.

"I like the way you are now, you know? I really do. I know you'll never be a bad influence on my brother; so I'm glad he has you." Chuck said softly and he seemed to be completely honest, so you smiled at him sweetly because it was really nice what he said. "Talking about all of that, what if now I change your plans and I invite you all to have a few beers?"

"Oh, sounds interesting. I always love when something good and unpredictable comes to happen when I plan something." You said smiling joyfully.

"That's good to know and to keep in mind." Chuck said smiling brightly. "So, why don't we tell the guys we must go? I think they all have already seen too much weirdness and awesomeness around."

"I agree." You smiled brightly.

You first looked for Joey and Brian who were still looking merchandise of the Michigan Wolverines. Of course they were talking about them and how awesome they were. When you and Chuck started telling them about your new unexpected plans, they completely agreed saying it could be cool to go to some bar and chill out with some beers and more considering this night it was going to be the last night Chuck was going to be in Ann Arbor. Then you looked around to find Darren and Kelly but you couldn't find them. Well, they were surely in another part of the shop and they shouldn't be so far. So you all went different ways to find them. You went to a place full of extravagant clothes, hats, scarfs, shoes and bags. It was kind of difficult to walk there because the exhibitors were very close to each other. You got distracted looking at a very nice and weird dress and when you took it, thinking that maybe you could buy it, you saw Darren and Kelly. They couldn't see you because they were behind that exhibitor and you couldn't move from where you were. You were astonished for what you were seeing. You started feeling really bad and everything, suddenly, seemed to be dark and cold; this was a very weird feeling you shouldn't be feeling. You were trembling; you were aghast. And without being able to control it, tears started to stream down your face in silence when you saw Darren and Kelly kissing fiercely. This was what it was like to feel lonely.