5

Thank god it's Friday, thought Tiana as she walked through the Roseford High parking lot with Kelsey Mitchell. For once her mother had convinced her to take her car that morning seeing as Bradley was around these days. Tiana thought walking to school was good exercise and she was also extremely paranoid about someone stealing her Cadillac-even though Roseford was a wealthy town which contained very privileged people. "I really need some new shoes for the back to school party tonight. Wanna hit Saks?" Tiana asked Kelsey.

"I've been trying to keep away from Northwood since Bradley came back but...if we can be in and out quickly I'll come!" Kelsey replied.

"Yess! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Tiana grinned. Every year, on the first Friday back after the summer, Clarissa Rose held a huge party. Everyone "cool" went and you had to look your best. If you didn't, you probably wouldn't make the guest list the following year.

"Heard Clarissa invited Bradley though!" Kelsey looked scared.

"You can't be serious!" Tiana stopped. Kelsey burst out laughing.

"Of course I'm not serious. Do you really think I'd go if he was?" Kelsey pushed Tiana playfully. Tiana went along with the joke. However if Bradley really turned up it wouldn't be so funny. She thought about what she would say to him if he came up to her. Tiana really didn't want to speak to him but if he approached her, what choice did she have?

"Um, so do you wanna go for the full beauty package after we get the shoes?" Tiana was trying to think about something other than Bradley.

"Defo! Should we ask Haley if she wants to come?" Kelsey suggested.

"Nah. I think she's been a little distant these days." Tiana said shaking her head.

"Oh my..." Kelsey seemed shocked. "You don't know do you?"

"Know about what?" Tiana was suddenly intrigued.

"Haley's moving away. She asked me not to tell you because she said she would do it. I think the distance is because she's been busy moving and she wants us to get used to her not being here."

"When's she going? And where?" Tiana welled up. She'd been close to Hayley for almost two years. "When was she even planning on telling me?"

"She's leaving for Cali tomorrow. I think she was definitely going to do it at the party tonight. She knows how emotional you get so that's probably why she left it 'til the last minute!" Tiana walked towards the cafeteria and sat on a table inside. She began to feel physically sick.

Summer 2011

"What's happening?" Tiana shouted amongst the sirens, screams and cries.

"It'll be fine! Calm down!" Abigail was stern. "Relax!"

Present day

The memory was over before it had even begun. "I never used to be like this you know," Tiana said. She couldn't fight it anymore and the tears began running down her face. "I think it must've been that night with...with Bradley. Ever since then I've not been so strong."

"You still have tonight to hang with Hayley. And she'll be back to visit. It's okay to cry sometimes you know!" Kelsey comforted her. Tiana was upset about Hayley leaving, but that terrible vision of that night at the mall sent her off the edge.

"Yeah you're right! And besides, at least it gives me a reason to go to California now and again. Let's just try and focus on the party." The bell went making the girls jump. It had been so quiet but now pupils began filling the halls.

"Exactly! That's the spirit!" Kelsey rose from her chair. "Ready to get to class?"

"Yeah, in a little while." Tiana sighed.

"Want me to wait for you? Or do you need a moment on your own Tee?"

"I could actually do with some me time Kelsey. Thanks for telling me about Hayley though."

"Don't mention it." Kelsey grabbed her bag.

"At least I can prepare myself properly now." Tiana said.

"Well I'll see you in class?" Kelsey began walking backwards towards the door.

"Yeah sure thing!" Tiana waved. For a while after Kelsey had gone, she sat staring at a red brick wall outside. Constantly she tried to play the night at the mall over and over in her head like someone watching and rewinding a movie on the VCR. Suddenly her Blackberry began to bleep. She picked it up. One new text message. It was from a blocked number. She wiped the tears from her eyes, opened the message and read it in her head.

Someone's going but another is coming. Guess who's back? 10pm outside Clarissa's house. You'll be thrilled! –A

Tiana sat still for a moment, deep in thought. Who's back? And who is A? "Abi?" Tiana whispered breathlessly.