So here is a slight glimpse of what happened between Rachel, Alex, and the whole thing about Landon. If you don't get what happened, let me know. It's actually going to come up later on in the story, like a couple chapters later, perhaps.

Someone asked where I got the dead dog (turn off) idea from. It actually came from something my boyfriend, well my ex boyfriend told me. Thank you to another review person who said they stayed up almost all night to read my story. That made me happy! I mean not happy that you lost sleep. That's terrible, because to me sleep is precious, especially now that fall semester is back on. I barely even started and I'm already counting down the days until my third year of college is done. Going back to the review person, I'm happy that you liked it and felt that motivated to read the story.

ALEX

"Tara," I called out to her in the dorm building lobby the next morning.

"Hey Drew," I added. He didn't look too happy. I wonder if she told him what happened? Molly was there too. I waved to her and she put on a small smile and waved back.

"Can I talk to Tara real quick?"

"Sure," Drew answered, got up and hugged me first, which was weird.

Molly gave a kind smile to Tara and they nodded at each other. When Drew gave Tara a hug, I noticed that Molly looked away and Tara tensed up. Quickly after, Drew and Molly left. I noticed out of the corner of my eye, Drew throw his hand around Molly's shoulder, but she still looked away from him. I'm guessing Molly didn't know.

"I feel bad about everything that we did." Was the first thing Tara said once Drew was gone. "But I can't bring myself to say that word."

"What, sorry? I wouldn't expect you to, Rachel didn't really say it either." Tara nodded as I crossed my arms. "Anyways that's not what I came here for. After pep rally, Shauna wanted to call a special meeting, considering..." I paused and made a rolling motion with my hand.

"I'll be there. Do you know how late it might run?"

"No. But I'm pretty sure it's going to be a long one. See you." I guess Shauna was right. I did have it in me to be civil towards them, especially considering what happened to them.

"Wait Alex." I turned around to Tara. "Did Rachel talk to you about Lan..."

"Yes," I replied immediately interrupting her. I really didn't want to dwell on Landon. I decided to confront him last night and look what happened. She nodded and looked down.

"I know this might sound like a stupid question, but, are you okay now, Tara?" Part of me knew she wasn't. How would you be after going through something like that? I wouldn't wish that on anyone, not even my worst enemy.

"No one has asked me if I was okay, so that's not a stupid question. I'm getting there. Really glad Shauna let me come back on the squad. It'll keep my mind preoccupied. It's a rough road back to sanity, but I'm okay," Tara answered while fiddling her fingers. "Drew said there's a video," she said quietly as I looked at her in shock. "He wanted to know if there's anything he could do to help. He was being really nice, but after what happened at the homecoming dance and outside the office, I'm not sure if I can trust a guy..." Tara started to trail off.

"It'll be fine. You don't need to explain everything to me. Like I told Rachel, girls like you and her are resilient. Of course it's going to take time, but I know you both are more than capable of walking out of this stronger. Everything will work itself out. Just don't think about those losers," I said as she started to smile.

"Now I really feel bad about what we did. We just got so jealous. First it was Tris, and now this year it was you. You just come here and immediately all the guys are drawn to you."

I wanted to say guys were drawn to her and Rachel, but after hearing about what they went through at the homecoming dance, it wouldn't be right.

"And now here you are being so kind to me'" Tara finished almost crying.

"Hey, we're not going to start doing sleepovers with late night pillow fights, girly makeovers and stuff," I said smiling, which got a weak smile out of her. "But like I told Rachel, no girl should go through that alone. If you two stop being the bitches we know and love," I stated as her smile got bigger. "Then I know of 25 girls who will be there to help you folks out."

She smiled as a tear ran down her cheek. I went to hug her.

"I never told anyone how I truly felt about the whole thing," she whispered. "Thanks, Alex."

Just then Tris and Marlene walked down. They came over and hugged her too. Without any other words, we told her bye and walked to the cafeteria for breakfast.

"Hey, can we hang out after the pep rally today," Eric asked as we walked to class.

I looked at Eric who looked like he was about to break if I said no. There's got to be a way I can not say no, I thought. I pulled him in for a kiss.

"Mm," he said pulling away. "I really do like that I get to kiss you now." I hit him lightly, rolled my eyes, and then grabbed his hand with mine again and kept walking.

"We have cheer and volleyball practice tonight. I want to hang out, but I think practice might run late tonight.". Especially cheer, I thought.

Eric stopped us and pulled me in for another kiss. "Why don't we have an early breakfast tomorrow like we did the other day then," he asked with his lips still softly on mine.

"I would totally be okay with that," I answered. Eric smiled against my lips, pulled back and then turned to walk into class. I felt bad about me telling him we couldn't make out all the time. I enjoyed every bit of it, too. But I still wasn't certain of myself, if I was pleasing to him. I let his words run through my mind again about how much I meant to him and a little spark of confidence flared up in me. I don't know why, but I looked down the hallway before calling out to Eric.

"Wait," I said pulling on his arm to stop. I tugged on his shirt, leading us over to the wall, until I felt my back hit against it.

"Let us have this one moment," I said as I snaked my arms around his neck pulling him in closer. He pressed his lips harder to mine as I felt his body pin me tighter to the wall. Eric held my face to his, while his other hand squeezed my waist. I almost let out a moan right here in the hallway. How exciting this all felt to be back in his arms and to have him kiss me like this again.

"Really?"

We both pulled away to see Aidan glaring at us. He did not look happy. Aidan grabbed my arm and pulled me out of Eric's hold.

"I know you two are going out, but I really don't like seeing that," he informed me as he led me to the chair and sat me down during fifth period.

"Don't either of you remember the rules? No PDA when I'm around," Aidan requested as he glanced over at Eric who came to sit down on the other side of me.

"It was your sister who started it," Eric replied. I turned to him and he threw me a smile. I punched his arm.

"Well, then," started Aidan. "If that's the case, Sis, you and Eric aren't to be alone in the our room together."

"You can't be serious," I said looking at Aidan. He gave me a look that said he wasn't joking.

"Whatever," I responded as he looked forward.

"Why would you say that," trying to sound mad as I turned to Eric.

"Because it's true," he answered before pulling me out of my chair for a short, soft kiss. Despite it being brief, I sighed after his lips left mine. "I knew you weren't mad at me for bringing it up," Eric teased as I threw myself back in the chair and hit him again.

Sometime during the class lesson, he put his arm around my chair and started to run his fingers slowly up and down my arm. When his hand came down and rested on my waist, I turned to look at him and he had been staring at me.

"What? You're distracting me again," he whispered while leaning towards me, making his signature smile again.

"You're the one who's distracting me," I accused playfully as he tried to look innocent. I shook my head and tried to focus on the rest of class. I was glad we could finally just enjoy being with each other again, especially after the mess from yesterday. I never wanted to say anything, cause I wasn't sure if he felt the same way. But, these occasional glances, spontaneous soft kisses, and random touchy moments made me feel like I was in love.

After the pep rally, as we walked into the gym for the cheer meeting, I saw Marlene filling out a dance scholarship application for DSU.

"They only give out six 100% tuition, books, and boarding scholarships each year," Marlene added. "No one else from Dauntless is applying, but me. You should try." I thought, ah, what the heck, and filled one out. I read through the instructions and requirements. Sharon agreed to help write recommendation letters for both Marlene and I and supply us with tapes of our routines, even our tryout tape. I think I could get copies of the videos of me dancing at Amity, too.

Wait. Why was I putting so much effort into this? I was going to DU to play volleyball. I guess Eric was right. Deep down inside, I did like to dance.

To say that cheer practice was awkward was a great understatement. All the girls were tense. I don't know what was worst, working with a girl who had slept with your boyfriend or hearing how many of the girls' boyfriends Rachel and Tara slept with. But after hearing what happened, I couldn't really hold it against them anymore. I mean I wasn't going to become best friends with them, but I couldn't bring myself to be mean to them either.

"Alright ladies," stated Shauna. "We had a good pep rally today. Thanks to Christina, David, and Thomas who assisted us in the song and the routine. Tomorrow night is the last regular football season game."

All the girls started to cheer with some yelling "undefeated", or "championships here we come".

"With that being said, Shauna, Marlene, and I," Tris started. "Have decided that we are not going to have an all out practice tonight. Just a meeting to air out some things."

"I called this meeting, because for those of you have not heard already, Rachel and Tara are back on the squad," Shauna announced. It got a few murmurs and complaints. "I'm doing this for several reasons, but only one that I will inform the squad of. A lot of you girls are going to be doing basketball or softball next season. We're going to be short handed for the basketball team."

"Lauren and Alex are doing volleyball, too and you didn't kick them off," said Becca.

"No one is getting kicked off the squad," added Marlene.

"Alex, Lauren, perhaps you can share with the other girls," suggested Shauna.

"It's a very rigorous schedule," Lauren started. "To juggle cheer, volleyball, school, and my social life," she finished.

"There are some days where it does seem overwhelming. Days when we asked Shauna if we could skip cheer practice," I said looking at Shauna. "There will be days when the rest of you feel that way too."

"I know I feel like that and that's without adding basketball into the mix just yet," added Tris. "Of course, Rachel and Tara are familiar with most of the dances and they can help out when a couple of you start to feel overworked with the busy schedule coming up."

"We understand that there was drama with them earlier, but we've been assured that they're going to do their best to behave," said Shauna masking the real reason why there would be no drama. "I know it's going to be hard at first. But if we act like the mature, respectful, and understanding ladies I know you all are, then we will definitely be able to work together and get through this quickly and efficiently."

"Does that mean when this is all over I can punch one of them," whispered Christina to Lauren and I. We started to laugh, until Shauna shot us a glance.

"I want this meeting for us to talk things out. Rachel and Tara were hesitant to discuss certain matters," Shauna smiled at them. "Matters which I, my co-captains, and a couple other girls know of. So I'll respect their decision. Those of who know, and you know who you are, please do the same. Rachel and Tara, would you still want to say a few words about being back, perhaps?"

Rachel stood up first. She looked just as frightened to speak when she told me what happened to her and Tara and to look out for Landon. She apologized for all the drama she caused and understood if there would still be animosity towards her and Tara. She said we didn't have to worry about her chasing after our boyfriends, because she was going to swear off guys for a while.

"A long while," she said as the tears started to come down all at once. Marlene went to her side.

Tara then spoke and apologized too.

"I can't really say anything else," said Tara. "I know an apology isn't going to make it better or make everything we did go away. But Rachel and I really need this to help us move on with our lives, so if you all could just give us a chance, then we won't fail you."

Her eyes were watery, and so were mine, Lauren, Marlene, Tris, Myra, and Shauna's. We were the only ones who knew.

Because not every girl knew about homecoming night, not every girl had welcomed them back with open arms. Christina was one. Which she just had to bring up once I got back to our room from volleyball practice that night.

In the middle of hearing her complain, my phone buzzed.

How was practice - Eric

Cheer or volleyball - Alex

Both - Eric

Volleyball was tiring - Alex

Cheer was AWKWARD - Alex

What do u mean? - Eric

You'll c at the game tomoro - Alex

We still on for bfast 2moro morn - Eric

Yea - Alex

K c u then - Eric

Just so u kno, I really care about u - Eric

I care bout u too - Alex

***kissing ur cheek*** - Alex

***kissing ur forehead*** - Eric

Altho I really wanna kiss u somewhere else - Eric

***making out with u*** - Eric

I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

Go to sleep already Eric - Alex

"Alex, I'm having a crisis and you're on your phone," cried Christina. I looked over to Christina and although I was putting myself out, I dialed a phone number on my phone.

"Yeah, can you come to our room, like right now," I said as soon as the other person answered. I quickly hung up without waiting for a reply, but got a knock at our door in a matter of minutes.

"Go, get the door Christina, it's for you," I said as I grabbed a jacket and a blanket.

"Will," Christina screamed as she opened the door.

"What's going on," he asked. I walked by them and hugged Will.

"She's had a rough practice today," I responded as I pat him on the shoulder and then turned to walk out and down the hall to Mia and Giselle's room. I would have gone downstairs to Myra's or Lauren's or Tris's, but it was rather late and I wanted to just get some sleep so I could wake up early to see Eric.

I woke up the next morning to see Mia in the bathroom, getting ready for the pep rally.

"Your phone rang," she said as she fluffed a curl that she had made in her hair.

"Thanks," I said as I got up off their folding futon and then folded up the blanket she gave me. "Thanks for letting me stay here too."

"No prob. Next time though, you should just go and stay with Eric," she smiled in the mirror. I walked past her as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"Shut up Mia," I said as we both laughed.

Will was still over when I walked into the room. I was surprised that Christina wasn't up yet and hadn't kicked him out. I thanked God again when I noticed that they both weren't completely naked. Will was missing his shirt, but Christina was the one who had it on. I grabbed my volleyball uniform and went into the shower. The second I got out, I saw Will standing outside our bathroom.

"Sorry," he said the second I got out.

"What are you sorry for?" Was it because I only had my sports bra and shorts on and he felt awkward seeing me? Or was it because he was shirtless with only his boxers on in my room after having sex with my room mate and basically left me homeless last night?

"Christina and I got into an argument last night." I stopped brushing my hair and looked at him like he was crazy.

"When?"

"Before, During, After," he said as he moved his head side to side with every word.

"After?" Will gave me a look that read 'seriously'. It finally hit me. I shook my head. "Anyways, moving on."

"She was really worked up about practice. I'm guessing you can't tell me what happened that made Rachel and Tara rejoin the squad?"

"Yeah, I can't."

"And you didn't feel like telling your room mate?"

"Things would just get more crazy if Christina knew. You know how she acts, she's your girlfriend."

"Well, yeah, but if I knew it could have at least helped me to calm her down besides just having se..." he paused and looked away. I guess he hated the fact that she sometimes just wanted to sleep with him just as a stress relief.

"She loves you, you know that right, Will?" He turned back to me. "She cares about you, even though she may not say it as much. Christina needs you probably to just be a little more understanding and patient. She's a very emotionally complex person that needs your mental and emotional attention, not just your physical attention."

"Thanks Alex." I nodded and went back to braiding my hair. "I guess the guys were right." I turned back to him. "You are exactly what Eric needed." I smiled and then turned back to Christina.

"So what exactly happened besides the intercourse?"

"She kept complaining and whining. Usually I'm used to it, but Christina was being overly dramatic last night. I love her, but that I just couldn't stand."

"I'm guessing she's not going to be in a good mood then when I try to get her up."

"Nope. Hence the 'sorry' from earlier." Will chuckled and walked out, still shirtless.

I turned to look at Christina still sleeping with Will's shirt on. I guess he didn't want to wake her to take his shirt. Well, I didn't want to wake her up, either. Marlene, Tris, Shauna, and Lauren came by to help me.

"He's such an idiot," was the first thing that came out of her mouth. "He told me that I was overreacting and called me childish. Me. Childish!"

"Well, you're acting like one right now," said Lauren. "Get up, out of bed, and into the shower right now, Kravitz!"

"My world is over," Christina cried. "Will didn't even stay to wake me up!"

"Your world isn't over. You'll see each other later on today and everything will be fine," assured Marlene.

"Why are you babying her," asked Tris, frustrated.

"I'm not babying her," snapped Marlene.

"Oh my god," yelled Shauna. "We're not here to argue. We have to get ourselves together now!" Christina hurried out of bed then and over to the bathroom. Just as Marlene and Lauren exited the room, Eric walked in.

"I'm so sorry," I said the second he came in. "I tried to get out of here, but we had a crisis."

"It's fine. I called your phone this morning to see if you wanted to cancel," Eric replied as he pulled me into his arms and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

"We can still eat breakfast together."

"But everyone is already up. I wanted some alone time with you like the other morning," he said smiling at me.

"Now ERIC is here," screamed Christina as she walked out of the bathroom and threw herself on her bed.

"Perhaps you should go Alex," said Shauna. "Tris and I will try and get her out of here."

I nodded, took Eric's hand and headed towards the door.

"Why don't you girls just call Will," Eric asked. I quickly covered his mouth, but it was too late.

"WILL!" Christina yelled again right as I closed the door behind us.

"I called Will over to calm her down last night. But she was so dramatic, that not even he could handle it. They ended up getting into an argument instead."

Eric started to laugh. I hit him on his arm.

"What? Even you got to admit that's funny." I smiled a bit. It was funny to see Christina act that way. First time I seen Will unable to calm her down too.

On the way to the cafeteria, Eric held me back, gave me a soft kiss, and whispered 'Good Morning'. I hated to admit it, but butterflies flew through me every time we had these little intimate moments. He just stared at me for a while. I was about to get lost in this moment. Eric started to lean in again and I quickly dodged another kiss, took his hand, and continued to the cafeteria. I could tell Eric was staring at me the whole time. I wanted to say or do something until I spotted Tara outside, debating whether or not to walk in. I dropped Eric's hand and walked over to her.

"You coming, Tara," I asked her with a soft smile, which made Eric stop and look at me.

"I..." she paused and then looked through the windows next to the door. I turned to see Drake, Clayson, Landon, Mike, and a whole bunch of other guys at the first table laughing and having a good time.

"Assholes," I muttered as I grabbed her land and pulled her into the cafeteria with Eric walking behind us. They noticed us, because immediately their table got quiet. Were they waiting to mess with her again? I looked ahead and saw Rachel sitting by Marlene and Lauren. I pulled Tara over there.

"Wait," Eric called out to me. I motioned for Tara to sit by Lauren them. Lauren patted the chair next to her and I waited until I saw her sit down.

"What's going on," Eric asked.

"What do you mean?"

"First Rachel and now Tara."

"They're back on the squad." That was going to be my only answer. But Eric didn't want to let it rest.

"Why would Shauna put you all through that again?"

"It's not like that. Besides, it wasn't just Shauna's call. She got our approval, too." Eric looked at me questionable. I leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"I can't really say why, either."

"I understand, I guess. That's why you said practice last night was awkward." I gave a faint smile and nodded. I stared at him for a few more seconds hoping to see understanding in his eyes. I mean how was I supposed to explain this, without really saying anything? He smiled slightly, pulled me closer and kissed me hard.

"Promise me, you won't let them try and get you to leave me," he whispered pulling away.

"I promise." I kissed his cheek again and then went to sit by the girls.

"Did you tell Eric," Rachel said as I sat down. I shook my head. "I know he's worried about you. You can see how much he cares about you, how much all your boyfriends care about you." She sounded so lost. Everybody wants somebody to love them and the one person she thought loved her, let his friends rape her and Tara during homecoming. "You should let him know, you two should let your boyfriends know also," she said motioning to Marlene and Lauren. "You're all on Clayson's hit list as well."

Lauren and I glanced at each other and then turned a little to look over our shoulder at the boys sitting in the front table. From the looks on their faces, this was far from over. I didn't feel like I could tell Eric in the first place and went to confront Landon on my own. And look where that got you Alex. Landon probably was all the more determined now.

"As much as I didn't want to," I said turning back to Lauren. "We should warn the guys."