"Do you want to tell me what the fight was about?" I tilt my head back. "Not really." His eyes drop to the floor and he clasps his hands together. "Well, what do you think of Hollywood Arts?" I don't answer. He sighs. "Is there anything you do wanna talk about?" He says, defeated. My eyes drift to the spot next to me.

"Who was that girl in here before?" He seems surprised, and answers "That was Tori Vega. She's a rising star here." I bet. I couldn't take my eyes off her. "She seems...interesting." I say cryptically. Lane stares at me, then says "It's your first day here and you get a bloody nose, and you think she's interesting?" I shrug.

"Tell me about her." A smile creeps up his face. I don't like it. "How about you tell me about yourself first." I raise an eyebrow. "Is this blackmail?" He smiles even wider. "Think of it as... a trade. You give me info, I give you info." I scowl at him, but he smiles on unfazed. I groan.

"Fine. He said something...unflattering about me and I decided to teach him a lesson." Lane nods knowingly. "Hes got quite a mouth on him, but that's no excuse for violence." He says sternly. I roll my eyes, typical authority. Everything's black and white. I remove the cloth and check to see if my nose is still bleeding. He got me good, ill admit that. I smirk to myself. I got him worse.

"Why don't you go wash up, and well continue tomorrow." I shake my head. "Why don't you tell me about her, then I'll come back." He smiles. "Because you won't.

...

"Do feel it? The raw power that courses through you? You should by now. It's not much longer..." The thick, murky water speaks to me. "Soon this...all of this...will be over. Soon...the dream will end. You will wake up.

I bolt awake, hyperventilating. I'm trying to catch my breath but a breeze blows through my window and I shiver, alerting me that I'm drenched in sweat. I groan and make my way to my shower.

The warm water comforts me, flows over my hair and covers my ears. It the makes the patter sound muffled, close. Like its coming from inside. I sigh and turn the water off. Stepping out, I wrap myself in a towel and finally check the time. 3 a.m. Great. I have school at 6. I run my fingers through my damp hair. No point in trying to fall back asleep, it wont work. I collapse on my bed and flip on the Tv. Family Guys on. Well at least I wont have to think. An image of the dark water flashes in front of my eyes, and I shutter.

...

"So how do you like it here?" I shake my head. "Nuh uh. You first." He gives me a sly smile and starts to speak. "What do you wanna know?" I cast my eyes on the floor and tap my foot rapidly. I don't know, I just...wanna know her. "What's she like?" I answer, not taking my eyes off his purple carpet. "She's nice." I give him a look. "Really! She's nice. Always helping others and what not."

"If she's so great, what was she doing in here?" He sighs. "She's having a...tough time. I shouldn't talk about it." I nod, I can respect that. "But she's also talented, driven..." "Beautiful..." I add quietly. He smiles at me and I blush. "That too." He leans closer. "You know, I think both of you could use a friend. I could...set something up?" He says hopefully.

Having your guidance counselor set you up seems incredibly lame, but if its with her... I'm willing to take a shot to my pride. I nod. "Great! She's up next actually. Why don't you hang back and I'll mention it before my time with her is up." He says cheerily. "Now, I'd say that's a pretty big favor, so. How do you like Hollywood Arts?"

"Its paradise." I deadpan.