"Damn it, Meg; get it together!" Vanessa snapped after Meg messed up the chords for the song again.

They had been at band practice for about half an hour now, and they'd been working on the same song the whole time because Meg kept messing up. She was trying to focus, but all she could think about was Thomas. She had gone all summer without seeing him and she was able to focus fully on the band. But seeing him at school today for the first time in a couple months, it just completely threw her off.

"Sorry, guys," Meg muttered.

"What the hell is wrong with you today?" Vanessa demanded.

"Nothing!" Meg snapped. "Get off my back."

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Let's take a break. I have the sudden urge to smoke or drink or… pound someone in the face with my microphone."

Jim and Flynn slipped out the side door; Vanessa followed after them, slamming the door behind her.

Meg slipped the guitar strap over her head, then set her guitar on its stand. There was a folding chair set off to the side of the garage and she plopped down on it with a sigh.

"Rough first day at school?" Rapunzel asked, stepping away from her keyboard.

"Something like that."

Rapunzel stood in front of her, hesitantly, and asked, "Wanna talk about it?"

"Nope." Meg wished she'd just go away, but it was obvious Rapunzel had no intention of leaving her alone.

Rapunzel cleared her throat. "So, I- uh- ran into Hercules after cheerleading practice today."

"That's nice."

"He asked about you."

"Ugh. It's been almost a year since we've broken up; he needs to move on."

Rapunzel nodded. "He asked if you were seeing anyone and I told him I don't really know but that you had spent a lot of time with John over the summer."

Meg looked up at her. "Well, now that Thomas is back, I'm sure I won't be spending that much time with John anymore."

Rapunzel shrugged. "I don't see why not. Maybe you and Thomas will get back together. He only broke up with you because of the long distance; perhaps you'll get back together now that he's back."

Meg snorted. "What makes you think I want to get back with him?"

"Just a hunch."

"Well, you're wrong. The little weasel broke up with me for no reason and then took off for the whole summer. I have no interest in dealing with him again."

Rapunzel glared at her. "Screw you, Meg! You'd be lucky to have Thomas. That 'little weasel'- as you call him- is way too good for you. And so is Hercules, for that matter."

"You don't even know me, so why don't you just save your judgment."

"I know you broke my best friend's heart more times than he did yours. You friggin' cheated on him with your ex-boyfriend!"

Meg sprung to her feet and got in Rapunzel's face. "I never cheated on Thomas or even thought about it. I was completely loyal to him the entire time we were together."

"Oh, please! No one believes that!"

"I don't care what anyone believes or thinks."

Rapunzel smirked at her. "Of course you do."

XXX

A few tabloid reporters followed Esmeralda and Phoebus to Mickey's diner that evening. They weren't allowed inside and hung around the exit and tried to sneak photos through the windows. Eventually, the manager called the police and they were all forced to leave. Esmeralda and Phoebus hung out in the diner for a half an hour longer afterwards before leaving.

"This has all gotten insane," Phoebus said.

"Insane, but awesome," Esmeralda replied. "I never dreamed I'd be famous."

"You think it's awesome that strangers are following you around everywhere and taking pictures of you?"

"Well, yeah."

"They're stalkers, Essie. I'm not okay with my girlfriend being stalked." Phoebus unlocked his car and flung open the door.

"Reporters are harmless."

"Tell that to Princess Diana."

Esmeralda groaned. "Why can't you just let me enjoy this?"

Phoebus put up his hands. "I don't want to argue about this. Get in the car."

"No. If you're gonna be like this, I'd rather walk."

"Fine." Phoebus got in the car and drove away.

Esmeralda stared after him. "I can't believe he left me here," she muttered. "Jerk."

She started walking down Main Street; she had about a five mile walk to her house. With it being a weeknight, there weren't really many people out. She had hoped to run into someone from school so she could get a ride, but she didn't see anyone she knew.

After a few minutes, though, a car slowed down alongside her and the passenger window rolled down. Esmeralda bent over to look inside the window. A red-haired boy she somewhat recognized from a few of her classes was in the driver's seat. She didn't know his name, though. He always sat in the back of the classroom and never said a word.

"Do you need a ride?" he asked.

Esmeralda smiled at him. "Thank you; that would be great." She slipped into the passenger seat. "My friend ditched me and reporters have been following me all evening."

He pulled away from the curb. "Sounds rough."

Esmeralda nodded. "It has been." She glanced around the car and noticed his backpack sitting on the backseat. The name Quasimodo was scrawled on it in black marker. "So, Quasimodo; you're in my math class, right?"

"Yeah."

"Turn left here. What did you think of that pop quiz today? I mean, I get it was just to see what we remember from last year; but on the first day of school? Come on!"

Quasimodo shifted in his seat. "I got an A+."

Esmeralda gaped at him. "Really? I got a D. Turn right at the stop sign."

Quasimodo slowed to a stop, then made the turn.

"It's the white one on the left there," Esmeralda told him, pointing out her house. He pulled into the driveway. "Thanks for the ride, Quasimodo."

"You're welcome." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Ya know, if you want, I can tutor you this semester."

"Thanks for the offer. But, the problem is: I just don't have time. My schedule is so hectic right now, I'll be lucky if I even have time to study or do my homework. I don't know how I'm going to get through this year. I may have to either quit my new career or drop out of school."

"I've seen your videos; you're a wonderful dancer."

"Thank you. I love dancing. But, I can't dance and do my homework."

Quasimodo ran his hand through his hair. "I can help, if you want. I mean, I could do your homework for you so you can keep dancing and stay in school."

"Would you? Oh, Quasi, that would be so incredible! Thank you!" Esmeralda leaned over and gave him a hug before getting out of the car. "I'll see you at school tomorrow."

Esmeralda waved to Quasimodo as he drove away from her house. Once he was out sight, she smiled to herself. "That was too easy…"