Juliet watched as her best friend, the boy she loves, walk away with his newest found girl. He'd just met her not even 10 minutes ago and already they were going back to his place where he always took his girls.

Most girls he hooked up with were considered "drugies" or the girls who slept around a lot, the "whores" you could say. He always talked about how he wanted to meet a decent girl and have a real relationship that lasts for once, yet he still brought the trashy ones home. Thank God his parents weren't around to see what he'd become.

Not only did he satisfy his lust for women but also his lust for substances to make him feel good. Seems as though every weekend he was at a party getting wasted on alcohol or fucked up on weed or any other sort of thing he could get high on. He was slowly destroying his life and enjoying it far too much.

Juliet tried speaking to him as his concerned best friend but he wouldn't budge. Sex and drugs had taken over and there was very little hope left for him. Yet there she was still waiting.

Many times has Juliet envied the girls he brought home and wished she could be that lucky, but he never asked. She wanted nothing but his love and affection, but all she ever got was "I wouldn't change our friendship for the world". So she stayed in the backround, wishing and waiting to see if her chance would ever come.

As he walked away he looked back at his best friend and smiled, Juliet returned the gesture then frowned when he looked away and put his arm around that girl.

"If only you knew..." she whispered with a sigh.

Juliet returned home and went straight to her bathroom where she could release her pain. No one knew how she felt about her best friend and it seemed like no one even cared, not even him. Sure on those drunken nights when she'd take care of him he'd tell her he loves and appreciates her, but when she needs him most he's either busy or not in the best state of mind to help.

Her razor had become her best friend. It was always there to help her through the painful nights like this one. The harder she pressed the more pain she got out. The only problem with her method was she didn't know when to stop. The blood pouring out of her veins gave her such a rush she couldn't stop, nor did she want to.

Why should she stay in a world where no one cares? Where the one person she cared for most would never feel the same for her? She asked herself that every day yet somehow she found the will to keep going. Each time she let pain out just before it was too late his gorgeous smiling his would flash in her mind right as she passed out. He was keeping her alive but killing her slowly at the same time.

Juliet woke up hours later to find a text from him.

"I need you" was all it said and all it needed to say. She was on her feet washing the dried blood from her arms in a matter of seconds. It didn't take her long at all to make it over to his house.

She found him leaning against a wall most likely asleep, beer in one hand, cigarette in the other. Juliet carefully took the cigarette from his hand and put it out. She then took the beer bottle from his grasp, along with many others scattered about the room, and threw them away. When she returned to him he was awake and smiling up at her.

That smile of his could melt Antarctica.

Juliet helped him to his feet and into the bedroom. She took his shirt, socks, and shoes off then helped him into bed. He seemed far too drunk to do anything on his own. After pulling the covers over him she kissed him on the forehead and turned to leave.

"Don't go" he whispered.

"But you need to sleep love" she replied speaking softly.

He patted the spot beside him and she couldn't possibly resist that boy.

After situating herself next to him under the covers he made her put her arm around him then nestled his head on her chest.

"Why do you take such good care of me?" he asked.

"Because that's what best friends are for" Juliet only spoke somewhat truthfully, "why do you get messed up all the time?"

He was silent a moment before answering, "to see if you'll still take care of me.

The two layed there un silence thinking. Juliet's mind was racing with ideas. What exactly did he mean by that? Was he just talking in drunken nonsense?

"Darling" his voice broke her away from her thoughts, "I have to tell you something"

"What is it?"

He turned on his stomach so he could face her, "I haven't had a drop of alcohol for the past month"

He studied her eyes closely as his statement sunk in. She looked confused, excited, sad, and happy all at once. Little did she know what he was about to say would change her life.

"Juliet tonight was a test, as was all the other nights this month. I wanted to see how many times I could do this before you gave up on me, but you never did. All those other girls I brought home all I could think about was you. Juliet I love you"

The words ran through Juliet's mind over and over and her heart raced and the tears started falling.

"Why are you crying?" he asked confused.

All she could manage to get out was, "I love you"

And with that he smiled and gently placed a long awaited kiss on her lips.

The cold winter breeze felt nice against my skin as I sat at my window. The air smelled like snow and the moon was hidden by the clouds hiding it’s glow. It was beautiful.

“Danielle” I heard someone whisper.

My eyes darted to where the voice came from but no one was there. I looked all around the room but still saw no sign of anyone.

I returned my gaze out the window and saw a shadowy figure in the distance. He just stood there staring at me, something about him was inviting. Too inviting. It was like I needed to go over there and be near him.

The figure backed further into the darkness until I couldn’t see him anymore but somehow I could still feel his gaze on me and I could still hear him whispering. I wanted to follow him and I wanted to be around him, but most of all I wanted to see his face. To see what he looks like and hear his velvet voice up close.

I ran outside towards the spot I saw him last. It was pitch black and I couldn’t see a thing but I kept running. Suddenly it started snowing and it seemed like everything went into slow motion. I could feel his on me so I turned around only to run right into him. A smile crept across his dark face.

He stared right into my eyes sending chills throughout my whole body. Even though he was standing right in front of me I couldn’t see his face, only his eyes. Those bright blue eyes. The figure reached his hand up and ran it along my neck then something in his eyes flashed and they turned from that bright blue color to a dark blue color. They made me feel cold and powerless.

I woke up in a cold sweat. That was the fourth time in the past week. It was the same dream, it always was, I wanted to know what it was supposed to mean or if it even had a meaning.

With a sigh I checked the time, 4:00am again. Obviously there had to be some kind of meaning to the dream if it was this repetitive. It happened exactly as it did the night before and I always awoke from it at 4.

I sighed again before climbing out of bed and into the shower. My body was tired, my mind was tired, I was exhausted. After a long shower to wake all my senses up I dried off with a towel and threw on a t-shirt and pair of shorts then blew dry my hair.

Only two hours had past. There was nothing to do at 6 in the morning, so I decided to run downstairs to the kitchen and find something to eat. Nothing in the fridge seemed appealing so I poured myself a bowl of cereal. Usually my dad was down here eating but he must have left for work already.

I enjoyed having the house to myself. All the time my dad and I spent apart probably wasn’t healthy for our relationship since it was just us. My mom and younger brother died in a car crash a few years back, nothing has been the same since.

My dad hardly talked, all he did was eat, sleep, and work. I knew he was depressed. It was obvious. But I also knew neither of us wanted to open up about it. I tried the whole talk to someone about how it made me feel thing, it didn’t work out too well. The therapist told me I needed to tell him everything I felt. How am I supposed to do that when I don’t know exactly how I feel? I wasn’t even sure what I should be feeling.

My best friends were there for me the whole time though. Not sure where I’d be without them watching out for me. Misha Wolfe and Alexander Scott had been my best friends since we were all in 4th grade together. No one has been able to separate us since.

The sound of my phone going off brought me out of my thoughts. It was a text from Alexander.

“You up? :]” it said.

One thing I loved about Alex was his weird habit of making sure I was awake two hours before school.

“Of course” I sent back.

“Good :] I’m coming over to use your straightened because I broke mine”

“Lol how did you manage that?”

“I don’t want to talk about it…”

“Haha alright. How long til you come over?”

“10 minutes”

“K. door’s unlocked so just walk in”

“I’ve been walking in unannounced for how many years? Lmao you don’t have to remind me :P”

“Well aren’t we cocky this morning?”

“Lmao hush. See you soon <3”

I smiled and put my phone back in my pocket then headed upstairs to change. By the time I was finally satisfied with an outfit Alexander arrived. He snuck up to my room in an attempt to scare me but just failed.

“Alex you should know you can’t scare me” I said while we were in my bathroom.

He was straightening his hair while I put on makeup.

“I know, but eventually one day I will succeed” Alexander replied confidently.

“I doubt it” I half laughed, “you’re the one who’s easiest to scare”

“No I’m pretty sure Misha is easier to scare”

“You know I think you’re right”

“Of course I am” he flashed an evil grin.

I shook my head laughing and continued to apply makeup.

Half an hour later we were both ready and drove to school. Well Flint drove because I hadn’t driven my car since the accident.

The parking lot was almost full when we arrived so it took Alexander a few minutes to find an open space. He kept mumbling angrily causing me to giggle. He continued looking angry until we walked into the school.

There were so many kids at our school. You could hardly walk through the halls without bumping into at least 3 people. And it seemed that every time I was running a little late for one of my classes I would get stuck behind a slow moving group. It was so frustrating because it happened almost every single time.

Don’t get me wrong I prefer having a lot of students rather than a small amount. It was just overwhelming at times.

One of the benefits of having so many people going to the school was me being less noticeable. I liked being a loner especially after my mom and brother died. Alexander and Misha were the only people I needed.

Alexander and I found Misha at her locker. That seemed to be our usual meeting spot.

“Ugh I can’t believe we’re only three weeks into our senior year” she said after giving me and Alex both hugs, “it’s complete and utter bullshit. I just want to be done already”

“Whoa looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning” Alex said teasingly.

She shot him a death glare.

“I’d be careful Alex, it looks like she may be pre menstrual” I took a step back and hid behind Alex who was laughing at my statement.

Misha giggled and informed us that we are assholes.

The more the day moved on the more I thought about my dream and tried to figure it out. Part of me wished I was still in therapy so I could ask them what it meant. Maybe if I talked to Alex or Misha about it they would be of some help.

Alexander was the most serious of our group so he’d probably be the most help. But then again best friend or not the simple fact that he’s a guy would cause him to tease me about the mystery guy invading my dreams. Maybe I should just keep this to myself. Knowing Alex and Misha they would end up double teaming me and the teasing would never end.

Keeping it to myself seemed like my best chance. I thought I was going to succeed until last period came along. Misha and I had this class together, it was chemistry. Our teacher was out so we had a substitute who decided to be lazy and just give us a free period.

“Dani don’t sleep in class when we have free time to talk, what is wrong with you” Misha flicked the back of my head as she sat next to me.

I picked my head up off the desk and glared at her.

“Whoa you look like you hardly got any sleep”

“That’s because I’ve been woken up at four every day this past week”

“Why?”

I shook my head and looked away.

“No none of that. Just spill, you know I can get it out of you if you try and resist”

I sighed, “well I’ve been having this dream”

“Like a nightmare?” she stared at me curiously.

“Not exactly, it’s a bit hard to explain”

“Well you have a whole period to fill me in, and as your best friend I will not allow you to not tell me” she grinned and tucked some hair behind her ear as if it was going to help her concentrate more.

I spent the rest of class trying to explain everything in my dream as well as I could. She had quite a few questions so she could try and help me understand it but we had no such luck.

“Maybe it doesn’t mean anything” I suggested.

“But then why else would you have the same dream every night?” she pointed out, “and why else would you wake up at the exact same time every morning after having this dream?”

“I don’t know…” I said, “I wish I could just figure it out”

“Did anything weird happen before it started?”

“I don’t think so”

“Hmm. Well then I don’t know-” the bell rang causing Misha to jump in fright.

I chuckled, Alexander was definitely right about her being the easiest to scare.

“I hate that stupid bell” her cheeks had a rose tint to them from embarrassment.

“I love it” I replied as we grabbed our stuff and headed off to find Alexander, “not only does it make you jump three feet in the air but it also signifies the end of class, and that particular bell means the end of school”

Misha rolled her eyes at me as found Alex. He was standing at Misha’s locker like usual.

“Sassy looks angry” he said when he saw us.

“She is, the bell made her jump again” I grinned.

“Awh poor baby” he laughed.

Misha just glared at both of us and changed the subject.

“We should go to the mall and pick out dresses for formal sometime this week. What days do you have off work?”

“I’m not sure, I know I have Sunday off”

She gave me a look, “girl the dance is next Friday. That leaves us hardly any time to shop”

“Five days isn’t enough time?” Alex asked.
“We’re girls” I reminded him.

He nodded in understanding.

“Well” I thought a moment, “if I have Sunday off lets just get up early and go when the mall opens?”

“Good idea” Misha smiled then turned to Alexander, “you’re coming with”

He looked a little scared, “uh, why?”

“Well for one we need your opinion, and also you’re going to the dance so you need a tux or something nice to wear”

“Oh am I? I was not aware”

“Oh come on Alex don’t be a party pooper” I jumped in, “you always join us”

He pretended to sigh and look angered but his smile betrayed him, “alright I suppose I will accompany you two to the dance”

Misha and I smiled at each other. We were quite persuasive and most of the time he couldn’t resist us.

“Hey Alex we should leave now if you’re giving me a ride to work” I stated after checking the time on my phone.

“Oh shit you’re right” he quickly gave Misha a hug then grabbed my hand and dragged me away.

I laughed and waved goodbye to Misha since I couldn’t hug her.

Alexander drove me to work as fast as he could without getting pulled over by the cops. It was funny because I wasn’t going to be late at all.

“You realize you didn’t have to get me here so frantically” I said as we got out of the car and headed inside.

I worked at a small coffee shop that was actually quite popular in our town. Whenever Alex gave me a ride he’d come in and hang out for a bit.

“Yes I know” he held the shop door open for me as I walked by him, “but it’s way more fun for me when I pretend we’re being chased by zombies”

His statement caused me to giggle, “zombies?”
He nodded his head and sat at the counter.

I walked around back and put my bag in my locker. Then I clocked in and made my way over to the counter.

“What is it with you and zombies?” I put on my apron and adjusted my nametag, “I mean it always seems like you’re talking about them”

“Well my dear Dani that would be because I am always talking about them” he was looking at the menu trying to decide what to order.

“We both already know what you want” I teased.

“Oh yeah? Maybe I want to try something new”

I laughed at him, “whatever you say”

He stared at me for a moment before grinning, “caramel mocha latte extra foam”

I raised my hands up in triumph, “told you”

“Danielle are you taunting our customers again?” my manager Jason asked teasing.

“Yes sir she is” Alex joined in, “I should get my latte for free”

I rolled my eyes at both of them and started making Alexander’s latte.

“Well if that were the case then I’d have to spit in it”

Alex glared at Jason, “not worth it then, might catch something”

“Yeah how about you just stick to the comment cards”

“Yeah, yeah”

I handed Alex his latte and a straw, “there you go punk”

“That hurt” he faked.

I blew him a kiss then went to the other side of the counter to attend to other customers orders.

This is how work usually went. Jason was the coolest manager I’d ever met, he was just so okay with everything. We’d mostly just hang out all night and tease the regular customers and people we knew. He actually made working there fun.
As the night moved along Alexander left as well as others who came and went. When closing time came around I did all my duties then stood around day dreaming and waiting for Alexander to pick me up. Jason was counting all the money in the register that we had made that day.

“You can go ahead and take off now” Jason said closing the register, “I can take care of everything else”

I smiled in thanks then took my apron and hung it back on the hook.

“Your ride is coming right?” he asked following me into the back room.

“Always” I replied opening my locker.

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow then”

He walked back up to the front and started on a mountain of paper work.

After I grabbed my bag and closed my locker I went out the back door and waited for Alexander. There were a bunch of milk crates stacked up so I hopped up on them, they weren’t very nice to sit on but it sure beat standing around.

It was a pretty decent night out, not too cold not too warm, just perfect. The clouds were hiding the moon so there wasn’t much moonlight though. Nothing but darkness.

“Come on Alex” I said to myself impatiently. He usually didn’t take this long so I grabbed my cell phone out of my bag and dialed his number.

“Chill” he answered, “I’ll be there soon”

“Hurry” I complained, “my feet are killing me”

Alexander chuckled, “so light up a cigarette and I should be there soon after”

“Kay”

“See you soon love”

I sighed and put my phone back in my bag. I was most impatient when I got off work, he should know that, but I decided to take his advice and light up a cigarette.

“Oh sweet cigarette how you make everything better” I whispered taking a drag.

As I inhaled the smoke into my lungs something caught my eye. It was lurking in the trees not too far from where I was sitting. I squinted to try and see better but saw nothing. Then I heard a bush to the left of me move. Like the wind had blown it but there was no wind. Something had to have run past it, but wouldn’t I have heard it?

“Is there someone there?” I asked feeling a little startled.

No reply.

The sound of a twig snapping came from the same direction. I stood up and started to slowly walk in that direction.

“Jason?” I asked.

Still no reply.

I stopped to put out my cigarette. The feeling you get when someone is watching you filled my body. Then I heard it.

“Danielle”

It was the same velvet voice from my dream.

I turned around quickly thinking I was going to face the mystery being but there was nothing. My breathing got heavier as my hear started racing. I walked towards where I thought the voice came from. I was so freaked out but curiosity always got the better of me.

Just as I was about to walk into the darkness I felt a hand on my shoulder causing me to jump and scream. I turned around to hit whatever it was but they stopped me.

“Whoa Dani stop! Calm down” I recognized the voice as Alexander’s.

He wrapped his arms around me and held me in a right hug. We stayed like that until I stopped shaking.

“Dani what’s wrong?” he looked into my eyes studying my face, “I didn’t mean to scare you”

I looked over my shoulder again to see if anything was there but had no luck.

“Dani?”

“It’s…” I turned to face him again, “uh it’s nothing. Just a little creepy out here”

“What were you doing? You looked like you were trying to follow something”

I looked at him a moment, “oh uh, I thought I heard something”

He gave me a questioning look.

I just tried to fake a smile.

“Come on let’s get you home” he put his hand on my back and led to me to the car.

Once in the car there was no avoiding him, Alexander pressed and pressed until I spilled about my dream and what I had just experienced. He took it all in and thought for a while before he spoke.

“Dani I’m not sure what to say” he admitted.

“It’s okay Alex, I’m not sure either” I let out a sigh.

Alexander pulled into the driveway and stopped me before I exited the car.

“Danielle I don’t know what all this means” he had such a serious look on his face, “but you call me if anything happens or if you need me”

I nodded.

“Promise me”

“I promise Alex”

He gave me a quick hug before letting me out of the car. I waved him off then went inside. This day had to be the strangest and creepiest experience of my life.

Later that night I decided it was time that I should give Leslie a call. As much as I wanted to avoid confrontation I felt I should make sure she was okay.

When she answered I could tell she had been crying a lot, tears were thick in her voice.

“Hello?” she said sniffing.

“Hey” I replied feeling like an ass now.

“Why didn’t you answer for me earlier?”

“I was writing a paper I’m sorry”

“And you couldn’t take a break for five minutes to talk to me?”

I sighed, “I’m sorry Leslie, you know how I am”

“I thought I did, but then out of the blue you dump me. You know what Flint just don’t even bother talking to me”

I was going to say something but before I could she hung up on me.

Well that went well…

I sighed and put my phone on it’s charger then layed back on the bed. A lot had happened in just one day. Too much happened. At least I was happy, right?

I stopped thinking about it and closed my eyes. Soon enough I fell asleep and was off dreaming instead of worrying about things. When I woke up the next morning I felt much better about everything. Things with Leslie had just been going down hill, and that new girl was really cute so why should I worry so much?

After showering and getting dressed I made my way down to the kitchen to grab some breakfast before I drove to school. I searched through the kitchen until I finally located what I was looking for, the blueberry bagles. They were so delicious I was just absolutely obsessed with them.

I grabbed one and took a huge bite then headed out the door. It looked like it was going to be a nice day out. I sniffed the air breathing in its fresh scent. Oh how I loved fall time.

I threw my backpack into the passenger seat of my car then started driving to school. As much as I liked school social wise, I hated the teachers and what they were trying to teach us. Too bad for them I was one smart guy and already knew what they were teaching me. Straight A student? Pretty much. But gladly it was senior year and after graduation I could move away and start my life.

Everyone is always concentrated on now and thinks high school is everything when really it isn’t. High school is meaningless, it’s good for making friends you may keep for a really long time, you get somewhat prepared for the world ahead, and you get your heart broken time and time again. But I knew for a fact that a lot of people who get out of high school are going to be miserable.

All the “popular” kids and “jocks” are at their peak in life, sure some of them will probably go into football and some will become trophy wives, but in the end they are going to be miserable. All the nerds will go to college and get great jobs, make lots of money. The stoners will go off and waste their lives and money on smoking more and more. Then there’s the people who think like me and will actually go and find happiness. Too bad I’m the only one in my school who has any idea how to handle himself.

It made me sad walking through the school, to think that most of these people will be average or miserable and I’d never see them again. I was okay with never seeing them again though. Most of the people in the school tortured me in middle school, they finally stopped in high school when I grew up and towered over them with my tallness.

When I almost got to the school I noticed Erin walking by herself again. With a grin I slowed down and rolled down the window.

“Want a ride?” I asked trying to look as cute as I possibly could.

With a smile she nodded and opened the door.

I quickly threw my backpack in the backseat so she could sit down.

She slowly slid into the passenger seat and held her bag in her lap.

The ride was going kind of awkwardly so I decided to start conversation.

“So how are you liking the school?” I asked. Smooth Flint, real smooth.

Erin giggled, “it’s alright, I mean I don’t really know anyone but other than that I guess I like it”

“Did they get you someone to show you around and everything?”

“Some retard stoner, I’m pretty much screwed today finding all my classes”

I laughed a little, “want someone who still has all his brain cells to help you out today?”

She turned to me and grinned a little, “I’m guessing this person you speak of is yourself?”

With a smile I nodded.

She smiled and turned to look out the windshield, “that would be pretty nice actually, but won’t you get in trouble if you’re late to class?”

“Not really, I mean I could but if I explain to my teachers they’ll understand. I don’t look like it, but I’m one of those good kids” I flashed a cheeky grin.

Erin giggled, “I never would have guessed honestly. You seem more like one of the kids who would be in trouble all the time”

“What?!” I laughed.

She started laughing, “no no, I mean… Let me think, like, the way you dress and do your hair and all the metal in your face. And not to mention those gauges. Most of the kids I’ve come across that look like you are the ones getting into trouble”

“I am appalled Erin”

She just kept laughing at my attempt to act offended. Her cuteness couldn’t allow me to keep my straight face so I cracked and smiled.

When we got to the school I pulled into the lot and found a spot quickly. Erin and I got out and walked into the front doors getting odd stares from everyone. They were all obviously still in awe over how gorgeous she was. And they were probably wondering why me out of all people was walking with her. And who knows, maybe they were jealous. I know I would be if I saw such a site.

“Let’s go to my locker then I’ll show you around okay?” I said as we headed in the direction of my locker.

Erin just nodded and followed close behind me. I could tell she was overwhelmed with how many people there were walking all around her. It was kind of cute, but she herself was just the most adorable thing I’ve seen.

I grabbed everything I needed from my locker and threw it into my backpack. Then I turned and smiled at Erin.

“Shall we go?” I asked.

She smiled and nodded again.

“Do you still have your paper that has all your classes on it?”

“Uh I think so” she searched through her bag a moment then pulled a paper out, “there you are”

I took it from her and looked over it quickly, “you’re in luck my dear, all your classes are quite close to mine”

She smiled at me, “so I don’t have to worry about getting lost in the crowd?”

I chuckled, “nope. If it helps I’ll even hold your hand”

She looked away blushing a little.

I smiled, “now let me see you’re first class is right across the hall from mine so once you get out I should be out here waiting”

“Okay” she was still smiling.

The bell rang and we went our separate ways. For the rest of the day I showed Erin around the school and introduced her to people to try and get her to feel more comfortable. I made sure to let all the guys know that I have dibs too, no way would I let one of them sleeze their way into her life just to get into her pants. Sadly that’s how my friends are.

The next few weeks went about the same. I gave Erin rides to and from school and walked her to all her classes still. After a while she got used to everything and didn’t need me to, but I did anyway. We had gotten quite close and could tell we liked each other. The only question was when and how I was going to ask her out. First I needed to find the courage. I was a little bit of a coward when it came to asking girls out.

Once someone asked me how I would feel about moving out of this place, before I would have said no on the spot, but after recent events I’m not so sure anymore.

It all started when the new girl came to school. She was the prettiest thing to ever happen to this town.

As soon as that girl walked through the doors it was like everything started moving in slow motion. Everyone was staring, how could you not? She was fair skinned, dark hazel eyes, black hair with some blonde in it, and cute little snake bites.

I’m sure she was heavily embarrassed, wouldn’t you be if the whole school was staring at you? Her face suddenly flushed with color as she slowly made her way to the principals office. Oh how I wish I could be the one to show her around the school. I knew I wasn’t lucky enough though.

The only time anything good happened to me was when I asked Leslie out… oh shit Leslie! Here I was standing in awe of this girl I forgot all about meeting my girlfriend for lunch. Boy if she found out why I was late she would rip my throat out.

I took one last glance at the new girl standing in the office before shoving everything into my locker and running out to my car. Having open lunch made life easier sometimes. I loved being able to leave for lunch especially since I’m a vegetarian and the school didn’t always serve accordingly.

When I got out to my car Leslie was leaning against it looking quite angry.

“What took you so long?” she asked when she saw me.

“Sorry my locker was jammed” I felt bad for lying to her, but if it saves us from fighting then I can deal with it.

The two of us got into the car and I drove us to the nearest Taco Bell. I always chose Taco Bell because they had those cheesy fiesta potatoes which happen to be delicious and have no meat in them. They were much easier to order than trying to explain to the people that I would like beans in my taco instead of meat. It’s really not that hard to understand but somehow the people working there never did and always managed to mess it up.

Leslie ordered her usual as did I. As soon as they were finished we sat down in at a table and ate. It was unusually quiet between us that day, usually we talked up a storm about classes and teachers and all that jazz while we were off at open lunch.

“Is something wrong?” I asked eying her carefully.

She shook her head and took another bite of her burrito without making eye contact.

Hmm if that wasn’t just about the most obvious thing ever. I hated when she did this. She knows I can tell when she lies to me so why does she even bother? Things used to be so perfect between us and it’s like recently everything has been going downhill. Maybe this new girl coming to school could be good for me.

To avoid arguments once again I decided not to call Leslie out on lying to me. If she wanted to act like that then she could all she wants. It just makes ignoring her that much easier.

What kind of a boyfriend did that make me? I ignore my girlfriend and don’t call her out on things to avoid arguments, and I think the new girl is hot. Wow Flint great going. You sure do know how to make things way more confusing than needed, and this whole talking to yourself in your mind is more than likely not normal. Good job. Faggot.

Once Leslie and I finished eating I drove us back to the school and we went our separate ways as usual. Leslie went off to photography and I went off to study hall.

Having study hall after lunch made life so much easier for me. Gave me time to digest and relax my brain even longer. Not only that but my study hall teacher was bomb, he pretty much let us do whatever we want just as long as we weren’t too loud. My best friend John (aka Puffer) and I always arm wrestled or played cards and shit all period long.  Either that or we talked about things going on in our lives, which was going to have to happen today.

I walked into study hall and Puffer greeted me with the handshake hug deal that pretty much every guy does.

“Sup man?” he asked as he sat back down on a table.

“Ugh I don’t even know anymore” I replied scratching my chin.

“Don’t know about what?”

“Leslie”

“Whoa what’s going on? I thought you guys were always like perfect”

“No. Lately she’s been different, or maybe it’s just me. I just don’t know if I want to be with her anymore dude”

“Whoa dude”

“I know. Any suggestions?”

“Well have you talked to her?”

“No. We always end up fighting or she lies to my face”

“Fuck”

“I know right. Ugh” I rested my head on the table.

“Just break up with her if you aren’t sure about shit dude, I mean it’s better to hurt her now then to lead her on. You don’t want to be in the relationship anymore do you?”

“Well that’s the thing” I picked my head back up and looked at him, “I’m not sure if I do or not. Like things aren’t the same anymore, and then seeing that new girl this morning…”

“Erin?”

“Is that her name?”

He nodded, “yeah dude, she’s one fine slab of meat”

“’Slab of meat’? Oh Puffer you are such a dog”

A grin made it’s way across his face, “I’m just saying what everyone is thinking”

“Not everyone has a perverted mind John”

“Ah yes, but you and I do so it works out”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that, he was absolutely right. The two of us had quite the perverted minds at times.

After speaking with Puffer for the rest of the class period I decided I should talk to Leslie. I was planning to break up with her but I wanted to see how things played out. I wrote her a note during my next class and gave it to her before our last period of the day. No response.

I thought she was just going to never talk to me again. Boy was I wrong.

As soon as she located me in the hallway she walked right up to me and slapped me. Not knowing what to do I just stood there dumbfounded. She just walked right up, slapped me, then walked away. No words nothing. I’m guessing this means it’s over between us though.

There was a little relief, I thought she was going to either blow up and scream at me or beg me not to leave her. Maybe I didn’t know her as well as I thought I did? Guess you learn something everyday. Learned today: girlfriends are confusing as fuck.

I was driving on my way home all happy and feeling free when I noticed the new girl-er Erin, walking down on the sidewalk. Being the gentleman I am I felt the need to offer her a ride. I pulled up next to her and rolled down the window, she eyed me and my car cautiously.

“Would you like a ride?” I tried to sound as sweet as possible so she wouldn’t think I was going to rape her or anything. I mean imagine if I offered her a ride with a creepy pedophile voice, I would be scared shitless. Imagine if I offered her candy too. Oh god I’m scaring myself thinking about it.

“That would be nice” she replied quietly with a slight smile.

I motioned for her to get in the car, “where are you headed?”

“About three more blocks that way” she pointed.

“Not too far from my house” I grinned .

She smiled warmly at me.

“I’m Flint by the way”

“Erin” she replied, “I think I saw you earlier today when I arrived at school”

My cheeks started getting warm, what if she saw me with all the other guys with our jaws gaping to the floor?

“Oh really?” I asked trying to keep my cool.

“Mhm” she replied, “you kind of stand out-like not in a bad way though”

“I’m going to assume that’s a good thing” I grinned.

“Yes” she giggled, “oh this is my house right here with the red mailbox”

I pulled up to her house and let her out. She thanked me for the ride before walking up the steps and into the house. She waved before entering. Boy was she adorable.

Wait a minute… she was just in my car. I had just given her a ride. Where was I when this happened?! I should have talked to her more, gotten to know her better. Fuck I hadn’t even realized what chance I had in front of me. At least I talked to her a bit though. Hopefully she didn’t think I was some creep who wanted to know where she lived so I could come to her house later in the middle of the night to rape her.

Wow… why does my mind always end up here?

I shook my head and concentrated on driving home. I spend way too much time dwelling on my thoughts and talking to myself in my head.

When I arrived home I was greeted at the door by my kitten like usual. Beastro was a cute little guy. I smiled and picked him up then took him to my room with me.

I dropped my backpack on the chair by my door then went and sat at my computer. Beastro curled up into a ball in my lap and started purring before falling asleep. Before checking me email and all that jazz I did my homework. Surprising? Sorry to all those who are procrastinators but I always do my homework before anything.

Leslie tried calling me a few times but I didn’t feel like talking, I would call her back later. She could wait.

“Flint” I heard my mom call down the hall, “dinner in five”

“Okay mom” I yelled back, “hear that Beastro? It’s time to get my grub on”

He just stared at me with a tired look on his face. I kissed his little head then put him on the bed so he could get comfy while I go eat.

When I walked into the kitchen the smell of pasta immediately attacked my nose.

I love pasta. Especially my mother’s homemade vegetarian pasta which she happened to make just for me.

“Mmm” I said grabbing a bowl and putting a massive amount of pasta in it, “smells sooo good”

“Of course it does” my mother said, “I made it”

“Don’t be so full of yourself mom” I teased.

“Don’t talk to me like that” she tried to hide her smile but failed.

I laughed at her then sat down at the table.

Since my mother insisted on talking about every aspect in my life I decided to tell her about Leslie and everything that went down today. Not that much really went down, but I did kind of break up with my girlfriend of 11 months.

 Surprisingly my mom didn’t have much to say about the matter. She said she hoped that I made the right decision and that I should be happy no matter what. I thought she was going to ring my neck because she loved Leslie. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad she didn’t, I just found it odd she was so calm about the situation.

I guess you learn more than one thing everyday.

-Flint’s Pov-

I stared down at the sleeping girl next to me and still couldn’t believe what had just happened. She had just poured her heart out to me and I hardly had anything to say. Why did I always run from good things? I sighed as I brushed some hair behind her ear.

“I love you Ashleigh” I whispered as I carefully got out of bed not to wake her.

Quietly I snuck out her window, down the tree, and started heading home. There was a lot on my mind. I had no idea what I should do. Obviously since I told her I loved her I should pursue something with her, but the way my mind works I couldn’t do that. She would just end up hurt.

Damn the way my mind works.

It was a nice night out so I decided to keep walking lost in my thoughts. As soon as I got to the end of the next street it started raining. So much for a nice night eh? I took shelter under the nearest tree so I wouldn’t get too soaked and probably end up with hypothermia or pneumonia or something.

On the other hand the rain was quite beautiful. The way the moon was shimmering across the puddles on the ground and the way the raindrops were dancing over everything it touched. I always loved the rain.

With a sigh I pulled out my cell phone and sent a short text of three words to Josie, she was always there when I needed her and she always helped in some way.

“I need you.” was all I sent.

“my window is always unlocked<3” was her reply.

Such a good friend she was. Too good for me.

After sighing once more I ran to Josie’s house, it wasn’t far but I still got soaking wet. Stupid rain. When I got there I quickly and quietly made my way through her bedroom window. The tree was extremely slippery so I almost fell to my death twice but I finally made it through.

“Jesus Flint you’re soaked!” Josie exclaimed as her tiny body rushed over to me.

“Yeah it’s kind of raining outside” I replied being a smart ass.

“Oh ha ha you’re so funny” the sarcasm was thick in her voice, “let me get you a towel or something”

She went over to her bathroom and pulled out a towel. She handed it to me as I sat on one of the chairs in her room. I could feel her staring at me just waiting for me to explain why I came.

“Soo…” she finally said, “what did you need me for?”

“Well” I started, “you were in the closet and heard everything yes?”

She nodded.

“And you know how I am when it comes to good things in my life”

“Oh Flint don’t tell me that you’re going to pass up another good thing for yourself”

“I can’t help it Josie, something in my mind just can’t allow it”

“Flint you’ve got to find a way to change that” she walked over to sit on the floor in front of me and grabbed my hand, “otherwise you’re going to be miserable the rest of your life. Do I need to bring up Erin again?”

I shot her a quick glare.

“Sorry… I just want you to see that if you don’t find a way to make things work you’re going to end up with another Erin and just get hurt over and over and over again”

“Help me? I don’t know what to do”

“Well you love her, yes?”

“Yes”

“Then tell her exactly how you feel, if you can’t do it in person write her a letter or something. And if you do love her, and want to act on it, you should do so. I will help you through this Flint, if you ever feel like you’re doing something wrong or if something goes bad then come to me and I’ll help you”

“Josie?”

“Yes?” she asked looking confused all of a sudden.

“How did I end up with such a good best friend?”

A sly grin spread across her face, “you’re just lucky you’re cute”

I laughed.

“You’re still soaked Flint, here I’ll get you some clothes”

“I hate to be a bad guest, but Josie you’re like half my size”

She rolled her eyes at me and went to her closet anyway. She rummaged through it for a minute then returned with a pair of boxers and tee shirt. They both happened to look very familiar. Maybe because they were both mine.

“Hey!” I laughed.

“What?” she tried acting innocent, “I borrow your stuff sometimes no biggie”

“Haha oh Josie”

“What?” a smile made its way to her face.

“You’re cute that’s all”

“Do you want to stay here til it stops raining? Or do you just want to stay over tonight?”

“I’ll probably stay over because we will both more than likely fall asleep”

“True story” she stood up and went over to sit on the bed, “movie?”

I nodded then headed to her bathroom to change. I changed out of my wet clothes and put on the dry warm ones. How Josie managed to steal my lucky boxers and my favorite shirt was quite appalling. She’s a sly one that girl.

I left my wet clothes in her hamper before exiting the bathroom. When I came out Josie was laying upside down off the side of her bed trying to find a movie to watch.

“I’m not even going to ask why” I stated as I sat down on the bed.

“Don’t judge me” she replied finally choosing a movie and popping it into the player.

After grabbing the remotes Josie made herself comfortable cuddled up next to me. Not only was I lucky enough to have such a great best friend, I was also lucky that she happened to be one of the most adorable people I’d ever met.

Not even half way through the movie she passed out, after all it was near sunrise and I should be sleeping too. There was just too much on my mind for sleep, way too much. Thinking about what Josie said I sent a text to Ashleigh, we really needed to talk. Well, I really needed to talk to her since I lacked in that department last time. She probably didn’t even know I had left last night to go think.

Josie shifted in her sleep pulling me from my thoughts. I stared at her a while before finally falling asleep.

Weeks passed and the McFly boys had to return home. As sad as it was Dougie and I decided it would be best if we didn’t pursue a relationship. I really liked him but neither of us would be able to hold a long distance relationship, England was much too far away. It didn’t take him long to move on though, I found that out from Josie. She got tons of info from Tom, poor fellow couldn’t keep anything from her.

If Dougie was willing to move on that fast then so was I. It was time for me to get over my fears and tell Flint how I felt. He was always telling me these cute little things, maybe he was always hinting? Who knows. He was just so sweet, caring, adorable…

“Ashleigh!” Josie suddenly popped out of no where scaring the thoughts right out of my head.

“Jesus woman you about scared sanity away!” I hissed.

She stared at me confused.

“Nevermind” I laughed.

“What were you thinking about? I’ve been hiding in the tree outside your window watching you for like twenty minutes, you looked really concentrated on something”

“I was thinking about- wait, what? You’ve been creeping outside my window?!”

She grinned a cute little evil grin, “no”

“You’re so weird” I laughed.

“Sooo?”

She obviously wasn’t going to leave me alone until I told her.

“Well” I started with a sigh, “I was thinking about telling Flint”

“Telling Flint what? THAT YOU LOVE HIM?!” a rush of excitement plastered across her face.

The faces she made caused me to burst out laughing, “Josie keep your voice down, there are people sleeping at this hour”

“Oh right. Sorry” she smiled, “what made you decide to finally tell him?

“Dougie”

“Huh?”

“Haha, well you know all about how we can’t be in a relationship and he has that hot blonde chick now-”

“She is pretty hot” Josie cut me off.

“Wow Josie, just wow” I shook my head with a small laugh, “anyway, since he’s so easy to move on then I should too. And if I don’t put myself out there for Flint I will always be wondering ‘what if’ you know?”

“This is true” she hopped onto my bed next to me and sprawled her body out like a cat, “well I’m glad you finally decided to tell him. Speaking of which, when are you going to?”

“Well” I fidgeted with a loose thread on my bedding, “tonight maybe”

“Oooooo call him over” she was already planning some scheme.

“Baha why?”

“Because” she whined, “I want to hide in the closet or something so I can listen in”

“Like the creeper that you are?”

She grinned and nodded.

“Why not just chill outside my window in the tree again?” I teased.

“Don’t tempt me woman”

I chuckled, “well if you HAVE to listen in -creeper- then you can hide in the closet. It’ll actually help me knowing you’re in there in case something goes wrong. Can you be quiet enough?”

She nodded and made a gesture like she was zipping her lips closed.

I sighed and pulled me cell phone out of my pocket then sent a quick text to Flint asking him to come over. Once I slid my phone back into my pocket Josie squealed then retreated to the closet and shut the door.

My stomach started to turn as my nerves got the best of me. What was I getting myself into? I didn’t have the courage for this. My vision started to get a bit blurry but the sound of someone climbing the tree outside my window sent butterflies through my body and returned my vision. Moments later Flint’s gorgeous face popped through the window with that brilliant irresistible smile of his.

He walked over and sat on the end of the bed, “hey love”

Oh that voice. So peaceful and sweet.

“Hey Flint” I replied trying to keep calm.

“What did you need me for?”

I fidgeted with the loose thread again trying to think of some excuse to get out telling him.

“Ash?” he asked putting his hand on the small of my back and rubbed it softly.

Just that small gesture of his touch caused goosebumps to flitter about my whole body.

“Well I need to tell you something”

“What is it darling?”

I sighed before spilling everything. My nerves were going so crazy I couldn’t look at him in fear of throwing up. Spilling my guts to him was bad enough but if I blew chunks all over his gorgeous self that would just end me.

As I told him everything he just sat there listening carefully taking everything in. He was very quite which got me even more worried. Once I finished I let out another sigh and waited. Moments of silence passed. I knew he was just trying to think of what he wanted to say but my stomach felt like clothes in a dryer the way it was turning.

After what felt like forever he finally spoke.

“Ashleigh” he said softly, “I’m not entirely sure on what exactly I want to say”

My heart sank, that wasn’t the reply I was hoping for.

“But love, you have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say something like that”

Wait… what? Did he just say what I think he did? I looked over at him. He was smiling.

“Really?” my voice squeaked.

“Awh darling don’t look so scared” he gently placed his hand on my cheek and kept it there, “I love you Ashleigh, I have for quite a long time”

I stared at him blankly not sure what to say or do.

His cute smile and the warmth of his hand was over bearing, all I wanted to do was kiss him at this point. Flint moved closer to me as did his face. It was almost like he was reading my mind. But just as he was about to kiss me we heard shuffling coming from my closet.

Damn you Josie.

Flint turned and stared at the closet with a confused look on his face then turned to look at me. I just shrugged. He looked over at the closet once more and out popped a Josie.

Flint let out a girlish scream causing Josie and I to go into a fit of laughter. Even though she ruined the moment that was about to happen Flint’s scream was totally worth it.

“Damn it Josie!” he roared, “you scared the shit out of me! I thought you were some killer about to murder us!”

She just rolled on the ground laughing and holding her stomach.

“Awh come on Flint” I said giving him a quick hug, “you should have known something like this would happen, after all she is a creeper”

He nodded in agreement but the look of anger stayed on his face.

“I think I’m going to go before he attacks me” Josie said picking herself up off the ground. She walked over and hugged us then jumped out my window which was followed by a thump and an ow, followed by her saying “I didn’t think it was that high up”

The look of anger disappeared from Flint’s face and he couldn’t help but laugh at that.

For the next hour the two of us sat on my bed and talked about things while listening to music. That night I fell asleep in his arms completely happy.

When Josie returned from the bathroom the three of us went back up to my room.

“I’m bored” Josie said throwing herself onto my bed, then proceeded to jump up and down on it.

I chuckled.

“Me too” Ashleigh agreed joining Josie on the bed, “but I have to admit jumping on your bed is pretty fun Flint” she smiled.

“Haha just don’t break it” I said sitting on a beanbag chair.

“Know what would make it more fun?” Josie asked.

“Oh god” you could hear the worry in my voice.

“What?” Ashleigh asked curious.

Josie got an evil grin before throwing herself at Ashleigh and tickled her.

“NOOOOOO!” Ashleigh screamed with laughter.

Josie just continued tickling her with laughter.

“Flint! HELP!!” Ashleigh cried still laughing.

I wasn’t sure if I should help her and risk being attacked myself, or just watch. Watching seemed safer.

“I think I’m dying!” Ashleigh continued to laugh, I could see tears forming in her eyes.

After a few more minutes of Josie tickling Ashleigh, she finally had enough and threw Josie to the floor. I watched appalled at the site, I had never seen Ashleigh do such a things. Being thrown to the floor only gave Josie more of a challenge, she enjoyed challenges. After laughing for a good minute Josie jumped back onto the bed and the tickling match had now turned into a king of the hill match.

“If you two break anything I’m killing you both” I stated as I walked over and grabbed my laptop.

“You love us too much” Josie said.

“That might be true, but I don’t think my mother would appreciate it”

She cringed, “I don’t think she likes me as it is”

“Well every time you come over you break something” I laughed.

She thought a moment, “good point”

Ashleigh took my distraction to her advantage and tried pushing Josie off the bed again, but Josie was too fast and blocked her attempt.

I took this time to check all my messages online. Probably not the smartest idea due to the fact that I get distracted easily and didn’t think to pay attention to the whispering sounds coming from my best friends. Mistake on my part. Those whispering sounds were the two of them plotting to attack me and well, they succeeded.

Josie ripped my laptop out of my hands and put it in a safe place while Ashleigh started tickling me to keep me from going anywhere. Oh how I wish I wasn’t ticklish. For the next ten minutes all you could hear was laughter. Thankfully my mom came home to save me, who knows how long they would have kept it up.

“There better not be any baby making going on up there!” she yelled up the stairs, I could tell by her voice she was smiling.

“Yeah mom we’re having a kinky orgy up here” I shouted back down to her.

“Ashleigh and Josie staying for dinner?”

Ashleigh giggled.

“I like how she knows it’s us” Josie whispered to Ashleigh giggling.

I laughed, “you guys staying?”

“I have to go home and take care of my baby kitty” Josie said, “I’ll probably come back in time for dessert though”

“Like always” I rolled my eyes then turned to Ashleigh, “Ash?”

“I’ll text my mum” she said whipping out her phone.

“Well?” my mother shouted.

“Josie will be here at her normal time and Ashleigh is a maybe” I shouted back.

“Okay, well I’m making home made pizza so just let me know if I should make more”

“Okay mom” I rolled my eyes again. She should know to always make more in our house since people were always over.

“My mum says I can stay for dinner” Ashleigh smiled.

“Lucky” Josie said, “I love home made pizza here, stupid parents out of town”

“Wait, your parents are out of town?” I asked.

She nodded.

“And you didn’t tell us?!” Ashleigh exclaimed.

“I thought I told you guys? Haha oops my bad”

“When do they get back?” I asked.

“Two weeks”

“OH MY GOD SLEEPOVER THIS WEEKEND!!!” Ashleigh blurted out unable to contain her excitement.

“Haha alright, let’s plan this later? I gotta go take care of my kitty”

Ashleigh and I nodded before Josie gave us both hugs and left.

“I can’t believe she didn’t share that information with us” I laughed.
“I know!” Ashleigh replied, “I’m actually really surprised because out of the three of us she’s the one who can’t keep things quiet”

“Haha that’s for sure, remember when she first got her car?”

“Yeah and she practically told the entire world” she giggled as she remembered.

“She’s so weird”

“Yeah but everyone loves her, it’s hard not to”

“That’s for sure”

“Flint…”

“Yes dear?”

“I’m still bored”

I laughed, “what do you think we should do about it?”

“Uhm… crap” she laughed.

I chuckled, neither of us could ever think of something to do. We always ended up stalking cuties online together or layed in my bed and watched tv, which is what we ended up doing. Who doesn’t enjoy laying around with their best friend watching tv?

The two of us watched Jackass until my mother announced that the pizza was ready. We raced each other down to the kitchen, Ashleigh tripped at the bottom of the stairs so I ended up winning. This usually happened.

We grabbed some pizza then returned to my room to continue watching Jackass.

“Want a dew?” I asked looking over at Ashleigh.

She had just taken a huge bite of pizza so she just nodded.

I chuckled and grabbed two cans of Mountain Dew from the mini fridge next to my bed and handed her one. She smiled in thanks.

“You know sometimes I wish we had a show like this” Ashleigh said after she had finished eating.

“Oh yeah?” I asked taking the last bite of my pizza.

“Mhm, when you, me, and Josie are together it’s not much different” she grinned.

“Haha aint that the truth. Maybe we should just start making random videos like this and edit them into our own tv show”

A sudden look of excitement spread across her face, “that’s actually a good idea”

“Oh god” I laughed realizing what I just got myself into.

“Oh don’t give me that” she laughed giving me a look, “come to think of it I’m pretty dang sure Josie has a video camera lying around somewhere in that mess she calls a room”
“What doesn’t she have lost in that dreadful place?”

“A hot guy” she laughed, “wait, she actually might haha”

“Wow” I laughed, “should we go over there?

“Nawh let’s wait for her to come here, saves us the effort of digging through all her crap”

“Ah, true” I shivered at the thought of searching through her stuff.

“We’d probably get sucked in” Ashleigh giggled.

“Most likely, I’m surprised her kitten hasn’t been eaten in there yet”

“Poor thing is probably too scared to step foot in there”

I nodded, “are you finished?” I asked looking at her plate.

She nodded.

I grabbed both our plates and took them downstairs to the kitchen. It was filled with the scent of chocolate cake, and the evidence of my mother making it was scattered all over the counters.  The timer on the oven still had quite a bit of time left so I returned upstairs to watch tv with Ash.

After getting resituated on my bed next to her I decided to text Josie.

“Hey love” I sent.

“eyy baybayyy”

“Lmao baybayyy?”

“mhm :p”

“Weirdo :P What are you doing?”

“cuddling wiff mah kitty =]”

“Awh :] Are you coming back over tonight?”

“depends”

“On?”

“what’s your mom making for desert :p”

“Lmao wow Josie. But if you must know, she is baking chocolate cake :]”

“CHOCOLATE CAKE! I’m coming over.  Now now now now now now now. Now”

“So you’re coming over now then?”

“smart ass.”

I laughed and put my phone back into my pocket. Josie was so cute with just about everything she did, even calling me a smartass.

It was sunset and the sun was going down leaving a nice orange glow over all the trees, it looked quite beautiful from where I was sitting. The tree behind my house was my favorite spot to just go sit in and relax. It was surrounded by other trees but this one was the tallest which made it my favorite. That and it was the easiest to climb. I often took my camera up there. It was just such a peaceful place. It gave the feeling that nothing in the world was wrong, nothing could hurt me, nothing else existed but what was around me.

No one else knew of this spot either, I’d never shown anyone not even my best friends Josie and Ashleigh. If they knew of this spot it would no longer be peaceful. Don’t get me wrong I love the them to death, but when we are together things are nothing short of high maintenance.

“Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer, do you know you‘re unlike any other?  You‘ll always be my thunder”
The sound of my phone ringing just about made me fall out of the tree.

“Hello?” I answered.

“What are you doing minty?” Ashleigh asked.

“Jack shit. What’re you doing?”

“Nothing. Come over?”

“Is your brother home?”

“Er… yeah”

“No thanks. Mall?”

“Okay! There was this cute top I wanted to get there anyway”

I laughed, “alright, meet you there?”

“Okey doke”

“Bye darling”

“Later beefcake”

I grinned and closed my phone. I loved all the nicknames that my best friends have given me, somehow it always got me to smile. They were odd ones, but it made us the perfect trio.

Carefully I slid my phone back into my pocket then made my way down the tree until I was safely on the ground. There were a few times that I had fallen out of that tree, but I was skilled at not almost dying now.

After brushing the bark and leaves off my pants I ran into the house to grab my car keys and ipod. I never drove anywhere without my ipod, that’s like going somewhere without pants.

The sound of Job for a Cowboy could be heard for blocks while I drove to the mall. Having an amazing stereo system in my car made me happy. I could care less what people thought of what I listened to, or if it annoyed them that I blasted it louder than I probably should. People in the mall parking lot turned and stared when they heard me coming. They always did. Wouldn’t you look if you heard that loud of music heading towards you? I know I would.

It didn’t take long for me to park and find Ashleigh inside, she was in the food court getting a smoothie. I grinned when I noticed her wearing the shirt I bought her for her birthday.

“Hey” she smiled when she saw me, “want one?”

“Do you have to ask?” I smirked.

She rolled her eyes then turned to the person behind the counter, “make that two actually”

Ashleigh handed the girl money then a couple minutes later she handed us our smoothies. Juice Stop was one of the greatest things ever, especially when you have them add Red Bull to your drink. Something that Ashleigh and I always did.

“Where to first?” I asked.

She was drinking her smoothie very contently so she just pointed in the direction.

I laughed at her.

We ended up at Hot Topic so she could get the new top she wanted. It was the latest shirt from The Rasmus. She was completely obsessed with the band, more so obsessed with the singer Lauri. After she handed the cashier money and we walked out of the store she squealed for joy.

“I can’t wait to wear this now” she said, “I don’t even know if I want to wear it, just kind of want to stare at it for a long time”

“But if you wore it you’d have his face all over your boobs” I stated.

“Oh my god you’re right! I’ll wear it to bed” she grinned.

I laughed at her, she was quite adorable.

We walked around the mall for a little while longer before deciding it was too boring and went to my house.

“So I’m not going to lie but the mall really sucks these days” I said throwing my keys onto the nightstand next to my bed.

“Yeah I agree” Ashleigh said, “there aren’t even any cute guys that go there anymore!”

“Because it’s all about the cute guys” I laughed at her.

She grinned, “don’t even deny it”

“Yeah, yeah. Speaking of cute people” I grabbed my laptop and sat on the bed, “I’m going to check my myspace”

“Geek”

“Hey!” I stared at her.

“What?”

“I don’t know” I laughed.

“Haha, I’m going to go raid your fridge because I am starved to shit!”

I laughed at her as she ran out of my room down to the kitchen.

As soon as I logged onto Myspace Josie noticed I was on and demanded I got on msn. Giving into her wishes I logged on msn where I was attacked with ims from her.

“FLINT!!!” she typed, “I’m so fucking bored what are you doinggg?”

“Lmao” I typed back, “I just got back from the mall, Ashleigh is here”

“Your house?”

“Yes :]”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes”

She then logged off. Josie was the kind of person who came over without asking, but her personality made up for it. She was always great to be around.

I continued checking my Myspace and chatting with friends online until I heard someone running, then a loud crash, followed by girls laughter. Josie had obviously arrived which made me smile. I closed my laptop and made my way downstairs where I found Josie and Ashleigh laying on the floor next to each other tossing with laughter.

“Do I even want to know?” I grinned at my two best friends.

They both shook their heads, their eyes filled with tears from laughing. Ashleigh was the first to calm herself.

“I think Josie broke something” she wiped tears from her face.

“Hmm?”

She pointed to what used to be a small table with a plant on it. That table was now in pieces and the plant was scattered all over the floor.

Josie continued to laugh. Oh how I love her and Ashleigh’s little laughing attacks.

“Wow Josie” I grinned, “you always find a way to make an entrance”

Ashleigh chuckled as Josie continued to laugh harder.

“I think she’s dying”

“Hmm” I crouched over Josie, which somehow made her laugh even more, “I think maybe someone has just had a little too much caffeine today?”

Ashleigh walked over and grinned, “seems that way”

“Oh dear, oh dear”

After a few moments Josie finally calmed herself then announced she had to pee and ran to the bathroom. I’m surprised we didn’t hear another crash on the way.

Back when we were younger and started becoming good friends, I’d ask my mother if she could come over, her response was always- “Give me ten minutes to Josie-proof the house”. I never understood when we were younger, but now a days I do. She was quite clumsy at times, but we love her anyway.

Ashleigh was also pretty clumsy at times, she was more of the kind that runs into walls though. I found it cute, Josie always got a good laugh out of it. Compared to those two I was pretty graceful. I wouldn't change either of them for the world.