ATTENTION ALL WRITERS!!

I attended the Teen Author's Boot Camp yesterday, and one of the things all the authors there stressed so much was to start a writing critique group, which is exactly what I intend to do. This group would consist of whatever writers wish to join me. We will set up a schedule where we will send out a piece of writing to the others in the group and they will critique it seriously based on whatever that assigned writer asks for. One writer will send their piece out to the rest, and will recieve feedback, and then the next week, a different person does the same. So on and so forth. I'm looking for people who love to write, and want serious feedback and will be willing to give the feedback. If you're interested, comment below, and leave your email address. Invite friends you know that are writers. The more the merrier!

And now, enjoy the next chapter of Kiss It Better.

Chapter Three:

Abby walked back to Mrs. Starling's classroom and sat quietly in the back. As there was nothing for her to do, she busied herself with her lyrics book. Abby wasn't one for drawing or artsy things, but she loved to write. Her life consisted mostly of reading and writing songs, and trying—mostly unsuccessfully—to write a tune. She could play her guitar just fine, but when it came to writing a tune for something she wrote the words to, it wasn't as easy. Most of her songs were about her curse, but she cleverly disguised them as break up songs, or cute little love songs. Only Nikki had guessed that they weren't all they seemed, but she didn't know the real meaning of them. No one would. Occasionally Abby had dropped hints that there was something that would happen before the end of the year that would change their lives, but no one ever thought anything about it. They were seniors. Of course something life changing would happen.

I was helpless to save you

Left you bleeding

What have I done?

Now I need your saving grace

If only to break free

I long to have you with me.

Abby's eyes started to tear up as she thought of Kartik's face, covered in scarlet, his blue eyes vacant and lifeless, and the murderous sneer of his brother searing her shoulders. She hadn't saved him. She could have saved him. If she could go back in time and change anything, it would be that instance. She wouldn't think twice of stepping in front of Kartik and sacrificing herself for him. He would have saved her... and what did she do for him? Nothing.

Suddenly her phone buzzed in her pocket, drawing her out of her mourning. She sniffled, trying to hide her shining eyes and slipped her phone out of her pocket and glanced at the screen. It was a text from her brother. Food here or at home? Abby rolled her eyes. Of course he was worried about food. Her parents were both at work at this point, so they wouldn't know if the two came home for food, but Abby didn't know how much food was actually in the fridge. Here. I'm not sure if mom has gone shopping yet. Ryan never answered, and Abby figured it meant he was brooding. She tuned into the last part of the lesson, and waited until the bell rang. She waited for the students to file out of the classroom, said goodbye to Mrs. Starling, and walked into the massive hallway crowd. As she attempted to navigate her way through the bodies, two heavy arms suddenly dropped around her neck over her shoulders. She glanced down, noting the familiar scar that ran the length of his lower arm and smiled.

“Hey baby, how's your day been?” Kaden asked, walking in step behind her.

“Great, but like I tell you every day, I'm not your baby.” Abby said resolutely, keeping her eyes fixed on her path.

He was quiet for a time, just following behind her, never letting her go. “Would you be?” he asked sincerely.

Her breath caught in her throat and she choked. “W-what?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” He stepped around her, so he was walking backward staring into her with his deep chocolate eyes. “I've waited long enough to ask you.”

Abby's heart fluttered. Could he be the one to save her? She stared up at him for a while, only stopping when they reached the commons area. He hadn't let go of her, and stared intensely at her, waiting for an answer. She didn't know why she couldn't just say yes. He was a good kid. And a great friend. He had always been there for her, sworn he would protect her, and keep her happy, all the benefits of fierce friendship. That's exactly what she didn't want to lose: the friendship.

“I... Kaden, I would say yes, but what's to stop something from ruining our friendship if we break up? I don't want to lose a great friend like you.” Abby admitted, looking shamefully down at her feet.

She always felt as if she turned away all the boys she needed to save her. Every knight in shining armor that had ever presented himself she had turned away believing there was another right around the corner.

“Give me a chance, I promise I won't mess up our friendship if it doesn't work.” he begged, his eyes becoming sad. “I've just been too intimidated by you until now to be anything more than friends. I've wanted it for so long, but you're a strong, smart, and beautiful girl, and that's scary.”

Abby swallowed the lump in her throat, and before her logic could protest she said, “You have to promise me you'll be there for me. Always.” She watched his reaction; there was no twitch, no pause nothing before his eyes lit up and a smile broke over his face.

“I promise,” he scooped her into a hug. “I'll always be there for you.”

A warm rush flooded her chest. Her excitement peaked, but fear set in. What if he wouldn't save her? What if he ran at the prospect of her death like the others had. Would he really live up to his promise to keep her safe always?

Still embracing their moment was disturbed when Austin and Nikki approached, bickering about something that had happened moments before. Austin towered over the girl, being at least a foot taller than her even in her four inch heels. She was arched backward, her dark brown eyes locked onto his blue ones. She wasn't about to back down, and would happily take Austin in a fight, but her slight frame would be nothing against the football player.

“I'm telling you, I meant nothing by what I said.” she huffed, her cheeks slightly flushed in anger.

“Didn't sound like it to me.” he countered, a smirk on his face. “In fact, it sounded as if someone admitted their feelings for someone else.”

Nikki's cheeks reddened. Opening her mouth to make a return comment, she found herself without words, and ended up making a series of huffing sounds before she finally snorted and turned away, folding her arms over her chest. Austin's smirk widened, and his eyes narrowed .

“Told you it meant something.”

Her hand was in his gut faster than they could blink. Surprised, he closed his hand over hers, staring in beweilderment for a time before dropping her hand.

“You've got a wicked jab.” he said, another smile breaking over his face.

“I can do worse. You better watch yourself. I could kick your trash.” Nikki replied, glaring up at him.

Austin chuckled, and looked at Abby, still safely tucked into Kaden's arms. The smile vanished and a frown quickly replaced it.

“What are you two doing standing there like that?” he asked

“Is it a crime to hug my girlfriend?” Kaden said, glancing down at Abby then back to Austin.

“Girlfriend?” Austin laughed, “You're not serious, are you? I thought Abby was against boyfriends.” He looked at Abby as if he expected her to confirm his words.

“I'm not against them,” she said, “I just haven't had the best of luck with them. That's all. But we're trying something new, and yes, I'm his girlfriend.”

Nikki squealed and quickly ripped Abby out of Kaden's arms and towed her to the lunch room. She walked in silence the entire way until they stopped in line when she suddenly bombarded Abby with thousands of questions in one breath.

“Geez woman, slow down or you're going to pass out!” Abby laughed. “One at a time!”

“When did this happen!? It's only like the first half of the first day! Keep your pants on woman,” Nikki teased.

“Haha, very funny. It happened like two minutes ago. I was opposed to it at first because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. But we'll just see how it works out.”

Nikki turned to her with a sly smile. “Is he going to turn into one of your mushy songs?”

Abby blushed. “No.... maybe. I don't know!”

Nikki nodded fiercely, congratulating herself on embarrassing Abby once again. The girls talked throughout the lunch line about their classes. Abby told her about Study Hall, and Math. When Nikki found out she had to stay stuck up in a room with Brittany for an hour and a half every other day, she nearly passed out.

“I am so sorry babe, I would shoot her.” Nikki proclaimed, loud enough for the rest of the people near them to hear. “Brittany is a brat.”

“That's not even the worst part,” Abby continued. “Marek is in that class too. He sits right next to me, and I've to to deal with Brittany's gaga stares across the room the entire period.”

“Marek? Is he cute?” she waggled her eyebrows as they purchased their food. “What's he look like? Red head?”

“No, quite the opposite. He's got black hair, and hazel eyes. He's got to be an athlete with that body, and he's relatively quiet. But his accent is amazing” she shivered thinking of the sound of his voice. “Oh, and you were right about Brittany being all up on him. They were sucking face in the hall during third period.”

Nikki's eyes grew wide. “No way, already?”

“Yes, and that's not the worst part. You know Oliver Greene?” Abby paused while her friend thought for a moment and nodded. “He and Brittany were together until the two of us found her eating Marek. I felt so bad for him! Mostly because he was ever dating her, but it's always sad when someone finds out their girlfriend is cheating right beneath their nose. Literally.”

Nikki frowned sadly, “Poor kid, he's a great guy. Why would he ever date the likes of her?”

Abby rolled her eyes. “I've got one easy explanation for that one. Head cheerleader, and football star. They always end up together, don't you understand high school stereotypical relationships? Geez Nik, I expected better from you.”

Nikki laughed. “You're right. You can never escape that stupid mindset.” She sighed. “Why won't the football players date normal girls?” she stared off out the window toward the football field.

“Don't you mean why won't one particular football player date a normal girl named Nikki Flanders?”

Nikki went rigid, her face flushing pink.

“It's not a secret. I've known that's what you were after for a while now. He's just... well a football player. Why don't you ask him out?” Abby suggested, scanning the lunchroom for the boys. They were sitting on a table at the far end of the room, laughing with each other. “In fact, why don't we double? Kaden and I can come, and you can ask Austin. It won't be weird that way. And then you can move on from there.”

Before Nikki could answer, the air around them became thick with icy tension.

“Excuse me, but I do believe you're sitting at our table, freaks.” Brittany's voice was like the ice age. “Move. Now.”

The girls glared up at the cheerleader, her squad flanking her sides, and gathered their things. “One day you're going to get what you deserve, whore.” Nikki spat as they retreated from the table.

“Doubt it.” she jeered, sneering at them.

Nikki raised her arms and flipped her off. “Brat.”

Meep.

WOOOOOO! Here comes chapter two!!! But before I do, I have some quotes for you!!!! (PS that all ryhmed.)

"I have standards. Ish..." Cynthia Chan. I love you!!!!!!

"Your hair smells like.... an ocean breeze on a warm day." Kaden Hendrickson. He smelled my hair on the field trip for zoology, and that's a direct quote. It was the funniest thing I've ever heard him say. And no one has ever described my hair like that before.

"He who does not believe in his friends, does not believe in himself!" ME. I was trying to say he who does noe believe in himself cannot believe in his friends, but it was late and I was tired, but i do like the way it actually came out.

Now, onto chapter two!!

Chapter Two: Change

 

“Marek? Very Scottish sounding.” Abby laughed. “Have you seen him?”

Nikki shook her head, hitting her cheek with her long black braid. “No, but Brittany sure has. He's living with her family. That slut. She's going to be all up in his business. American Style.”

Austin bent over Nikki's shoulder, a sly grin on his face, giving her a long once over. “American style, huh? You'll teach me that one sometime?”

“Only in your dreams.” Nikki countered, taking two quick strides away from him.

“I'll hold you to that one!” Austin called, joining the boys in laughter.

Nikki rolled her eyes and linked arms with Abby, quickening their pace to distance themselves from the boys. The girls compared their schedules. They shared U.S. History together since the two of them had neglected to take it until their Senior year, as well as P.E. The bell rang from the school just before they stepped inside. Nikki waved at Abby as she dashed down the hall. Her first class wasn't a class at all. She had Study Hall. Free pass to sleep for another hour. How that class had even ended up on her schedule she had no idea because she wouldn't need it. Abby always did her homework and stayed on top of things. She smiled to herself remembering the only A- she had ever received. She was a smart girl. Always had been. With a sigh she strode through the library doors and into a room full of slackers.

The librarian looked up and smiled. “Oh, hello Abby,” she said sweetly. “I'm so glad to see you! How was your summer?”

Abby smiled. Clarissa was young, only 24, and newly married. Abby had made friends with her in her Sophomore year when she spent most of her time as a recluse in the back corner of the library. It was an awkward stage of her life where nothing seemed to work right, and everyone was against her. Abby put her backpack on one of the tables where the other students were sitting and approached the counter Clarissa stood behind.

“It was great, I spent a lot of time with the family though.” Abby sighed, leaning her back against the counter and staring at the class. “It was a pain most of the time. Especially since Cindy is starting to realize she has to act like a girl if she wants boys to like her. That's a whole different story though,” The door opened and man walked in. He was young, probably not older than 26. He approached the desk and leaned over it, giving Clarissa a kiss. Abby turned to smile at her. “Nice catch. Is he the Study Hall teacher?”

She nodded. “Thanks, this is his first year teaching. He's also teaching Health. We're happy, even if the pay isn't too great.” she said, smiling at her husband across the room.

Abby took her place at the table and shouted for roll call, then listened as Mr. Fevre explained the rules for the class. Abby pretended to listen, staring idly past his shoulder and doodling designs on her notebook. The class passed in a haze. When the bell rang Abby nearly toppled out of her chair. She jumped up, tucking her notebook into her bag and made her way to her next class. The bane of her existence. Math. She slipped into the room, sitting in the back corner near the door hoping the teacher wouldn't give them assigned seats. As the room started to fill up, she heard the high pitch laugh of Brittany Knols float through the door. Abby cringed, curling over her desk and hoping the laugh wouldn't come through the door. Unfortunately, it did.

Abby glanced over her shoulder, seeing the obnoxious blond slip in the door with an entourage coming in behind her. She laughed loudly again, and Abby noticed the boy she was clinging to. She had never seen him before. He was tall; nearly a foot taller than Brittany, which put him somewhere around 6' 2. He had short black hair combed up into a small fo-hawk, and bright hazel green eyes. He was well built and lean, definitely an athlete. She couldn't take her eyes off him as he crossed the room with Brittany and her cronies. Abby watched him for a moment, fearing one of the girls would give her the stink eye, and looked away as he looked up in her direction.

“When I call your name, please come to the seat I point to.” the teacher boomed.

He began calling out names and the room slowly shifted as people moved from seat to seat. Abby ignored all the names until she heard her name called and managed to focus on the seat which had been pointed out. She quietly moved across the room and slipped into her chair, extracting a notebook from her bag and slapping it onto her desk. Her row was among one of the last to be called, the only empty seat was to her right against the wall, and there was only one person left standing in the back of the room.

“Marek Bain,” the teacher announced, turning and stomping to the front of the room.

Abby slowly turned to look at the boy who sat down. He stared back, no expression on his face. Abby smiled, hoping to break the awkward silence that had settled between them.

“Hi,” she said, “I'm Abby Wurthington. It's nice to meet you.”

He smiled, “I'm Marek Bain.” his accent was thick, stressing the middle of each word. “It's nice to meet you, too.”

A shiver ran down Abby's spine. Kartik had been Scottish, and she had grown to love and long to hear their accents. She opened her mouth to speak again, but was shushed by the loud voice of their teacher. Abby stared straight forward, taking notes on the needed materials for the course. She kept her eyes on her page, careful not to look up, or at Marek. She could tell he was staring either at her, or over her, probably at Brittany. Abby stole a quick glance across the room at Brittany who was making cutesy faces at Marek. Abby gagged, drawing the attention of Brittany, who glared harshly across the room. She looked back at her paper, not daring to look up again. Brittany had tormented Abby since the first day of second grade, and never let up. Brittany always had to be better than Abby in every way, except when it came to grades. Those were the portions of triumph Abby held, but grades didn't make people like you—unless they happened to be nerds. Oddly enough, they were the only people who seemed to be attracted to her as well. Abby sighed internally. She had her fair share of nerds and knew that they never came through when the situation got sticky.

Abby was pulled from her thoughts when a bright pink paper was waved impatiently in front of her face. She snatched it out of the air and put it on her desk. She sighed, not bothering to look at the paper for longer than a few seconds. Disclosure documents were a waste of paper; no one ever really read them. While the class followed along with the teacher, Abby stared at the back of the person in front of her. She noted the way they hunched their shoulders forward in a hulking manner, and she could picture them waiting in a dark alley to spring at some poor victim. She shivered; she needed to stop thinking about being attacked and enjoy her life while it lasted. The rest of the class passed in a dull roar, and when the bell rang, Abby gathered her things quickly to avoid Brittany. When she stood and hopped out of her desk she found herself pressed uncomfortably against Marek's body in the tight row. Her face turned bright red as she looked up at him. He was staring down at her, a bemused smirk upon his lips.

“S-sorry, I didn't mean... I wasn't paying attention.” Abby muttered and stepped sideways away from him.

He smiled. “'S okay, don't worry abou' it.” he replied.

Abby smiled, but the unmistakable sound of Brittany clearing her throat made Abby move out of the room without another word. She trekked down the hall to the front office where the TAs were to meet. She found a few people she knew from years previous, but no one she really would talk to. Counting the ceiling tiles in the office she didn't notice the tall blonde moving toward her.

“Hey, Abby... right?” he said with a nervous crooked smile.

Abby jerked back into reality and looked up at the boy. He was vaguely familiar to her, but she couldn't recall why. His hair fell in a short messy shag around his forehead, and his eyes were a soft shade of blue. He had a small amount of stubble on his square jaw, but the stubble made him all the more attractive.

Abby nodded, keeping her eyes on him. “Yeah, but... I don't remember you... sorry. I feel awful saying that.”

He laughed. “It's okay, I wouldn't expect you to remember me.” He looked away for a moment, staring at the ceiling. “You were always busy counting ceiling tiles I don't think you ever really looked at me, though you were looking in my direction. We had Health together last year with Coach Nelson. You sat across the room from me, but you never seemed to be paying attention.”

Abby blushed. “Oh. Well I...” she paused. I've taken hundreds of Health classes in my life, and they're all the same. “couldn't really focus on the lessons with Coach Nelson's voice. He makes me feel like I'm on the football team with all the short caveman sentences. So... you must be... um...”

“Oliver Greene, football player.”

Abby turned a darker shade of red. “Oh my gosh, I didn't mean anything by that comment earlier!”

He laughed again. It was a lighthearted laughter that made her smile.

“It's fine. Some of us are more eloquent than others.”

The secretary stood up suddenly and started speaking. “Well, if you're here, you're my new set of TAs. Come tell me what teacher you would like to be with, and then you can go collect their signature and be out of my hair. Please also be aware that we do need office assistance....”

The mass of students swarmed forward and started requesting names. Abby and Oliver moved forward, and each requested a name. When they had their slips, the two of them exited the room and made their way to the classes, which happened to be across the hall from each other. Oliver had chosen Coach Nelson, and Abby had chosen the Mythology teacher, Mrs. Starling. Quite happily Mrs. Starling signed the paper and sent Abby back to the office. She met up with Oliver on the way.

“Just can't get enough of him, can you?” she teased, smiling up at him.

He looked down at her. “I picked him because I know I can just sit around. He never makes his TA do anything.” Oliver countered jokingly.

As the two turned the corner, they found themselves face to face with the lip-locked Marek and Brittany. His first day and he's already getting lessons, American Style. Ew. I hope he gets Herpes or something. Abby thought to herself, staring at the scene. Oliver tensed beside her and made a noise a little like a gasp and as squeak. The pair broke apart, Brittany hiding behind Marek until she noticed Oliver standing there.

“Oh,” she said, her voice a bit husky, “Oliver. Hi. I... we... it's not what you think.”

“Then what is it?” his tone edged on a viscous note.

“I was just... Oliver, please baby, can we talk about this?” Brittany stepped around Marek, her big blue eyes pleading with Oliver. “I messed up. I love you.”

“Sure looks like it.” His eyes narrowed at her. “Glad to know this is how you show your feelings. You can keep her mate, I don't want an infidel.”

Oliver turned on his heel and headed for the office, his shoulders square and rigid with anger. Abby felt sorry for him; she hadn't known he was dating Brittany, but to see such a great guy get hurt like that made her upset. She looked at Brittany, whose eyes were glossing with tears, and grimaced. She was so shallow. Then she noticed the curious stare of Marek. He almost seemed to be studying her. Feeling uncomfortable under his stare, she walked to the office, and found Oliver handing his paper over, a dour glare fixed on his brow. When he turned her way, his gaze softened slightly. Abby handed her paper to the secretary and left with him.

“I'm sorry about her. She's.... well. She's a skank and a great guy like you doesn't need a scumbag like that.” Abby spat.

Oliver started laughing. “I like your spunk, Abby.”

Stuffs.

Well, I am pleased to present you with the first chapter of the story that the majority of you voted for! You probably know what it is, especially if your name is Erin... or Nikki... But the majority vote was for my story Kiss it Better. So, without further delay, I bring you chapter one!

Some Wounds Just Don't Heal

She screamed as a strong arm pulled her into the darkness of the nearest alleyway; she felt the stocky form of a large man pressed up behind her, his breath puffing onto the top of her head. Stepping out of the darkness and onto the dim and empty street, he pressed a revolver to her temple, his other arm clamped firmly around her neck, squeezing just tight enough to frame her vision with murky black fringes. She clawed at his arm, hoping to free herself, but knew struggling was pointless. She wouldn't be escaping. The man was saying something to the boy—Michael—she had been walking with. He trembled, his eyes growing wide in fear. She tried to pull against the man, but his grip on her throat tightened. She could feel her life slowly slipping away from her, and felt the gun being repeatedly tapped against her temple. Her eyes remained locked on Michael, only a twinge of fear remaining in her now. She watched, waited and hoped that he would step forward. That he would be the one. The gun pushed harder against her skull. Time was running out. The attacker's finger tightened around the trigger.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. “Michael, please!” she cried, praying he would save her. “Do something...”

Michael stood, his lip trembling as tears filled the corners of his eyes. He didn't move. He didn't speak, and without a second thought, the attacker pulled the trigger putting a bullet through her brain.

Abby sat bolt upright, her hand clenched against her chest. Her heart raced, thudding loudly in her chest. Her hair and clothes clung to her from the light sheen of sticky sweat that coated her body. She gulped in deep breaths, trying to calm herself. The gunshot still rang loudly in her ears as she ran her fingers through her damp hair. The dreams were becoming more frequent now. They came at least once a day, if not more. With a few more deep breaths she finally felt her heart rate slow. Sinking back into her bed she sighed. No more sleep tonight. She never slept after the nightmares. Rolling onto her side she glanced at the bright green numbers on her clock. It was four thirty in the morning on the first day of the last school year of her life. Her birthday was May sixteenth; she would never live to graduation. She never did.

She rolled out of bed, sitting with her head in her hands, her dark brown hair falling over her shoulders. She closed her eyes tightly, seeing Michael's face once more before the world faded to black. He had been so scared. She wanted to reach out, to be the one to tell him it would be okay, that everything would work out just the way it was meant to. And it did. Stepping off her bed she she crept out of her room and quietly down the stairs into the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of cold milk from the fridge and heard a door open and shut from another room. Her father walked into the room, dressed for work, sipping his coffee professionally.

“You're up early,” he commented, “excited for school?”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah, super excited.” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I had a nightmare.”

He eyed her carefully. “About... school?”

“No,” she sighed, “It's the same as usual. Don't worry.” she waved dismissively, hoping he would change the subject.

He stood, watching her quietly. She knew he did worry, but couldn't bring herself to care. It was always harder when the parents knew about the dreams, but what could she do to change it? Nothing. It wasn't her job to change things. It never had been. Smiling weakly at him she put her empty glass in the sink and gave him a hug, wished him a nice day at work, and went back upstairs. She entered the bathroom, staring at herself in the mirror. She didn't see just herself. No. She saw the faces of countless boys who had failed to save her. And then she saw him. His bright blue eyes looked back at her through the mirror. He looked disappointed. She looked sadly back at him, reaching her hand forward to touch him, but her fingers met the glass, and could go no further. She longed to touch him, to feel his skin again, but he was gone and it was her fault he was dead. Because of it she lived a cursed life; doomed to live thousands of lives until someone did for her what she didn't for Kartik. Pulling herself away from his image in the mirror, she stepped into the shower, letting the hot water rush over her body. She reached her hand up and touched a finger gently to her temple, wincing at the memory of her death. She always remembered them. Some wounds just didn't heal.

Abby stepped out of the shower as the door started to rattle.

“Geez woman!” boomed the voice of her brother Ryan. “You've been in there for a million years! You're drying up the lake! Save some for the fishes why don't ya?”

Abby smiled to herself, suppressing a giggle as she imagined the ridiculous faces he had made while he spoke about the fishes. Sucking in a deep breath she pulled herself together, wrapped her towel around her soaked body, her long hair stuck to her shoulders in a menacing manner, and threw the door open, glaring daggers at him.

“If looks could kill.” He threw his arms up in surrender, brushing his shaggy blond hair away from his eyes. Abby stepped around him and padded down the hallway to her room. He stepped into the bathroom, and then stuck his head out. “Holy crap! It's like a frickin sauna in here!”

Abby ignored him, closing her door behind her. She flipped on the lights and glanced at the clock. Ryan had been right—for once—she had been in there forever. The radio clicked on, signaling her normal hour of awakening: six thirty. She let the music play while she dug through her drawers, extracting a pair of skinny jeans and a baggy black and white striped off the shoulder shirt. She dressed quickly, and started putting her hair in large curlers. Her hair naturally had a slight curl when it got wet, but in order to achieve her usual style of large gentle curls, the curlers were unfortunately needed. Abby put the last curler in, quick stepping across her room to check her backpack one more time. She had stuffed it full of notebooks the night before, and felt bitter about it the whole time. She wondered why she bothered going to school. None of it mattered anyway. She was just going to die. Because you've always met them at school. Abby thought, rolling her eyes at herself.

“They've always been at school.” she said aloud. “Stupid teenage boys who're afraid of commitment.”

Abby crossed the room again and sat on her bed, pulling her hair dryer out from under it, and began to dry her hair. Twenty minutes later, her hair fell in loose curls over her shoulders. Ryan had finally vacated the bathroom, and Cindy hadn't emerged from her room yet. Abby dashed to the bathroom and put he makeup on. Ten minutes later Ryan came from his room and announced to the entire house that breakfast was ready. Cindy's door flew open and she dashed down the stairs like a wild animal, nearly knocking Ryan over. Once everyone had gathered in the kitchen their mother served them each a nice stack of pancakes and drizzled her homemade maple syrup over the top.

“You look nice, Abby.” Cindy said through a mouthful of pancake.

Abby smiled. “Thank you, Cindy. Are you planning on going to school in your pajamas?” she asked, noting that her sister still wore her Pink Panther sleepwear. “Because, I don't you'll get too many friends on your first day of Junior High in Pink Panther pajamas.”

Cindy scowled, shoving another bite into her mouth. “I was gonna wear my kitty shirt.” she growled.

“I'll help you pick out some clothes tomorrow if you want.”

Cindy's face lit up, and the food nearly fell out of her mouth. “Reary?! Ohmygushfankyou!”

Ryan started laughing, staring in wonder at his little sister. “Calm down Cin, you're going to choke.” he put his hand on her shoulder, and looked at Abby. “So, Abs, are you driving today, or am I?”

Abby twisted a curl around her finger. “I'll drive,” she looked at the clock above the fireplace. “We've got to go if we're going to be on time.”

Chairs screeched across the floor as Abby and Ryan stood up quickly, determined to beat the other out to the car. They always fought about which car to drive, even if one of them wasn't driving. Ryan liked the sleek black '64 Camaro SS, but Abby preferred the bright orange '72 Dodge Charger. After snatching her things from her room, she raced to the garage, finding Ryan sitting in the Camaro, the keys in his hand.

“We're taking my car.” he declared. “We'll take yours tomorrow.”

Abby sighed, throwing her things into the back seat of the Camero. They drove the fifteen minutes it took to get to good ol' Altamoor High, and parked on the far end of the lot. Ryan was quick to bail out and ditch Abby for his friends across the lot, but Abby took her time, despite the fact she would be late. She looked up at the sky, wondering how long she would have to continue on this way. How many lives would she have to live before she would be freed from this curse. Suddenly a pair of strong arms clamped down around her waist, sweeping her off her feet. She shrieked, her heart rate spiking as a melodic laugh rang out beside her.

“Sheesh Abs, you'd think you were about to be murdered with a sound like that.” whispered a lush male voice in her ear.

“Well if you wouldn't sneak up on me, I wouldn't have to think such things.” Abby retorted. “Put me down Austin.”

When her feet touched ground, she turned to see her friends smiling. The only girl among them, Nikki, gathered her into a hug.

“You know there's a Scottish exchange student this year?” she whispered excitedly in Abby's ear.

“Oh?” Abby replied, backing out of the hug and falling into step with Nikki. “His name?”

“Marek.”

Writer's Block.

Okay, dear readers, I've hit a brick wall. I've started plotting out where I want Perfect Strangers to go, but it could take a while before I'm completely positive that I have the plot direction nailed down. So..... I'm sorry to say this, but I think Perfect Strangers is going to be put on hold for a bit. But! I still want to write some for ya. So, I'm going to steal Erin's idea and give you some blurbs about other stories and I need you guys to let me know which one you want to read. Get back to me either by text, or leave a comment! Let me know as soon as you can!!!


Branded: Sirens wailed in the distance, echoeing off the brick walls. They were catching up. Time was running short. They had come this far, they weren't giving up now. The lives of four average American teenagers takes a turn for the worst when they crash into an armored police car late one saturday night, inadvertently releasing a death row inmate--a lawyer named Anthony DinNoni. Little did they know, the crash was no accident and they had been thrown into a plot of deception and murder bigger than they could have ever imagined possible.

They Walk Among Us: Their mission was simple. Come to the inhabitants of Earth and teach them new medicine and advance technology. Aeros and Terra-- Yin and Yang-- were sent to fulfil this mission, but someone didn't want the teachings to reach Earth. Can this young pair of lovers rise above the adversities facing them with a doubting planet, and something unseen on their heels?

Kiss It Better: How many lives would she have to live before she could find the one that would give their life for her? Abby Wurthington is not the average teenager. No, she's lived thousands of lives before, never reaching the age of eighteen before meeting a violent death. She had crossed a witch, falling in love with her son, but with no magic in her blood, the enraged sorceress set a curse upon seventeen year old Abby. She would meet a violent end on the eve of her eighteenth birthday until the day she found true love. The boy who would put his life down to save her.

Me, My Sketchbook, and Ghosts: Kaleigh Fray spends most of her time watching people. The way they move, the way they stand, even the way they talk. She's an artist, and wants nothing more than to get her works out there for the world to see. On the night of her eighteenth birthday, she is in a terrible accident, and ends up in a coma for a month. When she wakes, she realizes she's not alone. She's never alone. Kaleigh can now see and speak to the spirits of those who have passed. They want their stories told, and there's only one way for Kaleigh to do that. Draw.

This is me.... its 1 am.

Now I'm sure you're all wondering why the heck I'm up at ONE FRICKIN AM. I have a simple explanation. Nikki. I had to do something to keep myself awake until she arrived back from choir tour since she couldn't go to her house because they destroyed her floors while she was gone. Yes, we've adopted her for the time being. So, in an attempt to keep myself up, I wrote chapter 15 for you. Finished at 1 am. I hope you all enjoy it. If it's really random, please forgive me. I was tired. I think i had to rewrite several words up to this point because i can hardly function. so if there are typos in the chapter...... forgive me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do this to please you!!!!!!!






That is a lot of empty space.





Here's more.....





Enjoy.

Chapter Fifteen

Stitch's words reverberated on the walls around me, making the walk almost haunting. I tried to glance over my shoulder at Stitch, but Cam bent down to whisper more.

“Now, I'd love not to have to guess this time, so can you give me some hints about what you like to do.” he said, smiling. “This date needs to be spectacular after all.”

“Oh,” I looked at him, forgetting Stitch for a moment. “I like anything outdoors. I don't know what there is to do around here, so I'm sure whatever you have planned will be great anyway!”

He squeezed my side, rubbing his hand up and down against my waist and tugging me into him. I put my arm around his waist, drawing him into a sideways hug, and strangely enough, I felt his lips against the top of my head. I blushed, drawing away quickly, but his hand stayed around my waist. I glanced over my shoulder at Stitch and noticed his eyes narrowed at us. I cocked my head sideways slightly, hoping to grab his attention, but to no avail. He extracted his phone from the depths of his pocket and quickly put it to his ear. I turned my face away, but kept my attention glued on his phone call.

“Hey, Leo,” he said, his voice strangely contrasting the sour look he had given us moments before. “You wouldn't happen to be around this week, would you?” He paused for a long time, listening to the voice on the other end of the call. “Great, well I need to see you soon.... yes, its for the exact reason you think. Is Cael around?....Figured he would be out with his girl. Yeah, leave it to him to keep her safe. It's like he doesn't trust us or something, but I wouldn't blame him. Sometimes we slip up.” He laughed heartily for a while. “I know, I know. He's probably better for the job anyway. But I do need to see you both before the end of this week. I'm going out of town... With some friends from school. We're going to Florida... Yes, like in the United States. Why? Laela, she's a... newer addition to the circle, and we're going back to her house next week since we don't have school. Kitty's mom is paying, bless her heart. Yeah, I'll be in touch...”

I glanced back at Stitch. He was smiling now. I wondered who he was talking with. Probably another old friend, but what was he referring to when he asked about Cael? Is his “girl” in trouble? Why would they have to protect her? My mind raced with questions, and just as I was burying them, Stitch hung up, giving me the opportunity to spring at him.

“Who was that?” I asked, staring at him over my shoulder.

He glanced up at me, surprised, as if seeing me standing there for the first time. “Oh... no one. Just a friend.” he said quickly, looking away to signal that the conversation had ended.

I felt my chest deflate, and my heart rate drop. His eyes darkened slightly while he looked at me, giving another signal that the conversation wouldn't be going any further than it had. I gave a weak smile, shrugging and noticed Kitty raise her shoulders in a shrug, staring at me to say “I don't understand either.” While we walked, people stopped Kitty right and left, asking about how her family was doing, and why they hadn't seen her mom around lately. She politely answered each of them, giving them short answers that didn't really get to the heart of the question. When we had reached the end of the stores, Kitty stopped us.

“Hang on, I've gotta run in here and see if Jen is around. My mom wanted me to tell her something.” she said, glancing thought the glass windows. “I'll be quick.”

She kissed Jay's cheek before dashing into the store, leaving us out in the quieting square. We settled into a corner, taking our place on a bench, saying very little. Everyone kept quiet glancing up and down the street. With a yawn, I stared up at the rosy sky. There were streaks of blues and purples mixed with bright pinks and oranges gently swirled together with wispy clouds. As I admired the sky, I heard a familiar voice calling to us from down the street.

“Hey guys! Fancy seeing you here!”

I looked down and noticed Daniel trotting down the street holding several bags in his hands. There was another person behind him, trying to keep up. When Daniel finally stopped in front of us, the tag-a-long caught up. It was a younger girl, white blonde curly hair with bright orange bangs. She looked slightly breathless as she pushed her curls out of her face. She smiled, her blue eyes sparkling.

“Hey Daniel,” I said, sitting up straight, smiling at the boy. “What are you doing out here?”

He raised his bags. “Shopping, duh.” he said.

I glanced at the girl. “Who's this?” I motioned to her with my chin, smiling.

“Oh, my name is Jayne. I'm Daniel's sister. You must be friends from school, right?” she said, smiling at us again.

We nodded, and muttered 'yeses.'

“What are you guys doing here?” Daniel glanced around, his eyes resting on Stitch. “Especially you, I would expect to find you sketching on the riverside this time of night. I mean, that's where I've found you before.”

Stitch chuckled. “This is true, but we're taking Laela to all our favorite places before we go back to Florida with her.” he replied.

Daniel's jaw dropped. “You're all going to Florida?! Why, when?”

“Next week since we don't have school.” Jay spoke up.

“We... oh yes, we don't have school. My family is going to Brussels to visit our grandparents.”

“Your family is from Belgium?” I asked.

Both Daniel and Jayne nodded. They looked almost like twins.

“So, Daniel,” Cam said, “You and Jayne are.... twins?”

The two of them laughed. “Nope,” Daniel said, glancing at his sister. “She's younger than me by two years. Don't worry though, everyone thinks we're twins. Maybe we should just start saying yes.”

I looked back at Daniel and Jayne, admiring their hair, and wishing again that I could dye my hair. “Hey, so the hair...” I said hesitantly, drawing attention from everyone. “You think we could get something with mine done before the end of the week?”

Daniel's face lit up. “Oh my gosh, yes! I'm sure Liam would be happy to get you in. What color are you thinking?”

“I... I don't know. I've never really done anything with my hair before. It's always been black. What color would you recommend?”

He raised his hand to his chin, stroking it thoughtfully. He looked at his sister for a moment, and then back at me.

“How daring are you? I was thinking teal or.... lavender.” he said.

I smiled. “Teal would be nice.”

“Sweet! I think Liam has some openings Thursday if that works for you.”

I agreed as Kitty came bounding back out of the store, holding another bag. She mentioned it was for her mom, and then greeted Daniel and Jayne, somehow knowing her. After chatting for a moment, we all made our way out of the Seven Dials district. After we had exited the island of buildings, Daniel and Jayne went their own way, leaving us alone again. Cam slung his arm around my waist again, making me uncomfortable. I didn't understand his need to constantly have his arm around me. It was, however, comforting to feel someone's arms around me, even if they were unwanted. We walked for a while, down another shopping district when another voice called out to us, but this time calling Cam's name. Cam turned, halting me with him.

He glanced down the street and smiled before I could even tell who he was looking at. A tall blond boy stepped out of a shop, waving at him. Cam waved back.

“Hey man, what are you doing out here?” Cam asked.

The boy stepped into the lamplight of the shop. It was Vance. He approached us slowly, his eyes never leaving me. He looked me up and down, his lips curling into a half smile, bordering on the lines of a smirk. He ran his hand through his shaggy blonde hair, casually stepping up. Kitty stepped up to my side, playfully glaring at Vance.

“What are you doing here, Vance.” she asked pointedly.

He looked at her, smiling. “Ouch, that was a little sharp, don't you think?” he sighed. Suddenly there was a pair of arms snaking around his waist. “I'm not here alone.”

The owner of the arms stepped around him and curled herself into his arms. She was a sultry looking red headed girl with long curly hair. She had fair skin and bright lavender eyes. She pressed herself into him, standing up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. My stomach knotted up, seeing the girl with her arms around him.

“I've just been out here shopping with Loraine.” he said nonchalantly, slinking his hand down her back dangerously low. “Most of the afternoon actually. How long have you been out here?”

“We've been out here for a few hours. Shopping.” Cam said, smiling at me.

“Shopping,” Stitch laughed, stepping up in Kitty's place next to me. He continued laughing heartily, his hand on his stomach, and the other running through his hair. “With Loraine?” he put his hand down, his knuckles brushing against mine.

My skin flared. I glanced up at him; he wasn't looking at me, instead his eyes were locked on Vance, glaring at him. The street grew silent, and the sounds of the world seemed to fade away. Stitch and Vance sneered at each other, their lips curling into growls. Suddenly Stitch's eyes locked onto the red-head, and he gave her a quick once over and then chuckled.

“Quite the step down for you, Vance” Stitch chuckled, giving the girl another once over. “Couldn't find anyone quite like her, could you? So you settled. Not very well either.”

Vance's lip curled, exposing his gleaming white teeth. He puffed his chest out, growling. Loraine clenched her hand tightly on his shirt, struggling to keep him from lashing out at Stitch. I looked at Stitch, amazed by his words. I couldn't believe he would say something like that about her. Especially while she was standing right there. Stitch smirked.

Vance's glare softened as he hugged Loraine tighter to him. “Seems we're both stuck,” Vance purred, “You can't seem to get her back either.”

His gaze flickered to me for a moment. I felt Stitch shake with rage next to me. Vance's eyes narrowed and his lips curled into a smirk. I felt Stitch's fist clench, his knuckles pressing against mine. I looked up at him; his emerald eyes were dark, and stygian, his expression even more so. Vance smirked victoriously, rubbing Loraine's back slowly as if to prove a point. Stitch stepped forward, his body stiff and humming with rage. I feared something terrible would happen, and tried to step forward to grab the back of Stitch's shirt, but Cam's arm tightened around my waist. Just as Vance's grip on Loraine's body loosened, Kitty jumped forward, her hand tightly gripping his shoulder, her fingertips pressing into his skin. She glared up at him, a motherly sort of warning in her eyes.

“Let's all keep our heads about us.” she said, “We wouldn't want another incident.”

Vance chuckled, glancing at Kitty. “You better listen to Kitten, she's right.” he mused.

Kitty turned her steely glare at him. “Don't you ever call me Kitten. I hate that name.”

Her grip tightened dangerously on Stitch's shoulder, and a chill breeze blew through the area. My head started to ache as if someone were pressing tightly on the sides of my skull. My vision blurred, and I could see through the haze the people around me, but they seemed to be from a different time all together. It was as if I were living in two times, and suddenly it was gone as Cam released me, stepping forward between the boys. He looked back and forth between them, his eyes narrow, his lips in a straight line. He kept his expression even, asserting his presence between the two, and giving them the signal to drop everything, and back off. Vance ignored Cam completely, stepping forward, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His blue eyes clouded over darkly, and seemed to almost glow a deep crimson. I stepped back, those eyes. Those haunting crimson eyes. I had seen them before in my dreams. Cam pressed his hand on Vance's shoulder and the red was gone. Kitty stepped in front of Stitch and began to shove him in the direction of the entrance to the tube, and the rest of us followed. Kitty stepped in front of Stitch, who had fallen behind, but was still there, brooding quietly.

As we walked away, Vance shouted, “Your mask is slipping, Stitch. Remember, though they may say there's no art to finding the mind's construction on the face, I can see yours.”

I froze. My heart began to race, and my vision blurred as I turned to look back at Vance. Stitch suddenly stepped into my view as the fire began deep within my body. I started breathing heavily, and for a moment I couldn't see anything. Open your eyes. I heard a voice tell me. Fluttering my eyes open I saw Stitch, standing before me, his hand lightly brushing my cheek. The fire was gone. Cam's arm slipped around my waist again, and I turned to walk away. After several quiet moments, I turned to look back at Stitch, but he and Vance had both vanished from view. We were the only ones on the street. They were gone.

For Erin

Here's the drawing..... i don't know why DA is being so stupid.

Enjoy the drawings. Does the one in the right corner look familiar?? hahahah I had zenna pose for me.

Oh, wait... I'm supposed to LEARN in class... funny joke.

Well, like I said, I get really really bored during commercial art, and since I have photoshop at my disposal, I am doing all sorts of things with it. Anyway, today's picture is actually just that. Its not part of the name series, but I will pick back up on that now that this picture is done. I am not like super cool or anything, I just followed a tutorial to make this image. It's brilliant on my part because I created a new character. His name is Caelestis. He's the butterfly. Yep. The butterfly. He's Laela's spirit animal. Omg. Does something suddenly make sense?! If not, think about it. The words are in Italian, since Laela can speak bunches of different languages seeing as she is a sorceress........ anyway, they say "Go, Caelestis. Keep him safe." Who is she talking about? When does this take place? Well, I'll just let you think of that one. I'd love to hear your comments. Chapter fourteen is forthcoming. It's a slow process. I need to get my BYU scholarship done before tomorrow night or I am screwed. Wish me luck.


Anyway, enjoy this picture of Laela and Caelestis.

Chapter Fourteen

TADAH!!!!! BEHOLD, ALEX HAS PULLED ANOTHER BRILLIANT CHAPTER INTO EXISTANCE. SHE FEELS SO ACCOMPLISHED ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THIS CHAPTER WENT THROUGH REVISION AFTER REVISION AFTER REVISION, AND.... we're not even getting into the other suff.... BUT IT IS COMPLETELY FINISHED, AND I LOVE IT. ENJOY MY BRILLIANCE.


Here's an edit for you all. Now, Nate had a hard time visualizing the outfits described, and I may not have done them justice, I don't describe clothes very well.... But I went and gathered the pictures I used. Now I must say this. I created Kitty in my brain a long time before I even imagined this chapter, and the model in the first picture (the one with the light wavy hair) looks just like her. I'm  serious. So if you ever needed a reference for her, here it is.

This picture features the two outfits that Kitty picked, and the first outfit Laela tires on.

This is Laela's winner. One of them. Picture it with a butterfly instead of an owl... and pants.

These are the twinner outfits.

Top right for Laela's second outfit.

and i can't find the rest, but enjoy them anyway......

Chapter Fourteen

A shiver ran down my spine as I buried my phone in my pocket, and approached Kitty. She slung an arm around my waist, glaring at the boys.

“We'll leave you behind if you don't stop fighting. Honestly, Cam, Stitch, you're acting like children!” Kitty stamped her foot on the ground. “I can't take you anywhere!”

Stitch made a mock injured face, putting his hand on his heart. “My apologies Kitten.” He winked.

Kitty grumbled something I didn't understand, and closed her eyes, sighing and then opened them with a smile. She left my room, tugging me behind her, and went into her room. I entered hesitantly behind her. I had never been in her room before, but was surprised by what I saw. Her room was elegant, and soft, both in color and design. She had a pale pink canopy over her bed, a soft down comforter to match. Her furnishings, like mine, were dark mahogany, and feel of her room was gentle and happy. Pictures of her and her friends from school littered the walls, and above her bed she had a picture of her and Jay, and next to it, a picture I didn't expect to see. I approached the wall, studying the picture. I reached up to touch it, when Kitty turned to me.

“What are you doing?” she asked, staring at me with a smile.

“Oh, sorry,” I said, lowering my hand. “I just couldn't tell what it was. So... you've known Stitch for a long time, huh?”

She smiled. “Yep, he and I have been friends since primary school.”

I looked at the picture. It was the two of them, cake all over their faces and clothes, as if the cake had exploded. They were laughing at each other, their faces dripping with cake and frosting. I felt a pang of jealousy well up in my stomach.

“What happened?” I asked, pointing at the picture.

She laughed. “We... attempted to make a cake from scratch. Needless to say, it didn't turn out too well.”

I laughed. “Looks like it. So... if you two have known each other so long... have you ever... well dated?”

She blushed. “No, but there have been times where I wanted to. Stitch is an amazing boy, and so kind. He's got an ancient sense of chivalry and respect for women. It's amazing.” she smiled at me, “You two would make a good couple. I'm just saying. I know you have a boyfriend and all, but just think about it.”

I do... all the time. I thought. “Maybe...” I said, staring around the rest of the room. On the walls were many pictures of butterflies, and drawings of them. “So, you like butterflies?”

“I love butterflies. That was what made me curious about Stitch. When I saw him for the first time he was sitting in the park, holding a sad looking butterfly in his hand. Its wing had been crushed by something, and he held it carefully on his finger speaking to it.” She approached a picture of a large monarch. “I approached him and asked what he was doing, talking to the butterfly like a loon. He looked at me and said, 'They have feelings too, and its a shame people ignore such beautiful creatures. He's worried about not making the migration now that his wing is broken. I'm just trying to help him feel better.'” She paused, staring at the picture. “I thought he was crazy, but hey, children think weird things. I helped him take care of the butterfly, and even though our butterfly didn't make it for migration, and died here with us, I had a good time. He and his family used to raise butterflies, you know.”

“His family? You knew them?” I remembered Stitch saying his parents had died in a car accident when he was young.

“No, I never met them. I've seen pictures... but that's it. They died when he was five. He told me he loved raising butterflies with his parents. It was the only time he spent with his parents... and then he met a girl who loved butterflies...” she looked at me. “But I'll let you ask him about that story. We should be going if we're going to make it to Seven Dials before closing.”

We left the room, the boys were waiting patiently in the living area, and silently we all exited. I could feel the tension between Cam and Stitch behind me as we walked, and wanted to somehow fix it, but I had no idea how. Upon exiting the school, I expected us to mount the bikes, but instead, we headed out on foot. Not too far from the school we entered a subway station and caught a train. The car was crowded, but we didn't stay too long. We got off when Kitty skipped up to the door, beckoning us to follow her. We jumped off, weaving our way through the people in the “tube” as they called it. Kitty began chatting away at us faster than we could understand, explaining why this was her favorite place to shop. I didn't catch most of it, but what I heard sounded interesting. The Seven Dials wasn't just a place to shop for clothes, but she made it sound like you could find just about anything there. We entered an alley between two large brick buildings, and Kitty turned to stop us.

“Okay, I've been thinking this whole ride over.” she said, a devious smile creeping onto her face. “What about a little competition between the boys?”

I looked at her like she was crazy. Hadn't she seen the near shedding of blood in my room not fifteen minutes ago?

“What competition?” Cam asked eagerly, stepping up behind me and putting his hand on my shoulder.

Her smile widened. “Each boy will pick out an outfit for Laela and I, and whoever picks out the one we like most—now it has to be something we would actually wear, and not just something you want to see us put on—” she glared at Cam, and I felt him shrug. “Whichever outfit wins, I will buy for us, and the person that picked it out gets a date with us. Sound good?”

Cam squeezed my shoulder. “Sounds great, but we aren't really going to try for you. We know you'll pick whatever Jay gives you.”

Kitty's jaw dropped, and her brows turned upward, “That is so not true!”

“Yes it is,” Stitch said. “He's your boyfriend.”

Her face turned red. “H-how... Jay did you tell them?”

Jay shook his head. “No, but it is a bit obvious, love.” he said, shrugging. “And you know what, it's okay that they know. I'm ready.”

Kitty's smile faltered for a moment before growing to fill her face. “I've been ready for a long time.”

“Anyway,” Cam stressed, staring at Kitty. “You can't just choose Jay. That's a rule, as of now.”

She smiled. “Well, try hard, he knows what I like.”

She moved to the side and lead us into an area full of buildings with brightly colored windows and doors. There were people all over the place, weaving in and out from shop to shop and sitting on the benches on the road side. We filtered in, and Kitty dragged us all into a shop and set the boys on the loose to find an outfit. The challenge applied to two stores, which meant I was up for grabs, twice. Kitty instituted a rule that we couldn't know who picked out what outfit so we didn't have any sort of bias while picking our favorites. She waited with me in the dressing room, a store attendant had been informed of the challenge, and agreed to help us. She brought in our clothes, and when we were handed out piles, I was amazed. These clothes actually looked, well, decent.

“Try on one outfit, and we'll go out and show the boys.” Kitty told me, rolling her eyes. “That way Cam is satisfied with his shopping trip.”

I laughed and entered the dressing room, putting my clothes on a rack and noticed the attendant had separated them out into outfits. I picked out a simple white button up dress with a fitted waist and flowing sleeves. The neck was nicely rounded with the flow-y ruffles from the sleeves pouring onto the neckline. White wasn't really my thing, but the dress was cute. Suddenly the attendant knocked on my door and asked for my shoe size. I told her I was a nine, and she left. When she returned she shoved three boxes under my door and told me what outfit they corresponded with. I found the box for the white dress, and pulled out a pair of high heeled black peep toe sandals that laced around the ankles. I put them on, and there was a knock at my door.

“You ready?” Kitty asked. I opened the door with a smile. She looked pleasantly surprised to see me. “Holy crap! That looks good on you! I wonder who picked that out.”

I looked down at myself. The flowy material bounced as I walked, and showed off my long lean legs. I glanced at the outfit Kitty wore, and smiled. It was perfect for her. It was a simple dress, cut high above the knee, and tapering out behind her, ending at her calf. The material was a pale pastel color with flower-like geometric pattern with a white extension piece around the bottom. A small jean vest covered her bare shoulders, and brown calf high boots adorned her feet. She turned once, her wavy hair bouncing around her shoulders. We stepped out of the dressing room together, laughing at some joke neither of us had spoken. The boys waited on some chairs in the area outside the dressing rooms, and before we had completely entered the room, I heard Cam's piercing whistle.

“Damn girl!” Cam howled, “You look amazing!” he was staring right at me, his smile spreading. “You too, Kitty.”

I blushed. I glanced at Kitty, who looked a little flushed herself. The boys appraised us for a moment and then we went back into the dressing rooms and changed. My second outfit starkly contrasted the first. The colors were dark, the shirt was brown and semi-transparent with one strap over my right shoulder that , and the jean shorts were a dark wash. There was a long golden necklace that went with the outfit, and a pair of simple cross strap sandals. Kitty waited for me outside my room.

“Geez woman, how fast do you change?” I asked, amazed to see her standing before me in such a complex outfit.

She glanced down. “This? This is nothing.” she waved her hand carelessly. “I've put on something more complex in less time. I'm guessing that Stitch picked this one out. He's come shopping with me a couple of times. I quite like it.”

The thought that Stitch could pick out something this elegant and chic amazed me. It was a sheer polka dotted black and white shirt, a white high waisted skirt, a white three quarter length sleeve jacket, black tights, and black suede pumps. She looked me up and down.

“I guess sheer shirts are in. You wear it better. It makes your tattoo noticeable though. Be ready for that.” She warned, pointing at my waist.

I glanced down, grumbling. Hopefully no one would be looking that hard. We stepped outside again, and I waited for Cam's whistle. This time though, it was a howl. When I spotted him, he had moved to the front of his chair, staring at me eagerly. Stitch stood behind him, glaring. The boys all made comments on our outfits, and we went back into the dressing rooms for the last outfit. I grabbed up the next outfit, threw on the skinny jeans, white tank top, crème leather jacket and gray scarf with a black and white checkered fedora and gray scarf and gray ankle boots. Surprisingly, I exited the dressing room before Kitty, and when she stepped out wearing a near replica of my outfit, we both laughed. Her pants were black, and a black jacket to match, brown knee high boots, and a bright orange scarf. Laughing we both exited the room, and when we saw the boys, they looked at each other, and laughed right along with us.

“Get those ones. You guys could be twins.” Jay gasped through his laughing fit.

Laughing all the way back into the dressing rooms, I changed back into my street clothes. I stared at the outfits, and picked the second outfit and exited the room. Kitty stepped out, holding the first outfit. When we went out, we announced the outfits we had chosen, and Jay punched a fist in the air.

“Yes! I am so good!” he cheered. “She didn't even know it was mine and she picked it!” He pulled Kitty into him and gave her a kiss.

I raised my outfit and glanced around.

“That was mine,” Stitch said, a smirk forming on his lips.

I blushed. Kitty checked out for us, and then dragged us quickly across the street into another store. Following custom from the other store, we snagged an attendant, explained the plan, and she agreed to help. Kitty and I went into the dressing rooms and waited. When piles of clothes greeted us, we went to work, and three outfits later, Kitty and I exited with our favorites in our arms. Kitty held out a pair of navy shorts, crème baggy tank top, a black and white polka dot vest, thick wood bracelets, a black sun hat and black flats. I held out my outfit, a simple knit shirt-dress with a bright purple butterfly on it, and a pair of gray skinny jeans with a pair of black ballet flats and thin gold chains for a necklace. Upon our exit, we held our outfits out for claim.

“Kitty, that one's mine.” Stitch commented, pointing at the clothes she held.

“Told you he knew me.” Kitty laughed, staring at Cam pointedly.

I held out my choice, and Cam leapt from his chair. “Yes! Yes!” he ran and gathered me into a bear hug. “I had no clue what I was doing, but it worked.”

Laughing we purchased our clothes and left. The sun was setting, and while we walked back to the tube, Cam put his arm around my waist leaned over, his nose against the top of my ear.

“I've got one request with my outfit.” he whispered. “Will you wear it for our date?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

He tugged me closer. “I have a great feeling about this.”

In the alley behind me, I heard Stitch's voice echo off the bricks. “I don't.”