11

Shit.

Shit, shit, shit.

How could he have been so reckless? So clumsy, so utterly stupid? What had he been thinking? Flirting was fine. But kissing her?

Kane sat on his bed massaging his temples. Kissing her was a mistake.

Kane Gerry didn't do mistakes.

He knew he how much he wanted her, but to actually do anything to her? Miranda was a friend, and he was a player.

He didn't do friends. Not in that way, at least.

Things like Miranda took time. She wasn't just some blondie bimbo who'd jump into bed with just anyone. What she craved, he couldn't give her yet. Things like actual love or anything coming close to that took alot of time. And alot of skill. Right now, he had neither of those things.

Kane looked around his room. The four walls small and paint was peeling. Empty beer bottles scattered across his bedroom floor.

This place needs a fix, he thought bitterly.

I need one too.

Kane reached down and felt around under his bed. It was dusty and really uncomfortable, but he smiles when his hand clasped around cold metal.

Bingo.

He pulled out the small metal box. The sides were rusting away from age and the air. An American flag shone boldly on the top lip. Kane opened the lid and inhaled the faint bitter smell of weed. He rolled up a joint like an old pro, licking the end to seal it.

He took a lighter from his bedside table and lit up the joint. Kane inhaled, savouring the deep burning sensation as the heat seared his insides. The bittersweet aroma filling up his lungs as his eyelids started to flutter.

With a lazy grin spread across his face, Kane laid back onto the headboard of his bed. His mind whirled as he rose to the height of estacy. Colours swirled all around making his head spin.

Miranda and the problems that came with her came with her could wait. Now, he needed an escape, and this was the perfect one.

10

Beth normally feared what others thought of her. But this morning, she didn't care. She smiled at herself in the mirror and this feeling was new to her. She finally felt confident in what she saw.

After the way Reed had made her feel last night, she told herself that nothing would hold her back from life anymore. The scandals, the lies, the insecurities. And the three hours of standing in front of the mirror was all worth it., because she had finally found the perfect outfit which made her look great and feel awesome. She had chosen tot take a different route, seeing as how her ever faithful tee and jeans combo has become her daily uniform. Beth donned a purple sleeveless turtle-neck top and a short khaki skirt. She tied a black sash around her skirt, leaving it to hang loosely around her hips.

Beth could only smile at her reflection as she saw as she applied her final layer of lip gloss. Its been a while since she felt like this, Excitement and confidence flowed in her blood, and no one could take that away from her.

Well, except for Harper.


Harper. The queen of Grace High. Miss Popularity. Prom Queen. Clawed her way to the top, and stepped on anyone who was in her way. The all star bitch.

Beth's confident smile faded when she saw the arrogant smirk on Harper's face. Beth once again felt small and self-conscious, walking through the familiar halls of the school. She knew that Harper despised her, because she was the first one to get her hands on Adam.

Oh, how she dreaded the way Harper looked at her with spite every morning. But at that time she had Adam to give her support. He was always by her side, eventhough sometimes he didn't understand what was happening. He was always there whenever she needed him. He'd always be there for her whenever she was in trouble. He'd even stood up once for Beth when Harper wasn't being very friendly. He defended his girlfriend from his best friend.

Reed was a dropout. One out of grace high. That meant that Beth had to face people like Harper alone. The crowd that came with dating the all-star quarterback evaporated with Adam when it was all over. Joan, Kelly, Sue and the gang left her as soon as she left him. She had no one to fall back on. Her old friends were left abandoned when Adam arrived. He occupied alot of her time.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Harper said spitefully and a tad too loud, grabbing attention from all around. Students stopped dead in their tracks, heads turned and all eyes were on them.

"Harper," Beth greeted her. Her voice was patient, but inside she was shaking.

"So, i heard you're with that guy, Weed or something right?" Harper's hands were crossed, a devilish smile wide across her face.

"Reed," Beth said through gritted teeth, her patience running thin. "His name is Reed. I thought you'd remember, seeing as how you've dated him before."

Harper's widened smile fell a little. Beth knew that she hit it right, but she knew this victory wouldn't last long. Harper took a short breath and returned her sharp gaze to Beth's blue eyes. "Well, i do hope you find him satisfying, because he was no fun for me at all. That is when you do get to have fun with him." Her voice cold at the end. Harper turned around and strutted through the ring of people in the crowded corridor.

Beth's cheeks were hot, and she felt her eyes burn. She knew what Harper meant, anger and humiliation flowed throught her like molten lava. The room felt stuffy, she needed to get out. She ran and pushed through the mobs of students blocking her way and eyes borinig into her. Beth ran out to the carpark, tears rolling down her cheeks.

9

Beth stared into the midnight sky. Her mind wondering away on questions which needed answers.

College applications?

Babysitting the boys?

Part-time job?

She sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. There was no way around it, she needed the money for her own daily spending, and she needed to save up for college.

Her parents were always at work, and she as their personal slave, was expected to babysit her younger twin brothers, who were either always on a sugar high or on reruns of Spongebob.

All thoughts faded when his rust-red coloured towtruck pulled into view. His curly black hair banging over his eyes. He ran a hand through his scruffy mob and smiled at her, signaling her to come in.

"Hey," he leaned in for a kiss as soon as she sat down.

"Reed," he loved the way she said his name. Her voice was so soft and and sweet, but there was something lingering at the tone of it.

"I can tell you've been thinking, alot. So lets just go somewhere, okay?" he asked.

Beth just smile and nodded. Reed was laid back, really laid back, and that was what she needed right now. Eventhough his truck smell of rust and grime from all the tow work he does, it felt like home to her. It made her forget. Forget all her problems, all her worries.

Beth took a breath and sunk into the seat. She knew this road well, familiar and comfortable. But it felt as if being here with Reed made it all seem different to her. The endless void of darkness didn't feel creepy, the way it did when she came alone. Beth felt a warmth whenever Reed was around her, she felt safe.

"Okay, we're here." Reed announced, turning off the engine.

It was the playground. The one which Beth use to go to when she was younger to play. It took away all her worries and nothing mattered.

The playground was only slightly lighted by the street lights, but Beth knew where was what. She had known this place since she was a little girl, and the memories were stuck in her mind. She smiled and walked over to one of the swings, which had Reed going on to the other.

"So, what do you think?" Reed asked, anticipation in his eyes.

Beth smiled and put her arms around him. She hugged him tight and barely managed a whisper, "Thanks." Reed felt her being overwhelmed with emotion. He held her and she filled his arms perfectly.

After a while, Reed loosened his grip around her. He wanted to let go, but she held on. Beth missed holding someone. All the stress was leaving her as she held on to Reed.

Beth held on for what seemed for like eternity. She finally let go, the tangled metal unhooked itself and they were seperated. She sank into the swing, back hunched, moving back and forth slightly.

Reed saw this and immediately stood up from his swing. He walked over and started to push Beth on the swing. Beth looked up, seeing heavy clouds in the sky. She felt a drop of cold on her cheek. The night sky began to drizzle, then poured heavy rain.

Beth rushed off the swing and grabbed Reed's hand, pulling him under the nearest tree. It was big enough for the two of them and the leaves were think enough to shade them from the rain. Reed looked at Beth, smiling and flushed. Her clothes and hair were soaked.

Reed leaned down and kissed her, long and gentle. Beth wasn't expecting that, but she liked it. They stood there kissing in the rain and despite the cold, feeling perfectly warm.