Hmm, so a few weeks had passed and well school has been the usual. Boring. Mims and I got closer to Sophie and I guess you could call us friends. We hang out together during lunch everyday except when I have something going on. Always visits to the principal’s office about vandalizing school property or suspicion of smoking in the toilet or my disappearance from school. Ugh, the same old shits. But of course I denied and lied about everything. I mean, what prove do they have?

Life at home is ….. complicating. I would hear mum and dad screaming at each other at like what 2 am in the morning! Come on, I need my frigging sleep. Sometimes, I could even hear dad lifting a chair or a vase and smashing it to the wall. Mum would scream. I could hear her cries. And the next morning, I would see a bruise on her head or somewhere around her body. Ok, honestly, they’re like kids! Fighting all the time. God, it makes me sick to the stomach. I wonder if our neighbors ever get tired of the shouting. Oh right, we don’t have neighbors damit! I just roll my eyes at mum or dad every time they come close to me. We barely even talk! Well, we don’t even say a thing to each other. Sometimes I missed school and stayed home…. I just wanted to be left alone. So yeah, that makes no social life at home.

Brrriinngg! I got up from my seat and went out of homeroom. I took off for my first period. Physics. Oh thank god! At least I have Billy there. As I was walking to room 207, I heard Billy calling me and I turned. He caught up to me, breathless. “Hey! What’s the rush?” he asked. “I’m in no hurry. What are you talking about?” I replied.

“So you’re going to physics? Huh.”

“Why? Is that so shocking? I survived physics the first day of school.”

“Well, considering this is the third time you’ve been the physics…. And we’ve already been in school for weeks.”

“Shut up okay. I have stuff to take care of.” I answered, rolling my eyes.

“Stuff? What is up with you these days? You don’t tell me anything. You have been missing school. I never see you anymore,” Billy pointed out.

I stopped walking. Billy stopped too. I closed my eyes and breathed in two deep breaths. “Billy….,” I said, still closing my eyes. Billy moved closer to me and held my shoulder. He didn’t say a word. I pushed out the noise at the hallway. I couldn’t tell him. I just couldn’t. How do you expect me to tell my best guy friend what I’ve been going through at home? It’s just too embarrassing. Maybe you won’t get it, but I’m Casey Daniels. I’m supposed to be the brave, outgoing slut. I can’t show cowardness. That’s just lame. I pushed Billy’s hand away and continued walking. He came up next to me.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Casey?” he asked, suspicious.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired.”

“It’s only the first period!” Whoops, wrong excuse.

“Look, can I just come to your apartment after school today? I’ll explain then,” I said, keeping his hopes up that I will tell him. But I won’t. Besides, I can’t go home.

“Yeah, sure. Lucky I have my day-off from work today.”

Ok, let me tell you a little about Billy. I’m sure you want to know. I haven’t quite given a good description about him yet. So his looks. Well, he’s above average to me. He’s not exactly my type of guy though. Brown hair, almost like black. I think he’s mixed Asian. Spiky hair, the typical small boy haircut. Brown eyes. His style is comfy. He wears what he feels comfortable in. He’s simple, kinda like me. Type of outfit he usually wears to school: a normal shirt and jeans. Hmmm, his family? No one knows for sure. You see, he was brought up in a foster home. As he turned 14, the foster home started to be packed. Packed with new abandoned babies. They tried to transfer Billy to a new foster home, but no other home would take him. Parents who wanted to adopt didn’t go for 14 year olds. So he decided to just live on his own. He started working at this little car workshop. It didn’t pay much, but enough to buy a small apartment nearby Sunny Dale High School. So ever since then, he’s been living there. He walks to school and on rainy days, takes the bus. Money for school, you may ask? He works his ass off to pay. Mrs. Goy doesn’t pressure him for school fees. She knows. She gives him extra time to pay it off. One thing I love about Billy is, he never complains. What God has given him, he accepts it and lives with it. You could always hear something positive coming out of his mouth. Never negative. And he’s always there to make you strive for the best. He wants the best out of you. I guess you could say he puts other people first. Sometimes I don’t think he actually cares about himself. But Billy’s a big boy. He knows when to take care of himself. Well, that’s all you need to know about Billy. Oh and he’s the bestest friend anyone could ever have.

We reached Physics lab and Mr. Drew( I finally found out his name) was already inside. He turned to look at us- me specifically and put down his textbook. “Glad you took the time off to join us, Ms. Daniels.” He folded his arms and gestured Billy to sit. “Er, yeah. Sorry, I’ve been busy.” He stared at me, as if waiting for a better answer. Oookay. Should I go sit down now? Maybe I should. I nodded his way and went to take my seat next to Billy.

I tried my hardest to concentrate for the next few subjects. I met up with Mimi and Sophie during English Literature- I decided never to skip English again. The teacher rocks. And that is rare, coming from me. We talked and laughed. I was a little quiet at one stage but neither Mimi nor Sophie noticed. I couldn’t stay quiet when I’m with them.

The time passed and soon enough it was lunch. Mimi and Sophie were already there at our usual lunch table. I took a seat beside Mimi. “Hey, you’re not eating?” Sophie asked. “Nah, not hungry,” I replied. We chattered on and on and on.

“Did you hear the announcement just now?”

“No, what was it about?”

“Ugh, just some reminder about the school rules.”

“Are you kidding me? That is just sooo…”

“Stupid?”

“Yeah! Oh, did you hear…..?”


*******

Brrriingg!! School ended. I walked to my locker to put my books in it. Oh great, just my luck. The guys are getting out of the gym. I got ready to cover my nose. Within seconds, I opened my locker, put in my books, closed the locker and ran away from sweat city. I shuddered in disgust at the sight of the guys perspiring, their shirts wet with sweat all over it. Eeewww. I rushed to the front door and Billy was there. I took out my cell phone and texted Mimi that I wasn’t going to hitch a ride with her today. I walked up to Billy. “You ready?” he asked. “Yeah. Let’s go,” I replied. “Mimi knows right? We don’t want her waiting here for you when you’ve already gone.” I laughed. “I’m not that irresponsible. I texted her. She knows.” He opened the front door for me. We went out of the school gates and on to the streets. It wasn’t that far of a walk to his apartment. So we walked in silence, only our footsteps and the horns of cars and buses could be heard.

5 minutes later, we arrived.

I didn't even realize that it's my third/fourth/fifth week in Sunny Dales High school already. I guess i didn't keep track of the time. Ugh whatever. Just so you'd know, i have not been doing anything beneficial lately either and that sucks. Hell, I used to have a timetable for myself (lame i know) but i seem to have misplaced it already. Ow well. Minnie's hopeless in her time management.

What have i been doing?

1) Watching the telly in my room.
I can place my ass on the couch for the whole day, watching all kinds of movies. From Romance to Comedy to Horror. Name me one movie and i can tell you the synopsis of the story straight away.

2) Talking to Ashton.
Whenever he drops by to talk to Lance, we'd go for a walk at the park.

3) Making my own sandwich.
Recently, Mary has taught me the correct way to cut cucumbers and fry eggs! I used to think that the knife was a dangerous equipment to use and i wasn't suppose to touch it either. (that's what my mum used to say.) but now, look at me. I can make my own sandwich! Though.. It did not turn out tasty and...... ugh, edible. My mum had stomachache after having her first bite on the sandwich damnit.

4) Doing something different.
I've just started writing a diary. Let's hope Minnie Gasper will be as famous as Anne Frank one day!

5) Talking to myself.
...........................

Studying isn't really my hobby anymore. Sigh.

-

It feels like it was just yesterday when i went to Denise's house. All the dramas, boys, alcohol, party. I can't believe many changes have occurred in my life ever since then. New friends, new school, new environment. You know, i can get used to this ;)

Teachers have been pretty nice to me and my friends are simply the best. Sophie and Casey. They are probably the ones who are really close to me and i've been hanging out with them a lot lately. We had a sleepover at Casey's place and her mum was a GREAT cook. I mean, her lasagna was simply awesome! We then watched some movies and gossiped the whole night. Casey's mum was a little too harsh on Cass, but i think they're fine now.

Life has been great for me although... i do miss my brother, David. Yeah, he's my eldest brother but he's currently not staying with us. He's so busy with his band and music and all. Anyway, he sent me a short email yesterday but i didn't have time to reply him. God, i think i should reply, like right now.

This was what he wrote in the email. I find it....... funny somehow. Hah.

Minnie,

How are you? I'm fine if you're wondering :-D Is everything alright at home? I hope you're still the old Mimi i know. God, i'm so stressed out! There's another upcoming tour for me and i'm exhausted. My friends wouldn't let me have a break, dammit. It's all about performing for our fans here in Chicago. I wish i had an icecream now.

Write to me soon,
David;

*
This was what i was going to reply him.

To my stupid brother,

I'm NOT fine. I've missed you so much!!!!! When would you come back?? Oh, i've found out, Kenny, the guy who's living just a few blocks away from us has a crush on Ariel! Do you still remember the girl, who once called you fatty? YEAH, that Ariel :-D

Reply asap,
Mimi.

p/s : Mum has forgotten how to make her famous dish, Grumpia.
p/p/s : I didn't change at all. Still the old me ;-)

**

I clicked the 'Send' button and opened my music playlist. Hm, which song should i listen to? Argh, whatever. I put the songs on shuffle mode and laid down on my bed. That was just so relaxing. I tried to clear my mind while singing to my favourite song, Stop and stare. God, that song reminds me of Ashton. Ah, speaking of which, we're getting closer and closer every minute of the day already. He tells me about everything and we have no secrets between us. He's my great buddy! He visits my brother and i whenever he has the time to and he never gets bored of me talking about Backstreet Boys.

"Stop and stare, i think i'm moving but i go no where..."

Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door. "Minnie," Who could that be at this time of night? i got up quickly and said, "Come in,"

It was Lance. Omfg, he didn't look so good.

"What's wrong?"

"Nancy broke up with me."

"What!?" i said in an octave higher tone.

"She has found another guy." I stared at him blankly. Nancy's with him for almost 5 years now and they were so cute together! Why, how, when, HUH.

"When did she say that?" he ignored my question. I guess he wasn't aware of what i was saying.

"Mimi, i know i'm a guy and i shouldn't be sensitive. But, FUCK!" He sat next to me and put his head on his hands. I've just noticed he was still in his bathrobe. Ergh, it was really sad to see him like this.

"Lance, relax. It's just another break-up. Big deal." i said simply and for the next few minutes, no one said a word.

"What should i do now?" He rubbed his forehead and sighed.

"Do you want her back?"

"Yes, badly."

"Then you'll have to talk to her again."

"Mimi, i can't. she.. she wouldn't pick up my calls. I'M BLOODY TIRED OF THIS."

"Lance, i think you ought to get some sleep first. Look at you! You look horrible!"

There was a short awkward silence.

"Okay, maybe i should. Besides, there's nothing i can do now.." he stood up and opened the door widely. He shuffled back to his room and i could hear screams coming from next door. It must be him.

Okay, so, i have to talk to Nancy.

Nancy's my brother's girlfriend, duh. She's really pretty and nice. Long, wavy hair and brown eyed. Who wouldn't fall for her?

I have to sort things out for my brother. Because if he doesn't do anything about it, who would.

-

The next morning, i woke up, knowing immediately something would go wrong. I showered and changed into a decent outfit. Snow leopard V-neck tee and a pair of DKNY jeans. I didn't bother on how i would look like as i didn't feel like myself today. It was a mixture of depression, anger, confusion. What the fuck. I looked outside my window and noticed, it was drizzling lightly. It's going to rain soon. ARGHH. I hate rainy days. It gets me feeling all emotional.

"Morning, hun." said Lance while making my breakfast. He had his fake laugh on when he was busy chattering away with mum. I knew that smile/laugh. He didn't get over the fact that Nancy and him was over. I just knew it. "Good morning. I'm skipping breakfast. I'll be taking the bus to school. You don't have to fetch me." I walked toward the door and turned the door knob harshly. For one second, i felt like going back to him and giving him a hug but nah. What for? It'd make me cry instead, knowing how sad he is right now.

While waiting for the bus to arrive, i took out my cellphone to check if there were any messages. Yes, there were two. one from Lance, asking me if i was okay on my own and another from Ashton. I didn't feel like replying anyone. Argh. I slipped my phone into my bag and waited patiently at the bus-stop. Without further delays, the public yellow bus stopped right in front of me and i quickly got on the bus before getting scolded by the driver. After paying for the bus fare, i then chose a seat next to the window. I turned my iTouch on and listened to some of my favourite songs. Before i know it, i reached school just on time.

The first lesson was History. I wasn't looking forward to Mr Gabe's lessons but i'll attend it anyway. I wouldn't want to skip any classes and get in trouble like Casey. Sigh, i walked to my locker to grab some books. I still had some time. "Perharps i can read some notes before the lesson starts?" I thought to myself. "If only there was someone who would study with me too..." Pingg! oh god, i dropped my fucking locker key.

I kneeled down to take it when suddenly a hand held out to take the key too. I looked up to see a familiar face but i didn't quite remember who he was. He handed me the key without saying anything else and walked off silently. I stood there, waiting for him to turn back or something but he didn't. Soon, he was out of sight. That was strange.. I didn't even manage to say a simple thank you. His face was pale and he has the most gorgeous blue eyes ever! Neat blonde hair, way above average-looking. I've seen this guy before. I just don't remember where or what his name was!

Forget it, i'm going to room 198 for History class.

As usual, i chose a seat at the back of the class along with Max and his friends. Kelvin sat next to me today and boy, did he looked like he hasn't sleep in ages! "What did you do last night?" i whispered to him as soon as Mr Gabe stepped into his class. "I had to take care of my mum. She's sick." he whispered back. "Class, hand in your assignment." the teacher announced. "OH SHIT!" Kelvin's eyes went wide opened and i assumed that he didn't complete it. He stood up to tell the teacher about his undone assignment and that was when i stopped him. "Here, i knew you would forget." i took out those papers which i've printed out last night from my file and handed them over to him. "OMG. I owe you Mimi! Thanks, i can always count on you." he winked at me and walked to the teacher's table. Of course, i wouldn't want him to get punished or anything by Mr Gabe. Lesson started. We passed notes whenever the teacher wasn't looking. And at the end of the class, i'd keep those notes hah. Don't ask me why.

The bell rang and finally History class was over!

I walked out of the room and got ready for my next class. English huh? My best subject. I went into room 113 and surprisingly, all the back seats were taken. Sigh, what's wrong with those people! Don't they know that i have to sit at the back of the class? Hmph. "Mimi! Over here!" Oh, lovely, Ashton saved me a seat in front of him. Though it wasn't at the back, it sure was nice to sit next to the wall. That way, i wouldn't get pick by teachers for answering their stupid questions.

The second bell rang and soon, it was time for lunch. We (Casey, Sophie and I) were sitting at our table and talking about the announcement which was made earlier on about school rules and such. Boring, why the fuck does the school wants us to follow the rules anyway?

--

Time passed so fast. It was as though the school has just ended in a jiffy.

I leaned against my locker and thought if there was anything i could do after this. Everyone was going to the mall and they had their own plans. I didn't want to go home that early as i'll be questioned by mum about school. I didn't want to face Lance. I didn't want to do my homework. I didn't want to study. UGHHHH.

Wait a minute, Nancy's house is just around the corner.

Maybe i should..... "Hey, you coming with me?" a voice came from the back. It was Ashton who was standing behind me all this while. Oh, i guess i didn't notice. "Yeah, sure. Hm, let's go to Nancy's place. You mind?" i asked politely while hoping he would agree. "What for?" We were walking to his car already and it was just a few steps away from me. "Don't ask."

After weeks and weeks at Sunny Dale Highschool , my new school is just starting to get better . More new friends , more gossips , more assignments , gr , and of cause a closer friendship with my 2 new friends or should i say best friends , Minnie and Casey . But , Martin and i seem not right these few days , i've no idea whats wrong with him , wait .. is it my problem ? Did i like ditch him too much for my 2 new friends ? well , whatever . Not like he's the good one either . Look who keeps flirting with the cheerleaders at the locker area until forgotting my existence there . Look who keeps hanging out with chicks after school or weekends , and not even bother telling me . Gosh . He doesnt even hang out with me often , although he still say " i love you " before i sleep but i cant believe for the fact that , he asked me to WALK TO SCHOOL MYSELF , today . Thinking bout it , makes me so .. MAD . speaking bout him , he didnt even come for biology class today , ditching me alone here . so much for " We could spend mostly of our time together " . hah , yeah right . thank god i had other friends , not just hime .

Brrrrrriing ! Was that the bell ? Yes it was . Biology class is finally done . Its really boring when we're not doing experiment , although its interesting learning bout humans and animals , but i hate , frogs , especially . Biology class is so different from shows / movies . Its sure not like what Totally Spies learn , the frogs there are so much cuter . REALITY CHECK . ah , KIDDY SHOWS KIDDY SHOWS . Oops , no , no i dont watch totally spies . But its really nice looking at Ms.Jessica , she's kind of cute sometimes . There was once , she stared at the frog , well she asked all of us to and suddenly the frog jumped , and she screamt . Okay enough of er and Biology .

Next , English Literature . Damn , left my book at the locker . I guess i should hurry run to the locker and quickly take it before i'm late for Ms.Bales class . Who would want to miss his class ? He's .. FUN . So i quickly ran over to the locker . Ah damn , there's martin , hanging out with the "super" cheerleader sluts , once again . Should i talk to him ? Fine . i should .

" Hey dear , why did u skip biology this morning ? " i asked .

" Not much of a reason . i dont feel like studying biology today . is there a problem ? "

i could hear the cheerleaders whispering around themselves and asking , whose this girl ? is she new ? I heard another guy saying " she's Martin's girlfriend . " and another bitchy girl replied him and said " Soon to be ex-girlfriend " and there she go , laughing so loud as though she's the only person in the world . gosh .

" Okay . well , are u going to English literature now ? "

" Maybe , maybe not ? " " Hey you guys , are you all going ?

" Erh .. obviously . NOT ! * laughs * " said the guy .

" Well , nope im not going then . sorry babe , that i've to leave you alone . but i'm sure that you've other friends right ." He rolled his eyes . " Okay i guess i will go now . See you later . Do you want to jump in with us for my ride later ? "

" Its okay , since i can see your car can be a little bit pack later . i guess i'll just see you around."

" Okay , bye . "

Then he hugged me and kissed my cheek . I watched him leave , waving goodbye . He's just so different right now . He's not the Martin i used to know . Oh gosh , Sophie , stay strong . Dont cry , dont even think of shedding a tear . ARGH ! cant stand it . gotta run to the washroom . Thank god noone's in there . 10 more minutes .

Okay , went out . I walked slowly to room 207 , as i still have time left . I looked down and thought about what the cheerleaders and of the guy said . " soon to be ex-girlfriend ? " Is he going to like break up with me or something ?

AH , i bang someone again . my books fell , and i wanted to kneel to pick it up . Then there's Trace . kneeling down and pick my books up for me .

" Hi , you are Sophie right ? Martin's girlfriend ? " Handling over my books .

" Thanks . Err yeahh . You are .. Tttrrrace right ? "

" Yeapp . Welcome . Are you okay ?.. You seem a little down . "

" Hm , nah im fine . "

" Come on , tell me . I can read a girl's mind okay ? Dont underestimate me . " He smiled .

Ah his smile . so charming and so irresistible .

" Oh well , its a long long story . " I chuckled .

" Dont worry . I've plenty of time . I mean if you have time too , and if you want to tell me ... "

" I would love to tell you but .. i gotta run for my English Literature class right now . I'm sorry ."

" Why not after school ? Do you have some plans or anything ? Maybe we could walk to the cafe near the school , have a talk and i'll walk you home ? I heard that the drinks there are really nice "

" Haha why not ? You have the plans , i'm ready to go . Okay i'll meet you after school ? "

" Yeah yeah . Sure . Once you come out of the class , i'll be right infront of you , i promise . " He walked and left .

" Okay ...See you later . " i shouted hoping he could hear it . Oh yes he did . He winked at me .

Was he trying to like , go out with me ?? OH god , stop thinking bout it . Shit , English Literature class . I hurried and walk to room 207 . Thank god , Mr.Bales not there yet . I walked in and saw Casey over there . So i went and join her , and sat next to her . Casey wasnt there yet . Then , Casey came and joined us .
It was lunch . Minnie and i were hungry so we went to the cafeteria as soon as the bell ring . We were at our usual table . Then Casey came and sat beside Minnie .

“ Hey, you’re not eating? ” I asked .

“ Nah, not hungry . ” She replied.

We had our talks bout announcements trying to warn Casey bout school rules and such .

*********
Brrring ! School ended . Trace was right . He waited for me outside my class .