After I got the news that I was expelled, I had 2 minutes to grab all my stuff from my locker and "get the hell out of my school" quote the principal. You know what? Like I give a shit! Why do I need to go to school for anyway?

I walked back to Billy's apartment silently. I need to tell Mims and Sophie about this. But they're in school. I need to get a job! I can't waste time sitting in the apartment doing absofuckinglutely NOTHING! I need to tell Billy too. I need to talk to him. Oh, forget it! It's not worth it. He doesn't even want to talk to me.

I reached the apartment and walked the same flight of stairs I walked mostly everyday now. I put my bag down and sat.

Okay, what am I going to do now? Think, Casey, think! Hah! I got it!

I changed into a pink halter top and low cut skinny jeans and headed to Frenzy Don, the club that just opened a few blocks down. I've always wanted to try that place out but never got the chance too. And now, I can! Anyday, anytime.

Okay, it was way further than I thought. By the time I reached there, I was sweating all over. Luckily, it's air-conditioned.

"Hey, babe. Wanna dance?"

Wow! First step in and I already got a hot dance partner. I must be good.

"Yeah, let's dance," I replied, taking his hand and moving to the dancefloor. But before I could start dancing, I had a call.

"Oh, fuck. I gotta get this. Be right back," I said, winking and smiling seductively.

"Hello?," I answered.

"Casey? Where are you?"

"What?! I can't hear you! Give me a sec!"

I walked out of the club.

"Okay. Who are you?" I asked.

"Brett."

"Brett? As in Brett the bartender?"

"Is that all you know me as? A bartender?"

"Well, you are a bartender aren't you?"

"Whatever. Look, I have something to tell you."

"Ookay. Sounds serious. What is it? And don't be long, I'm busy."

"Where are you?"

"What?!"

"Are you freaking deaf?"

"You said you wanted to tell me something and now you're asking me where I am? What does that have to do with anything?"

"I need to talk to you face to face."

"Ergh. Could you be more of a pain in the ass? I'll come to you. Where are you?"

"It's a little hard to say."

"One simple question. Answer it!"

"Jail."

"Excuse me?"

"I know you heard me okay? I'm at the local police station. Could you come here and bail me out?"

"Don't you need money to bail someone out? Do I look like I have money?"

"I need you to," and then he cleared his throat and started back in a whisper, "go to Griffin's house. It's on San-"

"Hold up! You need me to go where? Why are you in jail for anyway? And who the hell is Griffin?"

"I don't have much time, Casey. Just do as I say."

"What will it cost me?"

"Just do it. Please."

"Answer me one thing."

"Hurry the fuck up. I should have called Joanne instead. You ask too much questions."

"What-why are you in jail? You're Brett, the nice, funny, kind bartender."

"Let's just say, don't judge a book by it's cover."

"Yeah, you shouldn't too."

And I hung up. I was sick of everyone pushing me around. Jeez! I was about to walk back in to Frenzy Don when I had another call. This time it was from Eric. What does he want? I decided not to answer it and so rejected the call.

I dirty danced and drank and let myself loose all day until the sun finally set. I arrived back at Billy's apartment, still sober. Thank god for that! Billy was already there.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey." Wow, he no longer bugged me about my whereabouts.

"We really need to talk," I continued.

He nodded.

"I've been thinking and ... Let's just-"

"It's okay if you don't want. I understand."

"Let's be-"

And I fainted, of exhaustion.

"Starbucks? This was the 'happy' place you've been talking about continuously in the car when my favourite song was on the radio?"

"Don't underestimate it, Minnie. When i'm sad, coffee cheers me up. Come on now." he held my hand and i followed him.

But i don't drink coffee . .

Starbucks was really packed with people. I could spot a few students from our school, chilling around the corners. They brought their laptops along too. I wonder, what were they laughing about?

I chose a seat near the window and Nate was okay with it. I didn't know why but sitting near the window seemed to be the best place in Starbucks. For one moment, i stared out of the window. I could see a few kids running around the playground, aimless and they're all having fun with their friends. God, if only life was so perfect and simple.

"Here's the thing." he clapped his hands together. "I'm not going to ask you if you want anything cause obviously," he rolled his eyes and continued, "You don't like coffee."

"You did your research. I'm proud of you." i smiled.

"Right. In case you've forgotten, i knew this already."

"Oh." i took my books out from my bag and shit. I have tons of homework. Fuck homework.

"Remember that time when we were at Aaron's house? He served you coffee but you didn't want it. He forced you to drink it but you purposely spilled it on his shirt so that he could take his clothes off." he giggled. "Busted. You could have at least leave it on the table."

I thought back and yes that did happen. Aaron was my ex-crush and he's really really really hot. And not to mention, popular too. If i were his girlfriend, the whole school would know me. But, things didn't really work out between us. He found himself a hotter girl, compare to me. And who was i kidding? He never notice me from the very beginning. I was just another friend.

"You tried to touch his body but he made you chase him around the house before you could even touch it. At last, you didn't anyway because it was time for you to go back and Isabella was still there, alone with him in his room. You got jealous and-"

"Shut up!"

"My body was way better than his. Didn't know what has gotten into you."

"He was my ex-crush, Nate."

"Oh oh! Remember that time when you went to his house? You saw his brother and you liked him? It was like," he stared up and spread his hands wide open, "love at first sight."

Hey, his brother was hotter than him so i couldn't resist.

"God stop it." i laughed. "What was his name again?"

"Max. You don't remember oh my god!"

I shivered as soon as Nate mentioned his name.

"Not.. Max from our school of course."

"Didn't you want to get some coffee?" i asked without looking up. God, what's the answer for question 15!

"Oh right. I got carried away, sorry. I'll go get something to read too while you do your homework, nerd."

"Whatever. I want good grades, kay?"

I was in a hurry to finish up my homework so i could have a bubble bath that night, with a glass of champagne perhaps? Seriously, i do need a long, relaxing rest. Enough chaos. Home is the only place where nothing will go wrong. Everything will be fine and i won't have to skip dinner.

Immediately after thinking of food, my tummy started to growl and made noises so loud that the elder man sitting right in front of me, turned back to give me a look. Spaghetti, Sandwiches, Arghhhhh.

Maybe i should sing. Yes, to not get distracted with food! LALALALALA.

LA.

LA.

LA.

"Beep." my phone vibrated.

I flipped it open and god, there were 12 un-read messages. I didn't notice the vibration all this while.

First few messages were from mum, telling me that Lance's flying over to Australia to further his studies or something. I didn't really catch what she was saying. I skipped other junk messages and there were a few voice mails too. I listened to the first one and it said.

" Heey minnie . i need to talk to you . Call me A.S.A.P."

Her voice is so sickening. Ugh, i pressed the button for the next voice mail.

"Minnie , please do call me bacckkkk .. i really need to talk to you . "

Could this be something important?

" This is the frigging 10th voicemail im leaving , and i need to talk to you for goodness sake . Look Minnie , i know the truth already . yes you were being honest with me that you didnt have sex with him . I'm sorry okaayy . please call me , i want to apologize with all my heart . "

And so, i've decided to call her.

Minnie : you called?

Sophie : OMG MINNIE .. you finally called back !

Minnie : hurry up. say what you want. i don't have time for this.

Sophie : Minnie . I'm sorrrryyyy . Seriously , i mean it . I know the truth . And so sorry that i misunderstood you .

Minnie : you know? what do you know?

Sophie : Casey told me . She told me that nothing happened between you and him . It was just some fake rumours that i've heard.

Minnie : are you.. apologizing? in a way? Sophie doesn't apologize.

Sophie : yes im apologizing . yes , i dont apologize . so make yourself feel special .

At that moment, i wanted to scream and cry my lungs out, telling her how much i missed her. We did not talk to each other for a few hours and god, it was impossible for me to ignore her.

Minnie : aw i'm sorry too Soph. i've missed you. i miss talking to you about Heroes!! OMG, Sylar is so hot.

Sophie : YES YES . OMG I CAN DROOL ON SYLAR. wait , are you forgiving me ?

Minnie : maybe, we'll see *laughs* wanna have coffee at Starbucks this weekend?

Sophie : but you never drink coffee , Mims ?

Minnie : i have my way. and er, Sophie? can you do me a little favour?

Sophie : yea sure . anything for you , babe .

Minnie : pay for my coffee. i'm broke.

Sophie : sure . i will . i owe you Minnie , remember ? So we shall see later ? Oh btw , i got heck lots of stuffs to tell you !

Minnie : ME TOO!

"What are you doing?" a voice surprised me from the back and i turned around to see, Nate, handing over a plate of chicken pie to me.

"Er.." i quickly slipped my phone into my pocket and smiled. "Nothing, is that for me? Mm, smells good!"

"No.. it wasn't but since you're hungry, you can take it. That'll be 5.60." he handed out his hand but i totally ignored that.

He sat down and started sipping his coffee, slowly.

"Oh, i almost forgot to tell you this. There will be a reunion party next two weeks.. I don't know where's the party yet but ya, don't worry, it's someone whom you've known for quite a while."

"Who? Is it your party?"

"I can't spoil the fun! You'll see."

"How am i suppose to get there if i don't know whose house is it then?" i said and took a bite of my chicken pie. God, it's so delicious.

"We'll go together. So are you coming or what?"

"Yeah, i suppose so.. I won't be doing anything i guess."

"Great, i'll pick you up at 7."

"Hey," i interrupted him and leaned forward to whisper, "Can you do me a favour?"

"What? Another chicken pie?"

"No, silly." i laughed. "Tell me, exactly, how do you drink coffee?"

I decided to call Minnie during break . Since i couldnt' find her and Casey , I think i shall just ditch break , call Minnie and sit at the courtyard . Lets just hope she'll answer my call , and i can question her everything bout Ashton . * toot toot * Arrrgh . Pick up , Mims ! Dont avoid me . ! Gosh .

Minnie : Hello ?

Sophie : WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU , MINNIE GASPER ?!

Minnie : what? what are you talking about?

Sophie : YOU ! MINNIE , ARE WE BEST FRIENDS ?

Minnie : of course we are! wait. dont tell me, this is about the sex?

Sophie : Great that you know what i'm talking about . What else will i be shouting at you for ?

Minnie : if i said i did not have sex with Ashton will you believe me?

Sophie : if you didnt , THEN WHY IS THE WHOLE SCHOOL TALKING ABOUT IT ?

Minnie : how would i know!! it was just last night after casey called and.. we didn't do anything! i don't know why the fuck is everyone talking about it. i did not tell anyone about this. trust me, Sophie. You have to believe me on this.

Sophie : MAKE ME , MIMS . you didnt even tell me that .... wait , WHAT LAST NIGHT ? you were hanging out with Ash last night , and not telling me ?

Minnie : do i look like i had time to tell you? i reached school late, i didn't see you around. what? you expect me to find you during class and get detention?

Sophie : THERE ARE SUCH THING CALL TEXTING , MIMS .! thats what cellphones are for .

Minnie : i didn't know the whole school will know about this! i was finding for the right time to tell you and Casey.

Sophie : right .. the right time . You're just crazy , Mims . Having sex with him , its just something I never thought you would do .

Minnie : I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH HIM. Fuck. Sophie, why can't you believe me for once?!

Sophie : I dont care if you did or did not . Just tell me , Did you use ... something safe ? I dont want to see you having a creature in your stomach during summer .

Minnie : i cant believe i'm wasting my time talking to some friend like you. Is this what best friends are for? Not believing one another?

Sophie : Is this what best friends do ? Not telling one another stuffs ? I thought we use to trust each other and talk to each other bout everything . Well , Cause I DID .

Minnie : look who's talking. YOU did not tell me about some alyssa girl and Martin? i was wrong. i thought you.... trusted me all this while.

Sophie : Well , this is cause ...

Minnie : SAVE IT BITCH. don't call me anymore. i'm sick of you.

Sophie : WHAT ...! YOU CALLED ME A WHAT ?! HELL SLUT .

* TOOOOT *

**
It was end of school . I need to find Minnie and ask her why did she frigging call me a bitch . I still haven't ask her about the truth . But i just can't find her . I guess I'll just call her later or something . Anyway , I'm suppose to meet up with Trace right ? But he's not waiting outside of my class . He's just no where to be seen . Maybe i shall just put my books in my locker . I made my way to the hallway and opened my locker . I was putting my books in , suddenly I saw Catherine along with her plastics coming to me .

" Hi little-miss-freak . " Sonia said .

" What ?! "

" Alyssa , are you coming with us or are you following your little freaky cousin ? " Catherine asked .

" Alyssa , you're coming with me . " I grabbed Alyssa's hand and pulled her to my side .

Then suddenly , someone tapped my shoulder , and Trace appeared right behind me .

" Hey Sophie , hey girls . " Trace said Hi to all of us .

" Hii Trace ! " Catherine said , while putting on a very nice and innocent look .

" So , shall we , Sophie ? " Trace asked .

" Erh , wait a minute , Trace . I'm dealing with something now . "

" Oh Sophie , you have a date with Trace right ? So i guess i'll just follow Catherine . " Alyssa said .

" Trace , you're going on a date with Sophie ? " Catherine asked .

" No . I mean , yes . Wait , Is this even a date ? I dont think so . Its just a friendly meet up right ? So let's go . " Trace chuckled and grabbed my hand while pulling me to walk .

" Waiiitttt . Alyssaaaa . " I turned back while shouting . But Trace just wouldn't let me stop .

" Its okay Sophie ! I'll meet you at home ! " Alyssa shouted .

**

" So , Trace , where are we going ? " I asked , while switching on the radio .

Oh guess what , Taylor Swift's on air .

" We're going to a place , which can make you spit out every single thing to me . "

" Which is ? " I asked while calling Minnie on the cellphone but she isn't picking up . Gosh .

" To the BEACH ! WOOhooo ! " Trace shouted like a small boy .

" You're kidding me right ? Oh God , Pick up , Minnie ! "

" No , i'm not . I'm serious . Hah ? "

" Oh oh . Nah , I'm just trying to contact Minnie , but she isn't answering . "

" I guess she's just busy with something . Right , we were talking bout the beach . "

" Can we just go somewhere , NOT THE BEACH ? "

" AHA ! Going to the beach , shall make you spit out every thing to me . "

" NO ! I swear to you , i'll break your leg or jump out from this car in 10 minutes if you insist on driving me to the beach . "

" Okay okay . Not the beach . What's up with it ? "

" Nothing . Its just crazy . I'm not in a mood for the beach . " I was so pissed at Minnie , so i just decided to stop calling her after thousands of attempts to call her .

" Fine . Let me think of another place . OH ! Your house ! "

" Wwwhhat ?! My house ? I have my parents in there . No ! "

" Not like we're doing something which can't be seen right ? Oh god . This sounds so wrong . Anyways , I'm driving to your house , no matter what . Or else , to the beach . "

" Fine fine . To my house . "

So Trace drove to my house . Yes . I've no idea , why he chose my house instead of his as his house is way bigger than mine . Let's hope my parents won't embarass me infront of Trace .

" So , here we are . The Cassandra's right ? "

" Yeah . "

We went down the car and I saw my dad's car in the garage . Damn , he's home .

" Come in . "

We went in my house , and I was trying to find my parents . Oh , spot it . Parents in the kitchen .

" Hey mum , is Alyssa's home ? "

" Oh . Alyssa and her mum will be staying over at Aunty Mary's house tonight . Remember Aunty Mary ? "

" Oh yeah sure . But how is she going to go school tomorrow ? "

" Alyssa said that , she has a friend, Catherine to fetch her . "

" Right . Thought so . "

" So , whose this guy over here who stands here like a model ? "

" Oh Mum , Dad . This is Trace , a senior of mine . "

" Hi , Mr. & Mrs. Cassandra . Nice to meet you . I'm Trace Wilson . "

" Oh , Hi Trace . Nice to meet you too . Sophie always talks about you , and finally , I can meet you . " Mum shook hand with Trace while putting a smile on her face .

" You talk to your mother bout me , hah ? " Trace whispered to me .

" You're Trace Wilson ? " Dad asked , he seemed like he didn't like Trace .

" Yes sir . You're totally right . " Trace took out his hand and trying to shake hand with Dad , but Dad didn't give him any reaction .

" So you're Patrick Wilson's son ? Right ? " Dad seriously looks like he doesn't like him .

" Wow , sir . You're psychic or you know my dad ? "

" You're Patrick Wilson's son ? " Mum said that with a big response . A real big response .

" Yeah . Why ? Is that something wrong ? "

" Oh , no no . Just being curious . " Mum said .

" Anyway , Trace and I are going to go up to my room , as he's going to help me with my studies . "

" I thought he was a senior of yours ? I guess he won't help you much - " Dad asked .

" Ahem . Staying for dinner , Trace ? " Mum interrupted while walking to Dad .

" But we're not expecting any guest tonight right , dear ? " Dad asked Mum .

" So I guess not . " Trace asked while looking at me .

" Dad , What are you doing ? Trace's a friend of mine , not some stranger I just met on the street a few hours ago . "

" Give me a reason why Trace's here . A good reason . " Dad fought back .

" Well , he's a senior . - "

" Yeah . You said it , he's a senior . He's not a student from your class , so he definitely know nothing bout your studies . " Dad interrupted .

" Dad ! Cant you just let me finish my sentence ? He's a senior . He's used to take almost the same subjects as me , so he has definitely been through everything bout my studies . Gosh . I'm going up . " I shouted at Dad , grabbed Trace's hand and ran up the stairs .

" Tracy , Is your daughter dating that Wilson guy ? " Dad asked Mum while banging his hand on the table .

" Sheesh honey . Everything's gonna be alright . " Mum consoled dad and pat his shoulder .

While running , I could hear what Dad said to Mum . Is it something wrong dating Trace ? What's wrong with parents these days ? Both of us went in the room , and everything was so quiet . We didnt speak and all we could hear , is our own breath and the clock ticking .

" Okay . Awkward . " Trace finally spoke .

" Oh . Erh . Have a seat . I'm sorry . "

" So , tell me , what's up with you ? " Trace asked politely .

**
I feel great right now . So great that i can go crazy at this minute . Mum and Dad is driving me crazy . Pfft . Anyway , after minutes of hot bath in the tub , I feel totally out of stress , but guess what , thinking bout what Dad said to Trace just now , was a total disaster . Thank god , Trace finally left after telling him everything and such . Well , he's such a great listener . He understands everything I'm going through and gives such good advices .

" Sophie ! Its time for dinner . " Mum called from downstairs .

" Coming ! " I shouted .

I need to face Dad right now . Pfft . I walked down the stairs , went in the kitchen and took a seat . Right , pizza for dinner will be great .

" So , dear , how was California ? " Mum asked Dad .

" Mum , shouldn't you ask dad this , like a few hours ago ? "

" California was great . I guess I shall bring both of you along with me during summer . No ? "

" That will be awesome . I haven't been to California for a long long time , right Soph ? Remember when we were at the beach , snorkeling ? We shall do that one more time . "

" What's with you people about beach ? " I asked .

" What do you mean , " you people " ? Mum asked .

" Well , Trace spoke to me bout going to the beach today and you , speaking bout it , right now . "

" Right , Trace . Honey , Are you dating Trace ? " Dad asked me .

" Nooo . ! We're just best friends , dad . "

" Good . Then stay away from him . " Dad shouted .

" Dear , sheesh . Lower your voice . You're scaring , Sophie . " Mum helped .

" Fine , sorry . "

" Dad , what's wrong with Trace ? He's just an ordinary guy . He didn't burn your car or kill your whole family . Why do you sound like you hate him so much when he did nothing wrong to you ? He was being so nice to you . "

" Nothing's wrong with him . Something's wrong with his Dad . "

" You know his dad ? What's wrong with him ? " I was so curious .

" Nothing . Nothing's wrong with Patrick . " Mum said that while staring at Dad , giving a hint to him that he shouldn't talk so much bout this topic .

" Mum , you know him too ? Why don't I know anything ? Goodness gracious . Tell me . You guys are freaking me out . " I shouted while tears were flowing down my cheeks .

" You won't understand , Sophie . You're too young to understand . " Mum said that while trying to sound consoling .

" Of cause i won't . You're not even telling me anything and I'm sixteen already . I'm not six , Mum . But forget it . I bet , telling you my age , won't even help . "

I ran out to the living room , with a slice of pizza in my hand . I can't believe that my parents are actually hiding something away from me , and they still think that i'm too young to understand . Gosh . I on the TV , and tucked my knees near to my chest . If only someone was right next to me , If only that someone's Trace .