GirlsLife.com - Club - Forever Writers

2/3/2013 8:45:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 Yeah, so maybe one day we can begin this story again, just not right now. :\

2/3/2013 5:50:34 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I think I need to leave, too. I have enough trouble keeping up with my other writing clubs, and no one is writing for this club anymore because they're either leaving, or they're too busy. Don't get me wrong; this was a great story! But it's falling apart and I have barely any time for it at all. I loved Eden's character though. So sorry, guys! I just don't want to be the only writer. D:

2/3/2013 5:39:24 PM | Report

fungirl123 Guys, I hate to be just another person who has to leave a club - this is the first time I've ever had to do this - but I honestly don't have time for this club. I said I would be president, I know. But the thing is, this story isn't really going anywhere for me. I really loved creating Remy's character, but I this story is just falling apart. On top of that, second semester is much crazier than the first. :\ With quiz bowl, cheer tryouts I have to get ready for, musical rehearsals, LYO, NJHS & asset team, I need to cut stuff. So I hate to leave, but I have to. :(

2/3/2013 4:31:53 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Okay.

2/3/2013 10:09:11 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Just wondering, but are you going to write about Eden delivering pizza for Remy? I don't mean to sound pushy or anything.

1/27/2013 1:53:10 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I just thought I'd let you guys know that I won't be on GL very much until I can get my math grade up. It's really low right now thanks to a few bad assignments, and I'm going to have to be staying after school sometimes. But I'll try to get it up ASAP. Sorry, guys! D: (Btw, I'm posting this to all my writing clubs.)

1/22/2013 5:50:02 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Paramorefan123- No problem! :D

1/21/2013 7:18:51 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Paramorefan123- Aw, thank you! That means a lot to me<3 And sure, I'll try to let you know when we start a new one. :D

1/21/2013 12:17:11 PM | Report

Paramorefan123 Ok thank you!

1/21/2013 12:23:59 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! <3

1/19/2013 4:21:15 PM | Report

Paramorefan123 When you guys do another story please tell me. I would love to join this story writing. You guys are so amazing at writing

1/19/2013 11:09:06 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! <3

1/19/2013 3:29:28 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Okay. This is just a post about Eden's first day of work. :)~Eden~ It was the worst job ever, but also the only place that was hiring around here. I stood in front of the dusty bathroom mirror, pulling my silky, brown hair up into a tight ponytail. I had on my black uniform, with a red apron type thing to wear while I was cooking pizza. I sighed, turning on my heel to leave. This job was terrible, but if it was the thing that would keep my family out of debt, than it would have to work for now. ***** “You know,” a girl with long, red hair said, raising an eyebrow, “The owner of the this place is actually a druggy.” There was a silence as I continued kneading the pizza dough. Finally, I nodded. “I know. But this is the only place that’s hiring, so what choice do I have?” The girl nodded in understanding. “I feel ya. My parents barely had enough money while they were growing up. I have a huge loan to pay off, since I’m in college right now.” I gave her a quick look of sympathy before coating the sauce on the pizza. “This job is for losers, but we’ll get by,” I told her without looking up. “Yeah,” she mumbled, “Hopefully.” Suddenly, a short woman with banana colored hair appeared in the kitchen. Her skin was pale, and she looked slightly jittery.Karen, the owner. “We don’t got all day!” she snapped, giving the girl and I a glare, “So pick up the pace, slow pokes!” Then she was gone. “I hate her,” the girl said. “It could be worse,” I said, trying to be optimistic. “Yeah, right,” she said with a snort. Then she gave me a wry smile. “I’m Willow.” “Eden,” I replied, also smiling. “Nice to meet you.” “HURRY UP! We’re way behind!” Karen yelled again, poking her head back in and glaring at us. Just as quickly, she was gone, trying to pick up dirty dishes from the tables. “The good thing about this job,” Willow said, turning to me with a slight grin, “Is that we can backtalk all we want to her because she can’t fire us. She’s way too desperate for workers.” I smiled, but shook my head. “Nah, I think I’ll try to stay on her good side. Just in case.” Willow shrugged, putting a pizza in the oven. I sighed. This was going to be a long day.

1/19/2013 2:51:49 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - I like that idea! :D I'm going to write for A Writer's World right now, but hopefully later tonight I'll write about what you said. :P

1/17/2013 5:09:52 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! I hope you think of something to write soon<3 <3 I had an idea last night, but I wanted to run it by you. (I'm home sick today, so that's why I'm not at school). What if when Eden gets her job at a pizza place, Remy comes with over with maybe some of the cheerleaders to eat pizza, and she sees Eden working and there's some tension between them. Or maybe Remy could be over at London's house and they order pizza from there and Eden delivers it. Either way is okay with me. What do you think, though? If you hate it that's fine, just let me know! :)

1/16/2013 10:58:37 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :) If anyone's not posting here, it's me. I think you've been posting the most here! <3 <3 Sincerely, Writer's Blocked :p

1/15/2013 8:55:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Sorry I haven't posted much, guys! I've had writer's block for this club, lately. Anyway, I hope this makes up for it! I'll hopefully have another post up by this weekend. ^.^ ~Eden~ I sighed with relief as soon as I closed the front door behind me. I was finally home from that agonizing place they called school. I dropped my backpack to the floor with a soft thud, walking into the kitchen to get something to eat. I stopped short when I saw my mom sitting at the table, her face buried in her hands. Her entire body trembled with each sob. I quickly walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Mom, what’s wrong?” I asked anxiously. She looked up quickly at the sound of my voice, and at once her face fell. “Oh, Eden. It’s nothing,” she said, clearly lying through her teeth. My mother was a terrible liar. “Mom, I know you’re lying. What’s wrong?” I sat down in the chair beside her, praying that it wouldn’t be something too terrible. “I’ve barely had any clients at the salon lately. Business has been really slow, and we have all these bills... I just can’t keep up anymore!” She buried her face in her hands again, beginning to cry. (A/N: So, I don’t remember where I said Eden’s mom worked, but I decided to make her a hair stylist. This post is kind of inspired by Emily from Make It Or Break It. She ends up getting a job to help her mom keep up with the bills, and she has a lot of responsibility resting on her shoulders. Her mom also works at a salon. I hope that’s okay with you girls.) I ran a hand through my hair, feeling suddenly way more stressed than a teenage girl should ever feel. My mind spun as I tried to think of a solution to this problem. Suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks. “Mom, this is simple. I can just get a job.” My mom’s tears slowed, and her head slowly lifted up to look at me. “Oh, Ede, no. You shouldn’t have to get a job because your father and I can’t pay the bills,” she said, shaking her head. “Mom, no offense, but you’re the only one making money around here. Dad does nothing,” I hissed under my breath. Mom’s face fell even more, and all of her energy looked drained. “Honey, please. Don’t say that about your dad.” “You know it’s true, Mom,” I snapped, “Don’t try to deny it anymore.” Right now, he was upstairs sleeping heavily in their shared bedroom. She looked down at the table. Finally, she looked up again. “Fine. You can get a job. But it better not take away from your school or anything, and I don’t want you to feel like you have to bring home the money from now on. Understand?” I nodded, letting out a sigh of relief. “I promise, Mom.” She kissed the top of my head and ruffled my hair. “Thanks, Eden. I don’t know what I would do without you... You’re a lifesaver.”

1/15/2013 8:08:13 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - sounds great! <3

1/6/2013 11:39:05 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Yeah... :/ I think I'll try to think of something tonight that has to do with Eden's family, since they play a big role in her character.

1/5/2013 8:06:18 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - I don't think they should yet. But then again, what else is there to write about? :\ You're right, this club has been pretty slow lately...

1/4/2013 8:25:32 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Do you think Remy and Eden should makeup and become friends anytime soon? If not, that's okay. I just wasn't sure what else I should write about for Eden... I'm sort of stuck on writing for this club. :/

1/4/2013 4:43:44 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - no problem! :D

12/29/2012 10:24:07 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! :)

12/24/2012 12:48:47 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post!!! :D

12/23/2012 4:59:33 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 ~Eden~ “Ede?” a voice whispered. My bedroom door creaked open. “What?” I asked, my voice muffled. I didn’t budge from my spot. I was buried under my blankets in bed, my face buried in my pillow. “Are you okay?” Mom asked. Downstairs, I could hear the loud crash of a bottle smashing into a thousand pieces. I bit my lip. “Just go away. You don’t understand.” The past few days had been terrible. Lauren had basically ignored me after making sure that I hadn’t gone completely insane; Garrett hadn’t spoken a word to me-not that I cared or anything; and the kids at school had just been jerks. They would whisper about me every time I walked by them, and I could feel the burning hatred they felt towards me. Of course, I was sure that Remy was feeling just as much pain. Kids were basically giving her the same hate. I shook my head, a tear falling. Why had I done that? Sure, I hated her... But since when did I stoop down to the level of bullying? I knew how bad words could hurt. “Okay,” Mom said, sounding slightly hurt. The door closed, and I listened to her quiet footsteps walk down the stairs. I hated my life right now. I just wanted all the pain and arguing to end. Couldn’t my parents see the toll their fighting was taking on me? I was suffering. *** I stared at my locker, horrified at all the notes that had been stuck to it. My eyes scanned over them, and already I could feel the tears. “Hey, Eden! Go die in a hole!” one read. Another said in big, bold handwriting, “We all hope your life sucks.” “Doing that to Remy was funny, but what she did to you was even funnier!” another read. The messages went on and on. One of them even said, “Maybe your parents should rethink their marriage... and having you as their daughter.” Tears stinging my eyes, I began tearing all the notes off my locker. I swallowed hard, trying not to cry. I heard snickering behind me, and I knew that there was a group of teenagers making cruel remarks about me. But I didn’t turn around. I didn’t want them to see how much everything was hurting me. Suddenly, someone sat a trash can down beside me. I turned quickly to see Garrett standing there, giving me a sympathetic look. “Let me help.” He began tearing all the papers off, tossing them into the trashcan. I stood there for a moment, frozen. Then I shook my head and began tearing them off once again. “Why are you helping me?” I croaked. “Because no one deserves to go through this, Ede,” Garrett said, calling me by my nickname. He must have heard Lauren say that one day. “But... You barely know me!” I protested. “Maybe,” he said with a shrug, “But I know that you’re an amazing girl.” I felt the heat rising to my cheeks, and I quickly looked away. Just as I did though, I heard a giggle behind me. I couldn’t help it this time. I turned around along with Garrett. A tall, skinny blonde with way too much mascara smirked at me, whispering something behind her hand to another girl with long, auburn colored curls. They were the “perfect” girls as I liked to think of them as; the girls that I could never be. Their names were Chloe and Lola; they did everything together and loved to make the lives of other girls miserable. “Hey,” Garrett said loudly, causing the girls to look up with surprise. “What?” Lola asked, practically batting her eyelashes at him. “Back off,” Garrett snapped, placing an arm around me. “Why should we?” Chloe asked, raising an eyebrow in annoyance. “Why SHOULDN’T you?” Garrett challenged. Chloe and Lola stepped back, looking a little surprised at his tone. “Do you like her?” Lola asked suddenly, pointing at me. Garrett’s face flushed, and my cheeks turned a bright shade of red. “No,” Garrett said, “We’re just friends.” “Either way, ew,” Chloe said, wrinkling her nose. I felt hurt wash through me all over again, and I quickly turned around again. “I’d go if I were you,” Garrett snapped, and I felt his body tense next to mine. “Fine, fine. Jesus,” Lola said, snickering a little. I heard them walk away, their high heels clicking loudly against the floor. I could just picture them flipping their gorgeous hair and shaking their hips as they walked. “You okay?” Garrett asked quickly. “Yeah, I’m getting used to it,” I said, shaking my head. Then I looked at him, feeling gratitude towards him. “Thanks for sticking up for me... now and at the party. It means a lot,” I said gratefully. “You’re welcome. It’s no big deal, really,” he said. “Well, it is to me,” I said, “I’ve been treated like crap these past few years, and having someone that will actually stick up for me is nice.” He smiled, shrugging. He was clearly enjoying the praise. “It’s alright. I’ll stick up for you anytime,” he said cheerfully. I laughed, grinning. Then I turned serious again. “Shouldn’t you be getting home? It’s after school and you’re stuck here, helping me clean hateful notes off my locker.” “Nah,” he said, “I’m just going to keep helping you.” My smile returned, and for the first time in the past few days, I felt a little better.

12/23/2012 1:06:02 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Payton-I really liked this story line and everything :( Yeah,that's good :)

12/22/2012 7:00:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Maggie- Aw, I'm sorry to see you go! At least we still have Calling All Writers and Friendship Circle together, though. <3 @Everyone- I hope no one else quits! This is so sad. :/

12/21/2012 4:14:26 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ *quit

12/21/2012 1:50:00 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ I'm soooo sorry but I'm going to have to quite this club. I've been so busy and then I got sick and I haven't posted in a long time so it made me feel like I was just wasting your time. I think I need to focus on just a few clubs right now I'm so sorry! :(

12/21/2012 1:48:55 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - thanks! :) @Toni - you go here: http://www.girlslife.com/ClubOwner.aspx It's so sad to see you go...

12/20/2012 3:14:29 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Hey guys, how do I make someone else president because when I try to erase my username, it just takes me back to the previous page:/

12/19/2012 6:36:10 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Mmkay, I'm going to make Haley president. Thanks for not getting mad guys:) Email/message me on wattpad me soon!

12/19/2012 6:33:13 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! :D

12/19/2012 8:48:41 AM | Report

fungirl123 ~Remy~ I waited in the school restroom, curled up on a toilet seat as the sobs slowly faded into small puffs of breath. When someone walked in, I tried to conceal myself, and succeeded multiple times. I couldn’t quite grasp what had just happened. I was too absorbed in the shock of it all. I felt like a girl in a movie. I counted the bells sounding above me. There were three so far. I didn’t want to go back to class, even though I knew it wouldn’t be a good move on the second week of the school. My cell phone buzzed. I looked at the screen. It was from London. *Sorry, got sick. My mom wont let me out of bed with this stomach ache. ~L* I sighed, and turned clicked back to my home screen. This was proving to be a bad day. I logged onto Twitter. A million people were tweeting me. I hadn’t bothered checking on Saturday, knowing how many people watched Sports TV and what people would think about it. But now it was time to check them out. “AlyKat345: @TheRemLochte123 I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU!!” “gymnasticslove: @TheRemLochte i sincerly hope u rot in hell. U dont get away w/ something that mean…” “princesslovely: @TheRemLochte and to think I looked up to you…” The list went on. The tweets were nothing but horror. I scrolled through farther, ignoring most of the tweets, and looked for something from a REAL friend. But before I could find one, a particular name stuck out at me. “Gold_Medal_McKayla: @TheRemLochte I’m happy ur finally getting what you deserve. <3 ~Mac” I squeezed my eyes shut, along with a piece of loose skin on my inner elbow. I wished this was a dream. I wished I could go back to one year ago, when I was getting my Gold for All Arounds. (Flashback) I moved my body to the classical music that boomed through the speakers. People clapped as I landed my tumble series. I even caught a glimpse of those mean Russian gymnasts applauding me, dull-faced. I had one more back tuck to land…and I did it. I threw my hands up in the air, feeling the beam spread over my face. I knew I’d done it. Then I dropped into my pose, smiling at the applauding crowd before me. Cameras flashed and faces were a blur in motion. I stepped away from the mat, and leapt off the platform into my coaches arms. Elena swung me around. “You looked amazing out there, Remy. The Gold is yours!” I looked up into the stands for my family, but the only eyes that locked with mine were the ones of my four other teammates, staring me down. I quickly looked away, and found my water bottle. Those girls wouldn’t get me down…not now. They just weren’t good enough. If they wanted my spot, they should’ve done better at qualifiers. I watched my score show up. Less than perfect, but still amazing. The scores of the other girls popped up, and I saw that so far I was in the lead, a hundredth of a point ahead of a Russian. I touched my head, making sure every piece of hair was in place. There was one person left to go. The little Chinese girl hopped up onto the floor. I watched her closely, trying to look through the eyes of the judges. “She stepped out!” someone suddenly shouted from near me, their voice thick with an accent. It was a Romanian girl. She had leapt from her seat and was pointing at the girl on the floor. Her voice echoed through the room. But the Chinese girl kept going with her routine, not even glancing at the Romanian. Then it was over. We all waited. The minutes ticked by like years. Each second felt like a minute. I held up my compact mirror and checked my makeup. Everything was in place. “THEY’RE UP!” someone cried. My head snapped up. The results were posted on every big screen. I read from the bottom up. My heart pounded as I came to the final three: 3 – Van Pel (Germany), 2 – Mustafana (Russia), 1 – Lochte (USA). My heart leapt into my throat. My body suddenly felt hot. I was covered by bodies shouting, “You did it!” and “I can’t believe it, Remy!” It all began to settle in. I was the best gymnast in the world right now. The best. I could hear the cries of other gymnasts, and shouts that the competition was rigged. It felt like a stab in the stomach to hear people shout, “It’s rigged! The other girl deserved it!” But I just reminded myself that it was out of jealousy that people did that. I turned around and waved at the crowd around me, smiling. I felt a lump rise in my throat. Tears welled up in my eyes and slid out from the corner of my eye. I wiped them away, keeping the smile on my face. The applauding and shouts of joy drowned out the sound of the unfair cries. Ten minutes later, I stood up on the podium. The two other placing gymnasts stood beside me. The woman giving the medals came to me. I bent over, and she placed it around my neck. It was quite heavy. But the World Champs Gold Medals were just as large. But this Olympic medal seemed like so much more than that. I waved at the crowd, holding my small bouquet of flowers in my right hand. The National Anthem began to play for the US. I smiled at the flagged, and mouthed the words to myself. My mouth was nu,b from smiling so much, but I didn’t care too much. It was a good feeling. Nothing was better than this moment. * * (End of Flashback) * * I smiled at my cell phone as I clicked through the photos. I wiped away the remaining tears of sadness on my cheeks. After the competition a year ago, Megan had sent me a million photos of me on the podium and prior to the medal ceremony. The bell sounded above me. I looked at the clock on my BlackBerry. It was twelve-twenty-five. Lunchtime. I sighed, and stood from my seat. I walked out of the bathroom. The hallways were swelling with students. I made a vow to get my lunch and come back to eat it in the restroom. But when I got into the cafeteria lunch line, I spotted a familiar head of dark blonde hair. “Nathan!” I cried out, running to him and forgetting my spot in the long line. He whirled around. He had been looking at the posters with all the best athletes from Lawrence. “Hey, Remy,” he greeted coolly. But then he looked at me closer. “Have you been crying?” I shrugged. “It was…whatever. Why are you still here?” I inquired, changing the subject immediately. “Ryan called me when things were calming down to say the photographers are hiding a bunch of places.” He rolled his eyes, and muttered, “You know them.” I nodded. Just seeing a friend had lit up my day…and Nathan was even more special. “So you’ll be staying for the rest of the day, then?” I asked. He shrugged. “Probably.” I smiled. Finally, a friend.

12/18/2012 8:49:34 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great posts! :D I'm writing right now. @Minni - I just broke my finger in basketball (in PE); what a coincidence. :D But I totally understand! You can play basketball in a boot? #random

12/18/2012 4:21:02 PM | Report

bballstar123 able to write as much. So sorry and hope you understand. :( <3 minni

12/17/2012 9:33:06 PM | Report

bballstar123 hey guys, I hate to cause more problems, but with a newly fractured ankle (thanx basketball...) and games that i can play w a boot on, i dont know how much time i will have to write. I promise to write as much as I can but i cant gaurantee i will be

12/17/2012 9:32:19 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Ugh, and it posted twice. -.-

12/16/2012 8:17:34 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I realize this is kind of short, and I apologize. Hopefully I'll be able to write more soon. ~Eden~ “Is anyone finished with their project?” Miss Keeling called as the class quieted down. My hand shot up, along with a couple of others. “Okay, Eden, you can go first. Who’s your partner?” Miss Keeling asked. Remy turned around in her chair to look at me, confused. I had gotten all the work done by myself last night, adding the extra bits about Remy that I had found online. “Remy,” I chirped in reply, pointing at her. As soon as I did, the class began whispering again. They had all seen the interview last night, I was sure. “Class, quiet!” Miss Keeling snapped. The room fell to a hush. Remington stood up and I walked past her, looking straight ahead. I stood at the podium in front of the whiteboard, Remy right beside me. “How are we going to present this?” she whispered. “You do me first, then I do you,” I said through the corner of my mouth. Remy nodded, then read everything that I had written about myself the previous night. Then she handed it back to me and I began reading it off. “Remy was born on December twenty-fourth. Her favorite color is blue and she has five brothers and sisters all together. She has been doing gymnastics her entire life.” Without hesitating, I went on ahead, surprising Remy. “Except at practice one day, she tore her Achilles tendon which therefore killed all her gymnastic skills,” I said as Remy’s eyes went wide with surprise. Lauren gaped at me from the back of the room. “But even before that,” I continued on, “She ruined her friendship with McKayla Johnson, who is still a pro gymnast, by becoming a little brat who thought she was better than everyone else.” The guys in the room all murmured “oooh.” Remy’s face turned bright red as I went on reading, smiling innocently like I was doing nothing wrong. “And that’s why the world hates her. And also why she’s back here in high school... hiding. Thanks to Rachel’s Celeb Gossip Blog and Sports TV for the information,” I finished up. Remy turned to me, furious. “Yeah, Eden?” she spat, “Well I hope your parents argue for the rest of your life-just like they ALWAYS HAVE- and I hope they get a divorce so your life will suck!” Her voice shook, and from my spot in front of her I could see the tears in her eyes. I stepped back a little, stunned. I hadn’t told her any of that information... at all. How did she know? Suddenly, it hit me. She had read my notebook when I was in the bathroom at her house. The class was silent as Remy ran out of the room. I felt tears burning my eyes. I couldn’t cry here... Not in front of everyone. Lauren started to get up to come to me, but I shot out of the room as fast as I could. I didn’t stop until I was curled up in the janitor’s closet, sobbing into my hands. Never in my entire life had I done something so stupid... or felt so alone.

12/16/2012 8:15:20 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I realize this is kind of short, and I apologize. Hopefully I'll be able to write more soon. ~Eden~ “Is anyone finished with their project?” Miss Keeling called as the class quieted down. My hand shot up, along with a couple of others. “Okay, Eden, you can go first. Who’s your partner?” Miss Keeling asked. Remy turned around in her chair to look at me, confused. I had gotten all the work done by myself last night, adding the extra bits about Remy that I had found online. “Remy,” I chirped in reply, pointing at her. As soon as I did, the class began whispering again. They had all seen the interview last night, I was sure. “Class, quiet!” Miss Keeling snapped. The room fell to a hush. Remington stood up and I walked past her, looking straight ahead. I stood at the podium in front of the whiteboard, Remy right beside me. “How are we going to present this?” she whispered. “You do me first, then I do you,” I said through the corner of my mouth. Remy nodded, then read everything that I had written about myself the previous night. Then she handed it back to me and I began reading it off. “Remy was born on December twenty-fourth. Her favorite color is blue and she has five brothers and sisters all together. She has been doing gymnastics her entire life.” Without hesitating, I went on ahead, surprising Remy. “Except at practice one day, she tore her Achilles tendon which therefore killed all her gymnastic skills,” I said as Remy’s eyes went wide with surprise. Lauren gaped at me from the back of the room. “But even before that,” I continued on, “She ruined her friendship with McKayla Johnson, who is still a pro gymnast, by becoming a little brat who thought she was better than everyone else.” The guys in the room all murmured “oooh.” Remy’s face turned bright red as I went on reading, smiling innocently like I was doing nothing wrong. “And that’s why the world hates her. And also why she’s back here in high school... hiding. Thanks to Rachel’s Celeb Gossip Blog and Sports TV for the information,” I finished up. Remy turned to me, furious. “Yeah, Eden?” she spat, “Well I hope your parents argue for the rest of your life-just like they ALWAYS HAVE- and I hope they get a divorce so your life will suck!” Her voice shook, and from my spot in front of her I could see the tears in her eyes. I stepped back a little, stunned. I hadn’t told her any of that information... at all. How did she know? Suddenly, it hit me. She had read my notebook when I was in the bathroom at her house. The class was silent as Remy ran out of the room. I felt tears burning my eyes. I couldn’t cry here... Not in front of everyone. Lauren started to get up to come to me, but I shot out of the room as fast as I could. I didn’t stop until I was curled up in the janitor’s closet, sobbing into my hands. Never in my entire life had I done something so stupid... or felt so alone.

12/16/2012 8:15:18 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 ~Eden~ I rang the doorbell at Remington’s house, shifting from one foot to the other anxiously. This house was huge... Actually, I quickly corrected myself, it was a mansion. I swallowed hard. Suddenly, the door opened and a man stood before me. I figured he was Remy’s father. “Hello,” he said, giving me a smile. “Um, hi,” I said awkwardly. “Remy’s up in her room. Come inside,” he said, opening the door wider. I stepped inside, and my jaw dropped. The house was gorgeous... perfect, actually. Nothing seemed out of place, like there were maids or something that cleaned this place themselves. There probably were, I thought to myself. I felt so out of place her already. Her father went over to... get this. A freaking PA system. “Remy, darling,” her dad said into it, “Your friend is here.” Suddenly, Remy’s voice came over it, causing me to jump a little for a reason I couldn’t figure out. “I’ll be down in a second.” I heard footsteps, and looked up to see her running down a winding staircase. “Hi, Eden,” she greeted. “Hi,” I replied flatly, looking around the room, “Nice place.” She nodded her thanks. “Remy!” someone called, “Who’s here?” Suddenly, a woman rushed into the room, balancing a tray of food in her hands. As she took in the sight of me, her eyes went wide. “Eden!” she cried. I stepped back, confused. “I’m sorry...,” I mumbled, unsure of what else to say. “I’m sorry. I just haven’t see you in years. I remember seeing you here almost everyday when you were a little girl,” the woman, who I figured out what Remy’s mother, apologized hastily. Oh. It all clicked into place suddenly. My mom had told me last night that Mrs. Lochte and her had been great friends when Remy and I were little. Apparently, Remy and I used to be the best of friends. “Oh,” I said. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Remy and I weren’t friends anymore, just like Mrs. Lochte and my mom weren’t friends anymore. It was simple; we just didn’t fit in with them. I turned to Remy. “We should get started on the project now, right?” I asked, trying to change the subject. Remy nodded, throwing her mom a look. She led me up to her bedroom. Once we were inside, I took in the sight of it. It was really pretty; nothing like my boring room. My eyes landed on the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals on the wall. Was she trying to show them off? I wouldn’t be surprised, to be quite honest. I shook my head dismissively, pushing the thought away. I sat down in her computer chair. “Are we doing Powerpoints, or posters?” I questioned. I took a notebook and pen out of my backpack. “Whatever you want to do. I’m good with either.” “That’s exactly why I asked you, Remy,” I said, frowning, “I don’t know what to do either.” “Fine. Let’s do a poster,” Remy said. I wrote that down in my notebook. I wrote down all the basic facts about her that she told me. After a while, I stood up. “Where’s the bathroom?” Remy pointed towards an open door in her bedroom. Of course she had a private bathroom, I thought bitterly. “Thanks.” As I washed my hands, I thought about all the arguing that had gone on in my house last night. Every night, every day, it was getting worse. It was like my parents didn’t care that I had to live with it anymore. I stepped out of the bathroom to find Remy sitting on her bed. For the next half hour, we discussed the project. We got on her computer and got some pictures of Remy when she was a kid. Then a girl’s voice came over the PA system. “Remy, I need you downstairs for a few minutes.” “I’m sorry,” Remy said, glancing at me apologetically, “It sounds urgent.” I nodded, for once not feeling as annoyed as I normally did whenever I was around her. I wasn’t sure why, but as I watched her go, I couldn’t help but think about how different we were. How could we have ever been best friends? Minutes ticked by, me deep in thought. Finally, I stood up. I was sick of just sitting up here alone, waiting for Remy to come back. I walked down the stairs. Once I was downstairs, I followed the noise of a TV set. Finally, I found myself in a room. Remy was standing there, staring at the TV. I couldn’t help but listen to what the guy on the TV was saying. to some girl I didn’t recognize. “She seems so genuine in public. But I guess now we know the truth about Miss Remington Lochte. She comes off as the world’s best friend, but is a little monster in public. I guess she takes after her older brother, the ignorant Ryan Lochte.” Remy gasped. “What’s this?” I asked. She turned around quickly, finally noticing me. “It’s nothing,” she said quickly. But I could see the anger and hurt in her eyes. I knew it was more than nothing. Much more. “Uh... okay,” I said, trying to sound like I believed her. But already, I felt an idea brewing inside of me. *** Eagerly, I opened up my laptop. I was locked up in my bedroom, sitting on my bed with my iPod cranked up to block out the yelling of my parents. I pulled up Google, and then began typing in what I wanted. “Remy Lochte and McKayla Johnson”. I hit the enter button and watched over a million results appear, including several photos of Remy and McKayla, arms wrapped around each other as they showed off their medals. Now THEY looked like best friends. I clicked on the first link that appeared. It took my to a website called Rachel’s Celeb Gossip Blog. It immediately took me to the blog entry that was all about Remy and McKayla. The first thing that popped up when I hit the entry to read the rest of it was McKayla and Remy at the Olympics in London. Remy had apparently got Top Three or something and McKayla hadn’t. Honestly, I was a little confused. I had never been one to watch sports. I read the article. It consisted of information purely about how Remy was “a little monster” to her friends in private. It even showed a picture of McKayla crying, though it looked to me like they were fake tears. I jotted down notes in my notebook with a blue ink pen, my mind spinning. Then I went to another website. This one was the link to Sports TV. I read about how Remy’s gymnastic career had ended early when she tore her Achilles tendon. It was all good, juicy information that most people probably didn’t know at our school. Satisfied, I shut the lid of my laptop and began working on our poster.

12/16/2012 8:13:25 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Aw, I'm going to miss you so much! D: I've loved writing with you. I've had so much fun with this club, and I feel like it's helped make us all better writers<3 I would take the club, but I already have my own. Plus my schedule is super packed right now, what with all the projects and homework they're giving us lately. So it's a no for me, even though I will stay and write of course.(: I hope we can stay in touch by Wattpad. I'll try to message you sometime on there(: Hopefully I'll get a new email soon that I can use for my writing stuff<3

12/16/2012 5:35:48 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - awh. :\ This is sad. I feel like I've gotten to know you so much over this year through writing. This club was part of my writing, and I'm sorry to see you go. <3 Since I've been with this club for about a year now, I would take over...unless anyone else wants to. After all, I already have a club. But, I mean, it's not like we run these clubs by ourselves. So if no one else would like it, I'd love the club. <3

12/15/2012 8:07:04 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I hate this guys but I’m going to have to quit girlslife. I’ve been so busy and I feel like I’m not really improving my writing since I feel rushed. I’ve loved getting to know you guys, and I’d really like to stay in contact. I will still be writing on Wattpad (http://www.wattpad.com/user/TheSwagtasticDreamer) and I also will give out my email to stay in contact or any other social website (Facebook, Instagram, Kik, Twitter) Would any one like to take over? I will miss writing with you guys!!

12/15/2012 7:13:15 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yeah, that sounds great!! :D I can't wait to see what you post about the presentation!

12/14/2012 4:06:32 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- I think maybe it should be just a little longer than that, mainly because I wanted Eden to become really depressed for a while. But then they can make up just like you said!(: And yes, I plan on writing about the presentation this weekend(:

12/13/2012 5:06:41 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ Hey guys! I'm sooo sorry I haven't posted yet >.< I wasn't sure what should happen to Silvia and it was my dad's birthday too but I promise I'll post soon ^.^!

12/13/2012 11:44:17 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - hmmm...IDK. :p Maybe after the presentation mishap, Eden apologizes, then Remy does. :) Or do you think it should be a longer wait than that? I'm good with anything! ^.^ Also, were you going to write about the presentation?

12/12/2012 8:24:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 *write. @Haley- Are Eden and Remy going to make up and be friends soon, or are they going to hate each other for a long time? I was just wondering. :)

12/12/2012 8:17:36 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Hey, guys! Sorry I haven't written like I said I would. I've just been super busy! This weekend though, I swear I'll right! I promise it.(:

12/12/2012 8:16:35 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - hahah, I know the feeling! ;) I was babysitting last night until midnight and I had to wake up at six-thirty this morning. :\

12/9/2012 8:28:57 AM | Report

myfatsquirrel just let me know when you're gonna start a new story:)

12/10/2012 9:37:23 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Forget it.. I can't sleep! Haha, I'll write soon!(:

12/8/2012 11:01:08 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Awesome post! :D @Everyone- I only got about one hour of sleep last night because I went to one of my friends' house and spent the night because it was her birthday. I'll try to write after I sleep for a little while!(:

12/8/2012 10:00:54 AM | Report

bballstar123 @Toni, Great postt!! Good luck at all your activities this weekend! :)

12/7/2012 4:43:40 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - good luck, and great post! <3 <3

12/7/2012 4:02:31 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Sorry if there's any spelling/grammar mistakes. I don't think I can write this weekend. I have a dance recital and two beauty pageants I'm going to be in:// Wish me good luck!

12/6/2012 10:33:28 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Thanks Payton! *Cher* I was getting ready for the football game tonight that everyone had been talking about at school. So far, I had met Lupe and a few other people. One of those people, Ricky was into photography like me. We were going to try and find jobs so we could get some decent cameras. Just after finishing off my mascara, my phone started vibrating. I looked at the calling ID, expecting it to be Ricky but oddly, it was an unknow caller. “Hello?” I answered. “Hello. Is this one of Jade Armstrong’s family members?” A woman asks. I took a breath and tried not to panic. “Yes, it is. Is everything okay?” I asked. “Miss. Armstrong is in the hospital, she’s been in a fight.” Crap. “Is it bad?” “One of her ribs is broken, along with her arm,” The woman answered. It was Nat and Emily. It had to be. How could they freaking do this to her? “What’s her room number?” I asked. “109.” I hung up and ran downstairs. “Denise, would you mind if I took your car? My friend is in trouble,” I say. She gives me a confused look. “Sure. Here are the keys.” Denise tosses them to me and I hurry outside and get in the car. The entire car ride I thought about Nat and Emily. Why did they hate her so much? Once I got to the hospital, I got out of Denise’s car and ran inside. I took the elevator upstairs and searched for room 109. Once I found it I knocked on the door. “Come in,” I hear a woman’s voice say. “Are you family?” The woman asks. I nod. “I am the interpreter,” She says. “Oh, okay.” I look at Jade who was staring at me. “Who did this?” I signed. “N-A-T and E-M-I-L-Y,” She spelled out. I pushed my hair back to find myself sweating. “Don’t get so worked up. I’m just going to ignore th-“No!” I signed. “I’ll take care of it. They will never hurt you ever again.” I furiously walk out of the room and out of the hospital. I drove to the orphanage. Finally, I got out and climbed the gate and sneaked to the girls side of the campus. I tapped on Nat and Emily’s room. After a few seconds, they got up and opened the window. “What do you want?” Nat asks. I climb inside. “How dare you ever touch Jade! Who do you think you are? You don’t freakin do that to people!” I yell. “Shut up! They’re going to hear you,” Emily says. I roll my eyes. “You better get out of here or else you’re going to end up like Jade,” Nat tells me. “ I punched her and she fell to the ground. A pain goes through my hand. Emily punched me and I elbowed her in the face. The door swings open. “What’s going on here?” A guard asks. I freeze for a moment then slip out the window. “Get back here!” The guard yells. I run and climb over the gate as fast as I could and get in my car and drive. I drove faster than I ever thought I could. I just messed things up, really bad. They were going to look at the security cameras and know it was me and make me come back. I could feel it. Once I felt pretty sure they weren’t following me, I pulled into a gas station. I laid back into my seat and closed my eyes. I could feel cold sweat on my forehead. I look in the mirror at my face. My eye was swollen and discolored; I would probably have a black eye in the morning. I looked at my phone and found seven missed calls from Ricky. I decided to call her back. “Cher Blevins, I am not talking to you,” She says. “Ricky, something happened. Really bad! I’ll explain later, I’m coming to the party,” I explain. “I’m not going to the stupid party,” She snapped and hung up. I sigh and start my car and drive to the party. **I’ll write more later. @Haley I’m going to write about Cher and Remy meeting at the party, too.:)

12/6/2012 10:32:02 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Awesome post! :D

12/6/2012 7:15:30 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Remy~ After watching the interview, I had gone back up to my bedroom and had wrapped up the project with Eden, vowing to schedule another day to work on it. After she’d driven away, I sat in my library, the tears streaming down my face. Just when I’d thought life could be normal for me – for ONCE – it’d come back to bite my butt. I hadn’t ever done anything to McKayla. Why did she hate me so much? Monday morning, I went downstairs to find Nathan and Ryan sitting in the kitchen, laughing with Devon. When they saw me traipse it, they had stopped, and their faces turned dull and sympathetic. “I saw the interview,” Nathan said softly. Ryan nodded. I threw my hands up in the air in a fit of anger. “Of course! Everyone’s seen it by now!” I thundered. “I don’t blame you if you don’t want to go to school. I’m sure your principal would understand—“ I cut Devon off immediately. “Oh, I’m going to school. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m some spoiled little rich girl who thinks she can ditch school whenever she feels sad,” I said, pointing my finger at them. Ryan bit down on his lip. “Okay, then.” I turned and walked back up the stairs, by appetite for breakfast gone. I slammed the door to my bedroom behind me. I could face these people. They were just high school students. They would forget about in a few days it like they forgot about some celebrity breakup. I took a deep breath, and began fingering through the clothes on a rack in my spacious closet. (Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/allie_taylor_running_around/set?id=49880128&lid=1577842) * * * * I plopped down in the backseat of Ryan’s car, while Nathan and Ryan sat in the two front seats. They were going back to Ry’s apartment after dropping me off at school. Ryan twisted around in his seat to look at me. “Okay, you’ve been through this before. If the paps are surrounding the place, just walk right through, keeping your head straight like you don’t even know they’re there.” I nodded. He smiled, and turned on the ignition of the car. “It’s a school,” Nathan said, shrugging as Ryan drove down our long driveway, “What’s the worst they could do?” We. Were. Wrong. Ryan drove up to the curb of Lawrence High, and we all stared out the window at the people surrounding the North and East Entrance of the place. Paparazzi. “I’ll take you in,” Ryan said, unbuckling his seatbelt. But Nathan held out his arm to stop him. “No way, bro. They’ll mob you just as much as her. I’ll go,” he said. My brother shrugged. Nathan unbuckled his seatbelt, and looked back at me. “Ready?” I nodded my head yes…slowly and hesitantly. He swung open his door, and I did the same. We walked across the parking lot. He kept a firm hand on my back as the newsies herded toward us. “Miss Lochte!” one shouted in my face. I did as Ryan said: kept looking straight ahead. They followed us, snapping photos of me and Nathan, who was now gripping my arm and pulling me through the crowd. “Remington, what were your reactions to—“ “Remy! Why did you choose public schoo—“ “What happened between you and McKayla Johnson?” I kept walking straight ahead, despite the tears burning the back of my eyes. Why couldn’t they just leave? I walked until I got to the sidewalk. I was close to the school now. They couldn’t follow me that far. But as we got closer to the North Entrance, the crowd grew tighter around me. Nathan grabbed my hand, and we broke into a run, shoving through everyone in our path. Nathan pushed a photographer down on his way, not caring what damage he’d left. Then he swung open the glass door, shoving me in front of him. We looked behind us at the cameras flashing at us, and the muffled voices of the desperate journalists. The hallway was still empty, since the bell hadn’t rung yet. “How will you get outside?” I asked him, still catching my breath. He shrugged. “I’ll find a way.” Then he turned and walked away. I went to my locker, and got out all of my things for English. I still had five minutes until the first bell rang. I walked slowly down the hallway, hoping to pass time. The teachers were preparing for the day still. Soon enough, the bell rang, and I had found my way to Miss Keeling’s room. She was typing hastily on her keyboard, and only glanced up at me and smiled, before going back to her work. I waited and waited, then the students began pouring into the room. James came in and plopped down next to me. He was listening to his iPod. “Hey,” he said, seeming kind of timid, and went over and slapped his friend’s hand. He’d also seen the interview. I looked around me. A few girls in the corner were whispering, and I heard my name said here and there. They had also seen the interview. I rested my head on the table, cushioned by my arms. This would blow over, I told myself. This would blow over. Miss Keeling stood from her desk chair, and walked up in front of the class, clapping her hands together twice. “Is anyone finished with their project?” she called out, just as the class quieted down. A few hands went up. “Okay, Eden, you can go first. Who’s your partner?” I twisted around to look at Eden. She had a poster sitting on her desk. We had barely gotten started on it. How could she say it was done? “Remy,” she chirped back, pointing to me. As soon as she did, the whispering started up again. “Class, quiet!” Miss Keeling snapped. I mentally thanked her, and stood from my chair. Eden walked to the front, past me. “How are we going to present this?” I whispered as I followed behind to the podium near the whiteboard. “You do me first, then I do you,” she said back through the corner of her mouth. I nodded, and began reading off what it said on the poster. I hadn’t written any of it. Eden must’ve done the whole thing over the weekend. But I still read it off. Then I waited for Eden to begin. “Remy was born on December twenty-fourth. Her favorite color is navy blue and she has five brothers and sisters all together. She has been doing gymnastics her entire life.” I thought Eden would stop there, but instead she kept going. “Except at practice one day she tore her Achilles tendon which therefore killed all her gymnastics skills.” My eyes widened. “But even before that, she ruined her friendship with McKayla Johnson, who is still a pro gymnast, by becoming a little brat who thought she was better than everyone else.” I held my breath as the guys in the room all murmured “ooooh”. My face grew red and hot as Eden continued, smiling like nothing was wrong. “And that’s why the world hates her. And also why she’s back here in high school…hiding. Thanks to Rachel’s Celeb Gossip Blog and Sports TV for the information.” Anger bubbled up inside of me. She DID NOT just say that. “Yeah, Eden?” I spat, “Well, I hope your parents argue for the rest of your life- just like they ALWAYS HAVE – and I hope they get a divorce so you’re life will SUCK!” My voice shook vulnerably. Tears burned the back of my eyes. The whole class was silent. I’d never experienced this before. Strong Remy was breaking. I ran from the room, bursting into tears.

12/6/2012 6:06:42 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Just followed ya!(:

12/6/2012 7:53:17 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts! I'm going to write but I've been being all lazy with this story:/ @Payten I have a wattpad, I actually just deleted my old one and made a new one! Here's mine http://www.wattpad.com/user/TheSwagtasticDreamer

12/5/2012 10:36:50 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - thanks! :D I'll be writing later today, too.

12/4/2012 9:02:28 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Lol, I like that idea, too! :) Amazing post! I'll try to write tomorrow after school. <3

12/3/2012 8:57:32 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton – maybe Eden and Remy could’ve been really great friends as little girls (like five and six years old), but then their mothers had a fallen out, which broke them up. IDK. It just seems like Remy and Eden should end up being really close friends. :) @Minni – great post! ^.^ ~Remy~ I placed a few clothes on the hangers, and closed my closet door. My room needed to be as tidied up as possible for Eden. I didn’t want her thinking I was some spoiled slob. I moved the pillows around on my bed. It was a bit before two o‘clock PM, when Eden said she was going to be here. I checked myself over in the mirror. I was in red sweatpants and a grey hoodie (http://www.polyvore.com/lazy_allie_taylor/set?id=49918239), with my long dark hair in a loose side braid. “Remy, darling,” I heard my father’s voice over the PA system, “you’re friend is here.” I pressed the button that let me talk back on my wall. “I’ll be down in a second.” I quickly ran out the door and down the winding staircase. She was waiting in the foyer. “Hi, Eden,” I greeted. “Hi,” she replied flatly, gazing around the room, “Nice place.” I nodded my thanks. “Remy!” I heard my mom call, “Who’s here?” She hurried into the foyer, holding a tray of food. When she saw Eden, her eyes widened. “Eden!” she cried. Eden stepped back. “I’m sorry…,” she mumbled, looking quite confused. “I’m sorry,” my mother quickly apologized, “I just haven’t seen you in years. I remember seeing you here almost every day when you were a little girl.” A face of realization set on her face. “Oh.” Then she shook her head, and turned to me. “We should get started on the project now, right?” I nodded, giving me mother a look. I led Eden up to my bedroom. I opened the door. She looked around at my long bedroom. Her eyes fell on the Gold and Silver and Bronze medals hanging from my wall. Damn it, I scolded myself. She probably thought I was trying to show them off. Michael, one of Ryan’s friends, had always lectured me on keeping them to myself. But almost no one ever came up into my room, except my family and close friends, who had also earned their fair share of medals. But then she shook her head dismissively, and sat down in my computer chair. “Are we doing PowerPoints, or posters?” she asked, taking a notebook and pen out of her backpack. “Whatever you want to do. I’m good with either,” I said, shrugging. She frowned. “That’s exactly why I asked you, Remy. I don’t know what to do either.” I couldn’t win with her. But I needed to stay positive with this girl. When exactly had she started hating me? “Fine. Let’s do a poster,” I said. She wrote that down in her notebook. I took my journal from my bedside table, and began writing down the basic facts that Eden told me about herself, like her favorite color, her birthday, her parents, how many siblings she had, and other things like that. Then she stood up. “Where’s the bathroom?” she asked. I pointed across my wide bedroom, to the open door that led into my restroom. “Thanks.” She disappeared behind the closed bathroom door a moment later. I walked over to her notebook, looking at what she’d written so far. It was open, so I could see both pages. One was filled with facts about me, and the other was lines of different handwriting. It went back and forth between curly and neat handwriting and large, free handwriting. I couldn’t help but glance. “Laur, seriously, the arguing is getting worse,” the first note said. “Eden, U can come & stay at my place whenever you feel like it. The rents wont care. They <3 U” “But I can’t stay there forever…But thanks anyway. I just wish the arguing would stop forever. It’s like my parents don’t even care that I have to live with it!!” “i know, Ede. I wish i could help. Maybe ask them to get counseling for it” I could tell now what I was reading. It felt like one of the novels I read in my free time. Lauren and Eden must’ve been passing notes during class or something. “That’s stupid. Theyll never listen to me. They only seem to care about themselves.” I was interrupted by the sound of the sink in my bathroom. I nervously leapt back onto my bed just as the door to my restroom opened. I vowed not to tell anyone what I’d just read. For another half-hour or so, we discussed what we were going to do for our project, and got on my computer to print of photos of me as a kid. I chose a few from gymnastics and some of me and my siblings. I didn’t go in the “2012 London” file, hoping not to seem as if I was showing off. Suddenly, I heard my sister’s voice over the PA. “Remy,” Megan said, “I need you downstairs for a few minutes.” I looked at Eden. “I’m sorry,” I said, “It sounds urgent.” Eden nodded. This was the first time she hadn’t seemed annoyed with me. I hurried out of the room and down the staircase again. “Meg?” I called. “In here!” I heard her voice from the TV room. I walked in there. She stared at the TV screen. My eyes bulged when I saw the TV screen. McKayla Johnson sat in the interviewers chair at the Sports TV station. Ralph sat in front of her. At the bottom of the screen, it read, “MCKAYLA JOHNSON REVEALS ALL ABOUT REMINGTON LOCHTE” I drew in a short breath, then sat down. “Yeah,” McKayla said, her voice sounding weak. It was fake weak. “She always wanted to be better than me. I felt bad for her, since none of the other girls liked Remy. But after the qualifiers, while I was crying, she did nothing but brag to me that she’d gotten the All Arounds spot…and not me,” she continued. A tear fell from the corner of her eye. She patted it away. “This is preposterous!” Ralph cried, “I mean, it’s hard to believe, McKayla. She seems so genuine in public. But I guess now we know the truth about Miss Remington Lochte. She comes off as the world’s best friend, but is a little monster in private. I guess she takes after her older brother, the ignorant Ryan Lochte.” I gasped. My ex-best friend continued lying, “Yes, now the family is hiding from the media in Connecticut. Remy is going to high school now. She’s probably just trying to gain a bigger crowd following her. So attention-craving.” McKayla rolled her eyes. “What’s this?” I heard Eden’s voice behind me. I whipped around. “It’s nothing,” I said quickly. “Uh…okay.” I knew she didn’t believe me, but at least she was pretending not to know anything.

12/3/2012 7:46:07 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- Yup! Awesome post! <3

12/3/2012 7:11:10 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Payton thanx! :)

12/3/2012 5:42:54 PM | Report

bballstar123 The crowd. Went. Nuts. They won!! James had done absolutely fantastic! (Even though he didn’t play for any more than 7 minutes) Sitting right in the front I got a good view of the whole game, which to be honest, I barely understood... The clock ticked out and the players all came running into a center field huddle. After their little huddle James came right over to me and practically picked me up off my feet, “You were here! You stayed the whole time!” he said, sounding astonished. “Of course I did! You looked awesome.” I said. “Thank you so much Loops” he said, pulling me up in a bear-hug again. “It’s absolutely no problem” I said hugging him tightly. When he finally put me down he had this priceless grin on his face, like the grin of a little kid that sees an ice cream truck and gets to pick whatever they want. It made me smile back at him. He told me to wait for him outside the locker rooms and he’d drive me to his house for the after party. He squeezed my hand, smiled again, and walked off with the rest of his team. **Walking into the party was awkward at first, James told me he had to go make sure the drinks were out and that he’d be right back. I walked off looking for someone to talk to and caught sight of Remy. Thank god. She was talking to Eden Wood. What an unexpected pair. I thought I would break the awkward bubble that seemed to surround that two of them. We chatted for a little bit until some nonsense between the two arose and Remy walked away. ** James came back and was talking to me while Eden stood there looking just plain miserable. I didn’t really want to ruin anything with James so I let her be upset. She needed to enjoy the party. James threw his arm around my shoulder and for a while we just looked at each other. We started talking again, but it was just to suck in the air (if you know what I mean). Again I found myself just staring at him, his big brown eyes, looking into mine. This boy was magical. So perfect. So himself, and for the moment being, he was mine. “Lupe, can I tell you something.” he said, out of no where. “of course” i said. He had me nervous, it had been days since he actually called me Lupe and not “Loops” He brought me over into the kitchen and i hopped up, sitting on the counter so I was more face-to-face with him. “I think I like you” he said. “I’m almost certain I like you too” I said. Where was all this courage coming from? I was shocked with myself. Then, right there in his kitchen, probably the most secluded room in his whole house at this point, I, Lupe Rodriguez, looked him right in the eyes, hopped off the counter, and kissed him. It was so right. So perfect, just like everything else about him. About us, we were perfect, we were together. James Valance was mine <3 Minni

12/3/2012 5:41:40 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- Thanks! <3 Good luck at your games this weekend!! :D

12/3/2012 5:21:31 PM | Report

bballstar123 I should be posting soon! Sorry, basketball's been hectic, i have FIVE games this weekend... I'm back though! haha @Payton Loved your post! @Haley Great post!!

12/3/2012 5:18:55 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Awesome post! And I LOVE that idea! We should totally do it! :D

12/3/2012 4:47:37 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton, I had the idea that when Remy and Eden are working on their project, they end up telling each other private stuff that slips out of their mouths. So during their presentation, to be mean (without knowing her action’s consequences), Eden says that Remy stole McKayla’s – remember my prologue about Remy and McKayla? – spot in the Olympics, so that’s why she hates Remy. Then out of anger, Remy tells the class that Eden’s parents argue all the time and their marriage is horrible – which ended up being worse than Eden telling the thing with McKayla. :\ What do you think? It was just an idea off the top of my head.

12/3/2012 2:06:38 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Remy~ “Ready for your first high school party?” London asked, pulling her car up to the curb at James’ house. I smiled. “Yep.” After the game, I’d changed from my uniform into my warm-ups, which were a pair of black sweatpants and a jacket, with the words “LHS VARSITY CHEERLEADER” displayed on the bag in bold blue letters. It had navy blue and white accents that sparkled. I opened my passenger door. Leon got out of the backseat of London’s Volvo. We walked into the house, where teenagers filled every corner. “This is quite a crowded house,” I observed aloud. “Yep.” London closed the door behind us. “I wish I knew people here,” I said, turning to London. “You’ve probably seen some of these people at school before. Just start by saying hi,” she urged, “While you do, I’m going to get myself a drink.” She whirled me around, and kicked my butt, moving me forward suddenly. I turned and glared at her, but looked around for someone I recognized. I didn’t see James, even though it was his party. It was way too tight in there. I crossed my arms over my chest. Finally, my eyes landed on a familiar head of light brown hair. It was Eden. I could take this chance to talk to her about the project. I pushed through the crowd. “Hey!” I chirped, putting a hand on her shoulder. She furrowed her eyebrows. “Hi.” She sounded confused as to why I was talking to her. I quickly searched for something to start a conversation. “Great party, huh?” I asked, loudening my voice over the music throbbing from the speakers. James hadn’t seemed like the crazy party kind of guy at school. Eden shrugged. “Sure.” She crossed her arms. “So, are you having fun?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood with a smile. “To be honest, not really. I only came because someone wanted me to,” she said, her voice dull. “Lauren?” I guessed, hoping that would start some sort of conversation. “Nope. Garrett,” she informed me, jutting her chin off to the group of guys messing around in the corner. I had seen Garrett at school. He was one of the girls-fall-to-his-knees guys. Then there was Eden, who seemed to be more of the in-the-background girl. “What?” she asked, her voice suddenly turning cold. I began to say something, but Eden cut me off, “Do you think that just because I’m not a cheerleader that I can’t get guys?” My jaw dropped. “No, I didn’t say that. I just mean…he doesn’t seem like your type,” I defended, shaking my head. “I don’t like him. “Remy!” I whirled around at the sound of my name. Lupe, the girl I’d sat with at lunch with James, was pushing through the crowd toward me. “Hey, Lupe,” I replied, happy someone else had joined the conversation. They exchanged pleasantries. Eden seemed much more open to converse with Lupe than me. Then they began talking about school…elementary school. “Did you happen to go to Elmwood Elementary School?” Lupe asked. The name rang a bell. I’d gone there for elementary. “Yeah. sadly, why?” Eden asked. “I went there, too!” I cut in, “I mean, it was just for a little while before I started traveling.” I smiled. “Now that I think of it,” Eden began, her eyes widening with realization, “I do kind of remember you both.” A memory struck me of Eden. She was a little girl, coming into the room with tearstains on her cheeks. “Right, weren’t you that kid that came in bawling and they had to send you to the guidance counselor.” I hadn’t realized I’d brought up a bad memory until Eden’s smile suddenly dropped from her face. “Yeah. But I don’t get why you would bring that up.” I looked down, feeling horrible. “I’m sorry,” I apologized. But I knew that wouldn’t be enough. Eden didn’t like me. But we had a project to do together. She would have to deal with me for a week or two. (@Payton – I’m adding in this next part just because… ^.^) “Eden,” I began. She looked at me. “Are we still getting together to work on that project for English?” She shrugged. “Sure.” “Okay, I’m guessing you want my address then, right?” I asked. “Duh,” she said, giving me a weird face, “Just text it to me.” How was I ever supposed to get through to her? I asked myself. She didn’t even want to have a simple conversation with me. Hopefully, the get-to-know-me-like project would help her realize that I wasn’t a mean person.

12/3/2012 10:33:55 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awesome! :D I'll probably post something today since school's cancelled.

12/3/2012 9:16:28 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Yup, I just did last night! Ignore the terrible picture of me(:

12/3/2012 8:25:09 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - no, it wasn't directed at you mainly, but pretty much everyone that's written about cheerleaders being mean girls. :) And, sure, I'll follow you on Figment. Can you follow me?

12/2/2012 8:15:22 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Oh, and if you know of anyone that makes good covers, please let me know! :D I could make my own but they suck. :P

12/2/2012 6:25:57 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 If anyone has a Figment or Wattpad account, please check out my accounts and my Fanfiction. :) And I know I have like zero followers on both, but I'm working on that. :D Wattpad link: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AsleepUnderTheStars Figment Link: http://figment.com/users/267073-Payton

12/2/2012 6:22:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Since I feel like that message was directed mainly at me, I just thought I'd say that I KNOW cheerleaders aren't all like that. I have some friends that are planning on doing cheerleading in Highschool, and they're not mean at all. Sorry if I offended you, Haley, or anyone else on here, but trust me when I say that I don’t really think that about cheerleaders. It’s just for my writing.

12/2/2012 3:23:31 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :) Hey, guys, I understand that in the movies, the cheerleaders are mean girls and make fun of other girls, but not all of them are like that. I'm a cheerleader, and I'm nothing like that. I'm not saying I've never wrote about that, but after awhile it does start to hurt that everyone seems to hate us, since people at school make fun of me too for it.

12/2/2012 1:02:00 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 This is all I'm going to write for now, guys! I have a project due on Monday that I need to get done. But anyway, I hope this is okay. I finally wrote about Lupe and Eden meeting, and I also added how Remy and the two realized they went to the same school. If you want to change it, it’s okay. I wasn’t sure what to write. :) ~Eden~ “Eden! Hey, Eden! Wait up!” a guy called from behind me. I stood in the middle of the hallway, teenagers shoving past me. Garrett grabbed my shoulders and turned me around to face him. “What is it this time?” I asked, sighing at the sight of him. “Are you coming to the football game this Friday?” he asked, letting go of my shoulders. “No. Why?” I asked, raising my eyebrows. “Because I’m playing. And it’s a home game, so I just figured everyone was going...” he explained, trailing off. “Sorry, but I don’t clash very well with football players or cheerleaders,” I said sarcastically. “Lauren’s a cheerleader,” he said, confused. “That’s different,” I said, sighing, “We’ve been best friends for as long as I can remember.” “Right. Well... Are you sure you’re not going to come? James Valance is having a party at his place afterwards and I was thinking we could go together or something,” Garrett said. He looked like he really wanted me to come. “I don’t know...” I said, hesitating. “Please?” he begged, giving me an adorable face. “Fine,” I said, shaking my head. “Great!” he said, beaming. We exchanged phone numbers before he turned and left, calling over his shoulder, “See you at the game tomorrow night! 6:30!” I sighed, watching his retreating figure. What had I just gotten myself into? *** (Outfit:) The football game was over. Our team had won by quite a bit. Lauren had been excited to see me there, but I wasn’t sure about Garrett. We hadn’t spoken much. Now we were planning to meet at the party. I looked around, trying to spot him in the crowd of teenagers. Music pumped out of the speakers, and the place was packed. I couldn’t move an inch without bumping into someone. “Hey!” a familiar, girly voice greeted. I turned around to see Remington hurrying over to me. “Hey,” I said dryly. “Great party, huh?” she cried, practically yelling over the music. “Sure,” I said, shrugging, “If you say so.” “So,” she said awkwardly, “Are you having fun?” “To be honest, not really. I only came because someone wanted me to!” I replied loudly. “Lauren?” she asked. For some reason, it bothered me a little bit that Lauren spent more time at practice with Remington than she did with me. “Nope. Garrett,” I said. She looked surprised. “What?” I asked, suddenly growing a bit defensive, “Do you think that just because I’m not a cheerleader that I can’t get any guys?” “No,” she said quickly, shaking her head, “I didn’t say that. I just meant that he doesn’t... seem like your type.” I shrugged, looking away. “I don’t like him.” “Hey, Remy!” a girl with long, curly hair and caramel colored skin said, appearing beside Remington and giving her a big smile. I didn’t recognize her, but something about her seemed awfully familiar. “Hey!” Remy replied, grinning. “Who’s this?” the girl asked, nodding towards me. “That’s Eden,” Remy answered. “Hi,” I said awkwardly. “Hi, nice to meet you! I’m Lupe. I just moved here this year,” she said, smiling at me. God. How many new people were there? I couldn’t help but wonder. I forced a smile. “Nice to meet you, too.” There was a brief silence as we just looked at each other awkwardly. “Have I met you before?” she asked finally. “I don’t know. I was just going to ask you the same thing, actually,” I said. “Wait a second! Your name is Eden Pierce, right? Did you happen to go to Elmwood Elementary School?” she asked. I wrinkled my nose at the memory of that awful place. “Yeah, sadly. Why?” She grinned. “Me too! I bet that’s how we know each other!” she cried, sounding excited. I smiled. “That explains it.” “I went there, too. But it was just for a little while, right before I started travelling all over,” Remy cut in, also grinning. “Now that I think about it... I do kind of remember you both,” I said, looking from Lupe to Remy. “Right. Weren’t you the kid that came to school bawling one day and they had to send you to the guidance counselor?” Remy asked me. My smile vanished. “Yeah,” I said, “But I don’t get why you would bring that up.” Remy’s smile faded, too, and I knew that she realized she had just struck a nerve with me. “I’m sorry,” she apologized quickly. I looked down at my shoes. “You know what? Let’s just go have fun,” Lupe said, attempting to change the subject. Before I could object, she was pulling Remy and I away from our spot. I still hadn’t seen Garrett once. *** Remy was talking to some cheerleader; I wasn’t exactly sure what her name was. I just recognized her from school. Lupe was talking to James. I stood there awkwardly, trying not to listen in on their conversations. I had no one to talk to. Garrett was off with his jock friends, being loud and stupid. Suddenly, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder. I whirled around to see a girl with long blonde hair and a tight cheerleader uniform glaring at me. “Who invited you?” she sneered. I froze, suddenly clamming up. Remy and Lupe were silent, waiting to see how I would handle it. “I did,” Garrett said, stepping into view and slipping a strong arm around my waist. Then he glared down at her stunned face. “Do you have a problem with it?” he snapped. “Her social status is way lower than ours! How could you want to be friends with someone like... her?” the girl replied, looking at me with disgust. “Maybe because she’s not as fake as you?” Garrett said bitterly, stating it as a question. She looked taken aback. “Now, back off,” Garrett said, stepping towards her. She turned and hurried away, towards the large cluster of cheerleaders. “Thanks,” I said with a sigh of relief, looking up at Garrett. Again, I was struck by how cute he actually was. “No problem,” he said, giving me a smile.

12/1/2012 6:43:06 PM | Report

MountainLover456 Hey girl!!! I was wondering how to post little entries more than 250 characters long. Thanks!!!

12/2/2012 10:45:40 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Working on a post right now! :)

12/1/2012 5:44:24 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ So sorry I haven't post anything lately,I've had writer's block AND my grandparents just arrived at my house so I've been really busy ^.^ I'll try to post soon!<3

12/1/2012 11:24:12 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - awesome! :) I've been quite blocked lately... :P

11/29/2012 8:04:43 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll post tomorrow night.

11/27/2012 8:29:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 Happy Thankgiving, guys! <3 @Toni - thanks! :)

11/22/2012 9:37:04 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts guys! Cher is not going to the football game, just letting you know. :) She was planning on it, but something comes up.

11/22/2012 12:53:43 PM | Report

fungirl123 This is short, but I’ve been having horrible writer’s block today. :\ I kind of just wanted to get this done, since I haven’t posted anything good on ANY of my writing clubs today. But would you guys mind checking out my new story on Figment, Chasing Dreams? Here’s the link: http://figment.com/books/477432-Chasing-Dreams ~Remy~ I walked up to my locker, which I’d finally gotten the hang of, and dialed the combination. The girl next to me gave an odd look when she saw my locker – kind of a mean look actually. But I mentally shrugged it off and turned for my first class. We had assigned seats now. Mine was with a tall, broad guy. I hadn’t gotten around to introducing myself yet. Soon, though, he came in the room, making conversation with another guy. He plopped his stuff down on the table next to me, and sat down. “Hi,” I greeted, getting a pencil from my pencil bag. “Hey.” “I didn’t get the chance to introduce myself yesterday,” I said, sticking out my hand, “I’m Remy. Remy Lochte.” His eyes widened when I said my name. “Seriously? Like…Devon Lochte…and Ryan Lochte,” he asked in utter amazement. “Yes, that’s us,” I said, laughing a bit. I should’ve been used to this by now, but it was still nice to be recognized. I couldn’t really complain about my great family. “And your…” “Remington Lochte.” “Wow. You’re, like…my sister’s inspiration,” he said, nodding. I smiled. “Awh, that’s cute.” He leaned his elbows on the table. “Um…if it’s not too much to ask, could I get an autograph from your brother, Ryan Lochte? I was pretty huge on Olympic Swimming this year.” I laughed. He seemed all too nervous about this. “Yeah, sure. He wouldn’t mind at all. He kind of misses the crowds from London. He’d like that,” I said. He stuck out his hand now. “Now that I’m done obsessing, I’m James Valance.” I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you James.”

11/21/2012 10:39:13 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - great post! :D

11/21/2012 10:20:12 PM | Report

bballstar123 --Lupe-- “Tatti, he’s amazing” those words rang in my head as I tried to fall asleep that night. I was up till 7:00 that night just telling Tatti everything that went on during my first day. James, his ears, which are slightly too big, his perfect little nose, dark brown eyes, and carmel-y gold hair. He was tall and slender. Maybe he played basketball! That would be great. I loved knowing that I would go to school tomorrow and have a friend. I was bored stiff and decided to text him. “Hey” I sent. “Hey Loops!” he sent back. Oh god... a nick-name? Gotta love this kid. before I could reply I got a text, “So sorry, gtg, meet me tomorrow at lunch?” “sounds great!:)” I sent back.... I woke up early today. 5:45 to be exact. I DID NOT want to be up.... I hustled to the bathroom. My old coach Marlee always told me that a cold shower could wake anyone up. So, thats what I did. The freezing water poured over me and it practically burned, but I needed it. The burn turned into a steading throb. I thoroughly rinsed my thick, thick hair and jumped out. Today I was going to look good. Look good for James. While I was blow-drying my hair I heard Mammi wake up, she came leaping into the bathroom, “How was your day yesterday, sweetie?” she said. “It was great Mammi, but I need to get ready, I will tell you more later” “Whatever you say Lupe” I could tell she was annoyed with me. She left the room and I continued drying my hair. I then Straightened it and pulled my bangs back into a little bump and kept them down with a teal bobbie-pin. I even put on some eyeliner (which I never do). After getting fully dressed and running down stairs for a quick breakfast I got a text, “Want a ride?” it was James. “as long as I’m no bother!” I sent. “no problem. i’ll be there in 5” On the ride to school I learned that James was on the school’s football team, and that he was having a party on Friday, at his house, after the home game and I was invited. My heart totally went right into my throat when he asked me to come. He mentioned a girl named Remy saying that she would be there and that she might sit with us at lunch. He said she was a cheerleader. Now THAT made me apprehensive, basketball player and a cheerleader? I just hope that she wasn’t one of those be-ochy ones... Cheerleaders never liked me, but I had a good feeling about her. The only other “Remy” I knew was a sweet little girl from my old schools, but that was a long, long time ago it couldn’t be the same girl. I went off to my classes as usual and english was cut short so I got to lunch early, walking to my table, daydreaming as usual, I slammed right into a girl with a lunch tray, she said something like “watch it!” but i don’t really remember, this was the second time in two days that i’d almost barreled someone to the ground. I helped her up and she looked vaugely farmiliar “Lupe?” she said. Then it hit me, “Cher?!” I asked her to sit with me for a while and I learned that her parents had killed somebody, and that’s why she never came back to school. She was put in an orphanage and had recently been adopted. I was so glad to see someone farmiliar, it made me feel more at home. We exchanged phone number and chatted, but she had to leave for her next class. So, I waited for James and Remy... James came skipping over, whistling, with a girl who I assumed was Remy trailing behind him. He slammed a bad of chips down in front of me “hope you like Doritos! ‘cause thats what you’re gettin’!” he joked. “Haha, Thank you James.” I said with a smile. (hopefully an extra flirty one...) “Lupe, this is Remy, Remy, this is Lupe” “Hi” we both said simultaneously and giggled. She didn’t seem so bad. James sat down next to me and Remy sat on the other side. “so... You both coming to the party on Saturday?” James asked. “I should be. But you never know with my schedule” Remy said. I just couldn’t get my mind off this girl, she looked sooo farmiliar. “I’ll be there! And by the way, Remy, this is gonna sound awkward, but I would swear I know you.” I said. “Summer olympics?” she said with a small smile spreading across her face. “No, that can’t be it, I don’t usually watch them. Congrats though!” I said. “Did you go to Elmwood Elementary School?” she asked. “Yes. Why?” this girl was definetly confusing me with this one. “I don’t know, but maybe thats how we know each other, just a feeling.” she said shyly. “You have a point, that could be it!” i said. James just sat in awe. “Well, looks like you two have more history than you thought.” he said. “I guess so” I said, half laughing. This weekend was going to be great. How could this be? Two of my closest friends from grade school, separated, and now together again. Who knows what else this weekend will bring. <3Minni sorry about the stupid elementary school name, couldn’t think of anything! :/ Not liking this post ut hopefully my next one will be better! :)

11/21/2012 8:41:28 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Ilovemusic okay... im sorry... im bad at names... You are Maggie right?? lol. sorry! :) Loved your post!!!

11/21/2012 8:02:29 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ Great posts everyone ^.^! Okay,so,I'm just going to have Silvia notice Remy and start to think she knows her but then shrug it off :) I hope that's okay,if not,forget I even made this post ;) ~Silvia~ "Here it is," I say to myself. "C. Lawrence High School." I finish. I breathe in deep and then swing open the door. After about 12 minutes of looking for my locker, I finally find it. "Finally." I sigh to myself. As I walk up to my locker, I notice a tall girl with chin length black hair walking up to the same locker. She notices me as-well, stops walking, looks down at her paper again, turns pink slightly and says in a embarrassed voice,"Sorry, I thought this was mine..." I smile at her. "It's perfectly fine." She smiles slightly and goes to the locker right next to mine. "Okay." I smile again and then turn my attention back to my locker. "Oh no..." The girl says again. I turn to her. "What's wrong?" "Uh--nothing..." She says, turning pink again. I notice she can't open her locker. "Let me help." I say smiling. "The door's stuck..." She says in a awkward voice. She seems so shy. I think to myself. I tug roughly at the door until it flies open. "There," I say as I adjust my hair chop sticks. "Thanks." She says smiling. "I'm Abbey." She says while sticking out her hand. "I'm Silvia." I say grabbing her hand.**********At lunch, I meet two of Abbey's friends; Winnie and Ginger. Winnie has long blonde hair and brown eyes and Ginger has honey brown hair and hazel eyes. Both are rather tall and very nice. "Are you a cheerleader?" I ask Winnie bluntly. "How'd you guess?" She asks. I smile. "You have that kind of look." I say in a dreamy voice. "Really?" She asks, looking slightly pleased. I shake my head. She smiles. I scan around the lunch room for a bit until I see a girl with dark auburn hair. I know her...I think to myself. I look at her for a few seconds then I shrug it off. If I really do know her, then she'll come up to me sometime. I turn my attention back on to Ginger, who's talking about the latest fashion trend. But for some reason I can't help but feel like I know her.... Okay,sorry it's kinda crappy and short ^.^

11/21/2012 2:56:25 PM | Report

myfatsquirrel awesome new icon! hey let me know when u start a new story (after this one)!

11/21/2012 5:27:57 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post!

11/21/2012 11:08:52 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- Yup! Sounds good! :D

11/21/2012 10:43:05 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Basically, Eden think's Remy is going to be a complete snob just because she's a cheerleader, but later on during the project, she'll learn that she's not. :) ~Eden~ I sat down beside Lauren at lunch. “Hey, see that guy over there?” she whispered, leaning over towards me. “Which one?” I asked wearily. “That one,” she said, pointing at a guy with blonde hair that hung in his perfect blue eyes. He was dressed in the typical jock attire; shorts that stop a little above the knee, Nike t-shirt, and one of those sporty rope necklaces. “His name’s Garrett. He’s new here,” Lauren added quietly, flashing me a smile. Wait... Garrett? I looked at his face again, and my heart sank. Oh, no. He was the guy that had opened the door to find a sobbing girl in pajamas on his porch, wanting to talk to her mom’s friends. This wasn’t good. He would probably tell everyone, and I would be even more humiliated than ever. Suddenly, he looked up. Our eyes locked, and a grin spread across his face. Oh, no... No, this couldn’t be happening to me. He stood up, mumbling something to one of his friends. “He’s coming over here!” Lauren squealed, gripping my arm tightly. As soon as he had reached our table, he sat down beside me. “Hey,” he said, nudging me. “Heyyy,” Lauren said, obviously flirting. She twirled a lock of blonde hair, flashing him a beautiful smile. “Uh... hey,” he said, raising his eyebrows at her. Then, turning to me, he said, “I know you, right?” “Sadly,” I mumbled. “Wait, you two know each other?” Lauren asked, sounding confused. “Yeah,” I said, looking at her. Her eyes were wide. “How?” she cried. “Long story,” Garrett said, smiling at me. He barely even glanced at Lauren, which was quite shocking. Normally, guys were flirting back with her, not choosing to ignore her. But his eyes were focused on me, and it was starting to make me feel slightly uncomfortable. “You never told me your name,” he went on, looking at me with... hope? “Maybe I don’t want to,” I muttered, looking away. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a look of surprise flash across his face. “Her name’s Eden. Eden Pierce,” Lauren chimed in, causing me to glare at her. “Cute,” he said. “Why are you here?” I asked, trying not to sound rude, “At my school, I mean.” “Uh, I live here now. I told you that the other night,” he replied, arching an eyebrow. “Whatever. Why are you sitting here?” I replied, trying not to sound too mean. I couldn’t help it, though. He was kind of being annoying. “Because this is a free country and I can,” he said, smiling at me. “Garrett!” a guy’s voice boomed, “Get over here, man!” Garrett sighed but stood up, anyway. He glanced down at me. “See you later.” He gave Lauren and I a little awkward wave before turning and going back to his jock friends. “Oh my god! Oh my god! Eden, how do you know him?” she asked. “It’s a long story,” I said, sighing. The bell rang, signaling that it was the end of lunch. “Well, you’re coming over after school to tell me,” she said, standing up. “Fine,” I agreed. After all, she was my best friend. She deserved to know, right? *** I sat down on a pink bean bag chair. Lauren sat down on her bed and smiled eagerly at me. “Okay, let’s hear it. I want to know how you know that hottie,” she said. I filled her in on everything; how it had been a bad night at home, how I had gone to her house but no one was there, and finally to how I had gone to my mom’s friend’s house, only to remember that they had moved away and had sold their house. And when the door had opened, a shirtless Garrett had listening to me cry for almost twenty minutes of his night. When I had finished, Lauren let out a squeal. “You guys should so go out! You looked so cute standing by each other, and everything just sounds perfect,” she said happily. “No thanks,” I said, glancing down at my hands. “Why not?” Lauren asked. I looked back up at her. She raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. “I don’t think I’m his type. I mean, he’s a jock. I’m a nobody,” I explained carefully. “You’re not a nobody! You’re amazing,” she reassured me, coming over and sitting down beside me. “Maybe to you, but not to everyone else at our High School.” She tried to say something, but I stopped her. “Let’s just talk about something else, okay? Like, how’s cheerleading?” I listened to her fill me in on everything, including how Remington was on the team and that she was really, really good. So I was right, I thought to myself, Remington was going to be a complete snob.

11/21/2012 10:42:33 AM | Report

bballstar123 @Payton Love your post! I would love for Eden and Lupe to meet but maybe not at lunch just because that is where she has met everyone else. Maybe at the party on saturday night? Lupe will be there cuz she is kinda sorta in a relationship with james,(the guy throwing the party) Sound good? <3 Minni

11/21/2012 10:40:15 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 ~Eden~ (Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/keeps_walking/set?id=57059957) I walked into C. Lawrence High School, dread already filling my body. As much as I wanted to tell myself that everything would go perfectly this school year, I knew that I couldn’t. Nothing ever went perfect for me. Ever. As I walked down the halls, I avoided eye contact with basically everyone. Lauren was nowhere to be seen, as usual. I reached my locker and spun the combination. “Damn it,” a girl beside me muttered. I glanced over to see a girl with dark, auburn hair struggling to open her locker. “Need some help?” I asked. Normally, that wasn’t something I would ask. But since she seemed new, I felt like I should offer. “Uh... sure. Thanks,” she said, looking over at me as she stepped aside. I moved up to her locker, saying, “What’s your combination?” She hesitated. “Oh, come on. I won’t tell anyone. I’ll probably forget in a day.” “Okay. 11-31-5,” she replied. I spun the combination, and the locker door swung open easily. I gazed in at her locker, which was completely decked out. A collage of her friends, purple carpeting, zebra printed wallpaper, sparkly shelves... It was all too much, and I found it a little annoying. “You’re the first girl I know that actually looks like she spent a month decorating her locker.” She smiled, like she thought it was a compliment. “Yep.” Her voice sounded so familiar. I looked at her closely, and found that she even looked familiar. “Have I seen you before?” I asked. “Did you watch the Summer Olympics?” she asked in reply, grinning. “No. I don’t really like sports,” I said, “I’m Eden Pierce. Does that ring a bell?” “Sorry, no,” she answered. I stared at her for a moment, not saying anything. Then I turned and walked down the hallway, leaving her by herself. I walked into my English classroom and sat down at a desk beside Lauren. A few minutes ticked by, and then our new teacher began to speak. “Class, I’m Miss Keeling,” she began. “For your first assingment of the year-” she went on, only to be cut off by the sound of my classmates groaning loudly. I was silent. “Excuse me!” she yelled, “Did anyone hear what I just said? Or was Miss Lochte the only one listening?” The class fell silent. Lochte. The name sounded familiar, but I wasn’t sure where I had heard it before. “Now, your first assignment is to interview and write a two-essay - excuse me, MINIMUM of two pages - on another student in this class. You will talk about their interests, hobbies, et cetera. Your partners are...” I barely listened as she listed off partners, turning towards Lauren and giving her a hopeful smile. She grinned, holding up her crossed fingers. “Remington Lochte and Eden Pierce,” Miss Keeling finished. The girl I had helped with her locker, whose name was apparently Remington, turned around and looked at me, smiling excitedly. I glanced at Lauren, frowning. She gave me a sympathetic look. Looks like I was stuck with Remington, who I would probably hate, anyway.

11/21/2012 10:22:42 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Great posts, everyone! :D I'll write soon. Oh, and Eden will probably go to the football game because I'm going to make Garrett ask her to come watch. (Her love interest). Do you think she should go to the party with him? :) @Minni- Do you want me to write about Lupe and Eden meeting each other at lunch? Or not anymore?

11/21/2012 9:40:04 AM | Report

bballstar123 @Haley Thats fine! No worries! Great post!

11/21/2012 8:42:21 AM | Report

fungirl123 Past 11 PM…and I’m still wide awake. :-) I just wanted to get this written up. #dedication ~Remy~ “How was school today?” my mother asked, still staring at her computer screen. I took a seat in a chair across from her desk. My mom worked from home. She owned a sports gear business, which was called World Champion Sports (WCS). “Good,” I said, resting my elbows on the edge of her desk, “How’s WCS?” “You have a photo shoot in a few weeks. We’re teaming up with the Gatorade company. We’re shooting a commercial, too,” Mom said, finally taking her eyes off her computer screen. I scrunched up my nose. “Alright, Remy, go do your homework. I’ll stop boring you to death,” she continued, shooing my away. I smiled, and gladly left the room. Some government homework and pre-calculus homework greeted me when I leapt up onto my bed. Too comfortable. I flipped on the TV and turned back to my homework. * * * * (Outfit: http://lookbook.nu/look/3760981-Coral-Shorts) I was headed to my brother’s apartment for dinner. Ryan’s apartment was across town. A bunch of his swim friends were going to be there, including Nathan. My brothers and Megan were already there. I plopped down in the passenger seat of my father’s Porsche. My cell phone buzzed, making my bum vibrate for a second. I opened the new text from London. *Party @ James Valance’s house. 569 W. Oak Avenue. Fri night after varsity football game. -L* I smiled. My first high school party. Would it be like in the movies? *I’ll be there.* Dad revved up the engine. “I told Ryan to call me before anyone starts drinking,” he said, maneuvering out of our long and winding driveway. I groaned. “Seriously? You’re a fun-sucker.” Dad laughed. “You seriously don’t need to be in that kind of environment. I’m sure Nathan’s mom feels the same way, even if he DOES live with Ryan right now.” I slumped in my seat. I stared out the window as we emerged from the wall of trees in front of our mansion, and out onto the open country road. We arrived at Ryan’s apartment complex, and Dad dropped me off. I walked right into my brother’s penthouse, and was greeted by a bunch of people I’d known my entire life. Rebecca was on sat atop Ryan’s large piano – which I had no idea why he had – belting out a few high notes. Annie, Matt’s wife, played some nineties song. Everyone was having such a great time here. Devon, Nathan, and Matt were sitting in Ryan’s Coca Cola-themed living room, watching a football game. My friend Missy scurried out of the kitchen in a pretty black dress, and was being chased by Cullen. Allison and Michael were, of course, out on the terrace having a conversation. They were always together. When Missy spotted me, she hurdled at me, and embraced me in a tight hug. “How tall ARE you now?” I asked, gazing up at her. She still wore heels, despite her height of 6’1”, which she told me of a moment later. It was awkward to say that she was six months younger than me. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned, and gazed up into the soft eyes of Nathan. I could feel my heart skip a beat. Hey,” he greeted warmly. I smiled. “H-Hey, Nathan.” “We should hang out sometime. Catch up,” he said, clearing his throat beforehand. Today, he wore crisp dark-wash jeans, a navy blue T-shirt – my favorite color – and black Nikes. “Why not now? We have time before we eat,” I said, mentally taking a calming deep breath. I flashed him one of my winning, I-just-won-Gold smiles that could supposedly “charm a wooden plank”. “Okay,” he cooed. I followed him through the door to the terrace, where Michael and Allison had already left. I hopped up on the ledge, which overlooked the whole city of Westerly. “I love this place,” Nathan said, looking out over the ledge. “Me, too.” “It’s so much more relaxed and scenic than Bremerton. I love my family back in Washington, but I love being here, too.” I smiled. He was so sweet. “So…,” he began, turning back to me, “How’s it been going since your accident?” I clicked my tongue. “Well, since I’m going to public school again, I’m balancing school, gym, and cheer.” “Oh, you’re a cheerleader now? That’s cool,” he said, nodding with approval. “Yeah. It’s kind of hard being a gymnast and a cheerleader. I don’t recommend it,” I said, with a faux-serious expression. Nathan smiled wider. I loved his smile. Part of his background was Asian (a very small part), and it showed in his eyes when he smiled. (Just HAD to: http://www.shape.com/blogs/london-2012-summer-olympics/hunk-week-swimmer-nathan-adrian)

11/20/2012 11:21:47 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - actually, I was going to have London hear about the party, then invite Remy. :\ Sorry. Is it okay if the party is after the football game on Friday, since James plays football? ^.^

11/20/2012 9:46:30 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Toni LOVED it! I think I can have Lupe's kind of sort of unofficial boyfriend James through the party. Sound good? If you have a different idea just say so! @Haley, because of the way things have worked out I am going to wait a little bit for Lupe and Remy to meet. (probably just one post) and then when remy sits with James and Lupe at lunch I can have Lupe give Remy an invite to James’ party. Sound good? <3 Minni

11/20/2012 9:28:37 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - yeah, sounds great! :D I'm writing right now. I'll talk about London (old Jade) inviting her there. ^.^

11/20/2012 7:33:08 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley Thanks!:D Great idea. Maybe Remy could end up going to the party and they meet there?

11/20/2012 7:29:35 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - sorry, I didn't see your post. :] Yeah, that's fine if they're locker neighbors. Maybe those two can clash at first, because maybe they did as children? ^.^ I love your idea about her adoptive dad being her real father's brother! <3 <3

11/20/2012 7:23:48 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - great post! :D Oh, I totalllly forgot about Cher having a friend named Jade at the orphanage. Whoops. :p Remy's friend is now named London Rollins. ^.^

11/20/2012 7:21:39 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley Awesome! I love it, I just made it the club icon. Also, the thing I wrote in my previous post about the locker thing, I did that because I remember Remy went all out on her locker and I was wondering if they could be locker neighbors? Haha. If not, that’s okay. @Minni I hope you don’t mind about the party thing. I thought it would give us all something to write about. @Everyone So, I’ve had a character in a story I stopped writing a really long time ago and I loved this idea so I’m going to use it in this one. Steven, the husband of the family who adopted Cher is actually Cher’s real father’s brother. Is that confusing? I don’t know how to word it better. But how do you all think Cher should find out? I’ve had a few ideas but if you all have any suggestions it would really help. <3

11/20/2012 7:18:59 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl *Cher* I had met Dylan by dinner time, he had got home late for some reason. “So, you’re my new sister?” Dylan asked with excitement in his voice. I didn’t say anything for a moment. “I guess.” Denise gives him a look. “Okay, dinner’s ready,” She says. We all sit down. About halfway through dinner, Steven looks up at me. “Cher, do you like everything so far? The house and everything?” He asks. “Yeah, thanks,” I say. He smiles. “No problem.” After dinner, I took a shower and got changed into my pajamas, a big white shirt that had been ripped a little and some black shorts. I turned off the lights and laid on my bed. I wonder how Jade was holding up. I swear, if any one did anything to hurt her, I would go up there and get Jade out of there. Why should someone be treated that way just because their different? I soon drifted off into sleep. (I’m not going to write about Cher and Denise shopping since I’m so far behind.) ** The first day of school. Couldn’t be too bad, right? Yesterday, Denise had taken me to go shopping which turned into getting my hair cut, getting my nails done and going to Starbucks. How rich were they? But I really did love my outfit. It was just my style, simple but cute. (http://pinterest.com/pin/113153009359012959/ sorry I just feel in love with this outfit and, well, I had to use it. ;D) As for my makeup, I had blush, mascara, lip gloss and a little white eyeliner on. “Cher? Are you ready?” I hear Denise say from behind the door. “Yeah,” I say and open the door. Denise smiles, “You look gorgeous.” “Thanks.” “Well, we better leave,” She says. I nod and grab my bag, following her out the door. Once we had dropped Dylan off, we went to my new high school. “I just want to thank you-I really like it here,” I tell Denise. It wasn’t completely true but I did like hanging out with Denise. Dylan and Steven were okay too, Steven was just a little stand offish though. “Oh, I really enjoy having you here! We all do. Now, you better get in there.” I smile at her and get out of her car. It seemed like a million teenagers were here and I was probably the only one who knew no one. After getting inside, I searched for my locker. I noticed the girl beside me had all these decorations in her locker. I hated stuff like that. I mean, lockers were meant for putting your books and crap in it, not to look all pretty. I rolled my eyes at her as the bell rang and went to my first class. *** By lunch, I still had no one to hang out with. Out of nowhere, something pushes me to the ground. Thankfully, my tray of food was okay. “Watch it! Gosh,” I say while getting up. “I am so sorry,” A voice says. I turn around to find a girl with very bright green eyes, almost like that girl when I was... “Lupe?” I ask in shock. “Um, yeah. Who are- Oh my gosh! Cher?” Lupe says. I nod. “Oh my gosh! You’re here. Here, you can sit with me,” She says while sitting down at a table. “So, what happened? All I remember was one day you didn’t show up for school and I never saw you again,” She says after I sit down across from her. “Wait, I thought everyone knew what happened?” I ask. “Um, no,” She says. “We were so young. I guess it would have been too much for your parents to tell you,” I say. Lupe gives me a confused look. “My parents murdered a very rich man and went to prison and I was put in an orphanage. Someone just adopted me,” I explain. “Oh my gosh! That’s terrible.” We are both silent for what seemed like minutes. “So, my friend invited me to this party thing they are having on Saturday. You should come,” She says. “Cool. I’ll think about it,” I say. We exchange phone numbers and talk about all the stuff that’s happened.

11/20/2012 7:02:44 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - did you get my message about the club icon? My friend from Figment made me a photo for the club. But she couldn't give me an exact URL, so you'll just have to go to my Figment profile and scroll down to the comments. :) LINK: http://figment.com/users/207015-Haley-Randolph I liked this because it showed how they were friends as little girls, and now, too. ;) The "true" thing was just a little extra thing. ^.^

11/20/2012 4:37:24 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Toni Yes! They were friends in the past!

11/20/2012 4:21:36 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl We will miss you Maggie! @@Minni okay, I'll write about them meeting. So they were friends in the past, right?? If not, ignore my next post lol.

11/20/2012 4:12:16 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Remy~ After more than an hour of intense practice, my muscles were practically dead. We were building our strength for the season with all these hyper-workout tapes. They were practically what body-builders used! The girls were all hunched over, clutching their cramping abdomens. I had done well on the flexibility tests. At the last practice, we’d went over part of our routine for competitions, but only the tumbling part. At that practice, I’d been named middle flyer, which was the title every cheerleader wanted. We dipped our feet into ice buckets, hoping to numb some of the pain. Even in simply sports bras and small shorts and socks, we were all sweating so much. Jade shivered. “Mel is a damn t-tough coach,” she said, a shutter going up her spine. We had ten minutes until Coach Mel wanted us back on the mat for tumbling practice. I found myself wiping the icy water from my feet in five minutes. I watched as Lauren did her double back handspring, which turned into a triple tuck. She stumbled on her landing. That had been similar to the way I’d torn my Achilles, except the moves were so much more advanced in my floor routine. I walked out onto the mat, and rehearsed with my scale and heel stretch. “Alright, girls!” Mel called, walking from her office back out to the practice area. She began calling out the next moves for us. I hadn’t realized that being part of this team meant doing a routine before we’d gone over the whole thing. You had to know what you were doing right after the coach had told you. “Remy, you’ll be the middle flyer, obviously, and here’s what you’ll do: a double back handspring, a round off, then a back tuck, which will transition immediately into the straddle split, a right salto, in which you will land in Jade and Taylor’s hold.” Mel paused, looking at the girls that would be flying next to me. “Maggie and Alex will be holding them up. Alyssa, Lena and Lauren will be your bases. ONLY Remy will do a triple helicopter, then be thrown up into the scorpion position, while Jade and Taylor do scales. All three of you will do a twist cradle, going to the right. Make sure your going to the right, girls!” She took a deep breath. “5, 6, 7,8!” Before I could hesitate, I was running, then going into my series of flips. Less than seven seconds later, I was being easily caught in Jade and Taylor’s arms, then I was tossed into the air for a helicopter. This was the scariest move ever. I was just thrown and being whirled for what seemed like a second. Then I was bounced into the air, as if I were on the Demon Drop at my local amusement park from my childhood. I pictured all of my stunts as a ride from an amusement park. I held my leg up, smiling down at Jade, who was balancing her scale like a ballerina. “1, 2, 3, 4…,” Mel said, giving us instruction to do the cradle. I was in the air for a second, then I was tossed up. Ally, Lena, and Lauren caught me with ease, as if my body were a baby doll. They dismounted me. “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!” I jumped. Mel was stomping over to my group. “Rollins! Clark!” she thundered, referring to Jade Rollins and Taylor Clark. They straightened up. “First, Rollins, you distracted the middle – and the most important – part of the routine, Remy, which ultimately made her forget about doing the right twist cradle at the end!” Jade’s eyes widened. This wasn’t fair. I was the one who’d forgotten about my own move; she hadn’t distracted me. “And you, Clark, you didn’t have Remy’s torso in your hold – thank God she kept her back straight – she could’ve hurt her spine if she’d fallen!” Taylor furrowed her brow. “What—“ “No excuses, girls! Four laps around the gym. NOW!” I gulped. As Mel turned away, Taylor shot me an angry scowl. Was this a do over of what had happened with McKayla at the qualifiers? I followed my coach into her office. This needed to be straightened out before Jade hated me. “Coach!” I called, catching her before she closed her office door. Her angry expression immediately changed. She smiled. “Yes, Remy? Come in, please.” I followed her into her office. “I need to talk to you about the routine mishap. You see, it was all my fault with Jade, and it was just a tiny mistake that she’d made. Don’t punish her for—“ Mel put her hand up, signaling for me to stop. I obeyed. “Remington, you’re the beauty of the whole routine. You’re the most talented girl on this squad. And why wouldn’t you be? You’re an Olympic champion. We want attention for this squad,” Mel said, a huge beam plastered on her face. I narrowed my eyes. “Well, that means that you have to treat the rest of them unfairly?” I asked. “Oh, please. Everything in this world is unfair.” I frowned. Ugh. I turned and left, knowing there would be no way to get through to this woman.

11/19/2012 9:20:32 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - great post! :D @myfatsquirrel - ya know your welcome! <3 <3

11/19/2012 7:23:42 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- Awesome post! :D

11/19/2012 4:40:44 PM | Report

myfatsquirrel hey guys i'm really sorry i dropped out too. my schedule (like maggie's) just got super busy. i hope u understand. i'm thinking about maybe rejoining/submitting another application but idk yet. we'll see. thanks and hope u understand <3

11/19/2012 4:53:27 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Minni-Great post :D! @Maggie-Sorry to see you go :(! I'm going to post soon :)

11/19/2012 10:48:29 AM | Report

bballstar123 Walking to my locker I brushed by a girl who looked vaguely farmiliar but I just couldn’t put a name to her. She was a pretty girl, with long, auburn colored hair, and a petite body. I know her. I know I do. I would figure that out later... god, i was getting preoccupied my everything... The minute I flashed back from my thoughts and took a step towards my locker, I was knocked to the ground. I looked up into a pair of gorgeous, deep brown eyes, “You don’t know how sorry I am... I’m such a clutz” said the figure in front of me. He grabbed my hand and helped me up. “It’s fine, don’t worry about me” I said, trying to sound confident, but it sounded more desperate than confident... “You’re new around here aren’t you?” he said. “yah, I am, my name’s Lupe” “James” he said, half laughing, “My name’s James”. he said, still holding onto my hand. I abruptly let go, “well, thank you for.. uh... helping me up.” I said. “No problem” he said and walked away. I grabbed my books and walked to my first class........ I sat down at lunch alone, I really was not used to being alone. I sat down and noticed I had forgotten my wallet at home and couldn’t even buy my own lunch. Way to go Lupe. You are definetly having a great first day. I looked around the huge lunch room and groups were forming at tables and I felt more alone than ever. I wish Tatti was here. I really just want to go home at this point. Looking around the room I happened to make eye contact with James. I smiled my best and turned away. I couldn’t hold it in anymore, I was going to cry. Oh god Lupe, not here. Hold yourself together. The only thing that kept me from tears was a thump across the table from me. I looked up and James was there. “You okay?” he said, his eye brows pinching together. “Yah, I guess today could have gone better than it’s going right now..” I said. “Hey! You can’t be upset now, I’m here, I’m sitting with you!” He said jokingly. This boy could really make me smile. “ ha, I guess you have a point.” i said back. He came over to my side of the table and sat next to me. “forget your lunch?” he said. “oh you bet. This is exactly how my whole day has been going” i told him. “It’ll get better Lupe, don’t worry about today, it’s your first day at a new school, and you already have one friend! You are doing great.” he winked at me. Wow this boy was a flirt. “You’re right. It’s just hard.” I said. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here.” he said as he pulled a scrap of paper out of his bag and scribbled a number on it. “call or text whenever you want.” he smiled, stood, and walked away without another word. I waited in the parking lot for Mammi, I already had a whole story built about how great my day went. I knew that the minute I got home I would bring Tatti into my room and tell her everything. Tell her about me, me being friendless, me being uncomfortable, me maybe sort of having a crush on m one and only friend. I would tell her all about James. Tell her about his sweetness and how much he seemed to care about me even though we had only spoken twice. Once again, I flashed back from my thoughts and my phone buzzed in my pocket. The text read--- “Hello hun, I got the late shift at the hospital and can’t pick you up. Feel free to call one of your friends and you can direct them to the house. <3” It was from Mammi. Well, at least I wouldn’t have to tell her about school. But, who was I supposed to get a ride from!? I didn’t have any friends yet. Then I remember the number. James had given me his number. I felt bad calling, thinking that he was probably already at home, but I didn’t really have a choice. I dialed the number and waited. “hello?” he voice came in clearly “hi, James? It’s Lupe” “hey! What’s up?” “I hate to be a pain... but i don’t have a ride home from the school” “where are you sitting?” he said. “i’m in parking lot A” I said, this was making me feel sick. “I’ll be there in 5” he said quickly. “thank you sooo much. see you soon. Bye!” “No problem, see yuh”. Five minutes past and I was directing james to our house. He walked me up to the front door, “Thank you so much, James. I’m so sorry” i said. “hey, I told you to call whenever you wanted, didn’t I? It’s absolutely no issue.” he said. “Thanks again” I said, than i did it, the weirdest thing, I stood on my tip-toes and hugged him, one tear ran down my cheek and i quickly whiped it away. He gave me a small hug back, waved, and got into his truck and drove away. I walked into the house and barreled up to Tatti’s room. My phone buzzed just as I got to her door. the massage read, “cya tomorrow :)” from James. I had a lot to tell Tatti, I walked through her door with a smile and explained my entire day to her. start to finish. Hope you guys like this post! I especially love it. Any critique or ideas? Thanx!! <3 Minni

11/18/2012 6:33:47 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! :) @Maggie- Aww, we'll miss you! Good luck with your schedule, though. I know how crazy that can be! <3

11/18/2012 6:11:09 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Maggie, we will miss you!

11/18/2012 5:46:51 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Maggie, we will miss you!

11/18/2012 5:31:29 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Maggie, we will miss you!

11/18/2012 5:28:54 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Maggie – awhhhh…too bad! :( I understand though. Good luck with you schedule! <3 <3 <3 ~Remy~ And I was right; a limo pulled up along the side of the school. I huffed angrily, but then plastered a smile on my face for my family. People stared as I walked over to the long black car. Why couldn’t I have been born into a normal family? Henry, my family’s driver, opened the door for me, and I slid in. Immediately, two arms grabbed at my waist, and I screeched. There was laughter, and I turned to face Brendan, whose dark hair was slicked back with gel. He was wearing black straight-legs, a light purple button-down that was rolled up to his elbows, and a black bow tie. He clutched his stomach with laughter. My entire family was laughing. My waist was where I was most ticklish. Everyone was there, including my oldest sister, Kristen, who had moved a few hours away after she had gotten married over the summer. Megan and Devon were sitting in the corner, both texting on their cell phones. I sat in between Ryan and Brendan. My parents were busy on their laptops, like they were most of the time. “Remy,” Megan said. I looked across the car at her. “We’re going to be done around eight-thirty tonight, and your coach wants you at the gym ASAP. No skipping!” she proclaimed. I rolled my eyes. Katrina was too strict of a coach. Funny. I had never thought that about her before I’d begun planning for the school year. But now even just going to gym was a drag. A half-hour later, we arrived in Hartford, where we went to the Sports TV station, where I was immediately hustled off for hair and makeup. Malory, the hair and makeup specialist, went to work on me. I hadn’t worn this much makeup since The Games over the summer, when I knew cameras would have their lenses pointed at my family almost every second of those two weeks. I still remembered being seated next to Prince Will at the track and field events. Malory continued giving my hair bouncy curls and giving my lips a hint of strawberry to them, while I scrolled through my Twitter feed. “Try to look a bit more excited, baby girl,” my mother cooed from the makeup table next to me. I shrugged. “This wasn’t the ideal first day of school, mum.” She smiled. “But don’t you remember when we lived in Sydney a few years ago. You went to the special gymnastics academy for a semester. That was school.” I frowned. “No, mom. That was spoiled brats who had been homeschooled their entire life.” My mother continued making excuses after that. “We pulled you out of school after eighth grade because we wanted you to be successful. You were the one who wanted to be an international gymnastics champion,” she said, raising an eyebrow in warning. I looked away from her. But mom, I wanted to say, I didn’t think that would rip me away from the normal pre-teen life. * * * * I followed my brothers out onto the set, adjusting my black skirt that was tight to my thighs. (Outfit: http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/767414-Bicolor+Weekdays-levis-shirt-asos-boots-balenciaga-bag-zara-shorts) Alexandra Panton and Ralph Woods, the hosts, were being touched up across from us. I pushed an auburn curl from my eyes, ready for the cameraman to start counting down. “We’re on in 5-4-3-2…” He pointed to Alexandra and Ralph. “And we’re back! You know me as Alexandra Penton.” “And me as Ralph Woods…” “We’re here with the famous Lochte family. We’ve got the proud parents, Charlotte and Steven. The four oldest ones: Kristen, Megan, Ryan, and Devon, and the two younger teenagers, Remington and Brendan.” I smiled at the camera as Alexandra said my name. Pictures showed behind us on the station’s large screen. Some were family portraits, some of Ryan’s races, and my meets. “I’m sure it’s fun being apart of this family, isn’t it, Remington?” Ralph asked, leaning towards me. “Well, there’s always someone to talk to,” I said happily, which made Alexandra and Ralph laugh. Why did they find the need to laugh at everything? In every interview with them, they found something quite lame to joke about. I just wanted to go home and go to gym. I would rather be there right now than here. But I listened to Ralph and Alexandra buzz on about how awesome this was, and clear up the stupid gossip about us. An hour later, we were done. * * * * “Straighten your ankles! Don’t let that heel slip off! DEDUCTION! DEDUCTION!” A moment later, the blue mat was rushing at my face, and my body hit it with a slap. I groaned. It was ten o’clock and I was still working on my beam routine. My coach stomped over to me. I was positive she was about the snap my neck with her bare hands. She didn’t, but with how pissed off she look, I was sure it was possible. “Get back on that bar and don’t fall off or it’s twenty handstand-holds.” I nodded, but turned away. Handstand-holds were when you stayed in a handstand position until your entire body collapsed. My breath quickened. I went to the side, and hopped back on the balance beam. Back flip, cartwheel, straddle, I told myself, splits. I walked, pointing my toe with each step, then flipped off the beam. I stuck my landing, just as I wanted to. I let out my breath. “You can go now, Lochte.” I nodded to Katrina, holding my back straight. I walked to the lock room, where I had to turn on the light myself. All of my other teammates had gone home earlier, and I was the last one there. The halls were deserted. But I needed my peace. (Toni, my friend from Figment made this for me as a cover for my novel, and I thought it kind of fit the story well. Go to my profile page of Figment, then go to the comments. It’s right there. That can be the club’s new icon! LINK: http://figment.com/users/207015-Haley-Randolph)

11/18/2012 3:05:26 PM | Report

maggie183 Guys I'm really sorry I'm not sure if this is going to work out for me...I've been SO busy with hw and other stuff, I haven't had time to write. I feel really bad because I know I commited to this club..I really wanted it to work :-( Feel free to keep my character or assign her to someone else!!

11/18/2012 2:16:48 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - good post! <3 @Toni - just a photo of a bunch of friends is good. I'm going to ask one of my friends from Figment to layer two photos so that it shows how they were friends as kids, and how they're now friends as teens. :p You'll see soon...

11/18/2012 11:55:18 AM | Report

bballstar123 --Lupe-- Mornings were never my favorite, but today was special. High School, a NEW high school. I didn’t sleep at all last night so even though i should’ve been tired I wasn’t. I got up and threw on my skinnies, adjusted my bra and cami, and opened my newly furnished closet. I grabbed a teal shirt with embroidery around the neckline. I totally forgot about this shirt, and forgot about how much i loved it. I threw it on, checked the time on my cellphone, and sprinted to the bathroom. Looks like my hair isn’t getting straightened this morning. Nothing is quite organized yet and i can’t even find the dang mouse to crunch my hair so i check Tatti’s room. She got up a while ago, i heard her tromping around downstairs. There it was, MY bottle of mouse, in Tatti’s room as usual. Whatever. I flipped my head over and moused the heck out of it till my messy wave of curls was shiny, slick, and perfect. I used some of Tatti’s mascara and ran my butt down our spiral staircase. “Good Morning Tatti, Mammi,” Tattie just huffed at me. “honey! you look fantastic! You will be the light of class!” said my mom. “haha i doubt that Mammi, this isn’t a tiny school like, my other one was” i said pathetically. I never looked at myself and thought i looked more than okay. “Dont talk that way Lupe! I gave you that name so you would be strong and full of confidence!” she said. (lupe means corageous/female wolf) “i know Mammi but if you keep talking i’ll never get to school!” “okay, okay” she said. “lets go. Tatti, I will be back for you in 45 minutes, you better be dressed!” mom said. All Tatti did was huff and walk away. The nerves started to get to me on the way there. What was it gonna be like? Were the girls gonna like me? What about the guys? I was starting a whole day late! Maybe I would make some friends at basketball try-outs. I just hope I’m not alone. The ride to the school was silent and when we got to the building Mammi said “good luck sweetie” “gracias Mammi, love you” “love you too” she said. I hopped out of the car, took a breath of the fresh air, told myself i was beautiful (which isn’t really true) and walked towards the big double doors. <3 Minni (sorry for the mistakes) :/ I have trouble editing sometimes

11/18/2012 11:08:56 AM | Report

bballstar123 @Toni, she could meet Lupe at school! just let me know so i can write along with you!

11/18/2012 8:34:07 AM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Toni-Silvia could meet Cher if you wish ^.^ @Payton-Amazing post ^.^ @Haley-Amazing too :3!

11/17/2012 9:54:26 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts guys! Cher's going to school two days late. I'm going to write about someone meeting Cher when she does go to school, any volunteers?? @Haley yep, trying to think of what it should look like. What do you think?

11/17/2012 8:12:49 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Payton and Haley, sound good! I just didnt want to start writing and have you guys not agree with what i was writing about.

11/17/2012 2:38:18 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - are you going to change the club icon soon? :)

11/17/2012 2:13:16 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - thank ya! <3

11/17/2012 10:46:40 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Awesome post! :D @Minni- Sure! Maybe Lauren (Eden's best friend) could ditch Eden at lunch and Lupe sits beside her because she can't find anywhere else to sit? Idk, just a thought. And do you want them to remember each other? :)

11/17/2012 9:42:29 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - eh, they can just meet up and suddenly remember each other. :) Unless you have a better idea, then use that one. It's morning, lol, my mind is blank right now! :p

11/17/2012 9:37:18 AM | Report

bballstar123 (continued) meet? and thanx! sorry that first poste was messy! i will edit better in the future! :)

11/16/2012 10:06:53 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Payton, Do you think you might want Eden to meet Lupe? i think that they r similar in some ways and it could really work! We would just need to come up with how they meet. :) @Haley i would love for remmy and Lupe to meet, but how do u want them to

11/16/2012 10:06:08 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Remy~ I hadn’t seen Jade all day, so I decided to try to find her. I pulled my BlackBerry from my pocket. *We need to meet up for lunch. Where’s your locker?* I texted her. A few minutes later, my cell phone buzzed. *I’ll meet you in the courtyard in five minutes. I have to finish up a quick quiz. –J* I smiled. I needed someone familiar to talk to. “Remington!” I turned, almost toppling over because of the shove of students going past me. In order to get to my last class before lunch, I’d practically had to fight for my life in order to make it into the elevator. Hair flew behind the girl apparently trying to catch up to me. She pushed her light brown tresses from her eyes and looked at me. It was Eden. The girl who I would be doing my project with. “Yeah?” I asked, walking to the side of the hallway with her so that we wouldn’t be trampled. “When do you want to work on the project?” she asked. I mentally went through my schedule of that week. It was Cheer, Gym, Cheer, Gym, Gym, Cheer for the week. My weekends were also filled with Open Gym and family time. “I can try to get in some time this weekend. Saturday?” I asked, biting my lip. This school year was already bearing down on me and it was only the first day. Eden’s expression faded into a slightly annoyed one. “Good. Just so you know, the project is due in less than two weeks. So we kind of need to make time.” I nodded, taking the instruction in as if I were at gym. “See you later,” I said, with a slight smile and wave. I turned on my heel, and walked toward the courtyard. I walked through the open double doors and was greeted by fresh air. As expected, Jade was sitting at one of the tables. She was jotting down notes for something. I wanted to run over to her, for I was so excited about seeing a familiar face. But I held it in, and walked slowly over to her, casually. She had her dark brown hair down and straightened. She was dressed in a white v-neck, a loose-fitting leather jacket that went to her midsection, and a tight skirt that went to the middle of her thighs, which I saw when she stood up to greet me. “I take post-secondary classes in the morning, and I don’t get here until eleven o’clock,” she said, almost apologetically. I shrugged. “I was fine.” It was then that I noticed the guy sitting next to her. He had the same dark hair as Jade. “That’s my twin brother, Leon,” she said, jutting her chin off to him. “Hi,” he said, smiling. I smiled warmly. He tilted his head to the side. “Where have I seen you before?” My smile faded. No. “Yeah, I thought I recognized you from somewhere,” Jade said, looking at my closer than before. My face got hot. At one point, I knew I’d have to open up to Jade. Why not now? “I’m Remington Lochte. I’m an Olympic and World Championship Gold medalist in gymnastics.” The words had come out as a sigh. “Oh,” Leon piped up, “Wasn’t really expecting that…” Jade smiled. “That’s cool. You’ll sure bring lots of attention to the Lawrence cheer team.” I nodded, smiling back. I somehow glanced down at the notebook she was writing on. There were short lines, four of them. “What are you writing?” I wondered, trying to read it upside down. Jade quickly covered the writing with her arm. “Nothing.” Leon laughed. “Jade’s a poet.” I raised my eyebrow. “You are?” “Is it weird?” Jade asked quickly, biting her lip. “No, of course not! I love poetry, although I sadly can’t write it myself.” We all started laughing after a moment, for no reason at all. Mostly because of the awkwardness. But I could definitely feel some friendship beginning here— My thoughts were interrupted by my cell phone ringing, some sixties song playing as my ringtone. I glanced at my screen, wondering who could be calling right now. It was Megan, my sister. “What’s up?” “I looked at a copy of your school schedule, and apparently you’re at lunch right now. So I thought I’d let you know that the whole family is doing a Behind the Goggles interview with the Sports Network. They’re having a special on the Lochte family. There was a mix up, and it got moved to tonight. We’ll be picking you up right after school out front.” I swallowed. If the whole family was going somewhere, it meant there would be a limo. “Whatever.” I hung up. How could this be? I thought my life would be normal. But if a limo was picking me up from the school, it couldn’t be true. People would stare. People would see me, and finally figure out who I was.

11/16/2012 8:49:17 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awesome! :D

11/16/2012 8:45:07 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! <3 And yeah, that'd be fine! :)

11/16/2012 8:24:47 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! <3 And yeah, that'd be fine! :)

11/16/2012 8:24:46 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - hey, I just asked Maggie about this; since she seems so busy, I was wondering if it'd be okay if we switched it around so Remy and Eden were doing the project together (like I spoke about in my last paragraph)? :p

11/16/2012 8:12:33 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - loved it, as always! :D

11/16/2012 8:02:30 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Sorry it posted twice, guys! My laptop is really weird. :p

11/16/2012 6:41:14 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- Aw, thanks!(: @Everyone- Here's my first post! I know it might be kind of long and rushed, and it didn't turn out as good as hoped (i realize I say that a lot, but it's true!) but here it is. Sorry for any mistakes! :) ~Eden~ I needed to get away from here. I just... I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up from my bed and and flicked on the lamp light. A soft glow filled the room, giving me just enough light to see. I tried tuning out the yelling that was drifting up the stairs, but it was impossible. Tonight was even worse than usual. I quickly surveyed myself in the floor length mirror hung on my door. My brown hair was a mess. I had dark circles under my eyes that made it clear I hadn’t gotten any sleep the past couple of nights. I was dressed in a pair of striped pink pajama shorts and a a loose tank-top. Good enough. I grabbed my car keys before running down the stairs. The screaming grew louder, making me wince. But as soon as my mom saw me, her words faltered. My dad turned, and his eyes locked with mine. “Where are you going, Eden? It’s late,” Mom said, beginning to make her way to me. “Somewhere. Probably Lauren’s,” I said. “Just stay here, sweetie. Go to sleep,” Mom cooed, making it sound like I was too tired to think straight. “I can’t sleep when you and Dad are screaming at each other,” I said. My parents exchanged looks, but before they could say anything, I shoved past them and walked out the door. “Eden! Come back!” Mom cried. I ignored her, closing the door quietly. I slid into the front seat of my car; a dark blue Jeep that I had gotten from my grandparents last year. I fastened my seatbelt, and when I looked up I saw my mom hurrying towards me. But I quickly backed out of the driveway and began the drive to my best friend’s house. *** I pulled up to Lauren’s house, ready to be comforted by my best friend. But to my surprise, there were no cars parked in front of the house and all the lights were off. Suddenly, I remembered. Lauren and her family were in Florida on vacation. I swallowed hard, my mind spinning. She had left yesterday. How could I not remember? I rubbed my forehead, suddenly aware of my headache. Where would I go now? Lauren was my only friend. Everyone else at my school basically hated me; it wasn’t that I wasn’t pretty or nice or cool or anything like that. They just figured that I was bound to be just like my dad when I got older. An alcoholic. Another reason why I had never had a real boyfriend. They all would flirt with me, and then they would learn my story and they would freak out and walk away. I quickly pulled away from the curb and drove back down the quiet street. I had no idea where I was going to go now. I drove and drove, until finally the idea hit me. I would go to my mom’s best friend’s house. I mean, why not? Ashley was like a second mother to me and she had calm, sweet little kids that adored me. I would go there. I drove down the right street and parked in front of the large house that looked oddly similar to an old castle. It was huge. When I was little, I remembered playing dress up in the attic with the old boxes of clothes that the previous owner had left behind when they sold the house. I hurried up to the house, not even noticing that the cars parked in front of it weren’t Ashley’s. Without so much as a glance over my shoulder, I rang the doorbell. I heard footsteps shuffling towards the door, and the TV turn off. Then the door opened. Only to my surprise, it wasn’t Ashley who opened the door. It was a guy that looked to be around my age, with dark, sandy blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Not to mention he was shirtless, and even though the only light was from the porch light above us, I could see that he had abs. He stared at me, confused. Finally, I managed to choke something out. “Who are you?” “Who are you?” the boy inquired, crossing his arms. I hesitated but then decided that it would be best not to give him my name. Especially when I didn’t know him. “Why the hell are you in this house? This is Ashley Lawrence’s house, not yours.” For a second, he looked surprised. But that was quickly replaced by a look of amusement. “I live here. Didn’t you hear? The previous family moved out. We bought the house,” he said with a smirk. Vaguely, I remembered seeing the For Sale sign in the front yard and my mom telling me that Ashley and the kids were moving to Arizona so they could be closer to her parents. That had been months ago, and they hadn’t lived here since... what? May, possibly? I squeezed my eyes shut, also remembering my mom telling me that they had sold the house pretty quickly to a new family that needed a house here. I opened my eyes, looking once again at the boy. “Oh... I’m so sorry. I completely forgot about the house being for sale and I just... my friend wasn’t home and I needed a place to crash and I just decided to come here. My mom was really close friends with the previous owner. She grew up with her,” I babbled, “I’m really sorry.” At that, I burst into tears. I couldn’t hold them back anymore. Lauren hadn’t been the best friend this year; she had been practicing cheer every free second she got. She wanted so badly to be better than some of the girls on the team. I hadn’t understood it, but now as I stood here, I realized how far apart we were actually becoming. “Hey... Don’t worry about it. Are you okay?” the guy asked, reaching out and touching my shoulder lightly. “No,” I sobbed, “I should be used to it, but I just can’t take the arguing anymore. I don’t want to go home.” “What’s wrong? Are your parents getting a divorce or something?” he asked, sounding awfully concerned. “No. They just argue all the time! They have ever since I was little. It’s never ending!” “Do you... want to come in?” he asked. I moved my hands away from my eyes. “What? I don’t even know you!” “I know, but-” he began, only to get interupted by a woman’s voice. “Garrett, honey, who are you talking to? It’s almost eleven o’clock!” So that was his name. I froze, my sobs coming to a halt. A woman with long, blonde hair appeared behind him, and she looked utterly shocked to see a crying girl in pajamas standing on her doorstep. “Who is this?” she asked. “I’m Eden,” I said, giving her a weak smile when Garrett didn’t say anything. “What are you doing here?” she asked, looking puzzled. Garrett quickly jumped in before I could, explaining how I thought my mom’s friend still lived here. “I’m so sorry,” I apologized when he finished, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. “It’s okay, sweetie. Do you need a ride home?” she asked, “Because Garrett can give you one.” I could’ve sworn a look of hope flashed across her son’s face, but I shook my head. “No, but thank you. I actually drove myself.” I nodded towards my Jeep. She nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Okay. Goodnight,” she said. “Goodnight,” I said. Garrett looked like he was about to say something, but I didn’t give him a chance to. Instead, I turned and trudged back out to my Jeep. I was so stupid.

11/16/2012 6:15:21 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- Aw, thanks!(: @Everyone- Here's my first post! I know it might be kind of long and rushed, and it didn't turn out as good as hoped (i realize I say that a lot, but it's true!) but here it is. Sorry for any mistakes! :) ~Eden~ I needed to get away from here. I just... I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up from my bed and and flicked on the lamp light. A soft glow filled the room, giving me just enough light to see. I tried tuning out the yelling that was drifting up the stairs, but it was impossible. Tonight was even worse than usual. I quickly surveyed myself in the floor length mirror hung on my door. My brown hair was a mess. I had dark circles under my eyes that made it clear I hadn’t gotten any sleep the past couple of nights. I was dressed in a pair of striped pink pajama shorts and a a loose tank-top. Good enough. I grabbed my car keys before running down the stairs. The screaming grew louder, making me wince. But as soon as my mom saw me, her words faltered. My dad turned, and his eyes locked with mine. “Where are you going, Eden? It’s late,” Mom said, beginning to make her way to me. “Somewhere. Probably Lauren’s,” I said. “Just stay here, sweetie. Go to sleep,” Mom cooed, making it sound like I was too tired to think straight. “I can’t sleep when you and Dad are screaming at each other,” I said. My parents exchanged looks, but before they could say anything, I shoved past them and walked out the door. “Eden! Come back!” Mom cried. I ignored her, closing the door quietly. I slid into the front seat of my car; a dark blue Jeep that I had gotten from my grandparents last year. I fastened my seatbelt, and when I looked up I saw my mom hurrying towards me. But I quickly backed out of the driveway and began the drive to my best friend’s house. *** I pulled up to Lauren’s house, ready to be comforted by my best friend. But to my surprise, there were no cars parked in front of the house and all the lights were off. Suddenly, I remembered. Lauren and her family were in Florida on vacation. I swallowed hard, my mind spinning. She had left yesterday. How could I not remember? I rubbed my forehead, suddenly aware of my headache. Where would I go now? Lauren was my only friend. Everyone else at my school basically hated me; it wasn’t that I wasn’t pretty or nice or cool or anything like that. They just figured that I was bound to be just like my dad when I got older. An alcoholic. Another reason why I had never had a real boyfriend. They all would flirt with me, and then they would learn my story and they would freak out and walk away. I quickly pulled away from the curb and drove back down the quiet street. I had no idea where I was going to go now. I drove and drove, until finally the idea hit me. I would go to my mom’s best friend’s house. I mean, why not? Ashley was like a second mother to me and she had calm, sweet little kids that adored me. I would go there. I drove down the right street and parked in front of the large house that looked oddly similar to an old castle. It was huge. When I was little, I remembered playing dress up in the attic with the old boxes of clothes that the previous owner had left behind when they sold the house. I hurried up to the house, not even noticing that the cars parked in front of it weren’t Ashley’s. Without so much as a glance over my shoulder, I rang the doorbell. I heard footsteps shuffling towards the door, and the TV turn off. Then the door opened. Only to my surprise, it wasn’t Ashley who opened the door. It was a guy that looked to be around my age, with dark, sandy blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Not to mention he was shirtless, and even though the only light was from the porch light above us, I could see that he had abs. He stared at me, confused. Finally, I managed to choke something out. “Who are you?” “Who are you?” the boy inquired, crossing his arms. I hesitated but then decided that it would be best not to give him my name. Especially when I didn’t know him. “Why the hell are you in this house? This is Ashley Lawrence’s house, not yours.” For a second, he looked surprised. But that was quickly replaced by a look of amusement. “I live here. Didn’t you hear? The previous family moved out. We bought the house,” he said with a smirk. Vaguely, I remembered seeing the For Sale sign in the front yard and my mom telling me that Ashley and the kids were moving to Arizona so they could be closer to her parents. That had been months ago, and they hadn’t lived here since... what? May, possibly? I squeezed my eyes shut, also remembering my mom telling me that they had sold the house pretty quickly to a new family that needed a house here. I opened my eyes, looking once again at the boy. “Oh... I’m so sorry. I completely forgot about the house being for sale and I just... my friend wasn’t home and I needed a place to crash and I just decided to come here. My mom was really close friends with the previous owner. She grew up with her,” I babbled, “I’m really sorry.” At that, I burst into tears. I couldn’t hold them back anymore. Lauren hadn’t been the best friend this year; she had been practicing cheer every free second she got. She wanted so badly to be better than some of the girls on the team. I hadn’t understood it, but now as I stood here, I realized how far apart we were actually becoming. “Hey... Don’t worry about it. Are you okay?” the guy asked, reaching out and touching my shoulder lightly. “No,” I sobbed, “I should be used to it, but I just can’t take the arguing anymore. I don’t want to go home.” “What’s wrong? Are your parents getting a divorce or something?” he asked, sounding awfully concerned. “No. They just argue all the time! They have ever since I was little. It’s never ending!” “Do you... want to come in?” he asked. I moved my hands away from my eyes. “What? I don’t even know you!” “I know, but-” he began, only to get interupted by a woman’s voice. “Garrett, honey, who are you talking to? It’s almost eleven o’clock!” So that was his name. I froze, my sobs coming to a halt. A woman with long, blonde hair appeared behind him, and she looked utterly shocked to see a crying girl in pajamas standing on her doorstep. “Who is this?” she asked. “I’m Eden,” I said, giving her a weak smile when Garrett didn’t say anything. “What are you doing here?” she asked, looking puzzled. Garrett quickly jumped in before I could, explaining how I thought my mom’s friend still lived here. “I’m so sorry,” I apologized when he finished, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. “It’s okay, sweetie. Do you need a ride home?” she asked, “Because Garrett can give you one.” I could’ve sworn a look of hope flashed across her son’s face, but I shook my head. “No, but thank you. I actually drove myself.” I nodded towards my Jeep. She nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Okay. Goodnight,” she said. “Goodnight,” I said. Garrett looked like he was about to say something, but I didn’t give him a chance to. Instead, I turned and trudged back out to my Jeep. I was so stupid.

11/16/2012 6:15:18 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - great post! I love the Spanish! ^.^ But you might want to edit a bit more closer. I was seeing a lot of 'i' and not 'I'. And always capitalize the beginning of a sentence. <3

11/16/2012 7:15:44 AM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Toni-Nope. What's a kik though :3? @Minni-Your post was great<3 And idc if you want to have Lupe meet Silvia :)

11/15/2012 6:54:26 PM | Report

bballstar123 I know its short but hopefully my next one will be a bit longer!

11/15/2012 5:56:24 PM | Report

bballstar123 --Lupe-- All i see is boxes. How mom possibly could have afforded this huge, old house i will never know. I never thought i’d say i miss our little house on the block downtown. I know it will be better for me and tatti (tatianna) here though. My room, it’s magnificent. Huge with a sloping ceiling and one of those gorgeous arch windows. I love it, but it isnt me. It isnt quite “Lupe”. I guess i should start on my room first. The only thing unpacked is my bed. So i start to open the boxes one by one and distribute the knick-knacks all over. I came across a photo, I’m not sure what grade it was but all of the little girls looked so happy, i hope that this year will be the same. A new school, new friends, maybe some real ones this time. I’m more excited than nervous. All of a sudden my moms bursts through the doors of my room (almost fully furnished with my original crap at this point) and grabs my hands, “Don’t you just love it Lupe?” “Of course Mammi, it’s gorgeous” I said. “Go help Tatti unpack, i couldn’t get her to open even a box” she said quietly. “Alright just give me a sec”. i whispered back. She walked out. I knew Tatti would have trouble with the move. Tatti seems to have trouble with everything. I walk into her room and shes sitting on her bed. “Tatti cheer up! Look around you! This house is muy bonito (so beautiful)” I said to her, shaking her shoulders a bit. “ok ok, just let me look around first.” she said. her voice was hard and I could tell she was gonna cry. “Sweetie, Tatti, no tears. Okay? Don’t hurt Mammi like that, she is so proud of this house.” i said as i sat down next to her. “Lupe! I said okay! Maybe i will start unpacking if you leave me alone!” she shouted. I gave her one last hug. “whatever you say Tatti...” I walked out. This was going to be difficult. <3 Minni i think i am going to skip to the first day of school after tis one! sound good? Any critique? thanx guyz!

11/15/2012 5:55:37 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Haley Sounds good! My girl is very open to friends, so if anyone else wants to hop right in just say so! <3 Minni

11/15/2012 5:53:54 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - awesome post! :P Just a quick critique; instead of always having the "did not", "can not", etc. just use contractions (didn't, can't, etc.). Talking like that makes it sound a bit too formal for a teenager's thoughts and words. :p @Minni - yeah, Remy can be Lupe's friend. She's so eager to make friends anyway! ^.^

11/15/2012 5:52:19 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Toni I dont have a kik. :( i could get one, but i dont always have wifi access so i cant gaurantee i will always be available. Sorryz! <3 Minni

11/15/2012 5:28:50 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Payton Whoops! sorry about the name mix up! Love your name though! super cool!! @everyone Are all the characters going to eventually become close again? and does anyone want to hit it off as buddies right away with Lupe?(my character)thanx! <3 Minni

11/15/2012 5:24:30 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Awesome post! :D And no, what's a kik? :)

11/15/2012 4:38:52 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Maggie thank you! :) @Everyone do any of you have a kik?

11/15/2012 3:16:44 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Toni-Great post♥! I'm going to post later but I'm kinda not sure how it should go ^.^

11/15/2012 2:40:43 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Blahh. I meant to put *Cher* at the beginning.

11/14/2012 7:46:54 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl So, I kind of have a weird story about Cher's parents. Just warning you all. Haha.

11/14/2012 7:43:59 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Finally, I was getting out of this stupid orphanage. I hoped this family weren’t complete snobs or ask too many questions- It did not matter anyway, I could not answer them. I did not know everything. All I know is that my parents, Steven and Jennifer Blevin randomly murdered some rich dude who owned a magazine and now they are in prison in New York while I, Cher Blevin am in an orphanage and am about to go who knows where with some family. Perfect. “Cher? The Fletcher’s are here to take you. Get your bags.” I grabbed my one bag and walked out of my room following Mrs. Lakerson.. We walked outside and through the gate. I flinched as I walked through it, it was so weird. No one searching, no guards watching me. I looked up to find a couple that looked to be in their 30s. They smiled and ran up to me. “Hello! You must be Cher!” The woman says. I roll my eyes. No duh. “I’m Denise, and this is my husband Steven.” The husband, “Steven” slightly smiles at me and then goes back to having this weird look on his face. Mrs. Lakerson whispers something to Denise. Denise nods and smiles at me. “Ready?” She asks. “Sure,” I say. Steven takes my bag and puts it in the trunk. “Oh dear! Is that all you have?” Denise asks. “Yeah, I kind of had to wear a uniform every day so I did not need many clothes,” I tell her than get into the back of the car. “Oh. Well, we will fix that! Tomorrow, we are going to get school supplies, clothes and some other stuff. School started today but you will start on Wednesday,” She tells me. I say nothing. My mind wondered what kind of family this was. “Do you have any other kids?” I ask. “Yes. I have a son, Dylan. He’s seven.” The rest of the ride I said nothing. *** Holy crap. This house was huge! We pulled into the circle gravel driveway that had a gorgeous garden in the middle of it. The house looked to be tree stories. “Cher?” Denise says, snapping me out of my amazement. I look at her. “Nice house.” She laughs. “Thanks,” She says and gets out, along with Steven. Denise leads me into the house. We enter a small area with a tan tile floor. She then leads me into the living room that had a very white carpet, black couch and a huge TV. The kitchen was across the room and it was also huge. Why was everything so freakin’ big here? “Would you like to see your room?” Denise asks. “Sure,” I say. We walk upstairs and walk right, down the hallway. “Your room is the very end, and this is Dylan’s room. He’s at school right now, though.” We walk into my room. All of the walls were hot pink except the one my bed was in front of, it was black. I had a clear desk with a mac laptop sitting on it. My mouth dropped. I loved it. (Here’s her room, except no zebra. http://homesdesigns.net/bedroom/teenage-room-design-ideas.php the second) “I hope you like it. I didn’t know what colors you would like so I just- “I love it! Thank you!” I say. She smiles. “Well, I’ll let you settle in.” Denise walks out and I sit on my bed. Within two hours, my entire life changed.

11/14/2012 7:41:48 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts Haley! Cher is going to start school a few days later, since she gets adopted..She's not going to like anyone at first and is going to be really defensive since shes used to the orphanage. Just letting you all know.

11/14/2012 6:57:19 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- You're welcome! And no, I'm Payton. :D

11/14/2012 5:07:06 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Haley, Thanxx! also, my character will be coming into the high school like, a few days late cause her family is moving. Does that sound good? @taylorswiftfan1233 first, are you one of the Maggies? (just making sure!) second, thanx!!!!

11/14/2012 4:00:52 PM | Report

maggie183 @Haley-great post!!! :-) Sorry I have SO much hw this week I'm having a hard time finding the time to write..I'll post as soon as I do!!

11/14/2012 3:18:43 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ Okay,I'm going to skip to the first day of school ^.^ Do you guys think Silvia should meet one of you guys character yet or no :)?

11/14/2012 9:52:42 AM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Haley-Great post :D! Silvia already goes to school ^.^

11/14/2012 9:46:46 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post(: And yeah, Eden goes to that school

11/13/2012 6:26:27 PM | Report

fungirl123 Do any of your characters already go to the school that the girls will be going to? For now, I’ll say it’s Scarlett, but if not, we can forget I ever wrote about that. :-) ~Remy~ You see, Nathan Adrian was one of Ryan’s friends, who was nineteen. I’d always had a crush on him. It was hard not to. He was a swimmer…and sure had the body of one. He lived across the country (in Bremerton, Washington), so I never got to see him. But when he and Ryan had begun training for the Olympics, I had gotten to see him much more often. His smile was one of a young child. But now he was training with Ryan for a few more months, then they were all going to California again. I thought about Nathan as I dressed for my first day of school. I wore a floral-ish dress, black bow flats, and a pearl necklace. (Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=60785024&lid=2002299) My dark tresses were straightened completely, showing no evidence of my real curls. I grabbed my white Louis Vuitton handbag, already full with my day planners, folders, and pencil pouches, and walked excitedly out the door. I had expected to see my mother standing at the bottom of the staircase, holding a camera, like the mom from Mean Girls, but she wasn’t there. Instead, my brother Devon was. “Hey,” he said, spotting me coming down the spiral stairs, “You look cute.” I smiled, and did a quick twirl for him. “Where’s Mom?” I asked. “She had to get to her office early for some meetings. I’m taking you to school today.” I shrugged. I followed Devon out the door. Just as we were getting into Dev’s car, Ryan’s pulled up. “I’m going with you!” he exclaimed breathlessly, leaping from his car. He ran over to Devon’s and hopped over the side into the backseat. Devon’s car was a convertible. I didn’t have my license yet. My schedule left me zero downtime to get it. But that was just one of those things I was determined to get by the next summer. **** Devon pulled his car up along the sidewalk of the school. There it was. A large, three-story brick school, with the name C. Lawrence High School plastered on the top in bronze lettering. I was here. “OH MY GOD!” Some girl’s high-pitched voice rang out from the distance, screaming, “RYAN LOCHTE!” I looked at my oldest brother. A group of about ten girls was already sprinting over to us. Wow. They must have really paid attention to the Olympics last year, I thought. Devon revved up the car again. The wind blew in my face as he sped to a different side of the parking lot, looking to get away from the group of girls. Ryan had ducked down so he wouldn’t be seen. Soon, Devon finally stopped the car along the side of a different entrance. This meant a farther way to walk to get to my locker. I climbed out of the car. I blew a kiss back to my brothers before I walked in the building, where I was greeted with a blow of freezing air. My locker was on the first floor. Number 1398. I followed the numbers for some time, before finally spotting my locker. I began dialing my combination. 11-31-5. I pulled up on the latch, and it didn’t open. I tried again. Nothing. “Damn it,” I muttered. I was tempted to look for Jade, but she could’ve been across the whole school from me. “Need some help?” I turned around. A girl with long, light brown hairs stood in front of me. “Uh…sure. Thanks.” I stepped aside. “These lockers are really hard to open sometimes,” she said. The girl moved up to my locker. “What’s your combination?” she asked. I hesitated. In gymnastics, you NEVER told anyone you didn’t know your secrets to sticking it or upping your score. What would be the case now? She must’ve seen I was uncertain, because she continued, “Oh, come on. I won’t tell anyone. I’ll probably forget it in a day.” I clicked my tongue. “Okay. 11-31-5.” The girl smiled, and turned back to dial my combo. A second later, it was opened. “You’re the first girl I know who looks like she actually spent a month decorating her locker,” she commented, gazing around my locker. It was decked out with purple carpeting, zebra print wallpaper, a collage of all my friends, and sparkly black shelves. I smiled. “Yep.” The girl turned and looked closer at me. “Have I seen you before?” she asked. “Did you watch the Summer Olympics?” I asked, grinning. “No. I don’t really like sports.” Heat rose to my cheeks. “I’m Scarlett Powel. Does that ring a bell?” I thought for a moment. The named seemed remotely familiar. I shook my head, unable to conjure up a memory of a girl with that name. “Sorry, no.” After a moment, the girl turned without another word and left me to my own way. Scarlett Powel. Where did I know her from? Shrugging to myself, I grabbed my books for my English class from my locker, and headed down the hallway. “Class,” the teacher began a few minutes later, “I am Miss Keeling.” Miss Keeling was a petite young woman with dark hair and thickly-rimmed black eyeglasses. I could tell she was a first-year teacher. It showed in her eyes, and how she moved. That was a talent I possessed; knowing if someone was knew in the gym. In practice, you’d go easy on them. In a meet (mostly if they’re from another gym), you’d stare them down. Strategy. Now this was a time when I needed to be nice. “For you first assignment of the year—“ Miss Keeling was drowned out by the sound of groaning by everyone in the classroom. . “Excuse me!” she shouted, her voice high, “Did anyone hear what I just said? Or was Miss...” She glanced at the seating chart on her clipboard. “Or was Miss Lochte the only one listening?” My eyes widened. Me? The class went silent. I plastered a small smile on my face. “Now, your first assignment is to interview and write a two-essay – excuse me, MINIMUM of two pages – on another student in this class. You will talk about their interests, hobbies, et cetera. Your partners are…” I listened to her as she listed off many pairs of names. Finally, I heard mine. “Remington Lochte and Scarlet Powel.” I glanced behind me, a bit excitedly. Scarlett was frowning gloomily at one of her friends. So she didn’t even want to be my partner.

11/13/2012 6:08:11 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - you copy and paste from Microsoft Word. :-) But make sure you don't edit anything while it's in the Status box, or else it'll cut ya off at 250. :) Also, thank you! @Maggie - gracias! <3 <3

11/13/2012 5:56:46 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Minni- Actually, it might be right click... :)Haha, I think it is! Sorry, hun, I'm a bit of a blonde at times! :P

11/13/2012 5:54:44 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Awesome posts! I actually have some of my own posts ready so they'll be up soon! :D @Minni- If you have Word on your computer (or any other program that you write on) you can just copy your story (left click and hit copy) and then come on here to the status update thing and hit paste the same way. :) I hope I didn't confuse you more! <3

11/13/2012 5:53:20 PM | Report

bballstar123 Hey guys, my status update only allows 250 characters, as the tech idiot i am, how do i post long parts to my story? :( sorry for my clueless-ness. <3 minni

11/13/2012 5:47:52 PM | Report

bballstar123 @Haley Nice job!! i love it! I will be posting mine soon!

11/13/2012 5:44:18 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Haley-Amazing posts :D!! To be honest,I'm not sure how to kick off my story ^_^

11/13/2012 5:32:39 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Remington~ “You know, you could just keep on going with homeschooling with me, Remy,” my younger brother suggested, hope filling his voice. Brendan’s hair was still wet from his shower, which he’d taken after his intense soccer practice. I sighed dreamily. “But I want to go to school. I want to experience having a locker, and those gross school lunches they talk about on TV.” Brendan wrinkled his nose at the thought. “But Cicero is such a good chef! He beats a school lunch any day!” he cried, referring to my family’s gourmet chef. I laughed, shoving him on the shoulder. “Maybe after a few months of it, you’ll realize that homeschooling is where you belong.” Brendan stood from his chair, and left the kitchen, where we’d been making PB & J’s. I shrugged to myself. Slowly, I made my way to my bedroom to get my gym bag. I looked myself over in the mirror. I was dressed in tight black stretchy shorts, a sports bra, and red and white Puma running shoes. I was determined to live high school to the fullest…and I’d start that by trying out for the cheerleading squad. **** I dropped my bag at the entrance of the gym. I was by far the shortest girl there. Did they want tall girls? I was only 5’4”. I walked over to the wall, where many girls were warming up. I grabbed my heel, and held it in the air for a moment, then let go. I had seen many cheerleading competitions on TV before. I had learned all of the jumps and kicks that they did on my own time. I walked over to a table. “Last name?” the girl in a blue and black cheer uniform asked. “Lochte,” I said. She scrolled through a list of names in front of her, then grabbed a number for me. “You’re number ten.” I nodded, and pinned my number onto me. I needed to get on the squad. It was my first step in becoming a real high school student. I turned to walk away. “Wait,” the girl called after me. I turned to face her again. “Have I seen you before?” she asked. I froze. This wasn’t the place I wanted to be favored. “Uh…,” I stuttered, looking for an excuse to leave. The girl shrugged. “I don’t know. Never mind.” I smiled, and hurried to get away. I went out into the hallway to wait with the rest of the girls, and continued stretching out. I practiced my kicks and jumps before they finally called the numbers nine and ten. Me and some blonde girl walked in side by side. I didn’t know her yet. But her nametag said that her name was Jade. The tryout song was Rock This Party. The coach started up the song, and I began the dance they’d taught us this past week. Then they called for a tumbling test, which I showed all of my talents on. After that we did cheers and chants. It was a two-hour wait after that for the results to be concluded. There were only ten spots for JV and Varsity separate. It was a league rule. The girls were all gathered in groups, and I was the only one by myself. “You know you’re probably not going to make it.” I whirled around. I knew the person was talking to me. The girl standing directly in front of me was Jade, the girl I’d tried out with. “Excuse me?” I asked, a bit taken back by her rudeness. “You’re new. Usually the only new people are freshm—“ “THE RESULTS ARE UP!” Before Jade could finish, I’d leapt out of my seat toward the bulletin board, where the coach had hung up the results. One of the girls took it off the board and began reading aloud. “Junior Varsity: 2, 3, 8, 5, 14, 19, 11, 12, 20, 16.” There were some whoops of joy, some sighs of sadness, and some ‘I could’ve done better’. Now I knew I hadn’t made JV. “Varsity: 1, 4, 7, 6, 12, 9, 21, 13, 17, 10.” My heart was instantly filled with happiness. I was officially a C. Lawrence High School cheerleader! The coach walked out of the room. “Those of you who didn’t make it, we’ll see you next year at tryouts.” She flashed a gorgeous smile, and turned back to us. “Come on in.” We followed her through the double doors back into the gymnasium, where we listened to her talk about rules and regulations of being a Lawrence High cheerleader. Afterward, I texted Ryan to tell him to pick me up. As I was walking out, Jade caught up with me. “Hey, number ten!” I turned to face her. “I have a name,” I said, ready for any insult she was ready to throw at me. “Yeah, Remington, right?” “Yes. Can I help you?” I asked. “Uh…I’m sorry about what I said to you earlier. I was really nervous about making it this year. I’m a junior and I’ve never gotten varsity before. My nerves were running high,” Jade said, smiling weakly. I smiled. “I understand.” “Do you want to get some coffee, Remington? On me?” she asked. I bit my lip. “First of all, call me Remy. Remington is too formal for me. And sorry, I’m hanging out with my brothers and sisters for the rest of the day,” I said, “But if I got your number, we could do it another day?” Jade nodded, and we exchanged phones to put our numbers in. Before I knew it, Ryan’s yellow and black corvette pulled up alongside of the sidewalk. “Whoa!” Jade cried, her eyes wide in shock, “Nice ride you got there!” I laughed. “Yep. I’ll see you later, Jade!” I jogged over to Ryan’s car, and plopped my bag in the skinny trunk. I sat down in the backseat, since I saw there was another figure in the passenger seat. “How’d it go?” Ryan asked, pulling out onto the street as I waved at Jade. “Good. I made the varsity team!” “That’s great, Rem!” The person who had said that wasn’t Ryan. My heart leapt from my chest. The other passenger turned to look at me…and my eyes immediately connected with bright eyes and a warm and kiddish smile. Butterflies filled my stomach. “Nathan?” I immediately felt so exposed in just my sports bra. (I thought I’d give you a shirtless picture of the gorgeous Nathan Adrian, Remy’s love interest: http://bloggers.com/post/just-because-nathan-adrian-7909485)

11/13/2012 3:26:51 PM | Report

fungirl123 Ryan Lochte looks like this (if you not as obsessed with Olympic Swimming as I am): http://heartifb.com/2012/08/05/4-blogging-lessons-from-ryan-lochte-and-1-from-nathan-adrian/01-ryan-lochte-pensive-148985199_10/ {Remington} I needed to center myself. I needed to spiritually break away from the chanting of my coaches, friends, the surrounding crowd. The millions of people watching me on their televisions. I rolled my shoulders back and shook out my arms. Loosen up, I told myself, You need to be free. I dropped my hands into the bowl of chalk, and rubbed them around. Ready, I chanted in my mind. I started to run, then flipped, then again off the springboard. It was going by so fast. I was flying through the air five seconds later. Then it was over. It settled in within a second, and I proudly threw my hands into the air, smiling at the crowd around me. I quickly hopped off the floor, and back down to my coaches and teammates. Tonight was the qualifiers for the All Arounds. I was up against some tough competition for this. My best friend McKayla was probably my biggest competitor. I would hate to see the outcome of this, although most of me would be ecstatic about my win. I watched as the replays began to play on the big screen again for me. I watched as I ran, flipped, and stuck my landing perfectly. My scores began to be announced: “A difficulty of 5.6, an execution of 9.2 and zero penalty. That brings Remington Lochte to a score of 15.5…by far the highest score we’ve seen tonight!” the British announcer rang out. I beamed at the comments. I looked over at my friends, who smiled nervously at me. McKayla was squeezing my hand, but I could tell the smile on her face wasn’t genuine. Slowly, the final scores of all the gymnasts from my team were up. The fake smile dropped from McKayla’s expression, and now she was truly in shock. “What?” she squeaked, “Lynn and Remington?” Her hand dropped from mine. I cupped my hand over my mouth. Both of us were positive it’d be the two of us for All Arounds. “Mac—“ “Don’t.” She put her hand up to stop me. She turned on her heel, and walked over to the other girls. They gathered around her and hugged her. Kelsey and Allie shot me hateful glares. This wasn’t my fault! “Rem!” I heard someone yell from the crowd. I turned, and spotted my family sitting in the first row seats. I blew kisses to them. I just wanted to go back to my room and fall asleep for now. This was too dramatic. I didn’t know whether to be happy, upset, or both. But I still needed to be on my game tomorrow. **(One year later)** I stared at the three Gold medals hanging from my wall. I wasn’t even seventeen yet and I’d been to the World Championships, and the Olympics. This Saturday morning, I was going school shopping. School shopping. The word was like a foreign language to me. I hadn’t been to a public school (or even a school in general), in three years. I had to keep reminding myself that this was my choice. That I needed a taste of the real world for once…not just being around the same people for years. There was a beeping over top of me, and I heard my mother, Charlotte’s, voice over the intercom. “Remy, we have guests that want to see you so badly.” I checked myself in the mirror, making sure my hair was in place and that I didn’t have anything stuck to my butt, which had the words “US Gymnast” across it. I hurried out the door, down the long hallway, and down the spiraling staircase. “Mom!” I called, running through the kitchen to find her. Where were they? I poked my head through the curtains to look at the driveway. Five cars – which didn’t belong to any of my family members – were parked in the driveway. I ran into the family room. No one. All at once, figures leapt out from behind couches and bookcases, and loveseats. I stumbled back, letting my eyes adjust after the surprise. Then I squealed with ecstasy. I was immediately covered in a group hug by people twice my size. These people were practically my family. I’d met them through Ryan. Michael, my second brother (not really), kissed the top of my head, and then patted it. I felt so small compared to the rest of them. I didn’t even realize the beam that was spread across my expression. I hadn’t seen these people in so long. I felt like crying with happiness. I hurdled into my brother’s arms, burying my face in his chest. He spun me around in his arms. I did shed a tear of joy at the point. “I missed you so much, Ry,” I whimpered. There was a sound of “oohs” and “awws” throughout the room. I let go, and my feet hit the floor. He ruffled a hand through my hair, grinning. “Good to see you, too, kid,” he said. “Look at what I got…” Ryan reached into his swim bag, and fished out his shining Gold medal. It was one of many he’d won at the Olympics a few months ago. I punched his arm and smiled teasingly. “I got three of ‘em.” He raised an eyebrow. “So,” began Cullen, who came over and put a hand on my shoulder, “I hear you’re starting the ol’ public school in a few weeks.” I nodded. “Well, good luck,” he said, raising his eyebrows almost warningly. My father punched him on the shoulder. “Jones, don’t try to scare her out of it!” Cullen put his arms up in surrender. But I couldn’t help but wonder what he was trying to say. What WAS high school really like?

11/13/2012 3:21:20 PM | Report

fungirl123 I'm going to post my first few paragraphs now, then skip to school starting. :D

11/13/2012 3:07:03 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Maggie/Maggie1 - I'm starting mine off in the summer so that I could write about Remy's cheer tryouts and write her memories of the school year before. :) But now I'm skipping to the first day of school. ^.^

11/13/2012 3:04:03 PM | Report

maggie183 Ok awesome :) Should we start it off as like their first day of school? Are they freshmen?

11/13/2012 2:15:11 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Toni-Tomorrow is good for me :) BTW,how are we gonna start it off? Just wondering :D

11/13/2012 11:08:15 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley okay! How about tomorrow? The sooner the better, right? :D

11/12/2012 9:18:19 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - I'm ready now! ^.^

11/12/2012 9:03:45 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl When would you all like to start writing?

11/12/2012 8:36:55 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @myfatsquirrel Aww:( Thank you for letting us know though!

11/12/2012 8:33:58 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Maggie Yep! Like Haley said. :) I like to write my characters point of view. @iluvmusic Would you mind if we called you Maggie1? Or, if you had a nickname we could use that. :) Just don't want to get people confused.

11/12/2012 8:31:32 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Maggie - it's all up to you! :) I prefer not to do that because then your stuck on the same topic as the last person, and I like to move on, but you can always just tell what your characters thoughts are after that. ^.^ @myfatsquirrel - awh, too bad! :( Good luck with your writing anyway, though. <3 <3

11/12/2012 8:21:33 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - thanks! :p @Toni - awesome, I just did, too. ^.^

11/11/2012 4:20:40 PM | Report

myfatsquirrel hey guys sorry to say this, but this isn't going to work. now that i think about it, i don't think i'll have enough time to write. thx for offering the position anyway!

11/12/2012 5:06:58 PM | Report

myfatsquirrel omg the mods didn't send the whole thing! i'll try again:(

11/11/2012 6:19:20 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley I sent you an email back! :)

11/11/2012 3:42:08 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great application Maggie! :) And my character was put in a orphanage when her parents murdered a guy.

11/11/2012 3:41:02 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay, so I'm just going to say that the reason Eden grew apart from the girls is because she got really depressed for a while, but she never really forgot about them. Oh yeah, and later on, Eden and Lauren won't be friends anymore. Just thought I'd add that! (:

11/11/2012 3:40:30 PM | Report

fungirl123 I'm already writing my paragraphs (so don't be surprised if there's a lot at the beginning from me), and I said that the school's name was Lawrence High School in Westerly, Connecticut. :p BTW, I'm beginning my story still during the summer, like a month before school starts. I'll probably skip to school beginning, though. ^.^

11/11/2012 3:28:58 PM | Report

maggie183 Sounds great!! I'll try to start writing tomorrow (: Are we all going to be writing about the same time from our characters point of views or picking up where each other leaves off and taking turns writing??

11/11/2012 8:10:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Maggie - okay, thanks! :p

11/11/2012 11:43:55 AM | Report

myfatsquirrel I love writing so much! Thanks <3

11/11/2012 3:36:11 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Maggie-Great application :D! @Haley-Silvia moved to Savannah Georgia (where her grandpa was born) for a long time until now of course ^.^ Oh,and I forgot to add that Silvia has a round face :)

11/11/2012 11:00:51 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Maggie- Great application! :D @Haley- I agree. I'll do that today! :)

11/11/2012 10:37:22 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Maggie - great application! :D I love the name Scarlett! <3 Everyone, I think we should all say why they lost touch with the group (my character moved around a lot). But some of the girls could have stayed there (just wasn't friends with them anymore) , and some could just be moving to that school/area. :)

11/10/2012 9:22:31 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - no problem! <3 @Toni - sent you an email! ^.^

11/10/2012 6:25:28 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thank you! :)

11/10/2012 5:41:50 PM | Report

maggie183 MY APPLICATION: Character’s Name(first, middle (optional) & last): Scarlett Powel Character’s Age (16 or 17): Age 16 Character’s Nationality (of what decent is her family): British. Both of her parents are from England and grew up there. Character Appearance: Scarlett is very short for her age (only 5"1) and has very small features. She has wavy light brown hair that she keeps very long. Her eyes are that rare kind of bright green and are the first thing that people notice about her. She is known for being very beautiful but she is pretty oblivious to that. Character’s Style: Scarlett has a good sense of fashion. She's always been interested in design and clothes and knows how to sew her own clothes. She doesn't follow what other people are wearing...she is more of a trendsetter. Character’s Personality: Scarlett is really popular because people find her interesting and intriguing. Scarlett enjoys having friends and spending time with people but popularity and superficial things aren't her top priority. People tend to seek her out as a friend more then she seeks out them because she is very shy. Only people who she can tell are real friends and aren't fleeting, does she really open up to. Character’s Family (and if any parent/sibling has had an effect on the character): Scarlett has an older brother (Nathan) who is 18 years old and is always there to look after her...although sometimes she feels he can be overprotective. She also has a younger sister (Ella) who is eight years old and very energetic and outspoken, unlike Scarlett. Scarlett's mom is a nurse and her dad is an author (who works from home). Character’s Overall Bio: Scarletts mom has to work late a lot at the hospital she works at and her dad is often in his own world writing in his office. This leaves Scarlett and her siblings to have some interesting times/adventures. Her parents trust them because all three of them are good kids and although they can get into some mischeif, they would never do anything seriously bad. Scarlett and Nathan were both born in England. They moved to the US when Scarlett was four years old and Nathan was six, and their parents gave birth to Ella four years later. Scarlett's birthday: June 27th 1996. How Often can you Update/Writer?: I'm going to say a minimum of 3 times a week...I'll post whenever I can and have some good ideas!! I'm a junior so homework can take up a lot of my time sometimes but I try to always find time to write..and I'm really excited about this club! (:

11/10/2012 6:01:11 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - loved it. Glad you could join! <3 @Payton - love the song and the application! ;)

11/10/2012 5:30:37 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Thank you! <3 @Maggie- Thanks! You too!! :D @Minni- Great application! :D

11/10/2012 5:14:21 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ @Toni-Thank-you so much :3!! I loved yours as-well! @Payton-I l♥ved your application :) Very interesting!

11/10/2012 5:02:06 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Payten I love your character! And I love how you based it off the songs, too. :)

11/10/2012 3:57:10 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Maggie @Minni I loved your applications! I have not gave @Maggie183 a position yet but I will as soon as she posts her application. :)

11/10/2012 3:50:53 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 So, one of Haley’s suggestions for me was to base my character off of a song that I love, and that’s exactly what I decided to do! The song that I decided to base my character off of is For The Love of a Daughter by Demi Lovato. I don’t know if any of you have heard it, but I’ll post the link so you can listen to it if you haven’t. My character is also based off of Blown Away by Carrie Underwood, except that her house won’t get blown away by a tornado in Oklahoma and her mom isn’t dead. CHARACTER’S NAME: Eden Jane Pierce. The name Eden is Hebrew and means “Paradise” though Eden doesn’t feel that way at all. BIRTHDAY/AGE: Eden is sixteen years old. Her birthday is October 20th. TRAITS/APPEARANCE: Eden has long, straight light brown hair that goes down to the middle of her back. She has beautiful, hazel eyes and thin, pink lips. She’s 5”7, but slender with a high metabolism. She has a fair skin complexion, but in the summer she tans fairly easily in the sun. STYLE: Eden keeps her style pretty simple; converse, skinny jeans, and a graphic t-shirt. But somehow, she always manages to look cute in whatever she’s wearing. She has gotten her ears pierced twice, and she always has earrings in. She’ll dress up if she has to, but it isn’t her favorite thing in the world to do. Her hair is normally in a sloppy bun, left down, or in a braid. Sometimes, if she has enough time and feels like it, she’ll curl it. PERSONALITY: Eden’s always been quiet during school, and quite a few people believe that it’s because of her past. But the truth is, she’s trying to take in all the information being given to her, and is struggling with her family life at home. But once you get to know her, you realize that she’s sweet and funny, and that there’s more to her than what there seems to be. She has a good heart, but it’s slowly being broken. As much as Eden had tried to fix things in the past, she realizes that her family is just what it is. Most people at her school ignore her, and she only has one close friend, Lauren, that she can tell everything to. But lately, Lauren’s been strange and distant, and they’re growing farther apart. Eden gets picked on every now and then, but she’ll find herself shrinking back even more instead of saying something to defend herself. FAMILY: Eden lives with her alcoholic father and her hardworking mother. She constantly finds herself having to turn her music up full volume to block out the loud, raging arguments. She’s an only child with no siblings to talk to or protect, and in some ways she thinks it’s better that way so they don’t have to endure the arguing and pain that she does. CHARACTER’S BIO: On a beautiful, cold autumn day in October, Eden Jane Pierce was born to the parents of Liz and John. A few days later, they were bringing home their little bundle of joy. Four years flew by faster than it seemed possible, and pretty soon little Eden was turning four. But things were far from perfect as she stood against her bedroom door, eyes squeezed shut as she listened to her parents arguing downstairs. She caught the words “greedy” and “alcoholic”, but she didn’t have any idea what they meant. Only a few minutes later, the argument ended, and she was sat down in front of her Hello Kitty birthday cake. Her wish? For the arguing to end. At age ten, Eden was already used to the arguing. She hated it, but it was beginning to seem normal for her family. Her parents coming home from work; Liz kissing her on the head, asking how her day was and if she had any homework; and the arguments. When Eden turned thirteen, the arguing grew stronger, and she began to think of it as a “Family War”. Life at her house was normally miserable, and she was always locking herself into her bedroom, turning up the music onto her iPod so loud that Liz feared she might burst her eardrums. Eden began getting picked on at school... not every day, but just enough to make a person upset, anyway. She only had one friend, and that was Lauren Cooper. Lauren knew about her life at home, and was always there to comfort her. But when Lauren was sixteen, she began to slowly drift away from Eden. Eden found herself more sad and alone, but tried to hide it as best as she could. *** So, this is basically it. I honestly don’t know what else to add. But anyway, I can’t wait to start writing for this club again! :D

11/10/2012 3:23:02 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Minni - we usually just fill it in with as much detail as possible, but the prologue things sounds cool! :D

11/9/2012 9:53:15 PM | Report

bballstar123 hey, i cant poste my application because it is too long (over 250 characters) what should i do?? :( <3 Minni

11/10/2012 12:08:35 PM | Report

bballstar123 Character’s Name: Lupe (pronounced loop-eh) Rodriguez Character’s Age :16 (born April 5) Character’s Nationality (of what decent is her family):Her mom is fully Puerto Rican while her father is all Columbian. Character Appearance: Lupe is 5‘5. she’s skinny but has a curvy build. Her carmel colored skin is always flawless. She has green eyes and thats how everyone remembers her. Her long curly hair is either always crunched with mouse or straightened till its pin straight. She has never worn any make up except for her little bit of mascara that she puts on each day. Character’s Style: Lupe is a girly girl, she has basically the average “skinny jeans and a blouse” style. She always wears a teal wristband, you would think she never takes it off. Of course every once and a while you will see her in her basketball stuff, whetter its gearing up for a game or just practicing outside.Character’s Personality: Lupe is big and bold. She has a big mouth but a big heart. If she hears “don’t tell anyone you can bet she won’t. She’s fun and never afraid if adventure and can turn a shy girl into a party girl in seconds. Character’s Family (and if any parent/sibling has had an effect on the character): Lupe lives with her mom (Vinny) and older sister who is 13 (Tatianna). Lupe probably has other siblings but... well if you understand what im getting at, Her mother had a rough start to adult hood and made some bad choices, now she only has Lupe and Tatianna. They do not know that they may have other siblings. They don’t live in a great part of town but they get by. Lupes mother is looking to buy a house, up town, sometime soon. Character’s Overall Bio: Lupe has never quite been the “i want a boyfriend” type. she likes being single and being able to have fun. (i think i want someone special to come along and change that though ;) haha) People either like her or they don’t. there usually isn’t any in between. She loves basketball, she thinks its the only thing she’s good at. She has many insecurities but only her very close friends know about them. Lupe needs some close friends, though she is over all, liked by a lot of people, she doesn’t really have a close close friend except for her sister Tatianna, with whom she tells everything. (I think i want Lupe to kind of have to save her sister from going down a very bad path, maybe with the help of some friends??) How Often can you Update/Writer?: As an avid basketball player i have practice 5 days a week and games on the weekends. I can probable post 4-5 days a week. but no gaurantees. Sometimes a will get writing ideas and they wont be long, you know? like, it might only be a small 2-3 paragraphs. Thanx!! hope you guys love it! <3 Minni

11/10/2012 8:50:58 AM | Report

fungirl123 @bballstar (minni) - haha, your JUST in time. One more spot! :D The application is a few posts before this one. Go ahead and fill it out! <3 <3 Post it on the club and/or on Toni's profile. :)

11/9/2012 8:54:24 PM | Report

bballstar123 btw- for the application? do i legit fill it in or write like a short little prolouge about my character? thanx! :)

11/9/2012 9:10:46 PM | Report

bballstar123 i will make sure to poste it as soon as i can! thanx for this opportunity! :) <3 minni

11/9/2012 9:04:08 PM | Report

fungirl123 I just realized there's going to be two Maggies in this club. :-) So how about iluvmusic is called @Maggie1? :p

11/9/2012 3:45:00 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ Thank-you :)!! I loved your application too :3 Lol,I can dig it XD

11/10/2012 12:09:50 PM | Report

bballstar123 Hey! im so sorry i havent been able to come online for a while but you posted on my profile about me being a writer for this club?? i hope im not to late! thank you! <3 minni

11/9/2012 4:15:36 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Maggie - I read it! :D It's really great! <3 <3

11/9/2012 3:13:36 PM | Report

fungirl123 I’m super excited about you joining! Just a little beforehand info, it usually takes us close to a year to write the story. Don’t freak out, though! Usually, people don’t post every day…and we all go through those writer’s block points in time. That’s what the rest of us are here for; to help each other through that. :-) Character’s Name(first, middle (optional) & last):__________ ___________ _______________ Character’s Age (16 or 17):____ Character’s Nationality (of what decent is her family):_________________________________________ Character Appearance: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Character’s Style: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Character’s Personality: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Character’s Family (and if any parent/sibling has had an effect on the character): _____________________________________________________________________________________ Character’s Overall Bio: ______________________________________________________________________________________ How Often can you Update/Writer?: ______________________________________________________________________________________

11/9/2012 7:11:04 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Thanks you so much Haley! I don't know hardly any writers on here so it's hard finding people who want to write. :/

11/8/2012 5:26:44 PM | Report

fungirl123 I've got two more people on board to write for us! ^.^ I'm so excited about this! @Maggie/Payton - can't wait to read your applications!!! <3 <3

11/8/2012 5:00:53 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ Thanks ^^!! I actually posted it already if you're interested in reading it :D @NeverSayNeverGirl-I forgot to add that Silvia is a painter :)

11/9/2012 12:39:54 PM | Report

maggie183 What is the application that I have to fill out? Can you post it on my profile? (:

11/8/2012 9:37:13 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awesome; glad I could help! <3

11/7/2012 8:35:14 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley Any of those are fine. :) @Iluvmusic Of course! Just fill out an application. (Like, mine and Haley/fungirl123) and post it on my profile. Also, put along with it answers to the following questions: 1. Name. (If you don’t want to put it, that’s okay) 2. How often will you write? 3. Do you write for any other clubs? Thanks for joining!

11/7/2012 7:47:49 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ Awesome! I'll start on it now :D!

11/8/2012 10:09:22 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- I got your comment!(: I just posted one on your profile. :) Thanks for the ideas! They're awesome!(: @Maggie- I'm pretty sure there are open positions, but you'll have to wait until Toni gets back to ya. Glad you want to join!(:

11/7/2012 6:04:06 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - hmm...I'll try to think of something to help ya out. :-) Are you sure you don't have a suggestion for where it takes place?

11/5/2012 5:20:19 PM | Report

iluvmusic♥ Hey :) I was wondering if there where any positions open because if there are,I would love to join ^.^

11/7/2012 9:50:33 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley & Toni- Awesome epilogues! I'll try to post mine soon, but I don't know what I want my character to be like this time. I do know that I want her to be different from all my others in the past, though!(: But idc where the story takes place. :p

11/5/2012 8:09:22 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - New York is where Remy was born! ^.^ (I think I wrote that in my app) If there's anyone who doesn't want that state though, what about Connecticut or Maryland or Colorado - states that just popped into my mind at this momento. :] About Lexi, yeah, she's been posting on Story Writing, but I know she's super busy all the time now. :p

11/4/2012 6:40:23 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Btw, has anyone heard from Lexi lately? I haven't talked to her in a while

11/4/2012 5:29:40 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I was thinking New York but if you all have a better idea lemme know. :)

11/4/2012 5:12:20 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley Thank you! That means so much! :) I've always wanted my name to be Cher so that's why I picked it. I love Remy's character too. :) And sure, that sounds great about the last part in your application. Where are the girls going to be?-

11/4/2012 5:11:44 PM | Report

fungirl123 I commented on about five girls' profiles about the club asking them to join - in case a few of them don't want to join. :-) Also, Toni, if anyone joins you might want to add something in the application that says "How Often Will You Be On". It helps to know when a writer can write, haha. :p

11/4/2012 5:05:26 PM | Report

fungirl123 (Read the post before this from me before reading this!) Pt. Two – FAMILY: Remy lives with her two parents. Her father, Steven, was once married to a woman named Kathryn, who died in a car crash. He already had Remy’s half brothers and sisters. He was struggling to keep the family on its feet. They had many financial issues. Then he found Charlotte, Remy’s affectionate mother, who became the family’s new hope. They moved to Florida, which was a horrible mistake at first. But they slowly got back to being a happy family with no monetary trouble. When Remington Vera arrived, they were ecstatic about the new baby girl. Both of her parents are swimming coaches for national teams, but her mother also owns an athletic company, where she sells gear for all sports, World Champion Sports. Remy’s half brothers and sisters include Kristin, who is thirty-years old, and living far away in Maryland. She was thirteen when Remy was born, and became a second mother to her. She often visits and travels with the family a bit. The second eldest is Megan, who is twenty-nine. She definitely keeps Remy on her toes. She keeps her schedule intact and strict. She keeps her strong and ready for any competition that is thrown at them by her family. Her oldest brother is the famous Ryan Lochte, who is an Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist, who is twenty-eight. He is the funniest person in the entire world to Remy. He also lets her stay at his apartment whenever she wants to get away from home. Although he may come off as very cocky and self-possessed to the media, he is actually a very down-to-earth guy. The next oldest brother is Devon, who is twenty-one. He swims for the Florida Gators, and is working his way up the World Championships. Then there comes Brendan, who was adopted by Steven and Charlotte and he’s fifteen. He is already a state champion soccer player, and is slowly moving his way up to national. Remy enjoys picking on her little brother and throwing off his game, which he does to her. But they are each other’s best friends. They work each other harder. But, of course, you can’t forget the family’s adorable dogs, Honey, Champ, Rosie, Kat (named after the deceased Kathryn), and Otto. Charlotte Lochte has one quote that she always tells her children and step-children. Although those are all the technically family members, there are a lot of people who are close to the family. One of them is Remy and Brendan’s private tutor, Oliver Hastings. He travels with them and is very flexible to their schedule. He is a man of thirty-three, with a British accent and an Asian face. Although he always treats his two pupils as if they are small children, Remy and Brendan know they’d never excel this far in school without him. They treat all of their family’s staff and managers like family, also. Christmas is always filled with people who aren’t even blood related to the family. Some of those people include members of the US Olympic Swimming Team. She has been practically raised by Ryan’s friends, so they all seem like just another few guys and girls in their twenties…they just so happen to be world-famous. The Lochte family lives in a large estate in the country side, where they are surrounded by trees. They love the quiet. The home they live in is very classic and Victorian style. Even though it was just built not long ago and the inside is quite modern, the outside is filled with cobblestone walkways and drives, a garage that looks like a red barn on the outside, and rocking chairs on the gigantic porch. They live down a long driveway, surrounded and lined by trees, where the feel safe from the media. They have a garden, where the family’s keepers keep it clean and perfectly weeded. As I said before in my application, Remy spends most of her time sitting in the garden. She loves her gazebo, where she keeps books stacked in a cabinet as her hideout. She also adores being in the garden at night, when the keepers turn on the glowing lights. In all, the Lochte family is very loving and open, even though they may be all-star. ;) CHARACTER BIO (I’ll try to make this short, since this is already realllllly long!): Remington Vera “Remy” Lochte was born on a cold winter day on December twenty-fourth, Christmas Eve! Her parents love telling her the story of her birthday. It was on the day of the worst snowstorm in years! ^.^ But with the help of the entire family, Charlotte arrived at the hospital to give birth to a baby girl with dark curls and blue-gray eyes. At the age of four, Remy was placed on her very first gymnastics team and won her first medal in a “Tiny Tots” competition. As time went by, Remy grew older, but didn’t feel as if she was ever pretty enough. As a pre-teen, she had braces and glasses. She was constantly bullied and told that she didn’t matter. Gymnastics was the only thing that kept her going in life. People made fun of her for looking up to gymnastics stars like the Magnificent Seven and such. She always kept inspiring quotes by Béla Károlyi, the famous Olympic coach. In eighth grade, she finally began making friends, and stayed tightly knit with those few girls and boys, praying they’d never leave her. But during the summer after that year, when Remy was almost fifteen, the family enrolled her in a famous gymnastics gym in which many gymnastics legends had trained, which forced her to switch to homeschooling and move to Colorado temporarily. She lost touch with her friends over time. But then something amazing happened – she qualified for the World Championship Women’s Gymnastics Team when she was fifteen, and she was brought to Worlds. There, she competed in competitions including vault, beam, floor exercise, and uneven bars. She competed for the All Around Competitions along side her good friend Kayla, and she won Gold. Just the day after that, she also competed in Team Finals, where her entire team received a Gold medal. Then she also won medals in the individuals for floor, winning Silver, beam, winning Gold, bars, winning Silver, and vault, winning another Gold medal. In the coming year, Remy made the Worlds team once again, winning Gold twice, Silver once, and Bronze three times. But then the unthinkable happened: Remy was training alongside some old friends in her gym…Before her floor exercise rehearsal, she hadn’t enough time to stretch, and she tore her Achilles in the middle of a series of tumbling. She stopped gymnastics for three straight months, and then slowly returned to small workouts and back into the gym. Her family stuck at her side during those hard months of recovering and working back to her old position. At the start of July, she decided that she wasn’t going to the World Championships of the next year, and she wanted to just not do much with gymnastics. She would still condition in the gym, but she wanted to take a break from the national and international competitions. She also decided that she wanted to go back to a public high school. She wants to be a regular teenager and date and make friends and go to parties. But it’ll be even harder for her because she’s a whole grade above the rest of her age group, so it’s going to be harder to make friends with girls who are a year older than her. And since ninth grade, she’s been homeschooled. ~Author’s Note: Remy’s character is made up completely, although her family is based off a real family. I’m a huge fan of Ryan Lochte (Olympic Swimmer), so I thought I’d make it fun by making a character based off him and his family. Does that sound creepy? LOL! I guess this is considered fanfiction. Remy’s love interest will be real guy (Nathan Adrian: Olympic Swimmer), but I’m changing his age from twenty-two to nineteen-years-old. That way the age difference between Remy and Nathan isn’t too big, haha. :p Could we make it so the story takes place going from summer into the school year – but mostly during the school year? Just an idea! ^.^ ~

11/4/2012 2:52:54 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - WOW, great character! <3 I gasped a little on the inside at the part about her parents murdering someone. But seriously - I loved Cher's character (and her name; very unique). ^.^ I'll post the rest of my application now! After that, I'll start asking some other writers on GL if they want to join. :p

11/4/2012 2:51:02 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley Wow! Haha, the longer the better. :) Mines not that long, but I may add more later. Btw, are yall doing the Nanowrimo thing this month?

11/4/2012 2:07:02 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl NAME: Cher Marie Blevins AGE/BIRTHDAY: Cher is 16 (Born October 25th) APPERANCE: Cher is 5’6. She has dark brown hair that comes down to her ribs that is layered. She has REALLY icy blue eyes and dark eyelashes. She has bronze skin, very high cheek bones and is also very strong. (She is half Cherokee) STYLE: Cher is both girly girl and tomboy. She doesn’t care for skirts but wouldn’t mind to dress up every once in a while. Example of what she would wear: Loose tank top, dark skinny jeans and some jewelry. She likes makeup but doesn’t look like a Barbie. Her typical makeup is a little cover up, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip-gloss but the orphanage never allowed her to have much so she had to sneak most of it. HISTORY: When Cher was young, her parents murdered a very rich man and she still has no idea why. Her parents when to prison and Cher was put in an orphanage, until now. A family just adopted her and happens to live where she grew up. PERSONALITY: Cher trusts no one completely but is a good friend to have unless you’ve done something to make her mad. She loves photography but had never had enough money for a decent camera. When it comes to guys, the guys don’t break Cher’s heart, Cher breaks their hearts. Cher puts on an act like she doesn’t care about anyone, but really she doesn’t want to get hurt or trust anyone to much. When her parents did that to her, it almost killed her and she doesn’t want it to happen again. At the orphanage, Cher got into a ton of fights and only had one close friend, Jade who was deaf. Jade taught Cher sigh language through a piece of paper and her hands. Jade got picked on a lot and Cher defended her. She feels terrible she’s leaving Jade but she promised to visit her.

11/4/2012 2:05:31 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- That's only part one?! Haha, just kidding(: Awesome application! It's really good so far! :D

11/4/2012 1:52:12 PM | Report

fungirl123 You seriously don’t even know how excited I was about posting this on the club! I’ve been waiting for months…I’ve worked really hard on this. I’ve added to it a lot, but only because I want this to be the best application I’ve ever given for a story! ^.^ As a writer, I really like setting goals for myself and making every group writing piece even better for everyone. :-D The reason I posted this so early is because I wrote this wayyyy back in like July after the Summer Olympics, where I was seriously obsessed with Olympic Swimming and Gymnastics. You’ll see why I just said that once you get into this application. CHARACTER’S NAME: Remington Vera “Remy” Lochte (Pronunciation of Lochte: lock – TEE) NATIONALITY: Remy comes from a variety of backgrounds. Her father was born in Ireland, but his own parents originated in England. Her mother is partially Brazilian. TRAITS/APPEARANCE: Remy is very different from other girls. She is very short – 5’4 1/2” – but also has a figure. She has narrow hips, but a tiny waist, a small bust, long legs, a kind-of short torso, very muscular arms and legs (which she keeps toned as much as she can), abs, and a heart-shaped face. Her hair is very dark auburn color, which naturally shines red in the sunlight, and compliments her light and fair complexion. It frames her face perfectly when she has it down. It falls to the middle of her back. Her skin is naturally not very tan – although it does bronze in the summer – but it is usually still very dark because of the continuous spray-tans she must endure because of competitions, interviews, and parties. Along with that, Remy likes to think that she has very natural beauty, with her crimson red, full lips, “cute little nose” – according to her family – mysterious blue-gray eyes, artlessly translucent skin, and crazy long, dark eyelashes that could supposedly “charm a wooden plank” even when she just blinks. She has long arms and petite hands, which have suffered many blisters and bruises because of training. But she ices them after every practice to keep them strong. Her feet aren’t any better. She undergoes constant leaping, flipping, and “sticks”, otherwise known as a flawless landing. But she’s a warrior. ;-) STYLE: Remy has a variety of outfits. She spends most of her time in sparkly leotards of all diverse colors. She lost count of how many she owns after thirty-three when she was thirteen-years-old. Some of them are covered in crystals, others are metallic white, but most are just multi-colored. They keep her energized for her favorite sport on the planet. When she’s not in those, she has a very sweet girl fashion. On a regular basis, she can be found in all different types of skirts, cardigans, sweaters, billowy shirts, and leg-barring shorts. Whenever she gets the chance to wear any type of sandals – as in gladiators, flip-flops, strappy heels, etc – she does. In the gym, she’s barefoot. But whenever an interview, Red Carpet event, or fancy party comes along, she could be found in long, sparkly dresses and tight, short dresses. She loves wearing her hair down, letting it cascade to her shoulders. The stores she loves include Forever21, H&M, and boutiques she’s been to from all around the world! :-D PERSONALITY: Remy is very tough and ambitious and driven, as she has been taught to be her entire life. Her parents were both national title swimmers, and so is the rest of her family. So everyone in her life keeps her moving. She spends most of her day in the gymnastics gym, where the only people she knows are the ten other gymnasts training there, and her coaches. She is very good at making friends and connecting with other people. Since she lives in a strict environment, she loves meeting new people. But she often finds herself leaving people because of the traveling her entire family does. That’s why she doesn’t like to get involved with boys. :-( As much as she’d love to have a boyfriend, she knows that it would 1.) mess with her game 2.) make her depressed because of traveling and leaving him. She can tend to be very reserved and quiet when she’s not at the gym or when her siblings are gone…because after all the traveling, the Lochte family is very close and a best friend with everyone. Remy loves to study, unlike other people. She likes the time when she can be up in her room, with music playing from her overhead speakers. People often forget that, although Remy is a famous athlete, she’s still a teenage girl from New York. She loves music. It calms her down. A lot of her musical taste is people from around the world. But a few from her US roots include Justin Bieber, The Script, and Adam Lambert. She can also be found listening to easy listening music, like Michael Bublé, Olly Murs and The Beatles, but she can’t help but be in love with every single member of One Direction. Back onto the subject of Remy’s great individuality, she calms herself down after every workout with yoga, her large hot tub, some swimming, or just sitting in her older brother’s sauna. She tends to be a know-it-all. Remy stopped going to public school after eighth grade, when her training got WAY more intense and unvarying. Now she has a private tutor. Remy is very charming, adorable, and REALLY flirty. On those weeks when she’s not training, she calls up her friends from her gym to hit up a party. She’s not easily intimidated, either. To everyone, she’s tough as nails. She’s her best friends’ “body guard”. She defends her family and friends in anything – media attacks, friend drama, etc. Speaking of tabloids, magazines do very much enjoy making up false stories about them…since they ARE an all-star family. Remy loves helping people, and can often be found arranging a charity project. She enjoys learning new things and learning more about the world around her. She adores the outdoors! Her family’s garden is her favorite place on the entire Earth. Remy used to be a very sensitive girl, but after years of intense training, nothing can break her. (OKAY!!! That’s Part One of my application. I thought I’d make it easier to read by splitting it up.)

11/4/2012 11:34:18 AM | Report

fungirl123 I've been waiting since August to post this application. Seriously. :) Don't judge the fact that it's going to be mega-long, lol. :p

11/4/2012 11:31:53 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - I loved your epilogue!! :D I'm so excited about the next story...I'll post my mega-long, much-anticipated application after I get home from church later today. ^.^

11/4/2012 9:13:03 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Amazing epilogue!!(: I loved this story so much and I can't believe we've been writing it for over a year now! I can't wait to begin the next story and get to write with you girls some more<3 And yeah, that sounds good for the applications(:

11/3/2012 9:06:38 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I loved this story so much. It's sad that it's over! :( But I'm excited for the next one. You all can post your applications when you want. I'm going to give everyone 2 weeks (the 17th) to get their applications in. Is that okay?

11/3/2012 5:53:32 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity’s epilogue~ Seth and I talked whenever we could, along with the others. It was different at home, my dad was spent time with me and my mother and I kept in contact. I had really missed Rome, I really did but it was good to know I was wanted at my house and not just something to take care of. After almost a year had paste, I got to visit Seth in Michigan. We were so happy to see each other. I had run up to him and hugged him tight. I met his uncle, aunt and sister. *I don’t know if you all remember but Seth’s parents died when he was young* I had been so nervous about meeting them that I spent probably three hours planning my outfit. Seth told me that they had loved me. A few months later he met my parents, and Justice. By then, Justice was talking and kept saying, “Seth! Seth! Seth!” and putting her arms up to him. It was adorable. My mother loved him and so did my father. Another few months page and we were about to start collage. One day, Seth and I were walking down the street at his home town. It was chilly outside so both of our cheeks were pink. He stopped walking and took my hands in his. His beautiful brown eyes sparkled as he got down on one knee and asked, “Will you marry me?” And I said no. Just kidding, of course I said yes! We were going to get married after collage. I went to collage for six years and became a therapist. Seth had decided to become a lawyer and we could not wait another three years to get married so we went ahead and did. We got married on August 10th on a beach. Caitlyn and Natasha were my bridesmaids and Justice was my flower girl. When I walked down that aisle in my strapless, white dress, all the memories of Rome came back to me. Making that almost life size get well card for Ms. Romano, going shopping with Natasha and laughing with Caitlyn about that TV show we could never understand but watched anyway. Then, Seth. We were so young and shy and had no idea this would have ever happened. Going to Rome was the best decision of my life. About a year later, I found out that I was pregnant. It was a boy and I named him Noah, he had light brown hair and had Seth’s brown puppy dog eyes. Later I had a girl, who I named Hazel and just happened to have hazel eyes and dark brown hair. We stayed in contact with Caitlyn and Mason, along with Natasha and Alex and watched their beautiful kids grow up. We were all still best friends even though we lived far away from each other and we always would be. All because of one woman, Ms. Romano. *Felicity’s wedding dress: http://www.lindadress.com/Products/805-strapless-sweetheart-wedding-dresses.aspx and bridesmaids dresses: http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/8120/?color=buttercup&colorid=9#.UJWMe8XBfq4

11/3/2012 5:50:34 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I am so sorry for not posting! I was grounded. :( I'm working on my post now. But yeah, we are def getting new writers.

11/3/2012 4:29:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 I think we should get new writers to fill the spots of the people who were never online to write - like barngirl and topez12. :) But I saw a few other writers on GL that'd make good additions to this club! ^.^

10/30/2012 9:38:58 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Can't wait to read it!(: Are we keeping the same writers for the next story? I was just wondering because a lot of them never really posted. Either way is fine with me, though! :)

10/27/2012 11:25:30 AM | Report

fungirl123 Ugh, sorry I haven't been on at all this week. :\ I've had a migraine on and off for a week straight so as soon as I get home, I go straight to sleep. Can't wait to read your epilogue/final post, Toni! :D I'm excited about the next story. ^.^

10/26/2012 3:13:00 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll do my best to post tomorrow. :) Great posts girls.

10/24/2012 8:51:42 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Of course it posted twice... :P But anyway, here is the wedding dress I kind of envisioned Caitlyn having since I didn't actually describe it: http://www.weddingdressesphotos.com/wedding-dress-up/

10/23/2012 8:10:50 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 So the quote I added at the end is a little different... but I think it kind of fits Caitlyn's case. {Caitlyn’s Epilogue} Over the next few months, the memories of my stay in Rome remained etched inside my head. Every single little detail seemed to be there, from the way the sunlight poured through my windows every morning to the way my dress had sparkled at my very first Prom. Rome had changed me. I was no longer the selfish brat that had no taste of the real world. I cared about others and appreciated the little things in life. I made sure to stay in touch with Natasha and Felicity, never wanting to lose them from my life. During my senior year, I managed to stay at the top of all my classes. I forgave Claudia and Tatiana, even after all they had done to me. But I never went back to being friends with them. I just didn’t see the point in it. We were so different. I finally introduced Mason to my parents and Jackie. To my surprise and delight, they thought he was perfect for me. Our relationship got even stronger. By the time my Senior Prom rolled around, I had completely buried myself in my studies, something I had never pictured myself doing before. I wanted to get into my dream college in New York so badly. Just as I was starting to have doubts that I would ever get in, the acceptance letter came in the mail. I was going to the Art Institute of New York to major in fashion just like my mom had so many years before! I graduated valedictorian of my class, to most people’s surprise. No one had ever pictured me coming that far. At the end of the summer, Mason and I were having our own tearful goodbye as we parted ways for college. He was staying in California to become a lawyer, while I was leaving for New York. But our relationship remained strong. Every night, we would Skype or talk on the phone. Two years flew by. On December 22nd, Mason and I both flew back to California to be with our families and each other for Christmas. On December 24th, Christmas Eve, my parents invited Mason and his family our house for dinner. Later that night with the snowflakes swirling around in the dark sky outside and the fireplace crackling, Mason stood up from his spot beside me on the couch and got down on his knee in front of me. He pulled out a ring and proposed, his brown eyes sparkling. I managed to choke out a yes in between tears as I jumped into his arms. We were now engaged. Mason and I both finished up school. We moved back to California and purchased a huge house in Los Angeles.I began designing clothes with my mom and we became even more successful together. Mason and I got married on April 8th and had a beautiful beach wedding. Felicity and Natasha stood beside me. I had designed their dresses all by myself along with my own wedding dress. A few months later in July, I discovered I was pregnant with my very first child. Mason and I were thrilled and began creating a special room in the house just for the baby. In March, I was taken to the hospital where I delivered our beautiful baby boy. We named him Liam. He looked exactly like Mason. They had the same soft, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He loved to be held and used to cry whenever I sat him down. About a year and a half later, I gave birth to twins. A little boy who we named Josh and a little girl we named Renee. Josh and Renee both had my blonde hair and blue eyes. Over the years, Mason and I watched Felicity and Seth’s children, along with Natasha and Alex’s children, grow up. Even though we were so far apart, our friendship would last forever. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” ~Oprah Winfrey

10/23/2012 8:06:49 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 So the quote I added at the end is a little different... but I think it kind of fits Caitlyn's case. {Caitlyn’s Epilogue} Over the next few months, the memories of my stay in Rome remained etched inside my head. Every single little detail seemed to be there, from the way the sunlight poured through my windows every morning to the way my dress had sparkled at my very first Prom. Rome had changed me. I was no longer the selfish brat that had no taste of the real world. I cared about others and appreciated the little things in life. I made sure to stay in touch with Natasha and Felicity, never wanting to lose them from my life. During my senior year, I managed to stay at the top of all my classes. I forgave Claudia and Tatiana, even after all they had done to me. But I never went back to being friends with them. I just didn’t see the point in it. We were so different. I finally introduced Mason to my parents and Jackie. To my surprise and delight, they thought he was perfect for me. Our relationship got even stronger. By the time my Senior Prom rolled around, I had completely buried myself in my studies, something I had never pictured myself doing before. I wanted to get into my dream college in New York so badly. Just as I was starting to have doubts that I would ever get in, the acceptance letter came in the mail. I was going to the Art Institute of New York to major in fashion just like my mom had so many years before! I graduated valedictorian of my class, to most people’s surprise. No one had ever pictured me coming that far. At the end of the summer, Mason and I were having our own tearful goodbye as we parted ways for college. He was staying in California to become a lawyer, while I was leaving for New York. But our relationship remained strong. Every night, we would Skype or talk on the phone. Two years flew by. On December 22nd, Mason and I both flew back to California to be with our families and each other for Christmas. On December 24th, Christmas Eve, my parents invited Mason and his family our house for dinner. Later that night with the snowflakes swirling around in the dark sky outside and the fireplace crackling, Mason stood up from his spot beside me on the couch and got down on his knee in front of me. He pulled out a ring and proposed, his brown eyes sparkling. I managed to choke out a yes in between tears as I jumped into his arms. We were now engaged. Mason and I both finished up school. We moved back to California and purchased a huge house in Los Angeles.I began designing clothes with my mom and we became even more successful together. Mason and I got married on April 8th and had a beautiful beach wedding. Felicity and Natasha stood beside me. I had designed their dresses all by myself along with my own wedding dress. A few months later in July, I discovered I was pregnant with my very first child. Mason and I were thrilled and began creating a special room in the house just for the baby. In March, I was taken to the hospital where I delivered our beautiful baby boy. We named him Liam. He looked exactly like Mason. They had the same soft, brown eyes and dark brown hair. He loved to be held and used to cry whenever I sat him down. About a year and a half later, I gave birth to twins. A little boy who we named Josh and a little girl we named Renee. Josh and Renee both had my blonde hair and blue eyes. Over the years, Mason and I watched Felicity and Seth’s children, along with Natasha and Alex’s children, grow up. Even though we were so far apart, our friendship would last forever. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” ~Oprah Winfrey

10/23/2012 8:06:46 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Pretty..(:

10/22/2012 8:27:04 PM | Report

fungirl123 Here's a photo of Natasha's wedding gown, just to create a better picture: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1143&bih=713&tbm=isch&tbnid=-YOpyBl8MLx4iM:&imgrefurl=http://www.salebridaldresses.com/S/SuperCheapMermaidBridalGownsChicAndModernSleevelessSatinOrganzaHallChurchAppliquesBeading2012LS76897.htm&docid=NuV9TJ31lCVDeM&imgurl=http://www.salebridaldresses.com/proimg/big/A0/B30/SuperCheapMermaidBridalGownsChicAndModernSleevelessSatinOrganzaHallChurchAppliquesBeading2012LS76897-0.jpg&w=387&h=527&ei=YmeEUN3FEqmT0QGpmIHQBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=590&vpy=319&dur=4530&hovh=262&hovw=192&tx=62&ty=86&sig=110067917036138508578&page=3&tbnh=147&tbnw=109&start=66&ndsp=38&ved=1t:429,r:72,s:20,i:353

10/21/2012 5:24:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Amazing epilogue! <333

10/21/2012 2:43:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha’s Epilogue~ Rome lingered in my mind every day for the next couple of months. But I never forgot about it. I remembered all of the mistakes I’d made – and graciously learned from them – and all of the people I’d met. I returned quite often to visit Bettina and Angelo, who soon grew old and passed the mansion’s housekeeping onto others, but they still lived there. I was happy to learn that the mansion was left to Arleta, the girl I’d met on the elevator when it was stuck so long ago. She continued to host students there, also. I stayed in touch with everyone. I flew out to see Felicity and Caitlyn and Mason every year, and did the same with Seth. The only fear that was ever in my mind was that I’d never see them again…and that we’d soon grow apart. But that never happened. We all got through our senior year together, even though we lived thousands of miles apart. Then there was Alex. My Alex. We never broke up. He gave me a promise ring in the middle of the summer after Rome. He helped me stay on track throughout my senior year, without going into Old and Controlling Natasha Mode. Then, before we knew it, we had both graduated, me as the Valedictorian, and I had been accepted to more universities that I could count. It was one starry night in the middle of June on a walk through the park, when he got down on one knee…and you know the rest. I wasn’t even hesitant to accept his proposal. The ring was silver, with “Love Lasts” engraved on the inside. Although we did agree to wait until after college to get married, we never split during that time. I went on to attend Harvard on liberal arts major. I continued to write novels and poetry, along with excel in my musical gifts. All the while, Alex was less than an hour away at MIT studying medicine. After my freshman year, we bought an apartment together. We ate breakfast together every morning, and cuddled together for a movie before bed. During the middle of our sophomore year, we couldn’t bear the wait of marriage. We finished the planning, and had a wedding the next spring, when I hadn’t even turned twenty yet. The wedding was in the backyard of my family’s estate. We exchanged vows in a vintage white gazebo in front of ninety guests. Felicity and Caitlyn stood next to me in pink dresses. We danced the rest of the night away under a white tent with “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz as our song. It was so true to our love story. My gown was mermaid, fitting right to my body with lace and jewels covering. We took a unique honeymoon in Alaska…so far away from the rest of the world. Then we traveled. We spent so much time in California with our closest friends, and then went back to the east coast to settle down. We welcomed our first baby when I was barely twenty-one. Everything was happening so quickly…but we liked it that way. Her name was Willow Faith. We know by the first day that she would grow up to be exactly like her mother, me. She was constantly on the move. She didn’t like to be held. She loved independence. Our home in Maryland was so gorgeous. I took up a job directing a children’s orchestra at the Maryland School of the Musically Gifted. I gave advanced piano and violin classes and wrote poetry and novels on the side also. Alex was still in med school. Willow was growing up so quickly before my eyes. When she was two, we gave her a baby brother, to whom we named Cordero William. He was born on my birthday, when I was twenty-three. People would say that I we shouldn’t have done everything so soon…but my energy was still there. Cord wasn’t too needy, and Willow, of course, wanted to do everything on her own by the age of five. Finally, Alex finished medical school when we were twenty-six, so we could go back to traveling the US the summer before Willow began pre-school. We watched Felicity and Caitlyn’s children grow through the years through photos and Christmas cards. Back in Maryland, Willow started school, and Cord stayed my little boy. It was hard. I had friends in Maryland…but my best friends lived thousands of miles away. I spent many days lonely when Alex was at the hospital. But just a Skype dinner helped all of us keep our friendship alive. Nothing could break us. “Friendship is a single soul in two human bodies.” –Aristotle

10/21/2012 1:40:23 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl You all can go a head and post yours. I'm not going to be able to post until tomorrow night:( I'll just combined them both together. :)

10/20/2012 7:29:27 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - okay, cool. :D I'm already done writing my epilogue, so I'm just waiting to post it on here.

10/20/2012 4:10:56 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! :) @Everyone- I think I'm actually done writing and I'll wait for the epilogue. I don't have much else to write about. :)

10/20/2012 3:48:58 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! :) @Everyone- I think I'm actually done writing and I'll wait for the epilogue. I don't have much else to write about. :)

10/20/2012 3:48:56 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - okay, can't wait!! <3 <3

10/20/2012 11:12:18 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl *I'll

10/20/2012 8:39:07 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley Thank you! And yeah, like one more. :) I write it tonight

10/20/2012 8:38:57 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - great post! ^.^ Are you going to write more (besides the epilogue), or is that it for you? I'm done. :-)

10/19/2012 9:38:43 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I know I probably went back in fourth with the "Say" and "Said's" but I was in a hurry. @Payton Great posts!

10/19/2012 8:56:59 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ “We’re here,” Angelo announced. Caitlyn, Mason and I got out, not saying a word. “I hope you all have enjoyed your time in Rome,” Angelo told us. I give him a smile and hug him. “I will miss you, Angelo,” I say. “I will miss you too, Felicity.” I let go. Caitlyn and Mason say their goodbyes to Angelo. I say a quick “bye,” to Mason and walk to my plane. I didn’t want to talk to Caitlyn-I mean; she probably didn’t want to talk to me. I got onto the plane and took a seat. I put my headphones in and got my notebook out. I had not written in a while and right now, I needed to. ** “In five minutes, we will be stopping in Los Angeles,” I heard the flight attendant’s voice say. I open my eyes. My notebook was in my lap with the pencil on top of it and my iPod was playing “Chalk outline,” by Three Days Grace. I put my notebook in my carry on along with my iPod. I lay my head back. I just wanted to go back to Rome. I wanted Caitlyn not to hate me, I wanted to get ready to go out to a fancy Italian restaurant with Natasha, I wanted to be lying on Seth’s shoulder, watching a scary movie but most of all, I wanted Ms. Romano to be alive. “Felicity?” I heard a whisper. “Are you awake?” It was Caitlyn. I opened my eyes and turned my head to the left to find her sitting there, next to a little boy who was asleep. “Yeah,” I answer softly. “Oh.” I brush my hair back with my fingers. “Felicity, I am so, so sorry for what I said to you earlier back in Rome. I didn’t mean it, I swear. You don’t deserve to fail, and I don’t hate you. I was going through a really tough time, and I just felt like everyone thought I was weak. You’re a great friend and I am so lucky to have you and Natasha. If you don’t accept my apology, that’s okay. But I just wanted you to know that I still consider you one of my friends,” Caitlyn told me. I smile at her. “Caitlyn, of course I forgive you! I know how you feel. It’s been hard,” I said. “So, we’re friends?” She asked. I nod. “Friends,” I agree. We talked for a few more minutes but the flight was over, and we were in LA. We hug each other and I grab my bag. “Bye Caitlyn. Good luck with Mason!” I say while walking down the aisle. “I’ll text you sometime,” She tells me. ** I searched and searched through the crowds of people and my dad was nowhere to be found. “Felicity?” I spin around. “Dad!” I give him a hug. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” I say after letting go. “Sorry, I was a little late,” He said then looked down at my bags. “You already got your suitcases, great. Are you ready?” He asks. I nod and we walk to the exit. “I missed you Felicity. It got really lonely in that big house,” He says. “I missed you too,” I say. I put my bags in the backseat of my dad’s car then got into the front seat. “Tonight you’re mother and her family are coming over for dinner. I know your tired but- “No, it’s fine. What time?” I ask with a smile. “Eight.” “Wait, what time is it right now?” I ask. Rome had gotten me messed up with the time. “It’s five right now. PM, I mean,” He says. I nod. It was only 8PM in Michigan where Seth was. “Hey, I just got off the plane. In the car with my dad,” I write. I debated whether to send it or not. He was probably with his family. I erase it and put my phone back into my pocket. A few minutes later we arrived at my house. My dad drove passed the gate and down the gravel driveway. I get out and grab my suitcases out of the back of the car and walk up to the door, waiting for my dad to unlock it. It felt so different here. My dad unlocked the door and we walked inside. “You can go get some rest,” My dad says. I nod and walked up to my room. The first thing I saw was my window seat, my favorite thing about my room. I laid my suitcases down and sat in it, laying my head against the lime green pillow I had at the end of it. I shut my eyes. It was nice to be home but I still missed Rome more.

10/19/2012 8:55:24 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awesome! :D I'll wait till you and Toni are done before I write my epilogue. ^.^

10/19/2012 4:10:38 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thank you! And yeah, I plan on writing at least one more. :D

10/19/2012 3:18:07 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :D Are you going to write another, or is that it? I hope you feel better! <3 <3

10/19/2012 3:05:55 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thank you! I stayed home sick today so I'm going to try and finish up some of my writing. :)

10/19/2012 11:49:34 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} (Dress For Dinner: http://www.polyvore.com/twinkle_lightly/set?id=60256497) “There she is!” Mom cooed as I walked through the door, “Our beautiful daughter!” My parents jumped up and enveloped me in hugs. “Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad,” I said, laughing as I stepped back. “Hi, sweetheart. You look even more beautiful than when we saw you last,” Dad said, planting a kiss on top of my head. I blushed, reminded of what Mason had said about me being the most beautiful girl ever. “Caitlyn!” a familiar voice squealed. I whirled around to see Jackie coming down the stairs, wearing a beautiful red dress and black pumps. Her hair was done up on top of her head. “Jackie!” I cried, running towards her. She hugged me tightly. “Oh my gosh, Caitlyn. I’ve missed you so much!” she cried. I stepped back, smiling. “I’ve missed you, too.” I surveyed my parents outfits. Why were they dressed so fancy? “In case you’re wondering why we’re all dressed up, it’s because we’re going to Boston,” Mom said, giving me a bright smile. “Boston?” I squeaked, “I just got home!” “I’m sorry,” Jackie apologized, placing a hand on my head. “Why are we going there?” I questioned. “Because my friend is opening up a restraunt there and we’re invited to the big opening! I managed to snag her some paparazzi and everything,” my sister said. “So... I have to go?” I asked dumbly. I had just gotten back to California! Why should I have to leave again? “You don’t have to go,” Jackie said with a shrug, “But it’d be nice if you did.” “Fine, I’ll go,” I grumbled. “You can come back early if you’d like,” Mom said, taking my hand and pulling me up the stairs. “Okay,” I agreed, “I’ll only stay for an hour or so.” “You need to change clothes, however,” Mom said with a look of disapproval as she surveyed my outfit. She led me into my bedroom with the pink walls, the canopy bed, and the lush white carpet. A vase of roses sat on my desk. “In fact, I think I have the perfect outfit for you,” Mom mused, opening up my walk-in closet. She stepped inside, looking up and down at every outfit I had left behind. Finally, she pulled one off a hanger. “Is that new?” I asked as she held the dress out to me. “Oh, yes. I made it for you,” she said cheerfully, sitting down on my bed. Without bothering to question it, I stepped into my bathroom and changed into it. I stepped outside, to where my mother added the finishing touches. Then she stepped back and clapped her hands. “You look gorgeous! You’ll be the most beautiful girl there tonight.” I wasn’t so sure about that, but I thanked her anyway. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to go tonight. *** Paparazzi were everywhere. My family and I posed for several photos, and I managed to keep a smile on my face the entire time. I already missed everyone from Rome, though. “Caitlyn! Let’s go,” Jackie said, pulling me through the crowd. We stepped into the restaurant and at once I was surprised. It looked really nice. I handed my coat to one of the workers. “Natasha, this is Jackie.” Wait, Natasha? I whirled around, my blonde hair flying dramatically. “Caitlyn?!” “Natasha?!” It was her! I couldn’t help but smile. Jackie’s friend was Natasha’s sister. “What are you doing here, Caitlyn?” Natasha asked. “My mom and dad wanted me to come. But I’m only staying for an hour or so, since I miss the rest of my family in LA so much,” I replied, giving her a warm smile. It felt so good to see a familiar face again. We talked for a while, making conversation. But then I had to go in order to catch my plane back home. As I walked out the doors, I realized how much I was actually going to miss everyone. How would I ever adjust back to life in LA?

10/19/2012 11:48:12 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great posts! :D

10/19/2012 7:13:52 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 **On the part where Caitlyn is apologizing to Felicity, I met if you don't accept my apology it's okay.Not what I wrote there. :Pc I'll try to write more tomorrow(:

10/18/2012 8:54:49 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 **On the part where Caitlyn is apologizing to Felicity, I met if you don't accept my apology it's okay.Not what I wrote there. :Pc I'll try to write more tomorrow(:

10/18/2012 8:54:47 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I woke up, my hair tangled and messy. I looked down to see Henry. He had fallen asleep and his head was resting gently on my arm. He was such a sweet kid. We had ended up reading together and playing on my iPod, and even drawing pictures. He was one of those little kids that believed in fairytales and happy endings. My eyes darted around the plane, once again searching for Mason and Felicity. But I didn’t see either of them. Suddenly, the flight attendant’s voice spoke up in the quiet darkness of the plane. “In five minutes, we’ll be stopping in Los Angeles.” I looked out the window, feeling once again on the verge of tears. What if I couldn’t get to Felicity in time? Or Mason for that matter? Someone stirred behind me, and I turned around hopefully. To my surprise, it was Felicity sitting beside me. “Felicity?” I whispered, “Are you awake?” Her eyes fluttered open, and she nodded up at me. “Yeah. I was just thinking.” “Oh.” There was a brief silence. I could hear the raindrops hitting the window outside. Finally, my words came tumbling out. “Felicity, I am so, so sorry for what I said to you earlier back in Rome. I didn’t mean it, I swear. You don’t deserve to fail, and I don’t hate you. I was going through a really tough time, and I just felt like everyone thought I was weak. You’re a great friend and I am so lucky to have you and Natasha. If you accept my apology, that’s okay. But I just wanted you to know that I still consider you one of my friends.” A smile appeared on Felicity’s face as she sat up a little more. “Oh, Caitlyn, of course I forgive you!” she said. I smiled, too. “So, we’re friends?” I asked, just to be sure. “Friends,” she agreed. We talked for a little while about how we were going to miss Rome. I even told her about Mason, and how rude I had been to him. But right as I finished, the plane landed in Los Angeles. Henry’s eyes popped open and he looked up at me. “Bye, Caitlyn. It was nice meeting you.” I bent down and gave him a warm hug. “Thank you so much, Henry,” I whispered in his ear. “You’re welcome.” When I stood up, I leaned back and gave Felicity a hug, ignoring the look Henry’s mom gave me. “Bye, Caitlyn. Good luck with Mason,” Felicity said. “I’ll text you sometime,” I called over my shoulder as I walked down the aisle. *** I grabbed my last suitcase and looked around for our limo. Where was it? Suddenly, I spotted Mason walking towards a truck at the edge of the parking lot. He was only a few feet ahead of me. I still had time to catch him. “Mason!” I cried, dropping my suitcases on the wet pavement. Mason froze and turned his head to see me. “What?” he asked, his voice cold. “Wait! Don’t go!” I ran after him, tangled strands of hair falling over my eyes. I stopped in front of him, trying to catch my breath. He remained frozen, staring into my eyes. “Mason, I’m so sorry. I know you’re not dating me because my parents are rich and famous, or just because I have a pretty face. I just thought maybe you were because of that stupid article Dinah Martin wrote about me in STAR. And I thought maybe it was true, because in the past that’s the only reason guys have ever dated me. I was depressed and angry when Ms. Romano died. All I did to thank her was write her a stupid little letter. I was mad at everyone including myself. I said mean things to people that I can never, ever take back no matter how much I want to. I’m sorry I was so rude to you, even though all you ever did was show me kindness. I used to hate you when we first arrived in Rome. I thought you were annoying just because you were a basketball jock and you always smirked at me when I did something stupid. Now I can’t even SEE how I could have hated you, because you’re the only guy I’ve actually loved my entire love. What I feel for you is actually real,” I said, my words tumbling out of my mouth. I took a deep, shaky breath. “Mason, I know you might hate me now. I bet it irritates you just looking at me. But I am so sorry for everything. And no matter what you say, I’ll still love you. Always.” I braced myself for the worst, mentally preparing myself for him to say he hates me. But instead, he gently took my face in his hands and leaned his forehead against mine. “No, I was stupid. I was too harsh on you, even though I knew you were going through a hard time,” he whispered. “Mason...” I began, but trailed off when I began to cry. “Don’t cry. I still love you,” he said gently, his lips brushing against mine with every word he said. “I don’t deserve you,” I choked out between tears. “And I don’t deserve you,” he agreed, “But you know what? I don’t care. I love you, Caitlyn Winter. You’re the most beautiful girl, ever,” he said. And then his lips crashed into mine. I stumbled back a little bit at the sudden movement, but kissed him back fiercely. I placed my fingers on the back of his neck, letting them run through his hair. We kissed like this was the last time we would ever see each other. Finally, I pulled back and drew in a huge breath. A shiny black limo pulled up beside us, and our driver, Benjamin, got out. “Miss Winter, your parents are waiting for you at home,” he said. “I should go,” I said, looking up at Mason. “Yeah,” he said, glancing at Benjamin, “I probably should, too.” I gave him a peck on the lips before turning around and getting into the open door of the limo. For the first time since Ms. Romano had died, I felt much better.

10/18/2012 8:48:20 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay, so I know the part about Caitlyn and the little boy on the plane is kind of random, but he's what makes her realize that she can't let her friends and Mason slip away. Oh, and his name was inspired by Henry, the little boy from Once Upon A Time because I think he’s so adorable and smart. I’m addicted to that show<3 Anyways, sorry this has taken me so long to write! I’m working on my next post right now.(: {Caitlyn} My life was over. I was going back to California today and I still hadn’t made up with Mason, the only guy that had ever captured my heart. I felt tears coming on just thinking about him. What could I do? He hated me. I stood up and walked over to my closet. The last thing in it was my Prom dress. Just looking at it made memories come floating back to me. How would I ever be able to leave Rome? No matter how much I had hated it when I first arrived, I had fallen in love with the cities and the mansion and every little detail about this place. *** “Caitlyn, it’s time to go,” Angelo said, knocking lightly on my door. When I didn’t answer, the oak door swung open with a loud creak. “Would you like me to help you carry your things?” he questioned, walking towards me. I shook my head. “I’m fine.” He gave me a doubtful look and picked up some of my things anyway. I began to protest, but he was already heading down the stairs. I sighed, grabbing my last pink suitcase. At least Angelo didn’t hate me. Glumly, I made my way down the stairs and out the door to where the car was waiting for me. And of course, in that car would be Felicity and Mason. I didn’t want to see either of them, but I had no choice. Angelo took the suitcase out of my hand and put it in the trunk. Then he opened the door for me and I crawled into the car. Mason and Felicity didn’t even glance at me. Mason stared blankly out the window and Felicity stared at her hands. I wanted to say something, like how sorry I was for everything. But I couldn’t find the words. Within minutes, we were driving down the busy streets towards the airport. Now Felicity was staring out the window too, trying to get a last glimpse of Rome. Angelo parked the car and opened the door for us to get out. I practically dove out of the car, ready to be free of that awful tension. Felicity and Mason slowly came out behind me. Angelo handed us our things and then we began the walk to the plane. Our flight was just landing. “I hope each of you enjoyed your experience in Rome,” Angelo said, his deep voice breaking the awkward silence. “I did. Thank you so much for it,” I said, giving him a small smile as I looked up at him. I threw my arms around him, giving him a hug. He stiffened for a moment, but then hugged back. “You’re welcome, Miss Winter. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. If Ms. Romano was still here, I know she would be very proud of how much you’ve changed.” I felt a lump rising in my throat. Ms. Romano, proud of me? That was something to think about. Mason and Felicity gave their thanks, and then it was time to get on the plane. “Thank you, Angelo!” I called over my shoulder, waving frantically. He waved back, looking like he was trying not to laugh. “Felicity,” I said, turning back around. I was ready to apologize, to tell her that I had been wrong. She hadn’t deserved to fail. But she was gone, disappearing into the crowd of passengers. I looked for Mason, but he was sitting down next to a business man. It was all I could do not to burst into tears as I sat down in a seat next to the window. A little boy that looked like he was about seven sat down beside me, opening up a storybook. The plane took off, leaving Rome behind. Tears burned inside my eyes. I don’t know how long I stared blankly out the window, but it must have been a long time because the next thing I knew, someone was tapping on my shoulder. “Are you okay? You seem sad.” I looked down with surprise to see the little boy looking up at me with concern. He had big, brown eyes, dark colored hair, and pale skin. After a quiet pause, I found my words. “I am sad.” “Why?” he asked, cocking his head a little. He was adorable, I thought to myself. “Because I screwed everything up,” I said, looking away. “How did you screw everything up?” The thing was, he sounded like he really wanted to know. He sounded like he actually cared about me, even though I was just a random teenage girl with a broken heart. I glanced across the aisle, to where a petite woman with the same brown eyes and dark hair watched us closely. She could only be his mother. “Henry,” she said, “You shouldn’t ask people things like that. Her life is her business and she doesn’t have to tell you.” Henry. That was the little boy’s name. “It’s okay,” I said, smiling at her, “He can know if he wants to.” There was a tense silence as she gave me a long look. Finally, she shrugged. “If you say so.” She opened up her book and began to read, losing herself in the pages. “I’m Henry,” the little boy went on, sticking out his hand. I shook it. “I’m Caitlyn. And I screwed everything up because I was mean to the guy I loved and accused him of only dating me for my money. I was a conceited brat to one of my friends that’s been there for me, always. I’ve been grumpy and moody, and no one likes me anymore. Not even my parents, because all they care about is publicity.” My words came out in a rush, and I had to take a deep breath. “I like you,” Henry said, giving me a smile, “And I don’t think you screwed everything up. You still have a chance with the boy you love, if you apologize to him. Just because you said something you regret doesn’t mean he hates you. In fact, I’m sure he still loves you more than anything. And your friend? I’m sure she’ll forgive you. Just... don’t let them slip away from you, Caitlyn. You have to apologize to them in order for it to all work out in the end.” My mouth dropped open. This kid sounded so wise, like he was older than me. But he was right. I couldn’t let them slip away. “Thanks, kid. You’re really smart,” I said, reaching over and ruffling his hair. He smiled and said, “So are you.”

10/18/2012 7:38:25 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - LOL, I know right! ^.^

10/16/2012 6:26:15 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Wow. We've been writing on here for like a year now! @Haley haha, happens to all of us every once in a while! :)

10/14/2012 10:29:49 PM | Report

fungirl123 OOPS!! Wrong club...Forget I posted that... :\ *face turns bright red*

10/14/2012 12:26:55 PM | Report

fungirl123 Sorry about the shortness of this! I’ve got to be somewhere today, but I felt like writing. ~Skylar~ Will’s car stopped at the curb of my house. “So your first appointment with Dr. Perry is in three days,” he said. “Is she nice?” I asked nervously. “Yeah,” he replied softly, “My mom went to her for a few weeks after Autumn died. She understands everything that’s going on.” I nodded. “Thank you.” I leaned over and kissed Will lightly on the cheek. “You’re really amazing to do this for me.” He smiled bashfully. I opened my car door and got out. I crossed the front lawn and pushed open the front door. “Did you get rid of her?” I immediately heard someone ask. It was Damon. Alice’s voice came next. “Yes. I made sure she left. For now, just worry about your sister. She’s the one who needs the attention right now.” **** “So do you want to tell me about what’s been going on in your life right now?” Dr. Perry asked. I was seated on a silky gray couch in a room about the size of my bedroom. The walls were painted a deep navy blue color, and the shelves were lined with diplomas and photos of family. Dr. Perry was a petite woman who looked to be not far into her thirties with dark hair, red-rimmed eyeglasses, and deep-set brown eyes. “Not really,” I muttered, fiddling with the tips of my hair. “Do you play any sports? Have any hobbies?” Wow. She liked to talk. Why was she asking me these things anyway? “I dance…and play piano. But I haven’t done any of those things in months,” I said, my voice unable to get any louder than just above a whisper. “Why not, Skylar?” “Why do you care?” I asked, agitated. “I’m only trying to get to know you, Skylar. We need to establish a form of trust here. I only care about your well-being,” she stated level-headedly. I shrugged. “I came here to get help. I’ve lost two of the most important people in my life. Why doesn’t anyone understand that I just want them back?” I asked, looking right at Dr. Perry. “Let me walk you through something. It’s important to know about. It’s called the Five Stages of Grieving. There’s anger, denial, bargaining, acceptance, and depression. It doesn’t always go in that order, though. Some people go back and forth between two or more stages. But which stage do you think your at, Skylar?” I shrugged my shoulders. “How should I know? Aren’t you supposed to tell me these things, Dr. Perry?” “I can’t help you if you’re not willing to help yourself. It really seems to me like you’re in between anger and depression. Sometimes those two things are the same,” she said. I squeezed my eyes shut. This wasn’t real. I couldn’t be that messed up in the head. “Can I just go home?” I whispered. “Yes, yes, of course,” she said as I stood from the couch, “We’ll meet again soon, I hope.” Without another word, I walked out of her office. Maybe this was just a big mistake.

10/14/2012 12:24:52 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - I hope your having a great day! :D Thank you! I'll wait till everyone's caught up to write my epilogue. ^.^

10/14/2012 12:03:47 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni and Haley- Thanks!(: Great posts, btw!(:

10/14/2012 9:37:17 AM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ “Can I get you anything, Miss Reynolds?” asked the waiter walking around. I shrugged. “I guess I’ll just have an iced tea with lemon. Sweetened. Thank you,” I said. I could barely hold in the yawn that slipped out at the end of my sentence. At nine o’clock, the opening party for L’amour de Tous Les, which I had just learned meant Love of All. I really wished I had Felicity or Seth or someone here to talk to from Rome. As much as I loved my family, the change from Rome to Boston was just too big. I wanted only to go back and spend one more day with all of them. They felt like the only family I had, even though I was standing right beside my actual biological family. At the same time, I felt like I was taking my real family for granted. They had missed me so much while I was away, and I’d barely missed them half the time. I felt a lump in my throat. I stood up straighter as I slipped through the crowd. The waitress with my drink passed me. “Miss, you’re tea?” she asked. “Just leave it on the table, please,” I said, my voice cracking. I walked into the back hallway, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. The door to the staff’s break room opened, and I quickly held my head down so they wouldn’t see me crying. I bolted to the bathroom to hide, where the tears silently rolled down my cheeks. **** I was finally warm in my bed. I stared up at the ceiling. The difference in time zones still hadn’t settled in. I’d be up until three AM probably. Then I heard it. The silently tapping on my window. What was it? It came about every thirty seconds. At first, I figured it was rain, but according to my skylight window, the night sky was clear. I pushed my blankets off me. I crossed my spacious bedroom to my window. Shoving back the curtains, I could see the person on his knees on my roof. I opened my window, not caring about the rush of cold air that greeted me. “Alex,” I whispered. I crawled closer to me. I stared at him…at his lips. I longed to kiss them. And to my happiness, he pressed his lips up against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck. He went forward, pushing me back into my bedroom. I stumbled back against my bedroom wall, letting him take me. I let my fingers roam his hair. He pulled away for a moment, giving us both time for a breath. “How did you even get up here?” I asked, my voice high and giggly. What could I say? I was in heaven. Alex grinned. “Your trellis is really stable.” I laughed quietly. “Can we just—“ “Leave the past in the past?” he cut in, smiling. I nodded. “Okay, then,” he said, “Let’s continue what we were doing before, then.” I couldn’t help but smile. He pulled me closer to him and pressed his lips against mine once again. I wrapped my legs around his waist and held tighter to him. I didn’t ever want to leave him. Five minutes later, we were lain out on the roof, curled up together under a blanket, staring at the stars. “What made you want to come?” I asked, resting my head on his chest. “I left Rome because there was another girl at home. I’d thought I was in love with her. She said we could be together the minute I got home. I guess I just needed something to get my mind off you. But as soon as I saw her, I knew she wasn’t the right person for me,” Alex whispered, sighing at the end, “Natasha, your not perfect. You’re this controlling person who strives to be the best every day. And that’s what I need. Someone who will never once let me go. I know you won’t. You’ve become a better person.” I shut my eyes. I knew I didn’t deserve him. I didn’t deserve any of the friends I had. But the fact that they were my friends was what made me love them. They didn’t care about how bossy I was in the past, or how controlling I was in the present still. They cared. That was all I needed.

10/13/2012 3:43:53 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - good post! :D @Payton - happy early thirteenth birthday!! :D

10/13/2012 12:59:22 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Really short, I know. :/ @Payton that's okay! Happy almost birthday! :D

10/13/2012 12:44:19 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ I took a deep breath. How could this be happening? Ms. Romano was dead. I’d have to go back to California. Caitlyn hated me. This is going to be the last week I see Seth, the boy I love. The only boy I’ve ever loved. I closed my eyes as the priest finished the burial. “And may Ms. Donatella Bella Romano rest in peace.” A tear went down my cheek and I opened my eyes. I followed as everyone started to walk to her shiny, black casket. I stared down at her for a moment. In such a short time, she had taught all of us so much. I forced myself to turn around with everyone else and walk away. Another tear fell and I felt an arm wrap around me, I already knew who it was. I got into the car and tried to forget everything that was happening. **I don’t know what to post so I’m skipping to the day they leave* Today we were leaving. I got up early so I would get to say goodbye to Seth. We stood in front of the door. I hugged him and tears started going down my face. Seth looked into my eyes and said, “Don’t cry Flissy, I’m going to call you every day.” He forced a smile but his blue green eyes were starting to tear up. I laughed a little. “I love you,” I said. “I love you too.” He kissed me. “We have to go now, Seth,” Angelo interrupted. Seth looked at Angelo and gave me a kiss on the cheek. He waved at me with a smile as he walked out the door. I smiled. The door shut and I stood there in my pajamas. Angelo would come for Caitlyn and me next.

10/13/2012 12:43:23 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I don't know if I'll be able to post this weekend. I have a lot of homework I need to do, and my birthday is tomorrow. I'll be a teenager at last!(:

10/13/2012 9:31:07 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'm writing now.:)

10/12/2012 9:18:34 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'm writing now.:)

10/12/2012 8:53:50 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - haha, gracias! :D

10/12/2012 5:31:29 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! I love the idea of Jackie and Crystal being friends. :)

10/8/2012 7:31:20 PM | Report

fungirl123 (Outfit for Dinner: http://www.polyvore.com/au.tumn/set?id=60191061&lid=1947400) So in my next few paragraphs, Natasha will seem…well, depressed. This is how I was after getting home from a camp a few years ago where I made so many new friends and I haven’t seen them since. So it may seem off that she starts crying over small things and only thinks about Rome, but I’m only basing it off my own experiences. ~Natasha~ The plane I was on begin and shake, and I realized that it was about to land. I pulled my headphones out of my ears. I was the only teenage girl sitting in first class. Everyone else was businesspeople in suits with harsh faces. A couple of them had shot me angry glares when they could hear my music in my headphones. I flagged down an attendant, and she took my empty plate of food away. Twenty minutes later, I was walking past baggage claim. Time was flying past me like a bird. I got up on my toes, and looked to find my family. “Miss Reynolds,” I heard someone say. I turned around quickly. I had half expected to see Angelo standing in front of me, but instead I saw my family’s driver, Henry. “Hi, Hank,” I greeted, my voice not showing any enthusiasm. “You’re family had things to get done today, so they sent me to get you. Your supposed to meet them at the l'amour de tous les, that new restaurant in Providence, at six-thirty tonight,” Henry told me as he loaded my luggage into a cart. I honestly didn’t know what the restaurant was, but still, I nodded, yawning. In Rome this time, it’d be the middle of the night. Here, it sun was still high in the sky. I followed Henry out the doors of the airport toward the car. I stepped in the backseat of it. **** I tried my hardest to look presentable for dinner. I had on a patterned dress, a black blazer draped over it, and three-inch heels. I grabbed my purse and walked out the door. Henry held open the backseat door for me, and we were off after that. It was a long hour and a half drive, but we soon arrived at the long brick building. Candles were lit up at every window, and a red carpet was rolled out with long purple velvet ropes. Surprisingly, photographers stood behind them. Henry opened the door for me, and held out a hand. I finally spotted the familiar long platinum blonde hair that I knew so well. Her eyes glowed as the cameras flashed and she posed differently each time. She was wearing a tight strapless purple dress and black stilettos. “Crystal!” I squeaked, walking hastily over to her. I enveloped me in a gigantic hug, making both of us tumble back slightly. “What is this place?” I asked, looking around. The newsies continued snapping photos. “It’s my new restaurant.” She was beaming. “You started a restaurant?” I asked, gripping her arm. “Yeah. Today’s the opening. Apparently, one of my friends hooked me up to get the word out about it, and that’s how the whole paparazzi thing started.” She smiled. “Tash, let’s go inside, and I’ll tell you more about it. It’s too cold out here in this dress.” She shivered, and I followed her inside. There, Crystal continued talking. “So apparently my friend’s mom is this big designer from Los Angeles, so she’s coming, along with the rest of her family. You’ll LOVE Jackie. She’s so energetic and fun. She’s really the reason all these important people are here right now.” I tilted me head to the side, remotely recognizing the name Jackie. But I couldn’t put my finger on where I’d heard the name. “Oh, look, there she is!” my sister exclaimed, pointing toward the entrance where we’d been just moments ago. A girl who looked Crystal’s age walked in, a middle-aged man and woman behind her. Another petite girl was beside them, giving her coat to one of the workers. Crystal led me over to the family. “Natasha, this is Jackie.” The girl next to the family quickly whirled around, her banana-blonde hair flying dramatically. And I knew who it was. “Caitlyn?!” “Natasha?!” I laughed, the shock settling in. “What are you doing here, Caitlyn?” I asked. “My mom and dad wanted me to come. But I’m only staying for an hour or so, since I miss the rest of my family in LA so much.” I wanted to ask if we could talk to catch up, but then I realized that it’d only been two days since I’d seen the girl. Still, we found conversation. Then she had to catch her plane back to California, and I was left with a horrible feeling in my stomach. I missed everything about Rome. I missed everyone, even the ones I’d grown to resent – which was really only that annoying girl Lizzie. But then my family arrived. I leapt up onto Preston, and he twirled me around. “You look too different, sis,” he said, grinning. I smiled, and the rest of my family embraced me in a group hug. As much as I missed them, it would take so long to get used to Boston again. Nothing compared to Rome...

10/8/2012 3:50:37 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley You can post whenever you want! lol I'll probably write tonight.

10/8/2012 9:46:53 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yep, of course! :D

10/7/2012 7:38:57 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- I'm ungrounded! I'm going to try to write soon. :P But I would write it all tomorrow and post it. You can always wait for us to catch up, right? :D

10/7/2012 5:33:25 PM | Report

fungirl123 So...I have everything for Natasha planned out. IDK if I should write it and post it though. :\ I'm ahead of everyone else, so I don't know if I should go on yet. Another busy week lies ahead of me. :p But tomorrow is a teacher in-service day, so I don't have school. :D I'll probably write it all tomorrow, then post it later whenever I get time this week. Or I could just do it all tomorrow and post it tomorrow. Whatday'all (new word!) think? ^.^

10/7/2012 5:04:11 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awh, that sucks! :p I hope you're un-grounded soon, girl. <3

10/7/2012 3:35:46 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Sorry I haven't posted on any of my clubs! I've been grounded.. :P

10/4/2012 6:02:57 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - gracias! :)

9/29/2012 6:33:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! :)

9/29/2012 6:22:17 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ I stared at my shoes. Somehow, I’d ended up right at the front during the burial ceremony. Felicity was all the way in the back. A few of Ms. Romano’s family members were next to me. But I didn’t have anyone I knew to turn to and just start crying. I had held back the tears so long that I’d began hiccupping, so I just let the tears flow from my eyelids. I couldn’t believe this was all happening to me. I caught someone’s eye across the way, and I realized that it was Alex. He stared back at me. He looked so distraught, but he also looked like he was seeing right through me. He didn’t want to talk to me. He probably just sympathized, as I was to him. “…And may Ms. Donatella Bella Romano rest in peace,” the priest said, finishing up the burial. The crowd silenced for a moment. I blinked back the tears stinging the back of my eyes. Slowly, everyone began crowding next to my housemother’s shiny black, closed basket to take hold of one of the flowers on it. I waited for everyone to leave before walking over to it, and placing my hand on a crimson red rose. I pulled it out and stood over the casket for a moment. I felt a tear slide down my cheek, caress my chin, and drop onto the black finish of it. After today, we had only one week left in Rome. Why did it have to end like this? The students were all filing back through the lines of gravesites. If I didn’t go, I’d miss the car that Angelo was waiting for us in. I bit my lip, trying not to let another tear fall. I should’ve written a note, I thought to myself as I placed both gloved hands on the casket. I pull out the only thing I have left of this trip: A simple photo of all of the students at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Angelo had taken it. Sure, Ms. Romano wasn’t even in the photo, but it was the only piece of this trip I had. I slid it through a crack in the casket, and turned away, gripping the flower in my hand. Alex was on his way to the airport. I couldn’t believe this all was happening. But that kiss had just been a goodbye. Maybe that was just to make sure he didn’t want to be with me. But it was too hard to accept the fact. I kept walking with my head down until I came to the car, where everyone was sitting silently on the inside. I sat down next to Felicity. I felt a lump form in my throat. This would probably be the last time we’d all be together again. A week from today on May second, we’d be leaving for home. This year had gone by so quickly. It was almost impossible to conjure up the fact that I was going back to Boston for good. I gripped the rose tighter in my hand. My knuckles began to turn white. A tear dripped onto the rose. I stared at the flower the entire ride back to the mansion. Everyone scooted out of the car, and I stepped out into the cool April air. The wind was blowing. I dropped my jacket on a coat rack when I stepped inside, and peeled off my gloves. I needed to pack. Something to get this off my mind. ** (NOTE: I don’t have anything else to write about, so I’ll just skip to the day they leave)** I stared at the four of my bags and my carry-on. I was leaving for the airport in less than an hour. Alex was gone. He was home, with his family again. I sat down on my bed and waited. A knock came to my door. “Come in,” I called softly. Angelo appeared. “I’m here to get your luggage.” I nodded, and let him take all my bags downstairs. My room was bare. My computer was packed away. My desk was naked. All of my papers had been cleaned off. All of my writing utensils had been packed away. My bedside table was barren. My wardrobe was empty, along with my vanity and bathroom. Felicity and Caitlin were gone. Seth should be boarding his plane by now. Everyone had left already. Only three of us were still here, and I didn’t care to speak to the other two. They were leaving before me. I grabbed my carry-on and prepared to leave. A knot formed in my throat as I walked closer to the door. This would be the last time I’d walk through this room. I placed my hand on the doorknob, and tears sprang from my eyes. Sobs racked through me. This school year had been such a wave of emotions. I couldn’t believe it was over. I was leaving in twenty minutes. I would never come back. I would never get to lay on that bed again and paint my nails with Felicity. I would never get to cuddle up on the couch and watch some Italian TV show in the living room. My life in Rome was over. I pulled open my door, and Angelo’s voice rang through the air. “Natasha, it’s time to go.”

9/29/2012 3:58:44 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great posts! :D :D

9/29/2012 9:28:45 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Thank you!(:

9/29/2012 9:09:26 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts! :)

9/28/2012 10:36:33 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Sorry if this post is crappy! I was trying to get it done before tomorrow, because I have to march and sell stuff for our town's fall celebration. It's really important to us(: Also, in case you're wondering, Mason and Caitlyn DO makeup. (: {Caitlyn} I cried and cried, my tears mixing in with the raindrops. I didn't know where I was, but I didn't want to go to the mansion. I didn't even want to go home to California. I just wanted to stay here forever. I looked up, trying to figure out where “here” was. To my surprise, I found myself slumped on a park bench. Dim streetlights glowed overhead, but there were no stars in the sky. Something wet hit me in the face. I quickly wiped it away, thinking it was another tear. But then a few more drops hit me, and I realized it was rain. I stood up and yawned. It was late and I was tired. Maybe it was time to head back to the mansion, even if I didn't want to. I began to walk back on my stiff legs. About halfway there, the sky opened up and the rain began to beat down around me. I groaned, feeling my clothes stick to my skin and my hair getting soaked. Finally, I reached the mansion. I trudged up the steps, shivering and pushing my wet hair out of my eyes. Mason probably hated me now, just as much as anyone else. As I curled up under the covers that night, I realized something: I was alone once again. *** The next morning, Lizzie slapped a magazine down on the table in front of me. “Ha! Caitlyn, you're one of the main topics in STAR yet again! Dinah Martin wrote an article all about you. I think you'll find it quite interesting,” she said. At that last part, she wiggled her eyebrows at me. Then she walked away, giggling to herself. I knew she hated me, but what could possibly be so funny to her? I flipped through the pages, until I saw the headline. “Caitlyn Winter's World Crumbles Beneath Her.” “What...” I whispered, but I found myself burying my nose in the issue to read it. It talked about how Cicero had cheated on me with my “best friend”. Then it went on to say how only a few weeks later, I had started dating Mason, the boy I had never realized I love. But then... then there was a picture of Mason and I arguing from the night before. It clearly captured my angry expression, and Mason's own hurt one. It even captured the little Italian girl's wide eyes and mouth that was turn into a perfect O. I frowned, reading the rest. 'Is Mason only dating Caitlyn for her “good looks and fame” as she accused him of? Or does he really love her? Tweet me what you think! @DinahDMartin.” My mouth dropped open. So now she had people tweeting her about if Mason loved me or not? Who did she think she was?! Anger burned through me, but also sadness. I had thought things with Mason would be perfect, but I had been wrong. Maybe he had used to love me, but he wouldn't after yesterday.

9/28/2012 10:06:07 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I felt like my heart had shattered into a thousand pieces. Everywhere I looked, there was a reminder of Ms. Romano. And where there was a reminder of Ms. Romano, there was grief. “Caitlyn?” Mason asked. I looked up from my untouched food. I couldn't even eat. “After breakfast, let's go take a walk. I want to talk to you alone.” His tone was kind, but there was also an edge of firmness to it. I barely nodded before looking down at my food again. *** What could he possibly want to talk about? I wondered to myself, walking down the streets of Rome. Clouds loomed overhead, promising rainfall. I tugged on my jacket a little bit, shivering. The walk had been quiet so far, Mason looked straight ahead and me staring up at the sky. So far, I hadn't seen any paparazzi. Maybe part of my life would finally be free from them. I found myself smiling at the thought, but my mouth turned down into a frown when I realized they knew Ms. Romano was dead. “Let's stop here,” Mason suggested, his voice breaking the silence. We stopped in front of a bench. A little Italian girl sat on the bench, licking an ice-cream cone. Her dark black hair was up in pigtails with red, satin bows. She smiled sweetly at me before continuing to look around the park we were in. “Caitlyn,” Mason said, tugging lightly on my arm. “What?” I asked, turning so we were face to face. He hesitated, but then said, “I saw you yelling at Felicity the other day.” I frowned. “You did?” “Yeah,” he answered. There was a brief silence before I spoke again. “Just so you know, I didn't mean anything I said to her.” “I know,” my boyfriend replied, tipping his head up and glancing at the cloudy sky. “You do?” I asked, surprised. “Yeah.” He looked back down at me, frowning. “Everyone at the mansion is going through the same thing you are, Caitlyn. It's not just you.” I nodded quickly. “I know.” “Are you sure? Because lately, you're acting like you don't know. People are going through just as much pain as you are. How do you think Ms. Romano's family feels? Much worse than you do,” he snapped. I stood there, speechless. I hadn't pictured this at all! “I know you've been through a lot this year, Caitlyn. What with your parents, your sister going off to college, adjusting to the change here, and Ms. Romano dying. But that doesn't give you a right to act the way you've been lately.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I still love you. I'll always, always love you. Nothing could change that. I'm just saying... Maybe you could try to be a little more nice and sympathetic to people here. Acting the way you have been won't bring her back. Nothing will.” He gave me a gentle smile, taking my cold hand into his warm one. I pulled it away. “How could you say that?” I whispered, feeling pained. Jackie had gone to college this year, and I'll admit it, that had been hard on me. Realizing my parents only cared about publicity and not much about me hurt, too. Adjusting to life in Rome had been harder than I had imagined; it was really different than California. But Ms. Romano dying? How could people just expect me to be nice after something like that happened? The woman who had changed my life was dead, and all I had done to thank her was write a stupid little note. “What?” he asked, making an attempt to take my hand again, “I'm just saying, Catie. Not to hurt you, but to help you.” I pulled back. It wasn't just those things that had happened; there was also that tiny, nagging fact that Cicero had only dated me for my fame. And, even after Natasha's warning about how he used women, I had continued to date him until my heart was broken and I knew he was cheating on me with my so called “best friend”. A horrible thought struck me: What if Mason was also only dating me because I was famous and my family had money? I looked up into his soft, brown eyes. No... he wasn't. Was he? “I'm sorry,” I squeaked. “It's okay. I still love you,” he said, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close. He smelled good, like cinnamon. His arms were warm and familiar and safe. But... I pulled back, and he looked down at me with concern. “What's wrong?” he asked worriedly, pushing a strand of hair out of my eyes. “Mason, are you only dating me for my fame?” I blurted out. A look of surprise flashed across his face. “No! Of course not! Why would you think that?” he inquired. “Because. Every guy in the past, every guy I've ever dated... they only like me because I was rich and famous. They didn't actually love me, even though they said they did. How am I supposed to know if you're not just like them?” I asked softly. Mason slowly shook his head. “I'm nothing like them. I really do love you, and I couldn't stop if I tried.” “Are you sure you just don't like me for my money? Or my looks?” I asked, my voice rising with anger. The little girl on the bench stared at me, wide eyed. “Of course I'm sure!” Mason snapped, “You're crazy if you think that I'm like that.” “Oh, I'm crazy? You're the one who is only dating me for my money!” I yelled. “Shut up! You know that's not true,” he argued. “Whatever. I don't believe you.” My voice was so loud, birds took flight overhead. Mason looked genuinely hurt. “Wow, Caitlyn. I thought you had changed,” he said softly. My heart softened as he turned and walked away, running a hair through his soft brown hair. “Mason,” I whispered, reaching out to touch him. The little girl was watching me with wide eyes. By this point, she had finished her ice-cream. Tears stung my eyes as I whirled the opposite direction and ran down the sidewalk. I didn't even care when I saw a few reporters snapping my picture.

9/28/2012 10:02:32 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post!(:

9/28/2012 6:37:19 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ I was still lying in bed into the next day. My heart throbbed in my chest, and I could feel myself panting. I couldn’t stop thinking about one thing: had I lied to Ms. Romano when I told her that she was going to live? Actually, I really couldn’t remember WHAT I’d told her. Had I told her that she would? Had I told her that she wasn’t? Or had I just completely ignored her? My mind was empty from that night. I wanted to go back in time to then, but I knew it wasn’t possible. I turned over in bed and groaned. Suddenly, my head was pounding. I squeezed my eyes shut as the pain pulsated throughout my head. The headache had hit me like a rock. Rubbing my temples, I attempted to stand up. My head pounded harder. I opened my eyes, finding that my vision was also beginning to blur all of a sudden. I moaned, feeling my legs begin to wobble. Bright silver spots filled my vision. And then everything went black. My eyelids slowly opened again, revealing a head of jet black hair. The boy had his back to me. Who was it? Slowly, he turned his head slightly, and I saw that it was Alex. My breath caught, and I closed my eyes, not wanting him to know I was awake. He would leave right away if he knew I was awake. His footsteps let me know that he was coming over to my bed. Then he sat down. I heard his breath quicken. What was he about to do? Then he did it. At first, I didn’t realize it. A pair of moist lips pressed against mine. It was only for a second. I forced myself not to kiss him back, but just to enjoy it. It was so amazing…feeling his lips with mine once again. But it was over before I could realize what was going on. His weight lifted from my bed. He padded across the room, and shut the door behind him. As soon as I heard the click of my bedroom door, my eyes sprang open. My headache was gone. I felt as if I’d just been blessed by an angel. And now I just needed to find Alex. I hopped up from my bed, and ran downstairs. It was then that I realized it was the middle of the night. I couldn’t be out this late…especially only two nights after Ms. Romano’s death. And I also realized that I shouldn’t be happy about anything. I should’ve been sad…just like everyone else. I should’ve been preparing for Ms. Romano’s funeral tomorrow. I walked sullenly back into my bedroom and to my closet. I needed to pick out an outfit for tomorrow. The last time I’d prepared for a funeral was when my uncle had died when I was eleven-years-old. I could barely remember it, though. I couldn’t even remember what a funeral was like. I just knew it was sad. I finally decided on a tight black dress going to the bottom of my knees, and a tan raincoat with a faux fur collar. I grabbed a pair of black leather gloves and black heels to go with it, and called it an outfit, knowing how rainy and cold it would be. But one thing still lingered in my mind: I needed to talk to Alex as soon as I possibly could tomorrow. (Funeral Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/london_fashion_week_burberry/set?id=59115052)**** I dressed in the outfit and straightened my long dark hair, all while planning my plan of attack with Alex. I wouldn’t go and ask for him back…not today. But I WOULD ask why he had kissed me, and if he felt the same way as I did. Then maybe it would speak for itself…and it would go without saying that I wanted him back. I strapped on the black heels and walked out my bedroom door. Already, I could hear the mourners gathering downstairs. A pang of guilt hit me. And I was once again filled with sadness over Ms. Romano’s death. But I needed to talk to Alex. I spotted Seth, and walked over to him. “Hi,” I whispered, not wanting to disturb the mourners. His looked very sullen. “Hi.” “Where’s Alex?” I asked. He bit his lip. He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it. He took a deep breath, and finally responded. “Alex is on his way home.” I couldn’t help the gasp that escaped me. Everyone in the room craned their necks to see who was making the noise. But then they went back to their quiet murmuring. “Pardon?” I croaked, trying to keep my voice to a whisper. “Well, he’s still here. He’s just helping Angelo set up for the funeral. Just don’t talk to him, please. He’s been really distraught lately over everything that’s happened. But he’s leaving right after for home. He begged Angelo to let him go early.” Tears stung the back of my eyes. I couldn’t believe this was all happening to me. I felt like I was watching one of those cheesy chick flicks. Except I knew that the main girl character could never feel as awful as I did now.

9/28/2012 4:35:15 PM | Report

fungirl123 YAY! :D It's finally the weekend! Next week is going to be crazy for me. :\ I have an NJHS meeting on Monday after school, game on Tuesday (I'm an FBall cheerleader), Asset Team on Wed after school, ANOTHER game on Thursday, and varsity FBall game Friday night. Ugh. :\ So I'll probably just finish up this weekend and write up an epilogue during school downtime (I have two study halls on Tues, Thurs, and every other Friday.) Sorry for the rambling! ^.^ Y'all just deserved an explanation as to why my writing would be so rushed. :p Great post, Toni!! :D

9/28/2012 3:13:41 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post!(: I'll write soon(:

9/28/2012 8:46:25 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ The next morning at breakfast, I felt terrible. I had not sleep and hadn’t talk to anyone about what had happened. What hurt the most was that I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Ms. Romano-I should have ignored Angelo and walked right into her room and hugged her. I noticed Caitlyn in the chair beside me; I had heard her crying last night. “I heard you crying last night. Are you doing okay?” I asked. She stared had me. “Oh, shut up. It’s not like you haven’t cried before Fissy.” Did she really say that? It felt as if someone had just slapped me in the face after being shot. The rest of breakfast, I just sat there, staring at my food and taking a few bites. I didn’t want to eat, all I wanted to do was go back to my room. “You all may leave now,” Angelo said softly. As we walked out, I caught up with Caitlyn. “Caitlyn, I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings in there. I was just wondering how you’re holding up,” I explain. “You think I’m weak,” She says. “What? I do not!” “Yes, you do. You think just because I cried myself to sleep last night makes me weak and I hate you for that. Why did I ever offer to tutor you? You deserve to fail,” Caitlyn said coldly. What was going on with her? I hold in my tears. “Caitlyn, how could you say such a thing? I thought we were friends after everything that’s happened,” I say. We stare at each other for what seems to be forever. I could tell she was about to say something but I walk away before she could. I wanted to see Seth.

9/27/2012 9:13:55 PM | Report

MountainLover456 I seriously feel like crying right now. :'( x 10000000

12/6/2012 8:29:02 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Yep. :)

9/26/2012 9:28:39 PM | Report

fungirl123 So do you guys think we should wrap up the story this week in a couple paragraphs? :-) I wanna know before I start writing. ^.^

9/26/2012 5:19:59 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! :)

9/25/2012 8:50:54 AM | Report

fungirl123 I'll try to get to writing for this club tonight after my game. :] I have so much to write about, just zero time to write it this week. But tonight I should have some time to finish up. :D Great post, Toni! <3 <3

9/25/2012 6:51:20 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ After prom, I washed off my makeup and hung up my dress. Tonight was amazing but Natasha still was in my mind. I decided to go downstairs and see if my best friend was there. I looked and looked until I spotted Ms. Romano’s door. As long as I’m down here I’d thank Ms. Romano for prom and it was pretty early. Just as my hands grasped the doorknob, I heard a voice say, “Let her sleep.” I turn to find Angelo standing there. “But-“Please, she needs her rest,” Angelo told me. I nod and walk upstairs. I’d get up early tomorrow to thank her. ***My eyes pop open at the sound of my alarm. I get up and check the time. 5:00AM. Perfect, Ms. Romano was normally up by now. I change out of my pajamas and head downstairs to her room. I knock on the woman’s door. No answer. I knock again and, no answer. “Ms. Romano?” I say softly while opening the door. She was in her bed. I slowly walk to the side of her bed. What was I doing? I was probably going to scare her if I had got closer. I brush off my thought and look down at her. She was paler than normal? I quickly check her pulse and-nothing. I started breathing hard and finally ran out of the room. “Angelo!” I scream. Tears were going down my face when he came down. “What’s wrong?” He asks. “Ms. Romano!” I say. He runs into the room and checks her pulse. “Call 911.” I grab my cell phone from my pocket and dial the number. After telling them to hurry, I come to Angelo’s side having no idea what he was doing. “Go get Bettina,” Angelo orders. I run to her room and knock on the door. “Bettina, please get up now! It’s Ms. Romano!” I yell. Bettina gets up. “What?” She asks. “Hurry!” I scream. We run back to the room to find Angelo sitting down. “What are you doing?” I ask. He looks up at me with a sad look on his face. “Felicity, please leave for a moment,” He tells me. “Leave? Aren’t you going to do anything? Do something!” I scream. “Felicity, there’s nothing we can do.”I break down in tears and Bettina helps me to the kitchen. *** I was still crying, many kids had gotten up after they had come to take her away. I felt someone touch me, I look up to find Caitlyn. “Felicity? What's wrong? What's going on?” She asked. I couldn’t talk. Caitlyn walked off and I looked around the place. Everyone was running around and I needed to get out of here. I walked out the door and started running to the barn where the horses were, it was the place Ms. Romano and I had gotten to know each other-the day I broke my arm. I sat down in the middle of the barn and tried to think about everything that just happened.

9/24/2012 10:11:36 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts! I'm writing now. :)

9/24/2012 9:12:25 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! :D :D

9/23/2012 5:48:21 PM | Report

fungirl123 AWESOME posts! :D :D

9/23/2012 4:34:47 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 It's so weird to write about Caitlyn being mean again, but here it is. This is probably all I'm writing for this club today(: {Caitlyn} The next day, I still felt horrible. I was furious with everything and everyone. I hated when people looked at me, because when they did, I felt weak for crying so much. The next morning at breakfast, Felicity sat down beside me at breakfast. “I heard you crying again last night. Are you doing okay?” I glared at her. “Oh, shut up. It's not like you haven't cried before Fissy.” Seeing her stunned expression, I rolled my eyes and stabbed my food. “Caitlyn, please,” Angelo said in a firm tone. That meant he didn't want to deal with me today. I didn't answer. Why should I? Ms. Romano was gone, and there was nothing nice to talk about anymore. Mason was giving me a funny look that made me feel stupid, and everyone else was looking at me like they thought I was a different person. After breakfast had ended and I had a full stomach, I began to walk out the door. I was dressed in glittery black top today, black flats, and ripped skinny jeans. My hair was swept up in a messy bun with a black headband. “Caitlyn,” Felicity called, hurrying after me. I turned around to face her. “I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings in there. I was just wondering how you're holding up,” she said quickly, like she thought I was going to walk away. “You think I'm weak,” I said bitterly. “What?” Felicity asked, confused, “I do not!” “Yes you do. You think that just because I cried myself to sleep last night makes me weak. And I hate you for that. Why did I ever offer to tutor you? You deserve to fail,” I said coldly. Felicity's mouth dropped open, and I swear she blinked back tears. “Caitlyn, how could you say such a thing? I thought we were friends after everything that's happened recently,” she said. I opened my mouth, then shut it. I felt horrible about snapping at her. Of course she didn't think I was weak, and of course she didn't deserve to fail. Before I could say anything, she was walking away. I rubbed my eyes tiredly, wishing I could just go back to bed and that everything would be just the way it was before when I woke up. Ms. Romano would be alive and healthy. I would be tutoring Felicity, watching her get better and better at math. Mason wouldn't look at me like I was childish, or like I was a total jerk. Natasha would happily practice piano or violin or something. And everyone else would be cheerful. But, of course, that wouldn't happen. For now, things were stuck the way they were now.

9/23/2012 4:28:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 In my next few posts, Caitlyn's going to be a grouch all over again. But then she'll become nice again, so don't worry. She's going to get into a little fight with Mason, that's all. :) {Caitlyn}Ms. Romano... gone. I clutched the letter in my cold fingers harder than necessary, imagining that stupid disease slowly, yet swiftly, taking over her body. She had been too old to fight back. I gulped, looking around me. I already missed her. I pulled my knees up to my chin and cried harder. It was at least noon, but I couldn't even think of going back to the mansion. Not yet, anyway. It was too heartbreaking. I wanted Jackie to come here and spend time with me and be the amazing big sister she always had been. She was strong and beautiful. I missed her, too. “Ohmigosh!” someone cried, causing me to look up. “It's Caitlyn Winter!” someone else shrieked excitedly. Before I could even figure out where the shouts were coming from, I was surrounded by paparazzi. I frowned. “Caitlyn Winter, why do you look so upset?” “Is everything alright, sweetie?” “We hear you have a new boyfriend. Mason, right? Did he dump you?” “Are you hurt, Miss Winter?” “What on earth are you wearing?” The questions went on and on, flashbulbs blinding me from every direction. A headache was forming with every word they said. Finally, I stood up and screamed, “ENOUGH!” Their questions ceased, and they all stared at me with wide eyes. My throat felt scratchy from the scream. My nose was stuffy from all of my crying in the past few hours. I sniffled a little. “Please, just... give me some space. Ms. Romano just died and I'm really upset.” A reporter with shiny, blonde curls placed a hand on my shoulder. “I'm so sorry for your loss,” she said. “Yeah, me too,” I snapped, jerking my body away from her. I turned and walked down the sidewalk. To my surprise, not a single one of them followed me or asked another question. There was just an awkward silence. *** I walked into the mansion, and at once went into the dining room where lunch was being served. Everyone was silent, picking and poking at their food. I sat down beside Mason without glancing at him. “Glad to see you're back,” he said, lightly placing his hand on my knee. I moved my knee away, shaking my head. “Don't talk to me,” I said icily. Ms. Romano was gone. Moody Caitlyn was back.

9/23/2012 4:13:55 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn}My eyelids fluttered open, a feeling of warm morning sunshine spreading across my face. I sat up with a yawn, stretching my arms out above my head. Outside of my bedroom door, I could hear feet pounding against the floor as they ran back and fourth. What was going on? I got out of my bed wearily and opened the door. All the lights were turned on and kids were hurrying down the stairs, looking tired and upset. Downstairs, I could hear the sound of someone crying. I swallowed hard,wondering what could possibly be wrong. That horrible feeling was in the pit of my stomach again. I slipped on a pair of socks before stumbling out my bedroom door. Then I walked down the stairs. To my surprise, it was Felicity who was crying. “Felicity? What's wrong? What's going on?” I asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. She let out another little sob in reply. I took a step back, looking around for Mason. Finally, I spotted him. “Mason!” I cried, running towards him. He turned around, looking tired and upset. “What's going on? Why is everyone so sad?” I asked after giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “Caitlyn, Ms. Romano died last night.” He said it sadly, but simply. “What?” I whispered, taking a small step back. “Less than five hours ago,” he went on sadly, shaking his head a little. “But... I thought she was going to be okay. Everyone thought she was going to be okay!” I wailed, tears burning my eyes. “Caitlyn,” he began, taking a step towards me. But I turned and ran down the hallway and to her room. I couldn't help it; I burst through the door without knocking. Bettina, Angelo, and the two other servants turned at the sudden interruption. “Caitlyn, I'll talk to you in a few minutes. For now, please stay out there with the other students,” Angelo said, giving a dismissive wave towards the door. I ignored him, rushing towards Ms. Romano's bed. She was still there. They were all lying to me. I threw back the covers... only to discover that no one was there. “Miss Winter,” Bettina began. I ran as fast as I could, peeking into all the other rooms that were in Ms. Romano's little headquarters. Empty, empty, empty. I let out a scream of frustration just as Bettina gently began to lead me towards the door. “She's gone, sweetheart,” she said sadly. “How?” I asked, tears beginning to stream down my face, “I thought she was going to be okay!” “I think we were all hoping she was going to be okay, honey. But she's in a better place now, up with the angels and our lord. Her body is cured.” I gave a tiny nod. That was true. But I didn't want her to be gone. “Miss Winter?” Angelo called. Bettina and I stopped, her hand resting on the doorknob as we turned around. Angelo made his way towards me, something in his hand. “You wrote this, correct? Last night, after the Prom?” he asked when he was in front of me. At once, I realized what it was. The letter. “Yes,” I squeaked. “She read it, just so you know. And I'm sure she appreciated it,” he said. “How do you know she read it?” I asked, my voice shaky. “She left it beside her bed,” he replied. I let out a shaky breath as he extended the letter towards me. “Do you want to keep it?” he asked. I snatched it from his hands. “Thanks,” I squeaked. Then I jerked myself away from Bettina and ran out of her bedroom door. I collided with someone, who quickly pulled me in for a hug. “Caitlyn,” Mason's sweet voice whispered in my ear, “Are you okay?” “No,” I said. And then I actually broke down crying, my body going limp in his arms. “Shh... It's okay,” he whispered, stroking my hair. I shook my head, blubbering, “No it's not.” After about a minute of crying in my boyfriend's arms, I wiped my tears away. “I'm going somewhere by myself. Please tell Angelo for me.” Mason blinked at me. “Where are you going?” I shrugged, mumbling, “Somewhere. I'll be back soon, okay?” He nodded, planting a kiss on my head before I left. As soon as I had shut the heavy mansion doors behind me, I began to sob again. I had thought she was going to be okay.

9/23/2012 3:54:04 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I know that this post isn't a lot about Prom, but I added the thing about Caitlyn writing the note in at the last minute. :p {Caitlyn} I wrapped my arms around Mason's neck, and he placed his hands on my hips. Slow songs had always been my favorite part of all my school dances. But somehow, at Prom, everything seemed more magical than usual. But then there was also that weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. Like something horrible was about to happen. I shook my head a little to clear my thoughts. Everything was going perfectly so far. There was nothing to worry about. “You okay?” Mason asked softly, looking a little concerned. “Yes, everything is perfect,” I said sweetly. Before he could say anything in reply, a voice rang loudly through the quietness. “I can't do this.” Mason and I both turned our heads to see Alex and Natasha staring at each other. Alex looked hurt. The music stopped. Everyone was staring at Natasha and Alex, including me. Felicity walked over to Natasha, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Tasha, come on. Just let it go.” Natasha jerked herself away. “No, I want to hear was he has to say.” Her voice cracked. “You had my heart inside your dainty little hands. You practically ripped it out of my chest. You played me; just like you probably do to every boy you meet,” Alex said sadly. He broke away from Natasha and walked out of the room. Natasha stared at the ground for a moment, looking pained and guilty. “Natash-” Felicity began. But Natasha also turned and walked quickly out the door. The DJ awkwardly cleared his throat, causing me to glance at him. “Well, why don't we brighten up the mood? Come on everyone, let's get back to partyin'!” he cried, turning on a fast, upbeat song. I looked up at Mason. “I feel so bad for Natasha and Alex. He doesn't realize he loves her yet. But they would be such a cute couple,” I said. “Just forget about that for a little while, okay? Our time in Rome is ending, and soon we'll be back in California. Let's have fun,” he said. I smiled a little, letting my other thoughts fade away. “Okay,” I agreed. Mason smiled. *** Prom in Rome was officially over. I so badly wanted to stay up and keep dancing with Mason, but I was also ready for bed. “Goodnight,” I said, standing up on my tiptoes and giving my boyfriend a kiss. We parted our ways, and I stepped into the bathroom I shared with Natasha. I stared at myself in the mirror for a little bit, thinking about how much had changed. I had never pictured myself falling in love with Mason, or my major change in my perspective of everything in life. I smiled, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. Slowly, I peeled my dress off of my body. I changed into a pair of striped pajama pants and a black t-shirt. Then I undid my hair, watching every strand fall back into the wrong place. I would shower in the morning. I scrubbed all the makeup off of my face and then carefully brought my dress back into my bedroom. I hung it neatly in my closet before turning off the lights and crawling into bed. But then I realized something. I had never properly thanked Ms. Romano for everything she had done for me. If I wouldn't have come here, I would still be a spoiled little brat that didn't know anything about the real world. Slowly, I sat up in bed. I had to thank her. Write her a note or something. With a glance at my clock, I realized it was 12:30. Prom had ended exactly thirty minutes ago. I ran a hand through my platinum blonde hair, thinking carefully. By this time, Ms. Romano would likely be asleep. I didn't want to wake her up, but something in my heart told me it would be a bad idea to wait until morning to thank her. I got out of bed and flipped on my light. Then I hurried over to my suitcase. Suddenly, I had an idea. I would write her a note. It probably wouldn't be amazing as Natasha's poem to Felicity during their fight, but then again, I wasn't a writer. Numbers were my specialty, not letters. I guess that was one thing I had gotten from my father. Not finding what I wanted in my suitcase, I opened up my binder and tore out a piece of paper. Then I got out a black ink pen and sat down on the floor, using my math book as a table to write my letter on. I carefully wrote out each word in my neat handwriting. When I was finished, I gave my pen a click and sat it down beside me. Then I leaned back against the walls of my room and read the words aloud in a whisper. “Dear Ms. Romano... I'm going to start out by saying thank you. Prom tonight was amazing, better than I've ever imagined my first Prom to be. And I should know because I've spent years thinking about my 'Dream Prom'. I also want to say thank you for everything else. It's so nice of you to let students stay here to learn about Rome's amazing culture in your beautiful home. You've been so kind to me, Ms. Romano. When I first got here, I was a spoiled little rich brat. I didn't know anything about this program, and I didn't care about anyone but myself. A few months ago, I didn't believe Natasha when she told me all that. But why would I have? I grew up with nannies and maids and butlers and cooks. I grew up going to fancy parties and getting whatever I wanted, like eating a hot fudge sundae for breakfast. That was my life. But when you got sick... I don't know. It all hit me pretty hard, I guess. I felt so horrible about how disrespectful I was to you; I still do, actually. I'm so sorry for that, Ms. Romano. I hope you can forgive me. I'm still quite surprised you never kicked me out on account of how rude and awful I was. I thought it was you who was awful. I thought you didn't care about me or any of the students. But now I realize that that isn't the case at all. Sure, I've made mistakes in my life. A lot of them. But you're still going to care about me no matter what. And I'm grateful for that, because I think that's what I needed. I needed to get away from home and just spend some time with different people. People who actually cared. Not only have I learned that I won't always get my way, but I've realized that I'm in love with Mason. I never pictured myself being in love with him, no matter how many countless guys I've dated over the years. But Mason's so different from all of them. He's sweet, caring, kind. And he loves me as much as I love him. I would even say we're crazy about each other, because we are. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, my experience in Rome has changed me. I have different friends. I have a different, loving boyfriend. I've realized that maybe people do actually care. And I'm no longer a spoiled little brat. Thank you so, so much. You have no idea how grateful I am for being able to come here. Thank you for everything. Prom was just as amazing as this experience has been. I know you'll pull through your cancer, Ms. Romano. I have faith that you will. I hope you feel better soon! Love, Caitlyn Winter.” I stood up and tiptoed down the stairs, my barefoot feet making little slapping noises. Finally, I reached her door. And I slid the note under it, hoping she would find it.

9/23/2012 3:11:44 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awesome! :D Can't wait to read it! <3 <3

9/23/2012 1:11:03 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I promise I won't let myself get distracted by anything today! Not Pinterest, tumblr, facebook or anything. Today is my day dedicated to writing(:

9/23/2012 12:44:55 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay, so I'm just going to skip the part about Caitlyn getting ready for prom since I am way behind! Sorry! But here is the link for her hair: http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/97390410661587439_SeAZu2dT_b.jpg And her nails: http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/nessasarymakeup/pinknails.jpg

9/23/2012 12:43:24 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 You're welcome! :) I'm going to write after I get around for today!:)

9/23/2012 10:24:18 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yeah, we've all been; not just you. :-) Thanks, though! <3

9/22/2012 6:05:39 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- I agree. I'm going to try to write about prom and Ms. Romano's death today or sometime this week. I feel really bad because I've been neglecting my writing, but I promise I'll catch up soon. Great post! :)

9/22/2012 5:34:47 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ The clock was the only thing in my bedroom that I could hear. The entire house had fallen completely silent in the past hour. The dance had ended at least a half-hour ago at midnight. Realizing how thirsty I was, I pushed my thick blankets off me. I glanced at my dress, which was hanging off a hook lopsidedly on my bathroom door. My shoes were knocked over by my vanity. I slipped my feet into the soft, pink slippers next to my bed, and headed out the door. It was all to quiet. Usually, you could hear at least one or two servants scurrying around the place…even this late at night. But there was nothing. I made my way through the hall. I silently padded down the staircase. Just as my foot hit the floor, a sound sprang to my ears. It was the hum of a muffled piano down the hall. I followed it. It led me through the kitchen, and toward the wing of the house that was forbidden by students: Ms. Romano’s wing. Although I’d been there twice already. Once was when Ms. Romano’s heart had stopped less than two weeks ago. The other time was when Alex and I were creeping through the house during the middle of the day way back in October. The day when I’d kissed him for the very first time. I’d kissed HIM. A pang of guilt ran through my stomach. I continued with the sound, trying to push the thought of Alex from my mind. Finally, I found what I was looking for. I stood outside of Ms. Romano’s room. I immediately recognized the new tune that she’d begun playing. “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven. I knocked. It opened, revealing Ms. Romano, who looked oddly angelic for the middle of the night. “Did I wake you, Natasha?” I quickly shook my head. “Of course not,” I said. “Oh, please come in, Natasha,” she said welcoming. I nodded, and stepped into the room. It was more like a living room to me, honestly. There were sofas, a bathroom, and her bedroom was attached. It was like her own little place…far away from the teenagers living across a house for her. Ms. Romano sighed. “I found myself wanting to play tonight. I haven’t played my piano in years. But seeing how much you loved it made me almost want to do it again. And this is the first night that the doctors have finally realized that I’ll actually be okay for a bit.” My heart leapt. She actually had faith that she was going to live through this. Maybe she actually would. “Do you want to play?” Ms. Romano asked. It caught me off guard quite a bit, but I nodded, happy that she wanted to hear me. I smoothed my nightgown down, and sat down on the bench. Placing my fingers on the correct keys, I began to play the first song coming to mind: “Requiem”, by Mozart. It was so angelic and magical. My fingers pressed each key voluntarily…as if I didn’t even have to try. I’d been playing this song for as long as I could remember. But then suddenly, the notes left my mind. I stopped abruptly. I had no idea which notes came next. “Why did you stop?” Ms. Romano asked. I felt my face warm up quickly. “I-I forgot the notes…” She tilted her head to the side. “Do you think I can overcome this disease?” That was like a punch in the face. Was she really asking me that? “I hope.” My voice came out as more of a whisper than intended. “I should really be going to bed now, Miss.” She nodded. “Have nice dreams, Natasha.” I nodded…and slowly left the room. I fell asleep soundly in my bed. I awoke all of a sudden in the morning. The sun was rising. What had woken me up? Outside of my bedroom door, I could hear feet hitting the carpeted floor. What was wrong? There were plenty of voices already awake. No one was ever up this early. I slowly got out of bed. I felt as if I was walking in slow motion. I opened my bedroom door. All the lights were on. I could hear someone crying downstairs. It was Felicity. What? I stumbled down the staircase. I grabbed the arm of the first person I saw. “What’s going on?” He glanced at me, worried eyes looking dead straight into mine, but then continued on. Finally, I found Angelo. He was sitting at the breakfast table, on the phone. I didn’t care, though. “Angelo…what’s going on here?” He looked up at me, and laid the phone on it’s side on the table. “Ms. Romano died last night.” My body went cold. “But…I just talked to her. Like just at midnight. How could all that have happened less than five hours ago?” Angelo’s face went blank. Before he could keep talking, I turned away, and ran. Ran. Ran faster. I ran up a staircase toward the roof, where Alex and I had gone months and months ago. I just needed peace. I pushed open the door to roof, and just felt my body sank back against a wall, and the tears flowed from my eyelids. Somewhere in those tears, I slowly fell back asleep. And I felt myself being carried back downstairs. Strong arms held me as if I were a small child. I caught a glimpse at the face. Alex. Why was he doing this? But before he could see that I was awake, my eyes fluttered closed again.

9/22/2012 4:17:38 PM | Report

fungirl123 Like we said before, the story has been moving really slowly in the past month or so. :\ Would anyone object if I suggested that we just work to get it done this week, so that we can move on to the next story? :-)

9/22/2012 3:41:40 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - good post! :D

9/21/2012 4:04:23 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post!(: I'm so sorry I haven't posted guys! I've been busy with cross-country and stuff! I'm going to try and post this weekend because I don't have much going on until next week. And then I am super busy. :( Sorry!

9/21/2012 8:37:33 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ “Let’s take it down with a slow song now.” Seth offered his hand and I took it. We walked to the dance floor and I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him close. As I listened to the lyrics, I realized how much I really loved him- how he was the only boy I had ever loved. I pulled my head up and looked into his big brown eyes. “Seth, I lov- “I can’t do this!” I hear a loud voice say. I look over to see Alex and Natasha. The music stopped and everyone stared at them. “One sec,” I whispered to Seth before quickly walking to Natasha. I grab her shoulder. “Tasha’, please. Just let it go.” She jerks away from me. “No, I want to hear what he has to say,” She says-not taking an eye off Alex. I back up into the group of people. “You had my heart inside your dainty little hands. You practically ripped it out of my chest. You played me; just like you probably do to every boy you meet.” Everyone heard the sadness in his voice. Alex stared at her for a few moments, then looked down and walked out. Natasha stood there, looking at the ground. “Natash- She began to walk out. Once she was gone, the DJ cleared his throat. “Well, why don’t we brighten up the mode? Come on everyone, let’s get back to partyin’!” He said and put on a fast beat song. Well, I guess it was his job to keep everyone happy. I sigh. Should I go after her? Seth grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. “What should I do?” I ask him. “We are so much alike. We always feel like we have to help our best friends instead of thinking about ourselves. I think tonight should be about us,” He says. The more I thought of it, the more it became true. (I’ll finish the rest tomorrow, sorry girls!)

9/18/2012 8:23:23 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- No way am I bored! I just haven't had time to write, what with cross-country and stuff. And I haven't felt like writing very much lately. :P But anyway, I've loved writing for this story! :)

9/16/2012 1:35:34 PM | Report

fungirl123 I mean, I would write...but I'm kind of ahead...and I just don't know what to write about. :\ Well, I know WHAT to write about. I just don't know how to write it. :-|

9/16/2012 11:55:09 AM | Report

fungirl123 Oh, of course not! ^.^ This kind of stuff happens all the time - people don't feel like writing at the moment. Anyway, we're almost finished, so what's the point in stopping? ;-) Haha, I freaking love this story! <3 <3

9/15/2012 6:14:54 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Okay! I was just wondering. I wasn't sure if you all were bored with it.

9/15/2012 3:50:53 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Umm, Idk. I was actually planning on writing for all of my clubs today after I cleaned my room, soo.... idk.

9/15/2012 11:07:14 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl So, I don't think anyone is really feeling the end of the story so do you all just want to start on the new one?

9/15/2012 10:44:21 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll post tomorrow. :)

9/8/2012 6:34:24 PM | Report

fungirl123 I'm just trying to think of some other stuff that could happen right before she dies...

9/5/2012 3:19:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Lol(: I'm gonna try to post tonight since I don't have a meet! :)

9/5/2012 8:49:27 AM | Report

fungirl123 Okay, I really should be studying for my science test, but I feel like writing...

9/4/2012 5:30:16 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - ooh, now I remember! :D

9/4/2012 4:59:43 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Ms. Romano was suppose to die a few hours after the dance then Angelo takes over for the remaining school year (Only a few weeks) and then, they go home. Unless you all want to change it??

9/3/2012 8:38:08 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I forgot too.... :P

9/3/2012 8:05:03 PM | Report

fungirl123 So they're going to go home after this? Or are they going to go home after Ms. Romano died? ^.^ Sorry, I totally forgot what we were supposed to do...

9/3/2012 7:22:45 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Omg! haha.

9/2/2012 9:59:13 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yup :-)

9/2/2012 8:57:59 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Lol! :)

9/2/2012 8:54:21 PM | Report

fungirl123 Haha, I just realized that when Alex was talking, it sounded almost exactly like Rolling in the Deep by Adele...LOL :P "You had my heart inside your/And you played it/To the beat..."

9/2/2012 1:16:19 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great post Haley. :)

9/2/2012 12:45:02 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Yupp..... I should post soon. I hope. :P

9/2/2012 10:01:53 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - haha, thanks. :P

9/1/2012 5:13:42 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! And I hope all the crap in your life ends. Lol(:

9/1/2012 4:15:11 PM | Report

fungirl123 So here’s my paragraph. :-P Once again, I apologize for my vague absence. Lots o’ crap happening in my life right now. This may seem odd, but I’m kind of eager to start the next story. This is really choppy. I know I should have gone into more detail about Alex and Natasha, but I don’t really know how. :\ But, if you’re wondering, YES they do end up together in the end. :D ~Natasha~ I took out the last hot curler. My hair had gone from soft waves to sexy, voluminous curls. I took a piece of hair in the front and began braiding it until it reached the back, where I pinned it tightly. For the next five minutes, I back-combed my curls to give it even more volume and a bit of a messy look. Then I took about an inch of my raven tresses, and twisted it around the rest. It had created a gorgeous side ponytail. (HAIR (if it takes you to the website instead of just the photo, it’s the fifth one down): http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1152&bih=721&tbm=isch&tbnid=BnUDldjvzm8SYM:&imgrefurl=http://www.temptalia.com/11-prom-hairstyles-for-your-prom&imgurl=http://www.temptalia.com/images/summer09/promhairstyles005.jpg&w=500&h=625&ei=yDxCUIq0JJGpqwGx0oHoCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=555&vpy=166&dur=712&hovh=251&hovw=201&tx=94&ty=172&sig=117679224169007592634&page=1&tbnh=152&tbnw=146&start=0&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0,i:151) I slipped on strappy nude stilettos. There, I was finished. My nails were done up simply in a peach color. I wanted all of the attention to be on my color-filled dress. I stared at my evening gown. When the sun hit it just right, colors beamed off it and shined on my soft pink wall. Caitlyn was in Felicity’s room getting her nails painted, and I was finishing off my makeup. This night couldn’t be more perfect. I jumped at the sound of the grandfather clock chiming seven-thirty PM. Time for my very first Prom dinner. I made my way to my bedroom door, where I slowly turned the knob and pushed it open. I could feel eyes on me. Alex’s. I didn’t want to seem awkward, so I made myself keep my eyes off him. But throughout dinner, my eyes and my brain didn’t match up, so I found myself staring at him as he spoke. My stomach couldn’t handle any more food. I exited the dining room and walked to the ballroom, where it was almost completely silent except for the clock ticking. There was twenty minutes until it officially started. “You’re going to mess up your makeup if you start crying.” I whirled around to face the intruder, only to find Felicity walking in, a knowing look displayed on her face. “What do you mean?” I asked. “You can’t ignore what I’m saying. Alex IS in love with you. Just give him time to figure it out.” I nodded. **** Some Usher song throbbed in my ears as I watched the throng of teenagers jump to the beat. Strobe lights filled the room. The song faded out, and the DJ’s voice came over the speakers. “Let’s take it down with a slow song now.” This was my chance. I stood up from my chair and walked quickly – as quickly as I could in those heels – to where Alex and someone else were having a conversation. I tapped his shoulder. He turned. I had forgotten what it was like to look into his eyes like that. His big, sapphire eyes guarded by long eyelashes that any girl would envy. “Do you want to dance?” My voice had come out higher – and quite frankly, more pathetic – than intended. “I guess…,” he said quietly, but still looking right at me. I grabbed his hand and led him out onto the dance floor, where I pulled him close and wrapped my arms around his neck. Almost reluctantly, he placed his hands on my hips. “Natasha…I-I…” He looked pained. “I really need to talk to you, Alex. Just, please, don’t walk away.” He nodded, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment. “I’m sorry about everything, Alex. I really am. I was such a jerk. You weren’t the one making the mistakes.” I sighed, and continued. “But I really do love y—“ “Natasha, stop.” “No, I won’t stop. I don’t care if you don’t feel the same way. I just want you to know that I care about you. I just want to see you be happy. I can’t believe it, but I’m in love with you,” I said, the words spilling out of my mouth effortlessly. He gawked at me. “I can’t do this.” Alex’s voice had grown. People were staring. His face transformed from shocked, to purely hurt. A pair of heels clacked against the marble floor. It was Felicity. She place a hand on my shoulder. “Tasha, come on. Just let it go.” I jerked away. “No, I want to hear what he has to say,” I said, my voice cracking. Alex still hadn’t taken his eyes off me. “You had my heart inside your dainty little hands. You practically ripped it out of my chest. You played me; just like you probably do to every boy you meet.” He broke away from me. I squeezed my eyes shut. He was telling the complete truth. How did I let that all happen? I was a horrible human being.

9/1/2012 1:37:35 PM | Report

fungirl123 I will REALLY try to write this weekend. I've been having some problems with the football players at my school, so that's been distracting me. :\ The teachers are putting a lot of stuff on our shoulders ALREADY. :-(

8/31/2012 6:06:18 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl thanks.

8/31/2012 2:17:32 PM | Report

fungirl123 I'll try to write tomorrow. ^.^ I've got to get used to the whole school and homework thing again. :\

8/29/2012 8:15:49 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! :)

8/29/2012 4:43:15 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - great post! :P

8/29/2012 6:36:18 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I tried to make it where you all could kind of fill in the blanks (Like, where Felicity leaves and Caitlyn comes back with Natasha) so yeah. I was just looking and found a perfect picture of Felicity’s hair! http://whitneyhoustonmemory.blogspot.com/2012/01/prom-hairstyles.html. (The second one)

8/28/2012 10:05:19 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ Today was prom. We had not heard about Ms. Romano and it was driving all of us insane but we never talked about it. I finally get up and walk to Natasha’s room. “Hey Tasha,” I open the door to her room to find her sitting on her bed. She turns around and for some reason, her eyes were all red. “Are you crying?” I ask. “No-Of course not. Do you want to start getting ready?” She asks. “Sure.” “Okay, let me get some stuff out of my bathroom and I’ll meet you in your room,” She explained. I nod and walk out the door. Something was definitely wrong with her. Ms. Romano was very important to Natasha and this was hard for her-for all of us. After a few minutes past, Natasha walks into my room with Caitlyn. “Hey, can Caitlyn get ready with us?” Tasha’ asks. “Of course,” I say with a smile. **** Once we were done getting ready, it was almost time to leave. Caitlyn had her gorgeous pale pink, strapless, sweetheart, dress on with her hair (Insert hair Payton chooses) and Natasha had on her colorful, sequined, strapless dress with her hair (Insert hair Haley chooses. :p) Then there was me, who had on my skin colored, sweetheart, one shoulder dress (@Everyone Hope you all don’t mind, but I changed my dress, http://www.newyorkdress.com/Terani/E1092.html) with my hair pulled back in loose curls. “We look gorgeous,” Caitlyn says as we look into the bathroom mirror. “Agreed,” I say. Natasha takes a deep breath. “Are we ready?” She says with a smile. “Of course,” Caitlyn says. I laugh. “Who would have thought our first prom would be in Rome?” They smile and we walk into the hallway, and down the stairs.

8/28/2012 10:00:28 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! And that sucks... I just had my first day of school today... Spanish was sooo confusing! But the video was funny... Haha. :P @Toni- Thanks! And Caitlyn can get ready with them if you want... :)

8/28/2012 7:04:29 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great post Payton! Should Caitlyn get ready with Natasha and Felicity or?

8/27/2012 9:10:58 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awesome post! :-D Argh...just got home from my first day of school, where I heard the WORST news ever. We're not having NHS, or student council...all because of the stupid staff members that left. :\

8/27/2012 4:25:26 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Sorry I took so long to write that! I know it's kind of choppy, but I promise my next post will be better(:

8/27/2012 10:17:42 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I sat down on the couch and began flipping through channels. Mason was busy, so that meant I was by myself today. I sighed, looking for Project Runway. Before I could find it though, I heard someone call my name. “Caitlyn.” I craned my neck to see Felicity and Natasha walk into the living room. “Yeah?” I asked. Felicity smiled as they walked over to me. “Do you want to go shopping with us?” Natasha asked. “We’re going dress shopping,” Felicity explained. I licked my lips, weighing each of my options in my head. I could stay here and watch TV all day… or I could go dress shopping with them. Honestly, the second one sounded better, so I said, “Sure.” I stood up and smiled. “Just give me ten minutes to get ready,” I added quickly. Then I hurried up the staircase. I dug around in my closet for an outfit, and finally I put on a pair of black skinny jeans but decided to leave Mason’s sweatshirt on because it actually didn’t look too bad with that outfit. Then I added a pair of black, sparkly TOMS before dashing back down the stairs. “Ready!” I cried, appearing back in the living room. Natasha and Felicity got up, following me out the door. *** “Natasha, you NEED to find a dress,” Felicity whined, giving Natasha a shove on the shoulder, “We’ve gone through a million dresses between Caitlyn and me… now we need to find you one.” Natasha shrugged. “I’m good with anything.” I rolled my eyes. I absolutely hated it when people said that. Especially about anything fashion related. “No, you’re not. Now… what do you want to get?” I asked, fingering through a couple of racks, “Strapless, sweetheart, tiered, chiffon, mermaid, ball gown… you know!” Huh. Maybe my mom’s behavior had rubbed off on me more than I thought over the years. Natasha scrunched up her nose, thinking. “Ball gown… strapless… a short train… It has to be sparkly, too—with a lot of colors!” she finally concluded. “FOUND IT!” I cried loudly. The entire store turned to look at me, weird expressions on their faces. I blushed, pulling out the dress. Natasha looked it over. “And….” I drawled, turning the dress around, “Look at the back!” “Go try it on!” Felicity urged, shoving her behind a curtain. We waited, and finally Natasha stepped out. We looked it over. She looked fabulous. “I look awesome,” Natasha said with a smile. “You do-,” Felicity and I began, but we were interrupted by Natasha’s phone ringing. She answered it with, “Yeah?” Natasha’s phone was on speaker, so Felicity and I could hear every word that was being said. “You guys need to get back to the house NOW! Something happened! I’m on my way back there now with Seth. Meet you there!” It sounded like Alex, but I wasn’t exactly sure. Natasha put her phone back in her purse and then looked at us. “I’ll pay for the dress and meet you guys there,” she said. I remained frozen, though I was shaking with fear. “GO!” Natasha cried. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and then took off running with Felicity. “What do you think happened?” I asked nervously. “I don’t know,” Felicity admitted, but she sounded just as nervous. We began to run even faster, and I was glad I hadn’t worn high heels today. I would’ve fallen flat on my face. After a silent run to the mansion, Felicity and I walked inside. It was dark and quiet. Felicity and I walked even farther inside, until we saw the huddle of students gathered around Ms. Romano’s bedroom door. I edged my way through the group, until I was at the front beside Mason. “What happened?” I whispered. “Ms. Romano’s heart stopped,” he said softly. “What?” I squeaked, grabbing the doorknob. “You can’t go in!” Mason said, grabbing my hand and pulling it away. “But—“ I began. “Caitlyn,” he said warningly. I sighed. “What are they doing now?” “I think they’re trying to revive her. But we need to be quiet,” he answered, wrapping an arm around my waist. I leaned towards him, burying my face in his chest. Finally, someone’s voice cut through the silent air. “She’s okay!” I whirled around quickly, almost knocking Mason over in the process. “She’s okay,” everyone echoed in whispers. We all stepped back to give the doctors some room. Angelo came and stood beside them. “What should we do? You know, to keep this from getting worse,” he asked. The woman doctor spoke first. “You just need to make sure she doesn’t go to sleep tonight. Keep her awake, okay. Sleep is dangerous in her condition.” Angelo nodded, letting her words sink in. My mind spun. Dangerous in her condition? Was she that bad? Mason’s arm tightened around me, like he was afraid that I was going to run off. I felt like doing that. The guy doctor spoke now. “You kids need to go to sleep. I need to talk to them… alone,” he said. We all reluctantly obeyed. I trudged up the staircase, feeling like all of my energy had just been drained out of me. Before Mason and I parted ways, he kissed the top of my head. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine,” he said.

8/27/2012 10:16:59 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - of course! :p

8/27/2012 6:20:10 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Can I skip to getting ready for prom?

8/26/2012 8:35:02 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - no problemo! :-D

8/26/2012 12:27:04 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thank you! <3

8/26/2012 10:40:50 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - I love the dress! :-D It's perfect for Caitlyn. <3

8/24/2012 10:04:31 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! @Everyone- I finally found the dress I want Caitlyn to wear!(: It's kind of glamorous, but not TOO much in my opinion. My sis doesn't like it, but I think it's actually kind of pretty. :P http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD740146

8/24/2012 7:42:45 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ I awoke the next morning feeling quite…well, blah. It seemed like my insides we trembling. I hurried to change into day clothes. I felt like I knew something horrible. Something that could hurt a lot of people. I knew it wasn’t that big of a deal. Everyone must have known it would be soon. Ms. Romano didn’t have much longer. But hearing it last night made it so real. How had I come to Italy as a stranger to all these people? Now, I knew that when I left, they would be like family to me. After all, I would have been living with them for nine whole months. I opened my bedroom door, emerging out into the hallway. My head hung as I made my way to the staircase. “Oh, Natasha.” I looked up. Bettina was walking my way, the garment bag that held my dress over her arm. “Y-Yes?” I asked, my voice shaking uncontrollably. “I ironed your dress for you,” she said quietly, handing the dress to me, “I know it must’ve been hard hearing the news last night…when it wasn’t even meant for you kids.” I nodded, taking the dress into my own arms. “Y-You didn’t have to, Bet—“ “You’re right. I didn’t HAVE to. But I wanted to. I thought it might take your mind off things.” “Thank you.” Bettina nodded. For a moment, we both stood there. “You know, Natasha, it’s all part of life. We live. We die. Ms. Romano is just at that point in life. She isn’t scared about it. So why should we be scared? She knows her time is coming,” Bettina said, walking with me back up the staircase. I felt tears well up in my eyes. I couldn’t believe this was happening. Bettina walked me back into my bedroom, sat me down on my bed, and took my hand in hers. “You don’t have to be sad, sweet girl,” she soothed. She pressed her thumb to my cheek and wiped away a single tear. “Now, take your time to regain yourself. No one is rushing you to breakfast.” I tried to smile. “O-Okay.” Bettina smiled, and left my bedroom. I allowed myself a bit of time to cry, but then went back to putting on makeup. I made my way to the dining room, where it was silent. I took to keeping my head down. I took a seat in between Felicity and Caitlyn. Bettina served me a plate of food, squeezing my shoulder before she left. “We can’t have Prom now,” Seth blurted out. The room went soundless. “Yeah, I agree. With all that’s been happening, it’s just not the right time to be celebrating the end of the year,” Felicity stated. Some people agreed, others went mute. Lizzie’s face quickly twisted into a scowl. She through her hands into the air, knocking over her glass of grape juice. “Seriously? I spent over seven-hundred dollars on a dress JUST to be told we’re not having Prom? Why did Ms. Romano have to get si—“ “Elizabeth Fields!” Angelo hissed, “Up to your room…now!” She rolled her eyes. We all waited until she’d exited the room to continue. “But, seriously, it’s really not the right time,” Caitlyn said, as if she’d rehearsed all this. I was looking from person to person as they talked. “We can’t be selfish and just let her suffer while we party,” someone else said. “Yeah, really.” Finally, I found the courage to cut in. “Guys, come on. Do you REALLY think Ms. Romano wants us to feel bored the rest of year? You really think she wants us to be upset and just mope around for the next month while we wait for the school year to end?” I pronounced. Nobody replied, so I continued. “Look, I’m sad about Ms. Romano, too. But I really think we should go on with this Prom. Don’t you think she’ll be happy that we’re having a good time?” For what seemed like hours, everyone just ate their food. Finally, Alex’s voice rang out. “Yeah, I agree with Natasha. I think that for one night, we should just have a good time. But it doesn’t meant we’re all going to just forget about Ms. Romano.” I smiled at him, but he only looked away. “I agree,” Felicity stated, “I tend to change my mind a lot.” I laughed once. More people began agreeing. “Okay, so I guess we’re having Prom then!” I announced happily.

8/24/2012 11:15:07 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Welcome(: @Toni- That sounds good to me! :D

8/24/2012 10:26:36 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Haha yeps. :)

8/24/2012 9:59:39 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - you already know I like the idea! :-D

8/24/2012 7:50:16 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Okay, the story is probably going to be ending soon, maybe after they go home for a few days, So Ms. Romano is going to die after prom and then Angelo is going to take over for the rest of school. (Which is about a week or two) Does that sound good to everyone?:) Lemme know. Also, Haley came up with a good story plot: A few girls used to be friends in elementary school and once they get older they drift apart somehow and in highschool they meet again and become close. Whatcha think? :

8/23/2012 11:32:15 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Thanks guys. @Haley following and you look really pretty!

8/23/2012 11:20:58 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Thanks guys. @Haley following and you look really pretty!

8/23/2012 11:20:03 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - haha, yeah, thanks. :P My parents decided to get us up at eight AM that day...so my hair was a mess...

8/23/2012 9:11:48 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Amazing post!(: @Haley- I checked it out!(: And trust me, you don't look ugly. In fact, you look pretty(; Haha, but seriously... you look fine! I look much worse, I am sure!But I'll follow u. I don't have any pics of myself on tumblr though(:

8/23/2012 9:03:50 PM | Report

fungirl123 Since y'all both have Tumblrs, could you check out my new blog, http://lovelyreaderwriter.tumblr.com/ I'm still learning my way around. And please don't mind all the photos that are posted. They're the only ones that I got that are already on the computer. :\ I was suuper tired and ugly in both...

8/23/2012 8:26:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - good post! :-D

8/23/2012 6:24:17 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ Today Natasha and I were going to look for our dresses, I couldn’t wait! I looked towards the living room to find Caitlyn in her grey sweatpants and a white shirt watching TV. I bit my lip. I really wanted to invite her to come with us, but Natasha and I had just gotten to be friends again. “Hey, Tasha?” I ask. “Hmm?” She looks at me. I look towards the living room. Natasha smiled at me which told me to go ahead. “Caitlyn,” I say as I walk into the living room. “Yeah?” “Would you like to go shopping with us?” Natasha asks. “We’re looking for dresses,” I explain. “Sure. Just give me ten minutes to get ready.” She got up and went up the stairs and Natasha and I sat down and watched Spongebob. Out of nowhere, someone starts tickling me. I look up and of course, it was Seth. “OH MY GOSH, SETH! Stop it!” I squeal. “I’m ready!” Caitlyn says. I give Seth a quick kiss and follow the girls out the door. **** “Okay, we’ve been to a million and five stores and Tasha, you still haven’t found a dress!” I say. Natasha shrugged. “I’m good with anything.” “No, you’re not,” Caitlyn started as we walked into another dress store. “Now, what do you want to get?” She asked, looking through the racks. “Strapless, sweetheart, tiered, chiffon, mermaid? You know!” “Hmm. Ball gown, strapless, a short train, oh, and sparkly too! With lots of colors!” Natasha told her. It only took Caitlyn seconds to pull out that exact dress. “Check out the back!” Caitlyn turned the dress around. It laced up the back and was completely gorgeous. “Go try it on!” I say shoving Tasha’ to a dressing room. Once I zipped it up for her, we all stood in front of the mirror with Natasha in the middle. “I look awesome,” She says. “You really do- “ Natasha’s phone rang. “Yeah?” She answered. “You guys need to get back to the house NOW! Something happened! I’m on my way back there now with Seth. Meet you there!” I heard Alex say. “I’ll pay for the dress and meet you guys there,” Natasha tells us. I didn’t know how to react, what had happened? It must be with Ms. Romano. “GO!” Natasha yelled. Caitlyn and I run off. We said nothing the entire time, we just ran as fast as we could. Once we got to the mansion, we ran inside. Seth, Alex and Mason were waiting for us. We were both out of breath. I walked towards Seth. “What’s going on?” I ask. “Ms. Romano’s heart has stopped. Their trying to revive her,” Seth told me. I held my tears back. “Where’s Natasha?” Alex asks. “She’s on her way. She had to pay for her dress,” Caitlyn said. I couldn’t take it, I began crying. How could this happen? Seth hugged me. “Shhh. Let’s go upstairs,” He said. As we walk up the stairs, my crying became quieter. We took a seat in the hallway with the rest of the students. *** “She’s okay!” One of the doctors said after hours of waiting. I took a deep breath and got up. Angelo stood up. “What should we do, doctors?” He asks. The woman doctor stepped up. “You just need to make sure she doesn’t go to sleep tonight. Keep her awake, okay. Sleep is dangerous in her condition.” Angelo nodded, taking in the information. “You kids need to go to sleep. I need to talk to them…alone,” Angelo tells us. “You okay?” Seth asks me. I nod. “See you tomorrow?” I ask. “Yeah..” I walk to my room and get in my bed, not even bothering to change out of my jeans.

8/23/2012 5:20:14 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay, I'll look!(: @Toni- Cute dress!(:

8/23/2012 11:09:15 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - I think that something glamorous would be cool! :-D

8/23/2012 8:05:46 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Payton Maybe Caitlyn could wear a dress that's a bit more natural then usual and then everyone shocked at prom. :) Here's Felicity's: http://www.newyorkdress.com/Allure/A408.html but floor length (the white) I really love the dresses they have!

8/22/2012 10:37:19 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I'm not having much luck at finding Caitlyn a dress. I mean, I've looked at some, but I just don't know which one. :P Does anyone know what kind of style I should do for Caitlyn? I'm open to any ideas. Haha(:

8/22/2012 9:46:05 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Awesome post!(:

8/22/2012 9:16:29 PM | Report

fungirl123 This is the dress, in case anyone wanted to see it again: http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD755496 ~Natasha~ I fell into step with Felicity as I caught her walking down the staircase. She looked adorable in her bright purple, strapless romper with her long hair hanging over her shoulders naturally. “Ready to go?” I asked, sliding my neon pink Gucci sunglasses down over my eyes so that the world had a gorgeous tint of purple to it. We had three weeks until Prom, and Felicity and I had set aside today to look at dresses, accessories, shoes, and hair salons. I couldn’t help but be super excited! It was my very first Prom and I was doing it in ROME. “Tash?” Felicity asked, snapping me from my anxious thoughts. “Hmm?” I wondered, turning to her and pushing my shades down lower on my nose. She jutted her chin off toward the living room, where a head of blonde hair was sitting in front of the television, flipping through the channels. She was still in sweatpants, a baggy sweatshirt – which I somehow guessed was Mason’s – with her platinum blonde hair swept up into a sloppy bun. I pitied Caitlyn a bit. She didn’t have any friends in Rome, really. “Caitlyn,” Felicity called as we turned into the living room. She craned her neck to look at us. “Yeah?” Felicity smiled. We walked over to her. “Do you want to go shopping with us?” I asked, knowing that was what Felicity wanted to ask. Caitlyn thought over her options for a moment. I didn’t really know where Caitlyn and my friendship stood – if it could at all be considered a friendship. We’d helped each other through bad times, so…maybe it was a friendship? I don’t know. Soon enough, I found that I’d been thinking so hard about it that I hadn’t heard Caitlyn’s answer. But she was already getting up from the couch, a smile displayed over her face. She must have said yes. “Just give me ten minutes to get ready.” She bounded up the staircase. Felicity and I took a seat on the couch, and watched TV while waiting for Caitlyn to finish up. A squeal erupted from behind me, and I turned to see Seth attacking Felicity with tickles. How adorable. “Stop ittttt!” Felicity squeaked, but it was masked by giggles. I smiled at her happiness. I found myself glancing up, and my eyes landing on the boy standing next to Seth. “Um…hi, Alex.” He looked at me, and gulped. I didn’t know how to act around him. Luckily, Caitlyn broke through the awkwardness. “Ready!” Seth and Felicity broke away from kissing each other, and she followed Caitlyn and me out the door and into the sunshine. **** “Natasha, you NEED to find a dress,” Felicity whined, shoving me on the shoulder, “We’ve gone through a million dresses between Caitlyn and me…now we need to find you one.” I shrugged. “I’m good with anything.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “No, you’re not. Now…what do you want to get?” she asked, fingering through a few racks of dresses, “Strapless, sweetheart, tiered, chiffon, mermaid, ball gown…you know!” I scrunched up my nose, thinking over my options. I began leafing through the gowns. “Ball gown…strapless…a short train…It has to be sparkly, too – with a lot of colors!” I concluded. “FOUND IT!” Caitlyn cried, making the entire store stop and look at her. She blushed, but still pulled out the dress. It was exactly what I wanted. It was an evening gown with different colors incorporated and a dramatic, but short, train. It looked as if it would fit to my body, yet also show of my gorgeous curves. “And…,” Caitlyn drawled, turning the dress around spectacularly, “Look at the back!” The back was in fact pretty feminine and quite sexy. It laced up. “Go try it on!” Flissy urged, shoving me behind a curtain. I took my time stepping into the dress. Finally, Felicity zipped it up. The leg was open, which made the dress even better. “I look awesome,” I said with a smile. “You do—“ Felicity and Caitlyn were interrupted by the sound of my cell phone ringing. It played the sound of the Boston Symphony. I opened my purse and dug around for my phone. Finally, I spotted it. The screen blinked ALEX in black letters, showing his happy photo ID. I wondered why I still had that number in my BlackBerry. But I opened the call anyway. “Yeah?” I greeted. Wind was blowing through the speakers and for a moment, all I could hear was panting. He was running. “You guys need to get back to the house NOW! Something happened! I’m on my way back there now with Seth. Meet you there!” The phone was on speaker, so Caitlyn and Felicity could hear everything being said. “I’ll pay for the dress and meet you guys there,” I said. They both stood frozen. Caitlyn was shaking, though. “GO!” With that, they ran. I stripped off the dress, almost tearing it because I didn’t unzip it. I quickly slipped on my shirt again, and ran to the cash register, the dress in hand. It was already wrinkling, I could tell. I took out my checkbook and slopped town two-hundred-twenty-five dollars on the pad, while signing it with the date and my name. “Have a nice—“ I was already out the door before the clerk could continue. I had been rushing the poor salesgirl so much that she had sloppily put the dress into the garment bag. But I just tossed it over my shoulder and ran away. The sun had disappeared behind the horizon, and the streetlights were beginning to illuminate the city. I slowed down when I neared Russo Avenue, the street on which the mansion lay on. I shoved open the front door of the mansion. It was silent and dark. “Hello?” I called, tossing the dress and my jacket onto the coat rack. “Natasha?” It was Alex. He sounded nervous. I followed his voice toward the back hallway, where Ms. Romano’s room was. All fifteen of the students were huddled in front of her door. Alex stood outside of the hallway. “Ms. Romano’s heart stopped—“ My sharp inhale of a breath cut him off. He hushed me. “They’re trying to revive her right now. Just be quiet.” He had lowered his voice to a whisper, stepping closer to me. I could feel my palms shaking. He walked back over to the rest of the huddle. I gulped back my tears, and slumped against the door frame. I was away from the rest of the group. I stared off into the distance, not knowing what to expect. My thoughts zoomed around, and dreams took over my mind. “She’s okay!” My eyes shot open. I had been sleeping for at least an hour…and not even known it. I stood up, stumbling to regain my balance. “She’s okay,” the crowd of teens echoed in whispers. Angelo made his way to the three doctors standing outside of Ms. Romano’s closed bedroom door. “What should we do?” he asked, “You know, to keep this from getting worse.” The woman doctor stepped up. “You just need to make sure she doesn’t go to sleep tonight. Keep her awake, okay. Sleep is dangerous in her condition.” Angelo nodded, taking in the information. The guy doctor took charge. “You kids need to go to sleep. I need to talk to them…alone,” he said. They all reluctantly obeyed, and went on their ways to the bedrooms. I followed them, lagging behind. As soon as I was up the stairs – with everyone else already in their bedrooms – I remembered that my dress and jacket were on the coat rack. I quietly made my way down the steps again, but stopped when I spotted two doctors, and Bettina and Angelo coming out to the front door. I hid behind a pillar on the staircase. I wanted to hear what they were talking about. “Her condition is getting worse each day. We’ll give her everything we can to make her comfortable, but at her age, it’s almost impossible to stop the cancer from spreading.” The doctor stopped talking so that Bettina and Angelo could take in everything that was being said. I did to. This was so horrible. “Just make sure the doctors are watching her every minute of every day,” the nurse continued. Bettina nodded. The two nurses turned to leave. Bettina and Angelo exchanged a few words. Then Bettina turned. Her eyes landed right on me. And she knew I’d heard everything that had been said.

8/21/2012 8:50:30 PM | Report

fungirl123 Oooh, I just got an idea!! ^.^

8/21/2012 4:21:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 Argh...I didn't get to it yesterday. :-) I need some inspiration. What kind of stuff should happen when they're getting their dresses? ^.^

8/19/2012 2:23:32 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Okay, cool!

8/18/2012 7:39:08 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - no problem! ^.^ I'll try to write today. :-)

8/18/2012 12:51:40 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Bahaha, no problem. @Haley Thank you! :)

8/17/2012 11:54:39 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Whoops... My bad. :P Lol.

8/17/2012 10:39:52 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - thank you! <3 And your post was short but sweet. ^.^

8/16/2012 8:06:30 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGIrl @Haley I like the dress btw. :)

8/16/2012 5:23:51 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGIrl Haha thank you Caitlyn. ;)

8/16/2012 5:00:25 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Felicity- Great post!(:

8/16/2012 4:15:25 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Not my best post. :/ Gotta go finish my homework.

8/16/2012 3:13:14 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ A day past and today was my birthday. Gabby was just about to leave and Natasha and I still hadn’t made up. “Are you sure you can’t stay for tonight?” I ask her. “No, I’m sorry. My mom’s making me go back because she doesn’t want me to miss anymore school,” Gabby explained. “Okay. Well, I will miss you so much,” I say while hugging her. “Will miss you too,” She says. Gabby grabs her bags and follows Angelo out to his car. I wave as the car begins to pull out of the driveway. I sigh; I was really going to miss her. I go up to my room and as I stepped through the door, my foot hit something. I look down and see an envelope that says, “Felicity.” I shut my door and pick the letter up. It was from Natasha. I felt a tear go down my cheek as I read the poem. I needed to talk to her, right now. How could I had been so mean to her? “This is a friendship that will never end,” She had said in the note. I knock on her door and she opens it. “Felicity?” She says. “Hey,” I say while whipping a tear away. “Come in.” I walk into her room and she shuts the door. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I feel like such a brat right now,” I tell her. “No, I’m sorry. Those things were true! I needed to check myself,” She says. “Well, I guess we were both wrong. I just want to be friends again,” I explain. “Me too.” We hug. Natasha lets go and smiles. “So, are you excited about the dance?” She asks. “Of course! We should pick out dresses together!” I say. “Good idea!” *Later* “Happy birthday to you!” My friends sang to me. I laugh when their finished. “Let’s eat!” I say. After I got a piece of cake, Seth pulled me to the dining room. Of course, no one was there. Everyone was outside. “Hey,” I say. He smiles. “Happy birthday,” He says. “Seth, you’ve told me that a million times already! You woke me up at six this morning!” I say with a laugh. “That’s true but I just love you so much. Close your eyes,” He says. I do as he says. “Okay.” He pushed my hair to the side and put a necklace around me. I open my eyes and look down at it. It was beautiful. On the back of it, it said; “You will hold my heart forever.” I smile. “I love you,” I say. “I love you too,” He says. We walk back to the others, hands locked together.

8/16/2012 3:12:35 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Sure.

8/16/2012 2:27:40 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - can you write about Felicity reading the note Natasha gave her? ^.^

8/15/2012 8:51:50 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll post tomorrow. :)

8/15/2012 7:46:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- You're welcome! :)

8/15/2012 7:00:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - why, thank you! :-D

8/15/2012 5:06:22 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- You have good taste then(; Lol. :)

8/15/2012 1:58:13 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - that's nice of you to say! :-D I helped her pick it out. ^.^

8/15/2012 1:09:16 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Your sister's Prom dress was really pretty<3 :)

8/15/2012 12:44:21 PM | Report

fungirl123 Haha, I know this is totally random, but I was looking at dresses just for fun, and I saw the dress that my older sister wore for her Prom. I'm not actually going to use it for Tasha, but I just thought it'd be fun to show y'all. LINK: http://www.debshops.com/strapless-beaded-prom-dress-with-floral-print-underlay/1000025430,default,pd.html?cgid=3074

8/15/2012 12:36:45 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yeah, I love the uniqueness (although not the feathers; forget that part of the dress)! :-) All the colors incorporated in are gorgeous. ^.^ But my sister's Prom dress was really nice (and big) and only $175...!

8/15/2012 10:35:12 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- It's pretty!(: But not my style at all :P And yeah that is expensive..

8/15/2012 10:18:55 AM | Report

fungirl123 Found the perfect gown for Natasha (and me if I ever find all that money. *sighs*): http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD755496

8/14/2012 8:48:49 PM | Report

fungirl123 I love looking at dresses and envying the girls who actually get to wear them... ;-)

8/14/2012 8:39:41 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yup! :P

8/14/2012 7:57:32 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Sounds good! :)

8/14/2012 5:52:42 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yeah, I was planning on waiting for Toni to write. The thing with Alex is planned for the end (at Prom). :-) Maybe for now I'll just explore dresses for Natasha...

8/14/2012 4:03:08 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! <3 And I think that sounds good. Is Natasha ever going to makeup with Felicity and Alex? You could write about that... :)

8/14/2012 3:24:05 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post, by the way! <3

8/14/2012 3:15:41 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yeah, I was planning for it to be after Prom - near the end of the school year. :-) What do you think?

8/14/2012 3:15:07 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} “I love you,” I said, pressing my forehead against Mason’s. “I love you even more,” he said. Then his lips crashed into mine again, his arms wrapping even more tightly around my waist. I was just starting to realize that it had never felt right when I was with Cicero. But now that I was with Mason… everything felt so peaceful and calm. I loved him more than I ever thought I could love anyone in my entire life. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. We both pulled back immediately. “I’ll go see who that is,” I murmured, walking towards the door. Mason followed after me. As soon as my hand was on the doorknob, his arms were back around my waist, his head resting above mine. I opened the door to find Natasha standing there. As soon as her eyes landed on Mason and me, she looked shocked. “A-Are you two a couple?” “Yep,” Mason answered. I giggled. “Okay, good for you two,” she chirped quickly, “But I need to borrow Caitlyn really quick!” Mason looked like he was about to protest, but before either of us could reply, Natasha grabbed my wrist and pulled me into her bedroom. I stared at her, my nose scrunching up in confusion. “Listen, I wrote a… a poem for Felicity,” she said. “Why?” I asked, clearly not seeing why she would want to write a poem and tell me about it. “I miss her and I want her to be my friend again!” she defended. I raised an eyebrow at her. They were still having their little argument? “Can you read it?” Natasha asked, handing me her laptop. I shrugged. “But you have to read it to me, Natasha.” She frowned, but obeyed. As she read it, I felt my eyes popping open with disbelief. Since when did Natasha write? She had never told me she wrote! But then again, we weren’t exactly close. When she finished, my mouth dropped open. “Since when do you write?” “I’ve always been a writer,” she replied with a shrug. Like it was nothing when it so was. “But that’s not important,” she went on, “What did you think of the poem?” I considered it for a moment, trying to find the right words. “I love it. Go give it to her!” I said finally. Natasha nodded and I left, hurrying back into my room to where Mason was waiting. “What was that about?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. “She just wanted me to read something for her,” I said with a shrug. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and locked my lips with his. *** “It looks as if someone’s birthday is today,” Angelo exclaimed, walking into the dining room. I watched Felicity smile bashfully, my own smile slowly spreading across my face. We all huddled around Felicity, singing Happy Birthday. Mason’s hand was laced with mine, my head resting on his shoulder. “LET’S EAT!” Felicity shouted through her laughter. Every now and then, Lizzie would glance at me. Cicero had tried to call me, but I just ignored them. But now, by this point, he had quit trying. Lizzie had tried to say she was sorry, but I had just ignored her, too. *** “Let’s go,” Mason said, giving me one last kiss before leading me down the stairs. “I’m so glad we’re a couple now, Mason. I don’t know what I would do without you,” I said cheerfully. He smiled. “And I definitely couldn’t live without you, Caitlyn,” he said. We sat down at the table in the dining room, holding hands under the table. It had been about a week since Felicity’s birthday and nothing much had happened. No one was in their best mood, that was for sure. But then Bettina announced that someone was coming to see us. And right through the kitchen door came a figure in a wheelchair. As soon as I saw her, I knew who it was. Sure, her skin had paled and she had lost a lot of weight. She looked delicately frail. But I would recognize her anywhere. A person in purple scrubs came behind her, pushing in the wheelchair. “We’re paying for at-home treatment,” Ms. Romano croaked, already breathless. I felt tears sting my eyes. She was so weak and there was nothing any of us could do about it. I knew that most people her age died from cancer, but I refused to think that she would. No. She would make it. But I managed a smile, because everyone else in the room was smiling at her. And everyone’s moods had already lightened. She was finally home! “Since I know that your year here in Rome is almost over, I have an announcement. You don’t have a spring formal-other wise known as Prom, I think- so I thought that maybe we could have one here.” Everyone beamed. Already, I could see the excitement. “I have it planned to be on April fifteenth.” All through dinner, all that I could talk about was the dance. Mason seemed just as excited as me and everyone else in the room. Already, I was thinking about my dress. I had a phone call to make.

8/14/2012 3:08:52 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Maybe you could write about Ms. Romano dying? Or is she going to die after the "prom" ?

8/14/2012 2:40:37 PM | Report

fungirl123 I don't really know what to write about next... :-(

8/14/2012 2:10:08 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- You're so welcome! <3

8/10/2012 5:38:56 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awh, thank you! <3

8/10/2012 4:16:09 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Awesome posts! :D And I loved the poem, by the way. I'm not a poet either, but yours was really good! :)

8/10/2012 3:56:04 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ “It looks as if someone’s birthday is today,” Angelo exclaimed, walking into the dining room. Felicity smiled bashfully. “And we have cake!” He dimmed the lights in the room as Bettina lit each of the seventeen candles. We were all huddled around Felicity. “Happy birthday to you…,” we all began loudly. Once we were finished, Felicity bent over the table and blew out each of the candles. “LET’S EAT!” she shouted through her laughter. She still hadn’t talked to me about the poem I wrote for her. Maybe she DID think it sounded foolish. Oh well. At least I knew. I declined the cake that Seth offered me. “What’s wrong, Natasha?” he asked. “Everything.” Maybe Felicity never told him about our fight. “Does somebody need a hug?” he asked playfully. I nodded and let him hug me. Maybe this was one friend that never DID leave because of my horrible personality. “Tell Felicity happy birthday for me. I’m going to sleep.” I turned around and left the dining room. I kept my head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone who passed me on the staircase. I was surprised when I ran right into someone. Someone who was Alex. “Uh…hey,” I mumbled, my voice small and awkward. “I was just going to see y—never mind.” He gave a dismissive wave of his hand before brushing past me quickly. That night, I went to sleep, feeling so idiotic for trying to make nice with Felicity. I turned over in bed, looking out the window at the stars as a tear slid from the corner of my eye. **** The next morning at breakfast, Felicity was gone. She was dropping her friend off at the airport. She was supposed to be back in an hour or so. The next few days were a drag. No one was truly in a good mood…or at least they didn’t show it outside their bedrooms. But then a week later at dinner, Bettina announced something great. Or at least she announced SOMEONE. Through the kitchen door came a frail figure in a wheelchair. Her skin had paled and she had noticeably lost a lot of her weight. A person in purple scrubs was bringing her in. It was Ms. Romano. “We’re paying for at-home treatment,” she croaked, breathless. I could tell that her condition wasn’t improving. I felt a lump in my throat. The tough-as-nails woman who had paid partly for me to BE in Italy was so weak and feeble. But the only thing in the room was smiles. And I realized that this was a really happy day! Ms. Romano was home. She no longer had to be in a room at the cancer facility. “Since I know that your year here in Rome is almost over, I have an announcement. You don’t have a spring formal – otherwise known as Prom, I think – so I thought that maybe we could have one here.” The smiles in the room broke into full out beams. “I have it planned to be on April fifteenth.” As we ate that night, all that was talked about was the coming dance.

8/10/2012 2:14:48 PM | Report

fungirl123 Okay, the poem that I talked about in this is kind of dumb. I’m not good at poetry. I got the idea from one of my writing pen pals. We’re both not huge poets, but she was the only person there to help me at that moment. :-P ~Natasha~ I stared at my computer screen. I had an old Microsoft Office Word document up. I hadn’t worked on this piece since I was ten. It was kind of lame looking back at it. A poem about a girl on my YMCA basketball team when I was ten. It was called Julia. But maybe if I tweaked it and finished it, it could be about Felicity. Was it lame to write a poem for someone you wanted to be your friend again? I ran my eyes over it. The first line was so superfluous: “Julia, you’re my best friend”. I hadn’t spoken to the girl SINCE I was ten-years-old. The poem was only four lines, and soon, I found myself completely re-writing it. But I needed someone else to look at it and tell me it wasn’t completely stupid and that Felicity wouldn’t just laugh at me when she read it. I rose from my computer chair and walked through my bathroom. I rapped my knuckles on Caitlyn’s door. She opened it. Mason was behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist and his head resting over hers. “A-Are you two a couple?” I asked in shock. I had never thought they’d actually be together, even if they obviously had something for each other. “Yep,” Mason said. Caitlyn giggled. “Okay, good for you two,” I chirped quickly, “But I need to borrow Caitlyn really quick!” Before either of them could answer, I pulled Caitlyn by the wrist into my bedroom. She looked at me, her nose all scrunched up in confusion. “Listen, I wrote a…a poem for Felicity,” I said, feeling quite idiotic. “Why?” “I miss her and I want her to be my friend again!” I defended. Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at me. “Can you read it?” I asked, handing her my laptop with the document window on it. She shrugged. “But you have to read it to me, Natasha.” I frowned, but complied. “Like the air we breathe, friendship is something we need. A common goal; the spark in our soul. Shedding tears; sharing fears. Wishing each other the best of luck, when the times get tough. Diamond sharpens diamond just like a friend sharpens a friend. This is a friendship that will never end.” Caitlyn’s jaw dropped. “Since when do you write?” she asked. “I’ve always been a writer,” I replied, shrugging, “But that’s not important. What did you think of the poem?” She considered it in her head for a moment. “I loved it. Go give it to her!” I nodded, and sat back down on my bed to download it onto my flashdrive. **** It was completely printed out and ready. I folded it up neatly. A box was tied around it with “Felicity” drawn out in a cute design. I had just watched Felicity go into her room with that one visitor of hers – I think it was her friend Gabby – so she would get to read it right away. I casually walked past her room, not wanting anyone else in the house to see what I was doing. I dropped it beside my foot and kicked it under Fliss’s door. Now I only had to wait. (Note: Sorry this was so short. I’ll write more later today! ^.^)

8/10/2012 12:59:12 PM | Report

fungirl123 Okay, I'll start working on it right after I'm done eating my lunch... ;-)

8/10/2012 11:43:42 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley Good idea and thanks. :)

8/9/2012 9:43:05 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @LovelyDays111- Lol, it's okay. And that sounds good(:

8/9/2012 5:36:21 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- I love that idea! It sounds really good. :D

8/9/2012 5:35:34 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - great post! :-) So, everyone, I had an idea to run by y'all. First, I just wanted to clarify that Ms. Romano does die, right? I mean, it's 9/10 chances she'll die from cancer at her age. It's a bit too late to heal her of it. :-( It’d be the realistic thing to do, right? Going along with that, I thought that maybe since Ms. Romano knows that she doesn’t have much longer, she wanted to end the school year – and the kids’ time in Rome – with a bang. ;-) So she throws them a Prom in her own ballroom…knowing that they would never get to have a Junior Prom at their own schools. What do you guys think? ^.^ I was writing down a ton of ideas while I was away in my journal. :-P

8/9/2012 4:10:58 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- You're welcome. :)

8/8/2012 3:29:50 PM | Report

LovelyDays111 taylorswiftfan: omg sorry i kept giving you the wrong answers!! well when you have time, you can become an officer for the club and write. :) thanks, Feli

8/9/2012 3:55:28 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Payton thanks. :)

8/8/2012 1:13:02 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! :)

8/8/2012 11:42:50 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ The next day, I was laying on my bed painting my nails when I heard a knock on my door. “Yes?” I say while sitting up. “Felicity, you have a visitor,” I hear Bettina’s Italian voice say. I remembered the surprise my mom talked about. Was my mom really here? I hurry of my bed and open the door to find Bettina and..Gabby? “Surprise!” Gabby yells then hugs me. “What are you doing here?” I ask with a smile. “Your mom contacted me and thought you’d like for me to come!” She says. “Well, I AM!” I say. Bettina smiles and walks away. “How long are you staying?”” I ask as we walk into my bedroom. “Well, your mom talked to that Angelo guy and he said I could stay until your birthday so about two days,” She explains. “Okay, cool,” I say. “So, can you please introduce me to your boyfriend? And your friend Natasha!” She asks. “Uh, sure with Seth but Natasha and I..We’re kind of fighting.” “Oh,” She says. I fake smile. “Well, let’s go see Seth!” I say. We walk downstairs and go out to the basketball court. Seth had said earlier that him and Alex were going out to play. “Hey guys,” I say. “Hey,” Seth says while walking towards us with Alex by his side. They were both sweaty. “This is my best friend from California. Her name is Gabby. This is Seth,” I point to him. Seth was now by my side. “And this is Alex.” “Nice to meet you,” Seth says. “You too,” Gabby says. Alex smiled. “Well, we’re going to get back to basketball. Would you like to join?” Seth asks. “Two problems with that, I’m wearing a dress and Gabby just got here. We need our girl talk,” I say with a laugh. “Right. Well, see you later.” Seth gives me a kiss on the cheek and walks off with Alex. “He’s cute and so is his friend,” Gabby says. I smile. “But, I’m not into history nerds,” She jokes. “We’re not nerds!” I laugh. “Please Felicity, you have to be extremely smart to get invited here!” I roll my eyes and we walk off, laughing.

8/7/2012 8:56:20 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Okay. Ima write about Felicity's old best friend coming. :)

8/7/2012 8:21:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay, I was just wondering. :)

8/7/2012 10:33:43 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Sure. :)

8/7/2012 10:23:44 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Is there going to be a party for Felicity's birthday at the mansion? :) I wasn't sure, so I just thought I'd ask you.

8/6/2012 10:26:53 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley have fun! :)

8/5/2012 5:54:31 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Have fun! <3

8/5/2012 5:13:48 PM | Report

fungirl123 I leave for vacation tonight! :-) I won't be writing again until Thursday. :-( Talk to you guys soon, though! <3

8/5/2012 3:14:10 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @LovelyDays111- Thanks!(: @Haley- Thanks!! ^.^

8/5/2012 11:24:45 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awh, so cute! ^.^ I love Mason and Caitlyn!

8/4/2012 9:25:34 PM | Report

LovelyDays111 aww! Thats really sweet! :)

8/4/2012 10:36:34 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} It had only been a few days since Jackie had left, but those her advice remained locked in my mind. I knew she was right, of course, but I was afraid of losing Mason. I had never feared of losing someone before, especially a boy. That’s how I knew what I was feeling was real. I couldn’t even look at Mason without getting butterflies in my stomach. It was all so weird. As I lied in bed that night, looking up at the ceiling, I told myself I would do it tomorrow. I would tell Mason how I felt. *** I knocked lightly on Mason’s bedroom door. It opened and Mason looked out at me. He was at least six foot tall, and with his dark brown hair and sparkling blue eyes, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t fallen for him sooner. “What’s up?” he asked, letting me into his room. I twisted my hands together. “Oh, I was just thinking… Maybe we could go visit Ms. Romano? We have some time before dinner,” came my small reply. “Sure,” he agreed. He pulled his sweatshirt on over his head and then led the way. I was planning on telling him my feelings later, before we got back to the mansion. *** On the elevator ride up, I did my best at starting a casual conversation. “I wonder how Ms. Romano is doing. I feel so bad for her.” “Me too,” he admitted. “One minute she was doing just fine, and the next she was fainting on the tennis court,” I said, leaning my back against the wall of the elevator. Before he could even answer, the door opened. “What room is she in again?” I asked him. “D12.” We walked down the hallway in silence, my shoes clacking noisily on the ground. Finally, we stopped in front of the door. I knocked on it. “Come in,” Ms. Romano called. Mason opened the door and we stepped through. I was a little surprised by how nice it was. “Hello, Mason. Hello, Caitlyn,” she said, snapping my attention back to her. I smiled and said, “Hi.” “Hey, Ms. Romano. Caitlyn figured we should stop by and visit you,” Mason said. “Do you like it here?” I asked, looking around the room once more. “Yes, I do. It’s very nice and so much better than the hospital room I was in before.” “I’m glad you like it, Ms. Romano! I think that it would be a LOT more comfy,” I said. “Sit down, kids. Make yourselves at home,” she answered. *** “Well, we’re back,” Mason said. We came to a halt in front of the mansion steps, and I gazed up at it with a new appreciation for it. “Let’s go inside,” Mason said, beginning to walk once again. “No! Wait, Mason!” I cried urgently. He turned around quickly and looked at me with concern. “Is something wrong?” he asked. He was only a few inches away from me and my head was spinning. “No,” I said, taking a huge breath. This was it. No backing out now. “Mason, I can’t stop thinking about you, and my feelings have been driving me insane for the past few days. My sister told me I should just tell you the truth, so here it goes.” His eyes got a little bigger. “I love you, Mason. I’m crazy about you. I think you’re amazing and sweet and funny… I never thought I would feel like this about you, but I do! Before Rome, I thought you were kind of annoying, but not anymore. And after the other night, when I ran into you on the streets, I realized that I’ve loved you this entire time. Not Cicero, but you! And it’s just so weird, because I can’t look at you without getting butterflies. I know I’ve dated a lot of guys in the past, but you’re different somehow. It’s crazy, but true.” I was rambling by this point, my feelings all just tumbling out in no particular order. “You probably don’t even LIKE me. But if you don’t, it’s okay. I’ll just have to find someone else someday, no matter how hard it is,” I went on. But when I saw his surprised expression, I said, “I know. You don’t like me. Let’s just go inside and pretend this never—“ I was interrupted by his lips crashing against mine. My eyes went huge with surprise, but then they fluttered closed. When we pulled apart, he smiled. “Caitlyn, of course I love you. I’ve liked you since High School started. I just never thought you would like me back so I didn’t say anything.” “Really?” I squeaked. “Really,” he said. He drew me back towards him, so my chest was flat against his. “I love you,” I whispered. “I love you too.” Our lips crushed together, and I enjoyed the moment until Mason pulled back. “We should probably be getting inside… It’s almost dinner time.” I nodded happily, and we walked inside, our hands laced together.

8/4/2012 8:30:15 PM | Report

MountainLover456 Awwwwwwwwwww!!!!! Some Cason action!!!!! (Mason + Caitlyn= Cason!!!!)

12/6/2012 5:08:38 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Kk!(:

8/4/2012 7:29:23 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - no probz! :-D

8/4/2012 6:24:54 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Payton Followed you :) And lemme know if you make a new one because sometimes I don't follow back everyone. :) Oh and thanks! :) I just took that picture today! @Haley Haha thanks. :)

8/4/2012 6:18:53 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - great post! :-) I checked out both of your Tumblrs, BTW. :-D

8/4/2012 5:25:16 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Oh, and this is mine. :P http://flyingsparks13.tumblr.com/ :) It's just a mix of stuff I like; so mainly Taylor Swift and The Hunger Games. But I'm gonna make a personal one if I can.:)

8/4/2012 5:10:47 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post!(: And I've been thinking about making another tumblr... But I'll follow you on my old one, too, and then if I get a new one I'll follow you on that one. Btw, I saw that picture of you on there. You're really pretty!(:

8/4/2012 5:09:03 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Payton Thanks! And I just made one a few weeks ago and I just thought, "Hey, doesn't Payton have one?" So yeah, haha here's the link to mine http://girlygirlswag.tumblr.com/ :)

8/4/2012 4:52:37 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ I was beginning to wonder if I had been a little harsh with Natasha. We hadn’t been talking at all. The words I’d said to her weren’t leaving my mind at all and, her face when I said them to her. I was losing my best friend but I couldn’t turn back now and I guess, part of it had been true, she was being a hypocrite. I jump at my phone vibrating. “Hello?” I answer it. “Hey honey!” It was my mother. “Oh, hi mom,” I say. “How are you?” I was about to tell her about what happened with Natasha and I, but I decide not to. “Good, how are you?” “Oh, you know, I’m getting by. Anyways, I have a surprise coming tomorrow since your birthday is in a few days! My little girl is going to be 16 years old! Can you believe it?” To be honest, I had completely forgotten about my birthday. Right at that moment, Bettina yelled and said it was time for breakfast. “Thanks mom, but you don’t have to. I have to get to breakfast now, sorry,” I tell her. “Oh, it’s no problem! Okay, bye.” I walk downstairs and go to breakfast. Instead of my usual seat next to Natasha and Seth, I had switch with one of Seth’s friends and sat on the other side of my boyfriend. “Caitlyn has a visitor at the moment so she is excused for a few minutes,” Angelo told us. After breakfast, I’d go upstairs and do nothing. How pathetic was I being?

8/4/2012 4:48:17 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- That sounds like a great idea to me! Can't wait to read what you write(: And yes, I still have a tumblr<3

8/4/2012 4:45:17 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Btw, do you still have a tumblr Payton? :)

8/4/2012 4:31:23 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I just had a idea. Since Natasha and Felicity are fighting and Felicity's birthday is coming up, Felicity's mom sends Felicity's best friend from home to Rome to stay a few days? What do you think? If you don't like it, please ignore my next post. :)

8/4/2012 4:20:51 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I just remember that Felicity's birthday is in march. Do you all think we should post anything about it or? I mean, since there's like a lot of drama going on.

8/4/2012 4:09:21 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I feel so bad for not posting in so long! :( I'm writing RIGHT now.

8/4/2012 3:59:22 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- You're welcome. :P

8/3/2012 7:59:08 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - thank you! :-P

8/3/2012 3:24:23 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post!(:

8/3/2012 2:44:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 This paragraph should be short because I didn’t actually plan out this part; it just popped into my head at the last minute. :\ ~Natasha~ I took a deep breath, feeling my hand against the wall of the large, dark elevator. “Natasha?” Arleta called, sounding as if she was hyper ventilating. “I’m right here,” I said. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. I clicked it on. Light filled the small space instantly. That was when I saw Arleta huddled up in the corner of the elevator, her head buried in her knees. “Are you okay, Arleta?” I asked, putting my hand on her knee. “I’m terrified of the dark…and small spaces.” I held up my cell phone, illuminating her face. “Look. It’s not dark anymore,” I soothed. Arleta’s expression softened. For awhile, we both just sat on the floor of the elevator. I was feeling a bit freaked out myself, wondering when we’d get out. I didn’t have any cell phone service, so I couldn’t call anyone. “So…you were going to visit my aunt, weren’t you?” Arleta asked, snapping me from my thoughts. “Yeah, I think I just needed someone to talk to.” “You can talk to me if you want to,” Arleta said, catching me off guard a bit. But it was sweet, after I thought about it for a moment. “Well, I’m kind of a really selfish person. I’ve hurt a few people a lot,” I said, picking at my nail bed absentmindedly. “Oh, I know that feeling.” I looked at Arleta. “Really?” She nodded. “My parents always taught me growing up that you have to be tough on people in order to gain respect. I think I took that to a whole other level. I don’t have a lot of friends,” she said, sounding almost pained. “So we have something in common.” “I don’t know how my family deals with me. I’m kind of a control freak,” Arleta said, sighing. “Me, too.” For awhile after that, we just mostly sat in silence. “So, who have you hurt?” Arleta asked. “This girl who used to be my best friend. Then these two guys. One of them I was – er – kind of, I guess, dating. The other…I don’t even know about Alex. He likes – LIKED – me. I don’t even know how I feel about him.” “Well, it sounds like you like him,” she said. I shrugged. Suddenly, there was a banging sound, then a crack, and a jolt. The lights flickered back on. The door opened and we were on the fourth floor. Arleta stood up. “Nice talking to you,” she said over her shoulder as she walked out of the elevator. “You, too,” I called after her. I made my way down to Ms. Romano’s room behind Arleta. Her room was like a bedroom. With a recliner chair, TV, a couch, and a bathroom. When she saw me, her face brightened up a bit. “Nice to see you, Natasha.”

8/3/2012 12:36:52 PM | Report

fungirl123 @LovelyDays11 - I posted the instructions on your profile! :-P

8/3/2012 10:30:16 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks<3

8/2/2012 6:47:23 PM | Report

LovelyDays111 Hey! how do you post comments that long i just made a writers club and it would be great to know. thx!

8/2/2012 11:17:55 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! <3

8/2/2012 6:35:21 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} When I walked back up into my room, I was surprised how quickly Jackie had cleaned it. She had organized my dresser, the cosmetics and many bottles of perfume in a neat row. She had thrown all my dirty clothes in the hamper, picked up my shoes and put them back in the closet, and placed my fashion magazines on the nightstand in a neat stack. Now, she was calmly perched on the edge of my bed, tapping away on her iPhone. “Jackie! How did you clean this all up so fast?” I asked, surprised. She looked up with a smile. “Let’s just say I have a lazy roommate in college, who never helps clean up. I’ve had enough practice by now.” I nodded, and she looked back down at her phone and continued doing whatever she was doing. I flopped facedown onto my bed and moaned. “What’s wrong, little sister?” Jackie asked. “Stuff.” What was I supposed to say? That she was right, I had loved Mason this time but I was too stupid to admit it earlier? “Stuff? What’s that mean?” she asked. When I didn’t answer, she tapped my shoulder. “Caitlyn?” I sat upright and sighed, rubbing my forehead. “I like someone else now.” “But… you just got out of a relationship with Cicero!” she protested, looking completely shocked. I shrugged. “I can’t help it.” She put her phone back in her purse and looked at me with a confused expression on her face. “Who is it?” she inquired. “Mason,” I replied. “The guy that yelled at you over Christmas Break?!” Jackie cried. “He didn’t yell at me. He just told me I needed to apologize for the whole Winter VS Reynolds Issue,” I said, crossing my arms. “OH MY GOD! I was right! I just KNEW you liked him!” my sister cried. She actually had the nerve to get up and dance around the bedroom, yelling, “I knew it! You love him!” “Jackie, stop!” I cried. She stopped immediately, and sat back down on my bed across from me. “When did you figure out you liked him?” “Friday night. We ran into each other and I yelled at him because I thought he was Cicero.” My sister looked even more confused by that statement. “How did you think that? They’re totally different!” My cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I was imagining stuff, okay? I was cold and in a bad mood,” I said dryly. I cleared my throat and went on. “Anyways, he comforted me and that’s when I realized it. I love him. And it’s different than all the other guys I’ve dated in the past. This is like… real.” My sister’s eyes popped. “Wow. I never thought I would hear you say that.” “Stop! I can be normal for once,” I whined. She rolled her eyes and said, “So, did you tell him how you feel?” “NOOOO!” I practically yelled. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “And why not?” “Because. I know he doesn’t like me in the same way. We’re just friends… and we weren’t even that until this stupid trip!” I said. “You never know,” Jackie said. There was a brief silence. “What are you going to do?” Jackie asked finally. “What SHOULD I do? I’m asking you for advice, Jackie!” “Oh. Right,” she said. She thought about it, and then spoke. “You should just tell him, hun. He’ll understand, if he’s as great as you make him sound. “He isn’t great! HE’S AMAZING!” I said. “See? Told you,” Jackie said. “Ugh, Jackie. I can’t just tell him. This is for reals.” “Just tell him. You might be surprised,” Jackie said. I began to protest, but she held up a hand. “Even if he doesn’t feel the same way about you, there are other guys out there that will appreciate how amazing you are. As Mom would say, there are lots of fish in the sea!” Jackie said, mimicking my mother’s French accent and everything. I laughed a little, but then stopped. “But what if I lose a friend?” I asked quietly. “That’s just a risk you’ll have to take,” Jackie said.

8/2/2012 5:41:51 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post!(:

8/2/2012 5:22:07 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ I needed some fresh air. Not feeling up to dressing for the day, I settled with a pair of slouchy skinny jeans and a black sweater, along with Vans and a gray fedora. My comfortable style. After my talk with Crystal, I had spent three days slowly trying to return to normal. But it seemed like whenever I tried to talk to Felicity, she was busy with something else or in her bedroom. Oh well. I pushed open the heavy front door of the mansion, some spending money for lunch in my pocket. The frigid March air hit me like a ton of bricks. I pulled my hat down over my eyes and tightened my sweater around me. I jogged down the steps of the house and was soon out on the sidewalk, cars rolling past me and dogs barking behind fences. The cold air was like my heart. I was a cold-hearted human. Maybe visiting Ms. Romano would make me feel better. Maybe it’d change me. I rounded a corner that led onto Linden Street, which was the street that the cancer facility was on. I don’t know how I had learned the streets of a whole different city so quickly. I barely knew the streets of Boston. The doorman at the facility opened the door for me. “Morning, miss,” he greeted. That was one of the first good things someone had said to be in the past week. It felt good, even if I didn’t know the man. “Good morning, mister.” The cancer facility was like a giant hotel. They had moved Ms. Romano here not long ago so she could be more comfortable. I sauntered to the front desk and waited for the lady to get off the phone. “Can I help you?” she finally asked. “Yeah, I’m here for Donatella Romano.” She looked through some papers. “Room D12,” she said bluntly. I nodded, turned on my heel, and went for the elevator. I was the only one in it. I leaned up against the wall and began to hum along to the music playing. Just as the elevator door was closing, someone stuck their arm in. “Hold it, please!” a female voice yelped. Instantly, I stuck my foot out in the door to hold it for her as she came in. She wasn’t from the mansion, but she was my age, with dark hair and wearing a cute black dress. “Thank you,” she chirped. “No problem.” Maybe not everyone hated me. Wait—What was I saying? I didn’t even know this girl. “I’m Arleta,” she chirped, extending her thin arm toward me. I gladly took it. “Natasha,” I replied. “You’re not from here, are you? Are you American?” “Yeah. I’m here on an exchange-type program,” I said. “Oh, that’s interesting. I’m from Spain. My family came back to Rome to visit when my great aunt Donna was diagnosed with breast cancer. She actually owns a mansion for the exchange students,” she said, and I finally saw the Spanish in her tone. Wait…Did she just say ‘her great aunt Donna’? “Donatella Romano?” I asked, feeling dumb after. Arleta smiled. “Yes, that’s her! You know her, eh?” I nodded, smiling. “I’ve lived in her house for the entire school year.” Arleta raised an eyebrow. “What an interesting connection.” She closed her eyes contently for a moment, swaying to the music. “I love this song.” It was then that I noticed it was the music academy I had played with that was being played on the radio. “My parents saw these people live when they came to visit a few months ago,” she continued. “Yeah, I played with—“ I was cut off with surprise when, all of the sudden, the lights went out in the elevator and the music stopped. “What the hell!” Arleta cried. I stood frozen for a moment. “Uh-oh.”

8/2/2012 5:16:05 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks(: And yep, it does!(:

8/2/2012 12:37:00 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :-) Seems as if Natasha and Caitlyn have something in common: Loving, but tough, older sisters. :-)

8/2/2012 11:57:48 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I hope you guys don’t mind, but Caitlyn’s sister is going to come visit her and get her out of bed. {Caitlyn} I woke up the next morning, but didn’t bother getting out of bed. I couldn’t let the others see me like this. With a glance at the clock, I realized that breakfast was just starting. I wasn’t even hungry, so I pulled the blanket back over my head. Minutes later, Bettina knocked at the door. “Miss Winter? Are you okay?” she asked. “No, I’m dying,” I said weakly. I heard the door open, and then Bettina’s voice was louder, closer. “What’s wrong?” she asked. I popped my head out from under the blankets. “I just learned that my boyfriend is a dirty, lowdown cheater. That’s all.” She raised her eyebrows with a look of genuine surprise. “You were cheated on?” “Yup. Now go away. I’m going to spend all day up here, since it’s Saturday and all,” I ordered. She hesitated, but obeyed. *** It was Sunday, and I still wasn’t out of bed. Bettina kept checking on me, bringing me food. But I always turned it down and went back to sleep. I wasn’t hungry. I was in too much pain. So when someone knocked on my door, and Bettina said I had a visitor, I rolled my eyes and called, “Come in.” I was so tired of Bettina’s worried, motherly remarks. Besides, who would be visiting me? Was this a joke so she could actually get in? “Caitlyn!” a familiar voice cried. I bolted upright in bed to see my sister, staring at me from the doorway. “Jackie!” I cried, surprised and relieved at the same time. “Why are you still in bed? The others are about to lunch and you’re not even around!” she said, making her way toward me. “I’m dying, Jackie. My heart is broken,” I said. She sat on the edge of my bed. “I know, sweetie. I know.” I burst into tears, and she pulled me into a tight hug. “I can’t believe he did that, Jackie! I hate him,” I sobbed into her shoulder. She let me cry, and when my tears had slowed, she gave me a small smile. “I’m really sorry this happened. I know it hurts really badly, but you’ll have to get out of bed. The world will go on, Catie,” she said. “I’m never getting out of this bed,” I said firmly. “Caitlyn, you have to!” she protested. I buried myself under the covers. “Make me,” I said, my voice muffled against the pillow. “Oh, I’ll make you alright,” she said. I gripped the headboard of my bed tightly, knowing what was about to come. Jackie grabbed my feet and began to pull me out of bed. She had a surprisingly strong grip, I noted. The blanket fell back, revealing my tangled head of hair. “Stop! Stop it!” I cried as she pulled harder. My fingers slipped off the headboard, and Jackie yanked me back so fast I didn’t have time to grab onto anything. I fell backwards, tumbling off the bed and onto the floor. I winced. “Ouch!” “Get up!” Jackie ordered. “No!” I yelled. She grabbed my hands and tried to pull me upward. I kicked her, and she winced, kicking back. As I struggled to remain on the floor, I remembered how we used to argue all the time when we were kids. I felt like I was still five. “Caitlyn! You’re acting like you’re two!” Jackie yelled. “And you’re acting just like yourself! Snobby and difficult!” I yelled back. Her eyes flashed. “Shut up!” “You shut up!” She managed to get me off the floor and she pushed me into the bathroom, where a stunned Natasha was standing at the sink. “Um…” she said. “Caitlyn!” Jackie cried as I wiggled out of her grasp and picked up a cup of water that I had left on the sink the other night. “I dare you to touch me!” I said. Natasha took a few steps back. “You wouldn’t dare!” Jackie said, crossing her arms. “Oh, I think we both know I would, Jackie. In fact, I’ve done far worse!” I said calmly. “Caitlyn Winter, put that down. NOW,” Jackie said, snapping her fingers. “Caitlyn Winter, put that down. NOW,” I said, mimicking her voice. Jackie scowled and dashed towards me. I threw the water at her. “HEY! I’m telling Mom!” Jackie cried. Before I could say anything, she managed to get a firm grasp on my shoulders. “Look at that,” she said, nodding her head to Natasha, “You’re scaring her.” “I’m scaring her?! How about you?” Natasha didn’t really look scared; more like confused and taken aback. “What’s going on?” she asked. “Just trying to get Caitlyn around for the day, since she refuses to get around,” Jackie replied. I scowled as Jackie said, “Sisterly Love.” Natasha raised her eyebrows and left, closing the door behind her. “Take a shower. I’m going to get you some clothes,” she said. Before I could protest, she was back in my bedroom. I rolled my eyes but started a shower. *** I slipped into my outfit (http://www.polyvore.com/sparkle_is_girls_best_friend/set?id=54018505) and then sat down on the stool so Jackie could curl my hair. Once she had finished, I stood up and applied my makeup. “See? Was it that hard?” Jackie asked in a knowing, motherly voice. I rolled my eyes and said, “Whatever. I’m starving.” Jackie smiled and said, “I’m going to reorganize your room since it’s a wreck. You go down and eat lunch.” I smiled at her. “Thanks, Jackie. I’m so glad you’re my sister, even if we do have our ups and downs.” She smiled. “You’re welcome.” By the time I arrived in the dining room, the table was all set. I sat beside Mason, as I normally did, and smiled at him. “I heard all that noise up in your room. What was that about?” he questioned. “Jackie was trying to get me out of bed. Just some sisterly love,” I replied, tucking a curl behind my ear. He smiled, and under the table, our fingers skimmed. I pulled mine back quickly, blushing. Maybe it was time I asked Jackie for a little advice on Mason.

8/2/2012 10:43:24 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thanks(:

8/1/2012 7:00:36 PM | Report

fungirl123 LOL, Payton, not confusing at all. :-) Nice job! ^.^

8/1/2012 5:49:48 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Sorry if that last post was confusing to you or super bad! :o

8/1/2012 2:30:02 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I took off down the sidewalk, my shoes pounding on the pavement. My head throbbed and my heat pulsed rapidly. As I ran, tears spilled down my face. My vision was blurred, and I couldn’t see where I was going. But by this point, I didn’t care where I ended up. As I ran, I tried to sort out my thoughts. But they were so tangled up I couldn’t even think straight. The realization that I had no friends kept repeating in my head, and I couldn’t stop the thoughts. Finally, I gave up trying to think things through and began to wipe away tears as I ran forward. But of course by this point, the tears were falling too fast to keep away. I gave up on that, too. After a while, the air began to grow cold. My steps slowed along with my tears, and I looked around me for the mansion. But it was nowhere in sight. I looked around some more but then realized that I was far away from the mansion and I had no idea where I was. The buildings looked rundown in the dim streetlight, and the air smelled musty. I drew in a breath, wiping a tear off of my face. “Oh, Caitlyn,” I whispered to myself, “What have you gotten yourself into this time?” I trudged forward, praying that I would see something familiar. But I didn’t. Just as I was about to give up, I heard a bark from behind me. I turned around to see a huge dog standing on the sidewalk a few feet behind me, growling menacingly. I let out a small shriek and began to run again. For a while, it followed me, but then it slowed down and I was out of sight. I sat down on the curb for a moment. I was lost and I had left my cellphone at the mansion. How would I ever get home? I wracked my brain for answers, but I felt so confused and miserable I came up with nothing. I got up and raced down the sidewalk. (A:N:/ Caitlyn is basically going to imagine someone is Cicero. Just in case you get confused. I’m not the best at describing!) But suddenly another body collided with mine. “I’m sorry,” I said. I had basically landed into this guy’s arms. “Caitlyn?” he asked. I backed away quickly. “How do you know my name?” I asked, my mind spinning wildly. “It’s me,” he said slowly, sounding confused. I began to cry again, thinking it was Cicero. I was hearing and imagining things. “Go away,” I said as he stepped closer. He reached out a hand to touch me, but I flinched and shoved it away. “Stop!” I wailed. I was freezing cold and lost, and he had followed me this entire time. “Caitlyn, are you okay?” he asked, sounding rather concerned. “No! You hurt me,” I said, more tears falling. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He sounded so confused. “Stop lying, Cicero! I know you’re cheating on me with Lizzie,” I said, sobbing harder with each word. I could hear his Italian accent and everything. “Cicero? I’m Mason!” he cried. “Wha-what?” I stuttered, my tears slowing again. “I’m. Mason,” he said, speaking in a voice that you would use with a two-year-old. “Ohh,” I said, breathing that word with a huge sigh. “Then in that case, I’m sorry.” Mason stood in front of me, his eyes wide. “What the hell is wrong with you?” His voice was sharp, and I was so emotional at the moment that I burst into tears all over again. “What? What’s wrong?” he asked. “H-he-Cicero cheated on me. With Lizzie, my best friend,” I said, sobs wracking my entire body. “Your boyfriend cheated on you… with Lizzie?” he asked, just to be sure he had heard correct. I nodded. He swore and said, “Why?” “I don’t know… I didn’t ask. I just got really mad and broke some glass and yelled at them both,” I said. He wrapped his arms around me, enveloping me into a warm hug. I buried my face in his chest and was surprised to find that he smelled like cinnamon. He let me cry for a while as he stroked my hair. Finally, my tears stopped and I calmed down for a little bit. “What are you doing here, anyway?” I asked, remaining in his arms. “I went on a walk. Couldn’t sleep,” he answered, his voice low. “Funny how we always run into each other,” I said, letting a small laugh escape. We were quiet for a moment more, and then he said, “I guess we’d better be getting back to the mansion. It’s nearing midnight.” “Oh. Right,” I said. He kept an arm around my shoulders as we walked down the sidewalk, and I leaned my head against his shoulder. “Are you going to continue to be friends with Lizzie?” he asked. “Nope.” He nodded. “Good.” We walked in silence until I broke it. “Mason?” “Yeah?” he asked. “I…” I began, gazing up at him. But I couldn’t bring myself to say what I was thinking. Mason would either think I was crazy, or think it was funny. “Never mind,” I said, shaking my head. I couldn’t believe that I loved Mason.

8/1/2012 2:27:42 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- You're welcome(:

8/1/2012 1:50:07 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - why, thank you! ;)

8/1/2012 12:43:51 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Lovely post! (:

7/31/2012 8:24:43 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton – no problem at all, girlie! <3 ~Natasha~ The next morning, I had slept in way past breakfast. It was nearing eleven o’clock when I finally awoke to my BlackBerry buzzing loudly next to me. Grumbling, I looked at the caller identification. MR. BIANCHI blinked it black letters. I hadn’t spoken to this guy since the end of December. Why would he be calling me? Still, I quickly answered. You didn’t want to keep this guy waiting. “Natasha Reynolds,” I greeted, trying to hide the fatigue I was feeling. “Hello, Natasha. This is Mr. Bianchi from the music academy. First, I wanted to say that you did phenomenally at the show a few months ago,” he complimented, the Italian strong in his voice. “Why, thank you.” That was the best thing I had heard all this week. “Now, I called to inform you about our coming summer company. We’ll be traveling all around the world to perform…and collaborating up with some of the world’s best instrumentalists. We would love to have you accompany us on this. It’s all-expense paid by the Roma Scuola del talento musicale e la Sinfonia.” I thought it over for a moment. But all I wanted was to see my family this summer, after spending an entire school year in Italy. “I’ll get back to you in a few days, Mr. Bianchi. Thank you for the offer, though!” “We’ll be in touch. Remember, the music academy is always available for you!” he chirped. “Okay, bye,” I said rather hastily. “Bye.” He hung up. I slumped down on my bed against the headboard. What was I supposed to do? I rubbed my temples, trying to think of a solution. Then it came to me. I went over to my laptop. To my luck, my loving sister Crystal was already on Skype. “What’s up?” she asked, distracted my the work on her desk. “My life sucks.” Her brow furrowed, showing me that she was horribly confused. No one in my family would’ve ever expected me to say such. I had always been the confident, intelligent girl who never lost her strength. What happened to me? “What happened?” Crystal asked, scooting closer to the screen. “Well, it all started with these two boys—“ “BOYS?! Since when do you even make that kind of contact with a male?” she cried. I wanted to laugh – because it WAS funny – but I didn’t have it in me. “Okay, so I got really close to Christopher and Alex. Then I had to make a decision between the two, so I just left them both. I sent Christopher an email. And Alex I just yelled at. I don’t even think ALEX wants to speak to me.” Crystal nodded, comprehending all of the information. As ditzy as Crystal was, she gave some really great advice at times. Especially with friends and boys. I continued my story. “Then this thing happened with this girl named Caitlyn. She was a total jerk at the beginning of the year. She was selling out all those stories about me—“ “THAT Caitlyn?” Crystal yelped angrily, “The girl that seriously messed up your life with all those news stories?” I nodded. “Let me finish.” I gave my older sister a moment to simmer down before I moved on with my story. “So she all of the sudden became – well – good. So I just don’t know what to think about her. She confuses me.” Crystal nodded. “And then I got into a fight about Caitlyn with Felicity. We both used to hate her, and the entire time I was trying to stay positive about her. So when I was a little rude to Felicity about Caitlyn tutoring her, she called me a hypocrite. What do you think, Crystal?” She didn’t respond. “Crystal, please answer. Just be honest,” I begged. She shrugged. “Tasha, it kind of seems like you WERE acting like a hypocrite.” My eyes bulged. “How dare you—“ “You told me to be frank!” I rolled my eyes. “Natasha, your entire life, you’ve lived by the rule to say what you feel. By, number one, sending that boy an email instead of trying to contact him with Skype or even a phone call. It kind of seems as if you were being a coward by simply emailing him.” “But—“ “Here me out, Tash,” Crystal cut in, holding her hand up. I felt like a little girl being told no by her mother for the first time. “You’ve always been super open-minded. Why would you be so taken back by that girl, Caitlyn, when she all of the sudden became a better person?” she interrogated. I hung my head. I was the awful person now – not Caitlyn. “So you’re saying Fliss was right about me? I AM a dreadful human being now. What should I do?” I cried, burying by face in my hands. “I say you apologize to this Felicity girl as soon as you can. And Alex and Christopher and Caitlyn.” I didn’t want to. I SO didn’t want to. But I had to. If I was going to get back on track of being that intelligent, selfless person I was before, I had to do it. “Thanks, Crystal.”

7/31/2012 5:33:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Aww, thank you!! That means a lot!! (: Thanks so much!<3

7/31/2012 5:17:28 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - WOW! :-D That was really great!! You've become a really fantastic writer since you started writing on GL! <3

7/31/2012 4:06:46 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Argh! I had my next post all written out but then I accidentally deleted it. Oh well... :/

7/31/2012 2:26:17 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 This is continued from my last post!(: {Caitlyn} Maybe I was just imagining all of this. Maybe it was a dream. Yes, this was a dream! Now I just needed to wake up and snap back to reality. I pinched myself super hard, and my face twisted with pain as I closed my eyes. After pinching myself for a few seconds, I opened my eyes. My heart sank, because I was still in Cicero’s hallway, right outside his door. And I could still hear Lizzie and Cicero talking softly. “She won’t find out, Liz,” Cicero murmured. I had to press my ear up against the door just to hear his voice. “Are you sure?” Lizzie squeaked. “Yeah,” Cicero said. I waited for more, but all I got was silence. With a determined look, I opened the door and burst through. I flicked on the light to reveal Cicero and Lizzie kissing by the window. But they were too busy to notice the sudden brightness in the room. “Oh my god!” I shrieked, completely surprised. So he was cheating on me! And with my own best friend! At the sudden noise, they both pulled apart and turned towards me. Their mouths dropped open with looks of surprise and panic. “What the heck is going on?” I screeched. “Oh, Catie. It’s not what it looks like!” Lizzie said quickly, beginning to walk towards me. I clenched a fist and glared at her. “So, what is this then? A picnic in the park?” I asked, trying to keep my voice level. But it wasn’t working at all. “Caitlyn, please calm down,” Cicero said gently. “NO! I will NOT calm down! You’ve both been lying this whole time!” I cried, tears threatening to spill. Cicero hastily walked towards me. Before I could even move away, he had pressed his lips against mine. At first, I started to relax. But then I remembered everything and I jerked my body away. “Christopher and Natasha were right! You use women!” I cried, “I should’ve listened to them sooner! But no, I thought you were too good for that. Well, turns out you’re not.” Cicero tried to touch me, but I moved away again. “Caitlyn, you’re the one I want to be with. You’re the one I was with before Lizzie. So can’t you just give me another chance?” he asked. “No,” I said firmly. He looked hurt, but I didn’t care. He deserved it. “I’ve given you enough chances, Cicero. You abandoned me on one of our dates; you ignored my phone calls; you had Lizzie’s phone number, which really bothered me; and your sister was NEVER in the hospital. Do you even HAVE a sister?” I asked, feeling like I was on fire. He slowly shook his head. “You’re even more of a liar than I thought!” I stole a glance at Lizzie, who looked ashamed. “And Lizzie! I thought I could trust you! I thought we were best friends. But once again, I was wrong.” That’s when Lizzie began to cry, too. Cicero glared at her. “Shut up, Liz.” She continued crying quietly, still watching me through her hands which were over her eyes. “Please, Catie. One more chance?” Cicero asked. I shook my head and ripped off the necklace he had given me so long ago off of my neck. (A:N:/ I don’t know I ever wrote he gave her a necklace, so let’s just pretend he did because of what I’m going to make Caitlyn do next.) I fingered the silver chain, all of our memories flooding back through it. But, I realized, we didn’t even have a lot of memories. Cicero lacked in lots of things, but he had especially lacked in spending time with me. “I can’t believe I was so stupid,” I said, my voice softer as I looked up at him. He opened his mouth to say something, but I didn’t let him. Instead, I threw the necklace. It flew through the air, barely missing him. Instead of hitting him, it hit the wall and landed at Lizzie’s feet. “Hey, do you know how expensive that was?” Cicero asked. “I don’t care how expensive it was, Cicero. Cost and love are too different things,” I said. Then I punched him really hard in the face. He winced and stepped back. “That was for being such a jerk.” I glared at Lizzie, too. “You are now my ex- best friend,” I said dryly. Then I eyed both of them with a look of distaste as I backed away towards the door. “Screw you both!” I yelled. Lizzie cried harder. Cicero covered his ears. There was a dresser right beside me, and I swept my hand across it, knocking over books and a glass bowl. The glass broke into a million tiny pieces and I felt the anger fade into sadness. I bolted out the door, shoving past servants. “Miss?” one of them called, but I was already out the door.

7/31/2012 12:18:56 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - no probz! :p

7/29/2012 10:10:52 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks<3

7/29/2012 7:13:08 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - amazing post!!!! <3

7/29/2012 6:55:40 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I’m going to go ahead and write about Caitlyn going to Cicero’s for dinner, but then realizing that he’s cheating on her with Lizzie. I hope that’s okay with everyone. {Caitlyn} It was all arranged. I was going to Cicero’s house the very next day to finally meet his family. I was practically jumping with joy as I searched my closet for an outfit. I needed to make a good first impression, even if they had seen me on TV and in magazines before. Finally, I found the perfect outfit. (http://www.polyvore.com/thailand/set?id=49582746) It wasn’t too glitzy; but it was also pretty cute in my opinion. *** I finished applying my makeup, and then I left. Cicero’s house wasn’t too far away, and I was there in about five minutes. I stared up at it in awe. It was huge, with balconies, stained glass windows that sparkled, and a large, perfect green lawn. I made my way up to the porch and knocked on the door. At once, the door was opened and an Italian woman stared out at me, a smile plastered on her face. “May I help you, Miss?” Didn’t she know who I was? Didn’t she know Cicero was expecting me? “I’m Cicero’s girlfriend, Caitlyn Winter,” I said. The smile faded on her face, and she looked nervous. “Oh, follow me.” As we walked through the magnificent household, I began to wonder where Cicero was. As if reading my mind, she turned around and said, “Cicero is still getting ready, dear.” “Oh.” She led me through a giant dining room with a long table and a gorgeous chandelier. But finally, we were in a smaller, cozier room with plush red couches and cream-colored walls. There was a fireplace, but it remained unlit. “I’ll go tell Cicero you’ve arrived. You just wait here,” she instructed, gesturing to the couch. I slowly sat down and was surprised when I sank down into the material. I sighed happily and closed my eyes, feeling like I was sitting on a cloud. But the servant’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts again, and my eyes popped open. “Miss Winter, Cicero says you’re a day early.” I shook my head. “No I’m not. He said-,” I began, ready to launch into an argument. “He said for you to come Saturday. This is Friday,” she broke in, her eyebrows arched. I thought back to what he had said on the phone. I could’ve sworn he said Friday, but I had been so giddy with the idea of meeting his family that I hadn’t been paying attention. I looked back up at the servant, my cheeks turning bright red. “I’m sorry… I must have gotten my times mixed up. I’ll just come back tomorrow,” I apologized, standing up. She shook her head. “No, Miss Winter, Cicero told me to have you stay here. He’ll be down in a few minutes and his father will be back from work shortly,” she said quickly. She pushed me back onto the couch gently. I smiled a little. “Are you sure?” She nodded and sat down beside me. “Can you tell me what it’s like to be famous?” For the first time, I took a good look at her. She had bronze colored skin, dark brown curls that were tied back into a neat bun at the back of her neck, and bright blue eyes. She was in her late twenties, I figured, and I wondered why she wanted to know. “It’s nice,” I replied. Her smile faded, and I knew she was disappointed with that short answer. I quickly went on, not wanting to seem boring. “I mean, most of the time. I’ve gotten used to people screaming my name and chasing me down the street. I’ve even gotten used to the butlers, the maids, and the limos. But sometimes I wish I was normal, you know? Sometimes I wish my parents cared more. It seems like other parents have these nice, long conversations with their kids at the dinner table, like about school. But all we ever talk about is publicity and my parents’ lines of fashion and electronics. Sometimes I wish I could just be a normal, teenage girl,” I said. She looked awed, which was weird. I was younger than her, but here she was, looking at me like I was pure gold. “Wow…” she said. I forced a smile. “I know that on TV it looks like it’s all fun and games, but it’s not. You have to be careful about what you say and what you do.” She nodded and asked the question. “Do you… do you like being famous?” I shrugged. “Sometimes. I like attention.” She laughed and stood up. “Let me go get you something to drink. Tea or water?” “Tea, please,” I replied, straightening my dress. She smiled and left. Minutes ticked by and she returned. We talked for a while. She told me about her life. She was a mother of two who was trying to make extra money by being a servant to the Morettie’s. She said that it was good pay. I told her about my family; how my mother was a French designer that could be stuck up, and how my father was a genius, but not really a nerd. And then I told her about Jackie, and how she was working with famous celebrities like Katy Perry and Selena Gomez, and how she had always been there for me. By the time I was done, I had drank all of my tea. “Let me get you some more,” she cooed, standing up and going to make more tea. I smiled and looked at the clock, but my smile quickly faded when I realized something. I had been waiting here for an hour, and Cicero wasn’t down yet. Was something wrong? I stood up, ready to go search the upstairs. But a little voice inside my head stopped me. “You can’t do that! It’s wrong!” it cried. I sat back down, but only for a split second because I realized this was going nowhere. I was sitting here, doing nothing! I was supposed to meet Cicero’s parents and siblings. I tiptoed through the hallway and found the huge staircase. I raced up it quickly, praying that the servants wouldn’t here me. I skittered down the hallway and leaned up against a door, breathing a huge sigh as I waited to be caught. A minute passed, but no one came. I sighed and pushed open the door. It was a smaller guest bedroom, but it was empty. I crept down the hallway, wincing when the wooden floorboards creaked. I was halfway down the long hallway with no luck when a familiar, girly voice floated out of a bedroom door. “Oh, Cicero. What if Caitlyn sees us? What if she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore?” I drew in a sharp breath, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. A/N: **I’ll finish later, guys. I have to get off!**

7/29/2012 2:29:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - thanks! :p

7/28/2012 9:05:49 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Great posts, guys! :) I'll try to write soon now that I'm back from vacation.

7/28/2012 4:22:48 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - okay, awesome! :D

7/27/2012 3:49:28 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll post soon. :)

7/27/2012 3:07:41 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - thanks! :D @LovelyDays - LOL, yes, we do. ^.^ Thanks! :p

7/21/2012 2:12:42 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Thank you Haley! Great post! This is going to be interesting. ;) @LovelyDays111 Haha thank you. :)

7/21/2012 1:45:31 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ As I was dabbing the rest of my foundation off, Caitlyn walked in. “I heard your little spat with Felicity earlier today.” Her voice was a cross between her usual I’m-Better-Than-You voice and a new regular teenage girl tone. And I couldn’t tell whether she was trying to amuse herself or if she was actually being empathetic. “Cool,” I said, smearing eyeliner off my temple. Caitlyn groaned. “Argh…You’re doing that all wrong, Natasha.” I could feel my brows crinkle together. “Huh?” Her lips formed a straight line. “You see, when you rub, it creates wrinkles. That’s why you shouldn’t pull.” She smiled, spun on her heel, and left our bathroom. I remained frozen on the slate floor for at least a minute. Then I looked back at the mirror and continued dabbing away the brown smudges of Mac eyeliner. **** It was well past two AM. This wasn’t right. I hadn’t slept all night. I’d spent all night trying to finish Hamlet – which I’d finally ended over four hours ago. But Shakespeare couldn’t quite take my mind off my messed up life. Slowly, I pulled the cream-colored blankets off of me and rose from my bed. Despite the fact that I was wide awake, I still needed to get my walking legs again. A moment after slipping on my pink, faux-fox slippers, I was out my bedroom door. Everyone in the house was fast asleep at this hour. As I walked past Lizzie’s bedroom, I could even hear her talking about Jimmy Choo heels loudly in her sleep. I made my way down the large and winding staircase. The next moment I was sitting out quietly closing the back door of the house. “What brings you here?” I whirled around. I could just barely make out the narrow silhouette in the pitch-blackness of the night. “I needed to think about some things,” I told Felicity, who was sitting on the patio couch, her back to me. “Do we need to talk about something?” I blurted out, feeling incredibly stupid. I had known this girl for way less than a year. “I guess,” she said. I took my seat across from her on a loveseat. “So…” Felicity quickly turned her body so she faced toward me. She was wearing blue pajamas and her hair was pulled back into a messy bun. She had a game face displayed over her expression and her lips formed a straight line. “Look, today I found something about you that YOU don’t even know. You’re a hypocritical, self-possessed teenage girl who claims she knows her own life. But Natasha Reynolds doesn’t. She doesn’t.” Wow. Practically a smack in the face. It literally felt like she had punched me so hard in the mouth that I couldn’t even make out the slightest of words or even sounds. I had never actually known what it was like to be “speechless”. I placed my hands on the arms of my chair and attempted to stand. I failed at first, but then found myself stationary on the concrete of the patio. I shut my eyes tightly, feeling horribly dizzy. When they were opened once again, Felicity had gone back inside. **** I found myself standing in front of my large six-foot-tall bedroom mirror. I was wearing my silky white nightgown with the floral designs along the hem and neckline. I wore either this gown or my navy blue, pink one, or yellow one to bed every night. My hair was in its usual side-braid down my shoulder. I was staring at the same girl from last year. My eyes were the same sea green. I still had the silky raven hair. I hadn’t grown much in the last seven months. But my life had done a three-hundred-sixty degree spin since I’d gotten here. I came here a girl who knew who she wanted to be – Or at least thought she knew. A girl who would rather push people away to achieve her goals than to loose those goals. Then I changed…for the better. But now I was back to that goal-achieving bitch again. And it felt pretty damn lonely.

7/20/2012 10:19:31 PM | Report

LovelyDays111 Wow you guys can write o.O

7/21/2012 1:19:03 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - awesome post, girl!! <3

7/20/2012 8:47:50 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ I had just gotten done with my tutoring with Caitlyn. I was doing so much better and everything was starting to make sense. I walk to Natasha’s room. “Hey,” I say. “What’s up?” She asks. “Well, I just got done with my math tutoring with Caitlyn. It’s really helping,” I say while sitting on her bed next to her. “I can’t believe Caitlyn actually agreed to tutor you,” She says while shaking her head. “She’s actually starting to be nice,” I tell her. “I guess.” I raise my eyebrow at her. “Hey, you’re the one who always said to give Caitlyn a chance and that she would change,” I say. Natasha looks up at me. “Yeah and I still do,” She says. “But you just said that it surprised you? I thought you said you thought she would change?” I say. She sighs. “What’s up with you today?” She asks. “Nothing, it’s just you’re kind of being a hypocrite, Tash,” I say while standing up. She stares at me. “Me? You are the one that always said Caitlyn was a brat and now she’s all nice and stuff?” She says while standing up. “Sorry for giving her a chance, Tasha,” I snap. We stare at each other. “I think you should leave, Felicity.” “No problem.” I turn around and leave, slamming the door. I couldn’t believe her. Ugh! “Whoa! What was that about?” I hear Seth ask. I turn around. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I ask while turning around. “Just looking for you. Thought we could hang out,” He says. “Wow. Finally, someone I can actually have a conversation with,” I mutter. “What was the door slamming about?” “Oh, nothing. I’m glad to see you,” I say and hug him. He gives me a weird look. “Glad to see you too. Want to go downstairs and hang out or something?” He asks. “Sure.”

7/20/2012 8:35:39 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - no problem! :-D

7/20/2012 12:46:16 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thank you. :)

7/19/2012 8:30:13 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :-)

7/19/2012 7:24:41 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} After a game of basketball, we were ready to leave. “You know what, Mason? We should go visit Ms. Romano,” I said. He shrugged. “Okay, that’s fine with me.” We walked to the hospital since it wasn’t too far away from the park. Just as we were walking inside, I remembered something. “Can we visit my boyfriend’s sister? She had surgery and I think it would be a good impression if I went and visited her,” I said. He was quiet for a moment, but then he said something. “Uh, okay… I guess.” I smiled at him and we stopped at the front desk. “We’re here to visit two people: Ms. Romano and Bella Morettie,” I said to the nurse, “If Bella is still in here, that is.” I wasn’t even sure if she would still be in the hospital. It had only been a few days since I had talked to Cicero, so she should still be in the hospital. The nurse flipped open a book and said, “Hmm, we have a Ms. Romano but there is no Bella Morettie.” I shook my head. “Is there any Bella at all?” Maybe she had a different last name… “Sorry,” the nurse said with a shake of her head. I tapped my fingers on the desk, feeling the need to do something so I wouldn’t get upset. “Could you check the computer records? She had an emergency operation so she could get her appendicitis taken out just a few days ago.” The nurse sighed and typed a few things into her computer. She shook her head. “We haven’t had anyone here to get their appendicitis taken out recently, Miss.” “Are you sure?” I pressed on. “Of course. Do I look like I am not serious?” she asked, her eyebrows arching. I shook my head. “Sorry,” I apologized, feeling embarrassed. Mason tugged lightly at my arm. “Well, we’re off to visit Ms. Romano. Thank you for your help.” He whirled me around and led me down the hall to Ms. Romano’s room. Maybe Cicero’s sister had gone to a different hospital…? But no, I had texted him just yesterday asking for the name of the hospital. He had said this one. There was always another explanation: That the records in the computer and book were wrong. Or, maybe Cicero was lying because he needed an explanation to the reason why he had ditched me. My heart pounded. No, the records just had to be wrong. “Caitlyn?” a voice asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. Someone snapped their fingers in front of my face. I turned to see Mason looking at me with concern. “We’re here,” he said, nodding his head towards Ms. Romano’s hospital door. “Right… Sorry,” I said. He knocked lightly on the door. “Who is it?” Ms. Romano called. “Mason and Caitlyn,” Mason replied. “Come in, kids,” Ms. Romano said. I opened the door and we walked towards her hospital bed. She smiled, but I wondered if it was forced. “How are you both?” she asked. The flowers I had brought her a few weeks ago were drooping in the purple vase they had been placed in. A few wilted petals fell onto the windowsill. For some reason that bothered me. “Good. How are you?” Mason asked, answering for both of. I turned back to Ms. Romano, who was watching me closely. Her gaze drifted back towards Mason. “I’m fine. Not exactly feeling the best, but I’m fine.” There was a brief silence. “Well, we just thought we would stop by. It was Caitlyn’s idea,” Mason said, nudging me. He was trying to get me to say something. “Oh, yeah. But it’s no big deal,” I said, smiling at Ms. Romano. “Does Angelo know you’re here?” Ms. Romano asked, repeating that same question she had asked the day I had came by myself. Mason and I exchanged guilty glances. “Not really,” we said in perfect harmony. I stole a glance at the clock and realized it was almost time for dinner. “But it looks like it’s almost time for supper. We’d better get going,” I said. “Yeah,” Mason agreed. “Okay. Well, thanks for visiting. And tell the others I say hello,” Ms. Romano said. “Will do,” Mason said. I was silent, my thoughts coming back to Cicero’s sister and the hospital records. Mason grabbed my hand and led me out the door. Once we were walking back into the mansion, we hurried into the dining room. People barely noticed us, so we slipped into our chairs. Every now and then, Mason would try to make a conversation with me, but he gave up, seeing how distracted I was. Lizzie watched me with a concerned expression, but I brushed it away, thinking once again about Cicero and everything that had happened recently.

7/19/2012 5:16:04 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - cool, no problem! :p

7/19/2012 1:26:25 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thank you! And lol, I don't even have an account on there. I just like looking at all the outfits. ^.^

7/19/2012 11:38:19 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :-D I LOVE Polyvore, too! ^.^

7/19/2012 11:18:54 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} “Good job, Felicity!” I said, beaming at her. This was probably my fifth time tutoring her and she was starting to get better at math already. She smiled and put her papers back in the binder. Then she closed her math book. “Thanks, Caitlyn. I can’t believe how easy you make it.” I laughed. “Math IS easy, Felicity.” She rolled her eyes but laughed. “Anyway, you’re welcome,” I said. I stood up and walked over to the door. “Let me know what you get on your math test!” I called over my shoulder. “Will do!” she chirped. I smiled and closed the door. I walked into my bedroom and glanced around. I still had a few hours before supper, yet I had nothing to do. An idea sparked in my mind. I dug through my closet and finally found an outfit. (A/N: This isn’t actually the BEST outfit, but it’s simple enough. http://www.polyvore.com/pastel/set?id=52230592) I painted my nails a light purple color and let them dry before hurrying down the hall and to the boys’ wing. I knocked on Mason’s door. When he opened it, he glanced at my outfit with a look of surprise. “What…” he began, looking back up at my face. I smiled. “I came to ask you something. Do you want to go play basketball in the park with me?” I asked, twirling a wisp of hair that had escaped my ponytail. Seeing his puzzled expression, I moved my finger and let it frame my face again. “If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I’ll just go back to my room,” I said with a sigh. Of course he wouldn’t want to go do something with me. I turned to go, but he cleared his throat. “Um, we can go. I’ll meet you downstairs in a few minutes,” he said. I nodded and smiled really big before hurrying down the stairs. He wanted to do something. With me! I had no idea what I was so excited but I couldn’t stop smiling. I waited by the front door. Finally, Mason appeared with a basketball in his hands. “Ready, Winter?” he asked. I nodded and opened the door. “Let’s go!” (A/N: I’ll write more later. It’s about time to eat. :P)

7/18/2012 6:13:01 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - yeah, it happens. :-) How about they get into a fight about...hmm...Caitlyn? What if Natasha and her start talking and Felicity starts calling Tasha a hypocrite and stuff for all the things that Natasha has said about Caitlyn in the past?

7/18/2012 11:49:50 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley what do you think Felicity and Natasha should get into a fight about?

7/17/2012 6:22:34 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts! I'm about to write a post. I think someone reported me? I didn't change anything on my profile and GL made it private for a while. :p Oh well, it's back to normal.

7/17/2012 6:17:20 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- You're welcome. :)

7/17/2012 12:32:02 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - no problem! <3 Thank you, too. ^.^

7/16/2012 7:29:20 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Aw, thanks!<3 And I'm sure you'll have a bunch of ideas to write about pretty soon. You're an amazing writer! ^.^

7/16/2012 6:18:42 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - awesome post! Do I even have to say that anymore? ;) I love those times when you just can't stop writing! Too bad I'm not having one of those right now. ^-^ And have fun on vacation!

7/16/2012 4:44:27 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay, so I’m kind of on a writing kick for this club. :P I know that’s weird, but I have quite a few ideas I’m going to try to write about before I leave for vacation on Saturday. (FYI, I will be on vacation in Oklahoma for exactly one week. Then later on in August I’m going to Colorado for more vacation time. Yay!) ^.^ But anyways, I’m going to try and get a lot of my ideas written and posted. So sorry if there is a lot of long posts, it’s just what I’m gonna try and cram into my not-that-busy-at-the-moment-schedule. :3 {Caitlyn} My hands shook as I nervously texted Claudia. ‘Will you & Tatiana plz meet me on Skype? It’s kind of important.’ After pressing the send button, I opened the lid of my computer and leaned back on my bed, letting my head rest on the headboard. After a long night of tossing, turning, and thinking, I had decided to follow Natasha’s advice and apologize to Tat and Claud. Despite that horrible realization that they had already gotten their revenge, I knew it was the right thing to do. After years and years of being such a lousy friend, it was the only thing I could do to makeup for all this. But I was pretty sure we wouldn’t be best friends anymore. My phone pinged, signaling I had a text message. I opened the little envelope on the screen and then read the message. ‘Uh? Sure…’ I opened the lid of my computer and logged onto Skype. After a few minutes of waiting, Claudia and Tatiana’s faces appeared. “Hey,” Tatiana said, sounding a tiny bit nervous. Claudia, on the other hand, looked annoyed. “What do you want?” she snarled. “I-I-I… I just wanted to say sorry,” I said, my voice coming out as a small squeak. Tatiana smiled. Claudia frowned. “Sorry? Sorry for what?” she sneered. I clasped my hands together on my lap. “Sorry for being such a terrible friend all these years and never letting you speak for yourself. I guess I was too stupid to realize that you both have minds of your own. And I guess I just didn’t want to lose either of you,” I said. There was silence as my ex-best friends tried to take this in. Tatiana looked at me with disbelief. Claudia shook her head. “Why do you care all of a sudden?” she asked bitterly. I bit my lip, trying to think of a good answer to that. “Well… Let’s just say I’m different now,” I said. There was more silence. “You mean you’ve changed?” Claudia asked skeptically, raising a perfectly plucked eyebrow. I had, hadn’t I? It wasn’t a lie. “Yep,” I said. “Prove it,” Claudia said, taking a quiet sip of her Diet Coke. Didn’t she know diet was worse for you? “Well, let’s see. I’m tutoring Felicity, that one girl that I had stared a rumor about,” I began. Claudia’s eyes went huge and she began to cough madly, choking on the coke. Tatiana began to pound her on the back. I raised my eyebrows. Finally, Claudia stopped coughing. “Ohmigod. That’s… horrifying,” she said. I rolled my eyes. “May I go on?” I asked. “Of course,” Claudia said, giving a wave of her hand. I wracked my brain for my proof that I had changed. “I went and visited Ms. Romano-,” I started. “Who’s that?” Tatiana asked, snapping her gum loudly. I cringed slightly. “The woman who owns the mansion,” I said. “How could you-,” Tat began to ask. “Let me finish!” I broke in. She nodded, looking ashamed of herself. I sighed and rubbed my forehead. “I went and visited her when she was in the hospital. All by myself, I might add, with no one telling me to. I bought her flowers and chocolate.” Claudia rolled her eyes. “What was it, Valentine’s Day?” she asked with a snort. “No, Claudia. It’s the nice thing to do,” I said. She gaped at me. “Oh wow. You really have changed,” she said, sounding less rude than she had in the past three months. “Yeah,” I mumbled, slightly embarrassed. “Well, in that case, we accept your apology,” Tatiana butted in. “What?! I never said that!” Claudia cried, her eyes going extremely wide. “But she’s changed. And besides, she’s our friend!” Tatiana protested. I felt stunned. Tatiana still considered me one of her friends after all she had done? “No! She is NOT our friend!” Claudia argued back, her eyes flashing. Tatiana crossed her arms. “Claudia!” she whined, “Just accept her apology for God’s sake.” Claudia sighed, realizing she was going to lose this argument. “Caitlyn, it’s fine. Even though you haven’t been the ideal best friend, I forgive you. And I’m sorry about selling that information to STAR about you. It was personal and it shouldn’t have been shared with the entire world,” she said, sounding almost sincere. I felt a small smile appear on my face. “I’m sorry, too. Even if you were an awful friend sometimes, I know I was, too,” Tatiana said apologetically. I smiled a little more. “Thanks, guys. That means a lot,” I said happily. “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Claudia said, rolling her eyes with annoyance. Tatiana beamed at me. “So, we’re friends again?” My smiles faded and I felt a new wave of shock flow through me. How could she just expect me to be her friend again, as if nothing had happened? That was impossible. I managed a weak smile. “No, I’m sorry. But I don’t think we can ever be friends again. You guys hurt me too much, and from what it sounds like, you guys were hurt by me,” I said. Tatiana’s smile vanished and she looked heartbroken. “But… You’re, like, my best friend,” she said, looking like she was about to cry. “Oh, shush,” Claudia muttered. “I’m sorry, but-,” “We can’t be friends anymore? How is that possible? WE are your best friends,” Tatiana wailed, looking utterly distressed. I bit my lip. “I’m sorry. I really am. But I’ve made a new best friend,” I said quietly. Before Tatiana could start crying or something, Claudia nodded. “And we respect that. Goodbye, Caitlyn. And thank you for the apology,” she said. I nodded and closed my laptop. As I stood up to go down for dinner, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and my heart felt three times lighter. Even though I felt a small, sharp pang in my heart when I realized I had lost two of my best friends, I realized that I wouldn’t miss them that much. And they wouldn’t miss me that much either, I knew, because Claudia had seemed to make that clear enough to me. Tatiana would get over it.

7/16/2012 4:19:21 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Okay, thanks! :)

7/16/2012 1:16:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 It's like February...going into March. :-)

7/16/2012 12:22:53 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 What time of the year is it in the story? Isn't it like nearing spring or something...?

7/16/2012 12:02:58 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks! <3 And okay!(:

7/15/2012 4:01:20 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - once again, great post! <3 And I don't think it's too soon! It seems like a great time for that! :D

7/15/2012 3:56:04 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} Lizzie opened her bedroom and smiled sweetly at me. “Hi, Caitlyn! How was your date with Cicero?” she asked, her voice bubbly and obnoxious. “I think we need to talk,” I said dryly. She shook her head, the sweet look vanishing. It was replaced with worry now. “I’m busy right now,” she said, closing the door. I stuck my foot in the way and glared at her. “Now,” I hissed. She looked startled, but complied. I marched into her bedroom and slammed the door shut. She jumped. “I think it’s time you and I have a nice, simple conversation,” I said. She nodded. “Sure, what is it?” “Are you dating Cicero?” I asked. She seemed to force a giggle. “Oh, we’ve had this discussion a million times. Of course I’m not, Caitlyn,” she said. Then she shook her head to clear her thoughts and said, “Why?” I crossed my arms and managed a smile. “Oh, I was just thinking about what a coincidence it was last night. Cicero ‘took a phone call’ and never came back. I asked the waitress where he was and she said he had slipped out the door a while ago. So I paid for both of us, and then I went back to the mansion. When I arrived back here, I went into the dining room to tell Angelo I was back early. But I look around the room and see that you’re gone. When I ask Angelo about it, he tells me you were on a date and you had left a little while ago. Around the same time that Cicero had left me, that is,” I said. She looked alarmed as I pointed a finger at her accusingly. “Do you want to tell me where you were and who you were with last night?” I demanded. She plastered a smile on her face. “I went out with a guy named Leo. We went out to eat at a small, Italian restaurant and then we decided to go back to his house so I could meet his parents. It was nothing,” she said. I stared at her with wide eyes, trying to figure out if it was true or not. My head spun and suddenly I felt dizzy. “Are you sure?” I asked. “Of course I’m sure! After all, we’re best friends and I would never, ever do something like that to you. You’ve already been through way too much this month, let alone this year. I don’t know why Cicero left you but it had nothing to do with me. I swear,” she said. I was silent for a moment, but then I gave her a hug. “Right, sorry for accusing you. I know you would never do that,” I apologized. She smiled, a look of relief passing over her face. “See you later, Caitlyn,” she said a little too sweetly. I just smiled and walked out the door, ignoring the weird feeling in my stomach. *** “Cicero?” I asked when he picked up his phone. “Hey, Caitlyn!” he said brightly. “Where did you go last night?” I asked. “Where did I go?” he asked, sounding confused. “Yeah. You know, when we were on our date.” He was silent on the other end. “I asked our waitress if she knew where you went and she told me that you had slipped out the door”, I said, adjusting my position on my bed, “Not to mention you left me with our bill.” He cleared his throat. “Oh, that. Right… Well, my father called me and said that there was an emergency at home so I had to get there right away. I forgot to tell you, so when I got home I tried to text you but my phone died,” he said. “What was the emergency?” I asked, sensing he was lying or something. “My sister Bella had to have her appendicitis taken out,” he said simply. It was like he had the whole story planned out. Or… maybe he was being honest. “Oh.” There was a bit of awkward silence. Finally, he spoke. “Sorry for leaving you like that. I promise I’ll make it up to you,” he said. “Really?” I asked, smiling. “Si… Maybe you could meet my family sometime?” he asked. I nodded. “Sounds good,” I said. “Great! Talk to you later,” he said. Before I could answer, he hung up without saying when a good time would be for me to come over. I sighed and put my phone down. (A/N: I was thinking that she could go to the hospital and ask to see Ms. Romano. After she gets done visiting her, she asks if Cicero’s sister has been in there and then the nurse tells her that there was no Bella recently in surgery. Caitlyn just ignores that and then when she goes to Cicero’s the next week, to meet his family, (she get’s the time wrong or something else) she finds Cicero there with Lizzie and finally learns the truth. Do you think that’s fine or is it too soon?)

7/15/2012 1:11:28 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Thanks!:) I'm trying my best. <3

7/15/2012 12:09:28 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :D The Cicero/Lizzie/Caitlyn cheating thing is really getting interesting! <3

7/15/2012 11:16:47 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I slipped into the sequined, mesh dress before answering the door. Lizzie smiled in at me, and I gave her a quick hug before letting her in. “Okay, so do you think this dress is fine?” I asked, gesturing to it. Cicero was finally taking me to a fancy, Italian place that everyone said was simply divine. “Yes! It’s gorgeous!” my best friend cried, a beam spreading across her face. I smiled. “Thank you.” I then put on my silver high heels, the crystal necklace, a silver sparkly bracelet, and then began to style my hair. (The outfit is from Polyvore. I really need to make an account! http://www.polyvore.com/disco_under_sea/set?id=49755735) “Here you go,” Liz said, handing me my silver handbag. I admired myself in the mirror, trying to decide if I wanted to wear makeup tonight or not. Natasha’s words rang in my ear. “You look better without makeup.” Was it true? I was pretty sure Natasha wasn’t a liar, so I guessed it was. “I’m going,” I said to Lizzie. She smiled, nodded, and held open the door for me. I thanked her before hurrying down the stairs. Angelo stopped me when I reached the door. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked. “On a date,” I said. He raised an eyebrow. “A date? With whom?” “Cicero, my boyfriend,” I replied, praying he would let me go. He shook his head and said, “I think you should stay inside tonight.” “Oh, please, Angelo! Let me go! I haven’t seen him in ages,” I begged. He sighed and rubbed his forehead as if he had a headache all of a sudden. “Alright, alright. Go ahead.” I squealed and gave him a hug. He stiffened. “Thank you so much, Angelo!” I cried, backing up. Before he could change his mind, I hurried out the door. *** I dabbed at my mouth with a napkin and then smiled at my boyfriend. “Oh, thanks so much for taking me. I’ve missed you so much,” I said. “And I’ve missed you,” he agreed with a smile. Before I could say anything else, his phone rang. He glanced at it and smiled a little more. Then turning back to me, he said, “Catie, I have to take this. Excuse me for a moment.” I nodded and watched him walk away. Minutes passed and he still wasn’t back. I began to grow impatient, wishing he would hurry. To pass time, I tapped my fingers on the table to the rhythm of the music. A few people shot me glares so I stopped quickly. Where was Cicero? I sighed and pushed my plate back. With a glance at my phone, I realized it had been exactly twenty minutes. I had a bad feeling, one that promised something was wrong. Finally, I stood up and began to search the restaurant for my boyfriend. When I couldn’t find him anywhere, I turned to our waitress. “Have you seen the guy I came in with? He got up to answer his phone and never returned,” I asked, trying not to sound upset. She nodded. “Si. He slipped out the door a while ago,” she said. I gasped, feeling my face grow pale. Slipped out the door? Without me seeing him? How was that even possible? “Really? No joke?” I asked, praying to God that it wasn’t true. The woman looked baffled. “I am not joking,” she said, her Italian accent making her sound even more puzzled. I shook my head and said, “Well… okay then. Did he at least pay?” “No,” she said. It was all I could do not to scream in frustration. “Come with me,” she said, leading me back to my table. I gave her a huge wad of cash. “Miss, this is way too much,” she cried. “Just keep the extra as your tip,” I said with a small scowl. She beamed and left, looking happier than I had ever seen a waitress. Then I stomped out the door of the restaurant and straight back to the mansion. I pushed open the doors and stormed into the dining room to tell Angelo I was back. Everyone paused eating their meals to look at me. I surveyed the table. There were three empty seats. I had been missing, beings I was on a date, and Ms. Romano was still in the hospital. So that left only one person. With a small sigh, I looked to find Lizzie. She was gone. “Is Lizzie here?” I asked sweetly. “No, she left a while ago. She said she also had a date to go on,” Angelo informed me. My mouth dropped open with shock. How could that be possible? Was she on a date with Cicero? That would explain why Cicero had left and why Liz was gone. But as I slipped into my chair and placed my head in my hands, I reassured myself that she was gone for a different reason. “Miss Winter, are you okay?” he asked. “Sure,” I mumbled. There was a silence as people went on with their meals. But I knew that Lizzie was most likely with Cicero. And even if she wasn’t, Cicero had totally just abandoned me on our date.

7/14/2012 12:46:38 PM | Report

fungirl123 Okay, cool. :D

7/12/2012 4:48:33 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- K, I think I'm gonna do that. : )

7/12/2012 2:25:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 I think that she should make up with them, but not be BFFs with them anymore. :-)

7/12/2012 1:38:23 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Sounds good! :) @Haley- Do you think Caitlyn should make up with her friends, or just forget about them? I just wanted someone else's opinion besides my own... :p

7/12/2012 12:24:06 PM | Report

fungirl123 Yeah, that's fine. :-) Sounds great! ^-^

7/11/2012 4:36:54 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great posts! I’m probably not going to be able to post until next week because I've been training for volleyball tryouts and I have some other stuff going on. Oh, and while you were gone Haley, I thought Natasha and Felicity could get in a fight over something but I wanted to make sure it was okay with you first. So lemme know what you think.:)

7/10/2012 5:57:10 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! :D

7/10/2012 2:42:07 PM | Report

fungirl123 Sorry for the absence of not posting. This isn’t too long, but I’m hoping that it’ll make up for it. ~Natasha~ I went up to my bedroom and sat down at my computer desk. Maybe Christopher was busy today. Maybe I’d get lucky and I wouldn’t have to talk to him. I pulled up my email inbox and decided that was what I would do. An email, yes. Sweet. Simple. – To: christopherdurand312@frontier.edu From: natashaC.reynolds@aim.com – Hi, Christopher, it’s Natasha. How are you? How’s France? Okay, so this is hard to say. Look, I know we’ve had a lot of fun together those few months before we stopped being able to see each other. Those were tons of fun! :-) But a few days ago I was thinking about why I came to Italy. I came to Rome because I wanted to learn more about the culture. But it seems that since I’ve been here, boys have been a priority for me. And I don’t want that. So I don’t know if we were ever actually – er – together, but I think it’s time that we just stopped seeing each other. I’m sorry. Sincerely, Natasha – Good enough, I thought when I sent it. I sighed with relief. I was done with it. I shut my laptop and walked to the door of my bedroom. As I was passing my bathroom door, I heard a muffled whimpering coming from inside. I furrowed my brows together in puzzlement, reaching for the door handle. Gently, I knocked. “Caitlyn?” “GO AWAY!” she shouted from inside. I stepped back, but then forward again. “Caitlyn, can I come in?” I asked. Why was I doing this? Caitlyn hated me. “No.” Natasha, walk away, I ordered myself. I spun on my heel and went on my way out of my bedroom. Then I stopped short as soon as I heard another loud sob escape from the inside of the large bathroom. I sighed, rolling my eyes, as I went back to the bathroom door and twisted the handle to open it. It revealed a small figure crouched by the bathtub, head buried in her knees, hair covering her face, and sobs escaping her mouth. She was clutching a magazine to her chest. I raised my eyebrow, then walked over to her and ripped the magazine from her grip. The headline read, “THE REAL CAITLYN WINTER!” As a subheading, it said, “All of the People She’s Hurt, Boyfriends She’s Had & the Lying She’s Done”. I looked down at Caitlyn and rolled my eyes. “You really think people believe THIS?” I shook the magazine in my hand. She nodded, blubbers racking through her. “Who?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. If Felicity wasn’t going to give me sympathy, then I wasn’t about to give it to Caitlyn. “Modeling companies, celebrities…PEOPLE THAT MATTER!” She raced to her feet and attempted to snatch the magazine from me, but I held her off. “Do college scouts believe it? Your family? How about your REAL friends—“ “I don’t have any real friends! Haven’t your figured that out?” she growled, plopping back down on the edge of the bathtub. “Okay, then you think your family is just going to ditch you because of this?” She shrugged, the sobs slowing. I took the magazine and tossed it out the bathroom window, watching it land in the backyard pool. “HEY!” Caitlyn thundering, rushing to my side. “You needed it,” I said sternly. She didn’t reply, only stared at me. Then she crumpled to the floor in tears. “Now tell me what’s really wrong,” I said, sitting down next to her. “I can’t believe my friends would do that. We’ve known each other since I was in elementary school. They’ve always been my loyal followers,” Caitlyn said, wiping the wetness from her cheeks. “Did you ever let them speak for themselves?” I asked knowingly. Caitlyn shook her head. “No, they always did what I told them to.” I patted her head. “How about you try apologizing,” I said. Her eyes widened. “But they already got revenge!” she fought. I stood up. “Look, I’ve got a chemistry report to get done. It’s all your choice.” She followed me and got to her feet. “Let’s clean you up,” I said. Caitlyn turned to look at herself in the mirror. To my surprise, she let out a loud screech. “I LOOK HORRIBLE!” I chuckled and led her to the sink. Her hair was sticking to her tear-stained face and in tangles. Mascara ran down her cheeks along with eyeliner. Eye shadow and bronzer was smudged. I dabbed off the makeup gently until she was clear-faced once again. I smiled. “You look better without makeup.” A blush spread across her cheeks. I turned to leave. “Natasha?” I whirled around. Caitlyn laughed a little bit, smiling. “Thanks.” I nodded. I went back to my own bedroom. Then it hit me. It felt like I was smacked in the face. It took me as complete surprise. Caitlyn Winter and Natasha Reynolds were actually nice to each other for once. Well, that was a huge surprise.

7/10/2012 2:00:16 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Welcome! :)

7/10/2012 11:34:58 AM | Report

fungirl123 Thank you! :-)

7/10/2012 10:55:50 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Nice post! :)

7/8/2012 11:39:18 AM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ “Wake up!” All of the sudden, I felt a large amount of force hit my right side, and I shot to my feet. “What was that for?” I demanded. I could barely make out the glowing numbers on my digital clock, but they stated that it was five-ten AM. The only source of light in my bedroom was the moonlight, so I had to let my eyes adjust before I recognized the light brown hair and oval-shaped face. “Fliss, where are we going?” I demanded again. “We’re going on a run.” **** I had to hunch over to catch my breath. “This is what you get when you stop exercising for a month!” Felicity scolded. I glared at her. “Shut up.” She just shrugged. “We’re almost there.” Yeah. Right. ‘Almost there’ must mean about two miles left. I checked my watch. It was nearing six o’clock, and the air was frigid. A cold sweat was running down the back of my neck. Felicity took off in front of me. Without another breath, I raced up behind her and easily passed her. A seven-year pole vaulting wasn’t about to get passed. Before I knew it, I was on the front step of the mansion. “How did that feel?” Felicity asked, jogging up to me. “Really good.” Over the next few days, I was waking up at five o’clock AM for a three mile run. Within three weeks, the layer of flab on my stomach was gone and I was once again feeling my best. At breakfast in the middle of February, all that filled the table was whispers. I leaned over to Felicity and asked, “What’s up with everyone?” She bit her lip. “A new issue of STAR came out today about Caitlyn.” “Ohh,” I replied, turning back to my own plate. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Caitlyn enter the room and sit down. I felt a surge of pity for her. “Tash,” Felicity said, snapping me from my thoughts, “have you talked to Christopher, yet?” I frowned and slumped in my seat. “No.” Felicity gave me a warning look. “You’d better do that today.” (I’ll write more later. :p)

7/7/2012 9:00:08 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Of course! :)

7/7/2012 4:04:31 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - is it okay if I write about the heart-to-heart that Caitlyn and Natasha have? :p

7/7/2012 2:31:55 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl welcome back Haley!

7/6/2012 6:56:49 PM | Report

fungirl123 I'll be posting again tomorrow. For now, I'm off to check the Figment!! :D Great posts, peoples! ;)

7/6/2012 2:53:34 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thank you! :)

7/5/2012 5:32:36 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl great post! :)

7/5/2012 5:06:55 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I knocked on Felicity’s bedroom door. She opened it and let me in. “Hey, Caitlyn,” she said. “Hey, Felicity.” There was an awkward silence as we stood there, staring at each other. Finally, I cleared my throat. “So, let’s get busy.” Felicity nodded, but didn’t move. “Um, Felicity? Do you have your homework?” I asked, looking around her room. “Oh, yeah! Sorry!” she said, hurriedly opening a binder. I sat down on her bed and looked down at my own homework, which I had finished in about five minutes. She sat down beside me and said, “I’m done with it, actually.” I gave her a skeptical look. “Then can I check it over, please?” I asked. She slowly handed it to me, as if unsure if she really wanted me to tutor her. I glanced at each answer, checking them with mine. Then I looked at her, puzzled. “Felicity, how did you get all of these wrong?” I inquired. “I… I,” she said, unsure of what to say. I raised my eyebrows. “I thought they were all right. I double checked them,” she said. I shook my head, my blonde hair falling perfectly at my shoulders. “Well, you did something wrong. Let me see.” I scanned her paper. Then I figured it out. With a snap of my fingers, I said, “You’re doing it all wrong, Felicity.” Then I went on to explain everything she had done wrong. She nodded slowly and then erased all of her answers. *** “Much better,” I mused, checking the last problem. “They’re all right?” “Yup.” There was a silence. “Thanks, Caitlyn… That actually made more sense,” she said finally. “You’re welcome. Just remember what I told you,” I said, standing up. “Right. Okay,” Felicity said, looking like she was trying to store everything in her brain. I made my way to the door. “Bye, Felicity.” “Wait, Caitlyn,” she said hastily. I turned, my hand on the knob. “Yeah?” I asked. “I know this isn’t my business, but are you okay? I know you were upset about your friends… and then your parents showed up,” she said, her cheeks turned red like she was embarrassed for asking. I forced a smile. “I’m fine. I have… other friends. And besides, my parents love me,” I lied. The truth is, I was more upset about my parents then my friends. “Are you sure?” Felicity asked. I shook my head. “You’ve never cared. Please… Just let me worry about it. Okay?” “I don’t mean anything-,” she started. I felt tears in my eyes, but I blinked to push them back. “Please, Felicity. Don’t worry about my personal life,” I said. Then I hurried out the door.

7/5/2012 1:28:39 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 *Cared* not carried and *me* not my. :p

7/3/2012 3:36:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} “Miss Winter, you have two visitors,” Angelo said, interrupting my lunch. I looked up in surprise. “Who?” “They told me not to tell you. But they’re in the living room,” Angelo said. I thought about it for a moment. Then I shrugged and got up. “The rest of you are dismissed,” Angelo said to the others. I hurriedly walked out of the dining room and into the living room, unaware of a few people following me. When I opened the door, I saw my parents, sitting on the sofa. “Mom! Dad!” I cried. They jumped up and extended their arms. I ran into them and gave them a super tight hug. “Hello, darling!” Mom cooed, pulling back. Her French accent seemed to stick out in the quiet room. I smiled. “Why are you guys here? I thought Dad was in Japan.” “He was, honey. But we decided to come visit you!” Mom cooed, stroking my hair. “How did you guys get here?” I asked, looking at her extremely fancy dress. “Well, your father bought a private jet! Isn’t it wonderful?” Mom cried, extending her arms out like a bird about to take flight. “He… he did?” I asked. “Yep, straight from Tokyo,” Dad said happily. “How much?” I asked. “Darling, cost doesn’t matter! It never has,” Mom said, looking at me funny. Suddenly, I remembered something Jackie had said once to me. “Money can’t buy happiness.” My parents stared at me, their eyes wide. “What do you mean, love? Of course it can!” Mom cried, laughing. I frowned. “But Jackie said-,” “Don’t mind Jackie, Caitlyn. She says a lot of things that aren’t true,” Dad said. I squinted. “Like when she said that the Winter family is extremely conceited and stupid and-,” I began. “Caitlyn! I never want to hear that come out of your mouth again,” Mom hissed. I clamped my mouth shut, ashamed. Why was I acting like this? “Now, we better be going,” Dad said, turning to leave. “Yes, we have a meeting to go to in Rome,” Mom said. Of course. They hadn’t come to visit me at all. They had a fancy meeting to attend about my father’s computers and thought they would stop by for a few minutes. Then they would just use the excuse they were giving me now. “Is that the only reason you came?” I squeaked. “No… of course not,” Dad said, exchanging looks with my mom. “That would be silly, Princess,” Mom said, ruffling my hair. Then she gave me two quick air kisses and walked towards the door. “I’m so sure,” I mumbled. They didn’t hear me, of course. They never did. I had grown up with a service of maids, butlers, and nannies. They didn’t ever need to hear anything I had to say. Jackie had been right a few years ago, when she said our parents only carried about publicity and money. Not about what we had to say. The realization stung, but I felt like an idiot for not seeing it sooner. “Ta-ta, Caitlyn! Remember to eat healthy so you can model for me! I’ll be sending some new dresses in the mail soon!” Mom called before walking out the living room door. I then heard the front door slam shut. I slowly turned around to see Angelo, Lizzie, Seth, Felicity, Natasha, Alex, and Mason standing there, watching me. I ran a hand through my blonde hair before hurrying out the door. If I had stayed any longer, they would have seen my cry again.

7/3/2012 2:59:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thanks! I'll write about it now! :D

7/3/2012 2:07:31 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Of course! :)

7/3/2012 12:48:14 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Do you think it would be okay if Caitlyn's parents stopped by the mansion just to make sure she was okay? I was going to make them arrive and want to speak with Caitlyn and then they leave pretty quickly. Is that fine? If not, its okay. :)

7/3/2012 11:52:09 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 *Smile* not small. :p :)

7/2/2012 4:52:19 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} Lizzie flounced into my room right before dinner and smiled at me. “Caitlyn, I told Cicero everything that happened and he says that he’ll take you out to do something soon!” she gushed. My face broke into a smile, until a realization hit me like a ton of bricks. “Wait… Why do you have Cicero’s phone number? He’s my boyfriend. Not yours.” She smiled nervously. “Oh, Caitlyn. It’s just in case of an emergency or something, like if you got hurt. Besides, he called me to ask how you were.” “Why didn’t he call me?” I snapped in annoyance. Lizzie shrugged. “He said you haven’t been answering your phone,” she chirped. As if it were that obvious. I shrugged. “Okay.” Lizzie smiled and disappeared. But something still felt off… wrong. I pushed it away. Lizzie was my best friend now, and Cicero was an amazing boyfriend. No way would they hide something from me. ***At supper, I listen to everyone’s quiet chatter. Mason was right; the gossip about me here had already died down. I could only hope it had in other parts of the world. “Okay, you can all leave now- except for Caitlyn and Felicity,” Angelo said at the end of dinner. What had I done this time? I wracked my brain, trying to figure out if I had done something wrong. But no, I hadn’t. Had I? I look up to see Natasha shoot Felicity a look that I can’t interpret. When everyone was out of the dining room except for Felicity and I, Angelo turned to me. I braced myself for the worst. “Caitlyn, will you tutor Felicity in math?” Angelo asked hopefully. I blinked. That was it? He wanted me to tutor Felicity in math? I turned to Felicity, putting on my best bored expression. “You’re seriously failing the easiest subject?” I asked. Felicity rolled her eyes. “Actually, English is the easiest,” she said, “To me, I mean.” I sighed. Math was my best subject. I knew I should probably help her. It would be the right thing to do, after all. “Okay,” I heard myself say. Angelo looked slightly surprised. “Really?” he asked. I nodded. “Thank you, Miss Winter,” he said, looking happier now, “Okay. You all may leave now.” Felicity stood up and thanked me. I watched her leave the room before turning to Angelo. “Angelo, why did you pick me? Why not Natasha or Seth or someone?” I asked. Angelo smiled. “Oh, I don’t know. I just thought it would be a good idea. You’re a smart girl, Caitlyn.” I gave a tiny small before leaving.

7/2/2012 4:52:03 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Thanks! And great post! <3

7/2/2012 4:28:55 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ I was on my way downstairs to eat dinner when Angelo walks up to me. “Felicity? I uh, I’ve noticed how you’ve been doing with math and I’ve decided I’m going to get you a tutor. One of the kids here,” He tells me. “Thanks Angelo. Who is it?” I ask. He gives me a small smile. “That doesn’t matter right now. Just stay after dinner, please,” He says. I nod and he walks off. I head into the dining room and take a seat. *** “Okay, you all can leave now-except for Caitlyn and Felicity,” Angelo says. So it was Caitlyn who would be tutoring me! I guess that would be okay. I mean, she hadn’t been being a brat lately. Natasha shoots me a look. I just shrug. “Caitlyn, will you tutor Felicity in math?” Angelo says with a hopeful look. Caitlyn looks at me with a bored look. “You’re seriously failing the easiest subject?” She asks. I roll my eyes. “Actually, English is the easiest. To me, I mean.” I say. She sighs. “Okay,” She says. “Really?” Angelo asks. Caitlyn nods. “Thank you, Miss Winter,” He says. “Okay. You all may leave now.” With that, I thank Caitlyn and walk upstairs. On my way to my room, I run into Seth. “Hey, I was just going to look for you,” He says. “Here I am,” I say with a smile. “So, we haven’t really done anything…romantical in a while. So, I tomorrow I am taking you out on a picnic,” He tells me. “Is “Romantical” even a word?” I ask. “Nope,” He smiles. “Okay. Fine,” I say. “Great. See you tomorrow,” He says while walking past me. “Bye,” I say. I walk back to my room and finish reading my book.

7/2/2012 3:25:24 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I LOVE that idea! :) I'll post about it now.

7/2/2012 2:54:13 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I woke up the next morning and heard my stomach growl. I was starving… I hadn’t eaten anything yesterday. I sighed and got out of bed. I took a shower, got myself cleaned up, and then went downstairs. I knew I still looked terrible; my skin was pale and my eyes red from crying all night. But I had to go downstairs, at least for a little while. As soon as I stepped into the dining room, people looked at me. There were some sympathetic expressions, but also a few disgusted ones. I avoided everyone’s eyes and absently took a seat beside Mason. “It’s nice to see you, Miss Winter,” Angelo said. I was silent as I began to eat. After a minute, people looked away from me. I stole a glance at Mason. He opened his mouth to say something, but I looked away when Angelo said my name. “Miss Winter, your mother wants you to call her as soon as possible.” “I will. Later,” I said weakly. I was so pathetic. I hated it. He nodded and let me eat in peace. ***After breakfast, I sat down on my bed and called my mom. “Hi, sweet pea! I’m so sorry about all this STAR magazine junk,” she said, her accent comforting me. “I know… Mommy, I want to come home,” I whimpered. I hadn’t called her Mommy for a long time. “Darling, you can’t do that. Besides, your father and I are much too busy. Your father is in Japan right now and I’m back home in L.A. trying to get a fashion show into order. But you’ll be home soon, princess,” she cooed. “Right,” I said, biting my lip as I glanced down at my hands. “Now, I have to go. Love you.” “Love you too,” I mumbled. She hung up and I buried my face in my hands. Why did I get stuck with parents who didn’t seem to care? Someone knocked on my bedroom door. “Come in,” I called, moving my hands away. Mason stepped through. Quietly, he shut the door behind him. “Hey, Caitlyn. I’m really sorry about everything that’s happened,” he said. He sat down beside me and I nodded. “Thanks.” He sighed. “I wish there was something I could do but-,” “There’s not,” I broke in sadly. “Nobody can do anything. Not even me,” I added. He was silent for a moment. Finally, he said something. “I know it looks bad now, but it’ll all blow over soon. People just want something to talk about for a while.” This time, I sighed. “Right.” “If you need me, I’m in the boys’ wing,” he said, shooting me a smile. He stood up and I felt myself smiling a little. “Thanks, Mason.” Then I said something I had never said before to him. “You’re a really great friend.” If he was surprised, he didn’t show it. Instead, he smiled and walked out the door.

7/2/2012 2:36:50 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- I just had an idea (it's fine if you don't want to use it) but since you said Felicity is failing math, what if Angelo has Caitlyn start helping Felicity? It would help Felicity with her math, and it would get Caitlyn's mind off of her friends. If you don’t like the idea, it’s totally fine! (:

7/2/2012 11:11:25 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Okay, thanks:) great posts too! I'll wait and see what Haley thinks.

7/2/2012 11:06:46 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great posts! :) And that sounds like a good idea to me. :)

7/1/2012 10:39:21 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I think sometime in the story Natasha and Felicity should get into a fight. Whatcha think?

7/1/2012 10:30:28 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ The next morning after breakfast, I knock on Seth’s door. “Seth! It’s your girlfriend,” I say. With no answer, I call him. “Yeah, Fliss?” He asks. “Hey, where are you?” I ask. “Stalker much? Joking! I’m in Alex’s room. We’re making a card for Ms. Romano. Want to join?” He asks. “Sure,” I say then hang up. I blush at the fact that I was standing there, talking to a door. I open Alex’s door which was right next to Seth’s. “Wow. You are a stalker,” Seth says. I laugh. I see a huge card that was probably a little taller than me. “How did you do this? I ask. “I have my ways,” Alex says. “Hand me a sharpie please,” I say. Seth hands me one and I sigh the card with a message. I told Ms. Romano how much I’d hoped she’d get better and how amazing she was. “I’m going to go get Natasha,” I say then walk out the door. Once I’d gotten to Natasha’s room, I walk in. She was lying on the floor! “What’s wrong with you, grumpy pants?” I ask while kneeling down to her. She smiles. “Want to help me with some crunches?” She asks. “If you want to.” She shakes her head. “Okay, then. Are you busy, Tasha?” I ask. She gives me a look then gets up and sits on her bed. “Alex and Seth got bored so they started on a giant card for Ms. Romano. It’s in Alex’s room. Want to come sign it?” I ask hopeful. I could tell she didn’t want to. “Come on, Natasha! You’ve barely left your bedroom in a week, lazy butt!” She glares at me and I laugh. “Well, come on!” I pull her up and drag her to the guys’ wing. When we got back, Mason was in Alex’s room. “Hey Mason,” I say then grab a sharpie off the desk. “Sign it, mope,” I order Natasha while handing her the marker. I smile. As she writes, I sit on Seth’s floor. “You seem happy,” Seth says while sitting next to me. He smiles and I smile back. I loved making people smile, and that’s why even in the saddest times, I made the best of it.

7/1/2012 10:29:41 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ I couldn’t believe what Ms. Romano had told us-I don’t think anyone could. I held my head down as I thought this then glanced up to find Caitlyn standing at the door. “Where are you going? It’s almost dinner,” I say. She slowly turns around. “Um- I give her a look. “Okay fine. I’m going to get Ms. Romano something. Go ahead, Felicity. Rat me out. See if I care,” She says. I look at her. She looked like she was telling the truth but, that wasn’t Caitlyn. “I can’t believe you,” I say. “See you later.” She walks out the door. I sigh. This week had been rough. I was failing math very badly, I felt like I was getting sick and then Ms. Romano telling us about- it. I take a seat next to Seth. He grabs my hand until Angelo walks into the room. He slightly smiles at us then takes a seat. *** When Caitlyn got home, Angelo wasn’t mad which I was kind of glad. I mean, Caitlyn was taking this Ms. Romano thing pretty badly and if she had gotten grounded..I don’t know. I shouldn’t even care. I hear a knock on my door. I get up and open it, expecting Natasha but to my surprise it was Caitlyn. “What do you want?” I ask. “I just wanted to say thanks for not ratting me out. I really appreciate it.” What was going on? Was this a joke? “Uh… You’re welcome,” I say. She smiles and turns around and walks out. That was really weird. I shut my door and climb into my bed and fall asleep.

7/1/2012 10:29:13 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} As soon as I got up into my room, I called Tat. “Tatiana, how could you and Claudia do that to me?” I wailed, feeling tears sting my eyes. There was a pause. I could picture her trying to figure out what I was saying. “Oh… that,” she said, finally realizing what I was saying. Then she giggled. I could just about imagine her twirling a lock of her hair and looking at a fashion magazine. “Tatiana! HOW?” I asked desperately. “I’m really sorry, Catie. I didn’t want to do it, but Claudia said it would make us tons of extra cash. And she was right! We got over a thousand dollars because STAR was so desperate!” she cried, laughing like it was hilarious. “I hate you,” I said. “I know you do,” she said in a singsong voice. I hung up and then called Claudia. “Claudia, why did you do it? Besides the money, I mean!” I cried when she picked up. She knew what I was talking about right away. “Oh, Caitlyn. I was just really tired of you getting your way all the time and acting like a snobby princess. And since your parents have never given you a taste of the real world… Well, I decided to give it to you,” she said. By the tone of her voice, I knew she was smiling. “But… I thought we were best friends!” I whimpered. “We were, up until Thanksgiving Break. You had a good story rolling with that freak of a girl Natasha…. And then you blew it! So now there’s a good story about you,” she said. “You’re a little-“ “Language, Caitlyn,” she said warningly, knowing what I was about to say. Then she laughed. “Besides, now the entire world knows the truth about you. You should be happy,” she said. Before I could say anything, she had hung up. I threw my phone down on the floor, the one my dad had designed, and then began to cry. I hadn’t cried for a long time. But now that I was basically friendless, there wasn’t a point in trying not to. ***I had been lying in bed all day, since it was Saturday and there were no classes to attend. So when someone knocked on my bedroom door, I called weakly, “Come in.” To my surprise, the light came on. And there stood Felicity and Natasha, staring in at me. I knew I looked horrible; I was lying in bed wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt, buried by blankets. Mascara and tears streamed down my pale face. And my cheeks were blotchy. Quietly, they came over to me. “Caitlyn, Angelo wanted us to come get you for supper,” Natasha said. “Tell him I’m not going to come down,” I said, rolling over so I faced the wall instead of them. “Caitlyn, come on. I know it looks bad but-,” Felicity started. “You don’t understand,” I whimpered “Please just leave. Go laugh about this downstairs. Tell everyone I’m a baby. I don’t care. Just go!” I sounded weak… pathetic. But they complied.

7/1/2012 12:46:45 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} Everyone was silent at breakfast, picking at their food. All anyone could think about was Ms. Romano. “Miss Winter?” Angelo called. “Yes?” I asked, averting my gaze from my plate. “You have mail,” he told me. Bettina came over and handed me a magazine. STAR, to be exact. I glanced at the cover and one thing caught my attention: “How many boyfriends has Caitlyn Winter had? Gossip about her boyfriends, her, and why they broke up!” I gasped and flipped open the magazine to page 20. Sure enough, there, in big bold letters, was the title, “Caitlyn and her many exes!” It went on for four pages! And there was a picture of every guy I had ever dated standing there with me… and below it was the caption of his name and why we broke up. I scanned the page to see who had written this about me. Dinah Martin! But… how had she gotten this information? I picked up the magazine and read it all. “Oh… my… god,” I murmured. Had I really dated this many guys? There were like 25! I let out a shriek. Every head turned towards me and I hastily closed the magazine. “If I figure out who sold this to STAR, you’re getting sued,” I said coldly. They just sat there, looking confused. “Miss Winter, what are you talking about?” Angelo asked impatiently. “SOMEONE sold information to a magazine about me and…” I trailed off, realizing no one here would know my history but me. Then it really dawned on me. Claudia and Tatiana had been mad at me since I went home over Thanksgiving Break. And they had gotten PAID for selling gossip about me because they knew who all I had dated. My heart sank. I turned back to Angelo, my face probably pale. “Never mind,” I said, putting a hand over my eyes, “It was someone back in L.A. Not anyone here.” Then I stood up so fast I almost knocked over my chair. Mason reached out and caught it for me. “Caitlyn-,” he started to say but I practically ran out of the room, my shoes clacking noisily.

7/1/2012 12:24:29 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Have fun! :D

7/1/2012 11:57:14 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Okay. Have fun Haley!

7/1/2012 11:48:28 AM | Report

fungirl123 Everyone, I'm going to be gone this entire week at camp, so no phone, laptop, etc for me. :\ I'll be back Friday. :-)

7/1/2012 11:11:48 AM | Report

fungirl123 ...whenever you feel like it... ;) Haha :p

6/30/2012 9:37:36 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 :) should I write it soon?

6/30/2012 5:14:12 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - thanks! :p @Payton - no problem! ^.^

6/30/2012 1:48:12 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Thank you! :) @Haley- Okay, great! Thank you<3

6/30/2012 11:48:13 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl great posts girls! :)

6/29/2012 10:44:30 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - yeah! :-D Like pictures of all the guys she's dated and why they broke up. :)

6/29/2012 7:51:51 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Oh, I forgot to ask you this: What should Caitlyn's friends sell to the magazine? Something that makes her look bad... Maybe something that has to do with all of the guys she has dated?

6/29/2012 3:51:36 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Yes, I think it should. :) And great post!

6/29/2012 3:36:23 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ I watched the rain outside as it melted the rest of winter’s snow. By tomorrow, it’d be snowing again, probably. Italy was such a cold country, just like Boston. And today everyone in the house was just as cold. No one was really talking. Oddly, everyone whispered. I think it was so they didn’t sound obnoxious in this upsetting time, but it still made everything ten times more discomfited for everyone. I groaned, laying flat on my bed. My skin had taken up a new patchy white color instead of the usual peach glow it had. My stomach had a new layer of flab on it. I hadn’t worked out in over a week. If my father new this, he’d scold me for an hour. Well, that’s what happens when you have a father who’s a personal trainer and the basketball coach at The University of Massachusetts. I rolled of my bed and crawled onto the middle of my floor. Just then, Felicity walked in. “What’s wrong with you, grumpy pants?” I chuckled dryly. At least she wasn’t all droopy like everyone else. “Want to help me with some crunches?” I asked with sarcasm in my voice. No, working out was not my first priority. Felicity shrugged. “If you want to.” I shook my head. “Okay, then. Are you busy, Tasha?” I could tell that she was kidding, but I still sent her a warning look. This wasn’t the time. I stood up and flopped back down onto my bed. “Alex and Seth got bored so they started on a giant card for Ms. Romano. It’s in Alex’s room. Want to come sign it?” I pressed my navy blue pillow to my face and moaned. “Come on, Natasha! You’ve barely left your bedroom in a week, lazy butt!” I looked up and glared at her. “Well, come on!” She pulled me by my arm up to my feet. I was dressed in tight yoga pants and a light white crop top that just made it to the bottom of my stomach. My hair was in a carelessly loose on my shoulders. Felicity threw her arm around my shoulders as we walked down the spiraling staircase and to the guys’ wing. Surprisingly, everyone in Alex’s room was having a better time than everyone else in the house. They were playing soft music from Seth’s iPod and they were all talking to each other as each person wrote something on the card – the card which was the size of a door! Alex glanced my way, catching my eye for a second, but turned back to Mason and continued his conversation with him. “Sign it, mope,” Felicity ordered, shoving a pen into my hand. I quickly signed my name and wrote a small message before hurrying out of the room faster than I had entered. (I’ll write more later.)

6/29/2012 3:13:56 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - is that thing with Caitlyn's old friends and the magazine going to happen soon? :-) Just my opinion, but I think it should. It seems like the right time. Since she's beginning to change. ^-^

6/29/2012 2:51:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 k(:

6/29/2012 2:21:25 PM | Report

fungirl123 I should post soon. I'll try to write tomorrow. :p

6/28/2012 10:13:54 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thanks! :)

6/28/2012 7:08:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - good posts! :D

6/28/2012 4:41:19 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I walked back into the mansion and into the dining room. Every head turned and almost every mouth dropped open. Mason gave me a funny look. Angelo approached me. “Where have you been, Miss Winter?” he snapped. I smiled and took my seat. “Oh, I was just visiting Ms. Romano,” I said calmly. He looked surprised. “But… This isn’t the hospital’s visiting hours,” he said. “Yes, but Ms. Romano agreed to let me in. We had a nice discussion,” I said, taking a sip of water. “Oh. Well, I’m going to ask her if you really showed up,” he said. I shrugged. “Do what you wish, Angelo. But I promise you I was there. I bought her chocolate and flowers,” I said. A few people gasped with surprise. Calmly, I began to eat. Felicity stared at me along with Natasha. Everyone else was speechless. ***That night, after I had changed into some dry, comfortable clothes, I knocked on Felicity’s door. She opened it and narrowed her eyes. “What do you want?” she asked. “I just wanted to say thanks for not ratting me out. I really appreciate it,” I said. Felicity stared at me. “Uh… You’re welcome,” she said finally. I smiled and turned back around. I was in an extremely good mood. I thought about Ms. Romano as I walked down the hall. I hoped that she would get better. But as my mother said, all you could do was pray. Suddenly, I felt my body slam into someone else’s. “Sorry,” I said, looking up into the familiar eyes of… Mason. “Mason, I’m so sorry,” I cried, rubbing my forehead. “It’s fine,” he said, rubbing his shoulder. Then he stared at him for a moment. Finally, he broke the silence. “So, you seriously went to see Ms. Romano?” he asked. “Yup.” Well, that was really nice of you,” he said, smiling. “Thanks. I try my best,” I said with a small laugh. He shook his head and chuckled. “See you later, Winter,” he said, walking away. And leaving me with a warm, bubbly feeling inside.

6/28/2012 1:33:40 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} I knocked on Lizzie’s door and waited patiently. “Coming,” she called. Within seconds, she was opening the door. “Liz… Can you do me a favor?” I asked. I couldn’t believe I was doing this, but I felt extremely bad for Ms. Romano. “Of course, Caitlyn. What is it?” she asked, opening the door wider. I stepped inside and closed it behind me. “I’m going to the hospital to visit Ms. Romano. Please don’t rat me out,” I said. “What? YOU?” Lizzie cried, her eyes popping. “Yeah,” I said awkwardly. “Why?” Lizzie asked, looking at me with awe. I shrugged. “I feel truly bad about Ms. Romano having breast cancer. I want to bring her flowers or something,” I said. It was the honest truth. Lizzie giggled. “Is this a joke?” she asked. I narrowed my eyes. “No. Now please… just don’t tell anyone. I will when I get back, okay?” I said. I didn’t want Angelo coming to pick me up. “Fine,” Lizzie agreed. I smiled and gave her a small hug. “Thanks, Lizzie. You’re a good friend,” I said. A look of guilt flashed across her face, but I chose to ignore it. Instead, I walked to her door and hurried down the stairs. I had about twenty minutes till dinner, so I would certainly be late. But I didn’t mind. Just as my hand was on the doorknob, I heard a familiar voice behind me. “Where are you going? It’s almost dinner.” I turned around very slowly to see Felicity standing there, watching me. “Um…” I said, tracing my foot in a circle on the floor. She watched me, crossing her arms. I sighed. “Fine… I’m going to get Ms. Romano something. Go ahead, Felicity. Rat me out. See if I care,” I said. She looked surprised, but that only lasted for a second. “I can’t believe you,” she said, shaking her head. I shrugged, put the hood of my jacket over my head, and smiled at her. “See you later.” Then I walked out the door, shutting it quietly behind me. I practically ran down the sidewalk. It was pouring down rain, but it didn’t matter to me. Some people gave me funny looks, but I ignored them all. My mind spun as I walked into the flower shop. Why exactly was I doing this, again? I asked myself. A beautiful young woman smiled at me and said something in Italian. I bit my lip. “Do you, by any chance, speak English?” I asked. She smiled. “Si,” she said. I happily returned the smile. “How may I help you?” she asked when I had reached her. “Um… I was wondering if you had any roses,” I said. I knew that roses were kind of pricey, but I pushed the thought away. “Of course we do, Miss,” she said. I waited for her to get them. When she did, I handed her a wad of cash. Then I walked into the store next door and bought her a box of chocolate. After that, I made my way to the hospital. It was a long walk. By the time I got there, I was soaked. The nurse at the front desk gaped at me when I walked in. I took off my hood. “Hi, I’m Caitlyn. Can I see Ms. Romano?” She shook her head. “This isn’t our visiting hour… And there’s no adult,” she said. “Please, ma’am? This is very important,” I said, flashing her an innocent smile. She narrowed her eyes. “Fine. But may I escort you there?” she asked. “Be my guest,” I said sweetly. She looked surprised, but led me to Ms. Romano’s room. When we got there, I knocked on the door. “Come in,” Ms. Romano called. “Ms. Romano,” the nurse said. “Yes?” “You have a guest… Someone by the name of Caitlyn,” the nurse said. “Send her in, of course,” Ms. Romano said. The nurse gave me one last look before hurrying down the hall. I walked into Ms. Romano’s room, closing the door behind me. Then I made my way to her bed, trying not to notice how shocked she looked. “Caitlyn! You’re soaked!” she cried. “I know. It’s raining cats and dogs out there,” I said, smiling. She returned it weakly. “What are you doing here?” she asked, “Does Angelo know you’re here?” I looked down at my wet shoes guiltily. “Well…. Uh, no. But I brought you these,” I said, extending my arm out. She gently took the roses and chocolates from my hands and said, “Oh, you’re too kind. Please, dear. Sit down.” I pulled up a chair and frowned. “Do you know when you’ll be out of here?” I asked. She shook her head. “I’m not sure, Caitlyn. I’m very sick, you know,” she said. I nodded slowly, feeling a tug at my heart. “I know… But I’m positive you’ll get better, Ms. Romano! Rome is a magical place,” I said, only half kidding. She chuckled. “I don’t know about that. But it is very beautiful.” I smiled and leaned back into the chair. “Anyway, what made you want to come?” Ms. Romano asked. I shrugged and gazed up at the ceiling. “I just felt really bad about the whole thing. And… I thought you could you some company,” I said. “Well, that’s very sweet of you. But you better get home. Angelo will be wondering where you are,” she said kindly. I looked at her and nodded. “Alright. Well, get better soon,” I said, even though I knew only time would tell. “Thank you, Caitlyn,” she said, smiling. I moved the chair back to where it was supposed to be. Then I walked calmly out of the hospital, placing my hood back over my head.

6/28/2012 1:20:18 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thank you.

6/27/2012 4:43:08 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - good post! :P

6/27/2012 11:58:00 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thanks(:

6/26/2012 4:07:18 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Payten thanks :) and great post.

6/26/2012 3:52:07 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} Lizzie and I walked into the dining room, talking about the latest episode of Project Runway. Only minutes later, Felicity sat down beside me. She’s wearing a not so stylish purple hoodie with the hood pulled over the top of her head. Lizzie and I exchanged smirks but Felicity didn’t even notice. Angelo walked into the room and cleared his throat. “Children, Ms. Romano would like to explain to you all what is going on herself, so, today we were taking different groups of you to see her at different times. The first group is Seth, Felicity, Caitlyn, Lizzie, Natasha, and Alex. Be ready by 10 AM,” he said. “Perfect,” I said sarcastically. Secretly, I didn’t mind visiting Ms. Romano. I wanted an excuse to get out of this horrible mansion. But why did I have to be in the same group as Natasha and Felicity? “Miss Winter,” Angelo snapped warningly. I rolled my eyes, but before I could say anything more, Felicity said something. “May I be excused?” she asked Angelo. “Of course,” Angelo said. After Felicity left, Angelo turned back to me. “Caitlyn, I want you on your best behavior today. Understand?” he said sharply. He was just going to say something like that in front of everyone? Fine. “Of course, Angelo,” I said sweetly. He nodded, looking weary. “You better. Ms. Romano isn’t in the mood for your behavior today.” ***Lizzie and I get into the car with the others. It was completely silent, except for Lizzie and I giggling about a celebrity who had fallen down on the red carpet earlier. It was all over the Internet and all the gossip celebrity channels. When we arrived at the hospital, we quietly walked inside. Angelo said something in Italian to the woman at the desk and she said something in return. “This way, children,” he said. After lots of walking and getting on an elevator, we’re finally there. “Be very quiet,” Angelo said, knocking on the door. “Yes?” Mrs. Romano called. Angelo opened the door and we follow him inside. Quietly, I shut the door. “Hello, children. I want you all to come here so I could tell you this in person,” she began. Lizzie and I exchanged glances. “”I am very sick. I have breast cancer,” she finished. I gasped, a hand flying to my heart. “OMG, that is so horrible!” I cried, my voice seemingly loud in the room. Angelo opened his mouth to say something, but I gasp again. “Oh, Ms. Romano! Are you going to be okay? Please tell me you’re going to be okay!” I cried. For some reason, I actually felt scared for her. “Caitlyn,” Angelo hissed. Ms. Romano smiled weakly. “I’m sure I will be fine, Miss Winter,” she said. I put my hands on my face, forgetting that it causes acne. “Oh, my god! This is so, so bad! This is like… like… I don’t know! I just know it’s extra bad!” I said. Angelo glared at me. Lizzie clamped a hand over my mouth, causing me to yelp. “Miss Winter, please be quiet. This is a hospital!” Angelo snapped. I nodded and Lizzie dropped her hand. I was silent, a tiny prickle of fear inside.

6/26/2012 3:22:19 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - good paragraph :P

6/26/2012 1:41:07 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni & Haley- Great posts! :)

6/26/2012 11:47:08 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ I grab my purple hoodie and put it on. I pull the hood up as I walk downstairs. It was colder than normal today and plus, my hair looked terrible. I was the last to arrive at the table and perfect, I was stuck sitting next to Caitlyn. I pull out the chair and take a seat. Natasha was sitting across from me with a worried look on her face. I thought of when I walked into her room last night and seeing Alex and her acting weird. They must have gotten into a fight or something. My attention goes to Angelo who clears his throat. “Children, Ms. Romano would like to explain to you all what is going on herself, so, today we are taking different groups of you to see her at different times. The first group is Seth, Felicity, Caitlyn, Lizzie, Natasha and Alex. Be ready by 10AM,” He says. “Perfect,” Caitlyn sarcastically says. “Miss. Winter,” Angelo snaps. Caitlyn rolls her eyes. I now had a headache. “May I be excused?” I ask Angelo. Seth gives me a “What’s wrong look.” I mouth to him “Head hurts.” “Of course,” Angelo says. I stand up and walk up to my room. I lie down on my bed and fall asleep. *Later* I was now sitting in the car with Lizzie, Caitlyn, Natasha, Alex and Seth. Natasha glances at Alex and quickly turns her head away. I gently kick her and make a confused face. She just shakes her head. I sigh and lay my head on Seth’s shoulder. The whole car was silent except for Caitlyn and Lizzie giggling for some reason. Angelo stops the car and gets out. He opens the door for us and we all head towards the hospital. It must be serious if Ms. Romano wanted to tell us herself. “Che spazio è la Sig.ra Romano in?” Angelo asks a nurse. She says something that I couldn’t hear and he thanks her. “This way children.” After walking for a very long time and going up an elevator, we reach Ms. Romano’s room. “Be very quiet,” Angelo tells us and knocks on the door. “Yes?” I hear Ms. Romano’s voice say. Angelo opens the door and walks in and we follow behind him. She smiles. “Hello children,” She starts. “I wanted you all to come here so I could tell you this in person. I am very sick. I have breast cancer.”

6/26/2012 10:53:20 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great post!

6/25/2012 11:17:11 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ To calm myself down, I went out and sat by the pool. A mist had settled over the night sky and air was terribly frigid – it was really only about forty degrees – but I was warm in my furry north face jacket. It was oddly quiet, so I was startled when Alex’s voice cut through it. “Hey, Tash.” He sat down next to my on the patio couch. “Hey. Any update from Bettina?” I asked. He shook his head slowly. “Aren’t you cold out here?” He shivered. He was dressed in crisp dark wash jeans and a pale orange T-shirt. “Nah.” He shrugged and attempted to avoid the chilliness of the air. “So…you seemed to be giving me the cold shoulder earlier today. What was that about?” he asked, his breath making tiny puffs of steam in the air. How could I say this? I’ve been flirting with you even though I pretty much have another guy who’s in another country at the moment. “Nothing.” Alex considered my answer. “Are you still mad at me?” I shook my head. “No, I wasn’t really mad at you. Just in a bad mood.” Your pathetic, Tash, I think to myself. Alex chuckled dryly. I furrowed my brow. “What?” I asked, straightening up my posture. “You’re really good at hiding your feelings. But even I know that you don’t actually feel that way. What’s really wrong?” I looked away, avoiding his gaze that had landed right in my eyes. “Natasha…” His voice had lowered to a mere whisper. He touched my cheek, and I turned back to him. His expression morphed into a solemn, indecipherable face. Except I knew what he was about to do. And maybe I didn’t want to stop it. Slowly, Alex moved his hand to the back of my neck and pulled me a little closer; inch by inch before we were only centimeters apart. Then he touched his soft, pink lips to mine. I kissed him back, wrapping my arms around his neck. But then one name crashed into my thoughts. Christopher. Christopher. Christopher. I yanked my face away from Alex and stood up, leaving him looking as befuddled as ever. “What?” He followed me back into the house. Everyone else was in the dining room so they didn’t hear us. “Natasha!” I kept walking. “Wait!” I got up to my bedroom and right as I was about to close it, Alex’s foot got in the way. “Leave. Me. Alone.” He pushed open the door and closed it behind him. “Why the hell would you kiss me?!” I bellowed. He put his face in his hands and groaned. “Not this again. Not this. You’re not going to be Miss Hypocrite!” I crossed my arms. “What’s that supposed to mean? I am SO not a hypocrite! Where did you even GET that id—“ “NATASHA! You kissed me back…remember?!” My arms fell back to their sides and I frowned. “I-I-I…” I trailed off. “What’s up with you these days, Natasha?” he growled. “You really want to know? Okay then…I like two people!” It felt weird saying ‘I like’. Alex stepped back and looked at me funny. “I’m guessing I’m one of those people. Who’s the other?” “Christopher. Christopher Durand. You probably don’t even know the guy,” I said bluntly. “Is it the guy that you brought to your dance awhile ago?” I nodded. “So…you kissed me. And? It’s not like you’re datin—“ “You don’t get it. I pretty much AM dating Christopher!” “AND YOU KISS ME?!” Alex thundered. I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. Then something dawned to me. “Alex, I don’t want a boyfriend. I don’t even want to like anyone right now. I came to Italy to improve my academics. Not to improve my love life.” Alex stared at me. “Please. Just…leave.” Alex didn’t move. He just stared at me. Then a knock came to my door. Felicity’s brunette head popped through the door. “Tasha, dinner’s read—Wait, what’s going on?!” She must have felt the tension in the room. I walked toward her. “It’s nothing, Fliss. I’ll be right down for dinner.” I looked back at Alex. “And you’d better be getting downstairs, too.” I followed Felicity out the door, trying to forget that entire conversation. Also trying to forget Alex and Christopher.

6/25/2012 9:16:01 PM | Report

fungirl123 Which one, though? ;)

6/25/2012 5:41:02 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Either sound fine to me. :p

6/25/2012 11:49:08 AM | Report

fungirl123 What about...colon cancer? Breast cancer? :p

6/25/2012 10:51:10 AM | Report

fungirl123 So what kind of cancer should it be? I'll look up common cancers in middle-aged people. :p

6/24/2012 9:12:48 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- That sounds good! :D And good post, btw. :)

6/23/2012 8:54:10 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Short, sorry. :( gotta clean my room, be on tonight

6/23/2012 7:47:22 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ “I really hope Ms. Romano will be okay,” Natasha says. I get up from my bed. “Tash, she’ll be fine,” I tell her. “You can’t be sure of that.” I sigh. To be honest, I was worried to but I had to keep it together or Natasha would go nuts. Natasha’s phone began vibrating. She sighs and ignores it. “Who was that?” I ask. “No one. Fliss, I’m tired, I’m going to bed,” She gets up and leaves the room. Something was wrong with her and I could feel it. I grab my phone and text Seth. “U asleep?” “Nope.” “Do you think Ms. Romano will be okay?” “I hope so Fliss.” “Okay. Night.” “Night.” I turn off my light and go to sleep.

6/23/2012 7:46:29 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Oh and I meant the next day on when they come in and talk to her.

6/23/2012 7:24:57 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll work on my post now:)

6/23/2012 7:22:46 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'm sorry you all are stuck on what to write. We could have the group (Just the girls, their guys and Lizzie) come in and talk to her and then that night at dinner Angelo tells them the news. If you all are getting bored just let me know!

6/23/2012 7:22:21 PM | Report

fungirl123 Yeah...I guess. :P

6/23/2012 4:34:39 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 So, what's going to happen next? Is Ms. Romano gonna be in the hospital for a few days? I'm kinda stuck on what to write... :/

6/23/2012 2:02:36 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! :)

6/20/2012 12:19:43 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - haha, I knew there was a character named Natasha. But not a Natasha Reynolds...haha! xD Good posts everyone...now I just don't know what to write about at the hospital.

6/20/2012 8:17:32 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ I was on my laptop listening to Boyfriend by Justin Bieber when my mom sent me a chat message on Skype. “Hey Felicity, the webcam on my laptop is not working. Anyways, found an adorable picture of you from back when you were little in gymnastics. Miss you.” I stare at the message. I used to love gymnastics even though I was completely terrible at it. I get up and begin to do a backbend when my door flies open. I fall then look up to find Seth. “Felicity! Ms. Romano fainted on the tennis court. Get up, we need to get downstairs!” He says. He was out of breath. I get up and follow him downstairs or, run downstairs. Why would she have fainted? I thought of this until Angelo reached the dining room. “Children, Ms. Romano has fainted,” Angelo explained. “Fainted?” Lizzie asks. “Si, she fainted right on the tennis court. Now-“Why was she out there in the first please?” Caitlyn asks. “She was telling Seth and Alex that it was time for dinner,” Angelo told her. “So, it’s basically their fault, correct?” She says with a smirk while looking in Seth’s direction. I glare at her. Angelo looked like he was about to crack. “Miss Caitlyn, this is no time for your smart comments.” He turned to the rest of us. “Bettina and I are taking her to the hospital. The rest of you will wait here with the other servants,” He told us. He looked at all of us then grabbed his keys and left. No one spoke.

6/19/2012 9:00:57 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl great posts girls! about to work on my post. @Haley I was just watching a show (Dance academy)and one of the people on there is named Natasha Reynolds! :) haha.

6/19/2012 8:23:05 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} Lizzie smiled down at a fashion magazine. Pointing at an outfit, she said, “Catie, isn’t this so cute?” I took a quick glance at it and snorted. “I hope you’re joking, Liz. That’s so 2010,” I said, rolling my eyes. Lizzie’s smile vanished. “Right. Of course I was joking,” she said quickly. I smiled. “Good.” “Dinner!” someone yelled up the stairs, ringing a little bell that signaled supper. I sighed and hurried down the stairs with Lizzie. We were in the dining room when Angelo came in looking anxious. Ms. Romano was missing. “Children, Ms. Romano has fainted.” “Fainted?” Lizzie squeaked. “Si, she fainted right on the tennis court.” “Why was she out there in the first place?” I asked coolly. “She was telling Seth and Alex that it was time for dinner,” Angelo said just as coolly. “So it’s basically there fault, correct?” I asked. He squeezed his eyes shut and rubbed his forehead as if he had a terrible headache. “Caitlyn, this is not the time for your smart comments.” Turning to the others, he said, “Bettina and I are taking her to the hospital. The rest of you will wait here with the other servants.” No one protested, knowing that this could be serious. I was silent, watching Angelo leave.

6/19/2012 7:40:17 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Nice post. :) I'll post here in a few minutes.

6/19/2012 7:28:53 PM | Report

fungirl123 Sorry that was so short. I just felt I needed to post something...

6/19/2012 6:09:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ Why was it so weird that I hadn’t really thought of Christopher in the past few days? Was it wrong? No. It wasn’t. Christopher’s face appeared on my computer screen. “Hi,” I said. I could almost hear the dullness in my own voice. “What’s up? I was thinking about you today.” He grinned. In my mind, I was frowning. “Cool. I was thinking about you, too,” I lied. Well, it wasn’t a completely lie. I HAD thought about him…but after I had spent the entire day with Alex. I could see the blush go over Christopher’s face. Something died inside of me. “How have you been?” he asked. I forced a smile. “Good.” Suddenly, a huge pounding came to my door. “I’ll be right back, Christopher,” I said. I got up and went to the door. Alex stood outside, panting for breath. Perfect timing, I thought sarcastically. “What is it?” I asked, hearing the dryness in my own voice. “M-Ms. Romano passed out. Angelo and Bettina are taking her to the hospital…” Alex doubled over, catching his breath. I could feel my eyes bulge from my skull. “She fainted? Where? When?” I interrogated. Alex stood back up. “I was outside playing tennis on the court – well, trying and messing around – with Seth and she came out, telling us it was almost dinner. Then she just passed out right there when she was walking back to the back patio,” he explained. “Wait here.” I went back to my laptop. For some odd reason, Alex followed me back in. Christopher looked puzzled. “Who’s he-,” I hastily shut my laptop.

6/19/2012 6:02:30 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 LOL :P

6/19/2012 9:45:11 AM | Report

fungirl123 I was working on a paragraph...then I fell asleep... :P

6/19/2012 7:54:12 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Me too, hopefully. :)

6/18/2012 1:29:29 PM | Report

fungirl123 I'll post tomorrow. :D

6/17/2012 8:43:00 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Yeah, thanks sooo much! <3

6/17/2012 1:05:29 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - yeah, thanks for the idea! <3

6/17/2012 12:06:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 That's a fabulous idea! :D

6/17/2012 10:52:18 AM | Report

fungirl123 That sounds good! :P YAY!...now I think we can all get out of that "I'm blocked" stage.

6/16/2012 9:37:51 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Okay so I might have an idea. I was thinking that Ms. Romano could get very sick. (Cancer, maybe?)

6/16/2012 7:40:02 PM | Report

fungirl123 Yeah, I don't blame you. :\ This club is so hard to write for.

6/16/2012 5:19:26 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I've been trying to think of ideas and I can't think of any. D:

6/16/2012 1:01:55 PM | Report

fungirl123 I bet. :)

6/15/2012 2:37:05 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Yeah... that's a lot for a small town.

6/15/2012 10:45:54 AM | Report

fungirl123 Wow...

6/14/2012 4:29:04 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Lol, it was crazy.Probably over 60 kids showed up. D: *stressed!* :)

6/14/2012 1:02:40 PM | Report

fungirl123 Have fun :P

6/14/2012 12:00:33 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Hmm... I'll do some thinking after I get home from my volunteer job. ^.^

6/14/2012 9:31:00 AM | Report

fungirl123 I honestly cannot come up with anything. :\ I'm fresh out of ideas. Anyone else wanna take a try? :P

6/13/2012 8:06:24 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay. :)

6/11/2012 8:27:09 PM | Report

fungirl123 Give me a little time to think about it...I'm kind of backed up on writing everywhere since I was gone all of today. :P

6/10/2012 6:27:32 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Yeah! :D But what?

6/10/2012 6:19:13 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl grrr, no idea what to post:/ I think we should think of something big to happen so we can all get back to posting. Whatcha think?

6/10/2012 3:38:06 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Yeah. :(

6/9/2012 2:15:29 PM | Report

fungirl123 I think we're all completely blocked. :(

6/9/2012 10:06:56 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Wow, once again, I cannot think of anything to post. :p

6/8/2012 6:16:13 PM | Report

fungirl123 No problem! :P

6/6/2012 4:38:16 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thanks! :)

6/6/2012 10:22:01 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :D

6/5/2012 9:20:11 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} Only a few days later, I was pondering the entire situation. Maybe Cicero wasn’t cheating on me with Lizzie, but what if he was cheating on me with someone else? Or maybe more than one person? No one, and I mean NO ONE, cheated on Caitlyn Winter. If they did, it was bound to be all over the cover of a magazine and flashing across the bottom of your TV. I think that was why I had never been cheated on before. People knew better. Which was good. Technically, I had never had my heart broken. It was more like I broke the hearts. I decided that I needed to have a talk with Cicero, and soon. I was desperate to see if he was cheating on me or if it was all in my head. I ran down the stairs and found Angelo. “Can I go somewhere?” I begged. “Where?” he answered. I sighed. “I need to go talk to my boyfriend. It’s really important.” Angelo watched me for a moment. I clasped my hands together. “Pretty please, Angelo?” He nodded. “Fine, but be back by six.” “You bet!” I cried, hurrying out the door. I jogged down the steps of the mansion and walked down a dark alley. I felt myself crash into someone. “OMG, I’m sorry!” I cried, squinting in the darkness. “Caitlyn?” a familiar voice asked. “Cicero!” I gushed, feeling a smile light up my face. “Hey,” he said. He grabbed my hand and led me out of the alley. I looked up at him, forgetting why I had been coming to see him in the first place. “How are you?” he asked, smiling warmly. I shook my head, finally remembering what I needed to say. “Um, can we talk somewhere? Somewhere... private?” I asked, looking around. People still milled around the streets before dinner. “Of course,” he said, draping his arm over my shoulders. I shivered a little. It was starting to get a little cold. He smiled down at me and led me down the street. We stopped in front of a huge house. It was even bigger than our house back in Los Angeles. “Wow... this is where you live? It’s almost as big as Ms. Romano’s mansion!” I exclaimed in awe. He laughed. “Si, this is where I live,” he replied. “It’s beautiful!” I cried.His house was huge. It was painted a beautiful white color. The grass on the front lawn was the perfect shade of green. In the backyard, there was a pool glistening. Their house even had balconies. “Thanks,” Cicero said, opening the door. I looked around with awe. It was similar to the mansion, but kind of... prettier. Richer. We went into a fancy room with very comfy chairs. “Is this a living room?” I asked. “No, just an extra room we have here,” he admitted. We sat down on a couch and I turned to face him. “What did you want to talk to me about?” he questioned. I took a deep breath. “I think you’re cheating on me,” I said. Wow, that was harder than I had thought it would be. Cicero raised an eyebrow. “And you think that because?” “Well, I’ve seen you flirting with Lizzie.” I swallowed hard. “And Natasha told me that Christopher said that you do cheat on girls. And use them,” I continued. Cicero looked surprised. “I trust Lizzie. I really, really do. So I believe her when she says nothing is going on between you both. But what about you? Do you like her?” Cicero opened his mouth and then clamped it shut again. “I need you to be honest with me, especially if we’re going to continue dating,” I finished, looking him in the eyes. Cicero took one of his hands in mine. “Okay. So maybe I was flirting with Lizzie that one time. And maybe I have treated girls badly before,” he began, looking pained. I felt my heart sink. “Cicero-,” I began but he cut me off. “That was all in the past. I really hope you forgive me, Caitlyn,” he said. I shook my head, feeling tears in my eyes. “How can I trust you if you’ve had a bad history like that?” I asked, sounding hurt. “That’s what you have to do, Catie. You have to trust me,” he said smoothly. I sighed. He was a great boyfriend. He was sorry. Wasn’t that all that mattered? “Forgive me?” Cicero asked. “Yes,” I said. My voice sounded weak. “Great,” Cicero whispered, pressing his lips up against mine.

6/5/2012 7:22:22 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - ah, thanks! <3 As you could see, I'm not using my real name, but it's me. ;) @Payton - cool! :D

6/5/2012 6:47:50 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 :) So I should have a post tomorrow and also one for A Writer's World. :D

6/5/2012 4:43:35 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Sorry I haven't wrote lately! GL has been so slow. :/ But now it's faster and I'll be able to write and post much more often! :)

6/5/2012 3:47:56 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl great story Haley! :)

6/4/2012 4:26:51 PM | Report

fungirl123 Hey, people! :) I'd really appreciate if you girls read my new and completely changed and improved story here: http://figment.com/books/287172-Louisa-s-War-

6/3/2012 1:24:51 PM | Report

fungirl123 Potassium to you, too! :D (Haha, I like to say that when people reply with K. Get it, Vitamin K is Potassium...just a little joke.)

5/31/2012 7:00:17 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 K :) Thanks!

5/31/2012 5:22:04 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - have fun I guess! <3 @Payton - how about Caitlyn has a talk with Cicero about him cheating on her? ^_^

5/31/2012 5:00:50 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl great posts girls! won't be on for about 3 days (gonna be in a beauty pageant) :)

5/31/2012 4:53:13 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Not really. Should she? :)

5/31/2012 4:39:28 PM | Report

fungirl123 Has Caitlyn talked to Cicero much lately? ;)

5/31/2012 3:51:32 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Great post! :D I can't think of anything to write. :/

5/31/2012 3:38:11 PM | Report

fungirl123 ~Natasha~ Alex and I headed out the back door of the mansion. “Where to?” Alex looked over the large back lawn of Ms. Romano’s mansion, trying to locate a place to go for a run. There wasn’t much snow, which was odd for a January day in Italy. There were only small patches of it melting around the place. I was aiming to stay on the sidewalk in my Nike tennis shoes so that I didn’t wipe out in the grass or in one of the patches of snow. “Er…let’s go to the end of the street,” Alex answered. With that, I zipped up the rest of my warm-up jacket and pulled my yoga pants up over my hips. Then we took off sprinting. “Why are we going to fast?” I shouted breathlessly, trying to keep up with his long legs. “This is how we run for lacrosse!” Alex called back, and then he began slowing back down to a jog. I did the same. “How long have you been playing sports?” I asked him as we took a short break not much later. We had run well past the street corner and through about half of the city. After taking a sip of water from his bottle, he replied, “Since I could walk, I think. My dad put me in the local YMCA’s lacrosse team when I was about three. Until then, he and I played miniature games in the backyard.” I nodded. “Last one to the mansion buys dinner later, gotcha?” Alex smirked. And we took off. I couldn’t help but laugh. It was like I was back home going on runs with my track team. My legs carried me faster and faster until I finally caught up with him on the front walk. Then I finally passed him as we dashed through the front gate and to the gigantic front door. My legs felt numb. We had run more than three miles by now. My pulse was a drum beating on my wrist. Pulling Alex by the sleeve of his shirt, we quietly walked through the house. It was barely nine o’clock AM. The house was just waking. Teenagers were coming down the winding staircase in their nightclothes while Alex and I were panting for breath in our Nike running clothes. Finally, I collapsed on the sofa. “Good run.” Alex nodded. “Can we do it again tomorrow?” he asked, sitting down next to me. “Yes, of course.” As I was heading back up to my bedroom again, I felt my cell phone beep in my pocket. It was a text from Christopher. One thing ran through my head. I had only been thinking about Alex the last few days; Christopher hadn’t even crossed my mind.

5/31/2012 3:12:36 PM | Report

fungirl123 Yup :P

5/28/2012 1:27:04 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Kk

5/28/2012 1:14:03 PM | Report

fungirl123 Yeah, but I still chatted with Cayley and Krysta about random stuff. <3

5/28/2012 10:45:03 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Did I miss you? (I can't remember!) :/

5/28/2012 9:52:34 AM | Report

fungirl123 kk! :)

5/27/2012 8:18:29 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Cayley and I are on PI so you should come on :)

5/27/2012 7:34:47 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - I might. And thanks for the suggestion! :) But I don't really like writing the stepping-stone paragraphs where nothing interesting happens. I'll keep thinking for a little while. But I'm going to post soon, no worries! <3

5/27/2012 7:34:05 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll post again maybe tonight. @Haley are you gonna do my idea or? Just wondering (you don't have to):)

5/27/2012 4:38:13 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Haha. :)

5/27/2012 4:23:32 PM | Report

fungirl123 haha :)

5/27/2012 12:11:00 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 :) Yeah, me too!

5/27/2012 10:29:48 AM | Report

fungirl123 Haha, I have those moments all the time! :p

5/27/2012 10:13:23 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Ooh, never mind, I know what it is. Haha, blonde moment at 8:00 in the morning. And no, I can't! Almost, but no.

5/27/2012 9:31:01 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- What's a split?

5/27/2012 9:15:19 AM | Report

fungirl123 I'm pretty close, too, but not quite there. ^_^

5/27/2012 9:10:15 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Random question but can anyone do a split? I'm pretty close.

5/26/2012 10:00:59 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Thanks :) @Haley maybe you could write about hanging out with Alex? Maybe Alex could end up watching the movie with Seth and Felicity?

5/26/2012 9:59:36 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - good post and thanks for your input. ^_^ I just don't know what to write about.

5/26/2012 8:54:36 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! :)

5/26/2012 7:19:48 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl @Haley I think that's a good idea because Alex and her make a cute couple :) I think Christopher is too much like Natasha :D

5/26/2012 7:07:24 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ It had been a little awkward the last few days with Seth, but things were getting back to normal. "So, what do you want to do?" Natasha asks. "Not sure," I say. I glance to my left to find Caitlyn and Mason, they were laughing. Suddenly, Caitlyn storms over to us. "What's your problem?" Caitlyn asks as Mason walked up behind. "Um...nothing?" Natasha says. "More like what's yours! You're all sugary sweet and then you're chewing us out for no reason!" I say. Caitlyn sighs. "Sweetie, it's called acting!" I roll my eyes. "I can't believe you," I say. She shoves me! "What? Are you sad that your little boyfriend is cheating on you?" She snaps. "He's not! And if he was, how would you know?" Natasha asks. "I have my ways," Caitlyn says with a smirk. "Listen," I start coldly while walking closer. I was about to go off on her about hanging out with Mason and being all flirty but then Lizzie appears from no where. “Wow, Felicity. No wonder Seth is cheating on you. Just look at your outfit. It’s so...” She says then laughs. I look down at my tie dye dress that had a feather hanging on it. My face flushes. "Stop," Natasha says. Natasha hated when people fought. "Stop," Caitlyn says trying to mimick Tasha' in a totally different voice. "Caitlyn," Mason finally snaps. “What?” She asked. “Stop,” he replied. “NO,” She then turned to us. “Listen, I’m going to go get my beauty sleep now, but just because I apologize on live TV and Ms. Romano has a little chit chat with me doesn’t mean anything has changed between us." “Thank god,” I say with a smirk. Caitlyn and Lizzie walk off, laughing. I sigh closing my eyes. Mason just looks up at us, shakes his head and walks away. I feel someone touch my shoulder so I spin around. It was Seth. "What was that about?" He asks. I look at Natasha so she could explain but she doesn't. "Caitlyn's just being...Caitlyn," I tell him. He gives me a look and says, "Cheer up girls! Why don't I ask Bettina if we can watch a movie or something? I'll make popcorn," He says elbowing me. I smile. "How bout' it Natasha?" I ask. She smiles. "Of course," She says.

5/26/2012 7:05:10 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Thank you! And yay! :D

5/26/2012 9:18:59 AM | Report

fungirl123 great! :)

5/25/2012 8:45:15 PM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl Great post! I'll post tomorrow, promise :)

5/25/2012 8:30:47 PM | Report

fungirl123 yup :)

5/24/2012 8:09:21 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Hahaha(: I don't know.

5/24/2012 4:06:59 PM | Report

fungirl123 Me too...I was starting a paragraph. Then I realized that it was going nowhere. :\

5/24/2012 3:36:24 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 :) I have no idea what to post now.

5/24/2012 3:31:30 PM | Report

fungirl123 yup :)

5/23/2012 9:20:39 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Kk! :)

5/23/2012 8:53:03 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 I'll give it some thought! ;)

5/23/2012 7:54:17 PM | Report

fungirl123 I know this sounds kind of odd, but since I want Natasha to end up with Christopher, I need a way for Alex to be...well, not right for her, but still be her best friend. Any ideas?

5/23/2012 7:38:09 PM | Report

fungirl123 Actually, I'm changing that. I want her to end up with Alex, but still be friends with Christopher. Ignore my post, please. :) Haha

5/23/2012 7:46:59 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - good post! :D

5/23/2012 7:27:24 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} A few days after making up with Lizzie, I felt depressed. Claudia and Tat still hand’t called. Maybe I had really messed up this time... Maybe I should have let the rumors continue to spread about Felicity and Tasha. “Sit up,” a voice ordered from above. I snapped up right, dropping my fork to my plate. A few kids snickered but I chose to ignore it. My eyes flickered to Ms. Romano, who stood over to the side of the room, glaring at me. “Sorry,” I said sincerely. She looked surprised as she gave a small cough. “Oh... it’s... fine,” she said, quickly stepping out of the room. Felicity raised her eyebrows at me, but I ignored it. At the end of dinner, everyone was standing up. Bettina hurried over to pick up some of our plates, looking flustered. She murmured something in Italian; I was beginning to pick up on the language so I barely managed to interpret it. She was running late. “Oh, let me help you,” I said sweetly, surprising myself. It’s pretty bad when you surprise yourself. Everyone turned and gaped at me. Bettina’s face turned beet red. “No, no, Miss Winter, I’m fine!” she said quickly. I rolled my eyes and picked up plates. So this is what it felt like to be a maid... “I’ll help to,” someone said from behind me. I whirled around to see Mason picking up plates. He shot me a smile that was more of a smirk. I returned the smile, ignoring Bettina and the others. “Well... thank you,” Bettina said, unable to hide her shock. “You’re so welcome,” I said sweetly. Everyone, looking surprised, left. Ms. Romano watched me closely, her eyes cold. “Hurry,” I told Mason. We worked really fast and before we knew it, all the plates were in the kitchen. Bettina thanked us once more and then we took off, holding hands. I laughed, leading him outside. “Okay, what happened to the real Caitlyn?” Mason asked wistfully. I smirked at him, snickering. “What do you mean? I’m right here.” He waved his hand in front of my face, making me blink. “Hello?” he yelled. I laughed, pushing his away. He laughed and then said, “But seriously. You’re acting differently.” I shrugged, looking away. I wasn’t about to tell him that Ms. Romano had embarrassed me by calling me into her office. My tantrum still rang through my head and I felt bad for kicking Angelo. “I know,” I admitted quietly. I looked over at him. “Different is... good,” he said, smiling a little. I picked up an abandoned basketball and chucked it at him. “Thanks, Mason! But I challenge you to a game of basketball,” I exclaimed, skipping off the porch in my pretty pink dress. He grinned and we ran down the sidewalk towards a local gym. (IDK if they have those. Srry if they don’t!!) ***Later, we went back into the mansion, breathless. “I so creamed you,” I taunted. “No you didn’t! I beat you fair and square!” he said, shoving me. I laughed, linking arms with him. “Okay, you did. But next time, I will beat you.” We reached the upstairs and I looked at the clock. It was 7:30 here. I spotted Natasha and Felicity watching us, eyebrows raised. They had been talking in the hallway... who knows about what. Fear crept up on me. What if they told Cicero that I was flirting with Mason, even though I wasn’t?! I flounced over to them and said icily, “What’s your problem?” Mason watched from behind. “Um... nothing,” Natasha said. “More like what’s yours. You’re all sugary sweet and then you’re chewing us out for no reason!” Felicity butted in. I snorted. “It’s called acting, Fissy!” Felicity rolled her eyes and so did Natasha. “I can’t believe you,” Felicity continued, her eyes flickering slightly. I shoved her. “What? Are you sad that your boyfriend is cheating on you?” I snapped, snickering. “He’s not! And if he was, how would you know?” Natasha defended for her. I smirked. “I have my ways,” I lied. Felicity’s pretty eyes widened. “Listen,” she started coldly. I have no idea what she was going to say but Lizzie cut her off by appearing at my side. “Wow, Felicity. No wonder Seth is cheating on you. Just look at your outfit. It’s so...” Liz turned to me and we burst out laughing. “Stop,” Natasha said, practically seething. “Stop,” I said, mimicking her annoying voice. Lizzie shoved her, making us both laugh again. “Caitlyn,” Mason snapped. My laughter slowly died as I turned around. “What?” I asked innocently. “Stop,” he replied. I sneered at him. “NO,” I said firmly. Then I turned back to the others. “Listen, I’m going to go get my beauty sleep now, but just because I apologize on live TV and Ms. Romano has a little chit chat with me doesn’t mean anything has changed between us,” I said cooly. “Thank god,” Felicity sneered. I shoved her once more and Lizzie and parted ways quickly. The next morning at breakfast, Bettina watched me when she started clearing dishes. “What? Think I’m going to help? It’s called acting,” I sneered. Her cheeks burned as she looked away. I popped my knuckles as everyone gaped at me. “What?” I asked innocently. They continued staring at me so I snickered. “You act like you’ve never met me,” I said coldly. I laughed once more, linking arms with Lizzie as we hurried to go get our nails done. I barely noticed Ms. Romano glaring at me.

5/23/2012 7:18:05 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Actually... I think I'm going to do something with Mason.. Beings Caitlyn has mixed feelings right now.. :o

5/23/2012 6:43:15 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Me too!

5/23/2012 6:35:30 PM | Report

fungirl123 I'm blocked on what to right about right now...

5/22/2012 8:07:41 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - got it. ^.^

5/19/2012 10:10:56 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl I'll post soon. @Haley emailed back :)

5/18/2012 8:59:23 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Okay :)

5/18/2012 7:23:40 PM | Report

fungirl123 Hmm...soon. Maybe another month or two of Caitlyn hating Natasha, Felicity, etc. But Caitlyn starts to suspect stuff of Claudia and Tatiana. :) Because, right now, it's the middle of January.

5/18/2012 4:25:33 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 When should Claudia and Tatiana betray Caitlyn? Soon.. or not really?

5/18/2012 4:06:15 PM | Report

fungirl123 No problem :)

5/18/2012 4:00:26 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 Thank you:)

5/18/2012 3:40:00 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - great post! :D

5/18/2012 3:29:03 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} The next morning at breakfast, everyone was silent, sensing the tension. I stabbed my fork so hard in my pancakes that everyone jumped. Purposely, I kicked Lizzie under the table. “Ouch!” she yelped, wincing at the sharp spike of my heels. I sent her a look that I hoped was mean. It must have been because she shrank back in her seat, letting her hair curtain her face. “Caitlyn, I just wanted to ... uh, saying thanks again,” Felicity said, trying to break the tension. Or maybe she was just being annoying. I could see that. “Oh, who cares?” I snapped. “Well, you made everyone be nice to us again,” Tasha pointed out. Mason shot me a look. “Which was a huge mistake,” I sneered. If I had to be miserable someone else should be miserable with me. Natasha blinked and Felicity just did a half shrug. “Now quit staring!” I cried, sending everyone a deathly look. They quickly looked down at their plates, busying themselves with food. Except for Mason. He kept his eyes on me. My cheeks heated up. “Caitlyn, Ms. Romano would like to speak with you,” Angelo said, coming into the room. “What now?” I whined, turning towards him. “It’s something very important,” he informed me. “No it’s not. Nothing is important in Rome. Everything is stupid in Rome,” I snapped. Angelo’s eyes flashed, like fire. “You will come now,” he ordered. “Make me,” I sneered. My eyes widened as he disappeared out the door. Feeling smug, I pushed my plate across the table. Angelo appeared again, his eyes firm. Everyone stared as he actually picked me up. Big mistake. I was in such a bad mood already. I began to kick and scream bloody murder. He ignored me calmly. “Ms. Romano’s orders,” he said over the noise. Everyone watched as I kicked him really hard in the knee. He winced but carried me out the door. “Stupid Rome!” I shrieked. My words bounced off the walls, echoing throughout the house. I hoped Mason and the others could hear that. Angelo sat me down in Ms. Romano’s office calmly and then walked away. Ms. Romano turned to me, her eyes narrowing. “If you hate Rome so much, why are you here?” she asked coldly. “I have to be,” I said. “No, you don’t. We could send you home if you like,” she said. I shook my head. “Please! NO!” I cried. “Why-ever not?” “It’s bad publicity,” I murmured. She looked faux-surprised. “Oh, I see. You know what else was bad publicity for some other people?” I braced myself, knowing what was about to come. “Ruining Natasha and Felicity’s visit when they went back home. Why did you make up those lies?” she finished. “Because... I don’t know. I wanted publicity. Revenge? Or maybe people to feel sorry for me,” I said quietly. Ms. Romano nodded. “I’m happy you told the entire world to leave them alone, but you never once told them that the lies weren’t true,” she said calmly, “Why was that?” I shrugged. “Wasn’t apologizing enough?” Ms. Romano shook her head sort of sadly. “I’m tired of your behavior, Caitlyn. You ruined Natasha’s dress and so much more. You called them out on TV. You better get your act straight, Miss Winter,” she ordered. “Or else what?” I sneered. “I’ll send you home. And we both know that wouldn’t look good on your part,” she said. “Or yours,” I said. She sent me a confused look. “People love me. A lot more then you. So if you sent me home, there would be another uproar. We both know that. It’s only the truth,” I said smoothly. Her mouth set into a thin, hard line. “You have me there. But I personally do not care what the Americans think, my dear. All I am saying is try to be nicer. Can you do that for me?” she asked, trying to keep calm. I stood up. “Fine,” I said. “Dismissed,” she said, waving her hand. I marched back up into my bedroom to where I found Lizzie waiting for me. “Oh joy, you’re here,” I said sarcastically. She looked hurt as she studied me. “I’m really sorry, Caitlyn. I swear nothing is going on between Cicero and me. Can’t you forgive us? For Cicero’s sake?” she asked sweetly. Right now, it seemed as though I didn’t have a choice. I had to be nice. And... It seemed as though all my other so called “FRIENDS” hated my guts. “Fine,” I said. Liz jumped up and hugged me. “But no more chances. This is your last one,” I said. She let out a sigh. “All right.”

5/18/2012 10:19:34 AM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 {Caitlyn} A day later, after catching up on my much needed sleep, I snuck out to visit Cicero. Normally, we met at a certain spot that was far enough away from the mansion. That way Ms. Romano wouldn’t catch me or anything. I stopped short when I saw Lizzie in our spot. She was twirling a lock of her auburn hair, an innocent, cute smile on her face. Cicero was joking around with her. Two very obvious flirts, I told myself. I remembered Natasha’s words. “Christopher told me that Cicero uses women.” What if Christopher was right? Even worse... what if Natasha Reynolds was right? If she was, I would just about die. My heart raced with anger as I watched them, leaning against the brick wall of a building. I was hidden in the shadows. When Cicero told Lizzie he had to go, I watched Lizzie nod and giggle before flouncing away. Cicero hurried away and into another building. When Lizzie walked by me, I reached out and grabbed her sparkly pink dress. “Ah!” she cried as I shoved her harshly up against the wall. She winced and squinted in the darkness. “Caitlyn? Is that you?” she asked nervously. “Yes,” I snarled, getting right in her face. “What’s wrong?” she asked, trying to sound innocent. “You’re such a little...”I stopped, taking a deep breath. For some reason, it hurt. “I thought we were friends, but you’re flirting with my boyfriend. AGAIN!” I cried, feeling tears well up in my eyes. When would I actually find out who my real friends were? I had Claud and Tat, but they were really mad at me. They still hand’t called! “Oh, Catie, I’m not... I mean... I AM your friend,” she managed, blinking back her own big tears. “Oh, save it,” I snapped furiously. “What do you mean?” Lizzie asked anxiously. “You lie, Lizzie! More then I ever have!” I cried, letting go of her dress. “Caitlyn, come back!” my ex best friend cried as I raced down a dark alley. I crumpled to the ground in a ball. For once I didn’t care if my dress got dirty. In fact, I could get run over for all I cared. ***I had been asleep for quite a while. And now... I sat up groggily, looking around. Where was I? Oh, yes. I was in a dark alley that smelled like garbage. My normally perfect hair hung in my face and felt all tangled up. My dress had dirt and grass stains all over it. EWW. A banana peel stuck to my arm. I ripped it off and threw it at the ground. Then I trudged back to the mansion, unaware of how late it was. “Caitlyn! Where have you been?” Angelo snapped when I got inside. Ms. Romano stood beside him, her eyes as cold as ice. “I...” I stuttered, glancing at the clock. It was almost midnight. I had been gone for hours. “I fell asleep,” I moaned, remembering Lizzie and Cicero. “Where at?” Ms. Romano cried. I shrugged. “An alley,” I replied. Ms. Romano blinked, really taking in the sight of me. “You look...” she began, seeming at a loss for words. “Awful? Yeah, I know,” I said. I pushed past them, ignoring their confused, angry faces. I stormed up the stairs, ignoring the stars of Felicity and whoever else was watching. Lizzie reached out to touch me but one look from me made her back away. I didn’t know if they had just been flirting or if he was cheating on me with her. But that didn’t matter. All I wanted to do now was curl up in my bed and maybe read a fashion magazine. I needed to relive my stress.

5/18/2012 9:59:40 AM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - I sent you an email. :)

5/17/2012 8:33:15 PM | Report

fungirl123 No problem.

5/14/2012 8:58:21 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Haley- Okay, thanks! :)

5/14/2012 7:50:11 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Payton - how about Caitlyn sees Cicero and lizzie flirting again and sh's mad, but once again forgives them. :p

5/14/2012 6:10:15 PM | Report

taylorswiftfan1233 @Toni- Great post! I'm trying to think of something to write for Caitlyn.. :/

5/14/2012 4:35:14 PM | Report

fungirl123 @Toni - great post! :)

5/14/2012 6:44:32 AM | Report

NeverSayNeverGirl ~Felicity~ The plane ride was boring. Finally, we got off the plane and met up with Angelo. I glared at Seth but on the inside, I was about to cry. When we got to the mansion, I saw Natasha standing there. I run to her and hug her. “I missed you,” Natasha says. I let go. “I missed YOU. It was so hard having to deal with all that Winter VS. Reynolds rubbish without the other victim!” I tell her. I glance to my side to find Seth. I roll my eyes.“Hey,” Natasha says. “Hi,” Seth says. I feel him look at me. "Hello," He says. I look down then look back up at Natasha. “Tash, we need to go upstairs and talk now,” I say feeling my face turn red.“Why?” She asked. “I’ll tell you,” I say while grabbing Natasha's arm and running up the stairs. “What about your suitcases?” Seth calls from the bottom of the stairs. “I’ll get it soon,” I call back with an angry tone. We turn into Natasha's room. “I think that Seth is cheating on me…with a girl from his town. Her name’s Kristen,” I tell her, my fist clenched. Natasha's eyes were now wide open. “How about I talk to him?” Tasha' says while standing up. “No, Natasha, let me tell you about it.” I pull her to her bed and sit with my legs folded. “I was on Skype with him and he said that he was going out with her on a date," I say. Finally, I get up and start pacing. “He said WHAT?!” Natasha asks while jumping up. I sigh. “Well, he didn’t actually say ‘date’. He said this, I kind of had plans with Kristen’," I say then walk to her desk chair and put my hands in my face. “What else did he say?” She asks. “He…I…I was introducing him to my mom and he said that he had to go because he had plans and that I was making him late,” I say. Don't cry Fliss. “So he was putting another girl before his girlfriend? What a jerk!” She exclaims. “Flissy, I can talk to him if you want me to,” She suggests. I nod. “Could you, Tasha?” “Yes,” She answers. “It’s going to be okay, Felicity. We can get this straightened out in no time." I smile at her. "I'm gonna go now," She says after a few minutes. I nod. How could he even do such a thing to me? Does he know how much it hurts to know that he was "hanging out" with a girl who was so beautiful and your at home alone missing him? I wanted to scream, and scream loud. I hear the door open. “Felicity, Seth wants to talk to you." Those were words I dreaded. I look up at her then get up and walk out the door. "Get it together Fliss," I tell myself after passing a small mirror and seeing my face bright red. I knock on his door and he quickly opens it. "What?" I simply say, anger in my tone. He sighs. "Please come in," He says. I walk inside and he shuts the door. I stand there looking at him with my arms crossed. "I'm so sorry Felicity. I was the stupidest person in the world to do that to you," He says. I sigh and drop my arms. "Yes, you are," I say. "Forgive me?" He asks while coming closer. "This is strike one, three and your out," I say. "Is that a yes?" He asks hopeful. I nod and he hugs me. "I will never ever do that again Fliss," He says. "Good. I like you a lot," I say. "I like you a lot too." "I have to go to bed," I tell him, walking to the door. "Wait," He says. Seth walks up to me and kisses my cheek. I laugh and walk out the door. I had to go tell Natasha what happened before Bettina f