Nicole's POV

Now that I've gotten over the obstacle of telling Kel, Bee and Sheen, I couldn't get my mind to concentrate on anything else. My mind was consumed at all times worrying about my parents and their reaction. I was turning 18 and so I had to make my own decisions- if not now, then when? Exactly. However much I coaxed myself, I couldn't get myself to pick up the phone and call home. I wasn't afraid of their reactions. No. I already knew what their reaction would be. They would be angry and mad and would want to kill me for a little while. But that would be over soon. Hopefully. I had to tell someone. My mother. My mom would understand more than my dad. My dad would come to Baltimore and strangle Alex with his bare hands. I couldn't risk that. No. I wasn't going to tell them. I was so confused as to what I was supposed to do. I was sitting on my bed staring hard at the sheets, clutching my phone tightly in my hand. That's how Bee found me.

"Uhm...Nic, are you ok?" She asked me.

"Huh? Oh yeah...No. I don't know how to tell them!" I exclaimed. I might as well tell her that. She knew them, she knew how they would react. She knew why I was worried.

"Who? Your parents?" She asked.

"No. My monkey. Who the fuck else would I tell?" I snapped.

She giggled. "Ha. I know. My bad. You do know you have to tell them sometime! I mean, I'm sure they'll notice if you never come home."

"Yeah. Eventually." I said.

"Have you gone crazy?!" She said, sitting down across from me. "You have to tell them!"

"Dude. Have you met my parents!? Bad question. You have. But you know what they'll do! They'll freak!"

"Yeah, I know. But Nic...you have to do it. You're not coming back. You have to tell them." Bee said, stating the obvious.

"I know! I just...can't bring myself to do it."

"Do it now. Get it over with. They'll be mad, but they have to accept your decision. They have to." Bee said. I breathed in deeply.

"What if my dad picks up?" I whispered, deathly afraid of what I was about to do.

"Then you ask him to give the phone to your mom." Bee said, grabbing my phone from my hand. She looked at me. "Are you ready? It's now or never, Nic."

"Yes. No." I took a deep breath and sighed deeply. "Do I have to?!"

"Yes!" Bee said firmly, holding out the phone to me.

"Fine." I took the phone from her outstretched hand and fumbled to my phone list and found 'Home' and pressed send. I waited as the phone rang, my heart speeding up. I looked at Bee while the phone rang and she held my hand and smiled comfortingly. I think those 26 seconds lasted an eternity.

"Hello?" Finally, my mom answered the phone. I opened my mouth to speak, but chickened out last minute. I looked at Bee wide-eyed. She squeezed my hand and mouthed "TALK!"

"Hi mom." I said in a small voice.

"Hi sweetie." My mom said. "How're you?"

"I'm ok. I have something to tell you..." I said, quickly. It was better to get it over with quickly.

"What happened? Are you ok? Are you hurt? Did anything happen to the girls?" Her voice was coloured with panic.

"No!" Irritation flowed through me. It helped decrease my nervousness. "But...uhm...you're not going to like it."

"What happened? I'm sure it's fine." My mom said, her voice back to normal now that I had confirmed no one was hurt.

"Uhm...well...funny story. I don't know if I mentioned it to you...but I met Alex here in Baltimore."

"Ok. So?" My mom was not following along.

"Alex Gaskarth mom! Yes- that Alex!"

"Oh. That's lovely, hunnie. I'm so happy for you." My mom gushed.

"Mom. You don't understand. I didn't just meet him. I'm going out with him!" I took a deep breath.

There was a silence for 20 whole seconds before my mom spoke again.

"Wow...How did that happen?" She asked the dreaded question.

"Oh well...that's a long story. But uhm...he's asked me to be a merch girl." I said, quickly and hopefully, painlessly.

"A what?" My mother asked, confused.

"A merch girl. Someone who sells merch. You know- at concerts?" I confirmed.

"Oh. So wait...you're going on tour with them?" My mom asked. I think the idea that I wasn't coming home in a while was finally dawning on her.

"Uhm...yeah." I looked at Bee, who nodded encouragingly.

"Nicole, that's an extremely big decision. It concerns your future. Come back home. We'll discuss it." My mom said, sounding stern, but not worried.

"There's nothing to discuss. I said yes. Hear me out- Mom, I'm not going anywhere even after I come back. I would probably get a random job and that's it- done. At least this way, I have a sense of direction in my life."

"Nicole, this is not something you should've sprung on us like this. I'm sorry. You have to come home. We'll discuss it when you're back." My mother struggled to control me.

"Mom. I'm turning 18. In 5 days I'll legally be an adult. You can't tell me what to do anymore. I'm not 3. This is my decision. It's my life. I want to do this."

"Nicole...I...what will I tell daddy?" My mother's voice got less and less friendly.

"Oh sorry mom. That's your field. Just tell him I got a job and I'll be gone for a while or something."

"I can't lie to him! Nicole, I'm going to have to tell him the truth." My mom sounded nervous.

"Fine. But...he'll get mad. Oh well. I think it's time for him to let go. I'm not a little girl anymore." I said, gaining confidence now that I'd confessed. "Anyways. I have to go. I'll call you soon. Bye mom. Love you." I said, quickly.

"Bye hunnie. Take care. I'll...tell daddy I guess." My mom said.

I smiled before ending the call.

Bee looked at me and smiled back.

"Yay! Told you that you'd feel better once you did it." She said.

"Yeah." I grinned. That felt good. I felt like I hadn't truly enjoyed life the past week because of the weight of this secret. Now that it was over, I felt so much lighter.

I felt my phone vibrate against my leg. Looking at the caller id I smiled instantly. Bee saw the smile and left me to talk in private.

"Hey." I said into the phone.

"Hi!" Alex said.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"I told my mom that I'm coming on tour with you!" I said, sounding ecstatic.

"And...? What'd she say?" He asked impatiently.

"She's ok with it!" I exclaimed.

"Wow. She's ok with you moving in with me?" Alex asked, kind of surprised.

"Oh...uh...yeah. I kinda left out that part."

"Are you serious?! Nic, when're you going to tell them?"

"What they don't know won't hurt them." I smiled cheekily.

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Bee's POV

I sat here in a daze, confused beyond belief. On one hand, I really wanted to go to London. This is what I'd picked out for myself. A long, long time ago. And then came Zack- not that I was complaining. But he was making it so hard to make a decision. I mean, when you get something you've wanted for a really long time, you don't want to leave it. Exactly. I didn't want to leave. Long time ago, I had promised myself that I would put my happiness before all others. That's just the way the world works. Each person for themselves. I was getting way off-topic. Anyways. The thing is...I can't leave Zack. Or at least that's what I think. The last week was fast approaching. The concert is on the 21st and we're leaving on the 28th. Or at least, that's what the original plans were. I felt myself regretting everything I'd told Zack.

I thought back to what I'd said...

"NO! Please no. Don't say anything. I don't expect you to. It's not realistic Zack. Plus, I've got to go in a few weeks. I have a life I'm supposed to lead- in London. I've already accepted my education there. And plus- my parents would be horrified if I moved in with a guy before I was married. It just...doesn't happen in my culture. So, as tempting as the offer would be...I can't. So don't even ask yet. It would make me rethink everything and I don't want that."

But I did. I did want that.

I realized that now. I was half-hoping, in the darkest, most distant corner of my heart that I would get to stay like Nic too. But that just...wasn't realistic. Plus he wasn't ready either.

I can't leave him. I realized. This was getting way too difficult. I knew where this was going. I was getting so attached to him that leaving him would be almost impossible. I would cry a million tears and be gone from his life- and he would forget me. Now you see her...now you don't. I had to let go. Move on. The sooner I started, the better, right?

Somehow I brought myself to thinking that this was right. That he would forget me as soon as I was gone. That was ok though.

We're both in it for the memories. I reminded myself. It was not serious. We hadn't agreed on that part. I hadn't planned that part.

I think somewhere in this trip, the planning had gone askew.

I hadn't planned to fall in love...

Is that what it was?

Love?

Oh no...

What do I do now?

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Kel's POV

I was shaken up by last week’s incident, but me and Robert were on quite a roll. We hung out every single day, were on the phone most of the time we weren't together and were just...generally happy. I could sit there for hours with him and just pretend like there was no care in the world. Which is saying a lot for me. I always had something on my mind. You know sometimes, you meet someone and you feel like you've known them your entire life? That's the way I felt with him. I felt like there was a connection or a bond that held us together. I felt like it was keeping me sane. While I sat here in Robert's living room, in his arms, staring at the movie playing on the screen my mind wandered. At home, high school awaited. Yeah, for me it was back to the petty issues and drama-filled gossip sessions. While Nicole headed out to live a dream of many who desired the life of fast paced movement and Sheena and Bee headed to London to complete an education that was far more fascinating than anything I was about to do because it was London I was stuck in high school. I would kill to be going away to university too. That way I would get Rob to myself for longer.

In a week, though, it would all come to an end. All this bliss. All this happiness- gone.

I looked at Robert.

"Rob...I think...we need to talk." I said, hesitantly.

"Are you breaking up with me, Kel?" He asked in mock seriousness

I giggled slightly. "Why yes. You're smelly and depressing. I just don't like you!" I smiled up at him. He grinned back.

"No...but I really think it's time we discuss what's going to happen to us...in a week." I swallowed and cleared my rapidly drying throat.

Robert nodded solemnly and sat across from me.

"Uhm...yeah. Well...I'm leaving in a week. So...but you already knew that. I just...yeah. What do you think is going to happen?" I blurted.

He held my hand and looked deeply into my eyes.

"Whatever you want, Kel."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my heart sinking. Was he actually thinking about breaking up? I quickly shook off his hand.

"Well...I think...whatever you want, I'll live with."

"But Rob...I don't want...wait. Back up. What do you want? Do you want to...break up?" I asked, worriedly.

"No! Kelly! NO! But if...that's what you want...a break or anything...then well...I guess...I don't know." Rob was stuttering and the more hesitant he was the faster my heart beat.

This shouldn't have been that hard. All he had to say was "No Kelly. Of course not! We'll make it work! You can graduate early and come to university with me!" Instead, this was turning down a dangerous path.

"But I don't want a break! I don't want to be away from you!" I sputtered.

"You don't?" He looked at me with a confused look on my face.

"Of course I don't! Why would I do that? What we have is amazing! I wouldn't just let go of that because I'm going back!" I said, slightly outrageously. "How could you think I'd be strong enough to do that?"

"I don't know. I was stupid. I know I could never do it. I can't be without you, Kel. I love you way too much for that."

I froze. He said those 3 words...

This changed so much. I couldn't fathom what he had just said. I looked into his eyes, searching for something I'd been looking for my entire life. And there it was- staring back at me.

"I...I love you too." I said back, emotion overwhelming me.

I hugged him tightly and we held on to each other as if our life depended on it.

I was wishing this day would never end.

"So I guess that means we're not breaking up." Rob said and I laughed because when you're in love, you smile and laugh at every little thing as hope blossoms inside you.

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Sheen's POV

The chances of me getting to have my best friend come with me to England seemed pretty slim at the moment. I had the room all to myself- once again. Nic, Kelly and Bee were all out- with their respective boyfriends. What about me? I was sitting here in the hotel room, on the laptop. In the 2 weeks I had been here, I'd lost contact with the outside world.

"Whoa. There was a plane crash in Madrid 2 days ago." I talked out loud to myself.

It wasn't like there was no newspapers here in Baltimore, it was just that I'd been so busy having fun to keep in touch with reality. But it had finally caught up to me. The reality was that somewhere in the world children were dying of hunger, plane crashes were occurring and a war was being fought. Another reality was that I might be flying to London alone if my best friend decided to stay here in Baltimore with her boyfriend. I was trying to remain positive about the whole thing. I was glad she'd found Zack- of course I was. She was happy and I was happy that she was happy. But the negatives were weighing me down. If she didn't come with me, I would be living in a new city all alone- a city where no one knew me. I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous to live in a place like London. It just seems so rich in culture. It was like the entire city was built just for that purpose. To come and see and explore. I was ready for it. I was ready to dive into the real world. I was done being protected by boundaries set by parents who, although had my best intentions in mind, didn't really know what I wanted.

I wanted to see the world. And London seemed like a great start. Oxford University. How many people can say they studied there? I would be one of the lucky few who would tag my name along with the prestigious institution. I was looking forward to a whole new life. But without my best friend right beside me the whole thing seemed kind of daunting. However friendly London was to strangers, that's exactly what I was. A stranger in a new city. I couldn't do this alone. I really hoped Bee would stick with me for my sake. And for hers. Her parents would kill her. While I pondered over the issue in my mind I came to a conclusion. If Bee was indeed not coming with me to London, didn't I owe it to me and her to make our last week of being together in a long time worthwhile?

We couldn't be living together forever but I'd never contemplated that I would only get another week with her, possibly, before we went our separate directions.

That's it.

All Time Low’s concert was going to be flawless. I would make sure all the memories would be perfect. This was a trip I wanted to remember the rest of my life. During this entire time, the four of us hadn't really had any time all to ourselves. That was going to change. This last week, I would make sure we were all there for each other- before we each went a different direction- beginning a new life.

Nicole's POV

It's time. For the past week I'd been battling with myself to tell them. It shouldn't be that hard, right? I mean, I love Alex and he asked me to move in with him. No big deal. It happens to other people, too! CM and Chintan knew I wasn't coming back. I had to tell them before they left for Toronto. There was a chance I wouldn't see them in a while, now. The weekend they were here was so fun! They met everyone from All Time Low. They weren't as excited as most people would be, but then again, their choice in music was questionable to me. CM and Chintan both reacted differently.

Chintan was hardly ever surprised at anything that happened around him. I swear the boy is like a robot or something- hardly ever shows emotion. When I told him, he just shrugged and smiled. CM on the other hand was kind of appalled that I would take the decision so quickly.

"Are you serious?! Nicole, you've been in this relationship for like...a week now! How can you just move in with him?!" He'd asked.

"I don't know. I trust him. And it's not like I'm moving in with him. Not really. He doesn't really live in a house most of the time. He's always on tour." I had said.

In the end, I'd convinced him. Really, it wasn't that hard. So...if CM and Chintan were easy to convince, you'd think I wouldn't have a problem telling Kelly, Sheena and Bee too, right?

Wrong.

Sheena was a fairly calm person, she would see eventually. But Kelly and Bee were ruled by emotions, they would freak out. And that's exactly what I was scared of. I decided to confront my fear. Worst case scenario- they'd be mad at me for a few days and then they'd have to forgive me. They just had to because I wasn't coming back with them. They wouldn't leave here without saying a proper bye.

"Kelly, Bee, Sheena. I wanted to say something." I said.

Sheena and Bee were sitting cross-legged on their bed watching TV and Kelly was getting ready to go on a date with Robert. I just realized Kelly goes out more than me and Alex do. Maybe, she wouldn't be so hard to convince. Bee put the TV on mute.

"Oh no. Don't do that. Put it up again. The silence just makes it harder to say." I was panicking. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

"So...last week..." I paused. This was way too hard.

"Last week...?" Bee prompted.

"Well...last week...Alex...uhm...he asked me something." I continued. Geez. You have no idea how difficult that was.

"What'd he ask?" Kelly asked curiously.

"I'm getting there. This is difficult." I took another deep breath. "He asked if...He asked that I should move in with him and go on tour with them as their merch girl." I said really quickly without thinking too much.

I stared at their faces in anticipation. I watched their facial expressions change from curious and confused to surprised and appalled as it sunk in.

"Wait...don't be mad. He didn't force me. I said yes. I mean, you guys know how much I've wanted this. You know that. And I just couldn't pass it up. And I mean, I'm 18 now. I had no real plans for college or anything anyways. So...in a way, this is perfect!" I looked around.

"Have you gone crazy?!" Bee finally asked, still looking shocked. "Nic, you can't move in with him. You've only been going out for a week!"

"But why would he ask me to move in with him if he wasn't serious?? I'm sure he doesn't ask that of every girl! And he's asking me to go on tour with him! I'm sure he doesn't tell every girlfriend of his to come on tour with him!" I tried to convince her. The surprise was wearing off and suspicion took it's place.

"Nicole, have you given this much thought? This concerns your entire life." Kelly spoke up from the corner of the room. She walked towards me. "And why're you telling us this now? Why didn't you tell us before? A week ago?! Why didn't you tell us?!"

"I was scared." I admitted. "But I don't know why. I mean, it's not like it's a bad thing. People get asked to move in with people all the time, right? Why is this any different? Plus, it's not like I'm doing something wrong. This is a great opportunity for me. This is what I really wanted to do in the first place!"

"But Nic, you have so much life to live. Don't you think you're tying yourself down?" Sheena asked, finally.

"No. I've made up my mind. I really really want to do this. Really." I assured them. "Please, you guys. I'm 18. I love Alex. This is a wonderful opportunity. And this is what I want."

"Are you sure about this?" Kelly asked finally after a short, awkward silence.

"Very. More sure than I've ever been in my entire life. I want to do this more than anything."

"Well then, we can't really stop you. If you're sure..." Bee trailed off, still frowning, showing that she didn't really approve. "I have faith in your decision, I guess. I mean, it is your life."

Now it was my turn to be shocked. I'd never thought they'd give in so easily. But I guess I always knew, in the bottom of my heart, that my friends would stick by me no matter what!

I smiled and went and hugged each one of them. Now that that was over...I had only one more obstacle left. I had to tell my parents...Joy.

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Kelly's POV

I was not in the mood to go out tonight, after the huge surprise Nicole had sprung on all of us, but I couldn't turn down Robert. He could tell something was wrong though.

"What's wrong? You're hardly talking..." He asked about 20 minutes into dinner.

"Oh...nothing. I mean...well, Nicole's decided that she's going to move in with Alex. He asked her to do that and come with them while they're on tour as their merch person. I mean...it just seems a little bit quick to me, you know. I don't want her to get hurt. But she says she's happy and she's sure this is what she wants. And in that case...as her best friend, I can't deny her happiness."

"Ah...but do you really think he would ask her to move in with him or go on tour with him if he didn't like her?" He asked.

"No...I guess not."

"Exactly. Guys have a problem settling down and committing anyways, so if he's willing to do that, I don't think you should really worry. Plus if this is something she's really sure of, then you should be supportive." Robert continued.

"Yeah...I guess so. Thanks Robert." I smiled and squeezed his hand.

The rest of the dinner went by pretty quickly and was uneventful for the most part. When it was over Robert decided to bring the car around to this side. It was chilly outside and I was cold.

"Stand right here. I'll bring the car around." He instructed.

I stood on the curb, rubbing my arms up and down in order to stay warmer. It was a bad idea to just venture out in a sweater. It was getting way too cold.

Winter's coming early this year. I thought to myself.

I felt like I was being watched. I began to jump at the smallest noises. There was a dumpster on the curb and there was a street dog rummaging through it. I stood still and listened to the eerie quiet around me. Suddenly, a guy crossed the street and came towards me. He looked me up and down. I crossed my arms protectively in front of me. I held on tightly to my phone and prepared myself to dial 911 should the need arise.

He nodded in greeting to me and I looked away.

Don't make eye contact. Don't make eye contact. I chanted to myself. I looked around for Robert. Where was he?

"Hey." The stranger spoke. "Are you waiting here for someone?"

I nodded. Bad move. He took that as an invitation to step closer and continued talking.

"You been standing here for long? Maybe they left. Maybe I should give you a ride. What do you say?" He put his hand on my shoulder and stroked it suggestively and I shoved his hand away. I felt an adrenaline rush and I kneed him swiftly in the crotch and ran away, not looking back. I saw headlights approaching me and I looked right into them, squinting. It was Robert's car. I got in quickly and locked the door.

"Kelly, are you ok? You're shaking." He asked, concerned. As soon as he said that, I burst out crying. I was hysterical, I must've been a sight to see. I was bawling, rocking back and forth, replaying everything that just happened and everything that could’ve happened again and again in my head. Robert held me patiently, rubbing my back, soothingly, trying to comfort me.

When I finally regained some control, I whispered in a shaky voice. "I want to go home."

"But...are you ok? Tell me what happened." Robert said, sounding more concerned by the minute.

I told him about the strange guy in the alley. He looked menacing as he opened his car door. I grabbed his arm.

"NO! Don't leave me, please. Please don't leave me here alone." I all but shrieked.

He closed the door quickly and held onto me. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not letting anyone hurt you. C'mon. Let's get you back to the hotel."

"Wait. No. I don't want to go back to the hotel. I don't want to tell them yet!" I panicked.

"Shh. It's ok. Do you want to come over for a little while then?" He asked.

I nodded. He held my hand while he drove back to his apartment, making me feel safe.

I was safe.

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Bee's POV

I woke up the next morning, yawning. A good sign of what my night had been like. I hadn't been able to sleep all night. I had tried to keep the tossing and turning to the absolute minimum knowing that I would wake Sheen up. I had a strange feeling in my stomach that something weird was happening. I hated that feeling. Usually it meant nothing, and I was sure that it meant the same this time as well. I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. When I came out I looked around at Kelly and Nic's bed. They were both fast asleep. Weird. I was never up before Kelly. Ever. I looked at the clock. Wow. It was 7:47 a.m. No wonder. Kelly had returned to the room at about 3:00 last night. I'm sure she was just tired from the night before. Suddenly, she thrashed wildly. She was having a nightmare, the poor girl. Before I could think of what to do, she sat up in her bed with a start.

"Kelly...are you ok?" I asked. She looked around the room for a bit as if trying to remember how she got here. I stood there, worried, not knowing what to do. Then she burst out crying.

"Oh my gosh." I ran to her side. "Kelly what happened??!" I shook Nicole. "Nic wake up! Kelly's crying." In all the commotion Nicole and Sheena both woke up. There was something seriously wrong.

After Kelly calmed down a little after all the crying she mumbled something about a nightmare.

"Are you sure you're ok?" Sheena asked.

"Yeah." Kelly wiped away her tears and attempted to put on a smile.

"No, Kel. Something's up. What happened?" Nicole asked.

"I'm...I...last night..." Kelly stuttered.

"What happened last night?" Nicole asked. "Did something happen with Robert?"

"No! After dinner I was standing outside, waiting for Robert to bring the car around and then this guy came up to me..." Her voice faded and she swallowed a few times before continuing. "He...he tried to touch me. But I kneed him in the crotch and ran away. It's just...there'd been so many signs and I ignored all of them. Those guys following us that night...guy in the video store window...Zorro...it was all him. I should've known..." Kelly started crying again. All of us looked at each other, confused as to what she was talking about, but we all hugged her, regardless. Sheena made her some tea and she was soon asleep. Kelly was so out of it, she really needed some rest. Nic looked mad and I knew what she was thinking.

"C'mon Nic, it's ok. It's over. We can't go after the guy anyways." I said.

"I know. It makes me so mad though. I'm supposed to protect her. She's here because of me."

"It's no one's fault. He was just a sick guy. And nothing happened." Sheena pointed out.

Nicole sighed. "I guess."

Just then my phone rang. I looked at the caller id and felt all my tension fade away at the sight of the name.

"Hey." I said as I picked up the phone.

"Did you know?!" Zack asked me, immediately getting to the point. He didn't sound mad but it was like he wanted to know something.

"Know what?" I asked, slightly confused.

"Never mind. We'll talk in person. Are you busy right now?" Why was he being so cryptic? I was confused but he had my curiosity going.

"Not really."

"K. Good. I'll be there in 20 minutes. See you then." He hung up the phone.

"Ok...bye." I looked and Nicole and Sheena confused.

"What happened?" Sheena asked.

"He says he wants to meet me. He'll be here in 20 minutes. He sounded...I don't know...not worked up, but not calm either. Oh no. What could that mean...?" I looked from Nicole's face to Sheena's. They had no clue either, from the looks of it.

"You'd better get ready. At least he doesn't sound mad. So I guess you shouldn't be that worried." Nic said.

"Ok..." I hurried through my shower, all the while pondering the reason he wanted to talk to me. What could he possibly be talking about?

I really don't need more tension. With Nicole's surprise and Kelly's almost-rape I have way too much on my mind to deal with more drama. Within half an hour we were seated across from each other at Starbucks.

There was a signature hot chocolate sitting on the table, but I wasn't drinking it. I was way too tense to be doing anything. I was wringing my hands in my lap and looking down at the table.

"Why do you look so worried?" Zack asked finally.

"Uhm...I don't know. Just tell me what you wanted to ask." I managed to say. The tension was getting way too much for me.

"Oh...Alex came up to the band this morning and announced that him and Nicole are moving in together and that she's coming with us on tour as the "merch girl." Zack said.

I just stared at him. "That's it?! That's what you were talking about?!" I breathed out in relief. "Geez. You had me so worried. I thought I did something wrong or that something major happened. God. You had me so worried. Yeah. She told us all yesterday."

"And...? What did you say?" Zack questioned.

"Well...at first, I was kind of sceptical and who wouldn't be? She's been with him for a week and he asks her to move in with him and come on tour with him? Exactly. But then she told us how this was what she really really wants and I guess if she's happy, that's all that counts." I said as I took a tiny sip of my hot chocolate, burning my tongue in the process.

"Hmm. Well he told us this morning. And I was kind of shocked. But well...we all already knew he'd fallen really hard for her, so I guess it shouldn't have come as that big of a shock, but it was a surprise nonetheless. But I was worried too..." Zack said, shyly.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because...well...maybe now you'll expect the same thing or something..."

I sputtered on my drink and spilled some on the table and my lap. "Ouch. Hot!" I grabbed a few napkins and cleaned the mess.

He looked at me in amusement, but then turned serious again. "Well...do you? Expect me to? Because...well..."

"NO!" I interrupted him. "Please no. Don't say anything. I don't expect you to. It's not realistic Zack. Plus, I've got to go in a few weeks. I have a life I'm supposed to lead- in London. I've already accepted my education there. And plus- my parents would be horrified if I moved in with a guy before I was married. It just...doesn't happen in my culture. So, as tempting as the offer would be...I can't. So don't even ask yet. It would make me rethink everything and I don't want that."

Zack breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Good. Cuz I don't think I was ready for that big of a step anyways."

I smiled. "I'm happy for whatever we have right now."

"Me too." Zack smiled as he took my hand. "But...what about later?"

"We have 2 weeks till then. We'll come up with something." I smiled reassuringly at him.

He squeezed my hand. "We will. Because this is too good to give up."

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Sheen's POV

I had found a really good friend in Baltimore. Ben, although terribly hyper and overly dramatic, was a good guy. I'd started to think of him as almost a friend. We had started off awkward, but by now I was very comfortable with him. He was a good guy. He could tell I was out of it today.

"Sheena, is something wrong? You can tell me." Ben asked.

"Well there's just been a lot going on." I'd never been the type to hide behind words, I just got straight to the point. "Like Nicole...she's not coming back. You know that guy she was with at the party? Alex? Yeah. He's in a band, and he's asked her to move in with him. And she's going to go on tour with him as the merch girl."

"Alex Gaskarth? Like...All Time Low?" Ben asked.

"Yup."

"Oh wow. That's amazing. I would jump on the chance, too. They're amazing."

"Yeah. I agree. I'm happy for her. This is what she wanted. But then Kelly. You remember her right?"

"Yeah."

"She had a run-in with this guy and he tried to well...take advantage of her. But she's safe now."

"Oh wow. Does she know who the guy was? Maybe you can report it."

"I don't think Kelly really wants to remember it."

"Yeah."

"And then there's Bee...she's so into her relationship with Zack. I mean, so much has changed. I don't know how she's going to leave him to come back with me to London after 2 weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if she decides to stay as well." I sighed. I meant every word of it. It really wouldn't be news to me if she did.

"No. I'm sure she wouldn't give up Oxford, London and freedom like that just for a relationship." Ben tried to assure me.

I laughed. "You really don't know Bee. She's very...passionate. She would do it. A person like me could never understand that. But...she's like that."

"What about you Sheena? You're definitely leaving?"

"Oh yeah. Definitely. I'm gone. I did not work my butt off to stay here. Oxford is where I'm headed for sure."

I thought about that. I had worked myself to the bone for this. I had big dreams. And in 2 weeks, it would all be happening. I couldn't wait. There was nothing really happening. There was a week till the All Time Low concert we were supposed to be going to, and the way it was going, we were probably going to be backstage during that. And then there was Nicole's birthday and then- poof- we were all going our separate ways. It made it seem so real in a way graduation never had. I just hoped my best friend would be there with me, no matter what.

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"this time everything
is gonna be alright
to give up every word
and change my life tonight
I'll change my life tonight"

-Disconnect: The Dangerous Summer

NICOLE'S POV

Kelly cornered me after.

"Nicole. Spill. What's going on?"

I pretended to act innocent. "What?"

Kelly gave me that look. "What were you going to tell us?"

"Oh. THAT! Nothing nothing. I just wanted to say...I was going out with Alex tonight...and that...I thought we should go shopping sooner. Or something. I don't know. I forgot." Even to my own ears the lie sounded lame. Kelly continued to stare me down. "I swear." Kelly gave me a look.

"You're sure, right?" Kelly finally asked.

"Yup." I said, looking into the mirror as I continued to put on my eyeliner to escape her scorching eyes.

"Cuz I want you to tell me if something major is going on."

My stomach clenched and I marvelled at how my best friend could see right through me. "Mhm." I nodded.

"Nic, Kelly hurry!" Bee chose this moment to interrupt- thank god. She came through the door of the bathroom. "Are you guys almost done? Alex is waiting downstairs, Nic. And Robert just called, Kelly. He'll be here in 10 minutes."

"K thanks." I stalked out of the bathroom and grabbed my sweater on the way out. "Bye. Have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" I said, laughing, on my way out of the room. As I waited for the elevator, I thought about how to break it to them that I wasn't coming home. I mean...they would be understanding, right? This is what I had always wanted. They would be sad, but they would understand, eventually. Plus- Alex was right. My parents couldn't control my life. I had to fulfill my own dreams. And this was a dream come true. All rational thoughts fled from my head when I saw Alex. He came over to me and kissed me.

"You ready to party?" He asked me, excitedly. I smiled at his enthusiasm.

"Always." I laughed a little. As we headed out hand-in-hand, I let all tension leave my mind. I knew what I wanted. And that's all that mattered. I would deal with the rest later.

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KELLYS POV

At the party, everyone but me was dressed up in interesting costumes. I felt everyone's stare as I entered the party with Robert. I looked down and blushed. The best I could was put on normal clothes and if anyone asked I could just pretend I was Bella Cullen.

Sure, it wasn't the most elaborate costume in the world, but hey! I tried! I decided to face the world. Who cared?! This was all I had. As if reading my thought, Robert squeezed my hand in encouragement. I looked at Robert and smiled tightly. We walked into the party.

"Hey there, inspirited people." A guy dressed as a mummy approached us.

"Shut up, man. I'm a vampire!" Robert said, good-naturedly as they bumped shoulders.

"And I'm Bella Cullen." I said defensively, crossing my arms in front of me.

He laughed. "Who's this spunky one?" He asked.

Robert laughed and punched him lightly on the arm while I glared at him. "I'm standing right here!" I commented. Robert laughed and put his arm around me. "This is Kelly. Kelly- this is Dan. I've known him since we were 7, and I beat him in hockey- don't let him tell you otherwise." Dan scowled.

"Did NOT!" He whined. "I tripped on my skates and let it go! We were 7!" I giggled a little. A Cleopatra showed up beside Dan. She greeted him and Robert and introduced herself to me.

"Hi. I'm Rachel." She smiled at me.

"Kelly." I smiled back at her. She seemed nice. I wondered if these were Robert's best friends. Dan hooked an arm through Rachel.

"Now that all the introductions have been made, we're off to serve the rest of the people. Toodles!" He steered Rachel away as she giggled and waved to us.

"They're nice." I commented and Robert laughed.

"Yes they are. Dan and Rachel have always been there for me. We're still trying to figure out how to get them to tell each other that they're in love with each other. But those two..." He shook his head. "They're impossible."

I smiled. "They'll figure it out. Have a little faith."

Faith. What a weird word. I mean, sure, religion was kind of like faith, but I meant faith as in hope. Hope- the thing that kept most people going through the toughest times. I had always been a positive person, but realistic. I knew when to draw back from something. I'd never seen the point of hoping for something that there was nothing to pin expectations on to other than hope itself. Whoa- deep. But that was before I met Robert. Now my rock to hold me down- my hope- it was love.

More introductions were made and I realized I wouldn't remember any of them before the night was over. It was best to enjoy the night with Robert. Robert was chatting with a bunch of guys and my eyes searched the room for something interesting. Suddenly, I felt a spooky sensation of someone's eyes on me. I turned around and there was this guy dressed as Zorro staring at me. I pointedly stared back, hoping he would take his eyes off me- and he did. He stared at something behind me. I turned around to inspect what he was looking at and found nothing strange. I turned around again, but by the time I did, Zorro was gone. I felt goose bumps rise on my arms and my heart sped up. I retreated to Robert's side and held onto his hand. Something about this felt wrong...

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There was nothing in the world I would give this up for. This was where I wanted to be most in the world. We were sitting in a dark theatre, watching a movie. It was terrible. You know that feeling you get when you know the character is about to die? Yeah. I had that feeling. Ollie was going to die and he hadn't even told Jennifer he loved her. That sucked. He was crossing the street when he got hit and even though I knew it was coming, I still started. "No!" I whispered. I felt tears forming and my eyes blurred as a cliché, but sad nonetheless, death scene took place. Finally a tear spilled and I didn't bother wiping it away. I felt Zack's gaze on me.

"Are you ok?" He asked in a soft whisper. I just nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I attempted to stop the water flow but they continued to fall. Tears scared boys. I know that from experience.

C'mon Bee. Stop being such a cry baby! I told myself.

"You sure?" Zack asked, sounding concerned. Yeah. He was concerned about what he was going to do if I continued crying. I just nodded again and wiped the tears from my face. Geez. I was such a wuss! I cried for everything- even fictional storylines.

About an hour later we were standing outside in the main lobby of the theatre.

"What do you feel like eating?" Zack asked.

"Mmm...I don't know. Whatever. I don't really have anything specific in mind." I said.

"Ok." He led the way to the food court. "So are you ok?" Zack asked.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, confused.

"You were crying when that guy died."

"Oh." I fidgeted uncomfortably. "Well...it was sad!" I said in defense. "He didn't even get to say that he loved her!" I protested.

He pulled me closer and chuckled quietly. "You're so cute." He commented. I felt myself feeling kind of lost.

"What?" I asked.

"I called you cute. Did I say something wrong? Oh no. Are you one of those girls who hates being called cute? Well that's too bad cuz you are. You're-" I cut off his rant quickly by putting my hand over his mouth and laughed.

"No I'm just confused because I've never seen a guy so immune to tears. All the guys I've cried in front of get all uncomfortable and stuff." I said, quickly.

"I guess I'm different. Just like you and me." He said, shrugging when I released his mouth.

I thought about what he said. You and me.

Us.

Like us...

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SHEEN'S POV

My Halloween is boring. Nothing to do. No where to go. On TV they were showing reruns of Halloween horror classics. I walked around the room 3 times, then sat down on the bed again. I then decided to call home. My mom picked up the phone on the 3rd ring.

"Hey mom. How're you?"

"Good. How're you Sheen? Enjoying yourself?" She asked.

"Good mom. Baltimore's fun."

"Good. I'm happy you're having fun."

"Where's Karan?" I asked.

"You know your brother. He's out with his friends for Halloween." My mom laughed. "How's Bee?"

"She's good. Enjoying herself, too." I answered. The conversation ran dry after that. She asked when I was coming home, even though I'd told her this before. She told me about her week at work and I summarized my days in Baltimore by saying "The city has beautiful lights. Our hotel is terrific. I'm having so much fun." I spared her the details about our daily activities which included parties, underage drinking, sex and boys. She would have a heart attack if she knew. I don't know why I called home in the first place.

"K, mom. Say hi to Kar and Dad for me. I have to go now. Bye."

"Bye. Have fun."

I turned my phone off after that and put it in the drawer. I climbed under the covers and watched a few movies. I was halfway through Scary Movie 3 (which isn't so scary) when the phone rang. I picked up.

"Good evening. You have a visitor." The reception told me.

"A visitor?" I asked, thoroughly confused. "Who is it?"

"Hi. Can I get the phone please? Thanks." I heard a male voice as the phone was handed to him.

"Hey Sheena! It's Ben." I groaned, inaudibly. "Where's your phone? Why's it turned off? Do you know how many times I've tried to call you?! Anyways. Not the point! I'm here to make your boring night totally interesting." Ben said, sounding overexcited.

Oh no! I thought.

"Hey Ben. Thanks and everything. But I don't think I'll be able to." I faked a cough. "I'm not feeling that great."

"Nonsense. You're coming. Get dressed and be down in 5 minutes. As your official tour guide I say that we can't miss the Halloween festivities. This is something you have to see." Ben sounded firm. I sighed.

"Gimme 10 minutes." I felt like I was betraying myself...but it's not like I had anything better to do anyways. I was bored. Plus Ben was fun- when he wasn't being awkward, that is. But I just realized, that Ben was probably over it- it was me who wasn't letting it go.

Let it go, Sheen. And you'll probably have a lot more fun! That's it.

My mind was made. I was finally down for some fun!

Nicole's POV

I was eating popcorn, bored out of my mind. When Sheena had left, I flipped through channels and had finally settled on Fight Club, which I loved. I checked my phone and had 3 messages from my mom. I rolled my eyes. After that I'd checked my phone every 5 minutes. "A watched phone never rings." Bee once told me. She was so superstitious, it was funny at times. I sighed and put my phone on the bedside table and returned my eyes to the television. I was woken up 20 minutes later by the insanely loud ringing of my phone.

"Hello?" I said groggily.

"Ayyo!" Someone said immediately. It was a voice I recognized.

"Alex?" I asked.

"Yupp." He replied. I perked up immediately, but I was still confused about something.

"How did you get my number?" I asked.

"You gave it to me last night." He said, sounding slightly confused.

"Oh...wow. I was so out of it last night." I said and he laughed.

"Yeah. You were so drunk. But then, so was I. What're you up to?"

"Nothing really. The others have decided to leave me to my misery." I smiled.

"Oh...how can they leave you alone in your condition?!" I smiled some more.

"Exactly! That's what I'm saying!" He laughed loudly. I blushed. I loved his laugh.

"Ok. I'll be there to put you out of your loneliness in about 20 minutes."

"Ok. See you in a few." When he hung up, I had a panic attack. He was coming here. To my hotel room! The room was a complete mess and so was I. I looked around me. I was in comfy pyjamas and my hair was mussed up from sleeping all day, probably. I looked around the bed; popcorn was littered all over it. The floor was jumbled with clothes from our suitcases. This hotel room looked trashed. I hurriedly got out of bed and shuffled several articles of clothing, trying to find something to wear. I couldn't decide on anything so I decided to clean up first. I shoved clothes into their respective suitcases. Next I dragged a straightner through my hair and brushed it. My heart was pounding from nervousness when the phone rang. Sure enough, when I picked up, it was the front desk.

"Good evening. You have a visitor." The receptionist informed me.

"Uh yes. Send him up." In all the rush to clean the room, I'd forgotten to change out of my pyjamas, I realized with horror when there was a knock on the door. What was I supposed to do now?! Well, at least my hair was straight. I cautiously opened the door. I poked my head out. Alex looked at me with amusement.

"Hello there, turtle. Wanna let me into your shell?" He grinned cheekily while I turned red.

"Uhm...I'm not exactly dressed properly." He laughed.

Nicole's Pov

I giggled. Being drunk was fun. Me and Alex were driving and I couldn't tell what street we were at, but after I read a passing by sign I knew we were on Thames Street. Like Six Feet Under the Stars. Even my not-at-all sober mind was telling me that this was bad. I decided to ignore that part of my brain. After all, I was driving down the most romantic street in Baltimore (at least for me) with the guy I had pined for for 3 years. My thoughts were scattered all over my head. I knew I was drunk, but I was still subconsciously aware of everything, which meant I wasn't completely wasted. Alex was sounding a bit more sober as well. At least I wasn't with a completely drunk guy, things could be worse. Go figure. I was an optimist when I was drunk. I would try to tell Bee and Kelly this theory.

"Are you feeling better now? It was kind of stuffy in there and well, feeling stuffy isn't good for the...uhm...intoxicated." Alex said. I giggled. Giggling seemed to be a prone side effect. I was so much like Bee when I was drunk, giggling, being positive.