I've lived next door to Xavier Clark for ten years. I remember when we met. We were eight, and he had just run away from home and his aunt bought the apartment and let him live alone. His parents were horrible and abusive.

I lost my virginity to him when I was fourteen, then he never followed up. I'd gotten used to never recognizing the cars in his driveway, or the girls I'd see leave early in the morning.

Besides, he'd never loved me the way I loved him. Who he really loved was Carolina Demitri.

Even though everyone was saying she broke up with him the day before yesterday. Nobody's seen him since, but we all knew he loved her. I've yet to address Carolina about it, but Stephanie Mortensen says she denies it with all her being.

As I pushed the uncooperative lawn mower along, I looked up to what I know is his bedroom window. There was no sign of movement. It was completely dark.

Then, suddenly, someone exited the front door. I'd never seen her before. She wore a grey sweatshirt and ripped jeans, and I could tell she was thin. She had long brown hair and was approaching me. "It's Mona, right?" I nodded, letting the mower die. "I-Is there something wrong?" I stuttered. She stared at me solemnly. "He's dead, Mona."