Lunch strangely felt normal. Selby's absence was seen and felt but the group felt no strains of last night's blowout. It was filled with excited and curious questions from the girls, teasing comments from Mischa and Alec, and genuinely happy laughter from Elijah. Trey being the resident grump even gave a smile and gave into his dry humor. The student body glances bounced between their group and the footballers' group which now had one more person - Selby. Everyone knew she always does lunch with her friends, to see her with her boyfriend brought up a lot of questions. Not to mention the obvious bruising on Derek's face brought up even more questions. 

"It feels weird, ent?" Erica asked softly of her new friends. The girls sighed and glanced towards their now ex-best friend. Selby was all over Derek, fussing over him and intentionally ignoring her old friends. 

"Yeah," Raine all but whispered. Out of the three girls, Selby and Raine were friends the longest. The two were the ones who supported Bree's childhood crush on Elijah in middle school. They were the ones who pushed her to ask him out on their group outing. After Elijah and Bree's breakup, they blamed themselves for it all. Ayanna joined the group freshman year, her family was close to Trey's, it seems right to bring her under their wing and the girls were inseparable ever since. They never thought a guy would have broken their friendship.

Erica boldly looked Selby's way and caught her quick glance. She didn't avert her gaze, she wanted to see what the girl who befriended her yesterday will do. Selby simply shrugged her shoulders and turned away. The obvious cold shoulder did hurt Erica. Her first real friend was acting like a completely different person. 
A warm hand covered her own on the table, turning to the person she visibly relaxed when those hypnotizing brown eyes caught her in its gaze. 

'How does he do that?' she asked herself. Elijah comforted her without a word, a simple touch from him and her brain turned to mush. He gave her a soft smile before turning back to his conversation with Alec. Her eyes widen in shock when she overheard both guys speaking in fluent Italian. 'Elijah speaks Italian? The internet actually doesn't know everything. Shaking her head from that shocker, she turned back to the girls. They both had wide cheesy grins on their faces probably spotting the exchange between her and Elijah. "Knock it off. Anywho, she will bounce she head one of these days. Leh she go on," Erica said before finishing her lunch. Lunch Elijah insisted that he buy.

"What do you mean by 'bounce she head'?" Raine asked genuinely confused. 

Erica laughed softly at how funny the old saying sounded on her new friend's tongue. "It means Selby will get her comeuppance. Karma will fuck her hard when the time is right," Trey said in his known cold tone. 

"Oh!" Both girls voiced their answer in unison glancing at Selby's way again. The girls resumed their animated chatter and once again Raine's attention was diverted. This time to a table with one guy. Forgetting her conversation, she settled on watching the guy write furiously in a notebook before continuing his reading in a thick textbook. Ayanna caught her friend doing her daily stare since sophomore year and shook her head in amusement. "It's our last year, Raine," Ayanna said aloud. 

A startled gasp escaped Raine which drew the attention of the guys. They all looked in the object of their friend's attention direction and shook their head just like Ayanna. "What did I miss?" Erica asked.

"Raine has a crush on that dude for the longest while. Travis Donners is his name. She keeps pining after him like in some cheesy high school movie. She never made a move. Woman up!" Mischa answered.

"There's such a thing as rejection. I know you guys never experience it but it's real," Raine retorted.

"She's more worried about the hierarchy high school creates," Trey interjected.

Erica eyed the resident moody guy. Since she met him he gave off a very intimidating vibe but there was a gentleness to him when he's around his friends. "I bet you will be one ah dem moody as fuck dominating CEOs when you grow up. You got the smart and brash part down already," she commented. It was oddly relaxing to be her snarky self with the new group. They reminded her of her close offbeat friends back on the island. 

"Hey daddy," Ayanna said in a seductive voice. The girls cackled at the dominant reference leaving the guys clueless for a second before they started to tease their friend. "Come off it," Trey said harshly but his words were tampered by the small smile on his lips. "Back to Miss Raine," Alec began. 
"Travis is uber-smart and cool once you get past his gruff behavior. Raine, is surely in love with him by now but she thinks he won't take her seriously," Ayanna finished for him. 

"Then try again. Guys like that shit right? Persistence. They love to feel wanted. Builds their ego," Erica said aloud. The girls covered their mouths trying to hide their laughter. The guys stared at her for a whole minute in disbelief before Mischa answered with a pout, "Not all the time." Erica shrugged and got back into the conversation. They were all looking at Raine who was once again gazing at her crush.

"You know, my parents were in the same position when they were in high school. Dad was considered an outcast, smart guy, and mom was the popular, wealthy girl. She risked it all to be with him. You should let her tell you the story," Elijah said loud enough for everyone to hear. 

"Your parents are an inspiration to never-ending love novels, I don't think it's for everyone," Raine returned. She didn't dare tell her friends how embarrassing her first approach to Travis was. His angry words towards her still chip her armor of confidence. Though she was practically head over heels for the guy, she was scared she will screw up another chance. 

"After graduation, you won't have another chance. You do know he has a lot of college offers since Junior year but he decided to finish high school with his class. Maybe this year is your year. Please give yourself a chance," Ayanna pleaded with her friend. Before Raine can reply, the bell ending lunch hour sounded. Slowly she got up, thinking over her friend's words. Oblivious to her friends leaving her at the table, Raine found herself checking to see if Travis was alright. The football team tends to pick on him and another few studious guys. Craning her neck to see around the students passing her by, she glimpsed him packing up his things, leaving his untouched lunch on the table. Raine frowned at his unhealthy habits. Over the years, she noticed that habit is done when he was caught up in his studies. That thought was another reason she wanted to stay away from him. She didn't want to be a distraction to him, she knew he will be very successful when he leaves Spencer, he loved the sciences but his attention was all over the place. Each textbook she spotted in his hand was either of medical science, biotech, or whichever he found interesting. Raine was his number one silent supporter. She smiled when he began to walk out the lunch hall via the other exit, pushing his dark hair away from his forehead. His soft brown eyes were shielded behind thick-framed glasses that not only showed how smart he was but how adorable he was. Travis was smart, shy, mature, and quirky, things Raine noticed from afar. Cringing slightly she realized how stalkerish she was. Ayanna's words came back to her and it was then she decided to get it over with.

Rejection is part of life, right? 

Quickly she followed him, thinking to herself she was plain old crazy to do what she was about to do. She had Pre-college Math starting in a few seconds but she couldn't lose her momentum. Thank heavens the hall was empty. Travis was headed to the library lugging his always heavy backpack. 

"Travis?" Her voice came out shaky when she shouted his name. He didn't slow his steps but he did look over his shoulder. Raine tried to smile his way as she hastened her steps to catch up with him. The expression on his face got darker. "I'm not doing your Chem labs nor your Math assignments. I don't need your money nor do I need to be taught about sex. Blow jobs are not profitable payments," he stated coldly. He stopped to deliver what must be his daily diatribe to girls who want an A in a class. That knowledge both angered and hurt her. Glancing at her outfit of red shorts, grey camisole, and long cardigan, she felt uncomfortable in the simple clothes she loved. Has she dressed the part he thought she was?

"I -I don't need that. I mean I'm not one of those girls," she quickly said.

He narrowed his eyes at her, recognition flared in his eyes. Raine can feel how red her cheeks became. 
"You!  What do you want?"
The annoyed tone in his voice should have had her backing away not wanting to be a bother but she had to do this. Raising her head as high as she can to look into his eyes, Raine cursed her short stature to the nearly six feet tall guy who plagued her mind for nights.

"W-Would you like to go on a date with me?" she asked trying not to show her nervousness. Travis' brows furrowed. He looked down the length of the hall then ahead of them. Her heart plummeted when he took a step away from her and eyed her suspiciously. "What game are you playing? You basically messed up my last project report with your clumsiness which cost me a great opportunity. Did one of those footballers send you to fuck with me? No maybe the basketballers? Is it supposed to be a humiliating date?" he spat out before she can answer.

"I said I was sorry. I-I just wanted to make sure you ate and... and... I was tripped. I know you tend to miss meals when you're caught up, I was trying to help you," she said desperately. His brows furrowed in confusion, "I don't need your help. What do you really want? I'm not in your league. Girls like you have an ideal guy. You have guys falling all over you, why don't you go bother them."

So he notices me too, Raine thought, not in the right sense but he sees me too.

"But I don't want them. They're not you. I like you. I really do," Raine tried to say but he was already turning to walk away.

"Please don't lie to me. Just go back to your friends and tell them that you failed to get the geek out on a date. You can choose another geek."

"This is not a trick!"

"You can stop now. The tears are a good addition. I'm not falling for this again. Stay away from me," he said in an emotionless tone before walking away from her.

"I won't give up," she shouted after him.

"You will."'

Ignoring the tears of hurt running down her face, Raine also the lancing pain in her heart by Travis' rejection. That spark of determination flickered in her. He was burned before and pretty bad too from what she understood from his angry words. He was right to protect himself from future situations like that and she wasn't going to force him to like her. So what can she do to let him see her as her own person and not girls who wanted to use him for their own benefit? She needed advice. But from who?

"Miss Janine," she said aloud and quickly reached for her phone.  Why not ask the person who actually been in her place?

                                                                        *********

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. I think the day away from everything was what I needed. It won't be enough to forget the feelings I have... had for her but it was enough to realize it wasn't going to be mutual. For a second there I thought it would have when she didn't pull away from that kiss but everything else that occurred cemented it all. You enjoy your date with Erica. She seems cool," Harem said to his cousin.

"You figured it out huh?" Elijah asked softly. 

"Yup and also a little overprotective birdie told me," he replied with a slight laugh. It felt good to have a bit of joy in him. Harem gazed into the clear waters of the stone-designed pool, it's always peaceful out here.

"Mischa," Elijah grumbled.

"He means well. We should probably get him a girlfriend, get him a distraction."

"Ayanna won't like that one bit," Elijah whispered.

"Why not..... Ohhhhhhhh. When? How come? Does he know?"

"I think something happened between them over the summer back in Texas. Trey knows what happened but he's being a fucking prick and lording it all over us. Alec and I noticed how the two distance themselves away from each other but still keep a watchful eye. Mischa nearly flipped when Ronnie Masters hugged her. The same for Ayanna when one of the generics touched Mischa way too low below the belt in the hallway."

"Wait. That's Tatum, the one he fucked last semester. Not his finest moment," Harem grumbled.

"You're telling me. Mischa is stubborn and believes he doesn't need a girl nor does he wants one. Too much drama, he says."

Both cousins stayed quiet, Mischa dubbed himself the protector of the trio but for some reason, he was against finding that someone even after witnessing how love really works around him. "We gotta let him do this on his own. The same way you guys are allowing me to go through this my way. Not to mention you taking a step out of your comfort zone with Erica. We have to grow up," Harem stated. He hated to admit it but the trio won't always be that way. They will soon live their own lives and be able to solve their own problems.

"I know."

"Don't you have a date to be on?" Harem teased. 

"She's talking to the girls while the guys are acting as bodyguards."

"Bree and Natalie around?"

"Yeah. Weird. She's leaning against a car which I know can't be her brothers' or mother's. Looks brand new," Elijah said with confusion coating his words.

"Daddy must have tried to reach out. He is doing well now from the last I heard," Harem returned as he heads back inside. He spent the entire day doing repairs and designing on laptops for some students, using that time to think. 

"Hmph. Maybe. Anyway. Thanks, bro, love ya."

"Love ya right back bro. Imma be home soon and back out to school," Harem said eyeing the countless family photos in the den. 

"Take care."

The two ended their call, leaving Harem feeling blessed to have the love of his family and friends to help him go through this hiccup in life. Smiling at a photo of him, Elijah, and Mischa at twelve, he returned to the library where he had his workstation set up. Marielle redesigned a spot in the large room specifically for him, knowing he needed quiet time away from home. A house full of pets, teenagers, an energetic little girl, and busy adults, a place where everything is at a standstill was needed. 
Sitting behind his desk, he decided to tackle the school work his friends emailed him and spent the next two hours doing whatever homework it had. 
Moving back to a laptop cover design he was creating an email from an unsaved contact popped up in the top right-hand corner of his screen. Glancing at the email address, curiosity filled him, he quickly clicked open and waited for those few seconds to be redirected to his email account. Harem read the subject line which made his brows furrow in concentration.

S.O.S.

Going into the body of the email, he read it over and over before dialing the number the person left. Unease licked at him when another person answered and not the person who sent it.

"Hi, H."

He breathe a sigh of relief when the right person came on the line. "Where are you? What happened?" he questioned.

"I'm okay, H. Ummmm... You know it isn't like me to ask for help but..."

"I know you, Tay and this isn't you. What. Happened."

The girl on the other line began to cry which confused and hurt Harem even more. Taylor Grandville was the strongest girl he has ever known. They've been friends since preschool and never lost touch when he moved to Spencer. Calls, emails and random visits to his hometown made their friendship stay strong. "I just need a few bucks to get away from here. You're the only one I trust right now besides Stacia. I promise I will tell you soon. Please, H." The heartwrenching sobs she failed to muffle were loud to his ears, piercing his already bruised heart.

"Tay..."

"Please, H," she cried. Begging, pleading, crying? His Taylor was in trouble or was troubled.

"Okay. Okay, babe. I'll help you where I can. Let me talk to your friend, Stacia," he said brokenly.

"Hello?" The girl who initially answered the phone had worry and concern coating her voice, somehow he knew her actions probably had them as well.

"Do you know what's going on? This isn't the Tay I know."

"She showed up at my place a few hours ago crying and bruised with her backpack. She doesn't even have her phone and was dressed in a guy's hoodie and sweatpants. Something is wrong but she won't talk. She asked me to borrow my laptop to contact you because you're always online. You're Harem, aren't you? Her best friend in North Carolina," Stacia whispered. Taylor was probably in the other room because he can no longer hear her cries but the gentle closing of the door was heard. 

"Yeah. I need you to do something for me."

"Sure. Anything."

"Keep her at yours for a while. I'll transfer some cash to her account in a few, get her anything she needs for the night and for travel. Try to get some info from her. Text me your address when you end this call. Thanks for being there for her."

"No prob. I'll keep you posted."

Ending the call, he rushed to the room he was staying in and called the family's pilot then transfer enough money for Tay from his account. His mind was filled with worry, deep in his gut, he knew something was wrong with his friend. She needed him and as always he was going to be there for her. Calling his uncle, he rushed down the stairs, knowing the crew will have the jet ready by the time he arrives at the airstrip.

"Got notified one of my kids needed the jet with a flight plan to New York," Eli Johnson answered as his opening statement.

"Taylor's in trouble. Something is wrong but she won't say," Harem returned.

"I had a feeling it was her when I heard the destination. I'll call the security team to be ready for your arrival and for the penthouse to be prepared. The emergency credit cards are in the safe in the master cabin on the jet. Remember the code?"

"Yes, uncle."

"Good. Drive carefully. Your aunt will sort school out and I will notify the boys. Call if you need anything."

"I will. Thanks, uncle," he said gratefully.

"You're my kid, no need for thanks. Keep us posted."'

Swinging out of the driveway, Harem prayed that his childhood friend was alright. His grip tighten on the steering wheel as her tearful cry for help resonated in his head. So many things were happening and it was hard to keep up. Did every family member go through shit in their senior year? Is it a rite of passage to prove their maturity? Hell, he just turned eighteen for crying out loud.

 "So much for a quiet senior year."