The start of the school year came yet again, and I walk in, greeting twelfth grade, trying to feel like I fit in again, ignoring rude remarks. Yeah I know everyone's seen me on the news, but who cares? I try to smile, but it's still hard. I'm not going to pretend I'm back to normal all of a sudden. I'm trying to let go of Anthony, slowly, and I've sure been making (slow) progress, by switching off the T.V, away from the magazines, and keeping him out of my mind. Last I heard he got bailed out of jail, but eh.

I feel a tug on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Ashley.

"Oh my God, I'm so glad you're alright," she said, embracing me in a hug. "I thought you were dead. Everyone saw it on the news and was so freaked."

I hug her back, feeling happy that she's talking to me again.

"I missed you too, but I'm fine, really." I pulled away.

"I missed you more, and I wanna say I'm sorry for being such a complete bitch before. I don't give a damn about my reputation anymore, I want my friend back."

"Aww, me too, Ash."

"Miss Presta, you do understand that kind of language in the hallway will not be tolerated?" said Sister Angelina.

"Yes, Sister, I'm sorry."

"Wren, oh goodness, you're alright."

"Yes Sister, I am."

"Good to see."

"So, honestly, how much did I really miss?" I asked Ash.

"I'll fill you in," she said.

"Great, but before you do, I just thought I should let you know that my parents are moving us back out to San Diego. They want a new start for me."

"Aw man, I just got you back."

"Don't worry, it'll be in a few weeks. You have me until then, and besides, there's always writing and visits." I grinned.

"Yeah, I guess so."

The bell rings and Ashley says, "Well, off to first period."

♬

As the day came to an end, we finished off with some free time in English. Well, free time poetry writing in English. Our tasks were that we presented meaningful poems out to the class. Most of the class wrote about Godly themed things, as it is a Catholic school after all, although I chose something a little different. My pen moved coherently and I wrote with no writer's block.

"Okay, Wren, you're up," said Sister Louise after Rebecca had finished.

"Thank you," I said, standing up at the front of the class, which I might mention is quite roomy.

"This is a personal poem that I wrote about my experience recently."

I clear my throat, and spoke slowly, with as much confidence as I had when touring with the band:

"When we met, your eyes sparkled, and the breeze ruffled in your hair. Little did I know that this would be the beginning, of all the adventures we'd share. It was sunny outside, and I smiled as bright as the sun rays shined. I started to feel at home, with just the two of us alone. And somehow I always felt a little better, with only the two of us together. You invited me into your world, holding my hand, i didn't care for all the misconceptions people had about the band. They were wrong. You were so inviting, all those times when I'd strum on the guitar, with all the songs you'd sing. I wish I could see you again. Why did you walk away too? There isn't a day I don't think about and miss you. I miss you so, I'll mourn you when you go, but even though our last goodbye was hard, there's no doubt that you will always be in my heart," I choked up on that last bit, sniffling the forming snot back up in my nose and blinking protruding tears away.

The class clapped, and I sat back down, feeling like it was the most authentic poem I have even written, even in one seating, in one period.

"Well, that was...that was incredibly and absolutely, something, Wren," said Sister.

"Thank you, Sister."

"Hey, wild," Ash whispered.

I smiled and whisper-mouthed, "Thank you."

♬

After class, Ethan said he'd pick me up from school. We're beginning to bond again and hang out, since I get the vibe he'll miss me the most after I leave. Mom and Dad are more weary of me than ever right now, but I'm sure they'll understand this time.

"I told you, you can call everyday," I said, dropping my backpack and jumping over the fence to get to the Hollywood sign - like a pro. It's sure something Ethan and I used to do as kids, and we'd always get busted. But I suggested we'd go, I want to experience this one more time.

"I'm sorry if we get in trouble," he said, taking forever to jump over with me.

I tap my foot, waiting for him to come down. "I'm growing wrinkles here," I joked. I'm mindful of my skirt flowing up, so I'm keeping it down.

He finally jumps down with a high pitched shriek, and runs up to the sign, getting in the 'O' to 'Holly,' with me.

"You're such a girl," I shove him.

"Hey! You too," he said, propping himself up, again taking an unreasonable amount of time after years of practice.

"And why would you be sorry? I'm the one who brought us out here."

"Yeah for once."

"What do you mean for once? You're always scared."

"Am not," he said, laughing.

"Are too!"

"Am-"

"Shh, you hear that?" I said, cutting him off. "The breeze, it's just so...California. God, I'll miss this place."

"You can always come back to visit."

"Yeah I know, but it just...wouldn't be the same."

I hear the birds in the distant, they're so melodic.

"Wren, you're the only girl I know...who's not afraid to do this," he said looking down anxiously, clutching the side of the letter for dear life.

I laughed as loud as I can without a care in the world, swinging my legs out. "Shit, we better be quiet before anyone catches us."

"Do you think if you hadn't gone, things would be different?" he asked.

I turned to look at him. "Gone where?"

"I mean...runaway."

"I don't know, maybe."

There was a moment of silence.

"Wren?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you still...love him?"

"Of course I do. But, that part of my heart is going to heal. Eventually."

"I would beat the shit out of him for what he did to you."

I smiled gently. "No you wouldn't."

And then he leans in to kiss me. I don't push him away.

"Ethan?" I said, breaking the kiss.

"Yeah?" he says, totally mesmerized.

I shoved him to wake him up and I laughed.

His face turned pink and he laughed with me.

"No, but," I said, settling down, "This is the best moment of my life."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm here with my best friend, and I feel totally...content."

He smiles, his blue eyes staring into mine. I wouldn't want this to turn into a real romance, we've been friends for too long. But before I do let a guy sweep me off my feet again, I'm going to make sure he knows how to catch me.

I always hoped that someday I'll find my place to call home, no matter where I travel. But in that time of exploring new places, I learned that the world is home. Thinking back on everything that's happened, it'll be such a weird story to tell someone one day.

"I'm glad."

"Me too," I said, biting my lip.

Because now, I finally found myself smiling again.