Paul sat on the porch in defeat and devastation. His clothes were wrinkled, dirty, and a little sweaty from everything he tried to do, but nothing worked. His hair was all mangled up, tangles obviously blatant.

It wasn't fair. Why'd it have to turn out like this? He hoped to spend a night with a girl he's known forever, one of the only people he actually could stand because everyone else was annoying. She was shy and quiet, seeming as if her life was perfect to others, but nobody knew since nowadays it was judged how you looked. She was bullied from how she looked, but they didn't know what the definition of Hell was like she did. Hell was what she survived through every day of her life to this point.

When will that end for her?

Maybe he had to change it, what if he was the one to step up his game to help her?

But then, what if it was just his wildest dreams? Maybe he wasn't the one to be her knight, it was destined for someone else she hasn't met before.

Only time could tell that.

A limo pulled up into the driveway next to his vehicle, and he saw Reggie frantically run out to him, sighing in relief.

"Paul! Why are you still here?! Where's Dawn?!" Reggie blurted, looking at the sight of his younger brother. He looked stressed out, and he definitely looked all screwed up.

"I don't know..." Paul muttered, feeling guilt boil in his gut. He didn't know, and he tried any way to get a view, trying to find some way to do anything at this point.

Reggie walked past him and rang the bell twice. Silence. Not even a creak of movement was heard.

"Wow, I thought she was better than that, I can't believe Dawn wouldn't even show up." Reggie gapped, his mouth wide open, feeling anger at the girl who looked so innocent, leaving his younger bro hanging.

Paul angrily stood up, feeling anger boil in his blood at the insult Reggie had said. "It's not her fault." He growled out, gritting his teeth together harshly.

"Okay...lets just go. C'mon, she's not coming." Reggie grabbed Pauls arm and pulled him towards the limo, Paul yanking back against him. "You don't get it!" Paul yelled while his brother fixed his tie and hair, which he smacked his hand away, not wanting to be touched as usual.

Reggie looked shocked as he stared at Paul, his eyes filled with so much...emotion. He's never seen that look in his eyes before, never seen that desperate emotional glint in his coal black- wait, gray? Why were his eyes such a light gray? Reggie saw the slightest bit of liquid appear, and he honestly didn't know what to do. Did something happen that he hadn't known about?

"She's not gonna show up Paul, I'm sorry." With that, he opened the limo door and gave a small push to direct him. Paul had no other option than to go in the limo. He fell on a seat, and he quickly checked his pockets-

"Hey! You took my keys!-" Reggie closed the door, holding Pauls car keys in his hand. He gave a sad wave, knowing that Paul would be pissed at him, but he couldn't leave his friends on a night for them, and Paul knew that would've been selfish. He hopped in the car and quickly took off, promising that Paul would get his car back the next day.

Everyone watched Paul, eyes wide open in shock from how he was acting. They quickly looked at each other for any sign of an answer.

"Hey Paul...where's Dawn?" May whispered, feeling tears quickly swell up in her eyes, making her sight blurry. Paul shook his head, not even bothering to answer.

He was fucking pathetic. He really was. He couldn't even control himself. Pain stabbed him repeatedly in the chest so it ached too much to barely breathe. His hands gripped and pulled at his hair in frustration so hard that his scalp started to hurt. He just wanted to be alone. It felt as if someone kept stabbing him with a knife repeatedly.

The limo ride was awkward and quiet, with the frequent sniffling from May and Serena, while Misty blinked away several tears to act strong. Drew wrapped his arm around May's shoulders to comfort her, silently telling her that he was there for her.

"What if something happened to her, Drew?" May whispered in a shaky voice, her hands shaking also. Drew gulped, not even sure how to give an answer that was comforting but not a lie either.

"I don't know May..."

May turned around to Serena, who had her eyes closed. She lightly tapped her to grab her attention. "I don't know what to do Serena."

Serena sadly smiled at her, but grabbed her best friends' hand "Pray."

"Pray?"

Serena nodded "Whenever there's times like this, I calm myself by praying, praying Arceus for whatever's happening. It helps me relieve my spiritual side and to connect, knowing that He's always going to be with us no matter what because he loves us all, and he'll love us even from our sins and mistakes. We're human, anything can happen, but I believe that praying provides me by giving me hope." At that point, everyone had their eyes on Serena give her soothing speech, even Paul had paid attention. May smiled at her best friend.

"Thank you Serena, that helped me a lot." Serena smiled at her, feeling a little happy that she could give and provide help and faith for her friends. Misty smiled at her too and gave a thumbs up.

Paul thought about what the blonde had said. Did praying really help? He was so out of it that he might actually take her suggestion. He leaned his head against his hands and closed his eyes, thinking about life in general.

After they are at Olive Garden, which wasn't really that great anyways, the only thing that was decent were the breadsticks, they arrived at the place where the dance was being held. Lots of teenagers were there, even though it only started a few minutes ago.

Ash walked with Serena, Drew walked with May, and Gary walked with Misty, all talking and laughing together as a group should. Paul walked by himself, a little behind the chattering group. He just observers the decorations, the clothing people wore, the floor, anything to keep his attention on mindless things.

How can he even think straight? He would've been holding her tiny hand in his, knowing that she would be safe. Instead, it was the complete opposite, and he felt like shit on the inside. Everything was fucked up.

They walked inside and down the pathway, the girls gasping over the glamorous colors, designs, and decorations. 'That's what that Troublesome girl would've been doing too.' Paul scolded in his mind, glaring at every person he passed.

The three "couples" got their own picture taken, while Paul just walked by himself to the far corner further away from the food, drinks, lights, and dance floor. Some stupid song was playing, so of course a lot of the upperclassmen, cheerleaders, duches, hoes, and others were grinding as usual. Te teachers specifically said no inappropriate dancing, but it's not like they ever pay attention.

Paul rolled his eyes at the sight of Brianna and Hilda trying to grind on some freshman guys, smirking as they only wanted Hilda while Brianna got shoved away. No offense, but Paul just thought she was the ugly one in the group. They were all ugly in his opinion, but she stood out too much. Well, he didn't care if they took offense, it's the truth.

"Hey babe, wanna dance? I see that your 'date' left you, so how bout replacing by somethin better?" Ursula flirted, her voice sounding sexual. Paul gave her a nasty look and scoffed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. He glanced at her dress, and sure enough it was ugly as HELL. It was a black pencil thin-tight dress that only reached just below her flat ass, if she even had one, and it made her look too pale. Her heels were too tall, and she probably couldn't even walk in them right.

"I'd rather be an emo loner than dance with a slut like you, let alone be seen with you so get out of my damn sight." Paul spat back, closing his eyes. Ursula stood there with her mouth wide open, arms on her hips. She smacked her lips and flipped her curly hair dramatically. She pushed her chest on Pauls arms and almost whispered something in his ear, but got shoved to the wall.

"Ow!" Ursula squealed over dramatically, almost falling over in her heels. Paul glared at her one more time before walking to another corner, leaving the pinkette upset.

"I can't believe he won't dance with me! He's the hottest guy in our class, and Gary, Ash, and Drew already have dates." Ursula whined, only wanting to dance with her crush she was madly obsessing over. He was like a god, he was hot, he was sexy, and he was so mysterious. All she wanted to do was fuck him over and over. She always thought he'd be so good in bed, imagine how he would smirk at her and everything.

Why doesn't he want to dance with her was the real question. Who wouldn't love her body? She was practically girlfriend material for him! Long, luscious curly pink hair, super skinny, perfect skin, her makeup was ALWAYS on point, what guy wouldn't love her?!

Obviously him. Why did he hang around that fucking goddamn UGLY freshman? Dawn, what a dumb name. It sounded too nice, too soft and pure. Ursula, now that was a name! It sounded like she had all the power in the world, her name was sassy.

~with Dawn~

Dawn muffled her sobs into the pillow and blanket her mother had given her secretly, the tears continued to pour out. She remembered how she could hear Pauls voice echo throughout the house.

" !"

It's been hours since then, and she couldn't feel more depressed, devastated, emotional, everything just spill out as she cried. She checked her cellphone and read the messages Barry had sent her.

"Hey Dawn! You excited?"
"Hey friend, you there?"
"Dawn?"
"I'm gonna find you for not replying!"
"Stop scaring me man! You're the toughest girl I know!"
"IMMA FINE YOU CAUSE IM SOBBING AT HOMECOMING!!!"
"Hey, weren't you supposed to go with Paul? Why's he standing in a corner alone?"
"Oh Arceus I hope nothing happened to you...."
"PLEASE DON'T DIE ON ME!!"

Dawn barely smiled at the texts Barry had sent her. He's been her friend since they were babies, and he was the supportive brother she always dreamt of. Maybe he wasn't her real brother, but he did act like it. He always said he loved her like a baby sister, so she loves him too. He was her best friend. She barely saw him at school since he wasn't in any of the same classes or lunches, but he knew everything about her, and she knew everything about him.

Dawn replied, telling him that she'll tell him later.

"Hey Barry, I'll tell you later, I promise. Things went awful again, so I'm here at home. I think I'm gonna play my guitar to take my mind off of everything. You should be having fun at homecoming, not worrying about me silly :)"

Dawn waited for a reply, which was less than ten seconds before her crappy phone flashed it's dim screen.

"I'm really sorry Dawn :( I'll ask my dad to pick you up tomorrow and we can get loads of chocolate ice cream from Safeway! Go sing your heart out sista! Luv you!"

"Thanks Barry, that'd be so nice of you! I luv you too! <3"

Dawn closed her phone and smiled at their short conversation. He was always there whenever she needed him, and she was grateful for it. He was the one who stuck to her side when Kenny left their little group consisting of him, herself, and Lucas.

She missed Lucas. They still had contact with each other, so probably a few days out of the week they texted shorty. He went to a different middle school than her, and now he was at a different high school.

Firstly, she grabbed her secret camera that nobody knew about except Barry. Turning it on, she faced it towards herself, putting it on recording. Dawn did this thousands of times, so it was nothing new for her. She grabbed her classical guitar and strummed beautiful soft notes, getting into her zone. Dawn hummed a few times before taking a deep breath, closing her eyes.

"We were both young when I first saw you. I close my eyes and the flashback starts: I'm standing there, in a balcony in summer air."

Dawn took another breath, stunning her guitar softly as she rocked a little while sitting crisscrossed. She decided to do a little mashup of Taylor Swift, since her songs were perfect for moments like this when her heart was completely shafted in pieces.

"This is wrong but I can't help but feel like, there ain't nothing more right babe. Misty mornin' comes around and I can't help but wish I could see you face.

Dawn already knew her heart was singing because of her situation, and she barely smiled at the thought of his perfect face, his devious smirks she always saw him with.

"And I knew from the first note played
I'd be breaking all my rules to see you.
You smile that beautiful smile and all
The girls in the front row, scream your name.
So dim that spotlight, tell me things
like I, can't take my eyes off of you.
I'm no one special, just another wide eyed girl, who's desperately in love with you.
Give me a photograph to hang on my wall....superstar."

Dawn paused for a second, blinking her eyes to prevent tears spilling out. Her breath was shaky, but she made the tempo a little faster, strumming more aggressively than before.

"That you were Romeo, you were theowin' pebbles, and my daddy said "stay away from Juliet!"
And I was cryin' on the staircase begging you "please don't go" and I said..
Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess, it's a love story baby just say "yes"."

Dawn pursed her lips together tightly, feeling her body shake from stiffing sobs again. Silent tears streamed down her sore face, her eyes stinging and swollen. Her tiny body stung in soreness and pain.

She continued singing until she barely managed to say the last words before crawling up into a ball, hugging her knees and rocking back and forth as she desperately sobbed, not moving from her position for the rest of the dark, cold night.

She wished she could be there instead, feeling her hand in his. He kept her safe, and that's all she really wanted.

~with Paul~

He stayed in the corner for the whole time, and it wasn't even over yet.

"Hey Paul, where's Dawn?"

Paul looked to see the hyper cheeseballhead, one of another freshman football players for the school team.

"None of your business." Paul spat, making Barry chuckle and pretend like nothing happened, which honestly surprised Paul.

"Actually, it is. See you later Paul!" Barry said as he ran off to the dance floor, back to where his date was, which was Shauna, a good friend towards Dawn.

Paul was utterly confused at how Barry was involved with Troublesome, did they know each other?

He didn't know what to do besides just stand there for the rest of the night.

Songs used were "Love story" & "Superstar" by Taylor Swift <3