I kicked the bottle cap up the sidewalk, stopping when it went under my feet. The fight was still fresh in my mind. I was anything but strong. I was weak. Even though I hated to admit it. I was angry now more than anything. I was angry–no. I was furious of the fact that he...he would even dare try to even ask for my forgiveness. After the destruction he's caused, after lying to my mother and me!  

And a moment of fury washed over me. I stomped on the tiny, bent water bottle cap, imagining it as his bastard face. And with a final shout, I sent the cap skidding across the road and toppling into a sewer. 

I walked away feeling breathless and infuriated, clenching the straps of my backpack a little too hard. "What is wrong with my life." I muttered through grinding teeth, ending it with a fine slew of curses. 

I let go of my backpack straps to bury my face into my hands. I just wish I could scream. Just let it all rip out. God, I would do anything for a pillow right now. It would also make an excessive item to punch at. 

I just stayed that way for I don't know how long. Just letting the horrible, miserable facts, wash over my mind. And unmistakably, it wandered to Carolyn. My best friend. If I could even call her that anymore. I put my hands in  my pocket, searching of my phone–when again, I remembered it was confiscated. Has she texted me back? Where was she? Who is she with? And what is wrong with her? I was utterly confused. Carolyn was one of the–no, she is the most headstrong, determined, and buoyant person I know! Just how could she let them get to her? How could she let Harrison get to her!

I just didn't understand what she was trying to do...

I kept on walking. Removing my hands from my face, just latch them on my backpack straps again. You're going to go to school, work hard, ignore the bullshit around you. You'll get your phone back, and you'll find Carolyn to beat some sense into her. 

I groaned, realizing just how stupid I was. If I wanted to complete anything at all, I need some sense beat into myself, first. A chuckle rang behind me.

"I'm guessing some mega crap's going on for you." A light voice said. It was unfamiliar. Definitely not someone I knew. I turned around, and behind me was a girl. She was about my height and looked my age. She had short, cropped auburn hair, and pale skin with a sprinkle of freckles on her nose and cheeks. She was pretty, and not Victoria's Secret model pretty–but naturally. Naturally beautiful. 

Confusion etched my face. She probably goes to my school, but I've never seen her anywhere. Mayton Town was a small place. So if she went to the school, I should have seen her. 

"Yup. You've probably never seen me." She chirped nervously. "I'm new...I was suppose to be at school yesterday, but uh...something came up." She giggled nervously. "So it's nice to meet you!" I stood there shocked by how much energy there was in her little frame. The girl could really talk!  

I fully turned around and walked closer to her. I outstretched a hand and smiled.

"My name is Meredith Safford. Welcome to Mayton!" I said, welcoming her as nicely as I could. Maybe I just needed to relax a bit. She seemed nice.

I noticed her tense shoulders relax, and her eyes soften in a thank you. "I'm Emily. Thank you for the welcome. People here are a bit tense!" She said said with a nervous laugh.

I nodded. "I get what you mean. It is pretty tense..." I said awkwardly. We stared at each other, no one saying anything. I shuffled my feet and I noticed Emily fidgeting with her fingers. A few more seconds passed when I cleared my throat, ending the silence.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine." I said, knowing her exact feelings. 

She looked at me and nodded. "Thanks." She replied. "I'm just nervous. That's all. I'm home schooled, so this is my first time attending a public school." She said, relaxing a bit. 

"That's pretty cool! Believe me, I would love to be homeschooled." I said. "It would be paradise away from that crazy hellhole." I muttered, then quickly realized what I just said. 

"I mean it's not that bad. It's just me-problems." I said quickly. She nodded slowly, still looking doubtful. I pointed ahead of me.

"Do you want to walk with me?" I asked, changing the topic. 

She smiled and nodded. "That would be life saving. Thank you!" Emily replied. I hooked my arm through hers and we started walking. "You don't need to worry about your year. The teachers are okay, and I don't think anyone would bother you, so you'll be absolutely fine." I told her, reassuring her. 

"Thank you. It's just a huge change. That's all." Emily said, and I nodded, understanding her doubts. I shuddered, still remember moving to Mayton 11 years ago. My new school was a mess and Carolyn was pretty much my only friend. Carolyn... I sighed.

"Yes." I said curtly. Emily looked at me confused.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"It's my reply to your question. Yes. There's a lot of mega crap going on for me." I said tiredly. And it was the complete truth. My life was completely utter crap. 

Emily sighed. "Yeah. So is mine." I looked at her and gave her a knowing smile.

"Twin-zies!" Emily said weakly. I chuckled. Yeah, twins. "So what's your story?" She asked. I bit my bottom lip. I hesitated.

"Sorry, I rather not share it." I said. 

"Oh it's fine. I'm sorry I asked, I'm just nosey." Emily said. I dismissed her apology with a smile. "It's okay. It's really okay." 

And it was decided.