Tonis pov:

Ever since we have gotten back to our lives in America and away from Peru and the deserted island, things haven't been the same. Don't get me wrong, the bullying didn't stop but I got even closer to the girls. I opened up to them about everything and they are behind me, all of them. As we all got on the plane towards our hometowns, the girls thought it would be best if we all go to the same high school. None of them knew that I know exactly why they wanted to come here with Marty and me.

Shelby had to get out of her homophobic household.
Rachel had to forget swimming and her family.
Nora had to have a new beginning with new people.
Dot needed a fresh start without having her dad on her mind all the time.
Fatin needed to start a life without her parents and all the stuff going on in her old life.
And Leah, she needed a fresh start as well, not caring about her previous life.
Marty needed support and people around her who weren't as selfish as I am.
And then there's me, I need a group of people who tell me when I am in the wrong and people who support me when life gets hard. Yet they also need to put me in my place if I overreact or react wrongly.

Everything was great, knowing I had a support group who wouldn't just ditch me when they feel like it. I haven't talked to Shelby since we all came back but no one really talked to each other. The difference between living with the Blackburns before and after is massive. It wasn't just my personality and the way I act that softened. I started to appreciate all the relationships I have way more than before the experiment. My life was different. Yes, I hate Gretchen for putting us through the misery of not knowing if we were to see the loved ones we had ever again or if I were to play basketball ever again. But one thing I learned during this experiment is that your own value is much more important than any expectations people have for you. Your values can be your chosen family or a certain lifestyle. Whatever you choose to have as your own value, keep it close to your heart, not your sleeve.

Back to the actual story, today was our first day back, meaning I got to see the girls again but I also had to see Regan again which was really unfortunate but I would get through it hopefully. I packed my bag and also packed a small snack for Marty with a little note:

"Families aren't always born to each other. Sometimes, you're scattered far and wide, separated by years and miles. But inevitably, you find your way into each other's lives because, in every way that matters, you are kindred. Here's to your chosen family. - Nanea Hoffman"

I smiled towards my feet as Marty and I sat on the bus that we took to school. "Now, what's up with your smiley face?" Marty giggled as I looked up at her. "I feel finally safe and happy going to school. It is the feeling you get when you have a perfect day and everything is just right. You enjoy the moment so much that you don't think of what could happen due to your hapiness." "You know T, I am really happy for you. I know it has never been easy and I even got a more clear view of your life during the trip. If everything with Shelby works out for you, I will be the happiest friend ever." We hugged until we had to leave the bus.

Standing in front of the school was weird because I never imagined going back to normal life. Not that I thought I would be so famous to not work anymore, that was Shelbys and Fatins dream. I thought I never would survive going back and definitely not with seven great friends. I think what makes our friendships so important and great is the fact none of us pretend to be perfect anymore or to live up to anyone's expectations. Not a lot of people can say they survived 24 days by themselves with just enough to survive.

"Look who is here, little Toni with her friend, she keeps dragging in the dirt." Regan, of course, it was her. I sighed and looked at her. "Hello to you too. What do you want from me? If you want nothing, I kindly ask you to leave me alone. Thank you very much." I rolled my eyes as she tried to kiss me. "Get your fucking hands off me. Don't dump the old me just to be back with the new me." "Fuck you, Toni, no one wants you anyway, let alone a girl." I laughed at her as Marty smiled knowing the girls just came up.

"Actually Regan darling, while I was trying not to die, I met this incredible girl who let me rock her world if you know what I mean. She just moved here for me and I fucked her twice (shhh) while almost starving to death. Just a little reminder that I have pulled more girls than you ever will, you fake bitch." I turned towards Shelby and kissed her cheek. "Heyyy, haven't seen you in a while there, Texas. Thought you flew back on the island." We all laughed except Regan who just went ahead.

"Hey Regan, if you ever mess with Toni again, be sure that you will not survive the day this happens. We are eight girls who killed to have food. Don't make me do the same to you as we did to the goat we sadly had to kill. Sorry Martha by the way." she showed us her middle finger and went to her locker.

I hugged them all before we went to AP English class. "I actually missed you, idiots. It is weird I would miss a bunch of straight girls who happened to be my best friends." We all laughed about it and sat down in class. "Good morning, class. This year a few new girls joined us. Is Goodkind here?" Two hands were raised and we all looked to the first row when the girl turned her head towards Shelby. "Buttercup?"