Forever Friends by Julia Anisko

Page | 1

Page | 2

ANIŚKO Prologue| What a Girl Greg walked through the doors of the high school. Excited as he was, he knew he‟d have another long year ahead of him, he‟d see his former freshman friends from last year, see old teachers, and of course see a lot of new people. At lunch he looked around and saw someone new, he didn‟t recognize her from last year. She had lovely light brown curly hair that she had put up in loose braids, green and blue eyes that caught his eyes the first time he saw them. She wore the cutest dress he had ever seen, black and white. He also realized she sat alone, away from any people, invisible to anyone near her. He felt grief overwhelming his heart. But he shook it off. Oh, stop it, Greg! It‟s not like you‟re going to see her again. But he still couldn‟t take his eyes off her. Something about her was different from any other girl in the school, but what? Trying to forget about it he walked to his locker to get his stuff for his next classes. Greg couldn‟t focus during classes much. He couldn‟t stop thinking about that girl.

Page | 3

ANIŚKO Chapter One| Oh No, New Day It‟s the first day of school, high school, after moving here at the end of summer, about a week or so before school. Smack dab in Dayton, Ohio. And Gabby was, still, sleeping in her bed. “Gabriela! Get out of bed!” cried a familiar voice. “Do you know what time it is? It‟s 6:32...” “Coming…” Gabby said under her breathe as she dragged herself up out of bed and toward the closet. Other than her aunt and uncle who live near her and her parents with their five year old son, she was completely alone. So summer, more like the very end of summer was pretty boring. Most of the kids were on vacation or just getting back then and she was alone. Anyway she had babysitting to do. She babysat her five year old cousin, and was constantly in and out of every single room trying to clean up the mess he made. She usually was home with her mom while her dad was at work, all day. Sounds like lots of fun? Gabby took the quickest shower, and brushed her curly hair until it was as soft as silk. She was in her walk-in-closet trying to find a perfect outfit. Then finally she found the perfect outfit. A strapless dress, it had a black and white sort of tie dye pattern, with that her pair of black leather flip-flops. It was the only dress Gabby got and her other friends at the school she went to in Utah, had millions of dresses. Their closets were filled to the brim with their dresses. As Gabby was packing her bag for school and putting her hair in two loose braids, she heard someone yell. “Gabriela, you‟re going to miss the bus!” her mom cried from down stairs. Page | 4

ANIŚKO “Mom, I get it, just don‟t call me Gabriela!” she said as she looked out the window just to see that sadly her mom was right. Outside the window you could see the bus passing her bus stop at the corner of the intersection. Great, she thought, the first day of school and I missed the bus! I mean how stupid can I get? Gabby finished getting her book bag packed and headed downstairs. They lived in an old farmhouse at the end of the street. Well, at least it used to be a farmhouse. The only room in the whole house that was a color other than the ordinary white was Gabby‟s room which had new painted walls that she chose that where a very pale yellow. It still kind of looked like white, which sort of yellowed. So, when Gabby got out of the car she saw that every girl was wearing make-up and don‟t forget the side dish of the jewelry! It was so disgusting! How could these girls wear so much make-up? I mean seriously?! Gabby thought. “See you after school, Gabriela!” said her mom. Ugh! Not again! “Gabriela? That‟s the weirdest name I have ever heard!” said a girl‟s voice. Gabby turned around to see a girl with so much make-up she looked like one of those freak clowns from the circus. Don‟t forget the great amount of earrings. (But she was still really pretty. But like the freak clowns, she was pretty scary.) “Oh, sorry we didn‟t notice you were new.” she said, we? Gabby thought. Before Gabby was a group of girls, and they had the most makeup she had ever seen. Gabby tried to ignore them and walked away. As she made her way through the crowd she a thought flash through her mind: Old school

Page | 5

ANIŚKO it was the dresses, new school it‟s the makeup. She got inside the school until she bumped into a teacher. She was short with black curls. “What‟s the rush?” she asked, “Oh, I was trying to get to class.” “Oh, ok. You seem new, what is your name?” “Gabby Dickenson” Gabby answered. “That is a very pretty name, well, I am Mrs. Twinkle. I teach the sophomore literacy classes. Are you new?” “Yes, I‟m a sophomore, but I just moved here at the very end of summer so I don‟t know anything about the school. And I‟m not sure I ever got any kind of papers from the school,” Twinkle? Now that‟s a strange last name. “Don‟t worry about that, I‟m sure the office has them. Now let‟s go to the office so they can give you the papers. Since it seems you moved here after everyone got their papers for the school year they probably forgot to send them.” When they went to the office Gabby was astonished at the size of the place! It was huge! There was even a snack bar, coffee maker and the secretary looked a lot nicer than she thought. This is so much better, she thought.

Page | 6

ANIŚKO Chapter 2| It‟s the „Worst School‟ In the office Mrs. Twinkle gave Gabby an envelope that was a little big for the usual envelope. “Here, these are the papers for your parents. There are maps of the school all over the school, and your daily schedule is in there, which will tell you what your classes are. Your „prime time‟ teacher is Miss Denny. Oh, and „prime time‟ is at the end of the day.” She said, “As a matter of fact” glancing at the schedule, “I am your first teacher.” So she led Gabby into the room marked with the number 107. Inside the classroom she saw a bunch of guys goofing off, some girls doing their makeup, and some people reading, the usual. One of the girls raised her hand. “Mrs. Twinkle do we have a new student in our class?” she asked. She had beautiful blue eyes, and Gabby thought she looked like a cool kid. “Obviously we have one with no makeup. What‟s the point of that?” The girl she saw before asked. Some of the other people laughed. “Well, Miss Britanie, we do have a new student...” “Obviously...” The other girl muttered. “... and Miss Alyssa, does it really matter who wears what?” The teacher continued. Alyssa‟s expression was: Like totally! Alyssa shut her mouth for the rest of class, but it seemed she had more to say. After class, Gabby rushed to her next class which was Trigonometry in the room marked 64. Once she got there she knew at once she didn‟t like the teacher. He looked about eighty and he was bald with a pretty bad temper. He also Page | 7

ANIŚKO was a little deaf, so he couldn‟t hear the things going on around him. It looked like he would fall asleep any minute at his desk. Or more like die. He noticed Gabby when she walked in. “You‟re late! Do you know what time it is? 11:41, you should have been here at 11:40 and I do not stand it when children are late.” He said in a raspy voice. “I‟m very sorry but I am new to the school and it took me a while to find this room.” Gabby answered. God, I‟m only a minute late, thought Gabby. “I see. My name is Mr. Gruff. And what by the chance is yours?” Mr. Gruff said. “Gabriela Dickenson but I prefer Gabby.” She said. His name suits him. She thought. “Ok, Gabby you may sit here.” He said pointing at an empty chair next to some kind of nerd. Terrible, I have the oldest teacher in history. She thought. Trigonometry was awful but, at lunch it was terrible. No one wanted to sit with her so she sat alone. The clique of clowns without Alyssa, just walk in, and everyone stares at them as if they were some kind of famous people like Oprah. They didn‟t have paper lunch bags, just really cool looking lunch bags and kept on talking about how they „feel bad‟ for her because she had a, what they call ugly, denim lunch bag that she, actually, quite liked and ok, so, apparently some stupid dog thought of it as a toy or something and almost ripped it to shreds. And Gabby would never imagine having the food they had. She sat quietly hoping no one would notice her, but that made her feel like a ghost. After lunch school was terrible. Gabby tripped on the stair

Page | 8

ANIŚKO case, and with all her books scattered, everyone laughed, until the Britanie girl helped. When school was over she got on the bus. She didn‟t sit with anyone. Wishing someone could be my friend is pointless. All I can do is try to make some friends myself. And what‟s up with that Alyssa kid? She thought. “How was school, Gabriela?” her mom asked when she got home. “Horrible…” sighed Gabby. “Why?” “I still don‟t have any friends.” “Don‟t worry, I bet you‟ll have some pretty soon.” “Highly doubt that, mom.” Gabby walked to her room and did her homework. The next day Gabby didn‟t have a good day. It was the same as the day before. But after school Gabby‟s mom said she should learn how to knit. Even though she thought it was pointless, she gave it a try. After failing terribly, Gabby knitted a new school bag, and a sweater. Gabby thought they were pretty. Man that totally won‟t work. They‟ll still talk how I don‟t wear stupid makeup. Gabby thought. Oh well, I guess this is worth it. The next week went on, and then on Monday something weird happened in „prime time‟. Miss Denny had told everybody that the whole grade was having a field trip. They were going to Cincinnati, Ohio! By the way, that‟s the capitol of Ohio. They would split up the grade into three large groups which will later split into even smaller

Page | 9

ANIŚKO groups for the tour. The large groups are for boarding the buses. That was the best day Gabby had ever had this year so far! When Gabby got home her mom asked her if anything happened today. “Yeah, I found out something totally amazing today!” Gabby answered. “Then, what happened?” “We‟re going on a field trip to Cincinnati! Can you believe that? Cincinnati!” she sounded so excited, like nothing happened last week. “That‟s wonderful, honey!” Gabby told her mom everything like where exactly they were going, when, and all the stuff they needed to bring. But her mom told her something even better! Her mom just got a job at Square One, the biggest spa in Dayton, Ohio! And promised her that she would take Gabby to it for a spa treatment! The kind only celebrities could afford.

Page | 10

ANIŚKO Chapter 3| Field Trip It was the day of the field trip and Gabby had everything she needed. She had her lunch bag, with, no duh, her lunch and her iPod Touch. The clowns had their really cool lunch bags and their iPhones. To Gabby their cloths did not match at all. They wore ripped jeans with around three tank tops and earrings that didn‟t match. Don‟t they have a sense of style? She thought. “Hey, you, yeah you, guess what? You‟re stuck with us on the bus!” the clowns called. “You guys are so annoying! Why even bother?” “Oh, ok, well you know we just feel like it.” Bothered by them, she walked off away from them and sat on a bench. I have to do everything with those stupid make up loving clowns! And they are so annoying. When she got on the bus she sat down alone and looked out the window. She noticed some girl walked up to her. She had blonde bangs so long she couldn‟t see her eyes. So Gabby couldn‟t tell if she was looking at her. “There‟s something bothering you, right?” “Um... well, there‟s just a bunch of girls annoying me.” “Really...who are they?” “Um... I think her name‟s Alyssa…something” “You mean Alyssa Cramps, the one with all that makeup?”

Page | 11

ANIŚKO “Yeah and those other ones, they have been annoying me, saying things I don‟t even know why they bother to say, and I try to ignore it but I think they...” She said, but she stopped. “I don‟t know why you would care... you don‟t even know me?” Gabby said. “You know, at least I‟m talking to you...” “Everyone please take a seat.” The teacher said. “Sorry I gotta go.” When they got to Cincinnati she was amazed at the size of the city, and totally forgot about her trouble! “Whoa!” she silently gasped. How could someone live here? This is like heaven! Gabby thought. “Ok we will need everyone who was on bus fifty one to get into three groups, Gabriela, Edward, Susan, Brittanie, Mike, Emmett, Al....” But Gabby didn‟t bother to listen to the rest. “Hey Gabriela, I‟m Brittanie. Nice to meetcha,” said a girl with really pretty blue eyes and dark brown hair. She didn‟t have a lot of make-up, but she was pretty. Gabby remembered her from Literacy class. “Oh, hey, you wouldn‟t mind if you could call me Gabby? Nice to meet you, too,” “Oh, sure” answered Brittanie. “Hurry up Brittanie!” Emmett yelled. “Eddie‟s waiting for us!” “Just give me a second, would you!” She called. “Sorry but I have to go. It was really nice to meet you. See you later!” said Brittanie. As Page | 12

ANIŚKO she ran toward a tall guy and another that looked like an all skin and bone near the tall guy. The tall guy‟s defiantly must be Eddie, and the all skin and bone one must be Emmett. Gabby thought. After the field trip at home, “What! Alyssa Cramps is moving to our neighborhood? Can‟t it get any worse...? I mean this is like heaven gone wrong here, mom!” She said. “Is it my decision who‟s going to live here?” her mom said, she didn‟t care, she ran up stairs into her room. This was not a great year for her. She missed her friends and her best friend, Mark. The only thing she had left of him was that picture of them at a circus in Utah. I miss Utah.

Page | 13

ANIŚKO Chapter 4| Nobody‟s with Her Even it being a month since the field trip Gabby still couldn‟t make any friends at the high school. She still couldn‟t get in touch with her friends from Utah, and the worst of all she was going to be stuck the Alyssa‟s clique, since they are now in her neighborhood. Alyssa kept asking her mom if she could come to her house. Then her mom made her go. So that was just bad enough. That was when it happened. “Gabby! I got something for you!” her mom called “I‟m coming!” She yelled back. When she got to the kitchen on the table was a black smooth looking book. It had a grey plaid design. The book said private. The copper letters showed out on the cover. “Mom what is this?” she asked in surprise. “It‟s a diary. Your friend Mark sent it to you so you could write in it.” I thought, like totally forgot „bout me. Weird, oh well, it‟s nice, I guess. Gabby thought as she opened it. Inside there was a dedication. It said, Dear Gabby, I hope you will use this diary and I‟m really sorry I didn‟t get in touch with you earlier. From, Mark Smith p.s. I hope you like the high school!

Page | 14

ANIŚKO Gabby was glad he remembered her and wanted to make sure he is doing fine, too. It did not matter because she felt a lot better. I‟ll write in my new diary. She thought. During school, Gabby sat alone during lunch, like always. No one made eye contact with her, no one talked to her and she felt lonely and sad inside of her heart. It was like she was a ghost and no one even realized she was there. Then she saw someone whispering to another girl. She could barely hear what they were talking about. “Did you know, Gabby Dickinson said to Alyssa that she was way too pretty to wear make-up and doesn‟t want to show it because she thinks everybody will be jealous?” the girl said laughing, “I don‟t think she‟s worth to have even one friend.” She couldn‟t believe it! How could they say that about her! That‟s weird why would they say stuff like that about me? What I do this time? So she picked up her tray, threw out her food and went out the back door. Why would they gossip about me like that? I mean really, I didn‟t do anything wrong. She thought as she ran across the street. She ran all the way home and as she ran up the stairs she heard her mom say. “Back so early, what happened?” But she didn‟t respond. She sat in her room until she heard her dad close the door when he came in. She went to her bed and pretended to sleep. “Gabby came home early, dear.” Her mom said. “Why?” Her dad asked. “I don‟t know she just slammed the door.”

Page | 15

ANIŚKO “I‟ll see what is going on with her.” Her dad said calmly. He climbed the stairs up to Gabby‟s room. Before knocking he paused, wondering if he should. Finally, he made her mind up. “Honey, anything happen?” “Dad, could you just seriously leave me?” “Ok, ok, I just thought you needed some cheering up.” Then he went downstairs. “Finally,” Gabby whispered. Looking for her Diary she took her black soft pen out of the drawer in her night stand. Once she found it she began to write. Oct.18, 2009 Dear Diary, School‟s tough. I can‟t seem to make friends, and gossip is starting to spread. I hope I‟ll make it through the school year. Gabby D. She closed her Diary and took a deep breath. In Utah she never had a diary and always wanted one, and now that she had it she felt more confident than ever. “Gabby lets go to the spa!” Her mom called. “Sweet, I‟ll be ready in second!” She called back. After her mom got the job at the spa last month she promised Gabby to take her there. When she got there her mom took her were only employees were allowed to go in. It was even better than in the actual spa, No wonder the employees looked so marvelous, she thought. For an entire hour she got the best massages and got the most expensive skin care so expensive she Page | 16

ANIĹ&#x161;KO doubted that Alyssa could afford it. Then she got her nails painted a warm red and same with toenails. Her light brown hair got gelled with this special gel for curly hair. She bought some gold colored nail polish which looked pretty. And she got herself one of their mini makeup kits. She got a membership card, with which she could get everything for just half the price. That clique will definitely not bother her anymore. That night, after homework, she slept peacefully for the first time since the beginning of school. The next day she went to school way more confident. She realized the guys were looking at her more often. When she got to class, she realized that no one was gossiping about her anymore.

Page | 17

ANIŚKO Chapter 5| New Girl‟s back People kept on saying things like, the new girl‟s back or here she comes. Even the clique stopped bothering her. Maybe it‟s because I started looking like them. She thought. Even Gabby stopped calling them clowns. It started to seem as if she started new. Sometimes she feels as if she moved somewhere else, even though she lives in the same house and goes to the same school. It wasn‟t long before she found out what really was going on. “Miss Dickinson may you tell us the answer for number seven.” said Mrs. Twinkle during Literacy. When she stood up she noticed that most of the girls silently whispered, glancing at her every minute or so, it wasn‟t what she was used to. The rumor must have spread, thought Gabby sadly as she looked up at the ceiling. After class had ended Gabby noticed three girls from her class were walking towards her. “Hey, I‟m Taylor, and these are my friends, Carly, and Nicole. We saw you a lot in school, all by yourself and with Alyssa seriously annoying you we thought you would like some company.” said the girl with dirty blonde hair with pink highlights that were sort of fading. The girl with the short black hair and more makeup than the others was Carly, and the Asian one with her hair dyed blonde and bangs that came over her eyes was Nicole. They didn‟t have much makeup as she could recall just painted nails and pierced ears, well, all except for Carly. Carly looked weird to Gabby. A lot like the clique. That night she took out her diary and started writing. Oct. 20, 2009 Dear Diary, Page | 18

ANIŚKO Things are looking up let‟s just hope it won‟t turn around. Gabby D. The next day she got to school to find something terrible happening. As she was walking through a hallway she heard someone. “Trying to be all nice to the little freak Dickinson!? Right, is that what this is all about?” Alyssa was pinning Carly to the wall near the lobby. Carly was helplessly trying to pull free but Alyssa held her even tighter. Carly was gasping for air and mumbled something to her which led Alyssa to such anger that she almost choked Carly What am I going to do! Gabby thought. Gabby stared at them and then she saw Carly turn her head to her and mouthed something like „help me‟! So she went to see if a teacher was around as she turned around the corner Miss Lee, her science teacher, was walking towards her. “Miss Lee, Alyssa Cramps is about to choke...m-my friend Carly! Oh, please, you gotta help me, I can‟t do it alone.” She said panting. Miss Lee astonished followed Gabby to the spot where Carly was. “Miss Cramps! Stop that immediately!” as she pulled Alyssa away. Gabby ran to Carly who was trying to get some air. She was so happy to see her alive! “Thanks a lot, you saved me.” Carly said panting. Then Nicole and Taylor came running to them out of nowhere. They were wondering where Carly was. They started asking questions to them. Well, mostly Taylor while Nicole just watched. Anyway, she was still sort of happy to see her still alive. That night all four of them came to Gabby‟s house. They ate dinner and after that did their homework. They also talked about what they want to do after college and all. Taylor said she wanted to go to Page | 19

ANIŚKO Medical School and become a pediatrician, while Carly wanted to be middle school teacher. Nicole said she might get her masters in Law School, and Gabby told them how she wants to be an interior designer. They went on and on that way, all night. The next day, Gabby put on her favorite black turtle neck and a pair of dark jeans. She put her hair in a pony tail and put a joker scrunchy in. She also put on her new knitted grey and white sweater she made. She couldn‟t wait for that Saturday, because she and her friends were going to the mall, see the latest clothes and to buy the newest color in nail polish at Square One. Her mom was happy that she finally had friends. And Gabby realized that her mom stopped calling her Gabriela. She liked it when she wasn‟t called Gabriela because she thought it was far too long. She was finally happy for once in her life since school began. She went to school that day on the bus. She sat quietly in a seat alone as usual. Her morning went smoothly. She then had lunch with her friends. In science she got an A on her test. So far it was a good day. For now...

Page | 20

ANIŚKO Chapter 6| Dream Come True After coming out of the rest room she quickly went to class, but as she went past the last corner she felt as if something or someone hit her on the head. More like her whole body. She fell down on the ground surrounded by someone else‟s books. She opened her eyes to see someone lying beside her. He was blonde with the cutest blue eyes. He wore a black plaid jacket, skinny black jeans and he was a little bit taller than her. He also wore a pair of skateboard shoes. “Oh, God, I‟m so sorry, I didn‟t see you coming.” Gabby said. “It‟s ok, I‟ll be fine.” He said picking himself up. He reminded her of one of those Goth juniors she saw all the time. It seemed to me he wasn‟t the type you always see, nice, but he did seem the type that is really popular. He turned around and as he had started to walk away he turned back. “Oh, the name‟s Greg Tidings.” He said. She is amazing. I never thought I‟d see her again. Greg thought. “Gabby... D-Dickinson” She said. She knew she was blushing. “I was wondering, Gabby, if you would like to hang out with me for a day, since I don‟t have anything to do.” “Really, you mean, like sort of a date?” Doesn‟t he get it... just met today...! Well he is kinda cute... “You could call it a date, but I think we really should get to know each other better. I‟ll bring my friends also. If you want your friends can come as well.” “Well, I‟ll ask my mom. Meet me at Bruster‟s. Maybe at four o‟clock?” Page | 21

ANIŚKO “Ok, that‟ll work. See you.” He said. She totally amazing! She is so pretty, even if she doesn‟t wear much makeup! He thought to himself. Gabby was so amazed. She actually had a friend that‟s a boy. She had stopped dead in her tracks for no reason, she then rushed to class. For the rest of the day she couldn‟t get over it. Finally after class she met Nicole and told her about it. “Oh my god, Gabby that guy is like the most popular guy out of all the sophomores! And he asked you to hang out with him after school! Every girl wants that, just to hang out with him, but he hangs out with those Goth sophomores and juniors, all the time!” Nicole was astonished, she couldn‟t stop, until Taylor and Carly came. They too were so shocked about it. As soon as school was over, they rushed to Gabby‟s house to get her ready. They quickly went home to get their makeup kits. They redid her nails with her gold nail polish, made Gabby put on some of the white eye shadow to open her eyes a little bit, and some lip gloss, she put on an Aeropostel t-shirt, dark jean skirt, and peach and white plaid collared shirt, though she kept it unbuttoned over her t-shirt, and a pair of dark brown boots. They put her curly hair in a pony tail to finish it off. “You look amazing! This will be an amazing evening! Tell us Monday how it went, will you!” they said as they were leaving. “Wait don‟t you guys want to come, I‟ll feel way better.” Gabby yelled. They nodded and told her they would be back but they should get ready. This made Gabby excited, as her mom drove them over there she could see Greg waiting outside with some of his friends. They all wore black and grey. When Greg spotted Gabby he waved. She smiled back through the window. Page | 22

ANIŚKO Chapter 7| What a Day As the girls got out of the car Greg came over to them. “Guys, I thought that since I invited you guys I‟d pay…” “Oh no, I‟m going to pay.” Said Gabby reaching into her pocket, but Greg took her hand out before she could grab the cash. Gabby glanced up and saw he had a Bruster‟s gift card in his hand. Sighing Gabby followed him. So they all sat down at a table all eight of them, Gabby, Greg, Nicole, Nate, Carly, Tyler, Taylor, and Logan. They ate ice cream, talked about school, and the after school stuff. Gabby probably had the most fun. Finally it was time to go. As they were waiting for their parents to pick them up, the late November evening wind gently blew. You could hear the leaves rustle on the branches longing to stay. Everyone huddled together to stay warm. Gabby noticed that Taylor and Logan were quietly talking to each other, but no one else seemed to notice. As soon as the cars came they said goodbye and hopped in the cars. “How did it go, had fun?” asked her mom, as they drove home. “I just loved it!” Gabby said. “Good,” said her mom. “I‟m happy to hear that. I‟m glad you pulled through and made some friends.” The rest of the way, it was silent in the car. While Greg was in his mom‟s car he kept on talking about the funny things that happened. “Well?” his mom asked all of a sudden. “Well, what?” he said. Page | 23

ANIŚKO “You know… the girl.” “Oh, her, she‟s cool.”

Page | 24

ANIŚKO Chapter 8| Standing Up to the Challenge The weekend had past fairly quickly for everyone. Taylor came over to Gabby‟s house just to hang out with her. Carly and Nicole called them because they were going to go shopping for new cloths just as planned. Nicole‟s mom had come to pick them up. When they got there, they went to Square One to look at the nail polish. Gabby got some of the brown nail polish. Nicole got the neon green one. Carly got the clear kind. Finally, after a while Taylor got the black nail polish. Then they went to Hollister (since there was a fifty percent discount on all clothing). Gabby and Taylor each got a pair of the fur boots while Carly got the leather jacket and Nicole got the light jacket. The last store was Abercrombie and Fitch were they each got a pair of new dark jeans, some turtle necks, t-shirts, shorts, and finally they went home. Carrying bags of cloths, Gabby got into Nicole‟s mom‟s car. All four of them went to Taylor‟s house to check out the cloths. On Monday, Gabby‟s mom drove all of them to school. Gabby had made them some knitted sweaters. Taylor got a black one, Carly a red, and Nicole a white with silver. Even Gabby had hers one. “Hey look she made some friends.” Said Alyssa to the others as Carly, Taylor, Nicole, and Gabby came out of the car. “Shut your mouth, Alyssa. Or I‟ll shut it for you.” Taylor said as if to challenge. As they passed Alyssa, she stared at Gabby angrily. Gabby had realized that someone was walking just behind them, so Gabby had spun around to see a familiar face, Greg.

Page | 25

ANIŚKO “Hey” he said “Hey. Uh, how you doing?” Gabby said. “Good. Got new clothes right?” He said looking at them. “Yeah, you enjoyed yourself Friday?” Gabby asked. “Yeah, very much,” he had said with a small sigh of satisfaction. Gabby realized he was staring right at her. “Why are you starring at me?” she asked him. “Oh, I didn‟t realize that.” He had answered blushing. I‟m making a jerk out of myself. Man, just calm down and stay cool. He thought. “Oh, I‟ve got to go, see you?” she said quickly. “Ok.” He said as he started to walk. “Maybe we could stop by the library later afterschool?” “Ok” “Come we have to hurry…” said Taylor. “Ok, ok, so I guess see you?” said Gabby. Greg nodded. The day went by quickly, but when lunch came Taylor and Nicole had to make up a quiz and Carly had to the science project. So Gabby entered to the lunchroom alone. “Gabby!” someone yelled. Gabby looked around to see Greg and all his sophomore friends with him. She felt tiny beads of sweat drip down the side of her head. Uh oh, just don‟t freak because it ain‟t gonna save you. She thought.

Page | 26

ANIŚKO “Come on we saved you a seat!” He yelled. “Ok I‟ll just get my lunch!” She yelled back and quickly went to get her lunch. When she got her lunch, she walked toward the lunch table. She realized that there was an empty seat right next to Greg. He was holding the seat so no one would take it. “Here,” he said, pulling the chair out for Gabby, as she was walking towards them. So she sat down next to Greg and joined the conversation. Once in a while she had heard quiet snorts from the boys and the mumbling. She could have barely made out the words. No not again. Why do they do this? Greg thought. “Don‟t you think they‟re a good pair?” one mumbled. “Totally” said another. But apparently Greg didn‟t notice. At least Gabby thought he didn‟t. So when lunch was over Gabby was going to throw out her trash when Greg grabbed it. “I‟ll throw it out for you.” He said. Gabby let him but followed him to the trash cans. “Why are you doing this? It‟s kind of creepy.” she asked. “W-Why...?” he said, finally sighed, blushing. Just tell her! If I don‟t I‟ll never forgive myself. “...Maybe because I kind of like you. I mean not like just as a friend but I really like you.” “Do you mean sort of like... love?”

Page | 27

ANIŚKO That made Gabby confused. He liked her! The only thing weird was she liked him...too. This isn‟t happening to me! A guy actually likes me! She thought. “So you did hear your friends talk, well, you know, about us, you know, being a good pair?” “Yeah, they have been doing that since the Friday at Bruster‟s.” “Really, don‟t try to lie to me, because I‟m gonna find out anyway. About, you know, you liking me?” “No...” he said with a soft sigh. That left Gabby wondering about everything. “I knew, way before the incident in the hall, were we met, you were someone special.” He started to walk away but Gabby stood there. “Gabby, you coming?” he asked holding out a hand. His eyes were staring at her. Gabby cautiously took his hand and walked along with him. She felt a strange feeling inside her. As they walked Gabby felt her hand sweating, but Greg never loosened his grip. He led her to her locker which was right next to Taylor‟s locker. Apparently Taylor was there and saw them. She was totally lost. When he walked away she had an expression that looked like, Oh my god. Did I miss something? “What did I miss?” she asked slowly. “A lot...” Gabby said with a sigh.

Page | 28

ANIŚKO Chapter 9| Alone No More Gabby and Nicole were walking to the bus slowly. Nicole was coming over for the weekend. The light snow was falling gently. “Aren‟t you glad it‟s snowing?” asked Nicole as she was dancing around on the sidewalk. The girls just got off the bus, and Nicole was happier than ever. “Yes, very.” But Gabby‟s thoughts were somewhere else. It‟s been a week since what happened in the café. Her visit with Greg in the library was fun. They look up the funniest things, such as „I‟, or „me‟, or even „you‟. They got so many books on just one of those subjects. She even, on purpose, typed up „Greg‟ and found a good book. Gabby showed it to Greg and made him laugh so hard the librarian made him quiet down. “Hey mom we‟re home!” Gabby yelled when they got home. “Hello girls.” said her mom, when she entered the hall. She was in a green apron on since she was baking. “Can we get a snack? We‟re, like, extra hungry.” said Gabby. So Nicole and Gabby went in the kitchen to get some crackers and cheese. After eating their snack they went to Gabby‟s room. Gabby jumped on her bed and placed a pillow on her knees. “Wait, so what did he do when you guys were walking out?” said Nicole when she sat down on the rug. “I just stood there because, you know, I thought. What was that about? Like about what he said about liking me, and then he, like, stretches out his arm and asks if I‟m following. So I just, not knowing what to do, took his hand and walked side by side him until I reached

Page | 29

ANIŚKO my locker. But you know my hand still hurts, well, sort of, because he wouldn‟t even loosen his grip.” She explained. “No way, did he really?” “Yeah,” “How did it feel?” “Awkward... kind of embarrassing, didn‟t you ever feel that way?” Gabby said quietly. “Nope... I mean I never liked someone or know anyone who likes me, well, so far.” “I mean, I think it‟s nice, you know, how like, he likes you.” Nicole continued. “You really think so.” “Sure, I bet you Alyssa is so jealous.” Nicole said laughing. Gabby couldn‟t resist laughing either. The next day Gabby got off the bus to see Greg waiting near the front door of the school. “Hey,” said Gabby. “Hey, had fun with Nicole?” He said, wrapping his arm around her neck. “Yeah” “That‟s nice.” He said. Greg took off his arm off her shoulder and took her hand in his. He led her to his locker. He had a picture of them, when they went to Bruster‟s, eating a caramel and chocolate sundae. “Oh I remember that.” She said. Page | 30

ANIŚKO “Yeah, I always a look at you in the picture whenever I‟m here getting my stuff for the next periods.” “No uh” “Totally,” “Oh, stop that!” she said, hitting him on his shoulder. Then he led her to her locker before the bell rang. “So I guess I‟ll see you in German class?” he said “Yeah, same seats in the class?” “Yeah,” As he walked back to his locker he glanced back to her quickly before turning the corner. She smiled back at him.

Page | 31

ANIŚKO Chapter 10| Oh My God She walked into German to see Greg in his seat with an empty seat next to him. She sat next to him, like always. “Hey” he said. “Hey.” “I missed you.” “Like I don‟t know that.” Gabby laughed quietly while she took out her notebook. It was the same one as Greg‟s. Their notebooks were black with white stripes. Their German teacher, Mrs. Dale, was the nicest teacher either one of them had, she gave out candy, looked so beautiful, and would give you extra credit for writing a few sentences in German. Gabby and Greg always did it. They were just about to finish the second trimester, and Spanish, German and Dutch were each one trimester, at least for Gabby. Greg had French and German, then Latin. Mrs. Little was writing an assignment on the chalkboard. It was called Friends. “I‟m giving you an assignment. What you will do is get a friend and you two will make a five paragraph paper on all your favorite „adventures‟. And please remember we will be translating them in German in class. The due date for rough draft is going to be in the next three weeks. The date will be January 16.” She said. One look and they both knew they were working with. Gabby opened her notebook to a clean page and labeled it „Friends‟. She looked around to see all the pairs were either only girls or only boys. “Ok so what should we talk about.” said Greg. “Maybe we should do the time when we first met?” Page | 32

ANIŚKO “Ok, and the time when we were at Bruster‟s.” “Great! And what else...hmm.” she said. “Hmm,” “Maybe the time in the library... you know remember the part when all those books fell on you...” she said laughing quietly. “Oh, that would be totally awesome.” He said as he joined in laughing. Gabby jotted down the ideas on the page. “Ok, so how about you coming over tonight so we can get the paper started.” Gabby said while writing the stuff down. “Ok I‟ll tell my mom, when should she pick me up?” “Seven o‟clock will be fine.” The bell rang for next period. So Gabby got her stuff and waited for Greg. With everything in one hand, Gabby‟s hand in the other he walked with her to his locker. He got his stuff for the next two periods and walked with Gabby to her locker. She got her stuff and headed with Greg to the next period. They had that period together too, which was English. It was the most boring class of the day but with Greg not as boring. They sat in the same bench. Mr. Robin liked them very much since from his point of view they were the best students. That‟s pretty much why he put them together. Every since they knew each other they were doing every project together. After English they went their separate ways. As they were said goodbye Gabby really didn‟t want to leave him. She was just about to turn the corner, still had sight of Greg, when she heard some snickering. She turned around to see Alyssa leaning against the wall.

Page | 33

ANIŚKO “So you and Greg...” Alyssa said. She then grabbed Gabby by the shoulder and quickly pinned her to the opposite wall. Gabby could hear a quiet crack. Then a pain came from her shoulder. Her head started to hurt after she banged it against the wall. “Greg!” Gabby yelled quietly, hoping he could hear her. “No use... he ain‟t here.” “But...” Gabby started to feel a little light headed. “Why? Why my doing this stuff to you? I bet that‟s what you‟re definitely asking.” “Well guess what? I like him as much as you do, you know. I guess he forgot who he used to like...” Alyssa said. “Hold on there, Alyssa, let her go...” said a male voice. Gabby turned her head to see Greg standing with a teacher, Mr. Fiddle, the only teacher you can trust with people like Alyssa. “Go on, let go...” he said in a stern voice. Alyssa let go of Gabby, and immediately Greg came running to help Gabby. “You ok?” Greg asked, as she got to herself. “Yeah...” Gabby said a little softly. She felt an arm wrap around her. She looked up to see Greg holding her tightly. He walked with to her next class, with his teacher‟s permission, Mr. Fiddle, he stayed with her all through her period. While Mr. Fiddle sent Alyssa to the office for a Saturday detention slip. Sucks for you! Gabby thought.

Page | 34

ANIŚKO Chapter 11| Never the Same Greg led Gabby to her locker. She put her stuff in her locker. And with Greg set off to lunch, later on the way, Taylor, Carly, and Nicole joined them. When they got to the Café, Greg‟s friends were already there. Greg got Gabby‟s lunch while she sat down and saved the seat beside her for him. Taylor, Carly, and Nicole were sitting with them. “You know maybe it would be better if we didn‟t meet today,” said Greg as they sat down. “Ok. So maybe next week since the papers is not due „til January 16 and next week it‟s only January 2.” Gabby was glad that Greg helped her. If it weren‟t for him she would have been gone for good. “So Gabby are you going to be sitting here every day?” said Nicole, while taking a sip of her sweet tea. “I guess so.” “Then we will too.” said Carly. “That would be wonderful!” said Gabby, who as always was sitting next to Greg. “It will never be the same will it?” “No.” “Gabby, I wanted to go see a movie with you but it not in the theaters anymore, I think it‟s on DVD now.” said Greg. “Oh, which one?” said Gabby “Well… you won‟t laugh right?” Page | 35

ANIŚKO “No, why should I?” “Uh…„Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs‟, you know, the kids movie? It‟s like animated.” “Oh yeah, my mom got it for me on DVD on Sunday. Even though I have, like no clue why she got it. You could come over and watch it with me, I haven‟t even opened it.” “Really?” said Greg “Yes, how about tomorrow? “Sure, when should I come? I could come right after school on the bus.” “Ok, what is your last subject? I have Geography so Mrs. Halls will let me out sooner if I ask.” “I have Literacy with Mr. Steel. You can wait outside the door near the wall with the windows. But don‟t stand so he can see you.” “Ok” said Gabby as the lunch bell rang. She got up with Greg and headed toward the trash cans. She went to his locker first so he could get his stuff first, then he led her to her locker. She couldn‟t wait for the next day. She told her mom that Greg was coming and her mom did not disagree. The next day she got up, made some vanilla coffee for her and her mom. Then she rushed to the bus. Her morning went smoothly, and then lunch as always was good. During geography probably ten minutes before the bell rang Gabby asked Mrs. Halls for permission to leave early. Mrs. Halls as always let her. Gabby filled out the assigned homework and left the classroom in a rush. Page | 36

ANIŚKO Gabby found a place by the widows, and made sure the teacher couldn‟t see her. She waited there for about five minutes before the bell rang. She watched as the people went in a rush to reach their lockers. Then she saw Greg walking towards her. “Hey” “Hey” Gabby said while picking herself up. “Ready?” “Ready like never before.” She walked to his locker with him. After packing his book bag he went with her to her locker. He helped her get the stuff she needed. Then, right after Gabby went with him to her prime time, the bell rang and they went to board the bus. The snow was already melting and the sidewalk was slippery enough to kill someone. So as they walked towards Gabby‟s house they had to walk on the road. Finally, they arrived at her house. “Well, glad to see you home.” said Gabby‟s mom from the kitchen. “Hey mom we‟re here!” Gabby yelled, while she was taking off her shoes. “Hello Mrs. Dickinson!” Greg yelled. “Hey kids!” Her mom said. Then Gabby led him to the living room. It was filled with antiques. The only modern thing was the plasma TV. “So, you can sit down on the couch and I‟ll get the movie.” Gabby said as she led Greg to the couch, an orange antique couch. Then Gabby slipped into a closet and came back with a DVD case with a colorful cover, with a title of „Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs‟.

Page | 37

ANIŚKO “I actually like little kid movies, there pretty funny to watch when you‟re older.” said Gabby. She slipped the DVD into the DVD player. Then Gabby hopped onto the couch next to Greg. In the middle of the movie Gabby‟s mom popped in. She could hear just a few words. “You see this contact lens?” “Yeah?” “This contact lens represents you! And my eye is my eye.” Then the guy put the contact lens on his eye “I got my eye on you!” As Gabby‟s mom looked up to see them both sitting there. They were wide-eyed with excitement and laughter looking at the TV. Then they started cracking up. She smiled before quickly disappearing into the kitchen. When the movie was over, Gabby heard her mom yell. “Dinner‟s ready!” “Come one.” Gabby said pulling Greg to the table. He sat down to see the most wonderful food they ever saw. Roasted duck, potato salad, and stuffed tomatoes.

Page | 38

ANIŚKO Chapter 12| Amazing “Looks amazing mom!” said Gabby as she sat down next to Greg. “Oh, it‟s just from an old cook book I found in the kitchen.” said her mom. “So Greg when is your mom picking you up?” asked Gabby “Oh, my mom won‟t be picking me up. My older brother will pick me up at 9:00.” He said as he helped himself to the tomatoes. He ate a little bit. “Oh! I have never in my life tasted such a thing like this! It is so good!” After eating dinner Gabby led Greg to her room. It had changed from the beginning of the year. She had now a bulletin board with pictures of her, Greg, Nicole, Carly, and Taylor, at the ice cream café. And there were pictures of her, Taylor, Carly, and Nicole at the mall. They were trying on different cloths. Then her mom had helped repaint the walls to ivory and the ceiling to ivory also and had a really cool Goth splatter paint design. Greg had look up and just stand there staring at the art. “This is just so amazing! You did it?” he said as he moved his gaze to Gabby, who was sitting on the bed. “You could say so, a little.” No! Not a chance! “I think it‟s the best thing I‟ve seen in my life!” he said as he sat beside Gabby. She told him about Utah, Mark, about the time when she was at a pool party, a few years back, when a gust of wind blew the whole bowl of chips of her friends who were sitting on the bench nearby, luckily only half spilled on them, but later another gust of wind came and blew the rest of the chips on him. Then he told her about what

Page | 39

ANIŚKO he does at home and that entire sort. He never noticed how sleepy he was. Gabby next to him already laid her head softly on his shoulder. When Greg‟s brother came, Gabby‟s mom led him to Gabby‟s room to see them together asleep on the bed. Gabby had her head on his chest, and Greg‟s arms were wrapped around her. Greg‟s brother couldn‟t stop from cracking up. He didn‟t want to wake them up. But he walked up slowly to them and woke up Greg, who accidentally woke up Gabby. “You leaving?” she asked sleepily, as she went with him to the door. He held her hand loosely “Yeah...” he said as he let go of her hand and followed his brother. “See you tomorrow.” She said as she watched him slide into the car. “Yeah, see you,” he said quietly and nodded. When he left she went to do her homework and then went straight to bed. The next day when Gabby left the bus, she as always saw Greg standing by the entrance. She walked towards him. “Hey.” He said. “Hey, have fun yesterday?” “Yeah, a lot,” Greg said smiling. “Come on.” Gabby said grabbing Greg‟s hand. She pulled him all the way to her locker. She got her stuff and went with Greg to his own locker. She realized he was getting his stuff slowly. “Hey, you ok?” she asked. “I was thinking, since your birthday is next month...” he started. “Oh, I totally forgot!” she stopped him. Page | 40

ANIŚKO “... I was thinking of what I was going to get you.” He finished quietly. “No, you don‟t need to.” “Oh, come on, I really think I should. It wouldn‟t hurt to just like a trinket or something, would it?” He said smiling.

Page | 41

ANIŚKO Chapter 13| Gabby‟s Birthday It was a month later, the day of Gabby‟s birthday. Gabby woke up wondering if her day will be good or really, really bad. She went down stairs, and as she entered the kitchen she saw a whole plate of pumpkin pancakes with maple syrup and next to it was a skateboard with a red ribbon tied to it. “Happy Birthday, honey!” said her mom. “Thanks mom!” said Gabby giving her mom a big hug. The skateboard‟s underneath had a plaid design of black, red, and pink, and then had a sketch of a heart in the center of the design. She sat down, and her mom gave her daily cup of vanilla flavored coffee with toffee crème flavored creamer, which was pretty unusual. She took a sip and tried the pancakes. She actually for once couldn‟t wait for school. When she got to school, she couldn‟t find Greg. So she went to her locker to find him standing there with a small box in one of his hands. “Happy birthday!” he said handing her the box. Gabby slowly opened the box to find a necklace, a silver chain with a diamond heart, two silver „Gs‟, which probably represented her and Greg, with engraved diamonds, and a little diamond ice cream cone. “Oh! It‟s so pretty! You shouldn‟t have.” She said looking the necklace. “I‟ll do anything for you.” He said. “Here, I‟ll put it on for you.” He said as he took the necklace and hung it on Gabby‟s neck. “You look... pretty.” He said gazing at her. “Oh come on.” Page | 42

ANIŚKO “No, I mean it.” “Really, even though I highly doubt that, ok I‟ll say that‟s true.” “Ok, whatever you say...” He said. They went together to Greg‟s locker, there they said good bye and went to their classes. At lunch, Talor and Nicole examined the necklace. They wished they had a necklace like that. Greg told that sadly he got it off eBay and it was the last one. When Greg and Gabby went to throw out their trash, Greg asked Gabby something unexpected. “Oh, Gabby what else did you get for your birthday?” “Um, uh... just a skateboard...” she said quietly, staring at the ground. “Did you really? No way! Well, you know I have one too.” “You‟re kidding,” she said as she raised her head. “No. You know I could teach you.” “Would you?” she said gazing at him. “Sure.” The next day, Greg came over and they went to a skateboard park. At first Gabby kept falling but as Greg helped her, holding her at the waist and guiding her, she could skate back and forth. Then Greg showed her some tricks on his board, which was a red and black checkered pattern and pretty old looking. She tried but at first fell over. At the end of the day she was able to do all sort of things. “I think that was the best day ever, other than my birthday!” said Gabby as she hugged him thank you.

Page | 43

ANIŚKO “No problem.” He said laughing. “So see you next week, Monday?” “Yeah, oh and thanks again for the necklace.”

Page | 44

ANIŚKO Chapter 14| Kitten Gabby was listening to her iPod while walking to the bus stop, when she noticed a ball of brown and black fur, with a tinge of white. She walked up and gently lifted the small ball. She noticed it was a small kitten, a stray one, with black stripes all over it tiny body that stood out from the light brown fur and the very tip of its tail was white. It opened its large bright, clear gray eyes and starred helplessly at Gabby. Gabby couldn‟t resist but to take the kitten, put in her pocket of her bag and to run to her home as quick as she could. “Mom!” yelled Gabby as she busted in the house. “I found a stray kitten!” “Ok, bring it here and I‟ll see it,” said her mom. So Gabby ran to the kitchen with the poor kitten. “Looks like you should feed it, it‟s pretty thin.” “Ok mom.” Gabby said as she went to get the leftover chicken from yesterday and the milk carton. She put the chicken on a plate and the milk in a bowl, and then she rushed to the kitten and placed it down. When she placed the food down the kitten threw itself at the plate and started eating. “Well mom? Can I keep it?” “I guess but we need to take it the vet.” So Gabby‟s mom dropped her off and head off to the vet. “Gabby!” someone yelled out of the crowd of kids. She saw Greg waving at her. She ran towards him to give him a little hug. “Guess what?” Page | 45

ANIŚKO “What.” asked Greg as he walked with her to his locker, “I found a little kitten on the sidewalk and my mom let me keep it.” “But she did take it to the vet. You know because it could have rabies.” “Yeah she did.” “Good. But still be careful.” He said as he gazed at Gabby. His eyes were full of sympathy. Gabby didn‟t realize she was gazing up at him too. “I will.” Gabby said. Greg then smiled the warmest smile Gabby had ever seen. But then they both turned the heads and their faces turned red. “Did you think of a name for the kitten?” he asked, changing the subject, when he turned his head. “Not yet.” “You know I used to have a cat, I always called it „Blake‟, I was too young to call it by its real name, which I, actually, don‟t remember. But I remember that when I scared him while he sat in my lap he would start scratching my legs.” He said as he laughed underneath his breath. School went well. When Gabby got home, she gently lifted the, now clean kitten, out of the woven bamboo basket that he slept in, took her diary and wrote an entry. Jan. 18, 2010 Dear Diary,

Page | 46

ANIŚKO I‟m starting to like school. Greg is really cool. Alyssa stopped annoying me. I wish it was like this at the beginning of the year. Gabby D. Gabby closed her dairy and finished her homework. Then, after a while laying there on her bed, she sat up so fast she almost sent the poor kitten flying off her lap. “I know a great name for you.” She said to the kitten. “Blake” she whispered to kitten, the name sounded so perfect, as if it really were his name. The kitten started walking across the bed to a piece of string the stuck out of the cover. It started pulling at it and playing with it like a toy. Gabby laughed as she picked up the kitten and held him in her lap as it fell asleep.

Page | 47

ANIŚKO Chapter 15| Blake Blake stayed home with Gabby‟s mom during school days. Gabby always kissed his little, black nose before she left for the bus. She let him sleep on her bed if he was nice to her mom. Greg thought it was funny how she named it after his cat. “It‟s not funny Greg! I thought it was perfect!” Gabby pouted. “No I‟m laughing because it‟s such a coincident that you liked the name.” he said as he laughed. “Oh, ok” she said as she looked at the ground blushing. “Oh, Gabby,” He said as he tried not to laugh. “It‟s ok. You don‟t have to be upset.” He hugged her to make her feel better. “Want to go skateboarding with me? Maybe tomorrow?” he said. “Sure.” She said as she waved good bye. “Remember lunch, same table as usual?” “Yeah,” She said softly. “Walk with me?” she asked. “Sure.” said Greg as he walked her to her locker. During lunch Carly and Taylor kept talking about a movie they wanted everyone to see. “It‟s called something like, „Alice in Wonderland‟ or something like that. It‟s the new version!” said Carly excitedly. “Oh, I know that one. I wanted to go, so I‟ll probably be able to go.” said Tyler, an Asian kid who Gabby had classes with sometimes.

Page | 48

ANIŚKO “I‟ll able to, too.” said Greg. “Same here.” said Gabby. Finally it was decided, Friday night at the local movie theatre at 9:00. “So Greg, I could ask my mom to pick you up on Friday.” said Gabby as she turned to him. “Ok, well my brother is going to be home that‟ll be wonderful.” “Great!” So when Gabby got home she told her mom and obviously her mom said yes. So Gabby went up to her room to Blake. He was patiently waiting for her on the bed. “Hey Blake, how are you?” Gabby said. Blake answered with a meow, which made Gabby laugh. She set Blake on the floor and let him play with the fluffy rug on her wooden floor. “Oh, Blake, you‟re so funny!” Gabby said laughing. “Come on Gabby get down stairs, and set the dinner table.” “Oh, ok mom!” Then Gabby rushed down stairs, but rammed into the railing with her arm, she heard a crack and fell down at the top of the stairs. “Oh! God! Mom!” She said as she tried to get up. “Oh, honey, what happened!” said Gabby‟s mom when she climbed up the stairs.

Page | 49

ANIŚKO “I hit my arm against the railing when I was about to climb down the stairs. Ouch.” Gabby said quietly as her mom examined her arm. More like running. She thought. “We need to get you a doctor, and quick.” “You mean right now?” as Gabby‟s mom helped her outside “Yes, here get in the car.” Gabby got in the car and her mom drove her to the doctors. “Hi, my daughter, Gabriela, hurt her arm and we‟d like it if you could check it.” Gabby‟s mom said to the secretary when they got to the doctor‟s office. Then they sat down on the couch and waited for the doctor. “Good evening, Mrs. Dickinson, I heard that Gabriela hurt her arm, am I correct?” Gabby‟s mom nodded, “So, I‟ll just take Gabriela with me to examine her arm.” said Dr. Jay. Then he led Gabby to his office. “Well, may I see that arm of yours?” “Sure.” Gabby said with pain as she tried to lift her arm. “That‟s not good. It‟s defiantly broken. Here let get an x-ray of it and then we‟ll see what kind of cast you need.” He said as he led Gabby to a room with a big machine.

Page | 50

ANIŚKO Chapter 16| Broken Gabby got her arm x-rayed and went to a room where there were things of colorful rolls. “Which color would you like?” asked Dr. Jay “Red...please,” Gabby said as she looked at the colors. She watched Dr. Jay take the roll off the rack, and then position her arm. „Oh, god, this hurts!‟ thought Gabby. Then he wrapped her arm with the roll of tape like stuff. When they were finished, he led her out to the lobby where her mom waited. “Thanks, Dr. Jay!” Gabby yelled from behind her. “Your welcome, and remember to be careful not to hurt your other hand.” He said as he went back to his office. Then Gabby and her mom drove home in complete silent. The next day Gabby woke up startled why she had a cast on. Then after a while she remembered what happened. She got dressed in a black tank top, her sweater on top, and jeans. She went down for breakfast, but as she walked in the doorway she noticed someone sitting in her usual seat. That someone turned to face Gabby, and as he did relief washed over her. It was Greg, sitting there with a cup of coffee and a plate of waffles. “Wait, where did you come from?” she asked as she sat down in an empty chair across from him. “This morning your mom called. She asked if I could take you to school, you know she was afraid you might hurt yourself on the bus.” Greg said as he took a sip of his coffee. “Mom, really?” she said as she blushed. Page | 51

ANIŚKO “What? You know I fear something is going to happen.” “Fine,” Gabby said with a sigh. She ate her breakfast and headed to Greg‟s car with him. The light metallic green Volts wagon Beetle had beautiful tan leather seats. “You like it?” he asked as they hopped into the car. It had an apple cinnamon scented scent bottle placed next to the radio, giving the car the wonderful smell of apple pie. “Oh, it‟s wonderful!” “I got my license the week after my birthday last year and then got the car yesterday. I meant to call you, but I sorta forgot.” Greg said. “Oh, well that‟s great! So I‟m the first person to actually ride in it?” she asked. “Well...you could say so. I mean I drove all the way here in it so, but the first person other than me.” “Cool.” Greg started the car and turned on some country pop music from the radio. They opened their windows, and drove to school. Before they got out Gabby took out a black sharpie. “Forgot, can you sign my cast?” she asked. “Sure,” After he wrote it she read it. Dear Gabby, Hope you feel better! <3 Love, Greg

Page | 52

ANIŚKO “Oh, Greg, that‟s so sweet!” Then she walked into the building.

Page | 53

ANIŚKO Chapter 17| Together Everyone wanted to sign Gabby‟s arm. Then Taylor and Logan came up. “Hey Gabby,” Taylor said as she walked up. “I guess you‟re not coming to the movie, right?” “I guess not.” “Oh, well Logan and I were going to the old part of town, to shop. Want to come?” “Sure.” Gabby said as she looked up at Greg. “There is a carnival going on there, so we could hang out there.” said Greg. They all agreed to go there for a few hours. Gabby let Taylor and Logan sign her cast. Then they went to their next classes. “I‟ll pick you up at 4:00. Ok?” “That would be wonderful!” Gabby said, “In your new car?” “Sure.” Gabby got ready for the carnival. When she stepped out of the door, a wonderful early March wind greeted her. She sat down on the marble steps. Gabby sat there, to see Blake walk up to her, holding a mouse between his teeth. “Oh, Blake, you know Mom doesn‟t like mice, especially dead ones.” she said as she picked Blake up to her lap. As she petted him, she, for some weird reason, remembered Valentine‟s Day at school. In her locker there was a valentine. One with a red rose on it, and words that said, Be Mine? On the thought of the valentine from Greg, she laughed

Page | 54

ANIŚKO quietly. Then the screeching of the tires of Greg‟s car stopped her. She put Blake down and walked toward the road. “Need a lift?” said Greg laughing. “Totally,” she said as she sat there. “Then what are you waiting for, an invitation?” he said smiling. Gabby got in and they drove to the carnival. It was quiet in the car. All you could hear was the quiet music. “Remember Valentine‟s Day?” Gabby asked. “You gave me that card with the words, Be Mine?” “Oh, that card! It seems so long ago.” “I know!” she said laughing. “So did Logan ask Taylor for a date yet?” Gabby asked. “Oh, no not yet, I‟m trying to convince him.” “Well, Taylor is dying to tell him, yes.” She said laughing. When they got to the carnival, they bought a bunch of tickets and met Taylor and Logan at the café. “Hey Taylor, how‟s it going?” “Great! Guess what? Logan asked me if I would like to go on a date. Isn‟t that great?” “Oh, Taylor that‟s wonderful!” she said as she hugged her. “Gabby, want to go on a ride?” Greg asked. “Sure! Can we go on the Ferris wheel?” Gabby asked.

Page | 55

ANIŚKO “Sure, Taylor and Logan can come.” “Hey guys, want to go on the Ferris wheel?” Gabby asked. “Sure!” they both said. So, all four of them, tickets in hand, went to the Ferris wheel. Gabby and Greg went together and Taylor and Logan went together. Taylor who forgot she was sort of scared of heights was freaking out. Not really freaking out but freaking out. So Logan had to hold Taylor tight so she felt better. After that the group went to get sundaes at the café. Taylor and Logan got the Coffee Chocolate Swirl, while Greg and Gabby got the Carmel and Walnut Delight. “You now I saw an advertisement about a fortune teller that would come to the carnival...so I thought we could go.” said Logan “Oh! I love fortune tellers!” said Gabby. So they went passed the dunk tank, the photo booth (where, earlier each pair got ten pictures) and the big water slide. Finally they reached the dark part of the town. They saw a shabby tent, made of bits of silk, cotton and other cloth. It was covered in chains, stringed gems, wood, and stones. “Come in children... and you‟ll seek your future...” said a raspy voice from the tent. “Um... o-ok” Greg said as he led them inside the tent. Inside was a wrinkled old lady dressed in colorful rags, she wore ripped moccasins on her tiny feet and a large hood over her head so you wouldn‟t be able to see her face. “Sit down, and relax.” She said quietly, so they sat down. Page | 56

ANIŚKO Chapter 18| Truth “Well, then who will be first?” she asked in her odd raspy voice. “I guess, I will.” said Logan, as he went up to the old lady. “Take out your hand and place it on the purple stone.” So Logan placed his hand on the flat odd purple stone that was lying on the rickety old table that was held up with stones. Then the lady closed her eyes and placed her wrinkled hands on her temples. She stayed like that for a few minutes. “You... will meet someone... that you will... stay with for the rest... of your life...and that person... you have already met.” She said then opened her eyes. She looked, first at Logan then, at Taylor. The lady winked at Taylor, without Logan seeing it which made Taylor blush. “Ok, then, now who will be next?” “I‟ll go.” said Greg. He placed his hand on the stone and the old lady closed her eyes a second time. “You...will have... someone tell you... a dream... that was about something that happened... that you regret it ever happened.” She said. When Greg heard that, he was surprised. Weird. “Ok, then I‟d like you two girls to come up together, when you walked in I sensed that you two will have the same vision.” So Gabby and Taylor got up and placed their hands on the stone. “One friend... with the name of Carly... will join the enemy...forever... and leave you...” She said. What? That would never happen! Gabby thought.

Page | 57

ANIŚKO Then they thanked the old lady and left the tent. They went to get some funnel cake, and met someone unexpected. Carly, with the clique, were standing in line, in front of them. Taylor and Gabby stared in disbelief. How could the old lady, be right that Carly would join the clique of clowns? She wore as much make up as Alyssa and her clique did. „Why did she join?‟ thought Gabby, and then she looked at Greg, who was staring at her as if he just saw a ghost. “What happened to her?” he asked quietly. “Don‟t know.” Gabby said, when she bare to watch what Carly was doing, she turned her head so she‟d face Greg instead of the horrid sight. He patted her shoulder gently to reassure her. “How, did the old lady know all this?” she asked. “Maybe because she‟s a... real fortune teller, but I don‟t think she told us much fortune.” “You got a point.” Gabby said. Then all of a sudden Carly turns to them. Gabby freezes hoping Carly didn‟t see her. “Hey there, oh, isn‟t little freak Dickinson with her friends!” Carly said as she giggled. “Shut up, Carly! Anyway, I don‟t care what they call me anymore! So just, shut up!” cried Gabby with fury. “Whoa there, I think someone has gotten anger issues.” said Alyssa. “You too, better shut up Alyssa!” said Greg. “Oh really, well I‟m not going to!” she snickered.

Page | 58

ANIŚKO “Come on guys, I-I don‟t think I want funnel cake anymore.” Logan whispered to them. Before leaving Gabby mouthed the words, Freaks to the clique. So all four of them left the stands of the carnival and got into their cars. Logan and Taylor in Logan‟s car, and of course, Greg and Gabby in Greg‟s car, the March air was bringing in the smells of the carnival in Greg‟s car. Gabby was happy that for once she stood up against Alyssa and her awful clique. The next week at school, Carly kept away from Taylor, Gabby and Nicole. Nicole became best friends with Tyler, who was really nice to everyone including the clique. Which kind of worried Nicole, but she didn‟t know what would happen...

Page | 59

ANIŚKO Chapter 19| Greg Explains Gabby got home from school and straight to her room. She looked at her bulletin board for any pictures of Carly and ripped them off the board. Then she cut Carly off, but for the last one, she noticed something strange, it was when they were at the mall shopping, Gabby, Taylor, and Nicole were facing the camera, but Carly was just talking to someone else, not even paying attention. When Gabby looked closer she saw what looked liked Alyssa, and she was talking to Carly while the person took the picture. Gabby took her book bag and stuffed the picture in it. After dinner before going to bed Gabby took out her diary that she hadn‟t taken out for a long time, then she wrote, Mar. 30, 2010 Dear Diary, I‟m getting my cast off tomorrow. It‟s been on for almost a month. I can‟t wait for it to come off. Last week we went to a carnival down town and got our fortunes, well, Taylor and I didn‟t get ones that we wanted. Carly joined the clique and we don‟t know why. So, I‟m hoping it turns out well. Gabby D. Then she turned out her light and tried to sleep. Gabby ran through the crowd of strangers, and once she gets through she‟s in the middle of the crowd who appeared to be watch a couple kissing. It sort of grossed her out, but when she realized it was Greg... and Alyssa, she couldn‟t take it, „What!‟ she yelled. Then Greg turned his head, Gabby realized it wasn‟t the Greg she knew now, he wore a bright green Hollister t-shirt, light blue jeans and really colorful Converse. Then the image grew fuzzy then Gabby woke up with a startle. The Greg she knew now was

Page | 60

ANIŚKO more Goth than that Greg, but why was Alyssa there? Trying to calm down she got out of bed and got dressed in her favorite cloths. Then she ate breakfast quickly and out the door to wait for Greg. Once he came Gabby smiled, and climbed in the car. Greg wore his usual black skinny jeans. Grey Converse that Gabby thought were cute on him, and a t-shirt that said „Yo Momma‟ on it. Gabby, glad to see him dressed normally, quietly sighed. “What? Looks like you saw a ghost, a pretty big ghost.” Greg said laughing. “More like Mr. Colorful Greg, hanging out with Alyssa in my dreams.” “No uh.” Wait, the fortune! How did that old lady know?! “Totally.” “Let me ask you something. Do you know who I liked a few years back and have been with her „til this year?” he asked “No, who was it?” “Uh...well... you know... Alyssa.” He confessed. “No uh! That stupid freak...!” Gabby said but died down before saying anything else. “No, it‟s ok. I realized it was wrong over the summer, then I told her we can‟t be together, well, and she‟s still sort of angry because she still likes me. But don‟t forget, I wasn‟t Goth back then. She liked it when I put on colorful cloths, that I hated so much. But once we broke up, I decided that I should try Goth, and I liked it ever since.” He said with a half smile.

Page | 61

ANIŚKO “I just thought of my dream... Alyssa was there... in my dream and... You guys were... kissing.” Gabby said as she turned her head to face Greg‟s face. “What?” he said startled. “What!” Gabby said surprised at his reaction, and then she turned her head away. “Don‟t you believe me?” “Sorry, I didn‟t mean to frustrate you, it‟s just... it‟s just that it… sorta happened… maybe.” He said slowly. Gabby lifted her head at Greg. “Oh, Greg… really?” Gabby said as she slowly dropped her head. But Greg didn‟t answer. Noticing her book bag, she remembered the picture in her book bag. “Oh, Greg, I have a question... was Carly ever friends with Alyssa?” she asked as she got the picture out. She showed it to Greg, who didn‟t seem amazed in the picture. “Yeah, she was. They were best friends ever since middle school. Then Taylor came last year, well, and became friends with Carly and Nicole, who didn‟t like Carly because of who her friends were, but came along.” They got to school and before they got out of the car, Greg grabbed Gabby‟s arm hard, but light enough so it wouldn‟t hurt. “Gabby wait ... I want to ask you something before we leave. Well... would you go... out with me?” he said quietly. Gabby could see beads of sweat on his face. He looked away. “Are you serious?” she asked. “Dead,” Page | 62

ANIŚKO “Um... I-I guess... I mean... because I... like you... what a-am I saying... sorry I mean... s-sure.” Gabby stuttered staring at his face. “Thanks” Greg said smiling a half smile.

Page | 63

ANIŚKO Chapter 20| Unbroken

Gabby sat in History, all bored waiting for the office to call her down. Finally a minute before the bell for next period they called her down. „This is really nice!‟ thought Gabby as she walked the flight of stairs. „Why did I waste the class time, when they were going to call me at the very end?‟ All of a sudden, she ran right into Carly who was making her way to Art with Mrs. Monty. “What are you doing?” she said “Going to the office so my mom can drive me to the doctor, so he can take my cast off.” Gabby said angrily as she lifted her arm for Carly to see. “Oh.” She said as if she were sorry for Gabby. “What do you want?” “Oh, nothing, just want to let you know... Alyssa didn‟t make me join... I wanted to.” “I know that, Greg told me.” “Oh.” Then Gabby went to the office without saying, bye to Carly. Gabby felt sort of bad for Carly, I know she was trying to be nice but, I‟m kind of angry at her for joining Alyssa. She thought. She entered the office to see her mom sitting in a comfy chair, patiently waiting for her. “Hey, Gabby,” She said. “Hey, mom, how was your day so far?” Gabby asked her mom.

Page | 64

ANIŚKO “Good.” Then they went to the car, and drove to Dr. Jay. “Hello, Gabriela!” Dr. Jay said as they entered the office. “Good afternoon, Dr. Jay!” “You ready to get that cast off?” “Yeah,” Gabby said and then Dr. Jay led her to a little room. “You can sit here... and I‟ll get that cast off in no time.” Gabby sat still as Dr. Jay gradually got the cast off. When he finally got it off and Gabby happy to have it off, bent her arm and amazing enough it didn‟t hurt. “Is this really happening? I thought I would never be able to move it! I still can‟t believe I can move it!” Gabby said happily. She moved her arm in circles, and was bending it. “I know you‟d be happy!” “Thanks Dr. Jay, I‟ll try hard not to break my arm again!” Gabby said from behind her as she walked out the door.

Page | 65

ANIŚKO Chapter 21| Déjà vu The next day Gabby walked out of her bus, she insisted that Greg would not pick her up to school. She looked for Greg, than found him sitting on a bench, head down. Wondering what happened, Gabby walked over to him. “Hey Greg, um... you ok?” Greg looked up and him face change in a flash of light. “Whoa, what is it? Déjà vu or something?” he asked smiling at Gabby. “What happened?” Gabby said as she made sure she had nothing on her. “It‟s like I fell in love with you again.” He said with a soft sigh. Gabby couldn‟t help laughing. “What!” “What?” “Nothing, nothing, it‟s that... no one told me that... ever.” “Well, I guess I‟m the first.” He said smiling. Gabby was still a little embarrassed after what Greg told her. Am I that pretty? She thought as she went to her locker with Greg. Nicole was waiting for Gabby at her locker. “Hey, Nicole, how‟re you doing?” Gabby asked keep her voice over the entire racket the rest of the sophomores were making. “Good, I guess. Gabby could I tell you something... alone?” Nicole asked as they walked up.

Page | 66

ANIŚKO “Sure.” Once Greg left, Nicole looked around to make sure no one was listening. “Ok, so guess what?” “What? Your mom died.” “Funny... I think I like someone.” She said quietly. “Really, who is it?” “Tyler...” “Not bad.” “I know... the thing is that... I don‟t know if he likes me.” “If you want, I could ask him.” “Would you really?” “Sure.” “Thank you!” “You‟re welcome” Then Gabby left to find Tyler. She found him at his locker, looking at the pictures of all of them. Well, sort of like just Nicole, so Gabby walked up to him. “Hey, Tyler, I have a question.” “Fire it up.” “Well... do you... like... Nicole?” “Um... yeah I guess so...” he said as he turned around so Gabby wouldn‟t see he was blushing. Page | 67

ANIŚKO “Oh, fine I‟ll tell you... I like Nicole... I look at the picture of us every day... it feels like déjà vu, every day I try to tell her, but I never do.” “Ok. Thanks.” She said before leaving quickly to Nicole to tell her the news. “What!” Nicole screamed but then quieted down after the teachers stared at her. “Really?” she whispered excited. “Yeah he did.”

Page | 68

ANIŚKO Chapter 22| Getting Ready Gabby was in her room, when all of a sudden her mom popped in. “Hey, honey, aren‟t you going to the mall to get your prom dress?” she asked. “Oh, yeah, let me just get my shoes.” Gabby said as she went to her closet to get her flip flops, then they headed out to the mall. When they got there, there were crowds of people, mostly trying to get dresses. So Gabby, with her mom, went to a rack with some dresses that were a lot cheaper but prettier than the other ones. Gabby picked a sleeveless green short dress. She went to a changing room and tried it on. It looked fabulous on her, but it was pretty expensive. So Gabby picked the tight thinly strapped dress, with the prettiest shade of grey. Because it was cheap and so pretty, Gabby had to buy it. When Gabby got home, she had an unexpected visitor. “Gabby! Greg came over to, well, just hang out, he‟s in your room!” her dad said from his office. “Ok dad!” said Gabby before storming up the steps to her room with her dress. When she reached her room, she saw Greg on her bed looking at some pictures. “Uh... hey...” Gabby said as she walked in the room and placed the bag on the floor next to her closet. “Hey, didn‟t think you would get here so early.” “Yeah, I was getting a prom dress, well, for the prom.” She said smiling. “Cool. Could you try it on? I would love to see you in it.” Page | 69

ANIŚKO “Uh... sure...” She then slipped away in to the bathroom. She came out with the dress on. She slowly made her way toward her room. When she walked in, Greg was sitting quietly, waiting. “Whoa, amazing.” He said gazing. “D-Do you like it?” she said and blushed. “Well, of course I like it!” he said his eyes dazing at her. Gabby, not sure what to do sat down next to him, to feel a pair of wonderful eyes staring back at her. She saw Greg, wearing one of her favorite shirts he has, a black collared shirt with a blue edge, staring at her. Then he turned around embarrassed. “I-I was wondering... if you w-would go with m-me to the... prom.” He said. “S-sure,” She said surprised. “Really, you‟d do that?” “Yeah, why wouldn‟t I? It would be sort of like my first actual date, with you.” “Yeah, I just realized that.”

Page | 70

ANIŚKO Chapter 23| Prom Gabby walked into the noisy gym, where every freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior was, dancing, singing, talking, and having fun. „Maybe I shouldn‟t have come.‟ Gabby thought. But her thoughts were interrupted by a guy‟s voice. “Hey Gabby, you made it.” Greg said as he walked through the crowd. “Hey Greg, how‟d you get here so fast?” “Well, I think you‟re sort of late...” “Oh. Oh well, at least I‟m here.” “Yeah, come on and get a drink with me.” Gabby walked through the crowd, making sure not to bump into anyone. She got to the table with the drinks, she was about to get a drink, when Greg handed her a cup of punch. “Thanks!” Gabby said as she took the cup from him. “You‟re welcome.” “So... y-you want to dance?” Gabby asked nervously. “Sure, why not.” He answered, then took her hand in his and led her to the dance floor. Gabby felt this excitement rush through her body as they started to dance. She placed her head on his shoulder and followed his steps. Greg leaned closer to her, and Gabby felt herself being wrapped into warmness. She couldn‟t help smiling. Then when the song ended Gabby sat down on a metal folding chair and closed her eyes. Tired and sleepy she tried to rest but the commotion kept her awake. Page | 71

ANIŚKO “Gabby you ok?” Greg asked as he sat down next to her. “Yeah, I guess.” “You look as if you‟re going to fall asleep any moment now.” “That‟s true, I‟m trying to rest but everyone is so noisy that I can‟t fall asleep.” “Who brought you here?” “My mom,” “Do you want me to drive you home?” “Sure.” Gabby followed Greg outside barely able to walk Greg led her to the car. The smell of apple and cinnamon filled Gabby‟s nose and made her even sleepier. “Come on,” Greg said gently as he helped Gabby in the car. Gabby felt so tired. By the time she got home, she was sound asleep. “Gabby?” “Huh?” Gabby said as she woke up with a startle. “We‟re at your house.” “Oh, ok.” Gabby said as she quickly got out. “Hey, honey.” Gabby‟s mom said as she walked outside. “Hey, Mrs. Dickinson, how are you?” Greg said cheerfully. “I‟m doing very well, Greg.”

Page | 72

ANIŚKO “Hey, mom, I‟m so tired can I go to bed early?” Gabby said as she came inside. “Oh, see you tomorrow Greg.” Gabby said from behind her back. “See you later!” “Come on, Gabby let me get you some dinner.” Gabby‟s mom said. She got Gabby some leftover dinner from the fridge and a cup of chocolate milk. “Thanks mom!” Gabby said, as she took a bite of the meatloaf. “This is really good.” “Well, it‟s just cold meatloaf.” She said but Gabby was too busy eating it. After dinner, Gabby went to bed and fell asleep at once. The next day Gabby was as sleepy as ever, she felt awful, but Nicole and Taylor cheered her up. “Hey Gabby, did you like the Prom?” Nicole asked at their lockers. “Yeah, I liked it, but I‟m pretty tired after it,” “Oh, well, you know, it was your first Prom, right?” Taylor said. “Well, yeah, at my other school, only seniors were allowed, so I never got a chance.” “Oh, ok.” “Hey, Gabby, feeling any better after yesterday‟s Prom?” Greg said as he walked up to their lockers. “Well, I‟m not as tired as I was yesterday, but I still feel tired.” “Oh, don‟t worry.” Greg said cheerfully. Page | 73

ANIŚKO “See you later!” Greg said as they went to their classes. “See you!”

Page | 74

ANIŚKO Chapter 24| Who is She? The next week, Gabby got to school as usual, but when she found Greg, she saw someone else, too. She was so small and delicate and had pretty, thick, light blonde hair, she was talking to Greg. When Gabby walked up to Greg, she started at Gabby with a sinister look. “Hey, Gabby, how are you?” Greg said happily as they hugged. “Pretty good, how about you, did you enjoy your weekend?” Gabby said. “Yeah, I did. Oh, I almost forgot, this is Claire. She is my old friend from elementary school before I moved here for middle school. She moved here and is going to go to our school.” “Oh, ok. So you‟re going to, like, show her around? Can I join?” “Oh, sure you can. Why wouldn‟t I let you?” “I don‟t know.” Gabby said as she glanced at Claire, who still had her sinister look. Greg looked at her, and was surprised by her. “What‟s wrong Claire?” “Nothing,” she said as she moved her glance somewhere else. “Oh, ok.” Then Greg and Gabby walked into the building holding hands, and Claire was trailing after them staring at their hands, how their fingers delicately entangled together. Claire felt a pang of jealousy hit her, how she wished to be like Gabby, always with Greg, hand in hand, happy. She knew Greg more than Gabby did. So when Gabby and Greg went to their lockers Claire went up to Gabby. “Gabby? Can I ask you something?” “Sure,” Page | 75

ANIŚKO “Well, it‟s about, well... you guys... a-are you guys going out?” “Well, yeah, we‟ve been going out for I think it‟s been already like a month.” Gabby said surprised by the question. “Oh,” “Why, do you ask?” “Well, I... I l-like Greg...” “Oh,” “Sorry I asked... I didn‟t know...” But Gabby was already walking down the hallway, to her Prime Time. Claire sighed, and walked to her new Prime Time. I‟ve known Greg much longer than her, so why did he pick her instead of me? Claire thought as she entered her Prime Time. When she walked in, she saw a group. They wore plenty of makeup, had designer cloths and had like, probably, two or three earrings on each ear. One turned around and glared at Claire. “And who are you?” she said as she scanned Claire up and down. “I‟m Claire Mullins, I moved here over the weekend.” “Well, at least you do wear makeup, not like that Dickinson at the beginning of the year.” “Huh?” “Oh, she‟s Gabby Dickinson. She still wears barely any makeup, and wears cloths from „cool‟ stores such as, Hollister, and Abercrombie and Fitch. Everyone thinks she‟s cool, because her mom works at Square One, down the road the huge spa and also because she gets the treatments there for the celebrities.” Page | 76

ANIŚKO Now Claire was feeling even more jealous, she understood why Greg picked Gabby, probably rich in a way, over her, one who has makeup but can‟t afford for a spa treatment.

Page | 77

ANIŚKO Chapter 25| Jealousy Gabby was walking towards German class with Greg, when she saw Claire, but Claire walking and talking to someone familiar. She was talking to the one and only Alyssa! “Greg... would look over there...?” she said to Greg. When he turned his head towards Claire, Gabby felt his heart miss a beat. “What...?! What‟s she doing there?” he said then Claire turned her head to them and glared at them. Before Claire could say anything, the couple left quickly. Gabby was shocked to see Claire with Alyssa. She was wondering how Claire joined so suddenly. Maybe Alyssa‟s plotting something... she‟s been taking away my friends. Gabby thought. Did you see that glare Claire made at us.‟ One thing Gabby didn‟t know was that Greg had something on his mind, too. Why, Claire... is it because I‟m dating Gabby? Greg thought, I mean... Claire is nice and pretty... but she‟s like any other girl, only thinks about her looks, about guys, but Gabby, I mean... she does get spa treatments fit for celebrities, but that‟s really rare, and she doesn‟t care what she wears and all that. At lunch, Gabby was at her regular lunch table with Greg, Taylor, Tyler, Nicole, and Logan. She looked for Claire and saw that she was at the clique‟s table, at the very end with Carly and the others. But Gabby quickly turned her head and joined the conversation. “You guys doing anything on the weekend?” Logan asked. “I‟m babysitting my cousin on Sunday but I‟m free Saturday.” Gabby said. “I‟m free both days.” Taylor said

Page | 78

ANIŚKO “Same here,” Greg said “I‟m kind of busy in the mornings.” Nicole said “But your free in the afternoons?” asked Gabby. “Yeah,” “Great! So, I was thinking we might go to the aquarium, down town. They‟re having a dolphin shows on the weekend and free admission for any student with a Student Id.” “Cool! I love dolphin shows.” Taylor said. “I haven‟t been to the aquarium here so that would be amazing.” Gabby said. “I can‟t wait!” Greg said “Same here,” Nicole said “Ok, I‟ll check the cost of the tickets, so just call me if you can‟t come.” Gabby was excited, the only thing that worried her was, what if they were going on Sunday? Gabby would just have to find out later. After school, Gabby was doing her homework when she heard her cell ringing. She picked it up to answer, “Hey.” Gabby said. “Hey, Gabby, it‟s Taylor. Just to let you know Logan got tickets for Sunday, so I know you can‟t come so I feel really bad.” “Oh, man. I really wanted to go! Oh, well, I mean it‟s not like this was the only time I could go.”

Page | 79

ANIŚKO “So I‟ll call Logan to tell him that you can‟t come.” “Oh, thanks Taylor! See you tomorrow!” “See you!” Taylor said before hanging up.

Page | 80

ANIŚKO Chapter 26| Aquarium Logan waited on a bench near the aquarium for the people, or more like person, coming with him. Taylor was the only one allowed to come. Gabby was babysitting, Greg was going to the beach with his cousins, Tyler was having a Swimming Tournament, and Nicole had dance tryouts. Logan saw Taylor in an orange and white checkered shirt, and black jean shorts, walking down the street. He started walking towards her. “Hey Taylor, should we start our way to the Aquarium?” “W-Wait one sec, what about the others, aren‟t they coming?” “No they‟re not.” “What!” “Is anything wrong with that?” “No,” Then Taylor followed Logan to the Aquarium. I‟m alone with Logan! Taylor was walking really close to Logan, and she felt nervous, There is nothing to be nervous about! Oh, but he is so... so... but Taylor‟s thoughts were stopped when she and Logan entered the Aquarium. Taylor gazed up at the school of fish model. The fish looked almost real. They went to the small fish first were Logan showed Taylor the clown fish, which Taylor loved. She still couldn‟t believe that she was walking along side Logan, and just Logan. Being Monday the last day of school, Taylor was sort of sad that they wouldn‟t see each other much. “Taylor, want to see the whale exhibit?” Logan asked her.

Page | 81

ANIŚKO “Sure, why not!” Taylor followed Logan to where the whale models were. She saw someone there who she knew, it looked like Tyler. But Tyler wasn‟t alone. He was with someone from school. She had blonde hair and wore designer clothes like the clique. Feeling curious Taylor wanted to get a closer look. It‟s defiantly not Nicole, that‟s for sure! “Hey, Logan can we see the blue whale model over there?” Taylor asked Logan. “Sure,” As Taylor walked over she took a closer look at the girl, she looked like that girl who joined the clique. It must be that Claire, she thinks she cool or something like that. Alyssa probably bribed her to join. Taylor tried not to pay attention to her, so she focused her attention on the whale models. But Taylor‟s eyes lingered towards Claire. “Hey, Taylor, are you all right?” Logan asked unexpectedly. “Yeah, I‟m totally fine.” “Good.” At the Dolphin Show Taylor had so much fun she almost forgot about Claire. Logan got picked to do some trick with the dolphins and got splashed by doing it. The dolphins did flips, and chased after balls, then let the trainer on their backs and took a little swim with her. Then later all the dolphins splashed the whole entire audience. Taylor was soaking wet, but Logan was a lot wetter than she was. Taylor couldn‟t resist laughing. But Logan joined in.

Page | 82

ANIŚKO After the Dolphin Show, Taylor and Logan where walking by the jellyfish exhibit, when all of a sudden Taylor‟s little sister, Tori, came running at them. “Sis, I found you!” She gave Taylor the biggest hug that Taylor had ever felt. “Man, I almost forgot! You were going to the Aquarium, too.” She said. She barely even noticed that little Tori was already bothering Logan. “Are you Sis‟s boyfriend?” Tori asked Logan when she noticed him standing next to Taylor. “What! No, no, not yet,” They said at the same time. “Oh, too bad,” Tori said. “Hey, Tori, how about you go on with mom and dad and maybe you can see the Dolphin Show.” “Ok, Sis! See you later, Sis‟s boyfriend!” Tori said as she ran back to her parents. “Boyfriend, he is not my boyfriend?!”

Page | 83

ANIŚKO Chapter 27| Taylor‟s First Date After they left the Aquarium, Taylor noticed she was getting hungry. “Hey, Logan, could we get something to eat?” She asked “Sure, I think I saw a small café on the way here.” They walked to the café and found an empty table. Logan got them a banana split sundae to share. It reminded Taylor when they first met at the other café with Greg and Gabby‟s other friends. But this was different. They were the only ones at the table. Taylor felt so strange, sitting next Logan and sharing a sundae with him. Logan didn‟t seem to notice that Taylor was blushing constantly while they ate the sundae. Once they were finishing up Logan broke the silence. “Want to hang out around the Kettering Tower?” “Sure, since it is pretty close by.” They took a bus to the Kettering Tower where they visited Visitor‟s Center. Logan got Taylor a magnet of the Kettering Tower, and then went to take some pictures of them in front of the tower. They walked down the streets past the Square One, when they saw Gabby with a small bag waking out of the spa. “Oh, hey guys!” she called “Hey, Gabby, what are you doing here? Aren‟t you babysitting?” Taylor asked as she walked to her. “I finished babysitting so I just came to get some of the new bath salt that just came in.” “How much does the bath salt cost?” Taylor asked Page | 84

ANIŚKO “About, like two dollars.” “Logan, could we go in for a second, I‟d like to get one of those.” “Sure, see you later Gabby!” Logan said before slipping in the spa. Taylor was deciding between Jasmine and Rose. So Logan helped her decide. “So how do you think our day went?” Logan asked as Taylor paid for the Jasmine Bath Salt. “I think it went well.” They walked down the streets of Dayton for the rest of their afternoon. They saw a street concert near Taylor‟s neighborhood. Logan couldn‟t resist not singing along. Taylor started laughing so much her stomach hurt afterwards. They walked to the mall where there was a big sale at Hot Spot, which of course Logan had to look at. After looking and finding nothing interesting he walked back to Taylor. They went to the park and found a bench in the shade. Trying to keep their mind off the scourging heat they talked about the new pool that would open nearby. Logan thought they could go there opening day. “Sure! That would be great!” Taylor said. “Hey, isn‟t it like open at night also? I heard that the pool gets lit up at night.” “Yeah, I heard that, too.” Logan agreed. “There‟s also going to be a small café where you can buy some snacks.” “Now that will be really nice! I mean they never had a café!” “I know!” “So, are you excited about school being over tomorrow?” “Yeah, really excited, I mean it felt like it was August yesterday!” Page | 85

ANIĹ&#x161;KO Then they walked home, Taylor happy her first date went well.

Page | 86

ANIŚKO Chapter 28| His Decision Last day of school, and Nicole felt disappointed. Tyler tried cheering her up, but she noticed the girl he was walking with. She wondered what she was doing there. “Hey, who‟s that girl you were walking with?” she asked. “Oh, it‟s nothing. She was just bugging me about something.” “Oh, ok.” Nicole bumped into Taylor. Taylor noticed Nicole was pretty upset. “Hey what‟s going on? It‟s the last day of school, for heaven‟s sake, so why are you upset?” “Well, Tyler has been acting funny lately. Yesterday he didn‟t answer the phone when I called, he has been ignoring me for a week, and now he‟s with this girl from the clique!” “So you finally found out...” Taylor sighed. “Found what out?” “Nicole... I know you like Tyler... but he doesn‟t like you anymore, he hangs out with the clique and only the clique.” “Why?” “He likes... Claire... Claire Mullins... and vice versa, so he hangs out with her and she‟s in the clique.” “So, why didn‟t he tell me?” Taylor could see Nicole was on the border of crying. “I think he didn‟t want to hurt you... I mean he still likes you as a friend...” Page | 87

ANIŚKO “I‟m not friends with anyone who is or hangs out with that stupid clique!” Nicole cried before running off somewhere. “Nicole!” But Nicole was nowhere in sight. Taylor sighed and went to look for Tyler. She finally found him sitting on a bench with Claire. She had a bunch of mascara on and it looked like it smeared. She wore ragged jeans and she had around three earrings and gages. She totally changed, more like the clique. Taylor thought as she approached them. Claire glared at her when she saw her walking towards them. “What are you doing here?” Claire asked. “None of your bees wax, stupid clique freak!” Taylor said then turned to Tyler. “Can we talk?” “Uh, sure,” She led him near the water fountain before speaking. “I think you should talk to Nicole... you broke her heart when you chose that clique girl.” She said “I thought she knew...” “Nope... I told her today.” “I can‟t...” “Why can‟t you?” “You see... I‟m afraid she‟s going to be even more upset...” “Fine it‟s your decision.” She said. “But don‟t think this is over... oh and tell your friend over there, that her gages look like you could kick soccer balls through them.” She said before leaving him alone.

Page | 88

ANIŚKO Chapter 29| Heartbroken and New Nicole sat on the floor against the wall and watched as everybody was hurrying to their classes. Her eyes were red and still a little bit puffy after crying in the bathroom because of what Tyler did to her. How could Tyler just pick her instead? Nicole thought, she remembered that girl. When she came here she wore what every normal girl wore, flip flops, t-shirts from Hollister and other stores, and shorts. Now she wore t-shirts that looked like someone splatter painted them and ripped shorts and jeans, she even wore a lot more makeup then she used to. And that was all clique style. Then she spotted the coolest looking guy she had ever seen, he had light brown hair, and wore Converse and had a Hollister shirt on and some jean shorts. He looked even cuter than Tyler. He noticed Nicole staring and she turned her head. “Hey, aren‟t you getting to class?” someone asked Nicole. She looked up to see that kid standing in front of her. “Oh, yeah, I was just waiting for the crowd to clear up.” She said as she picked herself up. “My name‟s Brandon... Gale.” “Nicole, Nicole Kenning.” “Cool. See you.” He said before disappearing in the crowd. Maybe I don‟t have to be upset over Tyler liking that girl... and that guy is kind of cute... Nicole thought before rushing to her class. Just when she reached class she bumped into Gabby who was in the same Physics class.

Page | 89

ANIŚKO “Oh, I‟m so sorry.” Nicole said, “I don‟t know what‟s been happening today, first I find out that Tyler like Claire, next thing I know I like some Brandon Gale guy.” “Brandon Gale?” Gabby asked. “Yeah...” “Oh, I know Brandon... he‟s in my Trigonometry class.” “Really, what‟s he like?” “Well, he‟s smart... he‟s really nice and he likes helping people.” “Not bad...” “Good thing you changed your mind about Tyler... he‟s always with the clique.” “Yeah, I guess your right!” Nicole said as she laughed.

Page | 90

ANIŚKO Chapter 30| Midsummer Weeks went by for Gabby. She went to the new pool with Greg, Taylor and Logan. Nicole went on a small date with Brandon and tried dying her hair its natural color. Brandon said that her hair looked better that way. “Gabby hurry up, man, why are you always slow?” Greg joked from the car. “Well, want me to forget the keys to my own house?” “Oh, just come on!” “Ok, I‟m coming!” Gabby hopped into the car and Greg started the engine. Gabby couldn‟t wait to see the ocean. The six of them (Greg, Logan, Taylor, Nicole, Brandon and herself) were going to Rehoboth Beach in New Jersey for a few days. Brandon‟s uncle and aunt owned a beach house there so they let them use it. It was a pretty long trip. They had to drive to the airport and then had a pretty long flight, so Gabby took a nap. Finally they got there. “Oh, my God, Greg this is gorgeous!” Gabby said as she saw the beach and the ocean. “Gabby! Over here!” she heard Nicole call from a house near the beach. It was painted a salmon color and was, like, three stories high. There was a deck on the third floor and a porch on the first. Taylor was sun tanning on the deck and Brandon was starting to grill hotdogs. “So, you guys forgot about us?” Greg said “No, we just wanted to get ready!” Logan yelled from the house. “Oh, fine...” Gabby said before running off into the house to join Nicole in cooking. Then when they finished they got in there bikinis and Page | 91

ANIŚKO went to the deck to join Taylor. Letting to boys finish up with the food. Then they decided to scare Taylor, Gabby and Nicole, so they got buckets of water and quietly went to the deck. Thankfully the girls had their eyes closed and weren‟t paying attention. They quietly crept up to them and poured the water on them. They jumped up immediately and tried to get the guys. It took them a while for them to figure out what happened. They found them in the living room cracking up. “You guys should have seen your faces!” Greg laughed. “That was so hilarious!” Logan cried. “Man, my stomach hurts so much now!” Brandon laughed, his face red. After the girls dried off, they ate lunch and the guys hit the waves. “Greg, I never knew you could surf!” Gabby said. “I can‟t but it‟s worth trying!” He picked up a surf board and went to the water. The first time he tried he went under water and ended up on the beach. Gabby couldn‟t stop herself from laughing. But after a while he was riding the waves. The other two already knew so they didn‟t have trouble. Then Gabby and Nicole went swimming. Nicole did a handstand in the water and walked along the bottom. In the evening they set up a bon fire and roasted marshmallows and sausages. Logan burned his sausage so Taylor shared with him. Nicole made s‟mores and everyone got two of them. Gabby told some ghost stories her uncle would tell her when they went camping when she was younger. Some were so creepy that even Brandon was scared. The next day they went to the town near the beach and spent a day there. Nicole and Brandon got some ice cream, and Taylor went window

Page | 92

ANIŚKO shopping with Gabby. They saw the cutest swimsuits for little girls, and amazing towels. They went in to the store with the towels and bought some stylish towels, Gabby one with the image of the beach, and Taylor the one with a flock of sea gulls. Soon it time to head home, Greg and Gabby boarded the plane, along with the rest of the gang. They found their seats and got ready for the long trip back to Ohio. Once they got back to Ohio, they drove to Gabby‟s house. They said goodbye and Gabby stood out the door waving to Greg as he drove off. Gabby was greeted by hugs from her parents and Blake. After dinner Gabby went up to her room with Blake and took out her diary. July 14, 2010 Dear Diary, I just got back from the ocean and am much, more tan than before. I‟m glad Nicole and Brandon got together, Nicole seems a lot happier. Gabby Dickinson

Page | 93

ANIŚKO Epilogue| Walking in as the junior. Gabby walked through the doors of the high school. The first faces she saw were familiar. She saw Britanie, the first ever person to talk to her. Then Nicole came charging at her. “Gabby! Long time no see, what‟s up?” “Nothing really, just glad we‟re back at school.” “Yeah, that‟s what I told Brandon.” She said pointing to Brandon who was just behind her. “Hey Brandon, how‟s it going!” “Pretty well,” “Gabby!” Gabby heard Greg‟s voice. She turned around just to land in his arms. He gave her the tightest hug she had ever felt. “Uh...Greg...could you...let me go?” she said as she tried to loosen up his grip. “Oh, sure,” “So another same old year...” “It won‟t be the same... since we‟re juniors!” he said smiling. And they headed off to their lockers.

Page | 94