The band has been playing for about an hour and not one person seems bored or uninterested. They've played a variety of songs, including popular music on the radio. He's also slipped a few songs we've tricked each other with. Sometimes a strange flutter stirs inside of me during those songs, like it's our little secret.

I decided to take a break from dancing and grab a drink. From here the view of the beach is perfect. The back lights over the outdoor porch light up the tiny waves crash along the shore. White swirls of foam wash up over the sandy terrain.

My eyes flicker over to the other side of the room. I catch sight of arms moving around in a frenzy. My stomach drops at the realization that it's Cam and Rose in a heated conversation. She's in his face, her fists are clenched at her side. I try not to dwell on what they're discussing. It's my birthday after all and I want to enjoy it without worrying about the world around me.

"We're gonna play one more before we take a break, this one's for the birthday girl." Flint's voice pulls me from their argument.

I watch him scan the room, and step out of the shadows. His eyes land on me and his lips pull into a smile. His eyebrows raise like he's challenging me to guess the song. I mouth the title. The first note out of his mouth is shaking with laughter from my response. I find myself singing along. I dance like nobody's watching. Through the entire song his eyes never leave mine and mine never leave his.

After it ends they turn on some music that I don't know, but it makes the guests scream with joy as they make their way back out to dance. Flint walks over to the sandwiches, while the other band members stick to the stage. I scan the room for Cam, but he and Rose have both disappeared. An uneasy wave of nausea invades my stomach. I try to take a deep breath and ignore it, because the boy standing across the room is holding my attention.

With a strange bout of confidence I stride across the room. His back is to me and when I approach I lean in, close enough that my stomach flutters. I quietly sing into his ear, "how can I stand beside you, and not be moved by you."

He gasps, nearly dropping the plate he's holding. His whole body quivers with my mouth lingering beside his ear. He sets his plate on the table and faces me. We're so close that if I moved one step further our lips could touch. His lips. My eyes immediately flash to them, then back up at his eyes. The world around me disappears as if we were the only two in the room. He closes the gap, lowers his head, and finishes the lyric in my ear. As he pulls back I notice his eyes closed. I take a step back and his eyes open.

My legs are like cooked spaghetti, they wobble under the weight of my body and I falter backwards. His hand grazes mine. I find myself grabbing hold of his hand, not wanting him to let go. Butterflies dance in my stomach from his simple touch.

"They are nothing like Charlotte Rising and the others. How did you know?"

I'm well aware of his fingers gently running down the length of my hand, circling up to my wrist, then back down again. I don't care. I've blocked out everyone like they don't exist.

He chuckles. "I'm in a band, remember? We play everything."

"Like One Direction," I tease.

I swear with each passing second he grows closer to fill the space I've created between us. For a few tender heartbeats I don't care who sees.

"Hey, that was for the fans," he says.

"Sure it was. Admit it, you secretly dance around to One Direction in your underwear."

He wiggles his brows. "Are you picturing that in your head, Marnie Bennett?"

I roll my eyes, shaking my head. "So you're in the Heights tonight, huh?"

He bumps his hip into mine and smirks. Something ignites inside of me making my body feverish.

"I was sworn to secrecy," he says, holding his hand up in defense. He takes some steps back in the process, leaving a coldness in the space that once felt warm.

"The blonde girl, no offense to your friend, but whoa she's really scary. She said that no one can know we are playing, or else she'd neuter me."

"That sounds like Rose." I laugh.

"She seduced me in the hallway while your other friend stood around and watched."

A loud snort comes from me and I cover my mouth, giggling. His laughter wraps around us and I fall more in "like" with it by the second.

"They heard from someone that I'm in a band and that we are really good. Oh and that we won some kind of competition." He eyes me, and I shrug my shoulders.

"Psh, who doesn't know that. They definitely didn't hear it from me."

Flirting with Flint Rogers is easier than riding a bike without training wheels for the first time. Finally aware that there are other people in the room. I hate that I find myself glancing over my shoulder to make sure my friends don't see me flirting..

"You look like you're having a good time," he says quietly. His demeanor changing, a scowl returning to his face.

I nod. "I'm. I'm also glad that your ..."'

"Hey," Cam says from behind me.

I slap a hand to my chest and jump back. Flint notices. He grows angry as he stares at Cam. Without warning Cam tugs me into him and tries to eat my face in the process. He's claiming what's his and I hate it. I'm not property. His muscles tense like he's ready to fight.

I turn to him and try to smile as I press a flat hand on his chest. When I glance up into his eyes, they're red and angry. The beer radiating off of him is almost sickening. He's so wasted that he's wobbling a bit on his feet.

"Come back to your party, Marnie," he says quietly. "You don't need to talk to the entertainment..."

"Cam!" I yell.

Has he always been like this? Is this how I act? The words that spew from him leave a vomit taste in my mouth. I refuse to allow him to speak to Flint in that tone. It's my party and I will talk to whoever I want. I shove him back.

"Excuse me?" Flint reacts. This is not going to end well.

I spin so that I'm facing neither of them. I spread my hands out touching both of their chests to hold them back. "Guys, don't."

Flint's eyes flicker to the hand I've placed on him. With a soft touch he carefully removes it.

"You heard me, loser! You are the entertainment, and you don't need to be talking to my girl. Now run a long and start playing your songs for her."

I face Cam. "Cameron! I said stop it! This is not necessary right now!"

Like I'm invisible he stares right through me. Shit. He's not seeing anything but the target in front of him.

"Oh it is, trash should not be talking to my girlfriend."

"Well, maybe if you actually paid attention to her, you wouldn't have to worry about her flirting with trash," Flint argues.

Before I can stop it all hell breaks loose. Cam makes the first move, stepping around me and Flint follows. Cam lurches forward, but Flint gets the first punch. Cam ducks and stands, knocking Flint square in the same eye that was starting to heal. The scary part is Flint doesn't flinch.

Cam uses him as a punching bag and for some reason he's taking the hits. Another one lands on his jaw. Flint grabs his jaw and scowls. He escapes Cam's grasp and straightens himself out beside me.

"Flint, you don't have to do this."

Only he's not listening, because Cam is getting ready to come at him. Like a bull he charges for Flint. Only, I'm the one in his direct line.

"Shit, Marnie, look out."

Before I have a chance to blink, Flint pushes me to the side as Cam comes at him in blind rage. Instead of punching Flint, hits the wall directly behind where I stood. The moment took my breath away, and it's like all the air in my lungs has escaped. I grab at my chest, and Flint opens his mouth to say something when Cam comes back at him. He catches it in the corner of his eye. A primal roar escapes him and he lunges for Cam.

I'm terrified at this point, but mostly I want to stop this chaos. I try to stop Cam by stepping in front of him, but instead I stumble out of the way backwards into the table, which isn't sturdy. Everything on top comes crashing down, me with it. The loud thud of everything falling turns the attention of those who hadn't been aware.

The impact jolts me so hard that I cry out in pain. The only one who stops to search for me is Flint. With him distracted Cam takes it as an opportunity to strike. I try to warn him, but my words catch in my throat and Cam gets another punch in, right at his cheek.

"Stop!" I cry.

Before either can get another punch in, Tanya comes running over with Pete at her side.

"Break it up now!!" she yells, her voice echoing through the room.

Tanya is about to get creamed, but Pete steps in, moving her and taking the impact himself, from his best friend. He scowls at Cam, and grabs hold of him. In his arms Cam fights. Flint is circling around them waiting to defend himself. The guy with the green mohawk comes over and tries to get Flint to back down. It's not a question for him, he backs off right away. Panic is wild in his eyes as they land on me. He starts to walk forward but his friend holds him back.

Tanya comes over and reaches out for my hand. I brush cheeto dust off my top and sigh. I scan the room for Cam, but Pete is already dragging him out. He shouts something that sounds like my girl, along with a bunch of other loud curse words.

Tanya pulls me in front of her and checks me over. "You okay?"

I bite down on my lip so hard I taste a little blood. My voice catches in my throat. Flint steps up behind her and taps her shoulder. He's looking at her, but staring straight through right at me. With his eyes he's asking if I'm okay. I shrug.

"I'm sorry, Tanya is it?" he asks. He's using the same voice he uses with my dad. It's very professional and mature.

She nods. "You guys should probably go."

Tanya starts to pull money from out of her top and holds it out to him. He wraps his hand over hers and pushes it back gently. She stares up at him.

"The nights on me," he whispers, only darting his eyes back to her for a brief moment. "It's my gift to her." He nods in my direction. His voice solem. "I'm sorry about the mess."

He hangs his head low, upset with himself that it all got out of hand. I've already accepted his apology. He jumped in to defend himself as anyone would. I want to reach up and touch his face. I hate the way his one eye swells. His lip is bleeding lightly and is swollen. This is all my fault, my heart sinks into my stomach.

"No worries. Not your fault Cam has issues."

Tanya glances back at me, then places her full attention back on Flint. "Thank you for playing for my best friend."

"Anytime." He turns to walk away.

"Can I get you some ice?" she asks.

He stops and faces her. "If you could, that would be great. I'll start packing up," he says, sullenly.

An unexpected sob escapes my lips. Tears spring to my eyes before I can stop them. I slap a hand over my mouth, my shoulders shaking with each sob. His eyes narrow. He takes half a step before retreating back. The one time I want him to jump in and comfort me and he doesn't. I only have myself to blame for that, he's afraid I'll freak out over it. I'm sick to my stomach.

"Happy Birthday, Marnie, right?"

I nod, unable to speak. He's playing the part of hardly knowing me well. I almost believe him. The girl drummer with pink hair sneaks up behind him and taps his shoulder. She nods in the direction of the band. They're starting to break down the equipment. He gives us both a faux smile, I almost know him well enough to tell when he's faking.

When he starts to retreat Tanya goes in to comfort me. Over her shoulder my attention is on him. He glances back, like he's asking me again if I'm okay. I shake my head. I can tell that it takes everything in him not to turn around and come back for me. He balls his hands into fists and walks away towards his band.

"You okay, Marnie? That looked painful." Tanya pulls me from my thoughts.

"Yeah, my back just hurts a little. Sorry for the mess," I say, wiping my tears.

"It's okay," she puts her arm around me.

"Sorry your birthday is ruined..." Tanya's eyes sparkle with tears of her own. She tried so hard to make this night perfect for me. I love her for that. Out of all of us she has the biggest heart.

"It's not ruined. You are the best for throwing me a party. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I mean you even got me a band that plays music you hate, all for me."

I try to laugh, but it comes out forced. She gives a small smile. Sniffling, she wipes some of the tears that have escaped.

"Well, I had to thank you for my surprise beach bash over the summer. I mean what kind of best friend would I be if I didn't try to top that?"

I loved planning her birthday, and it ended up being one of the hottest parties last summer. No one got into a fight and Cam was normal then. Everything was normal.

"Well, I really had a good time. I should probably go, I'm a mess."

"I'm kicking everyone out soon anyway," she says.

"Are you Leaving?" Rose comes bounding over as if she didn't realize what happened. I'm curious as to where she was with my boyfriend half the night. I keep my mouth shut and smile, not in the mood to get into it. I've had enough for one night.

"Yeah," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Around the room people are going back to partying like nothing has happened. My stomach sinks with this awful feeling of loneliness inside me.

"Happy Birthday!" Tanya says, hugging me too.

"Thanks guys," I whisper.

I pretend like I'm going to drive home, but I know I can't. I drank a little and on top of that now my back is on fire from hitting into the table. With shaky hands I pull out my phone. There's only one person I know I can call. I'm the last person he wants to hear from, but I don't feel confident enough to drive.

"Marnie I'm not..."

"Dom," I sob. I can hardly keep myself together. I wrap my free hand around my middle and hold on tight.

"What happened?" his tone changes from annoyed to worried.

"I don't want to talk about it. Are you sober? I'm at Tanya's and I need a ride. I drank a little" I say.

"I'm sober. I'll have my friend drop me off and I'll drive you home. I'm just up the road, give me a few minutes."

An unfamiliar male voice asks him a question, then the line goes dead. I gather my things from her closet and walk outside. Cam and Pete are sitting on the steps. Cam has his head buried in his hands, while Pete stares off in the distance. Pete turns when he hears the door close. He clears his throat. Cam glances up, a deep frown set on his face.

"Marnie I..."

"Save it Cam." I hurry down the stairs.

"No wait please."

He stands, and grabs my arm a little too tight. I wince. The beer can at his foot clinks against the concrete sidewalk.

"Ow, Cam just let go, you're drunk."

"You won't leave me right?" he asks.

He glances up with tears in his eyes. I don't buy them, not for one second.

"I think we need a break," I whisper. "We can talk when you're sober, and sort out our relationship then, but right now I need time to think. You can't keep forgetting about me and doing stupid shit like that, I don't want to be with someone who does those things. I love you, Cam. I've loved you since we made mud pies in the fourth grade, but at the moment I don't like you."

He lowers his head and loosens his grip, but doesn't let go.

"I can take that. I haven't been great to you, and on your birthday too..."

"It's whatever. Look, I'm tired. We'll discuss this another time."

"Marnie..." he starts.

Headlights shine in the driveway. An old worn down black Honda Civic rolls up and parks right near the statue. Dom opens the door. He's blocking the male inside. I catch their hands together. From here their exchange looks intimate. Dom pulls away, but it's dark enough where the guy sitting beside him is only a shadow.

He steps out and his eyes immediately land on Cam's grip on my arm. The overprotective side of him is out in full force. He saunters right up to him, and I fear another fight on the horizon. I tug my arm away breaking free of his grip, but Dom still has his sights set on Cam.

"Evening Cameron." There's a contemptuous tone in his voice.

"Dominic," Cam replies.

I close in on Dom, and push him back towards the driveway where my car is.

"Marnie, wait." Cam reaches out for me.

I spin back and shake my head. "I meant everything I said. We'll talk when you're sober. Goodnight."

I throw my keys into Dom's hands and we slide into my car in complete silence. I stare out the window and watch as Cam kicks a small flower pot on the front stoop. I can't stand looking at him, so I turn my attention to Dom, who seems calmer tonight than usual.

"I'm sorry I interrupted..."

"Don't be. You did the right thing by calling me." He keeps his eyes focused on the road ahead. "You look awful Marnie, what did that bastard do to you?"

I rest my head against the seat and close my eyes. "Nothing, I'm fine," I say.

"Marnie, you're calling me after eleven on a Friday night to come get you because you're drunk, and clearly angry at Cam, who looks like he got the shit beat out of him - that's not okay."

I cover my face with my hands and quietly begin to sob again. Why can't I be normal? Why do I have to cry over these things? I want to be the type of person that doesn't get over emotional when something happens. The car veers to the right and he puts it in park.

"Marnie, if that bastard touched a hair on your head I swear I'll go back-"

"He got into a fight with Flint." I interrupt him. I can't handle another fight and refuse to allow him to go back there. No matter how angry I am at Cam, I don't want to see him get beat up.

Dom throws me a questioning look.

"Rose and Tanya had his band come to play at my party tonight. Cam saw him talking to me. He got jealous and started a fight."

I shift in my seat and hiss. There's a sharp pain radiating from the spot on my back that hit the table.

"Did he touch you?" His words fly out. In the dark I catch sight of his face flushing red with anger.

"I don't know."

"How can you not know?" He raises his voice.

"It all happened so fast," I sob. "I got in the middle to stop them and the next thing I knew I fell back into a table."

He lets out a frustrated growl, like if I wasn't in this car he'd go back and kick Cam's ass.

"This is why I can't be friends with Flint, because of things like this. My friends would never accept him." I hold my head in my hands. Through my fingers I catch sight of Dom glaring at me.

"Have you accepted him?"

My lips quiver, and I shake my head. Dom sighs.

"Do you want him to be accepted by you and your group?" he asks.

I jump at Dom's soft hand over mine, pulling them from my face.

"Marnie, if you can't accept him into your group, then your friends never will. If they truly care about you they'll value your opinion and if not then they're pieces of shit," he says, like he has experience of not being accepted.

"Do you like him?"

"Love is a strong word-"

"I didn't say love," Dom whispers.

I stay silent. There's no denying that the way I like Flint is much different than anything I've ever felt before.

"I like him a lot," I confess.

Dom squeezes my hand. It's comforting. This is the most he and I have talked in ages. I like this and hope it's not a one time thing.

"Then show him, Marnie. Show him you care and that you've accepted him..."

"What about Cam?" I choke on my own words.

He rolls his eyes so far back I think he saw his brain in the process.

"If you want my honest opinion, you should have thrown him to the curb ages ago. He's not worth it. I know you are not happy, so why bother?"

"Because I love him?" Dom shakes his head.

"No you don't. You think you do, because he's the safer option. Don't play it safe Marnie - walk on the edge or you might just regret it."

I face Dom, and I feel like not only is he giving me advice, but he's also talking out of experience. I'm starting to wonder if the guy in that car is his Flint, and he's walking the edge with him. I don't dare ask, and I hope maybe one day he'll come confide in me about what I suspect is going on.

"Let's get you home, okay?"

I nod.

"Dom," I whisper just before he starts the car back up.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

He doesn't respond with words. He reaches over and holds onto my hand. I want to accept Flint as my friend, but the selfish side of me is pulling me back, keeping me tethered to the idea of popularity. It probably won't matter anyway after tonight I'm not even sure he'll want to see me at all.