I hate Mondays. Especially a Monday that has no Brynn, and a bunch of gossip mongers waiting for me to show up to school so they can badger me for personal information I don't want to give.

For some reason they believe that just because you're popular in high school (whether you asked for that title or not) you forfeit that right. Like celebrities in Hollywood, you're not allowed to spend time with someone without somebody thinking that it's news they are going to make a bigger deal out of than they should.

"You okay?" my Mom asks, the concern in her voice is shown also in her expression.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I say, although not very convincingly.

"Is it the foot or Brynn?"

Mom's using her powers of perceptive, again and I really don't want to talk about it. So I try to force my lips to smile. "I'm good really. No worries."

She scowls causing her forehead to crease with several lines. "You know I'm your mom so worrying is just part of the job description. I don't mean to interfere or pry."

I start feeling jerkish.

"I know Mom. I just don't know what today holds in store. Brynn isn't going to be there. She will be out for the week because she is spending time with her Dad. That leaves me five days to figure this out and handle this mess and I'll be honest... I don't feel like dealing with any of it."

My Mom chuckles at me, "Welcome to the life of an adult."

I sigh. "Not helpful."

"Ah, but you don't want MY help, remember?"

I grimace. "You're right. I'll figure it out."

"I don't doubt it. Well... we're here," she says stopping the car.

I look up and we are stopped at the front of the school building.

"I'll drop you off here. Don't forget to get an elevator key so you can get around easier today."

"Okay," I say with a long sigh.

"You'll figure this out," she says brushing my shoulder with her hand, tapping it gently.

I could tell she wanted to hug me but held back...

That's the great thing about growing up. You get less hugs and cuddles, more advice and talks. I suddenly missed the days where a kiss could fix your boo boos and make you feel better. Some days growing up sucks worse than Mondays.

I walk through the gate and look over at the tree. She wasn't there of course but I truly wished she were. Someone hits into me, knocking me off balance, not hard to do with the boot on my foot.

"What's your deal?!"

Adam looked back at me over his shoulder, completely unrepentant. He says nothing just turns away and continues to walk towards the building. I staggered on my injured foot and it hurt like heck.

"What's his problem?" Tyler asks coming up from somewhere behind me.

"Still haven't figured that one out. I'm guessing he has a thing for Brynn and doesn't like us being together. So, took the opportunity to kick me while I'm down."

"We'll keep an eye out for him," said Mike, the rest our group joining him.

"He's the least of my worries," I say, realizing Ty had talked to the group, and enacted our pact.

"You sure?" Mike asked not liking they way Adam had taken advantage of the situation.

"He's sure," Ty said followed by, "Crazy B alert."

The team moved behind me as Jessica sauntered forward. She had her cronies behind her. It reminded me of a scene from Bring It On only my group aren't cheerleaders but basketball players.

Jessica head swiveled left and right, "So where is she? Too afraid to show her face this morning? Not that I can say I'd blame her."

I stood my ground, "Hello Jessica. I see you're still annoying as ever."

Two of the cheer squad behind her giggled, that is until they caught site of Jessica's death glare. They instantly became silent and took a step back.

"Wow, if that's how you treat your friends I feel pretty good knowing I'm your enemy."

The two girl's secretly beamed at me from behind Jessica's back and one did the call me sign which made me want to laugh out loud, only I didn't want to get her in more trouble. Jessica is dangerous when crossed.

She moved up closer to me, within touching distance, and I really hoped she held back because I was in no mood. "You were never an enemy, Finn. You broke my heart, but I still love you."

This would have come as a shock except I was on to her little game. We've drawn a crowd now. Everyone interested in the juicy gossip. She's drawing the line in the sand. Like running for Class president, there were now sides and the school was looking on to hear the speeches to decided whose side they were going to vote on.

"Careful," Ty said in a whispered warning.

"I got this," I told him and took a step forward.

"I'm sorry I hurt you, Jessica. It was not my intention really it wasn't. You're right I broke your heart. But I broke up with you because I knew you deserve so much more than I can give. Tell me Jessica, can you? Can you forgive me?"

Her minions were holding their hands against their hearts, making that "Awww" face. The looks in the crowd were just the same or sheer shock like I'm certain Tyler and the boys wore.

Jessica however looked like she could spit in my face at this moment and I couldn't keep the silly grin I felt growing across my lips. I checkmated her and she knew it.

The irony was that she was the one who gave me the way to do it when last we talked. I was playing the "goody-good" card and it worked. Her eyes darted around, she could see I had the majority vote.

Then her eyes landed on something. I didn't know what it was and I didn't care for the glint of pure evil in her eyes. "Of course I forgive you, Finn." And I could not be more surprised as she grabbed hold of me and kissed me right on the lips.

I wanted to throw her away from me but that could not be done as the entire school looked on. Instead, I firmly grabbed her arms and held her away from me. Her smile was down right malevolent.

"You may have won this one, Finn," she mumbled under her breath, "but let's just see how your new girlfriend feels about Stephanie's next Facebook post."

I let go of her like my hands had been burnt. My eyes quickly scanning the crowd, just in time to see Stephanie looking all business, lowering her phone, obviously having just taken a picture and most likely posting it at this very moment.

A picture of Jessica kissing me.

I wanted to sprint across the schoolyard but couldn't because of my damn foot. The bell rings and the crowd dispersed taking Stephanie with it.

"This is not over!" I said to Jessica who smiled sweetly at me before saying...

"You're right it isn't but I can only imagine whatever you had going on between you and that freak is over or will be soon."

Her and her cronies moved on.

I looked at Tyler who just shook his head at me, "You played with fire."

"Yeah, and got obliterated."

Okay, next order of business. Track down Stephanie and get her to delete that picture. Did I mention just how much I HATE Mondays?