The police were at the neighbor's house...again.

                It usually never bothered me, but it was 3 in the morning and I had a major final in the morning. The sirens echoed and no pillow was going to help block out the boisterous sound. The blue and red lights flashed in my room, only making the situation even more sleep depriving. I threw the covers from my body and walked quietly out of my room.

                I touched the landing at the bottom of the stairs and walked outside, being the nosy ass neighbor I am. After walking down the long sidewalk, I passed the tall hedges to get a peek at the neighbor's house. My body was blocked the hedge and leaned forward a bit to catch a glance. There were at least five people standing outside. Two police officers, Jack, and his parents.

                And of course, Jack was in handcuffs.

                His mom waved her hand animatedly, while his dad talked to the police officers. One of the police officers shook his head and grabbed Jack's forearm to hoist him in the back of the police car. "I've been in one of these things before," Jack said, his tone laced with an attitude he shouldn't have towards a police officer. "I know how it works."

                He wasn't exactly being quiet about it. He was all about causing a scene.

                The slam of the car door echoed through the neighborhood.

                Jack's dad, Jack Sr., pinched the bridge of his nose while his mom, Marie, was hysteric.

                "We'll be there to pick him up in the morning," Jack Sr. said before leading his wife back inside the comfort of their house. 

                The police car pulled out of the driveway, finally turning those damn lights off. I pressed myself against the hedge until the car was out of sight. This was the third time just this month that the police have come to that house. But this is the first time they've taken Jack. Ever since he's been put on house arrest, I've definitely seen the police more often than I liked to.

                I trudged back up to my room and fell back on my bed. My eyes fell shut, the burning behind them getting too much. I curled on my side and almost fell asleep instantly.

                My body ached when I woke up three hours later. I dragged myself out of bed and to my closet to lay out clothes before taking a shower. The shower I took had to be quick, only wasting a few minutes for the warm water to bead against my skin to relax my sleepy muscles. I got out, wrapping a towel around my bare body. I padded back into my room, resisting the urge to fall back into bed and sleep.

                Next, I got dressed in my school uniform, which included a maroon pleated skirt, a white button up shirt, a maroon tie, and a maroon blazer that is sometimes optional. It was definitely optional today. I walked to my vanity to check my reflection and noticed the bags under my eyes aren't too noticeable this time. The makeup I used hid what little showed. My hair was the next thing to get fixed. Too lazy to actually do anything with it, my brown locks went into a loose ponytail. I checked the clock on the bedside table and it was almost 7 A.M. meaning I have to be at school in thirty minutes. Great.

                I made my way downstairs, the fresh smell of coffee hitting me first off. My feet took me into the kitchen and my grandma already had a cup of coffee waiting for me. "You're the best."

                 She smiled and handed it to me.

                "Tell me something I don't know." She leaned over, leaving a small kiss on my head.

                 I sat down at the table, taking the first sip of the caffeine I desperately needed. "Where's Grandpa?"

                "He's still working on that house with Pete. Left a few minutes ago." She stood at the kitchen sink, looking out of the window. And the only view from that window is the McKinnon residence. "Does that kid ever stay out of trouble?"

                I nearly choked on my coffee. "Doubt it. But we've already been through this."

                My phone buzzed on the table and a message from my best friend, Lindy, popped up to tell me she was outside. "That's my ride." I took another gulp of coffee and sat my cup in the sink. "I'll see you when you get home from work." I gave her a quick hug and bolted for the door.

                I snagged my bag from the couch and opened the door to warm Georgia air. Summer was only around the corner. I just wanted to get this last final behind me. Plus, it's a Friday.

                Lindy's car sat in the driveway, engine idling. When I got to the car, I couldn't help but look across at the McKinnon house. This time a police officer and a guy in a suit stood with the family in the driveway. Jack looked uninterested, as per usual. Jack Sr. was talking to the police officer while the guy in a suit tried to talk to Jack.

                "Juliet!" Lindy yelled.

                Jack snapped his head in our direction and I felt frozen.

                "Juliet, get your little ass in the car, we're going to be late."

                I broke away from Jack's gaze and got into the car.

                She backed out of the driveway and I sank into my seat as we passed their house.

                "Is there a reason you were staring at your neighbor creepily?"

                 I pushed myself back up in my seat with a sigh. "I'm just out of it today." I made a weird gesture with my hand, hoping to seal the lie.

                Lindy didn't care anyway.

                "So," Lindy started. "Michael called me last night."

                Michael Reynolds, the star of the North Atlanta High football team. The guy I've had a crush on since 1st grade for crying out loud. "And?"

                "He asked about you. Asked if I would bring you to his party tomorrow night."

                "Well—"

                "Come on, Juliet. Summer break is in a week and then senior year. Live a little."

                I smiled at the thought of Michael actually asking for me.

                "Aren't your grandparents leaving for the weekend anyway?"

                I nodded and she went on, "I'll have you home by midnight. Two tops."

                She wasn't going to give up, I know that about Lindy. So, I thought for a long moment and said, "Fine."

                Lindy quickly looked in my direction and back to the road. "You're finally going to let me corrupt you?"

                I let out a small laugh. "Don't make me regret it. And I'm not drinking."

                "Someone has to drive me home." She wiggled her eyebrows.

                We pulled up to my school, Paideia Private School. I got out of the car and Lindy called my name before I could even reach the sidewalk. I leaned over her opened window. "Also, Michael will be picking you up." She grinned.

                Great. "Can't wait."

Michael was standing next to his car when I walked out of school at the end of the day. If Lindy didn't convince me to go to his party, he sure wouldn't have a problem with it. He was tall, fit, and had the smile to make you melt. His golden brown hair made the green in his eyes pop out. I could definitely stare into them all day. "Hey." He smiled, standing up straight to meet me.

                "What's up?" I asked. "It's kinda rare you pick me up."

                "Lindy talk to you?"

                I nodded, hoping the blush on my cheeks wasn't noticeable. "Uh, yeah. I'll be there tomorrow night." He could've just asked me himself instead of going through Lindy.

                I could see his smile from the corner of my eye. "Great. And that invitation is for you only."

I looked at him, clearly confused for a moment. And then I finally caught on that he doesn't want me to bring another guy.

                Or at least I think that's what it was.

                "Ready to go?" He asked and walked to the passenger side of his bright red Camaro. Pretty sure that was his 16th birthday present last year. I wouldn't complain.

                "Please."

He laughed and opened the door for me. Very gentlemen like. No need to freak out. It was convenient because Michael only lived two streets over.

                The drive was quiet and short. He would occasionally ask about how my school was and if I was learning anything that I wouldn't learn in public school. When we pulled into my driveway, we got out of the car at the same time. Michael leaned against the hood of his precious car and I stood a couple of feet in front of him. "I'll definitely be seeing you tomorrow night, right?"

                I was about to answer when the sound of a basketball hitting pavement brought me away. I looked at the McKinnon house and Jack was outside playing basketball by himself. Sweat clung to his chiseled chest, making his tanned skin glisten in the sun.

                "Who plays basketball in jeans?" Michael snorted.

You do if you have an ankle bracelet that alerts the whole neighborhood that you're on house arrest. Not like it's all over the news or anything.

                I just shrugged and looked away. "See you tomorrow night."

                Michael got back into his car, sending me a wave from his window. I waited for Michael to be clear from my view before I started back to my house. Jack had stopped playing long enough to give me a look that I caught before disappearing behind the hedge. I let go of my still composure and breathed.

                After dinner, my grandparents were already in bed. I trudged up the stairs after cleaning up the remnants of dinner for my grandma. She volunteers during the week at the hospital ever since she retired from actually working there. She stays on her feet, so I know it could be exhausting. As for my grandpa, he does what he can to stay busy. He likes to build things occasionally, or work on houses with his buddies.

                As for my parents...they aren't around anymore.

                My mom died moments after she gave me life. I never got to know her, but my grandma, which is her mom, said she was wonderful. Light of life. But sometimes she was sick. Grandma had told me that once. My mom was told she wouldn't be able to have kids, but she couldn't live with the thought of not having any children. She was stubborn when it came to adopting.

                We don't talk about my dad.

                Three years after my mom had passed, he couldn't stand the sight of me. I don't remember it, but Grandma said it was terrible. He would leave me at my grandparents, only coming to get me several days later and reeked of whiskey. One day he just left me and never came back. I still wonder if he ever did love me. Or if he hated me because I looked just like my mother. I wondered if he was even alive or bit the dust years ago.

                I'm happy where I'm at. I have a few friends, good grades, and a college lined up next fall. The college was close, I was too afraid to be too far from my grandparent's because of their age. I'm the only person that can take care of them. They're all I have left.

                My mind skipped from memory lane to present day. I pulled out a pair of pajama shorts and a tank top to change into. I pulled my shirt over my head, ignoring the fact that I accidentally left my curtains opened. Walking to my window, I peered out ahead. Jack's room was across the way. His light was on, but I didn't see him. Definitely relieved because I'm not about to put on a show.

                I stepped into the bathroom to change into my shorts and wash my face. I tied my hair into a messy knot at the top of my head and walked back into my room. Stepping in front of my bookshelf, I scanned the spines until I spotted a book I haven't read yet. It was plucked off of the shelf and I sat down in my window seat. I pulled my blanket up to my waist and leaned back.

                A shadow across the way pulled me from my book fifteen minutes later. I slowly turned my head to the McKinnon's and Jack was in his room now. He was pacing back and forth while he was on the phone. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I assumed it wasn't good by the way he was grabbing at his hair like he wanted to yank it out.

                He stopped pacing and looked up.

                I looked away too fast I almost got whiplash.

                I could feel his stare. The tops of my cheeks burned like they've been licked by fire.

                Out of the corner of my eye, I could still see him. Gosh, I know he saw me staring and it only made this situation more awkward. Maybe I should give him a show so he wouldn't remember any of this. But that thought sizzled as quickly as it came. The idea was horrendous. Who the hell am I?

                The weight of his stare was gone. I took the small chance to look. He lay in his bed, one arm folded behind his head and the other still held the phone pressed to his ear.

                2 A.M. seemed like a bad idea. My eyes were heavy and my neck ached from sitting in the same position. Jack was still awake and more alive than ever. I wonder if the kid even sleeps. One minute he was reading a book, the next he was playing video games. Talk about a vacation.

                I finally closed my book after placing a book mark in it. I stood up and stretched my arms over my head. Without even looking, I felt Jack staring at me. I turned around, grabbing the book from the bench and looked up to meet Jack's eyes. I didn't know what to do, so I just awkwardly waved. The raise of his eyebrow was hard to miss.

                I closed the curtains before making an ass out of myself.

               Too late, Juliet.

My closet was bland. It was two hours until the party and I couldn't decide what to wear. There was a tight fitting leather jacket that Lindy had left here a couple of weeks ago, so I pulled that off of the hanger. The next two things were a black tank top and a black pair of skinny jeans.

                I got dressed in my attire and slipped on a pair of red flats. I'm walking to the party and I'm not about the cause myself any pain before I even get there. Lindy should be meeting me there because I have to take her home.

                I just kept the makeup simple as ever. My usual waves fell straight against my shoulders. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I quickly answered it. "Where are you?" Lindy yelled, the music loud in the background.

                "I'm leaving now. I'll see you in a few."

She mumbled something before she hung up but I couldn't understand her. Sounded like she was already halfway drunk. Fun times.

                The night held a small summer breeze that crept along the back of my neck. The sound of my foot steps against the pavement was the only thing echoing through the small suburb neighborhood. I made it to Michael's street and you couldn't miss where the party's at. People stood on the lawn, people went inside, and some came out. One guy was puking in the bushes while another thought it was his personal bathroom.

                The stench in the house made me wrinkle my nose immediately. Cheap perfume and Pabst Blue Ribbon hung thick in the air. I pushed through the crowd in front of the door, already scanning the crowd for Lindy. As I was walking past the kitchen, several guys around the keg erupted with loud howls that made me jump out of my skin.

                When my heart started beating properly, I walked into the living room. The music was much louder and I couldn't even understand what the person was singing. I spotted Lindy in the middle of the crowd, a drink already in her hand. Well, only God knows what number that was.

                She spotted me and nearly jumped me. She's a happy drunk. "Michael has been asking for you," She slurred.

Yep, already drunk. Nice.

                "Where is he?"

She hung around my shoulders and tipped her drink to her lips. "He was in the kitchen...I think."

                Should've known.

                I left Lindy dancing with the guy she was dancing with previously. I stepped into the kitchen and just like she said, Michael was standing next to the keg. He was surrounded by his team mates while they all raced to down the liquids in their cups.

                Michael was the third to slam his cup down on the ground. Animals.

                Michael's face lit up when he saw me and he enveloped me in a tight hug I wasn't expecting. "I've been waiting foreeeever," he slurred and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

                I placed a hand on his chest, hoping it'll keep him up right and not face down on the hard kitchen floor. "Do you want to dance?" I asked.

                He nodded his head and grabbed one of the full shot glasses on a tray. He threw it back, squeezing his eyes closed and scrunching his face like he had just ate something sour. I led him back into the living room and his arms found my waist. This would have been more fun if he was sober. He probably won't even remember this in the morning.

                After what felt like hours of dancing, I felt like I was melting. Michael excused himself to go to the bathroom and I scanned the crowd again to find Lindy. She was sitting on the couch, looking like she was half asleep. She was talking to that guy she was dancing with earlier. He seemed half interested in what she had to say. The other half was interested in her boobs.

                Fifteen minutes had passed and Michael still hadn't come back. With a sigh of defeat, I climbed the stairs in search for him. I remembered coming here for a party once. And another time when we had to work on a project together in middle school. I remembered which one was his room and of course, it was the only one that was off limits. Who cares if someone has sex on his parent's bed, right?

                I opened the door and instantly wish I didn't. Found out what was keeping Michael busy. A girl, didn't even know her, was straddling his lap. They were battling, basically smashing their faces together. It looked like a hot mess. My chest ached but I wanted to laugh because it looks like they were having a bit of trouble. Not sure who I should feel more sorry for.

                I wasn't here for this.

                I slammed the door and went downstairs to find Lindy. She was where I left her. I tugged on her arm, trying to get her to stand up. "Let's get out of here, please."

                She lifted a hand to protest, but stopped and nodded.

                Lindy stood and I wrapped an arm around her waist. I hated when she got too drunk to even know how to walk properly. Her car was parked down the street and I got her inside easier than I expected. She kept nodding off on the way to her house, which wasn't good. It's going to be hard getting her inside without her parent's knowing.

                We had to walk to the back of the house and slip through the back sliding glass door. Lindy started giggling the moment I closed the door. I hushed her, but that only made her laugh even more. I got her up the stairs with too many problems. One of them almost dropping her because she couldn't stand up straight and kept wiggling.

                She fell back on her bed and I removed her heels. I pulled her blanket up to her shoulders and wiped a hand across her forehead. I got her a couple of aspirin and a glass of water to leave on her bedside table. "I'll be back in the morning," I whispered.

                "We'll go get pancakes," She mumbled. "So much bacon..."

I bit back and laugh and left.

                I made it to my front door what felt like an hour later and I was exhausted. Taking care of Lindy always took a lot out of me. But there's nothing I wouldn't do for her.

                I felt around in my pockets, my jacket pockets, and and my keys were nowhere. In a panic, I started feeling around again, digging deeper in my pockets even though it was pointless. Like maybe the key fairy put them back.  "Shit!" I hissed. I quickly covered my mouth, thinking someone heard me. I walked around my house, checking the low windows for anything. The backdoor was locked also and there was no spare key. Because the spare key was on my key ring because I've been an idiot before.

                On my way back around the house, I spotted Jack's light on in his room.

                Then I thought about sleeping in Lindy's car.

                It would only be a few hours, right? And I've talked to Marie before. Actually, several times. I've helped her garden once. That was thrilling.

                My legs decided for me and I was walking over to their house. My heart was beating so fast I thought I would fall over. Better do it before I chicken out and sleep in a car. I raised my hand several times and finally forced myself to knock lightly. I knew Jack was awake because it was nearly 2 in the morning. I don't think I've seen him sleep before two.

                The door opened and Jack stood on the other end.

                Desperation, I reminded myself.

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Sooooo, Jack will be in the next chapter. I hope this is a good start to the story, if not, I'm sorry, lol. But I hope you like it!  Votes and comments are def appreciated in more ways than one! :)

PS. There won't be a love triangle, just throwing that out there hahaha. And hopefully I'll have a cast for Juliet in the next chapter.

EDIT: Cast poster and trailer made by the love BlackBerryBliss. Thank you sooooo much for both, you like to surprise me with pretty things, hahaha. You're amazing. <3

Part roughly edited Nov. 8th, 2015.

Edited again Feb. 20th, 2016