I finished my essay and leant back on my chair. As usual, I had merely googled the title of my essay and then copied the information that came up word for word. It was annoying having to do college work, but to be honest I never really tried and I often got in trouble over it.

I wondered if it was worthwhile to actually start trying to learn something from being here. After all, I might not get the chance to be in college again, and my next mission could be as an adult or something. I might never get this opportunity again, and I should really have taken more advantage of it

Speaking of missions, I knew deep down that I really, really needed to give Juliet a call to discuss my current one. I had to come out and tell her I couldn't match Fiona and Owen because they were cousins. I might be 'de-winged', but I couldn't set them up. It was just plain wrong, and it reminded me of George Michael from Arrested Development who had a crush on his cousin. It was an extremely funny show, and I was somewhat addicted to it.

But I didn't want to be taken away yet. I'd been here nearly two months now, and I'd gotten used to the constant lying and hiding. I felt as if I'd made real friends, and I didn't want to leave them yet.

I'd call her tomorrow. That I promised myself. Then I'd come clean.

I heard a light knock on the door. Frowning, I got up to see who it was. Ever since I had one of my old attacks a few days ago, the others had left me alone when I told them I didn't want to talk about it. But I was actually starting to feel a little lonely, as they appeared to be avoiding me. Funny, Harriet announces she's gay and yet it was me that most of the attention was focused on. I kind of stole her spotlight, not that she really wanted any in the first place. She must be finding things a little awkward.

"Hey, Rosie," Harriet greeted me as I swung open the door. "Can I come in?"
Without waiting for an answer, she walked on in and sat down on the edge of my bed. The frown on my face deepened as I closed the door behind her.

"What do you want?" I asked a little rudely, and Harriet's eyes grew wide at my bluntness. "Well, go on." I snapped. "I haven't got all day."

I was treating Harriet unfairly, and I knew that. I wasn't her fault that she'd brought up all my bad memories of my Mom being gay. But another irrational side of me blamed her for my fit, as I hated the fact it was now out in the open. Fiona had started looking at me as if I would fall apart at a moment's notice, and they all had started talking in hushed voices around me. I could still hear what they were saying, however. Do people never notice how bad they are at whispering?

"Look," Harriet said straightforwardly. "You may not like me now that I've came out, but I'd like you to give me a chance. I'm still the same person, so there's no need to treat me any differently to how you treated me before. That said, I've been going to a group that talks about being gay and stuff. It helps to deal with families reactions and having the courage to be true to yourself. It's having a special meeting today, to bring your family along to."

     Was she asking what I thought she was asking?

     "Anyway." She licked her lips nervously. "I don't really have any family, so I invited some friends instead. The usual gang. Can you come too? I totally understand if you don't want to or if you think I've overstepped the mark. It's no biggie, really. But it'll be fun; I've even managed to drag Julia away from her books for a few hours!"

     "Really?" I shook my head. "That's an impressive feat, Harriet, maker of the impossible. Shall we go find a table to hide under as the end of the world is fast approaching?" I joked, and it was a silly one, but Harriet laughed almost too quickly. I finally realised how much this meeting meant to her, and I wondered while her family wouldn't be there for it.

     "If you're sure you want me - "

     "Yes!" She assured me, unusually eager. "It would mean so much!"

     "Well, I have to come then, don't I?" I smiled, resolving to put what happened in the past behind me. Harriet needed me, and although the feisty ginger irritated me and I wondered sometimes if she was bipolar, I would be there if she needed me. Sort of awkwardly, I leant in and we exchanged a stiff hug.

     "I've something to tell you." I blurted out. "I'm really sorry for being stand-offish and for the thing the other day. I hate to say it's not you, it's me, but it honestly is true." Then I told her all about my Mom. She was the first person I'd ever confided in, and I thought it would seem weird, but it felt good to have it out in the open. I have a gay mom; who cares? Other than the mom in question, of course.

     "Wow," Harriet replied, looking a little stunned. "That's some tough shit, Rosie. I'm not surprised that happened. But you don't need 'fixing'. If anything, it's your mom that needs an attitude fix. It's not fair keeping your dad in the dark like that. He could be truly happy with another woman, and frankly she's being quite selfish. Sorry, but your mom's a bitch."

     I hugged her again, and it felt more natural this time. "Yeah," I echoed. "Mom's a bitch."

***

     "Ready to go then?" Harriet beamed brightly. All of us were assembled out in the car park; Finn, Fiona, Julia, Owen, Kat, Harriet and of course myself. For the record, no-one invited Kat. She just popped up unannounced with her hand glued to Owen's and her candy-floss head pinned to his shoulder. I didn't think I'd ever see the day when my best friend annoyed me, but she and Owen were sickening. Their eyes weren't magical flashing ones that changed colour every few seconds. Their eyes looked exactly the same as when you stared at them ten seconds ago, albeit very boring. I wondered how long it would take the newfound couple to realise this.

     "Five bucks says Kat removes her head from his shoulder in three point two hours." Julia murmured beside me, looking disgustedly at the couple.

     "I say within the next hour."

     "You're on." Julia shook my hand as if we'd just made a very important business deal. "Young love. It beats all the statistics out there. I cannot come up with one statement to say why people enjoy having to raise up on their tiptoes and lean their head awkwardly onto their partner's shoulder. Love is crazy. And stupid."

     I waggled my eyebrows jokingly and lightly sang under my breath, "I'm in crazy stupid love." Then I attempted the jazzy saxophone bit. Note the word attempted.

     "Make her stop!" Kat demanded, looking up at Owen as if he has some power over me. But in doing so she had to lift up her head.

     "Rosie, kindly refrain from deafening my girlfriend here." Owen obliged, slinging an arm protectively around her shoulder. Jeez, what had gotten into him? But I quickly shoved that particular thought to the back of my mind.

     "Five bucks!" I cried out. "Five big buckity bucks! Did you hear that right?" I informed the rest of them while Julia scowled. "I beat Julia! I beat the master of statistics! I am the champion! Bow to your master!"

    "Whoop de doop!" Kat scowled. "Can we get into the car now?"

     "What did you beat her in?" Fiona asked curiously, as if she was trying to make up for Kat's demeaning comment. Or maybe she just didn't believe I could beat Julia. Probably a bit of both.

     Julia started making slashing motions across her neck with her hand, and I frowned at her. But I couldn't help but break out into a smile again. I was too cheerful. "We placed a bet." Julia's slashing motions became more pained and deliberate, with a dirty look thrown in for good measure. I frowned at her again. "We bet on how long it would take Kat to break away from Owen."

     Julia stopped her motions and groaned. "I give up."

     I suddenly realised what the slashing was for. Oh. I didn't think about offending Kat at all. Whoops. But she was my best friend, she would know we were only being silly.

"Are you serious?" Kat shrieked, completely overreacting. "You are the most petulant child! Can you not leave well enough along?"

I squared up my friend and looked her in the eye. It was very unlike her to cause a big deal over this, but Kat had been acting off the past few days. It made me wonder. "Hey, less of the child." I snapped, taking a step towards her. "I'm the same age as you."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, you wouldn't think it! Your attitude hasn't changed since you were ten!"

That was a low blow, especially for her. Ten was the age I was when all my problems started. Aunt Kate died. I found out Mom was gay. I started having fits. Bam, bam, bam. All of this happened right after one another, and it was the worst year of my life and afterlife. In fact, I was so riled up I didn't even think about the exact words Kat had used which sounded as if she'd known me when I was ten, and I hadn't even met her back then.

Kat stared me down, as if daring me to make a move. I forgot about everyone watching me. I forgot that Owen had his hand in Kat's, that Julia was reciting facts about couples, that Harriet was checking her watch exasperatedly, that Finn was staring longingly at the car and that Fiona was anxiously watching to see if I'd rise to the bait. I drew my fist back sharply and lunged at Kat's face.

She fully anticipated my attack, and she caught my fist in mid air. The next thing I knew my face smacked the floor and Kat's foot dug sharply into my back. I winced in pain, all my anger forgotten. Kat may have made an unwelcome remark, but I probably shouldn't have tried to punch her. How had she gotten so good at flipping people upside down?

I pressed my hands palms down against the ground in an effort to push myself back upright. The others stood back as I got back up to my feet. Owen had distanced himself from his girlfriend in shock; he must not have known she could do that either.

I decided to be the bigger person and apologise. "I shouldn't have tried to do that. I'm really, really sorry." I apologised, trying to sound genuine. Kat made a humph sort of sound, which made me know I wasn't getting an apology from her anytime soon, even though it was more her fault than mine.

Heck, it was more her fault than mine. Why should I be apologising? "Actually, I take that back." I said hotly. "You were the one that insulted me, and then pinned me to the ground. Am I not the one in the right here?"

But the other's faces seemed to say otherwise. As always, Fiona was the one to try to break the bad news to me. "Sorry, Rosie, but you were the one that instigated the fight." She said, trying to sound gentle.

"Don't tell me you're on her side?" I groaned. "Why are you all ganging up against me?" I couldn't stand there another minute. I set off at a brisk pace back to the reception of the college, my eyes watering a little (because of allergies). I felt seriously abandoned, and I didn't realise how selfish I was being. I had abandoned Harriet when she needed me most, yet I was pitying myself for no valid reason.

I decided to do something productive whilst the others were away. I was going to phone Juliet to talk about the situation, and I was going to find out what was wrong with Kat.

I'm not completely happy with this chapter, it feels like more of a filler one than anything. Next chapter should be slightly more interesting, what with the conversation with Juliet. Anyone guessing what's wrong with Kat? I think I've made it fairly obvious, but please comment what you think.

Zoe xxx