Warning: I do not own Payphone by Maroon 5 or the lyrics or anything like that

I'm at a payphone trying to call home.

All of my change I spent on you

Where have the times gone? Baby, it's all wrong

Where are the plans we made for two?

Groggily I raised my head off of my pillow and looked around. Why is Adam Levine in my room? I wondered absently. The wonderful falsetto voice faded away and I plopped back onto my pillow. I had just drifted back to sleep when Adam's voice rang out again. I groaned, realizing that the lead singer of Maroon 5 wasn't in my room, but instead was the ringtone emanating from my phone.

Sleepily, I pushed myself forward and reached blindly for my phone that I had left on the dresser near the foot of my bed. By the time I finally found it the song had ended and I flopped back onto my pillow with a sigh. Seconds later the melody started again and I pushed a button and brought it up to my ear.

"Hello?" I croaked and I heard a loud gasp.

"Did you JUST wake up?" A male voice asked with astonishment and I looked at my alarm clock which read 4:28 am.

"Who is this?" I asked, a little more than slightly perturbed.

"Oh, come on, Opal, you only have an hour and a half to get ready! I thought you would have been awake thirty minutes ago!" 

Finally recognizing Alexy's voice I let out a long, controlled breath.

"Alexy, dear. Why are you awake at 4:30 in the morning?" I asked, trying my utmost to be patient.

"I'm writing an English essay. Why aren't you awake yet?" he shot back and I closed my eyes and covered them with my free arm.

"It only takes me half an hour to get ready; forty-five minutes tops if I take a shower."

"WHAT?" 

I jerked the phone away from my ear and waited until I could no longer understand his ranting before bringing it back.

"I prefer to sleep," I replied, still a little groggily and I heard Alexy huff in frustration.

"What about your hair?"

"It only takes me five minutes, ten if I decide to do something other than leaving it down."

"And your makeup?"

"Mascara and sometimes lip gloss. Now that you know my morning schedule, can I please go back to sleep?"

"I actually had a question for you." 

Sighing heavily I shifted onto my side, trapping my phone between my cheek and the pillow.

"What is it, Alexy?"

"Have you ever read The Great Gatsby?" 

I blinked in the darkness and nodded before remembering he couldn't see me.

"Yah, I read it a couple of years ago. Why?"

"Who do you think was the most influential character?" he asked. 

I furrowed my brow, trying to make my brain function. Since I moved into Auntie's apartment I had come to treasure sleep and being woken up by something that wasn't my alarm clock wasn't working so well for me.

"Umm... I can't remember her name, but I personally think the rich lady that Gatsby was in love with was the most influential."

"And why is that?" he asked.

"Well, because her decision to marry for money instead of love affected all of the characters later on in the book when the story takes place. Why?"

"No reason, really. Now how do you think the story would have been affected if she hadn't been in the story?" he asked and I thought I heard a faint tapping sound in the background.

"There wouldn't have been a story without... Wait a minute!" I surged into a seated position and pressed my phone to my ear tightly. "Am I writing your English paper for you?" I asked incredulously and Alexy tsked.

"Of course not, I'm writing it right now," he retorted and my mouth dropped open.

"Alexy!" I exclaimed.

"Hey, I had full intentions of writing this paper but I didn't have time to read the book because I was busy designing your costume for the talent show," he huffed. A surge of guilt went through me but was quickly replaced with disbelief.

"You didn't even read the book?"

"Nope, so could you help me out since you aren't busy?"

I flopped back onto my pillow and rubbed the bridge of my nose. On one hand, he had been spending a lot of time with Auntie and the design. On the other hand, it was technically cheating for me to help him like this; but then again he WAS the one writing it.

"Hello? Opal?" 

Sighing, I switched the phone to my other ear and sat up in a cross-legged position.

"Okay, I'll help you. But next time at least read the book, okay?"

"Deal! So you were saying something about the story wouldn't work without her in it?"

For the next half an hour I helped Alexy through all of the prompts for his essay and when he had finally run out of questions he said he'd pick me up at 6:15 so we could walk to school together. Disconnecting the call, I debated whether it would be worth it to lie back down for fifteen minutes, but in the end, I decided against it and turned my alarm off. Reluctantly I slid out of bed and walked quietly into the kitchen where I popped a piece of toast in the toaster and pulled an egg from the fridge.

Quickly I fried a sunny-side-up egg and placed it on my toast. After eating my breakfast I jumped into the shower, trying to be as fast as I could so I wouldn't wake up Auntie. As I changed into comfortable skinny jeans, brown boots, a blue undershirt, and a brown sweater that I left halfway unbuttoned to show the blue underneath, I went over my dance in my mind.

I had just pulled my hair into a quick side braid when the sound of a knock came from the front door. With a sigh, I scooped up my practice hat from my bed and slipped my backpack on. As quietly as I could, I opened and closed the door behind me, smiling up into Alexy's excited face.

"Are you ready?" he asked and I nodded. 

We walked to school and a shiver went through me as a chilly wind swept over us. Winter seemed to want to make an early arrival this year.

As we walked into the auditorium I couldn't help but think that it was a little creepy with all the lights off and the sun yet to rise. We walked into the audience area and the room was pitch black. Alexy took my hand and I was comforted by his solid warmth as he pulled me into the seemingly empty room.

Fwoooshhh. I squeaked in fright and clamped my other hand on Alexy's arm as a chilling sound went through the room. Alexy tightened his grip on my hand and stopped dead in his tracks. We waited and then a low moaning sound echoed through the space and I buried my eyes in his shoulder.

"W-w-w-w-what was that?" I asked. Alexy tried to force a chuckle.

"It... it was probably nothing. Just our minds playing tricks on us," he responded tightly.

"OR NOT!"

I yelped in fright and whirled around just as the lights flipped on and I saw Mr. Tremont standing in the doorway of the control room. My rapidly beating heart started to calm and I exhaled a shaky breath.

"Mr. Tremont you nearly gave me a heart attack!" I exclaimed and he grinned, prancing down the stairs towards us.

"A chilling reception, wasn't it? I'm so glad you approve! We just need to record your voice over top of those sounds and it will be absolute perfection!" Mr. Tremont declared as he finally reached us.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, getting a little tired of being constantly left in the dark.

"Well, let me set the mood for you," Mr. Tremont said with obvious enjoyment. He gestured to the stage and began dramatically. "Picture it! The seats are full to the bursting point, and Mr. Alexy comes out to greet them all! But instead of announcing the first act, he points out a small defect in the programs: a name that seemed to have been penciled in and then crossed out. He will then tell the tale of an old Sweet Amoris ghost story. A tale of a young woman whose only love left her." 

Mr. Tremont twirled to face me as he continued his version of an explanation.

"He will spin the tale with great depth and emotion, causing every eye to fill with tears. But then he will dismiss it utterly, claiming that it is only a story and the name in the program was most likely just a prank. The acts will continue with Mr. Alexy's introductions when suddenly the lights will flicker and the sound of a chilling wind will be heard along with a young woman's plaintive cries." 

Mr. Tremont stopped and gave me a look as if he thought I would continue with the story.

"So.... I'm... going to be the ghost?" I asked tentatively and Mr. Tremont applauded.

"I knew you would see the vision! It's brilliant, is it not?" he asked energetically. 

I was surprised, but I actually thought it sounded kind of interesting and I felt myself smiling slightly.

"And don't worry, it won't happen all the time. Just a couple of times to get the audience's skin crawling. When they see your act they're going to be completely blown away!" Alexy said excitedly but then turned a frown on Mr. Tremont. "I wasn't expecting you to use it on us, though," he whined petulantly and Mr. Tremont grinned.

"Forgive me, but I couldn't resist! Now, this practice will be mainly for recording your voice along with the scary sounds and a chance for Mr. Alexy to work on his reactions to them. But did you bring your CD? I would love to get the timing of your act recorded." I pulled out the latest version of my background music from my backpack and handed it to Mr. Tremont.

"Lovely. Would you prefer a handheld microphone or a hands-free?"

"Definitely hands-free," Alexy answered for me. "She uses her hands too much in her choreography to allow for a handheld." Mr. Tremont nodded with a smile.

"I will make a note! Why don't we work on the recordings first and then you can show us your dance." The rehearsal went well but took longer than we had expected so Alexy and I had to sneak out of the auditorium and double back around the school to make sure no one knew where we had been.

"I love the new moves in your routine!" Alexy whispered loudly and I sighed, letting out my pent-up frustrations.

"I totally messed up the hat toss though. It landed three feet away from me!" I whispered fiercely and Alexy bumped my shoulder.

"Hey, you'll get it! Plus, the way you scooped it up afterward and threw a wink out at the audience? Genius! It looked like you had almost planned it! You're going to have all the guys chasing you with a look like that," Alexy teased.

"Not you though," I retorted with a teasing smile and he grinned.

"You know I love ya, girl. Just not like that." I grinned up at him and nodded. "I won't be at any of your other morning practices now that we have your ghostly recordings done."

"That's okay, I understand. But," I pointed a finger into his face, "don't you wake me up at 4:30 asking for homework help again. I'm happy to help you after school, but I like my sleep."

"Ma'am, yes ma'am!" He saluted me and we laughed as we walked into the school once more.

"Hey, Opal!" I turned in surprise to see Kentin running up to Alexy and me.

"Kentin? Good morning," I greeted, surprised to see him so early in the day. Alexy turned and his previous smile grew wider just as Kentin took a step back and clenched his teeth.

"What are you doing hanging around with this guy?" he asked harshly. I blinked then put a hand on my hip and felt my lips turn down in a heavy frown.

"What do you mean by that?"

"If it isn't the fashion disaster returned!" Alexy said enthusiastically and I blinked as Kentin snarled and balled his hands into fists.

"Give it a rest already. My clothes are fine," he growled while gritting his teeth.

"You must be kidding! Military chic is SO last season, if not last year!" Alexy said authoritatively and Kentin grunted.

"Opal, tell him that I look fine like this!" he said, almost plaintively. 

I blinked, looking in between the two boys and then letting my gaze rest on Kentin. He was back in his green cargo pants with a black muscle shirt and a short-sleeved white overshirt that showed off his muscular arms. His green eyes met mine with an imploring look and I couldn't help but giggle, realizing why Kentin was so on guard around Alexy.

"If you're happy with your clothes then that's all that matters, Kentin. Don't let Alexy bully you," I encouraged while jabbing Alexy in the side. It successfully caught him off guard and he grabbed his side, letting out a grunt and flashing me his puppy dog look.

"That hurt, Opal! I'm not being a bully. I'm trying to give him fashion advice!" Alexy explained in a huff but I wagged my finger in his face.

"You already have me as your guinea pig, Alexy. You shouldn't bother people who don't want your help," I scolded, not being able to keep my smile from my face. I glanced over at Kentin and shrugged apologetically.

"Alexy doesn't mean any harm, Kentin. He's just really into fashion," I explained. 

Kentin was still frowning at Alexy but then he looked at me and cocked his head to the side.

"How do you know each other?" he asked curiously. 

Alexy suddenly reached out and wrapped his arms around my shoulders and rubbed his cheek against my head affectionately.

"Opal is my best friend!" he declared immediately. 

Shocked amazement went through me at his simple declaration and I could hardly believe that someone had actually called me their best friend. It had been a dream of mine for so many years that I honestly never thought would become a reality.

"Opal's aunt is going to introduce me to a stylist after I graduate and Opal lets me practice my skills on her," Alexy said as further explanation. 

Kentin was blinking in open shock, but I reached up and held onto Alexy's arm with both hands and smiled shyly.

"Alexy moved in at the beginning of the year. We met in Government class and now we're best friends," I said, surprised at how proud it made me feel to claim Alexy as my friend. 

Kentin looked incredibly uncertain at this news but time was ticking and I didn't want to be late.

"It was nice to see you, Kentin, but we've got to get to class," I said, reaching back and tickling Alexy on his ribs. He yelped, leaping back and letting go of me immediately and I couldn't help but laugh.

"You know this means war," Alexy said, raising his hands up and wiggling his fingers with a teasing gleam in his expression. I let out a gasp and swiftly ran over to Kentin, hiding behind his back and peeking around his shoulder.

"We need to get to class Alexy!" I implored as he slowly advanced toward Kentin and me.

"You started it," Alexy pointed out with a gleeful grin, suddenly lunging and reaching around Kentin to try and get to me. I let out a yelp as I ducked around to Kentin's other side, trying to keep him between Alexy and me as he looked on in complete bewilderment.

"Oi, knock it off," Kentin said to Alexy, trying to sound gruff. 

Alexy ignored him completely though as he tried once again to get me. I ran off laughing, shocked at the innocent and playful position that I found myself in. Just as I turned around to see Alexy gaining ground on me, I slammed into something solid.

"Woah!" a familiar voice said as familiar arms wrapped around my back, anchoring me to a firm chest and keeping both of us from falling to the ground. I peeked up sheepishly as Nathaniel blinked down at me in bewilderment.

"I'm gonna- gah!" Alexy twisted awkwardly mid-step to keep from colliding with Nathaniel and I and I giggle as he stumbled and barely kept himself upright. He turned back and glowered pettily at me while pointing his finger in my direction.

"No fair! I can't get you if you use the Student Council President as a shield," Alexy whined petulantly. 

I giggled but it was cut off by a quick intake of breath when Nathaniel's arms tightened around me further and I looked up to see him frowning at Alexy.

"You shouldn't be chasing people in the hallways, Alexy. You're going to get yourself hurt," he said with a disapproving frown. 

Alexy placed his hands on the back of his neck in a picture of innocence and looked around him exaggeratedly.

"Opal started it. I'm just reacting to her challenge," he said and I gasped in mock disgust.

"I just wanted to go to class!" I retorted in my defense. Alexy sniffed in a disbelieving manner.

"Sure sure. Are you two going to keep hugging each other or are we going to go to class?" Alexy asked with one eyebrow cocked up.

I blinked, momentarily stunned, before jumping away from Nathaniel. Both of our cheeks were rosy now and I rested my hands over mine to try and hide the blush.

"Sorry about that, Nathaniel," I muttered. 

Honestly, I was surprised at myself for not having pulled away from Nathaniel way earlier. Something about being near him just made me feel so safe though that the thought hadn't even occurred to me.

"I'm just glad you're not hurt," Nathaniel said, smiling kindly at me. "We should all get to class though or we'll be late."

I immediately nodded my agreement and turned to say goodbye to Kentin. I blinked in surprise though when he was nowhere to be seen. Figuring he had just left to go to class as I should have a while ago though, I shrugged and followed after Alexy and Nathaniel.

The rest of the day passed by quickly and I was very grateful I had chosen to stay up late and read through my AP Bio notes last night since the teacher had surprised us with a pop quiz.

I left the school grounds and wondered if I had ever longed for a weekend as much as I did right now. Miraculously I had no homework and tomorrow's practice wasn't until the afternoon, which meant that I would be able to sleep in tomorrow without feeling guilty.

* * * * * * *

I'm at a payphone, trying to call home...

Blinking blurrily I looked at the clock and couldn't hold back a small whimper as I saw the number 7:30 lit up. I pulled my covers over my head and buried my face into my pillow, trying desperately to block out Adam Levine's voice, but just like yesterday as soon as the melody finished it started up again. Grumpily I turned under my covers, crawled to the end of my bed, and stuck my hand out of the blankets, fumbling around for my phone. Once it was in my grasp I brought it to my ear slowly.

"Yes, Alexy?" I asked with all the patience I could muster.

"Oh, good you're awake! I wanted to let you know about what happened in rehearsal yesterday," Alexy's bubbly voice sang through my phone and I sighed heavily. "Opal? Hello, Opal?"

"Why couldn't you have told me yesterday?" I whined, knowing that I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep now that the sun was up.

"I forgot. Now listen to this: Mr. Tremont told everyone about 'Lady Mysteria'. At first, everyone was really upset, but when he mentioned that you, not YOU you of course but when he said that Lady Mysteria didn't want to put her name on the ballot because she thought it was unfair, then all of them got REALLY excited about the act!" 

Alexy took a huge breath and I chuckled, marveling at how he had been able to rush through that whole explanation without stopping for a breath. He must have some amazing lung power.

"I'm glad I told Mr. Tremont to take my name off the ballot then."

"I think it's unfair. Even if we hadn't upped the suspense your act still would have won!" Alexy pouted, "I mean, if you're wearing my design then how could you lose?" 

That got me laughing. "YOUR design?" I asked pointedly and I heard him chuckle.

"Okay, okay. It was Yuki's design, but I chose the colors and helped with the detail work!"

"I'm sure it will turn out wonderfully. How much longer before it's finished?" 

I yawned and finally pushed the blankets off me. Leaning back against the wall I stretched my legs out in front of me and flexed my toes.

"We should have it finished by the end of next week," Alexy said happily and I huffed.

"I don't see why you guys won't let me see it."

"The design doesn't really make sense until it is all sewn together," Alexy explained and I chuckled.

"If you say so. What is on your schedule for today?"

"Armin and I are going shopping!" he said exuberantly and I thought I detected a faint groan in the background.

"Have you asked Armin what he thinks about that plan?" I asked teasingly.

"Psh, like he has a choice in the matter?" Alexy asked and I laughed. "You should come with us!"

"I'd love to, but I have practice at one and I want to clean the house for Auntie while she's at work. We've both been so busy we haven't had time to get any deep cleaning done."

"Eeeww. You'd rather clean than go shopping?" Alexy asked with obvious disgust and I laughed.

"I'd rather make Auntie happy than myself." I corrected and Alexy sighed.

"Okay, okay. Strange person. Oh! My parents are taking Armin and me to dinner tonight so we won't be able to come over. So I'll see you on Monday!"

"I'll let Auntie know. Bye, Alexy." 

We disconnected the call and I glanced out the window, glad that I had such a pretty day to look forward to.