It's been two weeks since the Lune Quartz concert, and I can safely say that within that short amount of time, I have managed to fuck up my future.

Just eleven days ago, Nancy had asked Olive and I to join her and my father in the kitchen. Her straightforwardness and brevity were commendable really.

"Well, I called you guys here because you need to know of a big change for all of us moving forward. I lost my job a few days ago. As you guys know, I worked with Mr Stevens for over ten years, and well, there's no good way of saying this but he's in jail now, okay? Don't worry; I'm completely innocent, but money might be a little tight for a while.

"I'm going to be attending night school but also working as an assistant for the next year or so."

"You won't be home anymore?" asked Olive.

"No, but Cakes will walk you to and from school."

"I can walk myself."

"That's fine with me. But listen, I still haven't finished. The other thing is your brother is coming home. We can't afford to keep him in Lakeview anymore."

I remember immediately feeling queasy.

"No, Oliver needs to be there. You can't bring him back."

Nancy looked over at my father.

"We can't afford to pay for both your schools and Lakeview, Sweetie. We even considered transferring you two to Little Feld High."

"Not fucking North-western! Sorry, but don't you have a college fund? Use that."

"That's saved up for you." said Nancy.

I instantly knew what I needed to do as the eldest sister. I couldn't let my siblings pay for some asshole's fuck-ups.

"I'll find another way, guys. I promise. Don't move Oliver. His treatment is almost over."

Nancy seemed unconvinced.

"Dad, tell her it's okay." I insisted.

"I don't want to go to Little Feld."

I ignored Olive's comment. I have more reasons than her to not want to go to North-western. I stared down my father until he shrugged, glancing at Nancy's stony expression before deciding.

"Uh, we'll think about it."

I left the kitchen feeling victorious. I really shouldn't have. I've already applied for seven scholarships, and all of them warned me that as a Caucasian middle-class girl coming from a two-parent home, my chances are slim to non-existent. I've been in such a panic for the past few days, wracking my brain for a solution, but I have nothing. That is - until today.

I've spent the better part of lunch whining to Danatha about my situation when Sybil arrives.

"Don't come any closer, Tweedy. She's still sucking the joy out of the only hour we have to relax."

I swat her as Sybil sits down, wiggling her nose, unbothered but for the powder on the sharp cheekbones she's determined to conceal.

"I'm actually here to end your misery."

"Unless you have an idea for funding my education-"

"How's the Lune Quartz Student Aid Programme for you?"

"They have one? Since when?"

"I remember seeing it when I was buying the tickets back in June."

"Oh, wow. But I still wouldn't get it. Same issues apply. I'm a Caucasian-"

"She's right." says Danatha.

"You have a leg up though. You know Aden Arrington."

"What does that matter? I'm sure he's not involved with the admission process."

"But he'll know someone who is. Give him a call."

"I can't." I mutter.

"You didn't get his number before?"

"He didn't show up backstage, remember?" Danatha reminds Sybil.

"You don't know how much I regret that shit."

I don't blame Sybil for being surprised; I myself am still impressed with my own gall. As soon as I got home from the concert and the James Blunt music playing in the Uber sped off into the night, I realised I should have gone after Aden.

I had let him slip away because I was so caught up in my own self-pity. When I explained everything over the phone to Danatha, she said that she couldn't comment until the next day.

At lunch time she barged into the cafeteria and slapped my head hard. It hurt but I was more than deserving of it. She then lectured me on my beauty and cool personality, and how I had been incredibly self-absorbed in my actions, or rather, reactions to the situation.

I knew she was right. The pull that I felt towards Aden had been reciprocated. He too stared deep into my eyes. He dedicated a song to me during his concert to thousands of other girls. I had the audacity to doubt his character and I'm paying for that. I left and never heard from him again.

But unfortunately, I am constantly thinking of Aden. I daydream and fantasize about him during lessons for fuck's sake! Two weeks in and I still feel the same way about him as the day I met him. I know I screwed up, but I vow to never screw up like that again given the opportunity.

Danatha's voice brings me back to reality.

"Don't tell me you're still hooked on-"

"Aden? Yes, I am."

"Girl..."

I glare at her.

"Look, I know he's hot, but he sounds like such an idiot. He thinks he's so cool for making girls nervous? No, that's creep-level behaviour. You need to stay away from him - not that you have a choice."

I look over her head as my elbow tingles.

"Are you sure?"

"Get a clue, Kay. He was here for a concert. Cleveland was one stop on their tour."

"Oh, shit; that's it!" I cheer as I have a lightening bulb moment.

"What?"

I don't even bother to reply. I just run off, remembering when Tonya had sauntered out of class and invited me to her family brunch this morning. When I get to the Ladies room, I knock on Tonya's favourite stall knowing she's in there still doing her makeup because she's decided to seduce London by dressing sexy.

I refrain from saying anything about her over-the-top outfit and accept her earlier invitation, despite hating social gatherings. I figure there's a good chance that my solution will be at that party.

I know better than to reveal my plan to her though. She's not above uninviting me just to be petty. I can't take that risk right now; I can almost sense that something's at the party waiting for me.

Maybe I'm being silly, but I need to follow my gut from now on. Last time I did, I ended up getting free VIP tickets to a Lune Quartz show and a dedication from the lead singer.

But days later find me disillusioned in Tonya's backyard. The barbecue was pleasant enough, but I'm beyond glad now that it's over. I've wasted my time. It's two in the afternoon and I've quit. I'm about to call Nancy to pick me up. I take out my phone to dial her, but when I'm about to press the call button, Tonya taps my shoulder.

"I'm sorry I've been acting out lately. I don't know if you've noticed but-"

"I noticed."

I know she's referring to her resentful behaviour at the concert. I've had about enough of her shit for the month just from that event.

"McKay, I'm sorry."

"Look, we've been friends a long time and I have forgiven you always, so I won't stop now but I'm warning you: stop with the attitude. I don't want to be treated that way again. I really don't."

"Got it."

"You were jealous."

"I was. I'm a bitch, we all know it. Come on, forgive me?"

"I don't see-"

A male voice interrupts my incoming admonishment.

"Antonietta!"

Author's Note:

Thank you so much for the support guys. I hope you're enjoying yourselves as much as I did writing it. What do you guys think of the characters you've seen so far?

Who do you like? Who do you hate?

Who haven't you decided on yet?

And most importantly, what do you think McKay's plan is?

Let me know in the comments and don't forget to vote.

Love, Noelle