To say the locker room was charged with energy on Monday morning would be an understatement. There was almost a literal *snap, crackle, and pop*.

Darcy came in acting like nothing had happened, as if she had just gone to an awesome party with most of the school's upperclassmen and that was that.

Jensen looked like a lioness stalking her prey.

We were all getting ready for our next class. I was hoping that meant we had made it through the hour without any drama. Darcy was applying lipgloss next to Miri in the mirror.

Miri said loudly enough where it could be heard, "You know it's probably better that it worked out this way. At least you don't have to hide anymore."

Jensen still looked ready to pounce.

Darcy looked back and said, "Oh, Sweetie, did you think that was the first time? That was just the first time we got caught."

*Insert cat fight scene here.* There was hair pulling, claws came out, and some straight up punches thrown from Jensen. Miri tried to help Darcy which led to Cassie throwing down on Miri. I wasn't about to lay hands on Tyler's sister. I knew better than that. Plus, Cassie and Jensen were taking care of business enough that it didn't look like I was needed.

Coaches came swarming in to break it up. I missed half of second period having to give my statement to the school principal. Yeah, it's not fun having to tell a kid's mom that you caught him getting a blow job at a party and that his now ex-girlfriend was beating up his side-hoe.

Mrs. Stone looked mortified.

I was surprised she hadn't heard about it yet. I was sure there was video of the whole Ari slap up online already.

I entered in late to Ms. Colewood's class with my note from the office. Tyler sat up straight and gave me a 'you good' look. I nodded yes and took my seat.

We were reading The Buddha of Suburbia this week. The main character Karim was English and Indian. He lived in England but still had spurts of his other half around because of his Dad. I could relate to a degree. Being Canadian and an American from Texas now living in Canada, I understood what it was like to have my two worlds collide. This one I had zoomed through. I found myself enthusiastically joining in on the discussions taking place even though I had to jump in half way into class. When the bell rang, Ms. Colewood stopped me on the way out and said,

"Good job jumping right in today Alex. I can tell you liked this one."

I smiled and said thank you. Tyler and I started walking towards my next class.

"So, what the fuck happened last period? My mom was already texting me telling me she had to pick Miri up from school because she got suspended for a week."

"She was stupid enough to get in between Jensen beating Darcy's ass. Darcy told us she and Declan have been seeing each other. Friday wasn't the first time they had hooked up. And your sister fucking knew about it."

That stopped Tyler short, "Are you serious?"

"She's the one who goaded Darcy into telling us."

Tyler wiped his hand down his face exasperated. We had reached my class. Danny was waiting outside.

"Lex, fill me in."

I had to retell the story again to Danny. I knew it wouldn't be the last time I was asked about it either. I started getting asked if certain details were true throughout the day as the story spread. Some people asked if Jensen was pregnant. Others asked if Cassie had gauged Miri's eye out. The rumor mill was swirling, hard.

At lunch, Ari asked me if Jensen was okay. I said yes and then grabbed his phone and put her number in it.

"Check in on her yourself, Munro." I winked at Ari.

He smirked in response. There was an odd spark there. I noticed it the night of the party as we drove Jensen home. I was making it my mission to at least get Ari a new friend. Jensen was a great one. She was my first friend that wasn't a part of the Families. Ari needed some of that.

The rest of the week went fairly uneventful. All four girls were suspended. Miri wound up grounded for a month. Jensen and Cassie both basically got slaps on the wrists from their parents and I hoped that Darcy's parents were sending her to boarding school in Greenland. It would make my life a hell of a lot easier.

Other than that drama I should have felt amazing. Tyler and I were going strong. I woke up to good morning texts and he took me to school. We hung out at lunch and after school. I was finally settling into classes and getting all my work done.

I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I couldn't explain it but it felt like there was a weight on my chest. Especially at night time when I was alone. I found myself FaceTiming Tyler or Jordan until I fell asleep just so that I wouldn't feel alone. I had dealt with anxiety before but this was a whole new level I was feeling. It was crushing my soul silently. I tried to hide it from the world. I tried to be extra attentive at school and make good grades. I tried being present in conversations and made plans to see people and do normal teenage things. I was trying it all. But it wasn't enough to get the weight off of my chest.

I finally texted Ari that weekend to meet me over at Jet Fuel. He borrowed Aaron's truck and was nice enough to pick me up so that I didn't have to ask for a ride. I stayed silent the car ride over. I was trying to think of how to phrase this to him. I felt like he was the only one who was going to understand what I was trying to say.

We ordered our coffees and then sat there in silence drinking them. Ari was being patient and I appreciated it. He wasn't trying to get me to spill my guts out to him. He was there to listen to whatever I had to say.

"I need advice."

Ari took a sip of his coffee and nodded, "About?"

"I think there's something wrong with me. I think you're like the one person I know who might get it."

"What's up, Lex?"

"I couldn't stand Amanda, my birth mom. She always chose someone or something else over me. I never felt like I was important to her or like I mattered. And when she died I felt..."

"Relieved?"

"Is that horrible?"

"No, I felt the same way when my mom died. I was thankful that she was gone. I also felt guilty for feeling that way. But she was sick in the head and was manic all the fucking time and wouldn't get help or stay on her meds when she did get help. She liked booze and pills more than me. Loosing her was... complicated."

"So why do I feel bad? I mean I feel bad for my little brothers, they didn't hate her. I feel bad for Elyse, she was still trying to get to have some form of relationship with her. But I feel bad... for me too and I don't know why."

"Grief is a bitch Alex. It took a lot of therapy for me to get comfortable to even talk about my mom. Have you thought about asking Ms. Griffin about it or seeing if she'd refer someone?"

I shook my head no, "Ari, I am not the therapy type person. I know people say it's for everyone, but it's not for me. I am just not open to it and I don't want to talk to some old lady that I don't know."

Ari nodded, "I get it Lex. I really do. My doc got me into some books when I was first going through it. I can loan em to you."

I nodded. That was at least a start. I tried to change the subject into something less morbid.

"So, have you talked to Jensen at all this week?"

"A little. She's out of my league Alex. I see what you're trying to do but I don't have a chance in hell with a girl like that. Fuck I shouldn't have had a chance with you. It still surprises me that you gave me a shot. I blame it on you being new and not knowing better."

I laughed, "While your self loathing is also slightly charming, you really do need to be less harsh on yourself, Ari. You're funny and charming and can be downright sexy when you are in your element. You just need a girl who is willing to hang out in your element."

He smiled, "Gorgeous, what other girl at our school likes old movies, photography, and not going out on a Friday night?"

I shrugged, "You never know until you try. And you might also work on getting out of your shell and finding some hobbies that involve other people."

"People suck."

I rolled my eyes, "You don't want to always be alone either. So you have to people sometimes."

Ari stuck out his tongue, "Yes Ma'am."

I laughed and we started talking more about school. Before I knew it, two hours had passed. We were both going to be late for dinner and Aaron was wondering where Ari was with his car. I wanted to see Tyler anyways so I rode back with him to the Mason's. Tyler was strumming his guitar on the front porch when we showed up. He looked at me quizzically.

"Hey Baby. What you up to?"

I chose to be brutally honest, "Went and got coffee with Ari. Had to have a Dead Mom's Club Meeting."

He nodded, "Fair enough." He looked over at Munro, "Thanks for talking with her about it. She won't open up to anyone else."

He nodded, "Anytime. I'll get you those books on Monday Alex."

"Thanks Ari." I said as I waved a small goodbye. He handed me the keys to give to Aaron and started walking towards his own house.

I walked inside the house with Tyler. Miri was sitting on the couch with Mrs. Mason. If looks could kill I would have been dead where I stood. Her face had lost any swelling that had been there but she still had a bruised cheek and black eye. A small gash had her lip split open.

Damn.

They really had done a number on her. I did a small wave directed at Tyler's mom.

"Hello Mrs. Mason."

"Alex, Sweetie, you know you can call me Callie."

I smiled, "I know, it's the Texan in me. Just can't do it."

She laughed, "Understood, what are you two up to?"

"I think we are just going to watch some movies down in the basement. Elle is coming over too." Tyler answered for us.

"Well me know if you need snacks or anything. Stay out of the beer fridge, the girls aren't near old enough and it's not a party day."

I smiled, "Yes, Ma'am. No worries."

"Alex is used to the drinking age being twenty-one. She doesn't even touch beer when we do let her."

Mrs. Mason chuckled at that. "I think it has more to do with the head on her shoulder than the legal drinking age, Ty."

I saw Miri roll her eyes. I nodded yes though and Tyler led me downstairs to the basement.

He looked at me and joked, "We could have a raging orgy down here and she'd think we were having Sunday tea because it was you. You know she loves you the most out of all the girl friends?"

I stuck my tongue out, "I'm the newest is all. She hasn't seen me pull any shenanigans yet."

Tyler wrapped his arms around my waist, "Well what kind of shenanigans do you plan on pulling, Miss Harrison."

I laughed and tackled him onto the couch. Aaron and Elle joined us twenty minutes later. The basement then became make-out central. I didn't even know what movie was playing.

The door at the top of the stairs opened. We all leapt into action. Aaron scurried to sit on the floor, Elle came to sit next to me and Tyler went to sit on the seat that Aaron and Elle had been sharing. It was Mrs. Mason carrying a load of laundry. She smiled when she saw all of us well behaved teenagers, politely watching a movie in her basement.

One of these days karma was going to bite us in the ass for this. I just knew it and hoped that it wouldn't be me.