• Chapter 1
    It was cold as I walked down the dark dirt road. My father and I had gotten into yet another fight. This made the fourth one this week. I waked, with a cigarette in one hand, bare feet, a bag in the other hand and no jacket. My father hadn't given me much time to get anything. Ever since my mother passed away, my father hadn't been the same. After her death he picked up a drinking habit. Everyday after work, he'd come home with a twenty-four pack and drink. Some nights he'd not even make it home.
    I'd just stay in my room but that'd only make things worse on some nights.
    Tonight, out of all the nights, I hadn't stayed in my room. He had came home and told me that I was to clean the entire house and cook him dinner. After I had told him it was impossible to do that he had grown angry and began to yell at me. Of course I hadn't taken it like I usually do, I yelled back.
    I took a drag off my cigarette as I turned the corner spotting Tiffany's house. Tiffany was my best friend. She helped me through everything. Hell half the time I felt like part of her family. I had spent so much time there, her mother had given me a house key. I walked up the three stairs to th front door and knocked.
    Kevin, Tiffany's twin brother, opened the door and gasped.
    “Mom, Tiffany, get down here, It's Fayla. She's hurt.”
    I rolled my eyes and put my cigarette out.
    “Kevin I'm fine. Nothing unusual. Dad and I had a fight just like every night and now I'm here.”
    Kevin always knew when I wasn't fine. But tonight there was prove that I wasn't fine and everyone would see that. Under my right eye there was a deep gash, that burned so bad, you couldn't ignore it.
    Tiffany and Ms. Rogers stomped down the stairs in a hurry.
    “Fayla.” Gasped Tiffany as she gawked at my face. “Did you dad hit you again?”
    I nodded and held up four fingers.
    “Fourth fight this week.” I answered.
    Ms. Rogers pushed her way to me and gasped.
    “Jesus Fayla. Get in here so I can fix that.”
    She pulled me inside to the kitchen.
    “I'll tell you what.” She muttered looking through her cabinets. “That father of yours should get help. All he does is beat on you and fight you. Your a teenager, you shouldn't have to go through that everyday.”
    She turned back to me with peroxide and a towel.
    “Here sweetie, let me fix that gash.
    Ms. Rogers had always been like a mother to me. After my mother's death she pretty much took me in. She always told me, my mother would have wanted it that way.
    Ms. Rogers dabbed my cut and smiled.
    “Oh Fayla, you look more and more like your mother everyday. God bless her soul.”
    I smiled and looked toward Kevin, who was leaned against the door frame.
    His brown hair falling into his green eyes, his square jaw casting shadows. Kevin had always been handsome to me since I first met him.
    Ms. Rogers caught my attention again when she made the cut sting. I inhaled a deep breath through my teeth.
    “Oh dear, I'm so sorry. I'm trying so hard not to hurt you.”
    I smiled at her. “It's alright Ms. Rogers.”
    She stopped patting my cut and looked at me.
    “Fayla what have I told you? Your pretty much family now. Don't call me Ms. Rogers. It's Mary.”
    I blushed and looked to the floor.
    “Sorry.” I muttered.
    She finished cleaning the cut before sending me up to Tiffany's room.
    Tiffany was sitting on her bed reading a book. For as long as I've known her she always had her face hidden behind a book. When I shut the door behind me she looked up and sighed.
    “Fayla, when are you going to give up? You know your welcome here.”
    I nodded and set my bag on the floor. Tiffany patted the bed offering me a seat.
    “Tell me what happened.” She said marking her page in her book.
    I sat on the edge of the bed and looked at the floor.
    “It was different tonight Tiff. I mean it was almost like he wasn't my father. He came home drunk and started telling me to clean the entire house and cook him dinner before he passed out. I yelled back telling him it was impossible. Then everything changed. He yelled, I yelled. I tried to walk off and go to my room and he grabbed my arm and threw me. I hit the wall and sat there stunned. He walked over picked me up by one arm and slapped me a few times. His ring cutting into my face each time. Deeper and harder. Then he threw me down and told me to get out. I tried to get my things but couldn't. I only had time to get my bag and cigarettes. That's it.”
    Tiffany sat quietly, her green eyes filled with tears. I knew she wouldn't be able to speak from the shock so I stretched and shrugged.
    “Can we go to bed? I'm really tired and we have a test in Biology tomorrow.”
    Tiffany nodded and moved to her side of the bed. I climbed in next t her and rolled over facing the window.
    “Every thing's going to get better for you Fay. Trust me.” Tiffany said. Then the room went black.

    That night, I had a dream. A dream I will not soon forget.





    Chapter 2
    I woke to the sound of Tiffany's alarm going off. Unlike a regular teenager, Tiffany's alarm was her mother screaming into her cellphone telling her to get up.
    Ms. Rogers came up with the idea when a regular alarm wouldn't work and only her voice would. But since she couldn't get up that early she programmed Tiffany's phone.
    Tiffany groaned and pressed the end button.
    “Keh in shame.
    He stood over me with concern on his face.
    “Are you alright?” He repeated holding out his hand.
    I nodded and took his hand. He pulled me up and smiled.
    “I'm Onyx and you are?”
    I dusted myself off and smiled back.
    “Fayla. You must be the new student.”
    Onyx bowed at the waist. “That's correct. Its a pleasure to meet you Fayla.”
    I looked at him a little creped out, it was almost like I've been around him before. Like We had met once before this.
    “Dido.” I said still looking him over.
    “Your the first girl not to drool and rush to meet me.”
    I laughed slightly and tucked my hair behind my ear.
    “Well I'm sorry. I'm not big on the greeting committee thing. But welcome to Stone Water. The greatest place on the face of the Earth.”
    Onyx chuckled. “I since a bit of sarcasm there.”
    His smile started to fade as he looked over my face.
    “I, uh, I have to go.” I said trying to walk away.
    “hey, wait. What hap-”
    I walked around the corner heading back to the lunch room. As I walked into the commons area Kevin walked out of the lunch room doors.
    “Fay, there you are. Tiffany told me you rushed out of the cafeteria crying.” vin better already be up.” She muttered walking to her bathroom.

    I laughed quietly and made my way down stairs. Everything was quiet and calm. I looked around the corner into the kitchen to see Kevin hovering over his coffee cup.
    “Rough night?” I asked walking in.
    His head shot up and a smile across his face.
    “Ha ha. Just couldn't sleep. How about you? How are you feeling?” He asked looking at my face.
    I shrugged and blew on my coffee.
    “Same old me.”
    Kevin nodded and looked me over. He seemed to look at me as if he'd never seen me before.
    “Kevin what's wrong?” I laughed.
    He shook his head and smiled.
    “I see you almost everyday. I've known you for years, and now, as you stand before me in a tank top and boy shorts. I finally realize how amazing you look.”
    I raised my eyebrow and looked down. I gasped as I seen I was in my boy short underwear and tank top. Kevin laughed and shook his head.
    “Fayla please, don't go all shy. Your practicably my sister.”
    I smiled and set my coffee mug down, walked over to the table and hugged him.
    “Thank you Kevin.”
    “For what?” He asked.
    I smiled and walked out of the kitchen and back up to Tiffany's room.
    Tiffany was pushed up against the sink looking into the mirror applying her eyeliner.
    “Fay can we talk for a sec?” She asked not turning to face me.
    I said sure not knowing what I was about to face.
    Tiffany sighed and turned to face me, eyes closed and lips pencil thin.
    “I want to run this by you Fay. You know Marcus, well he recently asked me to prom. He didn't want me to tell you because he knows how much you love him.”
    She opened her eyes with a smile on her face. We stared at each other for a moment before we busted out laughing.
    “Oh that's messed up. Marcus is sweet and all but did he actually tell you I was in love with him?” I asked pulling my pants up.
    “Yeah, he said you had sent him strong signals but he didn't feel that way toward you and he couldn't tell you because he was afraid to break your heart.” she responded pulling her hair into pigtails.
    “Oh by the way, is Kevin up?”
    “Yeah. His down in the kitchen.” I said looking through her closet.
    She nodded grabbing her bag and walking out the door. I stood there in the bathroom, looking in the mirror. My face bruised and weathered down. I felt ugly, unwanted, betrayed by my father and life.
    I grew angry, I wanted to scream, throw things, and die. Instead I took a deep breath, turned my back and walked out of the bathroom, grabbing my bag on the way out of the room.
    As I made my way down the stairs I could hear Tiffany and Kevin talking.
    “She's going to go through that Kev. Fayla needs someone to care and love her. Actually care and love her.”
    “Yeah well it's kinda hard Tiff. I mean she's been in my life forever. She's like my sister now.”
    I shook my head and walked into the kitchen.
    “Are we ready to go?”
    They looked at me and smiled.
    “Yeah, lets go.” Tiffany said nudging Kevin.


    We pulled into out usual spot and sat there for a moment. The school looked the same as it did everyday. It's plan, white bricked walls, towering windows that circled the school, seemed to taunt the students as they entered the building. Everyone called it the Children institute of education.
    Kevin pulled the keys out of the ignition and leaned back in his seat.
    “Another day at the institute.”
    Tiffany sighed and turned to look at me.
    “Wanna go see the gang?”
    I nodded and patted Kevin on the shoulder. “See you at lunch.”
    Tiffany and I climbed out of the car and headed to the drama room.
    The noise could be heard from inside the hall. From what I could gather, Matt and Ty were arguing over some silly bet.
    “No, you promised to give me twenty dollars if she said yes. Well she did s give me the money.” Ty yelled.
    “No, I don't have it Ty. You can wait till Monday.”
    “Fine. But Monday, you better have it.”
    Tiffany and I laughed as we took a seat in the from row.
    “Hey guys, About time you got here.”
    Amber said as she walked from behind the curtain.
    Her blond hair in curls today instead of her usual straight pony tail. Her blue eyes lined with a deep purple.
    “Oh, my, goodness. Fayla what happened to your eye?” She gasped jumping off the stage rushing toward me .She looked me over with worry on her face, turning to Tiffany every now and then for an answer. Before she could go any further with her questions, Mrs. Been walked in quieting the group so we could practice for the up coming play. Though I didn't need practice, I only helped paint and entertain.

    Chapter 3
    Lunch rolled around and the halls filled with students. There was laughter and gossip, yelling and crashing of lockers. Tiffany, Amber, Ty, Matt and I walked to the lunch room quietly, glaring at the girls and guys who watched us. We weren't the popular kids at all. We were the outcasts, the ones who stood to stand out. We walked through the double doors to the large eating area. The sound of a hundred students hit us at once. Trays clattered, vending machines vending and students talking.
    I looked around the lunch room for Kevin. Just like everyday, he was sitting on the far end of the lunch room surrounded by girls, who drooled over him hoping to be his next girlfriend. I rolled my eyes and sat down at our usual table and propped my head on my hands.
    “So, Fayla, do you have a date to prom yet?” asked Matt as he popped open his soda.
    “No, I don't think I'll be able to go anyways.”
    Everyone but tiffany stared at me with a puzzled look.
    “My dad. He probably won't let me go.”
    Everyone nodded and changed the subject.
    I zoned out of the conversation, thinking about what happened this morning with Kevin.
    He had never looked at me the way he had this morning. His green eyes soft and seeing me more then what I seen. His cheeks turning pink, as he looked me over. I could almost feel myself blushing when Amber brought my attention back to the table.
    “Hey, have y'all heard about the new guy? I heard he's from england. Other's heard he's from Australia.”
    Tiffany got excited along with Ty. Matt and I rolled our eyes. Matt looked at me and smiled slightly.
    “Fay, I know what your going through.”
    I looked at him puzzled. Matt and I never really connected. We never actually hung out together or really go to know each other. When I first met him I hadn't liked him. His long black hair, piercing blue eyes. He had all this, “I know everything.” attitude about him before he started hanging out with us. Now he was relaxed and open,always trying to help.
    “I know what your going through.” he repeated.
    Still not understanding what he was getting at, I just nodded.
    Matt sighed and shook his head.
    “Just know you can always come to my house as well as Tiffany's.”
    Just then it hit me. The pain and regret. Never had I felt pain and regret about my life.
    Tears burned in my eyes, my face growing hot and red. I seen a look of worry wash over matt's face. Before he could ask,I got up and ran.
    I could hear my friends calling after me, but I didn't turn back. Kept running. I ran down the hall to my locker. Knowing that no one would be there during lunch, I slumped down the lockers and pulled my knees to my chest. My chest was tight, as I heaved in another breath. Remembering my mother's words I tried to hold back the sobs.
    “Fayla, my little butterfly, don't ever let anyone see you cry. Your a strong woman.”
    I bit my bottom lip and lifted my head.
    “Are you alright?” I heard someone ask.
    I wiped my eye quickly and looked at the guy standing inches from me.h in shame.
    He stood over me with concern on his face.
    “Are you alright?” He repeated holding out his hand.
    I nodded and took his hand. He pulled me up and smiled.
    “I'm Onyx and you are?”
    I dusted myself off and smiled back.
    “Fayla. You must be the new student.”
    Onyx bowed at the waist. “That's correct. Its a pleasure to meet you Fayla.”
    I looked at him a little creped out, it was almost like I've been around him before. Like We had met once before this.
    “Dido.” I said still looking him over.
    “Your the first girl not to drool and rush to meet me.”
    I laughed slightly and tucked my hair behind my ear.
    “Well I'm sorry. I'm not big on the greeting committee thing. But welcome to Stone Water. The greatest place on the face of the Earth.”
    Onyx chuckled. “I since a bit of sarcasm there.”
    His smile started to fade as he looked over my face.
    “I, uh, I have to go.” I said trying to walk away.
    “hey, wait. What hap-”
    I walked around the corner heading back to the lunch room. As I walked into the commons area Kevin walked out of the lunch room doors.
    “Fay, there you are. Tiffany told me you rushed out of the cafeteria crying.”
    He was gorgeous, like a gift from God himself. His skin an olive color, his hair dirty blond and messy, like those emo kids I see at school and the mall. His eyes were a piercing ice blue that made the sky blush in shame.
    He stood over me with concern on his face.
    “Are you alright?” He repeated holding out his hand.
    I nodded and took his hand. He pulled me up and smiled.
    “I'm Onyx and you are?”
    I dusted myself off and smiled back.
    “Fayla. You must be the new student.”
    Onyx bowed at the waist. “That's correct. Its a pleasure to meet you Fayla.”
    I looked at him a little creped out, it was almost like I've been around him before. Like We had met once before this.
    “Dido.” I said still looking him over.
    “Your the first girl not to drool and rush to meet me.”
    I laughed slightly and tucked my hair behind my ear.
    “Well I'm sorry. I'm not big on the greeting committee thing. But welcome to Stone Water. The greatest place on the face of the Earth.”
    Onyx chuckled. “I since a bit of sarcasm there.”
    His smile started to fade as he looked over my face.
    “I, uh, I have to go.” I said trying to walk away.
    “hey, wait. What hap-”
    I walked around the corner heading back to the lunch room. As I walked into the commons area Kevin walked out of the lunch room doors.
    “Fay, there you are. Tiffany told me you rushed out of the cafeteria crying.”