With

The bell rang signaling the beginning of first class. I had biology class first, and I was hoping to talk to Lizzie later. I dragged my tired legs to the biology lab at the corner of the school. I walked in with Max. He was talking about this new game he has been waiting for forever to come out. His friend Wyatt jumped into the conversation as soon as we set foot in the room. I tuned them out as I was not interested in their games. As usual, Camden was running late, literally. I heard his rough shoes hitting the floor before I could place an eye on him. I chuckled as I watched him struggle to get in the classroom before the teacher closed the door. Fortunately, he made it. He stomped into the room just as the teacher got up from her chair. She wasn't pleased with his tardiness. He threw me a smirk, he wasn't even out of breath. I was still unsure of how Camden's family could have completely abandoned him. Maybe there was more to it I didn't know. But it was okay if he wasn't ready to tell me, after all, he knows nothing about mine.

"Nice of you to join us, Mr. Taylor." She muttered pushing her thin framed glasses further up her nose. She closed the door behind him as he took a seat next to me. She took a quick attendance and then explained that we would be learning about the evolution of underwater creatures.

Camden sat down next to me like I knew he would. He wore a gray hoodie with black jeans. He didn't carry a backpack, and half the time he didn't even have a pencil. The teacher was heading our way with a stern look plastered on her ancient face. She was carrying a huge stack of papers.

"Camden, you're failing this class. I'm giving you extra time to finish the homework assignments you've missed since this semester started." She said as she roughly dropped the stack of papers down on the table. I flinched at the loud noise earning a glance from Cam.

"You have until next Friday, and I suggest you have your friend Violet here tutor you." She said before walking away.

"I guess being shot doesn't get you any sympathy around here." He mumbled.

"That's a lot of homework to do," I said staring at the huge stack of unfinished paperwork. There was no way I could tutor Cam. He would never be able to concentrate.

"Are you my homework because I should definitely be doing you." He smirked. I hit his arm hoping no one heard.

"Well looks like you have a busy weekend," I joked. There was nothing in this world that could get Camden to do his homework.

"I have a better idea," he shrugged throwing his arm over my shoulder.

"Does it involve setting things on fire?" I joked. He shook his head no and mumbled a 'not this time'.

"Let's have a party and invite your pants to come on down." He suggested wiggling his eyebrows at me.

"I'm not throwing a party at my aunt's house." I said. The teacher was talking about whales and how they have evolved. Max was doodling in his notebook ignoring our conversation.

"We can throw one at Declan's house, his parents won't be home tonight." He shrugged. I guess there was no harm in that.

"We can't just throw a party at someone else's house, Cam." I laughed. The teacher shushed us and she sent us a glare. Camden moved around on the uncomfortable lab stool.

"Sure we can, I've done it a hundred times and a half." He chuckled. A half? How was that possible? I'm not going to ask.

"Fine." I sighed as I gave in. Here I go again with being easily persuaded.

We strolled through the grocery store together as we were picking out the snacks for this party. The boys thought it was a good idea and were eager at the thought. Declan was pushing the cart while Cam was running through the aisles picking out his favorite foods. I laughed as he came back with his next load emptying chips, salsa, cookies and a 6 pack of Kool-aid.

We walked through more aisles before we reached the charcoal section. Luke grabbed a package of lighters and two bundles of firewood.

Austin was grabbing the plastic cups and Declan was busy texting on his phone. He was always on that now, was it a girl perhaps?

"We're like the human version of the ninja turtles," Camden randomly exclaimed. "I'm Michelangelo the cute, funny one. Austin, you're Raphael the badass, fearless one. Luke is Leonardo, in charge and the big brother, and Declan's Donatello, because he's smart and they both start with D."

The boys stared at Cam like he was crazy. But we all knew it was true. Except the boys didn't have a giant rat giving them orders. Or did they? They don't seem to tell me anything important until it involves me being assassinated.

We walked down the chip aisle as Camden threw more bags of chips in the cart.

Before we knew it we were already at Declan's house and it was full of sweaty drunk teenagers.

I was currently dancing with Rose and Max. They were so cute together. It didn't take long before I felt like the third wheel. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned to find Austin. I was a bit surprised when he asked to dance but I didn't say no. Rose sent me a secretive wink to which I responded by laughing. Austin looked confused but he started moving anyway. Our bodies were grinding together and it was getting hotter in here by the minute. My forehead was probably sweaty as well as my clammy hands. I told Austin I'd be right back as I went to grab a water. I wasn't going to drink tonight.

I went into the kitchen grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. I felt a hand on my shoulder knowing immediately it'd be Austin.

"I'm coming sheesh," I laughed. I turned around but wasn't face to face with Austin. Instead, I was staring right into the eyes of the one and only Cash Sawyer. My smiled faded quickly as I shook his arm off me.

"Can I help you with something?" I said with as much attitude as I could muster up. He took a step forward causing me to take a step back.

"Come dance with me," he suggested holding out his hand.

"Never in a million years would I dance with you." I scoffed. I turned quick on my heels escaping the monster. But of course, just like he did with Lizzie at the dance, he had other plans.

"Ouch that kind of hurt my ego there, princess," he said grabbing my hand pulling me back. Princess? Where did that come from? Where is Lizzie?

"Good, and if you don't let go of my arm I'll make sure I'll hurt more than that." I gritted. Even I was surprised at my sudden confidence. It seems as though the boys were bringing out pieces of me I wasn't sure still existed after Ash's death. I ripped my arm from his clutch. He looked shocked but he quickly covered it. His arm that was just invading my personal space now rested at his side.

"Feisty, I'll see you soon, princess." He smirked walking away.

"Stop calling me that!" I yelled at him as he walked away. What a creep. 'I'll see you soon' what does that mean? I shook my thoughts away as I stormed off to find the boys.

I lost the boys again, although rumors said Luke was upstairs with some new girl at school. Camden was running around with only shorts on. As if on cue he came running up behind me. Before I knew what was happening I was being carried around the house by a half naked Camden. His shoulder had healed nicely.

"Cam put me down! You're crazy!" I laughed. I'm not sure how he managed to dodge everyone but he did until he stopped dead in his tracks. I wasn't sure why he paused so I peeked up over to find him having a staring contest with three other guys.

One was dark skinned, he was wearing sunglasses which was really odd since not only was it late at night but we were also indoors. The other had brown hair that was in dreads. They looked a bit older, late twenties possibly early thirties. And the last guy was Cash. His arms were crossed as he stared at us. He took a sip of his cup not dropping his eye contact. I thought he left? They stuck out like a nail in the wall.

Camden slowly pulled me down. The look in his eye was not one I was used to. I suddenly missed his playfulness.

"Vi, go get me a drink," he muttered avoiding eye contact. Unfortunately I learned the hard way what happened when I don't listen to the boys. I did as was told taking one last glance at the boys who were now cracking their knuckles. Why have they been aiming at Camden, was it because he was injured?

My heart rate sped up, something didn't feel right. I didn't feel so safe suddenly. My stomach formed itself into knots. Where's Austin?

I went into the kitchen but couldn't resist the urge to turn around once again. But when I did the boys were gone.

I caught Declan who was staring at his phone over on the couch. I walked over to sit with him. The music was so loud I could barely hear my own thoughts. There were girls throwing themselves at guys, literally. I passed a few couples who clearly needed a room.

I sat next to Ducky hoping he'd notice because there was no way he could hear me.

"Hey, what's up?" he yelled over the music. Again his face was drawn to his phone. I peeked over catching a glance at a Twitter account. It was a guys account, he had silver dyed hair that was styled.

"You alright? You look lost." I admitted. Truly he did. He's been off lately, something wasn't right.

"Can I tell you a secret?" he said. His eyes were full of emotion, what was he feeling? I nodded my head. He got up and I took the hint that I should follow. He lead us outside where it was much quieter but you could still hear the music.

"I kind of like someone, but it's not someone you'd expect." He hesitated. Confusion swam through my veins.

"Who?" I asked a little scared at the thought.

"His name's Collin." he blushed. Collin? Wait a second, Ducky just told me he likes a guy. Relief hit me like a brick.

"That's great, have you guys like hung out? Does he like you too?" I asked a bit too pushy. He laughed shaking his head no.

"I don't know if I want to tell the guys," he admitted kicking his feet in the dirt. Someone stumbled out the front door drunk as they wobbled away. I turned my attention back to Ducky who was trying to show me pictures of him. Just like the Twitter post the boy was tall and lanky.

"Ducky I think you should do whatever you want if you don't want to tell them you don't have to. I definitely won't." I smiled.

"Thanks, Vi." he smiled but then it vanished, "is that Austin?" I glanced back at the figure who just came out the door realizing it was too Austin Hayes.