Would You Trade That Heart Of Gold For A Minute In My Skin?

Your eyes wide, always ahead of the curve type,
Quiet, and confident.
Oh, we stood there, awkward and youthful, we tangled;
A piece of my soul escaped.
Oh, we are restless and tired of sleeping with giants,
A modern mankind with their egos of fire and it seems like...

Sleeping With Giant's (Lifetime): The Academy Is...

*Alex POV*

She said nothing. Fucking fantastic. I didn't need this at all. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "I don't think it's me you need to apologize to. Your dad is in hospital because you tried killing him!" I screamed. "I don't know what you want me to say Alex. You obviously made your own assumptions." She snapped after a few minutes of silence. "I want you to tell me what the fuck happened." I snapped back. "I can't!" She yelled, tears making an appearance. "Why not Grace!? I think I have a right to know if I had a criminal in my house!" I shouted, storming over to her. I knelt down and lifted her head up so she was looking me in the eye.

"Alex, let me go. You're hurting me." She whispered, grabbing my hand. "Not until you tell me the truth why you ran away." She bit her lip. "I can't tell you Alex. I don't want to hurt you. Please." My arms started shaking. I wanted to let her go, just hug, tell her I'd protect her from anything but I kept stern. "It hurts that you feel like you can't tell me truth. I need to know." I said calmly. "I don't want to hurt you anymore. I've gotta leave." She whispered in a rush, trying to get up. Out of pure instinct, I kissed her and she just melted back into stillness.   

"I still want you here. I just need to know what happened." Her bottom lip was shaking as her hands reached up and touched my face. "I have to leave. I promised no one would get hurt." She said, looking straight at me. "Your dad is in hospital, close to death, you've already hurt him." Her eyes grew from affection to anger in a matter of 3 seconds. "I told you everything about him. Everything he did! You're just like everyone else!" She screamed kicking me down below. She just missed my dick and kit my thigh. I bit my lip in pain. "Let me go! I mean it! If you don't let me go I'll tell Lisa about everything!" She threatened. I stared at her. She looked serious.

I let her go and she grabbed her shoes. "I'm sorry. I know that your dad was an asshole. But I just want to know what we're dealing with. If it was on purpose." She stared at me before opening the door and slamming it shut, without a goodbye. "FOR FUCKS SAKE." I shouted, kicking the back of the couch.  I grabbed my cell and dialled Jack's number. "Jack, hey. She's ran off. Help me look for her?"

"Yeah dude. I'll get in my car and drive around." He said, rushing around it sounded like. "Thanks man. I owe ya." I said, hanging up and grabbed my car keys.

*Jack POV*

I was just zipping up my black hoodie when my doorbell went. I answered it and Grace was standing there, tears etched across her face. "Can I come in?" She asked. I nodded speechless. She smiled and walked in, kicking off her shoes. "Can I talk to you?" I nodded and ushered her inside. "Jackie, sweetheart! Who is it!?" Mom yelled from the kitchen. "Just a friend mom!" I yelled back, grabbing her hand and getting her up the stairs. "Do you and your friend want cookies!?"

I sighed. "No mom! It's fine." I shouted back. We went into my room and I grabbed my cell out of my pocket. "What are you doing?" Grace asked in a panic. "Calling Alex. He's gone looking for you." She bit her lip and quickly grabbed my cell and threw it to one side. All of a sudden, her lips crashed into mine. That was a shock. What was a bigger shock was she unzipped my hoodie and threw it to the ground while trying to make-out with me.

"Whoa, what are you doing?" I asked as she stuck her hand up my t-shirt. She bit her lip. "Something we both wanna do." She whispered letting her hand fall lower. I gulped. "Look, you're not old enough. I can't..." She sighed and unbuckled my belt. "Jack, don't go all moral on me. I want to, Jack. With you." She leapt on my lips again, and scared I pushed her off. "You didn't even want to kiss me earlier!" I announced, dragging my fingers through my hair.

"A girl can change her mind." She whispered, kissing me again. Sure, I liked her, she wasn't bad looking and she was a nice person. She yanked her shirt off and mine in a matter of five minutes. I kissed her back, cupping her face and leading her back onto my bed. Alex would kill me if he found out.

*Grace POV*

There was no going back now. After tonight, there was nothing about the old me left, I could start again. Jack was kissing me all over, I was kinda shocked he didn't notice any of my old scars and bruises. I shut my eyes and let Jack do what he wanted. "I love you." He moaned in my ear. I gulped and let him kiss my neck. I did love Jack, I really did. One thing wasn't right, he just wasn't Alex. I could see his face after this. He'd hate me, but I didn't care. After tomorrow. I wouldn't see him ever again.

How long ago did I even update this story? xD I really should do it more often, so I'm thinking of updating this one alot before the others get updated. But that is subject to change.

Enjoyyyyy.

Laura grasped her best friend's children's hands as she opened the door. Melody ran for it, with no need for instruction. "Momma! Wake up!" She screamed, jumping on the bed. Grace sighed pulling the pillow over her head. "MOM!" Melody screamed, landing beside Grace. "Mama." Freddie added, crawling to sit with Melody. Grace chuckled and sat up, rubbing her eyes awake. "Okay, am I going to have to yell at you because of the bags under your eyes or are you going to tell me how you're so tired?" Grace giggled and yawned, picking Freddie up and put him on her lap. "Patrick called me last night and we were talking until late." She answered, stroking Melody's face. "How late is late?" Grace bit her lip and looked at Melody. "3am. I think. Give or take." Laura rolled her eyes and stole Grace's cell from her bedside cabinet. "No contact with him until he sees you walk down that aisle and you say those vows." Grace pouted at Laura. "Cute faces never work with me, so don't even try." Grace stuck her tongue out her and smiled at her kids. "Mom, you have to go get dressed. Auntie Jessica is getting mad because your dress is here." Grace sighed and pulled the duvet off her. "This is so much more stress than it's worth." She muttered under her breath, carrying her son and walking out of her bedroom. "I heard that!" Laura yelled as she reached the top of the stairs. Grace rolled her eyes and made her downstairs and into the kitchen where Jessica was yelling down the phone. "We can't afford her to be ten minutes late! That will put the whole wedding ten minutes behind. Do you know who she is marrying? Oh, fine!" She screamed slamming the phone down on the counter. "That doesn't hang up a cell phone Jessica."

"Shut up! I know!" She screamed at Grace, hanging it up properly. "The hairdresser is running behind by ten minutes. So now everything will have to behind and..." Grace sighed. "God, it's not like the end of world." She interrupted. "It's not like I've gone into labour or anything." She added, grabbing herself a bottle of water. "Don't jinx it. I do not want you giving birth in a church." Laura hissed. "Well, it has to pop out sometime."

"JUST NOT TODAY. THANKS." Jess yelled.

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The butterflies were flying in his stomach like they had been on red bull since their cocoon days. He was so nervous but he knew he shouldn't be. He sipped his coffee, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the marble counter-top of the Wentz kitchen. Patrick took a deep breath and dragged his fingers through his hair before checking his phone for any messages. Nope. None. He sighed and drank more of his fourth cup of coffee. "You'll be needing to pee all day." Jess informed as she secured Bronx in his carrier. Patrick chuckled and tipped the rest of his mug down the sink. "Happy now?" He asked sarcastically. Jess sniggered, shaking her head. "Sometimes I think you're more annoying then Pete. But then I remember how Pete used to be before you and Grace together." She shuddered which caused Patrick to laugh. "Okay, I better get over there and calm everyone down."

"I'm sure everyone will be fine." Pete offered, making an appearance. "Um, I think not. Jessica already called yelling that the hairdresser is late and how Grace is threatening to go into labour and just everything." Patrick chuckled. "Grace would threaten that to get everyone to calm down." He said, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and fore-finger. "Yeah, but as stated, it has the opposite effect." Jess argued. "Can you please get ready, make sure you're at the church on time or I'll divorce you Peter. And if you forget those rings I will then kill you with my bare hands. Cassie, come on baby!" Jess rambled. "Yes ma'am." Pete said saluting as Jess left the house. "Okay Stumpy, you going to get changed because I think Joe needs a shower, and we all know how it takes him to wash his hair." Patrick laughed and nodded, getting into the bathroom before everyone else.

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"Melody, sweetheart please don't complain about your dress." Grace sighed from her stool. "But Mom!" Grace quickly got off her stool, apologizing to the make-up artist to kneel in front of her. "Sweetie, you're not the only one to hate wearing dresses." She whispered in her ear. Melody chuckled. "But, please babe, just for now then as soon as you can, you can change. Okay?" Melody nodded as Grace hugged her and got up. "Sorry. I really am." She said to the make-up girl, sitting back up on her stool. "Oh, you're going to look so amazing when she's done." Jessica squealed. Grace scoffed at it but let the make-up artist do her thing, putting eye-shadow on her. "The hair-dresser's in with Jess." Laura stated coming out of Grace's bedroom. Her hair was down and perfectly curled. Her dress was also perfect, well since she had designed it herself, it would look perfect on her. Jessica was also done, her short brunette bob was straight and her make-up simple. Her dress was similar to Laura's, but shorter and tighter. Grace didn't even have her dress on yet, but her make-up was pretty much done. "Okay, right, dress!" Laura yelled, grabbing Grace's hand and yanking her into the bedroom.

"Clothes off! Now." Jessica ordered grabbing the dress. "Why did I even agree to wear a dress. A suit would have been better." Laura nearly choked on air. "IF YOU DON'T PUT ON THAT DRESS I WILL PUT IT ON AND MARRY PATRICK MYSELF." She shouted. "Okay. Just don't yell at the pregnant woman." Grace hissed as she pulled off her sweats and old Cobra Starship t-shirt. Jess, Jessica and Laura all adjusted the dress onto Grace, putting it in all the right places. "Hold your breath and suck in your stomach babe." Jess said. "Yeah, like that'll help." Grace scoffed. With a laugh the zip was done up and Grace stared at herself in the mirror. "Okay, grab my kids. Here goes nothing."

Hello peopleeeeee! Well, today is the day I offically had to grow up and get my exam results. I took my GCSE's in May and June and today, the 27th August, I had to go pick them up and see if I got what I needed for college. I needed 5 GCSE's graded A-C. This is what I got:

English Language: A*

English Literature: A

Maths: A

Science: A

German: C

Religious Studies: A

Geography: A

History: A*

Drama: A*

Yayaayaya. :D

The highest grade possible is an A*. :D So pleased.

I won't try to philosophize
I'll just take a deep breath then I'll look in your eyes
This is how I feel
And it's so surreal
I got a closet filled up to the brim
With the ghosts of my past and their skeletons
And I don't know why
You'd even try
But I won't lie

BoysLikeGirls: Hero/Heroine

*Grace POV*

Everything was so wrong. Alex, Jack, just everything. Tonight was the night I was meant to go to the movies with Jack and, to be honest, I was nervous. I did like Jack, I thought he was unique but when I left home, I just wanted to get away from everything. Relationships where never on my mind but they were just thrust upon me. Alex and I would talk when his parents were asleep; it wasn't a sleazy thing at all. He was one of the only people I felt I could confide in. I sighed at myself in the mirror. I didn't look great, at all. I had no clue what either guy saw in me, but what they saw they obviously liked.

I walked out of my room in black skinny jeans and a baggy shirt of Alex's. Well, it wasn't that baggy, but I just liked it. Lisa works Thursday nights, so Alex was alone. He smiled at me as I walked to sit in the lounge. "Looking forward to tonight?"  He asked from his beer bottle. I nodded, sitting down on the couch. He came from the kitchen and sat on the chair next to me. "Jack's a nice guy." He sighed regrettably. "Well, I don't know exactly." I replied. He nodded, knocking back another gulp of his beer. This silence was awkward now. It never normally was, but now I was going out with Jack, it was.

After a few moments, he grasped the TV remote and switched the television on. He seemed to hate this silence as much as I did. The news was on, and that was about it so he just left it on. He wasn't paying attention to it, his eyes were vacant. I glared at the TV, just waiting for Jack to come in. "...a man from New York has pleaded for his daughter to come home tonight. Stating 'you are forgiven.'" The anchorwoman drawled. They showed a picture of the guy in hospital. My eyes stared at him, my body twitching.

*Alex POV*

"...Kevin Harold's daughter pushed her father down the stairs and then ran away from her Brooklyn home. Her parents have pleaded for her to return home safely..." The door went so I got up and answered it. When I came back into the room with Jack, the television was switched off. "You ready?" Jack asked her. "Um, yeah. Sure." She answered quickly and nervously. She was shaking as she left, so I left that down to nerves as I turned the television back on.

"...And here is a picture of Grace." My eyes shot open wider. I wasn't interested before, but now I was as I stared at a picture of the girl I think I loved. "She left her home in all black and her location right now is unknown. If you see her, contact the police because it is thought her behaviour could be dangerous..." I turned off the tube before I heard anymore. She wasn't telling me the whole truth. She nearly killed her dad, so the police must want her for attempted murder. He must have tried hurting her again, and she was defending herself.

But I really didn't know that. I'd need to confront her. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed another beer. This was gonna be a long wait.

*Grace POV*

The last time I went to the movies was when I was kid for a birthday party, when my parents were keeping up that perfect family persona. I sat in my seat, at the back, next to Jack while he ate the most popcorn I had seen in my life.  He was the kind of person you felt the need to love because he's so adorable, you just wanna keep him in your back pocket and pull him out when you're sad. He smiled at me as the movie started. It was a cartoon movie I think, oh yes it was. With talking dogs. Such a Jack movie.

That news report played through my mind as the movie rolled. I kept watching the movie, but I was just seeing my dad in that hospital, tubed up and everything. He looked so vulnerable. If Jack or Alex saw what I was capable of doing, they'd turn me in. Then I'd go back to him, his rules. I could feel the beating already. I just stared at the screen as we sat there, that was until I heard Jack yawn and felt his arm around my shoulder. That was the cheesiest move in all of existence. I just tapped his hand, chuckling. Why couldn't my whole life be like this, light-hearted and no regrets?

Suddenly, Jack's lips were in my hair, grazing against the skin of my neck. Oh fuck. "Um...Jack." I whispered. He didn't reply and his hand grabbed my jaw, pulling my lips towards his. Part of me screamed for him to get the fuck off and part just grabbed him and pulled him closer. My emotions are so fricking indecisive.  I sat there for a few minutes, just letting Jack make-out with me. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, I just didn't know a lot about this. And I didn't know how I felt. He stopped suddenly. "Um, sorry about that." He said breathlessly. I nodded, wiping my mouth on my sleeve. It was obvious he didn't regret a thing, so when the movie ended, we didn't talk.

"I'm not really sorry, okay?!" He yelled when we got in the car. I chuckled at his animated expression. "I can't this fucking silence, it's like I've suddenly gone and deaf." I nodded, but giggled all the same. "I forgot that you were new to this."

"Hey it's cool, I mean, just I don't wanna move fast with anything. I wanna get settled here first before I commit myself to anything." Basically, in Grace talk, 'I don't if I like you enough to date you because I think I might like your best friend. And hey, even staying here isn't defiant yet so back the fuck off.' He smiled, turning into Alex's drive. "You're young, I would have been the same. Just friends for now then?" He offered. I nodded, giving him hug.

As soon as I walked back into the house, kicked off my sneakers and walked into the living room, my happiness drained. Alex was sat on the couch directly opposite me, staring into space until he met my eyes. "I'm going to give you one chance to explain to me what the fuck you did."  He hissed without emotion. "I don't know what you mean." I stuttered. He stared at me, more through me. "That news report was interesting. Watching it again might, you know, jog your mind." I started shaking and fell to the floor.

Fuck. He knew. He knew that I had nearly killed my dad.

I really should update this more. :|

::I'm Sick And Tired Of Always Writing Songs About You::

So fold your hands child
And walk straight now
Go on take your best shot
They can never find
Our secret hiding spot
Where we play all day
We'll go on and on anyways
Fold Your Hands Child: Cobra Starship

*Jasey POV*

"ALEX, PLEASE! I'M ALRIGHT!" I yelled at him for the fifth time. He insisted on wheeling me out of the hospital, when I could have easily walked. "I'm just worried about you, that's all. Calm down." He replied. I sighed and leant my head on my hand. "I thought you like being pampered." He muttered. "Yeah, like, a romantic meal or something. Not being treated like an elderly aunt." I heard him chuckle. "You want me to cook, I will." I jumped out of my wheelchair. "No way Gaskarth. I wouldn't trust you anywhere near any cooking appliance. Ever." Alex laughed and dumped the wheelchair and just held my hand as we walked to the car.

I wanted to bring Holly up, but I didn't want to ruin this pleasant feeling. Instead, Alex did for me. "Haley's been looking for her you know?" He stated, opening the car door for me. "Holly?" He nodded watching me get into the car, before shutting my door. I waited for him to get into the car and strap himself in before talking again. "Any luck?" He glanced down, biting his lower lip. I knew what the answer was. He shook his head. I put my hand on his shoulder. "We'll find her baby. She's out there, and we'll get her back." He smiled and touched my hand. "Can I have some of your optimism?" I chuckled and kissed his cheek.

"It'll be alright, trust me." He didn't reply, and just started up the engine. I glanced out of the window, watching the scenery go by. "If we find her, will be able to take her back?" He whispered, squeezing my knee. I bit my lip, but nodded anyways. "We should do." He smiled and put his hand back on the steering wheel. The truth was, I didn't think we could. Adoption was so complicated these days. Even the involuntary kind. "How did the show go last night?" I asked, looking at Alex. He smiled. "Pretty awesome. Everyone was pretty much asking me how you were, if you were okay and shit like that." He said, nudging my shoulder. I chuckled. This was how it used to be, before my mom died. So natural, easy and fun that it was just like laughing. You felt the need to do it, because it made you feel better.

"Japan next isn't?" He nodded, glancing either side of the junction. "You guys are gonna have so much fun." His eyebrows lowered, meaning he was confused. "Aren't you coming with us?" I bit my lip picking at the hole in my faded denim jeans. "I was thinking I'd go with Haley, see if I can help find Holly." Alex inhaled sharply. "I need to keep an eye on you Jasey. I can't ever let you out of my sight again." I sighed. "Alex, I'm a big girl now. I need to find our baby." I reassured, put my hand on his knee. "I can look after myself."

"Yeah, because falling into Lake Michigan was fucking responsible." He muttered taking a left to our hotel. I ripped my hand off him, my eyes hurt but thundering. As soon as he had parked, I stormed out slamming the car's door shut. I ignored him until I got inside and he needed to show me which room we were in. "Jasey that comment was uncalled for, sorry." He said when I slumped onto the double bed. I sighed and glanced at Alex. "I want to find Holly honey. I really do."

"I do too; I mean, I never even got the chance to see her. I just want to be there when you find her." I could understand where he was coming from. I'd want to be there if he found her. "Haley's made so many inquires and nothing's come up." He said regrettably, sitting next to me. My fingers tickled the small of his back as he sighed. "Why don't we go down there, to Franklin, and ask ourselves." I suggested. "We could, I'll call them up now if you want." He replied.

I sat up sharply as he pulled his cell phone out of his jean pocket. After getting the operator to put him through, he put it loudspeaker so we both could hear everything.

*Alex POV*

"Hello, Franklin social services. How can I help?" I inhaled and gulped. "Hi, this story is gonna sound unlikely but you need to listen." I said. The woman inhaled too. "Okay sir, what's your problem?" Jasey took over. "When I was seventeen, I moved to Franklin and I had a baby 3 months premature and my father, Dr. Richard Williams, tricked me into signing adoption papers for my daughter. Her name was Holly Karen Gaskarth-Rae." I heard the receptionist typing. "You gave her my surname?" I whispered. She smiled to one-side and nodded. I kissed her forehead. "What's your name?"

"Jasey Elizabeth Harrison-Rae. My name might be under just Jasey Rae." More typing followed. "Your daughter was adopted, but it was a closed adoption. There's nothing I can do."

"I was forced into it! I never, ever, wanted to give my baby up. Holly was too special." The woman sighed. "All you can do is file for a court order to get custody of your daughter back. Her adoptive parents are more likely to keep custody of Holly overall." I was close to tears, Jasey's eyes were flooding so I talked. "What if we sort after her without the courts, if her adoptive parents want to give her back can we then have her?"

"Sir, in that case you would have to find the parents and request from them custody of your child. It is possible." I smiled, sighing in relief. "Can I possibly have the address so I can go to them personally?" I could tell the woman was nervous. "I will. Just, tell anyone where the hell you got it from." Jasey leapt back to life. "We won't. Just, please." The woman sighed and after what seemed like endless seconds she repeated an address. In LA. "Thank you so much. Sorry we didn't get your name."

"Jessica." She said quietly. "Jessica. Thank you so much." She chuckled once. "It's okay. Just, do what you can." Jasey smiled widely. "We will. Thanks. Bye!" She hung up and lunged at me with a hug. I hugged her back, rubbing my face in her shoulder. "I can't believe we've found her." She whispered. "Yeah. I can't either."

In high school, he was the class clown running around the track in just boxers. On a school trip, he packed a water gun which scared every single member of airport security while we were flying to DC. The strip search was the most hilarious to happen in our school's history. I met him on that trip; he simply asked to sit next to me on the plane. The girl reading a book on economics. Yep, you read right, economics.

He sat down and smiled lightly at me. I knew his name; everyone did in the sophomore year. "Hi!" He shouted, putting his hand in the air. I pushed my glasses back up my nose and smiled weakly. "I'm Jack by the way." I nodded, causing my glasses to fall back to the edge of my nose. "Are you new or something? I don't think I've seen you before." I bit my lip and shook my head, still reading my book. "Are you like, a mime or something?! Because that would be awesome, or are you like, retarded and can't speak?" I stifled a snigger. Boy, this kid was blunt and to the point. "I can speak, I just prefer not to." I answered politely. He nodded and glanced at the title of my book, meaning he had to lean a long way. "Economics? Is this what you do in your fucking free time?" I sighed and slammed my book shut. "Can you please let me read? And like keep your mouth shut. And swearing isn't clever you know so stop cursing right in my ear. Thanks." I rambled before turning around so my back was facing. Gotta love the window seat.

"Are you like, on your period or something because if you get PMS that's totally fine with me, but you do need to chill out. Let loose, relax." I rolled my eyes and just continued reading. "Or are you too embarrassed to talk about your woman troubles?" I bit my lower lip, hard, and shut my book again. I shuffled around to face him and I was going to throw all these insults at him when an announcement was made that we were taking off. Oh holy mother of Jesus. My book landed with a loud thump on the floor as the plane set into motion. I gripped the arms within an inch of my life, unaware at that time that Jack had put his hand on mine to comfort me. I only noticed when the seatbelt sign went off, so all the kids started jumping about. I ripped my hand away like it had been burnt and cradled it. "It's alright to be afraid of flying you know?" I tucked my fringe behind my left ear and reached under the seat in front of me for my book.

When I found it and sat back up, Jack was heavily involved in a paper ball fight with some other guys towards the back of the plane. One hit the back of my head. "Oh shit. ALEX IS DICK! YOU JUST HIT MY FRIEND!" The guy called Alex quickly yelled a response. "YOU DON'T HAVE ANY FRIEND'S BARAKAT!" Jack just laughed, flipped him off and sat back down. "He's always taking the piss. He's my best friend, so I guess he's allowed." I nodded, still reading. "I feel it's quite rude because I don't know your name and know mine." He said, impersonating my slightly posh accent. I chuckled. "I'm Francesca." His eyes widened. "And what era are you from?" You had to laugh. I'd thought about that loads of times. "I didn't exactly get to name myself." He giggled and nudged me. "So Francesca." He said, emphasising the snobbery sound of my name. "What classes do you take, because I swear I've never seen you before?" I gave up on reading and shut my book. "Calculus, Algebra Level two, Economics, English and World History." His eyes widened. "Okay, what planet are you from because that sounds like my nightmare?" I laughed lightly. "I'm from around here, I was at your elementary school for a year and I'm in your English class." He nodded.

"My surname is Bond, that's how Mr. Stephenson addresses me." He clapped his hands. "Oh yeah! You live in that h-u-ge house near school. Is your dad called James?" He asked, chuckled. "No, close. Jeremy." His mouth made an o shape. "Hey Jack, you better come back here, Zack just... OH HELLO THERE." I rolled my eyes, Alex Gaskarth, the emo heart-throb of Baltimore Central High-School. I rolled my eyes and re-opened my book. "Okay, someone's officially pissed." I just inhaled sharply and ignored his comment. "Alex, this is Francesca. Franky, this is Alex."

"Whoa! Franky? That's not my name that time I checked." I interrupted. "Yeah, but Franky sounds cooler. Trust me, it suits ya." I rolled my eyes while Alex and Jack talked, continuing to read quietly until I needed to get my MP3 player out of my backpack and plug myself in. I was bobbing along to Green Day, finally relaxed about this stupid flight. Until, that is, when Jack decided he'd steal it. "WHOA. I did not have you down as a Green Day die-hard. Can I check out your other artists?" I sighed, took out my earphones and handed him the MP3. He was like a child, quite happy messing around with things that didn't belong to him.

"You have amazing taste, just so you know." I chuckled. "I mean, Fall Out Boy, Blink 182, Green Day, Aerosmith, Jimmy Eat World and god, I did not expect this." He said, sounding winded. I grabbed my MP3 from him, smiling. "Well, what did you expect? Britney and Madonna?" He smirked and nodded. "I kinda did actually." I shrugged and took my MP3 back. "Well, never judge a book by its cover Jack. I mean, you look like a skunk but that doesn't mean you smell really bad." He punched my arm lightly, chuckling. "Gotta dig my blonde streak, it's a statement." I shook my head and popped my MP3 and book back into my backpack which was at my feet.

He pretty much fell asleep after that, and when his friend Alex decided he'd come and pour water on him, he jumped out of his seat which made me jump. "HOLY HELL. THAT WAS NOT COOL." The air hostess came by, told by guys to sit down because we were landing. "Need someone to hold your hand?" He asked politely, holding his right hand out. I shook my head but when we started descending, I gripped it so hard; I think his poor hand went numb. I even had made nail marks on his palm. I let him go and I knew that I wouldn't see him or talk to him again on this trip most likely.

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 "BUT SIR, SINGLE SEX ROOMS ARE SO BORING!"  Alex Gaskarth yelled loudly at Mr. Ryan, our World History professor. "Sorry Mr. Gaskarth but rules are rules. I can't let you share a room with a girl because I'd be responsible for whatever happened. Sexual or otherwise. Plus, you guys are under the legal age." Alex sighed and dropped his arm from around his girlfriend, Keighley, I think her name was. "I thought you were cool sir." He said sadly. "Sorry to disappoint you Alex, but rules are rules." He clapped his hands, catching everyone in group's attention.

"Okay, this place sleeps three a room, so you guys get into three of the same sex and then Ms. Harlow and I will hand out your keys. Then we can stat our learning tomorrow, followed by a small party..." The amount of claps and cheers around the group were second to none. "With no alcohol because we have a plane back to Baltimore. The rest of today is relaxation, as long as you're back in your rooms by 11pm, you can go out. But! If you're not back, it'll be detention for a whole month." The groans followed and then the picking frenzy began.

I stayed away from the group; I'll just get put with the kids who need an extra person. "Um hi." This girl with bouncy brunette greeted. "I'm Kara, and this is Keighley. We need an extra person and we were wondering if you wanted to share?" I glanced around; no one else seemed to need me so I nodded smiling. "I'm Francesca." I greeted in return. "OH. YOU'RE FRANKY!" Keighley screamed. "Jack mentioned you. It's so cool to see you." She said, shaking my hand firmly. "Thanks, I think." I replied, glancing at Jack who was sharing with Alex and his more muscular friend. "Okay girls, here's your key." Said Ms.Harlow. "Room 312 so why don't you ditch your bags up there then you can relax." I nodded and took the key, heading towards the elevator when Jack, Alex and their friend jumped in with us. "Keighley! What room are you?" She smiled, wrapping herself around him. "312, yourself?" He waved the key in her face. "313. Across the hall from you guys." She clapped her hands, squealed and kissed his cheek.

She kinda reminded me of a leech.

"Franky! Hi!" Jack greeted, patting my head. I was about a foot shorter than him, but I slapped his hand away before chuckling. "Hi Jack." He smiled. "Zack, this is Franky." He nodded as he looked at me. That kid scared me already. "You sharing with Kara and Keighley?" I nodded, pushing my glasses back up my nose. "Oh, that's so cool! We can have like, a sleepover tonight." I bit my lip and shook my head, pulling my backpack back onto my shoulder. "Thanks but I'll just be a party pooper." He looked a little sad but he seemed to understand. "That's okay, but you're defiantly coming tomorrow night. I'll drag you along." I chuckled as the elevator opened. "See you around Franky." Jack said sweetly as we got to the corridor between our rooms. "See you." I watched him, and he watched me. That is, he walked into a shut door. Everyone laughed as he kicked the door, and then hopped around grabbing his foot. Kara and Keighley ushered me into our room.

"Oh. My. God. Did you see him stare at you Franky?!" Kara yelled, claiming the middle bed. "Not really. He was just being friendly." Keighley rolled her eyes.  "You are new to this. I could see he was eyeing you up earlier. Our Jackie has a crush!" I rolled my eyes back, claiming the only available bed next to the window. Jack didn't have a crush on me; I knew it and he did to. The girls went out after an hour and I laid on my bed, MP3 and books being my source of relaxation. At about seven, someone came on knocked on the door. I answered it, mainly so I could tell them to shove off. "Hey Franky." Jack greeted, all dressed up in black skinnies and a shirt. "Um, hey Jack." I replied, opening the door more a little more. "You sure I can't interest you in hanging out? We're going out now for some shit to eat then heading to our room for some fun." I smiled and touched his arm. "Thanks but honestly, I'd rather not." He sighed, flicking his fringe out of his face. "Well, then, at least let me take you to this party tomorrow night. Or like, promise a dance." I smiled.

"I promise you one dance."

"A slow one." He quickly noted for me. I nodded. "Okay, a slow one. See you tomorrow." He put his hand up and waved as I shut the door. Did that just happen? I think Jack was just trying to ask me out on a date. Or was I just being paranoid?

---------------------------------------------------------x--------------------------------------------------------

"...and that's the history of that." Mr. Ryan finished as we were standing around the Washington monument. "Okay guys, that's today's activities done!" Everyone cheered and clapped. I did too, trying to put my notes in my backpack at the same time. I dropped it on Jack's feet. He was paired with me, just by chance. Yeah right. Kara and Keighley are 110% sure Jack has a crush on me. Part of me wanted it to be true, I mean, I liked him, but he was too popular. He could get a cheerleader like Keighley or a punk model like Kara. Not someone as plain as me. I mean, I've never touched make-up before.

"Here you are Franky." I smiled warmly in response, and took the notepad from him. I stuffed it in my backpack and zipped it before throwing back over my shoulder. "So, I'll come pick you up with Alex at 7. If that's cool? I know how long you girls take to get ready." I chuckled as we started walking back to our accommodation. "I take less time then you, the amount of gel you guys put in your hair." I pointed out, giggling. He rubbed his hair, laughing nervously. "IT AIN'T HAIR GEL. IT'S SEAMEN!" Alex yelled from behind us. Jack hit him jokingly while I laughed. "I love that movie." I stated. "I do too. Can't beat it really, except from the classics. Freddie got Fingered, now that is immense." I nodded in agreement.

We continued chatting about movies until we went our separate ways in the corridor between our rooms. I walked in with Kara and Keighley hot on my tail, almost pushing me in. "I FEEL LIKE I'M IN GREASE." Kara said, very loudly. "What the hell?" I asked. Keighley smiled and sat me down on her bed. "For this dance, party, whatever you wanna call it. We're gonna make you over. Alex suggested it." My eyes widened. "Oh, no. I'm okay. I'll just change into my jeans and a shirt, brush my hair and teeth then I'll be done." Kara's eyes widened. "Look, I see you with Jack. You obviously like each other. Why don't you show him how amazingly beautiful you can be."

"If Jack likes me, he likes me like this." I pointed out, pushes my glasses back up my nose. "Okay, what about for an experiment? See how Jack reacts when he picks you up and you look so beautiful, he goes into a coma." I laughed at Keighley's statement. It would be quite interesting to see how I looked with make-up on, hair done properly, and outfit perfect and girly. I sighed at my defeat. "Fine, just this once." The two girls squealed and took my glasses away. "Please tell me you have contacts." I nodded, even though I couldn't see much more than a blur now. "In my backpack, front pocket in the plastic case." Kara, I think, jumped to my backpack, empting it before putting something on the dresser. "Okay, right so if I pull your hair out of this pony tail then style it." Keighley said. "You do the make-up and then we'll find the perfect outfit." The high-fived each other and set to work.

My hair was yanked with a brush; my face was touched over and over again with so many different make-up products and brushes, that I had lost count. "Kara, that make-up really suits her." She smiled. "I know simple yet effective. I'm loving those waves in her hair; perhaps we should curl them a little." Keighley clapped and heated up her curlers. "Okay, do you mind if I go through your clothes?" Kara asked. I shrugged as I felt hot metal touch my hair. I heard her tut at most of my clothes, actually all of them so she resorted to her and Keighley's clothes. "I'm thinking your sliver, low cut number with my ripped black skinnies."

"Studded belt and my pearls. The big chunky ones." Kara clicked her fingers and threw everything she had listed onto the bed next to me. "Once Keigh is finished with your hair, I can get ready while you dress. Then we'll be ready for them." I nodded, nervous. "Voila! My god, I can work miracles." I chuckled and reached for the clothes they'd given me. I stumbled into the bathroom and pulled on the costume. The top was sliver and glittery, something I'd be scared to pick up in any store. It was as low-cut as I could imagine so I kept my black vest on. I pulled the jeans over my hips, which showed my skin even paler then it was before. The black leather of the belt was decorated with hard, reflective metal as studs. I just put it on and held my breath as I clipped the pearls around my neck. I held onto the wall as I stepped out, meeting Kara and Keighley's excited squeals.

"OH MY GOD. YOU LOOK SO AMAZING." They said in unison. Kara passed me my contacts with the statement. "Time for Franky to see." I inhaled sharply and poked both contacts into my eyes. What I saw in the mirror was just, not me. "Who am I looking at?" I asked which caused both girls to laugh. My black hair was down and curled perfectly, with a large side sweeping fringe which skimmed my left eye. My eyes were outlined with heavy black with sliver glitter on the lids. My skin was porcelain pale, like a china doll.

"I feel like I've just stepped out of a copy of Alternative Press."

--------------------------------------------------x---------------------------------------------------

After Kara and Keighley were dressed, made-up and shoes picked, I pulled on my battered vans. I needed some form of closure if I was actually going out like this. My stomach was doing several somersaults a minute while we were waiting. On the dot at seven three knocks landed on our door. Kara answered with Keighley. "So guys, you ready?" They asked, however I didn't see their response. "Is Franky in there?" Before I knew it I was being thrown into Jack's arms. He stared down at me, is jaw dropping. "Oh my fucking..."

"You look so hot." Alex blurted out before covering his mouth. "Um, yeah. I was going to say that." Jack reasoned, still looking at me with an open jaw. "Right, let's get this party started!" Keighley announced, ushering us all downstairs. I could Jack's eyes on me as we went down the elevator and as we went into the large ballroom. "Come on Jack! We gotta dance this place down!" Alex howled yanking his hand. I just watched for awhile while Jack, Alex and Zack danced around the room, starting a conga line several times and then Alex unbuttoning his shirt and spinning it above his head. You had to laugh. Jack jumped off the speakers, playing air guitar and skidded towards me on his knees. "I believe you promised me a dance." I sighed and nodded as he pulled me onto the dance floor. "I know you really like Green Day, so I asked for this slow song."

Summer has come and past, the innocent can never last. Wake me up when September ends. Like my father has come to pass, seven years has gone so fast. Wake me up when September ends.

I swayed with him, my short arms just reaching around his neck. I could feel all eyes on us as we danced around slowly. "You do look really hot by the way." He stated. I smiled, my cheeks blushing. "Thanks Jack."

"But I'm sucker for a girl in glasses." He bent down so his lips vibrated against my ear. "They're so sexy." I gulped, my stomach returning back to its somersaults. He stood back up as the guitar solo kicked in. This seemed like my only chance. I was scared about the fact that I'd be a one-night thing, but for the first time in my life I said. "Fuck it." I whispered, jumping up so my legs wrapped around his waist. His hands held me by my thighs. I put my lips forcefully against his, my hands completely ruining his hair. He was not expecting that. He quickly responded, opening my mouth with his tongue. I was just melting inside. This was the best feeling I'd ever experienced.

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I woke up and Kara and Keighley were still sleeping soundly. I sat up and smiled, remembering last night vividly. Jack, after the party was over, walked me to my room and kissed me goodnight. Just one on the cheek. I knew from then it was still a friendship thing, but that didn't bother me. I had tried. I quickly showered and changed back into a long sleeved shirt and my only pair of skinny jeans. Kara was in the shower, Keighley still packing and I was putting my vans on when someone knocked impatiently on the door.

"I'll get it!" I yelled, pushing my glasses back up my nose. I opened the door and I was met with Jack. "Hey Jack." I greeted, smiling. He didn't reply, but bent down, putting a hand either side of my face kissing me. I put my hands on his chest, ready to push him off, but I didn't. He let me breath and leant his forehead against mine before kissing it. "Last night was the best idea you've ever had. I've been wanted to kiss you all night. Since you joined my elementary school..."

"Wait. What?" I interrupted, breathlessly. "I saw you then and I liked you. You joined my economics class and I thought it was you, but I saw you and I thought you were beautiful. I lost hope on the plane, but I can't wait any longer."

"That's funny, because neither can I."

She's dancing alone, I'm ready to go but she's so
(Lost in stereo, lost in stereo)
She's out of control, so beautiful
(Lost in stereo, lost in stereo)
And I've been waiting for so long but she'll never know
I'm losing hope 'cause she's so
(Lost in stereo, lost in stereo)

I am home! Yes I am. I can tell you, I really missed home. Well, some of it here. Like Buzznet of course. LOL. My holiday was quite uneventful, expect my stupid fucking iPod decided it would mess up and frezze all the time, delete some of my songs and just be a complete bitch. I've restored three times, no luck so it's been sent of to be repaired so I have no iPod for up to 28 days, aka 4 weeks. I am so screwed.

However, On my arrival home, I pre-ordered Hot Mess which will be a highlight of my summer, including Nothing Personal of course. I suffered heat stroke while on holiday though, thankfully that only lasted a day, so I'm better now. :)

I didn't get much time to write, I'm so sorry, but I did manage to get this one chapter written for Manage Me and one for I'm Sick And Tired. So sorry for the lackage. Anyways, pictures from my vaccation will be up soon, some already are but the rest up soon.

On with the story. :)

Even though she doesn't believe in love,
He's determined to call her bluff
Who could deny these butterflies?
They're filling his gut
Waking the neighbors, unfamiliar faces
He pleads though he tries
But he's only denied
Now he's dying to get inside
Remembering Sunday: All Time Low

*Grace POV*

I just stared at him, my eyes wide and electric. I ripped my arm out of his grasp. "What did you say?" I choked out from the bottom of my throat. He stared at me at me, before looking down at the floor. "Alex, tell me what you said." He looked up at me, his eyes more harsh then before. "Please." I begged. He gulped it seemed before reaching my eyes again. "I think I might be falling for you." My whole body started shaking. "Alex..." I sighed. "Don't even say it." He interrupted quickly. I fell back onto my bed, my hands caught my head. "This is exactly what I didn't want to happen."

"I didn't exactly want it to happen either. I mean, you're a fucking minor." I rolled my eyes. "Can you drop the fact that I'm a minor out this fucking equation? Even if it's for two seconds." He exhaled sharply, but nodded all the same. "Alex, this can't happen. I'm trouble, and I refuse to bring you down with me." He didn't move from his position, almost like those living statues. "I can't let you get involved, I shouldn't have let you bring me back here, I should have ran, I should of just left you alone..." His lips covered my mouth before I could say anymore.

His tongue was causing havoc in my mouth, making all my nerve endings tingle with sparks of electricity. I wanted to get the hell off me, but I also didn't. I wanted him to throw me out, let me fend for myself but I didn't deep down. I wanted to stay here, attached to Alex, our bodies naturally melting into each other's. Except, that was a fucking fairytale. One I needed to get over before I got hurt. I quickly pushed him off and shifted to the wall, still sat on the bed. My body was supported but if I moved anymore, I'd faint. He stared at me from above. "Can't you understand? I know it's wrong, sort of, but I can't let you just run away. Or go to another guy, like Jack. I'd stare at you, wishing that you were holding my hand, laughing at my jokes, kissing my lips and not his." I refused to meet his gaze. "I want you stay here, because I know I love you enough not to let you go."

It sounded harsh in my head, seriously, I wanted my brain to shut up and my mouth to be suddenly zipped shut, but it wasn't. Without thinking, I stated. "I don't love you Alex." Lies, fucking lies. His eyes widened, water glassing over his elegant brown eyes. "You don't?" My body want to scream that I loved him, that I wanted him to kiss me. Instead I shook my head, cradling my knees. I thought he'd storm out, demand me to leave but he sat down and tucked my fringe behind my ear. "Can I ask why? You can trust me."

"Alex, I don't love you because I don't want you to get hurt. I can't let him." I hissed darkly. "...or anyone else hurt you because of who I am and what I've done." He looked so confused. "What do you mean?" I swallowed my pride. "The reason I ran away, the reason I can't let myself love you, the reason I..." I just rubbed the inside of my left wrist. He nodded in understanding. "He claimed he loved me, and I think he did, but what he did made me change my mind. But I still loved him Alex, and I can't do that all over again. I don't want to run away anymore." I said quickly, with hysteria in my voice as tears poured down my cheeks. "Grace, slow down. Explain."

"My dad. He made me run away. I couldn't take it anymore." His eyes widened. "What do you mean?" I stared at him, throwing my long sleeved shirt on the floor. He then got I was saying.

*Alex POV*

My eyes scanned all over her torso, blotches of purple, yellow and black covered every inch of pale skin. Scratches, cuts and wounds were healing but nowhere near healed enough. "You dad did all this to you?" I asked and she quickly replied with a nod. "Did you report him?" Her eyes left mine as she looked to her feet, shaking her head. "Why did he do it to you?" She inhaled sharply before she cried and shrugged. "I have no idea. My mom would just stand there, do nothing during the beating but after, when he'd gone to the bar, she'd patch me up, kiss my wounds. She never stood up to him, we both didn't but Danny, that's my older brother, he did and he stabbed him." Okay, I was seriously shocked now. Scared actually. "We took him to the emergency department, he claimed he'd been mugged and the doctor's just stitched him up. He left very shortly after that. About a month ago."

"Where do you tie into this?" I asked. She bit her lower lip and pointed to the cut under her chest. "That was my narrow escape. I went to the hospital, alone, I didn't need stitches so they sent me on my way with painkillers. That was about a week ago, maybe more. I left my mom a note in her purse, then I ran. I caught a train here and then you picked me up."  Everything sort of made sense now. She didn't like being touched because her dad hit her all the time. "He drank a lot too. That's why alcohol is like, a no go zone for me." Now everything was pretty much crystal clear. I quickly wrapped her up tightly in my arms, minding all the bruises on her shoulders.

She was still crying softly onto my shirt, but I didn't care. All I wanted to do now was protect her and never let her get hurt again. I couldn't live with myself if that happened. I took her face in my hands, rubbing under eyes with my thumbs. Her tears landed on them and I smiled sympathetically. "You can't say a word to anyone. They'll make me go home; they'll make me stay with him. I can't go through that. He'll kill me." Her eyes then fired at me as he touched my hair. "He'll try and kill you. I can't let him. I can't." She was in hysteria mixed with paranoia.

"I won't tell anyone, he won't find you." I told her firmly. She was about to say something when I said again. "He won't find you. I swear." She nodded, blinking slowly.

*Grace POV*

He promised me that'd I'd never get hurt again, but he didn't know what I had done. He'd get hurt. My time was running out here. When he found out, he'd get rid of me. "Okay." I replied quietly. He nodded. "Why don't you put your shirt back on?" I smiled lightly as he leant over the bed and got my shirt for me. I pulled it over my head and stared at Alex as he left. Jack was standing by the door and came straight in.

I smiled as he sat next to me. "I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime? Just you and me?" He added, hearing Alex's sharp inhale from the doorway. I bit my lip and nodded. He smiled widely. "That's great." He sighed gratefully, kissing my forehead. I walked out of my room with him, as Lisa emerged out of Alex's room, in his shirt. "Hey baby." She whispered, latching herself onto him. Almost like a leech. He kissed her forehead and hugged her. While Jack was in the bathroom and Lisa in his shoulder, I mouthed. "I love you too."