xoxo's

11

2008-06-14T18:33:00.002+08:00

Shit.

Shit, shit, shit.

How could he have been so reckless? So clumsy, so utterly stupid? What had he been thinking? Flirting was fine. But kissing her?

Kane sat on his bed massaging his temples. Kissing her was a mistake.

Kane Gerry didn't do mistakes.

He knew he how much he wanted her, but to actually do anything to her? Miranda was a friend, and he was a player.

He didn't do friends. Not in that way, at least.

Things like Miranda took time. She wasn't just some blondie bimbo who'd jump into bed with just anyone. What she craved, he couldn't give her yet. Things like actual love or anything coming close to that took alot of time. And alot of skill. Right now, he had neither of those things.

Kane looked around his room. The four walls small and paint was peeling. Empty beer bottles scattered across his bedroom floor.

This place needs a fix, he thought bitterly.

I need one too.

Kane reached down and felt around under his bed. It was dusty and really uncomfortable, but he smiles when his hand clasped around cold metal.

Bingo.

He pulled out the small metal box. The sides were rusting away from age and the air. An American flag shone boldly on the top lip. Kane opened the lid and inhaled the faint bitter smell of weed. He rolled up a joint like an old pro, licking the end to seal it.

He took a lighter from his bedside table and lit up the joint. Kane inhaled, savouring the deep burning sensation as the heat seared his insides. The bittersweet aroma filling up his lungs as his eyelids started to flutter.

With a lazy grin spread across his face, Kane laid back onto the headboard of his bed. His mind whirled as he rose to the height of estacy. Colours swirled all around making his head spin.

Miranda and the problems that came with her came with her could wait. Now, he needed an escape, and this was the perfect one.

10

2008-05-02T17:33:00.002+08:00

Beth normally feared what others thought of her. But this morning, she didn't care. She smiled at herself in the mirror and this feeling was new to her. She finally felt confident in what she saw.

After the way Reed had made her feel last night, she told herself that nothing would hold her back from life anymore. The scandals, the lies, the insecurities. And the three hours of standing in front of the mirror was all worth it., because she had finally found the perfect outfit which made her look great and feel awesome. She had chosen tot take a different route, seeing as how her ever faithful tee and jeans combo has become her daily uniform. Beth donned a purple sleeveless turtle-neck top and a short khaki skirt. She tied a black sash around her skirt, leaving it to hang loosely around her hips.

Beth could only smile at her reflection as she saw as she applied her final layer of lip gloss. Its been a while since she felt like this, Excitement and confidence flowed in her blood, and no one could take that away from her.

Well, except for Harper.

Harper. The queen of Grace High. Miss Popularity. Prom Queen. Clawed her way to the top, and stepped on anyone who was in her way. The all star bitch.

Beth's confident smile faded when she saw the arrogant smirk on Harper's face. Beth once again felt small and self-conscious, walking through the familiar halls of the school. She knew that Harper despised her, because she was the first one to get her hands on Adam.

Oh, how she dreaded the way Harper looked at her with spite every morning. But at that time she had Adam to give her support. He was always by her side, eventhough sometimes he didn't understand what was happening. He was always there whenever she needed him. He'd always be there for her whenever she was in trouble. He'd even stood up once for Beth when Harper wasn't being very friendly. He defended his girlfriend from his best friend.

Reed was a dropout. One out of grace high. That meant that Beth had to face people like Harper alone. The crowd that came with dating the all-star quarterback evaporated with Adam when it was all over. Joan, Kelly, Sue and the gang left her as soon as she left him. She had no one to fall back on. Her old friends were left abandoned when Adam arrived. He occupied alot of her time.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Harper said spitefully and a tad too loud, grabbing attention from all around. Students stopped dead in their tracks, heads turned and all eyes were on them.

"Harper," Beth greeted her. Her voice was patient, but inside she was shaking.

"So, i heard you're with that guy, Weed or something right?" Harper's hands were crossed, a devilish smile wide across her face.

"Reed," Beth said through gritted teeth, her patience running thin. "His name is Reed. I thought you'd remember, seeing as how you've dated him before."

Harper's widened smile fell a little. Beth knew that she hit it right, but she knew this victory wouldn't last long. Harper took a short breath and returned her sharp gaze to Beth's blue eyes. "Well, i do hope you find him satisfying, because he was no fun for me at all. That is when you do get to have fun with him." Her voice cold at the end. Harper turned around and strutted through the ring of people in the crowded corridor.

Beth's cheeks were hot, and she felt her eyes burn. She knew what Harper meant, anger and humiliation flowed throught her like molten lava. The room felt stuffy, she needed to get out. She ran and pushed through the mobs of students blocking her way and eyes borinig into her. Beth ran out to the carpark, tears rolling down her cheeks.

9

2008-03-23T21:52:00.009+08:00

Beth stared into the midnight sky. Her mind wondering away on questions which needed answers.

College applications?

Babysitting the boys?

Part-time job?

She sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. There was no way around it, she needed the money for her own daily spending, and she needed to save up for college.

Her parents were always at work, and she as their personal slave, was expected to babysit her younger twin brothers, who were either always on a sugar high or on reruns of Spongebob.

All thoughts faded when his rust-red coloured towtruck pulled into view. His curly black hair banging over his eyes. He ran a hand through his scruffy mob and smiled at her, signaling her to come in.

"Hey," he leaned in for a kiss as soon as she sat down.

"Reed," he loved the way she said his name. Her voice was so soft and and sweet, but there was something lingering at the tone of it.

"I can tell you've been thinking, alot. So lets just go somewhere, okay?" he asked.

Beth just smile and nodded. Reed was laid back, really laid back, and that was what she needed right now. Eventhough his truck smell of rust and grime from all the tow work he does, it felt like home to her. It made her forget. Forget all her problems, all her worries.

Beth took a breath and sunk into the seat. She knew this road well, familiar and comfortable. But it felt as if being here with Reed made it all seem different to her. The endless void of darkness didn't feel creepy, the way it did when she came alone. Beth felt a warmth whenever Reed was around her, she felt safe.

"Okay, we're here." Reed announced, turning off the engine.

It was the playground. The one which Beth use to go to when she was younger to play. It took away all her worries and nothing mattered.

The playground was only slightly lighted by the street lights, but Beth knew where was what. She had known this place since she was a little girl, and the memories were stuck in her mind. She smiled and walked over to one of the swings, which had Reed going on to the other.

"So, what do you think?" Reed asked, anticipation in his eyes.

Beth smiled and put her arms around him. She hugged him tight and barely managed a whisper, "Thanks." Reed felt her being overwhelmed with emotion. He held her and she filled his arms perfectly.

After a while, Reed loosened his grip around her. He wanted to let go, but she held on. Beth missed holding someone. All the stress was leaving her as she held on to Reed.

Beth held on for what seemed for like eternity. She finally let go, the tangled metal unhooked itself and they were seperated. She sank into the swing, back hunched, moving back and forth slightly.

Reed saw this and immediately stood up from his swing. He walked over and started to push Beth on the swing. Beth looked up, seeing heavy clouds in the sky. She felt a drop of cold on her cheek. The night sky began to drizzle, then poured heavy rain.

Beth rushed off the swing and grabbed Reed's hand, pulling him under the nearest tree. It was big enough for the two of them and the leaves were think enough to shade them from the rain. Reed looked at Beth, smiling and flushed. Her clothes and hair were soaked.

Reed leaned down and kissed her, long and gentle. Beth wasn't expecting that, but she liked it. They stood there kissing in the rain and despite the cold, feeling perfectly warm.

8

2008-03-21T10:03:00.007+08:00

Miranda's phone rang. The caller ID flashed. Kane.

"Yeah?" she said.

"I'm bored, Stevens. Come play with me." he said in his little boy voice, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

Miranda tried not to smile and kept her voice steady. "But why me? What would the almighty Kane Geary want with me?" she said in mock awe.

"Well dear, if you must know, I wanna get out of the house, you know?" he said. "Just drive around. Thought I'd share the fun. Wanna come with?"

"Okay," she said, trying to make herself sound reluctant. "But your buying me Margaritas, deal?"

"Deal."

*********************

Kane's silver Ford came into view as she stepped out into the driveway. She hugged her sweater tight in anticipation of his games and the cold.

Kane finally pulled the car to a stop. Miranda opened the car door and stepped inside.

"Hey," he greeted her.

"Hi. So," she started. "Where to?"

"You'll see." his infamous smile making its first appearance as he started to drive.

Miranda suddenly found herself staring at his toned biceps. She wondered how they would feel around her. Would they be tight and warm or loose and cozy? No wonder girls were all over him.

The sound of pebbles knocking against the metal of the car brought her back to reality. She averted her gaze to the window on her right. With stores passing by, she couldn't help but wonder where Kane was taking her. The ride was quiet. There was no conversation and the radio wasn't on.

"Okay, here we are." Kane finally said as he pulled into a space right in front of a store.

"C'mon. Lets go." Kane urged. They both got down from his car and headed into the shop called 'Graces Little Surprises'. Kane walked in through the wooden doors and Miranda followed close behind.

The store was themed red, green and wood. The walls were painted red with green borders. Aging pictures and photos hung on the them. Wooden shelves around the store had old souvenirs on them and wooden cupboards with glass covers displayed knick-knacks of all sorts. There was no one in the room, it was just Kane and Miranda.

"Why are we--" She was cut off by Kane, who had his fingers to his lips.

Kane grabbed her arm and lead her to a wooden door right at the back of the shop. He gave her a smirk before opening the door and walking in.

It was a bar. An actual bar behind a souvenir store. Kane lead her to the bar and sat down.

The bartender, Miranda noticed, was as pale as paper and had platinum blonde spikes on his head. As an added bonus, he looked stoned and reeked or pot.

The bartender took the order from Kane (two Margaritas) and started mixing liquids of different kinds. Within moments, two blue tinted glasses stood before them, filled to the brim with alcohol.
"So," Kane started. "What do you think?"

"Hmmmmm, impressive." Miranda nodded. "I have to admit, I almost doubted you on this."

"Stevens!!" Kane said in mock horror. "How could you? You wound me," he said, looking disappointed.

Miranda knew this game well, and she played along.

"Ohmygosh, Kane!" she said, hand to her heart. "I'm so sorry. I'll do anything to make it up to you."

"Anything?" his smirk spread across his handsome jaw.

"Anything your devious little heart desires." she said with a smile.

"Then kiss me already."

He came towards her and their lips touched. His were so soft yet firm compared to Adam's, she thought. Miranda shun the thought of Adam away, because he didn't matter right now. It was Kane who was caressing her cheek. It was Kane who was gently sucking on her lower lip. It was Kane who was moaning softly as their tongues met. It was Kane who was with her right now, and he was all that mattered. For now

7

2008-03-07T21:52:00.002+08:00

She stood staring at the empty carpark. A dry, cool breeze blew the rustling brown leaves. With her back leaning against her red Camaro, Harper dazed into the never ending changing carpark.

Just then, a pair of strong arms encircled her waist. With one swift move, she was being turned around turned around and lips crushed hers. She fell limp at the touch of him. His kiss was firm and she liked it that way. The scent of gingersnaps filling her senses as they held each other, not wanting to let go.

Harper pulled away first, out of breath and flushed. She looked up and smiled at him.

"I missed you," Adam said.

"Missed you too," Harper replied.

"Harper --" he started, but he couldn't continue. Now just was not the time.

"Yeah?"

"Never mind. It doesn't matter."

The thought of Adam and Miranda sent chills down her spine and she shivered. Adam saw this and immediately put an arm around her to warm her up. She rested her head on his chest, closed her eyes and breathed it all in.

But it feels so right to be here.

With him.

Revenge is gonna be hard.

Harper shun away the thought, before she had a chance to change her mind.

They didn't say much. They just stood there, with his arm around her and her head on his chest, staring at the endless sea of beige, because the same thought floated through each other's mind.

Its gonna hurt so much.

6

2008-02-28T18:58:00.003+08:00

"Kane!! Where are you taking me?" blindfolded and giggling, the brunette (Jane? Joanna? Jasmine?) on his right tugged at his shirt.

"Well, its for me to know and for you," he kissed her. "To find out."

He took a step back and looked at her. Tall, brunette, all boobs, all ass, no brains. Perfect. But she wasn't Miranda. The brown hair and green eyes looked promising a few hours ago. But now, it looked like a cheap imitation of what he really wanted. Still, she was hot, and he needed someone easy.

"Kane," She giggled again. "Why are we stopping? Are we there yet?" Her voice smooth and deep, and it reminded him of Miranda.

"No," His smile fading from his voice. "Hold on alright?" He shut her up with a kiss.

"Mmmmm, alright." She smiled.

He lead her through the familiar empty hall of the school, only guiding her by her hand in his. He stopped at a door which wrote "Janitor's Closet." He opened the door. The smell of sandalwood and rose hit their noses. The brunette by his side sniffed and smile.

"That smells awesome," she smiled.

"And it gets even better," Kane replied, as he lead her into a romantic bliss.

5

2008-02-28T18:43:00.003+08:00

Adam's hand curled up into a ball and he lunged it into the locker. The hall echoed with a loud boom. He felt eyes of students boring into his back. The pain started from his knuckles and strided up his arm. He thought it would make him feel better, but the pain only added to his anger.

Adam was confused, angry, and everything inside of him was an explosion waiting to happen. He wanted, no, needed to hit something, hard.

Basketball.

All thoughts swirled around his head, and he found it hard to concentrate on just one, but that was the only thought which stood out.

Gotta get outta here.

Adam slinged his bag over his shoulder and swung the locker door hard. The clank of metal sent shivers down his spine. Adam walked out and scanned the empty student carpark for his beatup old green BMW. All the other students were probably at home, nursing their hangovers, hence why the carpark is so empty.

His breathing was ragged as he quickly walked over to his car. With trembling hands, he fumbled with the keys and opened the car door. He sat inside and turned on the ignition, heading for the basketball court.

4

2008-02-24T21:49:00.003+08:00

Miranda stared at the contents in her locker. She didn't want to face anyone, not now, not later. The books and papers piled messily across the metal panels. But that didn't matter. Nothing mattered now except now wrong everything went last night. And it all started out fine.

Miranda walked into the bar. She saw Adam there sitting alone, swinging on his bar stool. So she thought she'd ask him to buy her under aged ass a drink, or two, or twelve.

They both got drunk, really drunk. And that's when things got complicated.

Miranda walked into the washroom to wash up. She dizzily shut the door behind her and started to wash her hands. She heard a hard knocking on the door. Miranda swung the door inward and a pair of strong hands lifted her off her feet and pushed her against the wall. Firm lips crushed hers. She knew it was Adam, by the smell of gingersnaps that lingered on him, and the alcohol that she tasted in his breath. She didn't want to let go, but she felt guilt. But that small pang of guilt wasn't enough to pull her hands off his hard shoulders.

And she woke up next to him this morning.

The ring of the school bell brought her back to reality. Reluctantly, she closed the locker and turned the dial. Her knuckles turned white, she was gripping the locker door harder than she thought. With her eyes at the floor, she walked off to her next class.

3

2008-02-22T22:23:00.004+08:00

Harper scanned through her closet for anything worthy to wear. Pink tee: no; grey skirt: no; blue sweater: no. Harper sighed and slumped unto her bed. A sound came from the window, the familier sound of tapping of pebbles.

Harper slouched over to the window and opened it. Kane stood from the ground below, waved to her. His cocky smirk spread across his handsome jaw.

"What is it?" not a very welcoming intro from Harper.

"Can't a guy come to your window with good intentions?" the smirk never once removed from his face.

"Knowing you? Your intentions are never good." giving a smile of her own.

"So what? You're not going to ask me to come up?"

"The door's unlocked." Harper said with a wave of her hand.

Giving up all hope of ever finding a good outfit, she slipped on her black tank top and slinked into her jeans. She smiled at wht she saw in the mirror, her jeans tight enough to show off her curves and her tank top low enough to show people what she wanted them to see.

"A little plain don't you think?" Kane came through the door. He walked over to Harper's shoe rack and took out a pair of blood red open toe stilletoes. "Put these on."

Harper put them on. The shoes fit snuggly. "Hmm," she started. "Good enough." She knew she looked hot.

"So why are u here again?" Harper asked.

"With good intentions, Grace. With good intentions."

"Cut the crap, Kane." Harper said cooly, being careful not to apply the lipgloss over her lip line.

"Okay, okay. Grace, i know about Adam and Miranda."

Harper's blood froze in her veins. He knew? Did anyone else?

"But i'll keep it a secret," he continued. "For a price."

Harper should have known that nothing Kane gives away came with a price. She sighed and said, "What do you want?"

"Miranda."

2

2008-02-22T22:06:00.003+08:00

Adam opened his eyes, the light from the window hurt. He was on one side of the bed, with his back to the other. He felt something or someone move behind him. He froze, his hair standing on the back of his neck. He felt fear, fear that he did something very wrong.

Adam slowly turned around, and he saw her. Miranda, as naked as he was under the covers, next to him. She gave him an awkward smile, she looks just as nervous as he does.

Adam stumbled off the bed and quickly put on his clothes. What the hell is going on here?Without turning around to face her, he said to Miranda," I think you better go, now." His voice was breaking.

Miranda had never seen Adam like this before, so vulnarable. But she knew better than to argue with him. She sat on the bed and looked for her clothes on his messy floor.

"Adam," she started. "Did we-- Did we actually do anything?" she said cautiously.

"I have no freaking idea."

1

2008-02-18T16:57:00.006+08:00

It hurt to move. It hurt to even open her eyes.

Take it easy. One step at a time.

Harper tried to move from her bed, inch by inch. She supported her forehead with her hand. Wryly, she sat up on her bed, her body ached everywhere.

Out of nowhere, the image of Adam and Miranda seared into her head. She flinched at the thought of them together. Then, she remember the empty bottle of Absolut vodka on her bedroom floor being once full.

Harper stood up and walked over to the mirror. She saw that she was still wearing the same green tank topa dn suade too tight skirt that she wore last night. Harper scoffed in disgust at herself, took off her clothes and stepped into the shower.

She turned on the tap and felt the warm water trickled down her body. Eventhough the steam normaly calms her down, she couldn't help but pound her fist on the white tiled wall. Her tears lost in the ribbons of water rolling down her body.

Why me?

--

2008-02-17T20:03:00.007+08:00

She stood frozen at the doorway, staring at the scene in front of her. Miranda and Adam, entangled in each other's arms. Her blood pounded in her ear, not taking her eyes off the mess in front of her. She wanted to run away and scream, but her feet were stuck to the ground and her voice was caught in her throat.

They didn't notice her, or the expression on her face: hurt, anger, emptyness and pain. They just stood there, oblivious to the world around them. Harper closed the door as quietly as she opened it, she couldn't stand it anymore. Harper closed her eyes, trying to wipe the image out of her head, but it burned into her mind.

No, she would not shed any tears. She was simply just not that kind of girl.
Harper turned away from the door and walked toward the entrance of the bar, trying to avoid the drunked, smelly over-aged people and the mysterious sticky brown spots on the floor. She opened the door and stood at the carpark, scanning for her red Camaro.

Harper walked out of the bar, feeling the cool night's breeze nipping at her bare arms. Her eyes trying to fight back the angry tears.

Don't worry guys, she thought bitterly, walking over to her car.
The game's just begun.
And I always win.