 
ABERRANT

By Jo-Anne Sieppert

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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Published by

Jo-Anne Sieppert on Smashwords

Copyright © 2011 by Jo-Anne Sieppert

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my Grandparents, Jack and Jean Schofield, who I love dearly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to Tracy Blain and Eren Wiebe for editing and encouragement.

Thank you to my fellow writers from Pen to Paper, for listening and helping me stay focused.

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Prologue

1969

"Kill them. Every last one of them, I want them gone. I don't care how, I just want them dead and I want it done now!"

"Come on Frank, you can't be serious, all of them? There are women and children there too. Besides, we don't know it's them that's doin' it. We have no evidence."

"Charlie, I gave you an order. Kill them all. I don't want any left alive, make sure of that. We can't risk it; do you want the whole town to end up the same way those kids did?"

"Oh Frank, you know damn well I don't, but I can't kill them all because they are different. There is no crime in being different."

"There is when you start killing people because of it."

"We don't know it was them Frank."

"We both know it was them. The whole town knows it was them. They hide out on that island, we've all seen it, and the kids are being killed on that island. That right there is all the evidence we need."

Charlie Peterson knew Frank was right, although it wouldn't have mattered anyway, Frank was the sheriff and Charlie was the new deputy, on account of the brutal murder of the previous deputy. When Frank gave an order, Charlie had no choice but to carry it out.

Echo had always been a relatively quiet town, the only excitement was when the teenagers got a little rowdy and smashed mailboxes as they drove along the back roads. But nothing like this. The town had only had one murder on record, up until a few months ago. Now, there were eleven.

"I saw the bodies Frank; it looked more like they were killed by animals, wolves maybe. Nothing human could have done that."

"Wolves? Charlie, you know as well as I do it was no wolves; wolves wouldn't leave so much behind, no animal would."

"What killed my boy was not human! Them creatures on that island ain't human. They were sent by the devil, the Devil!"

"Mrs. Palmer, what are you doing here?" Frank asked.

"I came to warn you. They will do it again, they will kill anyone else that goes on that island. And it's only a matter of time before they start coming to town, then what? Nobody will be safe, nobody."

"We are so sorry for your loss Mrs. Palmer. We will do everything we can to keep the town safe, you must know that." The woman sobbed and left the police station, clinging to the cross in her hand.

"Even Mrs. Palmer agrees with me Charlie, you must see what I am saying is right."

"Sheriff, we just got a call from Marla Thompson. Their girls didn't come home last night. They were out boating yesterday afternoon with Ted Mathews and Dale Jamison. I just got off the phone with their parents, the boys didn't come home either." The Sherrif's secretary said.

"Charlie, get the others. This time we're looking on the island first. I'm not wasting any more time; let's finish this once and for all."

"Judge Thompson is in court this morning, do you want me to let him know what's going on?"

"You best wait until you hear back from us Shirley, no sense causing a commotion if the girls are just up to no good with them boys."

Charlie and the other officers were ready and waiting at the docks when the sheriff arrived.

"Do you really think they are okay, that they were all just up to no good Sheriff?" Charlie asked.

"Those kids are dead Deputy, that I am sure of."

The now recovery mission set off for Echo island, the single mountain in the middle of the lake at the edge of which the town of Echo was quaintly perched.

The empty boats on shore, the crushed beer cans and smashed bottles was all the indication needed, the kids had been there.

"Let's split up in to two groups. Deputy, you take half the men and go that way, I will take the other half and go this way. One hour, then we go back, don't miss the boat."

"What do you mean don't miss the boat?"

"In one hour the boats all leave this island, and I'm only looking back to watch it burn."

The two groups split off and went their separate ways. Whether the sheriff was serious or not couldn't be certain, but Deputy Charlie kept a very close eye on his watch, he wasn't taking any chances.

Once off the beach, the trees became very thick, making it almost impossible to see more than a few feet in front of them as the men began their search. The ground was extremely uneven, and fallen trees covered in moss made an abundance of hiding places for the missing teenagers, animals or creatures on the island.

The island was unnaturally quiet; the bugs, the birds, the animals, none of them made a sound. The air was still and the damp chill of the morning fog wrapped the island in a blanket long after the mainland's had burnt off by the rising sun.

As the men searched, their hopes of actually finding anyone alive faded fast. They half heartedly called out the names of the missing teens, their voices echoing off the trees and the mountain.

"This is creepy out here Deputy, why would kids even want to come here?" One of the men asked. He turned around again, trying desperately to see what he felt was watching him.

"Kids will be kids Tom, they try to find some place that grown ups won't go to."

"Well they found it all right, I don't want to ever come back to this place. I don't like it here one bit."

"Well, the sooner we find them kids, the sooner we can leave here and not come back." Charlie said. He didn't like the island either, and he was certain the other men in their group felt the same way.

"What was that?" One of the men asked, as a branch snapped under someone's foot. The sound came from in front of them and there was no way the other search party had made it that far around the island yet.

"It was probably just an animal or something," Deputy Charlie said.

They all stood very still, guns ready, waiting for what ever snapped the twig to appear. But only silence returned as the men held their breath and stayed very still. A sudden ear splitting noise shook the group, they looked around franticly to find the source. Something moved around them, darting so quickly none of them could see more than a blur.

"That was no animal, what is it?" The Deputy called out to the others. They merely shook their heads, as terror took hold. The sound of the heavy gargling breathing made the hair on the back of their necks stand up. Thumping footsteps sent their eyes darting to catch a glimpse of the source of their fear. Whatever was circling them was definitely not an animal, but it wasn't a person either. The men didn't even attempt to hide their fear any longer, ego and manliness had no place on this island.

"Let's go back to the boat," one of the men shouted, the words barley out of his mouth when the blur attacked.

It almost looked human, as it slowed enough to be more visible, but it didn't move like a person. It was quick, flawless, almost gliding. Its eyes were blood red and fierce.

Gun shots rang out, bouncing off the trees. The men were panicked, shooting at everything but hitting nothing.

"Your weapons make you more harmful to yourself than anything," a deep, vicious voice said.

"Who was that?" The deputy asked, terrified of a reply.

"Back to the boats everyone!" Another man shouted.

"Fire! He lit the fire early!" Flames could be seen devouring the trees of the island. The flames seemed to spook the creature, causing it to attack. It effortlessly ripped the deputy and his men limb from limb, eating their hearts and discarding the rest.

The fire engulfed the entire island that day. The empty boats drifted solemnly back to shore. A few days later, the island was still burning but no one cared. Most of the town was gone, all word of what happened, leaving with them.

No one spoke of what happened in the small remote town of Echo in 1961 again.

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1

Today

I was sat in my desk staring out the window as I usually did; it's the best way to not accidentally look at one of them. By 'them' I mean the Painfully Perfects. If they were to catch me looking at them again I would be in for it. And I knew all too well what 'it' was.

The sky was the colour of blue that usually appears on a postcard, along with a beach and 'wish you were here' written mockingly across the top. I was lost in the sky and the few clouds that I could see. One in particular was shaped like the face of a great mystical dragon, with horns on the top of its head, and fire coming out of its mouth. Another was shaped like a bunny; how odd that the mismatched pair would be in the same sky, so close to each other.

My mind completely drifted from my control. I had no chance of hearing Mrs. Watson call on me to answer the question, on whatever it was she was teaching the class, let alone getting the question right.

I sheepishly dropped my eyes as low as I could while she scolded my ignorance and lack of attention. I added my apologies in all the right places, and assured her that I would refrain from looking outside again. Making it even harder to keep my eyes from the Painfully Perfects.

The Painfully Perfects was a clever name I came up with for the group of popular kids in my high school class at Echo's one and only high school. They were the kids that everyone wanted to be, or at least be friends with. They were perfect. Good looking, rich, smart, funny, or at least they think so, like I said, perfect. The painfully part was what they inflicted on me, pain.

I twirled my hair around my finger, counting the number of times it went around, a trick I had taught myself when I first started school. It kept my mind busy so it didn't wander where it shouldn't. Twirling and untwirling, counting away. I was so focused on my hair I hadn't noticed the bell had rung and the class was almost empty.

"Thirteen times around, that's the most so far," said a voice I had heard enough times to know whom it belonged to. I looked up at Sebastian, for just a brief second, to make sure he was really there. He was. And then I did exactly what I would expect myself to do. I ran. I left my books and pencil case along with my diary; how could I be so careless? I ran out of the classroom, down the hall and right into the girl's bathroom.

I felt a bit dizzy, most likely the result of getting up too fast, not to mention the gold medal timing of my sprint. What on earth did he do that for? Why would Sebastian Dale, a well known member of the Painfully Perfects, talk to me? He didn't just talk to me, he knew the number of twirls. Why would he know that? Was he watching me? Why? Why would he?

My heart was racing. I was sure I was going to have a heart attack right there. This was it, it was over, my life was coming to its end right there in the girls' bathroom. Gross. I closed my eyes, made my peace with god and was ready. God, however, was not ready for me.

I let out a curse, which I liked to do as long as there was nobody around to hear me. I left the bathroom, only to find my books, pencil case and my, as far as I could tell, untouched diary on the floor outside the door. I looked around, down the hallway both ways, but nobody was there. I wasn't sure how they got there, I assumed Mrs. Watson, but it didn't matter really. I was late for my next class. The classroom door was open, thank goodness. That would make sneaking in undetected, easy. The teacher was facing the blackboard, his nail scraping along with the chalk as he wrote out an impossible math equation.

I was almost at my seat; I smiled, just slightly. I shouldn't have. I saw her foot whip out in front of me, but it was too late. I fell to the floor with a thud. If the sound of my fall hadn't been enough to alert the teacher of my late arrival, the laughter of the class surely was. At least their noise hid my cry of pain and humiliation. I gathered my things and scurried to my desk, trying not to notice the few kids that were kicking around my pencil case, and stepping on it. I hid my tears with my hair when I heard the distinct sound of my new iPod crushing under the foot of a Perfect. I was well aware of the trouble I would be in for when my parents found it. All the wonderful thoughts of Sebastian were removed and replaced by my embarrassment.

I didn't even bother picking up my pencil case. When class was over I rushed out, watching my feet the whole way to my locker. I vowed that from that moment on, I would watch only my feet when I walked, forever!

There was one flaw with my great plan of feet-watching that I should have foreseen. I was unable to watch were I was going and watch my feet at the same time; it was just a matter of time until I moronically walked right into someone. It was just my luck that after class, that some one was Katie Jacobs, head Perfect.

"Eww, you stupid cow! Why don't you watch where you are going?" Katie said. There was a familiar smugness to her voice that was usually present when she was scolding someone for their intolerant behaviour. My finger moved so quickly to my hair and began twirling that I hadn't noticed, until I realized it was stuck.

"Sorry," I said quietly and hurried away, trying to pull my finger loose. I took my time at my locker, making sure I had a clear path out the doors and to the school bus.

I was the last one on the bus, a common occurrence. I was shocked to see my usual seat at the very front was taken; nobody ever sat in the front seat but me, which was most likely why no one else sat there. But regardless, I was not about to ask the large boy holding the football in such a way that indicated he would throw it if needed, to move out of my seat. I looked around quickly. Quite to my surprise there was an empty seat three from the back. I had never sat that close to the back of the bus before; it was a little exciting, but terrifying at the same time. Who was I to sit at the back? I was out of my league, that seat was not for me, I shouldn't even think about it. No, I should just get off the bus and walk home, that was the only thing that I could do.

"Sit down, we are waiting for you," the bus driver, a rather large unfriendly lady with tight, curly, reddish purple hair, round face, and large breasts that are always squeezed into a too tight tank top with her bra showing, called out while glaring at me in her rear view mirror. I knew she was talking to me; I was the only fool still standing up.

I walked carefully, somehow managing to look at both my feet, and where I was going at the same time, so as not to continue my humiliation.

I was smiling uncontrollably; no matter how hard I tried my face was refusing to cooperate. I wasn't even bothered that the three seats behind me were filled with Perfects. I was sitting the closest to the back of the bus ever.

I sat facing the front of the bus and the backs of the heads of those who were not as fortunate as I was to be sitting three rows from the back. Once more I became lost in my daydreams. What if moving closer to the back of the bus was just the beginning? Who knows, next I could actually sit at a table in the lunchroom, instead of on the stairs in the back hallway. Things were looking up, I could feel it. It was somehow perfect that every other seat was filled; it was as though the seat had been left empty just for me. The bus ride went by far too quickly, as things we enjoy usually do.

When the bus reached my stop, I snapped right back to reality. I was right, it was perfect, or I should say, the Perfects. They had saved that seat just for me, I should have known really, and while I was busy day dreaming, they were busy duct taping my hair to it.

When I tried to stand up at my stop, I was yanked back to the seat. The Painfully Perfects had struck again. The entire bus was laughing hysterically. I could feel my tears flowing already. I had no hope in stopping them. I panicked, I didn't know what to do, how to get myself unstuck. Would I have to stay there on the bus until everyone else was off and hope the bus driver would help me? I couldn't; I just could not bear the laughter which was like knives jabbing into my soul. It was humiliating, the worst humiliation I had ever felt so far. Why did they do this to me? I was devastated and angry at the same time. I just wasn't sure if I was angrier at them for doing this to me, or at myself for being such a pathetic victim all the time. Well no more, I wasn't going to stay there any longer, I just couldn't.

I grabbed my bag, braced myself, and pulled as hard as I could. I felt some strands snapping right in the middle, but most felt like my hair was ripping from my scalp in large chunks. The pain was like nothing I had ever felt before, but I didn't care. I was free.

I ran from the bus, not looking back, and I didn't stop, I kept running all the way to the harbour, a good twenty minutes in the opposite direction of my house. I was out of breath, still crying and in pain. The taste of blood was in my mouth and the trouble I was having catching my breath was all that stopped me from throwing myself into the lake. I heard that it was impossible to drown yourself but I was willing to give it a try, but the water looked gross. I was going to need a new plan.

The harbour was not really much of a harbour, more like a wooden pier with a few rowboats tied loosely to it. A rickety old sign saying 'Use at your own risk' was nailed to a stump.

The water between the mainland and the island was supposedly filled with too many weeds to run motorboats in; they would just get all tangled up in the engine.

I hopped into the first rowboat I came to, throwing my bag in first a little too hard. It almost went straight over the boat and into the water on the other side. Once I was seated on the decrepit wooden bench I grabbed the oars and was off. Rowing with all my might, I was determined to make it all the way to the island without even stopping to rest my arms.

I don't know why I was heading to the island. I had never been there before, and never really paid much attention to it. It was nothing more than a giant bump in the middle of the lake. Nobody ever bothered with the island or the lake, there was no beach really. I think there used to be. I had seen pictures of the town from years ago and there was a beach in them, but it was never taken care of I guess. Now it was nothing more than rocks and mud. But whatever the reason, the island was where I was heading.

I had the feeling that the island appeared to be a lot closer than it actually was, now that I was trying to row an old and hopefully secure boat to it. My arms were beginning to burn; I tried to convince myself I liked the feeling, that the pain was nothing compared to the feeling of my hair ripping out of my head; something best left out of my thoughts at that moment, as it was still throbbing excessively. My arms were now on fire, much worse than the pain coming from the back of my head, they were definitely going to stop on their own any minute now, no longer waiting for me to do the sensible thing and rest.

The shore was so close, I had almost made it. "Just a few more strokes" I told myself over and over, until I felt my boat slowing as it coasted up onto the beach. I jumped out, in a rebellion against my absurdly fast voyage, the boat almost tipping me into the water.

My feet were submerged in the brownish murk, my shoes, obviously ruined. Compared to the iPod, my shoes would not even be discussed. But I didn't care about any of that now; I was more concerned with making the island my permanent home. A truly irrational idea I was aware, somewhere in my subconscious. My hand reached the back of my head for the first time since I ran from the school bus. There was something dry and crusting in my hair, I assumed it was blood. I didn't care.

I secured the boat, not having the slightest inkling to attempt the swim to the other side, that is if I was going to the other side ever again.

The island was not a warm and welcoming place. The water was cold that beat against the rocks, splashing against my feet and ankles, ensuring I didn't dry off. The wind bit at my cheeks as I stood staring into the wall of trees that framed the beach like a barricade. The island felt frightening, yet somehow sad. Finally I allowed myself to think of what happened on the bus, and in the classroom. I pictured my crushed iPod, my ripped hair, and the pain at the back of my head. The throbbing pain. I wouldn't have believed the ridiculously loud scream actually came from me if it wasn't for the fact that I was alone on the island. Dropping to the rocky shore, I allowed the tears to flow freely down my cheeks. Exhausted, my eyes slammed shut.

I had no way of knowing how long I was laying there on the beach before the stranger's voice woke me.

"What are you doing?" I opened my eyes, but did not turn my head, worried of what I would see. I didn't recognize the voice; I cringed, hoping more than anything it didn't belong to a Perfect.

"I'm sleeping." It seemed to be the most logical response I could give.

"Why?"

"Does it matter?" I asked, annoyed by who ever this was interrupting my self-pity. After the day I had, I think I've earned it.

"Do you usually scream before you sleep?" The annoyance asked. I looked up to see who was to blame for disturbing me and snapping me back to reality, the last place on earth I wanted to be at that moment. I looked around, but there was nobody there. Had I imagined the voice? I couldn't have, could I? I lay my head back down and closed my again.

"Are you going to sleep again?"

"That depends," I replied, rolling my eyes.

"On what?" The voice asked.

"On whether you are going to keep talking to me or not." I said.

"I will stay quiet." Said the voice I had determined was a boy. Thankfully however, he was not any boy I recognized. Who ever it was, did he really think I would be able to lay there and sleep while he watched, if that was in fact what he was doing. I tried to look around without being too obvious, but I was unable to see very much at all in the dimming light. I decided I didn't care, I wasn't going anywhere.

"Why are you hiding?" I asked. I didn't like that I had no idea who was there with me. I probably should have been afraid, at least a little bit, but I wasn't.

"I'm not hiding," the anonymous boy replied.

"Then why don't you come out where I can see you?" There was no answer, but there wasn't any sound indicating he was moving either. I felt a bit disappointed, and that annoyed me. I closed my eyes, not disregarding the fact that it may have been a dream, or just my imagination.

I shivered, the sun had disappeared over the mountain completely, leaving the air cool, and the dampness blowing in from the water was not helping at all. I had the feeling I wasn't going to be able to stay here all night, not without planning ahead a little first. A blanket, maybe a sleeping bag, would help. My stomach made a rather unbecoming noise and I shivered again; the temperature was dropping quickly, if I tried to stay here all night I would most likely wake up with pneumonia, if I woke up at all. I waited a little bit longer, but not to avoid going back. I had to admit, I would be happy for the warmth of my house, even with the punishment I knew was coming. I waited to see if the voice would speak again, but it didn't. Boys!

I got to my feet looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of the boy, but all I could see was darkness. I climbed into the boat, a little more carefully this time, my feet still wet from the first time I stepped into the lake water. I rowed away from the island slowly, hoping to see someone move, but turned around to face the mainland after a few strokes, using the lights to guide my way back.

After tying the boat back to the dock, I began the walk home, my thoughts focused on the voice on the island, instead of thinking of something that I could possibly say to my parents that would explain my absence after school.

The voice had been gentle, but definitely a boys. And that was it really, there was nothing about it that was different than any other boy's voice. He hadn't said anything of any real importance either, if anything he had been a bit annoying. Yet, I wanted more than anything else to go back there. By the time I turned onto my street I had made my decision, I was going to go back to the island as soon as I could, I just hoped that I wouldn't be grounded for the rest of my life.

I walked up the path to the front door, a flicker of hope sprung up inside me, the outside light was not on; maybe my parents were not home yet. Or maybe they were out looking for me, or worse, they had gone to the sheriff's office. Hope quickly disappeared, and was replaced by dread. I turned the handle slowly, stalling as much as possible. Locked. Good. Time for a breath. I grabbed my key from my bag, unlocked the door and slipped inside.

I stumbled over a pair of shoes on my way to find the light switch; I let out a curse word, the lack of response confirming that I was in fact alone. I called out to my parents, just in case. Nothing, I was definitely alone. I took another breath. I flicked on the light and looked down at the shoes I had just tripped over, they were mine, of course. I slipped them into the cupboard, along with the wet ones I was wearing. Hopefully they would dry over night.

I headed for the kitchen, suddenly aware of how hungry I was. It wasn't until I had taken out the plate of leftovers, put it in the microwave to heat up, and turned around to close the refrigerator door that I noticed the note stuck to it. The slight breeze lifted the edge of the paper and caught my eye. I noticed my mom's severe handwriting right away, she always wrote it black ink and even though she used proper script-style writing, it was straight and sharp, not beautiful and curvy as handwriting usually is. The note read:

Delilah,

Your dad and I will be late home tonight.

I left a plate of food for your dinner.

Make sure you wash the dishes after you are finished with them; I do not wish to come home to your mess.

As always, I do expect you to go to bed on time with your homework completed.

Mom

Delilah May Martin, a name my mom made quite clear she regretted giving me. She blamed the nurse at the hospital, saying that the woman brought the papers for her to fill in while she was still medicated.

"A name that clearly was given to you by the drugs," my mom told me on regular occasions. I didn't mind the name myself, it was unique, not to mention often sung about, and I definitely couldn't think of a name I would rather have instead.

I ate my supper quickly, washed my plate and had the kitchen cleaned so there was no sign of me being there at all with only minutes to spare for my scheduled bedtime. I was well aware that the lack of parental supervision was not permission to disregard all the rules, one way or another my parents, or at least my mom, would know. I'm not sure how, but she would know, so I was warned. Thankfully I had completed my homework at school, the lack of a group of friends to spend my lunchtime with freed up a lot of time for homework and extra studying.

I couldn't avoid a shower until the morning. I was cold right through to the bone from getting wet on the island; I think the informal funk that was taunting my nose was actually coming from me. Gross.

I was definitely not prepared for the immense pain the water caused as it slowly loosened the dried blood and beat mercilessly against my scalp. I couldn't hold back my tears as I rubbed in the shampoo. But it didn't matter, I was alone in the house, and even if I hadn't been, I doubt anyone would hear my sobbing over the water. I let my tears fall as many and as quickly as they wanted to, the images of the day's events flowing through my head. I wasn't sure what pain to focus on first, the physical pain of my head, or the pain and humiliation caused by the Painfully Perfects. It didn't really matter, they both hurt just as bad. I stayed in until the red tint was no longer in the water and neither was the warmth. Reluctantly, I turned off the taps, gently wrapped the towel around my hair that was so long and thick it would still be wet the next morning, which I was actually thankful for, for once, at least it will hide any patches of missing hair. Then I made a quick trip to the kitchen for some pain killers and a glass of milk. I wasn't even going to attempt to brush my hair, I would leave that for the morning.

I lay on my side in bed, with an old t-shirt on my pillow just in case my head started to bleed again; I didn't want to have to explain the incident to my mom.

I closed my eyes, hoping I wouldn't relive the day in my dreams all night long. My dreams began on the island, skipping the school day entirely.

I was lying on the rocky beach again, it was cold and hard under my back. I could almost smell the water, and there was definitely a chill in the air. The sound of the voice startled me, even though I was waiting for it. Our conversation played over and over in my dreams.

When I woke the next morning, I decided to go back to the island after school. I just had to think of a convincing story for my parents for why I would be late.

I showered again; there was no chance of getting a brush through my tangled mass of hair. By the time I got downstairs I still had no excuse in mind for my parents, however the note on the fridge solved my problem.

Mom had clearly noted the date so I would not mistake it for the same one as the day before, I was going to be alone again. I smiled to myself. I was used to being at home alone, my parents were both very busy with work. They were 'career people'; their careers always came first. It never really bothered me, it usually meant that I didn't have to worry about being criticized for all the things I was doing at a 'mere average level', or for the obnoxious comments about the lack of effort I put into my appearance and social life. I often wondered what my mom would say if I actually did have plans one night. Would she be happy for me, hoping I enjoy myself, giving me money to spend and dropping my curfew? The thought alone was enough to make me laugh out loud.

Today, however, I did have plans; I was going back to the island and I could hardly wait. But first, I had to make it through the school day.

I ate my breakfast slowly, each nauseating bite of the healthiest cereal my mom could find in our limited grocery store as tasteless as the last. I learned at a very young age that 'good for you', usually meant that it didn't taste good. And the cardboard flavoured, grain filled concoction I was trying to eat was no exception.

I dressed in the plainest clothes I owned; I didn't want anything to draw unnecessary attention in my direction. Blue jeans, black t-shirt, black hoodie. I managed, through gritted teeth, to brush my hair and put it into a ponytail without giving up and wearing a hat.

My books were still in my school bag, so all I had left to do was to pack my lunch. I pulled out my lunch bag that I had left in my backpack over night. My mom would certainly not approve.

My heart stopped, how could I have been so careless? How could I have not checked that it was securely placed in my bag? Panicking, I tossed the contents of my bag onto the floor, it had to be there, it just had to! Maybe it got stuck inside my binder, maybe I missed it between my text books. My face was getting hot, I held my breath as I searched. I was dizzy. It wasn't there, my diary was missing. I dropped to the floor, still holding my breath. Where was it? I ran through the previous day's events in my head, cringing at each humiliating experience I had been forced to endure. Then it hit me, right in the chest. Math class, I had been tripped when entering the class, falling flat on my face, my books, my pencil case, my iPod, I had been so focused on my broken iPod I hadn't even thought about my diary.

What if someone picked it up? What if someone had read it? I wasn't going to let myself think it, I would have no choice but to change schools, an impossible feat as there is only one high school in Echo. How would I ever be able to show my face at school if someone read it? Not that anyone ever paid any attention to my face. If someone was to read what I have written in there, all my thoughts and feelings, I would just die! But I am not that lucky, death would be too easy.

I reluctantly continued to get ready, moving even slower now, my body going through the motions without the assistance of my mind, which was numb. I momentarily debated not even going to school at all and instead going straight to the island; maybe the voice would be there now. Who was I kidding, I had never even been late for school, not once. As exciting as the thought of skipping an entire day of school was, not having to see the Perfects, not having to deal with whoever had my diary in their possession, I knew that I didn't have the nerve to do it. I would endure whatever humiliation and torture I was in for. I always did.

I stood at the bus stop, waiting for the bus. The weather was pleasant. There were just enough clouds that it wasn't irritatingly sunny or uncomfortably hot; I didn't have to take off the baggy hoodie I was hiding behind. I had perfected the timing of my arrival at the bus stop over the last nine years. As usual, I waited two minutes and the bus appeared, right on cue. The bus hissed and squeaked as it came to a stop, doors opening noisily. I scurried to my seat at the front, keeping my head down and my eyes locked on the floor until I was safely seated. I Stared out the window as though I hadn't seen the same fields, trees, houses and buildings, every single school day since Grade One, as if something would change here, as if Echo was suddenly going to be different. The chances of the little town I called home ever changing, ever becoming anything other than a small little piece of hell for me, were about the same as the chances of me becoming head Perfect.

I could clearly hear the snickering of the other passengers on the bus, the entire ride to school. I wasn't all that bothered as I was used to it by now. The bus had barley come to a complete stop and I was out of my seat and waiting impatiently for the doors to open.

My locker was my first stop. Switching my text books for the ones I required for class, I kept my head as far into my locker as possible, hiding as best I could from everyone. I was the first one in homeroom, that way I avoided any repeat tripping incidents. When I walked into the room, I noticed that there was something on my chair, but I couldn't make out what it was from the door way. As I got closer, my heart jumped up into my mouth, nearly chocking me. It was my diary. Why? Who had put it there, so inconspicuously? They had missed their chance to taunt and tease me, or had they? Maybe they had ripped pages out, or photocopied them, and now they were being passed out to the entire school. Why did I rush to class so early? Now I was ready and waiting, trapped. I felt like I might vomit. My stomach flipped, I could almost taste my breakfast again. A second regurgitated version would be intolerable compared to the first time.

I picked up my intact diary and looked it over, inspecting every inch of it. No missing pages, not even a turned up corner. They must have photocopied it.

The door opened and in walked Sebastian Dale, smiling. He was nice to look at. I struggled to pull my eyes away. How could anyone be that good looking? It hardly seemed fair at all. His blonde hair was held flawlessly in a messy style, matching the perfection that was his deep blue eyes. His skin was tanned, but nothing outrageous, it probably wouldn't even be noticeable if it wasn't for the fake tanned bodies of the other Perfects that were always surrounding him. Since the tanning salon opened a year or so ago, the Perfects managed to finance the fancy new car of the salon owner all by themselves. They looked ridiculous if you asked me, not that anyone had. They looked orange. Sebastian didn't though, he looked...healthy. I felt my face get warm, I needed to look away, but my eyes were so defiant. I almost jumped when he winked in my direction. I looked around to see who was standing behind me, but there was nobody. I took my seat, I wasn't taking any chances today, besides he probably wasn't winking at all, most likely he just had something caught in his beautiful eye.

"Good morning." Sebastian said. Sebastian Dale said good morning to me?

"Good morning," I replied quickly, before I could say anything stupid. The door opened for the third time and the class began to fill up.

The morning passed by as any other morning did. I was laughed at when the teacher told me to stop curling my hair around my finger, was forced to play tennis with the wall in gym when no one would partner up with me, not that I blamed them, I'm a terrible tennis player, and had my ponytail pulled so often my head was throbbing again, and it had bled a little too. When it was finally lunch time, I was shocked and a little nervous that nothing had been said about my diary. Was it possible that nobody knew anything about it? Was there some miracle that occurred, saving me from the most devastating humiliation in the history of high school? I hadn't managed to avoid the wrath of the Perfects completely, but nothing like the torture I am sure they would have performed if they had found my diary. I didn't respond to any of them, I simply ignored them, as instructed by my mom and any teacher I ever turned to for guidance with how to handle the Perfects. The name calling and hurtful comments, I could ignore, or at least pretend to. It was much harder when they were knocking my books out of my hands, or putting signs on my back with words too cruel to repeat. But I was getting better at holding back my tears, at least until I made it to the bathroom or if I was really concentrating I could make it until I got home. The school's zero tolerance for bullies' policy, still requires work.

I wasn't sure what it was about me that made me their target, it had just always been that way. In the past I had tried to figure out what I could have possibly done to make them all despise me so much. But nothing ever came to mind. One teacher said that I must have done something and that kids don't just pick on other kids for no reason. And because I was targeted for a reason, I should figure out what that reason was and fix it. Even at the time I knew the teacher was wrong and just flat out mean, because there isn't always a reason is there? Some kids are just mean, and as much as we try to be nice or unnoticeable it doesn't change that. Adults will say, 'just be yourself and people will like you' or 'a real friend will like you for who you are, and anyone that doesn't is not a real friend' I would really like to find a kid for whom that advice had actually worked for. I doubt such a kid even exists.

I didn't notice the spit balls in my hair until I got off the bus after school. At least they were not painful. I pulled them out, cursing after each one as I ran to the dock.

I was slightly more prepared this time, as I was somewhat calmer. I checked each boat for the one that had the best chance of making it to the island and back, threw my bag in more carefully this time, then took off my shoes and socks and rolled up my jeans before stepping into the water. I pushed the boat off the rocks before getting in and started rowing for the island. I was full of curiosity, excitement and just a little bit of fear. It's hard to be afraid when you don't know what you're supposed to be afraid of.

I knew I was able to row the boat all the way across without stopping, I had done it once already, however, my arms seemed to remember that trip and this time they were not as willing to cooperate. I slowed my pace until I was barley moving. That was until I noticed the wind, as slight as it may have been, it was determined to push me back to shore. I was not having it. Ignoring my arms, I picked up speed again. 'Row, row, row' I told myself. Each stroke brought me closer and closer, until finally, land. I secured the boat, pulling it as far onto the beach as I could. I made sure that I found the exact same spot I had been in yesterday, and laid down. My eyes closed, almost all the way, trying to make the scene identical to yesterday's in the hopes it would be just that, identical. It didn't take long for my patience to run out. I had been so excited to hear the voice again, I hadn't prepared myself for the disappointment of him not being there.

"He will come," I assured myself. Why I thought that to be true I don't know. Why would he come back again? Meeting me was probably the reason he wouldn't come back at all, ever! I had scared him off. Was I really that hideous?

I thought long and hard about that for a moment, was I? My mom nagged me relentlessly over my wardrobe. My dad was quite content that I hadn't worn a skirt or a dress since I was five, he also didn't seem to mind my Transformers or Star Wars t-shirts, flannel shirt on top, blue jeans with or without holes in the knees and Dr Martins boots. He especially liked the fact that I only shopped once a year for back to school clothes, and most often it was in the one and only thrift store in town. My mom, on the other hand, complained that she had been cheated out of the mother-daughter shopping and bonding experiences that she was entitled to, simply for giving me life. But even with my unique attire, was I really so hideous? I know the Painfully Perfects thought so.

I glanced around, then quickly took my hoodie off and stuffed it into my bag, took out my pony tail, carefully ran my hands through my hair, and pulled out my diary and a pen. I opened it to the next empty page, wrote down the date, then wrote:

Dear Diary,

Tonight I need to look at myself in the mirror.

I need to know if I am hideous or not. I only hope I can be honest with myself.

DMD

"Are you going to scream again?" The voice asked, making me jump. I tried to hide my smile, just because I wasn't able to see who the voice belonged to, I wasn't going to assume that I was not in view.

"I haven't decided yet," I answered.

"Oh, well you can if want to, I won't mind."

"I think I will pass today, save the screaming for the worst of the worst days."

"So yesterday must have been the worst, why was it such a bad day?" Where should I begin?

"I take it you don't go to Echo High School? If you did you would know all about yesterday. Everyone does." I said.

"I go to a school in a different town," The boy said so quietly, I almost didn't catch it. I knew he was lying, he had to be. The closest town was too far away to drive to school and back every day. Or at least that was what my parents said when I tried to convince them that I should attend that school instead. But for some reason I can't explain, I didn't question him.

"Well, let's just say you should consider yourself very lucky then, Echo High School is filled with the most vile, grotesque creatures imaginable." I was sure the voice in the bushes belonged to one of those creatures, it was the most logical explanation. This was another painful experience I was about to endure from the Perfects.

"Are you one of those creatures?" The boy asked with a hint of hopefulness in his tone.

"Me! I suppose you would think that wouldn't you? Why don't you go back to the rest of the Perfects and leave me alone!" I yelled, grabbed my things and ran back to the boat. I wasn't waiting around for them to do whatever it was they had planned. I got back into the boat and returned to shore. As I walked home I ran through what had just happened in my head. Had I acted too quickly? Maybe I had, but I was sure I was justified. Who was the voice? I think he had called me a vile grotesque creature, or had I called him that? But he could have been a Perfect, they could have jumped out at any moment and...and... Well I don't know what, but they could have done something terrible. I was quickly realizing however, that I may have acted a little, or very irrational.

The next few days passed the same as they always did. School was horrible, the day ended, then I went home to the usual note and dinner in the fridge. I would spend the evening alone, go to bed on time and do it over again the next day. None of the Perfects mentioned the island until Friday afternoon when Kevin suggested they go to the island on Saturday, insisting that it was about time they all finally went over there to check it out. Katie was so furious that he would even suggest it that she still wasn't talking to him on the bus ride home. I had been wrong after all, the boy on the island wasn't a Perfect, but, then who was he? And did he really go to school in another town? And if he did, why? I had to go back, I had to tell him I was sorry.

I should have been happy to see my parents, the Range Rover was parked on the driveway when I walked towards my house, but I wasn't. How was I going to go back now? My life was just not fair.

"Oh Delilah, what on earth are you wearing?" My mom asked when I walked in the door. And why wouldn't she? After all, she hadn't seen me all week, my wardrobe not meeting her standards should be her main concern shouldn't it?

"I'm wearing clothes Mom. Would you prefer I went to school in the nude?" Ha ha, I laughed in my head at my own cleverness. My mom however, did not. Dressed in a wine colored knee length dress, that was flattering and made her eyes pop, hair and makeup done perfectly, she looked amazing, as always. My father gave me a little smile, quickly before my mom could see.

"Your father and I are going out tonight, we will be home late. Your dinner is in the fridge. Make sure you clean up your mess, and go to bed on time with your homework done." The audio version of the usual note from the fridge, all it was missing was the date to tell me that it was for today, and her name on the bottom.

"Don't forget we will be leaving for the conference early in the morning, and we won't be back until Sunday night. All the contact information and your weekend instructions are in the binder by the phone."

"I know, I know. It's the same every time." My mom just nodded, she was obviously in a hurry and wasn't about to waste any time with me and my attitude. Their absence for the weekend meant I would be able to spend as much time as I wanted on the island. I forced my smile to wait, I didn't want to arouse any suspicions.

Less than half an hour later I was on my way to the dock, my supper heated up and in a container in my bag, along with an extra sweater, a book and a few snacks I had managed to scrounge up. I was walking so quickly I was almost running, filled with a new excitement. Whoever the voice belonged to wasn't a Painfully Perfect, and better yet, they didn't know who I was.

Once again I ignored the aching in my arms as I was fuelled with excitement, I rowed straight across to the island without stopping. I secured the boat and lay down in the same spot, it was quickly becoming my routine.

I pulled out my book and flipped to the page with the corner turned over, marking my place. This was the reason I was not allowed to read any of my mom's books. I didn't like book marks because they almost always fell out and lost my page, completely defeating their exact purpose. My mom's books looked the same as they did the day she bought them, even if she had read them more than once. Not mine. Mine looked like they had been read and enjoyed. The first thing I did when I got a new book was break the spine, I want to be able to enjoy it, read it anywhere. The more tatty the book, the more it was enjoyed.

I must have fallen asleep while reading; when I opened my eyes it was dark. I wasn't sure whether I was alone or not. It didn't feel like there was anyone else there with me, but I wasn't entirely sure that I would know the difference.

My disappointment turned to despair, he wasn't here and he wasn't coming either. I had blown it, I had had the chance to have a friend, someone who didn't know me, someone that didn't know the Painfully Perfects and I had acted irrationally, and ruined my chance. I took out my dinner, I wasn't in a hurry to go back home, I could wait a bit longer. I twirled the spaghetti around my fork, much the same as I often do with my hair around my finger. Maybe I was overreacting. It was Friday night after all. Just because I was socially inept didn't mean everyone else was. Heck, even my parents had a great social life. That must be it, he's just busy. How pathetic I was for making such a big deal out of it. Why was I obsessing over a voice? It's not like I knew who it belonged to, it's not like we actually had a real conversation. I made a strange noise in a sad attempt to laugh out loud, it was more like the sound a bear might make if it were struggling with going to the bathroom. Could bears even get constipated? Was I now seriously debating the bowel movements of bears? That thought alone was more than enough of an explanation for my non existent social life.

Still twirling the same piece of spaghetti around my fork, I stared at the boat. It called to me to get in and go home, much like a mother trying to get their young child to leave the park. That's when it occurred to me, the boat! The voice-assuming that there was a body attached to it- would need a boat to get to the island. All I had to do was see if there was another boat here.

Excitedly I stood up, my dinner dropped to the ground, clearly inedible now. It was now dark; I could barley see two feet in front of me. The island was so quiet and so big. I began to imagine what might be lurking behind the trees. I began walking, staying close to the edge of the water, as far from the tree line as possible. I couldn't see very far in front of me and was not at all interested in going the entire way around the island, so it I hadn't walked for long when I decided to give up. I needed to go home.

The lights from the town reliably guided me back to shore. After I secured the boat at the dock I looked out towards the island. All I could see was black, but it wouldn't have mattered any way, the island was too far to actually see people on it. I decided I would still come back in the morning, I wasn't ready to give up just yet.

I counted the boats and there were six, two had rather large holes in the bottom making them unusable, two were questionable and two looked okay from what I could tell, I'm not a boat expert, but no holes seemed to make the most sense. At least now I would know if someone else was on the island.

The minutes passed like hours that night, most of which I watched change on the clock. I tossed and turned, anxious to go back to the island. When I did actually manage to fall asleep, I woke up a short while later. I dreamt I was in school, the Painfully Perfects stood in front of me pointing and laughing. I tried to turn and walk away, to ignore them as I usually did, but the rest of the school would just push me back to them. I wasn't able to escape. I tried to push my way through the crowds, but there was no use. Even the teachers joined in, pushing me right back to the humiliation of the Perfects. I was different, I didn't fit in, not even in my dreams. I opened my eyes, finally escaping them, but not able to escape from the feeling of being lost and alone. I knew it wasn't my parents' leaving for the weekend causing it, I was alone for at least one weekend a month and I quite enjoyed it. I tried to convince myself that it was probably hormones. My period ended yesterday, ridiculous feelings always seemed to come along with that monthly curse. I hated the moments I felt teary more than anything.

In the morning I stayed in bed pretending to be asleep until I heard my parents drive away. Now I could shower with the door open and my music playing loud enough for me to hear it over the sound of the water. I sang along as loud as I could, using my hair brush as a microphone while I got dried off. I dropped my towel on the floor with no intention of picking it up until Sunday, and danced naked in my bedroom. My mom would be mortified. I smiled.

I dressed quickly. I was excited, it didn't make sense, but I just knew the voice would be there today. I hauled my backpack to the door. It couldn't hold anything else if I wanted it to, I had stuffed in everything I would need to spend the next two days on the island. I put my bag on my back, and with my pillow in one hand, sleeping bag in the other, I was off.

Six boats were waiting at the docks, I wasn't worried. I put my stuff in the same one I used last night, and set out for the island.

My arms burned again; one day they would forgive me I was sure. I secured my boat on the shore confirming it was in the same place as before, I could still see the marks in the ground from the boat. There was something comforting knowing I was in the exact same place, it would make it easier for the voice to find me. I wasn't going to think about the voice, I was trying to convince myself that I was on the island to spend a peaceful weekend outdoors, not that I was there to solely wait to hear the voice that I was so desperate to hear again. I was sure that being so desperate to hear the voice was not all that healthy.

I placed my sleeping bag on the beach, laid out with my pillow on top. I took my book out of my bag and got comfy, I knew I wouldn't fall asleep this time, it was morning, and I had slept a little during the night. Despite my efforts, I was so excited to hear the voice again I thought I might explode.

I must have read the same first few lines of my book ten times before I gave up. An uncontrollable curiosity was drenching me, it was time for me to explore the island. I hadn't heard the voice yet, so I was sure that I was alone. I turned towards the trees, and took a deep breath, excitement, fear, or maybe a combination of the two ran through me. The ground was covered in a slippery green sodden mass of plants. The trees were so thick in some spots that I wasn't sure I would even fit between them. I started up the mountain carefully checking the ground before I stepped, the last place I wanted to take a fall would be here, on the deserted island, the chances of anyone hearing my cries would not be in my favour. Some tree stumps came loose with just a slight jiggle of my foot, however most were secure enough to support me as I climbed. The air smelt damp, musky, making my nose crinkle until I was used to it. The higher I climbed the more my heart raced, I felt as though I was trespassing on someone else's territory.

I looked down to see how high I had gone and was rather surprised that I was unable to see the water anymore. I had an uneasy feeling that I was being watched, I turned around and saw something lurking in the shadows, at least I think I did. It was most likely my mind playing tricks on me. I walked up the slight path I had been following just a little further, unable to listen to the voice of reason in my head telling me turn back. I was lost in the beauty of the trees, and the unknown. The secret hide away nature had provided me with was really astonishing.

Then I heard a twig snap under foot, however, I was standing still, the foot in which the twig was under was most definitely not mine. And that was all I needed to be sure I had to return to the beach. I headed back down, a task that is not as easy as one may think, especially when trying to go quickly. The path seemed to become a slanted green covered ice rink. I inevitably slipped painfully onto my back side three or four times before I made it to the comfort of the rocky beach.

After I caught my breath I walked down to the edge of the water, took off my shoes and stood with my feet in the water. At first step it was so cold I wanted to run out as fast as I could, but instead I took a deep breath to allow my body to adjust to temperature. Then I walked along the jagged rocks that were surely cutting the bottom of my feet as I walked.

The sun was noticeably higher in the sky by this time causing me to check my watch. I had been on the island for over an hour already. I wondered if I was still alone, I started to walk back to my spot on the beach, lost in a daydream of the voice. I was finally distracted by something on the beach. It wasn't a rock. It didn't look like a clump of sand either, it was too red. Then it hit me, it was pasta from my dinner last night. I forgot the container I dropped, along with my fork. My mom would not be happy. Frantic that something as silly as a Tupper wear container would ruin my whole weekend, I got up. It should be right here, right where it dropped, unless it was swept up by the water, then I would never find it. But that didn't make sense either. If the water had come up the beach enough to take the container it would have washed the pasta sauce off the rocks.

"What are you looking for?" The voice made me jump.

"I left a container here last night. My mom is going to be mad that I lost it," I should have lied. The truth sounded so stupid.

"You dropped it, your dinner went everywhere."

"How did you know that?" I asked, trying desperately to see the boy.

"I saw you." Was he actually here last night after all? Why hadn't he said something? Why did he just watch me? Creepy.

"Why?" Was all I managed to say. I wasn't sure whether to be afraid, flattered, or shocked.

"I like watching you." He replied. Fear should have become terror, "he liked watching me" that sounds like something a psycho would say, Instead, I felt calm knowing that he was there. What was wrong with me?

"Why didn't you just tell me you were there?"

"I thought you were still mad at me," The voice was definitely quieter, "you know, for calling you one of those creatures, what did you call them, um...Predicts?"

"The Perfects," I corrected.

"Right, the Perfects. What breed are they?" That seemed like a rather strange question. He either really thought I was talking about creatures or he was playing along to be nice.

"The meanest breed of all, they make you want to beg for Hell. They are the popular kids."

"The popular kids? I don't think I follow." This was starting to get annoying.

"The popular kids in school, the kids that everyone wants to be friends with, to be liked, and accepted by, or at the very least, ignored by."

"So they are not actually creatures. I mean, at least not by the definition of the word?"

"Well, not technically, no." I wished he would come out of the bushes. Surely he wasn't afraid of me.

"Why do you call them the Perfects?"

"I named them the Painfully Perfects when they first started picking on me. You see, they are perfect, beautiful, rich, smart, all that. The painful part is what they do to me." My hand quickly covered my mouth, why had I said all that? I should have lied, I should never have made myself so vulnerable.

"Anyway, I wasn't mad at you, I was just worried that you were one of them, that's all." Why? Again I had said too much.

"But I told you I wasn't."

"I don't trust that easily."

"So what do I need to do so that you will trust me?" He asked. I was taken aback, why did he want my trust?

"Well it might help if I knew who I was trusting?" I said hesitantly.

"I'm Jack."

"Hello Jack," It was nice to have a name for the voice at least, we could work on putting a face to his name later.

"I'm Delilah."

"That's a pretty name, I like it." I turned away from the bushes, I knew my face was going red, I could feel it getting hot.

"Did I make you mad?" Jack questioned.

"No, embarrassed. I'm not used to getting compliments."

"Oh." We sat in awkward silence for a moment, listening to the water lap against the shore.

"So Jack, did you see where my container ended up?" I asked as I turned back towards the bushes. It was sitting there on the ground.

"Thank you Jack."

* * * * *

2

Jack

"So Delilah, why do you come out to the island all by yourself?"

"I like it out here, and I don't really have any friends." Something about Jack seemed to cause me to have verbal diarrhea, like seriously, is nothing sacred? Am I really just unable to keep my big mouth shut, or am I actually trying to scare him off?

"Why not? What's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me?" Was he kidding, or just stupid? 'What's wrong with me?' As if it was my fault, as if I chose not to have any friends, to be teased and tormented, and to be lonely.

"I'm different." I said. Way to go Delilah, that's telling him.

"So what? Everyone is different."

"Well, I guess I'm just too different."

"Don't you ever get lonely?" Something in his voice told me that he knew a lot about loneliness.

"Sometimes I suppose. But I read a lot, and I have more than enough time to focus on my school work. I keep myself busy."

"Can't you read and do your school work at home?" he asked.

"Why, is this your island? Are you trying to tell me you don't want me to come here? Because I don't see your name on it anywhere!" I wanted to scream at him to come out of the bushes and make me. For once I was ready to stand up for myself. I think, maybe.

"That's not what I meant Delilah, I just don't want you to get hurt, it's not safe to come out here by yourself." Not safe? What was he talking about, I hadn't seen anything more than a bug flying around, there's no animals or even rodents on the island, well at least here on the beach. Unless, was he saying that he was dangerous? Highly unlikely, he hadn't even come out of the damn bush yet. Maybe he's scared on the island, but then why would he come here?

"I'm a big girl Jack, but thanks." I guessed he was probably just mad that he had to share the island with me.

"Don't your parents get mad that you come here alone?"

"They don't know that I come here. What about your parents, do they get mad at you for coming here alone, or is it okay 'cause you're a boy?"

"My mom's dead, she died giving birth to me," he said like it was no big deal.

"Oh Jack, I'm so sorry." But it was a big deal, at least I thought so. I wanted to run in to the bushes and wrap my arms around him, but I managed to hold myself back, I didn't want to freak him out.

"What about your dad?" I asked hesitantly.

"My dad's ashamed of me, so he pays me to stay away from him." Was he joking this time? What kind of dad would do that? I felt guilty now for ever complaining about my life, I didn't have things anywhere near as bad as poor Jack did. It seemed strange how open he was with me. Why would he share so much like that when we had just exchanged names? Maybe it was a boy thing? Maybe he was telling me the truth. He must be suffering from the same case of verbal diarrhea as me.

"Jack, I don't know what to say. I just want to hold you, and tell you everything will be okay." As soon as the humiliating words left my mouth, I covered it with my hand, preventing any further escapes. I couldn't believe I said that out loud. What the hell was wrong with me? "I'm sorry, I'm too weird. I shouldn't have said that." For some reason, it was impossible for me to control what I was saying. It had to be nerves, I had never had this much of a conversation with a boy before.

"Delilah, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." My heart stopped. Only for a second or two, but it definitely stopped.

"So, do you come to the island to get away from your dad?"

"No, my dad is far away from here. I came here because you came here."

"What?" It is him that's dangerous, he followed me here and is going to rape me and kill me. I guess my mom will never get her container back, she's going be pissed. How pathetic that that's my last thought. At least he would put me out of my misery.

"I didn't know at first that it was you that drew me here, I only came to that conclusion a few moments ago."

I shifted uncomfortably, twirling my hair around my finger. Twirling and untwirling. Shifting from foot to foot. Staring out at the murky water as it moved slightly in the breeze.

"I'm sorry Jack but I don't know what you're talking about." That annoying sensible voice in my head - the one that I'm sure sounds just like my mom would have at my age - was telling me to run, get in the boat and row, row like my life depended on it, because it probably did. But I didn't, maybe I was stupid, reckless, suicidal even, but whatever the reason, I was paralyzed. The thought that someone- not just someone, a boy - was drawn to me, made my stomach flip-flop. I was used to repelling others, not drawing them to me. What had I done differently?

The thought that I may have drawn a psychopath or serial killer only annoyed me, so I put it as far back in my mind as I could manage.

"I don't really understand it myself. I mean you're not the sort of girl I am used to. I mean, really Delilah, look at yourself," and there it was, just what I was used to.

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Not that I didn't know, it was everything, the way I dress, the fact that my hair isn't styled, I don't wear makeup, I'm not a girly girl. I'm not a Perfect.

"Forget it, that came out all wrong. I will go. I didn't mean to ruin your visit to the island. I am sorry."

"No wait! Jack, don't go." I wanted him to stay more than anything, I didn't care if I wasn't his type, we could still be friends. Couldn't we?

"I really didn't mean how it came out," he sounded sincere.

"So, what made you decide it was me that you were drawn to?" I hoped moving on was the right solution to the misunderstanding.

"Because I can't leave, nor do I want to," Jack's answer was whispered. I wondered if he was embarrassed, ashamed, or sickened by this. Somehow Jack being forced to stay here with me took the flip-flops and replaced them with a sick feeling. I struggled to ignore that mom voice in my head again.

"That didn't clear anything up at all Jack. What do you mean 'can't', I certainly am not keeping you here. If you want to go, go!" If I could see him I would have slapped him, I think.

"I told you, I don't want to."

"Well, maybe I want you to leave. Maybe I don't want you to have to stay." I didn't want him to go; I just wanted to hurt him, as he hurt me.

"If you want me to go, I will." I think it worked. He sounded hurt. I felt awful. This was the first time I ever hurt someone on purpose, and I hated the way it made me feel. It was worse than when I got hurt.

"Do you really want me to go Delilah?" Jack asked, as though he heard my thoughts.

"No," was all I could say.

We were silent for a while. I listened carefully to hear the comforting familiar sound of birds chirping, but was disappointed by their silence. I could hear the breeze blowing through the trees, and the distant hum of the town. I sighed, relieved that the island was so deserted. I picked up my book and started reading, Jack didn't make a sound at all until I put my book down.

"What are you reading?" he asked.

"Just the assigned reading for my English class, Lord of the Flies."

"That's a great book. It just shows you what humans are really like." Humans? I thought, interesting choice of words.

"So you have already read it? Does that mean you are in Grade Eleven?" I wanted to know something about him, anything. Everything if I could.

"You're in high school right?"

"Yes." Why did I answer, I should have waited, insisted he answer my question first.

"I am in High school also, but I have read that book already. I read a lot." I was unable to hold back my smile, I hope he didn't see, but it made me feel a bit relieved that he was the same age as I was. I didn't think there were very many sixteen-year-old serial killers. And he liked to read; we had something in common.

"There's not many sixteen year old boys that like to read Jack."

"I'm not like most sixteen-year old boys." Something else we might have in common. Could it be possible that he and I were alike? Could we possibly be friends? It seemed likely.

"I'm not really like anyone," Jack said quietly.

"I know what you mean." I knew all too well what he meant. I couldn't imagine Jack being tortured the same way I was, in fact, the thought of it made me feel angry.

"What else do you like to do Jack?" There was a slight rustling in the bushes. I thought for a moment that he was going to come out, but he didn't. He must have just been shifting his position.

"I like music."

"That's it? Books and music?" It seemed like a generic answer, what teenager doesn't like music?

"What about you Delilah?"

"I like, uhm..." Great, now my answer seemed stupid. I tried to think of a lie, something that other teenage girls liked. The problem was, I didn't have a clue what other teenage girls liked.

"Books, and music," I whispered, probably too quiet for him to even hear.

"That's another two things we have in common." He sounded almost happy at the idea.

"It seems that way doesn't it, but the real question is, do we like the same kind of music?" This was most unlikely, the chances of him listening to Bach and Mozart were slim at best. I had grown up listening to classical music. The older I got, surprisingly, the more I liked it. I also loved Broadway music, Sarah Brightman singing The Phantom of the Opera was my absolute favourite.

"I doubt we listen to the same music," he agreed. "But I'm not going to tell you what I listen to."

"Why not?" I regretted saying that as soon as the words were out of my mouth, I sounded like a pouting child.

"Because I don't want to be laughed at," he admitted.

"Trust me, I wouldn't laugh. Besides, it probably isn't anywhere near as bad as what I listen to."

"Well you tell me first?"

"No, you first this time," I insisted.

"Well then, we will just have to wait."

"Wait for what?"

"Wait until I know I can trust you." He couldn't trust me yet? What had I done? Had I given him a reason not to trust me?

"Okay, then we wait," I said, picking up my book again hoping to hide my pout. I wasn't actually reading, but I did turn the page a few times, the words just wouldn't make their way into my mind. How could they? There was no room in there, it was already filled with thoughts of Jack. What did he look like? Why wouldn't he show himself? Why was he drawn to me? Why all the secrets?

I turned the page again, a bit rough this time, ripping the corner. The sound brought me back.

"Why were you crying the other day?" Jack asked.

"I was just upset, nothing major," I lied.

"Why were you upset?"

"Some kids at school were being mean to me that's all. It's no big deal." I felt embarrassed, why had I told him that? Why wasn't he saying anything? It was more than embarrassment, I was ashamed. Like it was my fault, I deserved it, and that was wrong of me.

"What did they do?" His voice was shaking slightly, it would have been far easier to read him if I could see him.

"I'd rather not have to explain it Jack. It's embarrassing."

"Please Delilah, it's important." I thought he sounded angry, but I couldn't see why. I had no idea why it would be important either, but I explained what had happened at school the first day I came to the island. I turned slightly from the bushes, hiding the shame on my face. When I finished, there was more silence. It was broken by the sound of something being crushed, then falling to the ground in sand-like crumbs. I waited for him to speak.

"How do you handle it Delilah, I mean, without killing them all?"

"I do my best to ignore them Jack. They are mean and hurtful, but I can't spend all my time crying about it, it won't change anything."

"But they need to be taught a lesson, they can't treat people that way, especially not you." He mumbled the last part; I wasn't entirely sure I heard him correctly.

"I don't think I will be the one to teach them that lesson though. But I don't want to spend my whole weekend worrying about them." I made a point not to think about the Perfects on the weekends, the break helped me deal with the five days that always followed.

He promised not to speak of the Perfects for the rest of the weekend. We talked about literature that we liked and didn't like, movies we have seen and want to see, current and past events, and every other conversational topic we could come up with. I was surprised that we avoided discussing the weather. It was strange how much we had in common. He still hadn't told me what types of music he listened to, but I figured he would when he was ready.

"It's getting late Delilah, shouldn't you be going home?" Jack asked when the sun had completely set.

"I'm not going home." I stated.

"Are you going to sleep here on the island tonight?"

"That was my plan; I brought my sleeping bag and pillow."

"Delilah, it's not safe on the island, especially after dark. You really should go home. You could always come back tomorrow."

"No way! There's nothing on the island that can hurt me. I will be fine," I insisted.

"You will get cold."

"No I won't. This is a really good sleeping bag, it's good for camping in the winter." Not that I had ever been camping in the winter, but that's what it had said on the package.

"What if you roll into the lake in your sleep?"

"I'm sure the water will wake me up." I slipped into my sleeping bag. I wasn't about to give in, I had made up my mind to spend the night on the island and that was that.

"Good night Jack."

"Good night Delilah," he replied. Then it dawned on me, was he going to spend the night on the island to? It did make me feel safer, but what if I talked in my sleep, or snored, or worse, farted. I would just die! How will I ever sleep now, knowing that he is right there in the bushes? Great. I would have to stay awake all night. I hoped he wouldn't stay here all night, maybe he would go home.

It was chilly on the island, but I had stayed warm all night in the winter-graded sleeping bag. Staring up at the stars, I began trying to make out as many constellations as I could remember. It was so peaceful on the island at night, as long as I didn't look behind me at the wall of trees, and didn't think about them, or what could be lurking in them, I wasn't even that nervous about sleeping outside. The silence was hard to get used to, no clock ticking away, no cars on the road, or even the gentle hum of the electronics in my room, there was no noise at all, it was almost unnerving. Jack hadn't said a word, he must have left, maybe I just didn't hear him. I decided to count the stars, that didn't take long to send me in to slumber.

I dreamt of Jack. He was holding me while I slept, his body pushed up against mine, he felt strong. His hand stroking my hair, his breath felt warm, he was so close. It felt so real when he was kissing my cheek, holding me like he would never let go. It was a great dream. One that made me wish I could have stayed asleep forever.

When I woke the next morning, I was alone in my sleeping bag, as I new I would be, but wished I wasn't. I snuck off to the trees to go to the bathroom before Jack came back. If he was coming back today. I brushed my teeth and ate the breakfast I packed. I was quite surprised at how well rested I felt, considering I slept outside, on a rocky beach, with nothing but a sleeping bag and pillow. The cool morning air was fresh; it felt invigorating to breathe it in. I watched the sunrise over the water. It was breathtaking. I had seen it before on many occasions, but never from this side, never from the island. It slowly crept up behind the sleeping town, saturating the sky in marvellous shades of orange and red. Illuminating the town, a shiver went through me as I realized from where I was standing, the town looked red. My own little piece of hell now wore its true colour.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Jack said. Snapping me back to reality. I was thrilled he had returned.

"It is. I never get tired of watching the sunrise."

"Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Very well actually, better than I've slept in a long time. I may have to do this more often. How about you?" I was trying not to sound too smug, but I wasn't sure I succeeded.

"Like a baby," he laughed.

"What are you planning to do today?" Jack asked.

"Well I explored the trees a little yesterday-"

"You did what? Do you have any idea how unsafe that was? You could have been killed!"

"Jack seriously? I was just hiking." I couldn't believe how much he was overreacting, what did he care anyway?

"Delilah, promise me that you will stay out of the trees?"

"Why?" I was not going to make that promise without good reason.

"It is not safe, that's why."

"Well I am sorry Jack, but that is not good enough. I didn't see any reason, except maybe due to the uneven ground, for the trees to be considered unsafe." I said. He really was being rediculous.

"Animals."

"Animals Jack? What kind of animals?" I hadn't even heard a bird flying over the island, I found it hard to believe there was anything more than bugs that called the island home.

"Bears."

"Jack really? Bears?"

"Delilah, please trust me, just stay out of the trees, so that I don't have to worry that I will come here and find you injured, or worse, your remains." I had no reason to trust him, I couldn't even say that I knew him. To give credence solely in a voice with a name and no face was absurd at best. However, I was weak, or foolish maybe, because I was unable to refuse. Jack already seemed to have some control over me that I couldn't resist nor understand.

"Fine, I will stay out of the trees, until you agree to come with me." I said. Throwing my own condition in made me feel a little better.

"Thank you Delilah." Jack sounded truly relieved, I couldn't help but turn slightly, looking over my shoulder as if I was going to see a large black bear standing there, confirming Jack's claim. "So, like I asked, what are you going to do today?"

"I was planning on taking a walk around the beach. If that's not too dangerous?" I asked, bitterly.

"Well I would prefer if you just remained here on the beach where I can keep an eye on you and make sure you are safe, but I am aware that may be a little too much for me to ask."

"You're right, that is too much for you to ask. Not without a good enough reason at least." The lack of response I decided to take as permission, not that it was needed, for me to go ahead.

"You know Jack, you could just come with me?" I said, as I set off walking.

I waited for a moment to hear a response, and then started walking, when none came.

The water was quite clear, close to the beach, I could see all the different coloured rocks that lined the bottom of the lake. The beach seemed to go on forever, which made me think that seeing the island from the shore was deceiving, of the actual size. I looked towards the town, trying to make out what I was able to see, I couldn't see people, only buildings and cars moving along the road. I felt confidant that I was free to be on the island without being noticed. The further I walked I realized that it all just looked the same, water on one side, a wall of trees on the other, and rocks below it all. It didn't take me long to miss Jack, so I turned around, what else could there be on the island anyway?

"Did you see all you wanted to see?" Jack asked.

"For now," I said, the only thing I was actually interested in seeing was Jack.

"Just don't forget what you promised me."

"I won't," I said, turning slightly to look at the trees again. Something strange happens when you are told to stay away from somewhere, and uncontrollable desire to go there seems to take over. I would keep my promise, I was just frustrated at how much harder he had made it.

Considering I sat on the beach and Jack stayed hidden in the bushes, and all we did was talk, the time seemed to go by so quickly. Before I knew it I was packing up my things to go back home.

"Will you be back after school tomorrow?" Jack asked. I was so glad that he did. My stomach flopped, I suddenly felt more aware of myself. I ran my fingers through my hair in an awkward and sad attempt to make myself more presentable.

"I will do my best, I have to think of something to tell my mom." I didn't want to leave at all, so I knew I would do whatever it took to come back as soon as possible.

"Well, I'll be here Delilah," Jack said. It sounded very much like a guarantee.

* * * * *

3

iPod

Monday mornings were the worst, the Perfects had two days to think up new ways to torture me. This Monday, I was still lost in my thoughts of Jack and my weekend on the island. I clung to the thought of going back there after school to help me make it through the day.

I walked into the school and went straight to my locker. I held my breath when I saw Sebastian Dale standing next to it, so close I was not sure I would be able to access my locker without asking him to move. I panicked a little, then with my head down, I continued slowly to my locker.

"Excuse me," I almost whispered.

"Sorry, am I in your way?" Sebastian asked. His voice stung my ears.

"Just a little," I replied.

"I wanted to return this to you Delilah." He knew my name. I loved the way it sounded when he said it.

He handed me my iPod. I was stunned, confused, mine had been crushed, I heard it. Yet he was handing it to me, in tact. How?

"It seems as though it was erased, but I'm sure if you load your playlists again it will work just like new." He said. He was smiling. Sebastian Dale was smiling while standing and talking to me. Now if I could just manage to say something, anything, in return. Thank you maybe? Come on brain don't fail me now. I pleaded.

"Anyway, I just thought you might want it back." I stood there, frozen, looking like a total idiot! I smiled, I think. Sebastian smiled at me again and then turned to walk away.

"Thank you!" I think I yelled.

"You're welcome, Delilah," he laughed. I had definitely yelled. And unfortunately, Sebastian wasn't the only one that heard.

The Painfully Perfects, Katie, Jess, and Avery all turned to me and burst out laughing.

"Oh my god, you are so pathetic Delilah," Katie said.

"Give it a rest will you Katie?" Sebastian said in my defence. Katie wasn't happy; she glared at him, then quickly turned my direction. My finger found my hair instantly, I began to twirl it absentmindedly. Katie's eyes seemed to light up with an evil smile. She looked quite terrifying really. I was thankful that Katie and her friends turned and walked away before Sebastian did.

I stood alone at my locker, going over what had just happened in my head. Sebastian had found my iPod, kept it safe, and brought it to me? The fact that I had distinctly heard it being crushed in my pencil case didn't really matter, I had after all, left my pencil case behind, without checking on my iPod. So maybe I was wrong, maybe it hadn't been my iPod getting crushed. I wondered for a moment, why he had not returned my pencil case. But did it matter? He waited for me at my locker; how did he know which was my locker? I wasn't thinking clearly, my head was foggy, all I could see was his smile. I should have asked him where my pencil case was; my iPod was in the case when it was stepped on. I should have asked him why it took him so long to give it back to me, how he knew which locker was mine, and why he suddenly cared. But I didn't, I thought of nothing but his smile.

I thought of his smile all day, it somehow blocked out anything else, I didn't even notice the Perfects being extra mean, obviously mad from the morning's events. They name called, pushed and shoved me, and even purposely spilt paint all over my project in class, making me have to start all over again, and loosing marks in the process, but it was not enough to ruin my day.

After school I was surprised to see my parents home so early. My mom was in the kitchen, cooking, while my dad was setting the table.

"Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes," Mom announced when I walked in the door.

"It's only 3:30 pm, why are we eating so early?" It must have sounded offensive, my mom simply looked at me.

"It smells great, I'm starving!" I quickly lied.

"Your mom must have known," my dad joked, or at least attempted to.

"Guilt." There was the truth, I could always rely on my mom to say it like it is. I found that strangely comforting.

"I read that I should feel guilty for not eating dinner as a family more, so that is what we are doing."

"Don't you always tell me not to believe everything I read?" The last thing I wanted was for her to read somewhere that we should start spending all our time together, I would go insane!

"That is very true. Excellent point, crisis averted. After all, I doubt you feel guilty for the damage you caused my body while you nestled inside of me for nine months, right?" I smiled slightly, damaged? What damage? The tummy tuck and liposuction had removed all evidence that I was ever there. Not to mention the little procedure she had to prevent any accidental and unwanted siblings.

"Guilt is a choice. Delilah simply chooses not to feel that way, Honey. Quite smart indeed," my dad said.

"Good choice, feelings cloud our judgment. Think, don't feel," my mom added.

"Okay. Well I'm just going to run my stuff up to my room, I will be right back." I left the room quickly, not leaving time for a response.

I plugged my iPod in to my computer, yet my computer didn't recognize it. Was this, possibly a strange side effect of its near death experience? If I didn't know better, I may have thought that it was a new one, but there was no way.

It took a little while to get it set up again, I only just made it to the table on time.

"Your father and I are working on an extremely important case at the moment. We won't be around very much. I trust you will manage to keep up on your chores and school work?" I knew the routine quite well, and this time I was thrilled; their timing couldn't have been better.

"I will manage just fine, don't worry about me." I tried not to sound too excited. I didn't want them to be suspicious.

"Good. I will leave money in the jar, if you require more, just leave me a note to tell me how much. This is your clothing allowance for the month, and Delilah, don't be afraid to use it," my mom said as she gave me an envelope.

My parents were going out after we finished eating; I volunteered to cleanup so they could leave sooner. The faster they left, the faster I could get to the island.

I was rinsing the dishes and loading the dishwasher when I glanced out the window and saw a face. I froze, and the pot I was holding fell into the sink spraying water all over myself. I didn't get a clear look at whom ever it was, I just saw them turn and walk away. But someone was there, that I knew for sure.

"What happened?" My mom asked, making me jump again.

"Nothing, sorry. I just dropped the pan, that's all." My mom studied me for a moment, looking for signs of a lie.

"Do be careful Delilah, those pans are very expensive." She turned and was gone. My dad followed her out the door and I was alone.

I was so excited to get back to the island, to Jack, that I forgot about the person in the window. I grabbed my hoodie and my iPod, found my bike and headed for the harbour. Although it had been years since I'd been on my bike, using it would cut my travel time in half.

My arms were getting used to the rowing, they hurt a little less each time. I reached the island slightly faster today, secured the boat, and found my usual spot on the rocks. But today it was a bit different, someone had made a chair out of driftwood. The chair sat right on the ground, the seat curved slightly, making it rather comfortable. The back supported me perfectly; it leaned back just enough to cradle me in the slouched position that I usually sat in. My stomach flipped, and a tingling sensation ran through me, like enjoyable pins and needles, as I thought of Jack.

"What took you so long?" Jack's voice sounded different, but I couldn't quite tell if he was mad or worried.

"I had to eat dinner with my parents, sorry." Why was I apologizing? Was he upset with me for not being here at the same time I usually was? It wasn't as though we made specific plans to meet.

"Thanks for the chair, it's great!" I hoped changing the subject would cheer him up.

"How do you know it was me?" he grumbled.

"Well, you and I are the only ones who come here, and I couldn't make this."

"Oh," Jack was definitely in a bad mood, maybe my good news would cheer him up.

"You will never guess what happened to me at school today Jack," I waited for him to respond, but he didn't, so I continued anyway.

"Sebastian Dale was waiting for me at my locker this morning and..."

"Who is Sebastian Dale?" Jack interrupted.

"Only the hottest guy in my school! And he was waiting at my locker. He saved my iPod the day it was kicked around in class. I thought it was crushed, but it was like brand new when he gave it to me, I just had to put my playlists back on, which didn't take me long." I paused for a moment, still Jack said nothing.

"Then Katie came over and was being mean to me, and Sebastian stood up for me. Can you believe it?"

"No, not really." he almost whispered.

"What?" I said, I wasn't going to let him ruin my day because he was in a bad mood.

"Goodbye Jack!" I said as I stood up to go to my boat.

"I was worried about you."

"What did you say?" No one ever worried about me.

"You said you would come right after school, and you didn't. I was worried about you."

"Oh, well, I'm sorry you worried for no reason." The tingling feeling returned, I wished I could see him.

"I've never worried about anyone before, and I don't like it." I couldn't help but wonder just how alone Jack actually was. Didn't he have any family or friends at all?

"You don't have to worry about me Jack, I'm tougher than I look." I hoped I was at least.

"I can't seem to help it," he said.

We sat in silence for a little while; I watched a bug fly around my foot. I waited for it to rest on a rock, then crushed it with my shoe.

"Why did you ride your bike to the harbour today? Usually you walk. Why not today?" Jack asked.

"So I could get here faster. But how did you know that?"

"I saw you ride to the dock." How could he have seen that from the island, it wasn't that close?

"Were you still on your boat?" I asked.

"No, I was here. Someone has spotted your bike at the harbour, they are looking at it now," Jack explained. I squinted, trying to see back to the dock, but it was too far.

"How on earth can you see that far?"

"I have really good eyesight."

"So do I Jack, but the mainland is too far for the naked eye to see."

"They took your bike, there is three of them, they are girls your age." Jack said, ignoring my question.

"How is it possible for you to know that?"

"Shouldn't you be more concerned about your bike?" he asked. How did I explain to him that that kind of thing happened to me all the time without looking like any more of a loser than I already did?

"I never really ride my bike anyway," It was the truth.

"So what? It's your bike Delilah, they can't just take it!"

"Well, what should I do about it, row all the way to the other side, chase them down and demand it back?"

"Yes Delilah! That's exactly what you should do!" Jack's indignation was annoying.

"They are probably gone already Jack. I would never be able to catch them, and it's not like I don't know who it was. Besides, catching them wouldn't do me any good. What would I do once I caught them?" I almost laughed out loud at the thought of me catching the Perfects and demanding my bike back.

"Why do they treat you that way? Do they have special powers or something?"

"Yeah, they do in a way. Popularity!" Weren't there any popular kids at his school? Or worse yet, was he one of the popular kids?

"I don't think that actually counts as special powers per say."

"Well it seems as though it does. The popular kids can do whatever they want, no one stops them?"

Jack didn't answer, there was no answer, nobody could stop them.

It seemed like ages past by in silence. I couldn't stand it. I was sure that with every silent second, Jack was figuring out how sad and pathetic my life really was, and whatever popularity he had would surely plummet if word travelled far enough of our... Our what? Friendship? Were we friends or just forced acquaintances? Forced together by guilt, or pity maybe? The bigger question was, did I care? Did it matter why he was talking to me as a friend would? Was I truly that desperate for a friend that I would take an unknown person who hid in the bushes? He was most likely hiding so I wouldn't be able to identify him, so I would never know exactly who this so called 'friend' of mine was.

"Do you not have popular kids at your school?" I couldn't believe I actually asked him that, I'm sure it sounded ridiculous!

"I don't know. What would they look like?" He sounded serious.

"They would look perfect. Their hair, face, clothes, everything. They would be followed around by others, not so perfect, that admire and even worship them. When they speak everyone listens, when they tell a joke everyone laughs, whether it was funny or not. When they decide they don't like you, nobody does."

"There are such people as those in attendance. I wasn't aware that those who follow them around did so out of admiration. I was under the impression they had some kind of hold on them."

"I am certainly more than pleased that you are not one of them, Delilah. I would not have met you here on the island if that were so."

Could Jack have been telling the truth? I was sure that believing him was foolish.

"When will I actually get to meet you Jack, or are you going to hide from me forever?" Words I instantly regretted.

"I'm sorry Jack," I said weakly. I didn't want to upset him, but I desperately wanted to see him.

I waited for what felt like hours for Jack to speak, but he didn't utter a sound. When, finally, I couldn't wait any longer for fear of missing my curfew, I got up to leave.

"Good bye Jack, I will return after school tomorrow." I said, sure he was still there even though he did not return my good bye.

That night I wrote a list of all the possible reason for Jack to hide from me.

Jack

1. He doesn't want me to know who he is so I can't tell anyone he talked to me.

2. He is part of a horrible prank that is being played on me, most likely by the Perfects.

3. He is a 40-year-old man that is going to rape and murder me, once he is finished this game.

4. He is horribly disfigured, like John Merick, The Elephant Man, and he thinks I would never come back if I knew what he looked like.

5. He is a monster, horns on his head, fangs, the whole bit.

I dreamt of Jack that night in each of the scenarios on my list. I hoped more than anything that number four or five was true, but I knew they were the least likely. I wasn't sure if I would ever get to find the answer. Would Jack be there after school? Would he talk to me if he were? I vowed to myself that I would not ask him again when I could see him. I would just wait. I was not patient, but I knew I didn't want to lose Jack. And for him I could wait; I had the feeling that for Jack, I could do anything.

* * * * *

4

Hell on Earth

If such a place as 'Hell on Earth' truly exists, then my high school gym class was it. As Echo had never been home to a professional athlete, from any sport, the only logical reason that I can see for our forced participation in the daily demeaning popularity contest, was for the self-satisfaction of our perverse gym teacher Mr. Prunkle. He didn't even seem to hide the fact that he was looking down the girls' tops or up their shorts during class. He touched inappropriately and licked his lips often in such a way that made me want to vomit. He always paid Katie and the other Perfects extra attention, as long as they showed up to class and stuck around, they received 100 percent no effort required.

I hated the way the Perfects were able to treat the rest of us right under the teachers' noses. But gym class was the worst. Mr. Prunkle let them all do pretty much whatever they wanted, especially because they always asked him in the most flirtatious way possible. They would lean over so he had a clear view down their tops, or they would rub his old chubby arm while smiling and batting their eyelashes, in true bimbo fashion.

"Okay kids, let's go. It's rope time!" Mr. Prunkle shouted, obviously excited. This was his favourite activity. We all lined up behind the two ropes, girls in one line, boys in the other. Most of the girls were never able to get too far up the rope, just high enough for our pervert teacher to get a clear view. If the boys were not able to get to the top, he would pull them off the rope and laugh as they crashed to the mat bellow. Humiliation. I would never understand the satisfaction behind it.

"Mr. Pruncle, I hurt my hand last night while I was doing Yoga, you know from all the bending? I don't think I should climb the rope today," Katie said, flipping her hair and sticking out her chest. The pervert looked down her shirt and smiled. I wished he would get a bigger pair of shorts.

"No problem Sweetheart, you can hold my stop watch." Mr. Prunkle gave Katie the stopwatch, giving her hand a little rub. Making my skin crawl.

"First two, up the ropes. Let's go." I was at the back of the girl's line, thankfully. Four boys were thrown to the mats, and Jenny Aims almost fell off the ropes, but luckily-I suppose- Mr. Prunkle was right under her. He reached up and supported her, his hand exactly where it should not have been.

When it was my turn I was prepared to fall if needed. I reached up and wrapped my legs tightly around the ropes, attempting to hide the view. I pulled myself up, I was doing great, better than I ever had before. It must be from rowing to the island, my arms were getting stronger. I shouldn't have been so confidant, my hands slipped a little burning on the rope as I slid down. My feet let go of the rope. Before I could wrap them back around, I felt the tug on my shorts. I held on tightly to the rope; I wasn't prepared to fall as I thought. But it wasn't Mr. Prunkle, I could see him chatting to a student in the far corner. It was Katie, she was on Kevin's shoulders. She pulled hard on my shorts, pulling them to my ankles. I heard the roar of laughter from the class. I was hanging there totally exposed. I had never been more thankful for the oversized gym shirt I had been forced to wear since the Perfects cut mine up. I looked over to Mr. Prunkle, who was just staring perversely in my direction, and then I saw Sebastian looking up at me. I panicked, what could I do? I was getting hot. My arms were shaking, trying to hold on to the rope. I started to choke. I couldn't breath. Then everything went black.

I woke up in the hospital.

"It's good to see you awake dear. Your parents have been called, they are coming as soon as they can," a nurse said sympathetically to me. She didn't know my parents; if she had she would have been as surprised as I was that they were even coming at all. The nurse stayed in my room and told me what happened while we waited for the doctor. I had passed out, right there on the ropes. I inevitably fell to the floor, snapping my wrist and hitting my head and being knocked unconscious. My head pounded and I felt groggy and a little cold, the paper thin hospital blanket was not helping. The room was cold, the stark white walls had no pictures on them, just some buttons and a hook for a clip board. There was a curtain around half of my bed that the nurse could pull around if I needed privacy, but even that didn't make the room feel any less sterile.

When the doctor came in he explained the extent of my injuries. He assured me that the brake would heal fine on its own, no surgery required, just a cast for the next eight weeks. I was thrilled - no gym.

I had a slight concussion. Because of that, and the fact they were not sure why I passed out on the rope - they decided to keep me over night for observation. I was happy to be excused from school for the remainder of the week. I wasn't sure how I was going to face anyone at school, especially Sebastian. I could feel my pillow getting wet with my tears, but I didn't care - everywhere hurt too much to move and wipe them, and trying to stop them from falling was out of the question.

"Are you in a lot of pain dear?" The nurse asked, alarmed at my tears. I must have managed a slight nod because she quickly left the room, returned with a needle, and injected me in the thigh.

"That will help, Dear. You will fall asleep and the pain will go away. Push the button if you need me, okay?" I mumbled and she left the room again, leaving me to cry myself to sleep.

It was the next morning when I finally awoke. The nurse told me I had had two visitors while I was sleeping, one was my dad, and the other was a boy my age, but he refused to leave his name.

My mind raced; who could it have been? Jack, Sebastian? But it didn't seem likely that it was either one of them. I didn't have much time to think about it as both my parents came to pick me up. My mom didn't even seem mad at the inconvenience.

"Do you need me stay home with you, Delilah?" she asked. She seemed genuine but I wasn't sure how she would react if I said yes. I assured them both I was completely fine, and that I was willing to go back to school if that would make them feel better. They insisted I listen to the doctor and stay home for the rest of the week. I agreed - I would have been devastated otherwise- and they agreed to continue on with their week as planned. They didn't need much convincing really.

Within an hour of being home from the hospital I convinced both my parents to go back to work. They seemed as relieved as I was.

I ran the bath, as showers were out of the question for a while thanks to the cast on my arm. I went to my room to fetch my iPod, and noticed a picture was missing from my desk. The picture was of me dressed up fancy for an event I was forced to attend. My mom taped the picture to my computer, insisting it was the best photo of me so far. It was odd for it to be missing. I looked around my room and noticed that there were other things out of place. My bed looked as though someone had laid on it, and one of my drawers was slightly open. It must have been my parents, looking for things to bring to the hospital. But they hadn't even brought me a change of clothes. I threw my gym-strip in the laundry basket and went back to the bathtub. I planned to ignore the nagging feeling that something strange was going on.

The hot water and bubbles felt great, I felt so dirty after the incident on the rope. My music played as I relaxed until the scolding water turned cold. I struggled and cursed but finally managed to get dressed one-handed; brushing my teeth wasn't bad, but brushing my hair properly, was a challenge. I made myself a ham and cheese sandwich and washed it down with a glass of milk. I tried to read a book and rest but I couldn't stop thinking about Jack. I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to go back to the island. I had promised to return. He wouldn't know why I didn't show up.

It was too early yet for Jack to be there, he would still be in school. Although his school must finish earlier than mine as he was usually there before me. But how did Jack get to the island? Even if he lived in Echo, his school was a long way from here. Did someone drive him everyday? If so, who? He told me his dad was ashamed of him, pays him to stay away. Maybe he didn't mean that literally, maybe he just meant he gets anything he wants to not bother his dad? It wasn't that much different than my family really, we didn't spend much time together. I wonder if my parents would drive me forty-five minutes to school and back every day? The mere thought made me laugh out loud as I neared the harbour.

I stood on the dock and felt the anger start to build. How on earth was I going to row myself to the island with this stupid cast on my arm? I stood there staring at the six rowboats, getting angrier, and angrier. The Perfects! This was all their fault. My arm, my embarrassment, my exposure in front of Sebastian! How was I ever going to look at him again? And now on top of it all, they were keeping me from my island, from Jack!

I felt something wet on my cheek - a tear. I wiped it away. I was not going to shed another tear because of the Perfects. They would not keep me from what I wanted any longer. I struggled, but managed to untie my boat and get it into the water. I almost got inside too. But couldn't hold onto the boat with my casted arm, the boat slipped out of my fingers and I stumbled almost falling over. A little defeated, but not completely wet, I moved on to the next boat. I untied it- keeping the rope wrapped around my cast, climbed in and managed to launch the second boat. I grasped one oar with my good hand, rested the broken hand on the other and started to row, very slowly. It was uncomfortable, and definitely would not help the healing process, but I moved towards the island. The wind helped to push me along but I was moving at a snails pace.

This was going to take at least five times as long as it usually did but I was determined. Maybe Jack would beat me there. I tried to focus on rowing, but my mind wandered to Jack. I missed the sound of his voice, the feel of him being close. I began imagining how I would feel when he finally showed himself, when I could finally touch him, or he touched me. A tingling sensation rushed over my whole body. I finally reached the island and just managed to secure the boat, it was difficult with just one arm. All I wanted was to hear Jack's voice. Would he come? Was he still mad at me?

My arm was throbbing and I was a little dizzy; the uneven ground didn't help. I stumbled to my seat and somewhat fell into it. My head started to hurt and I decided that maybe I should have given myself one more day to rest.

The euphoric feeling I got from Jack's voice worked like a painkiller for me.

"Delilah, what happened to you?" he asked me.

"Oh Jack!" I sobbed. I could no longer control myself. I told him what happened between gasps as the tears flowed freely.

"I'll kill them Delilah, I will, every one of them! I swear that to you, I will rip out their hearts while they sleep in their beds!" Jacks words frightened me. Something in his voice said he was serious. Could he be serious? Why did my pain affect him so much? I wondered if it was normal for friends to react this way, but I didn't really know, I had no previous friendships to base it on.

"They will get what's coming to them Jack, not to worry. I believe in Karma, and from what I've heard, she's a real bitch." The tears stopped and my apathy returned.

"How can you be so calm? She could have killed you!"

That was a slight over reaction, I wasn't that high on the ropes. Boys! They were so dramatic.

"Does it hurt much?" Jack asked.

"It's not too bad." I lied. "At least I have the rest of the week off school. I won't have to face anyone just yet."

"Are you able to come here more during the week, or are you under your parents' supervision?"

"I haven't been under parental supervision since I was seven-years old. I will be free all week." I was thrilled, if Jack would be here, I would spend every day on the island.

"Will you be here on the island or at home?" My stomach flipped and my palms started to sweat as I wondered if he was thinking the same thing.

"That depends, Jack."

"Depends on what?" he asked. I thought he sounded hopeful.

I took a deep breath; I wasn't sure I could answer around the lump in my throat.

"Well, after my fall, I don't think it's a good idea to be spending all day alone, especially on an island. What if I fell into the water?"

"Then I would save you Delilah," Jack replied.

"You wouldn't be alone; not on the island at least." I didn't know what to say. No one had ever stayed with me just to keep me company.

"But you have school Jack. You can't be here all day, you'd surely get into trouble."

"If you are going to be here Delilah, I will be here. I promise you that." I had learned to take Jack at his word.

"In that case Jack, I will be here." I longed to see him, to feel his arms around me, to hold his hand, to feel him near me. I stood up from my seat and turned towards the sound of his voice.

"Delilah?" I loved hearing him say my name.

"Yeah," I said in a whisper. My breathing was heavy and a whisper was all I could manage.

"Close your eyes," Jack instructed.

"What? Why?"

"Please Delilah, just close your eyes."

I closed my eyes tight and held my breath, not knowing what to expect. There was no sound at all, except for my heart pounding so loud I was sure they could hear it on the dock. Then I felt him. His arms slowly slid by my sides, tightly wrapping around me, I could feel his chest pressed against my back. I was filled with a strange sensation I had never felt before, but longed to feel over and over again. I felt warm, comfortable and chilled, all at the same time. His face was resting on the back of my head; my neck warming and cooling with each breath in or out. I kept my eyes closed as he instructed. I didn't want anything to make Jack let me go. His legs were pressed against mine and he gently stroked the side of my face with his hand. When he pulled me a little tighter to him, I could have melted.

"I was so worried Delilah, I thought something terrible had happened to you," he said. I couldn't speak, this was the first time anyone had held me this way, I was frozen. "Is this okay? Do you want me to let you go?" I shook my head, his grip loosened.

"I meant no, I don't want you to let me go, ever!" I blurted out. Stupid, stupid! I scolded myself.

"I won't," he replied.

"You smell great," Jack whispered in my ear.

"Thanks." I said, embarrassed.

It was hard to believe this was real. It was more like a dream. Maybe I was still under the influence of the medication given to me in the hospital? I wished someone would pinch me.

We sat like that for hours, watching the water creep onto the rocks and then slip away again. I rested my head on his chest and listened to the sound of his heart beating.

"It's getting late Delilah." Jack said. I noticed the sun was going down.

"I want to stay here."

"You're parent's will worry." He was right. I didn't want him to let me go but I knew I couldn't stay a minute longer. I closed my eyes again as he started to move, and didn't open my eyes, not even when I knew that he was definitely no longer behind me. I wanted him to know he could trust me.

"I will be back tomorrow morning Jack, as soon as my parents leave the house."

"I will be here waiting for you. Delilah, thank you." I couldn't imagine what he was thanking me for.

"You're welcome Jack, I don't know what for, but you're welcome." I didn't turn as I stood to leave. I didn't want to take any risks. I tried to keep my eyes as closed as possible, opening them just wide enough to see where I was going. I feared that opening them all the way would allow this precious memory to escape.

I can't say exactly how I made it home, or into my pyjamas and into bed merely seconds before my parents came in the door, but I did it. Thankfully, my eyes were already closed when my mom performed a surprise check on me, something to be aware of if I was not going to be home. My absence would not go unnoticed.

That night I managed to keep the feeling of Jack holding me all through my dreams. It was so real, as if he was actually there in my bed, arms around my waist, his body pressed tightly to my back.

I was still smiling when I awoke the next morning, in a lot of pain but smiling none the less. This was something painkillers could never offer. I was happy my parents left for work already, except that it meant I wouldn't have mom's help washing my hair, a task that proved almost impossible with only one hand. Blow-drying and straightening were most definitely out of the question. Natural and wavy would have to do. I wondered why it suddenly mattered; I never cared before. My mom would surely be ecstatic, a feeling sure to be lost once I dressed. I grabbed breakfast to go; I wasn't willing to waste any unnecessary time on such miniscule activities as eating. However, from the note on the fridge, I knew I had to take the time to cover my tracks.

Delilah.
I apologize for the meal that was not to your liking. I did tell your father you only eat your meat if it is well done, burnt almost. All flavour lost.

I hope you managed to fend for yourself as discussed. We shall not insult your taste buds with leftovers from this moment on. Like I said at the restaurant, we would not require a doggy bag due to the lack of dog in our home.

Mom

I couldn't help but wonder how many and what was the cocktail of choice? No harm no foul, lesson learnt, I thought to myself as I left the house. I was so focused on getting to Jack I missed the fact that I ran past the bus stop at the exact same time my school bus pulled away. Katie's voice brought me back to reality.

"Hey Delilah. I hope you feel better soon. We miss you!" I froze at her words. The voice was unmistakable, but she sounded sincere, which did not make the slightest bit of sense. I didn't turn to look at the school bus, for fear of what I may actually see. I stood frozen for a while, until thoughts of Jack waiting for me, pushed Katie's voice clear out of my head.

I continued on my way to the docks, launched my boat carefully this time, and managed to get in on the first try. The rowing was just as difficult as it was yesterday. Then I remembered the boat, I had sent it out on the lake by itself but I was now sitting in it. Who brought it back and tied it up in the harbour? It was possible that it drifted back to shore on its own, but tying itself up? There had been so many strange things happening lately, my boring life now contained mystery. I was so consumed with my thoughts that I drifted on to shore at the island without remembering the journey.

I managed to secure my boat, and took my spot on the beach. The air was a little chilly, I was thankful I wore a hoodie. The sky was a typical grey and filled with clouds. I found comfort in things that were somewhat miserable; blue sky and sunshine only irritated me, as if it were mocking me and my lack of joy.

"Jack, Jack, Jack." I thought to myself, wrapping my arms around my body to recreate the feeling of his arms around me, as if I could ever forget. I closed my eyes and a tingling feeling rushed through me again. It was so real, I could almost feel him holding me.

"I missed you Delilah," he whispered in my ear. I gasped; he was there, holding me again.

"I missed you too Jack," was all I managed to say. At least I said something. He gave me a little squeeze, I thought my heart would stop, or maybe explode. Why did his touch affect me so much? Was this normal?

"I dreamt about you last night, but not in a perverse way at all, I assure you my thoughts were clean," he said. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, and wonder if I would be able to do the same.

"I dreamt you were here on the island with a group of friends, and I was watching you have fun. You looked different, beautiful, too beautiful. It scared me." I was confident that was one dream he wouldn't have to worry about coming true.

"Did I make you mad?" he asked.

"No, I just don't know what to say really. It's not a dream that needs worrying about."

"Why do you say that?" I could feel him pulling away from me, I didn't want him to. Had I opened my eyes? Had I turned around too much?

"Well, I don't have a group of friends for one. And if I did, I wouldn't bring them here." I wasn't going to share Jack with anyone. I couldn't take the chance of him wanting to hold someone else. Besides, who on earth would I share him with anyway?

"Why not?"

"Well, this is my place where I come to be alone."

"But you're not alone here Delilah. I'm here."

"Well, maybe I don't want to share you either." My cheeks burned and my face turned red.

"I don't think I want to share you either," he whispered, pulling me closer. He stroked my hair with his hand. I concentrated as hard as I could, trying to imagine how big his hand was, then his arm; every inch of him that I could feel, I tried to envision. I could feel he was strong, my whole body weight was leaning against him and it didn't seem to bother him the slightest bit.

We sat there for most of the day, neither one of us moving away from the other. I drifted off to sleep at one point, it was inevitable really, as I was still keeping my eyes closed the whole time he was there. I wasn't going to risk him leaving. But he never even shifted his position.

"I will be right back," Jack said breaking the silence.

He moved so quickly I almost fell backwards, and I didn't have the chance to ask where he was going. I couldn't hear him close by so I opened my eyes. The bright light made me close them again quickly, giving them a rub to try and help them adjust. I was surprised in my lack of irritation by the sun, I smiled as it warmed my face and my thoughts swept instantly to Jack. I stood up and stretched, I was a little stiff from sitting in one position for so long. A price I was willing to pay ten times!

I wanted to look around, to see why Jack left so quickly. It took everything I had to fight the urge. I wondered why he was willing to sit and hold me for hours, but still wouldn't let me see him? Would I be afraid of him? Was he horribly disfigured, his face like one of a monster? Would I even care? I tried to think of the most grotesque image a face could have, yet I still wanted more than anything for him to come back and hold me again. Even a face like John Merrick, the Elephant man, wouldn't make me want him to let me go. When I felt his face on my head, it felt as a face should, as far as I could tell. I just couldn't imagine him looking anything but perfect.

The word sent a shiver down my spine. I had already thought of the possibility that he was a Perfect, Sebastian even, and this was just another thing that I would regret. I knew the sound of Sebastian's voice, he didn't sound like Jack, he could be disguising his voice, pretending to be someone else, but would he be able to hold me the way he had if he was acting? Definitely an academy award winning performance if that was the case.

I sat back down and closed my eyes. If this was the way it had to be I was okay with it. I would go blind if I had to. For Jack.

"Are you hungry?" Jack asked from the bushes. I suppose it had to end at some point. We couldn't really sit on the beach that way forever. Even if I was willing to.

"A little I guess, but I didn't think about that this morning. I was in a rush and I definitely don't want to leave yet." I was worried that he wanted to leave and this was his subtle hint.

"I brought you some dinner. I hope it's okay?" I turned towards the bushes without thinking, but he was hidden. Jack had placed a picnic blanket on the ground with only one place setting. I assumed he was eating in the bushes.

"Jack, this looks really great. Thank you." I smiled. It was so sweet of him to plan this, and he was so quiet getting it set up, I hadn't heard a thing.

"I told you I would take care of you." I could see myself getting used to this. I never wanted to leave. I walked over to the blanket and sat down. The spaghetti looked exactly how I liked it. I took a bite and was quite impressed that it was still warm. Jack also had a can of my favourite pop and a bun to go with it. It tasted great; I hadn't realized how hungry I actually was.

"This is really amazing Jack."

"It's just spaghetti."

"I meant the whole thing, you know, that you thought to bring a picnic. You must have all the girls chasing you at your school."

"Why? Do girls like picnics?"

"I think they like the fact that picnics are romantic." My cheeks got hot again. Why had I said that?

"Oh. Well, I don't have girls chasing after me at school, thank goodness." Jack seemed to find the idea quite funny, but I couldn't imagine him not being sought after by all the girls.

After our picnic I sat back in our spot on the beach with my eyes closed. I hoped and waited. I was thrilled when he joined me.

"Delilah, do you ever wish you were one of the Perfects?" His questioned shocked me so much I almost spun around to look at him.

"No. Never."

"Why not? Don't you think it would make your life more simple?"

"No, I think it would make things harder. I like being different. I like being me." I think I did at least. "It would be hard and annoying to have to keep up with them. Besides, they never seem to actually just be themselves." Jack sighed. I was getting a little worried. There was still so much about him that I didn't know. Something was definitely different about Jack, and I kind of liked that, even though it scared me.

"Do you ever just wish you were someone else, even if not one of the Perfects?" Was he wishing that I was someone else? I pulled away from him a little, but he pulled me back closer, without saying a word.

"I don't know what you mean Jack." I didn't know how to answer him.

"Never mind." He sounded sad, as though he desperately wanted to tell me something, but was too afraid or embarrassed to.

"I used to wish I was someone that wasn't picked on so much. Still me, kind off, just not so different. Or that being different was okay, and being the same as everyone else was weird. But not lately, I'm actually starting to be glad that I am me."

"What changed?"

"I started coming here to the island." Jack gave me a little squeeze, and my heart beat a little faster.

We chatted for a while until I needed to go home. I didn't want to, I didn't want to move at all. But the last thing I wanted was to get grounded and not be able to come back to the island at all.

Time seemed to go by far too quickly on the island; I wished it did the same at school. The next day was Friday, my days at home to rest were almost over. In three days I would be back at school, back to face the Perfects, worst of all Sebastian. But I wasn't going to give them anymore thought than I had to.

The next day went about the same, except I took the picnic this time. It wasn't as good as the one Jack made; ham and cheese sandwiches were all I could manage with my arm. The day came and went in the blink of an eye. When I walked in the door late, I was thankful it was Friday night; my parents were out extra late as usual. I heard the end of a message playing on the answering machine as I closed and locked the door behind me. I checked it, assuming it would be my mom explaining where they were, but I was wrong, so very wrong. Katie was the last person I expected to call me.

"Hi Delilah, it's Katie. I stopped by your house on my way home from school today with a card that we all signed for you. But you were not home. I will try again. I hope you're feeling better. Bye." I listened to the message three more times. It was strange, why was she calling me? Why did anyone sign a card for me? They must be being punished, maybe the teachers made them. Great, that was not going to help me at all.

I lay awake most of the night, worrying about the Perfects and what horrible things they would have in store for me now. I dreamt of them tying me up with ropes in the gym, suspending me from the ceiling, naked. Sebastian staring at me and laughing while Mr. Prunkle stood there doing nothing but licking his lips perversely. The whole school standing around laughing. Why didn't anyone help me? Then I heard his voice, Jack's voice. He was laughing with them, shouting horrible names at me. Yet the worst part was I still couldn't see him. Even in my dreams he was hidden from me. I awoke with a start, when I fell from the ropes.

I returned to the island Saturday morning after my mom happily helped me wash my hair, once I agreed to let her blow dry and style it afterwards. She had far too much fun doing it. Going on about how I really was a pretty girl when I didn't hide behind my ugliness, whatever that meant. I was too busy worrying about my dream that I wasn't paying close enough attention to what my mom was rambling on about, and somewhere in the hour of primping I agreed to go shopping with her the following day. Clothes shopping. How careless of me this was going to be torture!

"There you go. I am all finished. Oh Delilah, you do look beautiful," my mom said. I was too terrified to look; something told me she had done far more to my hair than simply drying and straightening. I reluctantly looked in the mirror. The person looking back at me didn't look like me at all; she looked beautiful, just as my mom said. Hair flowing and soft, straight at the top, curling slightly at the bottom. I wasn't even aware that I had that much hair on my head.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked, impatient to hear the verdict. When I looked at her, I saw something in her eyes I had never seen before. Whatever it was, I did not want to disappoint her.

"It looks great Mom. Thank you." It did look great, so I hadn't exactly lied. It just didn't look like me. My mom gave me a hug, it felt awkward, then she rushed off with my dad as they were already late thanks to my makeover. I dressed and headed for the island, my head still clinging to my dream.

"Delilah, you look beautiful," Jack said from the bushes, as soon as I sat down.

"My mom did it. I had no choice."

"Well you look amazing. Close your eyes." I wanted to tell him no. I wanted to make him show himself to me. I wanted to tell him that I refused to come here anymore if he didn't. But I closed my eyes. As soon as his arms were around me, all thoughts of my dream vanished. I was once again lost in his arms. Jack was like a drug; no matter how wrong it may be, I had to have it, and as soon as I did, nothing else mattered. I was somewhere else, somewhere safe, somewhere happy.

"You even smell beautiful," Jack said as he breathed in deeply. I shivered when he exhaled and his breath danced across my neck.

"Are you cold?" he asked. I simply shook my head, hoping he wouldn't ask why I shivered. He pulled me a little closer, sending that familiar tingle through my body. Jack moved my hair aside, exposing my neck. I felt his breath again as he leaned closer.

"You are beautiful Delilah, not just today, but everyday." I held my breath. Jack stroked my neck again with the tips of his fingers. His lips pressed gently against my collarbone. This time the tingle that was more like an electric shock. His lips were soft; he kissed my neck three times before he pulled away. I closed my eyes even tighter and leaned back into him a little more, tilting my head slightly, trying not to look too obvious, but hoping he would kiss me again. He did. This time it was one long kiss, still on my neck. I let out a little moan; I hadn't meant to. I foolishly hoped he hadn't heard, yet there was no way he missed it, he was so close.

I wasn't sure what was happening. I felt lightheaded, the electric shock still moving through my body like nothing I ever felt before.

"You are extremely hard to resist when you show up to the island like this Delilah." Resist? Why on earth was he resisting? He could kiss my neck all day if he wanted to. I stopped thinking and gave myself to the moment. Before I realized what I was doing I turned around, trying to kiss Jack's lips. My eyes were still closed, but I turned around. Jack disappeared immediately.

"I'm so sorry Jack. I didn't mean to. My eyes were closed, I promise I didn't see you." I frantically tried to explain. But it was too late, I had ruined it. Jack didn't reply, I waited for what felt like forever, but he didn't speak again. I was so angry with myself. Why had I ruined it? What was I thinking? Hours had passed, if Jack hadn't left, it was clear he didn't want to speak to me.

"I'm really sorry Jack. Please believe me." I called out before I got back into my boat and went home. I had ruined my day; I had ruined the best moment of my life. I cried all the way home.

It was only lunchtime when I walked in the front door; part of me regretted leaving the island. I should have stayed there longer. Jack may have spoken to me eventually. The thought only made me feel worse. I ate my lunch and put in a movie, vowing to spend the remainder of my day wallowing in self-pity.

One movie ended and I put in another. Half-way through the doorbell rang. It startled me. I jumped up without thinking of who would possibly be at the door. I instantly regret it. I swung the door open and froze. Right there on my doorstep was Katie and Avery, Perfects. Katie's long blond hair hung perfectly straight and shinned in the sun. She was tall, thin, too thin if you asked me, and looked amazing as always in her designer jeans and tight fitting shirt. Avery was the only brunette in the threesome, her hair was shoulder length but no less immaculate than the others. They always had that, fresh out of the salon look.

I stared at them, like a total idiot for a moment, before composing myself.

"Are you actually at my house? How do you even know where I live?" Such an idiot. It's a small, town I reminded myself, everyone knows where everyone else lives.

"How are you feeling Delilah?" Katie asked. She sounded different. I couldn't quite tell why, but she sounded almost nice. Something must be wrong.

"I'm recovering." How the hell did she think I was feeling?

"I'm glad, I feel just awful." I stood there stunned. Could she actually be apologizing?

"Like I explained to Mr. Prunkle, I saw you were looking kind of queasy on the ropes, so I tried to get you down, only I made things worse. I really didn't mean to pull your pants down Delilah, I swear to you!" Now I was really confused. Was what Katie saying true? Had it been an accident?

"I know you have no reason to believe me, I have been truly horrible to you for a very long time now. When you fell off the ropes and I thought you were dead, I vowed, to whomever was listening, that if you were okay, I would make it up to you."

"You know, you look great today Delilah. I love what you've done with your hair," Avery said. She also sounded quite sincere.

"Oh, thanks," I replied, still unable to process any of what they were saying. Why were they not being horrible to me? Mean, horrible, nasty, I could deal with, I had years of practice. But, this, nice? What the hell should I do with nice?

"Maybe we could start making it up to you right now? What do you say? Do you have plans tonight?" I wondered if my plan of wallowing in self-pity counted?

"No, I don't have plans," I said, embarrassed.

"I did, but he cancelled. His dad needed his help." I lied, hoping it sounded believable.

"He? Do you have a boyfriend Delilah?" Avery asked. Bitch, I thought to myself, and then scrambled for my response.

"No, not a boyfriend, just a friend, a good friend, who happens to be a boy." The two smiled at me like we were all the best of friends sharing secrets. I hoped we would be done soon, I had a movie to get back to.

"See, I told Jess I had nothing to worry about. She made all that fuss for nothing." Katie said while Avery nodded in agreement.

"So, what do you say? Are you gonna come to the mall with us?" The mom voice in my head was telling me no, that this was a trick, don't fall for it. Say no thank you, go back in the house and lock the door. Since when did I listen to my mom? Inside my head or standing in front of me.

"Sure, I guess, I'll just grab my wallet," I said, hoping I wouldn't regret it.

* * * * *

5

Perfect, me?

The three of us started towards the mall, the voice inside my head was screaming at me that this was a bad idea, that I shouldn't trust them. But they seemed sincere, maybe it was me being desperate for a friend, maybe it was because of what had happened with Jack, but whatever the reason, I was going with them to the mall, it couldn't hurt, it was just the mall. There would be other people there, it wasn't like I was going alone to their house or a dark alley somewhere.

Our mall was the best thing our town had, it brought in the teenagers from the neighbouring towns, as it was the closest one for miles. There was even a food court, and one or two designer clothing stores. It probably wasn't anywhere near as great as the malls in the cities, but for our small town it more than worked. I knew there would be no way to get out of the shopping trip with my mom tomorrow, so I would have to endure the mall twice in one weekend, that so far was my yearly limit.

"I really do love your hair today Delilah. You should wear it like that more often," Avery said. I wondered what my mom would say to doing it every morning. Something told me I would be lucky if she lasted a week.

"My mom did it, I couldn't because of my arm," I replied shaking my cast at her.

"Oh right," she said, staring at the ground. She looked like she felt guilty. I was thrilled.

"So what was it that Jess said you had to worry about?" I asked changing the subject. I was beginning to feel guilty to, just looking at Avery.

"Jess thought, nah, it's silly."

"Well, now I'm curious."

Katie looked around, as if checking that no one was listening. "Jess thought that you liked Sebastian, and that I needed to worry because he might like you too." My heart leapt into my throat. I just stood there.

"But she was obviously wrong. You have a good guy-friend right?"

"Yeah, she was wrong. I don't like Sebastian," I lied, "not in that way I mean. And don't worry, he doesn't like me at all, in any way." That part was true.

"I know he likes you as a friend, he talks about you a bit. That's why Jess thinks he likes you. But I don't care if he likes you as a friend. Besides, I'm not worried," she added smiling.

He talked about me? Why would he talk about me? I did my best to act nonchalant, I didn't want them to get suspicious, but inside I was jumping up and down like a giddy school girl.

"So, are you and Sebastian an item?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Katie smiled, but it never touched her eyes.

"Not yet, but I think he will ask me soon. I really hope so at least." I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I was well aware of the fact that the odds of Sebastian asking me to be his girlfriend were nothing anyone would bet on, unless they planned on losing the farm. But I had a little hope, in my dreams at least.

"So what about your guy friend, what is he like?" Avery asked, snapping both Katie and myself out of our daydreams.

"Well, he's mysterious, I guess." And he was, so mysterious I hadn't even seen him yet. That was not something I was going to tell anyone about.

"What do you mean?" Katie asked as we walked into one of the stores.

"Well, doesn't like to talk about himself too much, he's shy I guess." I was regretting ever mentioning anything at all about Jack.

"Is that why you went to the island Delilah? Were you meeting him there?" How did she know? Had they been on the island while I was there with Jack? Or was it Jack after all? I wanted to slap them both right there, slap them and run away. But not to the island. I was never going back there to Jack the betrayer, and if he had a problem with that, he would have to come out of the bushes and tell me himself.

"Look, I'm sure you already knew it was us who took your bike from the docks, and we are sorry, very sorry Delilah, for everything." Katie said.

"That's how you knew I had been to the island?"

"Well yeah. How else would we find out? But I assure you I won't listen to Jess any more. I mean it, and I will make it up to you." What a predicament I was in. Should I believe her? She was awfully convincing. And her story meant Jack had nothing to do with it, he was who he said he was: not a Perfect! My thoughts were cut short as Jess stormed up to Katie, glaring at me the whole time.

"What is she doing here?" Jess snapped.

"I told you Jess, I am done, I am not torturing Delilah anymore. You were wrong, and because of that, Delilah almost got killed."

"Aww poor baby, Delilah broke her arm, big deal."

"Delilah didn't break her arm Jess, I broke it for her, and it was all because of you and your lies. Well no more." Katie looked furious; there was no way she was pretending. It had been Jess all along; she was the cause of all my misery. I felt relieved, especially because Katie, head Perfect, was there defending me, defending me against her own friend. Another reason my broken arm was the best thing that had happened to me in a long time.

"So what are you saying then Katie? We can't be friends any more?"

"If you can't be nice to my new friend Delilah," my head whipped around at the word friend being in the same sentence as my name, "then yes Jess, that's exactly what I am saying." Jess turned to Avery to see if she felt the same way.

"Sorry Jess, I'm with Katie on this one. You went way too far." I did my best not to smile. I felt strange, but in a fantastic way. I wanted to run to the island and tell Jack everything. But then I remembered, Jack. I had messed up and betrayed his trust. I would make it better, I promised myself, I would go out to the island every day and beg him to forgive me.

"Fine. If that's the way it has to be, we are no longer friends! I won't be friends with you as long as you are friends with Delilah," Jess snapped. Katie turned to Avery, and then to me. I held my breath in anticipation.

"Fine, then we are no longer friends," Katie replied.

"Same here," Avery added. I felt guilty. The three of them had been friends for a long time, and now they weren't and it was all my fault.

"Come on Delilah, let's go." Katie said pulling on my arm, and the three of us walked away.

"I will get you for this Delilah!" Jess shouted after me. I turned around to see her glaring as if to kill me with her eyes. I could see how she manipulated Katie and Avery. Jess was a psycho.

"Should I be worried?" I asked.

"No. We won't let her do anything to you, promise" Katie said. Things were finally turning around, it was all so surreal.

"Besides, Katie is the most popular one, she controls who is in and who is out. Right Katie?" Katie shot Avery a look, I didn't understand. She must have been embarrassed.

"Well, I can't help but feel bad. I don't want to come between friends."

"Don't be silly. Like we said, she could have stayed our friend if she would have been your friend too. She made the call." Katie was right, I had nothing to worry about.

For the first time ever, I had a great time at the mall. I bought a couple of new pairs of jeans, 'low riders' at that. They were the cool jeans. Katie and Avery bought more clothes each than I had in my whole closet. But I was happy to say goodbye at the end of the night, I could really only handle so much shopping. I still had to go the next day with my mom.

When I got home I was quite surprised to see my parents home already, it was only eight o'clock on a Saturday night: it was early still.

"Hey, I'm home." I tried to sound innocent, I was worried I would be in trouble; I hadn't left a note or anything.

"Where have you been Delilah?" Yep, trouble. I could hear it in my mom's voice.

"Shopping," I replied.

"Pardon?"

"I was at the mall with Katie and Avery, I'm sorry I didn't leave a note. It was a last minute invite, I kind of forgot." My mom came rushing into the kitchen; I braced myself for the worst.

"Shopping, you? With other girls?"

"Yep. But don't worry, I know we are going together tomorrow. I didn't spend all my money, I saved some for us."

"Oh, you didn't have to do that, I would have given you more tomorrow." I looked closely at my mom, this was not the reaction I was expecting at all, she was supposed to be mad, but instead she looked excited.

"Well, let's have a look," Mom said, pointing towards my bags. I started pulling out a pair of the jeans but she shook her head.

"Delilah please, go put them on so I can see, don't just wave them at me like that." I humoured her, a small price to pay if it meant I wasn't going to be grounded. I went to my room and my mom followed right behind me, making me feel awkward. She sat on my bed while I slipped into my closet and tried on the first pair, I was impressed at how good I was getting at dressing myself with my cast on.

"They look great. They fit you and everything. They must actually be girl's jeans too!" Mom didn't like that I wore boy's jeans. I thought they were comfy, and didn't really care all that much about fashion anyway.

"Yep, they are girl's. Katie and Avery helped me pick them out."

"Those girls have good taste," Mom said, waving me back into my closet to try on the next pair. She was just as happy with that pair as the last, and the final pair she really loved. She didn't even care that they cost a month's clothing allowance. She must have known I had enough clothing money in my drawer to purchase my first car. A car that was now going to be older than I first imagined, especially if this kept up. Not that one really needed a car in Echo, you could walk anywhere you wanted to go. The car was to leave Echo, returning being optional.

"They are great, Delilah. If you would rather go shopping with your friends tomorrow that's okay." I knew what my mom was up to, and I wasn't going to let her off. Although I was not sure why it suddenly mattered.

"No Mom, it's fine. I want to go with you. It's your right as a mom remember?" I teased laying the guilt on thick.

"Well the thing is, I now have to go in to work tomorrow. Something came up that can't wait." This was great, now I could go to the island tomorrow.

"Well, what about next weekend?" I asked her. My mom smiled; it felt good to make her happy.

"I will schedule you in. You're sure you don't mind waiting?"

"I don't mind, I promise. Work is important. I do understand that." She smiled again. I knew all the right buttons to push.

"Hey Mom, do you think you would have time to do my hair again Monday morning?"

"I will make time Delilah. I'm just glad you are finally beginning to see how important it is to look good. You looked good today and then you had friends to go shopping with. See how it works?" I just smiled and nodded as she left the room. I was sure it was just a coincidence, but I let her believe what she liked.

I headed to the island early the next morning. I didn't want to risk the chance of being seen by Katie, Avery or even worse, Jess. I wasn't going to share Jack or the island with anyone, friend or no friend.

"Jack, if you're here, I'm sorry, really, really sorry. I didn't see you, if that makes anything better." I called out. I didn't expect him to be there that early, it wasn't like he lived on the island. There was no reply so I took out my book and started to read. Reading always made my eyes heavy, I closed them for a minute or two, laying back on the rocks, and letting the cool breeze blow over my body. The ground was damp, but I didn't mind. The cold helped keep me from falling asleep. It was so quiet, the lake was still, and the breeze didn't seem to stir the trees at all. Laying there, in the deafening silence, I imagined the entire town was dead, (they could have been from the lack of noise.) I imagined that Jack and I were the only two left alive, and he could now show himself to me because now he had nothing to fear at all. Would I really be willing to pay a price such as that, for Jack? I already knew my answer, wrong as it may be.

"Jack, I'm sorry," I called out again. I had never felt so lonely before, and I knew lonely quite well. The thought of Jack being gone, really gone, was enough to kill. Was there life without Jack? I couldn't remember it; I didn't want to remember it.

"Delilah, please don't cry," Jack called from the bushes. I hadn't even realized that I was crying. I wiped my eyes, ashamed of my tears.

"I will cry if you are gone Jack," I said.

"Don't cry over me Delilah, believe me, I'm not worth it." What was he saying? I couldn't think of anyone better to cry over.

"I'm really sorry Jack. You have to believe me!"

"I know." I was relieved a little. But there was something in his voice that seemed wrong.

"So are we still friends Jack?" I didn't want to push my luck.

"Friends? If you want to be friends Delilah..." What was wrong with him? It pained me to hear his voice so broken.

"Of course I still want to be friends Jack." I didn't want to be just friends. I wanted to be more than friends, but how could we be if he wouldn't let me see is face?

"Then we are still friends. What did you do yesterday Delilah?" he asked from the bushes. I knew I would have to regain his trust before he would sit with me again.

"You will never guess what I did Jack, or who I did it with!" I was thrilled I was finally able to tell Jack about my new friends.

"Well you sound excited, and I'm sure you are right, I will never be able to guess."

"I went shopping, with Katie and Avery, you know the Perfects! Can you believe it?"

"No I can't." was all he said. I was disappointed, I had expected more than that.

"They explained everything to me. Jess had made them believe that I was a threat to Katie because of Sebastian. They apologized for being so mean to me and for what happened on the ropes. They even told Jess that if she couldn't be nice to me then she couldn't be their friend. They picked me over her Jack." Even now as I said it out loud, I still couldn't believe it myself.

"Just be careful Delilah. What if they are just tricking you?" I was furious, I couldn't believe he would even say that.

"Jack, they are not tricking me. I told you, they explained everything. They gave up their friend for me."

"That could have been an act Delilah."

"They wouldn't have gone to so much trouble if they were just trying to be mean to me."

"Maybe they were afraid you would get them in trouble for hurting you?" Why was he doing this? I wondered. Wasn't he happy for me? Did he not want me to have friends?

"They would have just lied to the teachers, they would believe them over me anyway."

"I just think you need to be careful, that's all I'm saying." He was ruining this for me. I was happy I had new friends, and I wanted Jack to be happy for me. But why would Jack be happy I had new friends? It could mean I wouldn't be coming to the island so much, and that he wouldn't be my only friend anymore. Why hadn't I thought about that, he was probably jealous.

"Jack you don't have to worry, I will still come here all the time. I can see my other friends at school. I don't need to see them after school or on the weekends."

"I'm not worried about that Delilah, if you have better things to do than come to the island, that's great. You should hang out with other people. I just don't want to see you get hurt that's all, and believe me, you will."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked, I was hurt that he would be so cruel. Didn't he care at all if he never saw me again? Had he been using me, to pass the time?

"Delilah they are not your friends. This won't end well for you."

"You think they couldn't be my friends because I'm not what, cool enough for them?"

"Well no, you're not." I jumped to my feet. That was the last straw, I didn't have to take this from him. All the things I wanted to say ran through my head. Who was he to say I wasn't cool enough for them? How did he know what cool was anyway? He hid in the bushes, and made me close my eyes when he sat and hugged me from behind. That wasn't cool, not to me anyway. I wasn't going to let him ruin this for me. I finally had friends, friends I could see, talk to face to face. My life was getting better. I was changing. I wasn't going to let him ruin it for me.

"Delilah, can't you see what's happening?"

"Oh yes Jack, I can see perfectly what's happening. You are jealous! You are trying to ruin this for me because you are afraid I won't come back here for you to use me anymore."

"Don't be stupid Delilah, I don't care if I don't ever see you again-"

"Well then you will know how I feel Jack!" I got in my boat and rowed as fast as I could back to shore. Jack made it perfectly clear he didn't care about me, so why should I bother with him anymore? I was hurt and angry, I swore never to go back to the island again.

My mom did as she promised Monday morning; she stayed home and did my hair for me. She helped me pick out a shirt to wear with my new jeans. I didn't even know I owned a pink shirt, but trust my mom to find one in my closet.

"You look like a completely different girl Delilah. You look, perfect!" The word sent a whole new kind of shiver down my spine. To think, Perfect me? I had even allowed my mom to put a little make-up on me. She was right, I didn't even look like me at all. If only Jack could see me now, I thought spitefully.

I was more nervous than I thought I would be when I got to the bus stop. What would people think of my new look? I soon as the thought entered my mind a flood of doubt followed. Why did I wear this? Why had I let my mom dress me up like a doll? I wanted to go home quickly and change but I knew I didn't have time.

When the bus arrived I walked on with my head down as usual. I went straight for my seat at the front, until I heard Katie yell, "Delilah, we saved you a seat back here." I looked up and smiled, took a deep breath and walked towards the back of the bus. Everyone's eyes were on me, it was unnerving. I felt like I was on display at the zoo or something. Me, Delilah Martin, sitting at the back of the bus with the Perfects. I tried not to look at Jess who was sitting in the very same seat I had been taped too.

"Wow Delilah, you look amazing!" Katie said, loudly enough that most of the bus turned to look. I felt my face go red and sat down quickly.

"Thanks," I whispered.

"I bet your guy friend loves your new jeans hey?" Avery asked. I was stumped, do I tell them we are no longer friends? If I did would that make Katie worried about Sebastian again?

"He didn't notice." It was the truth, Jack hadn't commented on my jeans, he was too busy being a jerk.

"That's boys for ya, we put all this work into looking good and they don't even notice." We all laughed. I felt happy, confident, Perfect!

When I walked into school with Katie and Avery, people turned their heads, some whispered, and some even stared. It was really quite bizarre. It seemed as though I was the new girl in school and they all had to catch a glimpse of me. Had they forgotten who I was? I had only been off for a few days. Or were they remembering the last time they saw me, hanging half naked from the rope in gym class? I had almost forgotten that I hadn't been back since then. I noticed that nobody called me any mean names, nobody laughed or snickered as I walked past. Were they all sent a memo or something? Or was it simply the fact that I was walking with Katie and Avery that made me off limits? Either way, I liked it.

"Delilah, wow, look at you." It was, Sebastian. I wasn't ready to face him yet. I was far too embarrassed and nervous I might do something to make Katie rethink being my friend.

"Doesn't she look great Sebastian? We took her shopping this weekend." Katie said proudly.

"That's really nice of you Katie."

"I told you, I've changed. I apologized for everything, Delilah and I are friends now." Sebastian looked at Katie suspiciously then he looked to me. I saw my chance to show Katie she didn't need to worry.

"Katie and I had our troubles, but when she tried to help me as I passed out on the ropes, well it made up for everything else. She kind of saved my life. That's what the nurse said anyway." I added the last bit in for effect. I think it worked too. Sebastian smiled at Katie then gave her a hug before saying goodbye and heading to class.

"Thank you Delilah, you're the best!" Katie squealed and hugged me.

All the teachers made an unusual and most definitely unnecessary fuss that I was back. Other kids were being nice to me asking how I was feeling and telling me how worried they had been. I suddenly had a lot of friends. I sat at the Perfects' table at lunch. I sat next to Katie and Avery in class. I had switched places with Jess.

"You really do look great by the way," Sebastian whispered to me in English class where he sat right behind me.

"Thanks," I whispered back. My finger reached for my hair and began twirling.

"Although I much prefer your t-shirts with the prints on them, the Transformers one is my favourite."

"Mine too, you can't beat the original Optimus Prime." I said, just before the teacher looked our way. I couldn't believe he remembered the t-shirts I wore, I didn't think he noticed me at all, let alone my clothing. Everything had changed so quickly, it was hard to keep up.

After school I took as long as I could at my locker. I didn't want to be the first on the bus. I was the last, as usual. I walked towards the back slowly, thankful Katie saved me a seat.

"So what are you up to now?" Avery asked.

"Nothing much really, I was just going to go home." It wasn't like I had any reason to go to the island anymore, Jack didn't want to see me and the feeling was mutual. Kind of...

"You're not going to hangout with your guy friend?"

"Not today, he has other plans."

"Again? He's quite the busy guy." I had to tell them something, or they were going to get suspicious.

"Tell me about it, he's always busy playing one sport or another. It drives me crazy." Hopefully that worked.

"Oh he's a jock? Well we best find you a guy at our school then. Jocks never have time for girls, not unless they are cheerleaders," Katie laughed.

"Yeah I don't see myself with pom pom's and a mini skirt." At that, we all laughed, so did a few other kids that were listening in.

"Well then, how about we go to the coffee shop and start thinking of a new guy for Delilah?" Katie suggested. Avery agreed, so did I. Apparently a few listeners felt they had been invited also, so they tagged along too.

The coffee shop was the place where most kids hung out at after school. This was my first time there, without parents. I was thrilled. As soon as the door opened a mixture of smells smacked me in the face. I picked out Pumpkin Pie, Spiced Piñon, Almonds, Chocolate, and Apple. The concoction of smells was heavenly, instantly becoming my new favourite smell. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply, savouring the moment. I was excited to try anything.

The shop was empty until we all showed up, which was probably why the person working there was so happy to see us. There were little tables in the middle of the shop and booths on one wall. In the far corner there was an oversized stone fireplace with four large comfy chairs in front of it. That's where we headed. Other kids, popular kids, surrounded me; indie rock played softly over the speakers, it felt like a scene out of a movie. I couldn't have even dreamt anything like this if I tried. It was surreal.

"Your usual Katie?" The boy behind the counter asked.

"Thanks Lee, you're the best!" Katie smiled back at the guy and he almost dropped the pot he was holding.

"That's Lee Thomas. He loves Katie; she never has to pay for coffee here," Avery said.

"Your just jealous," Katie teased. It was obvious that Avery wasn't kidding about Lee. He brought Katie's coffee to the table before he even took anyone else's order.

I lined up for mine and Avery's. I wasn't eager to start listing appropriate boys for me, but I was a bit excited to order my first coffee. The feeling quickly vanished once I tasted it. Yuck! People actually drank this stuff? I had never tasted anything so horrible in my life. It was what I assumed liquid dirt would taste like. I added a ton of cream and sugar just to make it somewhat drinkable. I would definitely try something else next time.

"So how about..." Katie started as she scanned the room for possible suitors, "Mike?"

"Seriously? Katie, he's dating Jess," Avery pointed out.

"Oh, I forgot. Oops!" She smiled. Something told me she hadn't forgot at all.

"Daniel?" Avery said, pointing to the guy sitting next to Sebastian. I glanced quickly, so I wouldn't slip and look at Sebastian.

"He's too short," I replied. He was shorter than me and I thought that just looked odd.

"Chris? He is very tall." Katie was right. Chris was very tall, but Avery had been staring at him since we had lunch, and I wasn't going to risk it.

"Not my type. Nice guy though." Avery smiled at me. I thought I handled that well.

"This is going to be harder than I thought," Katie said, still scanning the room. "I got it!" She squealed, making us all jump.

"Art!" I was horrified! It must have shown on my face, because the entire table started to laugh. I hadn't realized Art was actually in the coffee shop too, and only a few tables away from us. I now felt awful. I looked over at him, but he hadn't seemed to notice, his head was still buried in his sketchpad as it always was. That was why we called him Art. Even the teachers called him Art, not that they talked to him all that much.

Art was like the male version of the old me. He didn't seem to have any friends and people made fun of him a lot. But he never took any notice. He just kept his head down and his mouth shut. Something I used to use as my only means of survival. I had never spoken to him before, and until then, I hadn't really looked at him. At least not close enough to notice how black his hair was, or how pale his skin looked in contrast. I even noticed how sunken his eyes appeared. He looked, beautifully sad.

"Oh, maybe Art would be a good match you sure have been staring at him long enough," Avery teased.

"I wasn't looking at him, I was looking at Will. Too bad he's a jock, I've had enough of that for a while." I hope my explanation was believable, I thought as I twirled my hair, reluctantly taking my eyes of Art.

"I have the best idea!" Katie shrieked, causing most of us to jump, again.

"We will throw a party! We can do it at my house, Friday night. My parents will be out all night, they are driving to see my aunt's new baby for the weekend."

"Katie, that's perfect! We invite a ton of guys and Delilah can have her pick." They were thrilled with their plan. I was terrified, but agreed anyway. What else could I do? This was going to be my first party, and the idea was kind of exciting. Katie and Avery started making plans. I nodded here and there, adding a little input when I could, but I couldn't help but stare at Art. There was just something about him that I was drawn to. My heart almost stopped when he looked up from his sketchpad and right at me. I tried to turn away, but couldn't. I was frozen, our eyes locked. Something about it seemed familiar.

"So what do you think?" Katie asked smiling. I felt guilty that I hadn't heard a word of what she was saying.

"Sounds great," I replied, hoping that was the right answer.

"I'm so excited, this is going to be a blast." I must have got it right, she seemed happy.

As the week went on, word of Katie's party spread. Everybody who was anybody was going, and that included me. I was now a Perfect! I made friends with all the other Perfects, some of which I had a lot in common with. I didn't join in on any of their teasing, I usually thought of a clever excuse to have to leave when they started. I didn't want the Painfully part, just the Perfect. Any doubt that I had about their intentions had vanished. There was no way they would all play along in some kind of cruel joke, pretending to be my friend, there is no way they could have got the whole school to participate. I spent quite a bit of time chatting with Sebastian. He would have been the right guy for me, if not for Katie. I couldn't do that to my new friend.

My mom even noticed the change in me. She was thrilled, saying I looked like a proper teenage girl should. My dad didn't comment too much, he just agreed when my mom asked him if he thought I looked nice.

Katie, Avery and I went back to the mall twice before the party, looking for the most Perfect outfits. I was getting used to shopping, something I never would have thought possible a week or two ago. We were looking for dresses. That was the final decision, with a two-to-one vote. I lost. We were going to wear similar outfits, something the head Perfects did at all the parties.

"I haven't worn a dress in forever," I groaned as tried on the fifth one they handed me over the door.

"Well you're different now right? Besides I bet you look great, if you would come out and show us," Katie said. Katie and Avery already had their dresses; they both picked the first ones they tried. I wasn't having as much luck.

"Come on Delilah, just show us one. If you don't come out, we are coming in." I didn't doubt Katie's threat at all. I did up the dress and came out to show them.

"Well? What do you think?" They both just stared at me with out saying a word.

"I knew it, I look ridiculous!"

"No you don't Delilah, you look amazing!" Avery said, still staring at me. They both were and that made me feel very uncomfortable. I looked in the mirror, trying to see what it was they were seeing, but I couldn't. It didn't look terrible I guess, but it still wasn't me. But that was the point right? Not to be me, Delilah, but to be the new Perfect.

"It's Perfect Delilah," Katie said, sealing the deal on the purchase of my first little red dress. I couldn't help but wonder if my mom would approve. The dress was red and cut a good two inches above my knee. It had a low cut V-neck and a band that wrapped high above my waist. I looked like a grown up, I thought it might be too fancy for a teenage house party, but Katie and Avery insisted it was the one. Their dresses were not too much different, except Katie's had pink ribbon that wrapped around the waistband and hem of the dress, and Avery's had silver beading around the skirt. They both looked amazing. I don't think I compared to the two of them at all. They had far better figures than I did, they had some curves. I was like a stick, straight up and down, what little chest I had was emphasized by the dress, Katie said that was the part that mattered. I had to go shoe shopping next, apparently my runners wouldn't match the dress at all. I hated shoe shopping more than anything else. They insisted I buy something with a heel but I wasn't that good at walking in them. I tried on every pair of shoes Katie and Avery told me to and just picked the one with the smallest heal. Not that it stopped me from stumbling around like a fool.

Tomorrow night was the party. At this point I was beyond excited. I was officially swept up in all the magic of being part of the in crowd, it was euphoric. I was going over every guy at school in my head, trying to picture myself with any of them. The problem was, the only picture I got was of Sebastian. I took out my diary, it had been ages since I wrote in it. I read the last inscription. It seemed like I was reading a diary that belonged to someone else, and I was intruding on her most private thoughts. Her hurt, torment, and sadness was nothing that I was feeling now. It felt like a lifetime ago. I hadn't even written anything about Jack. Not that he mattered anymore, not to me at least.

I wrote as much as I could about my fall off the ropes, my new friends and the party that was going on tomorrow night. My first party. I tried to imagine what it would be like, picturing what I had seen in movies, or read in books, but it wasn't easy. I could envision the groups of people, the laughing and joking. But what were they laughing and joking about? What do they talk about? Would people be making out all over, like what happens in some movies, would they be playing card games, or sitting around sipping from short crystal glasses discussing politics, and current events? Okay that I highly doubted, unless it was current movie stars events, I doubt the perfects would know much n the topic. What about the music, would it be rap or pop music? Do we have to dance at the party? That thought was terrifying, I don't know how to dance!

My eyes were getting too heavy to hold open anymore, and I was getting myself all worked up. I put my diary under my pillow, closed my eyes and slipped right into a dream of the party, and Sebastian.

We were sitting on a two person couch, our legs pressed together, facing each other and laughing. The room was full of people having a good time, but the hum of their conversation never really reached us. Katie had decided she liked someone else and was eagerly sucking face with him across the room. The light was low and there seemed to be a breeze coming from an open window, I never did spot. The music sounded like a relaxation CD of a lake or something, but it didn't matter, I was too busy listening to Sebastian. He was telling me how much he liked my t-shirts, he could have been reading a dictionary out loud and it wouldn't have made a difference, he was sitting with me, our legs were touching, I was in heaven. He reached out his hand and stroked my cheek. I froze, held my breath, and tried to savour his touch. He tucked a piece of my hair I had been twirling around my finger, behind my ear, then he held my face with his hand. Gently pulling my face towards him, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. I reached up and my fingers slid into his hair.

When I woke up I couldn't help but be disappointed a little. I knew the wonderful dream I had was not going to come true tonight, it couldn't. I sighed, one last thought of Sebastian and our dream kiss.

My mom helped me wash and style my hair, she put on my make-up, giving me tips on how to touch it up for the party. I was surprised that she was so excited for me to attend the party. She had given me the speech on drinking alcohol and how it was not permitted in our house underage no matter what! But other than that she was thrilled. Thankfully.

I hadn't shown my mom the dress I bought for the party. I figured it best not to push my luck, so I stuffed it into my backpack, and dressed in clothes that could be party attire.

I said goodbye to my parents and left for the school bus.

* * * * *

6

The party

"Hey Delilah, are you excited for tonight?" Sebastian asked as he flipped my hair playfully at my locker. I couldn't help but smile. His touch made me shiver.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"You guess so? Well from what I heard there are quite a few boys who are very excited," Sebastian teased, "maybe, possible suitors would be a better word."

"Hey you two, could this day drag on any longer?" Katie asked. Sebastian instantly dropped the piece of my hair I hadn't realized he was still holding.

"I know. I can't believe it's not even lunch time yet."

"Typical guy, always hungry." Katie laughed. She held on to Sebastian's arm as if she was staking her claim, reminding me that he was already taken, and was off limits.

"Delilah, did you know that Kevin is especially excited? He told me he plans to claim you as his tonight." Katie smiled and winked at me, I guess I was supposed to be flattered by this.

"Delilah I didn't realize you were such a prize," Sebastian laughed, which earned him daggers from Katie. He just laughed as he walked away to his next class.

"Hey, congratulations with Sebastian, Katie." I was trying to smooth things over, just in case she had the wrong impression.

"What do you mean?"

"Well you two are together now right?"

"Not yet," Katie admitted, "I'm hoping it will happen tonight though. I have a plan that might help to hurry him along." She smiled slyly.

Finally lunch time came. We sat at the usual table and swapped lunches. The main Perfects were there, planning out the evening. Kevin was going to bring some alcohol as his older brother was more than happy to buy it for him. For a small fee of course. Lisa's parents owned the town's pizza restaurant, so she was bringing the food, Chris was bringing dessert, courtesy of his parents' ice cream shop. Everyone else just had to show up.

Katie and Avery were going to touch up my hair and makeup after school; we were going straight to Katie's house and we would be spending the night there. This was going to be an evening full of firsts for me. I was excited, but nervous too. Everything was happening so quickly. It felt like the more nervous I was, the faster the afternoon went. The last class of the day came: double English. My new favourite subject, not because I was any good at it, or enjoyed the lessons. But because Sebastian sat right behind me, and neither Katie, Avery nor Jess were in that class. I was free to talk to Sebastian all I wanted. I made sure I never initiated the conversation though, that wouldn't go over well if Katie was to find out. But if he talked to me first I was simply being polite, and that I could see nothing at all wrong with.

"So do you have anyone in mind for tonight?" Sebastian asked not even five minutes into the class.

"No," I lied. I couldn't tell him the truth. I wouldn't.

"Not one guy here catches your eye at all?" He leaned in closer, I felt nervous.

"No one that is available." I hoped that wasn't too obvious.

"So you have your eye on someone else's guy? Uh oh, they better keep a close watch on their man, who ever it is," He teased.

"That's not what I meant, I would never do that to anyone."

"What did you mean then?" Thankfully the teacher looked our way so I could avoid answering, at least for a little while.

"There are a few guys that are hoping you pick them," he continued, a bit quieter.

"Well I was hoping to just see what happens. I'm new to all this. Nobody ever paid any attention to me before." It was true, and I wasn't used to it at all.

"Maybe someone did, just you didn't see it." I thought about that possibility for a moment, but couldn't agree. I twirled my hair around my finger again, until it got stuck, as it often did. I tried to get it out without Sebastian seeing, but his smile and giggle told me I was unsuccessful.

"You have beautiful hair. I love to watch you curl it around your finger." I felt my face go red as he took a piece of my hair and twirled it around his own finger. Why did it have to be Sebastian that Katie liked? She could have any guy at school, any guy in the whole town, why did it have to be him? I couldn't help but wonder if Sebastian liked her too?

"Your hair is soft."

"Thanks," I whispered. Why would he say things like that to me if he liked Katie? Not that it mattered. As long as Katie liked him, Sebastian would be off limits to me.

"I was hoping Delilah," Sebastian was whispering so close to me, I could feel his breath on the back of my neck.

"I was hoping that maybe, maybe you would think about picking me tonight?" I was shocked, I whipped my head around, forgetting that he was twirling a section of my hair. It pulled painfully out of his fingers.

"Why would you say that?" What was he saying, what was he thinking? Didn't he know how hard this was for me?

"I was just hoping, that's all," he said defensively.

"What about Katie?" Had he not thought of her, how she would feel?

"What about Katie?" Was he serious? Was he that big of a jerk that he would do that to her? Would he dump her for me? Or did he think he could have us both?

"Well, how could you do that to her?" I asked.

"I'm totally confused Delilah. Do what to her?" He looked like he really had no idea what I was talking about.

"Why would your picking me tonight affect Katie?"

"I can't pick you because you are with Katie!" I was furious, and keeping my yell to a whisper didn't seem as effective, but the last thing I wanted was for anyone to hear and tell Katie.

"Delilah, Katie and I are not together."

"Well maybe not yet, but by the end of the night you will be, Katie already told me." He wasn't going to fool me.

"Katie and I will never be together. Ever!" he said. Despite his whisper the intensity of his voice was clear. I was confused. Katie was so sure that they were going to be together tonight. Regardless of Katie's error I was still not free to pick Sebastian tonight; he was off limits. I didn't know if I should tell her and risk being the one to hurt her. Then she could blame me and go right back to where we were two weeks ago, worse even. I decided Sebastian should be the one to tell her. I wasn't going to do anything but support my friend.

"I'm sorry Sebastian, but I couldn't hurt Katie like that. She really likes you, and even though you may not like her in return, I wouldn't be a good friend if I picked you. As much as I may want to." I turned around to the front of the class, afraid that looking at him might make me change my mind.

"I hope that Katie is actually being a friend to you Delilah." Why was it so hard for people to believe that someone wanted to be my friend? I was shocked; first Jack and now Sebastian. Was I that horrible? Was it so unbelievable that someone would just want to be my friend?

When the bell had finally rung signalling the end of the day, I couldn't get out of class fast enough. I didn't want to risk my eyes fixing on Sebastian, or for him trying to persuade me to change my mind. I didn't think it would be that hard really. I was fast at my locker and made it onto the school bus first. I went right to the back, there was no longer any question in my mind about were I was supposed to sit. I hoped that Katie and Avery got on before Sebastian. As I waited I wondered what might happen if Sebastian met Katie in the hallway. Would he tell her then and there about our conversation in English class? Would he tell Katie he wanted me to pick him, and that I told him she really liked him? I was nauseous. It crossed my mind to just run, get off the bus and run. But run where? I couldn't go to the island anymore. I couldn't go home; what if my mom was there? I would have to tell her everything. I decided I would just have to deal with it.

Katie walked on the bus followed closely by Avery. They sat down next to me then turned to face me. I held my breath and closed my eyes. I was ready. They both squealed. I wasn't expecting that.

"I am so excited for tonight!" They both shouted together. Sebastian hadn't said anything, thank goodness. Now all I had to do was pick someone else tonight before he did.

"Me too!" I tried to squeal as they both had, but it sound more like a dying cat.

"This is going to be great! Did you get any homework?" Katie asked.

"Nope, not a thing," Avery said.

"Nothing." I added.

"Great! we can hang out together all weekend!" I figured I wouldn't tell them until tomorrow that I had to go shopping with my mom. I didn't want to spoil the mood. Besides, maybe my mom wouldn't be able to go again. Or maybe she would be happy to postpone, if it was so I could hang out with my new friends whose shopping skills she likes so much.

I glanced out the back window of the bus as it began to pull away. I was shocked to see Art, staring at me. He was getting into his car, one of the few from our school who were able to drive, or had their own car to do so. I stared right back at him, his eyes seemed to trap mine. I couldn't turn away. I wondered if he had been invited to Katie's party. I doubted it. He likely wouldn't have come even if he was invited.

"Do you know who all is coming?" I asked when I was no longer able to see Art.

"I don't know exactly, but there will be lots to choose from. Don't worry," Katie assured me.

"What time did you tell everyone to get here Katie?" Avery asked.

"Around six o'clock, you don't think that's too early do you?" I looked to Avery to answer; I had no idea what time a party should start.

"That's perfect, especially because we will have pizza. It's supper time." I was starting to get more nervous, there were only two and a half hours to go.

"I told Kevin to get you fruity coolers, that's what we drink, they taste kind of like juice. I didn't think you would want beer, it's very fattening, and it's not very lady like." I hadn't really thought about that, I had never really had a cooler or anything with alcohol in it before. My mom let me have a sip of wine at special occasions, but that's it.

"Thanks, how much do I owe him?"

"Nothing, I took care of it. It's my gift to you," Katie smiled.

"Thanks Katie."

"No problem, you can get it next time, besides, you may not like them."

"Have you drank before Delilah?" Avery asked. I panicked, I didn't want them to think I was a total looser, so I lied.

"Only a few times, I've never been drunk or anything though." That was somewhat of the truth.

"You're not missing much really, besides you are too skinny to be throwing up so much." I wasn't sure what that meant, but they seem to buy my story.

When we finally reached Katie's stop I was relieved to be getting off the bus. It felt like Sebastian stared at me the whole way. I wasn't sure I could take his eyes burning me any longer. Katie waved goodbye to him as flirtatiously as she could, telling him she was looking forward to seeing him again soon, then blowing him a kiss. I wished I could have seen his reaction.

The three of us walked around the corner and up the street to Katie's house.

She lived in the 'Money' section of town at least, that's what the rest of the town called it. Avery and Jess lived on the same street as Katie, which was only a few streets over from my house, I hadn't realized how close we all lived. The houses were the newest in town. Most of the families that lived there had the house built for them. That was the only way my mom would move. She said she has never liked anything used, and a house was no different.

Katie's house was a large spread two story. It had a three car garage attached on the front and a driveway that curved so you could go to the garage or just keep driving and be back on the road again. Her front yard was landscaped and according to my mom that was the only way to get them looking so pristine. Her house had a double front door and two columns that made the entrance look grand. I thought it was too much for our little town, and was glad my house was more modest. The inside of Katie's house was just as ostentatious. A spectacular chandelier hung from the ceiling in the entrance, and directly in front of me was a grand open spiral staircase with beautiful wrought iron spindles and a mahogany banister, which looks like it was built for sliding down. All the doors had arches above them, and large windows lined the walls letting in all the natural light required to light the whole house. The house looked like a show home, everything was so clean and tidy and, well, perfect. I couldn't help but wonder if the same house cleaner that cleaned our house did Katie's too.

"Who's thirsty?" Katie asked as she went right to the kitchen.

"You read my mind," Avery said. I hoped they were not going to start drinking alcohol already. How on earth would they make it through the party?

"Delilah, do you want a pop?"

"Sure, thanks." I was relieved, there was no way I could start so soon. We moved up stairs to Katie's bedroom where I hung up my dress to let some of the wrinkles fall out before the party. We made beds for Avery and me to sleep on. Katie thought it would be best to do them now while we were still able to think clearly. I didn't like the idea of drinking at all, if I could find a way to avoid it all night I would.

Katie's room was enormous. One of the benefits of being an only child was that her parents had knocked the wall down between the two rooms to make one large one. She had a walk-in closet at least three times the size of mine, and hers was filled with clothes, shoes, jackets and bags. She even had her own full bathroom, equipped with an old fashioned claw tub. Katie was definitely spoiled. Her room had a sitting area with a flat screen T.V on the wall that got every channel. She had her own desktop computer, even though she brought her own personalized laptop to school. The room was decorated the way I'm sure my mom would have loved mine to be, pink walls with a darker pink accent wall where her bed was. The carpet was a plush cream shag which I'm sure was very hard for the maid to keep clean. Her bed looked to be king-sized, four poster and covered with puffy pink satin bedding. There was enough pink for a princess; enough to make me want to throw up. I couldn't imagine myself spending a lot of time in that room, it made my head hurt. The walls were lined with book shelves that were full of stuffed animals. More nausea. I wish I had that many book shelves, for my books though.

"So, what do you think of my room Delilah? It's probably similar to yours, it's a typical girls room. Both Avery and Jess have rooms almost the exact same."

"Yea but like half the size," Avery added.

"My room is nothing like this at all." It wasn't. My walls were the same creamy colour as the rest of the house; my mom refused to let me paint them black. They were covered in poster of things I liked; Transformers, Star Wars, The Phantom, and an 82 Mustang GT. My bed had a black comforter on it and black matching curtains covered my window. I had a few book shelves that were overflowing with books, and I had read every one of them. Maybe that's what having no friends did to girls.

"Oh well, I'm sure it's not far off, it's just a typical girl's room." If they only knew. I laughed to myself.

"We should start getting ready right away; we wouldn't want people to start coming while we still look like this," Katie said pointing to her outfit. I didn't see the problem, she looked great, she always did. Katie showered first, then Avery followed, I wasn't even going to attempt it with cast, the last thing I wanted was to have to ask one of them to help. Katie did her hair similar to mine, only hers was far curlier. Avery did the same, but hers wasn't as long. They did their make-up and then worked together to touch up mine. After looking in the mirror, however, it looked like they did a little more than just a little touch up.

"Well, do you like it?" Avery asked, she did most of it, while Katie answered the phone.

"It doesn't look like me, it looks great. Thanks." Avery smiled, she was obviously proud of her work. We heard Katie shouting on the phone outside of her bedroom door, something was wrong, and our plans were apparently being ruined.

"I can't believe it!" Katie said, slamming her bedroom door.

"What's wrong?" Avery asked.

"My parents! They are on their way home. They cancelled their plans this weekend. Some crap about work or something." I was a little relieved. The party would be cancelled, I wouldn't have to drink, or pick a guy. I did my best to act totally disappointed.

"What time will they be home?" I asked, hoping it wouldn't be too late.

"They will be here by 6:00." Katie was fuming.

"My parents won't let us have it at my house, not after the last one," Avery said. I couldn't help but wonder what had happened at the last one, but figured I probably shouldn't ask.

"Mine won't let me either," I said as they both looked at me. I wouldn't even dare ask my mom, she would surely freak right out at the thought.

"Oh this sucks! I was really looking forward to it. Everything was planned and people were excited. What do we do now?" We all sat around, trying to think of something. All I could think about was Sebastian and how he had twirled my hair in English.

"I've got it!" Katie squealed.

"What, what?" Avery seemed very excited, maybe she had plans to hook-up with Chris tonight.

"Let's have it on the island!" My heart stopped. The island? No, we couldn't. What if Jack was there? No, I couldn't let them; that was my place, or it used to be at least.

"I don't think that's a good idea Katie," I tried to explain. "There are only six boats, and I don't know how safe they all are. Besides, there's no lights or electricity or anything."

"That's okay. We can build a fire and I have a portable stereo. We can check the boats before we get in them, and make a few trips if we need to."

"Katie's right Delilah, it's a great idea, and there are no parents there."

"Let's grab some blankets and stuff. I'll text the others and let them know what's going on. Don't worry Delilah, this will be even better than having it here." Their minds were made up, and there was nothing I could do or say to change them. We were moving the party to the island. I hoped Jack wouldn't be there. But maybe he should be there. After all, he was horrible to me the last time we talked, he didn't think that Katie and Avery were really my friends. Maybe seeing me with them would show him he was wrong. Maybe he would see me in my dress and think I was too beautiful to resist any longer, and he would come running out of the bushes and kiss me, on the lips this time.

"It will be fine Delilah, don't worry," Avery said as she handed me a blanket.

"You're right, this could be fun. Should we get some marshmallows to roast on the fire?" They both smiled at me.

"That's a great idea I will go check if we have any." I managed to relax a bit. There was nothing wrong with moving the party to the island. It wasn't mine, or Jack's, and if Jack didn't like it, well that was just too bad.

We left for the docks at 5:30; Katie wanted to be gone before her parents got home. She must have been really angry with them. We were the first ones to the boats, so I showed them the safest one. I knew it would make it there and back, it had before. It was nice to not have to row the boat, I was sure my wrist had appreciated the break over the last few days. It felt strange coming to the island with Katie and Avery. It wasn't that long ago I had told Jack I wouldn't bring anyone to the island, but that was before, before he chose to push me away. Before I had friends, before I was a Perfect.

"I can't believe we never thought about this before," Katie said as she helped Avery secure the boat.

"Delilah you are one sneaky girl. You kept this all to yourself."

"Well I didn't do it intentionally really, I just didn't have anyone to share it with," I blurted out. I had such a big mouth sometimes.

"Well you do now right? You have us." Katie smiled. She was right, I did. I now had friends to come to the island with. Something about that thought stung, but I pushed it aside to focus on the party.

"Look, here comes the next boat!" Avery squealed as she waved her arms like crazy so the people in the boat would see her. I couldn't help but laugh a little, how could they miss the island? Thankfully Avery took my laugh as a sign that I was excited too.

"The alcohol has arrived," Katie announced and so had the pizza and the dessert, all on the same boat. I watched as the boat got closer and closer, until I noticed a fourth person in the boat, it was Sebastian. I quickly turned away, my palms were sweaty, and my breaths were quick. I was more aware of every move I made, every direction my eyes turned, seemed to be obvious that I was trying not to look in his direction. I felt even more self conscious of my outfit, like I was naked; I tried to cover myself up wrapping my arms around my body.

They secured their boat and seemed just as excited as Katie and Avery to be on the island.

"This was a brilliant idea Katie," Kevin said as he handed out the alcohol.

"As much as I wish I could take the credit for this, it wasn't my idea, it was Delilah's."

"Oh, I see. Smart and beautiful, lucky me," Kevin said with a smile. I felt a sting again. It didn't make sense and it was starting to get annoying. I ignored it and smiled back at Kevin, trying my best to flirt.

The next boat came filled with four more people then the next boat, then the next. I was shocked that all five boats made it across, and grateful that I had ridden in the one that I was certain was secure.

It was all going so well, everyone was eating and drinking and having a great time. This was it, this was what it was supposed to be like to be teenager, and I loved it.

Kevin hadn't left my side since he got there, and he hadn't given any other boy a chance to talk to me either. I was quite flattered. He obviously wanted me all to himself. He talked a lot about Katie, and how they used to date until they had a fight. But now they were good friends. I could see why people were so fixated on Katie, she was stunning. Far too beautiful for Echo; she looked like she belonged in California or in New York. She had a way of making everyone want to do as she said with just her smile. All the boys were helpless around her, it was rather amusing really. She seemed to cast a magic spell on them, leaving them unable to think or do anything for themselves. Her wish was their command. Kevin clearly wasn't over her. I suppose I should have been jealous really, but it didn't seem to bother me at all. Maybe it was because I knew that Katie wanted the one guy in town that didn't want her. The one guy in town, the whole world maybe, that wanted me.

"You look beautiful Delilah," Sebastian whispered to me while Kevin was talking to Katie. He placed his hand on my lower back and I thought I was going to faint.

"Here Delilah, you have to try it, it's so yummy!" Katie insisted, handing me a cooler. I decided not to resist it any more; it may make spending all my time chatting with Kevin and wishing it he was Sebastian a little more bearable at least.

"Okay, I will give it a whirl." I tried to sound as though it wasn't my very first drink ever.

Katie handed me a drink she had opened for me. She was right, it tasted just like juice. It was delicious.

"You're not supposed to chug it Delilah," Katie laughed.

"Sorry, I was thirsty." Katie and Kevin laughed, I wasn't sure what was so funny, but I decided to laugh too. Katie handed me another drink, instructing me to drink this one slowly or I wouldn't make it through the rest of the evening. I was thankful she was looking out for me. Jack and Sebastian had both been so very wrong. If she wasn't my friend, she wouldn't have cared how much I drank, or how quickly I did so. A little piece of me wished that Jack was there, even if only so he could see how wrong he was.

I had halfway finished my second drink when I noticed the last boat was on its way. It was getting dark out, but the flashlights they were using to guide their way were really bright.

"Alright, now the party will really start," Kevin said. His voice sounded odd, it made me feel a little nervous. My nerves settled down quickly as I finished the remainder of my drink.

"Done already? Wow. How are you feeling?" I thought Kevin was sweet, he seemed to be quite concerned.

"I feel fine, no different really." And that was the truth, I didn't, maybe they were just juice and this was a joke, although from the look of Avery and Lisa, they were definitely drinking more than juice. They were stumbling around, dancing and singing. They looked to be having far more fun than I was, somewhat stuck next to Kevin.

As soon as he was preoccupied I snuck away to join the girls.

"Hey Delilah!" they yelled, tipping their drinks to me.

"Hi Avery, hi Lisa. How do you like your drinks?"

"We love them, want one of ours?" Theirs looked different and I was curious if it would affect me differently.

"Sure I'll try one. I don't think mine are working right." I laughed, so did Avery and Lisa.

What they were drinking was pretty tasty too, a little bit stronger than mine, but still good.

"Oh look, Jess is here," Lisa squealed. I whipped my head around a bit too fast, it made me dizzy. Something seemed to be working now.

What the hell was she doing here? Who had invited her? She was going to ruin the party, I was sure of it. I think. My thoughts were beginning to get a little foggy. I shook my head a little, trying to clear it. But that just made it worse and I stumbled.

"Careful Beautiful, you don't want to fall over and ruin your dress now do you?" Kevin said as he held me up.

"You think I am beautiful?" I slurred.

"Very beautiful, too beautiful. You should be careful."

"How can someone be too beautiful?" I giggled. The drinks were most definitely working now.

"When you are too beautiful, you make it hard for boys to resist you, then that's not fair to us. It's teasing." I didn't have the slightest clue what he was talking about but I smiled anyway.

"Hey Delilah." I turned around to see Jess standing right behind me, she was wearing the exact same dress that I was. That bitch! What the hell was she doing? I was furious, why would she show up to my party, wearing my dress?

"Delilah, I'm sorry. I was wrong about you, I see that now. I want to be your friend." I suddenly wished that I hadn't had anything at all to drink. I wasn't sure I could rely on my thoughts right now, should I be angry or forgive her? I felt strange, good, but strange.

"Come on Delilah, forgive her. She said she was sorry," Kevin whispered in my ear. He had his arms around me from behind. It felt familiar. He moved my hair and kissed my neck.

"Forgive her." He breathed. It wasn't quite the same as with Jack, I didn't feel the tingling sensation or the electric shocks, but it did feel nice to have someone want to touch me.

"Okay, I forgive you," I said. I didn't know if I meant to or not, it felt like something had taken over my body.

"Thanks Delilah," Jess said, before she ran off to Katie, probably to tell her the good news that they could be friends again. I really didn't care.

"Come for a walk with me." Kevin said, pulling me into the trees. I don't think I could have resisted if I wanted to. It didn't feel like I was actually in control of my own body any more. I glanced around Katie, Avery and Jess smiled and nodded at me, giving me the thumbs up sign. I caught sight of Sebastian who was looking strangely at me, I tried to give him a smile, but I don't think it worked to well.

We hadn't gone very far when he stopped suddenly, he turned towards me and gently leaned me up against a tree.

"Look at you, Beautiful. You really do look amazing tonight, you know that?" I wondered how much he had had to drink. "I would have never imagined a week or two ago that I would want to be here like this with you. You have changed so much."

"Thanks, I guess." I think he meant that as a compliment, this would have been far easier with a clear head.

"You know, I never thought I would like anyone else after Katie. But I think I can see myself getting to like you." Hum, that seemed odd, even with my head as foggy as it was, I was still able to tell that he didn't sound quite right. His voice seemed different somehow.

Before I knew what was happening, he kissed me, full on the lips. This was my first real kiss. He opened his mouth, forcing mine to open also. I closed my eyes, I was a little dizzy. It didn't really feel like I imagined it would. Or at least it didn't really feel the way I imagined it would with Jack. I wished it was Jack kissing me here on the island right now. Kevin's lips felt fierce and hard, forceful almost.

Then I felt Kevin's hands on my thighs. I panicked. What was he doing? Why had I worn a dress? I tried to push him away, but he moved in closer.

"Kevin, wait." I tried to say with his mouth still on mine and his hands moving further up my dress.

"I told you, you shouldn't look so beautiful," he said before he pushed me back on the tree harder this time and began kissing me again.

"Kevin stop, please!"

"Look Delilah, you are the one that wanted this party. You are here on the island looking for a guy right? Well I am the guy you are looking for." He kissed me again, his hand moved all the way up my dress. I didn't want this, I didn't want any of this at all, I wanted Jack.

Kevin had me pinned up against the tree so hard I couldn't move. He had one hand up my skirt moving into my underwear, while his other hand grabbed my breast, all the while he continued to kiss me. But he was kissing me so hard my mouth hurt, I could feel his teeth on my tongue. Tears started to stream down my cheeks. I thought as hard as I could about Jack. I didn't know what else to do. I tried moving but I couldn't and the more I tried, the more Kevin thought I was enjoying it. He finally stopped kissing my mouth, trying to undo his pants and kissing my neck.

"Kevin, STOP, I SAID NO!" I shouted desperately. Suddenly he flew backwards hitting a tree hard and slid to the ground. He had obviously hit his head, he reached his hand back to rub it. When he pulled his hand back it was covered in his own blood. I don't know how, I hadn't touched him, or at least I didn't think I had. He was furious.

"You little tease!" he snapped. "Why would you bring me into the bushes and start kissing me like that? You were liking it, I could tell." I wasn't, I wasn't liking it at all, I said to myself. He moved on me again, quickly pressing his lips to mine, harder, but before his hands reached me he was thrown backwards again. "You bitch!" He shouted before storming off to rejoin the party.

I felt bad. I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't help wonder if I had given him the wrong idea? Had I made him think that was what I wanted? And I didn't think I had pushed him, I couldn't have, there was no way I am strong enough to do that, but someone or something had. If only I could get my thoughts straight.

I waited a moment longer and then went back to join the party. I made sure that I stayed away from Kevin.

"Do you want another drink Delilah?" Jess asked, smiling a little too much. Everything seemed wrong.

"Yes, thanks." She handed me the drink. I was sure this wasn't going to help at all to make things seem more clear, but at least it may take the edge off.

"I took the cap off already for you, these ones can be rather tricky."

"Oh, thanks." She was trying to be nice at least, I kept telling myself, maybe I should just give her another chance, everyone makes mistakes right?

I drank it fast, I wanted to get the incident with Kevin out of my head. I wasn't sure what I was going to say to Katie and Avery. I hoped I wouldn't have to say anything, that Kevin would just say he wasn't interested after all.

"Hey you two, wanna play a game?" Katie shouted to me and Jess.

"Oh I love games! Come on Delilah." Jess replied tugging me by the arm.

Everyone was sitting around the large campfire they had made. Avery and Chris were sitting together, so were Mike and Jess. Lisa was sitting on the ground in front of her boyfriend Jason, and Katie was sitting in between Kevin and Sebastian. The only spot left was next to Kevin. He waved me over with a smile. He must have gotten over the incident in the trees already. Maybe I was making a big deal out of nothing. I smiled back, slightly, and went to sit down next to him.

I looked around the beach searching for everyone else, but it was just those sitting around the campfire that were left.

"Where did everyone else go?" Was the party ending already? I wondered what time it was, maybe it was far later than I though, it was quite dark now. I assumed time must pass faster when you have been drinking.

"They all chickened out already. They couldn't handle it any longer." Jason laughed.

"Chickened out about what?" I was confused. Not to mention that everyone looked a little foggy and seemed to be talking funny. I felt so strange.

"They were too afraid to be here in the dark," Katie said.

"What, really?" I laughed, I think it was me at least. "Why on earth would they be afraid of the island in the dark?" What was there to be afraid of on the island? It was just the same in the dark as it was in the light.

"Delilah, don't you know what happened here fifty years ago?" Katie asked. I racked my brain, but all I could think about was how funny the flames of the fire looked dancing around as they were.

"No, why? What happened?" Kevin handed me another drink and a stick to roast marshmallows.

"Fifty years ago, to the day in fact, this island burned along with the whole sheriff's department and some volunteers that were helping to search for some missing teens."

"And the creatures that killed all them other teens before, don't forget about them," Jason added. I thought they were telling ghost stories. I had never heard about that before, even when I Googled the town for a school project, nothing had come up about kids getting murdered. My toes were tingling, it felt funny. I took my shoes off and let my feet sink into the rocks and sand.

Avery looked scared. I decided I would just ask my mom about it. If she didn't know, I had no doubt she would find out.

"I heard that it was Vampires that were killing the teenagers that came to the island," Jess said.

"Makes sense, that's why they burned the island, that's the only way to kill a Vampire." Katie said.

"If it was Vampires, why didn't they just turn into bats and fly away before they were burned in the fire?" Kevin asked. I couldn't help but laugh, these guys must watch far too many really old horror movies, they needed to read more. I didn't realize they were all looking at me, waiting for me to explain my outburst.

I was really feeling the effects of the drinks now, and it was very strange. It was like being outside my own body; like I was watching myself yet had no control over what I was doing. Every time I did something or said something, it was over exaggerated and louder than I anticipated. I had a little control over my thoughts, but not very much, I felt strange, but I liked it.

"Well Delilah? You obviously know something about Vampires, please, enlighten us." Kevin seemed a little insulted.

"Vampires don't really turn into bats. There is actually no connection to bats at all, other than the fact that some bats drink blood, but mostly from cows, not humans." I was impressed with myself for remembering, but more for the fact that I managed to say it all in one sentence.

"Really, and how do you know that?" Kevin asked.

"That's because Delilah is a Vampire," Katie said. I laughed again. I couldn't help it that time. Me a Vampire? I couldn't even eat my steak if there was any blood in it, and I almost passed out every time I had a blood test. I actually did pass out once, after my dad cut his finger really badly trying to fix our gate. A Vampire; I giggled again.

"That is, after all, the exact reason why we brought you here tonight, on none other than the fifty year anniversary. We have to kill you Delilah. If we don't you'll summon the others and then they will kill the whole town." I wanted to laugh again at Katie's story, but something was wrong, her voice didn't seem like she was joking. I looked around at the others, trying to read them. If only I hadn't had so much to drink, I might have been able to think clearly.

"She has been coming here with her Vampire friend for a long time now. They have been plotting their attack."

"Katie, I think you have had far too much to drink. Listen to what you are saying, it's not funny," I said. She seemed strange, they all did.

"I am not trying to be funny at all. The thing is Delilah, none of us have had anything but juice to drink, even you." What was she talking about? Kevin had brought alcohol for everyone, I drank four-or-five-or six, I couldn't quite remember how many exactly. Everything was so foggy. I knew I must be drunk, I didn't feel right at all. I wanted to run straight to the boat and row back to shore as fast as I could without looking back, but I couldn't move. They were probably just playing a trick on me, trying to scare me, that was all. I tried desperately to convince myself.

"She has already tried to bite Kevin, look," Katie said, showing the others a very strange looking bite mark on his neck.

"She did it in the trees. She lured me back there tantalizing me. You know how they do that, it's part of their powers. They are irresistible when they want to be. That is why she has changed lately, that's why she suddenly looks the way she does." What was he saying? Were the others actually believing him? I couldn't really tell. "We were just kissing at first, and it was nice. Then she got carried away," he lied. I got carried away? I wanted to scream. Had he forgotten that I had to push him off me?

"If that is really what happened Kevin, then why didn't she drink all your blood? Why are you still alive?" Sebastian asked. Oh thank goodness he was being logical.

"Because that wasn't the plan yet, was it? She rushed things." Kevin was so full of it.

"Vampires can't kiss someone without drinking all their blood. They can't help themselves," Katie added.

"Delilah, seriously? You bit him. How did you stop?" Avery asked. I wanted to answer, I tried, but my head wasn't working at all.

"She threw me to the ground. She could have killed me," Kevin tried to explain.

"I didn't, it wasn't me," I finally managed to say, "you were going too far, I wanted you to stop. You had your hands all over me. You were undoing your pants. I wanted you to stop so I pushed you back, that's all."

There was something not right, they weren't kidding at all. They seemed to really think that I was a Vampire. Katie, Jess, and Avery smiled at each other, then turned to me. They looked evil, they were serious. They had really brought me here to kill me. They couldn't have really planned this whole thing, could they? This past week, being my friends, the shopping trips, the party? They had been so convincing, I thought they were really my friends. How could they have done all that? Were they really that evil?

I was scared. Jack had been right, so had Sebastian, he had even tried to warn me. Sebastian must have known all along. Was he a part of this? Had he told me that he wanted me to pick him tonight as part of their ridiculously elaborate plan? He twirled my hair; knew how many times I twirled it. He told me that he didn't like Katie, that he would never be with her. Lies, it was all lies.

Then I remembered Jack's dream that I had come to the island with a group of friends. And now I had. He said that I was happy, and I was at first. Then the sting of what Kevin said to me made sense. He said I looked beautiful, too beautiful. That was Jack's dream, it had come true. Jack said that it scared him. I knew then that I should be scared too.

They really were that evil. Katie, Jess, and Avery had brought me to the island with a plan. a plan to kill me. And there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. I was going to die. I thought as hard as I could about Jack. If I was going to die on the island, I wanted Jack to be the last thing I thought about.

"So why isn't she killing us all right now Katie?" Sebastian asked. "I mean, if she really is a Vampire, she has the strength to kill each one of us right now."

"We have already thought about that. We were not about to take that chance Sebastian, so we drugged her. That way we wouldn't have to worry about her killing us." Katie sounded rather pleased with herself.

"Katie, have you lost your mind? You can't go around drugging people, you could have killed her," Sebastian yelled.

"Are you forgetting my parents are doctors? I know a little about medications Sebastian. Give me some credit."

"Are you saying your parents knew about this? Did they give you the drugs to give to Delilah?"

"Oh Sebastian, don't be ridiculous. My parents would never do that. No, I had to trick them into telling me what the right drugs were. It wasn't very hard though. They are always so wrapped up in their work it makes them unaware of my life, and rather gullible." There was something sad about Katie's explanation. Her life was so similar to mine that it was hard not to understand, even just a little, how misguided she was.

"So let me get this straight. You spent this last week pretending to be Delilah's friend, convincing her that you were throwing her this party to help her pick a guy to date from our school, all because you believe that she is a Vampire, and comes here to meet up with her Vampire boyfriend? You did all this to trick her? To get her to come here so you could drug her and kill her?" Sebastian asked, I wondered why everyone else seemed to be in on it except him? Why was he the only Perfect that didn't know the truth?

"Exactly! Well almost. We are not exactly sure if she has a Vampire boyfriend, or if she brings boys from other towns to feed on." Like that little detail made even the slightest bit of difference. "But you have to understand Sebastian, we did it all to save the whole town. Delilah would kill us all, just the same as the others did fifty years ago. It was just a matter of time."

"Katie's right man, my dad told me all about it. He even showed me the records from the police department," Kevin explained.

"Then why did you go into the trees with her?" Sebastian asked. Kevin let out a little laugh, he sounded cocky.

"Dude, she's a chick. Even a Vampire chick is better than nothing. Besides, like Katie said, they are irresistible; it's part of their powers." Yep he was definitely cocky, and terribly misinformed. If I was a Vampire, which at that moment I couldn't help but wish I was, chick or no chick, I would have killed him without any trouble at all.

"You're all deranged, you know that? You seriously think Delilah is a Vampire!" I was glad that even though I was unable to defend myself, Sebastian was doing a terrific job, maybe he could save me.

"So you just plan to kill her? How?" Well that may not have helped much, but I hoped he was going somewhere with that question.

"The only way you can kill a Vampire silly, you have to burn them at the stake," Avery said. Stupid Bitch, that's witches! I screamed in my head. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

"And how did you plan to get away with it? Don't you think people will tell the cops that she was here with you?" Ah ha, they had messed up already.

"Of course they will; we will tell them that too. However when she left, upset because Kevin refused to have sex with her, we don't know where she ran off to. She got on her bike and rode away. They will find her bike by the highway, and assume that she hitch hiked out of town. She will be listed as a runaway." Dammit, they thought of everything.

"And how do you plan to stop me from telling them the truth?" Katie stroked Sebastian's face, but he pushed her hand away. She glared at him, obviously not accustomed to rejection.

"Well, we could kill you too?"

"I would like to see you try," Sebastian said. Mike, Chris and Kevin all stood up. Would they really kill their friend? I felt something wet run down my cheek. I must have some feeling left but I couldn't move or speak; I just sat there. I was now trapped inside a statue. This couldn't be good at all.

"Come on Sebastian, think about it. Who would they believe? You, or all of us? Don't forget, Kevin's dad is the sheriff."

"Besides, we figured we would give her the chance to prove she is mortal first, right Katie?" Avery seemed a little nervous, she looked at me, just for a second, then turned away.

"Yeah, yeah. But like I said, we have to be careful, we don't want to risk anything." Katie said.

"What are you talking about?" Sebastian demanded. Jess got up and moved out of my view; I wasn't able to turn to see where she was. I was getting nervous, terrified, but whatever I was drugged with had paralysed me. I wanted to run more than anything. I tried ordering my legs to stand up and walk, but they ignored me.

"Just let me fix her up a little first Katie, you know, while she is still so, cooperative." From the sound of her voice, Jess was right behind me.

"Go ahead Jess, work your magic," Katie laughed.

"Jess, don't you dare touch her," Sebastian warned. Mike, Chris, and Kevin held him back. He was trying to fight them off, but he couldn't shake off all three of them.

There was a strange snipping sound. I felt a tug at my head, then I saw pieces of my hair being tossed to the ground in front of me.

"She looks fantastic Jess, you did a great job!" Katie said.

"You bitch!" Sebastian yelled. I wasn't sure if he was yelling it at Jess or at Katie, maybe both.

"Do I need to give you some of this too?" Katie asked Sebastian, who was still being held by his friends. She had a syringe in her hand, I could only hope whatever was in it wouldn't hurt, and would kill me quickly. I was ready now. And I hoped that this time, God was ready too.

"Katie, just stop it. Come on, you and me will leave here and go hang out, just the two of us." Katie almost smiled at Sebastian, but Avery and Jess reminded her to stay focused.

"It's too late for that now Sebastian. Like I told you, we are doing this to save everyone. We can be together after I'm done." She smiled at him and Avery and Jess nodded their approvals. "Now, we are going to give her a little of this, and it will make her feel almost normal again. Then she is going to kiss Kevin one more time, right here, in case she gets carried away. If she can just kiss him, and not try to kill him, we will believe that she is not a Vampire."

"And if she does try to kill him Katie? How the hell do you plan to stop her?" Sebastian demanded.

"With this one." Katie said, holding a second syringe in her other hand. "You see, we are being more than fair, we are giving her a chance to prove herself." Katie smiled, and then waved at Avery and Jess. "Get her up," she instructed before turning to Kevin. "Kevin, are you ready?" she asked.

"She has already tasted him, she will be able to resist, then you won't know for sure," Sebastian said. Katie turned to him.

"What? How do you know that?" she asked.

"I did a report on Vampires last year in school, once they taste someone, they can resist them, besides, she already was able to resist him once." A fact that I had never heard of and from the looks of it, neither had any of the others.

"Is this true?" Katie asked Avery and Jess.

"I don't know Katie," Jess replied.

"It does make sense though, don't you think?" Avery noted. Katie was mad. She turned to the other boys.

"Well, which one of you two will do it then?" she asked them.

"I ain't doin' it," Chris said.

"Me neither, she wont be able to resist twice" Mike added.

"Don't be such babies! One of you will have to do it. How will we know for sure if you don't? Are you both really willing to risk the lives of the whole town?" Katie snapped.

"I will do it," Sebastian said. Katie whipped around, it was obvious that she was furious.

"No way! Not you. Mike? Chris?" she demanded, but both boys simply shook their heads at her.

"I wasn't asking you for permission Katie."

"But Sebastian, I don't want you to," she replied, she looked hurt.

"Katie, I don't give a damn what you want," Sebastian said, "besides, you need to know the truth right?"

"Yes, but I..."

"So let me do this for you," Sebastian said, moving forward and stroking her cheek. Katie smiled. She nodded, and I felt myself being lifted up, and moved forward.

"You look beautiful," Katie said, maliciously.

"Doesn't she? My best work so far I think," Jess added.

"Yeah, she does," Sebastian said. He was looking deep into my eyes as though he was trying to tell me that he meant it.

"I am going to stick you hard with a needle Delilah, within a few seconds, you will feel normal again. Well, normal for you at least." The girls giggled. "Then you are going to kiss Sebastian. If you can do that without trying to kill him, we will let you go, no harm no fowl. Don't bother trying anything stupid, or I will stick you with the other one, and you will be unconscious. Do you understand?" I wasn't sure exactly how I was supposed to answer, I think I may have blinked, either way I felt a hard stab in my thigh. A few seconds later, just as she had said I would, I started to feel my body again.

"Can you move and speak?" Katie asked.

"Yes," I said weakly. I was in shock, and terrified. I wanted to cry, to scream, run, but I was too afraid to do anything but what she said.

"Do you understand what you have to do?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Okay, are you ready?" Katie asked. I only nodded this time. I was now looking right at Sebastian. I was going to kiss him, just like I had dreamt. Although in my dream I wasn't kissing to save my life.

"Are you ready?" she asked Sebastian this time.

"I'm ready," He replied.

"Okay, but no funny stuff," She warned, looking right at me.

Sebastian leaned in close to me, then grabbed me around the waist. His lips reached mine and I melted. I had dreamt about this kiss, I had longed for this kiss. I didn't care how or why at that moment, I just kissed. He pulled me even closer to him, one hand reached up and cradled my cheek. My hands wrapped around his neck, pulling his head closer.

"Okay that's enough," Katie said. But we didn't stop, our body's just got closer.

"Stop it!" Katie screamed.

"You see," Sebastian snapped, still holding me close to him, "Delilah is not a Vampire, I'm still alive."

"I see. You want to be with her?" Katie looked crazed.

"Katie, you have your proof, now leave her alone. Come on Delilah, I'm taking you home," Sebastian said. Katie screamed. The last thing I can remember was something hard hitting the back of my head, before I died.

* * * * *

