Weed Patrol

              By Bella Cushing

                 Chapter 1
              Back To School
   School.Just that one word was all I needed to hear to ruin my day.I didn't always hate school.There was a time when school was pretty much like my best friend.But as the years progressed and the work got long and tedious,I gave up completely on that thought.So when my Mom woke me up that hot August morning and said that if I didn't get up soon I would be late for school,I naturally pretended that I hadn't heard and was fast asleep.
   "Get up,Agatha!If you don't get up soon then I'll have to ban you from all of your privileges,including video games!"my Mom said,and as I peeked up at her I saw that she had a sly grin etched on her face.
   I immediately bounced out of bed and ran to my dresser.I started pulling out clothes and bustling all around the house so that I wouldn't be late.
   "That's more like it."I heard my Mom whisper to herself as she left the room.
   I ignored her.As I ran into the kitchen I saw that Dad had already made me my breakfast.I quickly scarfed down the cheese omelet with a side of bacon that he always made and jogged out the door and down the street.I saw my Mom wave out the front room window,but I ignored that,too.I didn't want her to change her mind and take away my video games.
   Thankfully for me,Rich South High School is only a couple blocks away.Unthankfully for me,it felt like one hundred degrees with all the humidity on yet another small-town August day in boring Illinois.I had to run halfway across campus to get to homeroom.It was a huge school,almost too huge for little Illinois,or even puny Richton Park,in that case.The teachers say that we should be happy to have such a big school.But the students(including myself)really couldn't care less.That just means that we have to walk at least a mile in order to get to our classes.I mean,do you want to walk a mile just to get to your next class?That's what I thought.
   When I finally reached Mrs. White's room class had already started.But I didn't really care,and neither did she.After all,it was only the second day of sophomore year.Instead,she rolled her eyes and continued with what she was saying.
   "As I was saying,this is Bryce Christie.He is a new student here at Rich South so please,try to be nice.He is a student here,just like the rest of you."she said,eyeballing us one at a time.Some kids snickered,already making up their mischevious plans of welcome,"Bryce,why don't you tell us a bit about yourself,hmm?"
   Bryce stood akwardly at the front of the classroom," Well,I'm Bryce Christie and,uh,I'm 16 from California and,um,well,that's it.",he shrugged,staring at the floor the whole time.
   There was a couple of small yawns,and a couple of small claps and sarcastic 'bravos'. Bryce scowled at the ground and crossed his arms.Mrs. White,however,ignored them.I looked him over.He was really handsome when he wasn't scowling or crossing his arms or standing awkwardly in the head of the room,I noted.Extremely handsome.
   "Well,let's find you a seat.Why don't you sit next to Agatha.Agatha,raise your hand for him,please."she said.
   My hand shot up.Bryce grinned slightly,and I wondered why.Was that funny?Should my hand have lingered a while?What did I look like?As he sat down,I looked more carefully at his features.He had very tan skin,but who didn't if they used to live in California?His blonde hair lay in his eyes,and I saw that he had brown highlights.He wore a orange pullover sweater and a pair of long blue jeans.His eyes were a deep brown,and I thought I saw them glitter in the August sun.'I could get used to him sitting next to me'I thought to myself.Maybe the year wouldn't be so bad after all,if he stayed around.
   The rest of the day passed by normally;running from class to class,talking with friends about gossip(which wasn't really my favorite topic),and whatnot.Study hall was the least normal.I was assigned next to Bryce,like in homeroom,and this time I tried to act casual with my hand.I let it linger halfway,put on an 'you bore me' face,and then let it shot up and my eyes bulge as they tried to get another good look at him.Some people around me laughed,and that made me fidget in my seat.
   Bryce laughed with them,"Do you realize how lame you just looked?"he whispered to me as he hovered over my desk.
   I shrugged slowly,trying to look bored with him,"I guess not."I answered.
   Bryce was still slightly laughing and shaking his head as he sat down.I took out my homework and looked over my Calculus homework and watched Bryce out of the corner of my eye.He didn't do anything'just sat there with his feet on the desk and talked to the boy sitting next to him.' What a waste of time!'I thought to myself.I dared myself to talk to him'ask him a homework-related question or something.But I didn't want to look lame again.I sighed to myself when the final bell rang and everyone packed up to go home.

                 Chapter 2
                Love Dreams
   It had been a week since Bryce Christie had first arrived,and I still caught myself gawking at him with saliva running out of my mouth like a waterfall.Well,no saliva,but you get my point.That was probably the only reason the he never talked to me.But today,I was determined to pull it together.I was going to talk to him,no matter how much my gaping mouth and my pretend saliva waterfall disapproved.When I walked into 1st period homeroom Bryce was already at his desk and was writing something.I groaned in my stomach as I made my way to the my desk.
   " Hey,Bryce,whatcha writing?"I asked with fake enthusiam.The last thing I would ever want to do on this earth was talk about essays,paragraphs,and anything else writing related.I already felt the boredom creeping up on me.
   Bryce glanced at me with supicious eyes," Why?I didn't know you liked writing.I didn't even know when you'd finally start talking to me and quit staring.It was starting to get annoying."he looked at me a little while longer to examine my expression,then glued his eyes to his paper.'Ok',I thought to myself,'maybe he's in a bad mood today'.
   "I was just wandering what you where writing.Is that a problem?Or are you going to give me more attitude?",I lashed back at him and watched him take it in.
   " No,but well....never mind.It's nothing you'd be interested in anyway,"he said in a dismissive tone.
   " Oh,please!I'm sure that whatever it is,I can handle it,"I said back,overexaggeratingly rolling my eyes.
   "Ok.,"he said hesitantly,and turned the paper toward me slowly.He pretended to be interested in whatever else was happening in the room as I took the paper.His eyes were filled with regret.
   It was....a poem.He hadn't been writing a long,boring essay after all.That changed things somewhat.I liked to read poetry,so I guess that was a good thing.But this poem was a bit different.I read the sloppy print.
                                                              Tampered Heart

My heart is consumed by an addiction,
                                                           One you can't stop.
                                                        So I'll tear out my heart,
                                                     Squish it and feed it to a cop.
   After I read it,I felt the confusion flood my face.What was wrong with this guy?Does he not know how to make poetry?Squish it and feed it to a cop?Did he have mental problems!?Questions poured into my head.What was the addiction?Did he always make this kind of poetry?Was he hoping to become a famous poet?I hoped not for his sake.Just then,Bryce snatched the paper,tore it into peices,then tore those peices into peices,and let them shower the floor.Then,when he looked at me,his face was hurt and angry.
   "I-I'm sorry!Did I h-hurt your feelings?",I stuttered.I felt utterly lame.
   " I knew that you shouldn't have read it.Girls don't understand those kind of things.All they like is that lovey-dovey,mushy-gushy crap."he said in a fustratingly mocking voice.
   " No,I liked it!,"I pleaded," I just had a bit of a hard time understanding it.It was definitely...unique.But still good!"
   " Yeah,right.You hated it,your face gives you away too easily.You can't hide your emotions,so it's easy to know how you feel.Don't you know that your a bad liar by now?,"he laughed,and he made it sound all too obvious.His anger melted away and dissolved into the air.
   " I guess no one ever mentioned it.But I'll keep that in mind.,"I chuckled.
   Then class started.For the rest of the day we avoided each other,but at the end of the day in study hall we were like two nonstop chatterboxes.The interesting part of the conversation came at the end.
   "So,what are you doing today?,"Bryce asked,his white teeth sparkling as he packed his books up to leave.
   " Well,I think I'll play some video games."I said confidently as I rose from my seat.That sounded like a boyish thing to do.
   " Really?Cool.Is it okay if I went to your house?What games do you have?"he said,trying to hide the little excitement in him.
   " Well,I just got my new Playstation 3,so the only game I have is Tony Hawk's Proving Ground and Star Wars:The Force Unleashed."I said,hoping that that statement didn't discourage him.
   "Oh,well,that's okay.I like that Tony Hawk game a bit.Do you want me to come over right now,or what?"he said,and I studied his expression.I thought he looked more eager than discouraged.
   " Well,I guess around 5,if that's okay?I always like to do my homework  and studying first."I said dorkishly.I secretly punched myself.
   "Yea,that's fine.See you there."he said as he walked away.I stayed at the school a while to peek at him.He was heading to Meadow Lake Estates,where all the houses were practically mansions.And right next to a lutheran church and graveyard.I realized that I'd wasted 10 minutes and raced home.
   When I got home I immediately started rummaging through my clothes.I had to have the perfect outfit to give off the right chill vibe.I decided on my dark blue New York City pullover sweater that looked like it had neon paint splattered all over it and my light blue denim jeans.
   Bryce came as soon as the clock in the kitchen showed 5.
   He laughed at me as soon as he saw that I had changed clothes,and I started to feel self-concious.
   But I was wrong about the point of him laughing,though.
   "You should wear stuff like that more often.You look so uncomfortable in the clothes you wear to school."he said,smiling.
   "Oh,actually,I'm only allowed to wear this outside of school.My Mom prefers that I wear 'girly' clothes at school because she thinks what I wear makes me look like a 'grouch'. "I said as if it was nothing.
   "Well,if we're going to get a good game in,we'd better stop talking and start playing."he said.
   We got to work on mission-play-a-good-game and got a bit caught up in it.We were both shocked when it was time for him to leave.
   " That was fun!",I said,and I meant it.I hadn't thought that playing a video game was that so fun in a long time.
   " Yea,we should do that again some time soon.But maybe next time you should quit ramming me with your skateboard,though,"he snickered.
   I slapped his arm,glad that to have been able to hang out with Bryce.
   "Well,it was cool getting to hang out today."I said,and slightly blushed.'Lame,so very,very lame'I thought to myself.
   "You too.Yo,I really gotta go,but I'll talk to you later,okay?"he said,edging toward the door reluctantly.
   "Oh,yea,okay.Bye Bryce!"I shouted.He was already out the door and running down the street and into the setting sun.
   I skipped upstairs.I flopped on my bed and inhaled the wonderfully fresh,fruity scent of my room.It soon overwhelmed my body with bubbly joy.I sat down in front of my computer and checked my email.I had 3 messages.
   The first one was from Leonna,my best friend.
   Agatha,
             You should've come to cheerleading practice today.I didn't know that you had a cold!When I saw you at school you looked okay to me.Hope you get better soon!Or in this case,overnight.We have the a game tomorrow,remember!?
                                                                                                                                            Get Better For Our Stars!
   I chuckled to myself.Just like Leonna to worry about the cheer sqaud more than me;to be so selfish and yet so selfless at the same time.I pouted.That  was the one thing that I disliked about her.
   Leonna,
              I'm fine now,perfectly fine.And you?How was practice?See you at school tomorrow!
                                                                                                                                Agatha
   The next message was spam.I didn't even open that one,just clicked delete.
   And the last one was the best of all.Bryce.
   Agatha,
              Sorry,I won't be able to come to your house tomorrow.Time restrictions,ugh.But I'll be able to see you the day after that,okay?
                                          Bryce
   I was happy as well as confused.Happy that he had wrote to me,but confused where he got my email from.
   Bryce,
            Okay,I'll just see you then.That's okay with me anyway because I have a game(cheerleading)tomorrow.I already missed practice today and I know that the cheer coaches are gonna give me a peice of their mind tomorrow.And,by the way,how'd you get my email address?Did Leonna tell you?
                                             Agatha
   I paced my room a while,hoping that he'll have already gotten the message and was responding right now.My wishes were granted.I heard the little chime that the computer made whenever I had new mail and rushed to it as if it would disappear if I didn't.It was,again,from Bryce.
   Agatha,
             I had no clue that you did cheerleading!It's just not your style.And why did you skip practice today?!Next time you have practice,go,okay?I don't want to get you in trouble.Oh,and I did get your email from Leonna.
                                                                                                                                Bryce
   His response had put me in shock.My hands where frozen over the keyboard as I made sure that what I had just read was really there.Why was he acting like that?Like me skipping was all that bad!He wasn't my parent,I get enough of them on a regular basis!
   Bryce,
            Why are you acting like a third parent?!I already get yelled at daily,why do you have to add to the mix?If I want to skip,I skip.Case closed!
            Agatha
   I started pacing,only this one came faster.I hopped back to my computer as soon as I heard the chime.
   Agatha,
             I'm not acting like a third parent,just a really good boyfriend.Now,I want you in good shape for the game tomorrow,so go to sleep.Goodnight,Agatha.No more emailing for tonight,honey.
                                                                                  Bryce
   Now I was seriously shocked.It took me a while to recover from this new message,and then I decided that there was no need to respond.I'd just talk to him tomorrow in homeroom.I was still a tad shocked as I slowly made my way to the bed.
   I woke up in a good mood to the sound of the birds outside.Then I remembered Bryce's email.Would he be at school today?Was he going to the game?To watch his me cheer;his so-called girlfriend?I didn't want to think about it and ruin my breakfast,so I decided to avoid the subject until I was at school.
   'Maybe being his girlfriend wasn't that bad',I thought to myself,and snorted,'Of course not,that's what you've wanted this whole time'!I scowled.But I didn't want him to jump to conclusions or anything like that.I wanted him to ask me;to beg me to be his.Like when you hear those stories,the girls are always so hard to get.Is that all I want?To be the girl no one can have?I didn't know at this point in time.

                Chapter 3
              Confrontations
   When I reached homeroom I aimed to drop my books on my desk but missed it by a foot.They landed with a crash on the floor.That caught Bryce's attention,and he looked at me with wonder and worry.
   "Are you alright?You look a bit weird today."
    My head snapped in his direction,and I glared at him,"What do you think?My third parent just told me what to do and claimed that he was my boyfriend without even considering asking me first if I wanted it to become....all that.Wouldn't you be a bit overwhelmed by the situaution?"I said,mad at him now.
   "Hey,why should I ask when I know that you want to anyway?I can tell by your face.Remember? We spent the all of yesterday together and that made me realize that I really like you,too.And I wasn't telling you to do that stuff,just suggesting.I was looking out for you!You could've said thank you,but instead you went all 'third parent' on me!"he said.I think I was starting to make him mad,too.
   I sat down,defeated,in my chair.We glared at each other,and I used that time to take in his gorgeous features.I began to feel the anger in me wash away.As my glower turned to a stare,I just wanted to reach over and run my hand through his blonde hair so bad that it was almost irresistable.I wanted to feel the texture of his hair,I wanted to......
   "Agatha!Agatha?!"
   I close my eyes,then opened them.It was like I was blind to what I had been doing!I was running my fingers through his hair,and he was just sitting there with a face filled with confusion and anger.He stared back at me with his menacing glare,but his eyes were slightly different from his expression.They were still soft,still welcoming,as though they enjoying the moment.
   "What are you doing to my head?!"he snarled at me.
   I pulled my hand back to my desk and hid my face in my arms.Why didn't I realize I was doing that?Was he really happy about it?Did it somehow please him deep down to know that I wanted exactly what he claimed we had,only stronger?
   The day raced by,and before I knew it me and Leonna were with the rest of the cheerleaders,cheering random chants on the sidelines and waiting for the teams to get out of the lockeroom.I looked out of the corner of my eye to see Leonna watching me,her face bewildered.I returned her gaze,trying to appear annoyed.' Why was she looking at me like that?'I thought to myself.Her curiosity invaded my body like a virus.
   "What?Am I doing something wrong?"I asked her in an annoyed voice.
   "Oh,nothing.I was just wondering about what happened during homeroom today.It sort of looked like you were......well.......grooming Bryce.What happened?"she said,curiousity dripping from her high-pitched voice and soaking me yet again.
   "I don't know.I wasn't even aware of what I was doing!It was like one second I was just daydreaming about it,and the next my hands were.........grooming him."I didn't like that word.It made him sound like my personal dog.
   Leonna laughed one of her high-pitched laughs.It was more like a scream,"Well,maybe next time you shouldn't be having fantasies in class!If you wanted to do all that at least wait 'til you know that there's not a roomful of kids watching you pet him like he was some toy!"
   I was struck with horror and humiliation.When she replied,she had yelled.She had yelled so loud that the whole school could have heard her!All the cheerleaders and the cheer coaches had turned around in interest at what she was laughing about.Then,before I knew what was happening,the whole gym was laughing with her.Like it was all this big joke.Well,I'll tell you one thing about that big joke,I hated it.I lingered for only a short moment,then dashed out of the gym and into the nearly deserted parking lot,wishing,hoping,pleading that there was someone out there that I knew to take me home.I couldn't run all the way home,and Leonna were sure to catch up with me at some point.
   And there it was.The old blue Ford Escort pulling out of the lot.Yes,it was old,but it was so in shape that you couldn't tell the difference.I stared at it,and then turned back to the gym windows.The cheerleaders where still slightly laughing,except now they were all trying to catch up with me.I shuddered at that horrible confrontation for only a second,then bolted towards the car.
   The car turned toward me,as though it knew that I was in desperate need of a ride.When it was only a few feet away from me was when I started to get second thoughts.I didn't know who was in that car!It could have been one of the sexual predators,or a druggie,or some other kind of criminal.
   But it wasn't.
   It was just Peter Calloway from homeroom.He pulled up beside me and waited,as if expecting me to get in.When I didn't,he stared at me with impatience and confusion.
   "Well,do you want a ride away from the nonsense,or no?"he asked in his extremely deep voice.
   I stood for a second longer,then turned back to the gym.The cheerleaders had stopped laughing and were now right outside the gym door.They started waving at me,begging to chat.Some didn't beg,but were running toward me instead.I turned back to Peter,"Well,I guess I'll........",but I didn't finish.I was already in the car.
   The air conditioning was on at full blast,and the speakers belted out Fall Out Boy lyrics.I sat uncomfortably in the unfamiliar car,hoping that he'd just take me straight home.
   There was a pounding on Peter's window.I turned my head to see some of the cheerleaders asking Peter to let me out of the car,saying that it wasn't his job to take care of me.Saying that this wasn't his business.Saying that Bryce'll pumble him.Then I saw Leonna.She ran to my side of the car and tryed to open the door.
   But I was faster.
   I locked my door and watched her face.She pleaded,asking me to forgive her,asking me to let her in.I slowly opened the window.She popped her head in and I had to put the chair as far back as it could go so that her head didn't hit mine.
   "Look,I'm sorry about what happened!I didn't mean to scream it!Look,please get out of the car.Don't do this!What if Bryce finds out?Hmm?What will you do then?C'mon Agatha,get out of the car!",she said.
   I snorted,"I don't care if Bryce finds out.I'll just tell him what happened:you screamed out that I was grooming him in front of the whole gymnasium and I wanted to get away from the humiliation,so I asked Peter to drive me home because he was the only one that was willing!And I will not get out of the car just to let the cheerleaders mob me and make embarrassing comments about what you said and about me!"I crossed my arms and put my chin in the air.
   Then,she said what set me off.
   "You're so immature!You're an immature baby that likes to cheat on her boyfriend!And besides,the cheerleaders had a right to laughing about that!You would've done it,too!So get out of the car and back in that gym and cheer your butt off!Our team is probably in their losing because no one's cheering them on.And why?Why isn't anyone cheering them on?!Because stupid Agatha Shirley is sulking in Peter Calloway's car!"she shouted,her face much too close to mine.
   "Well,why don't forget that Agatha Shirley ever existed and leave?Forever!"I snapped back and closed my window.She quickly pulled her head out and glowered at me.I didn't return her look,but instead turned to Peter and said,"Let's please leave now".It came out as a whisper,and I was surprised that he had heard me.
   We rode mostly in silence.Every once in a while we would comment the song on the radio our each other.I kept replaying those last words I had said to Leonna in my head.I didn't regret them.She deserved it after all the years of her selfishness I've had to put up with.I looked at the houses passing by.When we turned onto Riverside,I sat up.We stopped at my house.I stared at it.It reminded me of a log cabin.It was dark brown with light brown shutters on the windows.They didn't open and close,they were just decoration.There was the huge pine tree that leaned against one part of the house that I hated.It looked like it could fall over any minute and smash the house.I turned back to Peter.
   "Thanks for....well,everything.You were there right when I needed someone."I smiled.
    Peter smiled back,"Yea,I heard what Leonna had said and left the gym to sit in my car.I saw you running towards me as I pulled out of the lot,so I thought I may as well take you home."
   My smile faded,"I'm sorry that you had to see that.I should have gotten out of the car when Leonna wanted to talk to me.I didn't mean to get you involved."I looked at the floor.It was extremely clean,not a speck of anything on the carpeted interior of his car.
   He laughed half-heartedly,"Yea,no need to apologize.I've been through worse things than a catfight.Well,bye Agatha."he said.
   I stepped out of the car and into the hot summer afternoon,"Yea,bye.",I said as he pulled away from the curb.
   I slowly made my way to the house and sat on the porch steps.The shrubbery in the front of the house was the overgrown pine tree and an assortment of bushes.I examined them.There was a rose bush that was still having some trouble growing back after Mom had hacked off most of it.There was a big deep green one,one with red leaves,and one with red berries growing on it.Then there was the tall,lean,asparaghus-looking plants that only grew in the summer.They had some small,white flowers growing on them,but besides that they were exactly the same as usual.
   I got up to go inside.I fiddled with the screen door a while;it wouldn't open for me.I opened the light brown door behind it and walked into the house.I walked through the front hallway and up the stairs to my room.I counted them,as usual,and came up with 9,as always.I turned to my sister's room and saw her snoring on her floor.I chuckled to myself,then went to my room,the one next to hers.
   I looked at the walls.The light blue walls were covered with crayon and marker.I made sure that there wasn't any new additions,then sat at my desk and checked my computer.
   Leonna and Bryce.The last people in the world that I would want to talk to.I decided that I'd rather talk to Bryce then Leonna,and reluctantly double-clicked his message.
   Agatha,
              Look,I'm sorry about what I said before.There,does that make you happy?I hope so.Now,why were you touching my head like that?I demand an answer,and give me a real answer,not any bullcrap!You were yanking at my hair as if you wanted to pull it out of my head!If you were that mad you could've shown it some other way,at least!
                                                                             Bryce
   I laughed with embarrassment at his letter.Had I really been 'yanking' out his hair?Or was he just exaggerating it?
   Bryce,
            I'm sorry if I was pulling out your hair!I didn't mean to.I was actually daydreaming.I was daydreaming that I was...well...just brushing my fingers through your hair.See?No harm ment.And you'd better be sorry,because if you're not then I'm not happy.
                                                                                                                                                        Agatha
   I sent the message,then returned to my inbox.There was Leonna's message,new and waiting.I thought of deleting it,then saying that I didn't get it.No,I'm a bad liar.Say I accidently deleted it?Again,bad liar.I sighed heavily when I double-clicked the letter.

                  Chapter 4
                 Cheer Squad
   Agatha,
              You know,you're just a really big coward.Do you know that?We lost the game,and I blame your cowardly self!You are selfish,too,and I blame you for that,too.You are the biggest selfish coward that I've ever met,and the cheer squad wants to kick you off if you miss another game or practice.Understand?!That's the only reason that I'm emailing you;for the squad.I hope you're happy with yourself,you utterly selfish cowardice.
              Leonna
I read her letter with fury bubbling over inside me.How could she make such false accusations?How dare she?!She is blinded with selfishness and snobbiness,and she needed someone to wake her up?I felt the fury spew from me and into my email back to her.
   Leonna,
              God dammit,Leonna!You call me selfish,but you don't know just how snobby and selfish YOU are!Let's review,shall we?!When was the last time you ever bought me a present,no matter what the occasion was?NONE!The only present you ever got me was a gumball!A GUMBALL,Leonna!And why?Because it 'would take up your precious time and money',as you say!And me?I buy you a present every week!I listen to your stupid gossip!I even hold your bags PLUS mine when we're out shopping!Well,I'm done!I'm not going to you another present,listen to another stitch of gossip,or hold any of your bags!And you also think that I'm a COWARD?!Well, what would YOU do if your so-called 'best friend' yelled to the whole gym that you were having fantasies about a boy and they all started cracking up?Wouldn't you be humiliated enough to run out of the gym and go home?That's not being a coward,that's just the end result of what happens when someone humiliates you bad enough!Don't email me back,or I'm afraid that I might lose control.Actually,don't ever speak to me again!Ever!I'm sure the cheer squad will keep you company like I did,if they're that much apart of your life!
                                                                              Agatha
    When I sent the email I felt like a lot had been taken of my chest.I had said what I've wanted to say for a long time,and now I didn't have to worry about having to face her in person.All I had to do know was stay away from her,which was the easiest part.Then I heard the chime,and returned to the inbox.I smiled to myself when I clicked on Bryce's letter.
   Agatha,
               Yea,I'm really sorry.And you were daydreaming about that?Oh.I thought that you wanted to scalp me.I thought that you were trying to grab fistfulls of my hair and you were going to chop it off!Sorry,I guess my imagination got the best off me.
                                                                                                                                                 Bryce
   I smiled again to myself.
   Bryce,
            Oh yea,that's EXACTLY what I was trying to do.Ha,I'd never try to do that to you!But my Dad does make sure that I bring a pocketknife with me to school,just in case.Ha,but I'd never use it on you,of all people!But I just might use it on Leonna.She is so irratating and selfish,I'd love to scalp her.
                  Agatha
   I sent the letter and then sat back in my chair.
   "Agatha!Time for dinner!"Dad called from the stairs.
   "Oh,but Dad!Bryce is supposed to email me any second!"I replied.
   "Don't worry,I'm sure your boyfriend won't mind waiting while you eat your dinner like I told you to."he said back.
   After I'd finished my dinner,did the dishes,and swept the kitchen floor I was free to check my email again.When I saw my inbox,I groaned to myself.1 from Bryce,1 from Leonna,and 1 from each and every member of the cheer squad.
   I starred all of the cheer squad's emails and put them in my spam box.I laughed devilishly to myself.Then I read Bryce's email.
   Agatha,
              What are you talking about?Isn't she your best friend?Does this have to do with cheerleading?I want an answer!I knew that you should've gone to practice!
                                    Bryce
I rolled my eyes at his demanding letter.
   Bryce,
            For your information,she's my ex-best friend.And even when she was still my friend,she was actually my so-called best friend.Understand?And yes,this is mostly about cheerleading.But that's only because,for Leonna,her whole LIFE revolves around cheerleading!This has nothing to do with the fact that I didn't go to practice!You were wrong,so ha!I've put our last emails with this one so you'll fully understand.
                  Agatha
   I then put today's emails from and to Leonna with that one and sent it to Bryce.Then I shut off my computer and went to bed.I didn't want  talk about Leonna anymore.
   The next morning had a slight breeze,which made it an all-round perfect day.I practically danced into homeroom and sat down next to Bryce ,ready for the day.
   "You never answered our emails."I heard a voice from behind me growl.
   I turned to see the whole cheer squad glaring at me,their eyes filled with annoyance and anger.
   "You're right,I didn't,"I said confidently,"I put it with my spam mail instead.I didn't have a box for pests,though,but spam did just fine."I maintained my happy expression.
   By that point Bryce was turned to face the cheerleaders in his seat,his gaze defensive.
   "Well,maybe you did reply,then.I just didn't check my asshole box last night."said a voice,emerging from the back of the crowd.It was Brittany,the cheer captain.
   "Look,Agatha doesn't care what you have to say,so just leave her alone!If another one of you mess with my girlfriend then I'm going to have to do something that I really don't want to resort to."Bryce said,now standing up.
   "Oh,really?And what's that?"Brittany snapped back,taking a couple steps toward Bryce.
   "I might just have to knock you right in your big,fat mouth.Of course,I wouldn't want to do that because then you'll start crying like a baby,but no one messes with my girlfriend."he snarled.
   Brittany stepped back after that.
   "Oh?Well then,what about Peter Calloway?Know about that,hot shot?Why don't you knock him out?Are you afraid?"a voice said from behind Brittany.
   "I already know about that,Leonna.And I didn't knock him out not because I'm afraid,but because he was helping her get away from you bitches."he snapped back.
   I jumped up on that last word and grabbed his arm in protest.He just shook it off.
   "Now if you don't go then,I'm going to have to force you to go."he said.
   The crowd started to thin until it was only Leonna and Brittany.
   "There's just one more thing we want to say to your dearly beloved."she said.
   "And what's that?"Bryce said,his stare holding almost to much anger to bare.
   "That she's kicked off cheerleading."Brittany said back,a smile pulling at her lips.
   "Thanks.Its my pleasure.Now,if you don't mind,I'd rather that my day doesn't turn into a bloody mess."I said,stepping in front of Bryce.
   When they had returned to their seats I escorted Bryce back to his.He tightly clenched his fists to keep him from hitting anything or anybody.
   "Bryce?Are you okay?"I said in a worried tone.
   He unclenched his fists and laughed lightly,"You didn't whine when I called you my girlfriend."he replied,looking away.
   "You didn't care that Peter gave me a ride home."
   "Of course I didn't."
   "Well,of course I didn't,either."
   "So I guess it's official then,huh?"
   "Yea,I guess."
   "Yea",he hugged me.
   He let go right before Mrs.White entered the room,and so began another regular day.Only now I didn't have to worry about silly cheerleading practice after school.I had all the time in the world to spend with Bryce,and I planned to do that as long as he was mine.Yea,I might be getting a lot of dirty looks from the cheer squad and captains from now on,but I didn't care.The only reason I joined stupid cheerleading was for Leonna,anyway;I could take the looks.

                  Chapter 5
            An Addiction Of Sorts
   The next few days after that confirmation of our relationship were filled with,as Bryce said,tons of 'lovey-dovey,mushy-gushy crap'.No matter how many times I asked him to quit saying it,he didn't stop.
   But I guess,from a boy's point of view,that's very true.
   We hanged out at the McDonald's down the street from Rich South during lunchtime and often shared a shake(which he paid for).We went to Lincoln Mall together and shopped for me and him.And no matter how many times I told him not to,he always carried my books,bags,or accesories for me so I wouldn't 'strain myself'.I told him that I wouldn't,but if he kept doing that that I'll make sure that I brought extra stuff so he'd start straining himself.He stopped carrying my things after that.
   There was no end to our healthy,happy relationship.
   Until I went to his house in celebration of our boyfriend/girlfriend-ness.
   It was a Saturday night and he had decided that we should have a party together;just me and him.
   "Why don't we go celebrate at my house?You know,just another one of those lovey-dovey,mushy-gushy things that boyfriends and girlfriends do."he said,his arm tight around me as we left the McDonald's with our large eggnog shake that I wasn't likely about to finish anytime soon.
   " Okay,as long as I'm home before ten."I said happily.My Mom would so kill me if I walked into that house a second later then ten.
   "Yea,yea,sure.Can we go now?"he asked.I realized that I'd pulled away from his grasp and was standing at least a foot away.
   When we reached his house it was dark.He flicked a switch and all the lights in the house turned on.The sudden brightness momentarily blinded me.When my vision returned I saw exactly what he ment by party.
   The inside of the house was overflowing with streamers,balloons,and 'Cheers to the Happy Couple' signs.I gasped at the sight of all of it.
   "Bryce,this is spectacular!You really didn't have to go to all that trouble for....for......me!"I whispered,and it barely made it's way to his ear.
   "Oh,come on!Agatha,you're worth  anything and everything that this world has to offer.I think that this is all perfectly necessary."he draped his arms around my waist and pulled me to him.I felt like my pulse was 1,000 a minute.
   "Bryce,this is all so.......so......magnficent!I thought you weren't into all this...this....'lovey-dovey,mushy-gushy crap'."I quoted.
   "Oh,please!The past couple days I've practically drowned myself in that crap just to be with you and show you how much I care.I feel like I'm caught in some really cheesy chick flick,but it's all worth it."he replied faithfully.
   "Oh,Bryce!"I gasped.I layed my head against his broad chest and closed my eyes.We stayed like that a while,then I opened my eyes again and looked up at him,"Do you think that we should get the party started now?"I said happily.
   "Maybe,but I've got to do something first."he said as he pulled away.
   "What?Is it something I should know about?"I asked curiously.His sudden effort to pull away aroused me.
   "Oh,I guess,if you want to.Come on."he motioned to me as he headed to his room.Why there?Wasn't the party going to be downstairs?
   When we entered his room,I noticed that it had a funny smell.Much different then mine with its fresh,fruity smell.I shrugged to myself.Maybe it was a boy thing.
   Then I saw him pull something out of the bottom drawer of his dresser.It was a long,white peice of paper stuffed with something and a lighter.
   "You want some?I got plenty;I get it cheap of off my brother."he said lightheartedly as he held out one for me.
   "Ugh!I would never try weed in my whole life!What are you doing with that?!Throw that away this instant!Why didn't you tell someone that your brother is a drug traficker?!"I asked in utter horror at what was being put in front of me.I suddenly understood what the addiction was in the poem he had written.
   "Oh,please!And you complain that I went third parent on you!And it's only obvious why I don't tell:bcause I get free grass!"he said proudly,as if that was some kind of acheivement.
   "Do you know what you're doing to your body?!You're destroying it!I'm not in the partying mood anymore."I shouted back at him.I ran down the stairs and into the cool night.I ran all the way home,not thinking to look back,not thinking to forgive Bryce,not thinking to forgive myself for going out with him.
   My going out with him was all a big mistake,one that I should've never made.I realized that all I wanted was some fun.To be popular,to get a good kick out of being with one of the high school hotties.I didn't care for hi like he cared for me,and that's why I was running.
   I slapped my forehead in protest.'That's not true!',I yelled at my conscience,"You love him with all your heart and you're running because you're scared;you're scared that he'll die or persuade you to try some.You're not just scared for yourself,but for him,too'.I looked back.Bryce was standing on his doorstep,probably cold and hurt.All I could think to do was turn back around and keep running.

                  Chapter 6
                 Catastrophe
   When I woke up the next day,I felt like I wasn't just waking up from an unpleasant sleep,but also from a fairy tale.Bryce and I were perfect for each other;the perfect couple,as most would say.And yet,it was all a fairy tale.It was all a silly fairy tale that I'd have to wake up from sooner or later.I should have known that Bryce would come with a flaw,no matter how big or small it was.But this was a BIG flaw.Big enough to shatter the whole fairy tale like a very fragile peice of glass being purposely stepped on and shattered into a million peices.And I was just now waking up;all much too soon.
   I knew that I'd have to see him again,have to talk to him,have to let him down.Tell him that the jig was up;fairy tale over.I just didn't want to.Just the thought was too much to bare.
   When I reached Mrs.White's class,Bryce was having an intense conversation with Brittany.I sat down in my seat as if I didn't notice them,and they didn't seem to notice me.I happily eavesdropped from my seat.
   "Well,Bryce,I just wanted to tell you that I told my older brother what you said to me,and he said that if you ever try to touch me or even threaten me again that you're going down."she said snootily.
   "Oh,did he?Well,can you leave this message for me:fuck off.I can do whatever I want;this is a free country,and I plan to use my rights.And one of them is the right to free speech,so he needs to take his shit somewhere else."Bryce shot back.
   "You think you're some kind of hot shot,don't you?Got yourself a girlfriend,you're popular,probably have good grades.But what's underneath that?Nothing!You're just another hollow sucker that needs to quit trying to be somebody.And besides,your girl is an ugly bitch!"she lashed at him.
   Before I knew what I was doing,I was standing over Brittany and she was clenching her eye and nose with blood running down her face.I looked at her in horror.'Did I do that?!'I thought to myself.She let out a hideous screech,and the whole class covered their ears and rushed to her.
   The cheerleaders ran to me and started hitting and kicking and pulling my hair with all their might.I hit and kicked and pulled back,but one against fifteen is a very huge difference.I saw a flash of blonde,and Leonna was on the ground.Then,out of mowhere,Bryce was punching the cheerleaders to the ground.He knocked down Cologne,Samantha,Fern,Alex,and Lizzie all in one blow.I joined in,hitting random people that I usually saw at cheer practice.But my arms got sore and tired,ad I sat down and rested them.Bryce kept at it,hitting down girls in bunches.Then, they were all scattered across the floor,all of them clenching their bodies with pain.Almost all of them were bleeding profusely,others just sat there with fat lips and black eyes.But no matter what they had,they were all screaming at the top of their lungs.
   "Hey,what the hell man?Are you trying to kill the?!"said someone form the small crowd of people that weren't cheerleaders,and then I saw a boy with light brown hair lung at him.Bryce kicked him in the stomach,and th boy keeled over.
   Then people started to try him,one by one.When one person went down,the next would come up and try their luck.I sat there helplessly,then someone lunged at me.
   I swung my arm at them,but I was still very weak.Luckily,Bryce swung in front of me and it them so hard that I thought that he had left a dent in their face.There were no more people to fight;every last person in homeroom covered the floor.
   Except Peter Calloway.He had remained in his seat the whole time.
   I looked around,then looked at Bryce,"Have you been taking steroids?"I asked weakly.
   He grabbed me by the arm and pulled me to my feet.A rush went over me as I tryed to pull away from him,but every time I did he squeezed my arm until I thought it might fall off.So I just stood there,waiting for him to free my arm.But instead of letting me go,he pulled me to his face.His breath was like a cool breeze on a perfect spring morning.He touched his lips lightly to mine,and a rush of adrenaline cured my previous weakness.He let go of my arm,and I wrapped it around his waist.He moved away,and I rested my head on his shoulder.He put his cheek to ine,and we stood like that,motionless,for a moment.
  But only a moment,because the principal ran in just then."What in the world happened in here?!"he yelled at us,his eyes bulging out of his head as he saw all the kids scattered on the floor.Peter was still facing forward,and the principal took no notice of him.Just then,at least five teachers marched in after the principal and pulled us apart.They dragged us to the office,and Peter's eyes followed us,sympathy seeping from them.His gaze was a short one,though,becaus the principal had him help take the injured kids to the nurse's office.
   Me and Bryce waited,hand in hand,outside the principal's door for what seemed like centuries.We saw some of the cheerleaders(and others)be taken to a waitind ambulance.I felt no sympathy or guilt for that.
   Then,the principal came stomping towards us.
   He stopped right in front of where we sta,"Ok,who's first for questioning?"he asked harshly.
    "Me.",we answered at the same time.
   "Fine,you both come in then."he said as he brushed past us and into the office.He would have knocked me to the ground if Bryce didn't catch me.We followed him into the office.
   We sat down in the single chair that was placed in front of his desk.Bryce sat down first,then I sat in is lap.It was amazing that,just by injuring almost every person in homeroom,we could become so close.
   The principal looked at us disapprovingly.I read the name tag on his desk.'Mr.Mansley',it read.
   He 'tsked' at what he had just experienced,"Do you know what you have just done?"he yelped at us.
   "Yes,sir."Brcye answered cooly.Not just for him,but for me,too.I rubbed his hand gratefully.I didn't feel like having a conversation right now.
   "THEN WHY WOULD YOU DO SUCH A HORRIBLE THING TO YOUR CLASSMATES!!!???"he shrieked as high as his voice would allow.He stood up,his face right in ours.
   "It was a matter of self-defense,sir.The cheer captain,Brittany Long,started it all.Then her cheer-friends started up to protect her,and they were all knocked out.Then the remaining people,except for Peter Calloway,felt the need to step in as well.So,as you can see,it was a matter of self-defense that merely got out of hand."Bryce said slowly,still completely calm.
   Mr.Mansley had apparently just realized that he wasn't intimidating Bryce in any way and sat back down,"You should have found a teacher,you fool!You both have a month's suspension!You would have been expelled if it wasn't for the fact that it was self-defense,but i NEVER want to see anything like it ever again!Understood?!"he said,his voice back at it's normal level.
   "Yes,sir.We'll be on our way home now,then."Bryce said,and before Mr.Mansley could object,Bryce had carrie me out of the office and to our lockers to get ready to leave.
   I was free of school for a whole month,and my parents were going to kill me.They would literally bury me alive,and stomp on my grave.But even if they did,I was determined to spend the whole month helping Bryce with his little'problem'.

                  Chapter 7
                    Cures
   Ever since I was 12,I've wanted a boyfriend.I dreamed about it,thought about it,wished it.It consumed most of my time,my dreams,my life.It corrupted my thoughts.There was hole in my heart that I couldn't find a patch for.And now that I've found the patch I want to rip it off.Being with Bryce used to be my perfect escape from my regular,boring life.When I spent time with him the patch would become all warm and fuzzy instead of a deep,irritating hole that had no end to its hurt.But now that I know what Bryce is,what he does,what his brother does,that completely changes everything.The patch becomes to small and ragged to cover the hole in my heart.Instead,it makes it worse.The threads pull at my heart,making it hard to carry around with me.I wanted to rid myself of the stupid patch,not have to worry about it tearing my heart in two.  
    And now that I was suspended I could cure him;rid him of his addiction like I want to rid myself of this patch on my heart.
   So on a cool,breezy Tuesday morning I snuck over to Bryce's house and stood under his window.I searched the ground for something to throw at it.The only thing I found was an old lighter.I threw it,but missed big time.So I checked myself for something to throw.I found my favorite copper bracelet,my plastic headband,and my socks.I decided on the headband because it was cheap anyway.When I looked up to throw it,Bryce's head was staring down at me from his window,bewildered by what I was doing.
   "Why are you taking off your socks?And your headband?"he asked.
   I blushed lightly,"I was looking for things to throw at your window to get your attention."I replied quietly.
   "What,did you think that by throwing your dirty socks that would help?Did you ever consider just calling my name?"he said humorously.
   I shrugged slightly.I pulled my socks back on so my feet didn't freeze to death.
   "Well,if you wanted to come in,just go to the door.My parents aren't in yet."he said.
   I looked up at him with confusion,"Where could they possibly be so early in the morning?!"I yelped.
   He shrugged halfheartedly,"Clubbing,I guess.I don't keep tabs on them.Just go to the door."he answered,then pulled his head back into the house and shut the window.
   I dragged myself to the door.I really didn't want to have to do this for him,or for anyone,in this case.I never wanted to get into the whole drug thing,and now,well,that's exactly what I'm doing.'What if I put him in a rehabilitation center?'I thought to myself.I shook my head.No,that wouldn't
be right.'What about the social-worker?A phsyciatrist?Something like that?',I thought.No,no,no!I'd have to help him single-handedly,and that's that.
   "If you don't mind,could you pick up the pace?"I heard a voice say.
   I looked up to see Bryce leaning against the doorway.He had an agitated look about him,so I picked up my feet and slipped into the house and tripped over the rug.I managed to pull my foot out of the doorway just as he slammed it shut.
   "Sheesh,could you at least wait until yo know that all of me is inside?!I could have been footless right now!"I snapped at him as I got up.
   He smiled mischeviously,"I waited,but you were so slow that I practically fell asleep just watching you.Not to mention that it's not my fault you're clumsy."he said.
   I eyeballed him,"I really detest you sometimes,Bryce  Andrew Christie."I said as I headed for his room.
   "I'm extremely sorry if I don't suit your taste on certain occasions such as these."he said in his best British accent as he followed me up the stairs.
   My turned and stopped halfway up the stairs,"NOT funny."I said,even though I knew that I was smiling.I continued up the stairs.
   He laughed,but didn't answer as he opened the door to his room.Same look,same smell.I sighed distastefully as I sat on his bed.He moved to his dresser,and I knew what he was going to get.I quickly ran in front of him and blocked the  bottom drawer.He tried to move me aside,but I stood there like a statue.
   He glared at me,"Agatha,move,now."he said darkly.
   I put my nose in the air,"Never.I'm not going to let you continue doing what you're doing."I said stubbornly.I opened the drawer,pulled out his whole stash-including the lighters-and ran downstairs.Bryce followed quickly behind me.
   "Agatha,put that stuff down now!Do you want to end up like your cheerleader friends?"he shouted at me.
   I winced as I remembered how messed up they looked.But I kept going.I didn't know what I was going to do with his stash,but there had to be something.I looked around the living room a moment,and ended up at the fireplace.I threw them on top of the blocks of wood.I searched the mantel for some matches,and when I found a box I hurriedly picked them up and took out a few.I scratched them against the back of the package and a small flame come to life.I held it threateningly over the weed and lighters in the fireplace.I turned to Bryce,and saw his pained expression.
   "Please,don't.My brother isn't supposed to get me anymore until next month!Come,on,just put that down and forget that I even smoke!There's no point in holding it against me!Please,Agatha!Please!"he pleadingly whispered to me.I watched his hurt face carefully as I thought.I turned away a second.His face had too much pain for me to bare.But I couldn't let him continue doing this to himself.It'll ruin everything that he stood for,that I stood for,that we were.That we still are,for now.
   I turned back to him,"No,I'm not going to let you do this to yourself!I don't care when your brother is going to get you more,he shouldn't be getting you any at all!"I shouted at him,then threw the matches into the fireplace and watched the flames spread.
   "NO!"Bryce screamed.He lunged for the fireplace,but I closed the metal gate and his head slammed against it with a loud thud.
   "Sorry,Bryce,but I've got to do what I've got to do."I said quietly.
   So there.I'd stopped him from smoking.Then,something dawned on me.He'd have more next month.My head snapped to Bryce's body curled into a ball on the groung,clenching his head.'I need to know who and where his brother is',I thought to myself.I pondered a second on how to get him to tell me.I sighed.There was no way that he would tell me if I asked him.
   Just then,Bryce jumped up and grabbed me by the shoulders,"Kevin is going to kill me,and then you know what?I'm going to kill you!I'll creep up on you in your sleep and stab you to death!That marijuana aren't just any cheap shit!That's quality stuff that Kev has to pay a fortune for to get for me!Then he has to pay the air fee to fly down here from L.A. to get them to me,'cuz he can't just send them in the mail,now,can he?!"he shook me so hard that I couldn't see the room properly anymore.But I didn't care;I had the information I needed and I didn't even have to ask for it.
   "Thank you,Bryce.You are your own saviour."I whispered to him when he let me go.I quietly edged to the phone as he went to sit down on the couch and watch the flames.
   "Hello,911,what's your emergency?"I heard a woman ask.
   "Well,it's not really an emergency;I want to report a man that I've recently found out is selling drugs to minors."I said into the phone.
   "Thank you,ma'am.May I please have the information?"she asked eagerly.
   I gave it to her,and then hung up.I walked back to Bryce,where he was clutching his head as if he wanted to rip it off.He stared at the floor menacingly.
   "Do you have that pocketknife of yours?"he asked me quietly.
   "No,because I thought you might ask that."I answered as I rubbed his back.I pulled his face up to mine,"Bryce,I love you.You know that.You need this,that's all I have to say."I looked in his eyes.The deep brown craved for their dose of drug.
   I pulled him to my face.His sweaty hands clasped around my neck.His lips were tender;soft and sweet.I wished I could kiss him out of free will,and not because I had hurt him.
   I tried to pull my face away,but he quickly pulled it back so that our faces were just an inch apart.
   "Agatha,you shouldn't have done that.Now he's gonna tell on me,and I'll be put in some rehab center or crazy house.That's how Kevin is;he never goes down alone."he stared at me with those glistening brown eyes.
   I shook off his grasp,"No,you won't.I'm going to stop this addiction of yours no matter how many times you try to stop me.You can murder me in my sleep,but I'll find a way to come back and haunt you into stopping.",I said firmly.
   He laughed a laugh that could barely be called one,"I'd like to see that."he said.
   "You might,if you choose to do so."I replied.
   Bryce's expression changed instantly;he was offended,"I'd never murder you!My whole world would collapse and die with you.I could never live without you,ever!"he said defensively,and he pulled his lips back to mine. 
   I held my hand in front of my face,"Not until you promise to quit and never smoke again."I said.
   "I promise."he said confidently,smiling.
   "I want to make you aware of one thing:if you ever go back on your promise,then I'm afraid that our relationship will be no more."
   He then pulled away,too,and the smile left his face,"Then I shall never go back on that promise."he answered as he pulled my hand away from my face and leaned towards me again.
   We kissed a moment longer than usual,and I felt like it was what I had been waiting for for a long time.The patch on my heart almost ripped into shreds with joy,and I started to lean closer to him.He laid back on the couch,and I laid on top of him.I realized what was happening,and sat up.
   Bryce looked at me,confusion and fustration making up his face,"Oh,Agatha,when do you stop?!"
   "Bryce!I see what's going on,and I'm not about to do that!Not to mention that if I did that I don't want your Mom and Dad walking in on us!"I shouted at him,crossing my arms.
   Bryce smiled devilishly and sat up,"Then we'll go to my room.They never go in there,no matter what."he whispered in my ear.
   I got up from the couch,"No,I'm not going to do that.,"I held up my hand for him to see,"No sex before marriage,that's what this means."I said stubbornly as he examined my promise ring.
   "Oh.Well,that changes thing."he said thoughtfully.
   I shook my head vigorously,"Duh,it does!"I said.
   Just then Bryce got up from the couch and hurried to the door.I blocked his way,"Where are you going?!"I asked with a bit too much curiousity in my voice.
   Bryce took my left hand and held my middle finger in his hand,"I'm gonna buy you a ring.But not just for any finger",he lifted up my middle finger,"Specifically for this one.",he said as if it was all too obvious.
   I stared at him as though he was an alien form another planet,"I'M NOT GOING TO MARRY YOU BRYCE CHRISTIE,EVER!ESPECIALLY NOT FOR THAT REASON,AND EVEN MORE BECAUSE YOU'RE A RECOVERING ADDICT THAT IS STILL PROBABLY VERY UNSTABLE!"I shouted at the top of my lungs.
   Bryce retreated to the couch again,and stared at the floor.I'd hurt him more than any other drug could have,and I regretted every word that had just come out of my mouth.I moved to sit next to him.
   "I'm sorry I yelled at you like that Bryce.I really am!But,well,I'm not ready to marry you or anyone else."I whispered to him as I laid my head on his shoulder.
   "Anyone else?!And who might that be?!"he barked at me,pulling away.
   I grabbed his shoulder and pulled it back for my head to rest on,"You know what I mean,Bryce,you know what I mean...."I said,my voice trailing off.I just then realized how sleepy I was,and started to drift off to sleep.The last I remembered was Bryce laying me on the couch,pulling a blanket over my body,and retreated to his room as I slept.