" Don't let anything stop you from reaching your dreams."

                                           One night  (similar to the lifetime movie, Girl Posi+ive)

  Kelle Ronals was a healthy 16 year old girl. She was president of the school's student council and National Honor Society. She was popular and loved. Every guy wanted to date her and all the girls wanted to be her friend. There was one guy,Ray, who didn't fall for her. But Kelle was practically in love with him.

  One night a kid from the school was throwing a party, so of course Kelle went. There was beer and drugs at the party, and by midnight everyone there was drunk or high, including Kelle and Ray. They met up by the keg and he brought her upstairs, and into a bedroom, where they slept together.

  The next day at school, Ray ignored her and said that they were nothing more than friends now. She wasn't crushed, she started seeing a guy from her class named Chris. In the fall Ray went off to college, his sister, Lana, was now a junior with Kelle. They became good friends and entrusted secrets in each other.

  It was about 5 months since the night Kelle and Ray hooked up. After school, about 4'o clock, Lana called Kelle, she was so upset and worried and wanted to meet up with her. They met at a park across from the school. Lana told Kelle that her parents found out that Ray is HIV positive, and has been for about a year. Kelle was shocked and speechless. Lana was worried that Kelle was positive too, somehow Kelle didn't even think of that.

  The next day was a saturday, so Lana took Kelle to a clinic outside of town and got tested. Lana was negative, but Kelle turned up positive. The doctor told her that it wasn't definate and to come back for another test, and that she had to get her boyfirend or anyone else she was sextually active with to come in and get tested too. Lana dropped her off at Chris's and left. Kelle told Chris and he was pissed, understandably. He made her leave and told his parents. His mom told other moms and they told their kids.

   Monday morning was going as usual, until Kelle walked into the halls. Everyone was staring at her and whispering. She didn't know what was wrong until her science partner asked her if it was true. "Is what true?" The girl hesitated for a moment and then said, "That you're HIV positive?" Kelle didn't know what to say, then the bell ringed and she hurried out of the room to a silent hallway. No one would talk to her, or sit next to her, Chris wouldn't even look at her. Her only ally was Lana, who was passing out flyers and telling people to get tested.

   At lunch Lana wanted Kelle to make an announcement about Ray, but she refused. Then Lana stepped on top of the table and got everyones attention. Kelle got up ther too and said, "I'm sure you all have heard about me by now. But the truth is that all of you could be positive too. Anyone who has slept with Ray Mrass may be infected. Cause the big man on campus forgot to mention that he was HIV positive before getting involved with us girls. You all have to be tested, it could of been spread to almost everyone by now. Believe me you want to know." She got down and walked out of the room and got in her car and drove home.

  When she got home, she told her mom everything. Her mom took her back to the clinic to get re-tested. When they got there, the whole room was filled with kids from the school. When she got in the room she got tested and so did her mom. Chris came in and told her that he was negative, which was good, for him at least. The doctor came in and told her that she was HIV positive. Her heart sank. The good thing that came out of all this was that all the students got themselves tested.

Ev has gotten so distant over the past months. She hasn't talked to any of her friends in ages. I tried to talk to her dailt, but she wouldn't answer that much. I miss her, but I've been hanging out with my other friends and we were planning an intervention, until we found out.

It was early morning on a Tuesday. It was sunny, warm, and it was going pretty good. But of course I had to work again. I always have to work, always. I'm taking a vacation in a week or so. I was at my work, the studio, when I got the phone call. I told them goodbye and rushed outside called my friends, told them and told them to come to Chicago. I hurried into my apartment and packed a small bag with 2 outfits or so. I got in my car and prepared for a long drive.

I arrived there the next day. I had to stay at a hotel in Indiana and got ready there. I was one of the last people to arrive, except for Connie, Tanya and Layla. When they finally arrived, it was starting. I saw Adam in the back and I noticed that Jamie was in the corner. The rest of their bands were spread out throughout the church. The whole room was stuffy and was packed. There was so much crying, babies were even crying.

We finally went outside and stood there for the rest of the service. I was crying so hard, but was trying to smile for her. Thinking all about the past. All the double dates, sneak outs, parties, concerts, fights, and boyfriends that have come and gone. And she had finally got one to stick. He's sweet, romantic, smart, loyal and honest. She wasn't letting him go either, even he was crying.

I found my parents and hugged them, and we talked for a little bit. I saw Andrew and Ava standing behind a group of old classmates. I walked over to them and hugged them tightly. I started balling my eyes out. I missed them so much and I was so sorry that we hadn't talked in years. We stood there for a few minutes, then I let go and dried my eyes. We walked over to mom and dad, then they hugged each other. I decided to say hi to Jamie. When I did he hugged me. I cried and cried. I couldn't stop. I finally did, he rubbed my arm and hugged me again and walked off. Adam came over and he tried to hug me, but I started hitting him. I was crying and punching him. He finally pulled me in and held me.

I didn't want to have to see all my friends and family this way. I wish I had seen them earlier. I stood in the yard for a while, until it rained. Then I got into my car and drove back home. We had the rest of the ceremony there. My parents didn't want me to drive back to my place. But I was going to anyway. I said my goodbyes and grabbed my stuff and left. Life is going to be hard now. i'm not going to be able to call my support system anymore. I don't have anyone anymore, but life goes on. I won't take the easy way out, which is by ending life. I'm going to make it throught this tragedy, even though it'll be really hard.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I was at Ev's funeral. She comitted suicide. She was only 20 years old. She couldn't get over the car accident and knowing that she hurt her friends, but mostly that she killed that little girl. She couldn't deal with the guilt, so she didn't do the traditional suicide, she took a sword that her dad gave her, to actually protect herself, and stabbed herself in the stomache. She did it Monday night after her therapy. She had 2 therapists, counselors, support systems, she had everyone trying to help her. But she just would not forgive herself.

I left later that night, and went back to the apartment. I left Lecy there so she could help Adam. But later when I called, she told me that he still hadn't come. I was upset that Adam wasn't there, but I couldn't get him to come if he didn't want to. I was sad for him and his family. I wished them the best, and hung up. We were still busy here, and for the rest of the week. I went back into the studio, where I spend most of my time, and finished their recording. I had another photo shoot tomorrow, and I had to call and postpone Lecy's shoots. My life is so hectic, I'm now Lecy's manager too. I have to have meetings with her agency weekly, control her shoots and press releases.

All I know is that I am pulling in a lot of money. I am pretty financially stable, which I thought would make my parents happy, but doesn't. They hate how independent I am. I wish my brother would come home, or at least my sister. My brother, Andrew, is in California as an artist. My sister, Ava, is traveling all over the world on her worlwide tour, as a singer, and won't be back for months. They left when they were 16, they're twins and have been gone for about 6 years now. They wanted to get out so badly, that they didn't even think of saving me too. I don't email them anymore or call them, I avoid them every time they make contact. I resent them so much, I mean how could they do that to me?

I wish they were here so mom and dad would leave me alone, and stop blaming me for their lost kids. I hate being the only child. I'm just glad that I have such a good life now. Jamie was kinda pulling away from me, but I haven't tried to stop him either. I don't want to leave him, but I can't force him to stay like Adam. I hate that I keep doing that, I do. I hate comparing Jamie to Adam. I guess that I'm not completely over him, since he was my first love. I think that I'd be over him by now if we had stayed friends and if he hadn't left.

Adam showed up at my photo shoot the next day. He watched me as I posed in bathing suits, underwear, and jeans. It felt a little awkward, but the gossip was worse. The assistants told the press that we looked in love and looked like a couple, after that article was released, she was fired. Jamie didn't believe it, thank god. But we weren't as solid as we were when we got here and Adam could tell that he got between us. I did, it was so much fun. I got to write the lyrics and decide how my voice should go or the tone of the backround beat. I wasn't going to make a cd, until Jamie, Adam, and a few other friends signed on to calaborate on it.

It will be late fall when it comes out, and thats in 3 months. My band that I've been managing and producing's album comes out it February. Me and Jamie have seperated and I'm looking for someone new. Adam's trying to be that guy again, but I want someone new.

They got off stage and went in back. I hugged all of them, and beamed with pride. I was so glad that they did well. I was so nervous that before I went and introduced them I threw up. I was so nervous. A few more bands performed then I got the signal. I had to go up and re-introduce the bands for the fans to vote who won the contest. The winning band got to perform at the club owners most famous club and get a chance at getting more fans. I went up there and did it. And of course, Dark Roses won. I was happy for them, I tried to hide it though. I shook their hands and Adam grabbed me and hugged me, then he kissed me on my cheek really close to my mouth. I knew Jamie was mad, I didn't even have to look at him.

I pulled away from him slowly and turned and stepped away and hugged the rest of the band and Jamie's also. When I hugged Jamie, I whipered "Don't get jealous. It's what he wants." He nodded his head, and congratulated Dark Roses. I was upset myself, so I grabbed Adam's arm and dragged him backstage and I got the urge to kiss him. But I backed up and looked away, he knew that I wanted to. I asked him, "Why did you do that Adam?" "I missed you. I guess old feelings came back." "Old feeling or feelings that never left?" he frowned, but before he could answer, Mitchell told me that we had to leave. After he left, I said "I'm going to be here for 2 weeks, but unlike you, I'm actually going back home." I turned and went outside. I stood out there for a few minutes, then I got into the car and went home.

When I got home, I listened to the messages on my machine. There was one from my mom, Adam's dad got ill again. I told Lecy and I made plans to go home tomorrow, since we had nothing to do that day. Jamie and the guys wanted to come, but I said no and left.

It was quiet and there was no breeze when we got back to Wilmette. I went into my house first, to put my stuff in my room and then went to the Ronts,{Adam and Lecy's family}. It was dark downstairs, I heard faint voices upstairs. I went up and went into the master bedroom. Everyone was sitting in there and weakly looked up at us. I felt tears forming in my eyes, but I pushed them away. When I saw Mr. Ront and he looked pale and fragile. I turned to Lecy, I knew she had to be crying, and she was. She walked over and hugged her dad. I walked out of the room and went outside. Once I was out there, I took out my Razr and called Adam, he had the same cell number. I told him to get down here and how I couldn't believe that he wasn't here when he found out. He claimed that his mom never even told him what happened. I told him to hurry up and come down here.

Adam and his parents had a huge fight, over me, over his band, his life basically. I felt so bad that there was a rift between them. His mom didn't even say anything about Adam, I should have known. I had a feeling that something wasn't right. I told him again to hurry and hung up. I didn't want to go back in there, but I had to. I could just hear Lecy saying"Oh daddy. why?" I took a deep breathe and opened the door to another place. A place where I thought I had escaped. Grief.

We all had to wake up really early that morning. We had to go to the studio, had 2 press interviews, and we took our photos. Jamie was watching my shoot carefully, it's not that Jamie's really jealous. He's just likes watching me, he especially like my bathing suit shoot. When it was Melissa's turn, I made everyone leave and I only allowed Mikey to watch the shoot when she was fully dressed. She did pretty good, but I had to coach her alot, she was still insecure.

After that, we had to go back to the studio for a couple of hours. Then we had to go and check out the stage where they were performing tonight. When we got there Adam was getting ready to rehearse after us. I tried to hide my face, but he saw me. I was talking to the stage crew about the lights, acoustics, and the amount of people coming. I kept talking, and going back stage and talking to the band and Davis. A little later Mitchell, the other manager. Mitchell had made me the manager. But he's more involved in the buisiness portion and I'm in charge of the band. It's a fun job, I'm on the phone for hours at a time and spend alot of time together.

Me and Jamie had gotten together after I became their producer, which helped me out. But back to the club. Adam waved at me and I politely waved back and turned because I had to go backstage and talk with the band and Mitchell. Adam I guess had to go on and rehearse. The show is in 3 hours, and we had nothin really to do. So we went to a restraunt and had a few drinks at a bar. We weren't really drunk, well I kinda was. But it calmed my nerves, lame excuse I know. But hey when you're un supervised, play and trash yourself.

The club was packed and the air was filled with smoke and I could smell beer on pretty much everyone. Lanny,Dark rose {Adam's band} manager, came on stage and introduced them. They sounded even more amazing then I remembered. I knew the song, it was the song that Adam wrote when we were hanging out together one night. I sang along for a couple of secends, then I went backstage. Davis told me that I had to introduce the band. Mitchell was busy and didn't wanna do it. I said that I would and tried to sober up, even though it was impossible. I drank alot of coffee, and cleaned myself up. I had to go up right after Dark Roses. I got up there and shook all their hands and hugged and kissed Adam on the cheek. It felt so nice to be in his arms.

I got up to the mic and said the following, trying to not to mess up like a drunk. " I'm Anna Moriss and I'm here to introduce the band that I co-manage and produce. They are one of the greatest up and coming bands out there today. here they are, Crash Cars!!!" They started playing right away, I walked off the stage and stood beside it. I was listening and singing along. The name of the band is odd for a guy band I know, but they named it after a line in a Fall Out Boy song. I was so happy for them and proud of them. There was a chance that the happiness would end because, some music producers were saying that Jamie should go solo. He didn't want to, but he was constantly told that he should. I told him that he shouldn't and he told me that he'd quit the band before doing it.

They got done, and the whole place was clapping. I was so excited for them and what was to come.

I sat on my bed rolling my ring in my hand. It was all that was left of Adam except for my memories, but they weren't trusting anymore. It's been 4 years since I last seen him. I was losing memories of him every day. About 3 months ago, I was riding in a car with Ev and Alison. Ev wasn't paying attention and crashed into another car and we went rolling into a farm. It really wasn't her fault, but my parents blamed her. Alison fractured her wrist, I had a concusion and cracked my scull {hense the memory loss}, Ev broke her leg and dislocated her shoulder. We were really lucky, compared to the other drivers.

There was a little girl in the back seat of the other car, and she died. The mother was completely devistated, she was going to sue Ev, but luckily she backed down. Ev just couldn't stop blaming herself. Everyone told her it wasn't her fault. But it didn't get through to her.

My life hasn't really changed much. I've been going back to Chicago more. I'm in college now, and I'm majoring in theatre and design. I've gotten a job at a designing studio, and I've also been working as a co-producer at a record label. Adam got me really into music, and he let me work with his band before he left. Which really helped me get this job. Some of his friends have started a band and asked me to be their producer, I was thrilled! It's been kinda hard, but I mean I get to listen to an awesome band perform daily and help with lyrics and encourage them to give it their all.

I have started seeing someone new. His name is Jamie, and he's 21. He has short brown hair, dark brown eyes, and is about 5'8, height is important to me. He's really sweet, out going, creative and romantic. He's very mysterious though. We've been dating for 3 months, and are taking it slow. The best part is that he's the lead singer, lead guitarist, bass player, and totally hottie. The only hard part of this new life is, we are going to New York tomorrow. We might run into Adam's band, but I'm really hoping we don't. Adam has made it kinda famous, but I'm happy for him.

Jamie is kinda jealous of Adam, but I mean he's got more going on than Adam. Adam was the bass player, which I loved about him, but Jamie wants to beat him. I wish Jamie hadn't found out about Adam, but it was leaked out during an interview. Adam was being interviewed and said this about what really inspired him to work so hard. And I quote,"The one person that really believed in me and was willing to let me leave was my girlfriend of the time, Anna Moriss. She was the one that pushed me to move here and make it big." I was shocked, it was sweet that he mentioned me and thought so highly of me, but Jamie was pissed. He was upset that Adam was talking about me like he still loved me.

I know Adams over me, but I don't know if he was reaching out to me or not. It's in all the music magazines and on the internet. The worse thing about it all is that there are pictures of us on the internet and in magazines together. I've been asked to do photo spreads, do movies, commercials and so much stuff. I'm doing a couple of spreads, but as a model. Which I became 2 years ago. I'm not going to be known as the rockstars ex. No, thats not me. But I'm making a name for myself.

My parents aren't exactly proud of me. The whole reason we moved out here, was so that I'd keep out of trouble and lead a normal life. Like hell. No matter where I go, trouble finds me, or I find it. But I love my life, and everyone has forgotten about me and Adam. Really. His dad is doing better, he's going to be coming home soon. Me and Lecy had become really good friends. She's really nice and is alot like me. She's 16 now and I'm teaching her how to drive and how to play the guitar. She tags along to the studio, she says she wants to spend time with me, but I know it's because she likes the guitrist, Mikey. He's about 18 now, or in 3 months really.

I've been packing for like two days, I have to pack for meetings, interviews and rehearsals. I'm going to be up there for about 2 weeks. But if it goes well, then we'll be there for a couple of months. I had already found 6 apartments, one for me, one for Jamie, one for Mikey, one for David, one for Alex, and one for the other co-producer Davis. Lecy is coming up there with me for summer. But she's going by Melissa, her middle name, and is doing a couple of spreads also. She on the other had is living up being Adam's sister. But she's young, and has been sheltered. She was nieve.

New York is so gorgeus and I love the city so much. The first thing we did was put all of our stuff in the rooms. Then we went out for dinner and went to clubs and of course, partied. The next day we have so much stuff going on. We had interviews, press interviews, and rehearsals for their performance tomorrow night. We were syked, but I wasn't looking forward to seeing Adam.

  Time was going by so slow. I was totally pissed at Adam. We got into a huge fight this afternoon. We started fighting over something small, what kind of phone he was going to get. It ended with us us screaming and me in tears. We eneded up fighting over the one thing we needed to, on his leaving. He told me, well helled at me about everything that was bugging him. He said that he felt abandoned, rejected and that I didn't love him. I understood where he was coming from, but I didn't know how to comfort him.

  I told him how I was feeling pressured and wanted to be able to make my own decisions. Every dilema I had so far was figured out for me, like with school, and moving. I just wanted to live without rules and people holding me back. He reacted like I said I resented him, but what was worse was that I think I did. We exchanged a few choice words and I left his house. I was so upset, I didn't go straight home. I walked around for a while and stopped by Alison's. She tried to comfort me, but I changed the subject and told her I was fine.

  When I got home, my parents already knew what had happened. Everyone in the neighborhood had heard us fighting. I was so embarassed, I ran upstairs and went in my room. Then I turned around and walked into the guest room and layed on the bed. I wanted to get rid of everything that reminded me of Adam. I got up and got a box and went back into my room. I put in Adam's cds, pictures, movies, books and other things he gave me. When I was done, I labeled the box Adam and went outside. When I walked to Adam's place, I noticed that everyone was watching me, expecting another fight. I walked quickly and looked down. When I knocked on his door and then it opened. And standing there was.....

  Adam's sister, she looked sad and worried. When I went in, I set down the box and sat on the couch. I asked her what was wrong and she told me, but I wasn't expecting it. "Our father has gotten ill. He's in the hospital and it's not looking good. Thats mostly why Adam's been so distant and cold." I felt terrible for yelling at Adam. I wished so hard that I could take it back. I was in shock, really. " Where's Adam, Lecy?" "He left a little after you two stopped fighting." "So you heard too." "Yeah, he was really upset,we had just got back from the hospital. He was so upset about the news. Of course we all were, I mean are. But he took the hardest, him and our dad had a bad relationship." I sat with her and listened to everything she had to say. Adam finally came home. He told me to come in the kitchen to talk. "So you're back, what for more?" "I heard about your dad. I'm so sorry." "Save it. I don't wanna hear it. Are we going to apologize or just leave it?" "You know you don't have to be such an ass." "Is this why you came? To call me more names?" " I really did wanna sympothize with you. But now." "Now what?" "I hate you. And I'm going to miss you like hell. And as much as I hate you, I still love you more than anything. Good-bye Adam. Good-bye." I kissed him on the cheek and ran out of the room. I didn't notice until I was in my room, that I was crying my eyes out. Adam left late that night, I didn't say good-bye. But I knew that I was going to regret it badly.

The party lasted a while, there was a huge mess and of course I had to clean it all up. I didn't really mind, I mean all that mattered was that my mom was happy and had fun. I was up cleaning until 3, and Kiki was wasted and lounging in her room. I was on the phone with Adam anyway.

These days were going by faster I had a day and a half left with him. I was trying not to let it get to me. I was hoping to havspent all my time with him, but of course everyone around me stopped that. But I'm done complaining and moping around about it, I've accepted it. The important thing to me was that I still had time to change my mind. I wanted so bad to change my mind, but I couldn't. My parents said that it was part of life to grow apart from my first love. I didn't want to, but then I had to.

The whole day I had to go look for a job and watch over the house. Kiki was leaving tonight, and we had started to get along over the week, she wasn't as bad I thought. I promised that Friday night I'd go over to see Ev. Late that night Ev shocked me, for the first time ever I was speechless. She quietly ,calmly and politely asked, "Have you guys considered getting married?" i didn't know what to say. No we hadn't. We didn't want to get married just so we could stay together. Honestly, I wasn't sure I was completely in love with him. I had only known him for almost 5 months. We didn't know everything about each other, we hid stuff, mostly about our families.

We sat in silence for a while. Then I said good-bye and drove home. I went straight home, I didn't even notice that Adam was gone. He was leaving tonight. Tonight, life as I knew it would end.

The days of Kiki were hard. Adam didn't come over, I'd go over to his place or we'd meet at a friends place. It's not that my parents didn't like him, but they didn't fell that good about letting us spend so much time together, even though we had exactly 3 days left together. The days were growing colder and I had to go to school soon. My mom's birthday was coming up and I went shopping with some of my friends for a gift. It was great to be alone with the girls, I had missed them.

We had so much fun together, it was like the old times in Wilmette, only I had my new friends as well. It was all so fun, that was until I saw Kiki. I had never had such a bad feeling about seeing Adam. He drove her up here to meet us. She was smiling and hovering by Adam. He said he had to go to band rehearsal and left. All of us just stared at her. No one wanted to say anything or knew what to say. She just looked around and pretended that she didn't notice that we were staring. Alison finally said something. "Let's go and check out shoes?" "Okay!" we all said in unison. We walked around aimlessly, not really talking, only about the stuff we passed or bought. Kiki was quiet and smiled, she picked out a few clothes and rings. She was somewhat polite, but kept to herself. I was actually kinda proud of her, but I wasn't thrilled about her tagging along.

When we arrived at home, my dad had taken mom out and left the decorations. Me and the girls set up all the decorations, and bought food and drinks. Adam stopped by for a while to help out. I wrapped my gift, a diamond necklace, up and hid it in my bag and went down stairs. We managed to get up all the decorations and set up the tables, I also had to clean up the rooms, bathroom and call the family and her friends and invited them over. When they finally came home, everything was pulled together and looked great. When she opened the door, she screamed, out of joy I guess, and started to tear up.

She was having so much fun with her friends and seeing her sisters again. My dad was having fun too, he got to see all his old work buddies again. They all acted like dorks, but they are parents.

The day Kiki arrived, was gloomy. It had stormed the whole morning, as if warning me of trouble.My parents were in the kitchen making lunch, and me and Adam were sitting on the couch watching The Hitcher. We were half way through it when the doorbell rang. My mother told me to answer it , so I dragged Adam to the door with me. When I got to the door, i saw my uncle Tom. I let them in and took them into the kitchen. My mom hugged her brother and my dad shook his hand.

Kiki was about 5'2", had long black hair, and dark brown eyes, almost black. She was dressed in a grey hoodie over jean capris. SHe had this arrogant look on her face, but she smiled at Adam, who was standing next to me. That moment I knew that me and Kiki were going to clash.

Uncle Tom stayed for coffee and talked for a while. Me, Adam and Kiki were sitting on the couch next to each other, Kiki in the chair across from us. She stared at Adam as if she wanted to say something. She finally did, "So Adam, how old are you?" He answered awkwardly,"I'm 18." "Cool, I'm 15." I answered" Great for you." She just kept looking at him and kept talking to him when she had to of known that he didn't want to. "What kind of job do you have?" "I work at a record store." "He's also in a band."I added smiling. "I should have known. I like musicians." Adam put his arm around me and I rested my head on his chest. I smiled and said" I do too."

Kiki was going to be staying in the guest bedroom down the hall from mine, but I didn't care. I don't have to spend any time with her. Until Monday, my life revolves around Adam.

Later that night, everyone was watching RV together in the living room, but Adam had to go. The movie ended around 11 and my parents went straight to bed. Kiki went into her room, but I knew she wasn't going to sleep. I waited for the signal and got changed. Then I quickly climbed down my lattice and ran to Alison's car. I was going to a party.

My parents only knew that I was going to Alison's. When I looked at Adam's I noticed that his Mustang was gone. He managed to stay sober until I got there. The party lasted until 3. I drove Adam home, kissed him good night and walked in through the front door. Kiki was sitting in the kitchen drinking a beer. She looked at me as I got myself a six pack I actually saw fear in her eyes. I said,"Clean up when you're done and eat something." Then I went up the stairs and climbed into bed. I don't know what time it was when it happened, but something in my life had changed.

I woke up to the smell of pancakes, thank god, hang over food. When I got down stairs, after showering the smell of beer and smoke off me, I got a plate and wen in the dining room with my parents. They were laughing and talking, but I noticed that Kiki wasn't there. My parents asked me if I drank their beer, I said yeah and they told me not to drink that much. My dad said at least it was at home and not out at some party. I immediatly choked, and my mom asked me what i did at Alison's. i just said that we watched movies and talked. She chose to believe me.

The Story of Anna Moriss: chapter 4

It was early Tuesday morning, the sun was shining and the birds were chirping. I could barely open my eyes, until I heard my dad Shouting that he was home. I sprang up off my bed and woke Adam up. He quickly got his stuff and once again I shoved him out the window. My dad walked past the room right as I was kissing him good-bye. Now nothing happened, honestly. We talked the entire night about how we were going to make this work. We fell asleep on my bed. But that's not what my dad would believe. As my father opened the door I shoved Adam right out the window. He fell and landed on his back, but once he heard my father talking, he ran away from my house. He ran and jumped into his pool.

I couldn't help but laugh. My dad was just telling me that my mom wasn't going to come home until late tonight, she had to work overtime, and he had to leave and go to Chicago to have a meeting at his work. I was goin to be home alone, yes! I called up Adam and his friends and mine to come over. I wouldn't call it a party, but more of a get together. Well that was my side of it. We just hung out and talked and listened to Adam's band. There was no drinking, drugs or even smoking. I mean it is the suburbs. Everyone left at 9, except Adam. We talked, watched t.v. together and listened to music. Well thats the PG version.

When my parents finally came home it was around 1 and me and Adam were sitting on the couch watching The Real World Denver. They didn't seem to care much. They were to concerned with something else. They had found out that my cousin Kiki, had to stay with us while her parents wento Florida for the weekend. And of course she had to come during my last week with Adam. my parents told me to be nice to her and to understand that she'll be upset about her parents leaving her. I later came to understood why they left her behind.

The reason was deprssing, her own parents couldn't stand to be around her. They didn't talk to her, watch her, or even know what was going on at school. I felt pain for her, but I couldn't take the ignorance.

I woke up to the sound of banging and shouting I got up and looked out my window and saw Adam't friends moving his desk, bed and guitars out into a moving truck. I saw Adam, I waved to him and he waved back. Then I got dressed and went outside, we made eye contact and I quickly turned away. I hopped in my car and drove off without looking back at him. I had to drive to the store and get supplies for school. I had to run to three different supply stores and to Best Buy to get a new battery and wireless card for my laptop. I was gone for 6 hours. I got home at 6:30 and Adam's friends were gone and his mustang was gone as well.

I went inside and had dinner with my parents. We barely talked, and when we did it was stale. We'd talk about the weather, going to Chicago to see our family members. When I finished, I washed the dishes and cleaned up the table and put away the left overs. I didn't tell my parents about what happened between me and Adam. When ever they'd ask. I'd say "We just agreed that it was what was best." My dad wanted to go farther into it, but my mom would stop him. Later that night, there was a tap at my door. My mom came in and sat on my bed with me and asked what happened. I wanted to be strong, but when i opened my mouth I burst into tears. She sat there and cradled me. I cried for what felt like an eternity. I finally forced myself to stop and she left. I went over to my dresser to get my clothes to take a shower. I looked over and Adam waved at me, I don't know what happened, I just went insane I guess. Once he waved I burst into tears again. I couldn't stop this time, i saw the concern in his eyes and the surprise also. I quickly turned and left the room and ran into the bathroom and got in the shower.

I just wanted to wash off the pain. I stood in there for a while, just waiting for it to stop hurting. I finally got out and got dressed blow dried my hair. When i got back in my room it was 11:57. I hurried out of my room, I ran down the stairs, and tripped and fell. I got up and threw on my shoes and ran outside. It was pouring rain and i was in a tank top, but I didn't care. Adam got up off his porch and headed for his car. I ran and he opened his door and started to climb in. I yelled"ADAM!!!!!!" He didn't hear me, I shouted again"Adam!!!!" He continued to get in. Then i finally said it, well shouted it. "I LOVE YOU!!" He turned around and looked at me, I was standing there between our houses and was soaking wet. I shouldn't of even dried my hair, I'm probably going to get a cold now. He was smiling and ran over to me. "What did you say?" I looked at him laughed a little and said"I said I love you, you idiot. I love you Adam." he smiled again, that beautiful smile and kissed me, a long kiss. Then he said" I love you too. Now how are we going to make this work?" I smiled and stared at him and said "Let's go into my house and just relax for a minute, ok?""Yeah, New York can wait a minute."We walked back to my house, for the first time he held my hand as we walked. At that moment, i knew that we'd make this relationship work.

"I've decided that I'm no.." just then the smoke alarm went off. Her mom ran into the kitchen and took the cake out of the oven. But of course it was burned already."Damn it."She always got pissed when she messed up in baking. My dad started fighting with my mom for burning something again. They completely forgot about me. I just stood there in the living room looking at them. Did I really want to leave them? The people that have taken such good care of me, that have protected me, and watched over me? No, I don't. But I don't wanna lose Adam either. I've only known him for a couple of months, but I love him. I haven't even said it to him yet. Why can't I have both? But I'll only be gone for a month at most. At least that's what I thought.

I finally got out of my thoughts and went outside. It was getting dark, and the breeze was cold. I just wanted to run, just run. Back to Chicago, to see my friends. My best friend Ev helped me out with everything. I heard a noise and I turned around, expecting to see Adam, but it was my neighbors, the Bolmans. They were cleaning up their picnic table. They looked at me and smiled, I smiled back. I turned and looked at my car, and jingled my keys in my pocket. I didn't have to run, I could drive to Chicago. i could see Ev and get her advice.

I hopped in my car and drove off. I dialed Ev on my cell and told her I was comin to see her. She sounded so excited.I finally got there, about 20 minutes later. She looked so different, she cut her hair shoulder length and was a bleach blonde. She had a dark tan, obviously fake. I got out of my car and hugged her. We went on her porch and sat down on her bench. I told her all about my new life there, how my family has changed and my new friends. But mostly about Adam. I told her about my situation, how if I stayed in Wilmette, that I'd lose Adam. but if I went to New York and stayed there, I'd never see my family.

She told me about how if I went to New York and stayed there, that I'd still be able to go to school and see my family. She also told me that if I stayed in Wilmette, I'd never see Adam again. She knew that for a fact, thats how she lost her fiancee. She was with a writer, they got engaged after 4 months together. Then he got a job in Indiana. It's not incredibly far, but she hardly saw him. They started talking less and less. Until finally he said that he thought that it would be better to break up. She was crushed, but she's moved on. She met a new guy about 2 months ago, and they're taking it slow. But back to me now. I still didn't know what to do. i would lose my friends, family and new life style. But it failed in comparison to Adam.

I stayed at her house until 7, and then drove home, I looked at Adam's house, but he wasn't there. When I got in my house, my parents were hanging out in the den. I walked in and shouted"I'm back!" Then I sulked upstairs, still uncertain about my future. I walked into my room and turned on my light and threw my coat on my bed. I looked at my window hoping to see Adam. But he wasn't there, however I found a note on my window. it was from him and it said"Hey, I came by and obviously you weren't here. I guess your not coming with me. I went out to get boxes to pack up most of my stuff. I shouldn't of put you in this situation, your only 16. I'm already outta school, and you should finish with your new friends. I'm officially leaving tomorrow night. I probably won't see you in time though. So good-bye.

P.S. I'm leaving at exactly midnight. Come say goodbye if you can."

I sat down on my bed and kept re-reading the letter. I did this for 2 hours. Then I fell asleep, my future, that I was trying so hard to figure out, was made for me. But I'm not sure it is what I wanted. But I was going to say good-bye to Adam tomorrow night, no matter what.

We arrived at the house around noon. It was sunny out, and the air smelled of fresh cut grass. The house was a two story victorian. It had a pool in the backyard, a large porch, and had swings in the back as well. The house was cool, it had everything that I wanted, but it was in the suburbs. I was just glad it was the first day of summer, and I didn't have to go to school. We started to unpack, in less than 3 hours we were settled in. I went in my room and locked the door. I turned on my stereo and surfed the web on my laptop. Then I noticed a light turn on to my right. When I glanced over, I saw a guy in the room across the yard from mine. The windows looked in on each other's rooms, and weren't very far away. I noticed that he looked like he was around my age. He glanced over and saw me watching him. I quickly looked back at my computer, and acted like I was reading something. He just simply smiled and left the room.

Later that night, I was listening to my voicemail messages on my cell phone, when I saw rocks being thrown at my window. I got up and opened the window and got smacked in the head with a pebble. When I looked down there was the guy standing below my window in the shadows. He shouted"Come down here." I climbed down the lattice by my window. When I got down there I was face to face with him. His name was Adam and he was about 6'2, was skinny, had brown eyes, short brown hair, and had bangs that hang down over his right eye. I fell in love with him at that moment. We went for a walk around the block and talked about my hometown, and it turned out that he was from the city too. We like some of the same music, movies, t.v. shows and books. We didn't get back until 6 a.m., I almost got caught by my dad when he was leaving for work.

Adam walked me back to the lattice below my window, then he kissed me. I climbed up the lattice and went into my room and watched him walk into his house and waited to see him come into his room. I waited for an hour and then fell asleep in my window seat. I woke up when my mom was shouting for mom to come down stairs. When I did, I had to do the laundry, clean up the living room and do the dishes. When I was done I changed into my bikini. I told my mom I was going swimming and was gonna go for a walk. She said"Okay, but don't forget your cell phone." I went outside and stepped on the deck, and immediatly the smell of hot dogs being grilled, and flowers hit me. I went over towards the pool and dove in. When I was coming back up I saw somone looking down into the water, it was Adam. When I came up I noticed that he looked upset. When I asked what's wrong, he said"My band and I can't come up with enough money to go to New York." I was confused, why was he planning on leaving."Why are you trying to leave, you said you weren't going to leave for a while.""I was hoping to go for a couple of weeks to meet with our producer."

I didn't know what to say. I was sad for him, but then I remembered that I have money from my job in Chicago. I took him into my house, avoiding my mom, and took him into my room."Wow, this is your room. It looked different from a distance." I went in my desk and got my wallet and took out $200, and handed it to him."No thanks, I'm not taking your money. I haven't even taken you out yet.""It's fine, is this enough?" He hesitated and then shook his head yeah and I stuck it in his pocket. He kissed me, but just when he did my mom walked in. I turned quickly expecting to get yelled at, but she was caring a huge pile of clothes so she couldn't see. I shoved Adam out the window and took the clothes from my mom, acting as though nothing had just happened. "What's up with you?" I quickly answered"Nothing!" She walked out the door after giving me an evil glance.

The next couple months were a blur. I turned 16, and got a black convertable BMW Z. Adam was still here with me. He got me a gorgeus diamond ring, I knew he spent some of the money I gave him on it. He got a job at the record store, he payed me back the money but I slipped it back into his wallet when he didn't notice. We had gotten closer over the summer. I was considering not going back to school in the fall to stay with him. My parents found out about me and Adam, and didn't freak out like I thought they would.

It's the end of the summer. My parents asked me "Are you going back to school or not?" I thought for a minute then I said,...

One Pound to Go

The air that afternoon was cold and still, there was no breeze. Not one thing moved, the animals, the trees or the people. Oh how the people were crying, all dressed in black. The Collens family was the worst, they couldn't even talk without crying. But her little sister had no idea what to think or do, she was an only child now. She had lost her role model, now she was alone.

Amy Collens was a normal, healthy, 15 year old girl. She ate healthy, but still binged on candy and sodas. She weighed 116 pounds and was one of the thinnest girls in her classes. She never thought once about her weight. She only cared about her hair, make-up, clothes and jewelry. Everyone in her family would always talk about how tall she was, but mostly how thin she was. She never believed them.

Then one day her best friend,Megan, started talking about how she thought she was fat. Amy didn't get it, she thought Megan was skinny, after all Megan was thinner than her. Megan would constantly talk about her diets, and not eating. Amy at first tried to get Megan to see that she wasn't fat. Then Amy started thinking that she, herself was fat.

At first Amy started eating healthier, and working out more. Then it escalated, she started eating less, and working out more and more. It got to the point that she'd eat 2 small meals a day. She was working out 6 hours a day. Her grades were slipping because she had no time to do her homework or study. Her teachers were getting concerned. They'd constantly call home and tell her parents about her school behavior. She wasn't doing homework, studying, taking notes, doing projects and she was falling asleep in class. Her parents were yelling at her weekly to get her act together. She always blocked them out, she wouldn't tell them anything about her life.

After a month, Amy dropped down to 90 pounds. She was gauntly. Her counselors were having meetings with her weekly. No one was getting through to her. Finally Amy's boyfriend,John, came back to town. When he saw what Amy looked like, he was shocked. She was pale, incredibly skinny, she looked tired, and could barely hold herself up. John asked why she lost so much weight, and she just said that she needed to. That night at her house,John and her fought for hours. She just wouldn't listen to what he had to say. She was about to leave when he said,"I can't be with someone who doesn't care about themself." She had nothing to say. He got up and left. When she went out after him, he sped off in his car. No one understood Amy, she felt so alone in this battle.

Within the next couple of weeks, Amy had dropped down to 85 pounds. She could barely hold her books. Then it got worse. She broke her wrist and her ankle. She missed so much of school, but thats not what worried her counselors. It was her appearance at school. She was so thin that none of her clothes fit right. She had to wear her little sister's clothes. She wasn't trying to do anything anymore. She finally stopped working out. But instead she took diet pills.

One day Amy went to a familyn reunion and she fainted. Her parents rushed her to the hospital. The doctors told them that she was anerexic, and was killing herself with the diet pills. Her parents were devistated. The doctors said that they would have to force feed her with a tube. They had to do this for a while. She finally got to a good weight to discharge her. That didn't stop Amy.

No matter what anyone said or did, Amy wouldn't stop taking the pills and not eating. Her parents flushed the diet pills, but she just bought more. She would eat in front of her parents, but then throw it up later. Amy was no longer anerexic, she becamed belimic. She didn't care about the fact that she was killing her body, she just wanted to be skinny and accepted. None of her friends would even talk about food or weight around her. But worse of all, John wouldn't say one word to her. Until that day.

Early Tuesday morning, Amy was called into the headmasters office. He told her that had to drop out of school, there was no way that she could make up all that work, not even at summer school. Amy's parents were furious. They yelled and screamed at her. Then she left, she just walked out the door. She had no idea where she was going, or who she was going to see. She went to the park that night, and was walking home, and that was all she remembered.

Early Wednesday morning, someone found Amy passed out on the side walk about a block from her house. She was dead. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon. The whole school came, all of her family, her friends and even John. When it was his turn to go up to the casket and say good-bye, he said,"I'm sorry I gave up on you. I never should of left town. I did love you and still do, but I wouldn't of been able to save you either. I'm sorry that you thought so little of yourself that you had to become what you did. You were selfish Amy, you left everyone to griev for you. Your family is devisatated. You weren't thinking of anyone else but yourself. For that I say good-bye for good." Just then the trees started to blow, and the breeze came back. But the crying, that didn't change.

There was a family of 3, Dave, who was 26, Cara 25, and their daughter Emily, who was seven. The family was really close, but the parents faught every frequently. Their lives were normal though,or as their friends and family thought. One day while at work Cara met a guy, his name was Milo. They worked the same shifts at the diner and had a lot in common. They started spending more and more time together, then she found out about his side job,dealing drugs. But for some odd reason she didn't care. The one thing she was so strongly against, she was willing to be around. It wasn't soon before she started doing drugs also. Which lead to her hooking up with Milo.

Meanwhile, at home her husband was fighting of thoughts of her cheating on him. She was gone pretty much the whole day, even on days off, and she wasn't close to him anymore. Pretty soon Cara was stealing Milo's drugs and using them. Milo started noticing the loss in kilos and blamed Cara. That night he beat her,so bad to the point that he cracked 2 of her ribs and fractured her wrist and dilocated her shoulder. Lucky for her she was so high that it didn't hurt that bad. Dave got a call at 2:15 in the morning from the hospital asking him to come down and get her.When Dave got there, Cara had on a cast, had her stomache wrapped, had a black eye and had bruises all of her. When he asked what happened, she lied and told him that she was mugged. He took her home that night and took care of her until she was back to normal. Then Cara went back to work and started seeing Milo again. She was using her pay checks to pay fo drugs, until she was fired. Then she started taking money from the Dave and from the bank accounts. Then when Dave hid his money and changed accounts, she sunk low.

When Emily was born, Dave set up a bank account for her, and every birthday after that he added 1,000 dollars. The bank account now was 7,000 dollars. Cara went t and withdrew all the money and bought drugs. Later that day Dave got an update on his phone telling him that the account was closing because it was empty and found out when all the money was withdrawn.He rushed home and heard clinking in the bathroom upstares and went in looing for Cara. She was in their snorting four rows of cocaine. He just stood there frozen for what seemed like an eternity. She turned around and just looked at him and started laughing. Saying"I'm so high right now. Want to join Milo?" She kept calling him Milo.Then he snapped out of his trance and turned and started packin all of his stuff up. Cara, finally realizing what was going on, ran after him, trying to stop him. She was crying and begging for him to stay, not to leave her. But he just swatted her off him. He got into his car and without one word drove off.

Life after that night was hard for Emily. Cara was always gone, and when she came home it was to get more money or to crash on the couch. Milo would come looking for her every so often. When she couldn't pay him, he'd beat her. The cycle continued until Emily was 14. She had to get a job stocking shelves at a grocery store and cleaning up and fixing things around the neighborhood. She'd only give her mom $50, which made her mom upset. Cara had to get money from her parents every Friday. The days before that were excrusiating. Milo would keep coming home and beating Cara, at first it was beacuse she didn't have the money, then it was because she wouldn't see him as often. Cara had a new dealer, a.k.a her new boyfriend. Milo would beat her until she passed out. Then he would go upstairs to Emily's room.

Emily tried to tell her mom what milo was doing to her, but she wouldn't listen. She told her " Stop trying to get attention. You're to old to create stories and lie about other people. Grow up, no one wants you. Why do you think your dad left?" Emily was completely crushed. She couldn't tell her grand parents, had no idea where her dad was and couldn't tell her teachers or friends. She had no one to turn to for help. Until one day she met a guy, his name was Peter. A new neighbor, he was 16 and was in a band. He was perfect in her eyes. They started dating after 2 months. They were incredibly close, she told him everything that happened to her and what was still going on. He tried to convince her to get help. But she said no.

Life was getting worse, Cara found out she was pregnant. But that didn't stop her habbits. She home more and more, which meant so was Milo. He wouldn't leave Emily alone. Every night he would come in and rape her. But Cara still wouldn't believe her. Emily tried everything to convince her and to get him away from her. Finally she came up with an idea.

Peter was talking about leaving to go up to Chicago with his band. He started asking for her to come with,but she'd say no. Now she decided she was going. She called up Peter late at night and asked to come along. He was excited for her to come. He told her to pack right away, they had to be there in 2 days. Chicago was pretty far from Missouri,but they could get there fast. She packed up all her stuff. At 6:30 the next morning Peter came and got her and her stuff. Her mom was passed out on the couch. Emily said good-bye and kissed her on her cheek. She got in the car and they drove off and never looked back.

It's been 5 years and Cara never looked for Emily. Peter and his band got pretty famous and moved to L.A. Emily finished high school and is attending F.I.D.M. becoming a designer.Her and Peter are still together and are living together. They plan on getting married when she graduates high school.She follows the motto her dad always said "What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger." Emily found out about a month ago that her mom died, she over dosed. She attended the funeral. She noticed that Milo wasn't there, the man she spent all her time with, and neither was her father. Emily found out a month later that her father was murdered by a drug dealer, she knew right away that it was Milo. She is doing well with her life, for her dad. She didn't cry at her mother's funeral. Because she knew that her mother died years ago. The day she met Milo.

  *Peter isn' based off of Pete Wentz. It kinda seems like it, but i saw spider man 3 and Peter was stuck in my head.