Chapter One

When youre a freshman in high school, there are only a few things that define you. That define where you stand in the social pyramid of highs cool life.

One: Activities youre involved in. If youre a cheerleader, or on the football/basketball/soccer team, there is a very good chance you stand at the top of the pyramid. The social elite. But, if youre in the school marching band, or on the math team, youre pretty much setting yourself up for social suicide. Me? Im in theater. Where does theater stand? Somewhere in the middle where I still get invited to parties, but I wasnt on the list of sitting at the popular lunch table.

Two: Connections. If youre in band, or anything else for that matter, you have a good chance of pulling yourself up out of the social chaos if you have one of two things- or both things. Family members, such as an older brother or sister, that are at the top of the social order, or if you happen to have snagged one of the elite as your boyfriend/girlfriend.

Thats the reason I get invited to the most popular parties- the reason why, at the end of the popular table, there are seats reserved for me and my friends. Not that we usually use them, as far as I was concerned, I would rather sit with the others in the drama department then have to share a table with one of my brothers.

Trent and Evan Thompson. Trent, who was actually the brother that I got along with, was a Senior and one of the most popular boys in the school. He was the captain of the soccer team, had the other most popular boy as his best friend, and, of course, scandal. Only a couple months ago, my dear older brother had announced that he was dating, and in love, with my step-sister, Kaitlin. Something that hadnt really been well received, but it definitely made both of them even more popular than they had been previously. Not that either of them really noticed it.

Evan on the other hand, was a sophomore, only a year older than me, and was already known as having a reputation as a player. And, of course, he was on the football team. And, from what people say to me, he was actually really good. Not that I knew, I hated football, but whatever. It still amazed me how guys could act like complete jerks, and were still the people to be around.

Anyway, I guess I shouldnt complain, considering those two are the only reason I am currently at what was going to be considered the party of the year.

"Why are we here again?" My best friend questioned, her eyebrows raised as she took in the drunk and loud teenagers around us.

"Oh, like you wouldnt have come with Alex anyway." I teased, refuring to her boyfriend. Jenny sent me a small smile, rolling her eyes. I carefully kept my mouth closed, knowing how I usually just said anything that came into my mind. And, right now, I didnt want my best friend knowing that I hated, and couldnt trust, her boyfriend.

"That's true." She admitted, biting her lip as her eyes searched the crowd. "Speaking of, I wonder if he's here yet."

I didn't even bother to look, knowing that Alex was there, and most likely already dancing with another girl. "Let's go get a drink." I said instead, forcing a smile on my face and heading further into the room.

"Mandie!" Jenny said, her voice exasperated. "I told Alex we would find him when we got here."

I rolled my eyes, though I made sure not to look at her as I kept walking. "Jenny, we'll find him, dont worry. I just want a drink."

"Nothing alcoholic." I new voice cut into our conversation- a voice I knew all to well. Scrunching up my nose in annoyance, I turned to face my brother. Evan stared down at me, his dark brown hair falling into his eyes. Those dark blue eyes- eyes that matched min exactly- watched me, challenging me to defy him.

I let out a deep sigh, then pouted up at him. "Come on Evan. It's just one drink. You cant tell me you haven't had anything."

"I'm older than you." He replied instantly, his voice cold as his eyes flickered over to Jenny. "She doesnt need anything either."

"Yes, sir." Jenny muttered sarcastically, her eyes still skimming over the crowd.

Evan watched her for a moment, and once again I remember just how close they used to be. No, not like that, but they were best friends at one point. "Lover boy is out back." He said, the sarcasm evident. It wasnt any secret that Evan and Alex didnt like each other.

Actually, our dislike of Alex was one of the few things we agreed on.

Jenny sent him a glare, then turned around quickly and walked toward the backyard. "Do you have to be mean to her?" I questioned Evan, raising my eyebrows.

"I wasnt!" Evan defended himself, still looking to where Jenny had disappeared. I had a lingering suspicion that my brother still cared more for his ex-best friend than he wanted to admit. "Anyway." He finally said, his eyes snapping back to mine, "No drinking."

"Sure." I replied, in no way planning to actually do as he asked.

"I'm serious, Mandie." Evan said darkly, a glare on his face. "I am not taking you home tonight." He said, looking pointedly at a Barbie-like blond behind me.

Eew. "Fine." I said once again, using all of my acting skills to give him the most innocent face I could possibly come up with.

Evan studied me for a moment, then nodded once and headed over to Barbie girl.

"Well, aren't you just a little liar." A new voice drawled in my ear, making the hair on the back of my arms stand up. And not in a good way.

"Nick." I said, my tone as acidic as I could make it. He chuckled darkly from behind me.

"You're brother might not be able to tell when you're acting, Amanda, but I can." Nick replied, his hands coming up to rest on my shoulders.

"Don't call me Amanda." I snapped, pulling away from his hands and turning to face him.

Nick Collins was admittedly one of the best looking guys I had ever seen. He had light brown hair that hung forward into his eyes, hazel eyes that could never seem to decide which color they wanted to be, and a face that made most girls swoon. It was no wonder he was Evan's best friend- the two of them went through so many girls that I couldn't even keep up with their names.

Nick and Evan had been friends for years- actually, Trent's best friend was Nick's older brother. Talk about irony. I guess I should be happy that they didnt have a little sister, or I might have had to replace Jenny.

Not that I ever would, or anything.

"Shouldnt you be competing with Evan to see who can get more girls or something?" I asked him with disdain. "Though, I dont know why any would. The two of you make me sick sometimes. I mean, even Chris has more class than the two of you and everyone knows that before he and Natalia broke up, he was a one woman guy. You and Evan have never had a real relationship, and Chris is going to get back together with Natalia and then-"

"Mandie, you're rambling again." Nick cut in, rolling his eyes. "And why do you keep bringing up my brother? I always knew you had a crush on him, but, like you said, he's going to end up with Natalia."

I felt a blush cross my face. Yes, in fact, at one point I had had a crush on Nick's brother, but that was a long time ago. "I do not like your brother." I snapped, narrowing my eyes.

"Whatever you say." Nick muttered. "You better go find your friend and her asshole boyfriend." He remarked casually before turning and heading over to Evan and his bimbo.

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Okay, someone really needs to remind me why I wanted to come to this thing again. I was bored out of my mind, Jenny was pouting because Alex wasnt paying any attention to her, and Evan seemed to appear every time I tried to do anything fun.

I was crossing my arms over my chest with a pout on my face when I saw a familiar head of black and red hair walking through the crowd- and the way everyone seemed to part for the person clued me in to who it was. Then I saw Chris standing by the front entrance, talking to some girl. But his eyes were firmly fixed on the woman walking my way. There was only one person Chris looked at like that.

Natalia? Is that you? I asked excitedly as I grabbed Jenny and pulled her behind me to the woman. A pair of cool Grey eyes swept over me instantly before the beautiful face broke into a small smile.

"Hey, Mandie. Natalia replied, taking a step forward and wrapping me up into a hug. I broke away from her, a huge mile overtaking my face.

I cant believe youre here! I said, instantly feeling my cheerfulness come back to me. You havent come to a party sense- well, a long time! And youre here with Chris! Something going on there? I mean, I know neither of you want to admit to anything, but-

Mandie, leave the girl alone." Jenny said, coming to stand beside me with a smile on her face. I broke off of my rambling with a small blush on my face. Maybe she doesnt want to talk about Chris.

Oh! Natalia, this is my best friend, Jenny! I said, grabbing Jenny's arm instantly.

Jenny smiled. Nice to meet you. She said, but then her smile slowly fell off of her face. I followed her gaze and frowned, annoyed that Evan was once again making his way toward us. And Nick was with him. Oh, joy.

What are you doing here? Evan sneered, his eyes flickering over Natalia. I rolled my eyes. My brother had always had a problem with Natalia, though I never knew what it was.

Its a party, Evan. Natalia replied, her expressionless mask once again covering her face. What do you think Im doing?

But youre here with my brother. Nick said, a slight frown on his face. I turned my attention to him, and that was when I noticed the girl Evan had gone after earlier. She was wrapped around Nick, pressing kisses on his neck. I felt my stomach revolt with the knowledge that that same mouth had probably been on my brother only an hour before.

I am. Natalia agreed with Nick's statement. As friends.

Girls and guys can never just be friends. Evan told Natalia, his voice cold.

Sure they can. Jenny stepped in, glaring at Evan. I knew she was thinking of her own past with the boy in front of her.

No, Jenny. Evan said, his eyes now locked on hers. They cant. Okay, once again- hidden emotions anyone?

Jenny, you okay? Alex asked, coming up behind Jenny and wrapping his arms around her waist. Evan's glare instantly turned fierce and Nick's eyes narrowed.

I wasnt going to ravage her, Alex. Evan said wryly.

Lets go. Alex told his girlfriend, not even looking at Evan.

Jenny nodded her consent, walking away with her hand entwined in Alexs. I ignored them, not wanting to have to be around Alex if I didnt have to. But, I also didnt want to have to be around Barbie girl. Do you have any respect for yourself? I asked, staring at the girl who was actually licking, licking, Nick's neck.

Barbie girl looked at me, a confused expression on her face. Excuse me?

Oh, come on. Why would you get involved with Nick? The only thing hes going to do is get in your pants, then never speak to you again. I told her, actually wanting an answer.

I didnt get it. Nick frowned, his eyes hard as he stared at me. Jealous, Amanda?

Dont call me that. I said instantly, a glare on my face.

I continued to glare at Nick, but I noticed Evan wasnt even paying attention to our little spat. Oh, no, his attention was still fixated firmly on Jenny and Alex- who were now across the room.

Hey, little brother. Chris said, walking up behind Natalia. Nick didnt even bother looking at his brother as we continued to glare at one another. Chris looked at us, amused. That looks familiar. He remarked, looking down at Natalia.

Okay, ew. There was no way Nick and I were anything like Chris and Natalia. Ew. No way at all.