Cast

Real People

In alphabetical order of last name
Ben Adams - Lead singer of a1 (duh)
Paul Barton - Don't really know him but he beat up Gavin once
Laura Borger - One of my friends that used to be in my class in '00 and Jenny's best friend
Gareth Evans - Old Internet boyfriend
Jessie Fairbrother-Lambert - My friend
Mrs Ferner - Form class teacher
Jenny Fotheringham - One of my friends from my '00 class and Laura's best friend
Jasmine Graham - Me!!!
Cameron Hadley - Shane's brother. I used to have a crush on his too. Also sporty and on the 1st XV
Shane Hadley - My *sigh* crush who went to my school. Really sporty and on the 1st XV.
Mr and Mrs Hadley - Shane and Cameron's parents. Duh.
Christina Huggins - My best female friend
Clifton Hopkins - Kelly's brother and used to have a crush on Christina
Christian Ingebrigsten - my favourite member of a1
Jackie Inwood - Extremely unpopular person with high nasal screechy voice. You get my drift
Mr Kerr-Taylor (Mr K) - P.E. teacher
Daniel Laird - Met through Civil Defence
Paul Marazzi - Member of a1
Ben Marsom - Ex boyfriend and Jordan's cousin
Jordan Marsom - An old friend of mine. Ben Marsom's cousin
Ryan McPherson - A person I know who people reckoned was my brother :)
Justus Miller - Old crush and used to be my friend until I blew it. *sigh* The good old days
Mrs Nasey - Health nurse
Cara Penetana - A good mate of mine and Matt's mistress (Just joking, Cara!)
Lee Raysun - Jordan's old crush
Mark Read - Member of a1
Brett Shrimpton - Jackie's old crush. They used to laugh at the love letters she gave him! I mean, get a hint, Jackie
Gavin Stevens - A very large and extremely unpopular person
Karl Thompson - Class clown
Matthew Van Iersel (Matt) - Someone who I used to have a crush on but we're just friends

Made-up Characters

Ben Adams - Exact replica of Ben Adams but not the Ben Adams. New student at Kaipara College. Also loves a1 (with a name like that it's no wonder)
Christian Adams - Ben Adams' (the famous one not the student one) brother
Floren - Shane's ex-girlfriend (That's a point, what did happen to her? She just kinda disappeared from our story)

I laughed as Daniel pounced on me.
"You reckon that scared me?"
He looked insulted. I grinned, thinking of the practical joker in a good way. I turned back to the computer as I scanned the list of e-mail. Nothing important. Suddenly a loud crash emitted through the air. I jumped, clutching Daniel tightly, scared. What was that? He looked at me. My heart quickened as my gaze was level to his. We both stood up at the same time. I crept downstairs, closely trailed by the curious seventeen-year-old. I screamed as something furry brushed against my leg…
"Fluffer!" I cried out at my ginger cat. "Don't ever do that again!"
The cat sped away, half scared to death. The little episode with the cat made Daniel and me both forget what we were looking for.
"The mysterious sound."
We ventured back into the lounge and I sat down at the computer and finished scanning the e-mail. Daniel made himself "You have a new message."
I guided the cursor over the button and clicked. I looked at Daniel and he glanced back at me, his blue eyes hypnotizing. I tore myself away from his gaze and read the e-mail. I gasped and stumbled, the chair toppling backwards.
"I'm watching you."
"What was that?" I cried to Daniel.
"What was what?" he asked in surprise.
"Somebody just said they were watching me." I replied in shock.
"I didn't hear anything. You must be dreaming." He said.
"I wasn't dreaming," I replied. "I definitely heard something."
I scanned the room, looking for any sign of another human. In doing this, I remembered the mysterious sound we had been looking for a while back. I heard another thump, that was clearly coming from outside. I rushed out, expecting the worst, and didn't notice the forming mud puddle at the bottom of the steps. I slipped over; remotely aware of the laughs as two people emerged from the bush. I panicked, as I recognised one far too familiar as he lowered the shades from his brown eyes and one not only familiar, but utterly gorgeous.
"Hey, sis."
My brother and his best friend. At that moment I thought I would die.
My brother, Ryan, took off his sunglasses and saluted, laughing his head off. I smiled weakly back. I was only vaguely aware that Daniel hadn't come out with me, and somehow relieved. I turned back to the house. Daniel's head came up at the top story window and he winked at me slyly. I wonder what he is up to, I thought to myself. Then Daniel looked at Ryan and Shane and flicked his head down to the front door. He was playing some sort of joke. I stepped towards Shane and Ryan and opened my mouth to invite them in. Then, just before I had a chance to say anything, my archenemy, Floren, walked past. Floren had everything, money, a car, guys, and most importantly, Shane. She walked up and put her arm around him, kissing him lightly on the cheek.
"Come on, dear. Let's get away from these low-lifes."
He agreed with her, totally smitten, but at the same time, a little cautious. I butted in, pushing her away.
"We were just going to see my…uh…posters."
I led him inside, enjoying the jealous look flashing across Floren's face. After I had finished smiling shyly at Shane, I pointed towards the front door and gestured to him to go through it. He stepped up onto the porch and reached for the doorknob. All of a sudden the door was thrown open and Daniel lashed out, getting Shane on the cheek. I looked at him, my eyes narrowing dangerously. I looked up at Shane, apologetic. Daniel's voice was teasing.
"You have just been sprung by the Danielmeister."
I stormed inside, closely followed by a sheepish looking Shane and an angry looking Ryan. Daniel was nowhere to be seen.
"Do you want a drink or anything?" I asked Shane.
"No thanks, I'm fine." Came the reply. OH how I love hearing Shane speak.
"Well, what are we going to do, sis?" asked Ryan.
"Do you guys want to watch a movie or something?" I asked, gazing at Shane and looking at Ryan.
"Sure," said Shane.
I reached for the TV room doorknob. I opened the door and was greeted by a blast of icy water. I could have hit myself for being so stupid. The old "bucket on the door" trick and I fell for it. This house was becoming a potential death trap, and it was my own house! I yelled out, my voice echoing off the walls and covering Ryan's sniggering.
"You are now officially dead, Daniel Laird!"
I raced upstairs to change. I found Daniel gasping for air, rolling around on my bedroom floor with laughter. Anger clouded my mind as I leapt at him. We both fell to the floor with me punching him all over and then for some reason we both started laughing. We picked ourselves up and went back downstairs into the kitchen.
Shane and Ryan were sitting at the table, drinking coke and eating chips.
"Um, sorry Shane." Said Daniel.
"Oh, no problem." Shane replied with a sheepish grin.
"Let's go and watch that movie." I said eagerly. We all ventured into the lounge, sat down and watched the whole of Titanic. We all stood up and said farewell to Shane and Daniel for the day, then me and Ryan finished our homework.

I yawned, as my mind failed to focus on any of the Maths questions. I felt really tense. I stretched, aware that these were questions in our test. I felt someone begin to massage my shoulders. I mumbled, "Mmm, thanks Ryan" as I begun to relax.
"I'm not Ryan, it's me." A voice answered. I turned around slowly.
"Matt!" I yelled out. "What are you doing here!?"
Matt was a tall spiky black haired guy in my class at school. We were pretty good friends, or as my friend Cara says, 'more than just friends'.
"I just came to visit you, so don't panic." He soothed. "Why are you all wet?" My mind thought back to the puddle and I shivered as I noticed I hadn't changed my clothes. I also noticed that Matt's face looked peculiarly flushed and his eyes red. I gasped in horror.
"Matt…You're wasted! What happened?" I cried out.
"I just got beaten up, so don't worry, okay?"
"What?" I cried, horrified.
"It's no big deal, really." He replied.
"Yes, it is a big deal." I yelled. "Who was it?"
"Oh well, I know you won't like this but if you really have to know, it was Shane."
"Shane?" I asked him again.
"Yes." Came the reply.
"Oh no!" I gaped at Matt, who gave me a weak smile. He had clearly been crying and so I went and gave him a hug to cheer him up. I'd never seen Matt in such a state. Thoughts of Shane and Matt rushed through my mind.
"How could that have happened?"
Matt looked like he had been jumped only half an hour ago.
"Well, I was walking down the street…"
"When did it happen?"
He looked confused.
"Half an hour ago."
A look of utter disbelief crossed my face.
"Impossible."
Matt was getting more confused by the minute.
"Why?"
"Because Shane was over here!"
"Well, he must be a pretty fast runner then." Matt argued.
"Not that fast." I shot back.
"Okay, I'll admit it, it wasn't Shane, it was Paul."
"Why did you lie to me?" I accused.
"It was only a joke." He muttered.
"Well, don't ever do that again, okay?"
"Okay," came the reply.
"Good." I said.
"So why did Paul beat you up?" I asked.
Matt looked me in the eyes and I glared right back at him. I knew I'd never be able to forgive him for accusing my love. He sighed and shook his head.
"I can't tell you the reason."
"Why not?"
"Because…"
I interrupted.
"You either tell me or you leave."
He sighed again and lowered his gaze in defeat.
"He…was jealous. He was jealous because I like you and he does too."
The words shocked me right to the bone.
"Oh, I see." I stammered.
"See ya later." Said Matt as he walked out the door.

The next day I woke only to realize I was going to be late for the first day back at school. I jumped out of bed and resisted the urge to leap back in when the rush of cold air hit me.I walked briskly to my front gate and arrived just in time. The bus rumbled to a halt in front of me and I clambered on, scanning the crowd. My eyes rested on the only seat left empty and I wondered, as he pulled his bag away, why Matt was on my bus and not the Goudie Road one. I was tempted to stand up but my legs were wobbling precariously from my early morning run. I slid in beside him and kept my eyes fixed on the back of a cute seventh former's head. I spoke automatically.
"What are you doing on our bus anyway?"
I risked a glance his way. He simply shrugged.
"I had to see you."
I smiled; he was usually not the one to be outright with his feelings.
As I left the bus, Matt by my side, I noticed a pair of dazzling sapphire eyes and slightly mussed brown hair. Girls surrounded him, clambering to be near him. I turned and whispered to Matt.
"Who's he?"
"Ben Adams."
I didn't even get to say my legendary 'cause he's all right looking, aye?'
"What!? What on Earth?" I started.
"Not the Ben Adams." Matt cried. "I knew you would think it was!"
"Oh, bugger." I said sadly under my breath. "But he's okay looking, aye?" I chirped up with a big smile on my face.

I walked briskly to the school library and, as I entered through the big swinging doors, the door seemed hard to open, so I shoved it with all my might. I heard a big clunk and looked down. Gavin, the fat librarian, was lying on the floor with a blood nose. I had knocked him out with the door. I heard laughter and I looked over my shoulder. Matt was rolling on the floor, doubled up with laughter.
"That's the funniest thing I ever saw!" he chuckled.
"You don't see much then." I grumbled but I couldn't help but smile. Gavin pushed past, his stomach protruding and blood down the front of his once blue shirt. I decided to go outside. As I chomped on a donut I stole from the staff room, I saw a mug of steaming coffee.
Uh oh, I thought, thinking one of the teachers had snapped me. To my surprise, who should it be but the new Ben, twice as gorgeous as the original.
"Mind if I sit down?"
I shook my head and was pleased to see the jealousy in some onlookers. I glanced at his coffee.
"Where'd you get that from?"
He grinned wickedly and replied with a hint of mischief.
"The staff room!"
"Same here." I replied, holding up the last of the donut. "Well anyway, my name is Jasmine Graham."
"My name is Ben Adams. Pleased to meet you."
We shook hands and then finished eating and drinking our stolen assets.
"So, where do you live?" asked Ben.
"Helensville." I replied. "What about you?"
"South head," came the reply.
Matt chose that moment to appear.
"What are you doing here?" he asked sourly. I looked at him shocked, not only because he was downright rude, but also because his hair had been bleached blonde, bright blonde! He was obviously not too pleased with the result and showed it clearly.
"Wha…" I stammered, speechless. Ben looked at him as if he was an alien from outer space. Then, a mischievous grin broke out across Ben's face.
"What happened to your hair, mate?" he asked with mock innocence.
Matt's face turned into an angry scowl and he turned on Ben.
"Who do you think you are talking to me like that?"
"I am Ben Adams," came the reply.
"Oh, I knew that." Matt stammered. Then with a sheepish smile, he said, "Well, see ya later then," and he turned around and ran off towards his form class. Ben turned to me and smiled his devilish smile. I just about died.
"Well, better get off to form then."
I waved goodbye and nearly floated all the way to form. But then I dropped down to Earth with a big thud. There was Matt, smoking a joint. He had his back from me but from the shaking of his shoulders, I knew he was crying. I shoved him in the back, making him face me. His face was flushed and his eyes teary.
"What the hell are you doing? You need help and fast!"
"Ssh, don't yell!" Matt cried. "Everyone will know."
"Matt, come with me," I said calmly. I took his and he reluctantly trailed along behind me to the sick bay. When we reached the sick bay I took Matt straight to the nurse and then I went to period one. On the way I had caught Jordan staring at Lee google-eyed. I didn't bother to say hello because she probably wouldn't have noticed me anyway. So I decided to say hello to someone else instead.
"Heya, Lee."
He looked at me as I slid into the seat beside him. He smiled.
"Hi."
I went straight down to business, sick of hearing Jordan talking about him.
"Now Lee Raysun," He nodded. "See that gawking girl over there?" This brought another nod. "I want you to ask her out." He spluttered and went red.
"But…she's crazy!"
"So, do it for me. She can be quite cool once you get to know her."
I put an arm on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. He nodded.
"K, I'll do it for you."
He left and I found Daniel Laird staring at me with a straw and a freshly opened diet coke.
"Well done."
He handed me the coke and I took it suspiciously. I sucked through the straw then choked, tipping it all over me.
"Gruesome, Daniel," I spluttered to his laughing back. "This is not coke, it's prune juice!"
"Haha, shame on you!" Daniel yelled, standing up.
"Sit down and shut up." I cried. He sat down and took the last of the prune juice off me and started guzzling it.
"Yum, yum." He gurgled happily.
"Yuck!" I exclaimed. I stood up and ran to the girl's toilets to get changed into dry clothes. Period one was PE, I love PE. It is much better to play Unihoc or short tennis than to sit down at a desk and write a boring story or something. Today we were playing Unihoc.
"Team three versus team four." The loudspeaker announced.
"Hooray, we're on!" I cried. The rest of the team and me rushed out into the playing area and picked up our sticks. That's when I say him. Ben Adams, the new guy. He was on the opposing team! I looked at my friend, Christina, and she just shrugged and lifted her hockey stick even higher. I rolled my eyes and looked at him again. This time he saluted. He turned his head towards a jealous looking Shane, who hit the ball harder than usual. I ducked as it went whizzing backwards, and glared at Shane before turning to Christina.
"Who stuck the carrot up his backside?"
"He's jealous."
"Jealous? Why?"
"Well, you're short. Sporty. What other words can I say?"
I snorted and whacked the ball viciously as it came my way. It hit Ben on the leg and he hopped around on one leg. I stifled a laugh as he crashed into Shane. This game was quickly turning into a disaster.
Suddenly, with a yelp, Shane lashed out at Matt, who was standing on the sideline. He caught Matt right on the end of the nose and Matt yelled out and took off out of the Gym door with one of the teachers trailing close behind. The other teacher blew the whistle and the game resumed play. I straightened out my purple bib and went over to the goal to take over Christina's position as goalie. But I couldn't concentrate because I didn't like being goalie and I couldn't help but think of Matt. Shane took my position after the opposite team got three goals in a row. He stared me down, hoping for me to surrender. I said, "F$*k off," and much to Shane's and my surprise, I darted forward, taking the ball off Ben, who lifted his stick in defense to my vicious sweeps, and scored a perfect goal. I didn't pause to hear the applause and rushed outside to find Matt, hockey stick still in my hand. I don't know why, but I felt Shane and I drifting apart and I didn't want that to happen. I pulled myself together and ran to the sick bay, through Mr. K tried to stop me.
At the sick bay, I saw Jessie asking the lady at the student centre where room 22 was with a puzzled look on her face. Then Jordan came storming in with a smile on her face and a blood nose.
"What happened to you?" I asked curiously.
"I got asked out by Lee Raysun, can you believe it? I accidentally fainted and fell forward. He tried to catch me but he didn't. When I woke up, I was staring into his gorgeous eyes." She replied dreamily.
"Okay." I said and slowly backed out of the sick bay.
I walked quickly to my period 2 class. Maths. Ugh. Then I remembered Matt and I raced back into the sickbay.
"I feel sick, miss."
To prove my point, I raced to the toilet and shoved my fingers down my throat and puked. She put me in the sick bay and I saw Matt. I went to sit beside him. He looked surprised to see me.
"What are you doing here?"
He held a cloth to his nose.
"I faked being sick so I could see how you are."
He turned away and I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Have you noticed Shane's been acting weird, Matt?"
He nodded.
"And I know why too."
It was my turn to act surprised.
"How do you know?"
He looked up into my eyes suddenly and something about them made me draw back.
"I've been through it before. I know when someone's on drugs!"
He burst into tears and I tried not to but I burst into tears as well.
"Oh no, not Shane." I cried out. Suddenly the door burst open and the teacher walked in.
"Is everything okay in here?" she asked.
"Yeah, everything's fine, miss." I said sadly.
"Oh, well, gosh, today's been a busy day. Somebody just got taken to hospital. A fourth form boy. He had a major stroke when he was walking along the field."
"Uh oh." I heard Matt say.
"Uh oh." I said to myself.
We were too late to save Shane.
I perked up a little.
"Miss, who was it?"
"Someone called Shane, or something like that."
My spirits fell, and I grabbed Matt's arm.
"You can drive, aye?"
"Yeah…"
"Come on, then. We're going to visit Shane!"
I dragged him out the door and looked around. The keys were still in the ignition of Mrs Nasey's car. Matt grabbed my shoulder.
"You're saying you're going to steal Mrs Nasey's car?"
"Not steal, borrow." I yelled over my shoulder. "Stealing sounds too vicious."
I jumped into the passenger's side and Matt reluctantly climbed into the driver's seat and started the car up. Then he jammed it into first gear and took off. With a big jerking and jolting movement he changed it into second gear, then third. We were off!

"Can't you go any faster?"
"If this car was lower to the ground with twin exhaust pipes, yes."
"Geez, you don't have to…look out!"
Matt swerved, narrowly missing a rather scared looking Jordan. I wound down my window angrily.
"What the hell are you doing?! You could have killed yourself!"
Matt was shaken, knuckles white with gripping the steering wheel. Jordan perked up; oblivious to the drama she had just caused.
"Could I come? If you don't let me, I'll tell Mrs Nasey!"
I gave in.
"Yeah, all right. Just as long as you keep your stupid mouth hole shut!" I snapped, in a bad mood now.
"Okay, okay, I will." Jordan cried, jumping into the back seat Matt struggled to change the car into first gear and he took off again before screeching to a halt to avoid running over Cara, who had just walked out onto the road. We opened the door and let her in and then we sped off again for the third time. Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the North Shore city hospital. I had filled them all in on what happened on the way there. Matt had kept his eyes glued firmly on the road; mouth set in a thin line. Cara burst out laughing and I glared at her as Matt drove around looking for a parking space. Suddenly, we heard a thud and Matt swore.
"Get off the road, you fool!"
I looked up just to see Gavin doing the fingers before trundling off. I jumped out and saw a dent in the car's bonnet.
Matt parked the car and we all jumped out. Jordan was chatting excitedly away, she has never been to a hospital before, and Cara cracked her knuckles and looked on the verge of smacking Jordan over.

We hurried up the aisle in the direction the nurse pointed, and went up to the second floor in an elevator. I turned to Matt.
"Was it room 456?"
He shrugged.
"What a fat lot of use you are. Do you know, Cara?"
"No, Jordan was too busy jabbering in my ear to hear."
I hit Jordan over the head and she looked at me with her third form puppy-dog eyes.
"I think it was 45 something."
Just then I saw Jackie, and I decided I needed to whack someone. I pushed her and she hit her head on the floor, in the exact same spot a bandage was on. A nurse said to me, "God, she was already hit there with a cricket bat by some humongous fat guy called Gavin!" and wheeled her away. I opened the closest door, room 455, and looked in.
"Oh, um, hi Shane." I stammered. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm okay," said the weak looking white-faced specimen in the hospital bed. "What are you doing here?" he asked curiously.
"Oh, I just came to visit Jackie." I lied. He looked at me, Cara, Matt and Jordan, before fixing his eyes straight on me.
"Tell me the truth." He answered crisply. I looked down, seating myself on a chair. I looked up and noticed all of them, including Shane, staring at me. I glanced around, annoyed.
"What?"
Shane turned his gaze back onto the other three.
"You can leave now," he whispered hoarsely. I stood up to go. He shook his head. Matt, Jordan and Cara stopped as well, but Cara had a smirk on her face.
"Not you, Jasmine. You stay. The other's go."
Cara whispered something like "You go, girl" in my ear. Matt kissed me on the top of my head and Jordan smiled her dazed blonde smile. I pulled my chair closer to Shane's bed. He put his hand on top of mine and I gripped it tightly and was dismayed as a tear rolled down my cheek.
"Read this."
He handed me a leather bound book. I opened it to a poem he had written.

FRIEND TO FRIEND
I know how sad you're feeling
And how hard life can be
This poem's to remind you
You have a friend in me
I won't tell you to "lie"
To "smile" and be "brave"
But the true path to happiness
You alone can pave
I wish all your dreams to come true
You'll realize life will go on
Even when you doubt
I will be there and keep you strong
I see the tears well in your eyes
And I wish that you could see
That every time you hurt yourself
You take a part of me

I leaned backwards too far and fell off. I burst out crying. His expression was of concern.
"You don't like it?"
"No! You've got it all wrong! I love it! I love you…"
"I know," he whispered. His eyes fluttered and his smile was calm. A wave of peace flooded through me. Then I panicked as I noticed his breathing becoming fainter.
"Nurse!" I sobbed wildly. "NURSE!!!"
Cara, Jordan and Matt burst into the room. I flung my arms around Shane's still body, crying onto his shoulder. Matt placed his arms around me while Jordan ran and Cara walked briskly to get a nurse. I stroked Shane's hair out of his face.
"Don't leave me," I whispered, my body racking with heartfelt sobs. "Don't leave me."
"I hhhaven't ggone yet," said Shane, struggling to breathe in gasping breaths.
"Please don't leave me, Shane, please." I kept repeating myself over and over again but it didn't seem to be doing any good. Shane was slowly slipping away.
Suddenly five doctors burst in and told us to go so they could save Shane. I said a last goodbye to Shane just in case and then me and Cara and Matt and Jordan stumbled out of the room and said slow, sobbed prayers for Shane. Matt placed a hand on my shoulder. I pushed him away. I needed holding but not from Matt. From Shane. As this thought went through my mind, strong arms encircled my waist. I looked up through tear-stained eyes, my mind not thinking straight. I looked at Matt, who looked back with a flash of jealousy. I glanced back at my rescuer.

"Shane?"
The guy shook his head.
"Shane's brother, Cameron."
I buried my head in his shoulder and sobbed. A nurse came into the room with a grim looking face. Immediately my spirits, and heart, plummeted.
"I'm sorry but he's going to…"
I sobbed harder, my pleas stricken with grief as she paused.
"Say it…just say it."
Cameron tightened his grip on me and I was glad for his support.
"He's going to…survive."
I gave a yelp of joy and kissed Cameron full on the lips. Then I rushed back into Shane's room. Shane was lying completely still but he was still breathing.
"He is unconscious." The nurse said. "But he will be all right."
The nurse walked out of the room and Cameron and his parents walked in. His mother was crying and his father looked very panicked. They had a look at Shane and then his mother burst into tears and her troubled husband had to take her out of the room.
I knelt down beside Shane and told him how glad I was that he was all right but suddenly the oxygen machine started beeping and Shane's breath started to stop. Oh oh, I thought. NO!!!
"No…" I sobbed. "This can't be happening! You can't die, Shane, not now!"
The nurse came in and thumped the machine. It started working properly again and Shane's breathing went back to normal. Seeing my tear-stricken face, she said, "Sorry, it does that sometimes. You just need to give it a good whack."
I walked outside and hugged Shane and Cameron's mother, who was still crying. I tried to be brave. I shook his father's hand.
"Mr and Mrs Hadley. I am Jasmine, a friend of Shane's."
"Jasmine Graham?" Mrs Hadley piped up. I wondered how she knew my name. "Shane has told me a lot about you. I think he's got kinda a crush on you."
She smiled weakly. I looked at Cameron who confirmed this with a nod. That's when I fainted, landing on top of Jackie, who had obviously decided to take a walk, and knocked her unconscious yet again.

We both picked ourselves up about half an hour later and we had a drink and something to eat. Then we said goodbye to Shane's Mum and Dad and Cameron and then we met Matt and Cara and Jordan in the car park and we all drove back to school, arriving at the beginning of period five but I couldn't get my mind off Shane, and it obviously affected my work. Matt noticed and leaned over in his chair.
"If it makes you feel better, we'll see him after school." He must have seen the obvious disbelief combined with horror on my face for he quickly added, "It's all right. We'll take the bus this time…"
His words were interrupted when the runner came in. The teacher read out, "An emergency assembly is being held in the hall," before adding "Karl, what did you do now?"
A wave of laughter swept the class, all faces cheered at the prospect of missing Maths except for two. Mine and Matt's. I gulped but I couldn't swallow that awful feeling in my stomach

Half an hour later we were all assembled in the hall. I sat near the front, next to Matt. We awaited the bad news. As usual the school took ages to shut up. I looked over the crowd. I saw Jordan talking to Lee. I listened in on their conversation, which wasn't hard to do because they were yelling at each other. The whole school hushed so you could only hear the two.
"You know what?" Lee shouted. "You're nothing but an arrogant little brat!"
"I don't care what you think anymore! I may have once but not no more. I'm dumping you now!"
"Fine, you do that then! I've already got someone else!"
"Who?"
Jordan looked puzzled.
"Jessie! You know your friend?"
I sniggered as the principal said, "Lee, Jordan, see me at lunch time."
I heard a loud laugh. The principal glared at the culprit.
"You too, Karl."

Five minutes later, Matt and I were back in our Maths class listening to our Math teacher droning on in the background about axis of symmetry or something like that.
When the bell rang at ten past three, I was still worrying about Shane and still wondering if he was going to pull through. The doctors had calmly assured me he would.
Later that night, after riding my horse and eating dinner, I went to bed and struggled to stop thinking about him but I couldn't.

I woke up the next morning with the bright sun shining on my face and an awful headache. I went to school, my headache bothering me. A group of students crowded around a single person. I shuffled forwards nervously. Shane was standing there, skiting to his awe-stricken friends. I smiled at the familiar surrounding and he smiled back. This shocked me as he had never done that before. He jostled his way through the crowd and jogged to join me. He stumbled heavily, resting his arm on my shoulder. His face went pale.
"Are you all right?"
He didn't answer and I caught him as he fainted.
"Ha, fooled ya," he laughed, standing himself up.
"Don't scare me like that!" I cried.
"Sorry." Shane replied with a grin.
"I can see you're glad to be back." I smiled back at him.
"Yeah. Oh, see ya later, okay?" he yelled as he jogged off to join his friends. I was so happy to see Shane at school again and so glad he was okay that my headache completely vanished and I was smiling again, my old happy self. I walked (or bounced) down to the library, and it was there that I got a shock. My old friend, Ben, was standing there, munching on a chocolate bar. I approached him.
"Let me guess, you got that from…"
"The staff room," he grinned. "Hey look, a1 is having a concert in Auck…"
"a1!!! HERE IN NEW ZEALAND!!! Oh my God!"
"Uh…yeah…I have two tickets. I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?"
My excited expression softened.
"As in a date?"
"Uh…yeah…I guess…" he looked uncomfortable.
"Sure."
His face brightened.
"Thanks, that would be great. Well, better be going."
"See ya."
I waved goodbye to him, my face glowing with excitement. I headed towards form class with a big smile on my face and an excited spring in my step. When I reached my class, I opened the door and sat down at a desk near the front of the empty classroom. Five minutes later my form teacher (Mrs Ferner) arrived and called the roll. Then she read the notices. One of the notices had said something about an Army Liaison officer coming to our school at lunch time so I decided to go and listen to what he had to say at lunch. The bell rang for period one. I saw Shane and Matt waiting for me. I advanced on them with a bewildered frown.
"What are you two doing?" I asked. Shane turned to me.
"We've both agreed to take you out for a thank you brunch. I'm thankful for you being there for me and Matt's thankful because you helped him get over the…you know…"
"I don't know…"
"Oh, please come on!"
"It's first period…"
"We'll pay for it!"
"You're on! But…how're we going to get there?"
Matt looked at me with a wicked grin.
"You can't!"
"I can. We've done it before."
"You can't go in Mrs Nasey's car again because it's…it's…" Both Shane and Matt looked at me. I gave in. "It's dented." I sighed. "And you need to get the keys…"
Matt stopped my sentence by holding up a set of silver. I sighed again.
"Do you guys think of everything?!"
They both nodded.
"Come on. Let's go then."
Matt and Shane hit a high five.

We ran as fast as our legs could carry us to the car park. Shane opened the driver's door and hopped in. Matt jumped in the back seat and gestured for me to sit in the front. I did so with a big thankful smile.
Shane jammed the keys into the ignition and rammed it into first gear and we took off down the road. This time with a better driver for which I was thankful for, as Matt couldn't drive for peanuts.

I was starting to enjoy our meal when Shane placed his hand on my shoulder. "Coke?"
I nodded. And after four glasses I began to feel tiddly.
"What did you put in these?" I slurred to Matt. Matt looked sorry through guilty eyes. He opened his mouth to say something but Shane intervened.
"Just a bit of vodka to help you relax and have fun."
"What?! How could you guys do that to me?!"
I stood up, but my legs refused to hold. Matt grabbed me before I fell. I struggled, trying to get him to release his grip.
"Get off me!"
"No…Jasmine…calm down!"
"I said, get off me!"
"You heard her. Let her go!"
Matt froze and I pushed myself away from him. I fell into my rescuer's arms and sobbed onto his shoulder. He helped me into a chair, then took a sip of my half full coke and vodka. He looked at Shane.
"You drugged her, didn't you?" Shane shrugged. "My own brother should know better. This girl was there when you were ill and she loved you and this is how you repay her?"
Shane looked down and Cameron turned to Matt.
"And she helped you get over your drug prob…"
"Look, mate, don't drag me into this. I didn't do anything…"
"Exactly. You just stood by, watched and 'didn't do anything'."
He finally turned to me.
"Come on, let's take you home.
My eyes widened in horror. I was still sober enough to know that would be a death sentence.
"I can't let Mum see me like this."
"Kay, we'll go back to my place. And Shane," he looked at his younger brother. "Go back to school. Don't wait around for me."
They left and I was left alone with Cameron. My breathing quickened. Cameron helped me upright and helped me outside to his car. I managed to open the door and step inside. I sat down and closed the door. Cameron got in and started the car. We drove about three kilometers in silence and then Cameron said, "I guess those two still have their drug problem."
"Yeah." I said sleepily. "Yeah…"
Before I knew it I was asleep. I dreamt of everyone in the world having drug-free lives…When I awoke, the first thing I heard was words being spoken.
"You haven't gotten over it yet, have you?" Cameron was yelling.
"I can't help it!" Shane shot back in defense. I sat up with no reminder of my past intoxication. Cameron burst into the room, followed by an extremely guilty looking Shane.
"Are you okay, Jasmine?" Cameron asked, worried.
"Yes, I am fine, thank you." I said with a tiny smile.
"Oh, Jasmine. I am so sorry!" Shane cried. He opened his arms for a hug. I turned my head away. I wouldn't be able to forgive him that easily.
"Mate, I wouldn't forgive someone who spiked my drink that easily either." Cameron smiled from behind Shane. Shane's face fell and I felt sorry for him. I sat up and looked around.
"Where am I?"
"Don't worry, Jasmine. It's our house." Cameron answered with a shy smile.
"Welcome to our house," said Shane feebly.
"Wow, cool." I exclaimed, looking around at the living room. I had been asleep on the couch and I realized that I must have fallen asleep in Cameron's car and he must have carried me inside.
"Thanks for everything." I said to Cameron when Shane was out of earshot. "I don't know what I would have done without you." I added.
"No prob, Jas. I am so sorry about what happened."
"Oh, I am sorry too, I guess. I mean, it is your bro with the problem." I said truthfully. "You carried me inside?"
He smiled warmly.
"Yeah, I couldn't resist," he joked. "Nah, it must have been awfully uncomfortable lying there."
"I didn't really mind. I didn't really notice."
"Come on, come over here."
He lead me to a double seat outside, the kind which can swing. We sat down.
"So, what made you guess where I was?"
"Well, Shane had written the Ice Tavern, 9:00 by the telephone. I went to his form to question him about it but him and Matt weren't there. And when Mrs Nasey complained about missing car keys, it just clicked."
"Oh, so you're a bit of a detective, aren't you?"
He laughed.
"I guess you could say that."
I stood up.
"Where's the bathroom?"
"Up the stairs, to your left."
"Thanks."
I made my way up the winding stairs. I was about halfway up the stairs when, smack, Shane leaped down the stairs and right into me. We ended up rolling down the stairs and ended up in a tangled heap at the foot of the stairs.
"Rape!" Shane yelled out playfully. We picked ourselves up, me with a frown on my face. He probably had that planned, I thought. Then I began to see the funny side of it. We both tried to stifle our laughs but we couldn't. We both started cackling like a couple of hens. We couldn't control ourselves. Cameron walked in and saw us laughing. Apart from being confused, he had no apparent emotion in his face.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"No…thing…'cept…" I replied in between bursts of laughter. Finally, I couldn't talk for laughing. I gasped for breath, stood up and walked over to Shane. It was his turn to be confused. I hugged him.
"You deserve it." I whispered. He hugged me back. I started to cry.
"I'm so sorry."
"Ssh, it's all right."
Cameron smiled.
"Aw, ain't teenage love sweet?"
We both glared at him and he backed away. Turning around, Cameron exited the room and closed the door quickly behind him. I turned to smile at Shane. Cameron poked his head inside the room. I stared at him, Shane stared at him. His head disappeared and the door reclosed.
"Um, are you okay now, Shane? Like with the drugs and everything?"
"I'm great, thanks. Um, where were you headed when you ran into me anyway?" Shane asked curiously.
"The toilet!" I yelled, sprinting up the stairs. The emotions had become too turbulent for me. I ran down the hall, flung open the door and ran straight into Cameron.
"Where are you going?"
"To the toilet."
"Wrong room. Take it things didn't work out between you and Shane."
I sighed, casting a downward glance.
"I don't feel for him like that. We're just friends, that's all."
"Oh yeah, by the way, was it just my imagination or were you two getting cozy down there?"
"Your imagination. I care more about someone else."
"Who…" he paused when he saw the look in my eyes. His eyes widened. "You too?"
I grew puzzled.
"What do you mean?"
His face softened with an emotion I couldn't describe.
"I have feelings for you, too."
It was my turn to be shocked. His mum burst in.
"I'm going to get some socks. You're a size 10, aren't you darling?"
"They're one size fits all, Mum."
"Oh yeah," she paused, then brightened. She turned to me. "My son is so smart, isn't he?"
Then she breezed out of the room. Cameron turned back to me.
"So, how's Saturday sound?"
My spirits fell.
"I can't. I'm going to the a1 concert with Ben Adams."
"The Ben Adams!!!"
"No, the new guy at school."
Cameron's face distorted with fury.
"He is such a dick!"
I grew defensive.
"No, he's not!"
"I thought we loved each other."
"I can't just cancel it!"
"Yes, you can. Cancel it or cancel me."
I was torn. Cameron turned and walked towards the stairs, then he turned back around and looked at me.
"I'm so sorry, Jasmine," he said softly.
"I'm sorry too," I said. "But I tried to tell you, me and Ben are just friends going to a concert together. It doesn't mean we are anymore than that."
"Okay then," Cameron said. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," I cried. "Um, where's the toilet?"
"Up the hall, to your left," he said with a smile. I ventured up the hall and into the bathroom. When I walked out of the bathroom I ran smack into Shane.
"Ahhh!" I cried in surprise.
"Ahhh!" he cried in shock. I fell over laughing.
"Not you again!"
He chuckled too but then he took on a more serious note.
"Hey, I was wondering if…"
"Yeah?" I implored.
"You'd like to go out on Saturday?"
I rolled my eyes.
"As me and Cameron were talking about…"
"Cameron!? My own brother asked you out?"
"It's not what you think…"
"It's exactly what I think! Get out! Get out of my heart and get out of my home!"
I looked down at my feet before walking slowly out. Cameron passed and I gave him a weak smile.
"Jasmine, he didn't mean it…"
"Don't Cameron, it just tears me apart."
He watched as I went out the front door. I looked up at him, my blue eyes flooding with sadness, right before I quietly shut the door.

Ring, ring.
The phone woke me up. I stumbled out of bed and ran into the kitchen to answer it. It was Justus Miller, my friend. We talked for a few minutes and then we hung up and I walked slowly into the kitchen to make my breakfast. Five minutes later, I washed my bowl in the sink and had a drink of juice. Then, I had just walked out the door when, ring, ring. I leaped back inside, tripping on the step and fell flat on my face. Rubbing my face, I answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hi, it's me, Justus, again. Sorry about ringing you up twice but I was wondering if you'd like to go out on Saturday…"
"Sorry, I can't."
"Oh." He said, his voice downhearted. "Are we still friends?"
"Yeah, yeah, I would have taken up your offer but…I've all ready got a date on Saturday."
"With who?"
His voice was icy cold.
"Ben Adams."
Justus seemed to be in shock because he didn't speak for a while. Finally he said, "The Ben Adams?"
"No! He is a new guy at my school." I replied with a slight laugh. Justus must have been rather upset because he hung up. I placed the phone in the receiver and buried my head in my hands.
"Where is everything going wrong? And why does everyone ask me for a date on Saturday? I mean, no one's ever asked me before. And now I get four offers in one!"
I brushed my hair and looked at my watch. My eyes flew wide open. I grabbed my sneakers. Time for my morning run. I flew out the door.
"See ya, Mum!"
I was halfway down the road when I started thinking. Maybe if I changed my image people wouldn't like me so much. I was thinking these thoughts so much, my head whirled. My vision was just about obscured by the blood rushing to my head. It was obscured so much I didn't even see the car speeding straight for me.
"Ahhh!" I screamed. The car's brakes screeched and the force of the car hitting me at only about 5 kilometers an hour thrust me backwards and threw me onto the road. I landed heavily on my back and a huge stinging pain shot through me. I gasped for breath. Matt leaped out of the driver's side door.
"Jasmine?"
I looked at him desperately, pain blurring my vision.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! Jasmine!!!"
My eyes slowly closed. God, I was so sleepy. My mind drifted off but not before Matt screamed one more time.
"Jasmine!"
I slowly opened my eyes. Matt and Ryan were standing over me. The roof was white. The roof? Where am I? Matt seemed to read my mind.
"You're in the hospital." Matt said slowly, looking upset.
"Oh," I said dreamily. A sharp pain went through my side as I tried to sit up.
"What's the matter?" I asked. "Why do you guys look so down?"
Matt sighed.
"They're…charging me with reckless driving causing injury.
"What?!" I said, the volume causing me a headache. "They can't do that! It wasn't your fault!"
Matt shook his head.
"It was my fault. After all, I am underage. But I just had to ask you if you'd like to go to the movies on Saturday."
I groaned and lay back down on my bed, my mind swirling with a migraine.
"Okay," I managed to say.
"Cool, man!" Matt laughed and strode out the door. He seemed very pleased with himself as if he had just accomplished an important mission. I was still wondering what that was all about and trying not think about it when Shane arrived.
"Oh my God! I just said I'd go out with him!"
Shane looked at me as if I'd just landed on another planet.
"Ah…yeah," he brightened. "How's it going, girl?"
"Good."
My mind churned as Matt burst in.
"Now to finalize the details…"
"I can't go, Matt."
Shane stepped back and watched on with interest.
"Why not? You just said we could..."
"I've already got a date on Saturday."
Matt's eyes flashed coldly.
"You do?"
His voice was like ice. I decided that I didn't really want to go out with Matt anyway.
"Yes, I do have a date on Saturday. I'm so sorry, really."
I tried to look innocent.
"Fine then!" Matt snapped. "Go on your stupid date!"
He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Shane stepped forward and put a hand on my shoulder. I gave him a weak smile and a shiver went down my spine. Shane removed his hand.
"See ya later, mate." He drawled with a laugh as he walked out the door.
"Bye." I laughed. Shane could always make me laugh, even though sometimes there was nothing much to laugh at.
"No, wait!"
Shane paused, before turning around.
"If I could cancel my date for you I would but I don't want to hurt Ben's feelings. I hope you forgive me."
He smiled slightly, just a small upturning of the corners of his mouth.
"I forgive you."
He spoke softly. He turned and walked out the door, capturing a single glimpse of me before he left. I settled back on the bed, just as Ryan walked in. I rolled my eyes.
"What do YOU want?!"
"Hey, sis." He said with a slight grin. "How's it?"
"Great." I murmured sarcastically. Ryan pulled over a chair and sat down.
"So," I asked curiously. "What's wrong with me?"
"Ah, oh nothing much. Just a broken arm and a bit of concussion." Ryan replied with a grin.
"It's not funny!" I said as I threw a pillow at him with my good arm. The pillow missed him and went sailling through the window.
"Oops!" I said, laughing so hard that my stomach ached. The person in the bed next to me glared at us.
"Do you mind? Some of us are trying to rest!"
I turned and looked into a pair of stunning grey-green eyes. His brown-blonde hair was parted and brushed neatly to either side of his face and his nose was slightly arched, suggesting arrogance. I gaped at him and Ryan laughed.
"Hello, I'm Ryan and this is my adopted sister, Jasmine."
"Pleased to meet you." I murmured, still unable to tear my eyes away from him. He answered with a smile and friendly words with a British accent.
"Hi, my name's Christian. So, what are you in 'ere for?"
"She was in a car accident." Ryan answered for me, seeing how speechless I was. "You?"
Christian's eyes turned sad.
"I've got cancer. It's incurable."
I gasped.
"When did you find that out?"
"Yesterday. I only have a year to live."
I couldn't speak. I was horrified but I managed to say to him, "I'm so, so sorry."
"Yeah, me too." Said Ryan.
"Oh, it's okay." Christian said. "I want to enjoy the last year of my life and meet as many people as I can so thank you for meeting me and please be happy."
"Okay." I said, close to tears. "Um, what is your last name?" I asked curiously.
"Adams." He replied.
"Adams?" I cried in shocked disbelief.
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Okay then." I said, testing him. "Do you know Ben?"
"Course I do.'E's my brother." Came the reply.
"Which Ben?" I asked suspiciously.
"The one from the band, a1."
"Oh my God!" I screamed. He smiled sadly.
"That's what all the girls say. They don't seem to notice me when I say that."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Anyway.," I said with a smile. "You're so much better looking."
His grin was all that was needed to make my heart flutter.
"Thanks."
"Oh, well, I think I'd better get going, aye sis?" Ryan said sadly. "I'm so sorry, Christian. Nice to meet you. See ya."
Ryan turned and walked slowly out the door. I turned back to Christian.
"Maybe when you get out of hospital you could come and stay with me and Ryan." I said shyly. His face brightened.
"I could! Wow! That would be so..." He coughed, before continueing on with controlled enthusiasm. "That would be great. Thanks."

Unfortunately the third book is lost somewhere but the plot line goes along the lines something like this:
I go home then Christian comes. Gareth, my internet boyfriend and Shane also turn up. Me and Shane share our first kiss (before Gareth showed up) then Laura and Jenny, two of my friends, throw a surprise party for my birthday. Shane punches Gareth over then I run from the room. Shane kidnaps me and confesses through a long as speech his love for me. Christian (I think) comes to the rescue with Cameron, Shane's brother (the details are rather sketchy as it's been a long time). Shane and someone else gets into a fight again and I announce that Cameron is my new boyfriend. Shane and Cameron have a fight (Oh, boy, does he ever STOP fighting?!) and I run off. Christian comes after me and suggests we go on a road trip. We do and sleep in a barn. In the morning, we are just about to kiss when the doors are flung open and we are looking down the barrels of two shotguns. It's Shane and Cameron...Turns out they are watching after their uncle's house for a while and we were asleep in his barn. They put down their guns, shocked to see us.

"It's just our luck to meet up with you guys here, aye?" I said with a smile.
"Yep," came Shane's reply.
"I'm still hungry, 'ow 'bout you lot?" Christian asked.
"We're starving." We all said at once. I looked at Shane and Cameron.
"Well."
I looked at them expectantly.
"What?"
"Your uncle's house is just over there."
Shane and Cameron raced each other out of sight and I looked uncomfortable at Christian. I breathed in deeply. Two cars drove into view and I exchanged a curious glance with Christian. Shane stepped out of one, laden heavily with food.
"We can't go on a road trip without a car." He grinned.
"Cool!"
Christian and I jumped up in surprise at the sight of the two cars. We walked over to admire the two cars. One was a red and black Dodge Charger, belonging to Shane. The other was a black Plymouth Roadrunner, belonging to Cameron.
"Well, um, which car are we going to take?" I asked excitedly.
"Yeah, which one?" Christian asked curiously. "The Charger is fast and cool looking and the Roadrunner is nice and big and cruisy."
Shane and Cameron looked at each other.
"Well, it's obvious that my car's the best." Shane boasted.
"Not even and anyway, I'm the better driver. You don't even have your full license." Cameron retorted. They glared at each other.
"We'll see whose car's the best! I challenge you to a race!" Shane said smugly.
"You're on!"
I quickly intervened.
"Don't you think you guys are taking this too far?"
"Yeah," Christian added. "Why don't we just take both?"
"There's not enough money for petrol. Besides, I can't back down from a challenge."
I rolled my eyes. I knew that pride prevented them from backing down. Christina appeared as the two boys were revving their cars, warming the engine up.
"Wait! Stop!" She yelled at Shane and Cameron. Shane turned off the engine and Cameron followed suit. "I'm coming too. And we aren't taking either of your cars. We're taking mine."
She ran around the back of the barn and we all exchanged glances. But she didn't even have a car, we thought. A car came around to the front of the barn. Cameron and Shane jumped out of their cars and stared in surprise. The car was a purple and black Dodge Challenger Convertible. A Challenger is a fast good-looking race machine. Both Shane and Cameron had to admit they both wanted one. Cameron looked back to Shane.
"I'm not backing out of the challenge." He said, his eyes narrowing and homing in on his equally competitive brother.
"Neither am I!"
"Let's go then!"
I glanced at Christian who looked back worriedly. They started their cars and moved to the "start line".
"To the end of the road!" Shane yelled as he rolled down his window. Cameron merely nodded grimly.
"Three...two...one...go!"
There was a squeal of tyres and a smell of burnt rubber. I noticed a figure walking down the road.
"Look out!" I screamed. The figure turned and I looked at his shocked face as my heart plummetted with a sense of foreboding.
Matt glanced up, his face sad, as the two cars hurtled towards him.
"Matt!" I yelled down the road. "Look out!"
Matt stood still. Shane and Cameron didn't seem to have noticed him. The Charger approached Matt. He jumped up onto the bonnet and held on tight to the roof rack. Shane and Cameron kept on going. The Charger was in the lead by about a car's length. The Roadrunner came up even with the Charger. They reached the end of the road, slowed down and stopped. Matt jumped shakily off the bonnet onto the ground and collapsed. Christian, Christina and I ran up to Matt.
"Are you okay?" We all said at once.
"Yep." He said as he picked himself up. "Good race, guys." He said to Shane and Cameron. "It was a draw."
"Only cause that idiot jumped on my bonnet." Shane said and as we walked away we could still hear him arguing with Cameron and making excuses. Typical Shane. He absolutely hated losing. I stifled a giggle then walked forward.
"Who's up for a quick dip in your guy's uncle's pool?"
They all agreed so we walked over. Matt was walking ahead, Christian behind, Christina beside me and a Hadley on either side of us. When we reached the pool, Cameron took his shirt off. I stared at him in amazement. He had such a nice body! We all stripped and leapt in.
Cameron swam up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I turned and kissed him, joyful at seeing the envy on Shane's face. I found I didn't like him that much after all, not after him trying to prove he was such a hot shot.
About half an hour later, we all got changed and had a drink and some biscuits. Then Shane and Cameron drove their cars back home with us in the Challenger, not too far behind.
When we got to the Hadleys' house, Shane and Cameron drove their cars into the big three car garage and then they climbed into the vacant back seats of the Challenger. I was wearing one of Shane's T-shirts and it hung off me loosely, way too big for my slender frame. I'm glad I hadn't worn one of Cameron's. That would have been way too big, even bigger than Shane's.
As they dropped off the cars, we all piled in, Shane and Christian at either side. I rested my head on Shane's shoulder and Cameron and Shane started arguing again, probably over me. I let their shouting lull me to a blissful slumber.

"Jasmine, Jasmine."
I woke up to the sound of Cameron's voice. He was shaking me awake.
"What is it?" I said sleepily. I slowly opened my eyes. Christina, Matt and Christian were still sitting in the front. So what was wrong? I thought to myself.
"We need your opinion." Cameron said. "Should we stop here for the night or not?"
I sat up straight and looked outside. We were parked on a really wide grass verge on the side of a narrow gravel road. Big hills surrounded us and I could see no sign of life for miles.
"Sure. Why not?" I exclaimed, relieved nothing was wrong. We set up camp. I rummaged through Christina's car.
"You did remember to bring pillows and blankets, right guys?"
They all shrugged and I sighed.
"It's gonna be a LONG night." I shuddered. Settling down beside Matt I sighed and fell asleep.

I woke up at about midnight, shivering. I looked up to see the moon walking lazily across the black sky. I decided to go for a walk. After about ten minutes I stopped at a cliff edge. I sucked in my breath. It was stunning. The moon reflected brightly as the liquid water lapped around the foot of the cliff. The stars shone, twinkling with glee. I drank in this wonderful syrup thirstily. A rustling in the bushes made my head snap around. Shane's figure emerged from the bushes.
"Hi." He said softly.
"Hey."
"Mind if I sit down?"
I noticed I was sitting and realised I must have done it subconciously. I shook my head and he sat. After about ten minutes of pure silence I spoke.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Not as beautiful as you."
I glanced into his eyes and I felt myself drown. My lips softly brushed his. I stood up.
"Up for a swim?"
He nodded. We stripped and then leapt off the cliff. Shane followed, his body sliding smoothly into the crystal clear water, moonlight glinting off his tight taut body. I splashed him when his head came out of the water and laughing, he splashed me back and playfully grabbed my head and pushed me under the water. When I came up, he hugged me tightly and then pulled me over to the side of the river. We got up onto the bank and stood up, eyeing the cliff.
"Um." I started.
"I know. Our clothes are up there, we are down here, it is the middle of the night and we don't know where we are going to get back up."
He said with a grin I could just see in the darkness. His arms were still around me.
"Don't worry, we'll find a way." He murmured before kissing me. A blinding light filled the area and I squinted, covering my eyes.
"Oooooo, looks like the lovebirds got snapped."
Matt's taunting voice rang clear from up on the cliff. The two silhouettes made themselves clear, to reveal Matt and Cameron. Cameron's face didn't look too happy and I wasn't at all surprised, after all he was meant to be my boyfriend, not Shane.
"Get your asses up here now!" Cameron shouted moodily.
"We can't." I answered.
"There are some steps over there."
I could see the rising tide lapping at them. We began to swim over when my foot got caught. I hopped forward, only to be plunged into deep water. I spluttered for air but to no avail. I could only see bubbles in the water. My gasping lungs struggled for air. Finally everything went a blissful black as I lost conciousness.

I awoke to see Shane's worried face above me.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah." I said weakly.
"I didn't actually mind giving you mouth to mouth." He grinned before lending me a hand to help me out. Cameron pushed him away.
"Alright!" I yelled, jumping to my feet. "I'm sick and tired of you two fighting all the time. So stop it, okay?"
"Okay." Shane said weakly.
"Okay." Cameron agreed.
"Sorry, mate. Peace, bro." They said at the same time. They shook hands and did a high five.
"Cool." I said with a big grin.
"How did you get down?" I asked Cameron.
"The steps." He replied with a smile.
"Oh yeah, that's right." I laughed.
"I'm never going to fight with you again!" Shane said to Cameron, who was wrapping his arms around me. I glanced at Shane's face nervously but there was not a trace of jealousy.
"Oh yeah." Cameron joked. "Until tomorrow."
"I won't!"
"You will. You always start fights!"
"I do not! You always have to finish them!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do not!!!"
"Do too!!!"
I couldn't hold it back much longer. I fell to the ground, laughing my head off. Only Shane and Cameron could find a way to fight about not fighting. Christian and Matt were already in hysterics on the top of the cliff while Christina merely rolled her eyes and sighed. Christian and Christina must have woken up to the argument. The sun peeped from behind a hill and I yawned. Cameron nuzzled my neck, he obviously missed what had happened between me and Shane.
"So, what were you two doing swimming at a time like this?" Cameron asked, breathing in my scent. I quickly changed the subject. I glanced up to Shane and our eyes connected.
"We should be on the move."
They all agreed, the drama of what had happened fresh in their minds.
Still giggling, we all retreated back to the car and dried ourselves off with towels. Shane pulled a tent out of the boot and argued with Cameron about how to set it up.
"You guys never said we had a tent." Christian said. Shane shrugged.
"My brother forgot to mention it."
"What?! You're the one who packed it!"
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Here we go again, I thought. But Cameron came over and hugged me. Shane looked on enviously. I pulled away from Cameron though.
"Cameron, I'm not sure if we can carry on like this." I said softly. Cameron looked hurt.
"Why not?"
"Because the truth is..." I breathed in heavily and looked at Shane. He suddenly looked interested. "I like Shane."
Cameron looked like he'd just been slapped in the face and I immediately felt sorry for him.
"Ha ha." Shane snickered. "Shame."
"Argh!" Cameron bellowed as he lurched himself at Shane and punched him in the cheek. Shane let out a yelp and stumbled backwards into Christian's arms. By this time we were all getting sick of Shane and Cameron fighting. I exchanged glances with Christian and Christina. Christian winked at me, a sly grin creeping over his face. We moved in on Cameron and Shane. I shook my head.
"No way. Nah uh."
"Come on." Christian urged, tying them up together. I paused for a second then agreed.
"Let me gag them." I said. Then I walked up to Shane. "Now doesn't this look familiar?"
I kissed him then and when he began to succumb I pulled away, leaving him begging for more. Then I gagged him and Cameron before turning to Christian.
"We could get in trouble for this." I said nervously.
"They're not going to tell, silly." Christian said with a grin."Now we will have some peace and quiet."
I had to agree. I was sick of Shane and Cameron's fighting. Christian, Christina and I pitched our tent and we set up our beds. It wasn't very cold and I had a great idea. I walked over to Shane and he started gesturing madly for me to take the gag out of his mouth. I untied his hands and retied them to the car's bumper. Then I dragged Cameron to the opposite end of the bumper and tied him there, facing Shane. The two brothers looked at each other with hatred in their eyes. Cameron tried lunging at Shane but didn't succeed, only giving himself rope burn. I went into the tent and promptly fell asleep.
I awoke to thumping. I went outside and saw Shane sitting there, shivering and scared. It never occured to me that he was scared of the dark. Cameron was fast asleep so I untied Shane and, since we hadn't set up a bed for them, he slept in mine. I fell asleep. Falling asleep with Shane's arms around me was my idea of heaven.
I woke up yet again to silence. I turned around, preparing to snuggle up with Shane. But he wasn't there. I sat bolt upright. Where was he? I got up, feeling the instant coldness. I decided to try and find him. The nearby forest was probably the best bet.
Ten minutes later the torch flickered then died. Trust Cameron to grab a torch with nearly dead batteries. The trees blocked out themoonlight. I remembered Shane's fear of darkness and shivered lightly. I stepped out of the tent onto the cold wet grass and started walking towards the forest. I entered the forest.
"Shane!" I yelled. "Where are you?"
I kept walking, not caring about whether I would get lost or not. I only cared about Shane. Now that I had him I didn't want to lose him. I suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground. Stars came to my eyes.

"Jasmine?"
I opened my eyes. Shane was looking down at me. My head throbbed.
"Shane." I whimpered. "Where were you?"
"I was chasing a possum. It was scratching on our tent."
He held out his hand and helped me up. My head was aching harshly. My legs were wobbling. I nearly fell but Shane caught me. I felt the press of his body and felt shivers. Even through his thick jacket I could feel the press of hard muscles caused by intense training.
"We don't have to go back now." He said, his face worried. I was confused. I had no idea what he meant. That's when he kissed me. He pushed me harshly against the tree, the rough bark scratching my bare skin. The darkness surrounded us. Suddenly a torch flickered and I looked quickly up. Shane's shocked face stared at me, illuminated by the torch.
"Shane?!" But I thought..." I looked back at the guy who had kissed me. "Christian?!"
Christian looked ashamed and Shane looked angry.
"Why'd you do that?" I asked.
"I know you wouldn't have done it if you knew it was me." Christian said weakly. The dawning of the sun broke through the trees. I shook my head.
"I obviously don't know you that well." I said coldly.
"I'm so sorry." Christian whimpered as he stepped backwards. "I love you, Jasmine."
He turned and ran into the dark forest. Shane and I stared shocked after him. Shane didn't look angry now. He stood in front of me with a blank expression on his face.
"Oh, Shane. He didn't mean it." I said softly.
"Everybody likes you, Jasmine." Shane suddenly turned angry. "Why can't I be like you?"
Shane turned on his heel and ran back to camp. I stood there, my mouth open. Everybody couldn't like me. I didn't strike myself to be a very likeable person. I sighed and ran after Shane. I had to sort something out.
"Shane! Wait!!!"
Shane stopped dead in his tracks but he didn't turn.
"Everybody does like you. You're a very popular person. I can remember earlier on when I had a major crush on you but I didn't dare ask you out because you could get any girl you wanted. But most of all," I lowered my voice to a whisper. "I like you. A lot."
He turned around and I could see the tears in his eyes.
"You really mean it?" He whispered. I nodded. Then he gathered me into his arms and I began to cry. He held me tighter, stroking my hair and kissing away the tears that rolled down my cheek.
"It's alright. I've always liked you. No, I'm lying." He confessed. I looked shocked.
"Why?"
"I've never liked you." He said. My heart plummetted.
"But..."
"Let me finish. I've never liked you. I've always loved you."
I couldn't help laughing. I cracked up as a huge smile spread over Shane's face. Shane yawned and rubbed his eyes.
"I'm tired." Shane said with a grin. "Let's go to bed."
We made our way through the dark forest and eventually found our camp in a clearing. We unzipped the tent and crawled in. We were asleep the second our heads hit the pillows.

"Wake up, Jasmine."
Christina poked her head into the tent.
"Whoa, what are you doing in here?" She asked a sleepy-eyed Shane.
"Well, I was asleep." Shane laughed. He jumped up and pulled me to my feet. "Let's go."
I guessed we were on the move again. Shane didn't let go of my hand as we left the tent. Cameron looked up from Christina untying him and his eyes narrowed on the two of us. I hoped nothing would happen.
"Why did he get to sleep in the warmth with my girlfriend!?"
"Just calm down, Cameron." I started.
"Don't tell me to calm down!"
Finally untied, he stormed over to Shane and punched him. Shane tumbled over backwards, clutching his jaw. A trickle of blood flowed from his mouth. I kneeled down beside him, cupping his face with my hands as his eyes flashed hurt but nothing was portrayed by his expression. I stood up.
"It's over." I said coldly. Cameron looked shocked but quickly recovered.
"You can't dump me. No one dumps me..."
"I just did." I cut in, helping Shane up.
"Argh!" Cameron screeched. A rustling alerted us to a presence. I tiptoed forward to see Christian sitting down and he looked to be crying. My face softened.
"Are you alright?"
He nodded, wiping away the tears. Then he sighed.
"Two girls I like and I can't get either of them."
"Two?"
"Yeah. You and Christina."
A grin alighted my face.
"Who says you can't get Christina?!"
Christian looked up. I lifted an eyebrow and looked smug.
"I could set you up with Christina."
Shane came, obviously following where I'd gone, still nursing his jaw.
"What's going on..." His eyes settled on Christian and flashed jealously. "Oh, hi..."
I went up to Shane and hugged him tightly, kissing him on the cheek. He looked surprised.
"What was that for?"
"For the plan of setting Christian and Christina up. I mean, even the names match!"
"I don't know..." Christian started.
"It'll be fine." I assured him.
"Yeah." Shane said.
"My God, you guys are sick." Cameron cut in. "I'm leaving."
He spun around and ran into the forest.
"What's his problem?" I asked curiously. I looked at Shane. "Any ideas?"
"Just being Cameron I guess."
Shane shrugged his shoulders. Christian still looked worried. He stared at me with a worried expression on his face for a minute before opening his mouth as if to say something. Then he closed it again and looked at the ground.
Suddenly, I woke up. Shane's breathing was steady beside me. Crickets chirped in the darkness of the night. It had all been a dream. I felt relieved. The kiss, Cameron's dumping, it had all been a fairy tale. Then I felt sad. That also means that Shane had never declared his love for me either. I rolled over and watched Shane sleep. He was still as cute as ever. One day I'll tell him how I feel. I got out of the tent and untied a sleeping Cameron. He was aroused from his sleep.
"Wha..."
"I couldn't leave you tied up."
He smiled and I was glad.
"Thanks, hun." He said, reaching up and kissing my cheek. I felt a pang of guilt. How could I like his brother when he was so loving and caring? Easy, I realised. A grin spread over my face. What if I just love them both? This could be fun. Cameron saw my grin.
"What's so funny?" He asked curiously.
"I love you, Cameron."
A confused look spread over his face. I opened my arms wide and wrapped them around him. He hugged me back. I smiled. This was going to be fun.
Christina came out, rubbing her eyes.
"What's he doing untied?"
I avoided her question.
"Could you watch him? I'll wake the others up."
I woke up Matt, then Christian. Christian looked at me longingly. I knew he did like me but I also knew he was too shy to do anything impulsive, like in my dream. I gave him a brief smile before moving on. I drew in my breath as I came up to the tent Shane and I had shared. My heart was beating loudly. I calmed myself then unzipped the door.
"Shane?" I enquired nervously.
"I need to talk to you." Shane said slowly as I opened my mouth to say the same thing. "I'm bored with this road trip." He said nervously as if expecting me to blow up.
"Yeah?" I said with a grin. "So am I."
Shane smiled and sighed with relief.
"Let's go home."
I pulled Shane to his feet and together we unpitched the tent, folded up the roof and packed all the stuff into the boot. Matt came up, rubbing his eyes.
"Where's the next camp site?"
I turned to him, sighing.
"We've...me and Shane...have decided we've had enough of this road trip."
"What?! We can't just pack up and leave!"
"Why not?"
"I mean, it'd be bad for you too. It would mean you'd no longer have an excuse for sleeping with Shane!"
I blushed and Shane turned away, embarrassed. Neither of us disagreed with this comment and then I knew that neither of us really minded and that it was true. Finally I turned back to Matt, flicking my hair angrily.
"Matthew Van Iersel," Matt grumbled at his full name. "I...I don't know what to say, except...you're right."
Matt's mouth dropped open and Shane turned to me shocked.
"Wha...wha...what?" Matt managed to stutter.
"Um, so we're not going home now?" Shane sighed.
"Yep." I said happily. "I've changed my mind."
I smiled at Shane. Matt closed his mouth and grinned.
"Cool!" He said and scampered off in the direction of the forest. Shane frowned at me.
"I really wanted to go home, Jasmine. But I guess everybody is going to listen to you so I might as well stay out of it."
Shane turned and walked back to the car and sat on the grass with Christian. I walked up to him. He had his back to me. Coming up to him, I put my arms around him. He looked around at me, surprised, and I kissed him on the cheek before pulling away.
"What was that for?" He asked. Christian glared at us, not without jealousy. I was glad Cameron wasn't around at the time.
"I just felt like it." I grinned before walking away. Then, suddenly, I felt strong arms twist me around, cradling my face in his hands and kissing me full on the lips. I relaxed and started to kiss him back but he pulled away, grinning.
"What was that for?" I asked him, laughing.
"I just felt like it." He said, taking my hand and laughing too. My happiness was too much to express in words.
"Oh God. Don't, please." Christian cried from behind us. He hurriedly wiped his eyes with his sleeve, stood and ran into the forest.
"Oh no." I said sadly. I shouldn't have done that in front of Christian, I thought.
"What's going on?" Shane's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Nothing." I reassured him a little too quickly. He looked at me suspiciously but didn't say anything.
Just then a beep on the horn made all the heads turn. It was an old, but well kept, Mazda Familia. We tried to see the driver but the windows were tinted. The door opened and someone stepped out. I heard Christina gasp as she came up behind me and Shane.
"Clifton?" She said, shocked. Cameron was there too, beside Christina.
"Who's he?"
I turned to Christina, grinning madly.
"Only Christina's wannabe boyfriend."
Christina blushed.
"He's not my boyfriend..."
"Yet." I interrupted and Cameron laughed. He hugged me and I surveyed Shane's face, looking for emotion. There was no emotion. Just a blank stone staring at me. I sighed. What was his problem anyway? He was fine an hour ago.
"You guys fine here?"
We all nodded. Clifton laughed.
"Okay. See you guys soon."
He got back in the car and drove away, leaving Christina shocked. I gave her a hug then turned to Shane, determined to find out what the problem was. I beckoned him with my hand and he followed me away from the others.
"What's the matter with you?" I asked testily, crossing my arms in defense and taking a step back, prepared for whatever reaction he came up with. He sighed and I tensed. Whenever he sighed, he was usually angry or sad and I knew what his temper was like at times. Like kidnapping me for example.
"The truth is you haven't split up with Cameron yet, have you?"
I waited for more but he looked expectantly at me. I was confused. Where was the outburst I had expected?
"No, I haven't." I admitted. "Why?"
Tears came into Shane's eyes. He sniffed.
"I love you so much, Jasmine." He sobbed. "I'll probably never stop loving you, ever."
With that he stepped forward and threw his arms around me.
"Oh, Shane." I said softly. "I'm sorry."
I reached my arms up and patted him on the back uncertainly.
"I'm so sorry." I repeated, uncertain what else to say. Christian was suddenly there too.
"Goddamn, you two are like the main characters in Dawson's Creek. I've watched you and watched you. Can't you go steal a car or something?"
I looked up to him, confusion crossing my face.
"What do you mean?" I asked, still totally confused. Shane had the same look on his face.
"I mean exactly that."
He looked from me to Shane to me again before sighing. He reached into his coat pocket.
"I'm sorry too, Jasmine, for falling in love with you. But I have to do what I've got to."
He was slowly withdrawing his hand from his coat pocket. I tensed, expecting a gun or a knife. His tone of voice had given me chills. He took out a leather case and flashed it open.
"Christian Adams, head of the police department and private investigator. I was sent undercover because we had reason to believe you were trafficking drugs."
Suddenly I woke up. The tent was still dark and Shane lay next to me with his head on my shoulder, snoring softly. I sat up quickly and put my head in my hands.
Thank God it was just a dream, I thought to myself. It had all seemed so real. I was glad Shane wasn't upset and suddenly I had a thought.
"Cameron."
A shiver went down my spine. He was still tied up outside. Shane stirred beside me and I pinched myself. The pain throbbed back strong and harsh. This time I knew I wasn't dreaming. I opened the door to the shelter and went outside. I untied Cameron. He woke up, rubbing his eyes sleepily, and smiled.
"Thanks, hun." He said, yawning before giving me a quick peck on my cheek. I smiled.
"You're welcome."
A noisy car droned in the distance. I looked up and the noise must have woken Shane up too because Cameron glared at him as he emerged from my tent. A white car came into view.
"Ben?" I said, recognising the Skyline. "What's he doing here?"
"Jaaaaaaaaasmiiiiiiineeeeee!" Ben yelled excitedly out of the driver's window. He stopped the car, thrust open the door and leapt out, falling on his knees. I ran towards him.
"Beeeeeennnn!" I laughed. Ben jumped up and fell into my outstretched arms. We stood there for about five minutes holding each other tight, not wanting to let go.
"Heeeeeeeeeeelp!" A muffled cry came from Ben's car.
"What..." I started. I raised an eyebrow in the direction of the car. "Who's in there and where the hell did you find the money to buy such a car?"
My thoughts were tinged with worry. Suddenly three other guys leapt out of the car. Christian peered at the guy with brown curtains disbelievingly.
"Ben?" He asked curiously.
"Yeah?" They both answered. I tapped my foot impatiently.
"What's going on?" I asked, cross.
"Paul was kicked out so they elected me to take his place in a1." Ben Marsom declared loudly. I looked from Christian Ingebrigsten to Christian Adams then from Ben Adams, who was beside his brother, to Ben Marsom. God, this was going to be confusing. I knew I'd never figure it out so I said, "Do you guys want to join our road trip?"
I looked at Ben Adams and Christian Ingebrigsten questioningly. Ben A looked at Christian I and they both smiled at me.
"Yes please." They said in unison.
"Yahoo!" Ben A laughed.
"Very good, very good." Ben M yelled, laughing.
"Awesome!" Christian A declared. I couldn't believe it. a1 on our road trip! This was too good to be true! I sidled up to Christian I.
"Hi." I smiled flirtateously. "I'm Jasmine Graham."
Christina rolled her eyes. Matt appeared and laughed.
"I'm Christian, from the band a1..."
"I know. I've been a fan of yours for years." I giggled. Shane came up and sighed, before swinging a punch at Christian I.
"So you're the one who's been stealing my girl's affection from me!" He yelled.
"Yes, he is!" I said as I helped Christian up off the ground where he had dropped away from Shane's swing.
"You know something?" Shane asked me flatly.
"What?" I challenged.
"I don't like you anymore." He said with no expression. He turned and walked away.
"Gee, sorry." Christian I turned to me. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
"It's okay." I said. "No worried."
I watched after Shane as he stamped away. When had he become so selfish? I shrugged it off as Cameron approached me.
"What was that all about?" He asked curiously. I turned to him with a slight grin.
"Didn't I tell you?" I joked. "I'm pregnant to Shane."
I tried to keep a straight face as Cameron's grin faded and turned into a scowl.
"You're what!?" He yelled.
"Cameron." I grinned. "It was just a joke."
Cameron looked me right in the eye and said, "That's not funny, Jasmine."
He turned and walked towards the car. Christina leaned out of the driver's window.
"Come on Matt, Jasmine, Shane. We're going home."
She seemed relieved when me, Matt and Shane trudged slowly towards the car. I opened the door to the Dodge Challenger, taking a last look at my surroundings. I sighed, there had been some good times in the road trip, like the time Shane and I went swimming beneath the moon. My smile warped. Something bad always seemed to happen though and I would love to be back in my floral patterned bed with my nice warm electric blanket, lying safe and comfortable in the arms of...
"Shane!" I called. I had something to settle with him. For in all the winding, turning paths of my life, he'd been there. Through the adventures, dangers and disasters he guided me with love. Shane turned around to face me.
"What?" He said softly.
"I love you."
I opened my arms and wrapped them around him, hugging him tight. Shane hugged me back and looked down at me with a grin.
"I love you too, Jasmine." He laughed.
" I'm so sorry for acting like the way I did." I said, not letting go or pulling away. He kissed me on the forehead then drew back a little, his arms still around me.
"You have to promise me something, though."
"What? Anything to make up for my behaviour!"
He smiled softly.
"You will be my girlfriend."
I looked at Cameron, then back at Shane before I made my choice.
"Sure." I said happily. I stole another look at Cameron. I was half expecting him to object to my decision but to my surprise, he looked relieved.
"That's okay, Jasmine." He said as I opened my mouth to apologise. "I'm sick of this switching between my brother and I anyway."
I smiled.
"You really mean that?"
"Of course." Cameron smiled. Shane came up next to me and held his hand out to Cameron. Cameron shook it.
"Thanks, mate." Shane said as Cameron shook his hand. "Still best brothers?"
"Yes." Cameron laughed. I walked up to Cameron and, even though he was smiling, the hurt shone clear in his eyes. I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a kiss. He kissed me back sadly. Our last one.
"I'm sorry, Cam."
"I love you, Jas."
"I know."
I broke away and returned to Shane before looking at the audience that had gathered around us. Christian Ingebrigsten, Christian Adams, Ben Marsom, Ben Adams, Mark Read, Matt Van Iersel, Christina Huggins. I gave them all a weak smile, thinking I would cry. Though I loved Shane, I still loved Cameron too and it hurt me to see him sad.