Gregory Owen has always arrived at school extremely early. It was a habit he wouldn't let go of. The few hours before the first bell were relaxing to him. Of course, he wasn't able to squeeze in a full eight hour night of sleep, but the few little moments of close-eyes he'd managed to get would be enough. What has happened after the shooting? Greg was shattered by guilt. He desperately tried to admit to the fact that he could do nothing, but the lingering feeling that he was able was eating him apart. During the days that he'd spent sleeping by Kristin's side were the days their relationship became news. He didn't mind the pleasant scandal.

Now that those days were in the past, Greg and Kristin actually moved in together. All seemed to go well. Though at times their positive and pleasant lifestyle would be interrupted by nightly screams and sweats, bitter thoughts, and attitudes that wouldn't let go of the past. Greg still held himself accountable, but he couldn't very well share that with Kristin.

Sitting behind his desk that had music sheets scattered over it, Greg was contemplating his day. It was early still, and Kristin would be arriving any time soon. He'd already been here for two hours, and he couldn't help but feel like those hours flew by in an unpleasant speed. He lifted his hand to run his fingers through his short hair, then pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. Greg's been getting these sharp head-aches, that could only be a result of too much thought and stress. However, that pain was brief, and once it passed, he glanced up at the digital clock on the wall with impatience.

Life played a terrible tune these days, and Greg couldn't help but feel the pressure of silence. His songs have diminished almost completely.

Taking a large, calming breathe, Kristin Linde grabbed her bag that held her lesson plans and got out of her car. She left the sweater she wore to cover her shoulders unbuttoned. She pressed the lock button on her keys for her dark blue volvo she named Sparrow. As she walked in the direction the voice of one of her students floated to her. She stopped in her tracks, unable to believe what she was hearing. Not only did this give her flash of what happened six months ago, but she was outraged to hear Charles blaming Danielle for what Joseph did. No matter what she thought of Joseph, she wouldn't blame her. She couldn't have known what he was capable of.

"Charles Horton!" Kristin said from behind him, crossing her arms. "I hope you were not calling one of your fellow classmates that." She said, closing the distance between them. "I don't want to hear talk like that this year. Your not the only one whose grieving." She said, giving him a stern look before she walked away and headed into the school. She made her way through the halls that were now filling up with students. She unlocked the door to her classroom and flipped on the light. She put down her bag by her desk but then continued down the hall till she found Gregory's room.

Stopping in the doorway, she leaned against the door frame just watching him for a moment. He had a way of taking her breathe away even when he was just closing his eyes. She could remember the first day she met him. It was at a picnic for the teachers at the principals house. She knew he was perfect for her the moment she met him. Even when she nearly did a face plant in front of him, he only ever teased her, later when they started dating, about how she had fallen him.

"You look tired." Kristin said, crossing the floor to come and stand behind him. She leaned down, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and giving him a quick peck on the cheek. "Are you okay?" She asked him, her voice full of concern for him. Ever since the shooting, he had been getting just about as much sleep as her. He was glad when he brought up living together. She felt safer when she slept in his arms. Now she only woke up in panic when he wasn't there. She didn't tell this of course. If he wanted to get up early, she wouldn't stop him.

Wednesday January 20, 2010

It's one in the morning, and I just got off the phone with Sean. Have I said that I loved him before? Well if not, I really do love him. We've been talking for about weell since around 9:00. My mom came in to check on me a few times, she even talked to Sean for a while which is strange. I knew my dad loved Sean since they both liked the same thing, but I didn't think my mom thought much of him. At least until tonight, she told him she loved him like her own and was happy we were together. That made me tear up a little. Haha but my tears ended of course when my mom handed me back the phone and Sean was singing 'Single Ladies' lol. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard. Aww, mom just brought me cookies, it's 1 but she's up making cookies, I love her to death. Hmm seems I have a missed Text.

Hey Babe, Just wanted to say that you are amazing. I can't wait until we get married and have kids. Don't know what i would do without you by my side.

I had to save that text message. It was so beautiful, he always makes me smile. Well I should be getting to bed, I have school in a few hours. UGHHH!!!! Goodnight Journal haha

♥Future Mrs. Everett

It was Twelve o'clock that day when Joan was woken up by her mother. Nicole stood over her daughter shaking the life out of her. "Joan wake up! Honey wake up!" Joan opened her eyes as she felt a tear hit her face. "Mom, whats wrong? Is dad alright?" Joan always worried about her father, he was a police officer, and it was never an easy job for anybody. In that instant Joans' life was turned upside down and crushed when her mom said those fateful words. "Sean was killed this morning Joan, " Her mom said as she held onto Joan so tightly. "No! Mom, no! there was a mistake Sean is alive see!" Joan grabbed her phone and saw the last text message she had received from Sean,

10:30am Some one is shooting baby, I love you. Forever and always

Joan screamed and pushed her mother out of the way. Running down the steps she was greeted by several officers who tried to detain her. "No! Let me go, I have to find Sean I have to!" She yelled. In her Black and white pajamas Joan ran out the front door, barefoot and destined for the school. There was a blockade down her street but she slipped through the officers. In tears she made it to the school in under three minutes. Passing by Mrs. Lindes' house she notice her car was gone. As she reached the school grounds her father caught her and held her as Seans body was seen being wheeled away. "No!!" She yelled.

"Sean!" Joan yelled in her sleep. Sitting up she saw her pillow was soaked. She had cried so much and began sweating somewhere in the middle of the night that her pillows became soaked. Sitting there she pulled her knees to her chest and cried. "Sean" She whispered as her father came into the room and hugged her. "Joan, it's... it's going to be alright" He said in a reassuring tone. Even he knew that nothing would be the same in his daughters life.

Lifelessly Joan gathered herself enough to take a shower and get ready for the day. Giving each of her parents a kiss before she left Joan pulled on her Black sunglasses and the pink hat Sean had gotten her, and ran out to her car. On the dashboard there was an apple and a bagel attached was a note.

"Please eat this" Joan rolled her eyes and was on the verge of throwing the food out when she saw her dad looking at her from the window. Crap Taking a large bite from the apple she smiled and pulled out of the drive way. She hadn't eaten much since the summer, and she lost a ton of weight.

Pulling up at the school Joan checked her hair and makeup and stepped out of the car. Her door barely tapping Mrs. Lindes car. "Why do people park so close to the freaking line!" She mumbled under her breath as she spotted the teacher and rolled her eyes as she made her way towards the school entrance.

Her slender finger began to trace along her kitchen table, small invisible circles. Her left hand was curled and propped under chin, her expression as blank as it has ever been. There was nothing but silence, completely engulfing her house but thanks to her mother, the loud sound of thumping footsteps entered the kitchen. The middle aged woman was wobbling in, still dressed in her bathrobe and curlers still twirled and fastened around thick locks of blond hair. Oh how she loved this woman. Molly rose her eyes allowing them to peer just atop of the rim of her glasses. She gave a slight smile and quickly looked away. There's your good morning.

"Coffee, M-molly? Maybe uh.. I know, a pop-tart! I got that new kind you asked me for. The chocolate sundae flavor?", her mother said, simply trying to convince her daughter that eating wasn't all that bad. She needed it.

"Yeah, I saw 'em on the shelf but I think I'll just grab something on my way to school." Molly replied as she pushed herself away from the table, the legs of the chair scraping on the tiled floor.

Standing from the chair, she began to pat down the yellow long sleeved shirt she was wearing and then reached for her book bag that was sitting in the middle of the table. Without another word said from either two, she turned on her heels and headed towards the front door. Once out the door, she felt as if it was safe to finally breath. Moments like those grew heavy on her heart, only because she knew her mother was trying her absolute best to comfort her. Fail. She got a hold on her bottom lip with her top teeth, as she felt the pressure sinking into her skin. Walking down the stairs of her porch, she made her journey towards her school, the last place she truly wanted to be. Molly lived a short distance from the school, allowing her to leave 10 minutes before class started and still manage to make it on time. As she walked, she took notice of the cars passing by as well the few faces that turned to give her a glance. She's the talk of this town along with a few others. Her name bust be bitter, passing their lips.

With a light groan, she dragged her feet up the main stairs of the school, slowing down to get a glimpse of a girl she knew. Joan. They used to be what you would call 'associates', but now Joan doesn't speak to her at all. Molly couldn't blame her. After all, Molly's best friend killed the love of her life. Who wouldn't blame Molly. Obviously, she could have prevented it. or how about her favorite, Obviously, she had something to do with it. But in her own way, she forgave them for passing judgment. After-all, she understood their pain. She too, lost someone she loved.

She turned her eyes from Joan and lowered her head as she continued her way into the front doors of the school and towards her locker. She had gotten her schedule of classes just a week ago and wasn't at all excited for what was in store. More AP classes which would eventually swamp her with work. Then again, she needed a 'good' kind of distraction from reality. She set some folders in her locker from her book bag which she would come and retrieve after lunch for her afternoon classes. Just as she was about to close her locker, a hand extended from behind her, doing the honors of slamming it shut for her. Good morning North Germantown High School, did you miss me?

"Well well well, Molly. Didn't think I'd see you here this year, out of all people. Thought you woulda' transferred schools. Maybe transferred out of the county." the boy spoke as her kept his arm rested on her locker door, looking down at the fragile figure.

Molly turned, shrinking her shoulders a bit to squeeze under the bridge he created, attempting to walk away from the conflict. Last thing she needed, was another meeting in the counselors office. The young man pushed himself away from the lockers, walking behind her.

"Walk away, Molly. Just go home, no one wants you here!" he shouted, causing other students to turn from what they were doing and focus their attention on the blond haired girl.

She was completely flushed, her cheeks turning red and her eyes beginning to water. She pushed her tears back, just like Joseph would have told her to.

Charles Horton
Things weren't going as Charles had planned them to. Things never went the way he wanted. It was just impossible and certainly unexplainable, the reasons that Charles Horton was constantly knocked down. He hadn't exactly enjoyed his summer so far, it had been boring, dull and downright depressing. He finally accepted the fact he was going to be repeating his senior year. It was bad enough he had to go back in the first place, not to mention having to repeat everything he had flunked the year before. He passed the summer spending time at the Holt's house, jogging daily and practising his throwing.

It was eight in the morning, the sun was halfway towards its peak height in the sky and Charlie stood in front of his bathroom mirror adjusting himself. He still couldn't quite comprehend the fact that he was going back to that place. That place where he had grown up, that place which was full of good memories and his hopes and dreams. Nothing could outweigh the one fact that scared the life out of him, so much so as to give him palpitations. The fact that it was always going to be associated with death, more so the death of his lover and best friend, Beth.

It had to be done though if he wanted to get anywhere in life. His sports achievements stood for nothing without grades to back them up. Charlie took a deep breath and nodded at himself in the mirror. A nod which meant, "You can do this. Chin up man, it'll be fine." He threw his bag over his shoulder and grabbed his car keys. He had just bought it before she... They had even called it Betty. The senior jogged down the stairs and headed out the front door.

"Hey, Charles? Charles! Come back, I want to talk to you!" He could hear his mother shouting from the kitchen.

There was no way she was going to try and see if he was feeling ok. He knew she would only piss him off so he ignored her, "Bye Mom."

He flung his bag into the front seat of his car and, after blaring the radio full blast, he was off. This was it - he was really going back, back to face his demons. Demons summoned by the devil worshipper himself, Joseph Lexington. Even the thought of him made Charlie's blood boil.

After parking his car in the student lot, he headed towards the side entrance to the school. The bench area just inside the side door was where the guys on the football team hung out. He just wanted to get the first day over with, meeting as few people as possible. However, his trail of thought was lost when he spotted her. Her bright red hair stuck out a mile away. He didn't need to make sure, he knew it was her - Danielle Lexington

The anger inside him took over control of his body as words he had been planning on saying to the Lexington family, had he ever met them, began to burst into his mind like fireworks. He couldn't help himself, it was like he was drawn towards her by some unseen magnetic force.

"Oi! Lexington! How dare you show your face back here again you stupid whore!"

He shouted across the parking lot, his heart beating a hundred miles an hour. He couldn't keep it in, he knew people were watching and staring in shock but he didn't care. The dumb bitch's brother killed students, teachers and his Bethany, yet she had the nerve to show her face here again. That freak show of a family should have been locked up at the very least.

"Dumbass cow!" The only words that came to mind after his outburst at the one person that he knew would drag him down this year. She didn't even have the guts to acknowledge him, as if nothing had happened and that he was just some raving lunatic on a drug high. She was going to pay for that, bloody scum. He had good mind to go after her and let her know her know exactly how he was feeling right to her stupid face. That was until he was stopped by a brick wall, or a teacher, whatever you want to call it.

Ms. Linde stood right next to him condemning his attack and giving him dirty looks. What the hell was going on here? Didn't anyone else think it was just tad strange that the family of the dude who pulled a gun out on his teachers and classmates was walking around their school? No one heard of the well known saying goes, 'It runs in the family?'

As the blonde drama teacher left his company he couldn't help but mutter, "Bite me," under his breath. If no one else at this school was going to do anything about having a possible homicidal maniac amongst them, then he was going to have to do it himself.

"Oi, Horton! What's up man?" One of the guys on the football team spotted him as he was heading into school. "C'mon we're going to be late." He said punching Charlie lightly on the shoulder. He playfully pulled him towards the school as he walked. Moments later, all his rage had dissipated and he was calm once again. He knew from then on, that he and that Lexington girl could not go to the same school together. She had to go.

The school hallways were bustling with activity, with teachers heading towards the teacher's lounge, students chatting happily about their summers and some students stuffing their lockers with useless crap and books. Speaking of useless crap - he spotted one of Joseph's friends. Molly Cooper - the girl who knew about what was going to happen all along but did nothing about it. Glaring in her direction, he pulled a cent from his pocket and flicked it at her head.

"Freak," he whispered to her as he walked passed and sneered at her tauntingly. It was going to be a long year if had to look at the shower of weirdos Joseph left behind. Hopefully it wasn't long before he ran them out of the place.

Drama first period. Great.

Eddie groaned, he was making his way to school, he was late of course, but it didn't matter, ever since Sean's death he'd changed, he'd known Sean since Kindergarten, before that, they'd first met because there familieis went to the same church, it was sad, Joseph had ended his life. That Little Rat Bastard. He thought stopping at a red light, he was glad Joan was still here, she was his closest friend aside from Sean, but she'd changed after the shooting. He knew it, he'd tried to comfort her, he remembered the last text message he received from Sean, that day before his life had been taken, as well as many other good people.

Hey Eddie, your the best friend i could ever have, I heard bullets, please take care of Joan.. He had saved the message, it never failed, every time he looked at it..tears began streaming down his face. No matter what he wouldn't fail his friend, he wouldn't let anybody hurt Joan, the light flashed green, and he revved the engine before heading forward, he was nearing his school, he needed to stop getting tardied, although his mother didn't nag. She knew this was the second death that had affected him, his father's death a few years ago had affected him. He wondered why everytime he grew close to people, they seemed to die. The thing he feared the most was not loosing his own life, but loosing his mother, and Joan, if that happened, life would have lost all meaning in his eyes, he'd have no reason not to take his own life.

Finally getting to the school, he parked his vehicle, and put away his phone, staring at the messages Sean had sent him wouldn't help him get better. I miss ya man, and I don't know what to do, but I'll take care of your girl, I'll help your parents at the shop. He opened up his glove compartment where he left a spare tissue box. He picked up some tissues, and dabbed at his face. Wiping the tears off he tossed the tissues onto the ground, and locked his car,b before heading to school the first bell had already rung, he just wanted to see Joan, she was the one person who made him felt better. Making his way through the hallways, he got to his locker, which was right by the Girl's changing room, he remembered how Sean helped him get this locker. Another sad memory. Dear God Please..please..help me get through this, I don't know what to do anymore, I just want to make the right choices in life, I want to make this pain go away.

Finishing his silent prayer, he opened up his locker, and he grabbed his book, he struggled to remember his schedule. His first class was Drama. He spotted Joan entering the school, and went after her to giving her a brief hug. "Hey Joan, it's good to see you again" He said trying to remember where the Drama classroom was.

Greg had been deep in thought when Kristin entered. He heard her footsteps, and once she called out that he looked tired, he didn't even take the energy to lift his head. It wasn't until she came behind him, wrapped her arms around his shoulders and left a reassuring kiss on his cheek did he let out a breath through a smile, leaning his head
back slightly to take in her perfume he was so used to. "Yeah..." he began, taking a deep breath as he caressed her hands with his. "I'm good, just been thinking," he admits, "Well, not exactly thinking, just remembering..."

He was proud of the way Kristin was taking this, it was more rough on him because the lingering feeling of guilt still bit at his senses. Peeling himself from her embrace, he swung around in the computer chair and stood up, wrapping his arms around her waist and simply looking down at her. "How about we go out to dinner tonight? As a celebration of a new year- what do you say?" Greg smiled down at Kristin, and for an instant, that smile seemed to reach his eyes.

The dinner, however, wasn't simply for celebration, it was also for a distraction. They've been remembering and tense this entire week, it was time for some distraction called fun.

---------------------------------
Danielle wasn't at all excited to get back to school. Hell, she knew exactly what was waiting for her, and she wasn't that thrilled. Though she's gotten an outer layer of hard skin, she still was a young woman getting over her brother's death and the entire situation around it. She hadn't even expected him to go crazy like that, but then again, their family wasn't exactly perfect. Dysfunctional, but not outright crazy.

Horton screaming across the parking lot hadn't phased her at all. After all, if she didn't acknowledge him that would just make him look like the retard screaming at the top of his lungs. Without acknowledging anyone, really, Danielle headed towards her first class. Which was a drama class with Mrs. Jacobs. Needless to say, she had no idea that Horton will be there to ruin her mood. Since there was nothing of importance in her locker, Danielle B-lined for the classroom so she can sit down, open up her book and set it standing in front of her hands so she could waste no time and roll a blunt.

The class was empty save for a few unnamed faces. It would be until a few minutes later that the classroom begin to fill.

Kristin smiled lightly when he started breathing in her perfume. She shivered from his nearness. She rested her chin on his shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment. She listened to him and nodded. "It's okay to move on from the past you know?" She told him softly, running one of her hands through his hair. "It wasn't your fault. I don't blame you or anyone else." She gave him another kiss on the cheek before he slipped out of her grip. She straightened up and stepped back to give him room.

She looked up at him, moving her hands up his chest until she was able to loop them around his neck. Even just looking up into those eyes made her heart pound. She sighed happily and nodded. "I'd love to." She moved one of her hands to his cheek, gently stroking him with her thumb. "But only if you promise when we get home we can snuggle up by the fireside and you play me that song I heard you singing in the shower last night." She told him with a smirk.

Kristin smiled at him. Even though they didn't talk about it, she could only imagine the pain he felt when he found her laying on the stage. If it hadn't been his quick thinking after she was shot she wouldn't be here right now. She didn't know how to tell him how grateful she was to be there with him. She moved her arms down to wrap around his waist. She rested her cheek against his chest. That day had changed her life. It made her want the world. She had put off settling down with anyone until after she graduated. And now here she was, nearly lost her life, and the main thing she wanted in life was Greg. "Do you think, we'll have a family one day?" She asked him softly.

Patrick "Monty" Montgomery perkily strolled out of the shabby front office, a new schedule in his pocket and a new beginning in his hands. Today would start his first day at North Germantown High School, after having just moved into town not but a couple weeks ago. He smiled pleasantly as he made his way down the school hallways, smelling like cleaner and new equipment, his chocolate eyes taking in everything that was the all-in-all standard looking school. There wasn't anything all too special about the architecture in itself, he noted, and there weren't many splashes of color. It was all very subtle, very "officey" colors. He figured that a good mural or two ought to bring the school to life, and just like that, the idea had planted itself in his mind. He'd have to ask the principal if he could paint them...

He was so concentrated on his constructive thoughts, that he nearly didn't notice the incident that followed. He watched with a slight sense of horror as a small, skinny girl got harassed by not only one, but two beefy lookin' dudes. The words "Walk away, Molly. Just go home, no one wants you here!" made the dark skinned boy cringe. 'What on Earth could she have done...?" he pondered, his eyebrows furrowing in confusions. She looked so... so... innocent! It only took a glimpse at her red, watery face to make Monty get a move on. He approached the girl quickly, walking beside her at a her fast pace. He handed her a piece of chocolate without hesitation. "Hey, jerks will be jerks." he said simply, complete with a shrug and a sloppy grin.

His eyes then lit up, displaying that he must have come to some kind of realization. "Oh! I'm Monty. My full name's Patrick Montgomery, but please don't call me Patrick. It makes me feel like a leprechaun." he said, his voice deep and chill, friendly but not overtly so, casual but not so much to make him seem indifferent. He wiped off his hands on his jeans which were old and paint stained and reached out his hand as they continued to walk, prompting a handshake. "I'm new to this school. I don't know why any one would pick on you, but I assure you that I never would."

Which was true. Monty wasn't giving the young girl any special treatment. Helping others, caring for those who are in need, and being friendly was simply in his nature. He was the type of person who couldn't stand to see anyone sad, no matter their shape, size, color, gender, or age. And that's precisely why he found himself lending his chocolate and starting conversation with the mousy young lady in this brand new school.