Earth

Her parents weren't too happy, but they understood. Faye asked to sleep over at a friends house after volleyball practice due to their house being closer. However, she didn't just stay with any friend, she stayed with her best friend and boyfriend, Seth. It was a lot quieter at his place compared to hers. Her siblings were usually a loud bunch, running up and down the halls screaming and yelling. Being about three months pregnant now, the hormones were just slowly starting to kick in. She imagined in another month it'd get even worse. Faye was hardly showing at this point, so it was easy to hide under her clothes, but if she lifted her shirt up, the bump was more noticeable.

Faye was glad no one else but her and Seth knew at the moment, it was nice just to keep it between the two of them. Besides that, telling their parents wasn't the best idea in the world. They could probably tell some of their friends and be fine, but that was still a big step and Faye didn't know if she wanted to do that yet.

Waking up with the sun on her face, she could feel the warmth of Seth's body next to hers. It was comforting by this point. She groaned a bit at the light hitting her face and opened her one eye to see the time. 6:45 am. That made Faye turn over to face Seth and bury her head in his chest. School was getting harder and harder to wake up for.

Cassidy sat on the bathroom counter top, legs crossed, face only inches away from the glass. Plucking her eyebrows was serious business - any mistake would give her at least two weeks of humiliating looks and judgmental laughs. With the precision and dexterity of a surgeon, she pulled out the last unwanted hair before filling them out with an eyebrow pencil and sighing with relief. She was finally done with her face. Cassidy hopped off the counter and took a few steps back to look over the finished product. She'd been up for at least an hour and a half - probably earlier than most teens got up to go to school - because it took some time to look like you "woke up this way."

Finally satisfied with her face, Cassidy sprayed her wavy hair with some hair spray before walking over to her bed where she'd already laid out some clothes. She'd recently went shopping with some friends and was excited to wear a new white crop top she'd bought. Pulling it on carefully - it'd be a shame to mess up an hour's worth of make up - she paired the shirt with some ripped skinny jeans and black dr. martins.

Cassidy grabbed her backpack and phone, then cut off the lights. She wasn't in a rush to get to school, but the sooner she left, the more time she could spend with Evelyn. Even if it was just a car ride. Their relationship wasn't exactly public at the moment, and it tended to limit when and where they could act like an actual couple.

Of course they could just tell everyone, but that's besides the point...

Cassidy stopped by Evelyn's door and knocked on it rapidly. "Ready to go whenever," Cassidy smiled, then made her way downstairs to the kitchen. Her mom, already downstairs putting some dishes away, started to say something to her before Cassidy cut her off. "Relax," Cassidy teased, grabbing a muffin without even breaking her stride. She knew the drill. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you shouldn't skip breakfast, blah blah blah. Before she knew it, she was outside leaning against the passenger side of Eve's car.

With the abrupt sound of a buzzer Evelyn was awake and stumbling around her room, eyes still closed, lights still of, changing into her outfit for the day. She felt her way through the closet as opposed to turning the light on, and picked out a pair of black leggings to go with a dark blue sweatshirt that was pulled off the top shelf. Ev was caught of guard for a second when Cassidy knocked on her door. The knocked caused her to nearly fall as she crossed the room to her desk. She switched the small light, looking into the mirror at herself, still half asleep. And then applied eye shadow lazily, lined her eyes with a black pencil (the most important thing), and a bit of mascara to finish it off. Having straightened her hair yesterday, Evelyn brushes it into place and decides it would be good enough to last another day. With one last look in the mirror she applied her favorite dark red lip gloss and made her way downstairs.

Descending down the long white staircase, She could already hear her step-mother busy at work in the kitchen. Her father had left early that morning for work, leaving his wife alone in the house to make sure their two daughters made it out the door. Evelyn liked to keep conversations short with this women, especially in the morning, and so a hello and good morning were exchanged quickly as she grabbed her bag and then swung the door open out to the garage.

"Hey" Evelyn said simply, smiling for the first time today. She made her way to Cassidy, her backpack banging against the garage wall several times, in the tight space. "That's new" She looks down at her step-sisters crop top feeling the edge of the fabric. "Well, I guess we better go." Evelyn seems to speak in simple terms, at least at this time in the morning, it's only to be expected. She quickly gives Cassidy a kiss on the lips before running around the car and sliding into the drivers seat. School not being to far away, they soon reach their destination, Magnolia High School.

Feeling his arms tighten around her, she relaxed and her eyes shut once again. Faye had only intended to rest her eyes, but she had fallen asleep for about fifteen more minutes. When she did wake it was to a kiss on the forehead from Seth and him asking if she was ready for breakfast. Faye wasn't usually a morning person, and she groaned a bit, but her eyes looked up into his. The moment was peaceful, despite the small noises of his mother downstairs making breakfast. Faye was really tempted just to stay in bed, but if they didn't go to class a call would go home to her parents, and in turn would be a series of unfortunate events.

"Morning." Said spoke softly and managing a small smile, before she spoke again. "I don't think I have a choice do I?" She asked him as she gave him a peck on the lips. They had been together for such a long time now that they were practically used to each others routines. The two of them were not only boyfriend and girlfriend, but also best friends so to speak. Faye wanted to ask him questions and opinions about what they should do, but she didn't want to risk one of his parents listening to what she said, so she figured it'd best to reserve it for another time.

She broke from his embrace and she got up pushing the covers back. She walked over to her bag and pulled out her clothes for the day, figuring they could eat breakfast and go. Although even if she didn't change before going downstairs, it wasn't the first time she would have gone down in her pajamas. Sighing softly she looked back over to Seth. "Do you think she made the usual for breakfast today?" She asked as she slipped out of her shorts and replaced them with her jeans, going on the tips of her toes to get them on and with both feet placed on the ground she did the button and zipper up.

"What, this?" Cassidy asked, feigning surprise with exaggerated movements, "wore it just for you, babe." She kissed her back before opening the passenger side door and getting into the car. She'd be lying if she said it didn't make her feel good whenever Eve noticed something new she bought, or if she'd done something a little different with her look. Cassidy tried pretty hard to look as best as she could - in public, at least. It took some of the stress off when someone paid a little attention. She leaned back in her seat comfortably, closing her eyes and letting the sun warm her face. Before she knew it they were at the school.

Cassidy stretched her arms a bit before grabbing her bag and stepping out of the car. The first part of the school day was always somewhat rough for Cassidy. She didn't hate school, or mornings, or not sleeping in. She just felt like it killed her mood getting to be one person at home, then acting like someone else at school. Watching Eve get out of the car, she felt somewhat guilty. Regardless of whether or not they could be seen, she wouldn't take the risk of kissing her goodbye or even hugging, really. "I guess I'll see you later," she nodded before turning on her heels and walking straight into the school. She greeted a couple people as she made her way to her locker and grabbed the books she actually need.

Eventually Cassidy made her way to class. There was still a little time left before she actually had to do something productive, so she pulled out her phone and finished her muffin after finding a seat in the back of the class.

Upon their arrival at school Cassidy was quick to exit the car and make her way towards the building. "Yup" Evelyn muttered watching her girlfriend stride with confidence into the school. It was hard watching her go every morning, watching her be so incredibly paranoid that they couldn't even walk to the door together. At least it was a quick goodbye and the pain was short lived as Ev snapped out of her trance. She pulled her backpack over her shoulder and locked the car before following the same path Cassidy had taken through the main entrance.

Inside students buzzed around, standing next to open lockers, exchanging homework answers, and gossiping. Evelyn took the nearest staircase up the the second floor, where her locker was located. She spun the dial quickly and swung the door open. One of Cassidy's close friends passed her and she stuff her backpack into the locker. "Cassidy here today?" The girl asked, her flowery scent leaving a trail as she passed. "Yes" Ev responded with out looking up. This exchange of conversation happened weekly and especially on game days ...because God forbid the girl missed a game... Evelyn shut the locker and made her way down the hall towards first period.

As the alarm started to sound, Cahse sighed and turned it off. Or well, snooze time! He always snoozed some time before going up. Always med him feel better if he gave himself some time to wake up. Not stressing and loving the bed just a bit longer. After the third time the alarm rang he turned it off and looked around in his room, the sun lighten his room a bit. Taking another minute or so before stretching and finally getting up. He did the same thing more or less every morning, get dressed wearing dark blue jeans, light grey t shirt and a darker grey sweater over befire heading to the kitchen to eat something before fixing himself up. Breakfast always woke him up a little more.

"Good morning, sweetie." His mother greeted when he sat down at the kitchen table. He smiled at her and took a bowl to pour some milk and cereal in it.
"Morning mom. Hey, where's dad? Have he gone to work already?" His father usually sat already here and drank coffee but not today. Of course it wasn't something new but he always asked. "Ah yes, he had to leave a bit early today. Some business meeting he couldn't miss. Don't forget to fix that hair of yours before you go to school. Also, your books are on the livingroom table." She said as she kissed his head before heading upstairs, probably getting ready for work. He had left his books scattered over the kitchen table and forgotten to pack them up when he had head to bed. It was his mother's way to tell him to take care of them next time. He yawned and put away his plate when he finished and went to the bathroom. To his shock his hair was sticking in every direction and laughed, no wonder his mother had made that comment.

A few minutes later, teeth brushed and hair fixed. He grabbed his stuff to walk down the street to his best friend. They always went to school together and even though things had been a bit awkward after the kiss, he didn't feel like he should avoid Adam. It would make things worse or well. More complicated? He wasn't sure actually. But breaking a habit wasn't something he would start with yet.

Seth felt the kiss on his lips and saw his girlfriend getting up out of the bed. As she got her clothes from the bag she brought he rolled to his side and looked up leaning on his elbow. He just loved watching Faye get dressed, he somehow thought it was one of the most sexy things she could do. Does that make me weird to see her getting dressed, rather than undressed? He finally got up himself and regretted it instantly. The air on his bare chest felt cold and he knew the bed was so nice and warm.

"You know my mom only makes this breakfast when you're here? Your 'usual' is my feast. Otherwise it would be cereal, dry... only with milk on uneven days." He had a big smile on his face while saying it. As he grabbed a small washcloth he made his way to the shower and came out wet and clean after only 5 minutes. Must be a personal best... Back in his room he no longer saw Faye there, so he assumed she went to the kitchen already. He couldn't blame her, he was quite hungry himself. He quickly put on a shirt and a pair of jeans before going to the kitchen himself.

His mother was standing at the stove. Why she was, he did not know, as the food seemed done already. He grabbed a plate and stood next to his mom with puppy eyes waiting for his food to be dished. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning mom." His father would have left some time ago, but his mom always stayed until he made his way to school. Speaking of school, they would have to hurry up to make it in time. He almost started eating when his mother was still dishing his food. With a mouth full of delicious breakfast he put his dirty plate in the sink after he was done. He grabbed his bag from the hallway, thankfully he had packed it yesterday already.

He turned his head to Faye. "Are you ready to go? We can leave now and walk or you can have another 5 minutes and jump on the back of my bike, your choice." He knew they were a bit late already, and he actually still wanted to go past the school's newspaper office to see if anyone handed in any ideas.

Adam tried really hard to avoid, avoiding Chase. It wasn't like the kiss was entirely his fault, Adam had his own part in it - and he hadn't pulled away so there was also that. He really didn't like the idea of avoiding his best friend, but he was also weary about the consequences of said kiss. Things were scarily uncertain in his life at that moment, between juggling school and his parents never waning obsession with ruining his entire life. At that moment he really didn't know what to do.

Sleep had never came easy for him, which was why he was sleepily pacing the length of his bedroom. Government cell phone pressed against his ear; his parents refused to buy him a phone so he made do with what he could afford himself. Grace is on the other end of the line ranting about college life, her boyfriend Drew, and whatever useless detail she can fill him in on. Its nice, but definitely not why he called her in the first place. But in usual Grace fashion she's taken his calling her as a chance to chatter away. She's the only person he knows with a bigger talking problem than him.

"Grace," He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. An oncoming headache from a sleepless night already brewing in his head. "Grace, seriously need you to listen to me." Something in his tone must sound desperate, since she decides to shut up and listen to him for once. "Thank you," he sighs in relief. Lowering his voice just in case there are nosy ears. "Hypothetically," He starts, listening to her groan on the other end of the line. "I hate that word," she informs and Adam has to agree, but for the sake of not telling her the full story he continues on. "I know, but, hypothetically if someone were to....no, wait let me start again."

"So I've got a friend," He continues on, trying his best to word his fears. "And this friend has a...I dunno, fuck, he has a crush I guess. But this crush is someone of the same gender, and this friend also has the worlds most obsessively religious parents in the world." Okay, well, he didn't exactly word that to sound like hes actually talking about someone other than himself. Oh well, she can deal. Or maybe she can't, because the line goes eerily quiet. Like shes dropped the call but he can hear her TV in the background so she hasn't. "You're friend is screwed," Grace says after a long time.

"Seriously, couldn't your friend have waited to have this particular crisis until after high school? When your friend could move away from his insane parents. Like your friends far superior older sister did." Adam laughs, but its far from amused. "My friend has no choice, and it isn't a crisis...its just, hes really, really confused Grace." His sister sighs, like shes been gearing up for a talk like this for a long time; which no, she couldn't have known since she isn't psychic. "Adam, your sexuality is nothing to be ashamed of." Wow, there's at least one weight lifted from his chest. Yet he doesn't feel any better than before. Also, its fairly annoying that Grace has dropped the hypothetical story. "Look, just take some time to figure it out, don't say anything to mom or dad. I love you little brother, but this isn't something I can decide for you."

"Thanks, I love you too Gracie...I've gotta go, or I'll be late for school." And I'm probably keeping Chase waiting, he thinks, but doesn't say. The line goes dead seconds later and he rushes to get dressed, throwing on the first things he sees and attempting to tame the wild mane of hair atop his head. Finally giving up he just throws on a beanie and proceeds to go about the rest of his morning routine. Looking in the mirror he notices that he looks like hell. Mostly because hes paler than normal, dark circles under his eyes making everything worse. It looks like he hasn't slept in days - which he hasn't. He turns away from the mirror a bit angrily, then leaves the bathroom altogether.

He thunders down the stairs, anxiously chewing the inside of his lip. His parents are already gone for the day, one less thing to worry about. Hes glad they both work in the mornings, he would never get any peace otherwise. He just grabs a pack of poptarts and heads out the door. He spots Chase instantly, they always make their way to the school together.

It shouldn't be any different. Adam firmly decides to push aside his worries, and smiles at his best friend. Opting to not let whatever had just come between them change the fact that they have been, and will hopefully always be friends. "Hows it hanging man?"

It wasn't as if Chase knew things was awkward between them. He had a feeling that Adam had been avoiding him but then again, so had he. Okay maybe not really that much avoided Adam but he hadn't been seeking him out even though they hang out a lot. But these days had been a bit difficult. Because of that damn kiss. He had tried not to think about it but well.. Who was he really fooling? Himself of course. He understood that Adam might not want to hang out with him as much as before but the walk to school in the mornings was a routine for him and he would stick to it until Adam actually didn't want to meet him more like this. It would probably break his heart a bit but.. With Adam's family he could understand it to a point but still, it was all really annoyingly complicated.

He stood there thinking it all over and over again. Did he maybe have a crush on Adam? He had after all kissed Adam first, or well. Initiated the kiss. But he hadn't really pushed him away now had he? It's all really confusing.. He thinks and pushed a hand through his hair. Wasn't his life quite easy going now? Well, as easy going life can go for a teenager boy. Who had a small crush on his best friend. A freaking crush.

Though he have never been the one to get stuck on the negative side of life. Things would go as they did and he would do his best to make things like they used to do. It wouldn't be that hard to pretend like nothing for now. Right? Wrong, so wrong on many levels because there Adam came and smiled. He looked like hell and a stab of guilt hit him. It was probably his fault why Adam looked so tired and worn now days. "Morning, ready for another day at school?" He asked with a smile and thought it would be better if he didn't comment on how Adam looked like. He could also play along in the "lets forget what happened at that party" game. At least for a while longer.

"It would have been nice to be home for a day or week, I finally got that new Assassin's Creed but haven't even starte it yet." He talked while they walked towards school, stretching a bit. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he glanced towards Adam. He did feel like he should apologize or something but it didn't taste right on his tongue so he kept silent. They could talk about that party another time. When things didn't feel so jumbled or confusing.