Chapter 1

It's the first school trip of the year and I definitely don't want to go. But as my history test on Monday is based on the ancient exhibits we'll be forced to hear about for an hour after visiting the mall, I have to.

But that's not the worst part. Jordan and Jasmine stood me up. They are not coming. They decided to stay home watching "10 things I hate about" you and cry.

I know it probably seems impossible but yeah, I've got friends. Actually I've got two best friends that are twins. Jordan is a tall, super skinny, brown haired, boy and Jasmine a red haired, gorgeous girl with huge blue eyes and freckles.

I really can't understand how they are possibly twins. Eventough they are both really cute they look nothing alike.

But that's not my point. They stood me up! And now I have to go threw one and a half hours in a bus, two hours at a boring museum and three hours at the mall, with a bunch of hyperenergetic teenage morons. And they dare to call themselves friends!

Anyway, I can't be mad. They are always there when I need them and they really helped me when I quit dancing. I just hope they would be with me, but as I can't have that, I know just the way to get threw the day.

I picked up my back pack, filled it with snacks, three cans of coffee, earphones and my book. I lovebooks. I've read tons of them. Some I've even read them twice Theres something so magical about some books that you just get so attached to the characters.

I put on my skinny black jeans, a baggy lion king t-shirt, a black jean jacket and my yellow converse. My hair are actually a mess from last night so I decide to tie them in a messy bun.

I put on some silver earrings, and head down to the kitchen. I pick up some chocolate-chip cookies and walk to the bus station.

After arriving at school, listening to the very long and boring lecture of the head master about our safety and behaviour during the trip, I'm finally in the bus.

I chose to sit in the back and put my backpack on the seat next to me, so noone would even think to sit beside me. It always works.

I start reading my book and plug on my earphones. Everything's great until I feel someone moving my backpack and sitting next to me. I turn around to see who is crazy and brave enough to sit next to me.

"Hey! I'm Paul. But I bet you already knew that. " two grey eyes looking straight into mine.

You've got to be kidding me. Paul Hudson. The guy that makes everyone laugh with his great -silly in my opinion- sense of humor.

His parents own the most famous bar in town, so basically all the popular kids are friends with him. You can say he is popular as he doesn't act like one. But he definitely belong to the elite clique of our school.

"Hi" I respond without giving him any attention and I continue reading.

"So... what are you reading?"he asks with a confident smile.

"A book."

" I know that it's a book but I meant..."

"Really? I never guessed you as the smart type of guy. And I really thought I had figured you out. You 've suprised me!"I cut him off sarcastically.

"Ha, ha. Very funny. So what are you listening to?"

" I'm sorry but why the heck, did you sit beside me?" To be honest I was a bit curious.

"I just saw you sitting alone, and thought you might wanted some company"

"Do I look like I want to talk, sit near or have any communication with the people inside this bus?"

"Well... I just asked you what you're reading"

"An Unfortunate Fairy Tale" I said coldly.

"Never heard of it."

"Can't say I'm suprised"

"So..." he ignored my response "what's it about?"

I couldn't handle myself. I just wanted him to leave me alone. Is it a lot to ask?

"Well, if you really want to know, it's about a very pissed off girl who kills a very annoying boy that wouldn't let her read her book and asked silly questions." I said sarcastically.

He frowned." Well, I get it you want to die alone, go ahead. I'm not stopping you. You can do whatever you want."He got up.

"Aww... that's so sweet of you. You 're actually giving me your permission. My life is now complete."

He leaves looking really pissed. I get back to reading, pleased with my accomplishment.

The time we spent at the museum, couldn't be more dull. The assistant who showed us around wouldn't stop hitting on the basketball team, instead of actually telling us about the exhibits. Can't blame her as the basketball team is really hot. But come on, she was like seven years older than us.

Anyway, we are in the busses once more. As usual I'm reading. But even though the book is great, I can't really concentrate.

Paul is looking my way with a frown on his face. How do I know? I can see his reflection on my window.

What's his problem. I'm used to angry, critical looks, because that's what always happens when I'm at school, but why is his look so... not angry and critical? He actually looks sad.

Arriving at the mall, I wait for everyone to get off the bus and go down last so I won't have to run and stumble upon sweaty, smelly teenage bodies.

I know exactly where I'm headed. Somewhere quiet and beautiful. The music store. I love going there and playing the electric guitars. It's awesome that they allow that.

The owner, Mr. Jacob Banks knows me as I go there every weekend. I bought my own guitar from there but I now have my eyes on the new set of drums.

On my way I buy a muffin and eat it before I'm even there. I love sweets.

I sit on the stool, holding a black guitar in my hands. I connect it with the speakers to be able to play, when Mr. Banks finally notice me.

"Hello Beth. What are you doing here today? Don't you have school?"he asks confused.

"Don't worry Mr Banks, I'm on a school trip."

"And instead of hanging out with your classmates, you come and hang out with an old man?"he laughs softly but turned into a cough. He's around sixty but has some breathing issues.

"Come on Mr Banks, you know I hate being around kids my age. There's honestly no better place that your store."

"I'm flattered.So, where's the dynamic duo?"

"Jordan and Jasmine? The're at home watching 90s films, as usual. "

Ha laughs." Hive them my regards when you see them." He smiles an leave.

Sitting there, in the small store, surrounded by all those instruments, smelling the old wood, playing guitar all alone is the best feeling i ever felt after dancing. I feel so relaxed and calm. Away from everything and everyone...

"Hey Elisebeth" well, not everyone.

I turn around to see a tall boy with tanned skin and dark hair against the door, staring back at me with his deep gray eyes.

"Hey Paul." I say annoyed by his presence.

"What are you doing here? And yeah I know you are playing a guitar, I mean why here?"

"Because it s the only place I could find one" I say blankly.

"I don't mean why are you playing a guitar here, I mean why are you even here from the first place. Why are you always alone?"

" I'm not always alone, I've got Jordan and Jasmine. And why do you even care? Don't you have some people to entertain with your pathetic jokes?"i attack.

"Hey chill. I just don't like seeing people alone. Especially girls. It's dangerous."

"Because I'm a girl, it doesn't mean that I can't take care of my self."

" I didn't say that. But anyway, you are not the reason I'm here. Have you seen Jake?"

"You mean Mr Banks?"

" Yeah, Jake, Jacobe, Mr Banks, whatever. You seen 'im?"

"He's in the stock room."i say confused.

"Hello Paul! What's up?" Mr Banks, or should I say "Jake ", entered the room.

"Hey Jake! You fixed it?" Paul asks.

"Sure kid, it's as good as new." Mr Banks hands him a big, black, backpack. He opens it and reveals a royal blue electric guitar.

"Thanks man! What do I owe you?"says Paul.

"Nothing my boy. You are my best customer. A few strings won't cost anything."

"Thanks again Jake. You're the best." He puts the guitar back in it's case, throw it over his shoulder and leaves.

What??? What the hell did just happened? What would Paul Hudson need a guitar for? And why did Mr Banks called him his best customer? I'm his best customer! What's going on???