Harmony High, A high school cover up.

[Angel325girl]

Keywords. High school. Murder. Cover-up

Summary: After the loss of Kyle, the Williams' family moves to a small town called Harmony. Hoping the past is behind him, Nick meets this girl at Harmony High, only to find out that the town has a Secret of its own

This post has been edited by Angel325girl on Jan 28 2009, 01:13 PM

[Angel325girl]

Sneek Peak


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few hours later.

The front door busted open and cops piled in, carrying their weapons high in the air. His parents ran around the corner and looked at them. “What now?” Mr. Williams asked, angrily they barged in here twice. Their son was already released once.

“Where’s Nick?” the Sheriff asked.

Nick turned from the back porch just as he heard his father yell at them. They found him. “Get out of my house!” He tightened his strap on his shoulder and raced down the steps toward her .

"Amy." he whispered, relieve written all over his face but his smile completely fell when she looked distraught.

“This way Nick.” She said, stepping away from the opening. Nick ran through and looked at her. “They think I buried the body Amy but I didn't.” he told her, pleadingly.

Amy looked back at Nick and took his hand “This way.” she whispered once more, leading him farther into the woods. Nick followed her and started to turn when Amy yelled. “Don’t look back.”

He watched her carefully and knew she was afraid. “They’re after me to.” she admitted.

“Where are we going?” Nick asked, running alongside her now.

“Somewhere safe.” Amy told him. She paused and looked over at him as she bit her lip nervously. “You were right. Jane was murdered.” Amy confessed.

Nick stared at her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because,” she felt tears come to her eyes and stopped, forcing him to stop as well. “I was afraid this would happen.” she confessed and looked down to the ground. "I...I didn't want to get caught." she admitted and Nick narrowed his eyes on her, wondering what that meant.

He continued to stare at her. Amy laughed softly. “You don’t get it Nick. Harmony is a small town. Nothing ever happens here. Nothing.” She gazed into his eyes and grasped his arms. “Not even a murder.”

Nick’s eyes widened and he placed his hands on her face. “Who killed her Amy?” he asked. “If we find him, this could all be over.”

“No.” Amy cried, pushing him off of her. “You’re not listening to me Nick. You have to let this go. To many people are involved." she cried and sniffled as she gazed deep into his eyes.

Nick eyed her. “I can’t Amy. This girl won’t leave me alone. I see her everywhere.” He moved closer to her and took her hands in his. “Now tell me, who killed Jane Turner.”

Amy sniffled and looked up at him. How did he see her everywhere? He didn't even know her? She started to ask him all of this but decided against it when she heard a twig snapping somewhere near by. Right on schedule. She wished she could warn Nick to run back but they would find another way to hurt him. “I’m so sorry Nick. I can’t.” her heart broke when Nick stared at her, eyes glistening on the night.

“Amy, please, you have to….” He trailed off when he heard the foot steps behind him. "The cops." he thought as he looked behind him but saw no one. His heart began beating again and he looked back to Amy who hit him hard with a rock.

She threw the rock and fell to her knees as she brushed his hair off his forward and silently sobbed. "'I'm so sorry. I had no choice." she whispered just as Shane ran out from his hiding spot. "Amy." he started but his feet faltered when he saw the way she was crying over Nick. Jimmy was right, he realized and sighed as he pushed that thought out of his head. He walked over and lifted Nick up slowly as he looked to Amy. "Come on. Jimmy's waiting for us."

This post has been edited by Angel325girl on Dec 19 2012, 04:23 AM

[Angel325girl]

Prologue

Nick’s alarm sounded and his eyes shot open, flying his hand up to the clock to shut off the annoying buzzing sound ringing in his ear. Covering himself back up, Nick closed his eyes again, to snap them open quickly afterwards. All of that blood running down his face, his arms and legs, soaking his hair and shirt. The red crimson and dark bruises making it impossible to recognize him. And his car. The 1989’ red Camero. Both ends where smashed and the one side was caved in. God, if anyone was in the passenger seat they’d be dead…dead just like…. “Nicky, are you up yet?” his mother called from behind the door.

Nick looked up at the clock and groaned, hearing the knock from his mother yet again. He grabbed the pillow and pressed it over his face. “Nicko, get up for school!” his dad yelled in.

He tossed the pillow to the side and threw the covers off of him and swung his feet over, planting them on the cool wooden floor. “Nic---

“I’m up.” Nick yelled, scratching his neck. He stood and walked toward the door before opening it a crack. Nick shivered from the cold breeze and sleepily eyed his mom. “Don’t be late on your first day Nicky.”

He nodded and shut the door. Turning, he walked toward his hamper and dug through it, pulling out a decent shirt and jeans. Going into the bathroom, Nick started the water and pushed his boxers off before tossing them to the side with his foot. Nick stepped in the shower and let the hot water beat against his bare chest as his dream from earlier came back to haunt him. Yawning and rubbing the soap over his face, Nick heard his mom again and groaned before wiping it off and poking his head out. “What!”

“You better not be using up all that hot water young man.”

Nick rolled his eyes and finished washing his hair before shutting off the shower. Grabbing a towel, he pulled the curtain to the side and pulled it tight around his waist. “Nick, come on. Chop Chop!” his dad yelled.

Nick sighed as he made his way to the mirror, wiping his hand across the glass. Nick opened the cabinet and pulled out his toothbrush and shut it. Putting toothpaste on the brush, Nick raised the toothbrush to his mouth and jumped thinking he saw his brother. Looking behind him and all over, he turned back around and started brushing his teeth. After getting changed he met his parents downstairs and sat at the table with his mp3 player on full blast. “Nick.” his dad said.

His mom came over and sat down at the table and Nick saw the look his parents were both giving him. Pulling his ear pieces out Nick eyed them. “Yeah?”

Meg Williams rested her hands over on another as she watched her son carefully. Mr. Williams drank his coffee as he kept his eyes on Nick. “What?” Nick yelled out.

“We spoke to the school councilor and…“

“I’m out.” Nick stood and started to leave when he heard his dad’s stern warning.

“She sounds really nice Nicky. You won’t talk to us about this so maybe.”

“Maybe what mom? You’d rather me talk to a complete stranger about this?”

“Well no, but you’re not opening up and that worries us.” Meg stated in a calm voice.

“What I do is my business. It’s my life.” Nick told her.

“We understand that, but Nicky, it’s just…”

“Stop calling me that. I’m not a little kid anymore.”

“Nick!” his dad shouted. “That’s enough. Your mother is just trying to get you the help that you need.”

Nick nodded. “Like I said dad. It’s my life and I’ll do whatever I want.”

“You will not!” he roared, pushing his chair back.

Nick opened the door and turned back to them. “What’s the difference dad. You used to let Kyle do whatever he wanted to do.”

“And look what happened to him Nick.” his mom shot.

Nick eyed her before slamming the door behind him. He walked down the sidewalk and across the grass to his car and got in, backing out of the driveway. Nick looked over and saw Kyle staring out at him as he zipped down the street, turning onto another.

“That went well.” Mr. Williams added finally.

Meg dropped her fork on her plate and pushed the chair back, getting up and leaving the kitchen. She entered the living room and picked up a picture of Nick and Kyle together. She hadn’t even realize Bill was in the room. “He’ll be fine.”

“I know.” She whispered, pressing the picture to her chest. “I know.” She repeated, her voice breaking.

Bill walked up behind his wife and slid his arms around her waist. “Kyle’s watching out for him. He’s watching over all of us.”

Meg leaned back into him and played with the hair on his arms. “I know, but it’s Nick. He’s our baby and I don’t want to see the same thing happen to him.”

Bill turned her in his arms and rubbed her arms. “Nothing will happen to him. He’s just acting out right now. The doctor said that might happen.”

“I just want him to talk to us.” She admitted.

He kissed her forehead and wrapped her in a hug. “I know, but he has to come around on his own time.”

[Angel325girl]

Chapter One

Nick turned into the school’s parking lot and stopped at the first stop sign as he stared out at Harmony High. This was where he would be starting over as a junior. A school without his brother walking the halls. This would have been his brother’s last year before he went off to university. Instead that drunk had to go ruin his and Kyle’s life. The cops still never found the person who did it.

A car horn pulled him from his thoughts and he looked behind him. A guy with short black hair sat behind the wheel while a pretty brunette sat in the passenger side. She was doing her make up while the guy was changing the radio station. Nick smirked and adjusted the mirror while trailing his eyes all over her. Pulling through, Nick turned the car and gazed around as kids got off the buses and out of their cars. Some where already on cell phones and making out in public.

Just in time, Nick turned and muttered to himself as he slammed on his breaks. A girl around seventeen with dark brown hair carrying a paperback book in her hands walked out in front of his car. “Jesus.” He yelled, winding down his window.

The guy behind him slammed on his breaks before hitting his back bumper and through his hands up as the girl beside him messed up her mascara. “What the hell Shane?” Amy glared at him and he looked to her.

“It’s not me. It’s this freak in front of us.” Shane shot at her, while beeping his horn.

Amy ran her thumb under her eye as she pushed up the mirror. Nick looked through his rear view mirror and caught her eying him before he turned into a parking space. He turned off the ignition and reached in the back for his bag when he saw the car behind him pull up next to his. A black 69’ Mustang GT.

Pulling himself back up in his seat he watched the girl inside the car glance his way before getting out. Gulping he turned his head to his steering wheel as the guy got out, shouldered his backpack before shutting his door. Nick jumped to the noise and heard a thump. “Hey buddy.” Shane called, putting his head inside his window.

Nick slowly turned to look at the guy. “Nice wheels.” He smirked and reached his hand over, patted him on the shoulder and got on a straight face. “Why don’t you watch where you’re going next time?” he asked before walking off. Nick sighed and laid his head back against the head rest as he watched them walk off through the rear view mirror, the guy draping his arm over the girl as they headed toward the school.

Nick hurried for his stuff, got out and looked around for whoever the girl was. He scanned the whole school grounds for her but she didn’t turn up. Nick jumped as he heard another rumble from a car pulling up beside him. The engine died as the car door opened and the man got out, eying Nick while shutting his door. “Hey man.” He nodded at him before putting on his sunglasses. Turning, Nick watched him walk over to the girl from earlier as he and the guy with her high fived each other in the air.

They both had on football jackets and Nick huffed imagining his brother sitting with them when he caught sight of the brunette staring at him again. He looked around and back at her, giving her a little grin. She mouthed a hi to him before looking away. “Shane, what’s with the new guy?” Jimmy asked, nodding his head toward Nick’s car.

“Hell if I know.” Shane laughed and got down off the wall when the bell rang. He turned back to Amy, kissed her on the cheek and walked off with Jimmy. “See ya at lunch babe. Save me a seat.” He winked at her before walking into the school. Amy rolled her eyes and looked back to where the new kid was but saw he was already gone. Jumping down, she looked around but saw no sign of him. Amy turned and quickly walked back inside before she got into anymore trouble.

Nick watched the girl run into the school and made his way toward the side of the building when someone cleared their throat. “We’re not skipping class now are we?” Mr. Balmer asked, eying Nick suspiciously.

Nick stood straight up and whipped toward the teacher. “No. I’m new.” Nick announced, putting his hand out toward the man. “Nick Williams.”

Mr. Balmer shook it and made a noise as he eyed the kid up and down. “Everyone’s suppose to be in school when the bell rings.”

“Thank you.” Nick added quickly, walking past the man. Mr. Balmer turned and followed him in. He watched the teenager head into the office before checking the doors. Once they were locked, he stared out the window as a car drove by before turning and walked back to class.

Once Nick entered the Principals office, Principle Burns smiled at him from his desk. “Nick.” He announced, indicating for the man to take a seat. Nick closed the door and took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk as the older man walked over to his filing cabinet. He opened it and sorted through the names until he came across Williams. Pulling it out he opened the folder and looked over it.

Nick shifted in his seat and looked around the room, studying all of the pictures. He just got to the school group picture when the Principle sat down in his chair. “Says you have a brother.”

“Had.” Nick reacted by saying. “He was killed last year.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Nick nodded and looked back over at the picture, scanning everyones faces’ His eyes widened when he spotted her. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her glasses complimented her features with her red Harmony High sweater on.

“Nick!” Burns repeated, staring at the same picture he was.

“What?” Nick asked, snapping his head to face him.

“I just finished reading your file and there won’t be any trouble will there?” he asked

“No sir.” Nick promised.

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” Principle Burns said, getting out a note and writing on it. Nick stood up and shook the mans hand before taking the note. “I hope you like it at Harmony High Nick.” He added.

“Me too.” Nick told him, heading toward the door.

“You play football Nick?” the Principle asked.

“Yeah, but I probably won’t try out. I want to take a break from football.” Nick stated.

“Our team is good and try outs are this Friday. Maybe if you’re interested.”

“Maybe.” Nick smiled at him and opened the door before leaving the room.

Principle Burns waited for him to leave and walked over to the picture he looked at. Scanning everyones faces’ he turned back to the door before walking back to his desk.

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Two

Nick walked into his first class and noticed Jimmy in the back of the classroom joking with a couple other football players. Nick blew out and handed the teacher the note he was given. The chubby bald haired man examined the paper and smiled at the new student. “Take your seat.” Nick nodded and walked to the back of the room to the only unoccupied seat available. He kept glancing up at Jimmy and shot his head down when he saw the guy look over.

Nick spun around and sat down really fast when he heard Jimmy’s voice over the whole class. “New kid.” He yelled. The dirty blonde turned to eye him as Jimmy and his friends surrounded his desk.

“I have a name.” Nick stated. “It’s Nick.”

Jimmy looked to his friends and pulled up a seat next to Nick. “I didn’t ask.” He whispered, so the teacher wouldn’t hear.

“Maybe you should have.” Nick muttered.

Jimmy put his hand over his mouth to cover a smile. “I’m sorry, what was that?” the boy asked, placing his hand around Nick’s back to trap him.

“You know.” Someone from the group said. Nick and Jimmy looked up at him. “I heard your brother was killed in a car accident last year.”

Nick clenched his jaw and stole a glance at the teacher. “It’s Jimmy, right?” he asked, trying to ditch the conversation completely. If he wouldn’t talk to his parents or a councilor, did these losers actually think he’d talk to them about it?

“Yeah, it is.” Jimmy said quickly. “What happened?” Jimmy asked, sounding deeply concerned.

Nick stared directly at him. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”

“I asked you a question. It would be rude not to answer.” Jimmy told him, calmly.

Nick balled his fist as he shot a glare toward Jimmy. “He was killed by a drunk driver.”

Jimmy placed his hand on his shoulder as he took a moment of silence. “I know what it’s like to loose someone.” He admitted. “I lost my dog a while back.” He couldn’t help but laugh as Nick jerked in his seat. “Calm down killer.” He added.

Nick eyed him coldly as he remained quiet. ”You think I wouldn’t find out about your little party?” he spat in his face. Nick fidgeted in his seat and clutched the side of his desk with a death grip as the guy continued. “Your brother was on his way to pick you up when that driver hit him.” Jimmy explained.

“Wasn’t he from the party you were at?” Nick turned his head slowly to face him.

“Guys, I really don’t feel like talking about this.”

“Alright,” Jimmy threw his hands up. “I can take a hint.” He got to his feet and bent down to Nick’s eye level. “You should sit with us at lunch. You can tell us more about your brother.” He smiled and messed with his hair before standing back up and taking his seat beside him.

Nick’s eyes widened as he blew out a breath he didn’t know he was keeping in. “Why not.” He muttered. He looked to the clock above the door and glanced over at Jimmy before getting his text book out.

“Turn to page 2334.” The teacher barked out.

Nick opened the thick history book and turned it to the direct page. He scanned the wording and glanced back up at the clock. Something tells him, this school year is going to suck. He lowered his eyes to the door and saw the same girl from earlier standing outside the window. He raised his brows when she smiled at him. Nick smirked back at her when the teacher called on him. He whipped his head to the front of the class and stared up at the teacher. “Yes, sir?”

Everyone laughed at Nick’s response as the teacher lowered his head. “Alright, class, knock it off.” He stared down the class as he looked to Nick. “Why don’t you start us off?” he asked.

Nick looked down at the book in his hand and nodded. “Oh, right.” He glanced back at the door but the girl was gone. Where? He tried to look around when the teacher began to speak.

“I got it.” Nick snapped at the man. He started reading at the top of the page when the teacher interrupted him. “Perhaps you would feel more comfortable in the principle’s office.”

With that, everyone grew disturbingly quiet as Nick stared at the teacher. He closed his book and got to his feet without taking his eyes off the man standing in front of the class. He looked down to Jimmy and started walking toward the door when he heard a deep voice behind him. “I expect not to have anymore trouble with you during the rest of the school year.”

Nick turned back around and snorted as he placed his hand on the doorknob. “Yeah, right.” He left the room and settled himself back against the hard tile wall as he closed his eyes.

The sounds of kids running and screaming about the cops busting them echoed through his head. He overheard there was an accident ten miles away from the house but he didn’t think. His head was spinning and he had to hide before his parents found out. Nick took off out through the open back door and ran through the dozens of yards. He knew the owners of the homes would have spotted him and called the police but he didn’t care.

Nick ran until he got to an intersection and hid behind a tree as he saw an ambulance fly by with its’ sirens on. He covered his ears and made himself visible once the vehicle passed. Nick ran in the opposite direction although his house was the other way but if he got caught, who knew what his dad would have done.

Nick’s eyes widened when he saw a couple police cars pass him and he stopped in his tracks as a weird feeling came over him. At first he thought he was going to hurl from all the alcohol he was drinking but something still felt wrong. He turned to watch as the police sped around the corner and wondered why they didn’t even stop him. He wondered if they even saw him. Maybe tonight was his lucky night.

Nick looked to the bushes and felt the bile come back up. Nope. Not his lucky night. He ran to the edge of the bushes and dumped his whole stomach out in the dirt. At least, that’s how it felt.

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Three

The hardwood door pushed open and Amy and two of her friends stumbled out of the girls’ bathroom giggling and swaying into the walls. She laughed at one of their jokes as she bent down at the fountain. Amy pushed the button on the side, lowered her head and brushed her brown hair back when she noticed the new guy standing across the hall. Amy eyed him up and down as her friend leaned against the wall beside her, “Ames, we have to get to class. If we get detention again, our parents will freak.”

Amy looked over at her and nodded between the two. “Alright, I’ll see you guys at lunch.” She told them.

Amanda stole a glance toward the new kid and smiled back at her. “Right,” she laughed softly, turned and walked off with her sister. Amy watched them go. Both Amanda and Brittany Walters were twins and blondes as well as cheerleaders so them getting in trouble by the teacher was probably the least of their worries. Their long golden blonde hair swayed back and fourth as they hurried down the hall in muffled giggles. She scoffed and turned her attention on the new kid.

Taking a couple deep breaths, she dug in her purse, pulled out her compact mirror and checked her reflection. Seeing, her make up wasn’t smeared and her hair wasn’t messed up, she made her way over toward Nick. The kid’s eyes were still closed and Amy couldn’t help but smile. She studied his face for a moment and found herself wondering what he was thinking about.

His brows rose and fell as he cracked his mouth and breathed out. She couldn’t help but put her hand to her mouth. “First day is always the hardest.” She watched as Nick jerked from his thoughts and jumped from her voice. His eyes opened and when he glanced over at her Amy felt her breath get caught in her throat.

She gazed into his dark green eyes and saw Nick sallow hard. She blushed as she tucked her hair behind her ear. Wow, some guy who was actually nervous around her. She never got tired of that. Amy considered herself popular around school and she loved the attention but she always had this habit to get herself in trouble.

Nick grinned at her as he pushed himself off the wall. “Yeah, it’s pretty intense.” He said.

“It gets like that around here a lot.” Amy admitted. “Sometimes, we just need some alone time.” She added, wondering why he was out here anyway.

Nick stared at her. “What about you?” he asked.

Amy laughed from humiliation and pulled out a pack of Cigarettes. “My boyfriend got me into them.” She confessed.

Nick glanced down at the cigarettes and directed his gaze back on her. Amy scoffed while crossing her arms. “Say it.”

Nick titled his head at her. “Say what?”

“How smoking is bad for me.” She waited for him to tell her off but Nick remained quiet and she dropped them back in her purse. “Everyone has.”

Nick smirked. “Well, not me. I used to smoke too so I know how it feels.”

Amy’s eyebrows rose up to the crease on her forehead. “Really, you don’t look like the smoking type.”

Nick snorted and gazed back into her eyes. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

Amy grinned at him. “Well, why don’t you tell me?” she asked, flirtatiously.

He considered it but wasn’t sure if he could handle talking about his life story in just one day. Nick stepped up to her when Amy’s eyes widened. “Crap.” She muttered. His brows furrowed and he glanced behind his shoulder to see the principle coming. Nick looked back at her and she smiled at him. “Same time, tomorrow?”

Her question was more a direct order then a friendly request. She laughed and turned away from him as she ran off before she got caught. The woman turned into a room and Nick groaned before turning around. The Principle glared at him and stopped just a couple feet away. “Why aren’t we in class?” Burns asked.

Nick shrugged at him and Principle Burns glared turned deadly. “My office, now.” He snapped. Nick shouldered his bag while eying the principle and tucked his book between his arm and side as he reluctantly followed the man. “You’re the boss.” He mumbled.

*******
I knew you were trouble but skipping class on the first day is enough to land you in detention.” Principle Burns yelled.

“Is that all?” Nick asked. “Just detention, you can’t think of anything better?”

“Well, I could suspend you but that’s going too easy on you.” Burns explained, glaring at the kid.

Nick grinned and rested back in the chair, placing his hands behind his head. “What do you mean too easy?”

“I assigned you one of the school councilor’s and expect you go or automatic suspension.” He told him, while writing down a note for him. “She expects you to be there as soon as lunch ends. If you’re not there by the second lunch bell, I’m suspending you for a week. That means you’ll be behind in all of your classes, eventually drop out of school and work in a sweaty, smelly pizza place, scraping off gum from the tables. Now tell me,” he bent over his desk to look Nick in the eye. “Do you want to be an even bigger disappointment to your parents?”

Nick narrowed his eyes at him and gulped hard. “No, sir.” His voice was low and his blood was boiling.

Mr. Burns smiled at him and held out the note for him to take. “You need some guidance in your life Nick and I think you can find it here if you just let yourself.”

Nick glared back at him as he grabbed the piece of paper. He would have given anything to punch him right here and now. Burns pulled back and sat in his seat as Nick stood up. “Guidance, right.” He nodded at him and quickly headed toward the door.

“Don’t forget Nick, football tryouts are this Friday. I really think you could be valuable to the team.”

Nick stopped for a second before continuing forward. Once he left the office, Nick glanced behind his shoulder and scoffed at the man behind the desk. “Dick.”

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Four

“Stay back!” the officer told him. Nick watched as the officer walked off. There were at least a dozen officers standing by and two ambulances.

“What happened?” Nick asked, trying to peer out through the crowd of people. The bright red lights flooded his eye sight as he watched them circle around, coloring all the people, trees and cars red.

“Someone was in a car accident.” An older woman whispered to him. Nick looked over at the woman in panic. “Are you alright? You don’t look so well.” The woman’s voice was gentle and soft, sounding deeply concerned for the young man.

Nick nodded at the woman. “I’m fine.” He pushed pass the small white haired lady to try and get a better view. “It was some high-school guy.” He overheard two girls saying. Nick’s head pounded against his skull as he looked around at all the debris from the accident on the road. He saw some shattered glass, a bumper and a tire scattered in three different spots.

He moved through the crowd and heard different versions of the accident. Some even said it was a shooting and not from drunk driving. God, he never saw anyone get shot before. Nick looked around again and saw almost everyone on their cell phones, telling their family members and friends about the accident. Maybe he should call his parents or Kyle. Wait, he already called his brother.

Kyle was on his way to pick him up at the party. That was a while ago. Not even ten minutes. No way would he be near by yet. Kyle told him he had stuff to do first. Nick only remembered bits and pieces of their conversation.

He was in the kitchen, watching some guy drink from a keg and he called Kyle but he could hardly hear him over the shouting and music so he found a quiet room in the house. He went into the study where everything was dark. All the lights were turned off and the room was neat and tidy.

Nick sat on a squishy couch, covered in plastic. He reached over to the lamp and turned it on, only to knock it off the table once he was showered in light. It was too bright and he heard Kyle talking to someone in the background. It sounded like a girl. Was he telling her what was going on?

He rested his head against the cushion, looked up to the ceiling and counted as many black swirls that were in eye sight. “I’m still here.” He murmured to his brother.

“You’re my brother and I’d do anything for you.” He tried to listen as he heard his brother whisper back and fourth with his girlfriend.

“Are you two fighting?” Nick asked, hearing doors slam over and over again.

“No.” Nick dropped the phone and cursed as he tried to find it. He tried several times and brought his phone to his ear. Kyle was calling for him over and over again. He sounded angry and worried.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Natalie and I had a fight.” Kyle told him. “I just left her house.”

“Do you wanna go back?”

Maybe he did go back? Maybe he worked everything out with Natalie. Nick would have understood that. Kyle probably didn’t want to show up as a wreck so he decided to show up later after he made up with Natalie. He could wait. Nick knew how important Natalie was to his brother.

Nick brought his hands to his head. What did Kyle decide to do? He didn’t remember hanging up with him and he didn’t remember trying to call him back. Nick tried to fill in the gaps of his conversation with Kyle when he caught sight of a smashed car three feet away. It looked like the same color as his brothers’ car. He swallowed as he thought about his brother. “Kyle.” He whispered.

“Kyle.” Nick muttered. He opened his eyes and found himself sitting alone in the hall. A couple wet tears rolled down his face and Nick swiftly brushed them away with the back of his hand. He glanced up at the clock and wondered how long he was sitting out there. Forty-five minutes. Great, His first day of school and he was on the verge of suspension, missed two of his classes and already made enemies with half of the football team. Nick shook his head in disbelief as he got to his feet. Just what his parents wanted to hear on his first day, that he might get kicked out for bad behavior.

It’s not like his parents would understand. Kyle was always the golden boy in the family. He didn’t want to live in his brother’s shadow, so for one night, the night that changed his life, he wanted to have fun and live his own life; the night his life would never be the same. If his parents knew why Kyle died, why he was driving that night, they would never be able to look at him the same.

No one in this town would be able to look at him the same. God knows, how Jimmy and his friends found out. Only fifteen more minutes until third period. Nick looked to the man’s room and headed to the door. He pulled it back and walked over toward the sink. Nick looked in the mirror, turned on the cold water and splashed the cool liquid on his face. Shutting it off, Nick grabbed a paper towel and walked over into the stall. Sitting down on the seat, Nick wiped his face and whipped his head up when he heard the sink turn on.

Thinking someone came in, Nick put his ear to the stall door and heard a rubbing sound on the other side. Crinkling his face, Nick slowly opened the door and walked out but no one was there. He cursed when he saw steam from the water rise up from the sink and ran over and turned it off. “What the?” he looked up to the mirror and saw someone wrote “Find Me.”

He blinked several times and cleared the mirror off with his sleeve. He jumped and yelled when he saw the girl standing behind him. Whipping around to face her, Nick laughed softly as he looked around. “Why do you keep following me?” Nick asked.

“I need your help Nick.” Jane said.

Nick puckered his lips together and shook his head. “Why and who are you?” He asked.

Jane smiled at him. “You’ll know when you find the picture.”

“What picture?” Nick asked.

“The picture in his office.” Jane told him.

“You go to school here, don’t you?” Nick wondered, seeing her in a picture in the Principle’s office.

“I used too.” Jane admitted, lowering her head. “I was…” she looked at him petrified.

“And what, you moved?” Nick guessed.

“No.” Jane replied. She stopped when she heard the bell ring and looked at him with pleading eyes. “You’re the only one who can help me.” She confessed to him. “Everyone needs to know.”

Nick stared curiously at her when she just vanished before his eyes. He looked around in shock and blinked several times when he heard laughter at the door. Nick looked up at the door and saw Shane and Jimmy walk in with another guy. They immediately grew quiet once they saw him.

Nick nodded their way. “Guys.” He said and walked toward the door. He really didn’t want to have to get in it with one of these guys. Now, he had to worry about this mystery girl who he didn’t find all that hot.

“Hey, I heard you’re going to try out for the team.” Shane piped up.

Nick turned around to face them. “No, football isn’t my thing anymore.”

“But coach said you were going to try out. You wouldn’t want to get in trouble now would you?” Shane pressed.

“We’re even go easy on you.” Jimmy added

Nick glanced between them as he started to ball his fists. “I don’t want to try out.” He repeated himself a little louder.

“Alright, fine.” Shane said as he watched the new kid leave the bathroom. Shane turned back to his buds and laughed. “He’ll be there.”

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Five

“I hope Nick is doing okay on his first day.” Meg confessed while knitting a new quilt for the living couch. She looked over at Bill, who was sitting in the recliner reading the morning paper. “You think he made any friends?” Meg asked.

Bill lowered the paper to his chest and eyed her through his reading glasses. “Meg, it’s his first day.”

“I made two friends on my first day of high school.” Meg reminded him.

Bill continued to stare at her. “Nicky just doesn’t put himself out there. Last night while I was talking to Mrs. Kramer, she suggested Nicky try out for football and I thought that was a great idea so I’ve spoken with the principle about it and told him Nick used to play football at his old high school.” Meg told him.

“Come on Meg, you can’t make the boy do something he’s not ready to do.” Bill yelled, folding the paper and placing it on the arm of the chair.

“Nicky loves football.” Meg stated.

“That was before everything else happened.” Bill said.

Meg glared at him and set her quilt aside. “He won’t do it. Nick’s not ready.” Bill repeated himself, lowering his voice to a calmer manner.

Meg looked down to her hands. “Maybe he can just try out for the team. He doesn’t exactly have to go out for the team.”

“If you try out that means you want to go out for the team. And we both know he would make it. Kyle taught him everything he knew.”

“He was happy when he was playing football.” Meg pressed.

“Meg!” he shouted. “Drop it. Nick told us he would never step foot on a football field again.”

Meg looked over toward the table next to the wall and stared at a picture of Nick and Kyle both in their football uniforms. They were each smiling at the camera and Meg smiled to herself. “Everything was easy for him when Kyle was alive.”

Bill picked up his paper and nodded. “Kyle always looked out for him in high school.”

Mr. Williams sighed and looked over to the picture on the table and looked back at Meg. “It was supposed to be their last game of the season.” She whispered.

Bill rolled his eyes and folded the paper again before sitting it down. “When I got that call about the car accident I thought it was about Kyle and Natalie.”

Bill rose to his feet and walked over to the couch to comfort his wife. “Then you told me Nick was gone and I thought it was about him….” She paused and ran her hands through her hair. “I was so scared I was going to lose one of my babies but I did anyway.” She turned and sobbed into her husband’s arms.

“I know.” Bill whispered in her ear while rubbing her back. “We both did.”

Meg sighed and put her hand in her husband’s hand. “Did we do the right thing for Nicky?” she asked. Bill looked over at her. “Should we have moved?”

Bill pulled her into him. “We didn’t have a choice. The longer we stayed, the worse it got.”

“And how do we know this time will be any better?” Mrs. Williams asked. “Are you sure the lying, drinking and fighting will stop?”

“That’s why we decided to send him to Harmony High. Stuff like that won’t fly at that school.”

******
“So, what are you and Shane doing later?” Lana asked in a whisper. She stole a quick glance at the teacher in front of the class. He had his back turned to her and was writing on the board. Smirking, she looked back at Amy.

“We’re going to the movies.” Amy whispered back.

“You sure he’ll actually go this time?” Amanda asked

“Why wouldn’t he, Amanda?”

“The guy canceled on your birthday.” She reminded her.

“For good reason.” Amy told her. Amanda never really cared for Shane. She only had one opinion about him and that was he uses girls just to get what he wants and treats them like crap after he breaks up with them. Amanda has been her best friend since ever but she had seen a side of Shane that Amanda hadn’t. Yeah for a while they’ve had their ups and downs but there was no way she was ending their relationship based on petty rumors probably started by jealous girls that never had a chance with him.

“Yeah, sweetie, missing the biggest night of your life because his grandmother was in town for the day isn’t a good reason.”

Amy scoffed and glared at her. “You make it like I was mad at him.”

“I remember you telling me you were.” Amanda retorted. “How many other times has he canceled on you?”

Amy bit her lip and pretended to count in her head. She looked between her friends and sighed in defeat. “Okay, I know he has canceled a lot but he’s been under a lot of pressure.”

“Is that what he’s telling you these days?”

Amy rolled her eyes and looked back at the teacher just as he turned around. “Can anyone tell me what that means?” she scanned the room as only a couple hands shot up in the air. She looked back down to her book and quickly read the page. She could hear Amanda calling to her but she tuned out her voice and raised her hand.

She dropped it to her side when the teacher called on someone near the front. Amy glanced at Amanda who showed her something she wrote on a piece of paper. Amy shook her head and found she was smiling afterwards.

“Hey, maybe Jimmy and I can meet you there.” Lana suggested, from out of the blue.

Both girls looked over at her quickly. “Lana, where have you been?” Amanda asked. “We’re no longer talking about that.”

Lana turned to look at Amy and she smiled slightly. “That’s not really such a good idea.” Amy admitted, avoiding eye contact with the blonde.

“Why?” Lana questioned. Amanda rolled her eyes and looked to Amy. Lana was always a little slower when it came to gossip unlike Amanda but she was so much more cheerful and a good spirit.

“I was just hoping it would be me and Shane tonight.”

“But, there will be other people there at the movies.” Lana pointed out.

“There will be,” Amy said, trying to figure out what to say. “But, it would just be me and him after the movie.”

“Oh.” Lana whispered.

“Basically, she means, she wouldn’t want to be ignored.” Amanda piped up, looking coyly at Amy while facing Lana.

“Amanda!” Amy muttered. She turned to look at Lana. “When Jimmy and Shane hang out, it’s like I’m not there, you know?” The brunette told her.

“No.” Lana replied.

Amy smiled at her and decided to focus on the teacher.

******
The Principle grabbed a newly ink pen from his pen holder and pressed the tip to the sheet of paper when the door to his office opened. He looked up and dropped his pen when the guys walked in. “You wanted to see us coach?” Shane asked.

“Boys! Come in and shut the door behind you.” Ted told them.

“Is there a problem coach?” Jimmy asked, shutting the door behind him.

“How’s the Nick situation coming?” Mr. Burns asked.

“Don’t worry, coach, he’ll play come this Saturday.” Shane assured him.

“That’s what I want to hear.” Ted pushed his chair back and rose to his feet. Just then there was a knock at the door. The two guys looked over as the principle walked over to the door and opened it. “Mr. Nick, shouldn’t you be in class?” he stepped out of the way and let him come in.

Nick turned to him and handed him a note. “I needed to talk to you about something.” He scanned all of the pictures in his office when he spotted the one he seen earlier. “About what?” Mr. Burns asked.

Nick looked back up at him and thought about telling him about the girl from the picture he kept seeing. Why was he even seeing her in the first place and why did she think he could help her? He had a million questions but only one thing came out of his mouth as soon as he saw Shane and Jimmy in the room and it wasn’t about this mysterious girl stalking him. “I’m a quarterback.” Nick told him.

He overheard Shane and Jimmy laugh. Ted looked at them and shook his head. “Well, I already knew that Nick, but Shane’s already quarterback. You can play defense.”

“I don’t really know sir, wait how do you know that?” Nick asked.

“I’m the Principle. I know everything that goes on in and out of my school.” He told the young man. “And I know my students as if they were an open book.” He laughed at the joke he made.

“We should probably get going coach.” Jimmy chimed in.

Mr. Burns looked over at them. “You know Nick, if you ever want a little one on one practice, Shane and Jimmy would be happy to help.”

No, thanks.” Nick snapped. “I mean, I don’t need any.” He hurried and left the room.

“I don’t think he’ll be a team player coach.” Jimmy guessed.

“Are you crazy? Everyone here is a team player. Those who aren’t….” he cockily turned his head to stare at the man. “Pay the price.”

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Six


Nick walked into the lunchroom and looked around scanning all the crowded tables. He sighed and walked over to the lunch bar, filling his tray with a cup of grapes, an apple, a salad and bottled water. Nick looked to the lunch lady and paid for his food when another kid beside him asked him if he knew him. Nick looked over while waiting for his chains. “I don’t think so.”

The shoulder length greasy black haired man titled his head with a weird look on his face. “Weren’t you at Ricky’s party last year?”

Nick’s eyes widened as he looked down to his tray. “Nah man, I think you have me confused with someone else.” He said quickly.

The guy laughed like he was stone and scratched the back of his head. “You sure?”

Nick looked up at him and rolled his eyes. “Dude, I never seen you before.” He snapped, taking his change and shoving the rest in his pocket. He looked back at the guy as he half turned and walked off. “What’s your problem?” he hard the kid ask.

Nick sighed and scanned the lunch room again when he caught sight of the brunette standing off in a corner with two girls with her. He heard someone yell across the room and looked over as Shane walked in with Jimmy and his other buddies behind him. “Everything.” He muttered under his breath and walked off to find a vacant table. Sitting down on one of the hard red seats he started eating his salad and looked up to see a couple cheerleaders staring at him.

He half smiled their way and nodded toward them before they turned back around occasionally glancing at him flirtatiously. He looked down to his food and tossed around a piece of lettuce with his fork while over listening to the whispers all around him. Nick tuned all of it out when some girl in a pink mini-skirt, silver heels and a white tank top sat down in the seat next to him. Nick dropped his plastic white fork and turned his head to look over at her.

Her blonde curls came down to her neck and Nick looked around then back to her, wondering why she decided to sit in this spot. He raised his eyebrows and whistled to himself before looking back at his food. “I’m Becky.” The blond told him, leaning into him.

Nick took a whiff of her perfume and coughed. “Nick.” He said, uncapping his bottle of water and taking sip.

Becky giggled quietly. “I know who you are.” She assured him, eying him coyly.

He looked over at her and grinned. “Who am I then?” he asked her, curios to know.

Becky smiled. “Well, you’re on the football team and it’s your first day so I would say you’re becoming pretty popular.” She batted her eye lashes at him and he smiled, glancing over at Amy. Their eyes met and Amy smiled back at him before quickly looking away when her boyfriend walked up to her planting a kiss on her lips.

Nick turned back in his seat and looked down to his food, pushing his tray away from him suddenly loosing his appetite. He glanced up at the clock on the wall and groaned. Fifteen more minutes left. He looked back over at her and glanced behind his back looking at Amy. He felt a hand on his chin and was staring at Becky seconds later. “I also know the girl you’re looking at has a boyfriend and he’s the captain of the football team.”

“Great.” Nick whispered. This was just fantastic.

“But I don’t have a boyfriend.” Becky added, wrapping her hands around Nick’s arm and resting her chin on his shoulder. Nick tensed up and looked back over at her.

*****

Amy kept glancing toward Nick and jumped in her seat when her one friend poked her sides. “Hey look at you, checking the new kid out.”

Amy straightened up in her seat and turned to her shooting her a glare. “I am not.” She shot.

Amanda pressed her tongue against her cheek and glanced over toward the new guy then back at her. “What will Shane think?” she asked, eying her.

Amy looked at her dumbfounded. “About what?”

Amanda laughed. “You like him.”

“I do not.” The brunette retorted.

She leaned in close to her friend. “Don’t worry I won’t tell him.” She glanced up at Shane and eyed her out of the corner of her eye forming a devilish grin.

Amy looked at her curiously and looked back over at Shane. Her head snapped back to her friend. “What’s so funny?” She asked

Amanda looked at her with her hand over her mouth snorting to herself. She pointed over at Nick and shook her head. “Looks like you’re not the only one into him.” She told him.

Amy turned in her seat and glanced over to where Nick was and saw the girl that was with him lean in closer to him. Amy swallowed when Becky turned to look at her. Her eyes widened and she stood up quickly heading out of the cafeteria without saying a word to anyone. Amanda watched her narrowing her eyebrows. “Amy, what’s wrong?” she asked, looking over to Shane once she left. He was looking at her and Amanda swatted her hand to go after her.

Shane nodded and ran out into the hall looking for his girlfriend. “Amy!” he called. He saw her walking down the hall way and called her again. “Amy, stop.” He yelled. Amy stopped walking and turned to face him. Shane walked up to her and saw she was crying. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Amy looked away and wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “Nothing.” She lied, gazing into his eyes. There was something though. She jumped when she felt him put his hands on her arms.

“Amy, you’re shaking.” He noted.

Amy shook her head and brought her hand to her mouth. “Shane, I saw her. She was sitting there staring right at me.” The girl confessed.

Shane raised his brows to her. “Who?” he asked.

Amy looked deep into his eyes and shook her head again. “Jane. Jane Turner.”

Shane’s eyes widened as he backed away from her. “How did you…that’s impossible Amy. Jane’s dead.”

“She was sitting with him.” Amy cried. She didn’t know what to think or if she was making any sense.

Shane grabbed her shoulders and shook her a little bit. None of this made sense. He made sure Jane was dead. “Although it wasn’t really her. It was Becky.” She continued.

“Becky?” he asked, looking into her eyes. “Amy, are you sure you saw her?”

Amy stared at him. “I don’t know.” She admitted, coming back to her senses. “It looked just like her Shane.” She cried.

Shane placed his hands on her cheeks and forced her too look at him. “Okay, listen to me. Whatever you saw, no one can know about this.” Amy nodded at him and hugged him tight just when the bell rang. Lunch was over and she saw Nick walk out of the lunchroom staring at her before the hall crowed with students.

******
Nick saw Jimmy walk out in front of him and head straight to Shane and Amy. He wondered what had shaken her up. Hearing someone clear their throat behind him, Nick turned to see the Principle staring at him with his arms crossed. He grinned at him and walked off toward the counselor room. He looked behind him as Mr. Burns walked up to Shane and Amy, putting his hand on Shane’s back. “Is everything alright?” he asked.

Shane looked back at him and nodded. “Yeah, everything’s fine.” Shane assured the coach.

Principle Burns stared at them suspiciously as Shane and Jimmy walked off with Amanda and Amy. Once out of ear shot Jimmy jerked Shane around. “What happened back there?” He asked.

Shane looked at him then glanced down at Amy and back at him. “Nothing, Amy just thought she saw something.”

“What did she see?” he asked, looking over at her.

Shane started to tell him when Amy spoke first. “I saw her Jimmy.”

Jimmy looked back at Shane and he stared him down. “We’ll talk later but not here.” Shane told him, heading off with his girlfriend.

Amanda watched them turn the corner and looked back at Jimmy. “Is she talking about who I think she’s talking about?” she asked.

He looked at her and grabbed her arm. “Let’s get to class.” He didn’t want to discuss this here.

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Seven

Nick heard the second bell ring and watched as the hallway started clearing. He looked at the schools map and walked down the hall until he came to a door that displayed black letters COUNCILING on it. He opened the door and looked in automatically seeing a curly red head woman with black glasses typing on her computer. He sighed and walked in the room, closing the door to announce his arrival.

The thirty year old woman looked up from her desk and smiled brightly. “Can I help you?” she asked.

Nick turned around and walked up to her desk. “I’m here to see Mrs. Kramer.” He told her, watching her look toward her computer screen.

“Nick Williams, ah there you are. Go right in.” she assured him.

Nick nodded and looked to the different doors. He read everyone’s name and heard the red head clear her throat. He looked to her and thought if looks could kill, he’d be dead. Walking over to Mrs. Kramer’s door, he knocked on it and walked in the room. “Mrs. Kramer.” He started.

The blonde looked up at him and smiled. “Nick, please come in and take a seat.”

Nick closed the door behind him and started to walk to one of the seat in the room. He looked around the room at all the pictures on the wall and then to her desk where she had more pictures. One was of a man in a Navy uniform holding a two year old girl in a white dress. Another picture had the same little girl smiling brightly with an old man and an old woman. The woman was holding her while the man had his arm around her stomach.

Nick sat down in the comfortable red chair and looked at the last picture seeing the little girl and what looked to be her mom. Nick looked back to Mrs. Kramer. “Is that your daughter?” he asked her.

Mrs. Kramer stopped what she was doing and looked up at him glancing at the picture. She smiled at him and nodded. “Yep and she’s a handful.” She laughed and placed her hands down in front of her. “So Nick, why don’t you tell me about yourself?” she asked.

Nick looked at her. Talk about changing the subject. He cleared his throat and shrugged. “What do you want to know?” he asked.

“Well, I’m required to ask you about your brother but I figured that would be too soon for that so how do you like the school so far?” she asked. Nick was glad she had decided to skip the first question. He didn’t want to open up to anyone about it.

“So far so good.” He answered.

Mrs. Kramer eyed him. “Not much the chatty Cathy are we?” she asked. He stared at her and shook his head. “Alright, so I hear you’re going out for the football team this year. Bet you can’t wait to try out.” She guessed.

“I’m just ecstatic.” Nick said sarcastically.

Mrs. Kramer leaned forward in her chair. “Nick, I know you don’t want to be here but all I want to do is try to be your friend.” She admitted to him.

“Who says I want to make friends?” he asked her, raising his one brow.

“Fair enough, but I am your guidance counselor and that won’t change.” Mrs. Kramer told him.

Nick looked her into her eyes and grinned. “Actually I’m already on the team.”

“You are?” she asked.

“Well, kind of.” Nick corrected himself. “I still have to try out.”

“Are you confident you’ll make it? Our football team is one of the best and one of the hardest to get on.”

Nick blinked at her and she nodded, jotting something down. He looked down to his jeans and straightened the legs “I think I can manage it.”

“If you say so.” She wrote something else down on the paper in front of her and was surprised when Nick asked her the next question.

“Can I ask you something?” Nick asked.

Mrs. Kramer blinked at him. “Ask away.”

Nick rubbed his palms together and looked around the room. “Do you know a girl named Jane Turner?”

She titled her head at him and shook her head. “No, I believe I don’t. Does she go here?” Mrs. Kramer asked.

“Well, I saw a picture of her in Mr. Burn’s office.” Nick started. “She could have graduated but do you think you can check the school computer?” Nick asked, anxious to find something out about this girl.

Mrs. Kramer stared at the boy curiously. “I’ll see what I can do but may I ask why you’re so interested in finding this girl?” she asked.

Nick bit his bottom lip. “Umm, well…” he paused and tried to think of something to say. “She’s been kind of stalking me.” He admitted.

“So she does go here then?” Mrs. Kramer guessed.

Nick looked at her and the woman raised her eyebrow at him and got to her feet, heading toward the door. “It just sounds like this girl just has a little crush on you and you might be forming one back.”

Nick laughed trying to cover his mouth. “Can you just check for me please?” he asked, getting to his feet and walking up to her. He looked serious and the woman nodded.

“I’ll let you know what I find out.” Mrs. Kramer assured him, leading him out into the other room. “Same time tomorrow?” she asked him, handing him a note for class.

Nick looked back at her and nodded and looked over at the red head before leaving the room. He rested his back against the closed door and looked down the empty hall. Nick glanced up at the clock seeing it was almost one. Rubbing at his eyes, he walked off toward his next class that was only twenty more minutes. This day was not going as according to planned.

****
Shane shut the door to the man’s bathroom as Jimmy checked all of the stalls. The cost was clear and Jimmy jerked Shane around. “Alright, spill, what’s Amy so freaked about?” He couldn’t wait for two more hours. It was now or never.

Shane checked the vents and stared back at Jimmy. “She said that she saw Jane earlier.” He told him, keeping his voice low.

Jimmy stared at him and shook his head. “She obviously saw wrong. Jane’s dead. You know it, I know it, Amanda knows it and she knows it. As far as we’re concerned, Jane Turner never went to Harmony High.” He spat.

Shane walked away from him over to the sink and put his hands on either side of the mirror. He looked up at himself and glared at his reflection. “Are you sure she saw her?” Jimmy asked.

Shane eyed him through the mirror and shrugged. “I don’t know. The thing with Jane happened almost a year ago. Why would she bring her up now?” the football player asked.

“You better not tell Coach about this.” Jimmy told him.

Shane turned to face him and laughed while shaking his head. “No one needs to know about this.”

“No one will Shane.” He promised him. Shane stared at him and knew his friend meant it too. No one would find out about Jane Turner. She was a loser anyway, a ghost who just walked the halls. They did this school a favor by getting rid of her.

They had no choice.

*****

The whistle caught his attention and Nick shook his head, realizing he was staring at gym wall. "Get in the game Nick!" the gym teacher barked. Nick moved his eyes as a kid ran past him. Watching him run to the next base, he looked down and scooped up the baseball, throwing it toward home. He heard the man yell safe and Nick groaned seeing his team mates’ glare at him. "That's it. Jersey's win." the teacher announced, starting back up the hill that led into the school gym.

Nick swallowed hard and avoided his team mates’ glares of hostility as he started up the hill. "Thanks for loosing the game for us, loser." one student yelled behind him.

Nick didn't bother to turn around as he felt a hand slap his back. "Good game. Nick. I'm Reed." the kid said. Nick looked over at him. The guy stood 5'7 with short brown hair and dark grey eyes. He was wearing a white button down shirt with dark brown pants and black clogs. His hair was slick back and Nick couldn't help but chuckle.

"You do know we're not in the seventies anymore?" Nick asked.

Reed laughed. "And you know the object of the game is to win?"

Nick grinned at the guy and shook his hand. "Yeah, I probably shouldn't have did that.

Reed shrugged as he looked behind them seeing some of the kids snicker behind Nick's back. He rolled his eyes. and looked ahead. "So, what were you thinking about back there?"

Nick glanced over at him. Like he was really going to tell anyone. "Come on, you can tell me. We're friends." Reed reminded him.

Nick laughed. "Not under less then five minutes, we're not."

"Seriously?" Reed asked in a sarcastic way. "Where I came from, if a person came up to you, you were automatically friends for life." the kid joked.

"Alright," Nick scratched his head as he walked into the air conditioned gymnasium. He headed over by the staircase leading to the locker room. "I was thinking about my brother."

"Your brother? Get out of here!" Reed protested, following Nick to their lockers which were unknowingly next to each other. "Who thinks about their brother while playing baseball?"

Nick unlocked is lock and opened his locker, taking off his shirt and throwing it in the back as he glared at Reed. "My brother was killed by a drunk driver a year ago." he told him.

Reed looked over at him. "Sorry to hear that."

"You know the worst of it?" Nick asked, slamming his locker shut and leaned against the green paisley medal door with a new shirt on. "It's my fault."

Reed stopped and eyed Nick. "How it that your fault?"

Nick sighed and looked to the bench in between the lockers. "He was on his way to pick me up from a party. I was drunk out of my mind and if my dad saw me like that I would be grounded until I finish college. I called my brother up and he said he'd be there. He didn't make though." he confessed.

"And that's your fault why?" Reed asked. "No disrespect man, but you couldn't of known that was going to happen."

"It shouldn't have happened at all." Nick hissed. "I don't even know why I was at that party to begin with." He pushed off the lockers and headed out of the room into the hallway. Reed followed him.

"Dude, you're allowed to have fun." Reed said.

Nick looked over at him and just stared at him. "That was the last thing my brother said to me that night." he admitted. "My parents don't even know the truth."

"The truth is he died because of some drunk ass driver who shouldn't of been behind the wheel, not because of you." Reed stated. "If I were you, I'd get over it and stop feeling sorry for myself." Reed retorted. "It's not healthy." he added, his voice nearly audible.

Nick furrowed his brows. Reed glanced at him. "Shut up. I’ll see ya tomorrow. " Nick watched Reed run off and turned around to see the Principle standing there.

“Did you find Mrs. Kramer’s’ office alright?” Mr. Burns asked the young delinquent.

Nick nodded. “Yep. It wasn’t too hard to find with the big black counselor letters stuck to the door.” Nick said, sarcastically.

The Principle ignored his sarcasm and clasped his hands together. “Did you have a nice chat with her?” he asked, glaring at him. “I hope you didn’t give Mrs. Kramer a hard time either.”

Nick stared at him. “We got to know each other and no I didn’t give her a hard time.” He told him.

Principle Burns slapped him on the back. “Good to hear, so what did you and Mrs. Kramer talk about?” he asked.

Nick furrowed his brows and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, there is this girl who….’ He paused and looked up at him. “No offense but I think that’s private.” Nick guessed, eying him suspiciously.

He stared at him for several minutes and laughed. Nick just stared at him. “Alright, we all have our secrets. I mean, you wouldn’t want just anyone finding them out. If that happened then well, you might have to kill them.” He joked with a hint of truth behind those words. Mr. Burns winked at him and walked off toward his office.

Nick watched him disappear behind the wooden door staring quizzically at the wall. He scratched his head wondering what Mr. Burns meant by that.

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Eight

Amy hurried outside and made it across the parking lot before it started to get crowded. She reached Shane's car and looked over at Nick's when she heard a familair voice come up beside her. "What are you doing out here?" Nick asked, opening his car door and throwing his bag in the back seat. He looked to her and noticed sometihng was on her mind. "Is everything alright?" he asked.

Amy nodded at him. "I'm fine." she assured him. She bit her lip and looked to Shane's car before eying him again. "Nice car." she said quickly. "I never got a chance to say anything earlier."

Nick glanced over at her as he climbed in the driver's seat. A smile started to form on his lips. "You want a ride?" he asked.

Amy glanced between the two cars and shook her head. "I'm actaully waiting for Shane." she told him.

"Oh" Nick said, sounding a little disappointed. He looked around as students got in their cars and on their buses. "So where is the boyfriend at?" he asked, shutting his door and buckling up. He started up the camaro and looked back at her.

"He's probably off with Jimmy going over some last minute football plays before the big game." she guessed.

Nick saw that she was still holding her books and glanced to the empty passenger seat before lookign back at her. "You sure you don't want a ride?" he asked. The offer was still up in the air for her to take.

Amy sighed. "I really shouldn't Nick." she said, sounding serious.

Nick pressed his lips together and nodded. "Whatever. I'll see you tommorow then." he started to pull out when he slammed on his breaks as Amy ran around the front of his car to the passenger side and got on. She turned in her seat to place her books in the back along with her bag and buckled up. Glancing up at Nick she stared at him curiously. "I thought you didn't want a ride."

Amy smiled at him. "I'm full of surprises." she told him. He laughed softly as he turned the wheel, following behind three other cars.

"Won't Shane wonder where you are?" Nick asked, keeping an eye on the car in front of him.

"He might but he'll get over it." Amy replied. "Shane can think all he wants that he might own me but he doesn't."

Nick grinned and nodded when his car finally came up to the stop sign. Once the car on the other side turned the corner, he followed anf stopped for oncoming traffic before tuning into the far right lane. "So. where do you want me to drop you off at? Your house? A friends? Or yourboyfriends?" he asked, throwing that out there to see how she would respond to it.

Amy laughed. "I don't think Shane would like that too much." she confessed. It's not that Shane was a jealous guy, it's just a part of his guy code. She never unerstood it and never will.

Nick thought about asking her why but he already knew the answer to that. If he was with Amy and saw some guy bringing her home he probabl wouldn't like it too much either. "So, your house then." he guessed.

Amy nodded. "Yeah, it's just a miles up the road." she stated, looking out the window. Her mind started to wonder off to what happened at lunch earlier and she closed her eyes.

Nick glanced over at her worriedly. "Are you sure you're alrgiht?" he grew concerned and wondered if her and Shane had a fight, maybe he could help.

Amy looked back at him and shook her head. "Actually, I...need to ask you something." she hesitated but got the words out there.

Nick raised his eyebrows. "Ask away." he turned onto her street and kept an eye out for her house as he listened to her.

Amy started to open her mouth to say something when Nick pulled the car into her driveway. She looked around and eyed him as he met her eyes. "We're here." he stated.

She smiled at him as she undid her seatbelt, grabbed her stuff in the back and climbed out of the car. Amy walked around the front of his car and started up to her front porch when she turned and waved at him. "Thanks for the ride."

Nick waved at her with a nod of his head and started to back up when he stopped. "Hey, you wanted to ask me something?" he reminded her.

Amy turned back to him. She had thought about asking him about earlier but that would only make him ask quetions even more. Maybe he didn't even see this girl. There was no point in bringing up the past if it would just ruin so many lives now. She smiled sheepishly at him. "It's nothing." she lied, pushing open her front door. "See you at school." she called out as she headed inside.

Amy closed the heavy door and leaned against it as a tear escaped down her cheek. She closed her eyes and pushed off the door running up to her room. Once inside her room, she ran over toward her closet and searched for what she was looking for. Spotting it in the corner, she picker up her yearbook from last year and brougth it over to her bed, sitting down, she opened the book to the page that had the yellow crinkled up dead flower in.

She traced her finger fown the list of students until she came to Jane Turner's picture. She seemed so happy in her picture. Smiling wiht her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She wore contacts that day. Amy hadn't said much to her but they talked breifly while in line to get their picture taken. She was a little strange to her and didn't show her school spirit like the way everyone else did but she had a good heart. Jane Turner didn't deserve to die that night.

Amy brushed a tear away as a drop splashed on the page. No one reallt knew what happened to her after that night either. Her parents just picked up and left real fast and no sooner then a month's passing, Jane Turner was forgotten. All of her friends just stopped speaking about her and it felt like she had never attended Harmony High.

That's exactly what Shane wanted. People depended on him and they depended on this town. The sheriff did nothing to try and solve Jane's murder. A part of her didn't want him too since she was the reason Jane was dead. She could of told everyone what happened or tried to stop it but she was scared. Nothing ever happens in this small town. Everyone can get away with anything if they wanted to. They can even get away with murder.

Amy closed her eyes and slammed the book shut as she started shaking. She laid the book on her bed and moved toward the mirror to look herself in the face. She looked pale and felt sick to her stomach. Her vision started to get blury as she placed her hands on the cool glass glancing down to the floor as she silently cried.

Why her? Why did see she Jane and not Jimmy, Shane or Amanda? They were as much apart of this as she was. They were all keeping this a secret. Would they even tell her if they saw her? Shane would much rather the past stay buried. If he brought her up, it would probably feel like his past was catching up to him. Maybe it was. Maybe she was paying for it and so were they.

Jane was killled not even a year agao and it felt like just yesterday when they did this to her. All becasuase of the new kid showing up. It could have just been a scary coincidence but she believed there always was a reason for everything.

Weeping in her misery, Amy heard a knock a her door and looked up real fast, rubbing her hands over her face trying to wipe her tears away. "Who is it?" she asked, when she found her voice. She was still shaking but the only thing she could do now was try to forget, just like she had to all year. Just like everyone else did. How did Shane make it look so easy? This girl walked their school's halls every day and took their classes. She obviously wasn't a nobody.

"It's me, your mom let me in, can I come in?" Shane asked.

Amy's eyes widened as she stared in the mirror horrified. She looked like a mess. Her mascara was ruied, her eyes were puffy and her face was birght red. She held in a silent cry and clamped her eyes shut. She was tired of looking at her reflection.

All of the guit behind her eyes building up ever since that night. Even though she never would bring it up, what she did always hung over her. Seeing Jane earlier was hard enough as keeping her death a secret. Now she had to keep qiuet about what she saw too?

Raising his brows, Shane waited outside his girlfreind's door with Jimmy and Amanda by his side as the room behond the door remained silent. He tapped on her door again. "Amy, you okay?" he asked, really worried, looking to his two friends. He took a deep breath and started openign the door when the door was forced shut from the insde. "Ames!" he called, trying to push open the door.

"Shane, go away. I'm fine!" Amy assured him, trying to mask her voice.

Shane looked to Jimmy and shook his head. She wasn't fine. She was still freaked from earlier. There was no reason too. She was harvesting this secret just like they were. So, she saw Jane. It's not like she'll be able to tell anyone the truth. No one will find out unless they all continued to keep qiuet. He sighed and leaned heavily against her door. "Amy, open up so we can talk about this."

Amy sniffled a little to herself and shook her head. She couldn't get that image out of her head. Maybe it was time to come clean. Too get the truth out their and finally accept the music. "There's nothing to talk about...." she glared at the door as if she could see Shane's face through it. "I can't keep this a secret anymore. I'm sorry Shane but people need to know what happened."

Before Shane could say anything more, Jimmy's fist pounded on the door, scaring Amy. "Nothing happened Amy. You were there remember." he growled.

"That's why I have to tell. I can't live with myself anymore." Amy admitted. She hadn't realized how fast she was crying now and how hard her breathing became. "Tommorrow at school. everyone will know what happened to Jane."

"And who will belive you?" Jimmy asked. "The coach won't. He was in on it to Amy." Jimmy reminded her. "Now unless you want to end up like Jane, I suggest you let us in." he threatened.

Shane looked over at him. No one was going to let a finger on his girlfriend. He understood Jimmy's frustration though. They got away with this for a year and no one was going to mess everything up for them, not even Amy. He glanced tyo the door and started to knock a tird time when the door swung open.

He looked up to see Amy staring at him. He took a deep breath and walked in. Shane glanced at Jimmy and Amanda as Amy shut her door and turned to the three. "Amy...." Shane started.

Amy held up her hand and stepped toward Jimmy. "Don't ever threaten me, Jimmy."

Jimmy stared at her. "Somebody had to say something to keep you quiet." he snapped, crossing his arms.

Shane looked to the floor and back at Amy. "He's right Ames, it's too late to do anything now."

Amy swallowed hard and looked at her boyfriend. "What if someone else knows?" she asked, shocking both of the football players.

"Like who?" Amanda asked.

"Is it the new kid? Have you been talking to him about this?" Jimmy demanded.

Amy looked at him. "No, I didn't tell him. Nobody knows but us Jimmy. But I know what I saw today." she reminded him.

"It could just be your imagination. It'd been a years since Jane went missing and you're freaked since it's right around the day she disappeared." Jiimmy pointed out.

Amanda reacher her arm over and rubbed her best friends arm. "Jimmy's right Ames. You're probably under a lot of stress."

Amy looked at her. "I'm not stressed out Mandy. I'm just tired of lying about what happened."

Shane and Jimmy looked at each other and Shane took his girlfriends hands and led her over to the bed. He moved the yearbook and sat her down. "You're right. You shouldn't have to lie anymore but do you know what will happen to you once you tell everyone the truth?" he asked her. "You'll loose me, you friends and your family. Is that what you want?"

"No." Amy cried.

"Then why ruin your life, your parents lives, Shane's and ours over someone who no one even remembers?" Jimmy asked her.

Amy looked at him when Amanda picked up the yearbook and flipped open to the page showing Jane Turner's picture. "Jimmy, this was taken last year just before we...." Amanda started.

Jimmy stared over at her with clenched teeth and eyed the yearbook, ripping it fiercely out of her hands. The yearbook hit the floor and Amanda looked shakingly at Jimmy. "Will you two let this go. She's gone." Jimmy told them.

"Apparently not forgotten." Amy whispered, glancing up at him.

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Nine

Nick opened the door to his house and walked in with the biggest grin on his face. "I'm home!" he yelled, his voice bouncing off the walls. He was greeted by silence and figured his parents were still at work. Jogging up to his room, Nick slid his bag off his shoulder to the floor and hopped on his computer. He checked his facebook, twitter, myspace page and IMed a few people he knew when he heard the front door open. Taking off his headphones, he left his room and walked down the stairs. Looking all around, he walked into the kitchen and saw his mom putting grocceries away. "Hey Nicky, how was your first day of school?" she asked.

Nick walked over to help her and nodded. "It was okay." he said.

Meg closed the refigerator and eyed him. "Did you make any friends?" she asked,

Nick again nodded his head. "A couple." he assured her.

"Good." Mrs. Williams stated, grabbing her son's cheeks and kissing each side. "Anything else?" she asked him, prying further.

Nick bit into an apple and looked at her. "I'm on the football team." he added. "Well, kind of. Tryouts aren't til this friday."

Meg stared at her baby boy with glossy eyes. "First day of school and you're already the star, just like your brother. Kyle would be so proud of you."

By that Nick pulled away from his mom. He thought about snapping at her but took a deep breath. "Yeah, he would." he whispered, looking around the kitchen. "You need any help with dinner?" he asked.

Meg smiled at him and shook her head. At least he was making friends and committing himself to something. Maybe moving to Harmony would turn his life back around. "I wouldn't want to keep you from going out with your friends." she told him.

Nick eyed his mom. "Mom, I said I made friends. I didn't say we would hang out right away." Nick corrected her.

"Is that so?" Mr. Williams asked from the kitchen doorway. "Becuase there's somebody here to see you." he told his son.

Nick looked over at him curiously and eyed his mom before heading past his dad to see who stopped by. How did anybody know where he lived? He turned the corner and saw Reed sitting on his couch. "Reed?" he asked.

Reed looked up and got to his feet. "Hey man. Hope you don't mind me stopping by."

Nick walked in and sat down on the recliner. "Not at all but how did you know where I lived?" he asked, raising his brows.

"School directory. Plus it's sorta my job to know where all the students who attend Harmony High live." Reed replied. He gazed around the living room and walked over to his brothers picture picking it up. "Is this your brother?" Reed asked, seeing the guy was in his football uniform.

Nick got up and walked over, taking the picture frame from Reed and looking at it. "Yeah, this is him. This would be Kyle's last year too." Nick said out loud as he placed the picture down. He looked back up at Reed. "So, what are you doing here again?" he asked, his attitude starting to show.

Reed put his hands up and whistled, feeling the tension already in the room. "Word is you hung out with Amy after school today." he replied. "She would never hang out with me so you must of said something right." Reed congratulated him with a pat on the back.

"Word sure gets around fast." Nick said, sarcastically. "And it was nothing. I just gave her a ride home."

Reed chuckled. "Yeah, try telling Shane that."

Nick crossed his arms. "I don't see why I should tell him anytihng since nothing happened. She's his girlfriend. Plain and simple." he stated.

Reed stared at him. "So you're saying, you were alone in your car with the hottest girl in school and you didn't make a move on her?" he asked. This kid obviously need some serious pointers.

Nick nodded. "That's exactly what I'm saying. All we did was talk." he assured him.

Reed's eyebrows flew up. "About what?" he asked.

"Stuff." Nick replied.

"What kind of stuff?" Reed continued to wonder.

Nick glared at him. "None of your business." he snapped.

"Nick, that's no way to treat our guest." his dad sounded from behind.

Nick turned to see his father standing there. "Dad, this is Reed. Reed was just about to leave." he lied, glaring back at the guy.

Bill looked between the two boys and settled his gaze on his son. "We thought it would be a great idea if you invited Reed for dinner."

Nick started to protest when Reed spoke up. "That's so kind of you Mr. Williams." he said, glancing over at Nick.

Nick looked back at Reed and rolled his eyes before walking away. "Whatever." he muttered.

***

At dinner, Nick sat across from Reed as his parents sat on either end of the table. His brother always sat across from him. He didn't like seeing someone else sit there. Nick would rather stare into that empty chair then stare into a complete strangers face. This guy was supposedly his friend though so he had to put on a smile in front of his parents. He listened to Reed as he explained to his mom how they met and then explained how he grew up. Both of his parents acted like Reed was so fascinating and the golden boy of the family. That spot was already taken. "See Nick, Reed here wil keep you out of trouble." his dad joked as he ate some of his steak.

Nick glanced to him and stared Reed down. "Great. Just what I need." he said with a roll of his eyes.

Bill glared at his son. "Look, young man, You better knock the attitude off." he yelled.

For the first time Reed looked at him feeling remorse. He knew they were all dealing with a loss and decided not to bring it up. He had waited until they brought it up, even if they did. He around the room and back at Nick when his mom broke the silence, bringing up about Kyle. Nick cursed under his breath, pushed his chair back and left the table pissed off.

Everyone grew quiet and Reed sat there while Nick's parents argued about Nick. Geeze, and he tohught he had it bad at his house. Now he could see why Nick kept things to himself alot. It seemed like his dad didn't care to listen to him. Pushing hi chair back, he left the room without be detected as they were still arguing back and forth.

Reed checked the living room but Nick wasn't in there. He turned and started up the steps, once to the top, he opened his door with the keep out sign dnagling on a hook. "Nick?" he called, seeing Nick laying on his bed, tossing a football in the air. He stopped what he was doing and stared at Reed before tossing him the football. "Did you enjoy the show?" he asked. "Because I have to listen to that every single night."

Reed pressed his lips together as he walked in. "They're tough." he admitted.

Nick snorted. "Try living with them."

Reed didn't hesitate to know that, that was a bad idea. He had quite a temple too. "Thanks for having me over for dinner." he said, awkwardly. "It was interesting." Not like his family get togethers. He took a seat in Nick's computer chair and moved the mouse out of boredom when Nick sat up.

"Hey Reed." Nick started.

Reed spun in the chair to look at him. "Yeah?" he asked.

Nick tried to piece together how he was going to say this. "You went to Harmony High before, right?" he asked him. When he nodded, Nick clasped his hands together. "Do you remember a girl named Jane Turner?" he asked, hopping at least someone would know who this girl was and what happened to her

Reed placed his finger to his chin as he stared off in deep thought. He tried to remember the name but was coming up blank. Reed shook his head as he looked at him. "Sorry man, It doesn't ring a bell. Did she go to our school?" he asked him.

Nick scratched his head as he looked at him. How did he not remember her? How did no one remember her? "Yeah." was Nick's reply. If she didn't go to school there then why could he see her?

"If she did though, her picture would probably be in the yearbook." Reed told him.

Nick looked at him. He snapped his fingers. "That could work, hey bring your old yearbook in tommorow."

Without any more questions Reed stood up, looked at his watch and headed toward the door. "I better get home. Curfew." he told Nick as they both walked down the steps.

"You have a curfew?" Nick asked, shocked. He snorted and Reed shot him a glare.

"Don't tell anybody." he pleaded.

Nick stared at him with a raised eyebrow. "Who am I gonna tell?" he pointed out.

Reed thought about saying something but snapped his mouth shut, shrugged it off and headed outside to his car. "Don't forget the yearbook!" he called after him.

Reed turned back around as he got in his car. "I won't." Reed promised him as he backed out of the driveway. Nick watched him drive off and walked back into the house. He hurried up the steps and shut the door to his room.

*****

Ms. Kramer sipped her cofffee as she sat behind her computer desk late that evening. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering Nick when she met up with him earlier. She figured he would of been like all the other kids she talked to, but she was shocked that he opened up, just not about what she had hoped for. Maybe it was just a distraction so he wouldn't have to talk about his brother.

Something though was pulling at her heart, telling her it wasn't a distraction, that something here was seriously wrong. It didn't hurt to double check the man's concerns, plus she was growing concern herself.

Nick had stated earlier that this girl was stalking him and frankly, if this girl could harm him, the police needed to be involved. Before she would make such accusations, she needed to make sure first and then talk it over with Nick once again asking him what he wanted to do about the situation.

It was her job to look after students like Nick and she took her job serious. If she was blackmailing him or anything, this girl could become very dangerous to not only herself but to Nick and the students at this school.

She needed to find out this girl's history most of all. She could be on medication or be very ill. There were a lot of Jane Turners' in the world so locating her would be a little difficult. A picture would be nice but if Nick said she went to this school, it shouldn' be that hard to track this girl down. Maybe then get in touch with her family to let them know what's been going on.

When she typed in her name in the school computer system, no matches came back and she felt like she was at square one again. She doubted this was a practical joke. Mrs. Kramer chewed on her lip and decided to expand her search. It was time to google her. Bringing the home page up, she typed in her name and waited for the page to load.

Leaning back on her chair, Mrs. Kramer watched the bright screen as the loading bar read fifty-eight percent on the lower right hand side of the screen. Sighing, she pushed her chair back, got up and walked over to the yearbooks on the bookcase against the wall. She bent down, traced her finger across the book year and pulled out the yearbook from last year.

Opening it up, she walked back over to her desk and saw the page was finally up. "Yes." she muttered, setting the book down on her messy desk as she sat down in her chair, scotting closer to the screen. A hundred results came back just for typing in Jane Turner and she graoned, knowing this would be a long night.

Mrs. Kramer clicked on several of the links, all about a Jane Turner but witthout a picture to identify her, this search was pretty much hopeless. Becomming frusterated she picked up the phone and looked to her desk where she had her contacts list and scanned the list with her finger until she came across Nick's home phone number.

She started punching in the number when she glanced at the clock. Groaning, she hung up the phone and leaned back in her chair putting her hands to her face. She was getting no where. Whoever this girl was, she obviously didn't want to be found. Her head snapped up as she retrieved the phone off the receiver once more. Stiffling a yawn, she rubbed at her eyes and dialed the number she wanted to call minutes before.

She prayed someone would pick up but surprisingly at this hour, she got the Williams' voicemail. "Hi, this is Mrs. Kramer the school's Councillor. I'm calling for Nick. He's not in trouble or anytihng so when you get this can you have him call me? My number is 555-3123. Thank you." she said, hanging the phone up.

Mrs. Kramer looked back at the computer screen and scrolled down the page, hitting next taking her to the second page. She clicked on more of the links, hoping to find sometihng out when there was a knock at her door. She looked up and wondered who could be here at this hour. Getting up from her chair, she walked over to the door, pulled it open and saw the Principle standing there. "Ted, what are you doing here at this hour?" Mrs Kramer asked, stepping aside to let him in.

Ted looked around before turning to meet her gaze. "I could ask the same thing about you." he noted. "It's really late."

She smiled at him and nodded while heading back to her desk. "I know it is." she was aware of how late it had became. "I was just finishing up something." she told him.

Ted followed he and looked to her desk then to the computer. He caught a glimpe of what she was looking up before she turned off the moniter screen. Acting like he saw nothing, he picked up the yearbook on her desk and started skimming through it. "Anything I can help you with?" he asked.

Rose looked over at him, knowing she shouldn't break her trust with the students but if this went to far and no one spoke up, a lot of lives could be in danger. Mrs' Kramer sighed. "It's about Nick." she said.

Mr. Burns eyes falshed with concern as he crossed his arms. "What about Nick?" he asked. If Nick was in some sort of trouble it was his job as the Principle to know.

Rose didn't dare so him the notes earlier sicne some of what she wrote was about his brother. She swallowed hard knowing this was best for all of them. "When I met with Nick earlier he sounded freaked about this girl whose been kind of stalking him." she started.

Ted eyed her and nodded. "Does she go to school here?" he asked. If she did then maybe he could tell her to back off. "Is she a friend of his?"

Rose shook her head. "When Nick spoke about her, it sounded like he never met her before until recently." she assured him. "But I never heard of her before. I have every student's name here in my computer but not hers then when I went to see if she attended this school before, there were no matches. Frankly Ted, I'm worried she could hurt Nick." she confessed.

Ted stroked his chin and looked into her eyes. "So am I." he admitted. He tried piecing together all the information she told him but there was something missing. "Does this girl have a name?" he asked.

Rose nodded. "Yeah, Nick told me her name is Jane Tur--" Just before she could finish her cell rang. Holding up her finger toward the Principle, she pulled out her cell phone and saw it was from her mom. "Sorry, I have to take this." she told him and walked out of the room.

Ted watched her leave and eyed her computer wondering just who she was trying to look up. He sat down in her chair and moved the mouse, hoping he would be able to see what she was workign on but came across a blue screen with a password log in. He cursed to himself and clenched his teeth. He looked around the room, wondering what she could use as her password when the door opened. Mrs' Kramer walked in and Ted stodd up real fun, jogging around her desk. "Sorry about that. My mom called to tell me about a fever my daughter has. Thankfully her tempature went down but she still needs to go to the doctors."

"I hope she'll be okay." Ted said, calmly.

"Me too." Rose agreed, eying the man. "I should get home to her." she added.

Ted nodded and started to walk her out when he bumped into the file cabinet, knocking the yearbook off, He bent down and picked it up, flipping the book over as he gazed inside. His eyes widened in horror as he saw Jane's picture. Ted remained still and Rose grew wondered what was wrong. "Ted, are you alright?" she asked him, reaching a hand out to him.

Ted continued to stare blankly at the picture. Was this the girl she was trying to find? The girl who Nick told her about? The girl he knew? If this man knew her, he could expose his secret. Ted looked back up at Rose and closed her door with one hand while the other clutched the book. Mrs' Kramer eyed him as she glanced around her shoulder. "Ted, what's wrong? It looks like you've seen a ghost." she started walking toward him when he threw his hand out, wrapping it around her throat and pushed her agaisnt the door.

Mrs. Kramer started to struggle and gasp for the little air she could get as she tried prying his fingers off of her one by one. Ted glared at her. "I like you Rose but you really should have just left this alone." he told her.

Rose stared at him horrified as she could feel his hand crushing her windpipe. She looked around the room and heard her phone ring on her desk before she lost consciousness.

[Angel325girl]

Chapter 10

Nick walked downstairs to look for a snack when he saw the light blinking on the answering machine. He frowned as he walked over, pressing play. When did the phone ring? He thought it was best if he avoided his parents since that little outburst at dinner so he was in his room the rest of the evining with his radio on, but he thought he'd at least hear the phone.

He thought his parents would have heard it and answered but the person could have called not too long ago while they were already in bed. Nick hadn't even heard his parents come up the steps. They didn't bother saying good night to him or tell him to lock up.

Nick rolled his eyes. Of course they wouldn't tell him that. They still don't trust him from the last time they asked him to lock up. He smirked. Instead of locking up the house, he snuck out and had his own fun. He didn't come home until early the next morning and skipped school while his parents had already left for work. He was already out of it from drinking and figured cutting school another day wouldn't hurt. If only he knew that was the last time that would ever happen.

Nick was lying in his room trying to stop the dizziness when his parents barged in his room, handing him a paper from the principle. As Nick read it, it dawned on him that he was kicked out, not suspended like the other times. He didn't really care and tossed the paper aside like it was yesterday's trash because to him it was. "They're just words." he mumbled. "They don't mean anything."

For the first time, his dad laid a finger on him and yanked him up from his bed so fast he thought he was going to pull his arm out of his socket. "Just words. You think it'll be easy trying to get another school to take you now?" Bill spat. Nick could feel his hot breath on his skin and waved his hand over his nose.

"Ever heard of a thing called a breath mint?" Nick asked. He saw the fire in his dad's eyes and watched as he raised his hand up, waiting for his dad to hit him when he saw his mom grab his arm, relaxing him.

"I can't take this anymore." Bill growled before leaving his room.

Nick looked at his mom and stared at her as she stood in silence debating who needed her more. He got the answer when she started to leave but stopped and turned back to him. "Why are you doing this to us, Nicky? What have we ever done to you?" she asked, a single tear falling down her cheek before exiting the room.

Nick felt a tear stroll down his cheek and hastily brushed it away. He was suddenly pulled back to reality when he heard the school councilors voice on the machine. He raised his eyebrows wondering what she wanted with him. He was glad he wasn't in trouble because that's the last thing he needed again but did she want to talk to him about football, his brother someone or about what he asked her earlier.

Maybe she found out somthing about this girl. Pressing end, he quickly picked up the phone and started to punch in the number when he saw how late it was. She had called not long ago so maybe she could still be there. Even if she wasn't he could probably leave a message or see her at school.

Making up his mind, he finished dialing the number and waited while it rang. On the third ring, he heard someone clear their throat behind him and turned around to see his dad standing there with his arms crossed. He did not look happy to find his son downstairs making phone calls close to ten pm. "Dad." Nick started, hanging up the phone quickly. He didn't want to leave a message now. Nick didn't feel like explaining to his dad about what was going on. Plus, he figured his dad wouldn't listen.

Bill stared at him, rying the phone out of the corner of his eye. "Who were you calling?" he asked, walking over toward him.

Nick thought about what he could tell him but there was nothing that would make him sound less suspicious. "I wasn't. I was just...." he was cut off when his dad noticed the clothes he was in.

"Were you getting ready to sneak out?" he asked, his nostrils flaring as he eyed his guilty son. Nick stood there in his camo pants and a grey hoodie and looked down at his body then back at his dad.

"No, Dad, this isn't wha it looks like." Nick said.

Bill stared at him suspiciously. "So, you're telling me, you're not planning on going anywhere?" he found that hard to believe since his son used to lie to their faces constantly about what he was doing, where he was and who he was hanging out with. Not only was he always lying, he stopped doing all of his chores and mostly just stopped listening all together.

Nick nodded to him. "That's exactly what I'm saying. I was just calling Mrs. Kramer back." he told him. "She called and left a message." he added, knowing if he wanted to gain his parents trust back, he needed to start being honest with them, whether or not they would believe him.

Bill's eyebrows rose up to the crease on his forehead. "The school councilor called?" he asked, suddenly changing the tone of his voice. "Why? Did you decide not to meet with her today? Nick, you better not already be getting yourself into trouble. I don't know if your mother and I will bail you out of it this time." He began, lecturing Nick that they sent him to this school so he could change.

Nick stared at him. "No, I'm not in trouble." Nick stated, as his dad pushed past him, pressing the play button on the machine. He erased the older messages and listened carefully to the new one.

"What does she want to talk to you about?" Bill asked him.

Nick stared at him. It was like privacy meant nothing to his dad. He shrugged at him. Even if it was about Kyle, he wouldn't tell him. He couldn't tell him anyway. "I don't know. Probably about earlier when I talked to her." he assured him, making sure his dad heard that last part.

Bill continued to stare at him as his licked his lips. "Is it about your brother?" he asked, knowing that Nick was holding in more then he should. That's probably what was making him so angry all the time. He never wanted to talk about what happened to Kyle. His behavior had gotten so worse since the accident they just picked up and moved to Harmony, hoping he just needed a new envirment. Apparently this wasn't helping any.

Nick shook his head. "No," he said, his voice hardly audible. "It was about something else." he confessed.

"Are you going to tell me?" his father asked. surprised he was opening up to him like this.

Nick looked away from him and sighed, heading into the living room to take a seat. He looked back up to his dad who joined him, sitting in the recliner. When their eyes met, Nick sighed and started to tell him. "There's this girl I've been seeing around school. She's sort of stalking me and asking me for help." he told him, thinking he probably should have told Mrs. Kramer that last part. When Bill nodded in his direction, he went on. "I thought she was a student there but I didn't see her in any of my classes or..."

"Maybe she's just not in them." Bill guessed. "There's what, two hundred students attending Harmony High. Not every student is going to be in the same class." he pointed out.

"I kow that," Nick spat. He took a deep breath and stared back at his dad. "So, then I thought maybe she doesn't go to this school but I saw her picture in the Principle's office." he continued. "Then when I asked Mrs. Kramer about her, she didn't hear of this girl. She told me she would let me know if she hears anytihng or finds anything out about her though and I think that's why she mgiht of called." Nick finished.

Bill took the time to process everytihng his son told him. "Okay, well I'm sure if she did find something out she would tell you tommorow at school." he assured him. If this was some cry for help, he needed to be supportive and would definately tell Meg and the Principle about this first thing in the morning.

Nick nodded and rubbed his hands against his pants. "You're right." he admitted to his father. "If she found something out, she would tell me about it tommorow." he stood up, feeling ten times better like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders.

"But I'm going to tell your mother what you told me, as well as the principle." Bill told him.

Nick frowned as he stared at his down and dropped back onto the couch. "Dad, I don't think that's such a good idea." he began.

Bill held up his hands. "Why not?" he asked him. "What's the worse that could happen? Your mother deserves to know if her son's in danger and with Principle Burns knowing, he can keep an eye out."

"Wait, you think this girl could actually hurt me?" Nick asked.

Bill nodded and Nick shook his head, feeling like he should be defending this person. "Dad, I told you, she came to me asking me for help. She kept saying everyone needed to know." Nick paused when his dad raised his brows.

"Know what?" As far as we know, this girl could be very sick. Who knows what's wrong with her." Bill went on.

Nick agreed with one thing he said. "Dad, something's wrong here. First the picture, then her cry for help in the boys bathroom and now two people have no idea who this girl is." he explained.

"Whoa, she was in the boys bathroom?" Bill asked, glaring at his son.

Nick nodded. "But I don't know how she got there." he admitted. "I didn't hear the door open while I was in there though, that's the strange part. And the way she left. Some of the times I spotted her it looked as if she just vanished out of thin air." he admitted, wondering why he was telling his dad everything and not Mrs. Kramer all of this.

Maybe if he told her, it would of helped. Nick knew all of this sounded crazy and he was probably making this person up in his head as a substitute of his brother. This could be his way of dealing. But why make up someone he never met before? And how could he make her up if she was in the picture? None of this made sense and the more he thought about this girl, the crazier he sounded.

Bill looked at him worrieddly. Was his son being stalked? This is not what he had in mind when he moved his family here. He figured Nick would make new friends, become popular like his brother and break some hearts. He wasn't sure which was worse, lying or being stalked. One thing was for sure. This would end tomorrow. If it still hadn't stopped, he would demand to have a long chat with this girls parents.

At this point he wasn't convinced Nick was making all of this up but if he was, he would have a lot of explaining to do. Accusing someone of stalking is a serious ofense, he could ruin the girls live including her parents too if this turned out to be one big practical joke. "We'll settle this in the morning Nick. For now I want you to get to bed and don't worry about this girl. Whoever she is we'll find her." he assured him.

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Eleven

It was around Three in the morning when he called all of them here. He wasn't happy that someone found out about the girl and wanted them to fix this now before word spread and too many people find out. He basically ran this town so no one would even dare to even lift a finger. Those who did like the girls parents were run out of town and those who loved and knew Jane, had to forget about her even if they didn''t want too.

No one could bring up her name or tell anyone the truth, not that everyone knew the truth. They just figured she went missing and her family left but that wasn't it. Jane was murdered and her mom was snooping around so he had no choice. He went to his brother's house and asked him for a favor. With him being the sheriff of Harmony, it was no problem for his brother to come up with a fake foreclosure notice.

He watched from afar as they read the notice pinned to their door and it wasn't long when they up and left. The truth was, the Turners' were having money problems for awhile. It got so bad when their daughter suddenly died that they had to leave.They didn't have a choice. There are no choices in Harmony. Harmony only has one rule and one rule only.

As they all started showing up on the field, Ted walked out in the moonlight. He wasn't at all happy with their work. "Someone knows and I am not very happy about this, So, which one of you wants to tell how Nick the new kid knows about Jane Turner?" he roared, glaring at the five people around him.

Shane looked to him and gulped as he glanced toward Amy and Jimmy. He looked horrified like someone crept up behind him and stabbed him in the back. His face paled as he tried to get the words out. "Someone knows?" Jimmy asked.

Ted Burns glared at the kid and walked up to him. "Yeah." he hissed in his ear. "So, I want to know how he knows."

"We didn't tell him if that's what you think. We have more at stake then you do. You're practically a legend around here coach." Jimmy commented, assuring him they wouldn't be stupid enough to spill their own secret. They all made a pact that night. It's just weird he would tell them this now after what Amy just told them earlier in the day. He glanced toward Amy.

Unless after they left her house, she ratted on them. But, who would she tell in this town? Most of all, who would believe her? It's one voice against the entire towns. He loved her to death like a sister but she was replaceable, and he could make sure a lot of people would forget all about her, just like he convinced the town to forget about Jane. Everyone in this town was replaceable.

When no one else dared answeing his question, Ted pulled out a gun when the sheriff called his name. "Ted." he yelled in a gruff voice. He eyed him carefully as his brother walked over to a motionless bag and unzipped it, revealing the school councilor tied up, gagged and wrapped in plastic. Mrs. Kramer tried to identify them all but they were too blury as tears ran down her face. She cried screaming and begging for her life but all that came out were muffles. Amy and Amanda screamed but quickly covered their mouths.

"Oh my god, what the hell is Rose tied up for?" his brother asked, starting to run toward her. Ted held a finger up to him and placed the tip of the gun on her head, trailign it down the plastic to her eyes.

"Coach, what are you doing?" Shane asked.

Ted shot a menacing glare at him. "She knows too much. I can't risk her finding anything more out."

Amy kept shaking her head. "So she should just die?" she asked. "Peoeple will find out. Her family will find out." Amy stated.

Ted turned his gaze over toward her. "Maybe, but Jimmy and your little boyfriend can get rid of them like we got rid of the Turners." he reminded her.

"But it's different this time." Amy pleaded, not wanting the woman to have to die for something she stumbled upon by accident.

"How is it exactly different?" he spat.

"You said it yourself. Someone else knows so we would have to get rid of two families and if they both disappear around the same time.." she started but felt a lump get caught in her thraot.

"Who will exactly stop us?" Ted asked.

"Their families and friends. Even if we get rid of them, it won't stop people from coming to Harmony and our secret will get out." Amy told him. "We thought we could bury what we did but we can't. Everyone's past always comes back to haunt them." she cried harder when he suddenly pointed the gun at her. "What are you doing?"

Shane licked his lips and moved his foot toward Amy's way when Jimmy stopped him. "Don't." he whispered, grabbing his shoulder.

Amy looked over to Amanda, then toward the Sheriff and her boyfriend. Why weren't they doing anything to stop him? This was starting to get out of hand. Was she the only one who could see this? "You know, as principle of this school, I learned that you're friends with Nick. He even gave you a ride home. Maybe you told him something that made him suspicious." Ted wondered.

Amy shook her head uncontrollablly. "I didn't tell him anything. I swear I don't know how he found out." she admitted to him.

"It can't be fixed now can it?" Ted yelled.

Shane stared between his girlfriend and their Principle. "Maybe it can." he said out loud.

Everyone looked over at him and Shane eyed his girlfriend. "Nick trusts you Amy. If you go to him you can get him to tell you everything he knows and then lead him to us. We'll jump him from behind and since the kid is already troubled, we'll make it look like he couldn't take it anymore and killed himself." Shane had it all planned out in his head and Jimmy and Amanda agreed with him.

Amy shook her head. "Nick wouldn't do that." she told him.

"He would if he's pushed to it." Jimmy pointed out.

"I like this." Ted piped up. "I like this a lot."

"Well I don't!" Amy yelled, brushing away her tears as she glared at him. "We're not talking about murder here. We're talking about messing with his mind and using his past against him."

Ted glared at her and smiled. "I don't have a problem with that." He confessed, looking to everyone's different facial expressions before pointing the gun down at the teacher and shot her. Her screams qucikly died down and she fell to the ground. Her body lay their motionless and dead. Ted stared at the mess and turned back around, letting them all see her body. "Now, clean this mess up and get started on Nick." Mr. Burns ordered before pocketing his gun and walking away.

The Sheriff looked horrified but shook his head and cleared his throat as he eyed the four students of Harmony High. "You heard the man. Clean this mess up." he turned and followed his brother to their cars parked near the woods. "Ted, what if this doesn't work?" he asked.

Ted looked over to his brother. He was an old man with gray hair compared to how young he still looked. "That's where you come in. I want you to stake this kids house out. If they don't convince him, kill him, his family and even the girl."


****

Amanda had been waiting by the cars with Amy while her boyfriend and her friends boyfriend took care of Mrs. Kramers body. She couldn't believe the events of the night. Who knew what they did a year ago would catch up to them. She had wanted to believe what they did would stay buried.

Mandy had herself convinced that no one would come looking for this girl after the first three weeks. Now someone else had to die because of what they did a yaer ago? Who knows how many people are next. She didn't even know there was a next. She though Jane was their first kill and their last.

She looked out into the woods where Jimmy would be coming out of and felt a tear slip down her cheek. She wasn't even a killer. Her whole life she was a good kid, Nothing like this has ever happened to her. Covering up a murder was never sometihng she thought she'd ever do. But there was nothing she could do about it now. What happened, happened. There's no changing the past.

Now, all she worried about was not getting caught. She wouldn't be able to take it. It was better lying about what happened then telling the truth. She could deal with the guilt that had built up inside her for the past year.

Amanda didn't want anyone to know though. She tried to forget what had happened but she couldn't. For that whole summer Jane was gone, she struggled with this secret while everyone else around her had no clue what exactly went down. They weren't there.

They didn't hear Jane's pleas or see her lifeless body like she did. She may not have fired that gun but she didn't stop it. She was too scared and too confused at the time. She believed this was the right thing to do. Even if she didn't believe it so much now, she already made her choice. She had blood on her hands just like Amy, Jimmy and Shane.

"Mandy, you okay?" Amy, asking, coming up behind her friend. Amanda felt a hand gently fall on her shoulder and she glanced behind her shoulder smiling a bit.

"Yeah, I'm fine." she assured her friend.

Amy stared into her eyes and saw the sadness behind them as she pulled her into a hug. "It's okay Amanda. It's all going to be okay." Amy whispered into her ear, also trying to covince herself. None of this was okay. Honestly, she had no idea how to tell Nick. She started to like the guy but if he knew what she did, he would never speak to her again, or worse, turn her in.

Like anything would happpen if he did though. The sheriff knew too. He wanted their secret to stay a secret just as much as she did. There was no one in this town who would believe Nick, except for Jane but she's dead. Amy raised her brows in confusion. Seeing her today though felt as if she was still there.

She shook her head, erasing the question from her mind when Amanda pointed Jimmy and Shane out. She looked over and saw them walking up the path from the woods with a shovel in both of the hands. Amy watched her boyfriends every move as he popped the trunk and placed the shovel inside. He seemed pissed.

Without warning, he told her coldly to get in the car and she hesitately looked over at Amanda before walking toward the car and got in the passenger side. Amy peered through the glass as Shane spoke to Jimmy, exchanging a few suggetions to each other before he walked away and climbed in the drivers seat of his mustang. He slammed the door causing Amy to jump and stare forward, not sure if she should say anything or not.

After Shane had put a good distance between his car and the woods behind the school, he pulled into a vacant parking lot and turned off his engine. Amy licked her lips watching him calmly. She wasn't sure what to expect and she wasn't sure if she was ready to hear what he wanted to say. Amy's eyes dropped to her hand as Shane took it. "Amy," he started, turing in his seat to look in her eyes.

Amy stared back at him as her eyes sparkled from the moonlight shining through the window sheild. She watched him drop his head and sigh before placing his hand on her cheek. "I know you don't want to do this but I need you too." he admitted to her.

Amy felt her breath leave her lungs for a monent and blinked. "Shane, I can't." she swallowed hard.

Shane pulled his hand away from her and directed his attention on the steering wheel. He clenched his jaw. "Why not?" he asked. Suddenly looking over at her his eyes widened in recognition. "Do you have feelings for him?"

Amy just stared at him speechless. She didn't know how to respond to his question or what to say. She loved Shane but she didn't know what she was feeling or if she was feeling anything. Shane let a tear escape down his cheek. "You do, don't you?"

Amy dropped her gaze. Did she do something by accident to make him assume she did? Did she nod her head or could he tell by how quiet she was. Honestly, she was still processing everything that had happened at school and with the coach. They wanted her to do the one thing she didn't want to do. The one thing that was probably worse then murder.

Amy snorted a little. What was worse then murder? Once you're dead, you're dead and the pain stops as well as everything else. You leave your friends, family and your life behind. You no longer have to worry about stuff like school, work, or life itself. As soon as you die, you forget. Isn't that how it works? They forget while you always remember. Their pain ends while yours just begins.

Amy sighed and looked out the window. Truth was, she did have feelings for him. She turned back around to face Shane not expecting to hear what he had to say next. "Maybe this is a good thing."

Amy raised her eyebrows. "How is that a good thing?" she asked.

Shane closed his eyes, fighting to get the words out. "If he thinks we broke up, he'll be there for you and eventually tell you what he knows."

Amy's mouth dropped. "You want to break up?" she asked.

Shane shook his head at her and Amy tilted her head at him. "Then what are you asking?"

He put his hands on her shoulders and forced her to look him in the eyes. "I think you know."

Amy's heart litterally sank to the bottom of her stomach. "You want me to use him?" She started shaking her head uncontrollably. "No way. I don't think you or Jimmy know what kind of damage this would do to him if I go along with everything you two want me to do." she made up her mind. This was not going to happen. "Just let me handle Nick my own way. A way where he doesn't have to get hurt in the end."

Shane shook his head a little at her. "Ames, this isn't like in the movies. Someone always gets hurt in the end."

Amy felt herself shake as she stared at him. "Why does it have to be him?"

[Angel325girl]

Chapter Twelve

"Did you bring it?" Nick asked Reed as he got out of his car.

Reed nodded and licked his lips. "Yeah and Nick, there's something you need to know..." he started as he looked to his bag where the yearbook was in.

Nick stared at him as he shouldered his back pack. "You looked, didn't you?" he asked. "Well, was she in it? Did she use to go here?" Nick was eager to know. He needed to know more about this girl.

"Oh, she was in it, but there's more." Reed replied, running a clamy hand through his slicked back hair. He walked beside Nick through the parkign lot and handed him the yearbook. He watched cautiously as he flipped through the pages.

Nick furrowed his brows as he scanned every picture and name carefully. "What is it?" he asked, not bothering to look over at him.

Reed looked around making sure no one else was listening in on their conversation. He cleared his throat and his eyes widened as he grabbed Nick's shirt, pulling him out of the way. "Watch out!" The car passed and Reed and Nick looked to the car to see who tried running him over.

As soon as the car parked, the man got out and Nick immediately looked to the passenger side as she got out. He watched as she flipped her hair behind her shoulder and applied more of her lipstick, staring into her compact to fix her hair. She glanced over and met his gaze, smiling at him. Nick smiled back and started to wave, putting his hand up when he was whirled around. "Dude," Reed exclaimed.

Nick pulled himself out of Reed's grasp and watched as the couple crossed the parking lot. Reed turned to look over his shoulder as well and shook his head. "Alright, whatever you're thinking, let it go." he told him.

Nick glared back at him and shrugged. "I'm not thinking anything." he lied, turning to walk into the building. Reed looked over and saw Jimmy get out of his car glaring at him. Reed immediately looked away and quickly followed Nick. He had been bullied by Jimmy for three years now along with half of the football team. He definitely tried staying out of Jimmy's way most of the time. He opened the glass door and tried keeping up with Nick as he walked to his locker.

"When I tell you someone's off limits, I mean they're off limits." Reed stated, leaning against one of the lockers while Nick opened his to put his bag away.

Nick snorted and eyed him. "Dude, you never said that."

Reed rolled his eyes. "True, but I was thinking it. Shane Black would so end you if he found out you had a thing for his girlfriend."

Nick closed his locker and started walking away. Reed sighed and caught up to him. "I don't have a thing for Amy."

"Then why did you give her a ride home?" Reed asked, bringing up that question again that he tried to aviod.

Nick took a deep breath and turned to look at Reed. "Fine, I like her." he admitted. "Will you tell me what you found out about Jane Turner now?"

Reed smirked. He knew it. Actually the whole school knew it. He looked around when he said her name and Nick held out his hands. "Do you know more or not?" he snapped.

Reed nodded. "I can't tell you here." he whispered. "Not in front of everyone." The truth was, he did find Jane Turner's picture in the yearbook so he decided to google her because she looked familiar and what he found out, he couldn't even believe.

Nick stared at him in confusion. "Where at then?" he asked. "Lunch?" When Reed nodded, Nick watched the guy walk off. He looked down at his books and noticed he still had Reed's yearbook. He looked back up real fast to call for Reed when he turned the corner.

Shrugging it off, Nick headed toward his first class. Sitting down, he opened the page to the sophomore section and spotted her. He squinted at her picture and shook his head. Was this the same Jane Turner he saw in the bathroom? She looked so pale though. Wait? Sophomore? Nick chewed on his lip. She would be a junior here then. If she didn't move then where was she? She obviously didn't go here anymore. She told him that herself. But what did she mean by everyone needs to know?

Nick was shaken from his thoughts when someone drummed their hands on his desk. "Wake up new kid." Nick looked up to see Jimmy staring at him.

"Hey Jimmy." Nick whispered, not wanting to really talk to him.

Jimmy took a seat next to him and leaned over to lift the book up Nick was reading. Jimmy frowned and dropped the cover, staring intenselly at the kid. "Who you trying to look up?" Jimmy asked him.

Nick glanced over at him and shrugged as he closed the book. "Just someone I thought I knew." he answered.

Jimmy perked his eyebrows up as he crossed his arms over his desk. "Really? Anyone I might know?" he asked.

Nick shook his head. "I doubt it." he confeseed.

Jimmy stared him down. "I might. Try me." he pressed.

Nick thought about telling him and decided to anyway. What could happen if Jimmy knew or not? It's not like this was a big secret. He opened the yearbook back up and handed him the book. Scooting his chair over he made sure he could get a good look at every single picture. "Have you seen this girl before?" he asked, pointing to Jane's picture.

Jimmy eyed the picture and hid a smirk as he looked back at him. "Yeah, she looks familiar." he admitted. If he told the kid he didn't know her, he would have more questions like how did she go to this school and not one single person remember her. Somehow Nick knew about this girl and he wanted to find out how he knew. It's not every day this girl would come up in a conversation. Jimmy tried to remain calm and focus as he talked to him about Jane Turner. "Is she a friend of yours?" he asked.

"No." Nick said. He crinkled his eyebrows as he stared at her picture. Maybe this girl always lingered in the background so that's why no one remembered her. He ran his hand through his hair and looked back at Jimmy. Jimmy did though. Out of the three people he asked. Now, he was getting somewhere. "She was a sophomore last year and would have been a junior this year." he told him.

Jimmy shrugged, not really understanding where he was getting at. "Maybe she moved."

"No, she didn't move." Nick said, a little too qiuckly, avoiding Jimmy's heavy gaze on him.

Jimmy stared coldly at him. How did he know that? Was he getting all of this from Amy? He gulped back the fear that Nick knew more then he was letting on. His eyes scanned the room cautiously before resting on Nick again. "Is she an ex of yours?" he asked. Of course he knew Nick wasn't but it would explain why he was obsessed with this girl and how much he knew about her. Maybe they didn't need to get rid of Nick after all. He was already sounding like a crazy psycho ex anyway. They could frame him with the murder of Jane if their secret got out.

Nick shot a look toward him. "No. I don't even know this girl." he admitted.

That was a lie. Jimmy thought. He did know this girl. Jimmy felt his blood boil as he balled his hands into fists under the desk. "Then if you don't mind me asking, why are you so hung up over her now?" Jimmy asked.

Nick stared at him. For once Jimmy actually had a point. He didn't know anything about this girl until recently. Nick didn't have a reason to suspect something was wrong either. Why was he so hung up on this girl? Because she needed his help? This girl exists he knew that but what did she want with him? Maybe nothing was wrong with her and this was all a joke. On the other hand, if she really was in danger, he could stop it before it's too late.

Just as Nick started to say something a knock on the door to the classrroom made him look over. The teacher pulled open the door and Mr. Bruns walked in. Nick could tell he was eying him as he spoke to the teacher. He looked back over at Jimmy and took the yearbook quickly from his desk.

He gulped and placed the yearbook under his history book when the teacher called his name. Nick looked up at him and glanced toward the principle who was staring at him with deep concern. Ted motioned the young man to come up from with his finger and Nick got up, gathered his stuff and walked to the front of the class. He followed the Principle out into the hallway and turned to face him. "Am I in trouble?" Nick ased.

Mr. Burns looked at him and disappeared back into the room. Two seconds later he came out with Jimmy and Nick frowned. What was going on? Nick eyed Jimmy as they both followed the Principle to his office. They walked in and took a seat in front his Mr. Burns desk. Nick leaned in his seat and stared at the principle.

"Why did you pull us both out of class?" he asked, glancing back at Jimmy. They weren't really friends so he failed to see the connection here. "Is this about football tryouts?" he wondered. Maybe that's what he wanted to talk to them about.

Ted stood up and walked over toward the window, peeking through the closed blinds. "No, this isn't about football." he admitted.

Nick raised his eyebrows. "Are we in trouble then?"

Principle Burns eyed Nick and glanced at Jimmy. Jimmy hid a smirk as he eyed Mr. Burns back. "You are." he said.

Nick furrowed his brows and looked back at Jimmy. If he was in trouble then why was Jimmy here? Shouldn't this conversation be between the two of them? Nick gazed back at the Principle. "Then why is Jimmy here?"

Ted turned around to face him. "I like to think of everyone in my school as a team. I need to protect it. Of course I can't protect every single player on my team so that's where Jimmy comes in. You two are team mates so you should be looking out for one another." he explained, walking over to him. "You understand what I'm saying?" he asked Nick. Nick shook his head and Mr. Burns dropped his head ad he pulled the yearbook out of Nick's stack of books. He turned to the page and showed him the picture of Jane Turner.

Nick furrowed his brows and looked up at him. "Your dad called me today Nick. He's really concerned that this girl could hurt you."

Nick looked at the picture and glanced up at him. "And you believe him?" Nick asked with a tilt of his head.

Jimmy stared at Mr. Burns hoping he knew what to say. Nick was already getting more suspicious then he let on. "I'm concerned myself." Ted admitted.

Nick smiled at him. "If you're so concern, why didn't you do anything about it last year?"

Mr. Burns looked at Jimmy and eyed Nick, leaning against his desk. "I normally don't discuss this with my students but Jane became very ill before the school ended last year. So ill, her parents decided to take her out of school early and moved away where she could get the help she needed. It was sudden but there weren't that many specailist in Harmony." he explained, glancing over at Jimmy. He hoped Nick didn't know more about Jane then what he thought. He would find out soon if Amy agreed to do what she was suppose to do.

"What was wrong with her?" Nick asked.

Mr. Burns shrugged. "We think stress caused it. She always had to get A's in every one of her classes. If she didn't she would act out and try to hurt herself. That was when I figured something was up. I contacted her parents about it and they came to pick her up. I thought they were taking her to the doctors. It was the next day when I got to school I found out her parents pulled her out of school. Didn't even discuss it with me. I thought she would have gotten better by now but I guess she's not." he continued, placing the yearbook on his desk.

"So, she still lives in Harmony." Nick guessed. Ted glanced at him and Jimmy shook his head to the man, mouthing somethign to Mr. Burns.

"Ted hit his knee with his hand and stood up, pushing the yearbook back a little. "So, if you see her again, come tell Jimmy or me. Neither of us would want anything to happen to you."

Nick nodded and got to his feet. He glanced toward Jimmy and followed him to the door. Opening it, Nick walked out along with Jimmy. They both looked back at the Principle and shut the door. Nick started walking back to class with Jimmy, shaking his head. He couldn't believe this girl could hurt him. Why would she after asking him for help? He told his dad everything.

Yet the Principle didn't mention about the bathroom or the warning. Did he leave that out for a reason? Or did his dad just not tell him that part? "I'll catch you later." Jimmy said to him, disappearing into the boys bathroom. Nick nodded and continued down the hall. He turned to the classroom door, held his hand on the knob and before he pushed open the door, Nick looked over and saw Jimmy come out of the bathroom heading back toward the Principal's office.

Nick lowered his eyebrows watching him open the door and close it. He jumped back when he felt the door infront of him open and he looked over seeing the teacher staring at him. "Mr. Williams, nice to have you back." Nick nodded at him, walked in and quickly took his seat. He opened his book and gasped when he reliazed the yearbook wasn't there with his other books. He stared toward the classroom door and remembered he left the yearbook in the Principle's office. Actually, Mr. Burns never handed it back to him.

After class was over, he would go back for it, but why did Jimmy go back?