1 ONE.

"Ah! Lily, You're already ready for school!" Her mother called for her downstairs, she had barely gotten out of bed. Getting ready for school's ultimately a drag for her, but you did it regardless. Lily was a simple high schooler, And ultimately went to school for her friends. Yet, she wanted more excitement in her life. the constant cycle events in her life made her snore. The same old things in her constant cycle of life, nothing ever seemed to change. So as she begrudgingly got out of bed and begrudgingly put on her clothes, she thought of the same routine of another day. Nothing new in her mind. She dressed herself simple this morning: A black T-shirt with her favorite rock band, ripped blue jeans, and her bright dyed purple hair pulled back into a ponytail. She rarely ever wore makeup, but today she decided to just wear a little bit of mascara: To be different on a regular day.

Once she was finished getting dressed, she quickly ran down the stairs. Grabbing her backpack at the bottom of the railings, hosting it onto her back. Making her way into the living room, her mother stands there. Lily and her mother were always close, being the only people to keep each other afloat. A fairly young woman, even in her late 50's she didn't look a day over 30. Bright brown eyes with swirls of autumn colors, and divine chocolates. Her skin tanned, with light freckles covering her nose. Her mother could be a model, if she even decided to at her age.

Walking into the living room, Lily waves her hand in dismissal. "Yeah, and you didn't have to drag me out of bed this time." They both chuckle, a moment that was treasured regardless of how small.

Being a single mother was not easy, her mother had a very rough way of learning that. Her father had left her when she was very young. Continuing the pattern, Lily's father did the same. Leaving his family for drugs, gangs, and benders that would last for weeks. When he did appear in the household, there was nothing but abuse towards her and her sweet mother. Lily would not change how he left however: She wanted nothing to do with him. Her mother and her were doing just fine without him. They were joyous, content in their home and lives. She didn't feel angry anymore at the thought of him: She didn't care anymore.

Her mother comes in front of her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You look beautiful darling." The sweet tone of her voice brings a smile to Lily's lips. Shaking her head, she pats her mother's hand. "I'm gonna head to school now." Lily turns out of the living room, and heads for the front door.

"I hope you have a wonderful day dear!" Her mother calls out to her, something she always said. Everyday was the same, and everyday she would look back to receive a blown kiss by the woman who raised her. Lily would catch it, shaking her fist.

"Bye mom," Lily would say, before turning the knob on the front door and quickly closing it behind her. Standing at the porch of her doorsteps, the high schooler pulled her phone out of her pocket. Then digging into her pocket, and pulling the slightly tangled headphones from it. Once she gets it detangled, the earphones go into her ears. Blasting any sort of music she had on her device, she steps down onto the steps walking onto the sidewalk. Lily didn't ever bother to ask her mother to drive her. Nor did she take the bus at any point. She liked the calming walk to the high school, all the while listening to her favorite tunes to make the time go faster. Rather than the squished and dirty seats of the bus, unable to even hear herself think. Closed areas with many bodies was never her thing, so staying clear of it was the best choice.

Ten minutes had gone by, and Lily finally arrived at the entrance of her high school's building. Crowds of people were already forming. Some getting off of the bus, some walking into the building already from the other crowding who drove. Yet Lily strayed away from them, trying to keep herself on her own while many squashed by to get inside of the building.

Lily had always thought high school was full of people who would simply peek after their four years were over. With no road after schooling, no ambitions, no real dedication to life. Knowing that many would have things handed to them, or their lives would completely fall apart after leaving their parents roofs. Filled with sex, drugs, and drama that wouldn't matter after graduation day. It didn't matter to her, she kept her nose down out of anyone's way.

Walking into the hallways, it was the same as it always was. Stares from boys who had never spoken to her, glares from girls who were interested in those same boys. Couples unable to keep their hands off of one another, nor their mouths. It didn't bother her anymore, it was the same old thing everyday.

It feels like an eternity before she sees the people she does associate with: Her group of outcasts. The group was an odd group to be friends with one another. Maya Charlotte Jena was once the valedictorian of their middle school now turned smoker. She had long black hair that went down to her back, red ruby lips to contrast the pale shade of her skin. While her eyes held oceans of crystal blue waters that could hold you as long as you stared. Next to her chatting away was the dimwitt of the group: Keyla Vanderz. She was a natural blonde, with swirls of greens and long lashes sweeping over them. She was much shorter than Maya next to her, and wearing the same minimum clothing she always wore. Keyla was forcing Maya to take a photo with her, her blinding smile shining at the camera in front of her.

While the only boy was standing watching the two. Jason Artem, smiling dashingly at the two and their usual antics. Lily could feel her heart simply stop at the beautiful sight of him. A dirty blonde tall boy with a muscular build. Baby blue eyes, button nose, cheekbones that could slice anyone who touched them. Piercing jewelry adorning his thick eyebrows, and against his bottom lip. He was perfect in her eyes, even before all of the muscle and piercings.

"Take photos again you two?" Lily muses, catching the attention of her friend group. Jason pulls her to his side with his arm around her shoulders. Laughing in response to her words. "Look who finally decides to show up! Do you know how long we waited for you?" She can't help but look up at him. He was a good foot taller than her, but she didn't mind. It gave her an excuse to look at him at all.

"Us? More like Jason." Keyla scoffs, rolling her eyes. She stuffs her phone back into her pocket, the smile pulling back onto her lips. "He never stops talking about you." Keyla adds, Lily's heart can't seem to calm itself at the statement. He thought about her, talked about her all the time? It had to be a lie, there was no way he was thinking of her so often. Jason didn't even know of the crush she had on him.

"For once, Keyla isn't being dumb." Maya flicks her tongue, giving Lily a light smile.

Keyla squeals, pointing towards Lily's cheeks. "Aw Jason, look! She's blushing!" The comment doesn't put Lily at ease at all, only to cause her to groan. Looking away from the three other people, she crosses her arms over her chest.

"I hate you all, literally." Lily mutters, hoping that the shades of pink painting her skin would fade before becoming a burden. The feelings of her heart were a joke between the group, they didn't know she meant them. She liked Jason, and with high school coming to a close in a few short months: Lily didn't have a lot of time. Half of her wished to tell him and see where things would lead, the other half kept her feelings locked away.

Jason squeezes her shoulder, she looks back up at him. "Don't deny it Lily, I saw you!" He chuckles, Lily rolls her eyes. "Psh, whatever."