Walking along the streets of Ditto Town, Maya looked at all the sights. Wandering around, not knowing where she was going, Maya ended up in the worst part of town. Groaning out loud for being so stupid, she turned around and headed back the way she had come. Walking along the sidewalk with her head down in thought, Maya heard a soft groan, not far from where she was walking. Looking up, she saw a startling sight--a girl lying on the sidewalk in a crumpled heap with bruises all over her slight body.

"No problem, I've got one you can use," Logan said quickly, unsure if Peter had been asking him or Brian and wanting to answer first just in case. He considered himself the more knowledgeable of the three when it came to skating, and he was anxious to prove it. "I keep the trucks on my boards pretty loose so I can carve easier, but I have one board that's tighter, which is better for just starting out. You won't get any wheel bite with that one. Sound good?" He asked, flipping his hair in his trademark carefree style.

-------

Emmy was on her way to class, focusing on her own thoughts as she traveled the hall. There was quite a crowd of teenagers, conversing about all sorts of things as the school day started up; Emmy would never dream of trying to enter those conversations. Just then, she heard Jen approach her, remarking about yesterday. Emmy smiled politely, "Oh, yeah, I guess it was pretty crazy." Then she added, "I'm headed to math class, where're you going?"

Peter's bangs bounced around his forehead, as he graciously accepted Logan's offer. "Gonna be fun. I will be wearing a helmet for safety reasons, do you two need a helmet?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jen answered, "I'm in Math too. Whose your teacher?"

Running to the form lying on the sidewalk, Maya knelt down beside the girl and swept back the hair on her sweaty forehead. She looked at the bruises on the girls faces and arms and felt compassion for her. Looking around to see who had done it to her, she saw no one. Cradling the girl's head in her hands, Maya slid her arms under the girls knees and, grunting from the heavy weight of the body in her arms, walked quickly into an ally. Lying the girl gently onto the ground, Maya ran back and grabbed both the duffel bags. Putting the girls bag under her head, she sat down and waited for the girl to wake up.

Logan scoffed a bit at the idea of wearing a helmet, not at all considering the fact that he was demeaning Peter. He flipped his hair and said, "Helmet? I don't need one, it's not like I ever take that bad of a wipeout. I've been skating for years. Plus, they look really dorky, if you ask me." He wasn't trying to offend Peter for suggesting it; he just wasn't thinking about how his words might be taken. He grinned mischievously at Brian. "How 'bout you? Do you wear a helmet?"

-------

"Mrs. Beckett," Emmy replied quickly, hoping Jen would say something like, "Oh, me too!" In fact, it surprised her that she wanted it so bad. In the past year, Emmy had generally tried to stay away from people, not wanting to be hurt by so-called 'friends' as she had in the past. But there was something different about Jen; a sort of natural kindness that Emmy hadn't known existed in people before. Kind of like the same thing that Brian had. Emmy wondered if that kindness was native around this town.

Emmy brought herself back from her short musings in order to hear Jen's reply.

Peter gave Logan a grin. "But shaved heads are even dorkier and that's what would happen if I damaged my brain...besides there's always a first for wiping out and i don't want my head shaved whether its above the ears or bald."
He tousled his own dark curls for effect, although they weren't nearly as perfect and straight as Logan's hair. He decided he was going to blowdry his hair straight tomorrow morning.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jen said, "I have her too! I hate Math. You any good at it?"

Melisha's breath came in gasps as she slowly awoke. Her eyes, though hurting from lack of sleep and the bright sunlight, detected a figure hovering above her. It said nothing, and she instantly thought it was another enemy returning this time to finish her off. She tried to speak and couldn't instead mumbling, then bursting into tears. "Please.....please.....don't hurt me. Water, please" she needed liquid so bad, she didn't care who this person was.

****

Brian raised an eyebrow at Logan as he scoffed the idea of wearing a helmet. Though I don't usually either... He just stayed quiet letting the two talk about the boards and helmets. Peter took Logan's response well and Brian smiled a little. His friend had really learned how to ignore the little things, he knew how to answer it well. After the conversation appeared to be over he suggested a new topic "I'm going to Math class first. What about you guys?" he hoped Logan wasn't but Peter was. Maybe it would give him a bit of time to talk to his friend before Logan caught up to them again. And maybe I'll see Emmy.... he remembered how she had looked slightly lonely and cautious about them all. I want her to feel like she belongs....friends are good to have. Especially around here He tried to ignore his thoughts to hear what the other two had to say.

***

"Yeah right.....you have no power to do that." When the officer came at him Brandon jerked away. "Alright, I have no desire for trouble now that I'm here again. I have my own business to deal with.....but I got shot during a bar fight. A couple of nights ago I was having a drink and a brawl broke out in the local bar. Things happened, guns were fired, stray bullet shot me. Are you happy now?" he asked, making a disgusted face.

*

Maralyn stood quietly in the door of the kitchen, smiling as she watched Father and daughter. Justin appeared to be happy holding his new born child. A book was between her fingers, she sighed before moving into the kitchen. "Good morning Justin" she said "You shouldn't have let me sleep so long" a yawn escaped her lips and she came to stand behind him, reaching out a pinky finger for Sarah to grab.

Abigal's Father came at Amanda again. "Get out of my way!" he reached out his hand and slapped her, before flying past and flinging open his daughter's door.

Abigail couldn't find her voice. The burly figure that stood there now was a ghost. It had to be! She stood stuttering for a minute, feeling like it was all a living nightmare. Tears formed in her eyes and she screamed "No!! Oh Please!!" Her already unstable balance was shattered as her Father rushed at her grabbing her by her weak shoulders and shaking her. She couldn't stand it and began to feel feint

**

"I'm just fine!!" Susan said sitting up and rubbing her temples. "Please leave...you can't be here!" the dong of her grandfather clock made her jump. She gasped "What time is it!?"

"10 to 8 in the morning" Ian said slowly

"Oh My! Get out!" she said as she stood "I have a appointment to keep. Leave please....Ian" she found herself saying his name.

Ian pursed his lips but nodded. "I warned you miss Susan. I tried to help you. But if you still want me gone, I'll leave" he let the cup clatter to the table and he left the main parlor. A few minute later Susan heard the front door slam. She sighed. Finally rid of him! she then to left the room going to prepare herself for her appointment

Peter asked, "Are you sure Math isn't this afternoon?" He stole a glance at Brian's schedule. "We both have gym this morning. I can't wait! I hope Coach lets us be on the same team and we can go straight to sports without any boring paperwork."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda got out her cellphone. Sure, he was Abigal's dad but a lousy excuse for one. She immediately dialed the police.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The kinder police officer said, "Well, we don't want you in anymore barfights. So, I say we sign you up for alcohol classes. Don't worry, you can still keep your hair. Some anger management would be good too, considering you pushed that young woman against a wall."

"It's okay, It's okay, " Maya held out her hands to prove her point. "I'm not gonna hurt chya." She quickly looked around in her belongings to see if she had any water. Finding some water in the bottom of a bottle she didn't know she had, Maya lifted the girls head and gave her a sip. "What's yer name." Maya remembered being asked the same question in an awkward situation just like this not more than a day ago. She smiled slightly, kindly.

"I'll tell you what," Logan said with a wide grin, "whoever's on my team is lucky. So yesterday's game I may not have won... but just wait, I'm psyched up now. I'm bringing my best game this year, and it's gonna be on."

-------

Emmy shrugged. "It's okay." She was actually relatively decent in math, getting mostly B's and A's, but she wasn't the sort of person who liked to brag about her gifts and talents - unlike her brother Logan. Another reason she rarely acknowledged her proficiency in math was her fear of being labeled as a nerd or a geek; it was bad enough that most people thought her a bookworm and a dork. "What subjects do you like?" Emmy asked, both out of curiosity and a desire to change the subject.

Peter grinned. "You are so on!" Then, out of the corner of his eye he saw an older looking boy with short, dark hair to his collar bone and dark clothes. The way the guy looked around in the hall made Peter wonder if he was in any trouble. Getting Logan and Brian's attention, he whispered, "Another mysterious person. Five o'clock (he didn't know what it meant, but felt adventurous saying it). What's wrtong with this school?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jen said, "Well, I like English, P.E., study hall and Creative Writing." She walked into the math class, talking with Emmy some more. She was unaware that another mystery still looms her school.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Micah looked around, making sure his dad's goons were not chasing him. He had driven his car all the way to Ditto Town, in hopes of a new life away from his theiving family. With stolen money in tow, he was able to enroll himself in the high school. He made up a last name, not wanting to give the real one out. He was able to get legit copies of his schoolwork form the past years and put his name on there. He saw that a few boys noticed him. Probably too stuck up to talk with me. Still, he wanted to remain low key, for now.

Logan spun halfway around, curious as to who Peter was pointing at. Then he saw him; a darkly dressed, wary looking character who Logan couldn't help thinking would fit in great amongst shadows. "Who, him?" Logan said, staring at the unknown boy. "Kinda creepy, huh?" Then he turned back to Peter and Brian, a new idea popping into his head. The new guy was kind of imposing; this might be a chance for Logan to appear fearless in front of his friends. Class would be starting any minute now; this would have to happen fast. Logan flipped his hair carelessly and flashed a grin. "Whaddya say we find out who he is, huh?" Without waiting for an answer, Logan spun on his heels and approached the older boy. "Hey man, what's up?" He had noticed that the boy seemed to be searching the area, so he glanced back and forth and then asked, as if it were any of his business, "You, uh, looking for someone?"

-------

Emmy took a seat in Math class, continuing to chat quietly with Jen while she waited for the class to begin.

Peter's mouth opened at Logan's bravery. THen again, he was the more outgoing one of the group. Peter had been that outgoing once, when he was thirteen. He wondered if he could get the bravery back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Micah barely had the chance to run another direction, when one of those snotty looking boys approached him. "Uh...actually I was on my way to History class. My family just moved here." He winced at the lie. He knew it was wrong, but he couldn't let anyone know who he was, even if this was a different town. He could easily be spotted. He pulled out his schedule. Then, he noticed a cute girl walking by. However, he was inclined to move his head. THere was no way he could date her, wihtout getting her invovled. What if the goons came after her?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The girl he noticed was Miley, who noticed Peter and Brian. She rushed up to tehm and asked, "Are tryouts this week?"
Peter took his eyes off the stranger. "Yeah, they are."
Miley said, "Okay. I'm going to Chloe's, so call me when you two need to be picked up."
Peter nodded. "See that kid over there?"
Miley noticed a guy who dressed similar to the way she sometimes dressed. "Yeah, so?"
Peter said, "He seems so shy and so sad."
Miley ruffled he rcousin's hair. "Aw, I love seeing you look out for others. Well, I need to go."
Peter nodded, "Later, coz."
Peter said, "

"Melisha. My name is Melisha...." she said, squinting up at the other girl. She looked to be about her age, but it was hard to judge. "I'm 14." she finished in a whisper, gazing expectantly at the water bottle. The sip had helped, but to quench her ravaging thirst she'd need at least 2 bottles, maybe more. "I need help, I've run away from my Father and now." she choked back a sob "They left me there, like this" hot tears slipped down bathed her bruises in a salty liquid.

****

Brian shrugged "Sure. The game was fun yesterday, it will be nice to exercise and practice some more." Logan continued to speak and Brian listened with masked disgust. Peter just played along, answering what seemed to make the other boy happy. I should probably stay out of this... he thought looking for a chance to slip undetected down the lit school hall. That's when Peter spoke up suddenly, and pointed toward a shadowy corner near the other end of the lockers. A dark clothed boy stood there, seeming to stay undetected. He arched a brow and couldn't help but suspect he wished to be left alone. That's when Logan's alright stuck up nose stuck up farther. He flipped his hair arrogantly and sauntered down the hall toward the boy. Brian rolled his eyes. He had already had enough for one day. Not caring that Peter noticed he took off down the school hall, grasping his chart in his hands. It would do no good being late for classes, or sticking around there and watching Logan be the 'cool guy'.

Susan settled back into hospital chair, setting her expensive purse in her lap. It rested between her legs, and she was content to let it stay there. Lot's of things slipped through her fingers, but this was not one of them. She pondered why her doctor would want her to come to him at the hospital, where he mostly worked, for the majority of the time he had her come to his office. The unpleasant smells that wafted withing the waiting room caused her to crinkle her nose, defining the ugly freckles on her cheeks. Her lip stick laid heavy on her thick lips making her wish she had put slightly less on. After her ordeal last night with Ian she wished the least human contact as possible. Confinement was her only comfort and speaking with other people seemed disdainful currently. She also secretly wished that the young man, Ian, would forget her. His dreams and warnings passed in one ear and left the other. He only knows me through my idiot of a brother she thought straightening some frustrating locks of hair. And my babish, annoying cousin venting her irritation on images of her hated relations helped. There was then a squeak of a door and a nurse protruded her head in.

"Miss Susan? Doctor Chauffner will see you now"

Bearing herself smugly she only nodded to the young lady and followed her through the halls to a glass door with the letters of her physician's name written on them. Entering she took a chair and watched as the doctor peered at her over his spectacles.

"Hello Susan. Make yourself comfortable" he said, gravity hanging in his tone.

She already was comfortable and nodded to him. "Good day. Why did you want to see me?" her voice was a bit too curt

He sighed and slapped down some papers on his desk. "You remember those numerous tests we've conducted on your recently? Well we've just gotten the results in." Coming to her he grasped her hands in his, like a father would "This is going to be a shock. You have cancer" he choked.

Brandon curled his tongue, then spoke "Thanks for they advice. But all I'd really like to do now is-" he stopped abruptly then finished slowly "Go home"

Abigail screamed at the top of her lungs, hoping someone would hear. "AMANDA!!! HELP ME!!" she shrieked unable to free herself from her Father's drunken and crazy grasp. "Your insane!!!" she then screamed again and melted into a weak heap on the bed.

**

Her Father was forced to let go of her as she collapsed but didn't let her rest. "Brandon's back!!" he grated "Back from the dead....back from the dead!! The death you made them walk into!"

Peter wondered if he did something wrong, to cause Brian to leave. COuldn't Brian see that he liked both him and Logan and that he would never dump his best friend for Logan? He slowly walke dup to the boy and Logan.With a more quiet, subtle demeanor, he said, "Hey, name's Peter. What's yours?"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Micah saw some althetic looking guy with short curls that brushed the middle of his neck approach them. He wasn't sure who was snobbier-the boy who took off, the one who was quiet or the one who had to show off his awesome whathever it's called. "I'm Micah."
He could hear adult voices and looked around, trying not to panic.
Peter said, "Well, those are the teachers. I guess we'll be late if we don't get to class."
Micah took off, rushing to his last class. He didn't want to seem rude, but he could not get in any more trouble than he was already getting into.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter took his seat in Gym next to Brian. "Hey. The guy in the hall's name was Micah." He wasn't sure if Brian cared, but didn't know what else to say
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Struggling to get to her feet, Amanda answered the door when teh cops arrived. Breathlessly, she led them up the steps, just to hear that psycho spread poison into Abby's delicate mind with his venemous accuasations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THe police let Brandon go without any further question.