I stashed my huge Chemistry textbook into my locker. It's the last week of school before summer vacation starts. I was glad I would be a senior soon. Just couldn't wait to get out of here. Then, I looked furtively around me. Okay, coast is clear. I quickly hoisted my backpack and walked quickly to class. It was Monday and I was crazy late. I hauled ass just as the second bell rang. Crap, crap!

I shoved myself into History just in time. Mrs Benning looked up and frowned. She looked at clock and just sighed.

"You're late Miss Morgan. Please have a seat. We have a pop quiz today! To prepare you for next year" She announced the quiz rather gleefully, quite in contrast to her usual dour expression. What?! A pop quiz?!

I slid into my seat and groaned. I ignored the snickers behind me. I put my pencil on my desk and crossed my fingers. Another fail would totally get me kicked off the soccer team. And I need to get a scholarship if I want to go to college. I have a feeling all of dad's money's with Shelby. And he's too absent to notice anything.

When Mrs Benning gave us the pop quiz, I groaned inwardly. She's really killing me. I gulped as I answered all the questions in the booklet. When the bell rang, I said a quick prayer and handed the quiz booklet to the smirking Mrs Benning. I flashed her what I hoped was a confident smile and slunk out of the class.

At the cafeteria, I saw Layne sitting at the popular's table, manning the stations, like the Queen Bee she was. I ignored her and she hardly glanced at me. Looking at us ignoring each other, nobody would've guessed that she's my step-sister. And I never told anybody about our relationship and Layne would rather lose her weave than admit I was her step-sister.

I sat at my usual table. Frankie, my best friend was already there. He was staring at Wes Grayson, as usual. I rolled my eyes. He really has questionable taste in men. I sighed as I took out an apple and my water from my backpack.

"Wes, again? Really, Frankie? I fear for you sometimes, you know. I really do." I said and took a bite out of my apple.

Frankie's hazel ayes flickered towards me. He pulled his gaze away from Wes and gave me his full attention. He looked at me from the top of my head to the top of my sneakers.

"Addy, dear, haven't you heard? Flannel is deadly. You'll get swallowed by all that fleece and never be heard from again." Frankie said snidely. I ignored him and munched on my apple as loudly as I could. Frankie just sighed and ran his hand through his glossy brown hair. I heard a giggle. Tamara Lee was giggling and staring at Frankie with stars in her eyes. Oh the poor, poor hot girl. Little did she know, Frankie's not interested in her melons. He's more into phallic objects..And the fact that Frankie is out and proud did nothing to throw her off.

"Tamara is so into you. Didn't you tell her you like boys?" I said as I opened my water.

"Like, all the effing time. Whatever, she's hot and wouldn't mind being a fag hag. Plus, she has better taste in clothes than you. You look like the salvation army took a dump on you while you're sleeping." Frankie said in mock disgust. Or at least I thought it's a mock disgust. You can never tell with Frankie.

"Come on, Frankie. I don't look that bad." I said, clearly in denial. I know I look a mess. But how could I tell him I couldn't afford clothes? That all the money Dad gave to Shelby to give to me is usually spent on Layne, instead of me.

"Addy, honey. I love you to pieces. But really, you should, like, make an effort. You're pretty-ish, curvy as eff and you're tall. Clothes that fit right will look heavenly on you. Look, let me hook you up. I know some designers giving away their samples. I'll snatch the size 12-ish ones for you and alter them. Ok?" Frankie said sweetly. I looked at him. Maybe he knew my predicament but never talked to me about it. I looked at him and shrugged.

Just then I heard a screech. It came from the populars' table. Layne was on her feet, screaming her head off at Wes, who looked bored. The cafeteria suddenly became silent as everyone watched in horror as Layne threw her salad at Wes' face. He didn't even flinch. He just picked at the leaves from his black shirt and threw them on the table nonchalantly as Layne stormed out of there with her skeletal minions in tow.

"Phew...what was that?! What's up with Queen Bee? Did you put something in her drink this morning.. Oh wait, she's always been like that." Frankie said as he rolled his eyes. Frankie is the only person outside our family who knows about my relationship with Layne.

I caught sight of Wes joking around with his friends, totally unfazed by Layne's outburst. Grudgingly, I have to admit that Wes is outrageously gorgeous. I mean, he does have that silky shiny dark brown hair, the dreamiest brown eyes on a human being and that crazy handsome face..stupid dimples. And those broad shoulders and stupid, silly strong-looking arms..hate them. He probably even has that idiotic and insufferable washboard abs. Yeck.

Suddenly those chocolate eyes fell on my muddy green ones. He kinda looked through me and glanced away. Like he saw how insignificant I was, how unattractive and unimportant, that he would rather look away than waste his time. I sneered and glared at him. Discreetly, I flipped him off.

"Hey Addy. What's with that look? You constipated?" Frankie asked loudly. I knew it was on purpose judging by the way he was grinning evilly. I threw him a glare.

Just then, I got up to throw away my empty bottle and apple core. As I was walking, I quickly rummage into my bag for my phone. So, I wasn't looking at where I was going. As I was walking and absentmindedly looking for my phone, I crashed into somebody. I looked up and stared in horror as I saw a girl holding a cup of coke lost her hold on it and the coke splashed all over the ever-so-disgustingly-gorgeous Wes.

"Hey, what the hell?!" Wes cried out in shock as he jumped from his chair. The girl stared at him in horror. She was half-sprawled on his table.

"Oh my God! Wes, so sorry! It's that bitch! She crashed into me!" The girl whined loudly and pointed at me, as I was already wishing I could disappear. Wes was soaked. His perfect hair and face were sticky and dripping with coke while his black shirt clung to his chest. He turned to look at me with venom in his eyes.

"You!" Wes said threateningly as he stood up to charge at me.

Without thinking, I flipped him off and ran out of there. Damnit! What the heck did I just do?! I am so dead!

Crap, crap, crap!! What the heck just happened?! Did I just flip off Wesley Grayson after drenching him in coke?! Oh, God, I am so dead!

I ran to the nearest bathroom and hid in one of the stalls, silently praying nobody finds me. I looked at my watch. Urgh, 15 minutes more before lunctime is over. Suddenly, there was a disgusting squelching fart sound that reverberated throughout the bathroom and a girlish grunt. I was about to break into a giggling fit when the smell reached me. Holy mother- I legged it out of there. The smell was so toxic that I almost developed a third hole on my nose. Shit was nasty!

As I burst through the bathroom door, I saw him! Wes saw me and with a grim albeit wet sticky face, he lunged towards me. I whipped around and burst into the first door that I saw. I went in and slammed the door shut. I locked it and prayed.

"Open this door you crazy bitch!" Wes screamed from outside the room. I kept quiet and hid myself.

"What are you doing screaming outside my door, Mr Grayson?" I heard a distinctively old female voice from outside the door. Oh no, Mrs Oliver! This is Mrs Oliver's class! I am in the meanest teacher's class.. I am doomed. I quickly realized it's okay, since I have this class after lunch. So, I ran to my usual seat and tried to relax.

Miraculously, Mrs Oliver did not enter the class until the first bell rang. I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew for a fact that I do not have Calculus class with Wes. So, I relaxed and forgot about what happened during lunch.

************************************

It was really tiring trying to avoid Wes for a whole week. I was so happy when summer vacation finally started. I could get a job and no more hiding from Wes.

I've decided to go to my grandma's house for the summer. Staying with the steps in the same house for the whole summer is just too much for me. I didn't think I could handle it. When I told my dad over the phone he just grunted his approval. I sighed. He's so different after mom died. He kinda withdrew from the world and buried himself with work. It was a miracle that he remarried. But I think he did that just to make sure I wasn't home alone while he goes out or works.

Shelby was thrilled that I would be gone for the whole summer. Layne didn't care as she ignored me most of the time. We never fought or anything. We just never spoke to each other. We were also very rarely in the same room with each other. Layne was always busy with her life as a teen model. She always goes off for fashion shoots and was hardly ever home. Which was fine by me.

I got off the bus and walked happily to the bus shelter to wait for my ride to my grandma's house. About 15 minutes later, a beaten up mini cooper clambered up the road. Gramdma Edith!

The car stopped with a jerk and I ran to the car, so happy to see her. When I opened the passanger door, my grandma had a huge smile on her weather beaten face. I smiled too and greeted her.

"Hey baby girl! Come on in!" Grandma said in that jolly way of her.

"Hi grandma!" I said happily as I got in the tiny car. We hugged and she kissed me heartily on both cheeks. I missed her a lot. I got to see her on holidays, which is really, really cool. She's my mom's mom. My grandparents on my dad's side have passed away and I didn't even remember them.

"So, how's your father?" Grandma asked as she drove along the empty road.

"He's okay, I guess. He's always on the road, so I don't get to see him much." I said as I fiddled with radio dial, trying to find a station that does not play show tunes 24/7.

"And that new wife of his? What's her name...Selfish, Shellfish.." Grandma said getting Shelby's name confused. I think she did it on purpose. She's not a big fan of the 'Yellow-haired old tart with that anorexic daughter'...her words, not mine. They've met once. And both decided they could do without seeing each other so often. My dad can be oblivious, but he liked Grandma Edith. She was like his real mom to him. And she in turn, loved him like a real son.

"It's Shelby, grandma. You know that." I said with a giggle. She just shrugged. I sighed.

"Well, she's the same. You know what I mean." I said weakly and grandma changed the subject.

"Joshua's here for the summer. He's gonna be working at the lobster place on the beach." Grandma said casually as she glanced at me with a meaningful look.

"Really?!" Was all I could say. Josh was my childhood crush. We see each other almost every holiday. But since he went to college last year, he rarely came home. So, I was excited about seeing him again.

'Well, that's what his mom said. Well, here we are." Grandma said, parking her car in front of her pretty whitewashed house. I got out of the car excitedly. Grandma put her arm around my shoulder and we walked to the house happily.

I got inside the house and took in everything. Then I ran to my room. It was mum's old room. I loved that room. It made me feel closer to mom. And I felt more at home here than back home at dad's. I threw my bag at the corner and threw myself on the bed. I sighed contentedly. The whole summer here...what bliss.

"Hey sweetie, come on, let's have lunch. I made your favourite." Grandma said mysteriously as she poked her head in my room. I got up and followed her to the kitchen. We had a nice lunch of chicken fried steak and a long catching up session.

************************************

I grinned as I put on the corn dog kiosk apron. I just applied for the job and got it straight away. It was at the beach and the pay's good. When I was ready, I got out and the supervisor showed me around and told me what my job was. It wasn't that hard. There was another new girl there too.

After the initial training, we officially started our first day of work. Daisy, the new girl and I were told to make the pink lemonade. So, we got to work. It was fun and Daisy was super nice. We got along great. She was tiny blonde bouncy girl.

The day went on okay. After the lemonade, June, our supervisor taught us how to make corn dogs using the corn dog machine. There was nothing to it. Daisy struggled a little bit, so June put her at the counter with her for the day to help serve the food. Which was fine by me. I don't do front desk.

It was almost late afternoon and we were about to close. It's been a week since I started working there. I was standing with Daisy at the counter, watching people go by. Just then, as I was staring at the waves crashing against the sand, a familiar voice rang out.

"Hey Addy!" I looked up and my eyes widen. Joshua!

"Josh! Oh my God!" I cried out and ran out of the kiosk. I threw myself in his arms. Josh laughed as we hugged. I pulled away and looked at him. Gosh, he cleaned up nice. Still gorgeous and he's gotten taller and broader. He slung his arm around my shoulder and tousled my hair.

"Hey, stop that! None of that, ok. I'm gonna be a senior after summer!" I said in mock indignation. I smoothed my dirty blonde hair back in place.

"Wow, you grew..nice." Josh said as his eyes looked me up and down and kinda lingered at my boobs. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. I hit him on the shoulder.

"Hey, stop staring at my boobs, you perv!" I said good-naturedly as he laughed, avoiding my hits.

"And who's this?" He asked as his gaze fell on Daisy. She looked at him shyly.

"I'm Daisy." She said in a soft voice.

"Well, hello Daisy. I'm Josh, the local heartbreaker." Josh said jokingly and Daisy giggled. I rolled my eyes..oh, please... I made gagging noises at Josh. He just ignored me.

"Dude, come on. I'm hungry!" A voice called suddenly. Josh looked over his shoulder and beckoned for that someone to come on over. When he did, I felt blood just drained from my face. Shit!

"Addy, Daisy, this is my snotty cousin, Wesley. Wes, this is Addy and Daisy." Josh said with a smile.

Wes looked at me, his brows furrowed. Just then his eyes widen. Oh, crap. No way....

"You!" He said in shock and realization. Damnit, damnit, damnit! I swallowed hard. I am done for!

I blinked my eyes rapidly. Wes was staring at me, his eyes dark. It doesn't take a genius to know that he wanted to tear my hair out right now. I kinda cowered and stepped back a little.

"Well, well, well... You've run away all the way here.." Wes said quietly as he looked at me like he wanted to break me in half. I gulped and tried to act casual. Josh looked from him to me and back again.

"What you guys know each other?" Josh asked. Daisy just looked on.

"Err..somewhat. We go to the same school." I said awkwardly.

"Aww, so you guys are classmates. How cute. So, what time are you guys closing? Let's go have a bite to eat." Josh said, totally unaware that I wanted to run away so badly. Wes looked at Josh like he thought Josh was an idiot.

"Um, actually, we're about done. We just have to change and lock up and we're good to go." Daisy said, very unhelpfully I might add.

"Excellent. We'll just wait for you guys out here,ok." Josh said.

I quickly ran into the stand and went to the changing room. I changed into my top and skinny jeans. I was dreading going out to face Wes again. I stood at my locker, fidgeting with my bagpack.

"Hey, you ok?" Daisy asked as she slung her purse over her shoulder. She looked at me in concern. In the course of a week, we've become fast friends. I sighed and just smiled.

"Come on, let's lock up and go." I said and Daisy just followed me without questioning me further.

When we stepped out of the stand and I locked up, Josh came up to me and slung his arms around Daisy and me.

Wes lagged behind while still glaring at me. I swallowed hard and ignored him.

"Onward, march!" Josh cried loudly and dragged us girls with him, giggling at his antics.

We went to a diner that only opens at night in summer. It sells yummy fish tacos and virgin mojitos. We found a table with me ending up sitting right opposite Wes, who' s resorted to ignoring me. Which was fine by me.

Josh ordered for us. Fish tacos and virgin mojitos. Looking at the yummy tacos crammed full with breaded fried fish flesh reminded me that I forgot to eat lunch since lunch hour was our busiest time. The mojitos were so cold and fizzy. It's a perfect combination.

Josh pretty much dominated the conversation, which I was totally grateful for. I was trying really hard to ignore Wes' glare. Josh abd Daisy were talking about an indie movie they both saw, but I haven't. So, I listened politely and avoid looking at Wes at all cost. By now, Wes was busy fiddling with his phone. I stole a look at him. Urgh, he is so gorgeous. Makes me want to hit him so hard. No wonder he's a douche. Guys that are too good-looking just turns me off. I can just imagine how huge his ego would be. And Wes is the best-looking guy I've ever seen...I imagine his ego must be disgustingly massive.

As if sensing my gaze on him, Wes looked up at me sharply. Caught staring, I turned my gaze away from him. As far away from him as possible.

After a while, it got a bit late. We walked Daisy to her car. We said good night and she drove off. Since I did not own a car here, Josh offered to take me home, since his house was like 2 houses away from mine. Which is a blessing since I got to see Josh all the time. But not so nice as Wes would be there as well. Urgh..

So, we piled in Josh's old camaro. I sat in the back, directly behind Josh. The journey was a little tense for me, despite Josh's chatter as he drove.

When we reached grandma's house, Josh stopped the car and let it idle.

"Thanx for the ride Josh. See you later." I said as I reached for the door handle and opened the doir. I got out the car and was about to walk tiwards grandma's house.

"Hey, Addy. Since we work really close to each other, we can just carpool. I'll take you to work. Just be here by 8:30 alright?" Josh said as he looked out the window at me. I smiled gratefully.

"Wow, really? Ok! Thanx Josh!"I said gratefully and turned awkwardly to Wes.

"Err, good night Wes. Thanx for dinner." I waved awkwardly and walked away as quickly as I could. I didn't want to be around him for too long.

"Goodnight!" Josh called and then drove slowly to his house, 2 houses away. I walked into the house and finally felt relieved. I couldn't stand being under Wes' glare. It was too unnerving. Feeling tired, I made my way upstairs and got ready for bed.

************************************

It was starting to be such an amazing summer. Well, in spite of Wes being around. I can just ignore him. Every morning I get spend it with Josh. Yeay..!

Josh woukd drive me to work every morning and we'd have dinner and go home together. It was fun. Daisy lijed Josh a lot, too. Like, a lot. Can't blame her really. Josh is really nice, funny and friendly. Exactly why I liked him. But I knew he only sees me as a little sister, although I've had a crush on him, since forever.

I was working at the counter handling the drinks during lunch hour rush. Daisy was manning the corn dog machine. My supervisor was at the till, taking orders.

"Ok, Addy, 2 pink lemonades and 2 corndogs." Marcia, our supervisor said as she rang up the register.

I nodded and put 2 pink lemonades on a tray and Daisy handed me 2 corndogs. I put both dogs and drinks on the tray and quickly put the tray at the counter. I looked up and was startled. Wes was standing there with a pretty blonde girl hanging off his arm. Wes glanced at me and then looked away, disinterested. I gulped and looked away. I saw the girl took a sip of the lemonade as Wes paud for the food. The blonde scrunched up her face.

"Baby, there's not enough ice in this. Um, hey, you over there. Can I have more ice please?" She said as she motiobed me to cone take her cup. Wordlessly, I moved to take the cup from her. But she let go as soon as I touched the cup, without me getting a good grip on the cup. The cup hit the counter and the lemonade spilked and splashed all over us. She shrieked and jumped back as the water splashed on her top. I looked at my uniform. The front was dtenched. And I was wearing a white t-shirt and black skinny jeans, which was the uniform. The t-shirt kinda stuck to my front. Although I wore a black and white striped apron, it did little to protect my front from the water.

"Ahh!! Look what you did!" The blonde screamed. She started fanning her top and jumping frantically.

"Me?! You let go before I even got hold of the cup!" I defended myself before I could stop myself. The blonde stared at me in disbelief. Crap, I knew should just apologized. She was after all, a customer.

"What the-! This is your fault! Where's your manager?!" She screamed, her nostrils flaring. I gulped. The otber customers just stared at me. I qiickly got as many napkins as I could and tried to help her dry off. But she pushed my hand away and took the napkin away from me and started mopping up her wet arms and front.

"I'm really, sorry. She didn't mean to drop the cup. Here, we'll give you an order of chips, free of charge." Marcia piped in, rescuing me. I kept my head down and started cleaning up the mess. The blonde scoffed and walked off to the ladies'. A pair of hands gripped the tray and spoke in the iciest voice I've ever hrard come out of a human's mouth.

"What is it with you and drinks? How hard is your job? What a loser.." Wes said and walked off. I looked up, feeling stung. Well, I knew I was clumsy, but he didn't have to be that mean. A-hole.

I just glared at the pair eating and drinking at one of the benches in front of the corndog stand at the beach. Wes is a jerk. He's always been popular. But he wasn't friendly or loud like other popular kids. He never talked to 'lowly' people like me. And he usually ignored us. And he never even lost his temper before I drenched him with the coke. And right at that moment, I never felt as much an idiot as I do right now.