Hi guys, trying something new, Hope you like! Younger readers beware, this is M-rated for reasons due to future lemons! Don't' like, then please read something else. Other than that Enjoy!

Snowed In:

The girl took another shot of Teena Sometimes. She was a legend of taking fantastic photos and being in contact with many celebrities. Jackie was a world renowned photographer. She had been all over the planet taking nature shots, doing photo shoots for models and artists, along with taking pictures at several fashion shows for the latest trends. She even modeled for some magazines, walking down red carpets with celebrities, and walking down the runways in beautiful dresses. Her career had taken her far and wide, and she worked every day since she got her internship into the professional scene. It took her almost five years to get to this point. She was known as the youngest professional and also amongst one of the most successful. At the age of 22, she was a prodigy many wanted to know and also have their pictures taken by.

Jackie enjoyed working every day, but she did miss her old town. It had been a little over five years since she left to fulfill her own dreams at 16. But she had encouragement from not only her mom, but her best friends Kendall and Brianna. However, that still didn't mean she didn't think about them and miss them every now and then. There were some days she wanted to go back to her home town, however work kept her busy. Plus, as much as she did miss the place, there were still some hard memories she couldn't really forget. It was the few reasons she left, taking the internship program. She could remember that easily. She graduated early, took the program and was even able to take college courses while in the program to get her Bachelor's degree. But this was all old history, stuff she could get over. Right?

(*)

She let out a sigh. It had been a long time since she had any time to herself. Not to mention it had been a long time since she been back home. Over five years. The last time she was in her hometown she was a teenager, and more to it, the last time she was in the woods for a camping trip, was when she was in middle school. She had just started to make some real friends, enjoying the summer camp her mom placed her in. And now she was back in the woods hoping to relax and grow some perspective. Her career had her stressed, unfocussed and in need of some time off. She worked over time all the time, overbooked things constantly, and yet still was able to get everything done with precision, accuracy, and make headlines constantly. But even she grew tired of the constant press, media and bombarding from fans. This was a vacation long overdue for herself.

She hiked a few trails, enjoying the sounds of nature. She even kept her drawing pads and camera with her wanting to doodle and photograph things she saw. The way the woods looked with a few snow spots scattered about made it look wonderful. The air was brisk and the sun felt nice. It was perfect she thought. The weather forecast said it be chili, but still sunny. The days perfect for her to be out in the woods and leisurely taking photos of things she enjoyed. She continued to walk through the woods, taking in everything nature offered. She found a nice place to set up camp. She laid back on her sleeping bag that she had on a hammock. The stars lighting up the sky.

"I have a few weeks to myself, might as well enjoy this time." She breathed out. She closed her eyes, letting the wind sway the hammock slightly. Her mind being at ease and her stress non-existent.

In a few day's time, she realized how much she missed the woods. Old memories coming back to her from her camp days. However, some of those memories she wished hadn't filtered back into her mind along with others.

"You realize she's wacky Jackie right! She's crazy and she'll never change." She could hear the voice clear as day. As if the event had occurred the day before. She looked to the side, as she was laying down again. The stars for some reason losing their luster.

"It was clear that night too…" She whispered to herself, remembering one of the reasons she left along with her camp days. She closed her eyes, wanting to focus to get rid of all of the thoughts clouding her mind.

(*)

I smiled as I looked at him, though he wasn't paying any attention. The camp's mess hall was noisy, but it felt like it was just the two of us. I leaned my head on my hand, sighing out. My friend giggling at my actions.

"Jackie, why don't you just go talk to him?" She questioned, raising a curious eyebrow.

"I can't do that Kends. This is…I mean…he's so….and I'm…" Words were hard to form as the thought of talking to him was impossible. Kendall chuckled.

"I think someone's just being bashful." She teased. I gave her a pointed look.

"Says the girl who won't even admit she likes…" I began, teasing her just as much. She covered my mouth.

"Shhhh." She glanced around like we weren't the only two people at our table. "You want the whole room to hear you?" She warned. I snickered.

"See. I can't even bring up his name without you quieting me." I had a sly look. "You're just as bad as I am." I smiled. She folded her arms.

"I'm not bad, I just know we don't get along is all. Plus he dislikes me, last thing I need is that boy to do is hold something over my head." She countered. "Which trust me, I know he'll do it."

"You two haven't even had an argument or scuffle in over six months." I told her.

"So…he's…we're just….we're different." She finally spoke. "At least you have things in common with…"

"Shh!" It was my turn to cover her lips. She had a sly look now. "Don't give me that look." I folded my arms.

"You know we're never going to get anywhere with the way we're acting." She admitted.

"Especially since you're going to an honors program and mid college." I added.

"Yeah…" She let out. "It kinda sucks we'll only have breaks together."

"I agree."

"But hey, we have a few months before school, let's make the most of this summer ok?" She smiled.

"You know your right, and let's make a promise to never give up on crushes either." I looked at her. She nodded.

"How about this, if one of us tells our crush we like them, or anything along those lines, the other has to do it to. What do you say?" She suggested. "Promise Jackie?" She held up her pinky. I looked at it then her.

"Promise." We pinky swore.

The memory fading into something else. I heard laughter, everyone laughing.

"What a whack job!" The voice cackled.

"Jackie?" The way he looked at me, I couldn't stand it.

"You realize she's wacky right! She's crazy and she'll never change." I felt tears run down my cheeks, running away.

(*)

She woke up from the nightmare. She felt clammy. She placed a hand on her forehead, before running it down to her cheeks. 'Tears?' she questioned the salty drops coming down her face.

"Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all." She breathed out, letting her legs come up to her chest. "This town only brings back bad memories."

She couldn't get back to sleep that night, her mind still clouded with a nightmarish memory. As dawn broke through the trees, the image bringing her out of her stupor; she grabbed her camera deciding to take some more photos, thinking it might help. She even drew some woodland creatures she came across.

Each day she would hike more trails going deeper into the woods. She made camp at places she thought were best, each night trying to forget certain things. She enjoyed the simple dreams of her and Kendall's friendship, even the fun things her and her mom would do during the summers. But being haunted by other things made it difficult to want to stay in town. But, she liked the idea she was off the grid. And it was hard to really leave this place until she made peace with herself. Then, maybe just then, she could really move on with things.

She climbed up a few hills, before hiking up another path. She let out a breath, taking in the fresh air she got. Something dropped on her nose, causing her to look. She hadn't realized the sky became dark with clouds, and now it was beginning to snow. The wind began to pick up. 'The forecast didn't say anything about snow…' She thought. It began to cover the ground and fill the sky with a white haze. Her body became cold and she grabbed her coat. 'Guess I should head back down, I think there was a cave further down.' She looked at her phone, the reception lost and signal down. She rolled her eyes. 'Of course.' She mentally face palmed. She grabbed the map she took with her, looking at the route she took. Suddenly the wind increased in strength, something she wasn't expecting. A particle got into her eye, which caused the map to fly out of her hand when she rubbed her eye with the other.

"My map!" She exclaimed going after it. She followed the flying paper as it traveled with the wind. She ran as fast as she could watching it sway in the air, looping and twisting. It got caught a few times in trees before the wind continued to carry it. It landed into a small stream, becoming soaked. By the time she got it out of the water, it was falling apart into a wet pile. She let out an irritated breath. "Figures." She spoke. She glanced around, the snow beginning to build. It was even hard to see as the winds were picking up more and more, the snow being blown everywhere it seemed.

She heard the sound of snow crunching behind her, a dark shadow being seen. She tried to get a better look, before her eyes widened. "Bear…" She gasped out. The Bear noticed her, growling slightly before something caught its attention. The creature looked behind itself then ran towards the direction Jackie was. It passed by her. She fell on her butt from being bumped. She looked towards where the bear came from. "If a bear is running, that's not a good sign." She commented. She heard a low, feral sound come from behind the trees. "And that's my que." She got up quickly, running away from the place as fast as she could. She hopped over fallen branches, small boulders, trying to get away from whatever was out there. As she ran, something caught her foot, causing her to stumble then tumble down a hill. She got knocked into a few bushes and branches. She landed on the ground with a thud. Her body was in pain and vision hazy, before fading to black, her head hitting the ground.

She woke a few hours later. She felt cold, freezing in fact, and sore all over. It took all of her strength to get up and walk again. She had a few inches of snow on her, while the ground was now white. She slowly walked through the woods, trying to find her way back. The wind howling at her as she continued. As she held onto trees for some support, she thought she was seeing a mirage when a cabin came into view. She got closer and closer until she realized it wasn't a mirage, but an actual cabin. She walked in as quick as she could, shutting and locking the door behind her. She saw it had a fire place and lots of logs. She began to build a fire to warm up her freezing body. She was lucky to have matches on her, though they were damp from the fact she was in the snow with her bag. She threw half of them on the wood, trying to light one so it would start a chain reaction to get the fire going. She was fortunate to get a spark, lighting the paper and matches to get the fire started. In a few minutes it was blazing and she kept it big by adding a few extra logs. She hadn't had time to look around her, and with it being lit by the fire's light, she noticed how old the place was. There were a few cobwebs, but other than that it was well kept. The furniture seemed old, but still nice enough to sleep or sit on. She wondered if the place belonged to someone or was abandoned. She leaned her back against the couch, enjoying the heat from the fire. She hadn't even realized her eyes were getting heavy. She allowed her body to lay itself on the floor as she drifted off into slumber.

(*)

The days of camp where coming to end. I was surprised how fast it went. It was kinda sad to know we only had two weeks left and I was even more saddened because I wouldn't see Kendall until Thanksgiving, or even Winter break. I let my eyes wonder to him again. We were making friendship bracelets. Well that was the assignment at least. However, they decided to take it a step further and make a sling shot so Kick could perform a stunt. Kendall let out an annoyed breath as he gathered everyone's attention flying through the air. I couldn't help but giggle at her. She'll forever be stubborn, unless she gets the right push.

"You should tell Kick he did awesome." I whispered to her. She gave me a look. I snickered.

"The day I say that is the day you finally have a conversation with…" She countered slyly. I covered her mouth again.

"They'll hear you. He'll hear you. Are you trying to oust me?" I had a panicked look. She raised an eyebrow.

"Just saying Jackie." She poked me. "If you don't start somewhere, someone else might steal him." She teased.

"Can't I say the same to you?" I asked.

"Maybe, but I can at least have a conversation with him. I just choose not to." She retorted. I rolled my eyes. More like you don't want to embarrass yourself by blushing madly in front of him. I snickered in my head.

"You sure his steely gaze won't have you weak?" I had my own fun. She blushed.

"No!" She quietly exclaimed. "He…we…like I said we have nothing to talk about." She continued. I snickered.

"Right." I elbowed her. She rolled her eyes as we both went back to working on the bracelets. Then Kick came crashing through our table.

"Ow." He got up dusting himself off. He glanced at us. In the past few years he and Gunther had grown taller, even becoming taller than me and Kendall now. There styles still the same. Occasionally, Kick wouldn't have his helmet on, though it wasn't often.

"Hey Kick." I said, having a small smile. He just nodded, glancing at Kendall briefly. She tried to hid her blush.

"Nice going Clarence. You realize we're supposed to be making bracelets not sling shots right?" She tried to scold, though I could tell she was trying to avoid looking worried he might have hurt himself, amongst other things.

"Yeah well I'm not into that sissy la la stuff." He replied. "I rather have some actual fun." I laughed as she let out a huff.

"Well sorry this isn't fun and cool enough for you." She looked away folding her arms. He shrugged.

"Kick you okay? I think we got the trajectory wrong." Gunther came running up.

"We'll get it right this time." Kick smiled, walking back to where the sling shot was. Gunther looked at us, my heart beginning to race. He smiled.

"Hey Kendall, hey Jackie." He waved. Kendall smiled back.

"Hey Gunther." She side glanced me, elbowing me to say something.

"Ah…oh…um…Hi…" I finally got out, feeling so awkward and nervous.

"Gunther, ready?" Kick called. Gunther did a final wave going back to Kick. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Kendall laughed.

"We definitely need to work on your communication skills." She stated. I blushed harder.

"Shut up…" I elbowed her again.

The scene beginning to vanish again. To the last day of camp. It was so clear in my mind.

I tried to get the courage to talk to Gunther fully, however I was only lead to be disheartened when I saw he kissed another girl. Even more she confessed and asked him out. She was pretty, beautiful in fact, someone who had class with us for the past few years, and even more so, was popular amongst everyone. I left my spot from behind the tree, wanting to go cry my heart out at home. Which I did. The second the bus dropped us off, I ran to my house. Ran into my room and cried. Just cried.

(*)

"Jackie." She could hear name being called, and consciousness coming back. "Jackie." They said again. She opened her eyes, her head pounding. She placed a hand on her forehead. 'Where am I? And why am I so sore.' she inwardly asked herself. She glanced around, shock coming to her when she saw someone there. Her eyes widened.

"You…what…what are you doing here?" She questioned.

"I could ask you the same." He folded his arms. "Haven't seen you in years and now you're here."

"I got caught in the snow. I thought I enjoy some time off here." She informed.

"Here, the home you left behind, that's funny." He scoffed

"I didn't leave this place behind," I defended.

"Sure about that? You got out of here the second you got a chance." He countered.

"That's because it was a once in a life time opportunity. Surely you should know about those." She folded her arms glancing away.

"Yeah I do, but I also know where I come from and make time for the place I call home." He retorted.

"Well sorry my career choice kept me busy." She stated. She got up, something dropping to the floor. She looked at it, becoming surprised. "That's…that's your…" She began.

"My moose pelt. Yeah, you were freezing so I laid it over you." He responded. "You're lucky you didn't get hyperthermia." She picked it up, her cheeks going a bit pink.

"Ah…thank you." She handed it back to him. She felt awkward now. 'This is why I didn't want to come back.' She let a hand go to her arm. She glanced at the door. "Time I get going." She spoke, heading to the door.

"You can't leave." He commented. She looked back at him.

"And why not?" She questioned.

"One, because the forecast said this snow storm isn't letting up for almost a week, two, you can barely see out there with the blizzard raging, three, unless you really want to freeze to death, it be best to stay indoors, and finally the snow is piled up enough to the point we're snowed in." He explained. 'Of course…' She inwardly sighed.

"Joyous." She said, a thought crossing her mind after a few more awkward moments. "So what are you doing here anyway? I didn't know you had a cabin, Gunther." She finally spoke his name, asking her question.

"I don't." He replied. "This is just a place I visit every now and then to do upkeep." He shrugged. "I don't know who it really belongs to, but they don't come ever." He continued. "I thought since I was in town for a bit I come here."

"If you knew about the forecast, why didn't you leave to get to safety?" She inquired.

"I was going to, but by the time I was getting everything packed up and stuff, the storm had already began making it hard to see outside." He answered.

"I see." She glanced away again.

"You never did answer me." He went to sit on the couch. She looked at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Why you chose to come back?" He stared at her. 'Now of all times…' He thought.

"Oh….well I missed this place and I needed a break from work." She sat on the floor in front of the fire, letting the heat hit her back. She realized, not having his blanket, she was still freezing.

"Here I thought the great Jackie enjoyed her life as a world renowned photographer." He mocked. "What the fame get to be too much?" She narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Just because I went to go do something I love, doesn't mean I can't miss this place." She bit back. He rolled his eyes.

"Right, since it meant so much to you before." He countered.

"It did actually. This place was my home. My friends were here, my family, so yes it did mean a lot." She retorted. "Besides I don't think I should be getting a lecture about this from you."

"Me? What I'd do? You're the one that left remember." He refuted.

"And you haven't?" She crossed. "You can't tell me you haven't followed Kick around, as you two do your own things."

"Yeah we might have, but we always come back home because this is the place where we belong." He argued.

"And my career had me busy these past years. I have always known where I belonged." She defended. "I know this is my home and I've missed it."

"Fine, then let me ask this, did you even go into town yet, since you began your little vacation." He asked. This took her aback. " Or did all you do is come into woods to get away?"

"I was…" She looked away. "I was planning to after." she admitted. He rolled his eyes.

"I bet. You just came here because it's convenient. So you can say you went back home when all you did was visit these woods still staying away from town." He pointed. "Face it, you want nothing to do with this place."

"That's not…not true." She wrapped her arms around her knees tighter. He stared at her. "I.."

"This place means nothing to you." He interrupted. "Just admit you don't want to be here." She tightened her fist.

"Just….stop…stop it already." Her voice was quiet.

"It shouldn't be hard for you to accept that you hate this place." He continued. "You left without a word and don't even have the guts to go back into town." He said. "This place isn't your home."

"Stop it!" She shouted, getting up. "Stop acting like you know me! Stop acting like you know what I'm thinking!" She exclaimed. "You were there damnit! This place is my home! It's just…"She felt some tears role down her cheeks. He watched her, his expression softening. "I'm…I'm not welcomed here." She finally let out, falling to her knees.

"What makes you think that?" He questioned. She glanced away.

"Don't patronize me." She commented. "You were there that day, you should know how others view me." 'Even more, what you think of me…' She thought.

"What day are you talking about?" He raised an eyebrow. She looked at him.

"Seriously?" She couldn't believe it.

"Seriously." He repeated. "I don't know what day you're talking about." She was surprised. 'How can he not know…' She thought.

"It was a month before I left." She stated, thinking maybe that might remind him.

"A month before you left…" He tried to remember. A distant memory coming to his mind. "You're talking about that incident, aren't you?" He looked at her. She nodded, looking away again, a hand going up her arm. "Actually I never understood what happened that day." He confessed.

"What's there to understand. It was pretty simple." She told him. "I wasn't welcomed there at Mellowbrooks' High, I wasn't wanted in general." He was quiet for a bit, taking in her words, while for her the memory of that day haunted her thoughts.

"Can you explain to me everything." He finally spoke. "I want to fully understand what happened." She looked up at him,. She was quiet for a bit, but finally nodded.

"Yeah. I guess..."

(*)

I was so excited. I was just offered an internship by this big named photography company. They saw an exhibit I did for my photography class and wanted me to start as soon as I could. I said I think about it. They told me I should make a decision to start the very next term or the summer one that very year. They even gave me almost two months to think about it. I called my best friend as soon as I could. We screamed in the phone together.

"Jackie, I'm so proud and excited for you!" Kendall squealed happily.

"Thank you! This is such an opportunity, but I'm not sure what to do…" I confessed, still ecstatic.

"Well I think you should definitely do it!" She encouraged. "But maybe do it in the summer since you should finish the school year." She suggested.

"Yeah I guess." I thought about it.

"We'll this is your last few months of school, you should enjoy them. Do the dances and stuff before doing the internship." She continued. "I mean you're graduating early, you deserve some fun before starting the serious stuff." She laughed.

"Yeah I guess you're right, it's just such a huge decision." I admitted.

"Well you have some time to really think about it." She reminded. "No need to rush into a decision just yet." I nodded, agreeing with her. "Anyway I have to go, studying you know." She giggled. I laughed with her.

"Sure. Talk to you later Kends." We hung up and I thought of all my possibilities for the future.

A few days passed and I still thought whether to take the internship or not. In the meantime I continued to take lots of photos for my class, enjoying the time I spent in free periods to take them. There where nature shots, everyday shots of people hanging out with friends, I just enjoyed taking pictures of everything. My phone rang bringing me out of my state of mind.

"Hello?" I answered. A fangirl like scream being heard on the other side of the line.

"Jackie! It happened! I can't believe it happened! He asked me out!" Kendall was excited and loud. I had a curious look.

"Wait what? Who asked you out?" I questioned.

"Kick!" She squealed with glee. My eyes widened.

"What! Give me the details now!" I was just as giddy.

"Well you know how about a year ago we began talking a bit more, then exchanged numbers." She began.

"Ah huh." I nodded.

"Well this weekend Brianna wanted to come visit for a bit since she had a pageant in my area." She continued. "And he came along for some reason. And when Brianna was at her pageant, we hung out!" She was so ecstatic. "Then we started talking seriously and before I knew it he said he liked me! He confessed!" She squeaked out joyfully. "I told him my feelings right after and he asked me out! We have a date this upcoming weekend!" She screamed. "I'm so excited and happy!" I could tell she had the biggest and brightest smile on her right now due to her tone. She finally had a dream come true. I was so happy for her.

"That's so great and awesome Kends! I am so happy for both of you!" I smiled.

"Yeah well you're next girly." I got confused by the sudden change of topic.

"What? What do you mean?" I asked.

"Oh come one Jackie, don't tell me you don't remember." She insisted.

"Ah….no. Remember what?" I had no idea what she was talking about.

"Our promise! Our promise we made back at camp!" She informed. My eyes widening at the realization.

"What! You can't be serious?!" I exclaimed.

"Dead serious." She laughed. "Plus we made a pinky promise Jackie! You can't go back on it." She told me.

"Yeah but…" I grew red. "I can barely talk to Gunther. I haven't even had an actual conversation with him." I defended.

"I know." She stated. "It's time to change that. It's time to talk to him then tell him how you feel." She added.

"How can I tell him how I feel when I can't even talk to him without being awkward and stuff?" I argued.

"You just got to be confident! Like you are when you take your photos." She countered. "You have it in you."

"Taking photos is so different." I retorted. "Plus he's…he has a girlfriend." I looked down.

"And!?" She continued.

"What do you mean and?" I blushed.

"I mean, it's not like I'm telling you to get him to cheat on his girl, but finally get the courage to just say how you feel." Kendall reasoned. "Even if nothing happens, that's ok because it's just out in the open." She spoke. "It's better to try being friends than nothing."

"Yeah but…"

"No butts Jackie. You might have missed your chance to get him to be your boyfriend, but you should at least try to tell him, and still become friends with him. You need it." She interrupted. I let out a sigh.

"Alright, fine. I'll try…but no guarantees on anything." I said.

"I know, but just try! Being his friend will be better than you using your photo shop program to make pictures with you cropped in them." She teased with a giggle. I grew more embarrassed.

"Hey I used the system for you too." I countered. She laughed.

"I know, I'm just teasing." She was happy. "But go out there and do your best!" When we hung up, I tried to figure out how I could causally talk to him without sounding like an awkward idiot. A few more days passed ad Kick had this huge stunt. I took some shots of it for his website that I helped him create. I looked through the camera trying to figure out the best shots.

"Hey Jackie, that was an awesome stunt huh?" His voice startled me that I almost dropped my camera. Almost. He certainly gave my heart a freight. I glanced at him, trying not to go red.

"Ah…oh…um yeah." I got out. He raised an eyebrow. "Great stunt…"

"You okay? "He asked. I just nodded, trying to calm down. "It's really great you take these photos for us Jackie." He smiled.

"Ah…well…um. Yeah…I'm glad to help." I was making a complete idiot of myself, I know it. I can't talk to him normally at all. I yelled at myself in my head, growing further embarrassed. He gave me another curious look. Yeah, he's thinks I'm wacky and weird. He definitely thinks it. It was awkward for a few more long moments.

"Hey Jackie…can I ask you something?" He scratched behind his head. Now I've done it! He wants me to leave, wants me to move cities….or worse move countries!

"Oh...um…sure." I nodded again.

"I noticed you're quiet around me and Kick…' He began. Here it comes. I kept panicking inwardly. "You...you don't still like him, right? Like still secretly obsessed with him?" He questioned.

"Huh…what…no… I'm….I mean…well… He…no, just no." I quickly stumbled out. "Kendall is my best friend and…she… well…um…they're great….i mean they are perfect together. I wouldn't…she and him….They just belong together and I'm happy for them." I rambled. He had a small smile and laugh that was making me blush again.

"I see." He spoke. "You know it's kinda cute when you get all flustered." He mentioned. My heart just stopped and my stomach became filled with butterflies. Yeah, my face just became a tomato. I don't think I can have another coherent word. "You know I think this is the most we've talked to each other." He continued.

"Oh…yeah….I'm…well….I'm busy….a lot." I had to preoccupy my mind with something else, just so I could reply.

"Yeah. That's true. But we should talk more ya know." He said. I was going to faint any second, I could feel it, my heart could not take anymore. "And you don't have to be so quiet and awkward. We're friends right? " He smiled. I'm doomed… think about the internship, think about calming waters, think about anything else but the smiling handsome face before you. I nodded trying to sooth myself.

"Yeah…" I let out.

"Gunther!" Someone called.

"Well gotta go, see ya Jackie." He waved, running to the person.

"Ah…yeah…see ya…" I let my knees give out, so happy no one was around anymore. I immediately called Kendall and told her. We screamed for the next few hours, and I couldn't have been happier. As some weeks passed I had little conversations here and there with him. Kick even joined in on some, wanting to know how the narrowing down of his stunt shots were going. Everything was actually going amazing. It was hard to believe.

I was at my locker going through my portfolio. I had so many pictures. I wondered if I summited some to the summer internship, would I get into a few advanced courses. But then again, was program even right for me? I grabbed another folder.

"Hey Jackie." Gunther called, my heart nearly bursting out of my chest. I still wasn't use to this.

"Uh…oh…hey." I had a small shy smile. He chuckled.

"You know you don't need to be so nervous. It's just me." He shrugged.

"Ha…ah right. Sorry." I apologized. "Hard habit to break." I admitted. Plus it's him, my thoughts added. He smiled.

"We'll get you over your social awkwardness in no time." He encouraged.

"Oh, um by the way." I showed him the folder I grabbed. "I narrowed down Kick's stunt photos….i wasn't sure if I should just give them to him or to you… I mean you can give them to him too, if that's not a problem…then again I could have probably given them to Kendall… unless you and Kick want to look over them than that's fine too." I'm rambling again. He simply smiled.

"No worries Jackie. I'll take them, I'm sure you chose amazing shots." He complimented. I grew redder.

"Ah, thanks."

"Gunther darling!" I knew that voice too well. She came running, grabbing his arm and kissing his cheek all at once. "I thought you we were going to have lunch together." She practically sparkled. This girl who confessed to him that day at camp, and now claimed the title of his girlfriend. She was so lucky. She was popular, a cheerleader, and even more was just beautiful. At least comparing her to myself. I was dull looking in comparison, with shoulder length brunette hair, a rather flat outline of a body. I didn't have curves to look at, my breasts were small, and sometimes I wondered if I was compared to a twig. The only thing I could say I might, and that's a might, have that was ok, was a little bubble butt. But I had no hips to accent it and more to it, I didn't dress in anything to really flatter it. I wore simple shirts, and jeans. Nothing extravagant and nothing extraordinary. Though, I was glad my braces were gone. She on the other hand wore cute skirts, shorts and tops of all types. She had beautiful medium length hair that she did in different styles each day. Today's, big curls that bounced as she made minor movements. She glanced at me. "Oh, I didn't see you there, and you are?" She still smiled.

"Oh…um I'm Jackie." I held my portfolio tighter to myself.

"Ah." She nodded. "Anyway honey bunch, come on time to go." She dragged him along. He waved his goodbye again before following her. I looked down, they seemed so happy. It was nice to see and also heartbreaking. I let out a sigh heading to the rest of my classes. When the bell rang signaling the end of the day I stayed a tad longer in my photography class to develop my last bits of film. The teacher never minded, plus I was their favorite. After I was done is when I decided to head home. I walked through the empty halls, looking at a few of my sketches, until I ran into something. I fixed my glasses. "Wow blind much?" I looked up.

"Oh…ah…I'm sorry…" I stepped back a little. It was her. Gunther's girlfriend. She had an annoyed expression, so different from the one earlier.

"Can't you even watch where you're going, wacky?" She folded her arms.

"Oh….I well….ah…I was…" The words clamping up in my mouth.

"I, oh, ah, well, bleh, blah, blah." she mocked. "Geez you're pathetic. Can't even get a single sentence out with fumbling it up." She placed a hand on one of her hips. "No wonder you're so weird." She pointed. Her friends laughed at what she said. "You know I've noticed you being around Gunther more." She brought up. "Don't you think your wackiness and weirdness will rub off on him?" She continued. "It would be better for us all, especially Gunther if you stayed away from him, since well, you're you." She had a smug expression. I looked down.

"Oh…" I was saddened. She laughed.

"Just keep to yourself Wacky Jackie, no need to keep ruining other people's reputation." she began to walk away. "It's sad Kendall has to be around you, must be hard on the girl. No wonder she's at a different school." She glanced back. "Later Wacky." She left with her cheerleading friends, probably to get to practice. When I got to my room, all I could feel was heartache. I was just trying to be his friend. Was I that bad? Was all I ever going to be is Wacky Jacky?

I did as she said and kept to myself for the next few days. I focused on my photography portfolio. I even took a trip to the woods where we use to have camp and take some nature shots. There were a few new bird species and the fact it was almost spring made the scenery lively. Since most flowers and plants were still closed, and just beginning to bloom. I walked along old bike trails enjoying my time, not realizing the next shot I would take would be my downfall. I was taking pictures of this pretty peach colored bird and as it flew I took a picture of two people I hadn't even realized were in the woods. I lowered my camera from view and couldn't believe what I saw. It was her, and she was kissing Gordie Gibble. My pulse quickened. I bolted as fast as I could, heading back home. I couldn't believe I just took a picture of them. I couldn't believe what they were doing. My mind raced a million thoughts per second. What was wrong with me? Why did I take that photo? What about Gunther? Does he know? Why did I have to see that? My mind raced and raced.

When I came back to school after that weekend, I wondered what to do. Should I just keep it to myself? Should I ask her? Should I talk to Kendall? Kick? Gunther…no not Gunther…oh what should I do? I glanced into my locker feeling a panicked mix of emotions. I grabbed my folders and portfolio, seeing as I figured I could use my free time for more photos. And to calm myself more. My locker suddenly shutting.

"Hey there." I glanced up. Gordie was there with his goons. I gulped and grew sheepish.

"Uh…" I let out. He played with the ends of his shaggy hair.

"You sure are nosy for a quiet one." He spoke low, but with an attitude he always had. I backed up a few steps only to be pushed forward.

"I'll say. Must be the fact she's wacky." She folder her arms. "You have some nerve weirdo."

"Yeah" The twins Gordie hung around with, said in unison. One of them grabbed my camera.

"Hey!" I tried to get it, but they kept it away tossing it between one another before tossing it to Gordie who tossed it to her. She looked through it. "Give that back!"

"Why?" She kept me from getting it. "A peeper shouldn't have such a thing. It's weird and makes everyone uncomfortable." She mocked, making others gather around to hear what she said. I gulped, feeling embarrassed. "In fact it's downright disturbing." She pushed me to the floor, one of my folders slipping loose. The photos going all over the floor. She started to laugh, picking up a few.

"No…don't…"

"I always knew you were wacky, now I can prove it!" She shoved the photo into my face before looking at it again. "You take pictures of everyone like an obsessed stalker! And not only that you have a sick obsession with my boyfriend! Talk about pathetic! You're so freaky, disgusting and weird Wacky Jackie!" She persisted. Everyone began to laugh and say things. "Only you would photo shop yourself with people." She laughed more.

"What a whack job!?" Gordie cackled. All I could hear and see was everyone laughing and talking about me. I even saw him. Gunther….my heart sank and the pit in my stomach grew. He just stared at everyone before looking at me. The pictures scattered. He picked one up, and all I could feel was judgement and hate. He glanced at it then me.

"Jackie…" It was low, but I heard the way he said my name. He was disgusted, he was weirded out, he was hurt. Why wasn't I surprised, it was me after all.

"You realize she's wacky right!" She spoke to everyone. "She's crazy! And… "She looked at me. "She'll never change." I gathered what photos I could and ran. I ran to my home. My tears just fell harder the second I sunk down behind the door. I couldn't stop crying. Everything was so messed up. And more to it, the school, this place,… Gunther. They hated me. They were disgusted by me. I was Wacky freaking Jackie. I cried more. When I had no more tears to shed, I made a decision.

"Jackie are you sure about this?" Kendall spoke softly on the phone. "I know what happened was awful, but I mean….don't you think…" She tried to find the right words.

"No Kendall." I said, my voice sore and low. "I'm leaving. That's it."

"But…well…. It's a great opportunity I told you that, but to leave like this?" She was concerned and trying her best to comfort.

"I'm just leaving." I responded. "It's the best decision to do." Kendall was quiet for a bit.

"Ok, but you have to keep in contact with me, please." She didn't know what else to say, but she wanted to be supportive.

"I will." I nodded. "I'm going to their beginner studio in a few days. It's away from here, then in a month I'll leave to go to the official program at whatever level I rank at." I informed.

"I see…"

"Kendall…please…..please just keep this between us." I felt more tears stream down my cheeks.

"I will Jackie….i will." She agreed, her voice softer.

"Thank you."

(*)

"I left to that studio and then came back a month later, only for a few hours to get the rest of my stuff to go to the advanced internship in London." Jackie finished explaining. She left some parts out about her feelings and even why his girlfriend did what she did. She didn't want to tattle on her, in case the two were still together. And more to it, it still kept her love for him a secret. "From there I just continued to work hard, focusing on projects and concepts. It kept me occupied I guess to the point I thought I was over that day…. I thought at least…" She felt a single tear go down her cheek. He sat in front of her, wiping away the tear. She glanced up, surprised, her cheeks pink.

"I never understood why you ran…" He commented, his voice softer. "If it wasn't for that picture I never would have known." She gulped, not realizing until that moment, he must know, he had to have known. 'He's knows about my crush!' She squeaked in her mind. 'I'm dead! I'm doomed! He hates me!' Her face reddened more.

"Oh that…I mean…well it wasn't…how could I explain…" She tried to think, nothing coming to mind. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"What's there to explain? But why didn't you tell me?" He asked. She now screamed in her head, her heart not being able to take it anymore. It had been a long time since she felt this way. 'Why me!?'

"I…well…ah it…I just…how could I?" She finally said. "Having an actual conversation with you…it was…well I…it was difficult." She glanced away, her hands fisting the rug beneath her. "How could I possibly tell you…"

"That my girlfriend was cheating on me." He interrupted. Her mind stopped working.

"Say what now?"

"That picture, why didn't you tell me about them?" He clarified. 'Wait, he picked up that picture!?' Her thoughts yelled at her.

"Ah…well…that…I didn't know how to I guess." She replied. "You both seemed happy and I thought maybe I caught them at the wrong moment, or that there was something I was missing." She mentioned. "I just didn't know what to do really. I'm sorry."

"I guess I can understand that." He said. "Though we weren't really happy. We were far from."

"Really?" She questioned.

"Yeah. She started to get more and more distant, wanting to only go out on weekends. I saw her flirt all the time, asking her about and she only counter me with accusations that I didn't care or lover her anymore." He admitted. "So when I asked about the picture in front of everyone, she accused you of photo shopping it." He stated. "However, Kick came to your defense saying you wouldn't do that. You would only photo shop yourself with people because you wanted to look like you had friends."

"Wow…I didn't know he did that."

"Yeah. We both came to your defense that day. After I broke up with her in front of everyone, Kick and I told everyone you were the top student at our school, that you always helped when possible and you weren't weird. The photos only showed how much you admired people's friendships and compassion they had for each other." He explained. She felt her cheeks warm up.

"You guys said all that?" She was quiet, but he still heard her.

"We both thought it was unfair what happened." He replied. "But we couldn't tell you anything because you wouldn't answer the door. And not only that you left." He looked in her eyes. "You left with no goodbyes, and only kept in contact with Kendall." He told her.

"I thought it was my best decision." She countered. "I got updates every so often. And since no one wanted me here, keeping busy and away wasn't such a bad idea."

"I wanted you here." He confessed. Her eyes widened again.

"What…I mean, ah didn't you think I was wacky…or weird." She corrected herself. He chuckled.

"No, I thought you were nice, sweet and cool." He smiled. "Plus if I recall, cute." He had a small smirk. Her face was like a tomato now.

"But that…well, ah….um…was not….it was different…I thought." She stuttered out. He raised an amused eyebrow.

"Different huh?" He leaned back on one hand, the other draping over his raised knee. "Personally I thought it could mean when you were flustered or just being you." He shrugged, still having that small smirk on his lips. Her mind was trying to comprehend everything. 'Did he just…okay I'm dreaming…I know it.' She didn't think her face could get redder, but it did.

"Being…me…that's well… that's um….heh." She moved a hair strand behind her ear. "Ah…but before…I thought...well it seemed like you didn't want me here…" She wanted to change the subject, but didn't do that great of a job at it.

"I actually just wanted to see if you would tell me why you left." He retorted. "Though, I did have my own suspicions." His expression seemed a bit more deviant.

"What suspicions were those?" She asked, not noticing his subtle change.

"Well for a time I thought you were avoiding me." He admitted. "You seemed weird before you left, and the fact you told Kendall not to say anything to us." He continued. "I thought you hated us for some reason."

"Me hate you!?" She responded rather quickly and laughed a little. "No, not possible."

"Oh and why's that?" His smirk returning. She gulped.

"Ah…well…that is…um…I…ahh… Y-you…uh…we're friends." She couldn't think of anything else and it was the best she could come up with.

"Right." He nodded. "And here I thought you might say you like me." He shrugged. She went still, her heart feeling like it stopped as she couldn't breathe, and her mind panicking.

"W-w-what?" He chuckled at her reaction.

"You're reactions really haven't changed." He spoke. "You still get surprised in a cute way." He added. "Hopefully, it's only around me though." She felt like she was in dream land. 'He…okay, calm yourself….calm yourself…' she had t repeat mentally, before she faint on the spot, embarrassing herself further.

"A-around you…heh, ah…" She had no clue how to reply, since she really didn't want to keep stuttering more. "You, well…ah…make it sound like I'm only like this…"

"Because of me." He interrupted. "Because you like me." His amusement continuing.

"How'd you know?!" She reacted quickly. "I mean…ah, that's not…" She was completely embarrassed now. "You saw the photo didn't you?... I'm mean…I'm just going to shut up now…" she mumbled the last bit to herself. He laughed.

"It wasn't hard to figure out." He stated. "And no. I didn't see the photo shopped picture."

"When did you…" She felt her heart was about to burst now. "Then how'd you know it was photo shopped?" She squeaked.

"Got Kendall to tell me. Though I had my suspicions about your feelings before then." He answered. "Mostly during high school."

"Well that's great…" She had a somewhat annoyed look. 'Really Kends…' She thought.

"I thought so." He took her out of her annoyed state when he admitted that. She stared back at him. "Or was that impossible too?" He inquired.

"What…impossible?"

"If I were to like you too." He said, leaning in closer to her. The air in her lungs got caught in her throat.

"That's…ah…" He cut her off, pressing his lips against hers. 'He's…we're…' Her mind couldn't function. The kiss lasted a few seconds before he backed away. She finally let out a breath to breathe again.

"Though, I thought I was obvious too." He confessed. He went to kiss her again, but she placed her hand on his chest.

"Please…" She looked down. "Please, don't…" She spoke up. "Don't mess with me…" She couldn't look him in the eye, bringing her other hand over her chest, clenching her shirt.

"Who says I am?" He asked.

"Because… it…that's just…" She tried to rationalize everything. He chuckled leaning back on his hand. She looked at him.

"You haven't changed." He began. "You're still caught up in your head."

"My head? What do you mean?" She questioned, not sure how a complete thought came out without her fumbling it. He smiled.

"I mean you're so caught up in your head you can't see what's right in front of you." He replied.

"I, don't…I don't do that." She huffed.

"Yes you do." He countered. "I just said I liked you and you can't even believe it." Her face flushed more. A clock chimed, gathering their attention. She stood up fast.

"It's this late already?!" She desperately wanted to change the topic, the clock being her life saver from an overload. "How long was I out?" She was concerned.

"You were only out for a few hours, nothing big, like I said you were lucky you didn't freeze." He commented with relief. She noticed when she got up she was still cold, the fire only warmed her up somewhat, and the clothes she had on were damp from the snow. She wrapped her arms around herself. "Though I bet you're still cold, huh?" He got up.

"Yeah, I hadn't noticed." She admitted.

"Well I know a few ways to keep warm." He smirked. She felt a lump in her throat again, her face going redder.

"Ah…that's ah….not….we…um…"She tried to speak, trying to think of anything to say. "Shower!" The idea hitting her. She looked around. "I really need to change and stuff…there's a bathroom right?" He snickered.

"Yeah there is. It's down the hall." He used his head to point the direction. "Need any help?"

To be continued…