We sat in the car in silence as Mum drove us to the cinema. It was an awkward one though. I was thinking.

I seemed to have reached a certain high in my life. I've breezed past those bullies, and the trouble with Eleanor, and Jake- Jake will be fine. I'm going to visit him tomorrow, then he's allowed to come home. And even thinking about it makes me fizz with excitement.

"Right- do you have your money?" Mum asked fussily as we pulled up in the carpark.

"Yes mum."

"Eleanor,do you have enough?"

"Yes, Mrs. Cullen," Eleanor replied seriously, unclicking her seatbelt and winking at me. "We're fine."

"Don't go off with any strange boys," Mum continued, disregarding Eleanor's last comment. "OK? No kissing strangers, stay together, give me a ring w-"

"When the movie ends," I finished for her, rolling my eyes. "We KNOW. Look, we'll be fine. Stop fussing." I leant over and gave her a quick hug, then me and Eleanor clambered out of the car and waved goodbye.

"So," I said, feeling slightly hyper, "You ready?"

Eleanor nodded, her eyes big, and we made our way up to the cinema.

And there they were; Melissa, Sophie, Oscar, Greg, Martin, Joe ... and Katie and Amiee.

Me and Eleanor slowed slightly and I took in their appearence. Sophie and Melissa were in mini skirts and strappy tops; all the boys in jeans and hoodies as usual. Katie was her normal chavy-self, trackie bottoms and a neon baggy t-shirt. Amiee looked immaculate and girly: her hair was down and curled into ringlets (just like mine ...) and she was wearing pink hot-pants and a black, tight-fitted top with huge Gladiator high heels. Everything from the tips of her manicured nails to her over-done bright pink blusher to her long chandiler silver earrings spelt 'I MADE AN EFFORT.' Her lips curved into a sly smile as she turned and noticed me and Eleanor.

She nudged Martin and they both stared at me as me and Eleanor walked towards them with wobbly legs. I could feel Eleanor's confidence falling heavily as Amiee snickered at her. I pushed away my fear and linked Eleanor's arm firmly as we marched towards them.

"Oh you made it!" Melissa squealed and gave me a huge hug. "And who's this-?" she eyed Eleanor apprehensivley.

"You know Eleanor!" I said, sounding stern even though I kept my tone light. "From school?"

"Oh may GAWD!" Sophie screeched; she'd obviously been eavsdropping. "Eleanor? Like, THE Eleanor from like, my school? You look like, oh may GAWD so different! Babe! Honey! Your hair! Your makeup! Wow! Gawd! So like 'mazing, innit? C'mon, I'll like, introduce you to the gang right babe?" She rambled on to an abashed Eleanor as I watched smiling proudly. I couldn't help feeling like I had made this for her. A whole new chance, a fresh start. Why not?

"So, this is Melisaaaaaa," Sophie drawled.

"Yes I know her," Eleanor commented to herself, catching my eye and half-smiling. She looked nervous but seemed to be enjoying herself.

"Oscaaaar-" Sophie drawled on, "Joeeee, Greggg and like, Martin." she introduced them quickly. Oscar grinned heart-breakingly at Eleanor and I couldn't help feeling a twinge of something. What was it? Annoyance? Jealousy? I pushed it aside.

Joe meanwhile looked slightly taken back- I watched Eleanor blush deeply as he flicked his long, gelled black fringe further across his tanned face. Martin nodded at her slightly coldly, his mass of crazy caramel curls bobbing with him- before he turned around and grabbed Amiee's hand. Amiee smiled pointedly at him, looking round before she pulled him into a stiff hug. I couldn't help but stare. I didn't know they were dating!

"Well lets like go in," Sophie said suddenly, obviously wanting the attention on her again.

"But we haven't got tickets," I pointed at me and Eleanor quickly. "If you hang on we'll only be sec -"

"Oh we already got you one," Oscar smiled warmly and pushed two tickets into my hand.

"Really? Thankyou! Here-" I took out a £10 note and gave it to him.

"Thanks babe." Babe?

BABE?

I frowned and attempted to snap at him- but quite embarassingly I found myself let out a high giggle! Oscar smiled and we all trooped into the cinema.

"What about popcorn?" Eleanor asked.

"Shh," I couldn't help but tell her. "We'll buy some after."

"Like, come own!" Sophie squealed. Her and Melissa ran up the stairs, followed by Amiee, Katie and Martin. "Shall we?" Oscar asked and we climbed the stairs together to the free row nearest the back- we all piled in and I found myself next to Martin and Oscar; on Oscar's other side was Eleanor and at the end Joe. I felt slightly mean as Eleanor looked nervous, but as the film started she became transfixed. So transfixed, she didn't even notice someone's arm sneaking round her shoulders...