I shouldn't be this upset, especially after four days of seeing the same thing every morning. Angelique riding to school with Colten, his arm wrapping around her as they walk to his friends, and him either pecking her forehead, cheek or lips. The day I saw him kiss her - actually kiss her - was the day I went home early to cry.

Tuesday I didn't go to Spanish again. Brittni didn't give me shit for it and neither did anyone else. I think they were all afraid if they said something, I'd burst out crying on the spot. I probably would. I went to detention, Angelique never sparing me a glance, and had Dustin take me home.

We've become a bit closer the past few days. He's good company.

Wednesday is when I saw Colten kiss Angelique, she was on top of the world. She was happier and didn't bully people as much. She hadn't said anything to me or anyone else about anything, and I found that weird, but refreshing. She must really like him. Anyway, they kissed and I went home. I had asked Dustin for that as well, he was more than happy to get me out of the hell hole. He had figured out what happened that day and wasn't too happy, but never said anything to Colten about me being so upset.

Thursday I walked straight to class and put on a brave face. I went to Spanish, but I had asked the teacher to move my seat. She didn't ask why due to the desperate look in my eyes, and I now sit in the front, far away from Colten Mathews. Not that he cared. I drove home with Dustin after detention.

Jackson hasn't been home the past couple days.

Today is Friday, the day I refuse to let anything make me cry. I'm upset we won't be having any football games today, but it's quickly over turned when the cheer girls and I decided on a celebration at Armando's. It's a nice hang out that's close to the school that we like to go to. I agreed, some what excitedly, too, happy to be out of the house since Saturday.

"I'll text you when I'm on my way," Brittni says, waving goodbye as she heads towards the parking lot.

It's a nice day out and for once, I let it calm my irritation and anxiety. The sun shines without a cloud in the sky and a bit of snow covers the ground in a pretty formation.

I've always loved snow and the winter. My favorite is when the snow has littered the ground and the sun shines down on it, creating that bright appearance. So pretty.

I pack the rest of the things in my bag before heading towards the detention room. I don't miss Colten and Angelique a few feet away from the door. They're not kissing, but talking and laughing. I ignore the pain in my chest and walk into the room.

An hour later, we're released and Dustin is waiting for me by the front door. Brittni had told me to be careful with him, but also said he's a nice guy. She doesn't want me getting into something just yet, but I assured her he's just a friend.

"Hey," I smile, hugging him briefly.

"Hey to you," he grins. "You ready?"

"Yep," I nod and walk out to his car, with him by my side. I get situated in my seat, shivering from the cold, but I can't begin to hate it.

"Cold?" He questions and I nod. He turns up the heat and begins to leave the parking lot. "Are you heading to Armando's tonight?"

"Yeah," I say. "Are you?"

"I was thinking about it," he replies. "I was going to head up with some of my friends."

"That would be so cool," I tell him. "I want to meet your friends."

He laughs. "Then I'll be there."

I grin. "Good."

Two hours and thirty minutes later, I'm dressed in a pair of skinny jeans, a nice blouse with a jacket over. I have on a pair of heels that aren't too dressy and my hair is wavy down my back. Brittni honks her horn three times from her car and I roll my eyes. Grabbing my purse, I hop down the stairs and out the door, to her car.

The night sky is light from the snow flurries falling from it and it makes me feel even more excited for tonight. Dustin had texted me earlier and said he was going to bring a few of his friends and I happily replied.

"You know," I get into the car, buckling up. "I have neighbors that probably are trying to sleep."

"At nine o'clock on a Friday night?" She questions like its never been heard of. "Puh-lease. Don't make me laugh."

I shake my head. "I'm sure misses Dubose will be thrilled to have woken up from her evening nap by you."

"Ugh," Brittni groans, driving like a maniac. "That bitch is horrible. She needs to be sent to a nursing home already."

"Don't let her hear you," I tease making her glare in my direction. I laugh.

"So is Dustin coming tonight?" She asks, slamming on her breaks when the light turns yellow.

"Jesus," I curse, eyeing her calm face. "And yes he's coming."

"You guys are getting pretty close," she eyes me.

"We're just friends," I roll my eyes. At least to me he's just my friend. I don't really know how he thinks of me, but I'm not ready for another relationship right now, obviously.

"What ever you say," she whistles and presses on the gas pedal making the car jolt forward.

How she even for her license, I'll never know.

When we pull up to Armando's I'm not surprised to see the parking lot almost full. This is a very good and cheap restaurant so a lot of people come here.

The heat of the building is what I feel when I first step in, then the amazing smell of Italian food. I love Italian food, maybe just as much as Brittni.

"Nikki! Brittni!" We look over to see Stacy calling us over and we go take a seat at the huge table meant to fit all of us. Almost everyone from the Varsity Cheer squad is here except Angelique, Shawna and Jamie. They're all supposed to be here I think, besides Angelique. Even with them missing there's about forty girls here.

We all talk for a bit, ordering our food and talking some more when hands clasp down on my shoulders. I almost choke on my food.

"Damn you, Dustin," I glare at him making a chuckle fall from his plump lips.

"I want you to meet my friends." I nod and excuse myself from the girls. Dustin leads me over to his table, about four or five guys sitting already.

"Guys," Dustin begins drawing in their attention. "This is my friend, Nikki."

I wave and immediately take notice of their impeccable gorgeousness. Like Dustin they all look flawless and like every girls dream.

"Nikki, this is Jonathan," he points to a tan guy with dark hair and light green eyes. "Troy, Edward, Jeremy, and Trevor."

I take in all of their appearances and stop on Trevor. I know him, he's actually in one of my classes, I think his last name is Fults, he was on J.V. Football this year. He's a good looking guy, like the rest of them, very sweet. He has quiffed hair and lots of muscle for a sixteen year old. His jaw line is a bit off, but it adds to his rugged yet beautiful look.

"Hi guys," I wave somewhat shy, and that's when I hear the bell to the front door ring and I turn to see who's come in. I try to avert my eyes when Colten walks in with Angelique, both of them looking happy. Or fake happy.

I try no to act like it effects me, especially when I'm trying to stay in the conversation with Dustin and his group of friends, but when they start being all lovey dovey, I stand up.

I was so excited to come here and forget about everything that went on last Sunday, but now that he's here, it's hard.

"I'll be right back," I tell Dustin. "I need some air."

"Do you need me to come?" He asks, getting ready to stand up when I shake my head.

"I'll be fine, thanks," I try to smile at him, but it probably comes out more like a grimace. I try to keep my eyes glued to the floor on my way out, but can't help one glance that makes me blush. He's already looking at me.

As soon I push the door to the outside world open, I immediately relax. The fresh, cold air rushes against my body, and despite the chilling weather, it feels amazing. The door shuts itself, blocking out the voices on the inside. I take a deep breath to try and calm myself before closing my eyes and taking a seat at the curb.

My eyes dance about the snowy night, watching the cars drive by on the street while warm light pours out of the restaurant behind me. Colten. Colten. Colten. All about him all the damn time. Why can't I get over him the way he has with me? Why is it so hard for me when he seems to have it so easy? Am I always going to be faced with all this disappointment in my life? I mean, I just feel like I'll never catch a break.

The door opens from behind me and I close my eyes, hoping the cologne I smell is someone else's favorite. I feel him take a seat by me, my heart racing at the close proximity. I shouldn't still be feeling this way.

"What are you doing out here?" He asks, that same husky voice I've grown accustomed to making me shiver.

Running from you.

"Needed air," I croak. Why is he acting like this? So normal and calm like he didn't rip out my heart and step all over it making me look like a fool.

"It's cold-"

"What are you doing?" I finally speak up. I won't let him walk all over me. Not this time.

"Trying to have a conversation," he turns to look at me, his hazel eyes burning into my soul it feels like.

"Are you high or something?" I can see the anger in his eyes become known at my question. I didn't mean it to be offensive.

"Do I look like it?" He narrows his eyes, his voice having and icy edge I've never heard before.

"You sound like it," I nod. It's time he stops acting like I'm the bad guy.

"I heard you've been talking to Capri." I laugh. I notice the weird look he gives me, but you know what...

....let the fucking games begin.

_____________________