If there's one question I hate, it's 'Are you an introvert or an extrovert?'

Don't get me wrong, 'what's your favourite colour?' and 'wait... so does that mean you're a lesbian?' are pretty high contenders too but the first one I really hate. It's not even the question that bugs me really, it's the answering part.

And I guarantee that one hundred per cent of the time it'll be an extrovert who's doing the asking.

I believe us introverts are simply misunderstood and judged as people just because the majority of the population are indeed extroverts. It's really not fair because being an introvert really does have its problems. I mean, do you ever wish that just staring pointedly at other people was enough to make them become friends with you? Because I sure do.

Or how about inviting someone you know to sit down with you but then immediately regretting it after you realise that you have make conversation for the next hour? Now ask yourself, would an extrovert really understand that?

Of course not.

But I guess it works both ways. I don't think I'll ever understand how extroverts work either.

Which is why I find myself staring (some would say glaring) at Stacey and Co. The way she was sat with her legs crossed and the way her blonde curls bounced whenever she moved, oozed with sheer confidence. If I was going to envy her over anything it would be that. Or maybe her dress sense. She literally looked like a model from the Ralph Lauren catalogue with her tweed blazer and French neck scarf.

"Could you be any more obvious?"

"No," Not moving my gaze I replied curtly to Izzy.

"Look we get it, you're mad. But giving her glares across the cafeteria isn't going to help. If anything it'll make things worse because if anyone catches on she'll come after you,"

"Let her,"

"Alright that's it, where's our best friend and what have you done with her? This isn't you Mara and you know it. I'm pretty sure that whatever she and Nixon were-"

"Hey! What did I say? It's he who must not be named," Interrupting Kayla I finally moved my gaze away and towards my best friends who looked slightly wary. "Look guys I'm sorry but don't you think it's weird?! I mean straight after their conversation he who must not be named is nowhere to be seen. I haven't seen him anywhere this whole week. And no texts no nothing. Not that I care,"

"Yeah please," Kayla scoffed and Izzy was trying hard to fight a smile. Who was I kidding? Even I knew I didn't mean that, of course I cared. It was all just so frustrating and confusing with the disappearing acts.

"You're in a really tough position but personally I think you did the right thing. After everything that's happened in such a short amount of time it can be overwhelming you know? I think you could do better, you deserve a good guy. One who doesn't disappear on you and has secrets," Izzy reached out and put her hand on top of mine for comfort which made me smile warmly.

"Yeah me too, but part of me is angry at you Mar! You care too much about what your brother would think. He's not your dad and I'm pretty sure he'd want you to be happy. Like seriously, does he expect you to be the forty-year-old virgin? You're way too hot to be the forty-year-old virgin!"

"Yes exactly! I agree with Kay,"

Ignoring the last part I retorted by changing the topic. "I've seen Ethan around,"

"You did? You never told us,"

"Not properly, just a few times alone in the hall this week. The first time we saw each other he tried to approach me but I stopped him and turned around. I was so not ready to talk, plus it would have been awkward. Sorry I didn't tell you guys I didn't think you'd care,"

"Of course we care but Kayla cares the most,"

"Whatever,"

"Don't stop on my account Kay, Ethan really is one of the good guys,"

"Yeah, but if he who must not be named is hiding something big then I'm pretty sure his best friend will be in on it as well. It's just not worth it. Plus, I don't need a man," We all burst into laughter at Kayla's attempt of being sassy and in that moment I realised that everything I needed was sat right here with me.

I didn't need a man either.

****

Ever since Aiden's been on that stupid football programme of his I've had to walk home everyday after school. Just the mere thought of exercise makes me wanna poke myself in the eye. Twice.

I'd honestly take a Britney Spears breakdown over walking any day.

I count my lucky stars that Jake is free to drop me off in the mornings, but after school is a no go.

See, this is why I could never be a doctor. The long hours and having people's lives in your hands is way too much pressure. Being a Lawyer would definitely suit me better. If I work my way to taking over the family business then I'd be behind the scenes, which is just how I like it. Growing up my dad has always explained and told me the importance of law. I've always found it interesting and of course I love their attire.

To ensure I didn't die of boredom ahead of my hour long journey I decided to take out my earphones from my bag. Turning onto the main road I untangled them as I walked ahead and a few moments later I paused slightly as I heard a dreaded familiar noise that only one car could make.

Immediately I remembered what Kayla said and decided to ignore it. I meant it when I said I wanted nothing to do with Nixon and I had to make sure that I stuck to it.

Besides, I was still angry and confused about him not being in school the entire week. It took me a few minutes to realise that the continuous noise meant that he was slowly following me. I now had two options.

Make a run for it or stop and turn around.

I needed to end this once and for all so after one deep sigh of defeat, I chose option two. Mainly because running was my arch nemesis.

"Why are you following me Nixon? Don't you have anything better to do?" I turned to the now parked car and bent down slightly to face him through the opened window.

"Look-"

"No you look, I'm really sick of these disappearing acts that you keep doing. You are literally the most confusing person I've ever met. I have no idea what the hell you want from me, or why you kept dragging me along with you," I could feel my eyes welling up with moisture but I forced myself to keep going. "So please stop following me, stop talking to me, stop trying to get my attention because I'm done. We're not friends and I don't know you. You said that you want me, well I don't want you buddy so just stop!"

I have no idea where that angry rant came from but it felt good to finally let it all out. It seemed like I wasn't the only angry one as Nixon unfastened his seatbelt and slammed his door a little too hard as he got out.

He had a murderous look on his face which made me take a step back. However he had other ideas as he stormed towards me on the sidewalk in his black fitted t shirt and forced my back to lean against the passenger side of his car.

My breathing hitched, going heavier and my heart beat was getting faster. He was so close that I was getting intoxicated with his familiar scent of strong musk, with a hint of citrus and leather. Both of his large hands were placed on either side of my head against the car roof.

"Why are you acting like I forced you to talk to me? And done? We never even started sweetheart, you were just a little entertainment for a few days because you talked back to me so don't make this out to be bigger than it is. Your spotlight is over. I don't owe you any explanations so stop sticking your fucking nose where it doesn't belong!" Once he was done he slapped the side of the roof by the left side of my ear which made me jump in fear.

My tears were now in free fall as this was the Nixon I feared. This was the Nixon that everyone knew. This was who Nixon is. The Coral Springs High School's dangerous bad boy.

So I finally chose my option one.

Make a run for it.

****

"Guess who's back bitches!"

As soon as I heard my bedroom door being slammed open I quickly but subtly wiped some stray tears away with the sleeve of my pyjamas, put on a big smile and reluctantly sat up from where I was laying warmly in bed.

I was too slow in my movements to realise that Aiden had decided to jump on my legs with his body sprawled all over my bed. Considering it was a King size, Aiden really took up a lot of room.

"Hey little sis did you miss me?" Aiden waggled his eyebrows at me which made me giggle and smother one of my cushions in his face. Of course his quick sporty reflexes made him grab it off me in time before any impact.

"Of course I didn't. No one disturbed my me time,"

"Liar. What are you doing in bed anyway? It's 6.30,"

"I had to walk home because of you. I'm tired,"

Actually, I ran.

"God you really are the most laziest person ever, I can't believe that we're even related. But whatever. I actually have some good news little sis. Besides the fact that I'm home for the weekend,"

"Well what is it?" Rolling my eyes and folding my arms, I knew straightaway that it would be something stupid and Aiden-like.

"Dad's catching a last minute flight to New York tonight for some big emergency about a case, so I'm throwing a party,"

"Aiden no, come on, how is that good news?" I whined. This means I had to get out of the house when I really didn't feel like moving whatsoever. It also meant that Slutty Stacey would be under the same roof as me and I really wasn't mentally prepared.

"You get to have a sleepover and I get a party! It's a win-win Mar of course that's good news,"

"I'm really not up to having a sleepover tonight I really just wanna stay in bed. And I mean in my bed. At home. Here,"

"No. Mara no way are you staying here with a party going on. We've been through this before,"

"Just this one time Aiden please! I really don't feel well and I-I have cramps," Okay that was a total lie but sometimes when you have stubborn over protective brothers you have to play the period card once in a while.

"Oh dude way too much information alert! Mar please keep all that girly stuff to yourself a brother should not have to know that. Ever,"

"You needed to know why I didn't feel well so please Aiden just this once. I promise I won't leave my room once I swear. I know you don't let anyone come upstairs so I'll be safe and alone. Please Aiden for me," I put on my best puppy dog face which I know he falls for.

Eighty per cent of the time.

"On one condition," He sighed obviously in defeat. (That face totally works).

"Yes! What?"

"You get a bodyguard outside,"

"Sold,"

****

It was now 12.30am and the party had been in full swing for a few hours.

Dad left around seven, saying he'd be back by Sunday morning at the latest and promised to buy me a gift. Jake came back for a short amount of time but left just as quickly to god knows where.

I'm glad actually, a twenty two year old shouldn't really be partying with high schoolers. He also made a fuss about me staying at home but Aiden told him about the bodyguard. I think that I was the only person in this whole entire world who had brothers that were as crazy and over protective as mine.

I did kinda regret staying home now. The thumping of the very loud music coming from downstairs was reverberating through my entire room so I couldn't sleep. My walk in closet and bathroom included, I went in and checked.

Not to mention my so called bodyguard who I could faintly hear pacing up and down the landing. I think at one point he was sat down against my door. Part of me was curious to see which poor sucker got landed the job but part of me couldn't be bothered to make the effort. Aiden probably had a reason for not introducing us so I'd rather not piss him off.

So instead I opted to watching a movie on my TV with the volume up really high. Not that I was paying much attention to it. I kept thinking about what happened after school. At first I was admittedly a little shaken up, scared and hurt, hence the tears.

How is it even possible to feel heartbroken over someone who isn't even my boyfriend?

Now I'm just full on angry. I can't believe he had the nerve to call me entertainment and to spin everything like it was my fault. Today just proved all the bad things he was. The back of my mind was right and he just wasn't worth talking to or thinking about.

So why was he the only thing I could think about?

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I heard some loud bangs on my door. I jumped and yelped in surprise, turning the TV off. The noise reminded me of Nixon hitting the car so I was a little frightened. I could hear some mumbling and shouting from outside the door but I couldn't make out the voices or what they were saying. Being in a 'fudge this' mood, I decided to go out and find out what the hell was happening.

Walking past my mirror I caught my reflection of my curly messy bun and penguin pyjamas. I took out my bun letting my waves cascade down my shoulders but not really caring about my clothes. If anyone saw me then they saw me, it was my house after all. Reaching the door, I slowly turned the handle took a deep breath and opened it wide in one go.

Huh. There was nobody there.

This was officially weird. Where were those voices coming from? I stuck my head outside the door and looked both ways to find nobody there. Bodyguard included. Of course my inner Sherlock decided to come out so I shut my door behind me.

Yes, technically I was breaking my promise to Aiden but special circumstances don't count right? With this in mind I made my way to the top of the staircase. Aka dangerous territory. If Aiden saw me right now he'd drag me back to my room and give me a lecture or two so I couldn't get caught.

I peered down with my head still stood at the top but I couldn't see much. Our large staircase spiralled down so it was difficult from this angle. All that was in my line of vision were feet and red plastic cups. So much for my inner Sherlock.

Giving up I decided to call it quits and head back but as soon as I stood up straight something made contact with my back.

I yelled and then I was met with darkness.