I woke up to the sunlight streaming in from the large window on the opposite side of the room. I recalled the events from last night, and realized that I'd have to spend the entire summer with the rude boy whose name I didn't even know.

I intended to do so many things over the summer with Erin and all of my other friends, and somehow I ended up here. But there was no use in complaining. I might as well make the most of summer and try to catch up with friends I hadn't seen since I was nine. Even though I havent talked to them since I left, maybe we'd be able to rekindle our friendship.

I'd do that later. Right now, I'd have a light snack and go on a run.

I got dressed and brushed my hair out. I met Kristof in the hallway, and he asked if I needed breakfast. The Von Barons weren't home, and wouldn't be until later tonight. I thanked him and said I could just make something myself.

It was ten o'clock and the house was silent. Buddy was on the floor in the kitchen and I crouched down next to him. This dog was one of the most gorgeous dogs I'd seen in a long time. I rubbed his belly and scratched him behind the ears. He liked this, as whenever I tried to stand back up, he'd yip and lick me. Eventually, I relaized it was time to go on my run. I gave Buddy a quick kiss on the nose and stood back up.

"Why are you trying to make out with my dog?"

My cheeks grew red. "I wasn't." I snapped.

"Right." He replied. He rubbed his eyes sleepily. I couldn't get over how cute he looked. But he was a jerk, and looks aren't everything.

"Do you have a name?" I replied. "Or should I just go by 'asshole?'"

He raised a brow. "It's Jay."

I nodded and searched the fridge for something to eat.

Not only was it huge, but it was packed with any type of food you can think of.

"Are you planning to feed a village with all of this?" I said.

He smiled for a second before composing himself back into the jerk I met last night. "Shut up."

I rolled my eyes and settled on a cereal bar I found in the pantry.

His disheveled brown hair fell over his eyes as he attempted to make an omelette.

I couldn't help but smile to myself.

"What's so funny Alina?" He said.

"Oh wow, you actually remember my name."

"Oh wow!" He mocked me.

"I was laughing at your lack of ability to cook."

He scoffed. "Please," he held up the pan, "I can-" with that, the omelette slid out onto the floor.

I burst out laughing and Jay groaned. He bent over to pick up the omelette.

I finished my food and threw the wrapper away. "I'm going on a run now."

"I didn't ask."

I rolled my eyes. Back to bickering. I ignored his remark and headed outside. The neighborhood was filled with houses just as huge as this one. I decided I'd take a look around while I ran.

I had made it a mile down when I noticed someone on the other side of the street. She gave me a weird look.

"Alina?" She ran towards me.

It finally clicked. This was my best friend from third grade. "Britt!" Somehow I still remembered her.

I embraced her in a tight hug, despite the fact that we were both sweaty.

"I've missed you!" I said. Even though I haven't talked to her in seven years, I really did miss her. I didn't remember all too much from back when I used to live here, as it was on the other side of town, and I was young, but I could recall our sleepovers and play dates. Too bad nine year olds don't have phones.

"Did you move back?" Britt said after a few minutes of catching up.

I shook my head. "My parents went away for the whole summer, and the Von Barons are letting me stay with them."

Her jaw dropped. "That means you're staying with Jay Von Baron?"

I nodded. "He's a pain in the ass, and I'd only known him a day."

"That's not all. He's slept with the entire female population at Brunswick, save for myself and a handful of others. He's bad news- drugs, sex, alcohol- you name it."

"Really?" It seemed that everyone I've spoken to had had a bad opinion about him.

Britt nodded. "Don't let yourself get hurt. And don't sleep with him."

I scoffed. "Trust me, I won't."

She laughed along with me and we talked for a bit longer before exchanging numbers.

"I'm glad we can stay in touch now!" She called out.

"Same! Bye Britt!"

"See you around!"

With that, I headed back to the house, still managing a light jog.

Mr. and Mrs. Von Baron were in the kitchen chatting when I walked in.

"Good afternoon. How was your first night here?" Mrs. Von Baron said with a warm smile.

"It was great." I beamed back. "I just came back from a run, and met a friend I used to be close with back when I used to live here."

"Really?" Mr. Von Baron said. "Feel free to invite her over anytime. There's enough space." He chuckled.

How is Jay related to these two people? They were so kind and he was just plain rude.

"I'll take you up on that offer sometime." I grinned before heading upstairs.

I was sweaty and gross, so I took a shower before settling down on top of my bed. I pulled out my summer school work. I cared about education, but if I could choose between studying during the summer and having fun, I'd definitely pick the latter.

I began the English assignment, sprawled out on the bed. My hair was still wet so I put it up and began typing up the essay on my laptop that I had brought along. It was going smoothly, and I had managed to finish the first paragraph.

I heard footsteps outside of my door.

"You're studying?" Jay scoffed. I looked up and he was leaning against the doorway. He looked at me with raised brows, before his features relaxed and he smirked.

"Yes, I actually care about my schoolwork."

"Well I don't."

"Sucks for you. It's not like anything could stick in that empty head of yours." I didn't mean that, but I knew I had gotten to him when for a moment, a look of sadness crossed over his face.

"Ah, my heart!" He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "It's alright. Have fun studying, nerd."

With that, he disappeared from the doorway.

I ignored his new nickname for me and tried to finish as much of my work as fast as possible, but still wanting the work to be of quality.

After a few hours, I was done for the day and tucked all of my school things away.

I heard a knock on my door, so I jumped out of bed and went over to open it.

Kristof was at the door, a faint smile on his face. "Dinner time." he said. I told him I'd be right down.

My hair was now dry, so I quickly braided it. I changed out of the baggy shirt I was wearing into a plain grey tee and headed downstairs.

I realized I had no clue where the dining room was, but once I listened closely I heard the sounds of voices and utensils coming from down the corridor.

The dining room was very large. There was a dark wooden table in the center of the room, and above it hung a large chandelier. The carpet was elegant yet soft. It looked expensive, and as did everything else in the house. Everyone save for Jay and me was seated at the table.

Jay came down a few moments later, and I was seated directly across from him. He was dressed in a white tshirt that clung to his torso. It looked so good on him, and I hated to admit that.

Dinner was soon served. A steaming hot dish of a thick slab of steak, potatoes, and stuffed mushrooms. There was bread and salad at the center of the table. I tried everything except for the steak. It was delicious, just as I expected. The dinner wasn't overly elaborate, and I surely didn't mind. It was more homely this way, as if this was my actual family and we were eating dinner together.

"Alina, I've noticed you haven't touched the steak. Is something wrong?" Mr. Von Baron said.

"It's just that-" I began. I didn't want to be rude, and I should've said something before. "I'm a vegetarian."

Jay snorted and his parents gave him a stern look. He spoke up, amusement in his voice. "You're a nerd and a vegetarian? Just when I thought it couldn't get worse."

I ignored his remark while his parents scolded him. I didn't want to say anything in front of the Von Barons, so I didn't reply to Jay, ignoring his remark.

Everybody was practically finished when Mr. Von Baron spoke up. "My wife and I will be away for two nights." He explained that they were going to New York. He said that they wanted to spend some time alone together, considering that New York was his wife's favorite place and it was close, and I was happy for them "Are you okay with that?" He said, regarding me. Mr. Von Baron explained that his trip would also coincide with Kristof's going away. He figured that Jay and I were old enough, but he offered a babysitter.

"Oh, of course. I've been home alone countless times." I said. Jay nodded in approval.

He smiled. "I'm glad, and I hope you enjoyed your dinner." I wondered if Mr. Von Baron knew how his son was. According to Britt, he was trouble, and leaving him home alone would amount to even more. They definitely didn't have to worry about anything happening between me and Jay. He hated me, and I'm sure his parents could see his disliking towards me. I mean, he's made it clear, even in front of them.

I smiled back and thanked them before heading back to my room. It was only six fifteen, and I had plenty of time to spare before I would go to bed. I had a good nights sleep, so I wasn't the least bit tired.

When the only company I could really have seems to hate me for no reason is nowhere to be found, I'm stuck hanging out by myself. The Von Barons would be leaving tonight for their trip, and as would be Kristof, for he was visiting his family in Slovakia.

My parents gave me a lot of money, surprisingly, just in case. I debated on ordering a taxi somewhere, but soon decided against it.

Instead, I decided on playing basketball. I made my way to the bottom floor and into the basketball court.

I'd always been good at sports, and one of my favorites happened to be basketball. I didn't play on the team; I played just for the fun of it. Besides, basketball was during the same time as track. I was fast, and I wouldn;t give up my spot on the track team. I practiced shooting for a while, before Jay walked in.

"Sup Nerd." He said, flashing a smile. A normal smile, not a forced one or a devious smirk.

I let out a breath. "Hey."

He strode over to me and knocked the ball right out of my hands, before dribbling down and making a half court shot. I caught up to him, and was surprised when he handed me the ball. I expected to have to try to get it.

"Shoot." He said. He crossed his arms and looked down at me, the faintest smirk appearing on his lips.

I took careful aim, and threw the ball. It hit the backboard and went though the net. I didn't let the surprise show on my face, and played it cool instead.

"Not bad, Hadley. You on the team or something?"

"No." I shook my head. "But I guess I'm alright."

He wasn't so bad after all. Perhaps we would be able to spend some time together, and I wouldn't be as lonely. Maybe we had just gotten off on the wrong foot?

"Anyways, I'm throwing a party." He said, already out of the room. "Don't bother me while it's happening."

Just like that, he was back to being the jerk I met when I first came here.

"Actually, I don't feel comfotable being home alone." I began. I didn' actually mind, I just wanted to get a reaction out of him. Jay's eyes widened as I continued to speak, and he stopped in his tracks. "I'll ask your parents to hire a babysitter. We're too young to be staying here all by ourselves."

"Alina." He said sternly. "No. No way in hell."

I tried to suppress my grin as I walked past.

He tried to block my way. "Alina, please."

"Please?" I raised an eyebrow. "You know what that means?"

He rolled his eyes. "We don't need someone to watch us. The lady my parents hire is the devil." He said, concern in his eyes. But he still blocked the exit. I tried to maneuver my way past him, but every time I tried to pass or even duck under his arms, he blocked my way. I wanted to laugh so badly. He was getting to worked up. I guess he really was intent on throwing that party.

"Escuse me." I said. "I'm trying to go talk to your parents before they leave." By now I could barely hold back my laughter.

"Alina-" He said, his voice now soft.

I burst out laughing. I couldn't help myself. He believed me, and was taking it so seriously. "I'm just kidding. I'm not going anywhere."

His jaw dropped, before his features twisted into a look of anger, and relief. "I can't fucking stand you." He said with his jaw clenched. He began to leave once again.

"Is there a reason why you hate me so much?" I called out to him.

He was silent for a moment "You're annoying. And a bitch." He finally replied, not turning back around.

I rolled my eyes and continued with basketball. This was going to be a long few months.

It was nine pm and both Kristof and the Von Barons had already left. I headed back upstairs to my room. I passed Jay's room, and could see inside, as the door was wide open.

He was in bed with a girl, planting kisses all the way down her neck. I didn't want to see anymore. I felt a pang of jealousy, but I brushed it off. Britt was either right, or this was his girlfriend. I didn't want to get caught staring, so I continued to my room. I didn't like him or anything. Yes, he was attractive, but still, I'd only known him two days. Not enough to get remotely jealous of the girl in bed with him. But yet, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be in that spot. But it was just a thought; nothing more.