"Don't scream." The figure reached over and I took a step back.

"I-I'll kick your ass. Stay where you are!" I threatened. If I screamed would my mother get here before the figure did? Would she even bother to investigate why I'm screaming or will she just go back to sleep?

"It's me, Luna. Tate." He flicked on the lamp by my bed. Light flooded the room and reveal Tate in his usual black v-neck t-shirt with matching black jeans.

I let out a sigh of relief. I'm not going to die today.

Then came the anger. "What the hell, Tate?!" I raised my voice, not caring if I woke up my mother or not. "I've had the police here once today. I'm not afraid to call them back."

"That's why I'm here. You called the police." Tate ran a hand through his dark hair. "I know we scared you earlier, but none of us expected you to call the police."

I stepped into the room and closed the door behind me. "What are you talking about?"

"None of the guys are angry, but you need to tell me what you told them." Whether Jackson, Conner, or Josh is mad at me, I don't know, but by the way Tate's lips are pressed together and his eyes narrowed, I can tell that Tate is angry.

"Wait a minute," I paused. "How did you know that the police were by my house?" I crossed my arms.

Tate just rolled his eyes. "Don't avoid the question. What did you tell them Luna?"

It's so not cool to stalk someone and stake out their house. It's also a huge waste of time. I'm not stupid. I know that it has something to do with Sal. Tate said earlier in the office that he doesn't like the fact that Sal talked to me.

How Sal is involved, I don't care. He hasn't really bothered me. The worst he did was corner me in class, but he actually helped me. I would have never known about the guys' extracurricular activities if it wasn't for him.

"Don't get your panties in a twist, Wall-e. I didn't call the police about you or the guys." The towel sliped a little and I grabbed it quickly before I flashed the guy. I had forgotten that I was practically naked.

Tate leaned back on my bed, propping himself up on his elbows, and smirked. It seems that he realized how close he was to getting a show, too. "Then why did you call them?"

I glared at him, but he wasn't looking at my face. "Eyes up here, Marks." I ordered him and he looked up. "Will you get out so I can get changed?"

He seemed to ponder the question for a few seconds before shaking his head. "Nah, I'm good here."

I stomped over to my dresser and pulled out a t-shirt and checkered pajama bottoms.

Without saying another word to him, I left the room.

After I got changed in the bathroom, I walked back to my room.

Tate was looking through my bedside drawer.

"Hey!" I interrupted his search. "Stay out of there."

He closed the drawer and looked back at me. "I liked the towel better."

I huffed at him, but didn't comment. "Can you leave?"

"After you tell me what you called the police about. It wasn't Sal, right?" He stood up from the bed.

"What's up with Sal anyway?" I asked him, still wondering if he found anything embarrassing in his search through my room.

"Luna." His voice was stern and there wasn't a hint of playfulness in it.

"Fine. My mother's boyfriend wouldn't leave. I just asked the police to order him to go. It's no big deal." I shrugged.

"Boyfriend? Did they get together recently? What's his name?" Tate asked rapidly.

My eyebrows lifted up in surprise. "Does it really matter?"

Tate narrowed his eyes at me again and I sighed.

"Yes, they got together recently. His name is Norman Bates. Why do you care?"

Tate walked towards my open window. "Goodnight, Luna."

He jumped out of the window.

I think my eyes almost popped out of my head. I ran to the window just in time to see him jogging towards the road.

Who does he think he is? Edward Cullen?

***

The next morning, my mother was back to being her usual fake self.

"Would you like me to make you waffles, dear? I have some time before I have to be at work." Her sugary sweet voice was like nails on a chalkboard.

"I can work a toaster myself." I shot at her as I reached into the freezer for the Eggo's. My mother brushed off my snappiness and shrugged.

"If you say so, sweetie. Don't forget to come home right after school. I'm making chicken and rice tonight."

I didn't even bother answering her.

I ran upstairs and grabbed my backpack. I was downstairs just in time for my waffles to pop up in the toaster.

I heard a car horn outside. Crap, that must be Marie. I must be running late.

I put my waffles on a paper plate. Looks like there will be no syrup for me. Sigh.

I quickly rushed outside. I heard my mother yell after me to have a good day as I closed the front door behind me.

I expected to see my best friend's red Subaru, but in its place was a black pickup truck. Conner's black four-door pick-up truck to be more specific. I saw my best friend in the passenger seat. Conner's platinum blonde hair was a huge contrast to Marie's. Her faded pink hair was now the same turquoise as her eyes.

I groaned. So much for avoiding the stupid gangbangers.

I walked over to the truck and opened the backseat.

"Hey, Lulu!" Marie said, cheerfully. "My car wouldn't start this morning, so I called Jackson and he sent Conner to give us a ride."

"Okay. I like your hair." I knew if I didn't mention her new hair color, she'd get annoyed at me. I do like her hair though. That's not a lie. Marie is so bold with everything in her life, from the way that she acts to the way that she dresses. On anyone else, Marie's personality would be too much, but somehow, she pulls it off. I can't help but to be a little envious of that.

I ate the dry waffle, which was kind of gross, on the way to school. Marie happily rambled on about some mean prank she pulled on her lab partner. You never really need the radio on when Marie is in the car. Her stories are so much more entertaining than any song or radio host could be.

Conner pulled into the parking lot of the school. Tate, Jackson, and Josh were already leaning against the side of the building.

Conner parked and we all got out of the car. Marie was already making her way towards the guys. "Hey, Marie!" I shouted after her.

She stopped walking and turned around.

"I have to go to the library. Catch you later." I tried to give her a smile. I wasn't really sure I succeeded until she smiled back.

"Okay. See you at lunch, Lu." I walked in the opposite direction as her.

I don't know why was surprised when Conner trailed silently after me at a safe distance.