“Pick up the phone. God Damnit Sarah, pick up the phone. I know you’re there. Fuck. The god damn answering machine.” I yelled into the phone. I hung up the phone before I could leave another message. See, Sarah was suppose to come over, um, 4 hours ago. Let me explain a few things. My name’s Jordan. I’m 16. Sarah’s been my best friend since we were 13. She’s also 16. We live in California. I love having her as my best friend. We’ve done almost everything together and she’s so fun. But lately, she’s been flaky. It questions our friendship, alot. She never picks up the phone anymore and whenever I page her, she NEVER calls back. She’s hanging out with new people, some girl name Julia. I really don’t care if she has other friends, ‘cause I have other friends also. But when you start ditching your BEST friend of 3 years, then something fucking stupid is going on. Oh, I should also say that I cuss alot. My bad. As I pick up the phone for the hundredth time and begin dialing all I can think is, “Maybe she’ll pick up the phone this time.”

“Hey babe. You wanna come over?”

“Hmmmm..... I guess Sarah. But, where were you all day? I had to talk to ya.”

“I was out. Sorry. So, come over in 10 minutes. Kay? Bye.” Click. She hung up before I could even pick up the end of the conversation. This was just like Sarah, expect me to drop everything and go straight to her house. But, I have to. Never know when she’ll invite me over again. For further 411, we’ve talked once since I called her 4 weeks ago. And that one time was cause I had to cancel on her, my mom had some family business to talk about. All I can say is, Sarah was pissed.

Here I am at Sarah’s. She’s in the bathroom, taking a shower. I took mine first, so I’m here on her bed listening to some pop shit on the stereo. I hate those teenybopper crap bands. I’m more into bands like Third Eye Blind and Blink 182. Sarah’s happy with the dreaded Backstreet Boys (AUTHOR’S NOTE: no offense to anyone who likes “boy” bands), while I’d been head banging to Everclear. To say the least, our music totally contradicts. Who the hell is singing this shit? Is was really annoying me. I got off my lazy ass and went it to the box that was creating the pain. I pressed stop and opened the CD player. Inside was a bright orange CD with a large symbol on it. I heard a knock on the door and went over to open it, CD and all.

“Yo.” I said as I opened it.

“Hey Jordy. Where’s dumb ass?” Steven, Sarah’s 17 year old bro, asked.

“Shower. Hey, you know who the hell is on this CD?” I asked, holding it up in the air like it was an insect.

“Oh, it’s those blonde guys. Manson. No, Hanson. Yep. Hanson.” He said, glaring at the CD like it was a contagious disease.

“Ok, thanks.” I said as I closed the door. I glanced at the CD one more time before I launched it halfway across the room, into some dirty clothes. Oops. My bad.

“Hey, Jordan! Do you know where my Hanson CD is?” Sarah screamed to me as I walked into the bathroom.

“Um. Nope. Who’s Hanson?” I said with a smirk. She’ll probably be looking for that for days, maybe weeks. Hahaha. As I shut the bathroom door and looked at the mirror, I recalled last night. We stayed up till 3 in the morning and now we were waking up at 11. The night went without incident, expect when Julia called. It was around the time that Sarah came out of the shower at 12 o’clock. They stayed on the phone till 1. I didn’t really mind, I guess. I got to look at her oh- so intriguing CD collection, about 50 times. How fun that was. After they got off the phone, I had to listen to Sarah retell every single thing that Julia said. That took about 40 minutes. Then, it was around 2, we watched some movie called “Tulsa, Tokyo, and the Middle of Nowhere.” Sarah said it’s with those Hanson guys. As I watched I was amazed to find out that they weren’t that bad looking. The youngest seemed really cool, as did the oldest. But there was something about the middle one. I could tell he was the “girl magnet”, so I knew we would never get together, but there was something that I couldn’t place my finger on. After we finished the movie, Sarah copied it for me so I can now watch them. Sure, I don’t like their music, but they are hot.

When I arrived at my house (Steven drove me home) I was greeted by silence. I strutted into the kitchen, where I found a note on the counter.

Dear Jordy,
Your father and I will be out till 12, so make yourself some dinner. By the way, Calli called. We love you.
Mom

Great. Mom and dad are away- again. They both are lawyers, so they usually are away a lot. I’m an only child, so I’m left alone alot. Oh well. You get used to it. I ran up the stairs and to my room and threw my door open. I walked in and threw my bag on my queen size bed. When I heard a thump, I remembered the video that Sarah copied for me. I hurriedly opened my Adidas bag and searched for it. All the way at the bottom was the tape. I plucked it out and went to my VCR. I put it in and pressed play. I lightly smiled as I went over to the phone and dialed in Calli’s number. Ring, ring.

“Hi, this is Joe’s pizza. Would you like pepperoni on that?”

“No, I want pepperoni and sausage on it.” I said into the phone, w/ a smirk.

“CALLI!!!!!!! JORDAN’S ON THE PHONE!” Calli’s younger brother, Rob, said.

“Hey, Jordan. Rob get off the phone.” Calli said. Click. Rob hung up.

“Cal, how’s it hanging?” I said, twirling the phone cord around my index finger.

“Loose and free. Like usually. Breezing in the fall air, expect the fact my dumb ass cousins are coming over for a month. The only good thing is they’re bringing some friends of theirs.”

“That sucks. Hey, maybe one of the friends will be cute, cute and available. And he might have a friend.” I said, wishfully thinking.

“Hey, girl. You should come over. They’re coming later today. Around 5 or 6. You can spend the night or something.” I could tell in the way she was talking that I couldn’t get out of it no matter what, not that I wanted to get out of it.

“Sure. My parents aren’t going to be back till 12, so they won’t even notice. When do you want me to come over?” I said, grabbing my bag that had fallen onto the floor.

“Come over at 5. Ya, come over at 5.”

I was knocking on the door at 5. I was at Calli’s now, I had to walk since I had no ride. It was ok because Cal’s house was only a couple blocks away. I guess that was lucky for me.

“Who is it?” Someone yelled. I assumed it was Rob.

“Yo, buttmunch. Who do you think it is?” I yelled in response. Slowly the door opened. To my horror, it wasn’t Rob. In fact, this guy resembled someone. Damn, who was it?!

“Uh. Do I know you?” This guy said.

“Oh shit. I’m sorry. My name’s Jordan. I’m Calli’s friend.” I said, turning a deep shade of red.

“That’s ok. My name’s Zac. Calli’s up in her room.” Zac said, smiling slightly at me. That’s when I noticed his big gapped teeth. I’ve seen that smile before. He looked like that little Hanson dude. Twisted. I slightly waved, and ran up Calli’s stairs.

“Yo, Calgirl! Jordy’s home!” I said, throwing the door open. Calli was on the bed talking to a most gorgeous guy, who was sitting on her desk chair.

“Hey Jordy. This is Taylor. Taylor this is Jordan.” Calli said, pointing to the god.

“Hey, Jordan.” He said, slightly waving. That’s when I saw his radiant blue eyes. They didn’t seem like eyes. They seemed like lights that were twinkling in the sky before and after the sun came up. He had me right their. He held my heart in his hands from the moment I saw him. But all I could do was smile. Well, smile and trip and fall head onto him.

“Shit. I’m sorry.” I said as he pulled me up to my feet. When I got myself situated, Calli began talking.

“Taylor’s here with his brother and my cousins. They’re the friends I told you about.” She said, raising her eyebrow at me. As to say, “Check him out. Can you say hot?!”

“Kewl.” I said, lightly smiling at him.

“Yep. Me and my brother Zac, who’s 13. My other older brother is at college. So, what’s the story with you?” He said, standing up to take my bag. Wow. He was tall. I thought I was tall, but he was at least 4 inches taller then me.

“Well, I’m 16. I have no brothers or sisters. My parents are lawyers. I’ve lived in Cally since I was 7. Before then I was living in New York, where I got my New York accent. I love music. So, what about you?” I said, gesturing to him.

“Well, my full name’s Jordan Taylor Hanson. But my friends call me Taylor or Tay. I’m 16. I have 7 brothers and sisters, Ike, 18, Zac, 13, Jessica, 10, Avery, 7, Mackie, 4, and Zoe, 1. I live in Oklahoma. Oh, I’m in a band. You might of heard of me and my brothers. We’re called Hanson.” That’s when it hit me. Him and Zac were Hanson. Damn.

“Kewl. My friend Sarah’s a fan. So, why are you in LA with Cal’s cousins.” I said, sitting down on the floor next to the chair. He, in return, slide off the chair and next to me.

“Just hanging out in the LA atmosphere. Since Ike’s away, we decided to take the summer off of touring and the whole music thing.”

“Oh, kewl. I guess that’s good for you guys to get a vacation.” I said, giving him a sympathic smile. Wow. What my luck. I knew Taylor Hanson. Wow.

“So, what do you think of Taylor?” Calli whispered to me that night.

“Well, he’s really nice, and sweet. He’s really cute.” I said, slightly blushing in the darkness.

“Ya, he is. I think he likes you.”

“Me? Why would he like me. I bet he likes you.” I said. Like hell Taylor would like me.

“Oh, shut up. Go to sleep. This conversation is beginning to get boring.” I said, yawning loudly.

“Fine, fine. I know when I’m not wanted. Sniff, sniff.”

chapter two

Was I shocked to wake up to a blond haired mess in my face. So shocked, that I slapped the poor fellow.

“WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!” I screamed when I gained the power to speak.

“Ow. That hurt. I’m Zac. Damn girl, you can hit.” Zac said, holding his hand up to his swelling check.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s just- wait, why the hell were you in my face?!” I asked, sitting up to stare at him.

“I wanted to see if you were awake. Sorry.” Zac said sheepishly, looking at the ground. I felt bad for the poor guy. Sure, he had invaded my personal space, but I slapped him.

“I’m sorry Zac. I didn’t mean to slap you, I was just... Shocked.” I explained, now it was my turn to look sheepishly. I bit my bottom lip as I looked over the situation. Scratching my head, I moved onto my knees holding out my right hand. “Friends?”

“Friends.” Zac said as he shook my hand, goofily grinning.

A week went by, and I saw Zac and Taylor more and more. I grew quite fond of Zac. Not in the “Oh, I like him” sort of way, in the “We’re good friends” way. But Taylor. I really LIKED him. Sure, he was a great friend also, but he gave off this vibe. A vibe I hoped to experience more. But soon by party was coming to a halt. Sarah wanted to meet my “new” friends.

“Come on Jordan! I wanna meet them! For gosh sakes, you won’t even tell me their names!”

“Well. I don’t know. I’ll have to ask them.” I winched as I thought of Sarah meeting them. I could picture it now. Taylor AND Zac falling head over heals for her and she ruthlessly breaks BOTH of their hearts.

“Jordan Gwenth McCall you better be getting your butt in gear for me to meet your new friends! Or else I’ll never talk to you again!” Sarah yelled. Like she would talk to me even if I DID get her to meet them. “ Jordannnnn can’t you at least tell me if they are guys or gals?”

“FINE! They are both guys. One’s 16 and the other is 13. Happy?” I said, one thread was left of my sanity thanks to Sarah. “No. I’ll be happy when I meet them.” I could tell in her tone of voice that she had a “plan” up her sleeves. And I knew then that there was NO WAY in hell I was going to let Sarah meet Taylor and Zac.

I’m going to kill Calli. I swear to god that I’m going to kill Calli. Why? Well, thanks to Princess Calli Sarah is flirting with Taylor. And I mean flirting. At the moment she is draped across his lap. I swear to god I’m going to kill Calli.

“Why the hell did you invite Sarah over?” I whispered in Calli’s ear.

“I thought she was your friend?” She said, shrugging her shoulders.

“Well, she is. But that’s not the point. She’s attacking Taylor.” I whispered harshly at Calli as I moved my body so I didn’t have to watch the “porn” show in front of me. At the moment Sarah was trying to deep throat Taylor.... Score! She landed that one! (AUTHOR’S NOTE: in other words she was trying to french Taylor and she succeeded)

“That’s it I can’t take it!” I yelled stomping out of the room. I hastily turned back to face Taylor and Sarah. “Go get a fucking room!” I yelled at them, slamming the door- causing the whole house to shake.

“What’s wrong with Jordy?” Taylor asked Calli, pushing Sarah out of his face.

“Who the hell cares Taylor? Just kiss me.” Sarah said, kissing Taylor.

“How can you say that!? She’s SUPPOSE to be your best friend!” Calli said, standing up.

“Well, she’s not my best friend. She doesn’t have a best friend. The only reason I’m friends with her is because she’s rich.” Sarah said rudely. Shocked that ANYONE would interrupt her make out session with her new love interest.

“Get a clue bitch, she doesn’t even fucking like you! She didn’t even want you here!” Calli said, slapping Sarah hard across the face. “Get the fuck out of my house. The same with you Taylor.” Calli said, giving Taylor a sympathic look.

“Fine, hoe. Taylor come on.” Sarah said, getting up off the ground and holding her hand out towards Taylor. Taylor looked from one girl to the next. One was his closest friend while the other was..... What was she to him? Nothing. All he could think of was Jordan’s hurt expression when he started “going” at it with Sarah.

“I’m sorry Sarah. But I’m not coming. Calli’s one my best friends. And I think Jordan might be another. Jordan deserves a better friend, and you’ll never ever deserve her.” Taylor said, standing up and walking past Sarah. He slowly turned to face Calli. “I’m sorry. I’ll be outside if you want me.” And with that he walked out the door.

“Well I’ll be damned. Well, I have better things to do then stay around here with a loser. Ta-ta.” Sarah said, gathering her things and “hopping” out the door. Well, hopping out the door, cupping her slapped cheek.

I sat crying my eyes out in Zac and Taylor’s room. I so wanted to go home, but I was stuck here till tomorrow. Stuck here with those animals in Calli’s room. Why did it have to Taylor. The one guy I thought I really liked. Sigh. What am I going to do now. I placed my face into my hands, sobbing slightly. I guess I was sobbing loudly, for I didn’t even notice when the door slightly opened.

“Jor? It’s me, Zac.” Zac said, resting his body next mine on his bed.

“Oh hi Zaccy. When did you get home?” I said, turning my back to him and wiping the tears from my eyes. He lightly rested his hand on my shoulder, turning me to face him. He proceed to gently wipe the tears from my face.

“Why are you crying Jor? Does it have to do with that chick Sarah who was over her?” Zac said, looking concerned.

“Well, ya. I guess. Why did you think it was because of her?” I asked, getting a questioning look upon my face.

“Because I saw her storm out of here, clutching her face. She was mumbling something about Calli, you, and Taylor. Care to tell me why?” Zac said, giving me a slight smile.

“Well, Taylor and her were going at it in Calli’s room and I got really mad at them because I KNEW Sarah would do that. You know, meet someone’s new friends and end um hooking up with one. So, I got so mad that I told them to quote, unquote ‘Fucking get a room’ and stormed out of there. The closest room was your’s. Hope you don’t mind that I’ve used your bed as my personal giant tissue?” I said, slightly smiling.

“It’s ok babe. Do you want me to go beat Taylor’s white ass??? I can you know. Remember Wednesday?” He said. Oh, I remember. Zac, me, Calli, and Taylor were playing 2 on 2 basketball (me and Zac on one team and Calli and Taylor on the other), when Zac thought Taylor was cheating so he started hitting him. Then Taylor started hitting him and so on. Unfortunately for Taylor, Calli and I got a free “kicking of Taylor’s ass” show.

“I don’t know Zac. I just don’t know.” I said, giving Zac a look. I guess I did know. I just didn’t want to admit it. I wanted Taylor to feel the pain that he was putting me through. But I couldn’t do that to him. I just couldn’t. But I knew one thing for sure.... I would never forgive Sarah.

chapter three

Days had gone by and I haven’t heard one word from Sarah... Ok, that was a lie... She had called numerous times and left tons of messages, but I CHOSE not to answer... It was totally up to me whether or not I listened to her whine her way back into my life. I chose the lather... Instead I spent those days with Callie, Zac, and Taylor. You can say I forgave Taylor. But deep down I hadn’t. But I guess I was too stubborn, or too stupid, to realize that he hurt me too badly to just forgive like that....

“Jordy!!! Give me the god damn ball!!!” Taylor screamed at me as I took off with the basketball in tow.

”Nope! It’s my ball now!” I screamed as I ran as fast as I could. The wind sweeping through my long blonde hair. I continued running until I was in front of my house (we were currently playing basketball in my big backyard). I was having so much fun until suddenly I had this urge to stop. So I did. I dropped the basketball and slumped down to my feet.

“Jordy, what’s wrong?” Taylor asked, lowering down to look me in the eye.

“I don’t know. I just don’t feel good.” I said looking at him. I began to think... Why would I be feeling this way? Maybe I ate something--- No.. It wasn’t that. I knew what it was. “Why did you make out with Sarah in front of m- us? Why did you do that?” I said, shakily.

“I don’t know. She’s just-was so beautiful to me. I guess I’ve been so ‘nice’ that I had to do something bad. Know what I’m saying?” Taylor said, looking at me with hope in his eyes.

“No. No I don’t. I think you should leave.” I said, with a calmness that I didn’t know I obtained. He looked at me a like a helpless puppy. He knew he should leave, in fact I knew he should leave but he couldn’t. I really didn’t want him to. But he had to.

“Um. Ok. I’m sorry Jordan. It was wrong. I know that now. I knew that then. It’s just---” Taylor stopped suddenly. A car sped up to my driveway and Callie came running out.

“Jordan, Jordan! You’ll never believe what happened. Sarah has been in a car accident. A bad one.” Callie said, pulling me into a hug. A silence filled the air as I clung to Callie. All I could do was stare into space as a tear rolled down my cheek. Sarah? In a car accident. How- Why- Now?!

“Is she alright?” Taylor whispered from behind me. Callie didn’t have to answer for me to know. Sarah wasn’t going to be there for me to accept her apology.

I never thought I would be at a funeral. My best friend’s funeral. But in fact I was. I really was. There before me was my best friend’s lifeless body. She was so pale, in fact she wasn’t even wearing any makeup. That was a first. Today I was going through a lot of firsts. But all I could do was cry and cry some more.