Elementally challenged.

Chapter 1 < Laila >

Where could he be? -thought Laila.

As if she could read her mind, Kayla answered "He's probably off dancing with some other girl."

Giving her an accusing look, Laila turned away so no one could see how close to tears she was.

It was always the same.

Laila and Chance would go to one of their school dances together and Kayla would tag along. They would get there and before Laila had the chance to ask Chance to dance, he would disappear into the crowd.

Kayla had warned her about him but she had refused to listen. Kayla said Chance was using her and she was nothing to him.

Laila knew it was true but she wouldn't believe it.

Laila and Chance had been dating for two months now and Laila really liked him but recently, he was very distant. Laila assumed it was something at home but she new better.

"I'm going to go find him." she muttered. Kayla just nodded and kept swaying to the music.

While making her way through the dancing crowd, Laila caught a glimpse of Chance's blond messy hair.. and some red curls.

A wash of disbelief and dread washed over her.

She started forward again just as a hand grabbed her arm.

She whirled and saw Kayla's bright blue eyes looking into hers with a look of pity. Knowing she had seen what she saw, Laila turned toward the door Chance had just gone through knowing Kayla was right behind her. She feared what she was about to find behind that door.

Walking into the hallway, Laila could hear voices.

"- but what if she finds us here?"

It was Chance's voice.

"She won't. She's helpless and ignorant the poor thing. " said a familiar voice Laila hated.

"Don't pretend you care." Chance replied sharply.

The second voice then changed topic in a seductive and flirtatious voice "Well it doesn't matter because now we're alone..."

Laila couldn't take it anymore.

Ignoring Kayla's hands pulling her back she stumbled around the corner. Before her stood Chance and Amanda. They were close. Very close. Amanda's hand was on Chance's arm and he had his arms wrapped around her waist.

Quickly retreating from Amanda, Chance stepped toward Laila disguising his surprise with that smile that she loved about him.

"Laila! What are you doing here? Oh, we were just talking and I was coming to ask you if you wanted to dance-"

"Save it." she snapped.

She couldn't even look at him. Her eyes were on Amanda. After their fight in grade 7, Amanda had changed schools and they never saw each other except briefly at dances. Until now.

Amanda returned Laila's stare of disbelief and hatred with an evil smile that made Laila want to scream.

" Hey Laila! " she cheered. " I missed you. So I thought I could.. You know.. Come visit. "

Ignoring her sudden urge to attack the girl, Laila turned to Chance and slapped him straight across the face. Giving her a look of astonishment, he stumbled back, his hands on his now red cheek.

" How could you." she said more accusingly than as a question.

Remembering Kayla, Laila turned to her and gestured for her to follow.

As they were leaving she heard Amanda whisper something snarky about her to Chance.

She turned around and faced Amanda.