Photograph [on hold]

What is wrong with me?

North's P.O.V.

I watch as Sang's face instantly shows fright before it morphs into a blank stare. Tears started to slip from her eyes.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again." She cries.

None of us can get to her before she makes it to the front door. Although we do chase her to the house across the street, which I'm guessing is hers, and follow her to the back. She slams the back door shut just as Kota reached it, and I hear the lock snap in place. He pounds on the door.

"Sang! Please let me in!" He calls before slumping against the door.

"I can't." Says a small voice.

"Why not?" Nathan asks.

"Why should I let you in?" She asks through the door. I have to say, that was pretty clever to turn the question around, ....but we are trying to get in right now. So, not helping.

Sang's P.O.V.

I lean against the door, tears silently streaming as I take big breaths. I can't let them in, not after doing what I just did. Running away from them over a question that I have been asked many times. It makes sense though, that is my usual reaction to my stepmom when it happens. But on second thought, why is he still hanging with me?

I should have been kicked out the night I met Nathan. They probably are only there to try and "recover" me from years of abuse. How much are they getting paid to do this? But they were so kind. What if this is all pretend? I want to help you, Kota said. I want to. Not I have to. My mind whispers. What if it's fake? What if it's real?

"Stop!" I cry to myself. I hear silence on the other side of the door for a moment.

"Sang! What's going on?!" Nathan shouts through the door.

"I'm fine, leave me alone." I sob. Deep breaths. I just need to think. I hear a car on the road and jump up. I race to the window, grateful for a distraction. Maybe mom's trip was cancelled. But when I look out the window, it's not my mom.

A silver car pulled into my driveway. It's probably just turning around, I think to myself. Just in case, I scurried to the front, checked to make sure the door was locked, and ran to the back. I could hear voices on the other side.

"Go away." I say quietly. Even if they really want to be my friends, I feel like I will only be a burden. I've never even had friends, so I don't know what to do. As my hand hovers over the lock of the door, I hear their pleading voices again and find myself once more in tears. But something, whether fear of false friends or my stepmother's return, hold me back as I slide to the floor, head in my knees as I cry.

Suddenly I hear the lock click and realize they must have picked it. As they open the door, the cool air hits my back and the area around me falls silent. I hear footsteps and sense someone in front of me. The wood creaks, alerting me that they are most likely crouching. I know I am correct when the scent of spring soap and warmth fill my senses.

A hand lands on my shoulder and I tense slightly, but I look up slowly. And my eyes meet the one and only, Mr. Blackbourne's. My jaw falls.

"Wha- what are you doing here? How did you get here? I don't understand..." I trail off. He studies me for a moment before speaking.

"Why are you crying?"

"Because it hurts."

"What hurts?"

"My heart." I whisper.

"Why is this?"

"Because I want to believe Kota, but it seems so strange that he would want to be friends. And if he is telling the truth, I feel like I would only be a burden. I've never really had any friends...what if I mess up the relationship?" What he says next surprises me.

"Has Mr. Lee ever given you a reason not to trust him?" I shake my head, awestruck. "Can I tell you something?"

I nod.

"I have known all the boys you have met and are yet to meet for a very long time. I believe that if you would allow them, they'd be happy to teach you about friendship. Am I correct Mr. Griffin?"

"Yes."

I feel the air shift slightly and wait a minute before asking.

"Who left?" I ask.

Mr. Blackbourne's eyes snap back to my face. "Kota. You could tell?" I nodded. I sniff, wondering what to do now. I stand up, as does Mr. Blackbourne. I realize we are all standing the doorway.

"Oh my gosh. What is wrong with me. Do you guys want to sit in my living room or something?"

Luke laughs. "We'd be honored."

I lead them to the living room and watch as they take a seat. It's a good thing mom buys extra furniture.

"I'm going to go to the kitchen... make some snacks, gather my thoughts, find me if you need me." I say absentmindedly as I wander to the kitchen. Lost in my head, I begin making brownies that only take a short period of time to cook. I relax and let my thoughts slide around my head.

Kota could be telling the truth. I still haven't told him about my nightmare. Where is he? Don't stir the batter too much. School starts soon. You left the other guys sitting in your living room. Again, what is wrong with me? Slowly I bang my head against the microwave. I hear footsteps, almost silent, come up behind me. Get it together.

"Can I help you?"

"Yeah." The voice sounds like Luke, although it's raspy.

"I need-"

"Water?" I finish.

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Your voice was raspy like mine gets after punishments."

"Where are-"

"Glasses are in the top right corner cupboard. You can use the sink water or fridge." I answer, using my head to point to it.

"Wow." He whispers. I giggle and hear him let out a quiet sigh.

"Do it again."

Confused at his command, I turn and raise an eyebrow as I look at him.

"Laugh again."

"Make me." I whisper. Slowly he moved closer before...BAM! He pounced and started tickling me. By the time the oven beeped, I was feeling better than I had all day and my cheeks hurt from smiling. I slide the brownies onto a tray and put on my oven mitts before carrying them out to the living room but as I step in, the smile drops off my face.

"Oh my gosh. What's wrong?" I whisper, setting down the tray and removing my oven mitts.

"Nothing, I'm fine."

And there you have it! Probably the longest chapter so far. Yes, go ahead, call cliffy if you want. Who do you think is "fine"? Also, question of the chapter: who is your favorite music artist? Coldplay fans besides me? Beatles? Maybe? Well, that's all until next update comment, vote, ask questions, make predictions, be happy. Bye! (P. S. Hi!)