shattered•4•hearts

JUNIOR YEAR

The local diner is situated on the far side of town. The community voted on it years ago when I was still in public school and decided that it will be nice to have places to go to that aren't too fancy.

It didn't go as planned, the diner was built to fit into the style of the community and the menu items are ridiculously expensive at certain times of the year. They've added other small buildings here and there and now the far end of town is considered a ghetto by the wealthier members of our community. I'll never understand rich people.

I'm surprised London is even aware of its existence. I love the far side of town because I get to be around people who look like me. Well, those who aren't Jackie.

"Danielle!" I call as I brush my hair into a bun. I immediately hear the clomping of her footsteps as she marches to my room. Opening the door she gave me a raised brow, "What is it?"

"I'm going to meet the band at the far end of town," I inform as I stuck bobby pins into my hair.

"Well thanks for asking first," she drawls sarcastically while rolling her eyes, "Just be back here by 9pm, you know you got school in the morning."

I sigh and grab a random tiny purse from a hook in my closet. I turn to my sister with a bored look on my face, "Yes, mom."

Rolling her eyes again, she gives me a small smile and pulls me in for a hug. "Just be safe, young lady."

The familiar obnoxious honking of Jackie's convertible cuts through our moment and my lips curl into a scowl.

Damned girl!

"Melany!" She screams between the honking. Danny chuckles when she pulls away and nudges her head toward the door, her eyes indicating that I should go.

After another hug, I ran down the stairs and out the door, Jackie's horn still honking loudly. My agitation burrows deep into my chest as I rip open the passenger door, "Enough!"

The horn immediately stops and Jackie gives me a questioning look,

"Who got you all dressed up?" I'm wearing simple jeans and a floral shirt.

Is she serious? That's the only thing she can think about? Not the fact that she annoyed me and possibly my neighbors. I open my mouth to chew her out but stopped as my eyes took notice of a light in the old Victorian styled house across the street.

It's been empty for years. When we moved here and asked about it no one will tell us anything. They only said that something terrible happened there and the house does have an owner but he's still a kid.

I'm sure by now, he must be an adult or he probably sold the property.

"Melany!" Jackie screams bringing me back to reality, "Let's just go."

~

The huge columns and white walls of Belcourt Diner greet us as we enter. The owner, Vivienne Belcourt is a kind woman and she lets me work here from time to time. Jackie also works here but mostly as a punishment from Mrs. Mayers.

We noticed the band immediately and joined them at the table at the back of the diner. The hostess didn't bother trying to guide us, she knows we can find our way around.

There were only two seats available and I chose the one next to London while Jackie took a seat beside Luke. London shifts slightly and I couldn't help but notice his tense shoulders.

I wasn't doing any better myself, my body trembled with excitement when the realization set in that I was actually in the vicinity of the Crash Course Rebellion's members.

Heck, I'm one of them, now. I look across from me and Brendan sends a wink my way and I swear I almost melted right then and there.

"Hi," I let out in a breathy tone. The boys huff a laugh and I turn my eyes to Jackie who is as cool as ever. Then again, she's been around celebrities all her life so it is to be expected.

"You were right, Ken," Luke smirks glancing over to his bandmate, "she is cuter in person."

My cheeks warm up and I bite down on my lip to stop the shy smile forcing to take over. I might have seemed calm on the outside but inside I was internally screaming.

"What, " -I cleared my throat- "What is the purpose of today's meet up?"

"Thank you Melany," London grumbles from beside me "I will love for you to teach these idiots some professionalism."

I glance in his direction and relax as I notice he's not looking at me. I wonder why?

"Now, first order of business," he commands his posh accent thick and his voice clear, "We welcome both Melany Reecher and Jackie Mayers to our band."

The boys applaud and whoop, earning a glare from their band captain who rolls his eyes.

"Alright, enough," he huffs, "second order of business, we need to return to school."

Luke, Brendan, and Ken all drop their smiles while Jackie and I glance at each other quizzically. What are they talking about? Didn't they graduate two years ago?

"Why?," Luke whines to which London huffs, "Greenhall is not willing to give us more time off and our parents are demanding we return."

Wait what? Time off?

"Hold up," Jackie cuts across, "so you guys are telling me y'all didn't graduate?"

"No, we took advanced classes to get two years off," Ken explained, "We started back in 7th grade."

"Oh," Jackie and I sang together. So that's how he ended up with Jessica. Makes sense.

"But, doesn't that mean you should have graduated?" Jackie asks.

"Not quite," London mumbles, "Taking two years off was a deal made between us, our parents and the school that at the end of the 2 year break we'll return.

"But our time isn't up yet," Brendan grumbles, "I fucking hate this."

The other three boys groan as if to agree with Brendan while Jackie and I shared excited glances.

"On that note," London says after clearing his throat, his voice demanding attention, "The four of us will be returning tomorrow at the orders of Principal Fargas. He has offered us any time use of the gym and instruments from the music room as an apology for cutting our time short."

"Bullshit," Ken snarls, "We'll be losing valuable recording time."

"And what about the tour we had planned for the holidays?" Luke added.

"Guys," London drawls, "just relax. The tour will be postponed for now and as for recording, we'll find a way."

I couldn't help but admire the way in which London conducted the meeting. His presence alone is demanding, and the way he speaks will make even the most defiant child listen.

He sounds like he had everything planned out the moment he received the news. His leadership skills are impeccable.

"Question," Jackie slurs, gaining everyone's attention, "What was the purpose behind us being here for the second part of the meeting?"

London rolls his eyes, "I wanted you both be informed about our return to school rather than you showing up tomorrow morning in the midst of chaos."

They both stared each other down and I suddenly felt out of place. The superiority complex they both possess seems to have taken over. It's something all rich kids have, even if some don't usually act on it.

"Makes sense, I guess," my best friend acknowledges and London leans back with a satisfied smirk. I roll my eyes at his show of victory.

"Is that all?" I ask, my voice steady as my shoulders drop slightly.

"No actually."

Brendan was the one to answer my question before giving both Jackie and me a look. Whatever it is he's about to tell us he doesn't think we'll like it.

"We have three strict rules," he continues, "First rule is that you need to show up to practice on time-"

"Done!" Jackie sings, "Whats next?"

"Any new projects we're working on need to remain top secret, unless Lon specifically tells us otherwise-"

"Also don-"

"Will you quit it, Jackie?" Ken grumbles and I couldn't help but chuckle as Brendan shoots him a thankful look while my best friend rolls her eyes.

"Sorry, Brendan," she sighs, "continue."

With a small smile towards her and an annoyed sound from London, Brendan takes a deep breath.

"Our last rule is that no one is allowed to have any friends outside of Crash Course Rebellion. Only aquaintances."