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Dedication: GorgeousNightmare123 for the amazing cover! Thank you for always supporting me by voting and commenting on every story I've written! Thank you for you encouraging words. Your support has helped motivate me. I appreciate it a lot! <3

Recap:

My phone vibrated. I jumped in alarm. The only person who texted me, besides my parents, was Marissa and she was right next to me. Stepping back, I slid my thumb across the screen. It was an unknown number.

My blood ran cold in my veins.

"Don't do this, Sadie. I'm still here."

These messages suddenly just got a whole lot more real.

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I couldn't stop shaking and it wasn't from the cold.

My phone slipped from my hands. Owen dove to collect it for me. He stared at it, puzzled.

"Who's that?" he asked, as it said 'Unknown Number'.

Snatching the phone from his clammy hands, I spun on my heel and strode from the fire. How the hell did he know what I just did? How was he here?

He is meant to be dead.

I could hear an argument start between Owen and Josh about who was going to come see if I was okay. Not long into the debate, Marissa told them both to shut up and leave me alone. I silently thanked her as I made my way further away from the gathered crowds. The air was growing colder with each step I took.

I fell onto my knees, my entire body trembling. I have no idea how any of this is possible.

Am I crazy?

My phone buzzed. I was scared to look down. I dragged my eyes to my phone.

No Caller ID.

Tears burned at my eyes. I was too scared to move an inch. It rang out. I held my breath. The phone rang again. With my hands uncontrollably shaking, I slid my thumb across the cold screen.

I didn't say a word. Neither did they. All I could hear was slight breathing. My heart was slamming against my rib cage. If he did say anything, I probably wouldn't hear him over the sound of my drumming heartbeat.

"Casey?" I whispered, my voice cracking.

The line went dead.

I fell face first into the harsh, cold ground. I clutched at my aching chest.

What the hell was this all meant to mean?

***

I hadn't been to school in three days.

After the rest of the night being extremely awkward and everyone wondering why there was a girl lying face down in the grass, crying. What little progress I had made attending that party, was lost. I made an idiot out of myself.

Who wouldn't though, in that situation? Everything is seriously messed up.

I didn't think I could cry again, but I proved myself wrong. I had cried the whole night. The tears rapidly fell down my face. It had just been like when I found out, all over again.

Since the night, I haven't had any messages. Not even old school window messages that I have gotten for months. Maybe he was mad at me for being with Josh?

I shook my head, almost laughing. He is dead. I literally found the note, went to his funeral, made the dramatic speech only the best friend/girlfriend could. But yet, in my mind, he wasn't. He couldn't be.

How else would I be getting these messages?

After that terrifying moment, I've had my phone turned off. I'm sure Marissa has tried to contact me, but I just couldn't face turning it on.

Having him call me? That was terrifying.

I stared determinedly at the packet of cigarettes in front of me. Without thinking, I grabbed them and threw them in the bin. I had been stupid. I was focusing on doing something Casey hated to make me feel better.

Why should I affect my own health because of him?

If he's still alive and choosing not to be in my life, screw him. I was done sacrificing my own happiness for him. He wasn't worthy of it.

It was about midday.

For reasons I'm not sure of, I got dressed and walked to school. I signed in late and walked to class, my shoulders hunched. I ignored the stares of people. I ignored the whispers.

I sat beside Marissa, who was in deep discussion with a girl I didn't know. She turned to me, her eyes round with shock.

"Woah, hey, where did you come from?"

I half shrugged, getting my stuff ready.

"Where have you been?"

I didn't reply as I began jotting down notes.

"Are you okay?"

I just glanced at her.

"Thank God," Owen said, peering back at me. "I have been worried sick. No calls, no messages. We didn't know what was going on!"

"What are you, my mother?" I snapped. My words were icy. He stiffened, having tried to make a joke. I regretted being so harsh but God he was infuriating.

Marissa was quiet but I could feel her eyes on me. She was curious.

Owen silently turned back to the front and for once, didn't actually bother me. Maybe I need to do that more often.

"We had some homework for English. I did it for you," Marissa said. "Sorry, it's going to be pretty bad compared to yours."

"Thanks. I'm sure it was fine."

"Sorry if you didn't enjoy the party," she said, biting her lip. "I didn't mean to ruin the night for you."

"Marissa," I said, finally looking her in the eyes. "The party was fine. I actually had a bit of fun. What happened had nothing to do with you. Or any of you. There's just... some stuff I'm dealing with."

I just knew she wanted to know what I was talking about, but she didn't ask. She just smiled at me.

"Okay, as long as I didn't do anything wrong."

"No, you were great. Thanks for inviting me."

"You going to see Josh today?" she asked slowly, as if unsure whether she should bring it up or not. "Considering..."

I hadn't even thought about that. I let out a half groan, not enjoying the idea of running into him right now. Well, that might not be entirely true.

Did I want to see him? Everything was so complicated.

"I don't know," I answered honestly.

"Hey," she said, changing topics. "I've tried calling you. Is there something up with your phone?"

"Oh, I just had it off. Sorry."

"I was worried about you."

It was sweet that they cared. I hadn't really let anyone care for me much, after he died. It was nice knowing someone was there for me. I don't know why she bothers but I'm grateful, nonetheless.

Class ended not long after, considering I attended halfway through it.

"Why don't we do something after school?" Marissa suggested, our arms bumping.

"Yeah, why not?" Owen joined in and Marissa shooed him away.

"Just us two."

"What would we do?" I asked.

Owen's face fell slightly. She probably knew I'd immediately say no if I knew Owen was going to be there. Dealing with him at school is enough torture, let alone willingly hanging out with him.

"Anything you want to. Movies, go for ice cream, whatever."

"That sounds nice."

She grinned. I think she half expected me to say no. I have many times before. I'm just so sick of sitting at home in the dark, waiting for messages from someone, in my mind, I had accepted was dead.

"Do you want to come to my house after school?"

I have noticed Marissa has never asked to come over. She's waiting to be invited. I will, one day. Maybe. She would probably be surprised at how normal it is. My family were great. She's probably half expecting that I come from an abusive home or something. It was nothing like that at all. My family have been the only stable thing in my life.

"Yeah, sure."

"You two are really rude making plans and not inviting me," Owen frowned, giving us a sidelong glance.

"You would be invited if you didn't harass my friend."

"She likes it though, don't you Sadie? Deep down?" I gave him a deadpan stare. "Deep, deep down?"

Marissa just laughed and playfully pushed him away. I often have wondered why Owen hasn't tried to date Marissa. She is a really nice person and she's beautiful. Maybe he was a weird fetish and likes going for girls who have completely no interest in him.

I heard my name being called, but I hardly processed it. It happened again. Half-heartedly, I glanced back, to see Josh jogging up behind me.

"Great." I heard Owen mutter.

"Sadie! Good to see you," he said a little breathlessly. I raised my eyebrows, surprised. I almost expected him to act like nothing had happened between us. "Want to take a walk?"

"We're going to lunch, sorry." Owen piped up, slinging an arm around my shoulders. I flinched, immediately shrugging out of his hold.

"Okay."

I began walking the opposite way I had been heading, with Josh in stride with me.

"Not going to lie, I thought I freaked you out." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, you didn't come to school for a few days."

"Oh, it wasn't you. I just had some stuff going on."

"So we're all good?" he asked, stopping. His eyes stared intently into mine. "I really hope I didn't rush you or anything."

I forced a smile onto my face. "It was, um, great. No need to worry."

"Okay good," he breathed, physically relieved. I honestly don't know why everyone cares so much. "Maybe we can hang out again soon?"

I half shrugged, a small smile on my lips. "Maybe."

He gave me a boyish grin which suited him. "Awesome. I'll walk you to lunch."

The short walk to the lunch room was mainly him chatting away and me just listening. It was nice to have a conversation with someone that wasn't Marissa. Not that she isn't great or anything, but she is my only friend. I don't count Owen.

Heads swivelled towards us as we entered together. I felt my cheeks flush under the scrutinising stares. I could physically feel the heat coming from Amelia. What now? She should be happy I'm not with Owen. That girl really needs a life.

"See you around, Sadie."

I just nodded, before making my way towards my table. My cheeks were burning. I kept my eyes low as I tried to get back to the table as quickly as I could.

Could there be something with Josh? Was I ready to even think about that?

He just wasn't Casey.

***

Owen was like a leech, I decided.

Something that stuck to you and drained you. I glanced at him as he continued to pester me about what I thought the perfect date was or where I'd like to go. I sighed in irritation. It was cute, kind of, at first, but now it's just harassment. He's annoying as hell.

Out of all the people in this school, why me?

"Because you're beautiful."

"Huh?" I asked, pulling myself out of my thoughts.

"You said why me? Which I'm assuming is something to do with why is it you I am targeting and that's my answer. You're beautiful. The heart wants what it wants, Sadie."

"Er- thanks," I said, my cheeks blossoming at the compliment. "That's... nice of you. I have to pee."

"Oh, okay. I'll see you tomorrow!" He grinned at me and inched closer, as if going to hug me and I side stepped him. I slipped into the bathroom.

I felt instantly relieved to be free of him. I did decide to go to the toilet, since I was here anyway.

I leaned over the sink and splashed the cool water onto my face. I heard the doors open. Squinting, my eyes filled with water droplets, I let my gaze focus onto a trio of girls.

Stiffening, I hastily wiped at my eyes. I spun, coming eye-to-eye with Amelia.

"Sadie," she said with a dry smile. "Welcome back."

I leaned back on the sink, folding my arms defensively across my chest. My instant thought was to duck my head and try and get past them, but I know this was no coincidence us four ended up in here together.

"Thanks."

She quirked an eyebrow. She has harassed me ever since Owen first showed interest in me. If only she knew, which she really should because it was obvious, how much I didn't like him.

"First Owen, now Josh," she said, her smile over-the-top pleasant. "Who knew you were so promiscuous."

I rolled my eyes. "You can have them if you so desire. Can I go now?"

"I'm just curious." She asked, tapping her chin and cocking her head. "What the hell do they see in you? I guess you have a pretty face but your style is ungodly and your personality is... well, do I even need to say?"

I shrugged, refusing to let her words get to me. I hardly cared anyway but still. It wasn't nice, considering I don't even know her.

"Not sure, might have to ask them." She rolled her eyes. My eye twitched slightly in anger. That's it. I was done playing nice. "Maybe it's because they know you're a stuck-up bitch that has no purpose in life except to annoy the shit out of other people for your own entertainment."

The words left my mouth before I could stop myself. The sass in my tone was thick. Her eyes bulged, not having expected me to talk back like that.

"What did you say?" she sneered, stepping forward. Her two minions flanked her.

It was my turn to do the eye roll. "How old are you, again? Like 10?"

She lurched forward, her palm slapping across my cheek. Before I could react, the two girls beside her, who I don't even know, pinned my arms to the bench. Their nails dug into my flesh and I bit down on my tongue, to stop myself crying out.

With their nails in my flesh and their knees wedged against mine, made it impossible to move.

"Always need to fight your battles three to one?" I spat, my voice venomous.

Instead of replying verbally, she projected her fist into my abdomen. I couldn't stop the loud shriek that left my lips. Elbowing my jaw, she stepped back. One last time, she lunged forward and with all her strength, punched me.

I moved my face just in time for her to just clip my nose. Her knuckles jabbed into my cheek bone and it hurt like hell. White, hot pain burned at my face and I sagged to the ground. My body was jerking. She spat, the liquid landing on my clothes.

"Crawl back into whatever hole you came from, white trash."

With that, she strode from the bathroom, the other two trailing behind her.

Just because I needed another reason to dislike Owen.

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Who's going for Josh and Sadie to be together?

And what are your thoughts on Amelia and her gang?

Thanks for reading. :)