Did someone say cliche? This is old writing. 

Prologue

She hobbled across the room. Her skin was dry and wrinkly, her hands shaking and bones creaking. June Summerlane could remember being young, full of life, carefree and bouncy. Age had not treated her well. Being old and decrepit did have its uses though. She smiled at the thought of all the fussing of her grown up daughter. Lucy just wouldn't leave her alone. She yawned, it had been a good life. Full of ups and downs, sadness and joy, love and heartbreak. A bang sounded and a flash of pain in her chest. Blood bloomed from a bullet wound and June stumbled and collapsed. She had one last coherent thought before she drifted into oblivion, the cycle begins again.

Chapter one.

I reassured my best friend over the phone that I was coming to the party tonight. That, no my parents had no idea I was going, and yes I would make an effort to look nice, all while trying to straighten my hair one handed. 

I growled in frustration. 'Mel, I'm sure Justin will be there tonight, why wouldn't he be? It's only one of the biggest parties of the year.' 

Her voice took on a hysterical edge, 'What if I don't look nice enough? What if he doesn't like me?'

I spoke soothingly, 'I'm sure you'll look amazing. You always do. Besides if Justin doesn't like you then he's an idiot. You're gorgeous, kind and funny. Any guy with an inch of sense would trip over himself to talk to you.'

It was true, Mel always looked perfect, with her long golden hair, lean athletic figure and killer tan. Pretty much all of the guys at school had liked her at one point. I was pretty sure she could come to school wearing a sack and she wouldn't look any less perfect and I told her as much. I was pretty enough, of medium height, with a curvy figure, big brown eyes and long brown hair and olive skin. 

She spoke, interrupting my thoughts, sounding grateful. 'Thanks Ivy, you're the best. You always know just what to say. Have you thought of a guy you would like to go out with? Maybe Caleb Hancock? You always hang around with him.'

I grimaced. 'Mel, I would never go out with Caleb, he's like a brother to me. Besides, I'm enjoying being happy and single.'

She sighed into my ear, 'That's what you say every time. You could easily get a date. You're cute and funny. Look, I know that jerk hurt you but he's gone now, and he doesn't have to ruin every future relationship you could have. One day you will just have to get over it.' 

 I winced, 'Look, okay, that's not all. You know I'm having family issues at the moment too.' 

Besides, I didn't feel like talking about my filthy, cheating ex-boyfriend Troy with anyone. Thank God he had left town. 

There was a long pause, then she replied sounding guilty. 'I'm sorry. I know you have stuff going on that you don't want to talk about right now, but if you ever need to spill I'm here.' 

 'Thanks,' I replied throat feeling tight. 

'Anytime,' she said lightly. 'Anyway, you need to get ready for tonight. You had better look hot or I will get your outfit myself.' 

I smiled mischievously even though she couldn't see it. 'That won't be necessary. I have a great outfit for tonight. See ya later. Love you.' 

 'Love you.' She replied before hanging up.

I brought out my beige dress that I had bought for the occasion. It complimented my colouring and features -or so the sales lady said. I pulled it over my head. It flowed over my body like silk and fit perfectly. I admired my reflection. It was knee long and form-fitting with a tight bodice and a skirt that flared out near my hips. The neck was low cut without showing too much cleavage and the overall effect looked great. I pulled my chocolate brown hair out of its high pony tail and it spilled over my shoulders to my waist. I pulled my dressing gown on so that it covered my attire and headed downstairs for dinner.

I had no siblings and two parents, and I was hoping that it stayed that way. Mum and dad were fighting a lot lately. I didn't want them to divorce, I loved both of them. I grabbed my bowel and stuffed my dinner in my mouth, thanked mum, kissed them both goodnight, and ran up to my room. 

I opted to hastily apply some eye shadow, mascara and some lip gloss. Once I was done I looked at my reflection in surprise. My dark eyelashes were longer, and framed my emphasised rich brown eyes that I had inherited from my mother. That, my hair and my temper were what I got from her. My dad gave me his olive skin. I finished up, pleased with the effect. I grabbed some cute beige pumps and chucked them on, coupled with a nice clutch. I gave my reflection one last once-over, nodded nervously, opened my window and hopped out.

Mel waited in her car in front of the next house over. I got in. She scanned me from the top of my head to my feet and gave an approving nod. 'You look hot, girlfriend.' 

 'As do you.' I replied with a small smile. And she did. She wore a red top with a short denim skirt, showing off her amazing legs to full advantage. If Justin didn't notice her, he would be the only one. Every guy in the place would be positively drooling over her.

We arrived at the party and I subtly -or so I hoped- fidgeted with my clutch zip. I wasn't much of a party person. Too loud and noisy. Mel had cajoled and blackmailed me into coming this year. Too bad I was already regretting it. 

I walked over to the punch table as Mel was surrounded by adoring admirers. It was beyond me why she bothered to hang out with me at all. She was beautiful and popular. When I had asked she had simply said that I didn't pretend and was real. We never brought the topic up again. 

I leaned against the table and sipped my drink. I choked and spluttered at the taste. Like burning fire had just run through my insides to my stomach. I looked at my drink in digust. 'What the hell is this stuff?' I spluttered. 

 'Pure fuel,' an amused voice said from behind me. I jumped and spun around. My breath caught.

Whad'ya think???