I cursed the gloves I wore for being fingerless. Who invented fingerless gloves anyway?

It was the second week of December. Finals were finally over and I was on winter break for four weeks before second semester began. I was relieved. Finals had been hell.

I was a bit annoyed, though. Having classes all day and then work in the evening kept me busy. But now that classes were over with for the semester, I had nothing to do but sit at home and watch old re-runs of Gilmore Girls.

I wasn't complaining. Having no school meant that I could sleep during the day, something that I really needed to do. I averaged about an hour of sleep a night during finals, but now I slept for four or five hours at a time. I called that an improvement.

Since the last day of finals, I had been cooped up at home all day. It was too chilly at night to go anywhere and honestly, I was just too lazy. Instead of my late night endeavors, I stayed at home and watched old movies. In the past few days, I had watched all the way through: The Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended edition), Harry Potter movies 1-4 (extended versions), Crazy, Stupid Love, Easy A, and Batman Begins. Tonight my plan was to watch Dark Knight, and both the Iron Man movies.

But at the moment, I had no food in my apartment, which is why I was walking to Shop Mart in the bitter cold after my shift at Steve's.

The diner hadn't improved since we started the combo deal idea. However, it hadn't gotten worse, either, so at the moment, Steve decided to keep it going. Once our customers started dwindling again, we would approach the situation differently. But for the time being, things were all the same.

After that first day, Steve switched around mine and Caleb's schedules so that we worked on alternating days. He realized it worked better that way since both our class schedules were conflicting. Also, on Thursdays, Caleb had to take Liam to swimming practice and pick him up early, so he couldn't work those nights. The only day we worked together was on Wednesdays.

Which was nice for me, since the less I was around him, the more at ease I felt. After that last conversation we had, I was afraid Caleb had looked too deeply into my life. I didn't want him to get too close and I knew he could tell that I had a past. But he had one, too, and I think he was just as relieved that we didn't have to see each other everyday.

I walked into Shop Mart, greeted by a nice blast of warm heat. Feeling my cheeks sting as they defrosted, I pulled a shopping cart from the row and made my way to the pasta aisle. First item on the list: spaghetti.

I reached the aisle and looked at the selection of pastas. I ran my finger over the different boxes and my mind lingered back to that day that I had run into Caleb, the day he told me that he was helping me live my life.

I shook my head to rid myself of the thought. I really needed to stop thinking about him.

Picking up a box of tortillini shaped pasta and grabbing a jar of pasta sauce, I made my way to the breakfast foods section. There, I picked up a packet of plain bagels and a box of mini Eggos. Deciding I needed more than just pasta to eat for dinner every night, I went to the frozen foods section to browse the frozen dinners.

When I got there, I saw the very person I was trying not to think about.

Caleb.

He glanced up when I rolled my cart into the aisle and I stopped at the end. He was standing towards the middle and if he hadn't seen me, I would have definitely turned around and walked away. But he had seen me, so I stood rooted to my spot. He gazed at me for a few seconds longer before looking back at the frozen pizza box in his hands.

"I don't have a contagious disease, you know," he said, not looking at me.

I blinked.

Not what I expected him to say. But then again, I never knew what I expected him to say.

"Ummm...right," was all I could think of saying. I figured it would only make the situation more awkward if I a) turned around and left the aisle or b) continued to stand where I was, so I reluctantly pushed my cart forward. He didn't look at me when I walked up to him. Instead, he put the pizza back in the freezer and pulled out a different brand. For some reason, I felt myself smile. Now, he glanced at me.

"What?" he asked, noting the small smile on my lips. I tried to force it down, but to no avail. So I just decided to answer him.

"Why do you make grocery shopping such a big ordeal?" I asked him.

"What do you mean?" he asked. I nodded at the box of pizza in his hands.

"Just pick one and go," I said.

"I'm checking the ingredients," he said.

"They're all pizza! Dough, pizza sauce and cheese. What's there to read?" I asked.

"Liam has peanut allergies," he said, a completely serious look on his face.

Out of nowhere, I started laughing.

It wasn't the haha-that-was-funny kind of laugh. It was the I'm-just-laughing-to-be-polite kind of laugh. It was full out this-is-hilarious kind of laughing. I felt the insides of my stomach knot up in pain and tears form in my eyes. I had no idea why I found that so funny. I had no idea why I was laughing. I hadn't laughed in such a long time that I thought I had forgotten how to.

"What?" Caleb asked, completely bewildered by my sudden outburst.

"Pizzas don't have peanuts," I said.

"I know," he replied.

"Then why did you say that?" I asked, standing up straight and regaining my stiff composure.

"Because," he said, tossing the box of pizza into the cart, "I wanted to see if you would laugh," he finished. With a wink, he pushed his cart away and disappeared at the end of the aisle, leaving me completely dumbfounded in front of the frozen pizza.

Blinking, I looked into the freezer and pulled out a frozen ravioli bag and a couple microwaveable frozen dinners and tossed them into my cart. Hesitating in front of the pizzas, I pulled out the same box that Caleb had picked up and put it in my cart, too. Then I went after him.

He was paying for his groceries and I stood in line after him.

"Good choice," he smirked, indicating the pizza in my cart.

"I was in the mood," I replied.

"Yeah?" he said, his green eyes glinting in the dim fluorescent lights. Bertha, one of the two employees that worked at this late hour, lazily rang up Caleb's items.

"Total is $34.97," she said in a bored voice. Caleb pulled out a debit card and slid it through the credit card machine. He typed in his pin and Bertha printed out the receipt, handing it to him.

"Have a nice night," she said in the same monotone voice.

"You, too, Bertha," he replied with a kind smile.

He picked up his groceries and smirked my way before walking out of the store. Bertha slowly rang up my items as I gazed out the door after him. I didn't know why, but I was fascinated by this strange boy that had entered my life. As much as he got on my nerves, his actions were equally enthralling.

"Total is $33.52," Bertha told me. I handed over my own debit card. She swiped it and I put in my pin. Grabbing my receipt and thanking her, I walked out the door with my bags. I couldn't help myself, but I began looking around foolishly.

"Over here," I heard the familiar voice say. I turned to see Caleb pulling up in his black SUV. I looked at him through the rolled down window of the passenger side.

"What?" I asked.

"Do you need a ride?" he asked, ignoring my attempt at being oblivious.

"No, I can walk," I replied.

"It's freezing out. Get in," he said.

"It's not freezing. It's only about 40 degrees out," I argued.

"It's still too cold to be walking all the way back to your apartment. And plus, it's late and you have all those groceries in your hands," he replied.

"It's not the first time I've done this," I said.

"Nicole," he said.

"Caleb," I replied.

"Just get in," he said, a tone of finality in his voice.

We had a staring contest for the next few moments before I realized that he wasn't going to go away. Sighing in defeat, I deposited my bags in his backseat and then climbed into the passenger seat. Closing the door after me, I looked at him. He looked back.

"Happy now?" I asked.

"Why don't you just appreciate the nice gesture?" he asked, rolling up my window.

"Because it's from you," I answered.

"Stop acting like a bitch," he said, putting the car into drive.

"I'm not a bitch," I said.

"I know. That's why I said stop acting like one," he replied, glancing sideways at me briefly before looking back at the road. After a few minutes of silence, I spoke again.

"Can we make a stop first?" I asked.

"Where?" he asked.

"Just this place," I replied.

"Just this place? Can you sound any more suspicious?" he asked. I rolled my eyes.

"It's a coffee shop. I want to get something from there," I said.

"Coffee at this hour?" he asked.

"It's not like I'm going to be sleeping," I replied. He fell silent.

"Point the way, then," he said. And I did.

About ten minutes later, Caleb and I walked into La Bonne. The only people in there were Jeanette Jim, and Serena. Jeanette and Serena were both sitting at a table by the windows together. They both looked up when we walked in. Jim continued to listen to his music.

"Nicole! I haven't seen you in a few days," Jeanette said, standing up.

"Yeah. I just didn't want to walk out in the cold," I told her.

"Oh, well that's a shame. You're one of my regulars," Jeanette said. I felt Caleb looking at me.

"Well, I'm here now," I said.

"And you've brought a friend," she said, nodding at Caleb.

"Oh, no. He's not--" I started.

"I'm Caleb," Caleb said, extending a hand. Jeanette grasped it in hers and shook it, smiling at him in a motherly way.

"Jeanette. Pleased to meet you," she said. He returned the smile and glanced at me. "So what can I get you tonight?" she asked.

"I'll just have the regular," I said. Jeanette nodded and looked at Caleb, waiting expectantly. He tapped his chin and then glanced at me.

"Surprise me," he said. Jeanette smiled, her weathered blue eyes twinkling.

"Coming right up," she said, winking at me. I felt a blush settle lightly on my cheeks and then I turned to Serena, who had been watching us the whole time.

"Hey," I said.

"Hello," she replied. "I'm Serena," she said to Caleb, holding out her hand. He glanced at me before taking it. "I'm also now a regular here. Thanks to Nicole," she told him. He nodded and looked at me. I looked at Serena.

"How are you?" I asked, just to be polite.

"I could be better," she replied. "You?" she asked, glancing at Caleb.

"I'm done with school," I answered.

"That doesn't tell me how you are, though," she said.

"Right...well...I guess the same as usual," I said.

"Really? I would have thought..." she trailed off, her gaze lingering on Caleb.

"We're just friends," Caleb said.

"Not--," I interjected. He looked at me sharply. "We're co-workers," I added quickly. His gaze was still intense and I looked away, back at Serena.

"What big adventures have you planned for tonight?" Serena asked me.

"None. I'm going back to my place and just...I don't know..." I replied.

"Is it because it's dreadfully cold out?" she asked.

"It's not that cold. But yes," I answered. "Are you staying here?" I asked.

"Yes. I don't want to go home just yet," she answered. I felt a pang of remorse for the girl in front of me.

Jeanette brought out mine and Caleb's drinks.

"Will that be all for you?" she asked.

"Get him the cake," I said, glancing at Caleb.

"Good choice," she replied with a grin. She put a slice of her signature chocolate cake in a box to-go.

"Thanks, Jeanette," I said, pulling out a few bills to pay her.

"Woah, what are you doing?" Caleb asked, grabbing my wrist.

"Paying her," I replied.

"For both our orders?" he asked.

"It's no big deal, Caleb," I said. He narrowed his eyes at me and I withdrew my hand from his grasp. Jeanette and Serena watched this exchange, clearly amused.

"I can cover my own food, thanks," he said, pulling out his wallet. I rolled my eyes and shoved the extra bills back in my purse. Jeanette's eyes twinkled.

"Well, thank you," she said. "And I hope you enjoy your coffees," she added.

"Thanks, Jeanette," I said. She waved her hand and went to the back. I glanced at Caleb, who wasn't looking at me now. We both walked silently to the exit.

As we were about to leave, I stopped, my conscience taking control of my mind.

"Serena?" I called. Caleb looked at me questioningly.

"Yeah?" she asked, turning to look at me.

"Want to spend the night?" I asked.

I had never seen someone's eyes light up so fast.

"Why'd you do that?" Caleb whisptered to me when we got in his car. Serena was depositing her enormous purse in Caleb's trunk, so didn't overhear us.

"I have no idea. I'm already regretting it," I answered. He shook his head at me as Serena got into the backseat.

"I'm so excited for this! Thanks so much for inviting me, Nicole!" she exclaimed. Caleb and I exchanged glances and he began driving. I was afraid Serena would start talking, so I fiddled with the radio, looking for something good to listen to.

♫"I set fire to the rain. Watched it pour as I touched your face. Let it burn while I cry 'cuz I heard it screaming out your name, your name..." Adele's power voice filled the car.

"Oh! I love Adele! She's so amazing. I wish I had a voice like her's," Serena said from the backseat. Caleb scrunched up his face in disgust. Clearly, this wasn't his kind of music.

Caleb pulled into the parking lot of my apartment complex. I glanced at Serena through the rearview mirror to get her expression as she took in the place where I lived. It had to be starkly in contrast to her own home.

"This is where you live?" Serena asked.

"Yes," I replied shortly, pushing open the door. I gathered my groceries from the backseat and Serena went to the trunk to retrieve her bag. Caleb opened the other door to help me get the groceries. We slammed all the doors shut. Serena wandered over to the side of the building.

"I can take it from here," I said, going up to Caleb.

"I'll help you carry this stuff up," he said, pulling away when I made to grab the bags in his hands.

"No, that's all right," I said.

"No, it's no big deal. The bags are heavy. I can help you," he said, his voice stern.

His face was a few inches from mine and I felt my heart rate increase. It wasn't because of the close proximity, though. It was because I realized that if Caleb went up to my apartment, he'd see the evidence of the life I couldn't leave behind. And he would know.

I couldn't let him know. I couldn't let anyone know.

Serena wouldn't be a problem. I would tell her to put the groceries away while I went around and hid all the old pictures and evidence of my previous life. She would buy it, since she was so innocent. But Caleb was different.

Caleb would walk in and take one look and know what had happened to me. He would immediately look at me with those inquiring green eyes of his and I wouldn't know what to do. I couldn't let him know because I couldn't explain what happened. I wasn't ready yet. And Caleb was just a stranger.

"Caleb, no," I said, my voice serious and unwaivering.

He looked at me for a moment, his eyes slightly narrowed. Then he backed away, sighing. He handed me the groceries.

"Fine," he said.

"Serena! Can you help me with these?" I called out to the girl that was gazing up at the fifteen stories of the building. She turned and walked over, taking a few of the bags from my hands. Caleb got back in his car, his window rolled down a bit. We looked at each other silently for a moment, not saying anything.

"Thanks," I said finally. He simply looked back at me with those endless green eyes.

"Night, Nicole," he replied. And then he disappeared into the night. I gazed after the car for a few moments before turning around. I went up to Serena who was waiting by the door.

"Let's go in," I said. "It's cold."

I opened the door and unlocked the door with the key. We took the stairs to the third level where my apartment was. As we walked up the stairs, Serena looked at her surroundings silently. I stuck the key in the hole and pushed open the door, which made a loud creaking noise.

"Here, can you take the groceries into the kitchen. There's a lot of frozen stuff that needs to be put in the freezer. I'll just tidy up a bit," I said, steering her towards the kitchen before she saw anything. She nodded and dropped her bag on the ground with a thud. I left her rummaging through the bags and went to the living room. I pulled the old picture frames off the nightstand and put them in the drawers. I hid the photo album. I hid my life.

I went back into the kitchen to find that she had already put away most of the groceries.

"Woah, you work fast," I said.

"I don't know where to put the cereal," she said.

"Top cabinet. Over the fridge," I answered. She nodded and reached up, shoving the cereal into the previously empty cabinet.

"Ok. All done," she said.

"Thanks," I replied.

We stood awkwardly in my tiny kitchen just staring at each other.

"I've never been to a sleepover, you know," she told me. I blinked, caught off guard. I didn't want to tell her that this wasn't a sleepover, now. So I asked the next best question.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah, surprising, right?" she said. "My parents were really strict growing up. They didn't trust any of the people they forced me to be friends with. And I guess I didn't really trust them, either, which is why I have never been on a sleepover," she explained.

"Wow," I said.

"Have you ever been to one?" she asked. I nodded, gesturing for her to follow me. The conversastion was awkward enough without us standing in the middle of my cramped kitchen. We moved to my living room, sitting down on the sofas.

"I went to a few when I was younger, like 10 or 11," I said.

"What were they like? Are they anything like the movies?" she asked.

"Yes, they actually kind of are," I replied. "We had the make-overs, the fashion shows, the game of truth or dare, watching horror movies that didn't let us sleep at night, pillow fights. The whole nine yards," I said.

"That sounds like a lot of fun," she said. I felt a little bad for making it sound so amazing.

"It actually wasn't. It was pretty cliche to be honest," I said.

"You don't have to make me feel better about my life, Nicole," she said, her blue eyes deep.

A silence fell over us. I took to picking at the balls of lint that stuck to my sweater.

"I'm glad you invited me over," she said in a soft voice. "Otherwise, I was planning on spending the night at La Bonne if Jeanette let me. Things are pretty rough at home right now," she added. I looked up quickly, my eyes slightly narrowed.

How was it that this girl, this seemingly perfect girl, was so broken? How was it that she always managed to say the things that pierce right through your heart, making you feel ridden with guilt? How was it that she was so open about who she was?

"Well, I guess it's a good thing I ran into you, then," I said. She smiled at me, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"So what do you usually at night in the winter?" she asked.

"Umm. Well, I used to live in Southern California, so it was warmer. But ever since I moved up here for college, I mostly just sit and watch movies or read books that I've wanted to read," I answered.

"What have you been doing the past few days?" she questioned.

"Watching old movies," I said.

"Which ones?" she asked.

"Tonight I was planning on watching Dark Knight and both the Iron Man movies. But I don't think I'll get through all of them," I said.

"Why not?" she asked.

"I didn't plan on running into you or Caleb," I said.

"Oh," was all she said. "I'm not disturbing you, am I?" she asked.

"Of course not!" I said unconvincingly. She glanced at me wearily before I turned my gaze away. I decided it was best not to say anything else, so I leaned forward and put the DVD for Dark Knight in. Then I turned the lamps off and we sat back, watching the movie play before us.

Although Dark Knight was one of my favorite movies of all time, I found that I couldn't focus on it this time around. One of the reasons was because of the strange girl that was sitting on the couch across from me. The other was because my mind lingered to thoughts of the events of the night.

"'You want to know how I got these scars?'" Joker asked, pulling me back to reality.

Scars.

I had so many of them, but they were all under the surface.

Want to know I got these scars? I wanted to ask Serena. Do you want to know?

Of course you do.

Caleb does.

I closed my eyes and his face appeared in my mind's eye. I opened them quickly, feeling my heart rate quicken slightly. I fell in and out of consciousness for the rest of the movie, my brain molding images from the past with those from the present and those from the movie playing before me.

I didn't even realize when it ended and the room was immersed in complete darkness.

"Nicole?" I heard Serena say after a few moments of sitting in the dark.

"Yes?" I replied. My voice sounded hollow and strained. Just that one syllable contained traces of the pain that was traveling through the nerves of my brain.

"You didn't have to hide all of those things, you know," she said.

I opened my eyes now, although I couldn't see her in the pitch black of the room.

"The fact that you still wear that ring means that you aren't able to hide everything. You may be able to put away the things that show who you were, but from your personality and from that ring, it's easy to see that those things are still very much alive in you. You shouldn't hide behind a fake mask," she said.

I was pretty sure I could hear my heart beating. I was pretty sure she could hear my heart beating.

How had she found out? I thought I had been discreet. Was this girl really smarter than she appeared to be? Did this girl really understand more than she let on.

"I don't hide behind lies or shades. I tell people about me because it's who I am. You know who I am. But I have no idea who you are," she said after a long silence.

Her words hit me and I realized something.

"I don't think I know who I am anymore, either," I replied.

________________________________________________________________________

A/N: Long chapter. Slowly, I'm bringing all of the characters together. Just wait. All of them will pull together in the end. =)

Sorry for making you all wait so long for these updates. School's a bitch.

Anyway, comment and vote. You all are awesome fans and I truly owe my success to you. So thanks.

Ta-ta for now, lovelies.

XOXO