38 Tough Moments 2 in 1 (1/2)

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I darted out the school as fast as I could.

Jace's awe filled eyes wouldn't get out of my head. He doesn't even recognize me so why was he looking at me like that? Could it be possible that the connection we shared is what he remembers? I force all thoughts of him to the back of my mind; choosing instead to find Simon.

My sprinting ended with me in his back yard. The large two story house looks just as perfect as always. Simon's mom was a bit of a control freak. Even the grass didn't dare to lose any of its unreal green color.

I could hear his even heartbeat through the walls. No one else was home. After making sure the coast was clear I leaped into the tree outside Simon's window with ease.

The white curtains were open and I could see him lying peacefully on his small bed. Simon was tall so his feet dangled off a little.

I rapped on the glass to wake him. Simon of course turned over and ignored it. Damn it Sy I don't have all day.

I tapped again, still nothing. Geez he sleeps hard. This time I pounded. Simon's body jumped up startled and tumbled off the bed. A laugh burst from my lips. He's such a dork. Simon shot up looking around all confused and disheveled. Until his eyes landed on me

”Open the window” I mouthed. He shook his no. Is he kidding me right now?

I gave him a stern look. Finally he walked over and popped the lock. I climbed into the window effortlessly. His room was messy but still the same; clothes everywhere and pictures of us on the walls. There were also a few pictures of him and Jace. Great

”Ana is that really you?” Simon asked watching me

”Yes! Geez Sy why's this so hard to believe?” I asked. Simon's reaction to me was getting on my nerves

”You look so different is all...” He trailed off fidgeting his fingers. His actions had me thinking that's not all.

”Spit it out” I said placing a hand on my hip. He studied me for a minute.

”Kim started telling everyone you were dead! I didn't believe it but after a year of no leads I sort of lost hope. I'm sorry Ana. It's just that it was hard for me after you left. And now you just pop back up. It's like seeing a ghost” Simon explained sitting on the edge of his bed.

Wow it must have been hard for him. It's not like either of us exactly had any other friends. I guess I can understand where he's coming from. Wait, how dare that brat say I was dead! It was kind of true but still! Ugh I hate her!

I plopped down next to my best friend and wrapped my arms around him

”I'm sorry Sy. I didn't mean to leave you all alone” I said in his ear. Out of nowhere Simon latched onto me and hugged me back with all his strength. I've missed him so much. Clearly he feels the same way. We pulled apart just to see each other. Simon's eyes glistened with unshed tears

”Are your crying Sy-fi?” I teased

”No!” He said defensively. Simon stood up giving me his back while he wiped his eyes. I choked my laugh down

”So what happened to you?” He asked the one question I wasn't ready to answer. I sighed

”That's another story. So what's up with you and Jace?” I asked mainly to change the subject

”Oh uh well we're friends” he said slipping jeans over his shorts. I raised a brow. Clearly I could tell they were friends but what I wanted to know was how that came to be. Jace's handsome face clouded my sight for a moment before I shook it off

”There's a party tonight. You want to go?” Simon asked pulling a green Yoda shirt over his head. What did he just say?

”A party? Since when do you go to parties?” My shocked state showed in my voice and Simons cheeks reddened.

”Oh uh we-we go sometimes. Jace likes to have a beer with the guys. It's pretty cool. There're not mean to me when he's around” Simon told me gathering some books from his desk. Well isn't Jace so great! I mutter to myself. Simon laughing brought my attention back to him.

”Don't be jealous Ana, you'll always be my best friend” He said in a childish voice as he stuffed books into his backpack.

Jealous? I'm certainly not jealous, am I? I stood up to pace while I thought. Maybe I'm a little jealous but I have every right to be. Simon was my only friend; Jace had plenty he didn't need to claim mine too.

”So would you go with me tonight? It'll give us a chance to hang out and take your mind off whatever it is that's bugging you.” Simon said now standing in front of me. My brow raised on its own. What's he talking about? Simon folded his arms across his chest

”Come on Ana not everything changed about you. For one when something's on your mind you blink like a thousand times. It's kind of funny like your trying to blink it away or something.” Simon had an amused smile on his face. Okay guess he still knows me well enough. Maybe this party won't be so bad.

”I'll go to this party or whatever” I said casually trying not to smile at Simon's goofy grin. I pushed his shoulder playfully.

We fell into an easy banter about his life the last two years. For the most part he's just been trying to get some space from his control freak mother.

I began to walk back to the window. If I was going to a party I felt maybe I should change or something

”Where are you going?” Simon asked

”To my motel to change and stuff. I'll meet you there later.” I told him prying open the window.

”We have a door you know” he said mockingly. I laughed

”This is more fun” I stuck one leg out but before I could jump Simon spoke again.

”Wait! Does anyone else know your back?” He said looking curious.

”No. Let's keep it that way for now” I said seriously before leaping out the window. From the ground I looked back up and nearly laughed at Simon's open mouth at my perfect landing. I winked at him before I took off jogging.

Surely he will ask a ton of questions later but for now I didn't want to deal with them. Honestly my mind is burnt out. It's still spinning with all the stuff my mother told me. As much as I didn't want to believe it, a small part of me felt she was telling the truth. This just sucks.

And to add more mystery to my situation just toss in Jace and his strange reaction to me. Yeah I think a party is just what I need; one night to act like a normal teenager again. For the last two years I've felt three times my actual age.

Back at my motel I see several maids sweeping glass. Looks like I shattered the glass in the entire building. Whoops! Luckily it was during a storm so no one suspects a person caused it.

When I get to my room I down a bag of blood just to make sure I'm nice and full. This party is sure to have Jace and Kim. I'm not sure how I will deal with them but I'm planning to just avoid them if possible.

I take off my clothes leaving on the sports bra and boy shorts to train. I close my eyes and begin the punching and kicking methods Seb taught me. I try not to think about how much I miss him and Marie. It's hard.

For hours that all I do; various training techniques and exercising. By the time I'm finished I'm not even winded.

After a quick shower I ruffle through my duffel bag. Of course all the clothes packed are practical and not for a party. I grab a pair of jeans and tear the legs off creating shorts. I do the same with the sleeves of a t-shirt making a tank. Being a little bold I tear the cleavage open just to add some sexiness to it. It's my first high school party in a new body so why not show off some. Finally I leave my long wet hair down in waves. I don't have make up or anything so this is it.

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By the time I got to the party it was dark and in full swing. Teens were sitting on the front porch of the large house laughing with plastic cups in their hands. The music was loud but I couldn't understand any of the words.

I took a deep breath. Okay Ana it's just a party.