Chapter One-When You Were Young

Paris-

I used to be a very patient, calm and reasonable person until I met Tyler

No really, as hard as that is to believe it's true.

I remember the day I met him like it was yesterday, I was a young and impressionable kindergartner who was going over to her new best friend Arrie’s house after school. Even back then Arrie was one of those people you just had to get along with; she was super friendly, nice, and always had the best crayons during craft time.

Our 'play date' was going extremely well if I do say so myself. We had just finished watching 'The Little Mermaid' (which by the way is the best movie ever despite the fact that Ariel is somewhat of a slut) and now we were about to go to the kitchen; to ask Arrie's mom if she could give us our snacks.

That’s when I met him the devils advocate, and no I am not being over dramatic.

He, he being Tyler Arrie's twin brother was sitting on the kitchen’s marble counter top. (even then he was irritatingly hot. Not that I'm a pedophile or anything!! I’m pretty sure Michael Jackson has that department covered. Its just at the time we were both five, so it wasn't frowned upon or anything for five year olds to feel um...lusty towards other five year olds. Well I guess it was frowned upon just a tad since five year olds shouldn't be feeling lusty towards ANYONE but...shut up.) He was eating the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Mrs. Brown mom had made for Arrie and me.

"Um. Excuse me," I had said in my quiet five-year-old voice since this was back when I was patient and reasonable, "I think those are ours."

If Tyler had been a regular kid he would've realized his mistake and jumped off the counter apologetically while giving Arrie and me our sandwiches back. However he wasn't a regular kid; he was a stuck-up snooty sociopath, who got some sort of sick thrill when he stole sandwiches from innocent civilians. So, instead of being all "I'm sorry" like I had expected him to he said, "I don't see your name on it" with a stupid little sneer and kept right on eating.

Normally, I would've let this go, but something about his expression and irritating personality caused me to snap. And the next thing I knew I had dumped the entire jar of grape jelly on his stupid little head. I would have smushed the peanut butter all over his face too, if Mrs. Brown hadn’t jumped in pulled me away and put me in a time out.

Thus the war began and again I don't think I'm being over dramatic.

Anyways I came up with a clever plan to avoid Tyler; I would never go over Arrie's house again. If she wanted to hang out she would just have to come over mine. This plan was working quite nicely until about a week later when my older brother (by only ten months so we were in the same grade) Cairo, invited his new best friend over.

Yes, Cairo is named after the place in Egypt where he was conceived while my parents were traveling. I have a younger sister who is a junior at the moment named Sydney; and another younger sister named Madison (after the place in Wisconsin. What can I say? The taste of cheese makes my parents horny.) Madison is in the fourth grade. Lastly I bear the very unfortunate name of Paris.

But I swear to God if you call me Miss. Hilton I will shoot you in the face.

No one calls Cairo and I by our actual names except for Sydney though; because according to her our names are 'exotically beautiful'.

Whatever.

Cairo is known as 'Leo' after his star sign and everyone calls me Jess. Don't ask why just go with it.

Anyways I was pretty excited about the fact that Leo was having his best friend over because like I mentioned before, I was a patient calm and reasonable person back then.

Well, as reasonable as you can be at the age of five.

Imagine my shock and disgust when I saw that Leo's new bosom-buddy was none other than Tyler 'The Douche Bag' Brown. That's right people, my mortal enemy is not only my best friends brother but also my brother's best friend!

My life is a bad horror movie, or maybe a soap opera which ever you prefer.

So, naturally when I saw Tyler I reacted the way anyone would. I screamed for my mommy. And then I punched him in the face and broke his nose. Okay, so maybe not everyone would have reacted so, err violently but I’m not everyone, so sue me.For my actions I was grounded for month and wasn't aloud to have desert for just as long.

But it was so worth it since my hate for Tyler totally burns with the passion of a thousand suns. (FOR THE THIRD TIME, I AM NOT BEING OVER DRAMATIC, JESUS CRIST STOP JUDGING ME!)

I remember my mom calling our hatred towards each other a phase; but do phases last like twelve years?

I don't think so. I mean even today in our senior year (the time to forgive and forget) we fight like rabid dogs.

On acid.

Like now for instance.

"You're such a fucking idiot Jess. Tomatoes are VEGETABLES!" Tyler declared all heatedly.

"THEY'RE FRUITS, THE FARMERS ALMANAC SAID SO!!" I yelled back just as heatedly.

I never said our fights were intelligent.

"I DON'T FRIGGIN CARE WHAT THE GOD DAMN FARMERS ALMANAC SAID!! THEY TASTE LIKE VEGETABLES, SO THEY ARE VEGETABLES!!" he screamed waving his arms around and trying to make a point.

Even during times like these when he was calling me retarded in front of everyone, I couldn't help but notice how...hot he was. Not that I like him or anything it's just hormones...hopefully because if not, then I may have to shoot myself. I mean he has these really nice gray eyes and messy brown hair (according to him 'that's the way the ladies like it') and quite an impressive six-pack; from being on the school hockey team and working out every Saturday.

"UM, LAST TIME I CHECKED YOU ARE NOT GOD SO YOU DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TOMATOES ARE VEGETABLES!!"

He rolled his eyes at this so I screamed "BITE ME!” This got me quite a few stares from the teachers patrolling the hallways, but luckily they didn't say anything.

"My pleasure." He replied in a mock-sexy voice.

That stupid arrogant perverted UGH.

Our fight was cut short when Syd and Arrie showed up, we were standing by Leo's locker waiting for them; so we could go off campus to Applebee's for lunch. Over the years her and Syd had become pretty close. Leo instantly flew at our sister and gave her a huge hug.

Earlier that day Syd’s boyfriend had been caught cheating on her.

Have I mentioned how annoyingly over protective Leo is of me, Syd and Maddie? Because he is, this one time Maddie had one of her little guy friends over our house and when he gave Maddie a hug; Leo physically grabbed the kid and threatened him.

HE WAS NINE FOR GOD’S SAKE!

Although I can blame him for acting that way towards Maddie, I can’t really do the same for how he act’s towards the guys interested in Syd. You see, Syd’s one of those tiny blonde haired oh-come-rescue-me-you-big-strong-man types that guys love. In reality she really just likes messing with peoples head by getting them to fall for her.

I on the other hand am fairly tall at 5' 8" and have dark brown hair. People say Leo and me look more like our Greek mother, while Syd resembles our Swedish father. Maddie’s just a complete mixture of the two.

In fact, the only trait me Syd Maddie and Cairo all share are our eyes, which are hazel.

I exchanged a look with Sydney; at the moment Leo was naming different ways he could kill Aaron the guy who had cheated on her.

Sydney said that she wasn't really upset about it.

And truthfully I believed her because I've always thought that she kind of had a thing for Jack, her other best friend. But I guess that's just me.

My older brother is such a freak.

Sometimes I can’t believe I'm related to him.

Ten minutes later, after Sydney had agreed to let Leo beat up Aaron; we found ourselves at Applebee's waiting for a waitress to come and take our orders.

Tyler and I were fighting again of course. This time over something we had learned in history class. Just when I started winning Sydney looked up from her menu and said in a detached voice "You two will totally have the hottest kids."

I choked on my diet Pepsi.

Sydney ignored me and continued "They'll be nerdy as hell, I mean someone with parents who think discussing molecular physics is fun is BOUND to be, but really hot nonetheless."

IS SHE ON CRACK!? TYLER AND ME HATE EACH OTHER AND THAT'S JUST GROSS! BECAUSE IN ORDER TO PROCREATE THAT WOULD MEAN THAT TYLER AND ME WOULD HAVE TO...EEEEWWW!!

And who the hell uses 'nonetheless' in general conversation?

"SHUT UP!" Tyler and me yelled in unison.

His face was all red and his eyes were really wide; he kind of resembled that runaway bride lady then except you know, he’s a guy.

And hot, don’t forget hot.

Sydney smirked and said in that same cool detached voice "Yup, two nerds in love."

I hate her.

O

O

O

O

O

O

Sydney

OH MY GOD!

I can't believe him I just can't believe him!

Who does he think he is?

I always knew I was dating a moron, but god.

He cheated on me in public!

You don't cheat on me! Okay!

I'm gorgeous and pretty and beautiful and yes I know I'm being redundant!

He cheated IN PUBLIC!! WAY TO RUIN MY REP, JEEZ.

"So, what are you going to do?" My best friend Arrie Brown asked me. Her voice was infused with sympathy. Arrie of course being the nice girl that she was, actually thought I cared that he cheated.

PUH-LEASE after the first ten times it stops mattering.

We were in the bathroom between periods. I had just found out in drama class that my boyfriend Aaron (head football player thank you very much) was seen kissing head slut Rachel Corners.

He ruined my favorite class! Now forever when I walk into 3rd period drama I will remember the feeling of embarrassment that washed over me today!

Stupid skank always coveted what I had. Not that I could blame her I do have everything.

Well expect one thing but we’ll get back to that later. “So what are you going to do?” Arrie repeated the question when I didn’t answer.

I sighed reapplying my lip-gloss in the mirror for the 1000sth time. “Kill him?” I suggested weakly.

“How bout something that doesn’t involve jail.”

“Destroy him emotionally!” I turned towards Arrie with excitement and she laughed.

She knew I was just kidding, sort of.

I returned to the mirror, ah looks you’ve never failed me. Having parents who were Greek and Swedish is just great genetics. While my darling siblings got my mother’s Greek looks, I got my dad’s Swedish fair skin impossibly blonde hair and rosy cheeks. The only features my brother sisters and I share are gorgeous hazel eyes.

What? I’m not arrogant I’m simply self-aware, besides humility never got anyone anywhere.

“Hey Miss Conceited, the bell rang lets go to lunch.” Arrie said leading me out despite my reluctance.

“Are you crazy?! I can’t go in there! Everyone in the school probably knows by know! I will not have their pity!” I cried like the diva I know I am.

“Ok, ok well go see Jess.” Arrie consoled me reaching out for a quick hug. She knew this “thing” was really bothering me, she just didn’t know why.

“Ok, I have to stop by my locker first. ” I needed to get my hairbrush; with all this fluttering around I’m sure my hair was a mess.

“Your hair’s fine Sydney.”

“Alright but if one of my hairs is out of place you are in big trouble Arrie!” I huffed pointing at her, she merely laughed again and pushed me towards the seniors wing.

We walked towards where my brother Cairo and my sister Paris were standing by their lockers. Cairo's best friend Tyler was also there. Tyler and Arrie are twins and are families are best friends. Paris and Tyler were not. In fact they were fighting as we walked up to them. But they’re always fighting so I ignored them.

And yes, I know I know, Cairo Paris and Sydney. And don’t forget the youngest Madison. What were our parents on? They used to travel a lot and according to my mom these were just their favorite places that they visited. But come on, you know what it really means when your named after a place. I try not to think about it.

I’m just glad they weren’t in like Iowa when they went hormonal and made me. They would have named me Iowa too!

Shudder.

My names amazing however who doesn’t like someone named Sydney, it’s exotic.

Cairo immediately came over and gave me a bone-crushing hug.

“Ow! Ease up on the steroids big bro!” I yelped trying to suck in breath as he crushed my lungs.

“Sorry,” he apologized still holding my shoulders, “ but I’m going to kill him.”

“Kill who?” I questioned when he released me.

Stupid Cairo; now my hair really is messed up!

“Aaron! No one does that to my baby sister. He’s dead!” And Cairo shoved his locker shut with extra force, to prove his point. I smirked and shared a look with Paris, a look that only sisters with an over protective brother could share. Cairo was extremely overbearing when it came to Paris Madison and I. The first guy he ever saw kissing me wound up with a broken nose.

Then my mood soured. If the seniors knew then all the juniors must know by now.

Oh great in one day I had become the girl who had got cheated on!

My life was ruined!!

...Maybe I will let Cairo kill him or break his stupid nose.

It would hurt him he's like in love with his face. And I knew from past experiences Cairo’s good at that.

“Okay!” I told him brightly, hey this way I don’t go to jail! The thought of my brother pummeling Aaron really cheered me up. That should get me back at least some of my ruined status.

Fights are just good publicity.

And they'll be fighting over me!

I grinned and we were off to Applebee’s since Paris, Cairo, Tyler, and Arrie were all seniors.

Yes I'm the youngest shut it!

“Your brother is being so sweet to you, Leo’s so nice.” Arrie whispered to me as we trailed behind my siblings. Arrie was looking in admiration at my brothers err um back.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!!

Oh I forgot to mention nobody calls Cairo or Paris by that, expect me. Cairo is called Leo because of his sign and Paris is called Jess because well I’m not sure. I refuse to call them that though. Why should I? Are names are exotic and awesome damn it!

Paris told me I only feel this way because no one can compare me to a Hilton but then I reminded her about the “Iowa” thing. It’s all about perception people!

So we went to eat, the whole time Cairo lecturing me on how I’m really not allowed to be out. (He’s such a boy scout.) This was when Arrie and him weren’t blatantly flirting. Cairo’s liked her for forever, and recently Arrie had returned those feelings. Of course being completely oblivious she assumed he didn’t like her. It’s so sad; they’re in love but NOTHING!

Sometimes Paris and I (because even Paris the romantically delusional can sense sparks there) just want to scream at them. I really don’t understand how my best friend and my sister can be so hopeless; don’t they ever listen to me?

I mean Paris believes she actually hates Tyler. Come on, read a romance novel people. Tension is just code for I secretly want to have hot sweaty make out sessions with you in a closet.

And the way the two girls think you find true love is just bordering on pathetic. Paris thinks you just have to be yourself to get a guy, and Arrie assumes you have to let things happen. Poor simple naive children. In the beginning guys don’t care about the real you! And if you sit around and wait you’ll end up ninety years old with twenty cats. No there are five simple ways to snag a guy.

Sydney's Awesome List To Getting Guys.

1. Be forward ... but not too forward.

2. Be mysterious ... but not so mysterious so the guy gives up

3. Be adventurous... but not so adventurous, you tire the poor guy out.

4. Have something to say... but don’t drown him out.

5. Look your best; red lipstick with dark purple eye shadow is not attractive.

Simple right?

After we got back I was slightly late for 5th period. So first I had to convince my math teacher that I really was at the nurses office all period and she just forgot to give me a pass. Which was a piece of cake, because I have a very honest face. Then I sat down in my usual back seat.

Immediately I was bombarded with looks, whispers and notes.

Ah, the trials of being popular. Expect this time they weren’t talking about something fascinating, I had said or done. It was about Aaron, Rachel, and their pity for me.

I do not need their pity! I am Sydney Windsdahl damn it! Danielle, Tina, and Kim all popular girls and supposed friends, sent me notes.

Danielle- hey, heard about what happened s-o-r-r-y , btw can I go out with him when Rachel’s done?

And then she dotted the I in her name with a heart.

Tina- OMG! I can’t believe he did that to you. God, you must have been a bad girlfriend huh. Still horrible but not unexpected.

She signed her I’s with smiley’s.

Kim- aw I heard what happened, poor thing. Anyways I have a huge problem! What dress should I wear with my date tonight Dan, I’m thinking something tight. Maybe my black mini. It has to be easy to get of though. (Hint hint.) Maybe my pink halter? Help I need you! It’s got to make him stare at me all night I don’t want my boyfriend straying. Love yas (but only if you help me)

Kim liked the stars for her I’s.

Beautiful just beautiful.

Stupid bitches.

Oh well, I thought inwardly it’s not like I didn’t know who my “friends” were. The world of popularity was as shallow as a kiddy pool.

“Hey,” A silky voice whispered in my ear causing immediate light goose bumps on my arms, “Just ignore them they’re shallow morons.” I turned around, faced with two sea green eyes. Two sea green eyes, that belong to my other best friend Jack Smith.

Jack was the boy next door; no literally he’s the boy next door to me. Of course I didn’t realize that till the tenth grade; when we were in the same play. Jack was the class clown, sweet, unpopular by choice, and just real.

I’m always different around him than anyone else, I guess more real. Not a prep, or a goth, or a punk, or a geek, or an "elite" (because I’ve been everything darling.) Just me, Sydney Windsdahl. Maybe it's because he doesn’t just accept me for who I am like Arrie or my “crowd”; he challenges me. Because half the time who I am is a façade.

“ I won’t.” I mumbled weakly, ignoring the familiar butterflies in my chest.

“Good. Hey you know what I’m going to do today?” he grinned his oh-so-happy smile at me.

See the truth is… Jack is the reason I don’t care Aaron cheated.

“What?”

I was in love with him.

“I’m finally gonna talk to Alicia.”

And he was in love with her.

Even my utter beauty couldn't help me with this.