No, I haven't died, but i have been suffering from the case of "dear god I am lazy and have no excuses for not posting chapters".

So yet again, i have changed and rewritten this. I refuse to work with something that I am not satisfied with, and hopefully, I'll be satisfied with this version! Please tell me how you guys feel about the changes I've made!
Stay with me guys! I'm pretty sure I'm not going to change the version anymore now! (hopefully!)

So READ AND REVIEW as always XD
well, just review, because you're obviously going to read the story if you're reading this thing right!? XD

August 9th. That was the day that changed my life forever. The day that I was given power to change everyone else’s life. Well, social life anyways. Did I want that power? Even now, I’m still not sure. But do I regret taking that power? Hell no.

“Chelsey! Hurry up and jump in!”

I laughed when I saw my friend Josh belly flop into the water. It was the last week of summer vacation, and we were trying to savor our freedom. The ten of us were acting like how 16 year olds usually act: carefree and dangerous.

The impeccable sunshine brightened the atmosphere, casting a glowing look upon our faces. Tanned girls in bikinis and guys with abs laughing and having fun – it was almost like an ad of some sort. We were by the Bellwood Lake, a place that reminds me of the secret meadow from Twilight. It was hidden amongst many trees, and most people don’t know of it. We were one of the lucky few that do. The lake wasn’t too big, but big enough for us to call it a lake. The water sparkled with sunlight, and the ripple effects caused by movement never faded away with our continuous thrashing and jumping.

My blue and green plaid Victoria Secret bikini covered my petite 5”5 body. I laid there on the grass, ignoring the urges my friends gave for me to come into the water and join them. The gleaming sunlight brought out the blonde highlights from my already blonde hair. I could almost feel how plain I was. Sure, I had the basic beauty that one would want – blonde hair and blue eyes – but what they really want, is that colorful and somewhat dark strawberry blonde, and those piercing yet gentle ocean blue eyes. Me? I had the blonde colored hair that was probably the result of a little too much bleach. There is no color, there is no life, there is just…blonde. And sure, from far away, my eyes looked average, but up close, it was the kind of disgusting blue that you would think blue cheese looked like until you’ve finally figured out that blue cheese actually isn’t blue. But hey, this isn’t about trash talking my face, it’s about the serene life around me. I felt the warmth invade me through my closed eyelids. The tingling sensation spread slowly throughout my body. Right before I could finally fully succumb to the peaceful bliss though, I was jolted from my unconsciousness, and lifted up into a pair of muscular arms. I reacted how any regular girl would have; I screamed on the top of my lungs.

My eyes flew open, first blinded by the sunlight, and then by the ugly face that belongs to a certain best friend of mine called Jason Layers. My body started to thrash around, attempting to be released, while my brain still hadn’t caught onto the fact that I was no longer on the safety of land. When I finally realized so, I screamed yet again into his ear.

“Jason! What the hell! Let me go!” I shrieked.

“Sorry, didn’t know I had a banshee in my arms or I might have brought earplugs. Are you here to warn me of my death? Because you might be right about that. Scream like that again, and you’ll break the glass that’s going to lodge itself into my heart and end my life. You’re not that cruel are you Chels?” In case you haven’t noticed, he’s the sarcastic type. He also lacks the skill of humor.

I kept on hitting Jason’s arm, though it was mostly playful hitting. (There was one where I hit his jaw, but he’ll get over it) As the deep side of Bellwood Lake drew closer, I felt my arms get slightly weaker at my next punch, my heart skip half of one beat, my face releasing one drop of sweat. I could swim of course. I’ve swam ever since I was 6. The thing is, right before I get into water, I tense up slightly. It’s not like I’m frightened of water, but more nervous about getting in. I’ve always been more of the cat girl than the dog girl. That might explain it.

“Jason,” I used the most venomous tone I could manage as I hissed in his ear, “If you throw me in there, so help me god, I will take you WITH ME!!” My voice went up an octave at the end of the sentence as I was flung into the air, still attached to the bastard who decided to jump in with me in his arms. This boy is definitely in for a best friend shunning later.

The first thing that hit the water was my ass, which kind of hurt. The next thing I know, I felt Jason’s hands slip up my back and down my legs as we got separated. The surprisingly warm water sucked me down. I never open my eyes underwater without goggles on, so with them squeezed tight, I blindly kicked, hoping that I was going in the right direction. Soon enough, I broke through the surface, sputtering water (that fish and god knows what other creatures had sex in). My friends were all laughing their asses off. Some of them attempted to be nice, and instead of laughing, just snickered.

Yeah. They’re all going to hell.

My vicious glare made its way around as it searched for the designated target. Jason was only a couple of feet away from me, and still laughing even though everyone else stopped, knowing that I’ve got the look on me. Yeah. It was THE look. The look you see on the bitchiest girls when they’re in the middle of their happy week. It was a look I have often – though I have to say, it does clash with my halo and wings.

Finally, the idiot catches on, and turns around to look at me. All of a sudden, every person around us disappeared. There was only him. And me. Cue spotlights.

I suddenly heard voices in my head, like those angel sides and devil sides arguing with one another. The devil was saying ‘kill him. Kill him now’. The angel – well, I won’t say where she is, but I think the duct tape and rope is preventing her from speaking her opinions. So, devil it is.

“You KNOW I don’t like water!” I shrieked.

“Aw. Is my little kitty cat mad?”

I hated that nickname. He calls me that because apparently, I’m so much like a cat (and my last name is Kittles). In my defense, my only similarity is fear of water. Though that whole 9 lives thing would be cool to have.

“No I am not mad. I think I am FURIOUS! Weren’t my exact words ‘do not throw me into the water’ clear enough for you the first time I said it? And you said you wouldn’t. That was the whole reason why I came in the first place! So I wouldn’t have to face yet ANOTHER one of your dunkings!”

“I think you’re overreacting a little Chels.” Jason seemed to finally register the fact that I was indeed, pissed, and started to look a little nervous himself.

“Overreacting?! Did you forget the time where you dunked me, sat on my head, and then managed to FART in my face?!”

“W-Well, that was 6 years ago Chels.”

“And dare I mention the blueberry incident?”

“So you were blue for a while, no big. And that has nothing to do with swimming anyways!”

“You turned me BLUE because I punched you after you literally KICKED me into the water.”

“That was 4 years ago.” He said nervously.

“What about that time 2 years ago when you shoved me off of the diving board and I broke my left arm?”

“Sprained, actually.”

“The point is,” I sighed, my voice no longer so thunderous. I was more annoyed than angry. “You, me, and water just don’t give good outcomes. It’s like these three terms just can’t be in the same equation. Besides, I’m not liking the pattern: 6 years, 4 years, and 2 years.”

“Heh. You’re such a superstitious nerd.” Jason laughed. His face suddenly fell, a deep blush coming over his face.

I cocked my head at his sudden reaction, curious about why he was embarrassed. Did he suddenly realize that his trunks fell off or something? He didn’t suddenly confess of a secret love or anything right? And why is he looking at me like that…? I suddenly felt very self conscious, and checked to see if all my body parts were in the correct place.

They were.

Well, except for that stupid bikini that’s supposed to be protecting my boobs from overly perverted guys.

My cheeks flushed to a shade 10 times darker than his when I realized this. I quickly sank down into the water until all that was visible was my bobbing head. With my arms firmly crossed in front of me, I maintained still while Erin Rae, my gal pal best friend, worriedly asked me repeatedly what was wrong. Finally, when she paused for a breath from her droned on monotone, I managed to get a word in.

“WHERE THE FUCK DID MY SWIM SUIT GO!?”

I hadn’t meant to shout that. It was supposed to be more of a harsh whisper meant only for Erin and Jason. My sudden outburst startled her for just a millisecond, until she started laughing hysterically, thinking my dilemma was just a ludicrous joke.

“Y-y-you just – I can’t – b-believe y-you just f-fl-flashed Jason!!” She could barely get a word in, with her evil cackle being interrupted by hiccups.

“Whoa dude, you get all the luck don’t ya man.” Josh smiled at Jason, while I gave him daggers.

“Josh. Not. Effing. Funny. Now, GO help me find it!” I complained, my whinny voice seemed like I was imitating a 3 year old.

“Psh. Yeah right, I like the view the way it is right now babe.” He smirked.

“Urgh. Don’t make me beg, Josh.”

“Well, I would be willing – if you offered a reward.”

“You want money?” I asked, genuinely confused.

He rolled his eyes, “No, sweet cheeks.” He said in an exasperated sigh, “Think about it” He winked, and then dove off.

“I am not giving that boy a kiss.” I held a face of mock disgust as I told a still snickering Erin.

“Well, I would be willing to help…” Her voice trailed off, hinting at what I think she was hinting at.

“What IS this? Bribery week? FINE! I’ll lend you that Marc Jacobs dress! – But ONLY after I’ve worn it!”

She squealed, and started to wander around the water, dipping her head in once in a while.

Merely 2 minutes later, the whole group managed to swim far away enough to not hear me shout at them. I didn’t dare go after them, knowing perfectly well that I was unable to tread water without my hands. And trust me, I needed these hands.

Their laughing informed me that they have indeed, left me to my lonesome self so that I can spend my time alone thinking about why I have these untrustworthy fiends as friends. I looked around me to see if anyone was looking. When I was assured that nobody was, I started to climb out of the lake to grab my towel. I didn’t want to stay in there until I was as shriveled as a prune.

I was almost completely out until I heard a loud car horn. With a tiny squeal, I rolled back into the water, hoping that I hadn’t flashed anyone. My head popped back up, and I spat out the water that flowed into my open mouth. I wiped my face with my arm so I wouldn’t get water into my eyes. My glance fell upon the yellow TJ jeep that honked at us. Inside, sat 4 decently cute guys, each screaming out in (a deafening) joy as they approached the water. I tried to remain inconspicuous, hoping that they would not see me in my current condition.

Eventually, I heard 3 incredibly loud cannonballs over on the other side of the lake, and decided that it was time to make my exit. Just as I was about to turn around, I felt a warm breath by my neck, and I froze where I was.

“What’s a girl like you doing over here all by yourself?”

So much for inconspicuous. The husky voice behind me gave me a jolt, but I inwardly rolled my eyes at his comment.

“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m sort of missing a certain article of clothing, and frankly, I don’t like to swim the European way.” I turned around, making sure my arms were definitely not going to reveal anything, and met the pervert’s eyes.

I never knew what “getting lost in his gorgeous eyes” meant. I mean, how does one ‘lose’ themselves? They’re just eyes. But at that moment, it was all I could focus on. His brown orbs were so dark, it was almost purely black. Yet, it wasn’t a menacing sort of look, but had the look of bittersweet chocolate. If I weren’t so short, I probably wouldn’t even have seen them in the first place. His long matching dark hazelnut hair was dangling in front of his eyes like a shield. Luckily, my staring had only lasted for 2 or 3 seconds, so no utter humiliation was caused. Yet.

He snorted, apparently not noticing my slight drooling. “You mean that thing right there?”

I followed his gaze, and saw that my stupid swimsuit was caught in a branch that was merely a couple of feet away. I cursed under my breath, and I waddled towards it. I heard a splash from behind as I heard him joining me.

I whirled back around, suddenly aware of a certain dilemma.

“You wanna maybe turn around?” I asked, my voice making it sound like a demand rather than a request.

“Whatever floats your boat,” He turned around, but not before I caught sight of his abs. And I swear to god, he would put Taylor Lautner to shame with that body of his.

I quickly put my bikini top back on, mumbled a ‘thanks’, and swam towards the deep end where everyone was hanging out. I heard a snicker behind me as he followed. Bastard.

“Well, well, well, look what we have here. It’s my EX-friends having fun, and FORGETING me,” Sarcasm dripped out as I finally approached them.

They all laughed except for Josh, who merely frowned at the sight of my boobs safely tucked away in my swimsuit.

“Damn. Does that mean I don’t get a kiss? Because you know, I have been searching for a long time,” He wiggled his eyebrows at that last part.

I rolled my eyes.

“Wait a second, you were offering a reward?” The pervert asked, eyes wide with disbelief, smirk glued on his face.

“NO! I wasn’t! It’s j-just Josh, I m-mean-”

Josh frowned, “Just me? What’s that supposed to mean Chels?”

“Nothing, never mind, just forget I said anything…”

“So when do I collect then?” It was him again.

“You can collect my ass,” I retorted, before realizing how that can be taken.

“Gladly” He said, being on the same dirty page as I was.

“You know, this would be the part where I knee you in the balls right now, but frankly, I don’t think they’re worth my time.” It was the best comment I could come up with.

“Sweetheart, you can look, but you know you can’t touch.”

“How egotistical can you get?!” He was starting to get on my nerves, making my voice raise an octave or two.

“OKAY you two!” Jason butted in, “Do you guys even know each other?”

“Yes. He’s a narcissistic self centered pervert who deserves to get ran over by my car”

“Come on Chels, give him a chance. He’s actually a cool –”

“You know what? I. Don’t. Give. A. Crap.”

I refused to listen to yet another lecture about how to treat people properly. Jason’s logic skills always trumped mine. With long strokes, I swam away to the opposite side of the lake; away from Jason, away from perverts, and away from annoyances.

I remember hearing a “look out below!” from somewhere above. I remember taking half of a breath before the impact hit. Head first, I was sucked down under. My feet were somehow frozen to place as I tried to kick upwards. The weight from my shoulders refused to lift until after a decade. When it did, my body felt lighter, like it was floating towards the surface by itself, and yet it wasn’t. I was never the suicidal type, but I eventually stopped trying, and opened my eyes to the serene water. I never open my eyes, so the murky scenery looked different than I had imagined. Everything was getting blurrier, but I remember someone swimming towards me, arms stretched out. I remember thinking ‘holy hot Jesus’ before my eyelids closed on me.

And that’s how I almost drowned.

When I woke up in the hospital later on, I found a letter in my lap. It was folded four times, with one corner slightly bent. I knew that it was my sister Lauren. It was her signature for note passing. She’s about to become a freshman at college, and I’m guessing that this is somehow a goodbye note.

Hey Chels!

Sorry about what happened to you sweetie. This is why you should never befriend the guys that weigh so much. I hope you get better soon. I’m leaving for the plane in an hour, so I guess this is goodbye. If you have any trouble with anything, and I mean ANYTHING, call me, okay? And we SO have to stay in touch! Oh, and by the way, I was the one who wrote bgossip, and since I’m leaving, I guess I’m handing it off to you! Keep the tradition of gossip going! I have faith in you! Oh, and don’t tell anyone about this. Duh, of course it’s gotta be a secret. Have fun!

Your sis

LaUrEn

The shock held me motionless for endless minutes. It was like having someone say, ‘hey what’s up, I just watched this movie, and by the way, your parents have been kidnapped’. You do NOT just drop a bomb so casually.

Now would be the best time for that holy hot Jesus to save me again…