Some people might say I'm self indulged. Whatever. Do I sound concerned? Right, that's because I'm not. What's that quote that goes on about how we are scared to be powerful? Yeah, well, that's all I'm up to: not being afraid. I'm different, I know it, that doesn't make me conceited.

I remember having a conversation with my best friends, Fee and Tina. They wouldn't stop going on about how I'm a real drama queen, and I like all the attention on me. I thought nothing of it, and agreed for the sake of shutting them up. I guess people reckon that the fact I'm so self assured makes me immune to their harsh words, oh how they are mistaken. Just goes to show you can't trust anyone, you know?

Tina munched her burnt toast, carefully trying to avoid the lip gloss that coated her thin, tender lips, the crunch of her bite bringing me back to real life.

"I mean if he's not into you, he obviously doesn't deserve you." She reassured me, bringing back the topic of Dan, yet another guy who let me fall flat on my face after getting much of what he wanted.

"Yeah, thanks Marti." I mumbled, hoping she'd take the hint from the mention of her loathed nickname. I realized I'd been a bit harsh because of the long pause that followed, she was just trying to help right? "Sorry babe."

"Don't worry. I just wish you'd meet someone like Roger, you know." She said, emphasizing her new found love, making me feel a shit load worse. What was with my friends?

"Gee thanks." I shot back.

"Ugh, God Jo, I'm just trying to be supportive." She took another bite of her toast then threw it in the bin. "I'd give him to you, but .. you know."

"Just shut up, you're not helping."

"Fine." She retorted, abruptly getting up from the kitchen table and walking out of the room. I could tell she put much of her attention into making sure I heard her slam the front door shut on her way out. I rolled my eyes and went to my room, might as well sleep the day off. Saturday's are pointless anyway.

I woke up to the irritating repetitive tune of 'Smack That', which Fee had taken the liberty of making my default ring tone. I groaned and declined the phone call, my mind focused on remembering the dream I'd just been enthralled in. The song blasted into my ear again, and opening my eyes I made a mental note to never let Fee touch my cellphone again.

"What?" I moaned.

"Were you still sleeping little one?" Fee's cheery voice reminded me how full of life she was, and how much of life I simply lacked, no matter how dramatic people claimed I was. Her optimism made me feel a little giddy for a split second, so I thought I may be nice to her despite the whorish ring tone incident.

"As a matter of fact, yes I was." I got up and wiped my groggy face fastidiously.

"Tut Tut Joanna. Tina told me about your bitchy facade this morning. No need to be mean, you know how she is."

"Well I'm sorry I don't like it when I'm being lectured about not having as good a boyfriend as she does at 8 o'clock in the morning, Fee!" I just don't get why the whole world seems to be against me. How can you blame me for having a little bit of an attitude?

"Just take it easy Jo. You're still coming out tonight yes?"

"If I can make it out without falling down the stairs, you know it."

"No comment. See ya tonight. Love ya." She hung up without waiting for a reply, and I fell back into bed more frustrated then before. My parents were out of town for their 30th anniversary honeymoon, so I figured I might do something productive in the house.

In a meaningless bundle I pranced down the stairs trying to make myself believe I felt as giddy as when I'd first answered Fee's call. Of course, I was lying through my teeth, but it was better then acting like the manic depressive I felt like.

I swung the front door open in uncanny bliss and made my way to the mailbox. Being the only person who really mattered on the block, I thought nothing of leaving the house in pajamas. It was no biggy around this part of town anyway. I made it to the end of my pathway, which was a rather long way down, then turned my back toward the street as to check through all the scattered letters. It was a general Saturday afternoon, and then BAM. This sharp, severe pain hit the back of my head. I can tell you it definitely wasn't a headache because the last thing I remembered was my sight deteriorating and my body collapsing on my front lawn. Migraine perhaps?

I woke up and my head was ringing in agony. I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes. I figured I was still on my front lawn because I could feel the prickly ends of the grass on my back, and tangled in my already curly hair. I swear all I could hear and feel was this largely searing thumping. I winced, trying to remember what had happened up to this very random point in my life.

"Hello? Can you hear me?" I heard a low, fazed voice. I was quick to assume it was the neighbor's voice, and I never really got along with any neighbors, thus...

"Fuck off." I said blatantly. I heard a chuckle, and decided I hated whoever this person was. Jackass.

"Well, at least now we know you're able to talk. But can you see?" He snorted, completely up himself with assurance, and what I swear was somewhat arrogance. I pulled my arm up to stroke my forehead, wincing even more at the unexpected pain that came with the gesture. "I'm really sorry about that." He continued. Oh, this was HIS fault. He had no idea what he'd just stepped into.

"Save yourself from humiliation now, and PISS off." I warned him. He laughed again and then shuffled beside me. Suddenly, I felt two strong boulders inching their way under my back, and then raising me off the ground almost effortlessly. Surprised by the sudden lack of reassurance from the ground, every inch of me that wasn't secured by the strangers' arms flopped over. What a testament to gravity.

I managed to take a peak at my invasive hero with my left eye, but everything was still a little bit estranged. He wasn't Mr. Hudgers, like I'd expected it to be. Actually didn't recognize him at all. God knows who he was or what he was up to. Perhaps he's taking me to my death bed. This could have all been set up so he could paralyze me, then make it so he was a good guy, bring me home and rip me to shreds with his handy scissors. I shuddered at the thought, and just fell back to sleep. Or maybe I passed out, I was really too alienated to tell.

A/N: Hey, first chapter of a new story I'm trying to stick to. I apologize if it seems rushed, or too short. It's simply the pace of the story. Maybe when I get motivated I'll make chapters longer, I just wanted the basic instigator of the story to take place etc in the opening chapter. So enjoy, and please, do take the liberty to R&R :
Cheers, Stella.