I stormed into second period, ignoring my classmates staring at me, and sat down next to Gina. I quickly filled her in, told her to text Kris the story, and put my hand up to let her know I didn't want to be bothered by her quest for details. I didn't say another word for the rest of the day, brooding in my own anger.

It wasn't until I was back home in my sanctuary that I began to calm down and think things through. I decided to start with what I knew: D and Sierra were dating; Sierra told me she wasn't remotely interested in Devon. The realization that followed snapped into my head as if I'd been hit with a baseball. Sierra lied to me. That girl-next-door goody two-shoes lied to my face, and with a smile.

As my anger started to bubble back up, I trotted down the stairs to the kitchen and grabbed a Dr. Pepper. What I really wanted was a Corona, but Dr. Pepper would do. I felt myself slowly calming as the bubbles ticked their way down my throat and I made my way back to my room. I decided to forego my daily conference with the girls and sent an apology text before sitting at my desk and starting my homework. I couldn't let this little diversion steal all my focus.

I closed my Spanish book and glanced at the clock: 6:48 p.m. Figuring I finished everything in pretty good time, I returned to dealing with the other issue at hand. The fact that Sierra had lied to me meant one of two things. Either she was a conniving bitch and the nice girl act was a front, or she had seen right through my fake friend routine and decided to throw my own game back at me. She seemed genuinely sweet, so I was inclined to go with the second, though it was hard to believe I'd been so transparent.

There was a simple solution for that, though. I would simply continue the friend act, try to make it even more real, and show her that I was supportive of her taking what I so badly wanted. As I continued this train of thought, I saw an even brighter silver lining along this disgusting dark cloud threatening to rain on my own personal parade. As long as I kept up my ties to Sierra, I had a direct link to D. He'd even asked me to feel Sierra out for him. This could work more to my advantage than if he'd never asked her out in the first place.

Finally content, I took a long hot shower and climbed into my bed. Remembering that Kris and Gigi were probably a little worried about me, I dropped them a one-lined text.

I'm fine. But this isn't over. See you tomorrow.