13 Normal isn't normal.

Three days. It's been three days since Connie was discharged from the hospital. Her mother has been calling me and Tessa to go over to their place, to help her with her school work, and keep her company. Casey has also been spending a lot of time with Connie. Every extra time he got, he spent it with his cousin. It's actually really charming. At least he isn't a complete monster. Who knew that he actually has a heart?

One would actually think that after the accident, the blackmail by Brian, and all the time that Casey and I have had to spend together, that he would at least leave me alone in peace, right?

NO! Wrong! Casey is still acting the same towards me as he always has. The positive side though, is the fact that that he doesn't like directly hit or kick me. I mean, he still insults me, and constantly pushes and shoves me around, but I guess that that's better than being punched and kicked.

We would constantly cross paths with him in the hallways, and he would always hit me with his shoulder. But when Brian was around, he usually just pretends I'm not present, which is great! He still doesn't talk with Brian, they just send each other some sad pity glares. I guess they've missed each other's company. They have been friends for a long time.

Also, Brian, Samantha and I have been hanging out at school. And they once came to where I work to ask for my help with their assignments. So I guess you can say that they don't hate me as much anymore. It actually feels great to not sit alone at lunch. They usually do all the talking at the table and I just sit and listen. And they also ask me questions about my favorite dish or what I like doing during my free time. They ask me simply anything to make me feel engaged in the conversation and not left out.

Miraculously, without Kenzie bossing Samantha around, or Casey hanging out with Brian, those two are actually great company.

Other than that, these past three days, the whole school has been buzzing with gossip. The main topic has been none other than Connie. Of course everyone heard about her being admitted to the hospital, and everyone was worried sick! The teachers, students and even the staff. But obviously, everyone had different reasons why they cared.

And the breaking news is, that when Connie comes back to school, the cheerleading squad are going to make her cheer-captain. I don't know how well Kenzie is going to take that, considering that she is the cheer-captain. But from what I heard, she's going to be co-captain of the squad. I'm sure she's going to make a really huge deal out of it, but if she doesn't, I guess it will be because the person replacing her is the mayor's daughter.

I still don't know why they're making her cheer-captain. Maybe it's because of her family name, or how popular she's been since she stepped foot in this school, or maybe it's how athletic she is. It's true, she is. Connie has been cheering even before she was able to walk. And on top of that, she has also been doing gymnastics for over ten years. She also has practice in karate and taekwondo. And if that's not enough, she is the fastest person I know, even when compared to boys. So basically, I think Connie is the most athletic person I know, and she definitely deserves to be captain. Heck, she can even be the quarterback of the football team. With her speed and stamina, our school would be taking the trophy every time we have a game.

Ah! Yes! My mum has not been abusive lately. If anything, she's happy about the fact that I helped Connie, probably because she does not know the whole story. She was also got over excited over the fact that I got invited to Connie's birthday, apparently, it's a really huge deal.

I won't deny it, from what my mom tells me, Connie's parties are usually a huge deal. And you should apparently feel highly honored to be invited to one. Sylvia and Connie invited me so I guess I should be happy, right?

In all honesty, I'm like super nervous. This is going to be the first time ever that I'm going to attend a party. If you haven't noticed, I don't usually get invited to parties. Nobody wants a boring nerd in their parties. Not that I actually care anymore.

Troy and Connie, well, they got back together. Connie happens to be very forgiving. And she doesn't hold any grudges. She even introduced Troy to her parents. I still don't know how long their relationship will work out. Cause Troy is not usually the type to settle down and actually have a serious relationship. But then again, it's none of my business, and also, not my place to tell. I just have a feeling that Troy is going to cheat on Connie the first chance he gets.

Other than all that, I think I've had the best three days of my entire life. And today, Connie has finally come back to school. The school basically threw her a welcome back celebration.

And while I'm still on that point, Troy also came to our school today, to apparently, 'check up' on Connie. Now, people have named them cutest couple around. Most girls were envious of Connie. And for like the first time ever, the attention wasn't completely on Casey. I guess you could say the both of them are like rivals in everything.

So here we are, at lunch. I'm not sitting with Brian and Samantha today. Not because I don't want to, but Connie insisted I sit with them. Obviously, Casey is also sitting here. And so is Kenzie, Jake, Mike and Kara. Of course not forgetting Connie's best friend Tessa.

They have been chatting throughout about tomorrow's event. Yes! Tomorrow is Connie's birthday. They haven't stopped talking about it since she got back. Connie said that her dad booked a venue for the party, a very classy club apparently. But miraculously, when everyone here is talking about the party, the birthday girl is super quiet. She hasn't said a single word since we came to the cafeteria. She seemed lost in her own head throughout. Maybe she was having like birthday jitters or something. But she isn't usually the nervous type. Something must have been bothering her. But there was no way I was going to ask her what. If her cousin doesn't mention it, then it is not my place to.

"So I was thinking," Kenzie said to Connie in her usual high pitched voice, "Maybe Casey and I could like wear matching clothes, and you and Troy could do the same. Like hashtag couple goals. I think it would be like a really cool idea! What do you think?"

Connie didn't even reply. I honestly doubt she even heard her question.

"Why the hell would I even do that? We aren't even dating!" Casey asked when Connie didn't say anything.

"Why wouldn't we?"

"Cause we aren't dating?" Casey said in a 'duh' tone.

"Well we could, right?"

"Kenzie. We talked about this,"

"No! You talked about this! You didn't involve me in___"

"Well it's over!" Casey said cutting her out.

"But___"

"Guys, quick question!" Connie said, cutting both of them off. As always, they all kept quiet to listen to her.

"What is it?" Casey asked, giving Connie his undivided attention.

"What happened between you and Brian? I wanted to say something about it, but I figured you'd just tell me anyway. But you didn't so... now I have to know? Did you guys like have a fight or something?" Connie asked. Is that where her mind was?

"I guess. That's one word for it,"

"Do you want to like talk about it?"

"Not really," Casey said, and he shot me a warning death glare. So she still doesn't know about the videos. Of course they wouldn't tell her.

"Can't you guys just try to like talk it out? I'm sure it's nothing you guys can't fix. It can't be that serious, right?"

"Why aren't you asking about Samantha?" Casey asked, trying really hard to avoid Connie's questions.

"Cause in Samantha's case, I'm not the slightest bit concerned. Samantha did the right thing if you ask me. No offense Kenzie, but it's really annoying to have to deal with you every single day. I'm even surprised how Samantha was able to stay sane for this long, and how Kara is still breathing. I also still don't understand how Casey dated you for a whole two months. No offense, but you can at times be really annoying!"

"Offense highly taken!"

"Look Bee, " Casey looked directly at Connie, "Brian and I are simply having a little misunderstanding, nothing more. I'm pretty sure we'll figure this out soon enough,"

"How soon is soon enough?"

"I don't know... soon?"

"Since it's obvious that you're going to keep on lying to me, I'm going to go hang out with Samantha and Brian," Connie sighed, carrying her bag and tray, "Maybe even invite them to my party while I'm at it," and with that, she left.

Tessa smiled at everyone at the table, picked her stuff too and followed Connie. And there was no way I was going to be left alone, at this table, with these people. So I excused myself and left, following Connie. But I was pretty sure I heard Casey say something like, "...Don't say anything you'll regret!"

I found them in the middle of what seemed like a really serious conversation, so I silently sat next to Samantha, and I'm glad that she didn't move away or treat me like some kind of pest.

"...but you're okay right?" I heard Brian ask.

"Yeah I'm good. It's really not as serious as everyone made it sound," Connie smiled.

"What did the doctor say was the matter?" Samantha asked, a hint of worry laced in her voice.

Connie shot me a nervous glare.

"I was just stressed. Anyway..." she quickly dropped the topic, " I'm concerned... about you guys,"

"Worried?" Brian raised an eyebrow.

"Why would you be worried about us?" Samantha asked.

"Please," she rolled her eyes, "I know you know what I'm talking about!"

"Do I?" Brian asked, trying his very best to act dumb.

"Brian!"

"Casey and I are still friends! Just because we don't hang out anymore doesn't mean we hate each other,"

"You know I can tell you're lying! And Casey already told me everything, now I want to hear your side of the story, cause clearly everyone has their own version,"

"I think the explanation Casey gave you was enough... for now!"

"You know, before I came here, I knew my cousin... or I thought I knew him. But ever since I got transferred here, I noticed that maybe I really don't know Casey like I thought I did. And sincerely speaking, I think something really off is going on in this school but nobody wants to tell me. There's usually just this weird feeling I get when someone lies to me, and I usually get it like almost all the time I'm talking with everyone at this school... including the teachers. So something is definitely wrong,"

"Everyone has secrets Connie. Casey, Sam, me, even you___"

"And I'm going to find out what everyone in this school is trying to hide from me!" she cut him off.

"Then you'll be digging for a really long time Connie!"

"Well then I guess you're lucky that I like playing with dirt... cause I'm going to dig out every little secret people are hiding from me!" she stated in a serious tone, almost threatening, before her tone just suddenly changed and she was back to being happy and cheerful.