Chapter 1

Veronica looked nervously around Neptune High School. She was almost late for her journalism class and she had no idea where it was. She had just moved from LA, a place that she had loved more than anything. But when her father got promoted in the Kane Software Corporation, her entire life in LA was uprooted and discarded.

"Logan man, didn't see you at the party last night…" Veronica looked toward the loud voices down the hall. She saw a semi-tall boy with short brown hair that was highlighted with blond streaks. He walked with a confident swagger and acted as though he owned the place. She noticed that the other guy was calling him Logan, so she took note for further reference.

The other boy was slightly taller. He had brown hair and he looked very athletic. Him and the other guy Logan seemed to be pretty good friends.

" I wonder what we're going to have to do in journalism today…" The taller, athletic boy said. Upon hearing 'journalism,' Veronica sped up her pace so that she could catch up with the boys. She had never been one for shyness.

"Hi," she said confidently, "my name's Veronica. I'm new and totally lost. Do you know where I could find the journalism class?" She said with a sweet smile and head tilt. Back in LA she could get anyone to practically anything for her with those two gestures.

The tall athletic boy spoke up first, " Hey, I'm Duncan. We were actually on our way there now, so you can just come with us…" he said nicely.

"Thanks," Veronica beamed.

They chatted and walked to journalism class. By the time they had arrived she had learned that Duncan was the president of the Sophmore class, was on the soccer team, and had an older sister named Lilly. Logan was Duncan's best friend and partner in crime. He dated Duncan's sister and his father was Aaron Echolls, actor extraordinaire.

"Aah, Our new student accompanied by Mr. Echolls and Mr. Kane. I hope you two haven't corrupted her yet," the journalism teacher joked familiarly.

Thankfully the class went by fast and school ended, marking the end of Veronica's first day of school.

As school ended and Veronica started to walk to her house she saw a hideously conspicuous yellow X-terra coming her way.

"Hey Veronica, want a ride?" Logan yelled out of the jeep.

Veronica hopped in and saw that Duncan was in the backseat of the jeep and a beautiful girl that she hadn't seen at school was in the front seat.

The girl turned around and looked over the top of the seat at Veronica.

"Hey I'm the fabulous Lilly Kane," she said with a hint of playfulness and drama, "I like your dress, it is so LA."

"Yeah that's where I'm from. I moved here because my dad got a promotion." Veronica said vaguely.

"Oooooh, cool. So, having been at the Neptune high for a day, what do you think?" she asked her.

"Well, it's okay… it's school…." she replied. It wasn't really any different than her last school. There were the rich kids that thought they owned everything and the kids with less money that envied and hated the rich kids. At her old school she had been one of the rare people who transcended these labels. She wasn't rich, but she wasn't poor. She had friends in all of the groups because she was a generally nice person with great looks. She'd never had any trouble making friends.

"Well, now that you are friends with us it will be awesome," she said matter of factly and somehow Veronica knew that Lilly was right.

When Veronica walked into her apartment her father greeted her with a great big hug.

"Hey Veronica! How was school today honey?"

"It was okay. After third period I just said fuck it and decided to get high in the janitor's closet. It made the whole day worth while…" Veronica smiled.

"Awww, that's my girl," Keith said sarcastically.

"So, this move isn't too bad is it? I mean, I know that you loved LA, but I think that you can definitely love it here too." Concern was evident is voice.

"Yeah dad, its fine," Veronica walked back to her room and closed the door.

"So you're definitely having the party?" Lilly asked as she rubbed up next to Logan.

"Yup, the rents are in Tanzania this month." Logan replied as he kissed Lilly on the mouth.

Lilly broke away from the kiss and turned to Veronica.

"Logan has this huge party every once and a while when his parents go out of town. You HAVE to go to the party. They are always loads of fun." she informed the new girl. Her and Veronica had become fast friends. Veronica had fit perfectly into Lilly, Duncan, and Logan's group and had become an 09er by association. At the moment they were in Lilly's room.

"Sounds like fun," Veronica smiled.

"Of course it will be fun, I'll be there," Lilly jumped on Logan's lap and proceeded to coax his tongue out with her own.

"I hate it when they do that," Duncan said with a look of disgust.

"Yeah, me too." Veronica replied