Dear Journal,

It’s Friday night and I’m home alone. I haven’t made a single new friend yet. I wish that I could return to Riverbend. I was so happy there! My only “dates” tonight are waiting for chat messages from my friends. My other “date” is with this notebook, writing how unhappy I am. It’s like I have turned into my sixth grade self! I have thought I had bettered myself.

My house has changed so much. I should have noticed the difference since I moved to Riverbend, but when I came back I just didn’t notice. For the past couple of years I’ve only been here for a short while, the length of a week at most. Last summer I went to Florida with my one friend, Lizzie. Her parents have a summer home there. It was so amazing there. Even better than that trip I had to California. It’s like a whole new world!

I even had my first kiss. His name was Ronald Cane. He was so dreamy. We decided at the end of the summer not to stay in touch. We thought it would be pointless since we probably never see each other again. He was quite upset when I suggested that but I figured there was no point in long distance relationships. Who knew it would be my last relationship? I wondered if Lizzie can give me his address.

I’m just ignoring the real topic at hand here. My life at home. Adam, Byron and Jordan are all fourteen now. They are total jocks (and jerks), even Byron who I thought wouldn’t turn out that way. They are all on the school football team. Each night they are talking about a different girl. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if one becomes a father before they graduate from high school. I know it’s cruel to say, but it’s not like they aren’t heading down that path already.

Vanessa- my sister in crime. Or she used to be. She’s now thirteen and finally stopped talking out of rhymes. Apparently she claims that she has given up writing all together. She claims it’s a total waste of time. Vanessa really doesn’t talk to me anymore, so I have no idea what is going on with her.

Nicky- twelve. Emo. Or at emo as a twelve year old can get. He spends all his time online. Mom keeps trying to get him to go outside and do something, even hang out with the triples. He refuses.

Margo (eleven) and Claire (nine)- are still attached at the hip. They are the only ones who actually talk to me and sadly, they are the ones who brought to my attention the real reason why I was asked to return home.

Mom and Dad- now sleeping in separation beds. Of course they can’t sleep in separate rooms, there aren’t enough rooms but aren’t acting very lovey- dovey anymore. I think there is something going on that us kids aren’t being told about. Mom and dad are always talking in hushed voices and they seem to jump apart whenever any of us walk into the room. It’s obvious they are talking about getting a divorce, but I think it’s something more. Dad spends a lot of time at the firm nowadays. Mom told me the other day she was thinking about getting a job. I wonder if dad is having an affair. I hate to think about my dad being unfaithful, but what else would cause such a rift between the two of them?

I think it’s time to call a kid family meeting and get to the bottom of it. They may not like an “outsider” like me getting involved, but it’s time the eight of us open our eyes and try to get our parents back together before we become a product of a broken home!

A/N: Thank you for all those who have reviewed. I want you all to know I haven't forgotten this story at all, just being distracted by my other WIP Gone. I intend to finish this one, and will be working on it occassionally. I defintely have some plans in store for the Mallory, Kristy and Dawn plot line. Please be patient! Thanks again.