Alex was the best girl I ever knew. We went to school together since the second grade and it wasn't until we were Sophomores that we began dating. She was perfect for me- smart, sensible, cute, musically talented, friendly, the whole package. I was her first kiss and she was afraid of sex for a long time. We were dating for half a year until she finally agreed to it. Well, that was the first and last time. She got pregnant at 16- which completely ruined her. She had no confidence anymore- she always thought that people were staring and pointing at the tiny blonde whose stomach was bigger than she was. She had to give up band- she played the French horn and it completely destroyed her when she couldn't play it anymore because of her stomach. We were Seniors- Christmas break- when finally she went into labor. She gave birth to a baby girl with golden hair and Alex's grey blue eyes. We named her Isabella Brooklyn after our mothers.

We lived together in New York after we both graduated. Alex went out to get me a birthday cake on my 19th birthday- Isabella was 2 years old. I told her it was completely unnecessary, but she insisted. It brings up horrible memories every time I even think about it- but long story short, some bastard decided that that day- July 16th- he needed to rob the grocery store. Alex was in line right behind him. He had a gun. A cashier had a gun under the counter and quickly took a shot at the robber, who also had a gun. The robber took one simple move- and the bullet hit Alex right in the heart. She died instantly. On my birthday.

Now I was a single father- not even in my twenties- raising a 2 year old. I had no source of money, so I decided to move to California. I was a great singer, so I figured I could possibly make it there. My mother bought me into the Palm Woods, threatening that if I couldn't get a job, she'd take Bella. This would make everything easier, but she was my daughter- my only last connection to the love of my life. I couldn't have that taken from me.

"Daddy, I wanna go swimming." Bella begged, now three, blue eyes huge.

"Belly, PLEASE- I'm busy." I sighed. I was looking at audition info on the internet.

"DADDY!" she groaned.

"ISABELLA," I began loudly, getting flustered, but then quieted my voice. "Daddy's busy. I'll take you down to McDonalds if you just hang tight for a sec.

"I get nuggets?" she asked in amazement, eyes glowing.

"Yup. Go play with your toys, kay?" I suggested, and she ran away. I was sorting through audition info- I was more into singing than acting, but I could model, too. I was up for anything.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"I got it!" Bella yelled, running to the door, opening it.

"Hey there! Is your daddy home?" came a voice.

"DADDY!" Bella screamed and I sighed and went to the door.

"Hey." I said tiredly, leaning on the door. I was sure I looked like a mess- Bella was a huge hassle, plus I wasn't expecting anyone over.

"Hi- I'm Jo, this is Camille. Do you live here?" a blonde girl with dark eyes asked. I nodded.

"Well we heard there was a new residence, but we haven't seen you out and about." the dark headed one said.

"Ya- she's a bit of a handful in public." I said flatly.

"Well there's gonna be a big pool party tomorrow night- maybe your mom could watch your sister for a night?" the blonde one asked. It took me a second to realize what she meant.

"Oh- no it's just me and Bella here. She's my daughter." I said. Their eyebrows raised.

"Really?" the blonde one noted. "Well... You look like you're like... 19? 20?"

"19."

"And she's HOW old?"

"3."

"Well look- I know a guy whose mom would be HAPPY to watch her. You're still young- take a load off."

"I dunno- I've never left her before."

"Well look- you'll just be down at the pool. Their apartment overlooks the pool."

"I'll consider. What time?"

"Here's a flyer. We'll see you there." the dark headed one said, shoving a bright pink flyer in my hands.

"And why don't you two come down here and there? There's these three guys that we know- they're your age. You could definitely use a few pals." the blonde one smiled.

"Dang right." I sighed, then pulled Bella back into the apartment. "Thanks a lot. I think I'll be there."

"Oh- apartment 2J. That's where they live- the people who could watch her. The mom is Jennifer Knight- she's really nice. Then there's Katie- she's 15. And Kendall's 19. They're cool."

"Thanks." I said, then closed the door.

Hmm... a party? I could use some fun. I was tired of this tired, foggy feeling- I used to be full of life and happy. Not that I wasn't happy here with my daughter, but I was different now. I made myself promise that I would go to the party. But first, I had to meet these Knights.

I know, I know! I don't need to start another story, but I get these ideas and can't wait to start them! SO I'm sorry if chapters come a little late- I try to update every night.