The Only Exception (Paramore/MCR crossover)

Chapter 3

Just like yesterday, my alarm wakes me up at a time no human should have to endure. Just because I don't feel like it, I skip my shower for this morning, and decide to take one tonight instead. I'm just feeling too tired. Maybe if I leave early, I could go get Starbucks to fix that. I doubt my parents have stocked up on coffee.

I get dressed in a grey tee with black jeans and black vans. My phone takes its place in my pocket, and I walk down the stairs after applying concealer to my bruises. When I get down, I'm greeted with the same quiet silence. I wish it was always like this. No parents, just me. I love being home alone, it gives me time to be free.

I leave the house, and walk towards Starbucks. I pass Abby's house, and see her silhouette through her bedroom curtains. She seems to be getting ready for school.

I make it to Starbucks, and get in line behind a group of boys. There are five of them, and I check to see if they look friendly. The one closest to me has a curly brown afro. The one in front of him has a black mohawk sort of thing with bleached blond sides. Next, is one wearing a beanie over shaggy brown hair. The two in the front seem to be the 'leaders' of the group. They don't seem mean, just tougher looking. One has a blond fringe, and the other has shoulder-length black hair.

They seem like the kinds of people I would be friends with, but I feel too shy to talk to them. Maybe I will after I have some caffeine. I could make some new friends. People in large groups tend to be noticed less, so that's positive on my part.

The boys step up to order coffee, and I learn their names. Gerard, Bob, Mikey, Frank, and Ray. They all take their cups to a table after receiving them, and I step up to place my order. I get a vanilla iced coffee, and make my way to the door, secretly hoping the boys would try to talk to me.

Before I make it out, my phone goes off with Abby's ringtone, "Today" by the Smashing Pumpkins.

"Hey, what's up?" I ask, hoping nothing is wrong.

"I was just wondering where you were. I'm walking to school, and I don't see you."

"Oh, sorry. I'm at Starbucks. Do you want me to get you something?"

"It's ok. Can you pretty please get me a double chocolate chip frap? I'll be your bestest friend?" She asks, and I can't help but laugh.

"Sure. I'll see you at school." I say as I hang up. I take a large sip of coffee, almost finishing it before getting back in line. I order her drink, and exit the shop. Maybe those boys go to my school, and I'll see them there.

I walk quickly towards school, and stop when I see a purple and black lump on the sidewalk. Abby!

I run up to my friend, who is curled in a ball on the pavement.

"Abby! What's wrong?" She raises her head, and I see a forming black eye, and a few bruises.

"Some idiots beat me up. Can I have my frap?" She looks hurt until the frap is mentioned, when her eyes light up like I gave her a puppy. I hand her the drink, and she starts excitedly drinking it. I finish mine while she drinks hers, and we stand up, and run to school, hoping to be on time.

We arrive in Mr Fuentes' class, and I look around for the boys. I see three of them sat near us. I think it's Mikey, Ray, and Gerard, but I can't be sure, I didn't pay the best attention at Starbucks. Abby sees me staring, and nudges me in the arm.

"Ooooooh does Hayley have a crush?" She asks in a mocking tone.

"No. A friendly kind of crush. They look like nice people, and the more friends I have, the less I'll be noticed." I reply honestly.