the only exception

 Admittedly, the group home turned out to not be too bad.

There were two women in charge who lived downstairs, Rosalie and Lydia. They were both kind hearted and carefree, which was a nice change for Phoebe. There were also 5 other girls in the home, all split between three rooms upstairs.

The first room held Sofie who apparently had just turned six, and her twin sister Emalie. Then there was Jasmine and Kayla who were 10 & 12, and then finally Phoebe's new roommate, Jade who was 16. Phoebe found it fairly easily to get along with the girls, even if she'd only been there a few nights. It was an odd sort of comfort to know they'd all been going through some of the same things.

Her first night there had been rough, however. She refused to talk to anyone and locked herself away in her room until Hayley called her that night and she felt her nerves settle. Her roommate, Jade, had seemed to notice this and used it as an opportunity to break the girl out of her shell.

Now, she wasn't best friends with them all by any means, but she at least felt like she could hold a conversation without too much anxiety building in her chest.

What also helped was knowing that it wasn't going to be forever. That soon she would be able to stay with Hayley for however long she'd allow. She still had moments of doubt and guilt about everything Hayley had done for her, but couldn't contain her excitement.

It felt like everything was finally looking up, which was also a scary feeling, but she tried to just bask in the joy and push away the negative thoughts. She didn't let herself give into the fear. Couldn't help but to want to be more optimistic, even if she was a pessimist at heart.

It felt odd going back to school on Thursday, but the moment her friends were welcoming her with hugs she felt those nerves float away a little, too.

"Where were you?! Why weren't you answering my texts!" Emily groaned, overly dramatic as always.

Phoebe giggled a little and pulled away from the embrace, "I had the flu or something. All good now though."

"Thank god, the boys have been insufferable. I got so used to having another girl, like, in the friend group." Emily murmured, "Anyway, speaking of the friend group." She grinned, and Phoebe could see the mischief in her eyes.

"What?" Phoebe asked nervously as they began to walk to their first class.

"Well," Emily started, "I know you and Jay sort of have a sort of will they, wont they thing going on, but me and James were talking and thought maybe a double date would be nice? Like, with you and Hayden."

Phoebe felt a little put off at the idea, having already said yes to going out with Jay, so quickly turned the conversation, "You and James, huh? That's finally happening?"

Emily blushed, bumping their shoulders together, "I mean... We've started to talk about things."

"Well, I'm happy for you." Phoebe grinned, knowing how well James and Emily got along.

"So you'll go?" She asked hopefully, using her best puppy dog face to try and persuade the girl. Phoebe sighed and shrugged, not wanting to let her friend down.

"What will we be doing exactly?" She asked slowly, watching as Emily's face lit up.

"Yay, yay, yay!! Thank you!" She laughed excitedly and planted a big kiss on Phoebe's cheek.

"Yeah, yeah," Phoebe grinned, pushing her away playfully, "So what are we doing? And when? I'll have to ask."

"As if your parents have said no to anything, ever." Emily grinned, shaking her head. Phoebe's heart lurched, but she quickly shoved down the uneasiness and guilt. "But we were thinking a concert. This weekend, maybe?"

"Oh, I'm not sure I can afford a concert right now," Phoebe mumbled, a little embarrassed.

"Nonsense, I'll buy your ticket. Floor seats and lower bowl always cost less right before anyway, so that's when we planned to get them." Emily shrugged it off easily, "So you're in?"

"I'll ask," Phoebe nodded as they walked into class to join the boys at their usual table.

"Phoebe's in," Emily announced triumphantly.

"Where were you?" Hayden asked.

"Flu," Phoebe shrugged, sitting easily in her seat.

"And your face?" James asked, eyeing the bruise on her cheek.

Phoebe shrugged, a little uncomfortable but trying not to let it show. At least she'd opted for wearing a jacket today to cover the ones on her wrist, even if it was a little too hot for it. "Got dizzy when I was sick and fell and hit my dresser."

"Ouch," Emily grimaced.

"You're telling me," Phoebe laughed, relieved they easily believed the lie. But then again, why wouldn't they? She'd never really given them much insight on her life outside school. "Anyway, what concert are we going to?"

Emily smiled again at the question, "You like Paramore, right?"

"I mean I know a few songs, I guess. Still Into You, Ain't it Fun, Misery Business, stuff like that." Phoebe shrugged. "They're good though. Plus I heard the guitarist is cute."

"Oh, I love him!" Emily fawned, earning a playful glare from James. "You'll love them though. I've seen them a few times and they're amazing."

"I'm sure I'll love it," Phoebe nodded happily, sitting back in her seat. "Which night is it?"

"Tomorrow, I think doors open at six or something." Emily shrugged, quieting down as the teacher walked into the room to start with the lesson.

"If you want you can just come home with me after school?" Hayden whispered, trying not to disrupt the teacher's greetings. Phoebe was wary of the idea, not really wanting to be alone with any men right now, even if she did trust him for the most part.

Luckily, Emily saved her with a scoff and quick shake of her head, "Absolutely not. She's coming to my house after school so we can get ready together."