Prologue.

It was no good, that guilt. She tried; she really did try to enjoy it, pressing her lips harder against his to make it like something that was seen in those sappy movies that were really only good for visual kissing advice. She wanted to bring it to life, yet there was part of her that kept mentioning the fact that if they were at the stage she had thought they were at, she wouldn't have to worry about bringing anything to life; it should have just happened naturally. She kept pushing against his lips until she realized that just because she was kissing him hard didn't mean there was anything passionate about it. With a small sigh, she pulled back from him at last. It was then that a million guilt-ridden ideas whirled around in Carly's head.

When had she started to become so bitter? Carly had always been scheming, but she was pretty sure it had always been a good kind of scheming, if that was even possible. None of her plans had ever really been made for only her benefit, and they had certainly never been made to hurt someone. But then there was her most recent plan. It had developed out of the feeling of isolation and emptiness. Why did it make her feel so blameworthy?

It wasn't her fault though – at least not all of it! Carly wanted to scream in frustration at the thought of things just going back to how they were only weeks ago. She hated them not needing her. They were supposed to be like three peas in a pod, but as of late she had just felt like a third wheel.

Carly sat with her knees pulled up to her chest, almost forgetting that he was only a foot away from her. She was completely oblivious of the awkward tension that he felt, but what she was aware of was how wrong his being there was. So maybe Carly had made a little mistake – a little mistake that could have a huge impact on the future – but she wasn't sure if she should fix it or not.

Guilt was brewing in Carly's chest, making the edges of her eyes sting. What was she supposed to do? The old Carly, the Carly she was only a week ago, would have fixed it; she would have put her friends before herself even if it meant their happiness would be her sorrow. But maybe the new Carly didn't want to be shafted in the corner anymore; that would mean leaving the mess as it was and pretending all was bliss. Would the old Carly fix it, or had the new Carly done enough? Perhaps she just needed an even newer Carly.

No, it certainly was no good, that guilt.

A/N – So here is just a short introduction to my newest fanfic. I'm sure it doesn't make much sense now, but don't worry, it will soon enough. Short, I know, but I'm hoping to update soon. I'm busy with things, but I'll do my best... I'm glad to be writing again.

x0

Vintage88