RaeI learned early in life never to hope for much. Then a boy crashed into my world and wouldn't take no for an answer. Wouldn't just leave me be. Now, it was the end of my senior year and things were as good as could be. Especially when it came to me and my best friend, Xander. He was still right there by my side. Only he wasn't an annoying steamroller anymore. He was the very best thing. But that was too good to be true. Always had been. Everyone disappoints me eventually, right? I always thought it was funny how people let you down right when you needed them most.XanderI was on top of the world. High school was coming to an end and there I was with my best friend, Rae, along for the ride. My dream girl. She had no clue how I felt, but I was ready for that to change. To tell her exactly how I wanted things to be between us. If my nerves didn't kill me first. But I would take my shot no matter what. She deserves everything. Until she crushed me. One moment was all it took. One image I couldn't get out of my head. Then it was over. We were over.This is the prequel to The Names You Call Me. You can read this novelette out of order; however, it illuminates some of Rae and Xander's backstory.