Harmony High

This is what the DT is for!! And yea, I think Luna's up for cheering (even though she has no spirit) she can handle anything!!

Post here please!!
viewtopic.php?f=200&t=95436

Luna

Lini and I had gone out dress and shoe shopping for the party tonight, and Carly decided to go with us. I'd picked my dress with matching shoes out and was waiting for Lini to find hers. Taking a seat by Carly I pulled my phone out to listen to music. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Carly turn towards me. I pull my headphones out and look at her. Her face was red and she looked really nervous. "Um, Luna?"

"Yea what's up?" I turn toward her.

She fiddles with her hand nervously. "Can I talk to you?"

"You already are." I laugh. "Why are you so nervous?"

"Um," she fiddled again. "it's kind of embarrassing..."

"Ok," I nod in encouragement.

She looks around before scooting closer. "It has to do with boys..."

"You mean sex?" I raised an eyebrow.

Her face turned beet red and she cleared throat. "Yes."

"What do you wanna know?" I put my phone into my pocket.

"What's it like?" she responds.

"Well it depends," I shrug.

"On?" she prompts.

"Who it is," I answer. "how he performs, how big he is..."

"How big what is?" she blinks.

I gave this look that probably had her thinking she was slow. Then it must've dawned on her because her eyes popped wide. "Oh!!"

"Yea," I laughed. "how big his wang is."

Carly giggled. "Wow."

"Oh yea." I nod. "Your first time is something you shouldn't take lightly. If you're thinking about having sex, no matter who it is, just make sure it's because you want it."

"What was your first time like?" she cocked her head to the side.

My nails dug into the couch as I recalled it. My jaw clenched so hard I thought it would crack under the pressure. I gave a tight smile. "My first time is uncharted territory."

I saw the disappointment in her eyes and heard it in her sigh. "Oh."

Just shake off the memories, Luna I tried a more genuine smile as Lini stepped from the dressing room with her dress. "I found it!"

"Cool," I nodded at Lini and turned back to Carly. "you wanna get a dress? Are you going to the party tomorrow night?"

"Mmmm..." she frowns slightly. "I don't know."

"Well," I stand up with a smile as I pull her along with me. "let's get you one just in case."

We looked at dresses for hours until we found the perfect dress for her. It was this deep rich blue strapless dress with a sweetheart neck line and no back. Hot.

"There's no way I can wear this dress!" she shakes her head.

"Why not?" Lini and I both frown.

"Because there's no way in hell I can pull this dress off!" she exclaims.

"You've got the chest for it," I motion. "and you got a nice bit of junk in your trunk, so I don't know what you're squawking about."

"I'm not right for that dress." she says.

"The hell you aren't." Lini walks off and comes back a minute later with a box of shoes. "Here."

"Damn." I had to do a double take. They were royal blue three inch stilettos. "You found her hooker heels?"

Lini smacked me. "Ow." I laughed.

Lini turned to Carly. "What do you think?"

She just put her hands up and took a step back. I pushed the hooker heels back into Lini's hands and went off to look for something a bit more practical. I found another pair of high heels that were on two inches high and a pair of flats in midnight blue, then I headed back for the girls.

"Here," I showed Carly. "we'll get you these. That way you have more than one thing to choose from. What do you say?"

"Does it really matter if I say no?" she crosses her arms over her chest.

"No." Lini and I say at the exact same time and shake our heads.

"You're still going to buy the dress and the shoes no matter what?" she sighs.

"Yep." Lini and I laugh simultaneously.

"Does anybody tell you that's weird, creepy and or annoying?"she smirks.

Lini and I look at each other. "Yep."

She looks at us for a moment.

"Oh c'mon!" I coax her. "Just think about Matt's reaction if he saw you in that dress and those shoes."

That seemed to sway her, and she smiled. "Fine."

I jumped for joy and Lini joined in. We took one Carly's arms in ours and led her towards the check out counter. "Let's get out of here and get something to eat."

Josie

I was woken that morning by my phone vibrating. Muttering under my breath, I grabbed it off my nightstand and glanced at it. I was about to turn it off, but then I saw Lena's name. She had sent me a text.

Are you coming to Ave's party tomorrow night? she wrote.

Oh. I had completely forgotten about that.

Sure, I replied. Why not? Lena and Chris and I had sorted out all our issues, after all. ...Or at least I thought we had...

I got up, tugged my hair into a sloppy ponytail, and started digging through my closet. I didn't really want to buy another dress, so I figured I could just wear one of my old homecoming dresses. Why did I still have those, anyway? It wasn't like I wore them after the dance.

After taking a look at the two dresses I had, I pushed my first one aside--it looked too small--and grabbed the one I'd worn sophomore year instead. It was bright green, with gold sparkles in little spirals, and asymmetrical, with a single strap for my left shoulder and a skirt that came to a point at my right knee. This would work. And if I remembered right, I still had the gold heels I'd worn with it...

As Matt and I walk and see all the girls in their dresses, I think back to dress shopping with Luna and Lini earlier for Avery's party tomorrow. Luna and I had quite an interesting conversation. Then Luna and Lini made me try some dresses on until they found one that was beautiful, but I didnt think I could pull it off. It was royal blue, strapless, no back, pretty short. They made me get it, and some shoes to. I guess they're going to drag me to that party. I didn't really think it was right for me, but Luna told me to think about what Matt's reaction would be. I would love to see the look on his face. I turn to him. "D you wanna go to Avery's party tomorrow. Luna and Lini made me get a dress for it, wouldn't want it to go to waste." He laughs a little, "Sure, if you want. I'll meet you guys there." I nod and we continue walking. I can't wait to see how he likes the dress. But for now, let's just focus on homecoming tonight. We walk into the school and smile. Homecoming is amazing!

It's Homecoming? O.o Oh dear, I should probably speed Emmett and Jane up.

Emmett

My first instinct was to take Jane to my car, until I realized that was probably the worst idea since my Dad's automatic wrench. Not only would taking her to my car make me intentions seem totally sketchy, but none of the times we'd been in my car I'd gotten her to talk.

That's when I remembered the tree.

It's over by the edge of the High School, merely a woodsy walk from the Middle School. I use to go there by myself sometimes when people looked at me weird or made fun of my skin color. Later, I took Lacey there when she was starting to have some problems with bullyng and such. It didn't have a lot of happy memories, no, but a lot of peaceful ones.

Besides, it was a willow tree. Willow's are boss.

I lift up a shield of the leaves for Jane, and she ducks under. I follow, pleased to see her looking around the space with wde eyes. It's suprisingly roomy, and the grass is lit up green by the light hining through the willow sheathes.

"Impressive, right?"

"A bit," Jane admits. "Well... a lot, I think."

We both sit down, and we start slow, Emmett style.

"Twenty questions? Seriously?" Jane seems incredulous that I would even suggest such an absurd thing, but the smile that almost seems to be tuggng at her lips makes me shoot.

"Favorite color?" I ask her with a smile.

__________________________________________________

An hour passes, and Jane seems relaxed. I'm relaxed. I'm not thinking about AP classes, or Lacey's preganancy, or one of the other one-million things that are always on my head. I'm only thinking about willow trees and Jane. It's the last question for both of us.

"Do you care that I'm a drukard?" Jane asked, so quiet I had to stran my ears to hear her.

I pause, before answering the only way I know how to. The only way an Emmett whose brain has relaxed to much can."...Do you care that I'm a Native American-Mexican nerd with no self-control as soon as he sees a perscription bottle?"

She laughed, a sound that wasn't as bitter as I was used to- almost a twinkling laughter that sounded like a sad Hopti song. She touched her hickey. "Why the hell would I?"

The answer startles me. Why would she? Doesn't everyone? "I'm not sure... I know anymore."

Spoiler

Yeah, I think we should too

Jane Wills

"Why the hell would I?" I asked, touching my hickey. It felt like fire under my fingers.

He seemed surprised but at the same time, he knew where I was coming from. The question he asked was like the question I had asked. But the difference was, being a drunk was a disease and what he was was just what he was. It wasn't bad at all.

I loved the fact Emmett took me here. It was so peaceful and relaxing. All I wanted to do was stay here, forever. Just me and Emmett, under willow trees and playful questions.

I started to laugh, and it was a true laugh. Not like the ones that don't seem real. This one was, just right I guess.

"Damn Emmett," I hissed under my breath, remembering what happened just a few hours ago. "I'm such a wreck. I mean, look at me." I pointed at myself. "I can't even fucking dress myself."

Shutting his eyes, he tried to take this all in. I just played with my hair, trying to braid it but messing up.

"You can dress yourself." was all he said.

"That's all I can do." I took a deep breath. "I let a guy almost rape me. I drink all the time and I have no future. I am a useless piece of meat ready for slaughter."

"Don't say that."

"Why not? Why hide the truth?!" I yelled, looking straight at him.

He stood up and faced me. I could say he was a giant from my point of view on the grass.

"You have a future. Jane, you just need to get up on the horse and run." he said. "I know you can. I just know it. Believe me. I know how it feels to be pushed away and it's not the best thing. You just went the wrong way. You can climb back. And that Drake whatever? If he ever tries again, trust me, his head will be in my living room, not a deer's." he smiled.

That last bit made me laugh, but what he said was true. I just didn't believe it. I can't do that. It's highly impossible with Jane Elizabeth Wills. But by the way he said it, the fact that he believed in me was more than I could ask for.

"Thank you for believing in me... but it's not gonna happen." I started to stand up.

"What do you mean?"

Once I got up I looked him in the eye. "I mean it's not gonna happen. I will always be a drunk-ass-slut with no life. I accept it." Those last words stung my eyes with tears.

"You shouldn't have to if you can get better." he said right back, filled with the confidence I just had.

"I don't want to,"

"What? Why not?"

"Because I'm used to this. And I accept this as my life already. So just fuck off. Why should you start caring if my own family doesn't even care?" We were just inches apart, I could feel his breath.

"Because I do. I care. You better accept that rather than being a drunk."

And that's when I did it. Not drunk, just as sober as I can ever be. I kissed him.

Spoiler

Sorry guys. I just have my exams coming. And initially, I won't be posting after 11th. The new post will be up on 21st of October. Till then, please keep my character moving.

Lena

I just had to get a dress. Avery was with me and we both were totally confused in what to wear. Especially when it came to me. Chris said I looked nice in everything which was super sweet of him but there just has to be something outstanding than the ones I've chosen!

I finally shoot my eyes to a dress I fall in love with. Its better than any of the ones I picked. I walk towards it as Ave stands there, trying to put things together.

"Maybe you should--Lena?" Avery asked and came up to me. Her jaws dropped.

"Oh my god." I head Avery mutter.

"I know." I reply, astonished than ever.

Here's what I saw:-
A dress that's completely with one those white and icy blue frills that starts from my tummy and follows down. And the chest part was a beautiful v-designed shape with light pink followed at the spaghetti strip and the other was just off-white. It sounds pretty clumsy but it was the prettiest of all. I had to pick this.

I ran to the counter to purchase it. It was quite expensive but I decided to wear it anyway. I picked up a mask with a feather on it. It was tough to notice me since I didn't show the dress to Chris. It was a new one. But I did say it was a surprise.

x--xHome
Chris was only. So cool. I picked up to chat with him.

LOVE! <3' I typed, smiling.

Aah! My beautiful glamour queen. How're you? he asked.

Fine. Just picked a dress. =)

Which one?

Not telling you. Surprise is a surprise. =DD

Avery

After helping Lena pick out a dress I felt stumped. Its my party. And I HAVE to look gorgeous. But what will I wear. I can wear something sparkly and white to remind people that i'm the ice queen/queen bitch of the school. Or I can wear something sweet and cute that will definitely appeal to Will. Or I can just be myself. But who am I you know? A mixed girl that doesn't fit into any particular race and will always be an outsider. Or am I just Avery.
I check my chase account from my phone to see how much money I can blow for a dress and then gasp in shock. My. Dad. Left. $800,000 in my account. I notice a text he sent saying:
For your party hun

And thats when i decide to make some calls

Chris

I felt my whole body go numb. My dad had finally showed up after ten years.

"D-dad?" I managed.

He nodded and shuffled his feet awkwardly. He looked worse than I remembered him. He had bags under his eyes and he hadn't shaved in a couple days. His eyes flickered from me, to the doorway, to the floor, and back to me, never making eye contact.

"Can I come in?" he asked, clearing his throat.

I nodded and opened the door a little wider. I had always thought that this would be a great moment; that my whole family would gather in for a hug, that we'd be happy, probably crying a bit, but we'd be a family again. Instead, I just felt numb. Like I was in a strangely realistic dream, that would keep me thinking it was real until a giant spider ate us both or I grew a second head, letting me know it was a dream and I'd wake up. But it was real.

He removed his shoes, which were so caked in mud and clay that it was hard to tell the original color, and went to sit down on the couch. I followed him slowly, still trying to let it sink in. He gingerly sat on the couch, looking out of place and foreign. Like a child, he looked around the room with wide eyes.

"It's nearly the same," he murmured, smiling a bit to himself.

"Yeah, mom insisted that we leave the furniture the way it is in case you ever came back. She said you'd want it this way."

I was surprised to hear myself say that, and even more surprised that it came out harsh and bitter. He ignored my tone, still looking around, taking in every detail. His eyes finally settled on me.

"So what have you been up to, Christopher?" he asked, as I'd we we're simply friends grabbing coffee to catch up.

"Chris," I corrected. "Quite a lot actually, since you left."

He waited for me to go on, but when I didn't, his smile faded and he looked at the ground.

"Chris, I know I haven't been a very good dad," he said quietly, his shoulders slumping. "But I want to make up for it. I-"

"A very good dad? There's been times that I forgot that I even had a dad!" I said, my voice rising. He flinched at my words. "I became the man of the house at six, and Penny barely remembers you! How are you supposed to make up for ten years?"

"I'm sorry," was all he whispered.

"Not you're not!" I shouted. "If you were really sorry, you would've come back sooner, or called, or wrote, or something! How do you think Mom felt? She was heartbroken, but she hoped and prayed you'd come back someday; not just for her, but for me and Penny too."

"What is with the yelling?" Gramps said angrily, coming out of his room. "You Nazis are so loud!"

I sighed. "No Granps, there's no Nazis here. Go back in your room."

"He glares at me..."

"No Gramps, that's Dad. Go back in your room," I said again, nudging him towards the door.

"Nazisti dannazionne..." he muttered, going back in his room.

"I didn't realise Your grandfather lived with you," my dad said softly.

"Yeah, he moved in when Granny died a few years ago," I said coldly.

"She died? Wow, I'm sorry Chris-"

"Yeah, funny how you miss things when you're gone for ten years!" I snapped.

There was an awkward silence, when I heard the door open followed by laughter that I knew to be Will's.

"Chris! I'm home! We worked it out," he said, smiling as he came into the living room. He stopped when he saw my dad on the couch. "Who is this?"

I sighed, running my hand through my hair. "My dad. Dad, this is Will. He's staying with us," I said lamely.

My dad waved politely. "So you two are...?"

I realised what he was getting at and cut him off. "No no no, we both have girlfriends, Dad."

"Well, I wouldn't know," he said defensively.

"Exactly. You wouldn't."

I turned on my heel and ran up the stairs, leaving Will alone with my dad. It wasn't very kind of me, but I didn't want to see him now. I flopped on the bed. Pulling out my phone, I saw a text from Lena.

LOVE! <3

Aah! My beautiful glamour queen! How're you? I smiled.

Fine. Just picked a dress =)

Which one?

Not telling you. Surprise is a surprise =DD

I considered telling her about my dad but stopped. I didn't want to ruin her excitement. I'd tell her later.

I'll bet it looks beautiful =) I said.

Mmhmm! I can't wait until tomorrow!

Me either

Am I the only one that squealed when Jane kissed Emmett? Yes? Oh...

Emmett

The moment our lips met, my world erupted into fire.

I'm not sure who kissed who- think Jane kissed me, but we were so close, I suppose it didn't matter. Nothing really mattered once her lips met mine, once I got over the shock of being kissed and started to kiss back.

The kiss was both desperate and gentle, filled with a little bit of hungry lust but with the brain of a careful trodder behind it. Her hands were in my hair, and I could feel myself reaching for her. Just a little more. I wasn't thinking, just sensing the ach in my stomach subside under soft lips. It felt wonderful, it felt..right, that I just fall into it. Let her fall into me.

Then we realized what we were doing.

We both pull away at the exact same moment, breathing in the air that we'd been at lack of under each other's lips. Under each other's lips! We just look at each other for a moment, suprise lingering in each other's gaze. Jane touches her lips, a gesture that sends a jolt of pride and happiness through me. I had kissed those lips, and that's what she was caring about, not the hours-old scar of a private school jerk.

I want to kiss her again. So much that I almost reach over and pull her back in. It's been months snce I've kissed, and... well, I'd never felt like that when I'd kissed before. The only thing that stops me s the wide-open fear and 'what the hell did I just do' in Jane's eyes.

"Oh God... Emmett, I... I..."

She bolts out from under the tree. For a second, I don't know what to do. Shock trembles all over me, and the thoughts are coming back. Thoughts, thoughts, thoughts, thoughts. I tell my self to stop doing it. Stop thinking. Use common sense. Go after her. She doesn't have a car, how is she supposed to get home? For a few minutes, I just stand there like an idiot. Why did she kiss me? Why do I care? Then I remember. 've never met anyone like her. I duck out of the trees and break out at a sprint.

________________________________________

I can't find her. She's no where to be found. I don't know where she could have gone, just that she couldn't have possibly drven home. Unless she did have a car and wasn't telling me about it. Possibility? Perhaps.

I'm dumbfounded. I'm not sure if I want to talk about this to her, or just kiss her again. Feel like that again. I climb into the car, turnng on the radio. Country. Some song about 'she wouldn't be gone'. Yeah, that sounds about right.

Should I go look for her? She might be trying to walk home. It's getting late, and my family should be expecting me home soon. It's just... if Jane's out there, trying to walk home and I'm the cause...

I put the car into drive.

Can do whatever you want, Nike. He can find her, or look and not succeed and go home. I was unsure what to do. :p

William Franco

(Sorry I didn't write about him, I was lost with his position.)

I walked into the house, as happy as can be. Avery and I finally made up. Even my heart danced in my chest.

"Chris! I'm home! We worked it out," I said, smiling as I walked into the living room.

That's when I saw a very unstable man. Hasn't shaved in a while, dirty clothes, and looks a bot like Chris. "Who is this?" I ask.

He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "My dad. Dad, this is Will. He's staying with us," he said, lamely.

His dad? Chris never seemed to mention his dad except for the time in middle school at father's day. We both broke down. And that man dared to come back just like that...

"So you two are...?" he asked as he waved.

No. Ew. Weird.

"No no no, we both have girlfriends, Dad." I couldn't believe he could even call him dad.

I even wanted to punch him in the face right now.

"Well, I wouldn't know," the father said defensively.

Oh, what a shock.

"Exactly. You wouldn't." Chris huffed, running out of the room.

Yeah, thanks Chris.

I just glared into the man's eyes, a strange figure in this grand home. What in his right mind made him believe that everything would be okay?!

"So," I started, sitting on the sofa.

"You are Chris's father... haven't seen you before."

He couldn't even look me in the eye. My heart was racing from the anger just rising in me. I could see him living under a bridge, picking through the river for some food. The dirty shoes were his.

"Yeah, I'm really upset about that..." he said, weakly.

"You could've been there, you know? All those years, you could have been there." I hissed.

"It was a tough time." he sighed.

"A tough time?! Every time seems tough! Why are you here anyway? Need money!?'" I yelled.

Now his glare was sharp and piercing through my eyes. He was fed up with my tone, I know.

"You are not a part of the family. Why would you say something like that?!" he hissed.

A door creaked open, reveling Chris's grandfather. Not again.

"The Nazi's! They are after us!" he said, looking scared.

"It's okay, everything's fine. I just started yelling." I clarified.

Nodding, he went back into his room.

"Even his grandfather knows me better than you." I added, walking off.

------------------

I was at the library, picking up some novels. I haven't read in a while and I need to catch up on Fahrenheit 451. My English class is reading it and I haven't even started.

"Hey," I heard someone say as I picked through a shelf.

It was a girl with long brown hair, reaching her hips. She looked really familiar. Blue eyes, short. Jane.

"I'm sorry, look. I need to use your phone. I lost mine. Please?" she said quickly.

"Yeah, yeah, sure." I picked through my pocket.

Handing it to her, she dialed a number. After a few rings, she gave up.

"Shit," she hissed under her breath.

"No answer, huh?"

Nodding she handed me the phone back. "Thanks anyway," she smiled.

Next thing I knew, she was already off to the librarian. I kept on looking through the books. I know she was Allen's one night stand, but I wont bother. It's Avery's problem and Jane seems harmless. A little lost soul in a little lost girl.

My phone vibrated and I looked at it. Unknown number. Why not? I answered the call.

"Hey," A guy said.

"Hey...?" I asked skeptically.

"Um, I'm sorry. It's just you called this number not to long ago... and it was unknown. I was hoping it was someone I know." The voice sounded strangely familiar.

"Oh, you mean Jane." I smiled. "Did she call you? I'll go get her."

She was just grabbing the handle to the exit doors once I saw her.

"Jane! Wait!" I called out.

Jane turned, her hair doing a three-sixty around her head. Yeah, it was that long. She stopped, pulled her hands off the door.

"The guy you called. He just called back. Here," I took the phone away from my ear, pointing it at her.

She was skeptical, looking from the phone to me.

"I called my own phone to see if... my friend would have it." she was lost.

I put the phone against my ear again.

"Is this Jane's phone? And who is this? She's skeptical."

Waiting, the guy replied. "Yes, it's hers and this is Emmett."

There you go! Emmett! Now I know who it is.

"Long time no see man," I smiled.

"You must be Will then,"

"Mhm," I looked at Jane. "It's Emmett, it's your phone."

Walking up to m,e she took the phone from my hand and spoke into it.

Jane Wills

Spoiler

THIS IS SO GOOD

"Emmett..." I sighed, shaking. "Can you get me at Ridge wood Library?"

"Of course," he sounded relieved.

I loved the sound of his voice.

"Thank you,"

And his generosity.

"Just wait a few minutes and I'll be there."


Just a few minutes later, Emmett pulled up to the curb. I pulled my sweater around me as I walked up to the car. My stomach was churning once I saw his face. The kiss still rolled through my mind. It had just happened like an hour ago.

"Hey," I smiled, gripping the door.

"Hop in, I'll take you home."

He looked so great holding the steering wheel, like he owned the place. I liked that about him too.

"I don't want to go home,"

"Where do you want to go?"

I wanted to kiss him. But that's why I ran. I kissed him and things got hotter. He doesn't even like me. He did it for the pleasure, no one likes me. Might as well take advantage of that.

Oh who am I kidding. I would never take advantage of that even if it's right in my face. I'm no slut.

"Jane, get in the car. You're cold. Come on," he said.

I opened the door and hopped in. It was a safe thing for me to do. Now we can talk.

"Don't kiss me like that ever again..." I said, looking out the windshield.

There was a small gasp, very small I wasn't sure I heard it right.

"W-hat? You kissed me."

"I kissed you and you took advantage of it, hoping you could get it in." I spat.

"Seriously?" he hissed.

I turned my head, looking at him. He looked aggravated, like he had just gotten to know the real me and gave up. How normal is that? Very to me.

"Jane! I kissed you becuase I like you! Not to get anything in!"

My heart jumped. He must be lying.

"No one likes me!"

"Jane." he took a deep breath. "You kissed me and I kissed you back. Not to get it in, but to be able to kiss you. To be able to kiss someone I have feelings for."

I couldn't take this.

"Stop lying! Just stop!" I beeged.

"Please Jane, don't do this." He put his hands around my face so I could look at him. It worked but I tried to squirm away.

"I like you. I really do." I stopped trying and looked him in the eye. Such beautiful eyes.

"Then prove it,"

I just wanted him to kiss me again. Oh so badly.

His lips touched mine and I felt so light, like a feather in air. It felt perfect. The puzzle pieces connected. Fireworks burst into the air. But I didn't deserve this. I didn't after all I've done?! He didn't deserve this! I didn't deserve him!

But I loved kissing him. The heat and how close our bodies were. It made my skin tingle with excitement. I didn't stop.

Spoiler

It seems that everyone has been waiting for the party so let's fast forward a bit

Chris

I was woken up early in the morning by my mom's scream. I threw a t-shirt on as I ran down the stairs, Penny behind me, my mom still screaming an somebody groaning in pain.

"Mom, Mom! What's going on!" I flipped on the light in the living room.

My mom had pinned someoneto the ground, her fist raised to strike. It was my dad. He must've waited for her.

"Richard?" she stammered, getting off of him. She stared at him a moment before glaring at him an launching herself at him again, screaming insults.

I pulled her off of him by the waist. I couldn't believe I was helping him. She stopped struggling after a moment, but glared at him menacingly.

"Dad? What are you doing here?" Penny asked, looking bleary-eyed. "I told you to go home after I went upstairs!"

"Well, I wanted to see your mom. Wanted to apologise," he said sheepishly, his eyes still darting between the three of us and the floor.

"Yeah, thinks for telling me, jackass!" she hissed. "It's four in the morning, I just got home from work and all I know is that there's some strange man walking towards me in the dark! The hell is wrong with you?!"

He opened his mouth to say something but stopped when we heard the basement door open. Will's hair was sticking out everywhere and his eyes were only half-open.

"What's all the noise?" he slurred, blinking. His eyes focused on my dad and he started glaring at him too. "Why is he still here?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out," I said, folding my arms and turning to look back at my dad. "Why the hell are you still here?"

He looked at us wide eyed, my mouth flapping open and shut like a fish out of water. "I-I wasn't done apologising. And I still want to make up for it all. I want to be a family again!"

"You gave up on this family when you left ten years ago!" my mom said coldly.

I was surprised to hear that from her. She was the one always waiting for him, hoping he'd come back to us and sweep her off her feet again. She'd refused to date or remove her wedding ring, and still had pictures of him in her room. Apparently everything changed when she saw what a train wreck he was.

"Please Beverly," he said, his voice shaking. "I've missed you guys so much. I wasn't ready for the responsibility of raising a family, and now I am-"

"Oh, now that they're nearly grown you're ready? What about when they were little, when they really could've used a daddy? What did you expect honestly; to be received with open arms by all of us?"

"I-I-I though that maybe-"

"I think you need to leave Richard," she said with a calm severity that was more terrible than if she'd shouted it.

"But please-"

"Now."

He looked at Penny, who showed no emotion, then at me. His eyes were pleading, searching for some kin of mercy. Had he come even a week ago, I might've broken down and begged my mom to give him a chance. Instead, I just closed my eyes and shook my head. He looked at Will.

"Don't look at me, dude. I'm 'not family' remember?" he said, his tone dripping with anger.

I snapped my head up and glared at my dad. Did he seriously say that to Will? "You told him he wasn't family?"

"C'mon Chris, don't try to play it up like he is," he said, giving a nervous smile.

"Will is closer to family than you've ever been. He's been there for more for a long time, while you were doing what, exactly?" I took a step towards him and he shuddered and looked away. "Yeah. Exactly. Get the hell out of my house!"

He looked at me once more then quickly ran out the door.

Will clapped me on the back as my mom and sister headed upstairs. "Thanks for standing up for me."

"It's what. Family does," I smiled.

*****

I didn't wake up until about one in the afternoon. I had several messages from Lena as well as Avery. I decided to respond to Lena's good morning text first.

Good morning my dear

I checked Avery's message next.

Chris! Hurry up and get over here! I need you to help me with the party!

I threw on some clothes and got in my car, speeding down the road towards Avery's. She had put balloons up on the mailbox. Lena's and Will's cars were already here.

"Hello?" I called, sticking my head in the door.

"Chris!" Avery squealed, grabbing my arm and dragging me inside. "Where have you been? I really need your help!"

"Tell me what to do and I'll get it done," I laughed.

Avery had a long list of chores that we had to do. I had to clean gutters, clean the pool, mow the lawn, and sweep the porch, among several other small things. The four of us stayed so busy, that I barely saw Will and Lena around the house at all. When we finished at five, we all lay on the ground, exhausted. The house and yard were positively sparkling though.

"Okay," Avery panted. "We've got two hours before the party starts, so go home and get ready. Great job guys!"

*****

An hour and a half later, I was showered, shaved, an dressed in a crisp tux with a light blue Bow tie. My mask was black with light blue and silver designs on it. I was parked out front of Lena's house, a white corsage in hand. After taking a few deep breaths, I walked up to Lena's porch and rang the doorbell. Her father, a balding man in his forties answered.

"So you're the guy taking her to this party, I presume?" he grunted, looking me up and down. "Well, treat her right, if I hear one complaint-"

"It's me, Chris!". I lifted my mask and showed him my face.

He immediately broke into a smile. "Oh, Chris! Come on in, she'll be down in a second."

"Thank you." I stepped inside, glad to be in the cool house and not the muggy night air.

"Here I come!" Lena called from upstairs.

I watched as first one silver shoe an then another appeared on the top steps. Slowly but gracefully she made her way down, making my heart flutter as I watched her slowly come downstairs. Her hair was curled perfectly, with part of it pinned out of her face with a clip. Her dress fit her body perfectly, perfect for her figure. Her mask was white with a light blue feather. She did very light makeup, but it just complemented her natural beauty. I found myself unable to take my eyes off her.

"Wow," I breathed. "You look gorgeous!"

"Thank you," he said, blush creeping in her cheeks.

I took out my corsage and gently put it on her wrist. She beamed at me.

"Shall we?" I held open the door.

"Yes, we shall!" she giggled.

Luna

I had just finished my morning run and was winding down by doing yoga in the living room when Carly came down to join me. I smiled but said nothing as she set up beside me and took her place on the mat. We did yoga in silence. When we finished I headed up stairs and then came down for breakfast. By the time i'd done that mom and Lini were up cooking breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausage, and waffles. Ick to the waffles, but yum to everything else. I walked over to the giant end table where Carly was and helped her set it. We sat down together and dug in.

"So what are your plans for the day?" mom asked.

"We're going to a party tonight, but that's about it." I shrug.

"Just remember the rules" she says.

"Yes ma'am." Lini and I chime together.

"What are the rules?" Carly asks.

"Don't accept drinks form strangers, Don't get pregnant, don't do drugs and keep track of each other." Lini and I recited the list together.

Mom cleared her throat. We sighed and said, "And don't get caught by the police when they show up because we're on our own."

Carly's lip twitched. "Interesting rules."

"They work." Lini shrugs.

"Yep." I nod and take a giant bite of food.

The rest of break fast was relatively quiet. When we finished eating we cleaned up together and mom left for work.

"What does your mom do?" Carly asks.

"She works with the FBI." I answer.

"She works with the FBI!?" Carly's jaw drops.

"Yep," Lini nods. "her hours are whack, but she manages."

"Whoa," Carly hands me a dried glass. "that's cool."

I just shrugged as I out the glass back in it's spot. "I'm going to stop by Avery's house and see if she needs any help. You guys wanna come too?"

"Yea sure." Lini agrees.

"Yea I guess." Carly shrugs.

Once we finish cleaning up I wait for Carly and Lini to take a shower and get their stuff together.Once they finish we head out.



I pulled up in Avery's giant driveway and park. We get up to the front door and ring the doorbell. Avery blinks the surprise out of her eyes as she sees us. "You're the Wenchster sisters right? And you're Carly?"

"Yea," I nodded. "we just wanted to see if you needed any help getting ready for the party."

She looks at us for a moment, nibbling on her lower lip. "Well, we are a little short handed, so I guess we could use a few extra hands."

I smile. "Tell us what needs to be done."

Just then I look behind Avery and see Lena. The smile leaves my face as we spot one another. Great.



For the most part I don't really see Lena around thank god for that, but I did run into Chris. There were a lot of heavy things to be lifted, and that's where I came in. When he spotted me he smile and walked over. "Hey."

"Well," I smiled."look at you, all devilishly handsome and what not."

I was in my usual work out wear. A white Danskin zip up sports bra and tight black work out shorts, so all of my tattoos and piercings were showing. I had my hair back in a french from this morning when I took a shower. It was dry by now, but easier to keep out of the way.

"Thanks." he smiles. "Nice tattoos."

"Thanks." I sit down the box in the desired place and turn towards him.

His foot hits the box with a solid thud. "How much did that way? At least forty pounds?"

"Sixty actually" I correct and head back for the second one.

"Wow," Chris tags along. "You're stronger than you look. Actually, never mind that."

I laugh. "Thanks."

Chris and I talk while putting the finishing touches on everything. Avery walks up to me. I wait for her to say something as she looks me over. "Do you need something?"

She holds her hand up to stop me from talking as she stares. I raise and eyebrow and look at Chris. He just shrugs.

"You're quite the strong person." she comments.

"Yes." I nod.

"How flexible are you?" she looks at my legs.

"I've don gymnastics since I was eight and martial arts since I was fifteen, so there aren't really too many ways I can't bend." I answer.

"Hm," she nods. "ok then."

She walks off. I frown and look back at Chris who just shrugs again.We go back to work. After we finish everything, Avery calls us.

"Everyone!" she announces. "I just wanted to thank you all for doing such a good job and working hard to get everything up and running. I especially wanna say thanks to Lini, Luna, and Carly for coming out to help. Refreshments and food are in the kitchen, so help yourselves."

Avery heads in my direction. "Did you bring all of your stuff for the party?"

"Yea, I've got, but i'm not getting ready until a little before the party starts." I answer.

"Ok," she nods, but doesn't leave.

I frown. "Is there something else?"

"Yea," she pauses. "this whole thing with you and Lena-"

I hold up a hand to stop her. "Lena made it a thing, not me, so you can talk to her about what ever's bothering her, because I didn't do anything."

"Ok," she nodded. "speaking of Lena, I wonder where she is."

"Probably somewhere close watching us and thinking i'm trying to steal you away from her." I roll my neck.

"Well, I guess that's all." Avery says. "See ya later."

She walks off. I look around at the decorations and nod in approval. I guess all there was to do now was chill and wait. I head off to find Chris, Lini, and Carly to do just that.

Josie

Finding a mask for Avery's party took way less time than I expected it to, so I spent the rest of the day in the kitchen. Baking was one of the few delicate things I was actually good at, and my dad wasn't home to stop me from pigging out on dessert, so at about ten in the morning, I started a huge batch of cream puffs.

By noon, I had set the dough in a warm place to rise and hidden a bowl of pastry cream in the fridge. I would have to let the dough rise for about an hour, so I cleaned up the mess I'd made, and turned on football in the family room. As I watched, I texted Avery. Ave, I wrote. Do you need food for your party? I made a billion cream puffs.

Sure, Avery replied. Bring em over.

At halftime, I went and got my dough, and started spooning little dollops onto a cookie sheet. They didn't have to bake for long, and the Patriots had only made it halfway down the field before I had to take the little puffs out. I stuck a second batch in the oven, and then watched the Patriots score as I piped cream into the first batch.

After finishing the rest of the cream puffs, I changed into my party ensemble, my mask perched on top of my head. I packed up the puffs, and drove carefully over to Avery's house, steering with one hand while I held the container steady. I parked in front of her house (not my best parking job, but pretty good for only having one hand) and ran around the side of her house to the back. "Hey," I said, holding the box of cream puffs out. "I brought dessert."

"Great," Avery said. "Just set it over there." She pointed to a table.

I walked over and started setting the puffs out. Out in the yard, Luna and her friends were standing in a tight clump. The shortest one, a little freshman, glanced over at my puffs, her eyes wide. "Ooh!" she said, walking over to the table. "What are those?"

"You've never had a cream puff before?" I exclaimed. "You poor child. Here." I handed her one of the puffs, which she ate in a single bite. "Like it?" I asked.

@Nike I KNOW, RIGHT?

Emmett

We were kissing again. It felt so good and so right, and I can feel myself being swept up again in her. In her lips on my lips, on my hand on cheek. I'm not thinking, and I know that I should be pulling back, letting her trust me before the heat grows too hot between us. I do. I... I can't... I can't do it. I'm lost in her. I can't think... and it feels good not to... so good.

We break apart, and just look at each other. I can't remember if there's anything else to do. Her eyes are so pretty. Why hadn't I noticed that? Too lost in myself. Fancinated by her, but lost in myself. Pretty eyes. So pretty.

"Do you believe me?" I whisper, needing an answer I hadn't been thinking of. "Do you believe me now?"

"I-I..." She doesn't know how to answer. My heart plummets, involuntary and unreasonably. I want to kiss her again, but I know how irrational that is. I plant a soft kiss on her lips, soft but with meaning. I need you. I don't know why, but I do. This seems to make her flustered. "Why?" She's still looking at me. "Why?"

I pause. " I have never met anyone like you. You're... a beautiful difference. Yeah, that's it. "

"Beautiful...?" The words seem to surprise her. "A beautiful difference?"

"Yes." I touch her hand, sitting between us. "I kiss you because I like you. And I'm sitting here hoping you feel the same."

She leans toward and softly kisses me. This one is so much less hungry, but it still feels... beautiful. "I... believe you. I think I believe you. I know I like you."

Something inside me erupted with brightness at those words. I like you. I smile at her. She's someone unique, different- and she likes me. For being a Mexican-Native American nerd who can't completely understand everything she is... but will damn near try.

"I like you too."

"Really?" She sounded sarcastic, but there was a smile on her lips. "Hadn't caught on."

"Thought you might have needed a reminder." I'm completely serious.

She leans back, ending the conversation effectively, and I turn on the car. She's smiling, and it warms me. When Jane see's the time, her eyes grow wide.

"Dang! Seven o'clock already?"

"Hm? Yeah, I guess so."

"My Parent's are going to murderer me!"

I dangle my keys. "I can drive fast."