Life is Filled of Surprises

Tori's POV

It wasn't normal to be this nervous. I mean, I knew that school was going to be different now but my nerves were killing me...and it wasn't even Monday. It's only Sunday. Sunday and I already felt like throwing up. I was just lying in bed, looking up at the ceiling, contemplating what it is I'm going to do.

I sighed and rolled out of bed hopping on my good leg. The doctor said I was going to need physical therapy at least two to three days a week for a month, and then we'd tone it down to once a week. Depending on how I was doing. So I grabbed the pair of crutches leaning against the wall and hopped my way into Cole's room. I lightly knocked on his door. "Cole?"

"Come in." He said from the other side. I headed in finding Cole lying on his bed only in boxers and socks. He had his laptop on his stomach while he quickly typed something away. I wasn't sure if that was a comfortable position but he seemed used to it considering how fast he was typing. "Just writing an essay. What's up?" He folded the top half of this laptop and looked up at me.

I sighed sitting down on his bed and shrugging. "I don't even know. I'm just kind of scared I guess."

He frowned and put his laptop aside. "Of what?" He sat up crossing his legs Indian style looking at me with concern. "About school?"

I nodded.

He smiled softly. "You don't need to be scared of that Tori. I mean come on it's just school."

In a different circumstance I would have agreed with him. I never really cared what people thought of me at school. I knew that after high school I wouldn't see them again until that high school reunion thing that happens twenty years later. But right now I didn't know why I did care. I think it's because I know how afraid Blake, Cole, and Shawn had been about coming out with the whole 'Step Sister' thing. So I didn't want to let them down.

Of course I wasn't about to start acting like them. No way I'd go to parties or start dressing nicer just because more people would be looking at me. I was going to stay me. I just hope I don't disappoint them.

"But people are going to be looking at me differently." I kept my eyes on my hands that were wringing together. "I'm not used to it." I finally said.

"Used to...?"

"I'm going to sound stupid saying this." I muttered, "I'm not used to the attention."

Cole smirked and shook his head. "Not used to turning heads, huh?"

"Nope." I blew a strand of hair away from my eyes. "But your brothers and yourself. I mean...you guys are basically gods at the school."

Cole laughed and swung his arm around my shoulder. "Guess that makes you our Athena. You have Blake who's Zues the mighty god of basically everything, Shawn would probably be Hermes just because he'd be amused by flying shoes, and me...I don't know. Apollo?"

I nodded smiling slightly, "Blake would be Zues for sure. You would definitely be Apollo. Shawn would just be Shawn. He's too unique to be categorized as any of those gods."

"Well there you go, you're Athena."

My face scrunched up. "Which also means I'm daughter of Zues..."

"Ew..." Cole thought for a second. "I'd say Aphrodite but you're no Beyoncé."

I elbowed him in the gut and laughed. "But see that's the problem."

"That you're not Beyoncé?" He asked legitimately confused.

"No. Well yes but no. What I mean is...you three are the stars of the school.

We've never won so many championships ever. And you're still like super smart. And Shawn is hilarious. And Blake is actually really broken and sentimental if you get to know him. So it's not like you're all just a bunch of jocks." I sighed. "You three are used to everyone looking at you, right?"

"And you're not."

"Exactly. You probably didn't even know who I was before our parents met."

"That's not true." Cole said. "Everyone knows who everyone is in school. Our names are placed with something we've done, something we are, or how we look. Think about it. Like Anna Ritter."

"The dancer." I automatically said.

Cole nodded. "Zachery Nuber?"

"The guy who got high in the boys bathroom."

"Missy Vason?"

"The girl with a tattoo sleeve." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I hate high school."

"Because we always name people for something they've done, something that's happened to them, or something they are. Or even how they look. Take Em for example. Everyone just calls her 'Shawn Parris girlfriend.' Which isn't a lie but they don't know anything about her other than she's smart and she's dating Shawn."

"Which sucks for her because that's her title." I said finally understanding. High school is a place where names don't matter. Or they do but only with a reputation. Maybe with a mistake you've made or something that's happened in your life. It's sad because people don't realize they're doing it until they think about it. Everyone has a name whether its jock, nerd, weird girl, or player. It might be dancer, singer, or pianist. But judging people by their reputation or their hobby doesn't tell you who they are. Just because someone is pianist doesn't mean they're going to be the next Mozart. Just because someone is a jock doesn't mean they're dumb. Just because someone dyes their hair green doesn't mean they're a freak. High school has a way of taking a stereotypes and plastering them with a name.

"So what was I known for?" I asked somewhat afraid of the answer.

Cole didn't reply immediately. He blinked his eyes a few times before opening his mouth and looking away from my gaze. "The girl who lost her mom in elementary school." He said softly.

I looked back down at my hands unsure what to say. "Wow..." I said after a moment of silence between us. "That's a really long title."

Cole smiled softly. "If it makes you feel any better sometimes they'd just say your best friends with the patriotic nerd."

I snorted back a laugh cupping my hand over my mouth. "I freaking hate high school." I said trying to laugh.

Before Cole could say anything else, Blake swiftly came into the room quickly locking Cole's door behind him panting slightly. He barely looked at us as he started saying a long string of curse words while grabbing a poster board Cole had in his room. Blake placed the poster against Cole's window like he was trying to barricade the moonlight. Then he grabbed a shirt from Cole's closet and stuffed it under the small gap of the door.

He turned around finally facing us. His back was placed against the door, arms spread out like he was waiting for something on the other side to come crashing in. With the poster board now at the window, it was hard to see his face but it was the first time I ever saw Blake scared. And I mean scared out of his wits.

Cole turned on the lamp beside his bed giving us light. "Dude what's wrong?"

"Shh!" Blake hushed putting his finger to his lips. He turned his head slightly so his ear was pressed against the door. The room went quiet and we heard footsteps in the hall before they disappeared down the stairs. Blake took a deep breath. He seemed to relax slightly but still kept his shoulders tense. "We're dead."

"Is there a murderer in the house?" I asked.

"Worse." Blake turned to look at Cole. "It's March 31st."

It took Cole a moment to register what Blake meant but then a face of recognition took over and Cole freaked out. I had no idea what was going on but Cole and Blake started rummaging through Cole's closet, pulling pant legs in and out of each other making sure nothing was in them. Or shaking shirts like they were at the beach trying to get sand off of them. They grabbed a stick that was used to hang flags over your garage or front door and pushed them through Cole's shoes as if they were expecting a bomb to go off. They looked like an airport crew searching for drugs or weapons. They were really thorough.

"What are you guys doing?" I asked.

"Quiet!" Cole hissed softly. "If he knows we inspected them worse things will happen!"

"You two have officially lost it." I muttered lying back on Cole's bed watching my brother continue going through his closet.

When they finished with the closet they moved on to Cole's sock drawer, then his underwear drawer. It was funny watching them

deeply

inspect the underwear. Then it was Cole's desk where his homework and school books were all situated. "Did you check your room yet?" Cole asked Blake when they were done.

He shook his head. "I walked by his room and he was laughing like a madman. I'm pretty sure smoke was coming from underneath his door." Blake pushed his fingers through his hair. "We're going to die." He finally added.

"No." Cole put his hands on Blake's shoulders. "We're not. Because there's school. So we're safe..."

"It starts at midnight Cole." Blake said. "We should all bunk together."

"That gives him a clearer target."

"But we could also defend ourselves."

"What on earth are you guys talking about?" I nearly yelled.

They finally seemed to acknowledge that I was in the room with them. Blake walked toward me putting his hands on my shoulders and looking me dead in the eye. "Shawn." He said quietly. "We're talking about Shawn."

"Ooookay." I grabbed his wrists putting his hands down. "He lost it a long time ago. I don't know why you're so worried right now."

Cole shook his head. "No Tori, you don't understand-"

Blake cut him off. "You know why he's sealed off from us the last two days, right?"

Actually I didn't know. I thought he was trying out a new experiment or something. Shawn hadn't talked to us recently. He'd stay in his room for hours and only come out when something arrived for him in the mail or when he wanted food. Other than that he'd stay in his room. I wondered how'd he'd been using a bathroom because he doesn't have on in his room. But then when I passed by yesterday while he was eating breakfast, I saw a water bottle filled with something that obliviously wasn't water.

"Science experiment?" I asked unsure of myself.

Blake and Cole shook their heads. "Tomorrow is April first." Cole said taking a seat on his bed while running his hands on his face.

"It's Shawn's favorite holiday." Blake added. "April friggin' Fools."

I wanted to laugh. I mean I felt like grabbing my stomach and rolling on the ground because it seemed so absurd for both of these guys to be freaking out about such a small thing. April Fool's was always just a joke. Something stupid like replacing mint gum with fruit gum and offering it to someone. It was always a stupid holiday for me that only seemed to matter when you're in elementary. Then in high school people pretend that they're moving and then when they can't hold their laughter back anymore they shout out April Fool's. But right now looking at Blake and Cole, I realized it's been torment for them.

"It started when Grandpa gave him the stupid whoopie cushion." Cole muttered.

"Then he got that lame hand thing that zaps you when you shake hands." Blake added.

"After that it went downhill." Cole grumbled. "Whipped cream on the stairs."

"Microwaved soap making it look like bread."

"My homework in Jell-O."

Blake shuddered, "Itching powder in places itching powder shouldn't be."

"Last year was awful." Cole said. "I almost died actually."

I tried holding back laughter and they could tell. Blake finally recovered to his evil self and gave me his famous hard stare. "What are you laughing at Tobi? It's not funny."

"Yeah it is." I said biting my lip trying to keep a smile off my face. I failed miserably. The two of them looked like they were staring off into space as they recalled their past experiences. It was amusing because they looked sincerely scared and I wasn't sure how Shawn was ever able to pull that all off. I knew he was brilliant in his own way but this was too much.

"She won't be laughing in a few hours." Cole said.

"Prepare yourself Tobi." Blake peaked out of the poster board looking outside. "You're going to be in for a long night."

******************************

It was two in the morning when I felt something cold and smooth brush against my foot. At first I was too tired to really comprehend what it was or if it was really there. Part of me still believed I was in a dream. But then I felt the thing move more. It was gliding on both my legs and on my mattress. When I realized it was actually there and it had bones because I could feel them moving as it did my eyes shot open and I screamed.

I don't think I've ever screamed that loud in my life. I pulled the blankets off of me and saw a snake lying across my legs. I had never been afraid of snakes. I even held one at a zoo once. But never in a million years did I expect to wake up because one was in my bed. I think I woke up the entire neighborhood with my scream. They probably thought I was being murdered or something.

Dad was the first to burst through my door and he had a big can of wasp spray. He always told me it's more effective than pepper spray except the victim would most likely have to go to the hospital. I was just glad he didn't bring his gun. I don't know what I would do if snake guts were sprayed all over me and my bed. I wouldn't be able to sleep in this here ever again.

Everyone filed into my room while I sat there not sure what to do with the snake. It wasn't ugly. I mean it just looked like a regular python. At this point my breathing was hard and I had a strong urge to kick the python off my bed. Shawn bursted out of my bathroom door with a big grin on his face as dad grabbed the python. Blake and Cole looked like two idiots with metal pots on their heads and holding either a broom or bat. Lilly looked horrified and Sue seemed confused with all the ruckus.

"April Fool's!" Shawn yelled before grabbing the python out of dad's hands and running out of the room like nothing had happened.

"It had begun." Cole said in a serious voice. He sounded looked and sounded like Gandalf the way his eyes were wide with realization and the way he talked in a slow and frightened voice.

I stood up on my good leg trying to get the cold silky feeling of the snake's skin off my own skin. I pulled the sheets off my bed and kept shuddering at the idea of sleeping. "I need to shower." I muttered when I had pulled everything off my bed.

"I'm so sorry Tori." Lilly said. "I told him to take it easy on everyone this year."

"Where the hell do you even get a snake?" Blake asked lowering the broom to his side.

"The question you should be asking is where the hell do you keep it for this amount of time?" Cole asked. "I mean you need a special light and everything for them. He can't just have it roaming around. It's cold blooded.

"Go take a shower Tori." Dad said before getting down on his knees to be leveled with Suzie. "You're going to sleep with us tonight ok?" He asked Sue who was still drowsy and unaware of what was going on.

"Sure thing dad." She muttered. Lilly grabbed her hand leading her downstairs where Sue would sleep for the night. Dad followed after telling us to get some sleep because it was a school night.

I stared at my two brothers. "Can I bunk with you guys tonight?"

"Sure." Cole said. "But I wouldn't take a shower. Last year Shawn rigged the shower and Kool-Aid started coming out instead of water. I smelled like fruit punch for a week and my hair had tints of red. Not to mention I was sticky."

The three of us headed for his room being extra cautious in the hallway and when passing Shawn's bedroom. When I walked into Cole's room it looked like a fortified nest. There were pillows working as barricades around his bed. On the floor where I imagined Blake was sleeping was a bundle of blankets and pillow. Only he had a paintball gun next to him ready to shoot if something were to disturb his sleep. It was so weird because it felt like I was in a cartoon.

Cole's bed had a sheet over it working like a cover so it was hanging from the wall to the end of the pillow wall that was also made out of a table and chairs. Everything looked specially made just to save the bed and a small area around it leaving the rest of the room open for attack. "Welcome to the safe bunk." Cole said closing the door behind him. He quickly checked the window making sure it hadn't opened or nothing had gotten in.

"You guys are so legit about this." I muttered. There wasn't a door to walk into the safe bunk so I had to carefully climb over the wall of pillows and under the sheet ceiling to get inside. I took a spot next to Blake who was on the ground next to his paintball gun while Cole got his bed. Cole's laptop was next to him along with a few belongings he didn't want Shawn to damage. "I feel like I'm in a World War One reenactment or something."

"Except," Blake grabbed his paintball gun and put his pot hat to the side. He handed me a pair of shades before putting his own pair on. I wasn't sure why we were wearing glasses indoors though. "This is much more personal than killing an archduke."

Cole snorted. "I'm surprised you knew World War One was started because of an archduke."

"What are the glasses for?" I asked. Before they could answer I put them on feeling left out considering both Blake and Cole were wearing a pair.

"My paintball gun went missing." Cole answered. "We can only guess who has it. So we're wearing glasses in case we get hit in the face."

I gulped. "This is some serious crap going on here."

"Yeah well last year Shawn got on the roof and opened my window letting go of ten crickets. I didn't sleep for a month." Cole said.

Blake gripped his paintball gun. "He got in through my window and put water balloons filled with milk in my closet. So the next day when I opened my closet they came crashing down. My room smelled like rotten milk for months."

"We're not taking this lightly this year." Cole added.

Blake smirked giving me a look. "And you thought we were kidding."

The next hour we kept dozing off. Whenever Cole would keep watch Blake and I would lie down and cuddle to try to get comfortable in the small amount of space the three of us had to share. Cole had his whole bed but it was filled by so many things he and Blake didn't want to get damaged that really we were all squished together on the floor. When Blake had to keep watch he'd still let me sleep on his shoulder. Then when it was my turn Blake would lie down putting his head on my lap and doze off. It was around five in the morning when I heard something jingle at the door.

I hit Blake's shoulder. "Guys." I whispered quickly reaching over and hitting Cole's leg. They both seemed dazed at first but then sat upright and watched the door. Blake got into position by getting his paintball gun ready to fire as he aimed at the door. Cole put the kitchen pot on his head and pushed his belongings to the back of his bed for safe protection.

"He's trying to unlock the door." Cole whispered quietly. He handed me the broom while he took hold of the bat.

"Son of gun is trying to get in." Blake gave a half grin. "He thinks we're asleep."

The guys had given me some gear. Other than the glasses I know had a chest pad that was more efficient that Blake's pillow that we duct taped on his chest. We figured because he had the paintball gun Cole and I deserved the actual padding.

The lock came undone. The door creaked opened. Everyone stopped breathing in the room. Nothing came through the door for several seconds. Cole was about to get up and check but then something rolled into the room.

"Is that..." Before I could finish the sentence a brownish looking smoke started coming out of the small container giving out a retched smell of rotten eggs and milk. I gagged and Cole pulled his shirt over his nose hurrying to the window to open it up. Blake's eyes started getting watery from the smell and I could barely see straight. I don't know where Shawn got a stink bomb but I had never smelled anything that bad in my life.

Just as Cole was opening the window Shawn turned into the doorway looking exactly like one of the Indian's from

Peter Pan. He wore no shirt but had red hand prints on his chest. He had a headband with a feather and moccasin shoes. His pants were worn off khaki's making it somewhat look like what an Indian would wear. Only thing that wasn't right was the paintball gun he held in his hand. "April Fool's!" He war cried into the air while pulling the trigger.

"Hit the deck!" Blake yelled to Cole who was now cowering behind his desk. Just as quickly as Shawn entered he left. Except now there was paint all over the pillows that made up our fortress. The red, green, yellow, orange, and blue paint marked the walls. And that nasty smell still lingered in the room.

Cole threw the pot on his head to the floor. "My room dammit!"

Blake was right. This was going to be a long night.

******************************

"Good morning everyone." Shawn said from the breakfast table. He was all cleaned up now with no red hand prints on him or black lines underneath his eyes. It seemed like everything that happened last night hadn't happened at all. But it did. And everyone kept a good ten feet away from Shawn Parris.

Blake, Cole, and I all came downstairs together. Lilly had a stick and was cautiously opening the refrigerator door. She pulled out a dead mouse and gasped. "Shawn!" She yelled.

"Oh good!" He got up causing everyone to move around his like he was a stone in a river. "You found Monty's food!"

Cole spread some marmalade on his toast before taking a bite. He started coughing hysterically and chugged down his glass of water. Shawn came from behind Cole and whispered in his ear, "April Fool's." Cole choked on his water coughing from who knows what. Once he was done coughing he wrapped his arms around his head and lay his head on the table.

When dad came into the kitchen we were all horrified. A part of me hoped I was just sleep deprived but we all knew that Shawn had probably done something. "What?" Dad asked when he saw our faces. Suddenly the panic started to take over him realizing it was another prank and he went to look in the mirror. Dad screamed. "What the f-"

"April Fool's!" Shawn yelled gleefully as he censored dad's language.

"My hair!" Dad yelled. "It's green!"

"I switched the shampoo and body lotion." Shawn grinned evilly.

"Body lotion." Dad half muttered to himself before looking at his legs. He screamed again. "My leg hair is green!"

Lilly slapped her hand down on the granite counter her face furious. "Shawn! You are taking it way to far!"

"But mom." Shawn pulled out a stapled pack of papers from his back pocket. "The day we made my April Fool's contract you signed here, Section B, Paragraph seven, Sentence three: 'dying of colors is permitted as long as it washes off in no more than a month.'"

"A month?" Dad shouted horrified. I felt bad for dad. With him applying for jobs he'll either have to go dye his hair back brown or see if it comes off. If not he won't have any interviews the whole month.

I glanced over at Blake. "Shawn has a contract?"

Blake nodded. "When he started really pranking he made a deal with our mom to mainly prank only on April Fool's. But mom signed without really reading the entire contract. She didn't actually believe it was a legit contract. It's really ironic though that mom didn't read it. You'd think she of all people would."

"Only part of Shawn that resembles mom." Cole added. "He made a contract and uses it against mom because she's a lawyer. It's sick."

"I look like the Grinch." Dad muttered looking back at the mirror.

Suzie came downstairs her face red and her fists clenched. She was seething with rage. "Shawn!" She stormed up to him. "What the heck with the wardrobe change?" Sue was wearing a My Little Pony shirt with a pair of jeans that was entirely made of glitter. Suzie's very girly but that was over top. She looked like a character that just jumped out of a Disney TV show.

Shawn grinned. "April Fool's."

"We're dead." I muttered Blake's words finally realizing he was right. Who knows if we're going to survive this.

Shawn turned to look at me. He reminded me of the Joker. The way he grinned evilly but like he was completely amused. It was frightening. Making me cringe in my seat and sink low with fear. "Wait till we get to school." He said with an evil laugh.

******************************

We let Shawn drive. Usually we never let him thinking he might crash it into a ditch thinking it's hilarious. But today in pure fear that we would crash because of one of his stupid April Fool's pranks we decided to take the chance. Shawn wouldn't want to prank himself. The whole ride to school he acted normal. Well as normal as Shawn can get. I got to ride shotgun for the first time ever since Blake and Cole were still afraid.

Cole had been reassuring me the whole ride that everything would be ok at school. Even with Shawn's pranks I was still feeling nervous and scared. The butterflies in my stomach wouldn't stop fluttering and I had a disgusted look on my face as I felt sick.

"We got your back Tori." Shawn said as we pulled into the school parking lot. "It might be April Fool's but I already got you with the snake so you're clear."

"I don't feel clear." I muttered.

Cole put his hand on my shoulder. "It's going to be fine."

The four of us stepped out of the car. Cole carried my backpack as Blake handed me my crutches. There was an absurd amount of butterflies rampaging in my stomach. Not a lot of people were in the parking lot but the few that were kept giving us a look. On the most part I always thought it was at the Trips. But now I could feel their eyes on me. "I hate this." I muttered.

"We're not even in school yet." Blake said. The three boys kept up with my pace even though I knew I was keeping them back. "Come on Tobi." Blake removed his backpack from his shoulders handing it to Shawn. Then he took a step in front of me and hunched over slightly.

"Piggy back into the school?" I laughed. "How much attention are you trying to cause?"

Blake shrugged. "Who cares? You're not going to see half these people ever again. Loosen up. Live a little. Plus, I love attention."

"If you don't want the piggy back ride I'll take it." Shawn said stepping close to Blake. "At least I won't be the mule that has to carry all the bags." He huffed. "Hey did you know that another word for mule is ass? I mean I think that's hilarious. Whenever I say ass in front of a teacher and they get ready to give me a detention for language, which is really dumb because if you listen to all the people in the school teachers should know that we all have a very colorful system of language. But anyways, to not get a detention because I'm sick and tired of getting detentions I just stare at them and say, 'The Bible used the word ass!' And they give me this look so I keep going and I say, 'Of course I meant the animal ass. Not the butt form.'" Shawn sighed like he was content. "Works every time."

We all gave Shawn that you're totally off your rocker look. "You're a lost cause." Blake finally said.

I sighed thinking about what Blake said before Shawn ranted. It's true. I wasn't ever going to see these people again. Might as well go in with a big entrance. I hopped onto his back but before we could walk into the school Shawn told us to wait. He pulled out a Bluetooth speaker from his backpack and connected it to his phone. "I've been waiting to do this for a long time." He grinned putting on a pair of shades. "Let's go."

"Now..." I said even though I was smiling. "I'm afraid."

I wasn't though. I knew that each one of the boys would hold their word true and back me up. As we walked in to the school Shawn blasted an old rock song causing everyone to turn to look at us. Shawn grinned and waved at everyone like he was a celebrity. The three of us rolled our eyes and tried to not pay attention to the people staring. I was glad Shawn was acting like an idiot though. It centered all of the attention on him instead of Blake, Cole, and I. Some people wouldn't give a second glance, others kept their eyes trained on me like they expected to suddenly do what Shawn was doing and scream, "April Fool's! I'm not really their sister." But the majority stared at Shawn as he tried to moonwalk down the hall.

Shawn pulled out some silly string from his backpack and started spraying random people like it was his usual thing. He would add in moves too. When he started doing the Thriller he did the zombie dance and each time his hands went up he'd squeeze on the silly string.

"Alright," Cole said snatching the Bluetooth speaker and turning it off. "That's enough music."

Shawn turned to Cole giving him a dead serious look. Never had I seen Shawn look so serious until now. In two seconds Shawn sprayed Cole with the silly string, keeping the serious look. In a deep voice Shawn said, "April Fool's."

Cole stood there, pink silly string hanging from his face. "I hate you." Cole said calmly. "I hate you so very very much Shawn."

Shawn finally giggled like a little girl. "Cole of the Fireplace is speechless."

"Cole of the Fireplace is about to burn someone at the stake if they don't stop." Cole muttered.

"Tori!" Blake and I looked to the right where Em came running down the hall, Mark trailing behind with a happy grin. My heart fluttered and for a second I thought I could still hear the stupid beeping of the machine from the hospital. Blake set me down just as Em rammed into me giving me a hug. "It's so great to see that you're ok!" She said giving me a bear hug.

We've become close, Emily and I, she's such a great person. Sweet and caring but quiet and shy. Honestly the complete opposite of Shawn but I could see why she was so happy to be with him. "Everyone seems to have aged while I was asleep." I joked pulling back, giving Em a smile, and then frowning slightly. "Yup. You have wrinkles."

"This isn't fair." Shawn pouted. "How come Em gets all of Tori's attention?"

Mark smirked taking a step next to Cole. "I'll say."

"Shawn I haven't been able to talk to Tori in weeks." Emily said.

"You haven't talked to me in days!" Shawn retorted.

"And who's fault is it for locking themselves in their room?"

Shawn looked like he was about to give a smart answer when he realized he was corner. He looked down at the ground. "Mine..."

Mark looked over at Shawn. "I'll steal my girlfriend if you steal yours."

Shawn grinned, "Deal."

Shawn was quick. He ran towards Em, picking her up and putting her over his shoulder while running away laughing like a maniac. All Em could do was yell, "Shawn put me down!" But that obviously wasn't going to happen.

Mark made his move towards me but Blake blocked him with his arms crossed. "Ha, no." Blake said giving Mark a stern look.

I looked at both of them with the Really? face. I never understood Blake and Mark. They like each other but then they hate each other. Then they like each other again which then leads into insults and trying to disown the other. And then they say that girls are complicated.

Mark raised one eyebrow turning his head around Blake's body and giving me a look. He then turned back to Blake. "It's not like I haven't made out with her already."

My head dropped and felt my cheeks burn. Cole snickered beside me handing me my crutches. "Come on." He said tugging my wrist. We snuck away from Blake and Mark who were now in a heated argument about why and why not Mark could come to my house or not. "They're so stupid." Cole said rolling his eyes with a half-smile. "Too much alpha male testosterone in the air."

"Ew Cole!" I said with a half laugh caught off guard by his comment.

Cole shrugged, "I mean come on! They didn't even notice you left. Blake's all like, 'No. I'm the big brother that isn't letting my sister out of my eyesight while on my territory.' And Mark is all like, 'Listen bro, I've been waiting basically my whole life to get laid by Tori. You are not stopping me now.'"

I whacked him lightly with one of my crutches. "Cole stop!" I was embarrassed but the voices he kept doing while impersonating the boys made me laugh. "That is not true."

Cole rolled his eyes and smirked. "Come on Tori, Mark can't keep his eyes off you whenever he sees you."

I stopped and placed my hand on my face to cover the blush. "Shut up Cole."

He stopped with me but continued his comments. "Not to mention where his hands were the other day we caught you two making out again."

I turned towards the wall made out of lockers and put my forehead against the cool metal. "Oh my god Cole shut up!"

"I'm just saying Tori," He leaned against the lockers facing me trying to hide a devilish smile. "I didn't know you worked that fast."

I started banging my head against the lockers. Cole laughed walking about three steps away. "Come on." He said waving his hand towards him signaling me to follow. "I'm just messing with you."

A part of me knew he wasn't but he dropped the subject relieving me of my embarrassment. As we walked down the hallway towards our lockers we passed by a large sign that read Prom? Underneath was the guy that made it who was hugging a girl that obviously said yes. I hadn't put much thought into Prom. I assumed Mark and I were going he never asked properly but we'd talk about it. He'd mention me getting a dress for Prom or how he was looking for tuxedo's. I hadn't gone to Prom last year though. It just wasn't my thing and there was this big game I didn't want to miss. I turned to look at Cole. "Are you going to Prom?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I guess. I mean senior year. Prom is kinda a 'must do.'"

I nodded. "Are you going to ask Jodee?"

He didn't have to tell me anything because the moment I mentioned it he seemed to be bothered. "I don't know..." He finally said.

"You two ok?" I now asked with a small frown on my face. I knew Cole really really likes Jodee. But recently they haven't hung out much except for work. And whenever they do they usually just go to her place and when Cole comes back he just has a frown on his face and goes up to his room to think. It looks like a really complicated relationship but like I said, Cole really likes her.

"Yeah." He said with a small smile. "Actually we're great."

We stopped at his locker first and he started putting the combination in. "So what's wrong?" I asked.

"She's probably already been to Prom." Cole said changing the topic quickly. "She'll probably think it's lame to go back to a high school dance."

I could tell he didn't want to keep talking about it right now. I'd ask him later when we were at home and not out in the open at school. "I guess..."

"And I assume you're going with Mark." He said giving me a small grin before opening his locker. I was about to answer him but before I could he looked into his locker, a brief flash of recognition went through his eyes, and quickly he shut his eyes. Two seconds after opening his locker, a spray of glue squirted out at him followed by a puff of pink glitter that was now sticking the his hair and face. "What the fu-"

Cole started to scream but was cut off by Shawn who had rounded out of a nearby classroom and yelled, "April Fool's!"

"How?!" Cole yelled loudly wiping his face down with the inside of his shirt. He was now in a puddle of pink glitter and as people walked by they would either look really confused or just laugh. "As if glitter isn't hard enough to get off, you

had

to add the glue?"

Shawn grinned with a nod. "Uh huh. I rigged it so the glue would squirt out first and then the glitter would fly into your face."

"Why?" Cole didn't direct his question to Shawn but instead looked up at the sky.

"Well guess who isn't opening her locker today." I said covering up a laugh.

******************************

The day went by pretty quickly. People would sometimes look at me and whisper things but for the most part they stayed away. I think I liked it better that way. I tried not to do a lot making sure I wouldn't attract a lot of attention. The last two months of school were filled with nothing. We were all getting tired of high school just wanting to graduate. Even the teachers didn't give us that much work knowing we were all done. Although we'd learn a few things class would always end with the teacher sitting down at their desk just grading papers from underclassmen. Everyone would just talk to each other making plans for the weekend and whatever class I had Mark with his kept his arm around my chair.

Shawn pulled several more pranks. Emily got a surprise in her locker too. Except instead of being pelted with glue and glitter, rose petals fell out of her locker like they had been compiled all together inside. Em wasn't nearly as mad as Cole had been. Then during gym Shawn somehow managed to place a basket on the ceiling over Blake's locker. So after Blake took a shower Shawn pulled a string and two dozen eggs fell on Blake's head. The worst prank was at lunch when the soccer team sat next to our table. Shawn offered then some lemonade. Naturally they agreed. After all of them took a sip Shawn declared "April Fool's" and proclaimed that the water he used to make the lemonades were from the toilet. He did it all day long. Pulling pranks on random helpless people that had no idea what was going on. He pulled them on teachers too. He put twenty frogs in his history teacher's room. The entire class period the students were forced to find all the frogs.

I couldn't play soccer after school but I committed myself to go see my teammates. Mark offered to stay back and wait for me but I told him it was ok for him to go home and that I'd call him later tonight. He kissed me goodbye before hopping into his truck and driving off.

The moment I stepped onto the field while everyone was warming up everyone turned to look at me and smiled. Coach blew his whistle and grinned, "Well if it isn't the little Spunk herself?"

I grinned back. "How's it going Coach?"

"How's it going?" He rose and eyebrow. "One of the four Parris members disappears for weeks. The three guys here sucked while you were gone."

"You still made it to championships did you?" I asked.

"Yeah no thanks to you." Trent said from behind Coach as he was stretching on the field. I could tell Trent was joking around by the way he smiled through his fake glare.

"You freaking lied to us Tori." Sunshine said giving me a look. "When were you going to tell us you lived with the Trips?"

"I thought you already knew." I lied realizing how much I missed this bunch. Sunshine was growing out of the buzz cut and he seemed to be a lot more tan than last time I saw him. Trent seemed in a better mood. Less angry like he used to be. I could see Hayden warming up at the end of the field. He'd keep looking up at me and giving me a small wave. We've decided to just be friends and that seemed to be ok with both of us. After all he was one person I was going to end up seeing in college now.

"Yeah," Trent said. "We thought you had a thing with the Trips."

Sunshine added. "I placed a bet on Blake."

"Ew." I said cringing away from their words. "Why would I ever date something like that? That's just insulting. Disgusting. I think I might throw up."

"You and me both sis." Blake said from behind me.

The field went into an uproar between all the guys. "If it isn't mister big shot himself!" Some people yelled while others just called him captain. Blake really was the center of the universe. Whenever Blake takes foot on the field everyone turns to him and yells greetings or names as if her were an idol.

"I guess you told her about the scholarship, huh?" Coach directed his question at Blake but was looking down at his clipboard.

"Yup." I took a seat on the grass. Blake has never been more excited about the scholarship. Every day he goes outside and practices more and more. Whether it's shooting the ball, juggling, or learning a new trick, he'll spend hours outside until we call him in. I think his main motivation at this point is Cali. I haven't heard much from her except the occasional waves we give each other when passing by in the hallway. And of course we talk a little bit when we have class together. But Blake talks to her often. He told me how she's living with her older brother right now. Blake wanted to know a little bit more about Cali so he made me explain everything I knew about her from the years of friendship. I'd known Cali's parents were strict and sometimes a rock could show more emotion them but I didn't actually ever think they'd throw her out though.

"You coming to our next game Tori?" Coach asked looking up from his clipboard.

Obviously I couldn't play. But I wouldn't miss the finals for the world. Knowing I would have to stay on the bench the whole time didn't matter. Because we both knew I would go. I smiled scanning over my teammates real quick just as our practice was starting. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

******************************

No one was answering the door while the doorbell kept ringing. Obviously the person knew we were home considering the car was parked outside the house and the TV was turned on. I thought being injured would at least give me the sake of sitting on the coach while someone else got the door. But no. While Blake was busy practicing outside, Cole upstairs studying, Shawn and Suzie were in the living room doing whatever it is kids do, and my parents watching the news-I was left to get the door.

I grabbed my pair of crutches that laid against my feet and hopped my way to the front door. "Yeah don't worry," I called into the house while I made my way to the door. "It's totally ok for the girl who just came out of a coma to get the door." I rolled my eyes as the person rang the doorbell even more. "I'm coming."

I placed one of the crutches on the wall and opened the door slowly making sure to keep my balance. My eyes blinked twice as if they couldn't believe who was at the door. A part of me hoped the person might just disappear. Chief Deliv held a big box in his arms, his gray-white hair was seen underneath his Sheriff hat and his age was seen through his wrinkles. "Hello Tori," He said emotionless. "Is your father home?"

I looked over the man who basically ruined my father's life. He didn't seem like much but deep down he was just a tornado wanting to demolish an area. He seemed calm and collected making a part of me hate him more for thinking it was ok for him to show up like this. "What's it to you?" I asked closing the door tighter between myself and the frame.

He sighed, carefully placing the box next to his feet and taking his hat holding it to his chest. "I know you don't like me Tori-"

I snorted. "That's an understatement."

He continued ignoring my comment. "-and I know I've been hard on your father. And I just came to apologize."

It took me a few moments to register what this man was saying. I didn't care if he was going to give my dad the key to the city. I hate him and there's nothing more to it. After everything he's done a small sorry wouldn't be able to recompense years of torment. "He doesn't want to see you." I said in the process of closing the door.

"I remember your mother." He said causing me to stop and keep the door just a little crack open. "She helped my wife a lot. She was really nice to us. Always bringing us casserole or a pasta salad. I remember one night my wife played the piano and your mother sang with her. Did you know your mother could sing? She was a beautiful singer."

I felt my heart compress against my chest. I remember mom's singing. Sue and I would always try to be like her. Whenever I sing I feel ok. Like the music is taking all of my emotions and I don't have to worry about anything. Sometimes at night I try to remember the lullaby's she'd sing to me the nights I was afraid. And sometimes when I can't remember the words, I get scared because I don't want to forget.

I glanced at Chief. He wasn't looking at me anymore. Just staring down at the box by his feet. "How'd you know my mom?" I finally asked.

Chief gave a half smile. "When my son died your mother helped my wife get through the mourning."

"I didn't know you had a son."

Chief nodded slowly. "He was a good kid. Had a lot of friends, you know? Had stable grades, wasn't bullied at school. The kind that likes to have fun."

It was strange seeing Chief get emotional. He was the kind to never show a sign of weakness. The kind of man that likes to look strong in front of everyone. My whole image of him involved a stone cold man that likes to kick puppies and pop little children's balloons. Seeing him like this made me think the world was ending.

I hadn't noticed that I was gripping the door handle tighter. My knuckles were white and my palm felt sweaty. "What happened?" I asked quietly.

"He overdosed." Chief said quickly. Like he had gotten used to saying the phrase but also he wanted to get it out of the way. "My wife blames herself because it was her prescriptions..."

I didn't know how to react or what to say. "I'm sorry..." I said pitifully.

There was a slight thump that came from the box but I only paid attention to it for a second. Chief looked back up at me. "Anyways Tori, your mother helped my wife but once your mother died my wife and I started arguing more. Long story short, I'm a divorced man with a dead son. And I know I've been hard on your father. I guess I always thought that since my marriage ended badly I could take it out on him considering it was his wife that died. It was wrong. So if you don't mind, I'd like to formally apologize to him."

I wasn't sure what to do. I just stood there thinking about my options. Chief was never sentimental but it's the most emotion I've ever seen come out of him in the years I've known him. I wasn't sure if it was true that he wanted to apologize to my dad but he looked sincere. My throat had gone dry so I quickly swallowed and nodded my head slowly. "Sure thing Chief." I said quietly. I opened the door a bit wider about to let him in when he stopped me.

"I think it's better if he just comes to the door." Chief said.

I didn't argue with him and called into the house. "Dad!" I yelled. "It's an emergency get to the door!" It was the only way he'd ever listen to me.

"Oh and Tori." Chief said picking up the box again. He seemed to be having trouble with it considering it kept wobbling side to side. "Your dad often talked about you having a beau who's going into the military. Is that right?"

I nodded just as dad came to my side. Dad had put on one of Cole's beanies and wore a baseball cap on the beanie. He looked like a wanna be hipster dad and it was ridiculous but it was the only way to cover up his green hair. He looked between me and Chief not understanding what was going on. "Chief," Dad said like he was out of breath. "What are you doing here, sir?"

"I needed to talk with you, Linean." Chief said trying not to stare at dad's head accessories. "First, I was hoping to give your daughter this 'Get Well Soon' present. I heard her beau is in the army?"

Dad nodded putting his arm around my shoulder and giving it a small squeeze. "Yeah."

"She'll get lonesome." Chief said. "You wouldn't mind taking in a pet would you?"

Dad looked like a train had just hit him. Not about the pet but of how nice Chief was being. He looked between Chief and the box then back at Chief. Out of pure shock dad leaned in closer to his old boss eye's squinting in confusion while dad analyzed Chief. "Are you high, sir?" Dad asked in full seriousness.

Chief gave him a dead look. "I protect the law. Not break it."

"What kind of pet?" I asked Chief while dad was trying to regain his composer.

"Well," Chief put the box down looking up at dad. "You remember Pixie don't you?"

Dad nodded. I wasn't sure what they were talking about but Dad seemed to have an understanding. Chief opened the lid of the box a little furry head popped out with ears flopping around. A little German Shepherd puppy started wagging its tail and sticking its tongue out like a snake as if it were trying to taste everything that came in its way. "This is Sergeant." Chief said picking up the pup. "He was going to be in the K-9 unit but he didn't pass the beginning tests."

"Oh my god." I said looking at the little ball of fur. I think I was overtaken by Sergeant's cuteness because the little pup was to die for. "Oh my god, dad." I looked up at my dad who now looked like he had been hit by a train and was pushed off a cliff. There seemed to be a look on his face like he was thinking:

What the hell is going on here? Is this another stupid April Fool's joke because my mind can't process this.

"He's high maintenance." Chief said to me. "And you'll be going to college but when you get a room that allows dogs, you'll want him by your side. It'll get lonely when your beau is shipped off somewhere far away."

Dad carefully picked up Sergeant who was furiously trying to lick dads face. Dad looked the dog over like he was making sure it wasn't a robot of some kind. I kept petting the little dog's head. He was so soft and kept scratching in dad's arms for attention. "Who would you have given it to?" Dad started stroking Sergeant's back as he asked Chief.

He shrugged. "I don't know. It wasn't my business. It's Lexton's job to find good homes for the pups that don't make it through training."

Dad nodded looking down at me. "Think you can take care of him when Mark is gone?"

I looked up at my dad a smile forming on my face. I hadn't actually believed he would let me keep a dog. After all the years of constant begging that I wanted a pet other than a fish or hamster he was actually considering on having a dog. I nodded unable to form words.

Dad sighed looking at Chief for a second. "I guess we'll take him in."

"Are you serious?" I asked in disbelief. I think I needed to pause my life for a second because I could not believe this was actually happening. Yeah I'd be in college but it's only an hour away. And once I get my own flat or share with a roommate maybe Sergeant would be able to live there too. And Chief was right in a sense. Having a dog would be nice considering I'll probably be spending a lot of nights alone while Mark was gone.

Dad handed me the puppy as I set the crutches to the side. He nodded giving me a sign to go into the house. "Go tell Lilly. I need to talk with Chief for a sec." Dad took a step towards Chief closing the door behind him leaving me with Sergeant.

The little pup was panting tongue rolled out of his lips. I was still trying to keep balance on one foot so I quickly hopped to the living room yelling at Cole to come downstairs and to get Blake. I sat down on the sofa the moment I got the living room. "A puppy!" Shawn yelled first.

Suzie gasped and both came over to pet Sergeant, who seemed to be enjoying the attention. Lilly looked over from the news and smiled for a second also coming over to look at the puppy. I put Sergeant on the ground, he kept close to Shawn and Suzie who were on the ground with him. "Who's this little guy?" Lilly asked.

"Um..." I said unsure how to answer. Although dad acted chill about it I wasn't sure how Lilly would act. "I guess he's the new family member."

"You mean he's ours?" Suzie grinned.

"Yeah I guess." I smiled watching as she tried pushing Sergeant away while he tried licking her face.

Shawn picked up the puppy and

examined him. He looked at the teeth, the hair, the ears, the eyes, the nose, and even the belly and tail. "He's perfect," Shawn said coming to a conclusion. "Everything I needed to pull off the project I've wanted to do for a while now."

I frowned. "What kind of project?"

"Nothing." Shawn said nonchalantly.

Lilly gave me a look. "I'm telling you it comes from the bad mushrooms."

Shawn meant to say something else but his words were replaced by a small cough. Cole, closely followed by Blake, entered the room unaware of what was happening. He then saw the dog and got down on his knees calling over Sergeant who happily ran over to him. "Where did he come from?" Cole asked roughly shaking Sergeant.

Blake squatted down quickly picking Sergeant up and grinned. "Can't wait for this little guy to grow up." Blake said. "He's going to look badass."

"Language." Lilly said.

"He's gonna look bad donkey." Blake corrected. That's when something really unexpected happened. I would like to say that Sergeant peed on Blake but really, Blake started to talk baby to the little puppy. "You cute little puppy-wuppy. Who's gonna grow up to be big and strong? That's right you are. Who's gonna bite peoples balls off? You are!" Blake looked around at us for a second like he himself couldn't believe what just happened.

Shawn bursted out into laughter. "Yeah. I'm the weird one." As if to prove his point when Blake set Sergeant down Shawn got down sticking his butt up in the air like an animal that was about to pounce. Sergeant got into the same position facing Shawn. "He's my homie." Shawn said with a grin.

"What's his name Tori?" Cole asked.

"Sergeant." I answered. The whole family seemed to want to play with the new pup. We had totally forgotten about dad who was still outside talking to Chief. After about thirty minutes dad came back inside with a plush bed, a few toys, and a bag of dog food. Now he looked like he had been hit by a train, pushed off a cliff, and torn apart by a shark. "What happened?" I asked dad.

"He wasn't sprayed by the skunk right?" Shawn asked.

"No." Dad said. He looked like he was about to tell us what really happened but now he stared at Shawn, horror striking his face. "What skunk, Shawn?"

Shawn's eyes went wide before he stood up and pulled out his phone. "Nothing. Don't worry. I know a guy who knows a guy who has a cousin who's girlfriends brother is-"

"What happened with your old boss?" Cole asked dad.

Dad turned back to the actual subject of matter. "Chief is retiring."

We all knew that part though. That's the reason dad would put up with all of Chief's absurd requests. Dad had seniority at station. None of us were shocked with what dad said. So when he didn't collaborate I edged him on. "And?"

"And he promoted me..." Dad said then quickly added with a grin. "And wants me to run for Sheriff."

"I thought you called him a motherfucker." Shawn said like he was completely confused. "I don't know...sounds fishy to me. He's probably going to send you a box of donuts that are filled with shaving cream instead of whipped cream. That's what I would do."

Everyone ignored Shawn and we all went into an uproar of screams of joy. I guess none of us had thought dad would get his original job back. He'd been stressing out so much about finding a new job he'd enjoy equally that he hadn't put thought into getting his old job back. And he was scared that if he didn't start bringing in some money Lilly, Sue, and he would have to move to a new smaller home because they still need to pay for our colleges. But now he finally realized that it was happening. That he'd actually gotten his job back, only better. Now he'd be in charge of the station and hopefully, if he's lucky, run for sheriff.

Sergeant and Shawn cowered into little balls when they heard us yell like our favorite team had just made the winning goal. We all hugged dad together. Lilly gave him a small kiss as we piled over him.

******************************

That same night I was working on some homework and essays that I was behind in. All my teachers were very lenient knowing what had happened. Because I had missed so much school they all just gave me a packet of condensed information. They didn't want to ruin my chances of graduating just because I was in an accident. I was really thankful to them for the packets but it was still a lot of work to catch up on.

I sat on my bed with my laptop in front of me as I typed away an essay I needed to turn in to my English teacher. We were suppose to read a poem and give her our interpretation of it. So I chose a Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss. My teacher hadn't exactly specified what kind of poem I had to read so I went for a simple fun one. Now I was writing a deep essay on the lesson that can be learned from this book.

Sergeant's bed was placed in my room. He had fallen asleep probably an hour or two ago and was now breathing quietly next to my bed. Poor pup was exhausted. After dad gave us the news we went out to dinner where Shawn deciding to play more pranks. On our way back from the restaurant Lilly, who had been driving, was suddenly sprayed with flour when she turned on the air condition of the car. Dad said he became very uncomfortable while we were eating; turns out Shawn put itching powder in his underwear. Once we got home, afraid that Shawn was going to kill us, Blake, Cole, Shawn, Suzie, and I played outside with Sergeant.

I had lost track of time as I was typing and finishing up different homework. There was a small knock on my door and Shawn walked in. I pulled up the bat that Cole had let me borrow and held up towards Shawn who now raised his hands in surrender. "Nope. No more pranks. Take a step back." I said slowly.

"It's five minutes past midnight Tori." Shawn said walking into my room. "So technically it's not April Fool's anymore."

"Oh..." I set the bat down and placed my laptop on the nightstand by my bed. "What's up?"

Shawn threw himself on my bed putting his head on my stomach and sighed deeply while looking up at the ceiling. "I need your help..."

"What for?" I asked running my hands through his hair making it spike up in different directions.

He put his arms over his head looking up at me while poking my face. "Well a lot of things but specifically one..."

"Vat?" I said in a weird voice considering Shawn's fingers were hooked in my cheeks and pulling them apart making my teeth show. I pushed his hands away. "I'll help you get rid of the snake if that's what you're asking me."

Shawn grinned. "That's not it...but it's similar."

"Get to the point Shawn."

"That's impossible." Shawn said frowning as if he was confused. "How can I get to the point? That's not possible. What is a point? It can be the point of a pencil or point of a pin. So unless you want me to somehow stab myself with the point of something, I'd rather not get to the point."

I rolled my eyes. "Ok Mr. I-Take-Everything-Literal. What is it that you need my help in?"

"So," He started to say. "While I was online buying all the things for April Fool's there was this big sale thing, right? I just saw this one thing that I couldn't turn down Tori. I mean, technically it's not mine. I just rented it for a very cheap price because I knew exactly what I was going to do with it. Except...it's kinda big. Kinda messy. I have a plan though. I just need your help to conduct the plan."

"What is it?" I asked before quickly adding. "Is it dangerous?"

Shawn laughed. "No it's not dangerous. I'm planning to ask Em to Prom with it. But I need your help.

It's really cute that Shawn was planning how to ask Em to Prom but a part of me was afraid for him. There was no telling what he was planning. So even though I was happy for him I was also scared of what he might do. "Oh my god Shawn what did you buy?"

He placed his hand up to correct me. "I didn't buy it. I rented it."

"What is it Shawn?"

"First you have to promise you'll help me." He turned around to look at me. "Seriously Tori I need your help. And I really really want to do this. Or else what am I suppose to do with it?"

I stared at Shawn for a second. He's never the kind that acts seriously but whenever it comes to Emily he can somewhat act not like a child. He still didn't say what he rented out. And a part of me was afraid it'd be something embarrassing or wild. If he bought it while making his April Fool's pranks then it probably had something to do with jokes.

But he looked so sincere. He gave me his puppy dog eyes as he watched me think. I finally just sighed. "What's the plan?" The moment he smiled like an evil scientist I regretted agreeing.

******************************

Cole's POV

The week was going by pretty slow. After Shawn's pranks a couple days ago I wished desperately for the weekend. Exams were nearing and although I was stressed out about them I really just wanted to get them over with. School hadn't really changed except now I hung out with Tori a lot more. It's funny how Blake, Shawn, and I replaced our old friends for new ones. We used to sit at a table filled with guys just like us and now we have our own table that to me seems a lot better. We sit with Tori, Mark, and Emily. Sometimes Cali will sit down with us but she mostly keeps to herself. Occasionally some of our soccer teammates sit with us but they usually have their own groups.

Speaking of soccer, Coach has been pressuring us a lot more recently. Having the championships this weekend we were all anxious to win state. This Friday we would have to leave school early because the game was about an hour and a half away. Although it's on Saturday, Coach wants us to spend the night at a hotel to review everything we need to go through. Also he wants to get a practice in Saturday morning. If we were to leave on Saturday, we'd have to start the game almost immediately. At least leaving Friday gives us some practice time. Everyone that wasn't on the team, meaning students at our school that wanted to see the game, would have to drive to the field Saturday morning if they wanted to catch the game. As much as I love Coach, I feel like he made it more complicated than it had to be.

I had hoped that by the time I was a senior I would get a chance to relax and lay back about school and my studies. I for sure thought that junior year had been the hell in my world but now I was more stressed than I ever had been. I never really tell anyone when I need a breath of air. People look at me thinking I'm all calm but in reality right now I was freaking out. First, I still have to take AP Exams plus any other school work I have. But also every club and organization I'm in is having banquets and senior awards these upcoming weeks and I need to help schedule them. Second, sports were definitely taking a toll on my studies but to top it off now I have a job. So sometimes I don't get home till ten or eleven and I still haven't gotten any school work done. Third, I couldn't stop thinking about Jodee.

I don't know. I tried talking to Shawn about it. I wanted to try and understand if I was in love or not. He seemed to have the most experience at the moment considering he's in love with Emily. But knowing Shawn he didn't take a lick of what I said seriously so I just locked myself in my room, turned up the music, and tried to think. I love spending time with Jodee. Mostly because she's funny, random, and completely filled with sass. I never thought that'd be my type. Honestly, I didn't know what type or who I would like to end up with but now being with Jodee I felt like I knew. Or at least understood.

I think that's why I was afraid. I tried not to think of it too often but knowing that we'd split soon made my stomach turn and my chest go empty. I was scared that when we broke up and went our separate ways that I'd never find someone else like Jodee. That I might have ruined my one chance. And honestly, that would totally suck. I don't want to get another girlfriend and not feel the spark I get with Jodee because then who do I really love?

I guess that's why I was freaking out when I headed to work. I wasn't sure what to say or how to act right now. After practice I took a cold shower and said by goodbye's to the team before heading to Hollister. I parked where we're required to and headed inside.

"I told you Jodee," I heard Dalton say as I walked in. "Get back to work or I'll fire you."

"Yeah right." Jodee smirked when Dalton was out of ear shot. There were no customers in the store. Although boring it was great getting paid to do nothing except move clothes around. Jodee took out a lollipop from her pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth. Her hair was tied back in a braid and she was working the cash register but with no one around that meant she was on her phone probably looking at different social medias.

"Hey." I said grabbing her waist and kissing her head. "What's my girl up to?"

She tried hiding a smile. "Your girl? I'm sorry Cole but I belong to no man."

I clicked my tongue. "Shame. What a waste for mankind. But I guess girls would be happy to have you too."

She lightly elbowed me before grabbing my hands and putting my arms around her waist. "What's the high schooler doing lately?"

"Trying not to let my head implode with excess information." I muttered burying half of my face into her shoulder.

"If you think this is hard," She said with a small grin. "How are you going to get through Harvard?"

"Very very slowly." I said with a grin. I guess that was another worry of mine. But I told myself a long time ago that I would work hardest in high school and then lay back in college. I'll still be studying and doing my work in college, maybe even join some clubs too but I wasn't going to try and be over-exceeding in everything. "What about you?" I asked. "When are you leaving for Victoria?"

She didn't answer right away. Actually she seemed to be ignoring the question in all. Whenever I'd mention New Zealand she'd always try to change the subject or just ignore the question. Right now she stopped tapping on her phone and just stared at it blankly. "That reminds me," She sighed. "Can we get together after work? I know you're busy and all but...we need to talk."

It was like my heart was a gong and a hammer hit it...hard. The waves of vibrations wracked my body and I felt my throat dry up as I tried to swallow. I should have known it was coming. I mean we talk about it all the time actually. Just briefly talk about what we're going to do with our lives and then come back to reality. It's nerve racking. Knowing something good is going to come to an end and you basically ignore the fact that'll it'll eventually all disappear. It's kind of like this: What if you know something in your life is going to happen and you have no way of preventing it? You think about it all the time, maybe even talk to your friends about it. But if nothing can be done what's the point? So you just wait it out. You just wait...and wait...and wait until finally it comes. But when it does you also realize, you're not ready. I'm not ready.

I'm not ready. I thought.

With that one thought, I felt like the ceiling was coming down. But I pushed it back up. I pretended that nothing happened and just stood there with my arms locked around Jodee as I pretended nothing was happening. "Sure," I finally said. "Anything for my girl."

Jodee turned around in my arms, "I thought I told you I'm not-"

I didn't want to hear it. And I had learned a long time ago that there was only one way to shut Jodee up. So I kissed her. I had intended for it to be short and sweet but soon I found myself craving for more. I hadn't realized how desperate I was to have her close to me.

I'm not ready. I thought again as I pulled her closer so there wouldn't be any space left between our bodies. Jodee seemed shocked at first but recovered quickly. We both seemed hungry for each other. Her body curved up mine as her fingers moved through my hair. My hands seemed to move lower and lower until finally I just picked her up and sat her on the counter. She sat at the edge of the counter. Our breaths getting ragged from the lack of air.

We'd only gotten this vulnerable one time before when I was at her apartment helping out with moving a few boxes she didn't need. We tried our best to ignore any make out session that went one base higher than it should but right now I didn't care. All my mind could think of was her and how much I just wanted her. The back of my mind just couldn't help but think,

so...is this what love is?

We didn't get any farther. A couple seconds later we pulled apart when we heard Dalton's screeching voice yell through the store. "Goddamit!" He yelled. "I thought I told you two no sex in the store! I'll have you two fired! I swear!"

He never fired us.

******************************

"So..." I said cupping my hands around the coffee mug Jodee handed me. Although it started to burn my hands a little bit I ignored it and stared down at the small steam that was floating away from the mug.

After Dalton found us he made sure to split us up. We weren't allowed to talk to each other in the store or he'd have us 'fired.' I wanted to remind him that he had asked me to deliver a letter to his brother Matt who is apparently at Harvard. I still kept the small envelope beside my bed just to make sure I didn't forget. Although Dalton isn't exactly the best boss I could have worse. Anyways, now Jodee worked only on the woman's side while I took guys.

Jodee and I didn't talk the whole ride to her house. I think we were both still buzzed over by the feeling of our little make out. Or maybe we both just knew what was coming. Whatever it was we didn't talk. The first thing she said to me after work was if I wanted a coffee. The first thing I said to her after work was yes, I'd love a cup coffee.

Now she was on the other side of the counter making her own mug by placing cream and sugar in the cup. She stirred slowly before looking up at me as if recognizing that I had just spoke to her. "What?" She asked.

I decided to get right to the chase there was no point in stalling. "What'd you want to talk to me about?"

She shrugged. Not saying anything. Instead she brought the cup of coffee up to her lips and took a sip.

I sighed. "We both agreed it wasn't going to work."

"I know."

"And that we'd move on and find people in college."

"Yup."

"So...?"

"So..."

"Dammit Jodee!" I slammed my hand on the counter causing some of my coffee to shake and fall over the top of my mug. I didn't care that she always broke my calm collective state. It made me somewhat happy at times because I knew that I can't always be calm. But sometimes I just got really angry. We always fight. Almost every hour we're together we end up yelling at each other yet we always find a way to make it right. Right now though, I felt like a volcano about to explode. "What more do you want from me?" I yelled. Maybe not specifically to her. I wasn't sure what I was doing anymore.

She seemed shocked and didn't know how to answer at first. "What do you mean what do I want from you?"

"Exactly what it means."

"I never asked anything from you, Cole." Jodee said spreading her arms against the counter and giving me a cold stare. "As far as I know, you always seemed to find me. You were my stalker. You ended up wanting to know me. Great, fan-fucking-tastic! But now we're both stuck somewhere we don't want to be. So who's fault was that?"

"Yeah just blame me on everything we do." I stood up pacing towards the living room behind me. "It's not like you don't lead me on either. I thought we agreed it was a mutual thing."

"But this was all your idea!"

The fact that she was blaming me for this relationship had been bubbling with rage. It takes two people to have a relationship not just one. So how could all the blame be on me. Yeah I was persistent in dating Jodee but she was part of this too. "Put all the blame on me Jodee!" I shouted. "The high schooler who's dumber than the college girl that isn't even in freaking college yet!"

I wasn't sure if I saw more anger or sadness in Jodee's eyes. Her face was red with rage and her hands clenched into fists. "You know what? Screw you Cole! I'm leaving in about a month anyways so why don't you just quit now and find some high class brilliant chick in Harvard because I'm sure you're going to have a hell of a time there, right? That's all you ever talk about nowadays, right? Harvard, Harvard, Harvard. Well fuck Harvard and fuck you!"

She stormed into her bedroom slamming the door so hard behind her I thought it was going to fall off. I took a seat on her couch and grabbed the nearby pillow hugging it to my face and screaming into it. These 'dates' never go to plan. After a few minutes the silence became suffocating. I was mad with Jodee, myself, the world. I tried to re-think everything that happened but instead I just found myself clinging onto what Jodee said.

About a month. She said. About a month...

That was new to me. I hadn't known she would be leaving so soon. We both thought she'd be leaving around August like I would but I guess something changed. That's when I had another thought, I'm not ready...

I knew I should have probably gone home but I didn't want to. I didn't want to leave on bad terms like usual. Whenever either of us leaves on a bad note it only leads to another argument the moment we see each other again. We'd always come back to each other though. Sometimes I'd go say sorry to Jodee and sometimes she'd come and say sorry to me. After that it's like nothing ever happened. I think that's what I like best. Knowing we always call each other names or say things that hurt but afterwards it's like it never really matters because we know we still like each other. We never really mean half the things we say, we just say it to see who'll scream louder or who would get more angry first. It always seemed like a competition. Like a game: Who can get your blood boiling first?

I turned on her TV and watched the news at a low volume. I got about a half hour worth of TV when I started to get tired. I thought I'd crash on the couch when I heard Jodee's door open. She had changed into an old T-shirt that was way too big for her and had on some shorts. Her head hung low as she walked over to me. I sat up when she sat on my lap and put her arms around my torso. "This doesn't mean I forgive you." She stated.

I smiled knowing she couldn't see me. We both knew by now that we'd had forgiven each other. Our relationship was just too strange and bipolar to understand. But I liked it.

I drew circles on the small of her back. "I don't forgive you either." I said.

Jodee traced her finger against my chest and sighed. "I wanted to tell you I'm leaving at the end of May."

The pit of my stomach dropped like I was riding a roller coaster. "What happened to leaving in August?"

We had made a few plans for the summer but I guess those were cancelled now that she was leaving early. "A friend's cousin offered to tour me around. He also said he got me a place to stay. Wants me to get used to things and I always wanted to tour around New Zealand. They even got me the tickets...I can't just ditch that opportunity."

"I understand." I muttered. Actually I didn't understand. I didn't want her to go I just acted like it was totally fine. A part of me wondered if she felt the same way about me or if we really just were a temporary thing.

"I just thought you should know." She added quietly. We went quiet, enjoying each other's company. We both seemed to have a question lingering at the tip of our tongues. "So...are we..."

"Done?" I finished for her. I sure as hell didn't want to be done. "No. Because you still owe me something."

Jodee looked up at me with her eyebrow raised. "I don't hand out sexual favors Cole. That is not how I roll."

I laughed shaking my head. I felt like a kid right now. With butterflies and a nervous sweat starting at my neck. I was asking Jodee to something she's already been to so I wasn't sure how she would react. "Before you leave would you mind going to Prom with me?"

Jodee snorted then laughed. I stared at her with my eyebrow raised until she realized I wasn't kidding. "You're serious?"

I laughed. "Senior year babe. I kinda want to take a date."

"I've already been to Prom."

"I guess that's why I didn't do a fancy Promposal. You already had one."

"You're just cheap." Jodee said shifting off my lap and walking to the kitchen. "I'm not going to another high school Prom. The whole thing is jack compared to the parties I've been to."

I shrugged keeping my eyes on her. "You sure?"

Jodee paused grabbing a jar of peanut butter and a spoon. "Yeah. You have fun."

"Ok." I stood up grabbing my jacket and heading towards the door. "I guess you won't be able to boss around people either. I mean you're my girl and all but I'm sure they'd just be imprisoned by your college aurora essence."

"What does that even mean?" Jodee asked licking a spoon of peanut butter.

"I don't exactly know." I admitted. "I just really wanted you to go with me but I get it." I put my jacket on getting ready to head out. I expected Jodee to say no so I wasn't disappointed and I understood that she had already gone. "It's cool."

Jodee stared at me for a second as I got ready to leave. "You're Cole Parris." She finally said through the smacking of her lips from the peanut butter. "You could go with anyone."

"I don't want to go with anyone." I said. "I wanted to go with you. But it's fine Jodee. You had your Prom. I'll just go with a couple friends or hitch a ride from Tori." I shrugged. "Don't worry about it."

"Well now I feel like a bitch." Jodee whispered softly. She ran her hand through her hair like she was considering it. "Who else is going?"

I laughed. "My whole school. Who do you think? But I just told you, don't worry about it. It's ok."

"No because I feel bad now."

"Don't."

"But you're my boyfriend."

"But you can say no."

"Yeah and then everyone is going to call me a bad girlfriend for not going to Prom with my boy."

I grinned. "Your boy, huh?"

She gave me a look. "That's all you hear isn't it?"

"That's all I need to hear." I walked up to her putting my hands on her waist. "You don't have to go."

"This is peer pressure." She muttered.

"What are you talking about?" I laughed again but more in disbelief. If she didn't want to go, I understand. She had her Prom, I still have mine. If someone had asked me to go to their high school Prom I probably would've said no too. "I'm not pressuring you to do anything."

"Yes you are." She jumped on the counter putting her hands on her forehead as I kept mine on her waist. I hugged her closer until the counter edge was the only thing separating us. Jodee didn't seem to notice she was too busy trying to figure out what to say. "I'll go."

"You don't have to."

"But now I want to."

"Well now you're not going."

"What?" She looked shell shocked. "Why not?"

"Because I said you can't."

"And what the heck makes you the boss of me?"

"I'm the one in high school."

"And I was born first. I just agreed to go to your stupid Prom. You should be honored."

I rolled my eyes. "You don't want to go."

"Cole shut up." Jodee snapped. "I'm going and that's final. Now kiss me before we start fighting again."

I did exactly that.

******************************

Tori's POV

"I can't believe we have a dog now." Blake said scratching Sergeant behind the ears while he re-spawned in the game. We started playing video games less than an hour ago as a form to calm Blake's mind. It seemed to be working but at the same time I could tell he was still anxious. Also, he wasn't as good at gaming as I thought he would be.

I smirked, subconsciously moving my character on the screen. "Yeah you really like him."

"He's adorable." Blake picked Sergeant and made him face me while Blake played with his front legs. He spoke in a higher voice pretending to voice Sergeant. "Tobi," He said. "Tobi I'm cuter than you'll ever be. Shawn's right, you're a big gorilla that's mean and keeps kicking my ass in this stupid game. Blake is so much cooler. And sexier too. I'd totally sniff his butt. Your butt isn't nearly as-"

I grabbed a pillow hitting Blake in the back of his head. "Shut up you dork."

Blake smiled letting Sergeant go who now jumped on my bed and curled up into a ball. "I've always wanted a dog." He admitted.

"And?"

Blake smirked finally going back to the game. "We have Shawn instead."

I smiled. "Seems fair actually."

"I don't know if he's more maintenance or less maintenance than a regular dog."

I didn't reply. I was too busy clicking buttons on my remote therefor a silence fell between Blake and me. We didn't say anything for a while we just played the game. I knew Blake was internally freaking out. He had invited Cali to come for dinner and even told Lilly and dad. So while Cole had shift at work, Shawn was staying over at Em's, and Sue was having a sleepover with her friend, Blake and I got to be the ones to break the news. Well mostly Blake. I was planning to just sit down and eat dinner while trying not to get latched onto the dramatic conversation they were all probably going to have.

I elbowed him lightly. "How you holding up?"

He took a deep breath. "Fine."

I raised an eyebrow. "It's ok to rant you know? Or loose it for a few seconds. Get your emotions out. Even cry out of stress if you have to."

"I don't have periods Tori." Blake said with a small smirk.

I snorted. "With your bipolar-ness sometimes it's hard to believe that. Even Shawn thinks you have a man period."

"Shawn thinks that there are orange elephants on the moon that dance to disco music every night because they think that the stars are disco lights. And how did these elephants get on the moon? To test out how much weight a space rocket could take NASA shipped off a family of elephants to start a colony in order to see if humanity could survive living on the moon. If elephants can live on the moon and adapt to not having lungs then so can humans. But why are the elephants orange? Because they were so big and the space suits-which are orange-were so small that the space suit finally molded into the skin of the elephant becoming part of it." Blake looked between my face of disbelief to the TV screen. "Stop looking at me like that," He said shoving my face with his hand. "This is what happens when you listen sleep in the same room as Shawn and he decides to rant at two in the morning."

I was going to question the whole elephant story before I decided it was just way too crazy to even get into a discussion about it. So I changed the subject. "What time is Cali arriving?"

"I don't know," Blake muttered. "Seven-thirty? What time is it right now?"

I checked my phone. "Seven o'clock."

Blake cursed and stood up straight heading for his room. I followed after him but lagged behind since I had to grab my crutches. He slammed his door shut in my face keeping me from coming in. I stayed outside knowing that right now he had too much on his mind for me to just barge in. So I sat down next to his door checking social media's on my phone. When he finally did come out he wore a nice pair of dark jeans and a red polo. I couldn't help but laugh softly.

"What?" He asked giving me a glare. He didn't look overly fancy. Just a little over dressed for a family dinner. Usually we'd wear our pajama's to dinner or if it were a school day we would just eat when we got back from school. So maybe I was just surprised seeing Blake could actually look decent to dinner.

I shrugged. "It's just funny...I mean...we're having dinner here Blake. Not at some fancy restaurant."

Blake shrunk down beside me putting his back against the wall letting gravity drag him down. "I don't know how I'm going to do this Tori." He finally said. "Sometimes the idea of having a kid is fine to me but then I realize...I'm having a kid."

I wasn't sure what to say to him. There were no personal lessons I could give him. I had never been in a situation like this and I really was just as clueless as he was right now. "You're going to be fine." I finally said. "We'll have your back on this, ok? I mean you're going into the big leagues. You're a fantastic soccer player and you're bound to get a contract somewhere. Plus you have two awesome brothers that would do anything for you. And a mom and step-dad that care. Not to mention me. It's going to be ok."

"I just don't want to be a bad dad." Blake clenched his jaws making his fists ball up. "That's what I'm afraid of right now."

"What did you used to be afraid of?"

"Losing my brothers." Blake looked over at me. "You know all this."

I nodded. "And did it happen? Did you lose your brothers?"

"Not really, no." Blake said.

"So you're not going to be a bad dad."

"I feel like that's just a onetime thing though."

"You're such a downer." I hit his arm lightly but he still went to rub it.

He mimicked my voice, "God Cake you're such a downer. Why don't you just give up now? Just because girls throw themselves at your feet and you're going to become this super famous soccer player that people are going to have posters of on the wall doesn't give you the right to keep me down. Blah blah blah. Nag nag nag. Cry cry-"

I hit him again but this time with my fist. He blocked every hit I tried to plant on him while repeating a long string of curse words as he started to hit me back. "Stop it Tobi. Ow!" He hit me back.

"Ow!" I yelled only going in for a harder punch.

"Stop it," Blake said trying to grab my wrists. "I'm not going to hit a girl."

"I don't see why not. You were totally ok with tormenting me last semester." I stuck my tongue out at him but then Blake stood up grabbing me and putting me over his shoulder. He started shaking and jumping rapidly making all the blood go down to my head and the impact of his shoulder to my stomach left me without breath. "Put me down!" I managed to shout.

"Nope." He ran down the hallway and then jumped down each stair making sure to take his dear time in causing me more pain. He'd exaggerate each step allowing his shoulder to crash against my stomach.

"Ow," I said at each step. "Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow!"

"Don't be such a wimp Tobi." He said. I could just imagine the smirk on his face.

"I'm so sorry. My bad for being the crippled one."

"That's your favorite card to pull now isn't it?"

I was about to answer but the doorbell cut me off. Blake stared at the door while I tried turning and looking as well. As soon as the chime of the door faded off Blake dropped me on the last two stairs making me land on my ribs and gut. I let out a loud oompf and rubbed my stomach where I knew I'd most likely have a bruise there in the morning.

"Sorry," Blake said helping me up. He looked nervously at the door. "I'll go get your crutches." He ran back upstairs just as Lilly, who was wearing a white shirt with a red cardigan and dark jeans, walked towards the door.

I didn't have time to react so I just sat there on the last steps as she opened the door. "Hi," Lilly greeted happily. She stuck her hand out, "I'm Lilly."

Cali-looking like she was does-shook Lilly's hand. Even though Cali and I drifted I could still tell she was nervous. Her hand would keep reaching up to her necklace where she'd play around with the pendant that hung at the end. She was wearing a summer dress that seemed to block the baby bump that was forming. Unless you knew she was pregnant it just seemed she put on a bit of weight.

Her eyes caught mine after I had been staring at her stomach. I smiled at her and she softly smiled back moving her hand to play with her necklace again. She shook Lilly's hand and kept smiling, "I'm Cali."

Lilly just could not stop smiling. "I'm sorry," she finally said after she had stared at Cali for a few seconds. "It's just the first time Blake has invited a girl under my permission."

I snorted so loudly I had to cup my hand over my mouth causing Lilly and Cali to look at me. I coughed lightly trying to cover up, "Sorry...I choked...on my own saliva."

Lilly finally seemed to notice I was on the staircase. "What are you doing there?"

I opened my mouth to tell her my crutches were upstairs but remembering the ordeal Blake just made me go through had me thinking how much trouble I could get him into. "Blake took my crutches away and then pushed me down the stairs because he wanted to see me roll down. He also said and I quote 'Gotta use this to my advantage while you can't walk. I've always wanted to see someone roll down the stairs.'"

"He said that?" Lilly nearly shouted. She seemed angry. Mission accomplished.

"Yes." I lied. It was close enough to what really happened. To prove my point I stood up on my good leg and pulled my shirt up a little bit pointing the spot that was turning purple. "There's a bruise."

"Blake!" Lilly called up the stairs. "Come down here right now!"

I looked over at Cali who gave me a thumb's up. She probably knew I was lying considering I couldn't shake a grin off my face. "I'm coming," Blake said as we heard his footsteps hitting the stairs. My crutches were in his hands but I kept looking at his face waiting for a reaction. He gave Cali a half smile, which she returned before looking at the ground and fiddling with her necklace.

The transformation was amazing. Cali used to always be loud and afraid of nothing. Now it was like she was constantly afraid of everything. Like she just wanted to keep her head buried under the ground so nobody would bother her. I was perplexed by how she acted now. I know a lot of people changed while I was asleep but her change is probably the most drastic I'd seen. Her shyness was radiating and she wouldn't speak unless spoken or asked to. A few months ago she would have just barged into my house like she used to. Going straight to the fridge and asking me where I'd put the ice cream.

Blake handed me the crutches just as Lilly began staring him down. "Why'd you push Tori down the stairs?"

Blake looked flabbergasted. "What?"

"She's hurt even more now." Lilly hit his arm. "What's the matter with you? You think that's the way to treat her after everything that's happened? You're lucky we're having dinner tonight or I'd send you to your room without food."

"What?" Blake asked again only this time he was rubbing his arm and glancing at me while I just played my innocent face. He looked beyond confused.

"You're grounded young man." Lilly finished off. "You can ask your brothers to drive you around this week."

"What?!" Blake shouted. "Mom!"

Lilly shushed him pointing her finger towards the kitchen. "I don't want to hear it. To the kitchen. March."

At that point neither Cali nor I could contain our laughter. We both held our hands to our mouths but spits of laughs would escape. When Lilly turned around for a brief moment Blake gave me the glare which finally caused me to erupt. I stood up grabbing my crutches and made my way to kitchen. "Dad," I said taking a seat at the counter. "What are you doing?"

Dad was sitting in front of the oven staring at a baking chicken. The buzz of the oven filled the kitchen along with the intense smell of something cookie. Dad looked mesmerized by the roasting poultry. But even better was that Sergeant was his feet also watching the chicken cook. "I need to make sure this chicken comes out perfectly." Dad said. "It's the first time I've made a chicken in an oven. I usually use the barbecue."

Sergeant, who usually runs towards people when he sees them, didn't even flicker when Cali walked in. Dad however smiled and stood up putting his arms out getting ready to give Cali a hug. "Cali," He said happily. "I haven't seen you in forever."

He gave her a quick hug which she returned. "It's great to see you Mr. Linean." Cali said then stared at his still green hair. Dad had managed to fade some of it out but it was still there. He got an appointment with a nearby salon to try and take the dye out of his hair. By next week he should be back to his natural color. "I see you went Irish." Cali smiled softly.

"Yeah well it's Shawn's fault." Dad rolled his eyes then looked at Cali up and down. His eyebrows furrowed slightly when he saw her stomach but he quickly put it aside giving a smile. "I still remember the first time you came over to hang out with Tori. She introduced us and the first thing you ask me is where I put the peanut butter. Look at you two now. Graduating and leaving the nest."

Blake coughed like he felt he was being excluded. "You're grounded," Lilly said waving her hand. "No one should care about you right now."

Cali and I laughed again while Lilly smiled sweetly. Everyone pitched in on setting the table and even when we were waiting for the chicken to come out of the oven dad couldn't get his eyes off it. When Sergeant saw we all took seats around the dinner table he started to hover in hope we'd give him scraps. For a pup who's new to the house he caught on fast.

After the first few minutes of waiting for the food to be done we didn't talk a lot except of the food. So in general we had a nice time. Dad was happy when the chicken came out perfect as he wanted and he cut it for us and served it around the table. Once the food was served and we were all content with how it turned out we first started talking about school. Then we moved onto conversations like how each of us was doing, how we're all excited to be graduating, and how we're all going to miss having each other around. Then it went on like a regular family dinner conversation. And for once it felt great to be a sibling. Mainly because now I got to experience what it was like to have a brother bring a girl home.

"How's the scholarship going?" Cali asked Blake at one point.

He grinned. It was probably one of his favorite subjects right now. Like he hit the lottery or won jackpot at Vegas. "I'm psyched." He said. "I mean I'm going to work really hard for it but I'm pumped."

"That's awesome." Cali said softly. "And Cole is going into law?"

"Yeah," Dad said 'accidentally' dropping a piece of chicken for Sergeant. "He memorizes the law and says fancy words while I'll just be here enforcing it."

Lilly looked over at dad. "I speak fancy words?"

"I have a right to keep silent." Dad said taking a sip of his glass of water.

"And Shawn?" Cali asked.

"We think he's going to take a gap year." Blake said. "He's moving to New York with Emily."

Cali smiled. "At school he's always near her. Everyone sees them as the perfect couple."

"What about you?" Lilly asked. "What are you doing after high school?"

Blake gulped down the rest of his glass of water getting up to get more. Dad grinned answering the question before Cali could answer, "You still want to go into fashion?" Dad asked before continuing. "She always talked about wanting to be a big designer and moving to Paris to do all sorts of things."

I glanced at Cali remembering when she did want to do those things. Cali's eyes seemed to be melting. She wasn't crying but I could tell she was trying her best not to. It was what she wanted to do. When we were younger she'd tell me how she'd pick me up on her private jet and take me to fashion shows where we'd see her clothing line walking down the runway. Or how she'd be on the cover of magazines and meet famous people. She wanted to be able to travel the world and find the right person and have fun. That's all she ever wanted: fun.

Now watching her I could see those dreams just crumble away. Blake stared at her without her knowing but I could see the resentment in his eyes too. He looked so guilty that I was afraid even Lilly would notice. Everything that Cali was feeling reflected across her eyes. Distraught. Anger. Fear. Disappointment. I wanted it to stop so I quickly looked down at my food.

"Yeah," Cali forced a smile and laugh. "Um, right now I think I'm also going to take a gap year like Shawn."

"Really?" Dad asked frowning. "I thought your parents were sending you to beauty school?"

"No they wanted me to go to college."

"And they're letting you take a gap year?"

Cali took a deep breath finally making eye contact with my dad. "I'm living with my brother right now. He said I can take a gap year if I want but I'd need to get a job somewhere."

Blake sat back down and quickly tried changing the subject. "Well I heard taking gap years aren't that bad. You get to live like an adult for a year, having a job and all, then head to college. Apparently it also helps you figure out what you want to study."

"Also how much money you'll want to bring in." Lilly joked. "You get a real taste of what it's like to have a job and apartment. After that experience I wouldn't be surprised if you wanted to be a brain surgeon."

Blake smirked, "Like Shawn would ever be a brain surgeon." Everyone chuckled softly at that thought except for dad who looked strained like he was trying to figure out a jigsaw puzzle.

After everyone was done with the main course we all and sat around the table eating ice cream. Lilly turned back to Blake and Cali. There was a question at the tip of her tongue that she had been waiting all night to know the answer to. "So how'd you two meet?"

I looked across the table and Blake put his spoon down now knowing that the moment he'd been dreading the last couple of months was going to happen. There seemed to be a drop in mood between Blake and Cali that neither dad nor Lilly noticed. Cali also put her spoon down looking at the bowl of ice cream like she was ready to throw up the entire dinner. She started fiddling with her necklace again keeping her eyes locked onto a chip at the edge of the table never looking up at us. Blake went cold like always. A rock statue looking thing.

Neither of them really wanted to answer. Blake finally opened his mouth, "One nigh-"

"Dramatic irony." I blurted out cutting him off. Underneath the table I kicked him in the leg but kept my eyes trained on my parents. Blake should probably, most likely, defiantly not start with that sentence.

"What?" Dad asked me making me realize my diversion worked.

"Dramatic irony," I repeated hoping that Blake and Cali would have this whole thing sorted out by the time I was done ranting. "Yeah I've missed so much school that my English teacher gave me a list of vocab words I need to memorize and that's one of them. There are three kinds of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the people in the story don't. So right now, I'm the audience and you two are the ones that don't know while Blake and Cali are the main characters. So I know how they met but you don't. Dramatic irony." I stuff my face with ice cream. "Totally gonna nail this test."

"We met at a party." Cali said making everyone turn back to them.

Blake scratched the back of his head moving his fingers through his hair. "Truth is we've been seeing each other for a while."

"Huh," Dad said in the middle of licking his spoon. "And here I thought Tori introduced you two."

"Tori and I haven't talked much this year." Cali admitted a bit sadly. "We sort of drifted."

Dad gave us a strange look. It would explain why we hadn't hung out a lot though. He had been asking about that. I kicked Blake under the table again. He had gone still but slowly looked up at me. "Grow a pair," I muttered quietly.

Blake looked so conflicted. So afraid. Even more scared than when we were prepping against Shawn for April Fool's. This wasn't fear of getting ambushed by a strange child that likes to play pranks. This was real. Just one glance and you could tell Blake seemed lost and unsure of what to do. A face he doesn't commonly have. Usually he's strong and sure of himself. Cocky even. Now it was like a wave of desperation went over his head and he was rolling underneath the water trying his best to find the surface to breathe.

He took a deep breath and stood up. "We have some news," He started out then reached over to grab Cali's hand. I wasn't sure if he was going to let it down lightly but knowing Blake he wasn't. "Cali's pregnant." Blake dropped the bomb so quick no one had time to react. We all looked at him with disbelief. Even though I already knew I needed time to process his words in my head. When no one said anything he added slowly, "And I'm the dad..."

Lilly clutched onto dad's hand just as Cali squeezed Blake's. Lilly kept looking down at the table while she thought everything through. Blake and Cali were holding their breaths waiting to see what our parents would say. "How-" Dad cleared his throat finally breaking the silence. "How far are you right now Cali?"

She bit her lip. "I found out just before Tori's accident. We didn't tell you sooner because we knew you were having a hard time already. We didn't want to add more stress."

"But you told your parents?" Dad asked. He was talking slowly as if he were talking to a kindergartner. I think a part of him was still trying to process the new information. Either he didn't believe it or didn't want to believe it.

"Yes."

"And?"

Cali took in a shaky breath. "They kicked me out."

Lilly finally looked up. She had tears in her eyes and was obviously distressed. "Mom," Blake said softly. "Please don't cry. Don't be mad."

"How can I not cry?" She wiped at her face and stood up. "I'm not mad Blake. I'm just disappointed." Her voice cracked as a shudder went through her body. "You should have known better or at least been more protected or whatever. Don't get me wrong I want to be a grandma but not this early."

"Lilly." Dad stood up rubbing her shoulders lightly. "They're just kids."

"Exactly. They're just kids." Lilly wiped at her face again. "I don't want you two having to worry about this responsibility yet. You're suppose to go to college, hang out with friends, have fun and enjoy yourselves."

It was strange seeing Lilly cry the way she was right now. There wasn't any anger in her eyes just disappointment. I didn't know how it felt to be in her position but to her it seemed like she didn't know what to do either. She didn't expect it and now her emotions were getting the better of her. I felt my heart drop watching Lilly cry. She never cries. At least not in front of us. She's always holding her head up high and trying her best to be there for us. Now it looks like everything around her crashed down and she didn't know how to put it back together.

"Just don't blame Blake." Cali spoke standing up. She was getting emotional too. "He doesn't-I mean-it's not his fault."

"Don't take the full blame for this." Blake said a bit more anger than needed. "It takes two people Cali. Two people. Not just one. It's literally a fifty-fifty here so you're not going to take the full blame."

"No honey," Lilly sniffled and grabbed Cali's hand. At this point both of them were crying and I felt like I was in a new teen drama TV show. "We're going to help, ok? Don't cry it's going to be ok. If you need a place to stay for a while you're more than welcomed here."

"It's going to be ok Cali." Dad added softly putting his hand on her shoulder.

Lilly turned to Blake and started sobbing. Blake put his arms around his mom and held her close while she cried on his shoulder. "I'm going to be a grandma."

"It's ok mom." Blake comforted. He rubbed her back softly letting her cry on his shoulder while he tried to control her sobs by holding her closer.

"You're going to be a dad." She cried.

"I promise I won't screw up."

"Look what you did to this poor girl." Lilly sniffled finally able to compose herself a little. "Do you know what labor is like?"

"No..."

"That's because all guys ever think of," Lilly hit Blake's chest. "Is sex. God, I knew those noises coming from your room wasn't Animal Planet."

Dad had been comforting Cali considering he's known her for years. He told her he'd talk to her parents and that everything would be fine. If worse came to worse Lilly could take Cali's parents to court for who knows what. Everything did seem to be ok after a while though. At least I was happy. I had been eating everyone's ice cream while the drama unfolded but now I was glad to say everything seemed to be falling into place. Lilly and Cali were able to stop crying after a few minutes and that's when Lilly started asking Cali questions about the kid. They were trying to sort everything out. Whether Blake and Cali would get married or not, where they would live, how school would work out. It was slowly coming together. Until dad asked Cali what he thought was a very important question.

"Cali," Dad said. "How old are you?"

"I just turned eighteen two weeks ago." Cali said with a shrug. "I didn't really want anything so my brother and I stayed home and watched some TV together."

Dad turned to look at Blake, "Oh boy are you in trouble."

Blake frowned, obviously confused as dad stood up walking to the counter. "For what?" Blake asked just as dad pulled out one of his pairs of handcuffs out of a drawer. I don't know how many pairs of handcuffs dad has lying around the house. A part of me was afraid to search around. I knew he at least owned three and one was always downstairs in the drawer but of course the keys were attached to dad's belt.

"You had sexual relations with someone that's underage." Dad said seriously. "This is your second offense Blake."

"So you're going to arrest me?" Blake not only looked baffled but shocked. "Bill you can't be serious."

"Serious as can be. Now put your hands behind your back and turn around." Dad hung the handcuffs on his fingers as Blake turned around. Who would have known how amusing it would be to see Blake getting handcuffed at his own home.

"This is so messed up." Blake rolled his eyes but then flinched when Dad cuffed him. "These actually hurt."

I started to laugh hysterically. "You're really arresting him?"

"Yup." Dad kissed Lilly lightly. "We'll be back late. Why don't you girls have a girl's night out? A slumber party or something."

"Unbelievable." Blake stared at the ceiling. "Mom you're going to let him arrest me?"

Lilly shrugged, "You're still grounded. Consider this your punishment." She turned towards Cali and I. "I have some great movies we could watch."

I grinned, "Bye Cake. Have fun in jail. Make sure to get a cell to yourself or bad things will happen to you."

"Let's move criminal." Dad lightly shoved Blake to the garage. "Come on."

"Now I know how Trent felt." Blake muttered heading towards the car.

******************************

Blake's POV

It was really dark outside but I was glad to be alone. Well I was stuck in the backseat of my stepdad's car supposedly heading to the police department for booking and whatever else they do. My head rested against the cool glass of the car as the streetlights passed by. Bill would look in the review mirror every so often to see how I was doing. He never asked if I was ok because he knew I was going to tell him this was a load of bullshit. I just wasn't sure if he was serious about all this. I definitely did not want this on my permanent record.

It was ok right now though. I was happy of getting out of the house. It'd been a while since I'd seen mom cry like that but today felt like a hole was suddenly dug into my chest. The moment she said she was disappointed it felt like someone had shot me in the gut. It was the worst feeling I'd ever. I'd always try to make her proud even if I wasn't smart or funny. I always wanted to win and be the best of what I do like her. Instead I felt like someone stabbed me in the chest and I got lightheaded. Then when she cried I wanted to die. I had never wanted my mother to cry over me in a sense that she's disappointed. I'd seen her cry before but they were always tears of joy. Or when she was really sad like when dad died or when Tori was in the hospital. Now I felt like I let her down. And even though she's accepted the idea of being a grandmother I feel the need to try and make her proud of me again.

"How you holding up?" Bill asked.

I clinked the handcuffs that were hurting my wrists and stabbing into my back. "Could you take these off? They're really uncomfortable."

"Nope." Bill said with a smirk. I knew that was going to be the answer so I just tried my best to get comfortable.

A few minutes later we pulled into a gas station. While the tank was filling Bill went inside and bought a few drinks. He wore a baseball cap trying to prevent people from seeing his green hair. From the backseat I saw him head to the back of gas station and grab a few drinks before paying for them at the front. When he got back he put the drinks in the front seat and continued to drive. "Beer?" I asked him. "I thought you don't drink."

Bill chuckled. "I don't. It's Yoohoo chocolate milk."

"Of course it is." I half smiled at his weirdness now watching the road ahead to see where we were going. About five minutes later Bill pulled into a dirt road. It's constant bumping and pot holes in the road only caused the handcuffs to dig into my skin even more. It didn't last too long though. Eventually he stopped the car but kept the headlights on. "Where are we?" I asked him. "This sure doesn't look like the police station."

Bill rolled his eyes and got out of the car with the bag of drinks in hand. He opened my door and unlocked the handcuffs. I started rubbing my wrists until he tossed me a Yoohoo. "Sit down with me." He was sitting on the hood of his car looking over a small creek that was shining under the headlights.

I opened the Yoohoo, took a sip, and then laid back on the hood of his car watching the creek flow smoothly. "I'm assuming I'm not going to prison?" I asked.

Bill chuckled. "You were way too easy to put handcuffs on. No struggle or anything."

"I was already grounded. What's the point of struggling if I'll just get into more trouble." I shrugged taking another sip. I think I would have felt manlier if Bill had gotten us beer. But then he'd start telling me I was underage and shouldn't be drinking. Still...I'd prefer that lecture than sit here drinking Yoohoo. We looked like two dorks. "So why'd you bring me out here?"

Bill sighed. "I guess I feel the need to have to talk to you about your whole situation."

"Meaning?"

"Having kids isn't a joke Blake." Bill said as he started drinking his own chocolate milk.

"I know." I sat up and keeping my eyes on the creek.

"They'll mean the world to you." Bill added. "You don't know what it's like. To have someone depend on you, look up to you, always come running to you when they get hurt or when they're happy. The amount of time you sit down with them and help them with they're homework. Or how much money you put in for their extra activities or to just help them. They're your whole world."

"Is that how you feel about Tori and Suzie?"

Bill nodded. "And with you and your brothers. Yeah having kids is a lot of responsibility and a lot of work but...I can't imagine a life with Tori or Sue. Or you boys for a matter of fact. My days would now be lame if they weren't filled with Shawn's constant weirdness."

I chuckled looking down at my Yoohoo. "You're a good dad Bill. A little strange. But good."

Bill grinned slightly before drinking down some more chocolate milk. We went quiet for a while. Unsure what to say to each other we just kept drinking on the hood of his car watching small frogs jump into the little creek. The small wind blew on the reeds that lined up the bank and in some area's the creek water was so low that rocks would cut through the current as it surfaced.

"Bill," I said quietly not sure if he heard me. It'd been while since either of us talked but I was content with the silence. I somewhat hated myself for disrupting it but I wanted to know. "Do you think I'll be an ok dad?"

Bill put the bottle of empty Yoohoo down and looked at me for a second. He seemed to be studying me like a textbook. Analyzing everything. "Yeah," He finally said. "You will be."

I was satisfied. I even smiled at the ground. I don't know why it meant so much for Bill to say I would be a good dad. It just felt that a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I was grateful he brought me here to just relax and enjoy the night. It was better than being at home and worrying about the looks mom would give me or constantly watching Cali and just wondering what was going to happen next. It was great to just lay back and forget everything even if it was just for a moment.

"Toss me another Yoohoo." Bill said pointing at the bag of bottles. I gave him another Yoohoo and he drank half of it in a minute. "We should be getting back soon. Or at least drive around for a while."

I nodded but neither of us moved. I had too much on my mind that I wanted to just forget. But that wasn't going to happen. I used to think my road ahead for me was going to be straight now it was a circle. And I don't know if I'll ever be able to get out of the loop.

"Hey Bill," I said standing up. "I need your help with something."

"What's that kid?"

"It's Prom soon."

Bill laughed, "No I'm not going to be your date. But I do have a tuxedo you can borrow if it fits."

I rolled my eyes and started explaining how I needed his help. I was never a very romantic guy and I honestly didn't know if I ever could be. Romance had never been and will probably never be a part of how I think. So whatever I was going to do, I was going to do it my way. I just needed help with it.

******************************

I had my hands stuffed into my pockets as I waited outside the front door of my house as Bill had gone in to tell Cali to come out. Tori peaked out of her window and I stuck my tongue out at her like she had been doing to me all day. She rolled her eyes and closed her blinds. I smiled to myself somewhat proud of what I did. It didn't take too much. Just a stop at Walmart on the way home.

Cali came out of the front door. She looked better. Like she had also felt a large weight taken off of her shoulders. "Your dad said you wanted to talk to me." Cali said. I usually would have corrected someone for calling Bill my dad but I let it go this time. He's awesome and I think he's great but I still can't find myself to call him my dad. He's my step dad but at least I don't hate him anymore.

"Yeah," I grabbed Cali's hand and pulled her beside me. I started walking slowly towards the backyard and Cali strolled along beside me. "You didn't tell me it was your birthday two weeks ago."

"Yeah...well..." Cali shrugged. "I didn't care much about it."

"I still could have wished you a happy birthday."

"Nah it's ok. It wasn't a big deal."

"Well I still feel bad about it. So happy late birthday I guess." When we rounded around my house and to the backyard on the first step of my porch was a box wrapped up with ribbon and next to the box was a bouquet of flowers. "It's not much." I said to Cali when she saw it. "But like I said, happy late birthday."

Cali smiled widely. She looked so happy that I was slightly afraid she'd think what I got her was stupid. She kissed my cheek before running to the steps where she sat down and grabbed the box putting it on her lap. I slowly followed after her taking a seat beside her as she pulled the ribbon. I wasn't sure what to watch, the opening of the box or her reaction.

The first thing Cali pulled out was the cupcake. I had taken it out of a box of six and switched it into a plastic container that Bill had bought for me. Cali smiled and took the cupcake out of the plastic container before holding it up to my mouth. "Want some?" She asked.

I took a small bite letting her eat the rest. She dug into the box again pulling out a bag of Reese's chocolate. "Bill told me it's your favorite."

Cali nodded, "That's because I love peanut butter."

The next thing she pulled out was what I had been hoping she'd leave for last. It was a plain binky and on the front I had written the word: Prom? I had hoped she'd leave it last considering I also included little baby socks and movie with a bag of popcorn so we could watch it later as one of our dates. Instead Cali had grabbed the binky and stared down at the four letters. Prom?

She didn't say anything she just looked up at me holding the binky in her fingers. I gave her a shy smile and asked, "Prom?"

******************************

Tori's POV

Tomorrow we'd be leaving for the soccer game that's an hour away. So right now I was in my room packing a duffel bag that'd I'd take with me. I wasn't going to play but I was still going to sit on the sidelines and watch. I wanted to support my team and my brothers. Especially Blake who knows the scouts are going to be watching him and see how he does. He's been guaranteed a scholarship but that could quickly be turned down if they realize he isn't what they ideally want.

On the downside, I would miss more school. I know I should probably be happy about missing school but because I'm behind with everything it's only causing me to fall even more behind. And I want to graduate this year so even though I want a break from the insane amount of homework and tests my teachers are giving me I know it'll probably be more harmful than helpful to be going to this game.

I was so stressed I just needed to get away for a bit. After everything going on at home and at school I could use some time off. It seemed that everything was coming together for a lot of us but I was still trying to catch up. Blake finally figured everything out with Cali. He was also getting ready for college and was continuously practicing whenever he got the chance. Cole and Jodee were still dating but Cole was getting emotionally prepared for a breakup. He was also studying nonstop for college. And Shawn. Well he's just been getting closer to Emily. And sometimes he'll go online in search for good places to live in New York or at least close enough to Em that she's only a few minutes away.

I placed my team uniform in my bag hopping to my closet to grab a shirt. I didn't have to pack a lot considering we'd still have to go to school tomorrow for half of the day. "What should I take to sleep?" I asked Mark who was on one of my bean bags playing video games. After school I skipped practice and let him drive me home where I then invited him to stay for a bit.

"You're stressing too much over this." He said clicking buttons on the remote. "Sit down, grab a controller, and play with me. I'm destroying these people."

"I need to finish packing first." I hopped over to my closet again and grabbed a sweatshirt.

Mark paused the game, "Alright alright. For Saturday you need to take your uniform anyways so you just need an extra spare clothes and pajamas."

"Shorts and a tank top to sleep in it is." I put the tank top and shorts in my bag but before I could zip it up and set it to the side Mark stood up and unpacked the clothes from my bag placing them on my bed.

"Shorts and a tank top while you're the only girl among like twenty guys," He smirked. "Yeah I don't think so."

I laughed, "Oh come on. I'm like one of the guys to them."

Mark sighed and put the clothes back in the bag. "Fine. But could you play video games with me now?"

"Yes." I leaned against my bed putting my arms around his neck. He smiled leaning over my bed to kiss me lightly. Before his lips could touch mine I pulled back asking, "What game?"

Mark chuckled. "I got a new one in my backpack."

"What is it?" I asked hopping to my beanbag and plopping down. My crutches were leaning against my nightstand but because my room was so small I didn't find a need to have to use them in here.

"It's a surprise." Mark walked over to his backpack and pulled out a game before putting the disc in the console. He pulled me up sitting down on my beanbag and placing me on his lap.

I grabbed my controller tucking my head under Mark's chin and watched the game introduction flashed across the screen. "Look's cool." I said, "Are you player one?"

"Yup." Mark clicked down to the story mode. Each slot wasn't labeled like I thought it would be. Usually Mark, Conlan, and my name is labeled on the slots so we could tell the difference of who's section is who's instead the first slot read: Go To. The second slot: Prom. The third slot: With Me?

I blinked twice and sat up. Mark and I had talked about Prom but we hadn't gone into details. I just assumed we'd be going together. When Mark had asked me out I felt like he also mentioned we'd be going to Prom together so I just pushed the notion of being officially asked to Prom out of my mind. It wasn't that I didn't like how he asked me. I thought it was really sweet. I was just never expecting it.

I turned to Mark and saw him smiling. "Well will you?"

I rolled my eyes cupping his face in my hands before kissing him softly. He wrapped his arms around me and held me tighter. Even now I could still feel like there's a raging ocean in my stomach. Every time I kiss Mark it's like tsunami takes over and I feel myself melting into the water. "Yes." I said when I pulled back. "Even though I already figured we'd be going together."

Mark shrugged, "I figured to. That's why I didn't do anything over the top. Plus I know you Tori. You don't like super fancy extraordinary stuff."

"You make it sound bad."

"Nah," Mark grinned. "Saves money though."

I laughed. "Way to sound cheap."

"Hey I bought the video game didn't I?"

"Which reminds me," I snuggled closer into Mark's chest as he wrapped his arms around me to keep me close. I pulled out my controller clicking Start.

"We need to play."

Mark laughed, "Get ready to get your virtual ass kicked by my virtual foot."

******************************

"Shawn I'm not so sure about this." I said to him as we got ready for school. After I got dressed I headed into Shawn's room to talk about his so called 'plan.'

"I have to do it today Tori." Shawn said pulling a shirt out of his closet and placing it over his bare chest. "The deal ends tomorrow and I need to return it."

I glanced over at the helmet that was lying beside his backpack. "Are you sure your costume isn't going to be too heavy?"

Shawn thought about it for a second before shrugging, "Nah. I mean people say whipped cream is heavy but it really isn't."

"I don't think that's what they mean."

Shawn looked at me like he thought I was stupid. "So why's it called heavy cream?"

"I don't know." I said shrugging. "I'm not the cream expert."

"Is that a real occupation?" Shawn asked looking at me seriously. "Because if it is I'll totally go to college for that."

I rolled my eyes going back to the topic at hand. "No it's not real. Just like Charlie doesn't really have a chocolate factory. Now seriously Shawn. Don't you think you're going to embarrass Em?"

"No I'm not." Shawn grinned. "Plus I'm always embarrassing her. I doubt this is going to be anything extra."

"But it's over the top..." I muttered wanting to pace around the room but I couldn't. So I just stared at Shawn who started tossing random things out of his closet in search for his costume. He finally pulled out a shield and threw it in the stack of things he might use. I wasn't sure how Shawn was going to do this exactly. He said he had a planned. That he knows a guy. I don't know how many contacts this kid has or who those people are but I was afraid to ever have to find out.

"Run by the plan again." I asked. "What do I need to do?"

"You," he started to say just as he pulled a plastic rat out of his closet and threw it to a stack. "Are going to bring Em out to the football field when I tell you to." He handed me a walkie talkie that was on his desk. "We'll keep in touch with that."

I stared at the walkie talkie. "Can't you just text me?"

Shawn seemed baffled. "What's the fun in that?"

My eye's narrowed at him as I stared between him and the walkie talkies. "So I'm going to have to carry a walkie talkie around just waiting for you to tell me when to bring Em out?" I had already been doubting this plan but now I was about to abort it completely. "How do you even know I'm going to be with her?"

"It'll be during lunch."

"Again, what's the point of having walkie talkies if I know it'll be at lunch time and I have a phone?" Before he could answer I came to a realization and continued. "Wait you're going to make me crutch all the way to the football field from the cafeteria?"

Shawn seemed to think it over. "Well...would you prefer getting a ride?"

I faked a laugh. "No thanks. But why didn't you ask one of your brothers to help you out?"

"Because they don't take me seriously." Shawn grabbed something out of his closet. It looked like a trophy except it was a sphere and was as just a little smaller than a bowling ball. I had no idea what it was and I really didn't want to find out. It seemed to weigh a lot considering Shawn was struggling holding it. His fingers jumbled up causing him to lose his grip and the trophy fell on his foot. Shawn started jumping up and down holding on his foot. "Holy vase of fluorescent purple flowers!" He shouted. "That hurts! That hurts more than if I were stabbed in the leg by a tusk that was owned by a boar of a Viking warlock in the Jumble berry nation of the kingdom of Sugar Blood Plum."

I wasn't sure whether to laugh or be worried. "Yeah," I finally said. "I wonder why they never take you seriously."

******************************

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Mark asked me as we made our way to the cafeteria. Ever since I came back to school he'd wait for me by my locker whenever we'd have another class together or we'd be on the way to lunch. I know he's been taking the long way around the school in order to do that and sometimes I'd get mad with him because I knew he would be late for class but a part of me couldn't stop smiling whenever he did stick by my side. Plus, after he saw me struggling with the straps of my backpack while they got stuck around my crutches he said he'd carry my bag for me. I told him not to but he insisted. So now he helps me to class too. The only time he doesn't is whenever one of my brother's offers to do it for me.

So when Shawn explained to me his plan I had to tell Mark. There was no way I could pull it off by myself. I wasn't even sure how we were going to convince Em to go to the football field. Mark agreed to help me but he didn't believe Shawn was actually going to do what he says he's going to do. But if Shawn were to do it we both wanted to see his moment because it was probably going to be spectacular.

Before we came to school I was finally able to convince Shawn to tell Blake and Cole about the plan. When Shawn and I finished explaining it to the other two they stared at us like we were kidding. Cole thought it was another prank and he didn't believe it. Somehow they finally agreed to go. Just for the sake of it possibly happening. Shawn was ecstatic. He needed more people to help him on the field. His costume weighed so much it was hard for him to walk but with his brother's help everything should run a lot more smoothly.

"I have no idea how we're going to pull this off." I admitted glancing at Mark. It wouldn't be too hard to convince Em. But I was more worried about getting caught. Shawn hadn't asked our principle for permission and even if he did we weren't sure he would even get permission. We were all afraid there would be an accident on the field. And if a lot of grass just grazed off where patches are noticeable coach would kill us.

The worst part is we're suppose to leave this afternoon. In the middle of fifth period which is the period right after lunch. So Shawn better have a good cleanup crew to at least deal with the problem. He said he has a friend that can drive the truck back. So basically all he has to worry about is getting it to the field.

"How did he afford this?" Mark asked as we came into the cafeteria.

"He got a deal online or something." I crutched a little faster and sat at our usual table. Mark handed me my lunchbox and sat beside me getting his own food out. I pulled out some apple slices looking around waiting for Em to appear.

"That kid amazes me." Mark said with a little glitter of bewilderment in his eyes. He was smiling to himself like he was remembering the crazy stuff that Shawn does in his history class. He then looked up with me frowning slightly. "Wait aren't you guys leaving today?"

"Yeah."

"So he wants to do it today...why?"

"He said he wants to leave on a good note. And the deal ends today." I smirked. Em finally walked into the cafeteria. She was talking with another girl that was probably in one of her classes. They said a quick goodbye before Em made her way towards us. "Now shush," I said to Mark. "She's coming."

"Now we wait for your walkie talkie." Mark said.

That was another thing. In order to convince Shawn to talk to his brothers he made me promise to use the walkie talkie. Which was really stupid because now Em would be able to hear him talking to me. I held the walkie talkie in my lap between my legs hoping to muffle the sound when Shawn starts to talk.

"Hey guys," Em smiled at us taking her usual seat. "Where's everyone at?"

"The Trips had something to do this morning." I covered up. "They said they'll be here soon."

Em nodded sounding convinced. She took out some Chinese takeout from her lunchbox and started eating some noodles with a pair of chopsticks. "So what's up?"

Mark took a deep breath never looking up from his food. "Well in my history class we found the last frog that Shawn had let loose on April Fool's. Apparently there were twenty one frogs not twenty. I think he picked that number on purpose to throw us off. Anyways, today a weird smell was coming from the back of a cabinet. Me and some other kid moved it out of the way to find a decaying frog in the back. Poor guy got stuck and probably died of starvation or something. Our teacher thought it was sorta cool how the frog looked as it was decaying. So we went to the chemistry lab and asked for a jar and some alcohol. Long story short my history teacher now has a half decayed frog in a jar on her desk in perfect preservation."

Em and I both looked up at each other unable to eat after that story. It seemed funny but gross. I remember dissecting a frog in biology class freshman year. I wasn't sure if I'd be ok with a decaying frog though. "I don't know if I should be grossed out or find that funny." Em finally said.

"I think it's a little of both." I added.

"It's really cool actually." Mark said with a small grin.

"I'm sure it is." Em looked over at me. "What about you Tori? Aren't you guys leaving today for finals?"

I nodded. "Yup."

"Excited?"

I shrugged. "I won't be doing much. Just watching. But I think it'll be fun. Not to mention I get a whole hotel room to myself."

Mark snorted. "You better."

Em and I both rolled our eyes. We all knew I was probably going to sneak out later and join my brothers in their room. We were probably going to order a pizza and just play games. I was going to comment on what Mark said but I felt the walkie talkie start to buzz.

"Gorilla," The walkie talkie said in Shawn's voice. "This is Shawnator. Over."

Oh yeah, I remembered. We have code names.

I put the small radio up to my mouth pressing the button to send my message. "This is Gorilla...apparently. Now?"

"Over." Shawn paused. "Over."

"What?" I asked.

"You have to say over at the end of each of your sentences. Over." Shawn said.

I looked up at Mark who was trying not to laugh. Em didn't even seem to be fazed as she continued eating her noodles. She was probably used to all of Shawn's shenanigans. "Ok. Do we move into position?" I asked before adding in, "Over."

"We have one more thing to do but you can start coming here. Over."

"Alright be there soon. Over."

"What's that all about?" Mark tried playing.

I started telling my cover story. "We're all playing this war game thing that Shawn likes. We have teams and I'm actually missing a few people. You guys want to join me? I could really use your help."

Now I would just have to hope for a yes from Emily. Mark shrugged, "Sure."

Em thought for a second. "Shawn taught me that if there's a walkie talkie in the game it's bound to be fun."

I tried not to smile too much from happiness that she agreed. I thought it'd be ten times harder to convince her. I just couldn't believe Shawn was right about the walkie talkies. I guess his philosophy came in handy. "Cool." I said trying to act calm. "Ok, let's go."

Em looked up from her food. "Wait, right now?"

I looked between her and Mark then back to her. "Yeah."

"It's lunch." She argued. "Why now?"

Before I could answer Mark did, "Come on Em. We all know Shawn does things at random times. I mean we could all be on the U.S.S. Enterprise and instead of looking around the ship he'd probably be staring down a funky looking alien and start asking him or her if they were conceived by the mystical chocolate orb."

Em thought about it for a second, "Touché." We briefly paid attention to Mark's analogy before we started packing our lunches in our bags. "So where do we have to go for this game?" Em asked.

"Um," I said casually getting up with my crutches. "He said we need to go to the football field."

"The school football field?" Em asked. "Are we going to make it back to class on time?"

"Yeah you'll make it. Come on." Mark pulled us along as we left through the backdoor of the cafeteria. Outside was a small patio that had picnic tables where students ate their lunch. Some people were sitting along the grass enjoying the beautiful day. We had to round the patio in order to reach the parking lot that was in front of the field.

After a while the crutches started hurting my armpits causing us to move slower. I hated my crutches. They would start hurting my armpits and there was no way to move position to cause the burning and rubbing to stop. "How's the therapy going?" Em asked when she noticed my struggle.

"My therapist is really nice." I said. "I mean they just make me stretch most of the time. So there's not a lot to do."

"Hang on Tori." Mark repositioned his backpack and picked me up bridal style. He gave an excuse when Em started smiling and cooing. "We need to make it back before class starts."

Em grinned so much I thought her lips had been stapled that way. "Is that how you're going to carry her down the aisle to y'all's honeymoon?"

One of my arms had gone around Mark's neck but I used my free hand to cover my blushing face. Mark chuckled and kissed the top of my head. "Yeah maybe."

Without thinking I blurted out. "I'm under aged."

Mark rolled his eyes. "I know. Your dad sat me down for a man to man talk about it."

A strike of fear went through me. I know dad used to be very protective over me whenever I told him I was hanging out with guys but he was always really chilled back about Mark. After a while dad realized that the people I mainly hung out with was Mark and Cali so he wasn't worried as much. I tried imagining my dad trying to look threatening to Mark. I mean dad and Mark are like best friends. Just like I'm best friends with Mr. and Mrs. Bennett.

"When did dad sit you down for that?" I asked.

"The other day when I went over." Mark laughed softly. "After he finished telling me that he owns a gun and knows how to track me down because he's a cop he started to tell me that he wants grandchildren. Oh and your dad prefers the names Jackson for a boy and Jasmine for a girl."

"That's adorable." Em cooed as she giggled like a little school girl. I could feel my face heat up. I decided to just keep quiet considering we were close to the entry of the field. When we finally walked through the entrance and down a few steps of the stadium Em stopped dead in her tracks next to Mark. "Oh my god. Is that Shawn?" Em gasped staring at the field. She had wide eyes and looked like she couldn't decide whether to be happy, embarrassed, or just plain laugh.

Mark set me down following our gazes. "Son of bitch actually did it..."

A part of me was actually hoping, praying that Shawn had been kidding. That it was another joke. Nope. He was one hundred percent serious when he explained his plan to me. "I kinda hoped it would have been miniature." I said.

Shawn was in a full body knight costume. Armor and all. Some parts were metal and others were cloth to make it more flexible. Blake and Cole were watching him from the side lines shaking their heads like they couldn't believe their brother. But the costume wasn't what Shawn had rented for a cheap price. Shawn was able to get at a horse. A real actual horse. He was riding the horse back and forth from each side of the field. Even from the stands we could hear him cry, "For Narnia and for FooFoo!"

"That's a horse." Em said like she couldn't believe it.

"Yeah." I said with equal amount of bewilderment.

"He's riding a horse." Em said slowly like her mind was still trying to process it.

"Yeah."

Shawn spotted us at the top of the stands and called us down. "Ho, there!" He yelled raising a hand in the air. He started laughing hysterically. I couldn't hear him very well but I think he said, "I just said the H word."

Cole looked up at us and yelled, "He has a horse!"

"We know!" I yelled back.

We started moving down the steps until we were on the field. Shawn and the horse walked towards us. The horse was actually really pretty. It had a thin brown coat that matched its mane. There was a white diamond on its forehead. Unlike Shawn though, who was covered in the armor, the horse didn't have anything on it except its saddle and of course the bridle that Shawn used to steer it.

Em looked between Mark, my brothers, and I waiting for an explanation. We all backed up a bit just as Shawn stopped the horse directly in front of Em. I was wondering how the horse could take Shawn's weight with the armor costume. Either it wasn't as heavy as it looked or the horse was really strong.

Blake leaned into me whispering in my ear, "This is going on YouTube." He held up his phone showing me he had been recording the whole thing. "He actually got a horse. I thought you were kidding."

"We better not get in trouble because of this." Cole said.

"Just make sure it doesn't crap on the field." Mark added.

I shrugged, "Well you know that saying...shit happens."

The three boys tried not to laugh at my cheesy joke as we turned our attention to Shawn. "Em," He began. "I'd get off of my noble stead right now to be eye to eye with you but it took me half an hour to get on."

Em ran her hands down her face keeping them at her cheeks as she stared in shock. She was laughing softly. "You have a horse Shawn."

"I know right," Shawn grinned. "His name is Agga."

"The owner named him Agga?"

"Of course not." Shawn smirked. "But he's my horse for another hour so his name is going to be Agga."

Em let out a sigh. She couldn't stop smiling but it was more of an I can't believe you have a horse at school kind of smile. "Why do you have a horse?"

"Come up here," Shawn shifted down the saddle a little bit. "I can't talk to you while you're down there. Makes me feel like I'm way too superior."

Blake coughed, "Whipped."

Shawn gave him a blank stare. "You're just jealous. Because you're the king and you can't find anyone. At least I'm the knight in shining armor."

Unsure how to answer Blake said, "At least I don't smell like barn."

I elbowed Blake, "Stop ruining the moment."

Cole held onto Agga's reins while Mark hoisted Em onto the saddle to sit in front of Shawn princess style. Blake and I sat at the side lines looking through his phone as he recorded everything.

Shawn took a deep breath leading to a small cough before he cleared his throat and began the lines he had rehearsed with me. "I've always wanted to be a knight in shining armor." He said. "But I've never really had anyone to save or someone that seemed worthwhile to be with."

He clicked his tongue and kicked his heels lightly against Agga's sides making him start walking. The horse's hooves clanked against the track that looped around the field. Blake walked beside the horse in order to catch everything on camera. He looked like a mother trying to record his child doing something spectacular.

No one could believe that Shawn got a horse.

"Blake," I said waving him back. "He wants privacy."

"And I want a million views on YouTube and an interview with Ellen." He retorted but once Shawn and Em veered off the curve of the track Blake headed back our way. He kept laughing, "Talk about whipped."

"Wait," Cole said. "He's asking Em to Prom on a horse."

"Yeah," I said. "Because he wanted to be the knight in shining armor."

Cole snorted, "Well this makes my Promposal look like a piece of crap."

Mark chuckled, "You and me both."

Blake looked up from the recording and glanced at Mark. "Who'd you ask to Prom?"

Mark rolled his eyes, "I don't know Blake. Who do you think?"

"Your mom." Blake looked at me with raised eyebrows. "It better have been his mom."

I pushed on Blake's shoulders. "You're so stupid."

Blake mimicked me in an annoying voice, "You're so stupid."

"Stop that!"

He grinned slightly before glancing at Cole. There seemed to be a telepathic conversation flying through the air between them because they both had the same look in their eyes and a smile. "You can go with him," Cole said. "But only if you let us drive you there and back."

I laughed, "Excuse me?"

"Face it Tobi," Blake said going back to his phone. "We all know what happens on Prom night. And-"

He and Cole both talked together at the last part. "You're underage."

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I don't know if you guys liked it. I hope it was worth the wait. If not next chapter totally will be and I will update it sooner. I've already started working on it. But please please please give me your feedback on it.

So for people that watch Breaking Bad this metaphor should make sense. This chapter was like one of the character development episodes (I think). For Supernatural fans, this was like one of the episodes where they're hunting and it basically just takes a break from the story line. Walking Dead fans, basically same concept as Breaking Bad fans. I think that make sense...

Ok well...next chapter will be better I think. I just hope you guys liked this one.

Forgive me for being late. If you guys keep up with what I post on my board you'll know that I was busy with school, exams, and right now over the summer I don't have wifi the first month unless I go to my cousins house and he lives sorta far away. Thanks for the people that stuck around. Y'all are all great. I'll try to update soon :)

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