MATURE: - Complete A Chocolate Apple and a Rock

Lyrebird · Apr 5, 2015

So....

The title has nothing to do with the story. I really couldn't think of a title at all, so really kind of pathetic. I also forgot how to spell apple for a while, that does make it even more pathetic.

Firstly some notes. Lyrebird is not a writer, I have less talent than a dead frog floating around in the water. it's cold lifeless body floating, floating away until it is eaten by a duck. Not one of those cute ducks or maybe a cute duck, I don't know but I always wanted a pet swan actually. So the point is that I'm not a writer at all but I'm trying because something to cross of a bucket list. I still have cliff diving on that list.

Secondly a thank you to everyone who helped me. Trust me I really needed the help and support, like really.

Plot - It is just a random bunch of teenagers being teenagers. I set it in the mid 90's because I totally love the pop culture of that era and it really gets rid of the social media aspect which I wanted. The fashion was pretty horrible though. I guess I didn't really have a plot because I just wanted to focus on characters that I've dealt with in real life. I just wanted to keep it simple because more me there isn't really a story story, it just random stuff that happens. I wanted to keep the rawness, I mean if I knew what I was doing.

It's a Teen rating kind of with some mature themes. Adult themes, swearing, drug themes.

CHAPTERS

Season 1 - EP: 1. Babes and Virginia
2. Mario Kart and a Budweiser
3. Clubs and Jags
4. How to lose a car...again.
5. Plain is hot
6. "Purple Streaks and Some Histories
7. Japanese Food and Ice Cream
8. Cigars and Money
9. A Secret Admirer?
10. There's an El Salvador Now?
11. Another Secret Admirer....
12. Italian Hotdog
13. Dumping at the Beach
14. Baseball & Evening Gowns
15. Italian Supermodel Deluxe
16. Camping somewhere? Anywhere? Everywhere!
17. Handcuffs and Cricket
18. Our parents are dating?
19. Heather or Marisa?

Season 2 - 20. '97 - The Year of Blondes and the Brunettes.
21. Fair and Fiddle
22. It's Chloe's life
23. Barbie World
24. Ice Cream for the Soul
25. Cars, Cars, and Cars!!!
26. Love is Waiting to Die
27. Ravin' it up
28. Drink it like it's hot
29. Comic Books Bring Out the Worst
30. Exam Cram
31. We Are Just Friends
32. A Couple Lost, A Couple Gained
33. Beetroot In a Space Burger
34. Trick or Treat!
35. Treat and Treat
36. Thanksgiving Blues
37. A Caribbean Christmas
38. The Bitch Begins
39. Come Fly With Me

Season 3 - 40. How I Met Your Supermodel
41. Realization
42. This Time at Summer Camp....
43. The Supermodel Strikes Back
44. Christmas Monopoly!!!
45. The Calm Before the Storm.
46. The Storm
47. Promming It Up
48. Moving On.
49. Goodbye and Lovers.

Season 4 - 50 - A New Era
51 - It's a Hole.
52 - Burn Those Bridges.
53 - Ballroom Life.
54 - Bugs!!!
55 - It's Christmas!
56 - Something Something Y2K Something
57 - Old Friends, Old Crazies.
58 - She's Back!
59 - The End and The Start.

Season 5 - 60 - Summer Break
61 - Return of the Dull
62 - Blondie!!!
63 - How to Win Some Guy
64 - Canadian Queen!
65 - Date Night
66 - Zellery

A CHOCOLATE APPLE AND A ROCK

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Chapter 1 - "Babes and Virginia"

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“Eugh I totally wish summer wouldn't end.”

“Me too, I still get stomach aches thinking about school.”

It was the first day of a new year at a High School in the West Coast of the USA. Two girls sat by their cars, a red 1995 Ferrari 348 Spider convertible and a very fancy black 1997 Corvette C5. The red Ferrari looked pretty average compared to the Corvette which showed the differences between the two girls.

Who drove the Corvette? Gisela Müller. Gisela Müller, the beautiful beauty of the school, nay the whole area. She was the triple threat, beautiful, popular and rich. The only child of two super rich lawyers, she had it all except her parents being separated. Beautiful light blonde hair, standing at 5’6” with a fair like pale complexion and the most beautiful denim blue eyes with long lashes. She had a body, face, the everything that girls envied immensely.

Next to the Ferrari was Gisela’s best friend, Courtney Watson. They were both popular and rich but Courtney had a more normal upbringing. Her mother worked as a PR consultant while her father coached in the Major Leagues. Courtney with her long golden blonde hair, dark brown eyes with a more tanned complexion compared to her best friend, looked more down to earth. She didn't have the figure that Gisela had but she was a lot taller standing at 5’9” with long slender legs.

“I can’t deal with another year of school.” Gisela looked up at the bright blue sky, no cloud in sight. “I hope that Chris doesn't get jealous of any cute guys this year? Do you not remember at my mother’s when I was just talking to a cute TV show actor. Like, who does he think he is?” She scoffed while checking out some of the cute guys that walked around the school entrance.

“Didn't you guys break up?” Courtney looked at her books, a heavy stack of them. “After your mom’s, I think.”

“He was so jealous, Court. I don’t get why he was so insecure.” Gisela scoffed at her best friend. “Like please this isn't 1995, it’s ’96.”

“Anyway I have a couple of goals for this year.” Courtney smiled brightly. She considered her legs as her best asset but she had the loveliest smile. “My 1st goal is to do well in school. Like my mom said she’ll cut on my spending. She is making me do like advanced math.”

“Why? That totally sounds like torture.” The girls made their way from their cars to the hallways. The hallways, jam packed with students from different backgrounds, shapes, sizes and smells. The walls were covered in motivational posters over a hideous light green wall. Gisela made eye gestures at a few cute guys walking by her locker.

“She says that it will help me go further in life, like something about how math is like the center of the universe.” Courtney recited in her usual calm tone. “You know how my mom is.”

“That sounds barbaric, Court.” Gisela leaned against Courtney’s locker holding her books. “Speak of barbaric…” The girls watched as a guy with medium length light brown hair wearing a dark blue collar shirt with light blue denim jeans and black loafers, walked up to them. Tall with a chiseled body, he attracted the looks of many girls.

“God, this place is like hell.” The male had his hand on the locker as he towered over Gisela. “Wasn't summer like heaven, girls?”

“When I didn't see you.” Gisela shot back. “So how was your summer, Chris? Did you enjoy life without me?”

Chris Ambrose, the ex-boyfriend of Gisela Müller. Chris was one of many popular star athletes of the school with visions of being an MVP in the NBA or the winner of the Superbowl. Chris could always get the girls he wanted with his money, good looks, athletic body and his parents being an award winning singer and the other on national television as an news anchor in the mornings. “Of course I did! Beach, babes, and my new classic Jag. What about you guys?”

“Oh nothing much just went to Europe. You wouldn't believe how many guys there are so much cuter and better than you in every facet. Alcohol is so super easy to get.” Gisela smiled as she slapped away Chris’ hand on her shoulder.

“I just helped my dad with a few things.” Courtney meekly answered. She didn’t really get to do much unlike Gisela or Chris. She had strict parents who loved to over protect her a lot. “Coach Watson needed someone to just do errands, I was his girl. It was such a bummer.”

“At least you didn't have to wait on tables.”

Courtney jumped at the voice right behind her.

“Hey bro,” Chris smiled at the handsome dark blonde haired male behind Courtney. “So summer was a bust for Joel.”

“You wouldn't believe it Chris, my man.” Joel replied running his hand through his gelled up dark brown hair. Joel Harris, another popular guy who is fit but never excelled in sport. He is considered to be the smart one and the sensitive guy in the group. Not only excelled in his studies but in extra-curricular activities while working as a waiter in a local café and boy did the women swooned over him. There was a pretty girl standing beside him with long dark brown hair, hazel eyes and a beautiful smile. “Oh right I forgot. This is my cousin Daniela Harris, she just moved here from some cold place in West Virginia.”

“Hi guys!” Daniela greeted excitedly, kind of over the top. The rest of the group waved or nodded back.

“This is Chris Ambrose, my best friend.” Joel pointed at Chris who winked back and then got elbowed by Gisela. “This is Gisela Müller, that’s Courtney Watson and I guess the others aren't here.” Joel looked at the group present and nodded “Alright, alright ummm…summer details bro.”

“Alright bro!” Chris nodded giving a high-five to Joel. “Catch you later Daniela and girls.” The guys went to a different part of the hallways next to a vending machine. "Dude, your cousin is hot."

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Somewhere alien to this school stood a 6ft male with dark brown hair spiked up at the front, wearing a grey t-shirt with bootcut denim jeans and sneakers. “Man, 1st day of school and I’m lost. This place is nothing like back home and I’m talking to myself, way to go Kyle.” Kyle muttered to himself trying to read a map of the school until he ran a bunch of football players who tripped him over. “Geez it’s like I never left…” He muttered face down on the floor. “I hate jocks…”

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“Alright fill me in bro.” Joel stood by a vending machine with Chris. He saw Kyle on the ground after being tripped in the distance. “Sssssouch! Not the best way to start a new school. We should help him.”

“Forget it. He’s a geek.” Chris laughed at Kyle’s misfortune. Joel looked at him with an eyebrow raised. “Well…you see, Gisela and I have this geek radar and that my friend states that the dude is a geek. You can just see it in his eyes.”

“You’re really perceptive…” Joel sarcastically replied. “So anyway what happened between you and le girlyfriend?”

“Gisela? Forget her. She’s a bitch.” Chris replied with a massive smirk on his face. “She flirted with some loser child actor at her mom’s party and she says I’m the jerk. All I did was flirt with some hot babe.”

“Dude, that’s all you do.” Joel laughed. “But hey at least you’re single now.”

“That’s right!” Chris slapped his friend’s back. “That means beaches, babes and driving my new classic Jag.”

“You got a classic Jag? Alright bro.” The guys gave each other a low five. “Which Jag?”

“E-Type.”

“You rich bastard. That’s a magnificent beast. I don’t even want to know how you got it but hey I’m gonna help that guy.” Joel explained in delight and awe about how his best friend could get one of the most beautiful cars of all time. "He's new I think..."

“I’ll catch you later at lunch, bro.”

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The group was sitting outside by their favorite palm tree during lunch. They were joined by Chris and Joel’s buddy Tony Howard. He lived with his mother after his father ran off with his secretary to Canada after they got out of 'the hood'. Tony who is of African-American descent loved to skateboard, surf and do all those extreme sports but was pretty silent. Along with a girl with black hair with a mixed complexion, a stunning complexion since she was half white and half black. She was tight with Chris and Joel as well. Her name is Alicia Harrison, the a know-it-all smart girl that knew both the guys since they were 5 year olds....even if she was Joel's ex.

“Hey, I see Kyle.” Joel waved at the brown haired kid that had tripped in the hallways earlier today. In response Joel was pelted by food from the group who all yelled out “No!”

Kyle saw Joel and then looked at his friends. He stared at the group for a few seconds before someone called out his name, two guys that wore glasses and Nintendo t-shirts. “Hey guys!” Kyle sat down with them.

“Look at that, Joel bro got ditched by a geek.” Tony laughed throwing pieces of food at Chris.

“I did not get ditched. He has other friends.” Joel pelted more pieces of bread at Chris.

“Face it Joel. He is a geek that knows his place. I mean look at the people he is sitting with. It’s total geek central.” Gisela stared at the guys that were sitting with Kyle. “I know these things.”

“Yeah I mean he answered like every question in math. He’s one of those smart know it all people.” Courtney added as she bit into a shiny red apple. "Do that on the first day and it is loser central!"

“Like Alicia.” Chris laughed. “Ouch…” He rubbed his right arm after being punched by Alicia. “But you’re not a geek, Alicia. You're smart, awesome, hot and strong…damn that hurts.”

“So in more important news….” Gisela picked a piece of tomato from her sandwich and threw it on the ground. “House party at mine this weekend to celebrate the traditional Müller's return of school in style party. It dates back to junior high, you guys in?” She explained to Daniela since she was new.

“I don’t know. I don’t think my parents will let me go…” Daniela sighed while slouching against the palm tree. “I have to pass, Gisela.”

“Dani please. Everyone who's everyone is coming.” Gisela explained. “You have to come. Just ask your cousin to tell your parents that you’ll be with him.”

“I don’t know….my parents are still moving. I'm staying with Joel and his parents until they can find a place to live.” Daniela flicked some of her dark brown hair from her eyes. “I’m new and stuff.”

“Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee Dani?” Gisela pleaded giving Daniela the ‘Puppy Dog Look’.

“Joel?”

“Yeah I can try to sort it out with my parents but no promises.”

“Then it is settled.” Gisela smiled as she grabbed Daniela’s hand. “You have going to have the best time ever. There will be some totally cute guys.”

“What about my parents?” Courtney asked. Her parents wouldn't let her go to any party late at night thinking that their daughter would be enticed into sleeping with guys, doing drugs and getting drunk.

“Just tell them you’ll be at mine for a sleepover like always.” Gisela smiled. “Then it is settled. This is going to be the best party ever.”

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“We are so going to that party.” Kyle said to the guys that he was sitting with. “See that girl? Gisela Müller, I heard about her, total fox. She is like a supermodel. We are going to be there.” News traveled very fast across the school’s grapevine.

“But I thought we were going to play Super Mario Kart this weekend?” The boy wearing the Link shirt responded while cleaning up his lunch off his video game magazine.

“Gavin, that’s just an alibi. We are going to that party.” Kyle smirked. "All about the babes, man. Just imagine the babes." putting his arm around Gavin. "You'll have fun."

"Oh...okay..." Gavin sighed as he looked down at his video game magazine. "Are you sure?"

"It is going to be memorable, my friend."

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Okay dokey.

I really don't have much to say actually. I've been totally fretting about posting this. So yeah....

Lyrebird · Apr 7, 2015

I think my cat thinks I'm drunk or maybe my cat is drunk?

Soooo there is actually another chapter. I mean it totally beats the stuff I do in life.

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CHAPTER 2 - Mario Kart and a Budweiser

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Gavin, Kyle and Eddy sat at Gavin’s living room playing Super Mario Kart at the same time as the party went on. Gavin and Eddy were having fun but Kyle not so much as he watched them play.

“Guys, if we leave in like 1 hour we can go to the party.” Kyle was frustrated. He really wanted to have a go at Gisela Müller, the most popular girl in the school.

“That’s really late, Kyle. I don’t know.” Gavin replied as they were racing down Ghost Valley.

“Look Gavin and Eddy. I’m talking chicks and dancing. It is happening scene right now and we are missing it. Let’s go.” Kyle got up and fixed up his black blazer jacket over a white tee and jeans.

“But I have to ask my mother….She’ll say no.”

“Gavin, I think your mother wants you to have a social life.” Kyle watched as Gavin went upstairs to talk to his mother. “Look I don’t want to sit all night playing Mario Kart.”

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“Are you sure about this Joel?” Daniela asked as her aunt and uncle sat watching ‘Singing in the Rain’ on television. Daniela

“Dani, I’m sure about this. It will be fine.” Joel whispered in his cousin’s ear before walking into the living room. “Parentals, I have a proposition for you both.”

“Yes Joel?” Joel's mother asked while her husband picked up the remote.

“Well Aunt Betty, ummm my friend Gisela is having a party at her place and everyone is invited including Joel. So is it okay if I get to go?” Daniela looked at the ceiling fan trying to avoid looking at her relatives.

“Don’t worry I’ll take care of Daniela. She’ll be around me the whole time and I’ll make sure she won’t get into any trouble.” Joel had this knack of charming adults or anyone really which made him known as a heartthrob with all the girls.

“I don’t see any problem, do you Betty?” Joel's father looked at his wife who seemed pretty concerned.

“Be back by midnight. Curfew is at midnight.” Betty sighed, her sister is not going to like this. Something about going to parties made her feel iffy like she was getting older. It felt like yesterday when Daniela was that little girl who was just starting kindergarten in West Virginia.

“Alright thanks.” Joel fixed up the collar of a black blazer jacket while Daniela flicked up a strap of her black dress. “We’ll be back by then.”

As they both walked outside to Joel’s car, a Mazda Miata. “You’re not actually going to chaperon me at the party right?”

“Course not.” Joel unlocked the car. “You’ll just be harshin’ on my partying.”

“You don’t even pick up.” Daniela jumped in the car and fiddled with the radio. She ended up on a station that was playing ‘Papa Don't Preach' which didn’t exactly please Joel.

“And I choose to keep it that way.” Joel fiddled with the buttons to find some music but gave up after hearing Pearl Jam. “Oh right we’ll be picking up Alicia.”

“Have you dated any of these girls?” Daniela lightly punched her cousin in the arm.

“Dani, I won’t lie to you. I was interested in Gisela but she’s like a sister to me, Courtney is Courtney, she’s a friend and Alicia is my ex. Fun times.” Joel answered as he reserved his Mazda Miata from the Harris’ driveway.

“Never say never Joel, I can see you and Gisela.”

“You’re a crazy one, Dani.”

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The Müller family lived in an amazing white mansion. 3 staircases from the driveway led to their backyard, the house and the pool. The white mansion looked all space age with see through glass windows and several stories to make it look spectacular. The music was blaring full blast and the lights made it seem like something from a Hollywood red carpet.

Joel, Alicia and Daniela walked up the steps to the pool where everybody was at. The music became louder was the band started to play. Gisela was talking to a few guys with Courtney both looking beautiful in their dresses. Gisela ran up to the group in her heels with Courtney tagging along.

“Glad you guys can make it.” She greeted Daniela, Alicia and Joel. “You guys should totally have a drink. There are guys here that serve a few alcoholic drinks, we have some amazing wine.”

“No thanks I’m driving.” Joel knocked back. “But I’ll see who is around. Nice crowd Gisela.” He smiled giving her a quick clap on her shoulder before wandering around.

“I’ll have a glass of red wine.” Alicia smiled as she took a glass from a waiter holding a tray of wine glasses. She took a sniff of it before tasting it. “From France right?”

“Of course you would know, Ally.” Gisela laughed at her know-it-all friend. “Well don’t be such a drag, Dani. One glass won’t hurt you.”

Daniela smiled shyly as she took a glass of red wine from Gisela. “How come Courtney isn’t drinking?” She looked at Courtney who was drinking from a bottle of water. “Or is that the vodka in the bottle trick? Joel told me about it.”

“Oh no!” Courtney giggled looking at her water bottle. “Just water, my mom will go all ferocious if she catches a whiff of alcohol. She’s like a drug sniffer dog.”

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Elsewhere Kyle, Gavin and Eddy made it to the party. “Guys, this is happening. Look at that goddess.” Kyle whispered referring to Gisela who was with Alicia, Courtney and Daniela. “And those luscious babes. Guys I’m telling you, we are in heaven.”

“Remember we got 40 minutes, Kyle. Just talk to her and leave. We can still play some Super Mario Kart.” Gavin whispered back feeling anxiety in a massive crowd of people.

“Chill out, Gavin.” Kyle was focused on Gisela. “Just talk and mingle. No way am I going home this early.”

“Kyle, come on. These people don’t want us.” The social anxiety was really hitting Gavin and Eddy who kept looking around feeling so insecure especially since they wore t-shirts and jeans. “I’ll see you on Monday or are you coming with us?”

“Alright whatever….see you guys Monday.” Kyle shooed them off. He took a deep breath before making his way to Gisela. “Alright Thorpe, let’s do this.”

“Geek over there.” Courtney noticed Kyle walking towards them. Gisela turned around with her face in shock and disgust. She invited the cream of the crop not someone like Kyle.

Gisela angrily walked towards Kyle without the glass of wine which ended up in the hands of Courtney. “What the hell are you doing here? Who invited you?” She stared angrily at Kyle. Gisela was someone who you didn't want to cross.

“Well umm….” Kyle struggled to find the words. He couldn't say that he crashed the party plus he was stunned by her beauty.

“Babe I did” Kyle and Gisela looked to the voice. Chris smiled holding a bottle of Budweiser. “This is my bro. You said I can invite anyone and I invited my bro right here.” There is one thing Chris loved to do after breaking up with Gisela and that was to make her life miserable even if they were friends.

“Eugh whatever, just get him away from me.” Gisela stomped away leaving the two guys alone.

“Hey thanks man. Thanks so much.” Kyle shook Chris’ hand.

“No worries. I just wanted to piss off my ex. It makes my night.” Chris sculled half a bottle of beer before putting his hand on Kyle’s shoulder.

“Wait you guys dated? Oh man she must be awesome, you know since she is hot and all like a goddess.” Kyle nodded with a sly smile on his face.

“Not a goddess bro, she is a demon.” A drunken Chris remarked. “She’ll flirt with every single fucking guy when she dates you just to toy with you….Chris Ambrose.”

“Kyle Thorpe just moved from The Big Apple” Kyle introduced himself happy that he was mingling with someone at the party.

“Nice to meet you Kyle and now you can get me another beer or two. Two.”

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“So what’s the deal between Gisela and Chris?” Daniela asked Courtney who were the only two girls that didn't want to dance. They both watched Gisela dancing with Tim and Alicia dancing with Joel who didn't look comfortable on the dance floor, a little bit of not having any coordination.

“Well ummm….it kind of started really nice….” Courtney recalled trying to find the best way to explain Chris and Gisela’s relationship. “He started to flirt around and Gisela wasn't happy and she flirted with other guys.”

“So they kind of hurt each other to prove points right?” Daniela interrupted. “I've been there. It is not the best.”

“I guess you could say that but they are friends. I can’t believe Chris would invite a geek.” Courtney poured Gisela’s glass of red on the granite stone ground. “I just want everyone to be friends I guess.”

Daniela watched the wine splashing on to granite stone. "Temptation?"

"Yep..."

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The night continued with a lot of dancing, drinking and making out between a few couples at the party. The group however either danced or talked. However, all good things must come to an end. Courtney was staying over at Gisela’s. While Tony drove home with a girl he hooked up with. Joel drove back Alicia and Daniela but that left two problems.

Chris who was drunk couldn't drive his Jaguar. “Hey bro….hey man I need a lift.” He stumbled to Kyle who was waiting for a cab.

“Wha…?” Kyle caught the Jag’s keys after he threw it to him. “Oh boy….but isn’t that your car?” The black Jaguar just sat there in its glorious sports car beauty.

“Dude, think of it like a girl. You’ve been with a lot of girls right?” Chris slurred his words landing face first in the passenger seat after jumping in the car.

“Err yeah sure, I know what you mean.”

“Alright let’s go.” Chris leaned into the driver’s seat and started the car. “But first….” He leaned over to the other side and puked on to Gisela’s mailbox. “Oh man she got mail and she gonna….kick my beeehind. Let’s go Kenny.”

“Kyle….”

“Whatever doofus.” Chris yawned “Just drive before I hurl again and if I hurl in my car I’m gonna kick you ass.”

“Your.”

“Dude, I don’t need your English lesson. Drive my home.” Chris stared at Kyle intensely before yawning again.

“My home? Whatever.” Kyle reversed the Jaguar from Gisela’s driveway and drove onto the main street. The drive was pretty quiet with Chris snoring his way through. The car reeked though of vomit. “Man driving home one of the coolest people in school. This will really help my rep.”

“Hey Gisela, you should totally set up us together and Courtney with that geek loser….hahah that’s you. You’re a geek.” Chris woke up pointing and laughing at Kyle before falling asleep again. A loud noise came from Kyle’s right hand side. He looked to see that Chris snored like nothing he heard ever. It was like a duck mating with a bull.

“I don’t even know where you live….” This was going to be a long night for Kyle but he was happy that he successfully managed to talk to Gisela, drive a Jaguar and crashed a party. It really did beat Super Mario Kart. He managed to get directions from Chris after driving around for 30 of the longest minutes of his life. Chris’ house was massive, as big as Gisela’s….the house was really similar to Gisela’s…in fact it was her house. Chris gave Kyle the directions to Gisela’s but he did find a cab there.

Kyle parked the car and dragged the drunken Chris from his Jaguar into a cab which took a lot of effort since Chris was built like a house. “Alright can you drop us at this address?”

“Yeh, no probs.” The cab driver smiled flicking a cigarette outside through the window on to the road.

“Thanks.”

"Thanks broooo...hey where is my babe?" Chris struggled to get into the cab, slurring his words. "Where's Gisela!"

"My friend here drank a lot, you know college frat guys," Kyle explained uncomfortably as he sat on the passenger side of the cab. "They like to drink..."

"I'm not judging." The cab driver smirked as he started the cab and the meter. Kyle watched Chris who fell asleep again in the backseat of the cab.

"Thanks..."

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“So you got to drive Chris’ Jag? How was it?”

It was Monday morning, two days after the party at Gisela’s finished. It was a great party that everyone talked about including Kyle. He bragged about how he got to drive Chris’ Jaguar and that he stayed at his house.

“Gavin, Gavin, Gavin. While you guys were playing SMK, I was hanging out with the most popular guys in the school.” Kyle bragged looking proudly and smugly at Gavin and Eddy. “I talked to Gisela and I can tell you she was an angel and the Jag? It handled like a beast.”

“That is so awesome Kyle. I never knew one of us can do that?” Eddy excitedly started to write every detail of Kyle’s adventure.

“One of what?” He asked looking at Gavin and Eddy all confused.

“A geek!”

“Guys, we’re not geeks.”

Suddenly a large figure loomed over Kyle from behind. He could see the shadow and didn't really want to turn out. He could see Gavin and Eddy running away in their Nintendo shirts. “Of course…What’s up Chris?”

“Look Kyle…..this is hard for me to say because you’re a geek and shit.” Chris looked around to avoid being seen with a geek before sitting down next to Kyle. “Thanks for helping me out after the party but you’re still a geek and we are not talking with each other. However I owe you...thanks bro.”

“Errr…sure?”

“I just can’t be seen talking to a geek like you because the social ladder or food chain, dude.” Chris patted Kyle on shoulder before walking away. “Thanks man.”

Kyle looked around to see that he was sitting alone after being ditched by Gavin and Eddy. “Yep just like old times…” He muttered under his breath while picking up his books and headed off to the library. He juggled an empty water bottle with his right foot before chipping it into a green trash can.

"Goal!"

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Okayyyyy then.

So yeah.

Lyrebird · Apr 14, 2015

CHAPTER 3 - Clubs and Jags

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A few weeks had passed and everyone was getting back into the groove of schooling life. It was calculus class as Kyle sat down wobbling his pencil to create the rubber pencil illusion. He sat there bored as the teacher went on about the quiz they had.

She passed their papers to each of the students. “Great work Kyle but next time, try to at least make an attempt on the middle questions. You get marks from showing work.”

Kyle looked at his paper and could see the ‘A-‘ mark in thick red pen. “Huh...cool.” Kyle looked at his mark just to see where he went wrong.

However another student in the class wasn't having the same joy as Kyle. Courtney smiled as she took her paper from the teacher and looked at the mark. She groaned quickly stuffing her paper in her folder. “Okay class dismissed.” Mrs. Prasad said just before the bell rang. The students quickly left taking all the folders, books and bags leaving the chairs all over the place. Papers and pencils on the ground but that wasn't something she cared about. “Ms. Watson can I see you for a second?”

“Umm…sure.” Courtney went to the teacher’s desk and stood there looking concerned as she held her books and folder together with two hands.

“Courtney, your marks are pretty poor. I don’t think you’re up for this class. I suggest you take an easier class."

“I can improve. I’m trying!” Courtney exclaimed. Her tone of voice was very defensive and upset. “My parents will nuke me. Please don’t tell them.”

“Sorry Courtney but you are failing and I just don’t see how you can improve. Now here is a letter to give to your parents.” Mrs. Prasad handed a letter to Courtney who tucked in her folder. “What I can do is get a tutor for you, if you want to stay in this class. However your parents do need to be informed.”

“They’ll think I’m stupid.” Courtney whined. "This is just physical evidence..."

“I hardly think they will think that Courtney. You are a bright student but I just don't want you to struggle.”

“You don’t know my parents.” The blonde teen looked at the ceiling as tears formed in her beautiful deep dark brown eyes. “I’ll never be good enough. I'm just a stupid blonde to them, a teenage Californian ditz...” The tall blonde stormed out of the classroom.

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

At the hallways, Tony and Joel were walking from class talking about their history class. Suddenly Chris ran up to them.

“Bros!” Chris pulled his arm over Joel and Tony. “Friday night and that means you guys have to make your plans free.”

“No chance, dude. I went surfing a few days ago and met this betty. She and I are going to break in her bed.” Tony smiled with a wink to Joel.

“Really?”

“No, Chris. I have my mother’s art show tonight at the Gallery.” Tim pushed Chris’ hand off his shoulder. “It’s a family thing. Even though I don’t see my mother much this is the best chance we have to see the success of her art career.”

“When she ditched your dad to be at the Louvre?” Chris asked. Tony responded with a punch on Chris’ right arm. “Alright, alright, sorry. What about you Joel?”

“I’ll catch you guys later.” Tony walked to detention in a large room to the left of the guys.

“Sorry, man.” Joel smiled putting his right arm over Chris’ neck. “See I have this thing called work, so no can do. What about the girls?”

“Ahhh no go.” Chris checked out a cute blonde that passed him by. “Gisela said something about clubbing tonight.”

“What about your friend Kyle?”

“Dude he is a geek. I’m not going go out with that guy.”

“I don’t get your problem with him. He seems like a really nice guy.” Joel sorted out his books while walking and talking with Chris. “I’ll tell you what. I finish work at 9pm, so what’s the plan?”

“Clubbing for the latest and freshest babes from high schools and colleges all around the area. You and me getting the babes of our dreams in my Jag.” Chris waved his hand over Joel’s eyes. “That’s a Friday night.”

“Alright, I’m in.” Joel and Chris had their own handshake which sounded like a mini thunderclap. It scared a lot of people nearby especially the freshmen. "I swear to god if you get your car stolen by another girl again, I'm gonna kill you."

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

“So girls, the plan is that we meet at the café that Joel works at and drive to the clubs. We get in, we dance, we meet cute boys and we have fun.” Gisela smiled as she explained a girls’ night out.

“So just us?” Daniela asked as she stuffed her books into her messy locker full of books, paper and scrunchies.

“I can’t make it. I have a family dinner tonight.” Alicia leaned against Gisela’s locker. “Grandmother’s birthday, it should be nice but she goes on about why she hates Bill Clinton.”

“Aww cute,” Gisela remarked lightly slapping Alicia on the arm. “We’ll miss you Ally.”

“I don’t think I should go…” Courtney exclaimed causing the girls to jump in surprise and look right behind them.

“Court, what’s wrong hun?” Gisela could see that her best friend’s eyes were red from crying.

“I just…found out that I’m failing calculus…” Courtney struggled to let the words come right out her mouth. “I have to give my mom a letter saying that I’m failing and she has to sign it off.”

“Ouch.” Daniela winced. ”You’ll be right. Your mom will understand and you’ll work hard.” She gave Courtney a hug.

“You don’t understand. My parents will think I’m stupid like they always do.” She started to cry once more.

“Oooh Courtney. You are anything but stupid.” Alicia consoled her by giving her a hug and a tissue. “Just enjoy the night and deal with it tomorrow. You are a brilliant girl and Math isn’t that important.” Alicia lied. She was a know-it-all but had to cut down on the math due to time constrictions.

“But my mom….won’t let me go out tonighteeee” The waterworks came full and fast from Courtney Martin.

“You could just forge the letter.” Gisela mused out loud as she winked at a cute guy that walked passed her.

“Gisela!” Daniela responded. “That’s illegal and immoral.” She turned to Courtney. “Just give the letter tomorrow. We will have a blast tonight.”

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

Later that night.

The girls were lining up among a massive line of people trying to enter the club. There was nothing fancy about the club except for a neon sign with the name and a giant bouncer who looked as intimidating as Patrick Ewing playing at Georgetown. Daniela wore a black hem fitted dress with her dark brown hair let out, Courtney tied up her hair and wore a red cocktail dress and Gisela wore a lace hem line black cocktail dress.

“So what did your mom say, Courtney?” Daniela asked to break the ice.

“Umm…she hasn’t seen the letter. I’ll show it to her tomorrow.” Courtney looked up towards the night sky avoiding any eye contact with the girls.

“Hey, you’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.” Daniela reassured her friend with a hug.

The girls got in no trouble. The club was all colourful from the lights on the dance floor. Blue, green, red and yellow, there were all there. Hip hop music was being played as the girls walked in. Daniela picked a spot for them to sit down for the three of them, a nice lovely black couch.

“Time to hit the floor!” Gisela got up. She turned around to look at Courtney and Daniela just sitting down talking about the guys nearby. “We can totally dance with those guys instead of talking.”

“Okayyy!” Daniela remarked excitedly while getting up from the soft, plush black couch. “You coming Courtney?”

“No, I don’t feel much like dancing.” Courtney offered a meek smile in response. “I can keep your purses.”

“Are you sure, hun?”

“I’ll be fine. You guys enjoy yourselves.” Courtney smiled. Her smile turned into a frown after the girls left to go dancing with each other. Then the guys came along, college guys. No high school girl could turn down a college guy, it was practically impossible. Daniela was dancing with a tall, dark and handsome while Gisela was with a tall, hot and hotter.

Courtney just watched as guys would ask her to dance. She rebuffed them, all of them saying she didn't want to or lying with the excuse of having a boyfriend here who was using the bathroom. There was this thought about her parents in the back of her mind which was hard to shake off. She couldn't have any fun at all. Plus she was kind of scared dancing with a guy in a club. She heard stories and that frightened her so.

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

“Are you sure about this, Chris?” Joel sat in the passenger seat in Chris’ Jag. “You know we could just go where the girls have gone.”

“Joel, I’m your best friend.” Chris smiled while starting the ignition. “As you best friend, I can tell you that your ideas are shit. That idea is shit. Why would we waste our time with girls that we know when we can drive for fresh babes?”

“Fine, I am in your hands.” Joel sighed as the E-Type Jaguar reversed on to the street and took off.

“That’s the best decision you made.” Chris drove with his eyes on the road and any ‘hot babe’ that drove by. “Look you aren't interested anyone, Alicia is ancient history and I hope to god that you aren't interested in your cousin.”

“What? That’s sick bro.” Joel punched Chris in the arm.

“Look all I’m saying is that let’s be honest Gisela is a flirt and Courtney, well she is a sweet, nice girl but not our type. You're not planning to get with Ally?”

“She’s sweet, I agree. She’ll find someone and no. Alicia and I are done, we are friends and we would like to keep it that way. Didn't click as a couple.”

“And I agree. She’ll find someone who will be awesome for her but that’s none of us. For the record I’m not interested in your cousin.”

“That’s the smartest thing I’ve heard you say, ever. What about you and Gisela?” Joel asked as the car stopped at a parking lot to a club with a lot of people lining up at the entrance.

“Look, Gisela and I we are broken up. She and I are free from each other.”

“You still like her, don’t you?”

Chris glared at Joel for a few seconds leading to an awkward moment between the friends. “Look, I may have feelings lingering but that's like a fungus on toast. Don’t tell anyone.”

“My lips are sealed and now fresh babes time.” The pair jumped out of the car. “Hey, don’t we need to be 21 to enter the club?”

“Joel, you need to get your head in the game. We’ll be fine.” Chris winked showing a glimpse of a 50 dollar note in his hand. The pair of them lined up waiting to get past the bouncer who looked like a heavyweight champ in a black jacket. "Our friend Ulysses S. Grant will see us in, bro."

"Whatever bro...not like we'll get it."

"Ye with little faith," Chris stuffed the Grant into his right hand.

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

“Guys, I think I want to go home.” Courtney whispered in Daniela’s ear so she could hear over the loud club music on the dance floor. “I don’t feel too good…sorry.”

“Don’t worry, Courtney. We’ll find Gisela.” Daniela took Courtney’s hand and went through the flurry of people on the dance floor. It was difficult for the two girls to navigate through the hordes of dancers and to try and spot Gisela in the dim lit dance floor.

It took a long 10 minutes before the girls could spot Gisela dancing with a college guy to a club remix of a popular 80’s song. She looked she was enjoying herself a lot with that guy, tall, hot and hotter.

“Oh don’t worry I’ll stay, I think she likes that guy.” Courtney observed watching her best friend dancing it up with an older male.

“No!” Daniela replied. “We have to go.”

“But I’m ruining your fun and he is a college guy."

“Courtney, you’re my friend. You are more important to me than some night and some college guy...”

“Thanks, Dani.” The girls went outside waiting for Gisela.

“Give me a second.” Daniela went to the bouncer. “Hi! Can you find a girl who is blonde, average height, wearing a black lace dress and dancing with a guy with brown hair in a cheap knockoff jacket?” She requested which was met with a nod.

“What did he say?” Courtney asked as they both stood at the parking lot.

“He’ll find her. You okay?” Daniela looked at her friend. Courtney was kind of upset after being told that she was flunking one of her subjects and that her parents would know. She didn't want her parents to give up on her, this was her last straw.

“I’m fine I guess…” She took a deep breath as she looked at the stars shimming and twinkling in the night sky. "I just..."

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

“I can’t believe we live in a country where we can’t enter a club.” Chris and Joel didn’t get into their club. The two of them headed back to the Corvette to sit and think about their next move.

“You tried to bribe him to get us in. I'm surprised he didn't pull the cops on us.”

"Dude it worked before….oh hello.” Chris noticed something or someone from the rear view mirror.

“Look all I’m saying is….” Chris tilted Joel’s head behind at the two beautiful women walking up to them. One of them was a blonde with a sexy slender body and the other was a red head who had the most perky chest. "Dayum!"

“We saw you guys not get in, so we thought we would join you.” The blonde remarked as she slid her hands across the top of the car door.

“Nice car. Is this yours?” The redhead asked Joel as she slid her hand softy on the bonnet which interested the guys. She leaned in which really piqued the interest of Joel as he stared fixated at her breasts, her big perky breasts.

“This is my car.” Chris answered proudly. “Before we ask one very important question, we have two simple questions to ask.”

The girls giggled and said in unison "Ask away."

“Are you girls hookers or strippers?” Chris asked after running into some adventures with his car, hookers and strippers.

Joel shook his head in disbelief. “Great going, dumbass,” He mouthed in Chris’ direction who didn't pay attention as he stared intensely at the redhead’s perky breasts.

“No, we are so not.” The red head laughed as she jumped into the car and sat right on Joel’s lap.

“We are students from Colorado.” The blonde smiled as she jumped right in behind Chris. “So can we go for a ride?” She asked staring at Chris with lust in her eyes. “You have a great bod.”

“Dude, remember what happened before? Maybe you should be I don't know, cautious, carefully, not being stupid?” Joel warned Chris after a few past experiences but knowing his best friend, Joel knew that it would fall on deaf eyes. Chris started up the car, drove off from the club with the two girls and Joel. He turned to the red head and gave her a smile and a wink.

“Ancient history, Joel. This is going to be a wild and educational night..." Chris whispered to his best friend. "Fine...you can have the one with the bigger...."

"Deal!"

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

NOTE:

I like to reiterate that I'm not a writer, author or that I know what I'm doing and I think it will stick that way for like all 3. i just promised myself I would actually finish a fic. I really don't have much to say actually because I really don't. Plus I really bore myself out if I write like a lot, so I keep it short and I would say sweet but it's a pile of mud, not the fancy types. I can't compete with those.

Oh right @Flaze

Lyrebird · Apr 26, 2015

I had a chocolate apple before in Austria. It was really yummy but cold.

Anyway I have not given up. I'm like a Green Lantern with that will power.

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

CHAPTER 4 - How to lose a car...again

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

Back at the dance club….

“How long does it take to find her?” Daniela rhetorically asked as both she and Courtney waited outside a club for Gisela. Daniela was frustrated at the situation at hand. Her friend was not the best situation, upset over school and how her parents would flip and they had to wait for another one who had tact to leave the club. “Let’s just hail a cab.” She started to leave the parking lot where they had been standing for a good 20 minutes by themselves nearby a dirty blue dumpster coated by residue from garbage.

“No, we have to wait for Gisela.” Courtney grabbed Daniela’s right arm in an attempt to stop her. “She’ll come soon.” She stared at Daniela looking directly at her eyes.

“Courtney, she is not coming. She is too busy with some college guy than finding her friends.” Daniela who was really annoyed just stared at Courtney. Her blue eyes stared intensely at the tall golden blonde teen.

“Ok!” Courtney replied sounding almost chipper, almost nonchalant about being ditched by Gisela. “Let’s just wait for a few more minutes.”

“Aren’t you a least bit surprised?

“No but she means well. Maybe she’s just looking for us inside” Courtney looked at Daniela with a smile like everything was fine.

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

At a Diner:

“I’m telling you, Joel. This car with our magnetism is the greatest thing ever. These chicks dig us.” Chris was jumpy and excited, really excited. He couldn't stop grinning at all as they stopped at a diner. They both were relaxing with a coffee at a booth while the girls went to the bathroom to ‘Gussy up’.

“You have your keys with you, right?” Joel asked. The last time they went to pick up dates, the girls took Chris’ keys and drove off with his car. Luckily they were caught by the police speeding and Chris got his car back. They didn’t want to meet the same fate again.

Chris dangled his car keys right in front of Joel. “Not letting my car get stolen by hot chicks again, you know for the 3rd time.” His face turned into a wry smile as he looked at Joel. “So you and the redhead, man.”

“Hey, man. I like her for her personality…” Joel smiled as Chris raised his eyebrow, not believing a word that came out of Joel’s mouth. “Okay, fine she has massive well you know.”

“You dirty dog.”

“Come on like you didn’t notice. Anyway she does have a great personality and she is smart. I wonder where they are.”

“They said something about using the bathroom. I don’t know I wasn't really paying attention. I told you we’ll find some fresh babes and here we are about to score.”

“How long ago was that?” Joel asked in a concerned tone as he looked at his silver Tag Heuer watch on his left wrist.

“Like 10 to 11. Why?”

“Dude, I think we need to check on your car.” Joel said as he looked at Chris. Chris’ expression changed from happy and relaxed to worry, concern and surprise. They both ran and jumped from their booths to the parking lot at the diner.

Joel and Chris looked around to see all the cars that were there in the parking lot. There was no sight of the Jaguar at all, it was gone like Chris’ hope as he ran around trying to find his car. Joel looked at one of the windows that were open in the diner. “Dude, they climbed out of the bathroom and must have hot-wired your car.”

“Not again…” Chris whined as he slumped down on the asphalt. “We should really stop looking for fresh club babes.”

“Yep”

“Next time we stick to beaches.”

“Yep”

“Find someone for help on the street?”

“Yep,” Joel answered continuing the trend of monotone responses.

They both ran onto the main street and waved their arms like noodle men to grab someone’s attention to drive them to the police office. A cab would have been the best for them but a brown Ford stopped right in front of them. “Sweet!” Chris smiled as the driver rolled down the window. “Hi thanks for stopping….ahh shit.”

“What are you two doing here?” It was Alicia who was driving back from her Grandmother’s birthday party.

“Hey…Alicia, how are you?” Chris greeted with a nervous, awkward smile and a nod of the head like everything was just normal.

“Chris, don’t tell me your car got stolen by women....again” Alicia shook her head in disbelief at the two guys that stood on the sidewalk. She ran her hand through her long, sleek black hair as she looked at the pair of guys as if they were the biggest idiots in the world. She stopped by the kerb and parked her car.

“Fine I won’t tell you but we do need your help.”

“Come on Alicia, we really need your help this time. We just need a quick ride to a few clubs in the surrounding area and then to the police station.” Joel explained the plan very confidently like it was from experience. “They just took the car for a spin…they stole it.”

“You two are the biggest morons I have ever seen,” Alicia sighed with a hint of frustration in her voice. She begrudgingly opened the passenger seat “Get in.” Chris climbed into the passenger seat while Joel climbed into the back seat with his head sticking out between Alicia and Chris. “How do you guys get a Ferrari stolen again?”

“Hey, they were smart, see I have my keys,” Chris dangled his car keys right in front of Alicia who slapped them into Chris. “At least it wasn’t a stripper again and it's a Jaguar E-Type, Miss. Alicia Vivian Harrison.”

Alicia glared at her friend, if looks could kill. She started her Ford up and got back on quiet streets to find a Jaguar.

The trio drove their way to the club where they met the girls. Joel asked the bouncer with a very accurate description of the girls, if he had seen them while using his hands to gesture the assets of the redhead. The bouncer shook his head and stared in anger at Chris who tried to bribe him earlier in the night. The next stop was another club where….

“I see it, I see the Jaguar.” Chris jumped out of the slow moving Ford and ran to the car which turned out to be the wrong car and not even a Jaguar. “It’s a damn Corvette….hey wait a sec…” It was a pretty familiar Corvette, black and fancy almost like…

“Chris? What are you doing here?” Chris turned around quickly to see where the voice came from. He saw Daniela and Courtney walked towards him, one looking pretty chipper and one looking quite pissed.

“Umm…you guys are looking fine,” He answered with a nervous smile. “Have you beautiful women seen a Jag around here? You know black, mine and sexy.”

“Did you guys lose your car again?” Courtney asked as she moved in front of a bemused Daniela.

Chris scoffed at that response with a laugh, a very unconvincing laugh. “Nooo…well kind of.” He pointed at the Ford which was now parked and stationary. Joel and Alicia got out of the car and made their way towards Chris, Courtney and Daniela. “Okay fine, two hot chicks, one with massive….” Chris gestured with his hands the chest size of the red head.

“Really Chris?” Daniela and Courtney looked away from Chris to Joel who nodded in agreement with Chris. “You boys are so immature.”

“They hotwired Chris’ Jag and drove off. We met them at a club…” Joel was explaining their situation before he was interrupted by Alicia.

“Where’s Gisela?” Alicia noticed that the popular beautiful blonde teen was nowhere in sight except for her Corvette which was the car that Chris spotted earlier.

“Dancing with some an older guy,” Courtney explained as she looked at Chris who didn’t look too pleased. “Don’t worry Chris, she’ll be fine.”

“What the hell!” Chris exclaimed in anger as he threw his hands up in frustration. In his mind it was ‘How dare my ex-girlfriend, the girl I still like dance with some loser’. “I'll talk to her later. My car is more important at the moment. C’mon Joel and Alicia, let’s go to the police station.”

“Did you guys drive here?” Alicia asked as the trio walked back to her Ford.

“No…Gisela did. Can I have lift?” Courtney asked as she clutched her black purse with her two hands. She looked down on the asphalt with her deep beautiful brown eyes.

“Sure, if you don’t mind helping the guys go to the police station to sort out the stolen Jaguar,” Alicia looked at Courtney with a nice smile before turning towards Daniela. “What about you Daniela?”

“I’ll go back inside and get Gisela. I’ll see you guys later.” With that Daniela walked back inside the club looking for her friend.

“I don’t mind, you know going to the police station. I have never been to one before.”

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

Alicia Harrison's Ford:

Courtney joined the group inside Alicia’s Ford. She sat in the passenger seat with Chris and Joel in the backseat and Alicia was obviously driving. “So, does your mother know?” Alicia asked out loud which led to 2 responses.

“No, my mom doesn’t know that the Jag was taken. Why would I tell her?” Chris raised his tone as he stared at the scene of the streets as they drove. “Think Alicia.”

“No…not yet.”

“What?” Joel and Chris exclaimed in unison at the same time. They both poked their heads in the front between the driver and the passenger. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just flunking a class.”

“Well, we can help you Courtney.” Joel put his hand on Courtney’s shoulder. She moved her hand on his and patted it before he withdrew it. "It's no big deal."

“Thank you guys for your concern but it’s a math class. I don’t think you can help.” Courtney turned around facing the guys in the backseat.

“Look it is no big deal, Courtney. I mean look at Chris.” Joel remarked as he popped his head above her seat. “He basically fails like every subject possible and look at him now.” Courtney turned around to look at Chris and bawled her eyes out.

“That’s just great. You two are the biggest morons in the world.” Alicia yelled at the guys as Courtney continued to cry. “No one wants to be Chris.”

“Hey, I resent that comment!” Chris yelled back. “Look Courtney, I know someone in school that could tutor you in whatever.”

“I don’t know….is he cute?” Courtney asked as Alicia shook her head in disbelief. She was about to ask her friend what was wrong with her especially with her priorities but she had to concentrate of the vast, empty roads late on a Friday night. Cafes, restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations were open and lit up but everything else was dimmed out.

“No and that’s the beauty of it, he is a bonafide scrub like Alonzo Mourning.” Chris answered full of himself with a smug smile on his dial.

“Dude in what world is Alonzo Mourning a scrub?” Joel looked at him like he was a complete idiot. The look of 'What are you talking about' which was really a common occurrence between the pair.

“Shut it boy scout.”

“I’ll talk to my mom first and I’ll talk to you at school, thanks guys.” Courtney, her eyes red and puffy from all the crying smiled for the first time in a while. “I’m so glad to have friends like you guys.” Suddenly the car stopped and Alicia got out. The three of them looked up to see that they had arrived at the police station.

"Seriously? Alonzo Mourning a scrub? What do you even watch?"

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

Inside the Precinct:

Inside it was all hustle and bustle with police woman and men on the phones, talking to people and writing stuff done. It was really chaotic as the group tried to take it in. The 4 of them walked up to the desk right in front of the entering the precinct with a cop sitting at her desk writing down some notes.

“Can I help you guys?” She asked as the group looked around, all afraid to say the first word until Joel stepped up.

“Yeah I like the report a missing Jaguar E-Type that was stolen by two women in between the hours of 10pm and 10:40pm.” Joel explained very calmly and composed like it happened twice before.

“Is it your car?” The policewoman stared at him, stared at him intensely.

Joel looked at Chris, gesturing him with his eyes to talk. “It’s my car.”

“License plate please and can you describe the women please. Where you all in the car earlier before this took place?”

“No, just us two,” Chris pointed at Joel who put his hand up.

“You can both sit down and wait while you both explain and describe the women and everything else.” The policewoman pointed at the waiting area which just had wooden brown chairs and a stack of colourful magazines on a small brown table with a clear vase that had a bunch of daffodils inside. Courtney and Alicia sat down as the latter picked up a Time magazine that was 2 years old. Courtney rested her head on Alicia’s shoulder as she stared at the guys having an intense conversation with each other and the policewoman.

Eventually after nearly an hour of sitting down and waiting, the policewoman walked up the group. “We found the car.”

“Really? How?” Chris asked as the whole group looked tired and barely able to stay awake.

“The two women that you described to a tee…” the policewoman started to explain before noticing the nodded between the two guys. “Were caught speeding in the exact car with the licence plate registered under a Chris Ambrose, at a busy intersection at least 10 minutes ago. They should be here shortly and we will sort it out. I’ll notify you all with any other information.”

“Alright!” The two guys exclaimed in unison with a high five but that was interrupted by a yawn coming from a very tired Courtney. It showed on her eyes and her face. "SPEED CHASE!!!" The guys yelled in unison with another high five.

“Hey Alicia, don’t worry about us. Just drop her home and go home, I’ll talk to you tomorrow yeah?” Joel got up along with the rest of the group.

“No, we can….(yawn)…stay.” Courtney disagreed but to no avail as Alicia started to pull her arm lightly to get her going.

“Hey thanks for everything Alicia,” Chris gave her a peck on the cheek along with a hug before giving the same to Courtney. “Talk to me if you need help.”

“I will, thanks guys.” Courtney hugged Joel before staring at him with a sweet smile.

“Sorry it couldn’t be any fun.” Joel said “But at least you got to see a police station, so that’s something. Hey just tell us everything and drive safe Alicia, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Good luck you guys and drive safe!” Alicia waved as she and Courtney left the precinct.

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

Watson Household:

“Thanks for everything!” Courtney smiled as she got out of Alicia’s Ford. Her house much like Chris’ was big, really big. It looked like a small hotel with a fountain in the middle of the estate, a beautiful garden full of sweet, fresh spring flowers, perfectly trimmed hedges and prize winning orchards that made up the Martin household. The house itself was something out of country France, prim and proper with beautiful architectural touches.

Courtney waved as Alicia drove away from her house. She pulled out her key from her purse and pressed a few buttons on the alarm which allowed her to open the door with the alarm going off. Inside the house was a giant spiral staircase, a marble statue, a lot of artworks, paintings that decorated the walls. The interior looked of something from a palace.

Courtney turned off the lights as she walked upstairs with her heels clapping on to the marble staircase, creating a loud noise. She made her way into her room which was dark. The light blonde teen turned on the lights to see her mother on her queen sized bed reading the letter that Courtney was supposed to give to her.

Her mother sat there dressed in a blue bathrobe with her long chestnut brown hair all over the place, showing the letter to her daughter in her hand. “Could you explain this letter from your school to me, Courtney?”

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

At the police precinct:

Joel and Chris found out that the girls were arrested for having a fake licence, fake I.Ds but were also in possession of cocaine which added to the massive book of charges that included stealing Chris’ car. Both men were allowed to leave.

Chris ran to the parking lot in front of the precinct and saw his beautiful Jaguar E-Type. He ran to his car, everything was like slow motion as he jumped and hugged his car. “Oh how I missed you…” He whispered to his car, kissing it as well. "Who loves you? I love you! Yes, I do. I love you so."

“Dude, you have serious issues,” Joel smiled with his hands in his blazer’s pocket. “Next time bro, we are going for the beaches.”

“Dude, I agree and to celebrate we shall go for a drive, a long one to wherever the road takes us by Saturday morning,” Chris jumped in as waved his hand to Joel gesturing him to get in the Jag and enjoy the ride.

“Alright bro, you got yourself a deal.” Joel jumped in the car and the guys drove off where the roads would take them. Where they were going, they needed roads. "I'm hungry, bro."

"Get some popcorn from the movies?"

"Hmmm.....yeah."

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

Anyway I think the Spurs are going to win it this season. Kawhi is awesome.

Also I'm not a writer just to point it out again.

Lyrebird · May 4, 2015

Well I was wrong about the Spurs. Go figure.

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

CHAPTER 5 - Plain is Hot

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

School: Lunch time:

It was just another school day, a boring day full of classes and content. The ball rang and kids ran off in different directions for lunch. It was hard to get through the hallways since they were narrow and there were a lot of students. Teachers would watch the chaos unfold, it was madness, it was like a zoo except with more yelling like a group of howler monkeys.

The group sat by their spot, a palm tree outside the cafeteria. Only Joel, Alicia and Daniela would eat the school supplied food while the others would bring their own food. The reasoning behind it was that school supplied food was horrible ‘like a kid taking a dump’ according to one Chris Ambrose. The food was pretty sub-par to say the least but if you had the money or the time, you would get a chef at home to cook your lunch for you. People ate anything exotic from sushi to couscous.

“So what actually happened to you guys?” Tony asked after spending the weekend with extended family. “You should be excited about my mom’s yacht party coming up instead you guys can’t come? I'd like an explanation, a good one.”

“I have to babysit that night,” Alicia answered swiftly holding her tray of food which contained something to do with potatoes, mashed potatoes. “The neighbor’s daughter, it should be quiet and I can get ahead of my school work.”

“That’s not a surprise but good luck with that,” Tony turned his gaze at Gisela who was biting into a freshly made baguette sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and aioli sauce slowly dripping down the bun. She was struggling to keep all the vegetables, tomatoes and meat from falling on the ground and on her white blouse and blue denim jeans.

“Oh right daddy is totally having this date with this woman. I kind of have to meet her. It is a big deal like all the other ones he's had are bimbos….” Gisela explained with a lot of frustration in her voice. She didn't like meeting all of her father’s girlfriends or flings of the week because they were either bimbos, actresses or someone half her father's age. Daniela hugged her friend who was pretty down after explaining her plans. "Eugh...so not fair."

“What about you three?” Tony looked at the trio of Joel, Chris and Courtney.

“Grounded….” They all answered in unison, nearly in sync and as monotone as they could get.

“Seriously…? How?” Tony could hear Daniela laughing in hysterics. He turned to the beautiful brunette, something about her. There was something about her that Tony liked. Was it because she was down to earth, feet on the ground? It had to be it. He rarely met girls like that.

“I drove to Sacramento for a day, it was pretty fun.” Chris explained as he gazed lustfully at Gisela’s lunch. Oh that dripping aioli sauce and the presentation was a treat for the eyes and beat his cheeseburger with mushrooms and onion rings on a lettuce topped beef patty with a special spicy relish sauce.

“I went with him….” Joel raised his hand with the other poking at the school cafeteria meat. “Seriously dude what is this?” He muttered to Chris, pointing at the meat. Chris shrugged and picked up a stick. He poked at the food trying to figure out what it was with Joel looking confused.

“You guys are…actually serious?” Tony chuckled in disbelief.

“Nah, we’re coming but Courtney is grounded.”

“Punishment for flunking,” Courtney answered. “Oooh Chris I need that help.”

“You’re asking Chris for help? Honey, you can’t be that bad…” Gisela looked at Courtney who rolled her eyes in response to her friend’s comment. "No offense Chris." Gisela smiled at Chris who was now poking Joel's lunch with a little stick.

“Well sure but which day is good for you?” Chris asked as he pushed using his hands on the grassy ground to spring himself up.

“I don’t know I guess Saturday or a Friday since I’m grounded.” Courtney pondered for a bit as she looked up at a grey, cloudy sky right above her. “I guess Friday? No wait, Saturday.” She finally decided as she smiled sweetly at Chris. “Saturday is fine, thank you.”

“Right, I’ll be back in a second,” Chris told the group as he took off. He went on his way around the school to find what he knew where the less popular students would sit and have their lunches, the dreaded cafeteria. "Dude, bro. You need to get some real food." He said to Joel who was still poking at the school cafeteria meat.

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

The School Cafeteria: The cesspool:

Chris walked inside the cafeteria which smelt like various cheap food that together smelt liked something died inside of something that died. He could see people just staring him. He felt really awkward, so out of place. This was the haven for the ‘unpopular’ kids, the people that Chris would never give any time of day at all. He looked around for a guy with brown hair wearing a pinstriped t-shirt with jeans. He let out a frustrated groan just thinking about talking to this guy when he was sitting with his friends, all his weird looking friends wearing Nintendo T-shirts every day at school for some reason.

“There’s the guy I’m looking for,” Chris walked up to Kyle who was sitting with Gavin and Eddy. “Have I told you how happy I am that we know each other?”

“Well…umm no, so you want to sit down or something?” Kyle asked in awe that Chris Ambrose, the Chris Ambrose would come to talk to him at school. He was excited, really excited.

“No, thank you but I need to ask you for a favour.” Chris grimaced as a lot of people looked at it in awe. He had this sort of aura since he was popular, rich, athletic and could get the chicks. He really didn't like being here but he had a job to do. It was awkward with all the staring from around all those that sat nearby.

“Yeah, you guys don’t mind do you?” Kyle asked Gavin and Eddy who were flicking through a video game magazine.

“Actually Kyle we do….”

“Yeah whatever, thanks guys,” Kyle brushed them off, completely ignoring them as he went to talk to Chris. “So what’s up buddy?” Kyle asked, looking all nervous and twitchy.

“Alright, look I’m not your friend or your buddy but I do need your help, dude,” Chris explained looking around, taking deep breaths in frustration. “I need you to tutor this address in algebra or whatever at Saturday 7pm,” Chris handed Kyle a couple of notes, $50 in value. “Here you go to show that this is legit and not some sort of prank. We cool?”

“Only if you don’t call me geek but we cool,” Kyle gleefully took the money and counted it thoroughly. “I need an address, bro.”

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

Saturday Night at the Watson household:

Courtney sat in her room mulling over being tutored. She got a phone number from Chris but was told that everything was sorted and she didn’t have to call the number. Courtney didn’t believe it at first but after hearing that Chris shelled out money changed her opinion.

Courtney hoped her tutor was a cute college guy as she posed in front of a mirror checking out her outfit. She wore a simple red cocktail dress, way overdressing for this occasion. Her light blonde hair was tied up in a messy bun like a wispy and light bird’s nest. She was about to add some dark red lipstick before looking at her dress. “I’m so overdressing. It could be a Pointdexter or someone like that,”

”Courtney, it is just a tutor. It could be a girl for all we know. This is totally my ex we are talking about. He could have even totally picked a homeless man.”

Courtney had Gisela on the line, wedging the phone in between her shoulder and her ear with the other hand used for undressing herself. “I guess but it could be a cute college guy.”

”I don’t think so, Court. You are way overblowing this. You are just getting tutored in calc.”

“I guess you’re right….what’s your Saturday night like?”

”About to leave to meet the next girlfriend of Daddy’s…one day he’ll find a normal woman. Not some like dead end loser bimbo. Anyway I better go Court. Have fun!!!”

Courtney hung up the phone and laid down on her queen sized bed just wearing her pink matching underwear. She heard the doorbell chime. There was practically no time to get changed. Courtney ran and picked up all the clothes she can. The light blonde tall teen tried to change while grabbing her books but fell down with her books scattered all over the floor and on her.

She could hear a male’s voice from downstairs talking to her mother. It wasn't a deep voice, so it had to be someone her age. Courtney left her books on the floor and quickly changed into a simple white sundress. She could hear her mother telling the tutor where Courtney was. The teen could hear footsteps and looked around her messy room. “Oh….” She stuffed all her clothes in haste in her closet before sitting down on her bed and pretending to be reading.

Suddenly the tutor knocked on her door. “Come in, I’m just reading….the history of Italy?” She took a double take looking at the book before throwing it on the floor as the tutor ended. Her expression went from happy and chipper to disappointed, severely disappointed.

“Oh hey…I guess you didn’t expect me,” He was wearing a 1993-94 Kenny Anderson New Jersey Nets jersey and jeans. The jersey really made the tutor seem so skinny as it just looked severely oversized on him. He wore it with black shorts and Air Jordans. He had dark brown hair but not gelled up like he usually did, it just sat like normal.

“No, I mean Chris told me you’re coming but…he didn't tell you who you were…” Courtney smiled nervously trying to be polite. She was still in shock and surprise at the identity of her tutor.

“Kyle, Kyle Thorpe,” Kyle introduced himself standing awkwardly inside Courtney’s room. “I’m in your calculus class and a few other classes. You’re best friends with Gisela Muller right?”

“Yeah, I am….” Courtney looked at him then looked around. This was really an awkward moment not that she disliked the guy but he was a geek, a massive geek that would try to find ways to talk to Gisela. It was like she was invisible when Gisela was around and that didn't make her happy. She never liked being in Gisela’s or anyone else's shadow, they were a lot smarter than she was. “Courtney Watson….”

“Yeah I know who you are,” Kyle really wanted it to be Gisela instead of Courtney but a job is a job. They both smiled as each other awkwardly. “Alright let’s get started.” He dumped his books the floor and sat down right beside them on the floor.

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

The Harris Household:

“Look I’m just saying you need to give him a chance,” Joel sat in his living room watching baseball. “He isn’t a bad guy at all. I don’t see anything geeky-like.”

“Are you kidding me Joel, the guy is a geek but he did give me the 50 back,” Chris sat with him both grounded but allowed to visit each other. He put his feet up on the wooden coffee table while holding corn chips between two fingers. “The point is that he needs to know the natural order of school.”

“Natural order? What kind of bullshit are you talking about?” Joel frustratingly replied as he paced up and down the living room. “Alicia was the same until you guys accepted her.”

“That was because she’s different!” Chris replied throwing a corn chip at Joel. “All I’m saying that Alicia has class while geeky hangs out with geekier and geekiest…fine alright, I’ll cede. I’ll try to be nice to him…since he did help me after Gisela’s party.”

“You damn better will!” Joel looked at the clock on a digital alarm. “Alright we better go because Tony kills us....yo Dani!" Joel yelled out with a loud booming voice.

"I'm coming!" She yelled back.

"Yeah, she's not ready..."

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

The Watson Household: Courtney's Room:

“I don’t get this at all…” Courtney threw a pencil across her room. Kyle turned around to watch it land on a white lacy rug. “I am so totally stupid.” She whined as now took her anger on the book by slamming it shut.

“It’s fine…don’t worry about it. Let’s look at the question again,” Kyle tried to calm her down.

“I shouldn't be doing this, you are so useless.”

“That’s it….” Kyle picked up his books and got up. “That’s the 5th time you called me useless, I’m outta here. “ He muttered angrily as he went to the door holding his book under his arm. “I have better things to do on a Saturday night.”

“No wait, I’m sorry…just under stress, like a lot more than you can imagine,” Courtney responded quickly. “I won’t call you useless anymore as long as we don’t talk about Gisela,”

“Alright…fine, fine…Let’s get back to work,” Kyle sat down next to Courtney on her bed with her books open. “Okay look at this equation, you have 5x minus 4 over x is equal to 2.” He wrote down the equation in Courtney’s notepad. “What do we do first?”

“Cancel out the x’s?”

“No, that’s not it, you got this.” Kyle reassured her by pointing at the 2 with his pen.

“I’m too stupid to do this…..”

“Just think and put your mind in it, head in the game Courtney. Head in the game!”

This came as a surprise to Courtney, sure he friends say that but no one else did. No one excluding her friends would try to show that she was better than she gave herself credit. He didn't give up on her like her mother did.

“Umm…oh wait,” Courtney started to write down the answer. “You multiply both sides by x leaving me with 5x minus 4 is equal to 2x. Then you minus 5x from 2x leaving me with 4 is equal to minus 3x….ummm…” It started to hit her like everything was coming up easy now. “Then I’ll cancel the negatives and then I’ll have x is equal to 4/3.” Courtney looked at Kyle and joyful squealed “OH MY GOD, I DID IT?”

“Yeah, you got it right,” Kyle could only smile at the teen’s delight in solving that math problem easily. “See you can do it, now let’s move on.” But all he could do was yawn.

“You tired?” Courtney asked while writing down the next question with the writing pad on her right leg for stability.

“Yeah, I guess I am but I’m still here in the mind, so yeah I’m, I’m fine.” Kyle though ended that with a long yawn.

“So what did you get up to?” Courtney curiously asked while taking her brown eyes off her the page and towards Kyle.

“Nothing, let’s just focus on the math.”

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

Tony's Yacht:

“So did they rent a yacht or buy one?” Daniela who was dressed in a lovely black cocktail dress with her lightish brown hair let down, straight down just passed her neck. “I haven’t seen anything like this ever.”

“Neither…” Joel agreed dressed in a tuxedo much like all the male guests on the yacht.

“Because you two come from the East or whatever while us on the West coast seen boats like these all the time…then again,” Chris looked around in awe of the majestic yacht. “This is one sexy beast.”

The yacht had beige lounges on the deck for guests to sit and watch the scene, the scene of a beautiful starlit sky, a full moon reflecting on the water. There was a pianist and a swing band playing as men and women danced on the deck. There were waiters in tuxedos holding plates that balanced glasses of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

“Guys, I think we are the youngest here,” Chris remarked as the trio walked around looking at the crowd. There were several men and women in their middle ages. “Good thing I didn't bring the goods, am I right?”

“Not like the goods make any difference…” Daniela smirked as she lightly punched Chris on the arm.

“Ooft!” Joel chuckled. “Man, that’s gotta hurt.” He added with a terrible Brooklyn gangster accent.

Chris laughed until he stopped. He had saw two of the most amazing, gorgeous women in his life. They looked angelic, like goddesses with their beautiful blonde hair, elegant bodies with long slender legs. They looked almost identical except for a few things here and there. Chris stared at them with interest and poked Daniela and Joel to look exactly at what he was looking at. All went well except….

“Tony?” Joel saw their friend walking to the girls, all dressed in his tuxedo which made him look very different to the more casual look that they were used to. The group walked to Tony and the girls he was with.

“Hey guys!” Tony shook Joel’s hand, Chris’ and gave Daniela a peck on the cheek. “Glad you guys could make it, guys this is Mindy and Sally, my mom's friends.” He turned to the girls. “This is Joel, Chris and Daniela; I go to school with them.”

“Care to dance?” Chris asked Mindy, the age difference was easy noticeable on her face and Sally’s. "I'm gonna get lucky, bro." Chris whispered to Joel with a little gleeful smile and a handy wink. The big band music was jivin' and people were swaying and dancing their night away.

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

Courtney's Room:

“That’s really it I guess,” Kyle’s stomach rumbled just as he and Courtney were finishing up for the night. “You got this, so I guess my work here is done.”

“Do you want to eat something?” Courtney asked while Kyle gathered all his books and other stuff. “Like some soup or something?”

“Errr no, I better jet…you know. Good luck and I’ll see you at class.” Kyle looked at Courtney with a little smile, a forced smile before turning around and walking down the long hilly driveway of the Martin household.

“Wait…”

Kyle stopped and looked at Courtney who ran up to him. "Please not about soup..."

“Look, I would really like if you can help me more, I can pay you.” Courtney looked at him with a sweet smile trying to be friendly.

“This could be my chance to score with Gisela and get into popular crowd!!!” Kyle thought in his head while staring at Courtney’s eyes. He took a deep breath “Alright….sure but don’t pay me, we’ll call it studying together,” which sounded like he wasn’t too sure about the idea.

“Oh thank you!!!” Courtney squealed in delight writing her phone number and Chris’ on Kyle’s writing book. “You’ll need both and I need yours.”

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

Tony's Yacht:

“You are a really good dancer,” Daniela whispered as she and Tony slow danced cheek to cheek, face to face, eyes to eyes.

“So are you and you look absolutely beautiful tonight but you always do,” Tony stared at her beautiful blue eyes. Their eyes spoke more than words, the music danced their feelings. “You know when I first saw you, I thought you were the most down to earth, attractive girl I’ve saw and right now I only see how perfect this night is…” He whispered softly in her ear.

“Tony, I….” Daniela stared at his eyes and with that fleeting moment, she let go. She leaned towards him, their faces nearly touching and then under the moonlight sky… they kissed a passionate kiss under the stars. “Wow…that was really out of the blue…” Daniela giggled flicking some of her brown hair off her cheek. “So does that mean we are dating? Because the last guy that did that ended up dating me.”

“I’m afraid so…” Tony replied at her with a suave grin on his face moving a lock of her brown hair away from her beautiful eyes. “I mean if you want, I know it seems like we have no chemistry and this seems out of the blue but I always wanted to kiss you, I've always had a crush on you but you are my best friend's cousin, you know.”

“I'm not his sister, it's fine and I've had a little thing for you but I didn't think you would like me.” Daniela smiled back as they started to dance to the swing band once again.

"Why?" They took a break from dancing as they went to sit down on two chairs beside the dance floor. Tony could only smirk as he saw Chris trying to score and Joel talking about politics to Sally who looked extremely bored on her middle aged face.

"I'm just so plain, I'm not like Gisela, Alicia or Courtney...." She giggled when Chris was approached by a man who turned about to be Mindy's wife. He ran off to avoid any confrontation.

"I like plain, Daniela. It's unique and I love unique."

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

Alrighty, so who likes pie? I like pie. Well it depends which type of pie.

Anyway....yeah....well I'm trying I guess.

Yun · May 6, 2015

First thing's first: #TeamKyle . Let's hope that doesn't change.

Now. I found pretty much nothing glaringly wrong with the prose. You didn't switch tenses. It was a humorous story throughout - like watching a TV show. Trainwreck relationships, exaggerated geekiness, douchey popular kids, and the struggle to/at the top of the social food chain. You captured the essence of the teenage spirit.

Nitpicking wouldn't really matter since this is more of a recreational undertaking (and you reiterate time and time again that you aren't a writer). But, since this is a review, I'll just say this: don't rush things to the solution too often. Let it linger a bit. There, that's it.

Still, I actually really like this.

#TeamKyle

Lyrebird · May 6, 2015

@Yun - Thank you for the review. Yeah, I mean I need a lot of work and so does this fic but for me I guess everything is a learning experience, so I'm going to obviously take your criticisms and learn it. I'm trying to keep it simple and short I guess. I'm not a writer, so I have no clue what I'm doing

Anyway since I'm way ahead on input v. output or whatever, I can post another. Yay more stuff....

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

CHAPTER 6 - "Purple Streaks and Some Histories"

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

At School:

“I still can’t believe that Daniela and Tony are going out, like a couple.” Courtney was walking with Joel and Gisela after class to the cafeteria. “They had like no interest in each other. It's weird and so romantic.”

“Why did you guys bring me along?” Gisela whined while walking. “The cafeteria is so icky, really icky and those people as well, so eww.”

“Because we can’t think of anyone special to help us but the glamorous and beautiful Gisela Muller,” Joel gave her the cheesiest smile putting an arm around her.

“Well flattery does help,” Gisela chuckled a bit but still the idea of her going into the cafeteria was kind of iffy because it smelt horrible like expired cheese or milk along with meat that has been out in the sun for too long.

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

Cafeteria - The Cesspool and creation of new life forms:

“Where were you all weekend, Kyle?” A girl with black hair and a long purple streak looked at Kyle as he played with his food. “Gavin, Eddy and I kept on calling you but your mom said you were busy.”

“I just had a few things to do during the weekend, not much.” He muttered prodding the food for no reason. He was just pre-occupied with a few things. “Oh right umm yeah what’s the plan?”

“Play some SMK, Street Fighter, play some Trivial Pursuit and pizza, my house.” Gavin explained the plan for the weekend. “It is going to be fun not like some stupid party that you dragged us to.”

“Whatever dudes,” Kyle rolled his eyes. “I’ll be there, I guess.” He hesitantly added himself into their plans. “I mean you guys are my friends even though you ditched the party...”

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

“Eugh I can’t believe you dragged me here…this is geek central and a fashion disaster.” Gisela couldn't handle it anymore as she walked outside away from the cafeteria.

Courtney and Joel looked at each other and shrugged it off. They walked towards a certain table with 2 guys and a girl but no pizza place seated. “Kyle, my man,” Joel put his hands on Kyle’s shoulder. “Just the guy we were both looking for.”

“You were?” a confused look came across Kyle’s face. “Ummm…what’s up?”

“Well, Chris, Alicia and I have a spare ticket for a concert this weekend and you know wonder if you are free to come and then we have a card game after that, you interested?” Joel explained. The guys would generally have a poker night full of alcohol and cigars and pretend they were high rollers like in Vegas.

“Well I have nothing to do this weekend, so yeah sure.” Kyle replied with a little smile forgetting completely about the plans he made with his other friends. “Do you need my number or something?”

“I got it!” Courtney replied with her sweet perky voice. “Oh and thanks for helping me last week, it meant so much. Ummm...so is like Friday good?

“Yeah, yeah it should be fine…I guess I’ll see you guys later.” Kyle gave a little wave as Joel and Courtney walked away. He ruffled up his brown hair before turning around to face his other friends. They really did not look pleased at the fact that those so called 'popular' people waltzed in thinking they were all that and trying to steal Kyle away from them.

“Ditching us for them? How could you?” Janet really wasn't pleased. “You said you were coming over to Gavin’s this weekend.”

“Come on guys, they invited me and it beats playing Mario Kart,” Kyle tried to explain but…

“Blasphemy, we never speak of Nintendo that way.” Eddy who never said much shoved his banana like a sword right in front of Kyle much to his confusion and amusement.

“I don’t see the big deal, we could do this anytime. I mean this is a concert. I don’t get the distaste for them.” Kyle was frustrated by everything that happened. “I really don’t get what the problem is.”

“They are snobs, they think they are better than us and they belittle us like all the time, Kyle. I can’t believe you would defend them over us!” Janet yelled in his ear.

He moved a bit away from Janet and her yelling. “They haven’t done anything wrong at all, look I appreciate the concern but I don’t think there is any agenda. You guys are reading way too much into this.” Kyle explained and was still somewhat repulsed by Janet’s purple streaks. “Look this is my chance to become popular, what’s wrong with that?”

“You spent the weekend with her? That stupid airhead is a dumb bimbo that is probably sleeping with teachers or paying them off so she can pass.” Janet didn’t hold back one bit at her distaste of Courtney. “I have nothing against her but she is a dumb bimbo that relies on her looks and nothing else. She is going to coast through life and like Gisela, screw some jock and end up pregnant.”

“No, look I don’t need this alright. You are just going by baseless whatever, Janet. What have they done to you?” Kyle asked really annoyed at everything Janet was saying about Gisela and Courtney even though he had practically little contact with the former.

“They always tease me about how I dress and call me a geek. It is not fair that people like those run the country while we are left to do crap.” Janet raised her tone but seemed somewhat composed if comparing to derange. “We should dress like how we want not what people tell us,” Kyle rolled his eyes as Janet blabbed on and on about society. "They think they dictate fashion and anyway they are going to have deadbeat lives when they are finish college after daddy pays for their tuition and get pregnant and have like 4 husbands."

"You sicken me..."

“Well geeks rule the world look at Bill Gates,” Gavin pointed out correctly. “I don’t know why you are going with them though, we are your friends.”

“Look I’ll go for a bit, see how the night goes and if it goes south then I know not to trust them,” Kyle got up with his brown paper bag lunch, “and Janet, she is a pretty nice person,”

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

Back at the palm tree:

Daniela sat underneath the shady palm tree with her head resting on Tony’s shoulder. She looked at Chris and Alicia who were talking about this weekend. “So what are we doing this weekend?” Daniela asked as she plucked the crusts from her sandwich. She had a dislike for the crusts as something about them made her feel like the sandwich was worse.

“I’m taking you out to dinner, my mom knows a few people that can get us in a very fancy place. Then spending some time with the guys, you going to Gisela’s?” Tony asked putting his arm around Daniela and kissing her on her head.

“Ooh that sounds romantic,” Alicia watched the pair cuddling up beside each other while Daniela still struggled ripping the crusts out of her sandwich. “We are all going to Gisela’s except for Courtney.”

“Still grounded? Man that is criminal.” Chris dusted himself off from lying on the grass. “What does she have to do? Like join a convent?”

“I don’t think she is grounded anymore actually she has got a tutor or something,” Daniela was left with a little weirdly shaped sandwich.

“She owes me, I had to fork over 50 just to hire one for her, not saying she has to sleep with me but I’ll take it.” Chris sat down right next to Alicia holding a brown paper bag. He took out a little box of sushi and a pair of chopsticks.

“Awww Dude we are trying to eat,” Tony threw some pieces of bread at Chris who laughed it off.

“Hey man I’m just joking,” Chris responded by throwing bread at his friend. Gisela, Courtney and Joel sat down next to the group. “So what’s the plan Joel, my man?” a click handshake between the duo showed how close they were.

“Not much, we have someone to replace Courtney for the concert and you owe him big time,” Joel explained slapping Chris on the back.

“Dude, really?” Chris sighed as soon as he realized who was going to take Courtney’s place. “Ahh man....I hope he doesn’t geek out or something.”

"What the hell does that mean?" Joel asked Chris looking at him like always, a big idiot.

“I asked him to take my place,” Courtney smiled, her books tucked in her hands as she swung her arms like a pendulum with her books in tow. “My parents are totally barring me from anything like a concert or a party but I’m coming over to Gisela’s tonight.”

“So that makes us 4 in a car, we drop off Alicia and yeah you going to join us Tony?” Joel asked with his hands playing with Gisela’s straight, sleek light blonde hair.

“After I drop off Dani,” Tony answered holding on to his girlfriend as she was stuffing her face with a sandwich. “I’ll join you guys,”

“So what actually happens at guys’ night, Court?” Gisela asked Courtney who knew what guys’ night was about after her Chris told her everything when they were they studying together.

“Oh I actually don’t know, I just know they have a guys’ night,” Courtney lied which was made obvious as her eyes moved down to her black flats with white ribbons on them like ballet flats. Gisela knowing when her best friend lied just smirked while Joel was playing with her hair. The guys looked at each other and smiled.

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

The Saturday Night:

It was another Saturday night with Kyle relaxing wearing a brown blazer jacket over a white collared shirt and jeans. He sat at Gavin’s house which was a modest sized house with Gavin, Janet and Eddy. The SNES was set up with Super Mario Kart staring up.

“You going to play?” Gavin asked while Kyle looked at his watch.

“Huh…yeah sure, alright,” Kyle grabbed a white controller and stared at the menu screen as Gavin selected the options. Kyle didn’t know how long it would be until he was going to the concert but he figured a couple of races wouldn't hurt.

“So are you sure you’re going?” Janet asked. “They could have ditched you and left you here with us as part of a prank because those popular people are horrible people.” Kyle rolled his eyes, something about popularity that really set Janet off. “They are preying on you and then they will put it on video tapes.”

“Look Janet, shut up. No wonder you use Boswer,” Kyle sat there after he paused the game. “I’m sick and tired of you just slandering people you don’t even know and talking out of your ass,” He was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“I think it could be the pizza guy!” Eddy who never really said much ran up to the door. He slipped on a banana and fell flat on his back after sliding on the banana peel for much of the tiled floor. Gavin and Kyle walked to the door together.

“I’m sorry about Janet, I think she likes you and she told me she doesn't like it when people go popular,” Gavin explained why Janet was pretty nay very volatile. “She really likes you and you like Gisela, so you can see why she is angry.”

“Yeah, yeah I guess you are right but I don’t like her that way, she’s too judgmental.” Kyle nodded as he leaned down and helped Eddy up after going all Mario Kart on a banana peel “Dude this isn't Ghost Valley…” Kyle and Eddy waited by the door while Gavin opened it.

“Hi, is Kyle there?” Alicia stood at the doorstep looking real fine. She wore her black hair straight and down with little curls at the end along with a purple dress down to her knees with a blue sash around her waist.

“Yeah that’s me,” Kyle walked out, “I’m Kyle Thorpe and these are my friends Gavin and Eddy, so yeah hi.” He stood next to Alicia who looked at her watch.

“Alicia Harrison." She introduced herself with a handshake, a strong one. Kyle was rubbing his hand after that. "You ready to go?”

“Yeah sure, let’s go.” Kyle waved to his friends before turning around. He could see the famed Jaguar that he had to drive while Chris was drunk beyond all reason after Gisela’s party a while back.

“Well don’t just stand there, get in.” Joel smiled as he got out folding his seat so Alicia and Kyle can sit in the back. “So you ready for the concert?”

“Yeah, I can’t believe how wicked it is going to be.” Kyle enthusiastically exclaimed, poking his head between the driver and the passenger seat “So cool isn't it?”

Chris raised his eyebrow towards Joel with a knowing look. “What? Come on let’s go.” Joel exclaimed from the passenger seat pointing at the road in front of them. Chris chuckled and shook his head before starting the car and driving.

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

The scene was amazing as Chris drove quickly down all the main roads. There were lights everywhere from malls, bars, restaurants, stores and gas stations that all illuminated the dark roads. The guys were listening to a tape that Chris had in his car, the songs were ranging from Alanis Morissette to Oasis. “This song reminds me of ex-girlfriend, man.” Joel looked at Chris with a smile as they were listening to ‘You Outta Know’.

“Hey I can change the song if you want but I’m just curious for a story. How did a fine boy scout like you…well you know.” Chris asked as they stopped at an intersection.

“Chris, it is private!” Alicia poked her head between the driver and passenger seat. Chris smiled putting his elbow on the top of the car door and using his hand to run through his blonde hair.

“No, it’s okay Ally, you guys should know anyway.” Joel looked at Alicia’s head and then moved to Chris who was tapping his foot impatiently waiting for the green light at the traffic intersection.

“Well we don’t really have to,” Kyle pipped up from the back voicing his two cents. Chris glared at him from the rear view mirror. “I’ll stop talking now…” Kyle felt small and intimidated as he saw Chris’ glare. He turned to the side looking at two girls walking together on the sidewalk holding shopping bags full of clothes. Two very attractive girls that looked like super models. They were tall in cocktail dresses and heels laughing at them.

“I agree Thorpe but the public has a right to know, well my best friends do,” Joel referred to Chris and Alicia. “Well you know that brunette girl from St. Louis right?”

“Well yeah the one who dumped your ass after you said you couldn't handle a long distance relationship and then we thought she was a lesbian who was keen on Gisela but instead she went after the quarterback and oh….that sucks bro,” Chris told it like it was dictation.

“Thanks bro…” Joel lightly laughed at Chris’ stealing his story. “And that was the story, told by the guy who got his ass dumped by Gisela.”

“Wait I thought you dumped her,” Kyle poked his head between the driver and passenger seat.

“I did too.” Alicia did the same with her head below Kyle’s. “Well the truth comes out.”

“This traffic light is taking way too long….” Chris slid his hand down his face with a groan. “Joel?”

“So I can tell the story now? Well…you see Gisela thought unrightfully so that Chris was being jealous for no reason but she would flirt around, not cheat or anything but flirt around and then they yelled at each other in my house and now they are exes.”

“I still can’t believe your mother’s face…she laughed at us.”

“No, she laughed at you but she did feel sorry for you,”

“Ah yeah I remember that, your mom is an excellent chef, I can still taste those ice cream sundaes, it was like sex.” Chris high-fived Joel as finally the red turned to green and he could finally move out of the intersection…just to end up at another.

“What about you Kyle?” Alicia asked, “Any girls?”

“Well I did date a girl at my old school back in Texas but she kind of was a massive well...her parents didn't approve, so she dumped me other than that nothing….really” Kyle replied shyly about his past love. “It’s nothing at all…” he chuckled nervously. "Like Footloose."

“Hey man, it’s okay.” Joel reassured with a calm voice which was his trademark. “Better than being cheated on,”

“And dumped but we need descriptions, Kenny.”

“Kyle, Chris…his name is Kyle.” Joel muttered softy.

“Well…” Kyle enthusiastically turned around to look at a Beemer right next to them. “Well she had long black hair, she wasn't pretty, beautiful, hot, cute, she was like what I could get, she felt pity for me I think or…no wait pity”

“What’s with you guys and looks? Looks don’t make a person.” Alicia interrupted Kyle. “What was she like?”

“She was a horrible person, she would belittle me in front of the guys, called me a geek and make comments about the friends I had…” Kyle still staring at the Beemer looked downtrodden after going into the memory bank. “So she was a horrible person looks wise and personality wise.” Chris gave Joel a knowing look right when Kyle said the word ‘geek’

“What about the girl that sits with you?”

“She has purple streaks, Alicia. Purple.” Chris exclaimed with frustration at his voice due to the all the traffic. “Are the traffic gods trying to fuck me over?”

“Hey man, we have plenty of time.” Joel’s role was calming down Chris or trying to stop him from stupid things. He would normally fail.

“Guys!” Alicia laughed in disbelief “There is nothing wrong with a woman and her choice in appearance.”

“Purple is not natural, she dresses like a video game character, Alicia.” Kyle explained. “That’s not really a good thing.”

“And that’s strike two for the illustrious Harrison,” Chris laughed.

“You guys are so wrong…”

“So are purple streaks, Alicia.”

“I like this guy,” Chris laughed putting his hand out for Kyle to high five. “I really do,”

Kyle reciprocated “And she hates everyone especially Gisela and Courtney, the whole popularity thing…she hates that.”

“That explains the nastiness to me, I mean I was trying to be nice and make the effort but she spat venom at me, I thought it was just me.” Alicia recalled.

“Didn’t you just support her Harrison?”

“She hates my friends and me!!!” Alicia exclaimed to the guys in the car.

“And now the tune has changed,” Joel responded in a horrible Yorkshire accent.

“And that’s strike three for the illustrious Harrison and she is out!!!” Chris laughed. “Hey we are finally here. The traffic gods finally love me.” Chris pointed at the lights coming from a giant stadium just around the corner.

“And with plenty of time to spare, guys we are going to see R.E.M….prepare yourselves Lady Harrison, Master Ambrose and Master Thorpe for a wild night.” Joel remarked in a horrible posh English accent trying to sound like a butler while Chris was trying to find a parking spot. The parking lot was pretty packed full of cars with a few being sat on by people. There were a few empty spaces here and there that were pretty easy to find for Chris and his Jaguar.

“This is going to be wild!!!” Kyle beamed as he face couldn't hide all the excitement something that easily beat sitting at Gavin’s house with pizza and Mario Kart, it was R.E.M.

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

Yeah.............................yeah. So yeah. Yeah, so yeah. I have nothing. I just writing for kicks.

I need some wine.

Lyrebird · May 11, 2015

So here we go again....oh goodie......Someone punch me.

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CHAPTER 7 - Japanese food and Ice Cream

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The Muller house

The large mansion of the lovely Muller family was the scene where Courtney sat in the TV room reclining on a grey leather plush sofa with her feet up. She gave her R.E.M. ticket away, which really bummed her out, all because of her marks. She was a massive fan of R.E.M like most bands. She flicked on to ESPN for a while watching Sportscenter which didn’t really talk about much except a segment on Kobe Bryant’s projections for his rookie NBA season.

“Chips and Ice cream, I have vanilla or chocolate,” Gisela walked into the TV Room as Courtney quickly changed the channel back to MTV. “What were you watching?” Gisela smirked asking out of curiosity holding two small tubs of ice cream and a bowl of chili chips.

“Ummm…Scooby Doo and vanilla?” Courtney flicked it to Scooby Doo and sat there watching.

“Ooh….see I don’t get what they see in Velma, I mean orange high knee socks and that turtle neck sweater…” Gisela sat down and talked in between bites of chips. “Wait where is Velma?”

“I think these are the Scrappy Doo ones which means no Fred,” Courtney explained while on screen Scrappy Doo was talking to Daphne.

“Lame!" Gisela passed the bowl of chips to Courtney. "Fred was like the best thing about it,”

“I think Fred dumped Daphne and became a pro baseballer or a basketballer, he looks really fit.”

“I can see that, I can see him dating like a cartoon version of Eva Herzigova, Tyra Banks or Claudia Schiffer, I mean look at him and I bet Daphne was a total bitch to him.” Gisela opened up a bottle of mineral water with a twist of lemon that was already sitting on a glass table between the girls.

“What about Alicia Silverstone or Keri Russell?”

“Mhmmm....I could actually see that. Maybe Daphne cheated on him with Shaggy, I mean they are travelling together or he dumped her to pursue his dreams and she moved down to Shaggy” Gisela noted as Courtney took a massive spoonful of vanilla ice cream into a bowl.

“I think it is the dumping, I don’t think Daphne would cheat on Fred. They were such a cute couple why would they split up.” Courtney took a few more scoops of ice cream. "Maybe they are on long distance."

“Courtney, just think about it. Daphne is driving the Mystery Machine, so like Fred found out and then he left everything behind including the machine to Velma,” Gisela scooped out a lot of chocolate ice cream from the tub into a green bowl. “Velma didn’t need it, so she gave it to Daphne without knowing that Daphne and Shaggy have a history and now they are together while Fred is totally dating a Claudia Schiffer or an Alicia Silverstone of their universe while playing professional basketball or whatever. It’s totally obvious but Shaggy and Daphne imagine that?”

“Ewwww….so hey what does chili chips and ice cream together taste like?” Courtney curiously asked putting some chips in her bowl full of ice cream.

“Mmm….I dunno but it sounds totally gross.”

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

Fancy Japanese Restaurant:

“Japanese?” Daniela looked at the beautifully wooden crafted sign with the restaurant’s name both English and in Japanese characters. She looked at Tony quizzically, not what she expected for a second date or a cuisine at all.

“Well what did you expect?” Tony put his hands on her shoulders, giving the brunette teen a gentle rub.

“I don’t know just not Japanese.” Daniela still was a little bemused before they entered the restaurant. It was amazingly awe-inspiring type of stunning. There were Japanese art on the light brown wooden walls, low hanging chandeliers and low ambient lights near the kitchen. There were also beautiful crafted wooden tables by the kitchen watching the chefs doing their artistry with food.

Daniela and Tony were led to a small table by the windows overlooking the beautiful ocean, glistening with the reflection of the stars and the moon in the night sky. “This is so beautiful…” Daniela couldn’t help but stare at the stunning view from her chair. “How did you get this?” She asked in awe.

“My mom knows people,” Tony stared at the view but unlike Daniela was pretty bored by it. “Perks of being a magazine writer, people want to kiss her ass so we get the perks. Thanks man.” Tony and Daniela received menus each from the tall Japanese waiter dressed in a very fancy tuxedo.

“Wow…this is really pricey….” Daniela whispered while she was reading the menu to herself. “I can’t afford this…” She was really stressed about all these prices. This was nothing like any restaurant she had ever been to, heck she never had Japanese food in her life. “We can’t stay…look at these prices…”

“Relax Dani,” Tony reassured her by putting his hand on hers on a beautifully set table with two candles, wine glasses and a wooden centerpiece in between the two candles. “I’m paying for it, just enjoy yourself,” He looked right up at Daniela’s face who gave him a casual little smile. “Don’t say I can’t let you do that just experience the food with your eyes.”

She giggled in response to that comment. “Seriously? You sound like a food critic.”

“I know good food when I see it and I know a beautiful, amazing woman when I see her.”

“You really should have gone to the R.E.M. concert with the others.” Daniela smiled pulling the menu in front of her face. “We could have gone here another time.”

“Dani…I wanted to show you an amazing place and it’s okay I’ll hear about the concert tonight.” Tony pulled down the menu in front of her face. “Just enjoy yourself tonight…so what’s looks appealing to you?”

“I have no clue, I never had Japanese food before, so why don’t youuuuu,” She smiled at her boyfriend with her head on her hands staring at him. “Order for meeee?” She pointed at herself. "I don't have any idea."

“I’ll show you a whole new world of food.” Tony smiled, “Excuse me, we are ready to order!” He got the waiter’s attention.

“What will it be?” The waiter asked in an unexpected mix of a Japanese and a Californian accent. He had his notepad to scribble down whatever the couple will order.

“Just the assorted sashimi and sushi, thank you and oh…no wait that’s it, thank you.” Tony gave his menu to the waiter likewise Daniela who smiled politely.

“Anything to drink?” The waiter asked putting the menus under his left arm.

“Just a Pepsi thank you,” Daniela smiled brightly at the waiter. She didn’t have a smile like Courtney or a beautiful face like that of Gisela but it was a pretty smile. “For both of us,” She winked at Tony.

“Did you just order a Pepsi for me? How very exotic of you."

“A whole new world of soft drinks, Tony.”

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

CONCERT!!!

“These are amazing seats!” Joel remarked in amazement and surprise as the group sat at their seats in the concert. The seats were pretty close to the stage, actually very close just only a few rows from the stage.

“Yeah well I knew they would,” Chris sat down between Alicia and Joel. “You know since you have to know the known in the music biz like I do.” Chris’ had connections to the music industry thanks to his mother.

“Wait, no way…..” It hit Kyle while he was feeling around the seat trying to get comfortable by wriggling his behind around a lot. “Your mom is Sandra Ambrose in those musicals in New York, Broadway? Oh man, you got to be kidding me.” Chris glared at Kyle while Joel and Alicia cracked up laughing in their seats. “Wow that would have been amazing to have a theater actress as a mom.”

Chris’ face didn't really agree and could only groan as he heard about his mom. “Hey let’s not talk about my mom and instead shut up,” Chris looked at the rest of the group “And instead talk about how awesome this would be.”

“Oh man if Sandra Ambrose opened for R.E.M. just imagine how awesome that would be,” Joel laughed along with the rest of the group.

“Alright, alright that would be awesome,” Chris laughed punching Joel in the arm. “But guys R.E.M! This could be something that we would tell our grandkids, man. Just look at them….” He pointed at the stage where the gig was just about to start.

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

Muller Household:

“It actually isn’t bad….tasty….ummm like really tasty,” Courtney pulled out an ice cream covered metal spoon from a blue bowl. Ice cream dripped from the spoon back into the bowl. “I don’t know why but like the salt and spice from the chips and the sweetness, it actually tastes really yummy.”

“Eww that is so gross, Court. You have issues.” Gisela looked at her best friend in disgust before flicking through several channels before the concert was going to start.

“Come on, Gisela. It’s not bad…do you wanna try?” Courtney asked which was answered with a trademark Gisela scoff which gives the perception that she is a selfish, vain, stuck up snob. “Your loss…so when does the concert start?”

“It should start now but MTV is just showing some spotlight on Duran Duran,” Gisela pointed the remote at the television to prove her point. “They do have some totally colourful clips.”

“It is so 80’s, like my parents could have been listening to this stuff,” Courtney mused as the song ‘Rio’ played with its video clip in a tropical island. “Maybe not…They would have been really old for that. They are like Marvin Gaye era”

“Your parents would have been listening to like Sinatra or something totally croony,”

“Ummm....I think my dad has Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix albums on vinyl.”

“Vinyl? That’s totally retro…oh my god it is starting!” Gisela squealed in delight as MTV switched from Duran Duran video clips to the concert.

“I wish I wasn’t grounded….” Courtney pouted while tying up her light blonde hair in a nice, simple ponytail. “I would have been there and loving it, so much.” The first song was ‘Shiny Happy People’ which made Courtney sulk more into her ice cream and popcorn.

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

Back at the restaurant:

“Easy, easy…” Tony coached Daniela on how to use chopsticks while they were both laughing. “Just watch what I’m doing,” He held the chopsticks and picked up a sushi from his plate with ease.

“I’m trying…oh boy…” Daniela cracked up laughing as her attempt ended up with a sushi splitting in half and failing down back on her plate. “This is impossible, really impossible not even Ethan Hunt could do this.”

“It’s not mission impossible, Dani…just keep on trying.” Tony encouraged her while stifling his laughter. The next attempt uttered no words just laughter as another one split in half.

“I’m just sticking with the forks, so how do you know everyone´s like history…any juicy goss?” Daniela asked as she picked up a fork and stabbed half of a sushi like she was teaching it a lesson.

“Dani, I don’t really keep on the news but I’ll tell you. Let’s see I went to elementary school with Chris and Gisela, they were always friends and then Courtney at middle school, I think Alicia was the same time but I wasn’t friends with them like I was with Chris and Gisela….” Tony was trying to picture his history with the group.

“And you are forgetting someone important,” Daniela smirked as she stabbed another piece of sushi in an act of revenge before stuffing it in her mouth.

Tony looked at her with a little smirk, “I’ll get to you, Dani…you are obviously more important and prettier too. The most beautiful girl in school….”

“Yeah…not gonna work buddy but kudos for trying. I’m talking about Joel.”

“Joel and I met last year at the beach. He was learning how to surf and he struggled big time, so I helped him and he helped me,” Tony stared at the beach front view. “I was going through a few things like drinking since my mom went through another divorce after another, so I guess I needed a friend, someone to talk to and Joel was there. That guy is something else…”

“I know…he is a great guy, I mean he helped me learn how to tie my shoelaces and be more confident in myself and I’m glad that he is fine with us dating.” Daniela smiled as she stared at Tony. “Tony…” she grabbed his hand with hers. Her soft, delicate touch felt unbelievable to him. “I’m glad you told me this, I’m so sorry…it must have been a rough time.”

“You don’t know it…she would sleep with celebrities so she could get favors from them and my dad well he had enough of her shit, so he divorced her and I haven’t seen him since then.”

“What happened to him?”

“He lives in Hong Kong now with his British wife from what I heard from my mom, she is real bitch but I haven’t seen anything but pictures…she is a lot prettier, naturally beautiful compared to my mom, so I’m glad my dad has someone but it is tough growing up without a parent that you never see…” Tony explained as Daniela listened attentively. “I mean you, Joel, Courtney and Alicia have your parents, Chris sees his dad once in a while and Gisela, I guess she knows how it is like but her dad is always there for her. My mom just uses me to promote her than actually caring.”

“She provides you with shelter and food though right?” Daniela clutched his hand and felt his grip tighten as he opened up to her.

“And the alcohol, that’s my life but I’ve been sober since I became tight with Joel, Chris and the rest but she just irks me so much. I’ll return home and see another guy in the morning…” Tony cursed under his breath as Daniela looked very concerned after hearing everything she did.

“You have us though and we’ll be there for you. I know it doesn’t mean much but it’s the truth.”

“I know, Dani…I know."

"Good because I feel like ice cream. Do they have Japanese style ice cream?" Daniela fiddled around with her fingers. "I don't have to use chopsticks right?" This brought a smile on Tony's face. He felt at ease with Daniela, something about her personality. She was easy like her cousin to talk to and was a soothing influence in his life compared to all the women he dated and his mother.

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

Maaannnnnnnn.....

Anyway eh. Blargh and all that jazz.

Lyrebird · May 15, 2015

Sooo stuff happens.

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Chapter 8 - Cigars and Booze

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Outside The Muller household:

“Thanks for everything, I had a great night.” Daniela got out of Tony’s silver Mercedes R129 right outside the Muller household but not before giving him a kiss on the cheek. “So I’ll call you tomorrow?”

“Yeah…that would be great, I had a great night as well.” Tony smiled with his head leaning against the car door. “Thanks for everything…”

“Hey, that’s why I’m here and that’s why we’re here,” Daniela smiled and sealed the night with a quick peck on Tony’s lips. “Byeeee!” The brunette teen walked up the steep, uphill driveway that led to a flight of stairs that then led to the front door. Daniela rang the doorbell while Tony watched her from his car. The door opened and Gisela gave a wave which meant that Tony could drive off.

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

The Muller household:

“So?” Gisela trailed a glamorous Daniela down to the TV Room where Courtney was sitting along with Alicia. “How was it?”

“How was what?” Daniela smiled as she laid down on the long sofa that was situated right behind the wooden table where all the melting ice cream tubs, bottles of Pepsi and mineral water, bags of candy, chocolate chip cookies and chips sat. Daniela kicked off her heels and rubbed her feet as all three of the girls stared her. “Oh fine, we went for Japanese food and we just talked, it was a nice romantic night. The place overlooked the beach, it was really beautiful.”

“Oooh Japanese and talking, sounds serious.” Alicia teased as she drank from her bottle of water. “So how was the food?”

“Who cares about the food…It’s all about romance.” Gisela muted the volume of the television that was blocked by Daniela.

“I care about the food,” Courtney interjected as she looked grumpily at Gisela.

“Courtney, you just ate ice cream with chili chips and chocolate chip cookies, you are so not in the position to say anything.” Gisela responded swiftly. “So…” She smiled right at Daniela. “What did you guys talk about?”

“Nothing really important, just about stuff…come on guys, it was just a normal date. You guys are making a big deal.” Daniela laughed in disbelief at all the attention she was getting from her friends. She could feel the new and latest shoe bite on her foot which really stung.

“It’s Tony…the guy is in the know, you know, so how was the talking then?” Gisela asked as ‘Emotion’ by Mariah Carey was playing in the background from the TV.

“It was really nice. I felt that we connected emotionally…” Daniela blushed as she gazed straight at her feet. “And Court, the food was amazing, like really amazing Japanese food. I never had it before until today but it is so amazing and tasty too.”

“Oooh!” The girls responded in unison.

“It’s serious, Dani.” Alicia added looking at Daniela who was still blushing. “Talking and connecting emotionally, think about it.”

“Very serious, we are so happy for you. That’s so cute.” Gisela beamed absolutely happy beyond belief for her friend.

“We’ll see, so how was the concert Ally?” Daniela asked to change the subject from her date with Tony to the R.E.M concert.

“It was just amazing, guys especially when ‘Losing my Religion’ but the guys loved ‘To One I Loved’ and 'Man on the Moon' better but it was just amazing.”

“So who did you guys go with for that extra ticket?” Gisela asked. “You know the one that Courtney had to give away.”

“Oh it was just…” Something caught the attention of Alicia. She looked at Courtney who was making a cut gesture with her right hand over her throat. “Courtney’s ex, you know.”

“Yeah, he went since we still talk…kind of.” Courtney lied straight up as she looked at Alicia uneasily.

However Gisela was suspicious pretty quickly, “You had an ex?"

“Well yeah....got my money too,” Courtney smiled. “So guys….” Her attention was taken by the Bryan Adams’ song ‘Run to You’ which was being played on MTV. “Doesn’t that girl look like that girl in ‘Back to the Future’, Marty’s girlfriend?”

Daniela unsure responded with “Elizabeth Shue?”

“No, I think it was Claudia Wells….” Courtney replied. “Yeah that’s right Claudia Wells, the first girl.”

“No, she looks more like Jennifer Connolly to me…” Gisela said with her mouth full of chocolate.

“I don’t see it at all. Connolly is a lot more attractive than this girl.” Alicia stared at the screen, studying it like the rest of the girls. "This girl is Summer of '69 as well.

“This song is pretty romantic and it is so cool with all these weather stuff.” Courtney pointed out, “He is totally stressed out from life and he is going to the girl he loves.”

“Court, I hate to break it you but that’s not what the song means….” Gisela chuckled as she looked at Alicia and Daniela who were chuckling as well.

“What? I don’t get it.”

“Awww we love you, Court.” Daniela looked at her naïve friend who was confused about the song.

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

A dark room far far away:

“Boys, I present to you the Gentlemen’s club,” Chris opened a door to a small brown room with a bar, a stereo system, a giant screen TV and right in the middle was a circular dark brown wooden table with 6 chairs around it. Two of those seats were occupied by two guys, one big and muscular and one guy who wore sunglasses for some odd reason but all wearing suits and trilby hats. “The big dude is John and the other dude with the stupid sunglasses is Sam.”

“I like to call John, the loser who's Courtney's cousin…” Joel whispered in Kyle’s ear.

“Why?” Kyle whispered back as he waved at John and Sam.

“I’ll tell you later…”

“And this is Kyle…whatever his last name is and Kyle welcome to the Gentlemen’s Club where we drink, smoke cigars, watch some sports and play some cards. So you ladies ready to lose some money?” Chris sat down right between Kyle and John.

“Whiskies and cigars, welcome to the club, Kyle.” Sam lit up his cigar as the guys minus Kyle did. “Nothing gets past this room at all, you don’t tell anyone about this room or whatever shit we do, you got it?”

“Except Courtney knows,” John shuffled the cards while Joel turned on the stereo system for some light jazz music. “Boys, how was the concert?”

“Amazing and guess who got us backstage to meet the band?” Chris smiled brightly as he put Kyle in a pretend headlock. “This beast right here pretended that he was the son of one of the crew people there and he guessed the name right and we got led in because he needed his ‘dad’s keys’ and the band were awesome.”

“Big man comes in clutch, I like this guy already.” John laughed after hearing the story. “Shall we play ladies?”

“Yeah let’s start…”

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

The games became more intense after reach round as the pot rose and rose. The guys were putting on their poker faces, light up their cigars and drinking whisky looking as fashionable as a playboy in the 1940’s who would be surrounded by the glamorous of women, jazz music and drinks delivered to them by the minutes.

“What’s wrong big man? Don’t like cigars?” John asked while puffing away on his cigar.

“It’s not my thing, sorry about that…” Kyle still had the cigar in his mouth still blowing smoke but dumping it in the ashtray

“Hey man, it’s all good. Don’t worry about it.” Sam replied as Joel left his cigar in the ashtray after grinding. “Done for the night Joel?”

“Yeah man, I can’t handle this shit, not my style bro.”

“Speaking of which…where s Tony?” John asked looking at his empty seat on his left.

“He’s on a date with Joel’s cousin,” Chris answered quickly while dealing everyone’s hands for the next round. “We ready bros?”

“Wait you are letting Tony date your cousin? How good lookin’ is she?” John asked with his cigar smoking away in the left corner of his mouth.

“Very hot,” Chris smirked as Joel rolled his eyes. "Hey bro, I'm just telling as it is."

“Come on guys, this is my cousin, alright? I don’t talk about your sisters that way.” Joel raised his voice while picking up his hand. “Plus I trust both of them and I’m extremely cool with it, so yeah deal with it.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,”

Everyone turned around to see Tony just walk in. “Sorry I had to get changed, deal me in boys.” Tony sat down right between Sam and John. “I need alcohol or cigars for me tonight.”

Chris dealt him a hand and looked at him with a wide grin on his face, “Well?”

“The date went fine, thank you very much, so let’s play cards.” Tony glared at Chris. He picked up his hand and the game was on. “I raise 30” He was extremely confident in his hand.

Sam and Joel looked at each other before looking at Chris trying to see if he was bluffing or not. “I fold,” Sam placed his cards on the table faced down, ditto the same for Joel. It was now between 4 of them until Tony backed out with a scoff.

You could cut the tension with a knife between the group. There was no music, no cigars lit up and no one drinking, it was game on. It was down between 3…2 as right at that moment Tony folded. It was down to 2. “I don’t know if the bluff is on or not….just like always….30 is too steep but I’m in and I raise you another 35.”

“Raise to 40…”

“Damn…..” Chris muttered under his breath while Tony and John took deep breaths. The atmosphere was so tense and stressful.

“Pot is at 115…..imagine that.” Sam chuckled in disbelief.

“Fold….” John put his cards on the table faced down while Kyle took all the chips and notes that was a part of the pot.

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

The game continued until 2:30 in the morning as everyone looked tired but pushed on by talking about random topics. Kyle felt out of place being new to the area but he was enjoying himself, it did beat Nintendo for several hours straight.

“The pot stands at 640, big numbers boys.” John cracked up laughing in disbelief on how big the pot had grown and how big it was. “Only 2 still in it, Chris and the big man,” John pointed at Joel with his cigar. “How many Chris?”

“Nah, I’m good.” Chris waved away John not needing any cards at all.

“Joel?”

“Ummm….3?”

“I told him to fold earlier when the pot was low, he has terrible cards.” Kyle whispered to Sam who looked at Joel trying to study his body language.

“3, 3, yeah 3.” If body language was any indication, Joel was stressed and really jumpy and twitchy. John gave him 3 cards in exchange for 3 discarded ones.

“Your call, bro…” Chris stared Joel down.

Joel gulped and laid his cards down one by one “8 and 4 kings.”

“You have to be joking….and with that loss, I say we call it a night bros.” Chris slammed his cards down as Joel in disbelief quickly took all the chips and notes in the middle of the table. "2:30? Yeah let's call it a night."

“Cash in, boys.” Sam got up as took his winnings while the rest did the same.

“So, I guess Kyle is one of us now,” Joel whispered to Chris.

“Yeah but he’s a geek…”

“You still have a problem with that?”

“I don’t but Gisela does….that’s why Alicia and Courtney can’t say a thing….”

“So big man, next week?” John asked Kyle after patting him on the back which did hurt Kyle a little bit.

“Of course right Kyle?” Joel put him in a playful headlock.

“Yeah, we will see I guess….I mean yeah you will.” He remembered that he made plans with Gavin, Eddy and Janet to check out a new video game store that just opened in the city, next week. “Oh boy…” Kyle muttered to himself remembering his promise to them. Would he ditch his friends he made at school to the 'cool' guys? A question that plagued his mind all the way home and through the night.

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Thus endth medth in short chappy. Remember Alf? He's back. In Pog Form.

Lyrebird · May 17, 2015

I wonder what happens when Kermit goes into business meetings or political discussions.

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Chapter 9 - A Secret Admirer?

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School:

“This test is going to decide my future, I won’t get into a good college and I’ll have to marry some rich old man.” It was another school day as people walked into classes or to their lockers to socialize. Courtney was strung out learning that the exam season was coming.

“I think you’re over exaggerating, Courtney.” Joel was walking next to her along with hallways. “You’ll be fine.”

“Hey guys, what’s up?” Kyle ran up to the pair with a bunch of books tucked under his arm.

“Not much, big man,” Joel slapped Kyle on the back. “Courtney is fretting over exams like everyone else here.”

“It is going to decide my future and I’ll have to marry to succeed in life,” Courtney fretted as she looked at Joel. “I’m not smart like you guys.”

“Aren't you being a tad melodramatic? It's a geography test.” Kyle sighed while the group stopped at Joel’s locker. He looked at the pretty blonde standing in front of him. “You’re pretty intelligent when you put your mind to it, you know when you don’t think you’re stupid,” He looked around before asking the blonde “Hey, so where’s Gisela?” Courtney rolled her eyes before walking away. Kyle was really keen on Gisela ever since he saw her on his first day.

“So big man, we’re gonna shoot some hoops later. You interested?” Joel asked a Chris walked up to the pair.

“I’m not really a sports person, sorry bro.” Kyle replied noticing a note stuck on Joel’s locker. He grabbed it from Joel’s locker. His eyes lit up and a cheeky smile on his face as he read the note in his mind.

“Can we have a friend that actually plays sport?” Chris whispered to Joel. “Instead of some geek….” He turned around to look at Kyle who was still reading the note. “What you got there Thorpe?”

“Someone has a secret admirer and she is keen.”

“Let me see.” Chris took the note. He nodded with a cheesy smile while skimming through the note. “You dirty dog…” He looked right at Joel with a small chuckle. "Man she really wants you bad."

“Let me see that,” Joel snatched the note from the two nosy guys. “Man, she is really detailed. What should I do? She gave me her locker number.”

“She’s pretty forward but shy, I say you got to that locker and ask the babe out.” Chris explained as he read the note. “And is kinky as fuck, bro…she has got it bad.”

“No kidding but what if she is ugly?” Kyle asked. The guys thought about it for a few seconds looking up at the ceiling.

“Just watch her from a distance, bro.”

“You guys coming?” Joel asked as he slammed his locker shut.

“Solo operation. Don’t let me get in your way,” Chris winked as he walked away.

“Yeah I have to study, I’ll see you later big guy.” Kyle patted Joel on the shoulder before walking to class.

“Boys are so immature,” Courtney watched Joel, Kyle and Chris from her locker. Gisela wasn’t really paying attention, she looked really gloomy. “What’s wrong Ella?” Courtney looked at her best friend.

“Daddy is bringing the girlfriend tonight,” Gisela sighed leaning against Courtney’s locker with a black designer tote bag hanging on her right shoulder. “Washed up 26 year old actress, Court. It is so gross.” Gisela could see the guys including Kyle talking with Chris. “I see my ex has picked up a little friend. Totally expected to see the loser hanging with the geek.”

“But you’re friends with Chris.”

“It’s complicated Court, so could you like come over tonight?” Gisela looked at her with a puppy dog pout.

“I have a geography test on countries and I am the best like of the puppy dog pout,” Courtney pulled out a CD from her locker. “Where in the World is Carmen Santiago.”

“Sandiego, Court,” Gisela took the CD from Courtney. “You aren’t serious? It’s a video game.” She turned the CD around reading the back of it.

“It’s an educational tool, Ella.” Courtney snatched her CD back and put in her purse. “It will be fun. She could be like super nice.”

“You are so naive, Court. She is only dating Daddy for his money, I could ask Alicia.” Gisela became more frustrated with her predicament. Courtney shook her head as her lips curled. “Her and Joel have that UN thing, Daniela?”

“Daniela what?” Right on cue, Daniela walked to the girls. “I was looking for you guys.” Looking really annoyed at going around the school in a wild goose chase.

“Gisela wants someone to come because her dad wants her to meet his girlfriend and she wants someone to be there,” Courtney smiled sweetly as she looked at Gisela. “What?”

Gisela stared back at her before facing the brunette. “What she said…so you free tonight?”

“I don’t know Gisela, it’s a family thing,” Daniela answered not really sure or confident in the plan.

“Please Dani? I really need this.” Gisela pleaded with Daniela, staring at her with her beautiful blue eyes.

“Fine….I’ll come,” Daniela gave up with a massive defeated sigh. “What time?”

“7 pm sharp.” Gisela hugged Daniela tightly. “Thank you so much, I so totally owe you one.” Gisela walked off with a little skip in her step.

“I’m going to walk into a disaster, aren’t I?” Daniela looked at Courtney who was too busy looking at her CD. Daniela snatched it and looked at it, “Really Court?”

“Not you too…” said Courtney exasperatedly.

“Courtney, I played this game when I was really little. It’s for kids, next you’ll have ‘Magic School Bus’.” Daniela stared at Courtney who looked away with her dark chocolate brown eyes. “You gotta be joking…”

Courtney snatched the CD back. “It’s just a study aide, it can’t hurt.”

"Ah huh sure...."

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Later:

Joel waited beside a locker spying from a distance to see the girl that posted the ‘secret admirer’ note on his locker. A lot of girls and guys walked by or were talking among each other. Joel took a quick look at the note while ruffling his brown hair. No one yet, no one at the locker at all.

“Excuse me, you’re blocking my locker,” said a feminine voice right behind Joel.

“Sorry about tha….,” Joel turned out to see the most amazingly beautiful woman with wavy brown hair, the most beautiful steel blue eyes and flawless tan olive complexion. “Really sorry.”

The girl smiled at him, “It’s fine, you waiting for someone?” She asked running her hand through her hair.

“Ummm yeah, yeah, yeah I am,” Joel smiled rubbing his shoulder, “Well kind of, I mean someone left me a note, secret admire thing. So I’m here you know to see who it is.” He explained before realizing something was off. “I mean not like a stalking way, I’m Joel.”

“I know,” The girl smiled in amusement of Joel’s body language. She found it endearingly cute. “I know you, Joel. Mr. perfection, great at studies, a great athlete and an amazing photographer.”

“Well I wouldn’t say perfection, I’m just okay at these things but I appreciate the compliments,” Joel chuckled embarrassed about how people perceived him to be amazing. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“Silvia.”

“Nice to meet you Silvia, pretty name,” Joel shook her hand. “A very pretty name,”

“A secret admire? Dude has it all.” Tony was walking through the hallways with Chris after class.

“Yeah, just wish it was me instead of him. What does he have that I don’t?” asked Chris.

“Hmmm….Let’s see, he isn’t a tool like you or a horndog and he is likable,” replied Tony while they stopped right next to a staircase.

“Hey, it’s part of my charm.” Chris laughed as a handshake went on.

“And that’s how it is done!” Joel jumped on Chris’ back with his arm around his neck. Joel jumped off Chris. Chris replied by nudging him with his arm.

“Found your secret admirer?” asked Tony.

“Even better, guys you know that Silvia girl who is a year older than us?”

“No way, no way in fucking hell, bro. She was your secret admirer?” Chris asked as he high fived Joel.

“No but I was standing and her locker and we were just talking,” Joel explained as he put his arms around Tony and Chris. “Spending time with her today after school,”

“Surfer babe that moves fast, man how come you get that girl and a secret admirer?” asked Chris as he was shaking his head in disbelief.

“By eating my vegetables and doing my homework, bro,” answered Joel as he was laughing in hysterics. “So what you guys doing?”

“Watching TV and some reading for History,” answered Tony as he showed his history notes to Joel.

“Geography test tomorrow, gotta cram. You know Courtney has some educational tool to help her, that lucky blonde.”

“Ahh the well-publicized ‘Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego’, it’s not going to work, Chris.” Joel replied. “Speaking of education, what about Kyle?”

“The dork is pretty secretive about his life, bro.” Chris answered while leaning against a white wall under the sports notice board. “Probably hanging with his geek friends, the guy hates sport.”

“The world we live in,” Tony smiled as he looked at the notice board. “Maybe I should try out for the ice hockey stuff on the weekend.”

“Has there been a black guy in the NHL?” Chris asked. “The school doesn’t even have ice hockey, this isn’t surfing, bro.”

“I could skate,” Tony shot back. “It would help to kill some time to learn it.”

“Hey man, I say go for it.” Joel patted him on the shoulder. “We should coach baseball on weekends, my dad says he needs people to help him out, so what do you say, Chris?”

“I’m not wasting my weekend with snotty nosed little shits.”

“Come on, man. Think about college and stuff.”

“I hate kids, bro.” Chris exclaimed in a bitter tone. “Seriously hate them…”

“I’ll give you the secret admirer if she is hot,” Joel hung the note right in front of Chris’ eyes. His eyes lit up and a small grin crept on up on his face.

Chris snatched the note “Deal, tell me the details later.”

“No can do, UN club with Alicia.”

“Just sort it out yourself, Chris.” Tony whacked him in the shoulder with his history textbook.

“Fine, whatever,” Chris flinched. “Maybe I’ll meet some hot single moms. Desperate hot single moms.”

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After School: Library:

Joel was running past people, jumping over benches and chairs trying to reach the school library. He ran through the doors running straight into the library. The head librarian glared at him with her thick, horned rimmed glasses. Joel immediately saw her and stopped in his tracks. He sheepishly smiled at her before walking slowly to the study tables.

“You’re early,” Alicia had a pen in her mouth and one in her hand as she jotted down some notes. She kicked a wooden chair right next to her.

“Sorry about that…wait what?” Joel dumped his books on the table before sitting down on the chair that Alicia kicked out for him. “Where is everybody else?”

“On their way and you’re in luck, we got Norway.”

“An original member? Sweet,” Joel could see all the newspapers, magazines and books on the table about Norway. “Always prepared?”

“Yeeeeppp,” Alicia answered as she took out a yellow highlighter from her pencil case. “So I heard you have a secret admirer. Is she cute?”

“Well not exactly. See the thing is that I haven’t seen the girl yet,” Joel answered while looking through an ‘Economist’ article on Norway. “Wait, how did you know?”

“Chris told me in American history,” Alicia took the article in front of Joel and pulled out the highlighter. “And you have a date with the Brazilian girl, you work fast.”

“See that’s the thing, she thinks I’m perfect and she is cute, very cute but she’s not the secret admirer, so I feel guilty that I asked out another girl than the girl who is my secret admirer…if that makes sense and all.”

“No, it does not, so where are you going to take her?” Alicia asked after listening to Joel drone on and on.

“I have no clue. She thinks I’m perfect…” Joel slammed his hand on the table, really hard. “Man, I just don’t want to blow it, she is really, really cute.”

“Are you sure something isn't wrong with that girl?” Alicia chuckled softly. "She thinks your perfect, I would watch out!" She teased him while poking his arm with a pen.

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Chris Ambrose's Room:

Chris’ room; the land of posters of athletes ranging from Troy Aitken, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Johnson to supermodels and actresses such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Izabella Scorupco and Nicole Kidman along with posters from movies such as Mission Impossible on the darkish grey painted walls.

He sat there listening to ‘Supersonic’ by Oasis as he tried to study for his geography test. He wasn't having much luck with it and he just stared at his book blankly. Chris picked up a white phone that he had in his room. There was only one person he could call but remembered one thing….she was grounded, heavily grounded.

“Man, this is bullshit. How the hell am I supposed to remember this shit let alone doing well in my exams, I am so fucked beyond belief,” Chris sighed as he just flicked through the pages of his geography textbook.

“Ahh screw it, I need help.” Chris took the phone from the hook and started to dial.

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Courtney Watson's room:

Courtney sat on her computer trying to take notes while finding out where in the world was Carmen Sandiego. She failed several cases throughout the hours and hours she spent both on her textbook, writing down facts and such while trying to complete the game. The song ‘Parklife' by Blur played as a massive distraction that didn't help her cause.

“This game is impossible….I don’t know where Bloemfontein is. This is heavy stuff.” She pondered in frustration out loud as she clicked around on her computer. The game kept on telling her that she was in the wrong place. Instead of flying in-game to South Africa, she ended up in Iceland and Kenya. Courtney picked up the phone ready to dial until her phone started to ring in her hand.

“Hello?” She answered cautiously. “Oh hey Chris, so ummm…oh I’m so deep in a hole. This game is really hard. Ummm…sorry I can’t help you…okay byeeee!” Courtney blinked a few times before putting her phone back.

The blonde teen rested her head on the table. Her body language showed all the signs of someone who has given up all hope. A game aimed at an 8 year old had stumped her big time. She picked up her phone again and quickly dialed a number written down on a post it note stuck on her mirror.

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Thorpe Household:

A pretty woman in her early 40’s with long brown hair and a face that made her look in her early 40’s was spending her time cooking dinner for herself and her son. She was cutting up tomatoes and mushrooms as the phone rang. “The phone calls keep coming in,” She wiped her hand with a tissue before picking it up. “Hello? Ah huh…oh it is no problem, I’ll give it to him,” She gave the phone to her son who was sitting reading a book on a stool at the kitchen table. “Aren’t you really popular tonight,” The woman whispered as she handed the phone to her son.

“Yeah?” He answered the phone while gesturing for his mother to leave the room. He nodded a few times, “Look…Courtney, I would love to help you but like I told Chris, I don’t do this subject. You’ll be fine, alright….sorry about that, yeah bye.”

“Everything alright Kyle?” Kyle’s mother asked while she was putting the zucchinis, mushrooms and onions into a saucepan to cook them. “4th person to call you today and two of them girls,” She smiled happily knowing that her son started to make friends.

“Janet wants to know what I’m doing for the weekend, you know that girl that is friends with Gavin, Eddy and I guess me and the other girl is the girl I tutor in math. She’s best friends with the really hot popular girl,” Kyle explained while running his hand through his brown hair.

“You like the really popular girl, don’t you?”

“Well yeah but come on mom, I have no chance.”

“Kyle, any girl that doesn’t like you doesn’t know what she is missing out. You are playing for any sport teams?” She asked as added a few spices into the saucepan as the mushroom, zucchinis and onions started to caramelize.

“No, not really.”

“Kyle….you need to forget about the past. You really have talent and your father would have been so proud to see you on the sports field but he can’t…” There was an awkward silence until Kyle’s mother spoke again. “Since you aren’t playing at all, oh you are going to spend some time with him for Christmas with Helena.”

“Mom, Dad’s already met someone maybe you should go out there and meet someone.” Kyle shut his book as he looked at his mother square in the eyes.

“Honey, it doesn’t work like that. As much as I wish I could meet Prince Charming, it never works like that.”

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Tony Howard's room:

Tony sat there in his room watching ‘Ren and Stimpy’ as he waited for his mother. He knew that she had a business meeting going on like basically every night. Most of the business meetings involved her drinking a lot with other members of the board and the company.

He sat there waiting and waiting before his phone rang. “Yeah?” Tony answered it assuming it was his mother. He was not wrong at all. “I know, it’s okay…business is business and I understand that…I’ll order a pizza, make sure you don’t drink, mom…” He moved away from the phone as she started from the other side of the line, raised her voice at him. “Mom, just don't stay out too long, whatever…I don’t need this crap, I have a test to study for….” Tony hung up the phone and switched off the television.

He picked up the remote and slammed it on the couch. He walked to the kitchen to see a bottle of whisky standing right there, taunting him. He stared at the bottle, trying to resist temptation something that his mother couldn’t.

“Stupid bitch is always too busy.” He picked up the bottle, opened it. He took a glass and poured a drink. Tony just stared at it for what seemed to be almost an eternity. “Alcohol, oh how I missed you but....I can't....not after...” Tony said to the bottle as he poured the whisky down the kitchen sink with the glass remaining right next to the sink.

Temptation was telling him to drink it. He watched the glass and fought the battle of indecision. Was he going to succumb or succeed?

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The bus goes Grooommmm Grooommm

Flaze · May 23, 2015

Well the basic gist with this is that Lyrebird left bulba last week due to life circumstances. However, she's left me all of the chapters she's written so far and will continue to send me her chapters which I'll post here. For anyone reading I'll try to keep the chapters at a 4 day to a week schedule, depending on how my schoolwork and job go and stuff.

Anyways, enjoy the new chapter and stuff like that...juust go read.

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Chapter 10 - There's an El Salvador Now?

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Muller Household:

“Don’t you think you should be wearing something fancier, Gisela?” asked Daniela as she watched Gisela check herself out in the mirror. “After all, it is your dad’s girlfriend.” Daniela sat on Gisela’s bed wearing a very nice black midi dress with her long dark brown hair straightened to a tee.

Gisela was wearing a very simple white top and blue jeans, very relatively casual. “Relax Dani, I have been through this so much. Like really, what’s the point of dressing up for the girl of the week? She is totally not going to last.” Right as Gisela finished the doorbell echoed throughout the house. "I wish he had something better to do than some deadbeat Hollyblah bimbo."

“What If it is serious?” asked Daniela as she got up.

“Oh please, like daddy will be serious with the bimbo of the week.” Gisela scoffed as they started to walk downstairs. She saw her father who wasn't a tall man with his shiny bald head, stocky body wearing a suit next to a pretty short woman with blonde hair, a lot of makeup wearing a pink cocktail dress with left nothing to the imagination and very strong perfume which made them gag. “Tacky” mouthed Gisela to Daniela.

“Hayley, this is my daughter Gisela and her friend Daniela,” Gisela’s father, Julian introduced Hayley to the two girls.

“Oh wow, she is a knockout. She reminds me when I was her age which wasn’t too long ago.” Hayley added enthusiastically, a bit too enthusiastically. She walked in her high heels holding a tiny pink purse. "I bet she's deadly."

“Bimbo of the week….” Gisela whispered to Daniela as the girls could smell her thick perfume which had the scent of really potent rose flowers. “Eugh, totally tacky…”

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The four were sitting in the dining room which had photographs of Times Square in 1938, London in 1932 and Paris in 1927 along with some modern photographs of Table Mountain, Victoria Falls and Piz Gloria on the grey painted walls. There were two chandeliers to give the place a delicate, fancy touch as they sat on a long dark wooden table with some modern ambient music being played in the background. The menu was lobster risotto for entrée followed up by roast beef for mains and to finish up the night was lemon gelato to cleanse the palette.

“This looks lovely,” Daniela complimented as she tasted the lobster risotto. “And tastes lovely as well…” She took another taste of the meals.

“Thank you Daniela, I’ll be sure to tell the chef that,” Julian smiled but his smile turned into a frown as he saw Gisela playing with her food. He looked at Hayley who was drinking her red wine pretty fast. He gestured at Hayley to strike up a conversation with his daughter.

“Soooo Gisela, your father tells me that you were in a school play. That must have been neat. You know I was in a play once before I went into movies.” The problem ended up like most conversations was that Hayley would talk about herself which didn’t make Gisela very pleased at all. “I was in a few cameos on TV before I decided to totally work on like ads and move forward…”

"Ah huh....loooooserrrrr," Gisela muttered with a polite smile. “Two bit actress.”

“What did you say?” Her father asked.

“Nothing, nothing at all…” Gisela mumbled while playing with her risotto turning into mush.

Daniela and Julian looked at each other, everything got so awkward so quickly. “So anyway you know I wouldn’t mind doing something bold.” Except for Hayley, it seemed that didn’t faze her one bit. “To show the psyche of the body.”

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Thorpe Household:

“Look, I’ll like to help you Chris but I have a damn life,” Kyle was on the phone after being interrupted by Chris consistently while he was trying to study. “Yes…nerds have lives. I have a life. Look, I don’t even do geography at all. How do you not know where New Zealand is? It is obvious….hold on I have another call on the line.” Kyle looked at his mother.

“You must be really popular,” She laughed at his expense until Kyle looked at her. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop talking.” She pretended to focus on the television while hearing what her son had to say over the phone.

“Oh hello Mrs.Bell, yeah I’m great thank you.” Kyle was on the phone to Gavin’s mother. “Ummm well Halloween there is a party going on….oh you are having a party for Gavin….ummm yeah I guess I’ll be there. Thank you…bye.” The brunette male took a deep breath and looked at his mother before going back to his phone call with Chris. “Look man, why don’t you ask Courtney or someone else for help in that class. Yes, okay fine I’m a dork, whatever man, bye.”

“Something wrong, son?” asked Kyle’s mother as her son spun the phone around.

“I promised Mrs.Bell that I would go to Gavin’s birthday party during Halloween,” He sighed as he spun the phone around and around on its back on a glass table. “Like there are better parties, you know with the supremely cool people and with all due respect but Gavin’s mom is really overbearing. I know he is my friend and all but this party is going to tank beyond belief. I know I made the right choice but…”

“Honey, these things….these choices happen. Just ride the night out and if you get bored then come back home. I can just tell Mrs.Bell that I need you back at home when I'm at work.” Kyle’s mother was a surgeon at the local hospital.

“Thanks mom, Cali area has a lot of overbearing parents,” Kyle stared at the phone not realizing how different it actually was. “Actually all parents are overbearing,”

“If you are going to say I am then kiss your going out privileges bye.” His mom responded as she turned opened up a book on a pastry chef’s journey to India. “So tell me more about that girl you tutor?” Kyle wasn’t the most popular guy back in his old school, he didn’t really talk to girls at all, so this is was good news for his mother.

“Oh just some girl I tutor for math, you know like she has a self-confidence issue or something but…” Kyle explained.

“She’s attractive isn’t she?”

“Well yeah, she is but she is best friends with Gisela.”

“Oh no….”

“I got it covered; I’m going to study upstairs.” Kyle reassured that his plan was working, his plan to win the heart of the most popular girl in school. He walked upstairs still thinking about the party at Halloween.

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Muller Household:

The night went poorly for Gisela, her father and his girlfriend, really badly.

Gisela sat in her room studying for exams that had everybody stressed. There were books everywhere on her white queen’s sized bed. The night went horribly wrong after Hayley decided to talk about her budding future as an adult film star. The teenager heard a knock on her door. “Come in…”

“You okay?” Her father walked into her room and sat beside her. “You ran upstairs after your friend left…”

“I have to study…” Gisela looked down at her notes.

“Don’t worry about Hayley, we broke up.”

“I’m so sorry…” Gisela replied. “You must have liked her.”

“Honey, what’s most important to me is if you like them. You are the most important person in my life and if you don’t like any of my girlfriends then that’s a good enough reason to break up with them and her adult film career didn't help either.” Gisela’s father took a picture from her bedside table. “You wish your mother was still here…”

“Yeah I know she’s not coming back but I really miss her…” Gisela closed her book and took 3 tissues from a pretty blue tissue box on her bedside table. She blew her nose “I don’t’ want you not to date. She’s got her boy toy but why do you like have to go that way?”

“What do you mean, Gisela?”

“Like can’t you find someone that it not an actress or a model, you know someone like normal…”

“Like a mother?”

“I didn’t say that….” Gisela put her hands up defensively.

“You meant it, your mother and I had our issues but I’m here for you. I'll lay off the dating for a while.” Julian gave Gisela a hug. “I love you.”

“I know…I’m going to Dani’s to study, okay?” Gisela picked up her books and looked at the time ’21:30’ and left without checking herself in a mirror.

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Harris Household:

“Okay the capital of Brazil is….Rio de Janeiro?”

The house where Joel and Daniela lived was the new place to study for the geography exam that got everyone stressed out. The house was a big two story house that had to fit Joel, his parents, his aunt, uncle and of course his cousin Daniela. Daniela’s family struggled to find a house that would suit them since her father was on contract, so they stayed with their relatives.

“Brasilia!” Courtney smiled gleefully correcting Chris.

“Oh great, Courtney knows more than me….” Muttered Chris under his breath as the group moved to the next few questions. “What the hell is an El Salvador?” The blonde male looked at the blonde woman who shrugged.

“Wasn’t this in your game?” Daniela asked with an eyebrow raised at her blonde female friend.

“It’s not a game, Dani. It’s an educational tool,” replied Courtney. “And umm….well no, it wasn’t. Ooh guys I don’t like know 150 of these countries. What am I gonna do?” She put her hands on her golden blonde hair in panic.

“Guys, come on. It is just a test,” said Joel as he walked into the house, taking off his polo jumper. “Studyin’ not going too well?”

“Hardly.” Daniela replied quickly.

“Hey come on, it is just a quick test and you’ll be fine.”

“Easy for you to say, bro. You are like a straight A student. Have you gotten a C in your whole life?” Chris asked as he sat there with Daniela and Courtney on the floor of the living room.

“Well not exactly,” answered Joel quite slowly. “But you guys shouldn’t over stress yourselves…” Suddenly he heard a knock on the door. “That’s the door….I’ll get it.” He peeked through the door hole thing to see who it was before he opened the door.

“Hey man…is Dani awake?”

“Yeah, yeah she is,” Joel nodded. “Daniela, someone here to see you. I’ll be upstairs.” Joel walked up a wooden flight of stairs towards his room.

Right in front of Daniela was Tony. He was standing in front of her with his right arm leaning against the wall archway with his books under his left arm. “Hey.”

“Hey, you guys still studying?” Tony asked looking around. He took a deep breath and looked at Daniela’s beautiful green eyes.

“Ummm yeah, Chris and Courtney are here. So what happened? Thought you were staying at home with your mom,” asked Daniela.

“Well my mom was busy entertaining and I needed to get away from some temptation, so I’m here to study with you guys.” Tony explained softly to Daniela, so only she could hear. He walked to Chris and Courtney who were studying on the floor.

“Hey bro, how’s it hanging?” Chris asked giving him a high-five.

“It’s going okay.” Tony answered. He looked at Courtney with a smile, “You guys getting some studying done?”

“It is so stressful!” Courtney whined spinning her pen on the cold white tiles on the ground. “I am so totally stuffed.”

“Relax, Courtney. You’ll be fine.”

“Joel said the same thing.” Chris explained. “She and I are in trouble, bro.”

“Come on guys, the adults are sleeping. Keep the voices down.” Daniela smiled as she brought out chips, chocolate and some Pepsi. She heard another knock on the door. “At this time?” Daniela looked to check at who was at the door. Daniela opened the door to greet….”Gisela?”

“Hey…” Gisela hugged her friend before looking around. “I’m not like waking you up right?”

“Actually no…” Daniela smiled “Court, Chris and Tony are all here. Studying for that geography test tomorrow afternoon. You’re free to join us.”

“No, I so don’t want to interrupt you guys….is Joel awake?”

“Yeah, just go upstairs and 2nd door on the right.” Daniela pointed.

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

Gisela knocked on the door, the exact door that she was told. She opened the door anyway to reveal Joel sitting on his bed reading a magazine with several newspapers, books and other magazines all over the bed or the carpet floor.

Joel’s room which like Chris’ had several posters of athletes stuck on the walls. There were clothes all over the place, books, papers and a video cassette. There was a large bookshelf and a table where a desktop computer sat right next to a radio which was playing ‘Violet’ by Hole.

“Hey?” Joel sat on his bed just in black basketball shorts and a loose white top. “Dani and the rest are downstairs.”

“I know that.” Gisela stood giggling at Joel who was cleaning up his bed. “Don’t worry! I came up to talk to someone, to you.”

“Ah okay….just reading some stuff….umm pull up a chair.” Joel pointed at a computer chair that was right next to his bed.

“What you reading?” Gisela asked with a very mild flirtatious tone in her voice. “Norway? Looking to move from Cali to Northern Europe?” The vivacious blonde picked up one of the magazines before throwing it back at Joel.

“Well not exactly, UN stuff with Alicia. So what’s up?” asked Joel as he slouched on his bed.

“Well you have a great mom like an awesome great mom…”

Joel laughed “Is that all you came up for? I mean I know my mom is pretty awesome to deal with me and the rest of you guys when you all just come into our house like unannounced.”

“See…oh boy….I haven’t told anyone this but….” Tears started to form in Gisela’s eyes. She started to feel overwhelmed.

“Hey, it’s alright.”

“No, it’s not. My mother wants nothing to do with me. All she wants to do….is fuck her pick ups like always.” Gisela was struggling to talk. “She…never ever called or talked to me since she cheated on Daddy when I was 6. She slept with an 18 year old college freshman on my birthday….”

“Oh wow….” Joel handed her some tissues from his bedside drawer. “This is big stuff…”

“She said she would come late, you know like she was busy but she was just fucking a freshman and she came back drunk and then she and daddy got into a massive argument and she just left. No goodbyes or anything.” Gisela cried as she poured her past to Joel.

“My daddy, I know he loves me and cares for me but he dates bimbos who are like only 6 years older than me. I just want someone like a mother. Something that you guys have, all you guys have…”

“Have you found out any recent news about your mom?” Joel asked as he paid attentively to Gisela.

“Yes…she is screwing another 18 year old freshman….”Gisela cried onto Joel’s shoulder. He looked around, stunned at all he heard the girl who had it all pour her heart out to him. She had everything except a mother that loved her.

“Hey, it’s okay. We’re your family.” Joel looked at the time as he patted Gisela on her back. “We all are,” Gisela smiled as she wiped her tears. Joel stared at her blue eyes. He never realized how beautiful Gisela was. She was like a sister to him in a way but she was like a goddess. Her long light blonde hair, her beautiful blue eyes, her mouth….Joel looked at his poster of John Stockton to break out of trance.

Gisela stared at Joel. “He is so nice and everything….” She thought as she stared at him with her beautiful blue eyes. In her mind, Joel was everything she wanted in a guy. He’s cute, smart and nice. He’s like a boy scout, like Clark Kent but he was like a brother to her. I mean she couldn’t….

Joel was too busy thinking about John Stockton to keep thoughts about Gisela off her mind. Either this was going to end awkwardly or something big was going to happen. Gisela launched herself into Joel for a passionate kiss. Joel was caught out in surprise but didn’t fight at all. He moved his hand on to her shoulder as the kiss went longer and longer. Gisela in the middle of the kiss took off Joel’s shirt and Joel moved his hands around her back. They moved from a kiss into a full out make out session and further until…

“No…we can’t.” Joel broke if off stopping himself from going further. He looked away from Gisela, trying to avoid eye contact.

“Yeah…” She breathed heavily as she fixed up her light blonde hair and her top. “I agree...we can't...” Oh boy this was going to be a real delicate situation.

“You know I like you but I mean….you’re my best friend’s ex and I’m dating someone.”

“That secret admirer right?”

“No, not exactly but I don’t want to be that guy who makes out with another girl while is with another girl…so I’m sorry.”

“Joel, you have nothing to be sorry about. It was just something that happened…” Gisela got up. “Thanks for listening.”

“Anytime, Gisela,” Joel smiled as she got up. “Tell the guys I’ve gone to sleep.” Then tension was still very awkward between them.

“Totally!” Gisela laughed as she waved and left his room. She leant against his door and let out a heavy sigh. Gisela tried to figure out what just happened. Did she really have feelings for Joel or was it the spur of the moment?

Flaze · Jun 1, 2015

===============================

Chapter 11 - Secret Admirer

===============================

At School:

“I am so looking forward to the summer break,” Daniela smiled as she wore a red blouse with black leggings. She held her books close to her chest.

“And no more tests,” Courtney smiled as she flicked her light blonde hair from her dark brown eyes. She wore a simple white top and jeans. “I still get nightmares of my tests eating me. My mom says I’m just being stupid…she always says that. Maybe I should go see the counsellor.”

“Court, it is just in your mind. Remember that geography test, you totally whined about for weeks on end and look what happened, you passed and somehow Chris aced it,” Gisela who wore a beautiful purple top and black pleated skirt shook her head. “How did he manage to do that?”

“He gave up and just guessed everything or I guess he is smarter than we thought,” Daniela answered with a shrug. “Speaking that certain geography test so long ago…you and Joel both don’t talk much. Remember the Christmas break at Chris’ house?”

“Well not exactly but Joel….look…” Gisela looked around to see if no one was around. “Look okay, Joel and I kissed that night, okay….”

“You and my cousin? Spill!”

“Well we talked and one thing led to another but we stopped it since….’you’re the ex of my best friend’,” She explained as she leaned against a brick wall. “I don’t know he did have a point. He has that Brazilian surfer girl. I don’t know what’s happening with Chris and that geekazoid Kyle totally hit on me at the Christmas Dance.”

“You know he stopped helping me after you destroyed him in public.” Courtney exclaimed in an annoyed tone. “My parents had to send to a really bitchy college girl. She smells like cat pee.”

“Courtney, I told you so many times that I’m sorry, really am but you’re doing fine right?” Gisela sighed as her best friend glared at her. “Okay, cat pee. I get it. Why don’t you talk to him?”

“I don’t really see him in school anymore. I don’t know what happened to him…” Courtney pondered as she stopped walking and just stood still.

“Speaking of him, I heard that he is dating that Janet girl.” Chris smiled as he appeared in front of the girls.

“Geeks dating geeks….eugh so totally disgusting,” Gisela mumbled rolling her beautiful blue eyes. “At least it isn’t me.”

“Janet? The girl who died her hair blue? Really?” Daniela smiled before she looked at the time on her watch. “Oooh and I have to find my boyfriend, we are going out tonight for dinner right?”

“Of course and Joel is bringing his luscious girlfriend but Kyle had some other plans,” Chris answered looking at Daniela.

“Sounds great, this is going to be so wild.” Daniela smiled as she backed away waving at the trio.

“You know that Janet girl gives me the stare, I think she doesn’t like me.” Courtney thought out loud. “Hey Chris, do you know where Kyle is actually, I need to say thank you for his tutoring help.”

“Yeah, I need to do the same actually,” answered Chris while he looked at Gisela who seem bothered about something. He pointed at the direction Kyle was at. Courtney smiled and walked towards that direction. Chris stared at Gisela, his ex-girlfriend. “What’s up?”

“I don’t know, I just envy Dani, new girl in school, so likeable and she’s just I don’t know…” Gisela pondered softly. “Courtney has the perfect family and people just love her because she is so sweet…do you ever just envy someone?” She looked at her ex-boyfriend with frown on her face.

“Yeah, Joel and Alicia” Chris answered quickly.

“Why them?”

“Well Joel’s just a really likable guy, he is good looking not as much as me but he is just like Superman…” Chris explained as he stared down at his sneakers. “Alicia, I want to be smart like her. Both she and Joel, they are just geniuses. If I was them, I wouldn’t be the dumbass I am.”

“Yeah….our friends are so great, nice and like look at us.”

“You know what’s nice? To see Tony and Joel happy,” Chris smiled. “Tony is Tony, so this is the longest time the bro has gone without dumping the broad or fucking her,”

“You are so charming…”

“I like Daniela, she is really sweet and nice and it’s nice to see Joel in a relationship without something going wrong. He really deserves a nice relationship after being dumped and cheated on several times.”

“Yeah me too…do you think Courtney and Alicia will find someone?” Gisela asked as she thought about Joel and his girlfriend. Something about her seemed off but she chalked it up to her kiss with Joel.

“Alicia will. I mean which guy can’t resist a hot chick who is fucking smart!”

“Totally, mixed race girls are so beautiful….”

“Courtney is the nicest girl I’ve met, Gisela. She’ll find someone.”

“I just hope it’s someone that doesn’t take advantage of her, she is so sweet and doesn’t deserve to be taken advantage of. She is pretty fragile….”

“Is that what’s bothering you?”

“Not exactly…” Gisela muttered softly. “Chris? Have you ever thought about someone but know you just can’t ever have them?”

“Yeah I guess I can say that. You want or think you could see yourself with them but it’s all a want or a dream, yeah I know what you mean.” He answered seriously as he looked at Gisela “But come on, it’s you, you’re a knockout. Whichever guy doesn’t’ want to be with you must be pure loco, Gissy.”

“That is totally a horrible name…”

“Yeah, I know. I’m just glad we are friends…you know after all the shit we put ourselves in.” Chris smiled as he put his arm around Gisela.

“Yeah me too…so you’ll pick me up at 8?”

“Yeah, man Chinese food rocks.” Chris clapped his hands as he walked away from Gisela. “It is going to be an awesome night!”

“Yeah…” The blonde woman sighed as she Joel walk to his locker from a distance.

Joel smiled at a few passing girls. It had been great with Silvia, the Brazilian surfer. They were enjoying a great relationship and fitted well within the group. He opened up his locker to put in a few books back in. He stared of a picture with him and Daniela at a family dinner and then a picture of Silvia in a lovely light blue two piece bikini holding her surfboard. A nice little smile crept on his face as he remembered that day.

On that day, Joel was learning how to surf. He got lessons from Silvia and it went horribly wrong but they enjoyed it. It was one of the best times he had a beach and on a date. He also enjoyed a great year of great marks and living life up. However he can’t shake off that feeling, that one night where a moment of weakness led to a kiss with Gisela, a long kiss.

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

Joel leaned against the locker and a letter fell down from the top on to the floor. The brunette male picked up it up and read it. “It’s time to reveal myself to you, please meet me at McDonald’s at this address…lover.” He looked around to see if anyone was watching him. Joel scrunched up the letter and stuffed in his jeans’ pocket.

“Guess who!” A woman put her hands over Joel’s eyes.

“Martina Hingis?” He laughed as he turned around with a wide grin at his girlfriend.

“You wish!” Silvia gave him a peck on his lips.

“She doesn’t compare to you anyway,” Joel ran his hands down to his hips as he leaned in for another kiss.

“You are really terrible at lines…but it’s cute you try.” Silvia giggled as stared to walk with Joel’s right arm over her neck. “So Italian? That sounds romantic.”

“With the rest of them though. I wouldn’t call that romantic.”

“Oh Joel, it will be fun. I love most of your friends.”

“Most?” Joel suddenly stopped with his hands away from Silvia. “Define most? It’s Daniela right? She’s like a best friend even though she’s my cousin. What possible issue do you have against her?”

“Why are you jumping to conclusions?” Silvia replied angrily at her boyfriend.

“Sorry…I guess I did but why most?” Joel took a deep breath feeling a little embarrassed.

“Look I know she is your friend but Gisela…there is something about her. She acts so cold to me, she is like a snob.”

“Come on, Silvia. I think you are jumping to conclusions. Gisela is a great person, you’ll see tonight.” Joel tried to reassure his girlfriend but she glared at him.

“So I’m the one imaging things?” She stomped on the ground and walked off.

“Silvia…wait!” Joel walked after her. “Why do we always end up like this…?”

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

Janet was standing at her locker with Eddy talking. She ran her hand through her jet black hair with purple streaks as she stood with a smile on her face.

“Hi!”

Janet turned around and her smile turned upside down. “What do you want?” She asked rudely to the girl.

“Do you know where Kyle is?” Courtney asked as she stood there with a beaming smile.

“Why would I tell you?” Janet replied coldly to the teen.

“Ummm because you are friends with him, I think.” Courtney looked down at her beautiful black ballet flats.

“Oh look, the Barbie doll can actually think!”

“Why are you so mean to me?” Courtney looked at Janet, absolutely confused and a little upset. “I only wanted to know where he is.”

“Stay away from my boyfriend or I’m going to hurt you so bad, you stupid Barbie.” Janet elbowed Courtney while walking past her.

Courtney looked behind and rubbed her rib. “What did I do wrong?” Looking absolutely confused and stunned.

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

Alicia yawned as she felt the day was getting slower and slower.

“Man, Alicia….” Tony yawned in reply. “Cover your mouth as you yawn.”

“I hate you both!” Daniela covered her mouth while she yawned. “Tired, Alicia?”

“The day is dragging so long. I just want to go out tonight to celebrate a great year. Who would have thought…?” Alicia pondered. “You two dating,” She looked at Tony with his big arms around Daniela as he kissed on her cheek. “Chris actually acing a test, I know I tutored him but still, Joel and I being Norway at the mock UN discussion against other schools and Kyle becoming somewhat none super geeky.”

“Everyone but Gisela,” Daniela corrected. “Remember what happened at the Christmas Party where she accidently pushed him into the punch.”

“It shows character that he didn’t take it against Gisela.” Tony responded as he kissed Daniela a lot on her neck with her eyes closed and enjoying it.

“She’ll come around. They will be like super tight during the summer as good friends.” Daniela added as she pushed her boyfriend with a little nudge. “Not in public…”

“I sure hope so…” Alicia muttered. “All summer of beaches.”

“No one is going to summer school? Not even Chris?” Daniela asked in surprise. She saw the wide grin on Alicia’s face. “You must be an amazing tutor.”

“I know!” Alicia laughed.

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

“I just can’t believe you won’t be here in the summer…” Gavin said in disbelief as he walked out of a classroom which Kyle right next to him. “We could have just played video games and stuff.”

“That’s what we normally do anyway Gavin.” Kyle dryly responded with a lack of emotion on his face.

“Where are you going?”

“Hanging out with my dad and his new girlfriend, I think her name is Natalia, like that Bond Girl from Goldeneye.” Kyle answered as he daydreamed about Izabella Scorupco. “Anyway we are going to Europe. It is going to be righteous.”

“When are you leaving?” Gavin asked took out a JLA comic written by Grant Morrison.

“Day after tomorrow, you and I will do something tomorrow okay?” Kyle looked down at the comic. “Errr what are you reading?”

“The new JLA run by Grant Morrison, it is been going on for like nearly a year. You want the first arc?”

“Yeah, yeah it looks pretty cool. Who’s in the team?”

“Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Martian Manhunter, Kyle Rayner, The Flash, Aquaman and Plastic Man.” Gavin explained showing the cover to Kyle. “Sometimes you get like Green Arrow, Huntress or whoever.”

“You know I think Superman and Wonder Woman would make a hot couple. Maybe they’ll do it like in 14 years.” Kyle pondered as he gave the comic back to Gavin.

“Like you and Janet?”

“What?”

Lyrebird · Jun 18, 2015

I WILL RULE THE WORLD WITH VANILLA CUSTARD. ALL HAIL GODDESS LYREBIRD!!!!!!!!!!!! MWHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHHA.

MWHAHAAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAWHAHAHASHSAOHHODHOSA

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CHAPTER 12

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Siena - An Italian Restaurant

The scene was at a fancy Italian restaurant in the city called Siena. There were several diners sitting in tables eating the delectable, lovely smelling Italian cuisine. “Table for 9,” a waiter led Daniela, Chris, Joel and Silvia to the table. Chris and Joel were dressed pretty much casual formal, the former wore a black collared shirt with beige trousers, with his blonde hair gelled up through the middle. The latter dressed similarly with a greenish-grey collared shirt but his hair combed instead of gelled. Daniela wore a black, long elegant cocktail dress with a blue cardigan over it where her dark brown hair would cover. Silvia wore a pretty revealing dark blackish green dress as her brown hair went over her exotic hazel eyes.

“This is pretty nice,” Chris said in awe as he looked around the restaurant. “Hey man, I appreciate the lift.” He sat down between Daniela and Joel.

“Hey no problem, man,” Joel smiled as he looked around. “Tony knows his places….by the way, Dani?”

“Yes?” Daniela muttered while she was like the rest of the group looking around to take in the atmosphere.

“Where is everybody?” Her cousin asked.

“Courtney and Gisela are coming together. I think Tony n’ Alicia are coming soon and I have no idea on Kyle”

“Alicia is here.” Alicia smiled as she sat down next to Silvia. She was dressed in a very elegant purple dress. “So, is this place any good?”

“I don’t know, you have to ask Tony. He knows about this place.” Daniela explained. She turned around hoping that he was around somewhere but no sight of her boyfriend anywhere. “Where is he?”

“Maybe he hitched a ride with the girls. Don’t worry Dani, he’ll be here shortly.” Joel said enough to reassure Daniela.

“And what about Kyle?” Chris asked as he leered at a waitress walking by.

“He said he had something busy, poor guy.”

“Gisela really dealt him a bad hand, I told you guys.” Daniela took a deep breath. “I don’t think he’ll forgive her and Court stop getting tutored, so whatever.”

“Poor dude….”

“Come on Alicia, she has much to blame as Gisela. He gave up his time to help her and she didn’t do anything. We have this stigma of who is a geek or cool. I guess he never fit the M.O.” Daniela spoke with frustration. She kept looking around. “Tony better have a good reason for being late.”

“Hey, I gave Kyle a chance, so don’t pin the whatever on me but I’m damn hungry.” Chris smiled as he looked at the menu. “Dude might have summer plans, beaches, and babes in bikinis.” He noticed that a basket full of breadsticks was delivered by a cute waitress with silky black hair in a bun. “Saucy!” Chris stared at her behind. "Be right back..."

Joel nodded slowly "He's not gonna score."

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

Later as the blonde struck out with the waitress.

The guys were munching on breadsticks after breadsticks as they waited for Courtney, Gisela and Tony. “All I’m saying is that we should order now,” an annoyed Daniela suggested as she looked bored, her elbow was on the table as she chewed into a breadstick like a rabbit munching on a carrot.

“No, we should wait for them….” Joel said as he was in the middle of a busy ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ game with Chris. “Rock beats scissors, bro.” He smiled with his hand clenched in the shape of a rock.

“Dammit…” Chris looked at his two fingers that created the scissors before slamming his hand on the table. “First to 50?”

"You're on. The loser has to wear a Clippers jersey to the next Lakers game."

"Deal!"

“Let’s just order, I’m really starving…” Alicia muttered until she saw Courtney and Gisela entering. Courtney dressed in a nice, simple light blue dress while Gisela went all out in a lovely silky red dress that was really noticeable. “And here are our favorite girls.”

“Sorry, we’re late…” Courtney apologized as she sat down next to Alicia. “Gisela couldn’t decide what to wear…”

“Yeah, so sorry about that,” Gisela apologized as she sat down right opposite to Joel. “So where’s Tony?” She looked around to see that he wasn’t there.

“Who?” Daniela replied calmly but her smashing a breadstick showed otherwise.

“Okay….” Gisela looked at Joel who made a decapitation gesture with his hand. “Where’s Kyle?” The group stared at her. “Oh…sorry….”

“Forget about it, let’s just enjoy the night.” Joel nodded slowly as everything was so tense. “So, who’s peckish for some food?” asked the brunette while he was playing 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' against Chris.

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

Later as Joel lost...

The night went well, there were plates, clean and dirty all around the table. Courtney was talking to Daniela about Tony and why he did not show up while Chris and Alicia were talking to Silvia after her surfing career, her budding surfing career which could lead to a world tour. Joel took out the note from the secret admirer and read it discreetly to himself. “Hey guys, I’m just going get some fresh air…” Joel got up and gave a quick kiss on Silvia’s forehead. “I’ll be back.”

Joel walked outside in the brisk, chill night. He took a deep breath before pulling out the note again. The McDonalds were pretty close by, actually a pretty quick walk from the restaurant. Joel put his hands in his pocket as he walked down the street on the lit up sidewalk. He looked at the cars passing him by and then back to the note to make sure he got the address perfect. Right in front of him was the McDonalds, the exact one written on the note right under ‘lover’. Joel took a few deep breaths, preparing himself for his so called secret admirer.

“Just getting some fresh air right?”

Joel turned around to see the lady in red. It wasn’t only just an Eric Clapton song, it was Gisela standing right in front of him. “What are you doing here?”

“I followed you.” She moved close to Joel. “What are you doing?”

“Umm…no, no…I just needed a walk I guess from all the food.” Joel walked towards the entrance of the McDonalds.

“You’re walking into a McDonalds….” Gisela ran up to him in her red heels. “Totally gross....so what's up?”

“Okay, well fine…” He conceded defeat. He had to tell her everything. “I’ve been getting secret admirer notes for a while and umm…she wanted to meet me here. I think it is a she but I’m just curious, at least I’m glad you followed me, so I'm not alone.”

“Before you go in…” Gisela stopped Joel. “What happens if she is really attractive?”

“I don't know….but I want to find out.”

“Just remember Silvia.”

The pair walked into the McDonalds which was pretty much empty except for a family, two teenage boys, a Kyle with a Janet and some little child with his mother wearing Laker shirts.

“Kyle?” Joel called out Kyle’s name. He turned around to see Joel and Gisela. “What are you doing here? I thought you had stuff tonight.”

“Yeah, I did but Janet dragged me here. Sorry I couldn’t make it for dinner tonight.” Kyle moved his eyes around avoiding eye contact. "I don't even eat this stuff."

“What’s so important?” Joel asked. “I'm not being privy, if you don't want to tell us....”

“Going overseas for the summer to Europe. My dad wanted me to spend time with him and his girlfriend. I’ve just been packing, I mean spending like months over there, I needed to pack a lot.”

“Hey, that's awesome bro.” Joel gave him a handshake. “I’ll be back, just going to use the bathroom.” Joel walked to the bathroom and into it.

“Hey, sorry for being so rude to you during the Christmas party….” Gisela apologized with a nervous smile on her face. “But please don’t take it out on the group and Court, I totally appreciate all the help you’ve given her.”

“I shouldn’t have asked you out and went after you like that.” Kyle chuckled a little bit. “But it had nothing to do with Courtney and the rest of the group. I didn’t have the time anymore to help Courtney and Chris.”

“Well like Court says your girlfriend was totally giving her the 3rd degree.” Gisela stared intently at Kyle who’s expression changed to one of confusion.

Kyle stopped chuckling when he heard one word. “What girlfriend?”

“Your girlfriend?” Gisela looked puzzled just like Kyle "Do you even have a girlfriend?"

“No?” Kyle asked as he put his hands together before blowing into them and rubbing them together. "Who's my girlfriend?"

“Janet…” Gisela whispered softy knowing that she was here.

“No…” Kyle looked around for Janet but she was nowhere to be found. “I have standards”

“I can’t believe she said she was your girlfriend.” Gisela sat down opposite Kyle in one of the booths. “I guess geeks do that.”

“Ah huh…look I don’t know what game she's up but….”

“Hey Kyle,” Joel put the note from the secret admirer in front of him on the table. “Seen any girl around here?”

“Other than Janet, a mom and Gisela, no I haven’t. Is that the secret admirer note....” Kyle took the note and started to read in his head.

"He knows?" Gisela glared at Kyle. "Seriously? Him? Before me? Totally uncool."

"Hey he was there at school. Oh come on Gisela."

"Whatever..."

Kyle's eyes started to look deeper and deeper as he read the note over and over again. “The handwriting….it’s familiar.” The teen pulled out a card out of his pocket. “The handwriting is the same. Your secret admirer….” He started to crack up laughing. “Janet. Janet has a crush on you, Joel.”

“But she calls you her boyfriend.” Gisela took the card from in front of Kyle and started to read it in her head. “And Joel is her lover? Like is this girl totally okay?”

“I don’t know,” Kyle yawned. “Man, I’m tired. It’s been grand, guys. I’ll see you guys back at school after the summer.”

“Have a safe summer,” Gisela begrudgingly said Kyle. “Sorry for like everything I did.” Which was sincere even though she didn't even look at him.

“It’s okay, you have a safe one as well.” Kyle smiled. “Have a good one too, big guy and good luck with el Janeto.”

“You too man.” Joel shook his hand tightly. "She's not crazy, right?"

Kyle walked off laughing worrying the heck out of Joel Harris.

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

At McDonald's - Later on

“So your secret admirer is a crazy girl that thinks she is dating Kyle.” Gisela laughed as she took a couple of fries from Joel. “He is….” She stuffed them in her mouth. “Preffy geeky doee!” said Gisela with her mouth stuffed with fries.

“Yeah he is an odd one. You buy that whole too busy thing?” Joel laughed as Gisela accidentally spat out a bit of fries on to the dirty whitish, tiled floors.

Gisela shook her head. Her eyes caught Joel’s eyes. “You know we haven’t talked like this since like before Halloween. I think it was before…”

“That kiss, yeah. Look it was an accident and you and I are just friends…”

“Just friends? I don’t believe that.”

Joel and Gisela turned around to see Silvia all alone. “Just going out for fresh air? I knew there was something going on.”

“Silvia!” Joel yelled out as hurt started to form in her eyes. “It’s not what you think, she needed some help.”

“Yeah right….” Silvia screeched at Joel. “As if you are just helping her, I’ve seen how you look at her. How could you do this to me?”

“There is nothing between us, Silvia. Look I was just looking for that secret…Kyle” Joel started to explain. Gisela winced as he brought up the secret admirer but her eyes looked up as he mentioned Kyle. “He needed my help and Gisela’s for some help.”

"It's all true. There is nothing going on between us. Just a friend needed help about some overseas stuff. Like information and stuff, you know." A very confident sounding Gisela explained looking at Silvia even if it was a lie.

He walked up to Silvia, pushing some of her brown hair from her green eyes. “Look I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, I love you.” He kissed her on her cheek and then on the lips. “I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

“You better…” Silvia smiled giving a kiss to Joel. She looked at Gisela, “You coming back?”

Gisela meekly smiled seeing Joel and Silvia together. “Yeah, I’ll totally be there....”

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

Back at the restaurant:

“Tony, my man,” Joel saw Tony who was sitting next to Daniela. “Where were you, bro?” He gave a high five to Tony.

“Just been busy helping my mom with a client. What can I say but children help.” Tony had his arm around Daniela who was now so unbelievable happy. Tony smiled at her moving in for a kiss on her forehead. “So what’s the plan for summer?”

“Shopping!” Courtney answered with a little perk in her voice, something that had been missing for a while. “Right, Dani?”

“Of course.” Daniela smiled as she rested her head on Tony’s shoulder.

“Beaches,” Joel answered with a cheesy smile right at Silvia.

“And babes in bikinis.” Chris grinned in delight. “What can I say? I am a man of the people and a magnet for the babes.”

“And someone stuck in denial.” Joel added. The rest of the group laughed.

“Hey bro, just you wait and see.” Chris laughed giving him a handshake with a click of the fingers. "Denial is the river you live in."

"Oh is that a challenge Laker boy?"

“I got some volunteering stuff at a children’s center. It’s about helping black underprivileged children learn and become better citizens, it looks great for colleges. You guys want to help?” Alicia asked as the rest of the group pretended to sleep and snore. She laughed at them pretending to sleep.

“We’re just messing with you, Ally. It sounds great.” Chris put his arm around her and ruffled up her silky black hair. “I’m telling you guys, summer is going to be a blast.”

Gisela stared at Joel who was talking with his girlfriend Silvia ignoring the conversations going around the table.

============================

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKIE

What if Kermit The Frog ran as president? What if. I know he would be a democrat.

Lyrebird · Jun 18, 2015

I may or may not have been drunk....so yeah.

========================

CHAPTER 13:

========================

The Beach:

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the beach!”

The group looked at the sand and shore in front of them. Waves crashing into rocks, kids making sandcastles, girls in bikinis tanning on beach towels, guys in their board shorts playing volleyball or throwing Frisbees to each other, surfers catching waves, it was summer and the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky.

“Chris…” Joel put his hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “Bro, I think we know what a beach is.” Joel looked at Chris with a smile.

Chris cracked up laughing giving a wink to his best friend. “Race you to the water, bro.” The guys started to run down across the hot sand barefoot in their board shorts into the water. Chris pulled Joel down into the waves as they tackled each other down into the water.

“Sooo Daniela, can I talk to you for a second?” Silvia asked as she watched the boys from a distance. They both walked down the sand.

“Yeah sure, what’s up?” Daniela smiled with the wind blowing her dark brown hair into eyes.

“Well I got an opportunity to surf around the world as part of the Pro Circuit.”

“That’s really amazing!” Daniela squealed in delight. Her mood changed when she realized that there was something more. “It’s about Joel isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I don’t know how to break the news to him….” Silvia rubbed her arms as she stared down at her feet. “Or if I’m going to take it.”

“You have to…” Daniela interjected. “You don’t understand how amazing this could be for you and I know Joel would totally understand. I can't believe I used the word totally in that context....California hates me.”

“I do but I don’t know what to do….I just can’t do it.” Silvia closed her eyes, taking in the sounds of the waves in the ocean. "I guess I have to break it to him..."

“You’ll know what to do, let’s enjoy the day.” Daniela smiled. The teen started to run down the beach and dived into the water right in front of Chris. Silvia watched as she walked into the water to join the guys.

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

Elsewhere at a beach café, Courtney, Gisela and Alicia were sitting on deck chairs watching a Frisbee game taking part on the beach. They were all in bikinis, Alicia the lone one with a sun hat on.

“I don’t know, I look at Daniela and Silvia and I totally envy them…” Gisela sighed. “I miss Chris, I know that we didn’t totally work but he is so much better than so many creeps.”

“Gisela, there are better things in life than a high school romance,” Alicia pointed out as she put on her pair of sunglasses. “We don’t need some boys to dictate our life.”

“You’re totally right, Ally.” Gisela smiled. “I am so sick of boyfriends after boyfriends or creeps totally checking me out but still...”

“At least you’ve both had boyfriends or dates.” Courtney pointed out while she was applying sunscreen on her arms. She rubbed her arms more and more while looking around. “Why can’t I get guys like you guys?”

“Court, you totally don’t want that,” Gisela muttered looking at her best friend. “Trust me, guys aren't as prince like or romantics as you think. They are kind of like total sleaze bags galore unlike the guys we know,” She rubbed some sunscreen on her legs. “Plus your mom will go all ferocious on the guy.”

“That’s true,” Alicia pulled out a paperback novel of the famous Ian Fleming novel ‘From Russia With Love’. “You don’t want to rush into a relationship.”

“Yeah but everyone had somebody and I didn’t, I’m going to get a bite to eat. You guys hungry?” Courtney got up and wrapped a white towel around like a sarong. Gisela and Alicia shook their heads. “Okay, I’ll be back in a second.”

“Daniela, tells me you kissed Joel.” Alicia closed her book and stared at the beautiful teen. “Details?”

Gisela blushed as she recalled the moment. “Well I was feeling down after daddy brought a bimbo as a girlfriend home and I needed someone to talk to. I went to their place and everyone was studying there except for Joel who was in his room….” She blushed as a big smile appeared on her face. “He was totally reading something about Norway while listening to ‘Morning Glory’ and we just talked…one thing led to another….”

“You both made out to Morning Glory? Well each to their own I guess….”

“It is a pretty nice song.” Gisela stared at the book. “Like whatcha’ reading?”

“From Russia With Love, written by Ian Fleming, you know the James Bond movie. This is the novel that came first. It was JFK’s favorite book according to him.” Alicia answered as she threw the book to Gisela. “I thought about giving it a go, so far it’s pretty cool. Morning Glory? Really?”

"I so shouldn't have said anything...”

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

Courtney walked up to a beach café that was like a hut. The wooden hut like café had a straw cone like roof, wooden tables with chairs and stools all covered by beach umbrellas. Courtney smiled as she flicked her light blonde hair.

“Hi!” She greeted the café while waiting for service. She spotted a waiter around her age with jet black hair, a little shorter than her but he looked really cute with spectacular steel-blue eyes.

“Hey!” The guy greeted as he walked around her and into the café ready to take her order. “You look absolutely stunning.” And he was quick with the pick ups.

“Thanks, I think…” Courtney smiled nervously, a little confused, embarrassed but all of that was overridden by how cute she found the guy.

“I’m Jason Knowles, you study around here?” He gave a menu to Courtney.

“Yep!” She answered enthusiastically while staring at his steel-blue eyes like she was lost. “Do you?”

“Yeah, I study at San Diego, you?”

“Umm…..” Courtney smiled trying to think of university. “I go to Berkeley, I’m Courtney Thorpe…” She lied both about her name and her education. “Ooh I’ll order some French fries please?”

“With chicken salt, Courtney?” Jason asked. “So what do you study at UCLA?”

“Ummm….economics?” Courtney was really a horrible liar but somehow it impressed Jason.

“Alright, so what are you doing tonight? I get off soon.” Jason was wiping the wooden table. He stared at Courtney’s dark chocolate brown eyes. “You have very pretty eyes you know,”

“Really? I don’t know like my friends have blue, green and hazel and I’m just plain old brown,” Courtney looked down at the table. “I mean brown eyes…” She said softly to herself. Jason though was too busy staring at her body than focusing on what the teenager was saying. “Oh I’m doing nothing, what about you?”

“Well I know this place,” Jason smiled with his steel blue eyes fixed on her body. “I’ll pick you up at 8?”

“I’ll like that.” Courtney smiled sweetly as she waited for her fries.

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

Later that night:

“It is just something I have to do…I’m sorry Joel. I’ll never forget you.”

Those words rang through his head as Joel stared at the moonlit sky. He felt empty and hurt as Silvia ended things with him to pursue a professional surfing career. He was glad she took it, it was a massive opportunity but it hurt. He stood at a boardwalk with his head on his arms.

“Hi…are you okay?”

Joel turned around to see a very attractive brunette woman with green eyes. She wasn’t what you call tall but she was nowhere near short, very slender and she was busty. She had her dark brown hair tied up in a ponytail while she watched Joel. She wore a lovely top, pleated skirt and boots all in black.

“Ummm…yeah, I’m fine just chilling.” Joel nodded slowly as he explained to the woman why he was standing there alone.

“Nooo, I know that look…” The woman stood next to him with her head on her arms. “I know this, you ponder about life and blah, blah, blah, blaaaah blah….I’m Chloé Stewart, I’m a high schooler from around these parts.”

“Joel Harris and yeah high schooler who got the dump….” Joel stared despondently at the waves that crashed into the shore. “She was a surfer who decided to go pro….what brings you here?”

“I got bored…some guy who asked me out earlier tonight tried to get me to sleep with him, so I’m here to avoid him.” Chloé looked at Joel’s body. “You look good enough to be my bodyguard. He said he was a college guy but I dated him before...he's an ex. Soooooooo you're cute....or is that the wrong time?

“Yeah, wrong time but I appreciate whatever the hell you're doing." Joel turned around leaning against the wooden railing of the boardwalk. "So what's he like?"

“Well he has like these amazing blue eyes and works at the café. I overheard him saying he is trying to see how many girls he could sleep with in a week and I told him to drown himself.” Chloé explained as a little smile crept on her face.

“Wait what’s his name?” Joel looked concerned.

“Jason Knowles or something?” Chloé recalled trying to remember the name. “Why?”

“I need to see someone….” Joel took a deep breath and ran off holding on to Chloé’s hand, practically dragging her.

“Wait, where are we going?” Chloé went with it as she was being led by Joel. "I'm totally into beach....you know..."

"I'll explain on the way."

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

“You know with tiki torches around, you look ravishing. I just can’t believe how beautiful you look.” Tony held Daniela’s hand as they were sitting inside the café with their dinner and orange mocktails in front of them.

“I can but don't stop.” Daniela smiled with her white teeth glowing under the light of the tiki torches. “So, what’s the drink?”

“It’s a mocktail, Dani.” Tony drank his orange mocktails while she was very hesitant in trying her’s out. “It’s non-alcoholic, so you don’t have to worry.” He explained to her but the brunette teen was having none of it.

She stirred the drink with a face of disgust before trying it. She immediately pushed it away making a disgusted face. “It’s horrible…gross” She stared at her boyfriend. “At least nothing can interrupt this lovely night! Well except that craptail...” Daniela smiled as she drew closer and closer to Tony until….

“Guys!”

“Of course….” Tony sighed with a massive deep breath. “What now, Joel?”

“And who’s the girl?” Daniela smirked as she saw Joel holding Chloé’s hand. She raised her eyebrows at Joel who had just broken up with Silvia and was now with another girl. "You move quick."

“Hi…I’m Chloé Stewart…” Chloé introduced herself with a smile.

“Look, where’s Gisela?” Joel was frantically looking around with a lot of urgency in his voice.

“She’s not around…” Daniela sensed that something wasn’t right. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know but where’s Courtney?” Joel urgently asked with his voice very frantic.

“On the beach somewhere,” Daniela answered as both she and Tony got up. “She’s on a date with some college guy, why?”

“Well that college guy is a high schooler who's trying to sleep with every girl he can. He tried to make a pass on me earlier but If I didn’t overhear him today, I would have been in that girl’s shoes,” explained Chloé in detail as she clutched Joel’s hand even more tighter even if she did lie.

“Oh my god, we need to go Tony.”

“On it.”

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

The beach was secluded as Courtney wearing a dark blue bikini top with a white cardigan over and a white silk sarong with flora patterns in pink and green. She was holding Jason’s hand who was wearing a white loose t-shirt and blue board shorts.

“Here.” Jason pointed at an even more secluded spot with a blue towel and candles around it. It was romantic. They both sat down on the towel with Courtney giving a little nervous smile. “So tell me about yourself, Courtney.”

“Ummm….not much….” She was feeling really uncomfortable as she looked around. She could see rocks, sand and the ocean. She could only hear the waves crashing.

“So when was your first time?”

“First time for what?” She asked with a massive confused look on her face.

“Oh boy, you’re a....?” Jason looked absolutely frustrated as he learned that the girl sitting with him was a tad inexperienced.

“Yeah…” Courtney answered feeling somewhat “Umm…sorry.”

“Well you have to lose it sometime….” Jason yawned as he put his arm around Courtney who felt really uncomfortable.

“What are you doing?” She pushed his hand off her shoulder. “You just wanted to sleep with me?”

“No, I mean you are beautiful….look it's the beach and it's romantic?” He started to move in closer and closer to her. "Can't we just have a good night or something..." His patience was running really then. He looked agitated and frustrated that he wasn't getting anyway. "Why are you girls so difficult? You don't want to sleep with me? You gotta be joking." He threw his hands up exasperatedly as he got nowhere at all.

“NO!” She yelled. “I thought you cared for me….”

“Whatever, you’re a lost cause if you can't see that I care for you.” Jason got up and walked away leaving the blonde teenager alone, all alone. “I can't believe I wasted my time with a naive brat.” She heard the comment which broke her heart. She wanted someone to love, a prince to sweep her off her feet and she thought he was the one. Never had she been interested in a guy until now and it was heartbreaking.

“Courtney!!!” Daniela ran up to her with Joel, Tony and Chloé following her. “Are you okay?”

“No…he only pretended to like me….so he could…..” Courtney tried to pull out words but ended up crying on Daniela’s shoulder. Daniela patted her on the back as Courtney cried and cried, her heart broken and discriminated for her choice.

Chloé saw it and walked away knowing that Jason was still on the beach as she caught a glimpse while the group ran towards Courtney. “Jason?” He turned around to see the beautiful Chloé standing behind him. The moonlight reflecting on her made her look angelic with her lovely brown hair and green eyes.

“You look like a stunning angel…” Jason smiled until he was caught out with a fist flying towards his face. ‘BAM’ and his nose started bleeding. “Shit, what the fuck?”

“Yeah, that feels so much better.” Chloé smiled feeling satisfied punching him in the face. “Go drown yourself.” She walked off to the group where Courtney was still crying into Daniela’s shoulder.

=====================

I have no idea what I'm doing but eh beats eating sand.

Lyrebird · Jun 29, 2015

Blargggggg Blah Blah

=========================

CHAPTER 14

=========================

In a Shopping Mall:

“I’m going to spend some time with Courtney and Chloé, sorry hun…” Daniela sat down next to her boyfriend as they were shopping at a mall, on a wooden bench overlooking a fountain where kids would throw quarters, dimes or pennies or sit with their parents. She was holding several shopping bags full of clothes in her hands. “So you going to do something?”

“I don’t know, there is a Dodgers game that they guys are going to,” Tony sighed. He wanted to spend the summer with his girlfriend and not watching baseball. “Chris and Joel are going. So it might be nice to chill out with the guys for a while.”

“Alicia has her volunteering stuff tonight, taking the children to see a flick with the other volunteers and I think Gisela has some business ball thing with her dad.” Daniela explained as she rested her head on her boyfriend’s shoulder. "So us girls are just going to chill out. She's still a little struck over that Jason guy. I think she still likes him."

“What about that Kyle guy?” Tony asked as he rubbed her arm and shoulder with his hand.

“Not even remotely close,” She laughed. “You want to increase your flight millage because he is so not in the country.”

“Whatever, I’ll just sit at home and listen to Biggie.”

“Wait, you listen to Biggie? Random…” Daniela looked at her boyfriend with surprise, shock and even more surprise.

“I’m black and I like rap. Is that really a surprise?”

“Surprise that you stereotyped yourself and I am really hungry, do you think they have food around here?” Daniela got up and picked up all her bags.

“That they do.” Tony smiled as he put his around Daniela. "I hear they have great Malaysian food like a laksa."

“Well lead the way my knight in crappy armor." She smiled getting off the bench and picking up her shopping bags.

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

Europe:

“This is a great hotel, Helena.” Kyle’s father who looked like a movie actor with glistening white teeth, a blue collared shirt, big buff body and height that made him a player to the ladies. Helena smiled as she flicked her long sandy blonde hair with the back of her hand. She was a model with a model physique, thin with slender legs. She stared at her boyfriend with her emerald green eyes.

“I know hun, it’s late and I’m really jet lagged. So I’m going to sleep.” She yawned. “You coming?”

“Yes dear….oh Kyle, here is your room key.” Kyle’s father tossed Kyle the key to his own room. “Principe di Savoia, I still can’t believe Helena got us hotel suites here.” As he then wandered into their room leaving Kyle alone holding his room key. The hotel on the outside itself was one of the famous places in Milan, something out of the 19th century with all the building heritage.

He opened the door to see a queen sized bed with soft natural colors of red, green similar to the Italian flag and beige to add to the warmth of the room. The colors harmonized with the delicate Italian furniture which gave it a touch of the pre World War II years.

“Wow…” He switched on the lamp which to him felt like he was staying in a Hollywood suite with Greta Garbo back in the day. He took out his camera and took a picture of the room. Kyle was just in awe, his mother would never take him to a place like this. He walked into the bathroom which was spacious, marbled and had the same touch of warmth and softness in colors, that the bedroom had. It was chic, old school and relaxing at the same time. His bags were already beside the bed as the porter took them up earlier as they went out of dinner at a local luxurious restaurant.

Kyle took off his tie, black blazer and kicked off his shoes before turning on the television. He laid on the bed flicking through the channels until it hit him. “I can’t understand Italian…” It was Seinfeld in Italian with Elaine holding a goldfish in a bag stuck at a parking lot. "This episode rocks!"

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

Later in the day back in the USA:

Gisela was attending a charity gala ball with her father. She had spent all day preparing for this as she finally got to spend time with her father for the whole day except for the time she spent at the hairdressers. Her light blonde hair was in a lovely French bun with strands of hair down to just above her cheeks. She wore a strapless dark blue gown while she was adding the final touches of makeup.

She was clutching on to her father’s arm in a massive wide ballroom with chandeliers, circular tables with waiters in tuxedos holding circular trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne flutes. There was a big band playing swing music for the mood and for people to dance to in the main ballroom away from the tables.

“This is so nice!” Gisela remarked as they sat at their table. She was sitting next to a pretty woman in a black dress with shortish brown hair with blue eyes. The woman smiled at Gisela and then at her father.

“You look stunning, I love that dress.” The woman remarked as she broke the ice with Gisela. She swirled around her glass of water looking at Gisela’s beautiful gown.

“Thank you! I love what you’re wearing as well.” Gisela replied with a cheerful smile.

“This old thing?” The woman laughed. “This is just something collecting dust in my closet.”

“It totally makes you look so naturally pretty not like most of the women here. They are so unnatural if you know what I mean.” Gisela remarked as she looked at a woman walking around with a very revealing yellow dress. "See what I mean." She laughed.

“Why thank you, I think.” The woman smiled before she introduced herself. “I’m Olivia Bennett.”

“Gisela Muller, I’m here with my dad.” Gisela smiled. “So are you a socialite, a model, an actress or something?”

“Oh no, no I’m just a doctor. They needed someone to represent the hospital, so I stepped in.” Olivia smiled. “My son goes to high school around this area. His name is….”

“Excuse me for a second but I need to borrow my daughter for a second,” Gisela’s father, Julian Muller took his daughter with him.

“Oh, that’s perfectly fine.” Olivia smiled as she went back to watching people dance to the swing music. She tapped to the rhythm with her finger on the table.

Gisela and her father were standing alone. “So, I’ll be drinking tonight. You don’t mind driving back do you?” He looked at the woman who his daughter was talking to. "Who's the pretty woman?"

“I’m fine, Daddy. I can totally drive back home.” Gisela smiled. “Olivia Bennett. She is so interesting like she’s a doctor. Like finally an adult who isn’t a bimbo.”

“It’s nice that you found someone to talk to. I have a lot of talking to do…I hope we can dance later.” Julian kissed his daughter on the forehead before going to schmooze with the big movers and shakers of the gala.

"Hmm....matchmaker alert!"

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

Later that evening:

“No, it is not like ER.” Olivia laughed as she explained what she does at hospital. “Plus I’m not a surgeon or anything like that. I’m just your normal doctor that examines, diagnose and treat patients. We don’t have torrid love affairs like those dramas.”

“But there is a chance for someone like me?” Gisela asked while she was listening attentively about Olivia’s career. "I can meet like a George Clooney!"

“Yeah, of course,” Olivia nodded. “Are your grades good?”

“They are like okay but I guess I can work harder but maybe being a doctor isn’t me. Are you single?” Gisela noticed that there was no ring on Olivia’s hand.

Olivia laughed and blushed in embarrassment. “I am. I was married but we separated a while ago.” She recalled with a smile. “Why?”

“I want you to meet my dad.” Gisela dragged her to Julian Muller who was talking to another man in a suit, a bald middle age man. “Daddy, this is Olivia Bennett and this is my dad, Julian Muller. You guys should totally talk and dance.”

“Nice to meet you, Julian,” Olivia smiled as she shook his hand. “You have a great daughter. She knows how to talk.”

“That I know. Shall we dance? We don't want to disappoint her.” Julian chuckled offering his hand to dance.

“Lead the way.” She took his hand and waltzed with him to the dancefloor.

Gisela walked back to the table and took a seat. She beamed when she saw her father dancing with a very pretty but natural woman. There was something about Olivia that she liked a lot. Maybe she was a doctor, she looked natural or maybe because she was a mother, something that she yearned for.

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

Dodger Stadium:

“All I’m saying is that once Jordan retires, the league is going to be more competitive.” Joel remarked as both he and Chris were at Dodgers’ Stadium sitting all the way at the top left field. They were watching from the bottom of the 3rd with the Mets batting.

Dodgers Stadium was abuzz as the first Mets batter was up. The organ was playing ‘Charge’ just before the innings started. “Bro, the league is going to be totally dull if and when Jordan leaves. I mean look at last season.”

“Last season was fine. Hakeem, Ewing, Stockton, Barkley, Malone, Payton and so on,” Joel listed out NBA players from the top of his mind. “I love Jordan but the league will be fine once he is gone. What do you think about the rookies for this season?”

Chris reached out in Joel’s bag of popcorn and took a handful. He stuffed in his mouth while watching the game. “Tim Duncan is going to be 1st round pick, Tony Battie is going to be a beast.”

“I don’t know man,” Joel disagreed as he took some popcorn from his bag. “I think T-Mac, Billups and I guess that’s it really. I mean we know Tim Duncan is going to beast. Have you seen him at Wake Forest?”

“Yeah, yeah he was a beast. Man, do you think I could be playing college ball?” Chris remarked as he harboured dreams of playing college ball and catching a home run ball. It just sucked that they were sitting where it would be a foul ball.

“Bro, I’m just saying with your marks…you need all the help you can get going into college. You really need to get some god damn awesome marks this year and the next and then of course next.” He explained in detail because Chris wasn’t the best student out there. “You're fucked...”

“Screw you…I mean you and Alicia are smart as heck. Dani and Kyle aren’t half bad and I guess I could try harder,” Chris slouched down on his seat and then looked into Joel’s eyes. “Hey bro…what if you have feelings for someone that you are super close to?”

“Dude, I’m flattered but I’m not into you,” Joel laughed as Chris punched him in the arm. “Owww, alright, alright…Is it Courtney?”

“No….not Courtney. Dude, seriously come on.” Chris exclaimed as he took another handful of popcorn from Joel again. “I’m talking Gisela…I don’t know man.”

“Dude, you guys were poison together. What makes you think it would work again?” Joel rolled his eyes. Those two argued a lot, like a lot but also he still had a little feeling for Gisela especially after their kiss last year before Halloween.

“I don’t know man…I think I still love her.” Chris muttered.

“Foul Ball!!!!!!!” Joel yelled as it flew towards him and Chris. They jumped on each other trying to catch the ball. Chris got ahead of him and caught the ball with his left hand. "And I love fried chicken but if I keep eating it, I'm gonna screw up my health."

“Thank you ladies and gentlemen.” Chris took a bow as he held the ball high in the sky. From a little glimpse from the back of the corner, he could see a little blonde girl wearing a Dodgers’ jersey and hat. "Bro, there is a chance."

"Whatever man..." Joel realized something with his hand. "Dude, you've been stealing my popcorn. What the hell?"

She was asking her mother when another ball will come. Her mother replied with “It will come, don’t worry honey.”

Chris turned to Joel and looked at the ball. “Hey, give me a second. I’m going to buy my own popcorn.” Chris got up and walked to the girl and tossed her the ball. “Here!” he smiled before walking away to get some popcorn.

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

The Watson Household:

“No guy in high school will want to date a virgin, Dani.” Courtney sulked on a grey Italian leather plush sofa while Daniela, Alicia and Chloé were watching ‘Step by Step’.

“Court, you’ll find a guy. Just enjoy life,” Daniela remarked while watching the show.

“Well I’m going to have a boyfriend this year,” smiled Courtney as she sat up and watched the show with the rest of the girls. “I think?”

“This show is horrible, so why do we watch it?” Alicia asked as the show became more and more stupid for her.

“Because TV trash is totally awesome,” Chloé happily increased the volume as the girls watched the apparent sitcom. “You know Joel is totally cute. Is he available?”

“Why are we talking about my cousin?” Daniela asked as it seemed that everybody had a thing for Joel. It was like Everybody loves Joel.

“He is pretty cute!” Courtney smiled until Daniela stuffed a cushion against her face. “Mmphfff…”

“That he is and I should know, I dated him,” Alicia smugly replied as she threw at cushion at Courtney who caught it just in front of her chest.

“But?”

“It felt we were more friends than a couple, Chloé.”

“Total wasted opportunity.”

“You know who is kind of cute?” Daniela pondered out loud as the intro for ‘Step by Step’ was blaring in the background.

“And with that Daniela will say her boyfriend,” Chloé laughed while the rest of the girls joined her.

“He is so not cute, he is hot,” Daniela smiled “But I’m saying Kyle, you guys know Kyle. He kind of has that geeky cuteness like I don’t know.”

“Any pictures?” asked Chloé as any talk about boys would always peak her interest.

“Ummm….no” Daniela shut that down pretty quickly. “Chris has that macho attractiveness, Tony is just smouldering hot and Kyle has this quirky cuteness about him, I’m just pointing it out.”

“If only his girlfriend was a total bitch. I don’t know what she has against me,” Courtney whined. “You know what when I see him in school, I’m going to tell him that his girlfriend is a bitch.” She stood up as she walked towards the kitchen. “Anyone want chips?”

“I don’t think that would accomplish much, Court and no thanks.” Alicia looked at Daniela who just shrugged.

“Explain?” Chloé was really interested though.

“Well his girlfriend is a bitch. That’s all I know.”

“If he is available and cute, you totally have to introduce me.” Chloé went back to watching the sitcom.

“Really? Geeky cute? I can see it.” pondered Alicia out loud. "But he is really keen on Gisela."

"Hmph who isn't..." Courtney sniped as she went to get some chips. She always felt like the blonde in the shadow of the Gisela Muller.

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

In Milan:

“I hate jet lag….” Kyle sat on his amazingly comfortable bed watching Italian TV. “I have no idea what’s they are talking about…” He was watching some movie until the scene changed to a beautiful woman wearing just a pink bra. "Those are some god damn big....."

“No way, she’s not gonna…dammnnnn!” She took off the bra and started to dance around topless. "This is awesome!"

“I love Italy!”

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

Dodger Stadium

“I’m telling you bro, Italian and French movies have massive amounts of nudity. It is like a porno except for all ages.” Chris smiled as the conversation went from baseball to European art movies.

“I wouldn’t mind checking some out.” Joel watched the game intensely even though it was going to be an easy win for the Dodgers. The atmosphere was pretty dead due the game being kind of a formality in the blowout sense of sport.

“Do you wonder what Tony is doing?” asked Chris as he was looking at the electric scoreboard which showed the score, the pitcher and the batter.

“Probably watching a game show or something. Too bad he didn't want to come but you know how he feels about sport.” Joel muttered more focused on the game than anything else.

"Kind of lame but he's banging your cousin..."

"Bro, the hell is wrong with you? I don't want to hear about my cousin getting....screw you." Joel punched Chris on the arm. "He's probably watching Jeopardy right now."

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

The Howard Household:

“This second-lightest metal, symbol K, is so soft it can be cut with a knife.”

Tony was watching Jeopardy which was always a game show that he loved to watch at home. “What is Potassium!” He answered rapidly as he leaned forwards on his couch. His mother was too busy with some guy in her bedroom but that did not stop Tony from enjoying ‘Jeopardy’ or at least a recording of it.

“I should have really gone to the baseball with the guys….”

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

The Gala

The gala ended with Olivia and Julian talking to each other. Their body language according to the eyes of the lovely Gisela Muller, gave away some flirty nature but in her mind a nice one not a sexual type like her father had with several other women.

“I’m sorry honey,” Julian put his arm around Gisela. The smell of champagne was really noticeable as Gisela covered her nose to avoid the smell.

“No problems daddy. Did you and Olivia enjoy yourselves?” Gisela hoped that they clicked. She smiled but it was a vulnerable smile which suggested that she her hopes weren’t that high.

“Yeah, you don’t mind that she and I see each other, right?”

“I totally don’t mind. I hope it goes well,” Gisela felt so happy that she found someone for her father that was actually pretty awesome. “She’s pretty awesome and special!”

“Well we just have to see, Gisela.” He opened the car door and tossed her the keys. “Let’s go home.”

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

Milan:

"Wow...she can do a lot with her mouth!" Kyle sat with his hazel eyes wide open watching the movie, the exotic art movie on television, a very exotic movie that is. "Ohhhh.....damnnnnnn!!!!"

"This country rocks!"

==================================

LIFE HAPPENS!!!!

Lyrebird · Jul 1, 2015

I'm going to Africa....one day.

===========================

CHAPTER 15

===========================

Milan, Italy:

The beautiful Italian city of Milan, a city famous for its fashion and its fashion shows. Kyle got up in the morning after very little sleep. Jet lag and Italian art movies with a lot of nudity kind of helped him press on. There was a glimmer of hope that he could hook up with an Italian girl but knowing his personality, he really doubted that. His father Eric and his girlfriend Helena spent the whole night being romantic. Thank god for the soundproof walls. The last thing he wanted to hear was his dad and Helena in bed.

There was one problem, a massive problem at that. Kyle had no map and was lost in the beautiful, romantic city. He stood around at a park, a beautiful one. He stood there surrounded by rose gardens that smelled divine as it met with the fresh crisp morning dew from the luscious green grass. There were statues that showed the history of the park. There were couples holding hands and walking in love, morning joggers finishing up their runs, businessmen and women in their suits reading the paper as they drank their coffees. Kyle took it all in but felt out of place.

He kept on looking at his map trying to figure out where he was and what was nearby. There was a planetarium known as the ‘Planetario di Milano’. He saw an area just for football. That was a sport he loved. Kyle took a seat on a wooden bench right on a pebble laid path and under a shady tree. It seemed like there were 8 on 8 just having a kick around. There was a good mix of Associazione & Internazionale jerseys along with the rare Azzurri jersey from the recent Euro Championships in England and from the '94 World Cup in the United States.

Kyle was fascinated with their skills but still had to figure out where he was and where to go next or how to get out of this place. He looked at a beautiful woman with luscious copper red hair, brown eyes and a long slender body. Kyle could swear that she was a model but he had no business talking to her because he was a tourist and also he was kind of a loser.

She noticed him and sat right next to him. She was wearing a beautiful white cardigan over a full black turtleneck top and a pleated skirt with black boots. She said something Italian to him which was a problem for Kyle because he couldn’t understand a lick of Italian. He figured that she was talking to someone else so he looked around but he couldn’t see anyone else. He was really confused.

“Hello?” She introduced herself but Kyle could only just stare at her beautiful face with her high cheek bones. He was hypnotized by her beauty and she could speak in English.

“Hi?” Kyle finally uttered a word but it came out very nervous.

“You are not from here are you?” Oh that woman had a very sexy Italian accent which made it even more hypnotising for Kyle.

“Umm no, no I’m just a tourist. Where am I?” Kyle asked as he pulled out his map once more.

“You are in Giardini Pubblici, a very beautiful area.”

“Yeah, it is. I’m Kyle, Kyle Thorpe.” Kyle introduced himself with his hand out for the handshake.

“Francesca Matteucci and where are you from?” Francesca asked as she scooted closer to Kyle on the bench.

“The US…pretty neat place here actually.” Kyle looked around but he couldn’t stay away from her face at all, Francesca was just that beautiful. "Very beautiful...city."

“Are you from New York or Beverly Hills?” Of course she had to either list the most popular city in the country or an area famous because of a TV show. He could pretend he was from Beverly Hills but he was originally from New York if you exclude the part that was born in Sydney, Australia and lived there until he was 12.

“New York, you’re a local here?” Kyle gazed at her beautiful lips, her very beautiful lips. It was like that James Bond quote he remembered ‘I think it's a very lovely mouth. It's just the right size - for me anyway!’ but he didn’t say that at all.

“Yes, I am here with my brother. What is it like over there?”

“Well I don’t know really I just moved to California like a year ago,” He looked at her as she frowned. He was losing her. “But it is pretty awesome, we surf and stuff at UCLA. I might need a tour guide actually.” He wanted to seem older than he actually was, so a good old fashioned lie was the medicine.

“My brother Alberto and me can take you around,” Francesca smiled. “What is UCLA?” She asked very confused.

“University of California, Los Angeles,” Kyle answered as he watched Francesca’s brother play. He looked similar to her actually except his hair was dark brown unlike the copper hair color of Francesca. “You study?”

“I am a student at University of Milan,” She looked up and down at Kyle, almost surveying him. “I am sorry but your hair and your clothes are not good. We need to take you shopping.”

“Wait what?” Kyle felt uneasy but she was so hot. His thought process "Trap but she's hot. She's hot, follow the hot girl." He turned and faced Francesca. "You some model?"

"Si!"

Kyle's eyes lit up. A model! "There is a god!" He stared up at the heavens with a cheeky wide grin on his face.

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

Milan, a city known for its fashion and that was the reason why he was with a beautiful woman and a very handsome man. It was like genetics absolutely blessed them and screwed Kyle up badly. However before they were to go to buy some clothes obviously with his plastic, he had to get a haircut.

“Are you sure this is right?” Kyle was unsure as the barber was ready with his scissors. He pushed Kyle’s chair up with a press of his foot. He smelt like talcum powder which was weird when the guy looked like an old grandpa with thick glasses.

“Yes Kyle, you need it.” Alberto pointed out. It was weird on the first proper day in Italy that he was being taken around and given a makeover by two complete randoms but at least they haven’t kidnapped him or mugged and killed him.

Francesca said something in Italian to the barber who nodded. He pulled out the electric razor, this was either going to end badly or very badly for the Australian. It felt like he was taking a lot of hair off with his scissors, electric razors and a blade but Kyle watched carefully, if anything he felt more attractive.

The barber replied to Francesca in Italian and she blushed and started to mention something in the same language. Alberto joined in as well with a hearty laugh. It made no difference to Kyle because he couldn’t understand a lick of Italian. His hair however was shorter with a little bit of styling gel at the front to push the hair back.

“Gallo!” Francesca squealed as she put her hands on Kyle’s shoulders. The only thing coming out of Kyle was a dopey grin. "You look charming."

"You're the model." Kyle uttered practically lovestruck.

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

“la Rinascente?” Kyle looked at the department store from the outside. It was a large granite stone like building. It had the charm of the early 90’s plus with the European architecture which made it absolutely stunning if anything.

“Yes it is a big store full of clothes and other stuff like home and food.” Alberto explained that ‘la Rinascente’ was a chain of department stores like ‘Macy’s’.

“Are you ready?” Francesca held on to Kyle’s arm with a little smile.

“I got the plastic, I guess I am ready.” Kyle took a deep breath before walking into the store with Francesca in tow and Alberto following them. They walked into the store and boy was it hustle and bustle. There were several people walking around looking at everything from clothes, towels and shoes. Sales assistants helping those who were looking for help or were at need.

“This is a massive place not as big as Macy’s though…” Kyle muttered as he looked around, taking it all in. “But damn….”

Kyle, Alberto and Francesca walked out of the store with a lot of bags, especially Kyle. He did spend a decent amount of lira. Francesca went back home to go study but she was to join the guys for dinner tonight.

“Umm…so why did I bought all these clothes?” Kyle asked Alberto as they walked down a cobble street with cars passing them by. Kyle noticed how close cars parked on the street to each other. Drivers would have to hit the other car or get really close just to move away from their parking spot. He was holding a lot of bags and more were being delivered to his hotel room.

“My sister likes you. You are a project to her.” Alberto smiled with his hands in his jeans’ pocket. “She thinks of you as some sort of Tom Cruise and she is the Nicole Kidman.” He smiled looking at the sky. “She is a romantic and you are from the Hollywood area in the USA.”

“I’m nothing special at all. I don’t even have a girlfriend or never had one. Unless you count Judy Sanderson from summer camp but she’s pregnant now,” Kyle shrugged as he looked at a few women passing by wearing mini-skirts into town. His eyes wandered straight behind to their legs until he was brought back into Earth by a little nudge. “No chance, I have no chance,” Kyle sighed “I’m a geek back home.”

“What is a geek?”

“Umm…it’s like a loser. Basically I’m a fucking loser that got shafted by the most sexy, popular girl in…” Kyle stopped because he couldn’t say he was in high school otherwise his cover was blown. He had a chance with an older woman, a college student, an exotic sexy college student from Italy who thinks he looks like Tom Cruise.

“Your university but it does not matter. I will teach you the ways of the women,” Alberto put his arm around Kyle. “You will be like Tom Cruise on screen.”

“I really don’t like that comparison. He’s short.” Kyle started to hum the ‘Mission Impossible theme’. “I mean it’s not like I was born on the fourth of July’.” He laughed until he saw Alberto’s face, a blank one. “So what are going to teach me?”

“Simple stuff…” Alberto waxed his hand through the air in front of their eyes. “We don’t want to get rid of Kyle.”

“Errrr oooookay?”

“Do you play football or what do they call it? Soccer?” Alberto asked with a venomous tone at the word ‘soccer’. The word wasn’t the best word to use for the world game in Europe.

“I play football, basketball and baseball,” Kyle explained as they stopped at the metro. “But like not competitive just socially. I don’t follow any team.”

“Ahh you should us at the park tomorrow. It is too bad you are not here from the start of the season. Internazionale are going to have an amazing season with Ronaldo for a full season from Barca,” Alberto explained but it all went over Kyle’s head. He just knew Beckham because of marketing but he had to learn somewhere. “You can play some basketball. We Europeans, we play differently to the Americans. We don’t have that boom boom like Ewing or Dominique, we have a silky touch.”

“Ah huh like Divac, Schrempf, Marciulionis, Sabonis or the late Drazen Petrovic,” Kyle sighed after listing Petrovic’s name with a little laugh. “What could have been? He would have been absolutely amazing.”

“You should have seen Sabonis at his best, 7’3” with shooting touch, passing skills like your John Stockton or Magic, defend, play the post and could do everything. I am surprised you know your international basketball.” The awe of Sabonis was something that made the guy smile while they were carrying a lot of shopping bags.

“You know anyone who could teach me some stuff?” asked Kyle as a fly landed on his nose. He tried sniffing the fly off, wriggling his nose like Samantha from Bewitched.

“If you take me to Las Vegas in the movie ‘Rain Man’ when I come to your country.”

“Errr yeah sure…why not?” Kyle tried to still wriggle his nose to get a fly off it. “You know in about 5 years…” The dark brown haired teen mumbled under his breath as the fly was still on his nose. He tried flicking it but only succeed in flicking himself. "Damn fly..."

“What did you say?” Alberto asked not hearing a word that Kyle mumbled.

“Errr I would be happy to....when you come, I guess.”

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

Later that night:

At a lovely restaurant famous in Milan surrounded by brick walls, brown tables and chairs, candles and lights that created an atmosphere that was warm yet classy. There was a classical charm but also an underground charm to this restaurant.

Kyle, who was dressed in a black suit and a white collared shirt with black trousers and dress shoes, was directed to his table even though he didn’t understand a single word that was uttered to him. He was directed by a follow and a lot of pointing by the maître. He saw a beautiful looking Francesca sitting by herself in a lovely black short cocktail dress. Her copper red hair let down, all straight and shiny like a hair commercial. “Hey,” He smiled as he pulled a dark brown wooden chair right next to her.

“You can’t speak or understand Italian, can you?” Francesca smiled as she stared into Kyle’s blue eyes. He smiled as he nodded slowly. “How did you get here?”

“A book and instructions from a helpful lady who lived in Bristol in the UK,” Kyle stared at Francesca mainly at her dress and her body. “You look lovely tonight,” He couldn’t help look at her. She was just beautiful, head and shoulders ahead of Gisela…or not.

“So do you,” Francesca smiled as she moved her face closer to Kyle.

The closer she went, the more Kyle could look down her dress. He could see her breasts pretty easily. He couldn’t help looking down, he was a teenage guy and she was so beautiful. “You told me to buy this…” A sound of a fork dropping from a table nearby broke Kyle from his trance, the trance of Francesca’s breasts. For an odd reason the song ‘Big Poppa’ was playing his mind.

“It does wear well, you have a bigger physique than you said you do,” Francesca observed as she smiled. She noticed that Kyle was looking down her dress. She was embarrassed but flattered mainly because she had a thing for the American living Australian. She eyed him with her green eyes as she leaned closer and closer to him….until a waiter said something in Italian and gave the pair a menu, just a single menu.

“I can’t understand a single word. I guess you have to order, Francesca,” Kyle gave her the menu with a disappointed look. He kept thinking to himself about learning Italian but it ended up going to thoughts of Francesca naked and boy did he enjoy those thoughts.

“I will don’t worry but we will wait for Alberto and Vittoria before I’ll order,” Francesca gazed at Kyle’s eyes. “You have some Tom Cruise…it’s kind of sexy.”

“Ah huh….” Kyle smiled nervously as he looked at the wine list. Would this be the night that he would lose his virginity? Cause he was stoked with a wide grin on his face.

“Shall we order some wine?” Francesca asked as she snatched the wine list from Kyle’s hands.

“Sure why not…” He sighed as the mental image of him getting kicked out and arrested for drinking under age played in his mind. He might as well take the risk anyway because either he was going to get laid tonight or not.

“I will order the wine,” Alberto dressed similarly to Kyle, sat down opposite his sister and him. He had a girl who wore a white dress with a light brown short hair. The cut was shorter in the front and longer in the back to give it that textured, wispy, feminine touch and feel. “This is my fiancée, Vittoria and this is my new friend from a place near Beverly Hills, Kyle Thorpe.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Vittoria smiled as Kyle got up and greeted her with peck on her each side of her cheeks.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Kyle sat back down.

“This is my gift to my American buddy,” Alberto gave him a gift wrapped box. The box was a blue one with a red satin ribbon wrapped around it.

Kyle opened it to see an Inter Milan home kit customized with his name. “Hey look at that. It has my name on the back with the number 57. Thorpe 57. Now that’s cool.” He pulled the kit out and showed it to everyone at the table. “Hey there is something else here…” Kyle pulled out a box, a box full of “Condoms, well I can’t say that I’m not surprised.” He was blushing from embarrassment that there was a box of condoms on the table next to a girl that he was seriously interested it. “I guess it will come in handy…eventually.” Kyle cracked up laughing until he looked at Francesca. “So, what ummm…should we order?” He noticed a strange sensation. He could feel her soft touch down his..."Oh boy...." Kyle gulped as he stared with his eyes wide in shock at Vittoria's direction.

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

Back in the US of A:

It was early in the morning back in California. Joel was standing behind the counter at the café he worked at. It was a stock standard café that was there mainly for people on their way to work, old people during the day and students during the afternoon. A lot of people in suits would come for meetings during their lunch breaks.

He stood there wiping up the counter with a yellow cloth after a customer spilt a little bit of their latte. He had to wear a white shirt since he handled food especially the messy breakfast period. The café had the generic tables both inside and out, a couple of booths, a magazine and newspaper stand and one small TV hanging from the top left most corner, playing the news headlines for the day.

“Hey!” Gisela smiled as she sat on a stool right at the counter. She was wearing a simple white sundress with her light blonde hair tied up. She smiled with her elbow on the table. “Good morning!” The teen was very chipper.

“Good morning, the usual?” Joel asked as he readied his pencil and notepad to take the order.

“Yeah since daddy doesn’t even cook but I have some totally great news,” Gisela put her white tote bag on the counter. “Daddy is totally going steady with the doctor that I set him up with, kind of set him up with but that totally doesn’t matter. She is totally amazing, like she’s going to cook dinner at our house. Something about her being alone since her son is with his father.”

“That’s awesome but don’t get too attached to her. What if they break up?” Joel pointed out until he noticed a customer. “Let me sorted these great people first. Hi, how are you doing?” He greeted an old man with a large smile and warmth. He spent a good few minutes talking to the old man while making his coffee.

“I never of that….Did Chris tell you about the camping trip?” Gisela asked as she could smell her breakfast being delivered to her. It was an omelette with ham, spring onions, tomatoes, onions, green chili and mushroom with a touch of garlic. There was toast on the side, buttered one side up and a bowl of blueberry yoghurt on the side. She dug in straight away and quickly.

“Err yeah but I try not to remember last year with the bear that our lovely friend called Yogi or him filming me….peeing....” Joel recalled last year where he was taking a toilet break on a tree when Chris filmed him as a prank but Joel got him back with a bear and a picnic basket. Thankfully no one was harmed except the bear that ate Courtney’s food. “He spent 20 minutes trying to call Kyle since I never told him that our buddy went on vacation. You going?”

“Ummm…I…guess I am, so who’s going?” a very hesitant Gisela asked just before she went through the omelette.

“Basically everybody,” Joel looked around to see if there were any customers but it was pretty quiet since it was after the morning rush. “I wonder what the girls in Europe are like….you think Kyle has scored?”

“Ew, I’m eating. The guy is a total geek like as if.”

"Gisela be nice. Life has a way to screw you over." Joel gave her a little playful smirk as he walked away to do his job. She sarcastically laughed before digging in. "Oh please like Europeans girl are like that. You've totally been watching those art films with Chris."

"I bet you right now something is happening..." Joel said putting some money back in the cash register.

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

Milan:

‘THUD’

The only sound coming from Kyle’s hotel room. He and Francesca were making out passionately as they slammed into the walls. She pushed him on the queen sized bed and jumped on top of him. They continued to make out with her hands on his face and his hands sliding up and down her right leg and her waist.

“It’s weird….I have a feeling somewhere in the world, someone is talking about me,” Kyle muttered under his breath which led to him chuckling. Francesca went down and started to kiss him passionately while unbuttoning his white shirt. Kyle put his hands on her waist letting her take charge. She bit his bottom lift softly before she started to take her dress off. Kyle’s eyes widened in disbelief and in excitement.

Francesca dressed in lace dark purple lingerie, started to kiss Kyle softly on his neck. “Do you have the protection?” She whispered softly into his ear. Kyle just laid down with his eyes wide open staring at ceiling letting what he thought the more experienced Francesca work her charm. He couldn’t tell her that he was a virgin. That would ruin it for him. This was his chance to be a big man, to lose his virginity to a beautiful, sexy, wild Italian model cum student. How many guys would have dreamt for this opportunity?

“Errr yeah, yeah I do….look Francesca, I mean yeah sure whatever,” He smiled as she kneeled over him. She tied up her copper red hair into a ponytail and boy did she have a great body, like an amazing body. He couldn’t help but staring at her and it didn’t help his stage fright at all. “Oh boy….”

“Hmmm?” She noticed that something was wrong. “I know what’s wrong!” The woman jumped off the bed and skipped to the stereo system. Kyle could only stare at her behind. She said a couple of words in her native tongue as she turned on the stereo system. The sounds of a saxophone, a piano, a bass guitar and drums created a romantic setting, a romantic mood and air of class to this night. Francesca got back on to the bed and laid down just on top of Kyle. She kissed softly on the lips and moved down to his neck. Her lips felt as soft as he could imagine.

Kyle kissed her on the lips passionately which led to an even more passionate kiss between the pair as they kept on going and going.

“Oooh Kyle….” Francesca moaned softly as they started to move down to the sheets until he stopped. “What’s wrong?” She moved her finger up and down his chest.

“Oh boy….look Francesca…I’m just…” He struggled to put the words together. “Nevermind….” He grinned as he pulled her down for a kiss. He moved his hands around her back. “No….I can’t….look.”

“I’m not attractive to you?” Francesca sat up with her legs crossed.

“No, it is just I can’t. I leave in a week and I just can’t do this. I want something more but it can’t happen between us, I guess I sound stupid to you.” He sat up as he buttoned up his white collared shirt. “I’m sorry…”

“I understand,” Francesca scooted right next to him and rested her head on his right shoulder. “You’re sweet and any girl would be lucky to have you. I know I have a friend in the USA!”

“You’ve known me for like a day though. I guess you can leave if you want. Here is some Lira for transport.” Kyle picked up his wallet from under his pillow and gave her enough for the trip back.

“I know it is odd for you but I know when I see someone special and you are that special to me. I don’t know much about you but it does not matter because you are very trusting.” Francesca gazed down at her legs. “And I know I have a friend and that’s important to me.”

“I don’t have many of them actually but you don’t want to hear it,” Kyle looked sombre before letting a little yawn from his mouth.

“I do but tomorrow, you are tired.” Francesca picked up her black dress and started to put it back on. “Alberto says he is going to teach you football and basketball.”

“The finer points…hey I’m sorry.” Kyle apologized as he started to unbutton his collared shirt. His face and eyes showed someone who was really tired and on his last strand of energy.

Francesca gave her a sweet peck on the cheek at the door. “It’s okay…addio, amore mio…” The woman closed the door softly behind her as she walked away.

“Ahhh man…..” Kyle took off his shirt and chucked them on the floor and dived face first on to the queen sized bed. With that he stared at the ceiling until. "Wait..." He ran out of his room and saw Francesca standing there with a smile on her face like she knew he would fall. "Oh the night ain't over..."

"I'm proud to be your first....amante..." Francesca kissed him on the lips and dragged Kyle by the hand to his room, slamming the door behind him.

============================

Today is brought to you by the letter 'T' and the number '54'

Lyrebird · Jul 4, 2015

Kermit is a Frog.

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CHAPTER 16

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A week later:

“So, this is how we're spending our day?”

The legendary diner, a throwback to the heydays of the 50’s and 60’s, a relic of the Americana past. It wasn’t just any old diner, it was a diner that had cars parked with people ordering from booths, like a stationary drive through. Girls dressed like they were just out of the 50’s on roller-skater holding a tray of food on one hand and the other used to balance.

Inside was a treasure, a museum of American past. Posters from films from the pasts placed carefully on the walls, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor in ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ dancing wearing yellow raincoats, holding umbrellas. The poster of Audrey Hepburn with a cigarette holder in her mouth, a tabby cat on her shoulder, jewels and that stunning black dress, it could only be ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. Something that always caught attention was Rita Hayworth, ‘There never was a woman like Gilda’, right next to a swashbuckling man with a fedora and a whip, his name was Indiana Jones and the was the ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and alongside him was Rick Deckhard in the sci-fi noir flick ‘Blade Runner. There were several movie posters and picture from years gone by to show the history of this diner and its relationship with the area.

A jukebox was sitting in the corner playing ‘Surfin’ Safari’ by The Beach Boys. “This place is totally buzzing!” Daniela sat down on a nice red plush booth opposite her boyfriend. “It’s like American Graffiti, I love that movie.”

“It is a great movie, Dani. I see that Chris for once knows a great place. He was due.” Tony smiled with one arm resting on top of the booth and the other tapping on his thigh in sync with the music. “I wonder how good the food is. Beats my mom’s cooking, if she wasn’t cook in the damn bedroom with some guy named Marcus.” He moved his hands on to the table right next to the napkin dispenser and the salt shaker.

“Okay, hun,” Daniela put her left hand on top of his hands. “No more talking about your mother. This is our night to enjoy.” She nodded slowly. She loved everything about him except how much he loathes his mother. They had a very fractured relationship, it was a surprise to anyone that he still stayed with her. Daniela looked around more and more taking in the atmosphere, she adored it. There was nothing like this back at her old place but they did have a diner for truckers but it wasn’t as big or adjured in memorabilia like this one. This was grand, the one back home smelt like body odour from the all sweaty truckers.

A waitress on roller skates dropped off two menus right on the table in between the couple. “I’m sorry, Dani. I’ll stop talking about her but really what we should be talking about is how good you’ll be on those roller skates.”

“Hmmm,” Daniela smiled forcefully before glaring at her boyfriend. “How about no and instead of staring at their asses, you could focus on us.” She could easily tell that his gaze was fixated at one of the waitress’ behind, it was really obvious.

“Okay, what do you want to talk about?” He asked clearly agitated. “We can’t talk about our families, we can’t talk about Gisela for some damn reason and you know how much I hate gossip.” He looked increasingly frustrated but so did she.

“Why can’t we talk about the movies or what to order? Why does everything have to be a hassle with you?” Daniela exclaimed frustrated at the situation. “It’s like ever since the beach, you’ve been on some weird mood.”

“I’ve been fine. You’ve been all in angst mode.” He looked at the cars outside avoiding any eye contact with his girlfriend.

“I’ve been in a foul mood?” She quietly started to unleash on her boyfriend with the song changing to ‘You Keep Me Hangin' On’ by The Supremes. “You’re the one who doesn’t want to sleep with me. I want something more than a sweet junior high relationship. I want to take things to the next level. I mean why couldn’t we be like those couples instead of holding hands and just kissing?”

“Because god dammit, I want to take things slow, okay?” Tony stared at Daniela. “Every single girl I’ve been with and I slept with, the relationship would never last at all. I don’t want that with you because you’re very important to me, Dani. I don’t want to fucking ruin what we have, so we can just have sex.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this?” Daniela felt embarrassed and lousy as she had been pressuring her boyfriend to go the next level.

“Because…I don’t need to…I never told any girl about my mother, all the issues that she has. I’ve never diverged into a relationship where I’m comfortable with someone, someone that I really care for. I wanted to take things slow.” He took her hands and held them tightly. “Where I came from, girls and guys would sleep together and they have babies and then the guy ditches the girl. They don’t really understand a good relationship, I saw what Chris and Gisela had and even though it didn’t work, it showed that I wanted something like that and with someone I fell for…that’s you.”

“I shouldn’t have pressured you, Gisela told me about her time with Chris and I guess wanted something more, so we could feel like a proper couple. I wanted to share something special and romantic with the guy I love.” Daniela looked away from him and on to the menu. "That wasn't in Virginia."

“It’s my fault as well, I should have told you this…let’s order something before people start to wonder.” Tony picked up the menu and read through it. “I could go for a hamburger and fries, you?”

“I have no idea….” Daniela mumbled as she skimmed through the menu with her eyes. It seemed pretty generic like a normal diner, nothing to differentiate at all. “I’ll go with the same I guess. I don’t see anything interesting.”

“Excuse me!” Tony put his hand up like lightning, to get the attention of a waitress. One came roller skating like she was Eric Heiden on skates. “Two hamburgers, two chocolate milkshakes and fries, thank you.” He spoke as eloquently as a businessman in a meeting with a client, precise and distinct. It had to be something that he picked up from his mother.

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

The Harris Household:

The rest of the group were waiting patiently at outside Joel & Daniela’s house with a big black Chrysler Town and Country, a lovely 8 seater where the 7 could comfortably sit. “They should be here by now!” Gisela tapped her foot impatiently wearing a white top, black shorts and runners like practically everyone else. The only difference was the colors of the tops, shirts, top and runners that they all wore.

“They said something about getting a bite to eat!” Joel answered while he and Chris were loading the bags on to the boot of the minivan. “At least you guys are packing lighter than last year.”

“Yeah, you ladies decided to bring a lot of unless junk,” Chris added with a little grin on his face. He remembered how much useless stuff was brought by Gisela and Courtney last summer. They weren’t really campers. He picked up another bag and threw it into the back of the Chrysler. “You know something?”

“No, we don’t. Do tell us Mr. Ambrose.” Joel laughed as he threw one last bag into the back of the Chrysler.

“I’ve been trying to get contact Kyle, you know the geeky dude but it is like he has disappeared from the face of the Earth. Smooth move Court and Gisela, man you had to ruin it for us.” Chris leaned against the black Chrysler, looking cheesed off at the two girls. "Wait did he get kidnapped by that psycho girl or deported to Africa?"

“Like as if you were any better Chrissie.” Gisela shot back even more agitated that they had been waiting for the only couple in their group. “You kept on totally calling him a geek.”

“Speak of geeks…I’m going to make a quick phone call to my parents.” Joel walked inside the house, the house that he, his family and Daniela stayed in. He walked through the living room into the kitchen to pick up the phone. He called up his parents who were in Hawaii to relax for the summer.

"How can someone get deported to Africa?" Alicia looked at the Chrysler. "He's not from Africa, he's from Australia."

"Isn't that where everything can kill you?" asked Courtney referring to the numerous of articles stating that Australia was a deadly place.

"Sure why not..." Alicia rolled her eyes and got into the Chrysler.

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

Back at a Diner:

“This burger is so amazing!” Daniela moaned in delight while she was eating a nice delicious hamburger with two cheese slices, a meat patty, a slice of iceberg lettuce, two pickles, a tomato, onion and a piece of bacon in between two sesame seed buns. Next to the burger on the plate was crispy French fries seasoned with dried herbs and chicken salt.

“Yeah these are amazing…I never had anything like this before.” Tony couldn’t help the smile on his face. He looked at the clock above the poster of ‘Thunderball’ starring Sean Connery. “Did we have something and somewhere to go to?” He asked before going through his burger with two hands.

“Do you know want we should do next?” Daniela dropped her burger on the plate as she looked slyly at her boyfriend. “Sometimes going fast is the right thing to do…”

"This early?"

"No harm, no foul..."

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

Back at the Harris residence:

“Alright, they’re not coming!” Joel locked the door and sat down in the middle row of the Chrysler Town and Country. Chris was all ready to go with Gisela in the front passenger seat beside him. “And we are ready to go…” He looked behind to see if there were any cars behind or driving on the road. There were none, so the brunette teen reversed the car on the road and drove off.

“Do we have anything on radio?” Gisela started to fiddle the car radio till finally she stopped at a station.

“And that was Sunday Morning by No Doubt on their album ‘Tragic Kingdom’ and next up is your favorite English band, Radiohead with the 2nd track on their album ‘OK Computer, ‘Paranoid Android’ and following that it is time for our Movie Soundtrackkkkkkk maraaaaaathon with the spy who we love, Bond, James Bond. This is DJ Camilaaaaaa signing on!!!!” The DJ was very excited and knew how to draw a crowd on the radio.

“I wonder how hot this DJ Camila is.” Chris said out loud as he was busy looking at the rear view mirror while driving. They were stuck on a freeway behind a couple of cars driving at a slower pace than he wished.

“Favorite British band? I totally disagree with that.” Gisela disagreed with DJ Camila and her saying that the favorite Brit band was Radiohead. It was not that she thought Radiohead was bad but she preferred Oasis more.

Alicia was sitting in the back with Courtney and Joel. Alicia was reading the map since Gisela was horrible at navigation. It was just weird that she wasn’t sitting in the front. Courtney on the other hand was busy staring at the window watching the scene fly by everything from trees, buildings, houses, and other cars. There wasn’t much to look at especially with the traffic being as clogged up as it was. Joel was wondering where his cousin was. He knew she was with Tony but there was this nagging feeling in the back of his mind.

“Like now it is totally time for our movie soundtrack marathon with James Bond since the new flick Tomorrow Never Dies is coming out. Bond is back and here is Thunderball from that old sex symbol of the 60’s, Tom Jones.” DJ Camila was all over the radio as ‘Thunderball’ started to play.

Joel looked at Courtney who was too busy staring at the background. Joel was sitting right in the middle. “Hmm…” He wondered if she was ever going to get out of her funk after being left alone for being a virgin by a creep. She was kind of a 5th wheel in a way since Gisela and Chris dated and Alicia and Joel the same. There were still lingering feelings and some new feelings, so she felt a little lonely and a little bit guilty as she thought she drove away Kyle from tutoring her. Joel felt kind of guilty hiding the information that he and Gisela knew. It was a while back when he was dating the sexy Brazilian surfer where he and Gisela went to McDonalds after receiving a secret admirer love note from Janet who happened to lie about her being Kyle’s girlfriend. Kyle told both he and Gisela that he was too busy to tutor Courtney but she was never told this and the guilt really ate her up. No one knew that he actually went to Europe except for the Gisela and Joel.

“So when did Duran Duran ever make a James Bond song?” Gisela asked out loud as ‘A View to A Kill’ was playing on the radio.

“It was a dark era, Gisela, a very dark one.” Alicia answered as she remembered watching that movie and how wrinkly Roger Moore was and how he was kissing Tanya Roberts. It reminded her of how horrible that relationship was and how campy the movie was. “It was really just the pits of the 80’s. Hey, I think you need to take a left.” Alicia checked the road map while relaying the information to Chris.

“Relax I know a shortcut.”

“No shortcuts!” Gisela slapped him on the wrist. “I don’t want to end up at Calgary.”

“I don’t think that’s possible,” Chris scoffed until he looked behind. “Wait, that’s not possible right?” He looked at Alicia, the one that knew the most. She was the naturally gifted, smart one of the group.

“No, we would get stopped at the Canadian border and we would know if we were travelling that far. Did you get the reservations right, Chris?”

“Ahh yeah, yeah no issues,” Chris replied while he was focusing on the barren straight roads since they were off the freeway, a long freeway that was clogged up by cars. “C’mon guys, I got this.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of…” Joel muttered under his breath. “Man, I don’t even know what’s going to happen with Dani and Tony.”

“They’ll go to some place where they can spend a romantic weekend or something,” Alicia tried to reassure Joel since Daniela was kind of his responsibility. “Chris, take the next right.”

“Yeah sure whatever….” Chris mumbled while looking at his right for the next right and right then and there, he turned the Chrysler Town and Country. “You better call the campsite and tell them we will be like 2 short.”

“I don’t think like my phone would get any reception here, we need to stop like somewhere for a pay phone.” Gisela explained as she checked her Ericsson GA 628 with its customized colors on the front panels, Gisela’s phone was customized with red. “Total nuked reception!”

"We'll get to a gas station and call them up or something." Chris said as he turned around to see the car next to him with a pretty woman driving in a Mercedes. "Oh damnnnnnnnn son, she's pretty....nifty car." Chris turned to look at the road feeling that Gisela was glaring at him after noticing everything.

"I'm gonna take a nap..." Joel yawned while slouching. He put a magazine from Courtney's lap and put it over his face to let him take his nap.

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

At the Harris Household:

“Oh my god!” Daniela saw her bags on the doorstep of the Harris’ residence. “I totally forgot about this trip….Joel is going to be so furiously ferocious.” The dark brown haired teen panicked as she sat down on a step. “Then the girls are going to be so angry...” She looked up at her boyfriend who seemed very indifferent. Camping wasn’t his style at all, so it didn’t even matter to him at all.

“Well we could catch a plane somewhere domestic? My mom left me with two tickets and she has postponed it…” Tony sat next to her as he put an arm around her.

“That’s…not a bad idea. I could go and visit my parents. You are so awesome!” Daniela kissed her boyfriend right on the lips which caught him off guard. “Off to home we go!” She picked up her bags and skipped down the driveway to Tony’s Mercedes Benz and dumped them right in the backseat. “Let’s go!” She called out.

“Meeting the parents…” He sighed as he slowly trudged along the driveway back to his Merc. “I should have gone camping…” he muttered under his breath. Tony started the car to head off to the airport but first and most importantly he had to pack.

After packing and driving to the airport with his girlfriend, Tony looked at his tickets. They were tickets to anywhere domestically. They drove to the nearest airport, the good old LAX airport. Tony parked his car at the airport parking wearing a light blue pair of jeans with a red polo shirt which made him look pretty buff along. He held a black bag in his hand with all of his clothes and accessories. Daniela followed him with her bag, a much larger bag. She was fine enough to carry it not wanting to show any weakness at all.

They both entered the airport. “Sooo which airline are we going to?” Daniela asked as they both stopped right in front of the departure prompter. They would show both international and domestic flights with the airline carrier, time of departure, gat, location and the plane number. “Ooh there is a Delta to Richmond in 2 hours. Let’s go!” Daniela started to walk towards the Delta desk to book the flight with her boyfriend.

“Look, Dani.”

“What’s wrong?” Daniela asked turning around to face her boyfriend.

“I don’t think me going with you is a good idea.” Tony sighed as he dropped his bag. “It’s not a good idea at all. Let’s just forget about it.”

“Do you love me?” Daniela asked keeping her distance from her boyfriend.

“What kind of a question is that?”

“After what we did…” She looked high up at the ceiling, “If you love me then you’ll come with me to see my parents.”

“And then what? Let’s go unannounced to your parents’ house with a guy that you’re dating and not just any guy, a black guy. This isn’t fairyland, Daniela.” He responded in an annoyed tone while keeping his voice down.

“And are you implying that my parents are racists?” Daniela was equally unimpressed. Actually she was seething.

“No, I don’t but the last thing your parents want to see is you, their 16 year old daughter bringing a random guy who grew up in the hood, unannounced. How do you think they’ll feel?” Tony picked up his bag. “I’m going somewhere else…”

“I can’t believe you’re acting like a child about this. I’m going and you are coming.”

“Maybe you should look in the mirror, Daniela.” Tony gave her a ticket for any Delta carrier. “Whatever, if you want to go, you go but I’m not coming.” He threw his bag on his right shoulder and walked off.

“Why is it always so difficult with you?” She ran up to him.

“I’m being difficult? You have to be kidding me.”

“If you leave that airport…” Daniela stared him down. “We are through!”

“You can’t be serious?” Tony stood still looking straight at his girlfriend. Was she bluffing? Would he call her bluff? He couldn’t afford to lose her but there was no way he was ready to meet the parents especially out of the blue.

“Fine, I’ll call them!” A frustrated Daniela glared at him before walking to a pay phone. It was easier than using her cell phone which she needed to save batteries for later. The brunette teen inserted a quarter. The first one was to the location of the campsite but it just kept on ringing and ringing. “Hi! I’m Daniela Harris, has the Ambrose party arrived yet?” She held the phone close to her right ear listening carefully to the voice on the phone. “Oh…okay. Thanks for your help…” Daniela inserted another quarter and dialled a number, very familiar to her. She waited patiently through the ringing while she watched her boyfriend sitting on a chair, flipping through a travel magazine.

“Hi!” Daniela finally got through. Her broodiness was still there as she stared at her boyfriend from afar. “Mom, it’s me. I know I didn’t call before, I’ve been busy. Anyway guess what? I’m coming home! Isn’t that exciting?” Daniela talked on the phone without coming up for air. “And I’m bringing a friend…I’ll be at the airport in 10 hours. Bye!”

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

The Good old Campsite: Location....dunno:

“And we are finally here and I didn’t make a mistake,” Chris smiled as he stopped the car right at the visitor center for their camping adventure. He along with Gisela, Alicia, Courtney and Joel got out of the black Town and Country.

“And we are proud of you, man. Just like our children, they grow up so fast.” Joel joked with a smile on his dial and his arm around his best friend’s shoulder. They walked along a wooden path right next to some lush green ferns, shrubs and tall green healthy oak trees into the Visitor Center.

The visitor center was like a large wooden cabin. There were a lot of maps and other booklets, a first aid section, a vending machine and a desk with an old woman behind it who had a radio blaring with Faith Hill. There really wasn’t much to look at or to do but Chris and Joel walked to the receptionist who still could talk on the phone over the loud Faith Hill music coming from the radio. She hung up the phone and looked at the pair of guys. “Well, they never told me that we will have cute guys comin’, I’m Marjorie. You guys have a bookin’?” She was charming with her brown hair that was losing its’ color and a face full of wrinkles offset by her blue eyes. She wore the oddest dress, a red full length dress with patterns of blue dots everywhere like something taken from the 60’s.

“Booking under Ambrose, a large cabin, 8 beds,” Chris smiled so self-assured that nothing would go wrong. He smiled at the girls who were standing with their bags waiting for the room key and camp details to be given to them. Courtney was too busy looking moody as she stared at a picture of a couple at a campfire, Gisela looked disgusted more so at the music than the visitor center and Alicia was too busy blowing bubbles with strawberry bubble gum.

“Here we go, Ambrose. 4 beds…” Marjorie placed a room key with a number on the table along with a few documents.

“It’s gotta be a mistake. I asked for 8 beds.” Chris looked absolutely puzzled as he had booked for 8 not 4. “I have the document of my order right here.” He pulled out a ragged folded sheet of paper from his shorts and slammed it down on the table. “See, it says right here, 8 beds.”

“What happened?” Gisela asked looking quite concerned as she put her hands on her hips.

“There’s been a fuck up. Chris booked for 8 beds but apparently we have 4, so I don’t know.” Joel answered in frustration. He couldn’t be bothered dealing with it. So they had waited for a while as Chris was arguing with Marjorie. He raised his voice with his arms moving about in frustration. He slammed his hands on the table a few times until everything seemed to lead to an amicable handshake and an apology.

“So?” Courtney walked up to Chris.

“What happened?” Alicia did the same

“Yeah, tell us.” Joel seemed a little bored, less excited than the rest of them.

Chris held a room key with one hand and another with his other hand. “4 beds in oe and one single cabin with one bed left”

“I’ll take that,” Joel snatched the key and took his bags. “I see you guys soon.” He walked out of the visitor center. The group stared at him in surprise but they ventured off with their own bags to go into their cabin.

Joel walked with bags in tow to his cabin. It was a pretty small cabin, like a dinky little cabin from the outside. He fumbled with the cabin key trying to open the cabin while he was holding his bags. He finally opened the wooden door and the cabin was nothing like he expected. It was like he was staying in a fancy cabin with a fireplace, a television, a bathroom and two beds separated by a wooden bedside table with a small reading lamp on top and magazines, books and paper in the bedside table. Joel dropped his bags at a vacant bed. The other one seemed a little messy, so someone had to be obviously living in the same room.

Suddenly he could hear a flush, probably from the toilet. He sat down on his bed removing his tennis shoes as suddenly a beautiful woman with long blonde hair with a fringe and fantastic blue eyes, opened the door and leaned against a wooden wall. “Hi there!” She smelt like strawberries, honey and butter. She wore a purple nightgown, a very short purple nightgown that went down just after her thighs. “They never told me that I would have a camp buddy.”

“Yeah, well they kind of screwed up the rooms,” Joel laughed nervously as he wiped his forehead with his hand softly. “I’m separated from my friends, so what about you?”

“The same, we took a trip from San Diego before our senior year. What about you?” The blonde teen sat down on her bed staring and studying the brunette man right in front of her, from up to down and left to right.

“Malibu and the same,” Joel smiled until he realized that she was checking him out. “I’m not one of those rich snobs from Malibu or Beverly Hills.”

“Oh I can tell…” The woman slyly smiled added with a little flirtatious wink. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be camping here. I’m Lana.” She introduced herself while flicking her long blonde hair.

“I’m Joel…” He introduced himself running his hand through his hair which didn’t carry the same appeal that it did for Lana.

“You know Joel, I learned a saying a while ago.” She spoke softly while moving right next to Joel. She placed her hand softly on his thigh. “Sometimes you gotta say ‘What the Fuck’, make your move. Joel, every now and then, saying “What the Fuck”, brings freedom….” She whispered right into his ear very seductively.

“Wouldn’t that be a little bit of a risky business, Lana?” Joel whispered back which led Lana to get right up and smile. Joel winked right at her with a little cheesy smile to boot.

“Oh, you are good. Anyway I’m going on a bike ride. You wanna come?” Lana took out some clothes from her big black bag and headed into the bathroom.

“Sure, why not?” Joel got up and checked his hair a reflection from a television that was turned off. He fiddled with his brown hair with his hands. He muttered under his breath “I shouldn't have worn some hair gel…she moves fast.” He waited on his bed as Lana got changed. "Do we have to hire a bike?"

"Yep!" She answered loudly from the bathroom.

"Fair enough....so I read that the track is pretty righteous."

"Same. That's why we're checking it out." Lana walked out of the bathroom just wearing bike shorts and a pink tank top. "Let's go. This is going to be so fun!" She dragged Joel out of the room. "Maybe we could like go and find some secret areas to bike in."

"You really like your adventure, don't you?"

"Oh I can be very....adventurous..." Lana whispered seductively in Joel's ear.

=============================

But is the frog really Kermit?

Lyrebird · Jul 10, 2015

=====================================

CHAPTER 17

=====================================

Campsite:

What a way to spend a day with your best friend. The location was a beautiful crystal clear lake in the middle of thick woodlands with the sounds of birds chirping and singing away and the sun shining. Joel and Chris were sitting in a little wooden row boat with their fishing equipment. Chris was wearing a Dodgers’ t-shirt with a pair of khaki cargo shorts with a Dodgers hat to match. Joel on the other hand was wearing a Dallas Cowboys hat with a plain white v-neck tee and black board shorts.

“So have you heard from Daniela?” Chris asked as he slumped into a more outstretched relaxing position with his fishing rod between his legs being held between his knees.

“Yeah, she’s visiting her…my aunt and uncle back in Virginia with get this Tony. She told her parents that Tony was just a friend and he isn’t too happy.” Joel explained while he was paying a lot more attention to fishing than his best friend. He held the rod attentively in his hands while watching the crystal clear water to see if he could see any fish at all.

“Ouch…they ain’t gonna last from that bro,” Chris yawned as he was drifting closer to a nap. “Never get introduced to your girlfriend’s parents unless you’re serious or she’s pregnant…you don’t think?”

“Dude, my cousin isn’t pregnant and trust me bro, they will last. Anyway how’s staying with the 3 amigos?” asked Joel referring to the girls that came with them. He could see nearby 3 girls that were swimming near the shore. Joel could recognize one of them, one of them being Lana. She looked absolutely stunning as she got out of the lake, her body glistening like an angel. She absolutely captivated Joel in her pink polka dot two piece swimsuit. She ran her hands through her long blonde hair.

“Dude I hate living with 3 girls especially if I have to be like...I hate our ‘no sleeping or hooking up with girls’ rule. I don’t mean Alicia because she’s your ex and Courtney is Courtney, that’s like my sister…” Chris got up from lying down in the row boat, it was not like he was having any success catching any fish nor was Joel actually.

“Huh yeah….well dude it is a tradition. Just wait till we finish this and then you can get back together with Gisela.” Joel was still too focused on Lana. He couldn’t take his eyes off her at all especially since they were staying in the same room together.

Chris noticed the girls and Lana on the shore in their swimsuits. “And this is exactly why I hate our rule. I could be sleeping with one of those girls, man. Look at them,” Chris pointed right at the girls. “They are severely hot, smoldering hot. They are just fucking hot…I hate you, bro, I really do. I’m gonna take a nap.”

“I love you too, Chris.” Joel rolled his eyes as he watched Chris lie back down inside the row boat. He put his hat over his face and started to move around to get comfortable before one snore said it all. Joel waved at Lana who could see him. She waved right back with a little sly smile and a wink.

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

The girls chose not to go fishing like the guys. There were all prepped in their hiking boots and bags containing food, water and sunscreen under the blistering heat. There were several trails at the campsite depending on the distance and the difficulty of the walk.

“Court…” Gisela was not enthusiastic about hiking. “Like why do we have to do this?” She groaned as she trudged along a rocky, sandy path behind her best friend. “I’m so not made for hiking…” She whined as she picked up a long branch that was just off the path. It was light and thin with 2 leaves, each on one side. She flicked up dirt with the end of the branch to supplement her boredom.

“You guys!” Courtney turned around facing her best friend and Alicia who both looked as interested as a kid in school. “This is fun and good exercise,” Courtney tried to gee up her friends like a cheerleader but failed. While she sounded excited, very excited at a good old hike, they did not. “You guys didn’t want to go fishing. This is going to be fun!” She faced forward and walked up the sloping path. The excitable golden haired teen loved doing physical activities except surfing.

“Yeah, I’m going to head back. This is not my scene.” Alicia exclaimed with a tone that suggested that she could not be bothered anymore. It wasn’t like they actually went far, they spent at least 20 minutes walking but for Gisela and Alicia, it was too long.

“Guys!” Courtney started to whine as she pushed some of the golden blonde hair from her dark brown eyes. “Don’t leave, it’ll be fun.” She preached with her normal sweet tones from her voice but she couldn’t make a difference as the girls walked down, giving up all hope on the long hike along the woods.

“Hey, you can do it yourself…” Alicia shrugged after she turned around to face Courtney, who just stood there watching. “If it makes you happy.” She and Gisela walked back down slowly.

“Okay!” Courtney beamed as she turned around and started to walk up the slope as it got steeper. Courtney was armed with her bag on her back, her hat sitting on top of her golden blonde hair which was tied up in a ponytail that poked out from under the hat, her light blue top which had air cooling technology to keep her fresh and cool, shorts to walk in and light brown hiking boots to making walking easier. She had a nice camera around her neck that allowed her to take pictures, a camera that she borrowed from Joel the photographer. She loved taking pictures of nature even if she didn’t have the best skills or that photographer’s eye.

“I feel kind of bad that we left her…” Gisela muttered as she and Alicia walked down the hiking trail back into their cabins. It was pretty plain instead with 2 bunk beds, a table, a bookshelf, a plain old ugly light green couch and a bathroom with a shower and a sink.

Alicia took off her hiking boots and relaxed on her bed which was the top bunk. Everyone kept their beds clean, surprisingly to her even Chris. His bed was the cleanest of them all. He made his bed perfect and had no clothes lying around. “She’ll be fine…” She replied with a little yawn in the end. “She needed something to occupy herself. What’s been up with her?”

“Well you know how delicate she is about you know her abstinence.” Gisela stood beside Alicia’s bed opening a bag of peanuts and popping one in her mouth.

“Yeah, she wants to wait for that special guy, someone she can see a future with.”

“Exactly but she also wants a boyfriend and she thought she found one at the beach but this guy was a total sleez who just wanted to sleep with her and she took it really bad. She thinks that no guy wants to date her because of her views.” Gisela explained while she was digging into a snack sized bag of peanuts. “You know these are like airplane peanuts…” She pondered as she looked inside the bag of peanuts. “Oh like I told her that her views are amazing, I envy her to have like the strength to not be swayed, I hope. Also you know that girl Janet? The one with the purple streaks?”

“Kyle’s friend?”

“Okay so like Courtney was being tutored by Kyle like how you tutor Chris but Kyle had other things in life or so he says, he’s a geek, so whatever. Anyway, so like she thought it was my fault but it totally wasn’t, so she asked Janet and Janet was a total bitch and said something about Kyle being her boyfriend, totally bogus though, and she thinks that Kyle stopped helping her because of his relationship with Janet, totally made up by her and me but…” This was dragging on and Gisela knew it. “It is not even related to that and she feels bad. Don’t know why but that’s Court, for you. She’s so emotional.”

“What happened to Kyle? Chris said he couldn’t reach him.”

“I don’t know some geek stuff probably like playing Dungeons and Dragons.” Gisela shrugged as she lied very convincingly. She knew along with Joel, that Kyle was at Europe. “I’m totally more curious about Dani…” She pondered out loud as she offered some peanuts to Alicia. "I know she went out of state but like it's weird."

"The guys having a no hooking up rule is even weirder." Alicia noted taking a peanut.

"It's kind of totally cute. Like little boys with their promises like those TV shows."

"What kind of TV shows do you want?"

"A lot like Friends."

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

Later that Night:

“So did you miss me?” Lana sat beside Joel on his bed wearing nothing but a green collared shirt belonging to Joel and a pair of white socks. Her blonde hair was let down with her fringe covering her blue eyes.

“It’s been like 20 minutes,” Joel chuckled pulling her down to him as he decided to lie down on the bed. She pushed her hair away from her face and kissed him square on the lips. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“You know Joel…” She whispered while she started to undo the buttons on his shirt. “We’ve been doing the same thing over and over for the past few nights. I think we need to do something different.”

“What…do…you…have…in….mind?” Every word was broken by Joel kissing Lana on her neck softly. She pulled out a pair of handcuffs from the ground. “You have got to be joking, Lana.” Joel’s eyes widened when he saw her dangling the pair of handcuffs on her finger. “No way…”

“Oh come on, it will be fun.” She smiled as Joel gave in. He put his hands together and she cuffed him to the metal railing of the bed. “Now let’s have our fun….” Lana smiled deviously as went down on him to peck his chest before withdrawing. “I have something else special….” She took off the shirt off her back revealing lace red bra that just held her breasts in. She leaned on top of him on all fours with Joel smiling like he had just won the lottery. She pulled out a can of whipped cream.

“Umm…this is for what exactly?” He asked with a concerned look on his face as Lana was shaking the can up and down rapidly.

“You’ll see…” She whispered seductively still shaking that can.

“Ummm…Lana this is as far as I want to go.” Joel couldn’t move his hands. The situation was weird enough for him.

“Fine…” She pouted as she got off the bed and put some pants on. She buttoned her shirt up which was several sizes too large, well it was Joel’s shirt not hers. “I’m…gonna get something to eat. You want something?” She kissed him on the neck and then on the lip as she pushed her hair away from his nose.

“What about uncuffing me, I would love that.” Joel exclaimed as he squirmed around trying to get comfortable.

“Aww you’re cute, I’ll be back soon.” Lana blew Joel a kiss as she walked out of the cabin. She didn’t even lock the door which was bad but leaving it ajar was even worse. "I'm hungry, so sue me."

“No! Lana! You can’t leave me like this! I’m cold….arghhh…we are so through.” Joel yelled while he stared at the ceiling in disbelief one that she left the fan on and two that he was handcuffed. "I'm cold....but she's so hot....she'll be back right?"

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

A couple of hours later:

Courtney was fiddling with Joel’s camera. She borrowed it for the day as she took pictures of everything she found interesting which included birds, bees, spiders and trees and of course the occasional view from the top of the trail, a view that encompassed the whole woods. The sight of the lakes, the woods and the mountains nearby was something she would cherish even if she had it on camera.

“Guys I’m going to return Joel’s camera, I’ll be back soon.”

Courtney waltzed out of the door and walked a short path to the small cabin where Joel was sleeping in. She could see that the lights were on and the door was slightly ajar. She knocked on the door for courtesy but she knocked on the door too hard which pushed it right open. “Joel, I’m here to return your…” She stopped when she witnessed a very interesting sight.

“Hey….Court…” Joel smiled awkwardly wearing just an unbuttoned shirt and briefs while being handcuffed to the railing behind his head. “So how are you?” Courtney just stared, eyes widen opened in stunned silence. “Okay better question…I’ve been here for a couple of hours, so I’m just asking for a simple favor. GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!” He yelled while trying to jerk around. “Use a bobby pin or something.”

“Keep still, Joel. How did you?” Courtney pulled out a bobby pin from her golden blonde hair and tried to unlock the handcuffs.

“Well see I’ve been staying with a girl and she wanted to try something different and this was different. So the camera….was it awesome?” Joel laid still as Courtney tried unlock the handcuffs with her bobby pin. “You smell like a pine tree.”

“Oh shush….” Courtney muttered as her dark brown eyes were focused on the lock. However she couldn’t make a difference. She took out the bobby pin which was warped out of shape. “There is one glimmer of hope…”

“Anyone but….” Joel pleaded as he squirmed around on the bed which if anything caused the bed to move.

“Sorry but it is either him or you wait for the girl. How long has she been gone for?"

“Fine….get him.” He finally admitted defeat. "A couple of hours...she wanted to try something different and she went to get some food."

"Why is there whipped cream can right next to you?"

"Courtney, we can ask so many questions but just get Chris..." He stared at her with a little glare.

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

In Headingley, Leeds, Yorkshire:

Kyle was sitting with his father watching the 2nd day of the 4th Ashes Test Match. The Series was levelled 1-1 after England won the 1st test at Birmingham. A draw was played at the Home of Cricket, Lords at St. John’s Wood in London. The 3rd test was dominated by Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester. The 4th test was at Leeds and on the first day which was rained out at England on 3 wickets down for 106 after 36 overs. The 2nd day featured English Captain Michael Atherton on 34 and nightwatchman Dean Headley yet to score.

The crowd was loud but not buzzing because of the overcast conditions not really giving the game a lift. The new ball was given to the Australian fast bowling pair of the consistent metronomic Glenn McGrath, line and length, line and length, waiting for a batsman to make a mistake an art he excelled at. He was joined by Paul Reiffel who had the ability to cut the ball on an awkward length. Kyle watched with eagerness, he had not seen a live cricket game since 1995 at the Sydney Cricket Ground between the West Indies and Australia.

“This is really exciting. Hopefully we can see the Aussies bat.” Kyle wearing the 1996 Australian World Cup strip was sitting with his father, Eric Thorpe. “Hopefully we can clean up the English wickets.” He looked up at the sky which was overcast. It wasn’t the best conditions to watch cricket but it offered a lot to the pace bowlers.

“Yeah if McGrath bowls like he did at Lord’s and Old Trafford, we might see Australia bat.” Eric relaxed putting his hat on and a little sunscreen even though it was overcast, really overcast. He looked similar to his son, Kyle. It basically looked like they were father and son. The first ball was bowled, it was going to be an interesting day.

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

Back Late Night States:

“Bro, I can’t believe you broke our policy ‘No chicks this trip!’” Chris couldn’t hold his laughter at the sight of Joel handcuffed to a metal bed railing wearing a collared shirt which was unbutton showing off his chest along with his briefs. “Man, I thought I would fuck it up but you…god damn, bro. Now tell me about her.” Chris was excited. He loved the scenario, his best friend was pushed into something different by a girl and he needed his help. It was always the other way around. “How hot was it when she cuffed you to your bed and you were at her mercy?” Chris purred like a cat, pawing in the air.

“You know those girls that we saw while fishing? The blonde one.” Joel answered with Chris’ eyes beaming. He was ready to give him a high five with his hand raised up. “Dude, really?” said an exasperated, irritated tone noting that his hands were cuffed up to the bed.

“Sorry, bro. Now I got a rock and this will just take a minute.” Chris picked up a giant big rock that he had brought with him, and raised it with his hands. Joel looked scared, very scared that his best friend was going to mess it up and hurt him. Chris slammed the rock against the bed breaking the head of the bed, so Joel could get out of the bed but the railing/head was still handcuffed to him. "I think we need to find a blacksmith. Court, put his pants on..." Courtney put her hands on her hips and stared at him. "Okay fine, I'll put his pants on. Just get the rest of his stuff and then I'll carry them while you find a blacksmith and get another room for him."

"Okay!"

"Guys, hurry it up...I can't feel my hands..." Joel noted very calmly considering the situation he was in.

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

Back in Yorkshire:

“Fall of Wicket at Robert Croft caught Ponting, bowled Gillespie for 6 off 8 balls in 12 minutes at the score of 8 for 172. That is 5 wickets for Jason Gillespie with figures of 5 for 37. Next in for England is Darren Gough.” The PA announcer’s voice echoed throughout the Headingley Stadium as England collapsed horribly in overcast conditions.

Kyle and his father watched as the batsman was taking guard. The first ball wasn’t much but the second one stayed low on off stump. The batsman tried to play a defensive shot off the backfoot but only succeeded to inside edge it on to the stumps. The Australians were celebrating as the score went from 8/172 to 9/172 in the space of two balls. It looked like Kyle’s wish to see the Australians bat was coming to fruition. The Australians were cheering and clapping while the English crowd sat in silence. It was like 1989 and 1993 all over again.

The next batsman came in. There was a short leg under a helmet. A couple of slips, gully and point to try and snap up the last wicket quickly. It only took 2 balls as the batsman backed away leaving his stumps exposed. He offered a waft of a shot as there was some movement off the deck to allow the ball to straighten and hit leg stump. England all out for 172 and the Australians were cheering both on the field and the fans off. The English looked concerned, disappointed like déjà vu all over again.

“So what do you think of Helena?” Ethan asked his son as there was a break in play. They were both relaxed and content well more so than the English fans that were watching the game. They stood up along with all the fans to congratulate one of the Australian bowlers who dismantled the English batting with figures of 7 for 37.

“Yeah, she’s pretty cool I guess. I can’t believe England was dismantled so easily.” Kyle shook his head in disbelief. They were sitting okay at 2 wickets for 103 runs but it just a collapse of 69 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. The pitch was still decent for bowling and the English did have a decent attack, so anything could happen.

“I remember when I was a little kid I saw one of the great series with your grandpa. Those were great players. I remember the 3rd test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Your grandpa would go on and on about Bradman, Hammond, Hutton, Miller, Morris, Barnes, Lindwall and Bedser. He told me about how Barnes was joined by Bradman at the score at 4 for 159. There was a real buzz because this was our hero, the best ever in cricket. People talk about how Bill Russell and Michael Jordan are the best in basketball or like how Martina Navratilova dominated tennis but Bradman was domination.” Ethan told his son who really paid attentively. There Something about the history of an Australian summer past time invoked images of class, skill and the beauty of sport.

“Ahh yes see I saw Sir Don!” An old man overheard them both. He wore a suit with an ‘bacon and egg’ tie and a wide brimmed fedora like hat. He had a massive Yorkshire accent which Kyle found really amusing. “Your father is correct, young lad. Bradman was sublime. You could just not get him out. See he had a plan for anything. Any bowler from Gubby Allen, Verity, Bill Bowes could not get him out. He plundered the English batting at 3. He and that lad Ponsford batted for 400 runs in a partnership. I couldn’t believe it. 304 for at this ground it was the 2nd highest.” The old man recalled as both Kyle and Ethan were just listening to him in awe. Their eyes were fixed right at him as smiles crept on the face. They were both sitting at the edges of their seats waiting to hear more.

“Who scored the highest?” Kyle asked.

“Sir Don himself, 334, 4 years earlier. It was the highest score until Yorkshire’s finest Sir Len Hutton scored 364 himself at The Oval in 1938. He was a talent, that lad. I’m sorry to interrupt your story.” The old man smiled looking at Ethan who put his hands up.

“It is no problem at all. I love your 1st witness account more than what my father told me. I saw Boycott play actually. He was a bit…”

“Oh we know but you Australians have a great bunch. The Waugh brothers, McGrath, Taylor and Warne and Healy who is the best I’ve seen since Knott.” The old man then faced forwards towards the ground because the 2nd innings was about to commence.

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

Later on as the Australians were in a settled position after a scare:

The old man who was holding a pint was talking about the sport with Kyle and Ethan. “That Ponting lad, I think you Australians have another talent. What a player. Where do you boys come from? Sydney? Your accent is quite different, you.” He pointed right at Kyle who could only chuck. It was true, while he still had that Australian accent it was mixed in with an American one from living there for 4 years.

Ethan smiled “Well actually I live in New York City and my son lives with his mother in Los Angeles but we lived in Sydney until 1993 and then we moved.”

“Well that is quite amazing. Glad to see the Americans haven’t ruined your love of cricket, lad!” The old man laughed. Everyone was settled and relaxed as the day progressed with the Australians batting well just about getting a lead. “Now do you boys like football?”

“I do!” Kyle instantly replied. He just shot up with a wide grin. “I played back where I used to live but I never fit in the team. The guys…” Kyle back at his old school was good enough to play sport but the constant bulling and the image of being a geek ruined what chance he had or he thought he had.

“Son, play to your best for the team,” That made no sense to Kyle but he just nodded. “I was like you, I wanted to play football. I was left back and I was never part of the lads but I tried my best. It makes all the difference to those twats. They’ll respect you.” The old man winked after giving Kyle advice. It was like they ran into a wise Yorkshire man who loved cricket and football.

“Thanks, thanks a lot. I hope I can use the information.” Kyle replied with a slightly nod as he took the advice right in.

“Anyway, I forgot to tell you something.” Ethan pulled out a packet of chips, sour cream and chives flavour which Kyle always found disturbing. “Your mother has been dating a businessman for the last few months. It is really serious. He actually has a daughter your age. I don’t know his or her name but your mother is really happy.” Ethan told Kyle the big news with chips in his mouth. He offered Kyle some but his son declined. “She has you to thank for.”

The conversation was immediately interrupted by a short ball around waist height being dispatched by the batsman with a horizontal swing of the bat in front of the bat, the pull shot. The ball raced away along the ground through midwicket to the boundary. The Australian crowd cheered as the batsman walked down to the pitch doing a little gardening with his bat as he talked to his partner. The bowler shook his head as he walked back to his marker. The English players were clapping and talking trying to support the bowler, the fielders to be ready and to break the concentration of the batsman.

The 2nd day ended at 6pm on the dot. The Australians were at 4 wickets for 258 runs with one of their batsman, the opening one on 134 and the other one on 86. They were talking to each other as their work wasn’t done. They had to bat on, on Day 3 to establish a position of dominance and to set the game up. They had a lead of 86 runs but that was not enough, there was plenty of time to win this.

Kyle and his father walked out of the Headingley Stadium to their hotel. It was a great day as it just flew by. If anything it was amazing for Kyle to spend time with his father at the cricket. He lived in LA while his father lived in NYC and they were both nowhere close their love of cricket. “I’m so pumped for the 5th test at Trent Bridge!” Kyle was so excited. His face was beaming and he walked with a spring in his step. He had just enjoyed a great day of test cricket with his father, his mother finally started dating and he was going to the 5th test match at Nottingham. He didn’t have to see the people from school. He didn’t have to see Janet, the creepy girl, Gisela, the girl who caused him grief and Chris, the guy who kept calling him a geek. He could just enjoy himself plus he made good friends out of Francesca and her older brother Alberto.

It was an amazing trip but all good things have to come to an end…

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

Back at the States:

"We don't say this to anyone other I'll kill you both." Joel sighed as the blacksmith was trying to get Joel out of the handcuffs. The only problem was the blacksmith was Marjorie.

"You know hun, if I was 40 years ago...Meoww...." She smiled as she stared at Joel's behind. "You have a cute tooshie!" She noted with a massive smile. "So how was she? Was she super hot? How was the sex?"

"Damn lady...cool it...geez" Joel looked at her disgusted at her pervy questions and actions.

"Oh it is okay to be open about your sexuality, cutie pie." She laughed while Joel groaned. Joel looked at Chris and Courtney who were cracking up laughing.

"I hate you both..."

============================

Okay

============================

Lyrebird · Jul 15, 2015

My cat thinks I'm stoned. I don't have a cat nor rocks.

=================================

CHAPTER 18:

=================================

LAX Airport:

Olivia waited at the airport at the arrivals for her son. It was bright and early in the morning and her son was overseas with his father for quite a while. She would hear everything about the trip, well mostly everything. She was a little worried as her son’s plane arrived 40 minutes ago. Actually she was really worried. She looked around quickly to make sure that she didn’t miss him but her eyes were also on the people who just went through customs to meet with their loved ones or chauffeurs who held their names up on giant white cards. Suddenly a young man wearing a charcoal blazer over a white top and a pair of dark blue denim bootcut jeans and black shoes appeared. He pushed a trolley full of his luggage as he looked around. His hazel eyes surveyed the area looking for that one important person until…

“Mum!” He called out putting his hand. He pushed the trolley stacked with his own luggage towards his mother, Olivia.

Olivia was absolutely in delight as she hugged her son tightly, squeezing the living daylights out of him. “You’re safe. I was worried for a second. How was the flight?” She asked before licking a finger and fixing up her son’s dark brown hair. “Wow, you have gotten a lot taller…” She observed as her son absolutely towered her. It was like in that short stint away from the country, he grew a lot.

“Mum…not in public…” The son muttered softly, he was feeling the embarrassment by being coddled by his mother. “The flight was okay, I’m just going to be really jet lagged.”

“Any pretty girls?” Olivia coyly asked with a little smirk on her face. She saw her son’s expression. He just rolled his eyes and walked on pushing the trolley full of luggage towards the exit. “Remember we have that dinner tonight with my boyfriend and his daughter.”

“Yeah…I remember. Do I have to go?"

"Yes, you do. This is very important to me."

"So we having Chinese?"

"Indian. His choice. You'll love them both."

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

Later that night at Indian Restaurant:

“Now honey I want you to be on your best behavior.”

It was just your normal absolutely fancy Indian restaurant at a private room. The room had paintings of stories from the Hindu religion. A painting of Krishna with his mother, another painting of Rama sitting with his wife Sita as Hanuman and Lakshmana fanned them both. There was a painting of an elegant peacock on the wall right next to one from a scene in the Mahabharata. There were actually a lot of elegant paintings detailing visual moments of stories in Hinduism and paintings of Maharajas. There were little statues placed around as decoration.

A man in his 40’s sat down on a chair. He wore a suit, a scarlet velvet tie over a white collared shirt, black business trousers. His blonde hair was slicked back as he stared at his watch. The girl next to him wore a long black cocktail spaghetti strap sleeveless dress with her blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. She stared at the man with a smile. “Like of course!”

“I mean it Gisela, Olivia is really important and for this relationship to work…” He stared at his daughter right next to him with a stern look. “I need you and her son to get along. He goes to your school actually.”

“I don’t know any Bennetts,” Gisela shrugged as she stared at the paintings. At least the paintings were much more interesting than waiting.

“Sorry we’re late.” Olivia walked in looking a little frazzled. She had been in a rush which explained why she was late. “I had a quick stop to the hospital” She wore a sleek ruby red dress that simply looked elegant on her. “My son is in the bathroom. Oh wait there he is now.” Olivia pointed at a tall male with a dark brown buzz cut. He saw that blonde girl and froze.

“Gisela?

“Kyle?

“No way…” They both explained in shock horror unison both stunned and shocked, so very shocked.

“You’re Olivia’s son? But your last name is Thorpe.” Gisela couldn't believe it. That dweeb that she knew from school was the son of the women who was dating her father. However one thing did surprise her, he did look a lot more handsome and he had gotten a lot taller.

“I didn't change my last name when I married Eric, my ex-husband. You two know each other?” Olivia was absolutely amused and so was Julian. It was like a children’s movie, boy and girl know each other and parents are dating.

“Yeah…school. She made my life a living hell.” Kyle was the first one to shoot, glaring at Gisela with his hazel eyes.

“Excuse me? You totally made my life a living hell. You are such a dweeb. You totally offered the olive branch.” Gisela shot back as she glared at Kyle with a glare that could kill.

“You ruined my clothes at the Christmas Dance and humiliated me in front of the school.” Kyle slammed his hands on the table. Olivia and Julian just looked at each other and rolled their eyes. This wasn't going well at all.

“You harassed me, you little freak…”

“Up yours you little b...”

“Enough!” Olivia raised her voice over the two squabbling teenagers. “Kyle and Gisela, I love you both but we both love each other and want to make this work and for our happiness, could you two please behave?” She lectured them both which actually gave Gisela a little happiness. She felt that she was part of a family for once. “Please for both of us, could you two please behave?”

“Truce?” Gisela was the first to offer the olive branch as she put her hand out. Kyle shook it as they both smiled at each other. “So what should we like order?” The menus were on the table untouched right next to a scented candle. Gisela rolled her eyes as she watched Kyle with a big goofy grin on his face. He was going through the alcohol menu by himself. He couldn't even order, it was so immature.

“Well before we order, Olivia and I have an announcement to make.” Julian stood up and fixed up his suit. He coughed a little before offering his hand to Olivia. She gracefully got up as she accepted his hand. “Olivia and I are…”

“Pregnant?”

“Engaged?”

“No.” Julian answered flatly just staring at the two children. "Why would you think that, Gisela?"

"I don't know. I thought it was something important."

“No, Gisela. Your father and I decided to go on a weekend away to Vermont just to spend time away from work and everyday hustle. It’s a nice relaxing weekend.” Olivia smiled as she sat back down on the chair next to Kyle. “Oh and for the weekend, Kyle will be staying with you Gisela.”

“Wait what?” Kyle couldn't believe what he heard. He had to share a house with Gisela? After all she did to him. He couldn't believe it and his face showed it. He turned his gaze to Gisela who had the same expression on her face. She couldn't believe it and nor could he. "I can take care of myself at home though."

“And no parties” Julien sternly ordered looking exclusively at Gisela. “What shall we order?” He looked at Kyle who was still smirking at the alcohol menu. “Kyle?”

Kyle looked up real fast with an expression of guilt and surprise. Gisela giggled at his expression and a lack of tact. “Ummm just a coke, thanks.” He answered quickly passing the alcohol menu to his mother. He looked around really sheepishly at the paintings still feeling a little embarrassed.

“Hmmm they have non-alcoholic cocktails but I’ll just have some water.” Olivia passed the menu to Gisela. Gisela’s interest was piqued by the non-alcoholic cocktails. “Gisela?” Olivia noticed that teen was seemed a little preoccupied with the menu.

“Ummm….there are totally so many choices, I don’t know maybe just a virgin mango mojito.” She passed the menu to her father who clicked his fingers.

A waiter came up to them first putting a jug of cold water on the table. He was dressed in a white Indian robe. “Are you ready to order?”

“Yes, we’ll have tandoori chicken, seekh kebab for our starters. For the mains we will have…” Julien read the menu while ordering for the table. His voice was decisive even though he had no idea what to order. He looked at the group who looked at lost as he did. “Could we just have a coke, mineral water, a virgin mango mojito and a Kingfisher?” Julien really had no idea what to order. A look of confused swept on his face. He never was a fan of Indian unlike someone…

“Yeah, could we have the sookhi bhindi, chicken vindaloo, gosht padampura, garlic naan at least 8?” Kyle started to take control. He was confident ordering with a voice that commanded. He looked at his mother who nodded. “And basmati rice to round it off I guess. Do you guys have pappadams with mint yoghurt?”

“Yes, we do sir.” The waiter nodded as he wrote down everything that Kyle said. “Is that all?”

“Umm no just cancel out the tandoori chicken and seekh kebab and that’s it.” Kyle gave the menus back to the waiter with a gentle nod to the waiter.

“Well I’m impressed. How did you know what to order?” Julien smiled at Kyle. He was thoroughly impressed on how the young man handled himself.

“Before we moved here, we used to order a lot of Indian.” Olivia answered with a relaxed tone. She felt proud that her son took charge for once. “We know what's the deal.”

Julien nodded before staring at Kyle. “So your mother tells me that you went to Europe over the summer. Where exactly did you go? You know Gisela was born in Stuttgart a while back. Our name is German, Muller.” He was really proud of their German heritage. Gisela rolled her eyes at that information. Not that she was embarrassed about where she came from but how her father seemed to make a big deal out of it.

“Yeah, I didn't go to Germany actually. I was in the UK, Italy, Austria, France and Spain. I just went travelling, exploring around and watched a few test matches with my dad. No biggie really…” Kyle shrugged as he gave a very bored and swift detail on his trip. He had to leave a lot out. He looked at Gisela and she sensed that something was not right. “So you guys met at a charity gala. That’s cool.”

“Yes well actually I was talking to Gisela and one thing led to another. She tried to get me and her father to meet each other and date. Gisela actually set us up.” Olivia beamed as she held Julien’s hand from across the table. Kyle gave a surprised look towards Gisela. She was the one that got his mother and her father to date. He thought that she obviously didn’t know about him.

"So this was your doing?"

Gisela sneered at the teen.

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

A Day Later:

It was a day at the Muller household. A spectacular adorned house with several staircase and the like. Inside was even more classy and delicate with paintings and posters on the dining room and living room. The only noise coming from the living room was some football from England. It was Southampton taking on Arsenal.

“Wright to Bergkamp…BERGKAMP! Oh what a strike!”

“What are you watching?” Gisela who was dressed in a white blouse and a grey pleated skirt asked curiously as she jumped on the lovely elegant Italian crafted grey couch. She looked at Kyle who was busy drinking a glass bottle of orange juice with his eyes gazed on the TV.

“It’s 2-1 Arsenal after a strike from Dennis Bergkamp. What a star!”

“I thought you hated sports…” Gisela wondered out loud as she tried to make some sort of effort to have a conversation with Kyle. “What’s wrong with you?” She yelled in frustration. “I’m trying to make the effort and you are totally freezing me.”

“Huh…oh sorry, I’m just on Euro time.” Kyle yawned with his tired eyes looking at Gisela. “Umm yeah I guess it was on or something. Too loud?” He asked with the remote on the arm rest next to his arm.

“Yes but importantly, we are having a party tonight!” Gisela’s face turned to glee. She loved throwing parties and since her father and Olivia went on a romantic weekend to Vermont, it gave them every reason to throw a party. She picked up the phone which was right next to the remote on its stand. It was a big white cordless phone and off Gisela went dialing away.

“Are you sure that’s advisable?” Kyle asked with concern while he was decreasing the volume of the television with the remote. “Your dad said no parties.”

“Totally and you can totally invite your little geek friends. Everything will be totally fine and best of all…” Gisela walked towards a cabinet. She opened it up revealing a lot of bottles of wine, whisky, vodka and rum. “We have totally stocked up. Beers are in the back. Aren't you excited?” At least she and Kyle were getting along. “Get changed because we are going shopping for stuff.”

“Isn't it last minute?” Kyle got up and fixed up his plain light blue shirt. He had a look of concern on his face because he never threw a party and he never actually was part of a party. He walked upstairs along with dark mahogany staircase that led upstairs to get changed.

“I’ll make the calls now.” Gisela didn't care if it was last minute. She was the popular girl and when she was hosting a party, everybody knew about it. She called up practically everyone who was in the know. However only two people couldn't come which really disappointed the German teen because they were really close to her and the group. She took a deep breath pondering about what could be the biggest party of the whole year. "You are like so unconfident."

"That's not a word."

"Whatever...."

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

A Supermarket Far Away:

The pair of them went to a faraway supermarket for all their partying needs, well excluding the alcohol of course. Kyle had the trolley as Gisela read the list, looked at the food or pointed at each product she found important. It was odd as it was like they bonded just like that for the love of their parents. She hadn’t told anyone about Kyle and her and nor did he. Gisela wanted the relationship to work as it would be like the family she always desired. He just wanted to make his mother ‘not nuke’ him in his own words.

“Are you really that embarrassed about me?” Kyle was subdued. He had a disappointed tone in his voice. It was a big thing socially that they were seen together. He was not popular and she was the Queen Bee. He caught on really quick while he pushed his trolley avoiding looking at the blonde.

“No….not really….” Gisela lied as she looked down at the dirty supermarket tiles, all sticky and grimy. “Okay like it is just weird okay. I mean Olivia is dating my dad and you’re like the kid of Olivia. You are totally a geek and I’m not.” She closed her eyes realizing her error. She had to keep Kyle basically happy otherwise Olivia was out of the picture and her dad would go ballistic. “Look I’m sorry….It is just well I don’t know. It's weird”

“I really don’t care Gisela, I really don’t. Let’s just get this done.” He gave her the cold shoulder as Kyle pushed his trolley through the aisles. The supermarket wasn't crowded at all except for the people here and there that were here to purchase their milk, eggs and bread. It was pretty empty but it had everything they needed from cups to food and rubbish bags. “All I get is the same shit from you. I hit on you once and you embarrass me over the freaking student body and you have the right to give me shit? You avoided taking me somewhere local.” Kyle scolded her with a quiet angry tone. His hands moved around quickly as his mood escalated in the supermarket. “I told people that hated you for no reason that she is more than that. They called me crazy but I told them you don’t know her. I guess they were right. I’ll find my way back home. You don’t have to see me at all.”

Gisela took a deep breath as Kyle turned around and started to walk away. Gisela grabbed him by the hand. “Kyle, I’m sorry. It’s just weird for me. Your mom and my dad dating…I don’t know it’s just…” She struggled to find the words. She was stuttering making it even more difficult due to her pride. “I love your mom, she’s an amazing person. I totally didn't have that. I didn't totally didn't know how bad I made it but you and I it’s like…two different people. I guess we totally have to be nice to each other from now on?” Gisela started to smile sincerely. It was really a weird situation for them both.

"You are still going to call me a geek right?"

"No....yes..."

"I'll take the truce." Kyle pushed the trolley as he pushed away towards the dairy section where it was cold, so very cold. "So which foods do we get?"

"I don't know. Get anything that people can eat straight away and nothing we have to like fry up or bake." Gisela was looking at a couple of dips. "So Thorpe, which dips?"

"I have no idea. Just throw something in."

"Hmm....hummus or spicy red pepper. Spicy!" She threw it in the trolley along with some cheese. "This could be kind of fun!" She sarcastically muttered while looking at more types of cheese.

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

At the Muller Household:

Both Kyle and Gisela were setting up. Gisela had all the alcohol sorted along with food. She picked out the playlist for the stereo which she moved with Kyle’s help into the main living room. They had to move so many valuable things to create room for people to mingle and dance. They had to move everything from tables, vases, little statues and glass. There were a lot of valuables in the Muller household. She would be “Totally nuked” if any of them broke or got chipped.

Kyle stacked up the alcohol which included a lot of heavy lifting. He had to carry a couple of cases of Budweisers. “Man, I swear people better drink this. Did you tell the neighbors about this?” Kyle asked straining while carrying the case full of beers. Gisela nodded as she was holding a bunch of cables for the stereo. She was trying to plug in the stereo to the back behind the television. Right next to the television were a stack of CDs that were ready to be put in the stereo for the party.

“You know I totally know that you didn't spill about Europe. There is no way that you so had a totally bland trip like that.” Gisela slyly noted with an eyebrow raised. “So who was she?” She chuckled as she watched Kyle’s face. He felt uneasy and embarrassed as he was blushing away. Immediately Kyle was set back to his hotel suite in Milan as Francesca was leaning on top of him wearing nothing but lacy purple lingerie. “Hello? Kyle? Who was she?” Kyle didn't pay attention as he daydreamed about Francesca, the college student that he nearly scored with.

“As if a geek like me would strike gold, Miss Muller,” Kyle scoffed as he and Gisela started to move the platter and bowls of food ranging from crackers, chips, platters of nibbling meat and candy right next to the alcohol, a whole table full of alcohol. Bottles of Johnny Walker, Grey Goose, Captain Jack’s, Hornitos and other similar bottlers were lined up perfectly next to plastic cups. Next to those bottles were bottles of soda for those that weren't drinking. “I mean come on Gisela, it’s me.”

“You so can’t fool me, Kyle. I know things but I’m totally not going to judge.” She winked as she stacked a lot of plastic cups on the table. “So that’s all like sorted…you hungry?” The light blonde hair teen asked as everything was done and done.

“Yeah, I can whip up something if you tell the neighbors about the party.”

“You? Since when can you cook?” Gisela nibbled on a chip from the bowl looking at Kyle with skepticism.

“I know things but I’m totally not going to judge.” Kyle winked at Gisela before making his way to the kitchen. “You got pots, pans and shit, yeah?”

“Aren't you charming…” Gisela muttered walking up to the front door. “Just make yourself at home.” She slammed the door shut making her way through the beautiful summer garden, past the little angel fountain, through the front gates and into the neighbors’ yard.

Kyle started to cook a quick meal. The kitchen was large but practically unused. “How do these people eat…?” He opened the pantry to reveal practically nothing at all. There were eggs in the fridge, mushrooms that were the only thing other than milk that wasn't off along with some garlic oil. “Omelettes it is…” He pulled out the frying pan and placed it on the stove, at least it was clean…actually it looked like it had been touched absolutely never. Kyle got a tiny wooden chopping board and a blunt kitchen knife from a white drawer. On the kitchen counter he on the chopping board started to slice through the mushrooms, chopping them up more or less in perfect shape. He then got poured some garlic oil on the pan, a little touch no less before adding the mushrooms.

“Something smells nice.”

Kyle could hear a very familiar voice, a very familiar male voice. “Hey, bro” A male with spongy gelled up brown hair appeared in the kitchen taking a whiff of the lovely aroma. “What’s happening?”

“Hey big guy, I didn’t know you can cook.” Joel sat down on a black stool at the other side of the kitchen counter. “And grow.”

“Yeah, well it was something I learned from my mom, so I could fend for myself when she was at work. It’s pretty relaxing I guess.” He looked at Joel for a little bit. There was an awkward silence since he was at Gisela’s house cooking food. “You know why I’m here right?”

Joel nodded confidently. “Yeah, your mom and her dad…yeah I know. She told me about your mom and the name and I figured it out. Dani knows as well since she’s here as well.”

“Wow something smells great!” Daniela walked into the room but something was different about her. No longer did she have beautiful brown hair but now it was just beautiful black hair. “Oh my god, look at you.” Daniela ran to Kyle who sheepishly laughed and hugged him. “You are so tall now, so spill?”

"You guys want some?" Kyle laughed as the black hair teen sat on a stool right next to her cousin. “I had a growth spurt. Spill what?"

Joel shook his head not really interested at all. “Europe? How was it? What did you see? Where did you go?” Daniela was loading questions and rapidity firing them at Kyle.

“Ummm, it was okay I guess,” Kyle was taken back from all the questions fired from the beautiful teenager. “Yeah went to Austria, you know Vienna, Salzburg then Budapest in Hungary followed by Milan in Italy and yeah France, Spain and the UK. So what about you guys?” Kyle cracked a few eggs in a bowl. He added the sauteed mushrooms in before beating it with a whisk. “How’s Silvia?”

Joel ran his hand through his hair with a little disappointed sigh. “She and I broke up. She had a career in surfing and she took it. No harm I guess.”

“Tony?”

“Tony who?” Daniela sarcastically replied watching the eggs and mushrooms getting whisked in the bowl.

“They broke up during the summer.” Joel explained pointing at the despondent Daniela.

“Oh but hey I love the hair, Daniela. It makes you look hot.” Kyle gave a little smile. He was being sincere as her black hair made her look a lot sexier. “Anyway tonight should be crazy.”

“No kidding…” Gisela walked in with a little chuckle. “Turns out half the neighborhood have totally gone on vacation. It is totally going to be crazy. You guys should totally crash here tonight."

"Yeah, I think we can. You okay with that Dani?"

"I have no problems at all....so is Tony coming?" Daniela inquired about her ex with interest.

"I totally don't know, Dani. I don't get the big deal why you guys broke up."

"You wouldn't know, Gisela."

"I don't want to know and I'm hungry, so chop chop Thorpe." Gisela clapped treating him like a butler.

"I'll burn yours."

"Oh look at that....they act like us." Daniela observed.

"I'm a lot nicer." Joel nodded.

"You wish..."

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WHAT IS LYREBIRD DOING?

Dude i have no idea.

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Jimmy 3 People 0 · Jul 17, 2015

[This is where I'd put a GIF of Ali Williams saying "Not too bad..." if I wasn't fucking lazy.]

Alright, this seems like something that could be a nice lighthearted thing to follow. Considering I write about government conspiracies and mental instability, reading about 90s kids being 90s kids is a refreshing change of pace. I appreciate the little things you take time to research, too (the Indian food, the NBA's biggest names back then, the fact that you made sure the Dodgers were playing the Mets because interleague play wasn't a thing back then). Though I'd like to give you a few pointers:

-Your Brit is showing. Referring to shopping carts as trolleys and garbage bags as rubbish bags really throws the reader out of what's supposed to be late-90s California. Granted, I speak all dialects of English, so I know what you're getting at. However, a good chunk of readers probably won't. If I could make a suggestion, check the "American English" page on TV Tropes for help on how to write in an American dialect.

-Like, don't throw "like" in every, like, three words. This is the main reason, from what I've read, I honestly don't care much for Gisela. I get that she's supposed to be a valley girl, but using "like" and "totally" a suicide-inducing number of times crosses beyond being realistic and goes into straight cartoon territory. This could be what you're going for (and if it is, stop reading this part), but if it's not, just try to cut back. Though I do like Kyle; helps that the dude almost got some pussy before we moved into the "geeks are cool" culture.

-Lastly learn to use punctuation better because right now I can only read the story like I'm an auctioneer at the 1904 World's Fair DO I HEAR ONE-FIFTY?! This is the big one. Listen, I tend to focus more on dialogue than prose a lot, and that's perfectly fine. However, when your prose is - let's face it - poorly written, at least punctuation-wise, it honestly feels like you're glazing over it just so you can get back to the good stuff. I'd recommend making sure you put in commas and semicolons where they'd be appropriate, because Arceus knows I do in my story. Also, I was gonna end this part on a joke, but I forgot it and I AM SO FUCKING ANGRY NOW-

So there you have it. Overall, I'd give this seven Scott Steiners out of Beretta. And if that didn't make any sense, something between a B and B-. I'd be glad to follow along and review your other chapters if, in turn, you review my story, One Big Conspiracy. It's an offer you can't refuse... oh goddammit, now I'm Tony Soprano. Well, I mean, I am a New Jerseyan...

MATURE: - Complete A Chocolate Apple and a Rock

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Our World Is Worth Fighting For

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Don't Look Away

Don't Look Away

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

Goddess

because it's me versus them.

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