(James)
That morning I woke up fully energized, happily rushing down the stairs with a bright smile on my face. It had been a week since I asked Betty-Ann to go with me to Fright Night and it was right around the corner, In fact, it was tonight. The morning was a great morning, to say the least Betty-Ann had slept over. Even though she was a bit angry that my parents found out she didn't end our fated relationship, however, we didn't do anything because my parents were in the house... Well, anything much.
I opened the fridge with a stupid grin on my face, remembering what she did as I took out the milk carton and went for the cereal in the top cabinet
"Good morning Jam," Dad said as he opened the fridge
"Morning Dad," I said, taking two bowls out
"So how was last night?" he said, winking and giving me a thumbs up
"Don't know what you're talking about Dad," I said as I started making my way up the stairs again.
I opened the door and saw a sleeping Betty laying in my bed and I couldn't help but smile before I threw out the cereals and then the milk into the bowls, then putting the boxes at the foot of the bed before kissing Betty-Ann on her head
"Give me five more minutes," she said turning
"Come on we have to get ready for school," I said shaking her a bit
"Who wakes so early in the morning," she groaned as she lazily sat up
"I do because I have classes to get to" I laughed giving her the cereal
(Sophie)
"Sophia Darling," Mom said, walking into my room
"Yes, Mom," I said packing my bag
"Did you sleep well, Dear?"
"Yeah Mom, I dreamt of rainbows and puppies," I said sarcastically
"That's good," she said, knowing I was being sarcastic, "So I hear the Fright Night party is tonight"
"And?" I asked
"What are you and Nicholas going as?"
"The invisible and intangible man and woman," I said, picking up my bag
"So you aren't going?"
"What gave it away," I said before my phone rang. Already knowing who it was I decided not to answer, however, mom saw it and went for it
"Mom, no" I called, but she already answered the phone
"Oh, hello Nicholas"
"Sophia? She's right here," she said, handing me the phone before I sighed
"Hey," I disgruntledly greeted
"You finally picked up," he said
"I didn't exactly have a choice"
"I'm satisfied as long as we get to talk. Can we meet up tonight?"
"Sorry, you know I'm really busy"
"Doing what?"
"Taylor and I have to do homework"
"Come on, we both know James is going to Fright Night with Betty-Ann"
"What?"
"Wait, you didn't know"
"No," I said before we went silent for a minute
"Anyways can we meet up?"
"You know what sure."
"Really? That's great. I'll get us a reservation at the Midnight"
"No, we're going to Fright Night"
"Sophie, I don't think we can talk there," he protested
"Wear a costume" I hung up
"I'm guessing you won't be home," she smiled. Sending one final glared at her I angrily walked to the car
(Carl)
It's been a week since I found the packet in Dad's car and he's been looking for it ever since.
"Hey Dad," I said as he walked into the kitchen
"Hey Carl," he said, taking out the almond milk from the fridge
"I saw you searching your car a while ago, were you looking for something?"
"No, I was cleaning the darn the thing out," he said throwing away the carton
"You sure?"
"Yeah. What's with all the questions lately?" Dad asked
"Oh, no reason, it's just that some of the customers have been complaining about how you've been opening the pharmacy later than usual"
"Yeah, I've been busy carrying you to school. Plus, since my distributor changed I have to spend more time collecting goods and medicines to restock"
"Okay," I said
"Is that it, Detective Stewart?" dad said in his usual monotone voice
"Um, some guy named Dick is looking for you," I said
"What did he say?" he asked, his voice cracking a bit
"Nothing much, he just said that he really needs you for a favor. He didn't say what it was"
"Listen next time Dick comes tell him... you know what, just tell him I'm not here, and if he wants to talk, not to come to my house," Dad said
"Do you know this Dick guy well?"
"Listen to me, do not ask anything about Dick," he severely warned me
"Um, sure," I said
"I mean it, Carlton. Do not get involved with Dick"
"Yes, Dad, I understand. Anyway, I should go get ready for school, so I'll see you later," I said, heading to the living room seeing Mom laying comfortably on her phone. Mom's life as had a drastic change since she first had the surgery. Whenever she goes out she's crowded with guys tripping over themselves to get her number and when she finally gave in they blew up her phone. She blocked most of them, but oddly, she was still talking to one. They were always talking. No matter where she was, she would speak with him whenever she had the chance and they would always laugh and talk for hours. I find it kind of suspicious but knowing my Mom's character there was no way she would be doing anything wrong
"Hey Mom," I said, cutting in on her conversation
"Oh Carl, good morning, how may I help you?"
"It's about Dad"
"What about your father?"
"Has Dad been acting strange?"
"Strange? I don't think so Carlton"
"Really Mom? Are you sure he hasn't been strange recently?"
"I haven't noticed anything. Is something wrong?" she asked
"I'm just worried he's getting into something dangerous," I said
"Trust me Carlton you're father's fine." Mom said
"I guess you're right"
"Is this about Brittney? Don't worry about that small complication he will come to understand. Just give him some time," she asked
"It's not about that," I sighed
"Then what brought this on?"
"It's nothing. It's just I found something"
"What is it?" she asked. For a moment I contemplated what I was gonna say
"Nothing important" I decided to tell her
"Speaking of which, do you know a guy named Dick?"
"Dick?" she said. I had noticed a small shake as she hung up her phone
"What happened to Dick? Did he try to contact your father?"
"Yeah, he came two days ago to talk to Dad, but neither of you wasn't here," I told her
"Did you tell your dad about this?"
"Yes. He told me not to talk to him," I said
"He's right. Next time Dick comes here you need to call me"
"What happened with this guy?"
"It is nothing that you need to worry about"
"Okay then I'm going to head upstairs to get ready for school," I said leaving
Walking into my room, I started to call Brittney's phone. It rang for five minutes before someone picked up
"Hey Brittney," I said
"Sorry, this is her manager"
"Oh... Can I speak with Brittney?"
"Sorry, but Brittney is currently at a practice photo shoot. She can't answer the phone"
"I see... um... can you tell her I called?"
"Um, sure. What's your name again?"
"Carlton. Carlton Stewart" I said, knowing she already knew from the caller ID and the picture
"Well do," she said, hanging up. Looking at my phone I let out a grief-filled sigh, I decided to get ready for school. The hope that James' finished with whatever he has to help me
(Carlos)
Morning has come again and I was ironing both Libby and my costumes for tonight. She wanted to do it, but she got a call from her dad so she walked out. I could practically hear the two of them arguing over the phone, though she tried to keep a hushed voice
"Hey Carlos, I've got to leave," she said, walking back into the room
"Alright, see you at school," I said
"I don't think I'll make it to school today," she said
"Why?"
"I didn't book a DJ for Fright Night so I'm gonna be out all today finding a DJ" she spilled half-truths. Though I had known the truth because she's been trying to keep the fact that she's arguing with her father from me, I pretend like I don't notice and just played along
"Well Shining one, why don't you just do it yourself?" I suggested
"You really think I have the time to make sure the dance goes as planned and be the DJ. I mean what if something goes wrong I can't exactly jump off the stage to fix it"
"Then I'll be there to help but I'll be at the dance a little late though" I reassured her
"Fine I'll think about it," she smiled before turning to leave
"Love you," I said
"Love you more"
"No, I love you more"
"Love you the most"
"I love you most in the whole world"
"I love you more than the whole universe"
"Goodbye Libby," Dad said a bit annoyed as he passed by
"Bye Mister Estevez," Libby chuckled before blowing me a kiss and leaving
(James)
Betty-Ann and I had just finished eating and were getting ready
"So what are we going to wear?" I asked making small talk
"What I wore last night?" She said, putting on her black boots
"I meant to Fright Night," I chuckled
"Well, I'll be going as my favorite actress"
"Really, who?"
" Marilyn Monroe" she said before picking up her phone
"What about you?"
"A mad scientist, it's cheapest route. I'll just mess up my hair and throw on one of my lab coats" I said before my mom knocked on the door
"Everyone decent?"
"Yes Mom," I said before she entered
"Good morning Mrs. Taylor"
"Trudy, I insist" mom said
"Mom, anything I can help you with?"
"Oh yes, Sophie's here to see you"
"Crap" I said before I looked at Betty-Ann
"See you at school James," she said before going to the closet.
After she left I walked down stairs
"What do you want Sophie?"
"Good morning to you too Taylor"
"Good morning" I faked a smile
"What do you want?" I immediately asked again
"I need a ride to school"
"You and Nick still fighting?" I asked before we heard the Betty-Ann's bike leave
"No, no. He just can't make it. We're actually going to the dance together," she said
"You sure that's a good idea?" I asked
"Why not? I mean he's still my boyfriend, isn't he?" she said
"I guess" I shrugged, going back to my room for my bag. Walking into my room, I saw my mom waiting on me with my bag in her hand
"Can I get that please?" I asked
"What are you doing, James?"
"Going to school"
"James Isaac Taylor, you know what I meant"
"Mom, Betty-Ann wants to keep us secret, I hate it, but that's the way it is"
"You say you hate it, yet you seem fully cooperative when Sophie's involved"
"I don't know what you're talking about" I lied before she gave me a doubtful look and stretched my bag to me
"Thanks," I said, trying to take my bag, but she wouldn't release her grip
"Just make sure no one gets hurt when you're done, got it."
"Yes, Mom, can I go now?"
"Be careful James," she said, releasing her grip allowing me to leave
"I will," I said going downstairs
"Okay, let's go," I said, closing the door behind us as we left. We got in my car and drove in silence. When we were about a mile away from my house she started talking
"So are we going to finish the project today. I know it's due Monday, but it's not like 'we're' going anywhere tonight"
"Um... actually Soph," I said before she interrupted me
"I mean, if one of us were leaving they would surely tell the other before hand so they look like an idiot. Right Taylor"
"Um... um... um"
"Good damn it Taylor just come out and say it would ya. You're going to Fright Night with Turner. God!"
"Who told you?"
"Nick, after I tried to not talk to him by saying we were going to be doing a project. Thanks for that by the way. Now I'm going to the dance with him"
"I thought you guys were cool now"
"I LIED!!"
"Then why are you going to the dance?"
"I had no reason to say no"
"Yes, you do, he lives with another woman and didn't tell you. Plus, what happened with Brittney" I said
"You said it yourself it might be some platonic and he was only dancing"
"Okay, so why were you avoiding his calls?"
"Why are you interested in my love life? I thought we agreed not to get involved with each other's personal life"
"Fine you're right, I'll stay out of it," I said before, we both went silent after silently finishing our drive
(Carl)
School had just finished. My Dad told me that he wasn't gonna pick me up because he was busy so I decided to call Brittney to pick me up. She mustn't have been busy because all my calls went to voicemail.
"I guess I'll take the bus" I sighed, putting the phone in my pocket, and walked down the street. As I walked to the bus stop I spotted a very similar car across the street
"Isn't that? What is that doing there?"
This was the spot where the drug dealers were stationed but today the most infamous dealer, Tommy Andrews, was absent.
"He couldn't be? I questioned myself. Deciding to check it out myself, I walked across the street. All the drug dealers old and young glared at me
"You looking for something kid"
"I'm looking for a someone. He has brown hair, just above six feet"
"He's in the alley" A short guy interrupted before stepping aside.
I walked passed a bit scared because I noticed some of them had guns on them. I walked into the alley and to my surprise my dad was there along with the infamous Tommy
"So you want the product or not?" Tommy asked obviously annoyed
"Dad?" I gawked before he turned towards me
"Who the fuck are you?" Tommy asked
"Carl, it's not what you think?" Dad said
"Then what is it?"
"It all started two weeks ago when your mom went out with this guy"
"You've got to be kidding me," I said. Mom? Going out with someone else? What was happening? Was my Dad going to cocaine because Mom was having an affair?
I couldn't stay there any longer so I ran out of the alley to the bus stop and jumped on the first bus I saw with no care for the destination.
(Sophie)
I had just left class, luckily Nick wasn't at school today so I could, I didn't have to worry about him asking anything until tonight. I was exhausted enough as is. Deciding to go home and rest I called an Uber to bring me home. When I reached my door, I was welcome to the unusual sound of laughter. After I opened the door, I was surprised to see my mom and Taylor's dad playing on the couch.
Mister Taylor was on top of her tickling her, causing her to laugh hysterically while telling him to stop
"And what's going on here?" I asked before they stopped hurriedly getting off each other
"Sophie darling, when did you get home?" Mom asked still smiling
"Um, I just got home." I said
"School's over so early? Don't you have piano lessons right now"
"I decided not to go. I'm pretty tired, so I'm just gonna go to sleep"
"Why don't you stay and we'll get you a snack"
"No, I'm fine. I'll just go to get some rest, then do my homework when I wake up," I said going to my room.
About three minutes later, Mom came into my room
"You and Mister Taylor are awfully friendly huh"
"Sophia, I'm his partner. I always say it's better to have a good relationship with your clients than a bad one. It gets works done" Mom said
"Yeah, I understand," I said, but I wasn't quite buying it. Mom might say that, but she was never that close with him I could see that my mom wanted to talk more but my phone suddenly started ringing. I was thankful for the call allowing me to avoid this conversation That I didn't even care it was from Nick
"It's Nick I'll have to take this," I said
"Oh yes, I understand. I'll be out of your hair," she said, leaving and I answered
"Hey Nick"
"Sophie I'm just calling to find out when I'm supposed to pick you up"
"Actually, I'll be asking my mom to drop me off and we meet there,"
"What? Wouldn't it be better if we went together?"
"Nick if we're going in a car we would have to talk to each other then that would turn into an argument and..."
"Okay, fine, let's meet up at the school"
"Alright," I said
"Love you"
"Night Nick" I said, hanging up
(Carl)
After hours of wandering the town in an attempt to comprehend what the hell was happening. Mom was having an affair and Dad was buying drugs to deal with it. I had tried to convince myself it was just a misunderstanding, but I couldn't come up with a good alternative. Seeing it was late, I decided to just go home and ask Mommy myself
"Mom! Mom!" I hollered her name as I walked into the house yet no one answered. I went to every room in the house, but she wasn't home. I had thought she must have serious out for a minute so I decided to wait quietly in the living room. A whole hour had passed, but Mom still come. I had already fallen asleep when suddenly I heard the doorbell ring. Jumping out of my drowsy state I rush to open the door thinking it was Mom.
"Mom," I said before noticing it was Brittney
"Brittney" I said, letting her in
"Carl I'm so sorry I couldn't pick up this morning. I was really busy, but I did see all your missed calls and I thought maybe something was wrong"
"It's fine you were busy," I said
"Glad you understand," her manager said she forced her way into my house.
"Breeana nice to see you," I said sarcastically. I had forgotten that Brittney's mom had taken away her car because of last week's incident so now Breeana's driving her around
"Yes, yes. Just remember to have her back by eleven and.... wait, why do you look like that," she showed
"I think he looks cute" Brittney said
"Of course you do. I meant isn't he dressed. We are working up a time limit" She said
"A lot happened today I forgot to get my costume"
"What could have been so important that you forgot to get a costume! Do you have any idea how much time it's gonna take for you to get ready? Brittney is a very busy person," she berated
"Bree, it's fine, I don't mind if we're a little late. Carl still has time to get dressed. Maybe I can get changed myself," she said
"Of course, you can't. I told you the only way I'm letting you go to this event is if you wear one of the costumes the sponsors provided"
"But I-"
"No buts," Breanna insisted
"Fine" Brittney gave in
"I think you look good," I said
"Really? You don't think it's too inappropriate?" She asked. She was dressed in a sexy werewolf costume that consisted of a white fur crop top, a mini skirt with a bushy whitetail on it, furry boots, a wolf eared headband, custom wolf eyed contacts, and black paint on her nose
"Maybe for a school event but maybe you wear a coat to get inside" I suggested
"One step ahead of you," she said, putting on a tall fur coat
"Looks like you're all ready," I said
"Huh-uh, so aren't you going to get dressed"
"Yeah, I'll just have to get a costume. Since I know you're really excited about the dance why don't just go on without me"
"You sure?"
"Yeah, go ahead"
"Okay. Let's go Bree" Brittney said, turning to leave
"Actually Brittney dear, you can go on ahead, I have to speak with Carl" She said
"Okay, but don't take too long and don't say anything rude" Britney left
"So what are we talking about?" I asked a bit sacred
"Did you think about what I told you?" She asked
"More than you know," I said
"So know this relationship won't last"
"Indeed"
"Glad you're seeing reason kid. I knew you were smart," she smiled at me
I wanted to tell her my plan, but I decided to keep it a surprise
"Thank you Breeana. I actually have to go get my costume" I said, picking up my house keys and left making my way over to James