(James)
It had been two days since Fright Night had ended. Those two days were amazing because I practically had the house to myself. Mom had gone out of town for something, Dad seemed to be busy with work because he hardly stayed long at the house. Carlos went out of town for a music festival with Libby and Carl went to some Pet convention thing out of town. Sophie seemed to be keeping her distance after that awkward homework session yesterday. So that left Betty-Ann and me alone. Taking full advantage of the chance we spent most of the night in each other's embrace. She would sleep in all morning while I did my assignment with Sophie then when Sophie left and she woke up we would take a shower and had breakfast in the afternoon. I had expected to do the same thing that day so I was surprised when I opened my eyes to see her already out of the bed
"Secretly sneaking off. Isn't that a little cliche?" I joked as I rose from the bed
"James, you're awake"
"I just woke up. So where are you going?"
"I have to head home; Beth's having some kind of event and she wants her 'favorite' daughter there," Betty-Ann said putting on her shirt
"You're her only daughter," I said watching her from my bed
"Yet still not the favorite. I'm pretty sure her phone is above me. I'm kind of shocked she even invited me" she said putting on her skirt
"Well Betty-Ann maybe she's changing," I said
"Doubt it, anyways I'm leaving," she said
"Wait before you go I was actually going to ask a question"
"If you're asking me to be your girlfriend again my answer is still no"
"That's not it"
"Then what is it?" she asked
"I got tickets to the Saint Terra Art exhibit and I wanted to know if you wanna go. I heard there's a new painting that's only staying one night"
"James you know the rules"
"Huh-uh, that's why it's an exhibit out of town. There's no way anyone would recognize us"
"I don't know. That's still a bit risky. Don't you have to hand in an assignment before school tomorrow?"
"Sophie can handle it. Come on"
"I'll think about it"
"Alright" I cheered making her chuckle before picking up her bag and leaving saying hi to my dad as she passed him in the hall
"Good morning son," he said walking into the room
"Good morning Dad," I said
"You sleep well?" He teased
"Do you need something?" I sighed
"Not really, I just came to tell you that I'm heading out"
"Where to?"
"Just an urgent business came up. I have to run to the office"
"Wow Dad you've been working a lot recently," I said but he only smiled
"Have to put in the work if I want that promotion" he answered
"Is it really that important?"
"Of course, my job is the reason we can afford this place," he said
"Don't you already make enough?"
"It never hurts to have more," he said
"Okay, then I guess I'll see ya later. I'm going to take a shower"
"I see Betty-Ann made you quite sweaty" he teased
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said
(Sophie)
"How's the festival?" I asked
"Girl it's the freaking best. The bands are incredible, the dance groups are insane and the solo artist is some of the best I've ever heard. I'm kind of sad we'll have to come home tomorrow," Libby said.
"Glad to hear you're having fun. How's Carlos?"
"Carlos's fine. He's actually watching T.V. in the living room," she said
"Tell him I said hi"
"Carlos, Sophie says hi" Libby shouted
"He asked if James's with you"
"No, but we should be meeting up any minute. I'll tell him you said hey" I said
"Thanks a lot, Soph we gotta go," she said
"See you," I said before they hung up.
After a quiet sigh, I got off her bed tidying the room before heading to the shower
"Good morning. Mr. Hall" I said meeting Libby's dad in the hall
"Hello Sophia, not to be rude but how long did you say your mother allowed you to stay"
"Um I'm not sure," I said entering the shower to avoid the conversation.
After the shower, I got ready and called a cab. Walking up to the Taylor family's front door I noticed it was already open so I walked in
"Taylor!!" I called out before I heard footsteps behind me turning around I saw Taylor dressed only in a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets running down his muscles and his hair was dripping all over the floor
"Sophie," he said embarrassed.
"Taylor," I said shocked unable to look away
"What are doing here?" he freaked
"I came to finish the project"
"How did you get in?"
"The door was opened" I answered
"So you just came in. Isn't that sort of breaking and entering?"
"Less breaking. More entering. Please don't call the cops" I made a joke trying to ease the tension. My attempt wasn't in vain because he chuckled and went upstairs
"You got dressed," I said
"You sound disappointed"
"No, you can't exactly stay in your towel," I said. He smiled a bit noticing my slightly rosy cheeks before he went into the kitchen and took out some milk and cereal
"Hey have you eaten breakfast?" he asked
"No"
"Okay want some lucky charms?"
"Sure, don't start a fire," I said as he took out two bowls
"Oh haha," he faked laughed
"So where's your dad?" I asked
"Um, he said something urgent came up at the office," he said
That reply made me sick because I knew it was most likely bullshit. I still can't believe he's still doing that with my mom. Even after getting caught red-handed, I swear to God it's so disgusting
"Yo Sophie, you okay?" He asked passing me the bowl
"Yeah, I'm fine. Um I think we should get to work" I said taking out my books. James sat down beside me and I took up one of my books.
"Yeah we kind of need to hurry because I sort of got somewhere to be"
"You've been going off a lot recently. Where are you going?"
"You know, I've been around here and there"
"Doing what?"
"Um you know...doing stuff," he said vaguely
"Stuff? Wow that really sounds really urgent," I sarcastically said rolling my eyes
"Okay. So what about you?"
"What about me?"
"Nick? I heard you guys broke up? Why?"
"You don't know?"
"Fine, I just wanted to know if it's for real this time"
"I don't know"
"You don't know?"
"I still like Nick and I know he likes me..."
"But?" He said staring into my eyes
"I don't think I can trust him. Not like I do you"
"You trust me?" He smirked
"Oddly enough with my life. I can always count on you to save my ass"
"It's worth saving" he teased before I playfully hit his shoulder, the two of us laughing as we ate the cereal
"Great, isn't it?" he said
"It's just cereal and I've had better. Trust me if I had made it you'd be crying tears"
"Really cereal?" He said disbelievingly
"Yeah but if I made meatloaf it would spoil your taste for Trudy's"
"I'm guessing your mom taught you"
"No actually my dad"
"Really?"
"Yeah, is it really that hard to believe?"
"Yeah, it's hard to picture Mr. Vortex as a chef. Mom said cooking needs patience that's not something I associate Mr. Vortex with"
"Yeah, my dad had a short temper. Remember the time he caught us in my room"
"Oh my God, I was sure he was gonna kill me for real. Yeah it made me wonder what he would have said about Nick and you"
"That would not have been good"
"He threatened me for almost kissing you. I wonder what he would have done to Nick"
"His head would probably explode" we laughed before his phone rung
"I've got to take this," he said picking up his phone and walking to the living room
I sighed when I heard him call Turner's name as he walked out
After a while, he came back
"Hey, I think we should get this done. I just found out I got somewhere to be" he said
"Sure"
(James)
After finishing the assignment with Sophie, I went to get checked
I was ecstatic, Betty-Ann's mom had invited me to the party as well.
"Where are you going?" Sophie asked
"I'm...um... hanging out with a friend"
"Would that 'friend' happen to be Turner?"
"No" I lied before I remembered what my mom told me and I sighed
"Actually yeah. I don't even know why I said no"
"Oh... You two seem to be getting along rather well"
"Yeah," I said smiling before my phone went off again
"It's Betty-Ann, I have to go. You can stay here if you'd like" I said
"Actually I'm heading back to Libby's mind giving me a ride"
"Sure," I said going outside, closing the door behind Sophie, and answering the call we both got in the car
"Hey, Betty-Ann."
"James, did my mom call you?"
"Yeah your mom invited me so I'm on my way," I said driving out my driveway
"Of course she did. Well, take your time. There's nothing interesting at this party anyway"
"You seem bored"
"Boring event. Boring people."
"Don't worry, I'll come to save you soon enough" I chuckled
"Can't wait"
"I'm actually dropping Vortex off at Libby's"
"Sophia?" she said sounding worried
"There's someone over else beside me. Sophie's in the back," I lied
"Okay, I'll see you later," she said hanging up
"So why the lie?" Sophie asked
"Trust me it's easier that way" I sighed putting the phone in my pocket
"If you say so?"
"So you and your mom talking again?" I asked
"Yeah I'm just heading over to Libby's to hang out with her parents while she's out of town"
"So no?" I said
"No" she shook her head
"Come on Sophie, the guy can't be that bad"
"Trust you'd hate him if you met him"
"Really, I've never seen your mother with any guy recently"
"Trust me if you'd seen what I saw you'll be singing a different tone," She said upset
"I doubt it, It's not like her boyfriend affects me," I said
"Can we just drop it!" She snapped
Not wanting to rile her up anymore I stayed quiet as I dropped her off
"Here's your stop," I said
"Thanks for the ride," she said getting out of the car
"No problem" I smiled
"And sorry for snapping like that" she apologized
"It's okay, I shouldn't have brought it up. I guess I'm not use to staying out of your personal life" I cracked a joked
"Maybe it's for the best" she chuckled
"Anyways I'm going to get going," I said
"Bye" she smiled as I drove away heading to my Mom's Bakery
"Hey Rebecca"
"If it isn't the boss' son. Haven't seen you around lately" she said
"Sorry been busy"
"With Betty-Ann, I bet" she teased making me smile.
"How's going by the way?" she asked
"It's great like always"
"Exiting sex you made any headway in getting her to be your girlfriend?"
"Not even close" I sighed
"Too bad, what can I do for you?"
"A large chocolate cake please and a lemon meringue pie"
"Oh, what's this order for?"
"A party"
"You're throwing a party and I didn't get invited. I'm so hurt" she joked
"It's not my party. It's Betty-Ann's mom"
"Betty-Ann's mom throwing a party and she invited you"
"Yeah" I smiled
"Way to go James the mom likes you"
"Yeah too bad Betty-Ann doesn't like the mom"
"Of course, she doesn't" Rebecca sighed, "it's never easy with you is it?"
Then some blonde guy walked up to us
"Rebecca Romanoff I see you're busy chatting when you should be working. It's almost time for the evening rush, Get back to work!" He ordered
"I was just taking his order"
"Well, do it faster. We have a line of customers waiting" he said storming off
"Oh my god, I can't stand him. He's been on my case ever since Trudy left. He thinks he owns the place. Yes, such a tool and he's a jerk. He's a damn jerky tool"
"Come on Rebecca he can't be that bad"
"Trust me if you were me working with him you'd be singing a different tone. Plus he doesn't bother anyone half as much as he bothers me"
"Maybe he likes you"
"Oh come on what are we in elementary school. If he likes me he should just tell me and get rejected like a man. Not dumb kindergartner dating tactics"
"Worked for me"
"Obviously not because she still hasn't decided to be your girlfriend"
"I meant with Sophie"
"Oh the one you really like"
"We aren't going back to this, are we? I told you there's nothing going on between me and Sophie"
"Yeah yeah she has a boyfriend blah blah blah"
"Actually they broke up"
"Really when!"
"Friday"
"And you're still trying to date Betty-Ann"
"Can we stay out of my relationship please?"
"It's not hard, you don't have one," Rebecca said
"Whatever. Don't you have work"
"Alright order up," she said before I collected and started walking away
"Wait hold up. I wanna ask you something" she said
"Sorry, I'm running late," I said rushing out
I drove over to Betty-Ann's house as fast as I could and impatiently rung the doorbell until it opened
"Mrs. Turner" I smiled
"James glad you could make it"
"Glad to be here Mrs. Turner"
"Please just call me Beth"
"Okay Beth, I brought you a gift," I said giving her the large chocolate
"Thank you, dear. Betty-Ann's in the backyard"
"Thanks," I said going out. Looking around I found her sitting by herself on a bench under a tree separating herself from the crowd
"This seat taken" I charmingly asked
"Yeah the guy just left to use the bathroom" she answered
"Okay but does that guy have a lemon meringue pie"
"You truly know the way to a woman's heart," Betty-Ann said as I sat beside her opening the box
"So how was the party so far?" I asked
"Boring" Betty-Ann said
"Well I'm here to make it all better," I said before she smiled. That smile was the one she got whenever she had an idea and that idea always ends with us having sex
"No. No way. I want to make a good impression we are not doing it here. I just got here" I protested but before I knew it we were in her room taking off each other's clothes while making out. Down to our underwear, Betty-Ann pushed me onto the bed jumping on top of me when suddenly the door opened and Beth walked in
"What is going on here?"
"What do you think Beth?" Betty-Ann said still on top of me kissing me but I didn't kiss back.
Lying there paralyzed I listened to them
"Betty-Ann Turner, we need to talk right now," Beth said sternly before Betty rolled her eyes and put on her clothes before they went outside. Finally able to move I sighed and quickly put on my clothes.
I peeked out the door to see if they were there and luckily they weren't so I made my way back to the backyard. As I stepped onto the lawn I heard their arguing
"I can't believe you, Beth!!" Betty-Ann yelled
"Why must you always have to embarrass me?" Beth said
"Oh, I embarrass you. You called me here to impress some rich guy"
"Don't falter yourself. I didn't call you"
"Then why would you," Betty-Ann said before going quiet and tears started coming from her eyes. Unable to watch any longer I walked passed the spectators and went to them.
"Is something wrong?" I asked
"We're leaving," Betty-Ann said pulling me away
"Um, goodbye. Thanks for the lovely party" I said as I was being forcefully removed from the premises
"Okay want to tell me what that was about?"
"No. Right now I want to just have sex" she said
"I have a much better idea" I smiled
"Not now, I just need to touch you right now"
"Come on Betty-Ann. It will be fun"
"Damn it James I said no! Can't you just stop trying to make me your girlfriend, please? I'm not your girlfriend and if you keep this up I might not be your sex friend for long either!! It is sad and pathetic that you don't get the fact that I'm not interested in a relationship with you!!" She yelled
"Fine, I get the point," I said walking off
"Where are you going?" She skied
"I have to head home," I said before she stayed quiet
"Wait James" she finally spoke
"It's alright, I think I'll be okay for a night," I said getting in my car before leaving.
I drove home not a word from my mouth. Not a thought in my head. It felt like I was teleporting from place to place. From the main road to my street to me walking on my lawn to me somehow searching my fridge for food which I, unfortunately, didn't find so I slammed the door out of the anger
"What did it do to you?" a voice chuckled from behind me
I turned and saw Sophie there
"Why are you here?" I asked
"Nice to see you too. Yeah I'd love something to drink" she said
"What do you want Sophie?" I asked
"I left my bag here," she said
"Oh," I said walking into the living room
"Mind sharing what got you in such a mood?"
"Sure"
I told her everything, replacing my bedroom with the park and taking out her mom walking in on us completely
"So you still got tickets to the exhibit?" She asked
"Yeah, but I don't think I'm gonna use it. I mean it's not like I have someone to go with"
"You realize there's one friend you haven't asked that's still in town right"
"Yeah but Rebecca has projects she has to complete"
"I meant me, Taylor!"
"What. No way. That would not be a good idea"
"Come on, we'd just be going as friends"
"Yeah but you just broke up with Nick people could get the wrong idea"
"Who cares? You need a break and I always wanted to go to that exhibit and I could use a break from this town myself"
I remained silent as I entertained the thought
"Come on please"
"Fine," I said
Maybe we can make it through the night without anything happening
(Carlos)
It was late at the night, my Shining one and I were planning to go to the last part of the festival. From what I heard it was supposed to be a bonfire but we were running late
"Hey Shinning one. Not to rush you or anything but Carolyn called"
"Tell her we're coming down now," Libby said walking out, dressed in short shorts a red jersey, and Jordans. Her hair was braided and she had painted on her face and ribbons in her hair
"How do I look?" She smiled already knowing my answer.
"I think I'm going blind. You're shinning way brighter than the sun" I started smiling like a goofball
"Thank you, my Love," She said kissing me. Once. Twice but just before we did it again she started pulling me towards the door
"No, let's stay here," I said reaching for another kiss
"We'll have plenty of time to enjoy ourselves when we get back"
"Fine" I groaned before she pulled me out of the room and all the way to the car.
I sat down as she drove. She put on some music and I looked out the window thinking about what would have possibly been going on if we stay back at the hotel. But the only thing I could do was sigh.
"Hey, I'm gonna buy some water. Wait here until I come back" she said after parking the car
"Uh-huh" I said before she kissed my cheek
"Promise I'll make it up to you. Any way you'd like" she whispered in my ear
"Even?" I asked
"Huh-uh," she said before I started smiling like a madman
"I'm gonna hold you to that" I smiled before she walked away
With nothing to do, I leaned on the car and stared across the road to some fancy art museum
I watched for ten minutes hoping something unexpected would happen. Not a second later. I saw Carl waiting in the line but the shocking part was that he had a girl with him. James had told me what happened with Carl and Brittney on Friday I thought about calling him but I couldn't get him all weekend.
James told me he went to some Pet Convention where there was no signal. But then why is he here and who is he with. He couldn't have possibly gotten another girlfriend so fast. Even with the new bod. As I sat there wondering what was happening, Carl and the mysterious lady entered the building. She had seemed to be hiding her face covering it with a scarf and a large black fancy hat.
Another five minutes later I recognized another recognizable face in the line beside that person was yet another person I knew. It was James and Sophie both waiting in line. What are they doing? Why are they together?
As I watched them walked in Libby came back
"Hey, sorry it took so long. You wouldn't imagine how long the line was"
"You wouldn't imagine who I just saw across the street," I said with a smile