Far from the first time in his life, Hal wished his mother could be a typical parent and be embarrassed when he caught her snooping.

She had spread out all the contents of his RHS duffle bag on his bedspread and was packing everything into a brown leather suitcase. Bigger than he was using, but way less convenient than the simple blue and yellow athletic bag he used for everything.

"Mom," he groaned, loosening the tie around his neck. "What are you doing?"

She smiled at him, placing a stack of folded shirts into the suitcase. "Hal, you can't take that ratty old bag on your trip. It's disgusting. What will people think?"

"What will who think? You think my friends are going to care?" He started pulling off his tie and stopped when his mother clicked her teeth. She walked around the bed to him and readjusted it, flashing another quick smile on her disapproving face.

"Hiram might care. I bet his luggage cost more than your car." She smoothed the tie out against his chest. "That bag is for wrestling clothes, for going to the gym. It is not for a trip to a place owned by the Lodges. Plus I needed to make sure you didn't forget anything."

"Mom, guests are still here. Mrs. Nichols is looking for you."

She pursed her lips. "Probably wanting to discuss why we're letting our children run away on a church holiday of all days."

"Mom. If you don't want me going on this trip why'd you say it was okay?"

She was offended. This was far from their first discussion on the subject. (Coopers didn't use words like argument. They merely liked to discuss. Passionately.) Every one ended the same way; her agreeing to let him go, but pleading with him to rethink his choice. After all, he was seventeen now - practically an adult - and had to start making more mature decisions.

He still choose to go, of course. A week with Alice without the watchful eye of his mother? He'd be crazy not to.

"I never said it wasn't okay." She picked a piece of lint off his shirt. Hal could see her biting her tongue, waiting to get the rest out.

"But?"

She let out a long sigh. "Hal. I'm not entirely sure of the people you chose to spend your time with. The thought of you alone for all those days with people of such… of such character? It worries me is all."

Hal resisted pulling away as his mother went to adjust his tie yet again. He was already on thin ice these past few months and the last thing he needed to do was ruin this trip for everyone. He was the glue that was holding it together.

"Mom, Alice is my girlfriend. You think she'd be my girlfriend if she had questionable character?"

"You think if she was your girlfriend she would have come to church with us on a holiday."

Alice had actually asked to go to church with them just last week. The first time she'd ever gone with them last summer, Hal worried she'd be bored out of her mind. Instead, she looked around the place in awe. It was far from being large or impressive, but according to Alice's wide eyes, you would have thought it was one of those huge big city cathedrals you see in movies. She leaned her elbows on the pew in front of her and ate up every word of the sermon, as if she was hearing it for the first time. It only occurred to Hal after the fact that she was.

She had come sporadically since then, but never on an actual holiday. A holiday when all the fairweather Catholics dusted off their church clothes and attended t0o. (Hal had been shocked that even the Lodge's had been there that morning.) Most of the town attended on Easter Sunday and his mother had pulled such a face when Alice asked, she'd immediately taken it back. As he drove her home that night, she told him she wouldn't even be coming over for the Cooper's Easter luncheon if his mom was going to be such an awful bitch to her when she was trying so hard.

Hal bit the inside of his cheek trying to think of a retort for his mom.

"Alice just didn't want to intrude on family time. She said she was coming by though, so I don't even have to pick her up."

"This isn't just about Alice." So it was a little bit about Alice. "I know Hiram is your friend, but there's just something a little… off about him."

And this again.

"Like what, Mom?"

She shot him a dubious look. "Do not make me say it, Hal. Not on Easter. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Surprised a boy like that has ever set foot in a church."

"Mom , Hiram's not -"

Her eyes darted quickly back to the suitcase on his bed. "And why exactly do you need a swimsuit? The water's likely to be too cold still."

"The Lodge's have a hottub."

"So much for roughing it. Hal, no one in that entire family knows the meaning of the word modesty. A hottub in the middle of nowhere? How lavish. All that family knows is how to throw around their weight and their money. It's disgusting."

"Knock knock," a sugary sweet voice called. Hermione Nichols stood in the doorway of his room holding the cordless phone. "So sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Cooper. The phone just kept ringing and ringing so I answered it." She extended the phone to Hal with a smile. "It's Hiram."

"Hiram, of course," his mother sighed. "Well, finish packing and hurry back down. You're not leaving yet."

"I can help Hal, Mrs. Cooper." Hermione tilted her head, throwing her long dark hair over her shoulder. "I don't mind."

Mrs. Cooper smiled genuinely at the girl. "How kind of you, dear. Now let me go find your mother."

His mom closed the door behind them, something she'd never do if it had been Alice with him. The smile dropped right off Hermione's face as she plopped down on his bed, lavender sundress fanning out around her.

"Hello?" Hal said into the phone. He sent a glare at Hermione as she pulled her sandal clad feet onto his bed. She rolled her eyes before kicking them to the floor.

"You have one last chance, man," Hiram said. "Don't fuck this up."

"I have one last chance to -"

"Shut up! Is Hermione next to you?"

"She is."

Hermione perked up at that and waved Hal closer. He turned away from her.

"She is, he says. Jesus man. Act cool. You have to convince her to uninvite Mary."

"Oh come on. Let it go." Hermione waved him over furiously and he gave in, sitting next to her on the bed. She turned the phone in his hand so she could listen in. Heal prayed Hiram wouldn't say anything too incriminating.

"I just want a weekend alone with her." He glanced sideways at Hermione and her expression seemed to have softened. "Just one damn weekend I don't have to worry about Andrews trying to snake his way into her panties. I want to snake my way into her -"

"Hey!" Hal cut him off and Hermione smacked his arm, as if he was the one who said something. "I will talk to her. Definitely. Still leaving at 5?"

"You guys can't get out of there any earlier?"

"Don't count on it."

"Fine. See you in a few." He hung up.

Hermione smacked his arm again. "Your friend is a pig."

"No one's forcing you to go anywhere with him."

"I know that." She laid down against his pillows. "I want to go. I just don't want the pressure to be on." She raised her head slightly. "That's why Mary's coming."

"Hmm." He stood up and started shoving the rest of his clothes haphazardly into the suitcase his mom had left out. He cringed at the action, but she was likely to come back up if he took too long. "I just feel bad for Mary. She's going to feel like a fifth wheel."

"Of course she won't. It's not like I'm going to ditch her. I just… need a safety net. A way to get away from Hiram if he gets too intense. You know him." Hermione picked up a picture of him and Alice that was on his bedside table and gave it a scowl. "And Mary's probably bringing every text book we own so she can finish her homework for the rest of the year. You know her."

Hal took the picture frame out of Hermione's hand and put it back down. His hand lingered over bedside table. "Hey, could you leave? I need to finish packing."

She smirked. "God, Hal. I've seen you in your undies plenty when we were kids. Seeing you pack them isn't going to burn my eyes."

A flush was crawling up his face. "No, other things. Just look away at least." His eyes darted down to the table.

Her eyes narrowed and before he could stop her, she rolled off the bed and pulled open the drawer.

"Hermione, stop it!"

She blocked him with her body, shoving her elbows back as he grabbed her shoulders. She started rifling through the mess of things until she finally hit the bottom of the drawer and felt it wobble. False bottom.

Hal had a hold on her, and could have easily stopped her, but didn't. She kicked back at him once as she pulled part of the bottom up, feeling a piece of metal that she yanked out.

"Oh my God." She held the pair of handcuffs at arm's length as Hal snatched them from her and tossed them in the suitcase. She fell back on the bed and let out deep laughter. "You two are total freaks. Don't tell me she uses those on you? Or you on her?" She clutched her stomach as laughed. "This is too good. I hope the walls are soundproof. Or maybe I don't."

"Shut up," Hal muttered. He reached back into the drawer and pulled two more things out, tossing them in his luggage as well. "I don't pry into your sex life with either of your boyfriends."

Hermione continued laughing. "Oh Hal," she got out between gasping for breath. "What would your mom say? That freaky Southside girl is ruining her baby."

"What's this?"

Hal and Hermione both jumped at the voice. Alice stood in the doorway, duffle bag hanging loosely in her hand, looking a tad underdressed in a denim skirt and a white blouse. Her narrowed eyes traveled between both of them suspiciously. Hal closed his suitcase, avoiding Alice's gaze as the blush deepened in his face. He knew how guilty he looked.

"Hey, you made it," he said as he zipped the bag closed and put it on the floor. He took her own bag and bent down to kiss her.

"Of course I made it," she said slowly. "I had to push past about ten of your aunts downstairs, but I made it." Her arms crossed over her chest. "Hello Hermione."

Hermione sat up in bed and crossed her arms over her chest as well. She spoke with mock excitement. "Hello Alice! Ready for several days of girl talk and gossip and fun?"

"Can't wait," she said flatly. "Now you mind getting the hell off my boyfriend's bed?"

"Gladly. Who even knows what's gone on here." Hermione slung her feet off the bed, sliding gracefully back into her sandals. She took the phone from where Hal had left it on the bed. "You don't mind? I need to call Mary. Work out all the details."

"Poor Mary." Alice sat on Hal's bed as Hermione dialed Mary's number. Hermione raised her eyebrow. "Being forced on this trip just because someone doesn't want to fuck Hiram. Weird, to want all the benefits of dating a rich kid but not wanting to put the work in."

"Shut it, Vivian Ward," she hissed. "I never said anything about fucking Hiram. I merely said - oh, hello Mrs. Taylor. How are you? It's uhhh, Alice. Can I speak to Mary?" Alice grabbed a pillow off the bed and threw it at Hermione. "I think I'll take this in the other room."

"Dumb cow," Alice muttered as the door closed. She looked Hal up and down. "Why was she up here?"

"Just Hermione being Hermione." He sat next to her on the bed and took her hand. "Excited?"

"Ecstatic," she said flatly. Hal's face dropped. "It's not that. It's… it's spending several days in the middle of nowhere with Hermione. And Hiram. It actually sounds like a nightmare."

"You know they're not as bad as you're making them out to be." He squeezed her hand. "It's going to be great, Alice."

She gave him a half hearted smile. "I trust you. Don't let me down."

He tugged at her wrists and she took his direction, sliding over to sit on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I promise I will make this week worth your while."

"Mary, phone!" her mother called down the basement stairs.

Mary tossed down her book and muted the tv, making the boys on either side of her playing Mortal Kombat jump. FP glanced in her direction, not quite taking his eyes off the tv.

"What's the big idea, Red?"

"Shush guys." She crossed the room and picked up the basement phone and yelled, "I got it, Mom!" up the stairs. "Hello?"

"You sure you still want to come, Mary?"

Mary sighed. This song and dance had been going on all week. One minute Hermione was begging her to come to the Lodge's cabin, the next she was trying to talk her out of it.

"Look Hermione." At the sound of her name, Fred paused the game. FP reached over to hit the start button on Fred's controller and Fred pulled away. "It's totally okay if you don't want me there. I get it if you want to spend some time alone with…" her eyes darted to Fred's saddened face, "with him. There's nothing wrong with that and I won't be mad."

"Mary, I promised you a fun spring break! I can't break that promise to you."

"No, you actually promised me a fun spring break when you invited me in the first place. It's not like we had plans to do anything before that."

"We're besties." Mary rolled her eyes. They may be friends, but they were far from best friends. "Of course we were going to do something over break. I invited you because I thought you'd have fun with us. I just want to make sure you're not going to feel like a third wheel."

"You mean fifth wheel."

"Oh, I have a feeling Alice and Hal will be a little tied up this weekend." Hermione let out a shrill giggle. "God, I can't wait to tell you. But I'm at this stupid Easter lunch at Hal's house so best wait until we're alone."

"Hermione, do you want me to go? Yes or no?"

"I mean, of course I want you around."

"Yes or no."

There was a long pause from the other line. Fred and FP's eyes were both on her. Fred was nodding his head and FP shaking his. The two looked at each other when they realized what the other was doing.

"Yes, Mare," Hermione said. "I do want you there. As long as… your parents won't be mad you're missing Passover?"

"Why the hell do you want her to go?" FP attempted a whisper but it was practically his normal voice.

"Why wouldn't I?" Fred's 'whisper' was even worse.

"Seder was last night. All I'm going to miss is crossing state lines to visit family. I'll live."

"If she goes, she can stop Hermione and Hiram from being together."

"You think Mary's going to spend a week cockblocking them? Are you serious?"

"Unless you don't want me to go." Mary cupped her hands over the receiver, trying to block out the boy's voices. "I get it. I really do."

"No, you're coming. Maybe we should just make a code or something. Like if I want to be alone with Hiram, I say one thing and if I want you to stick around, I say something else."

"That's a plan. What's the code?"

FP was making no attempt to whisper anymore. "If she stays, the three of us have the whole week alone. We can drive to the lake. Go to the Twilight every night. Oh, and the Bijou just got Sleepwalkers. That looked -"

"Who's there with you?" Hermione asked. "Sounds like -"

"My brothers," Mary said loudly, glaring at both boys and holding a finger up to her lips. "Brandon's voice is starting to drop. Isn't that cute?"

"Darling." Hermione didn't sound like she believed her. "Look, if I started mentioning, I don't know. Let's say calculus means stay and chemistry means beat it?"

"Shouldn't it be something a little more specific?"

Fred leaned in towards FP, attempting to whisper again. "Is Sleepwalkers the one with the girl that looks like Alice?"

"No, Brandon," Mary said sternly. "I'm not talking to Alice. I'm talking to Hermione. Now shush!"

"It'll be fine," Hermione said, ignoring the outburst. "Look, I'll see you in a few hours, okay? Let me get back to this party before my mom or Mrs. Cooper starts looking for me. Hey, you didn't mention this trip to the boys, did you?"

A hot flush went through Mary. "The boys? What boys?"

"You know what boys. Fred and FP. They don't know about this, do they?"

"I didn't say anything to them." It wasn't technically a lie. According to Fred, Hiram had been gloating about it in gym class all week.

"Good, let's keep it that way."

Mary let out a groan as she hung up the phone. She went back to her spot between the two boys on the couch and hit both of them with a swift motion from either arm.

"What was that for?"

"Do you two ever shut up?" she leaned back against the couch and covered her face with her hands. She remembered too late she'd put on eye make-up and would have to redo it before Hermione saw it smudged around her face.

"Come on, Red." FP slung an arm around Mary and pulled her into him. "You don't owe Hermione any favors. Don't go."

"No, you have to go, Mare." Fred took her left hand in his and she ignored the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She leaned harder against FP instead. "You have to stop Hiram from getting too close to her."

"Jesus, Fred," FP sighed. "Mary's not a chastity belt."

"All you have to do is -"

"Is nothing, because she shouldn't go." He took Mary's face in his hand, squeezing it until her lips popped out like a fish. "Do you want to go?" He shook her head with his hand and put on a high pitch voice. "Of course not, FP. I want to slum around with you boys all week and actually have fun. Not go to some ritzy cabin where I can't touch anything and have to listen to two other couples fuck all week."

She finally pulled her face away from him, trying to hold in her smile. "I don't sound like that." Her left hand was still in Fred's and she gently pulled it away too. "Look, I'm not just going on this trip to," she swallowed before getting the word out, "cockblock Hiram and Hermione. Maybe I want to go? Cabin in the middle of nowhere, hottub, peace and quiet."

Fred reached over to the table and grabbed one of the sandwiches Mary's mom had put out for them. "Peace and quiet with Alice and Hal around? Good luck. Those two will probably make it their goal to screw in every room in that house." He took a bite of his sandwich. "Maybe bring your own sheets."

"Gross dude," FP muttered. "Hey, don't get into that hottub if they've just been in there, if you know what I'm saying." Mary pulled a face. "Look, I'm not telling you what to do. I'm just saying five teens going to a cabin in the middle of nowhere is the plot of Evil Dead. And your character dies first."

"No no no." Fred shook his head and talked through a full mouth. "Mary's becomes possessed first. Alice dies first."

"Oh please. If this was a real horror movie, Alice would probably be the only survivor."

"If this was a real horror movie," Mary said softly to herself. These were her friends.

"All I'm saying is Alice would be Shelly."

"Dude, if Alice is Shelly than Hiram is Ash. You're giving Hiram Lodge that much credit?"

"I just think he'd be a better leading man than Hal. That's not a compliment, that's a fact. Hal is just a leading man's buddy."

Mary pushed herself off the couch. "I think I need to finish packing."

"Wait." Fred grabbed her hand and pulled her back down. "I have an idea."

"Famous last words," Mary laughed. "Oh God, what is it?"

"Get this, Mare." Fred popped the last piece of his sandwich in his mouth and practically swallowed it whole. He started coughing and FP passed him the can of soda he'd left on the coffee table.

"Can't do anything without causing a scene, can he?" FP muttered to Mary as Fred drained the can. Mary gave him a shove.

"Like you're any better. Showboating on the football field all the time."

"That's called school spirit."

"That's called having a big head." She flicked his head and they both laughed as Fred finally collected himself.

"As I was saying. What if FP and I go with you guys?"

"What?" Mary and FP asked in sync.

"I wasn't even technically invited. And well, doesn't Hiram kind of, you know?"

"Hate your guts?" FP suggested.

"Yes! And I hate his guts too! All the more reason to go."

"So what? You call Hiram and ask if you can tag along? On this romantic trip he planned that I'm already ruining by being there?"

"The worst he can do is ask us to leave."

"No, the worst he can do is shoot us." FP shook his head. "You know they probably have some hunting rifles in that cabin. You've come up with some awful ideas, Freddy, but this takes the cake."

"Hear me out guys."

"There's more?"

"We follow in the van and just show up."

"Why would he let you guys stay?"

"Because my brother works at the liquor store. Oscar loads us up with booze and we come with a peace offering."

"A peace offering? Of whiskey and vodka?"

"Oh, tequila too," FP chimed in. "Alice won't let us through that door otherwise."

Fred snapped his fingers and pointed at FP. "See, Mare? FP gets it."

"No, Freddy." FP buried his face in his hands. "You beautiful moron, you. I don't get it. Mary doesn't get it. There's nothing to get because this is a stupid fucking plan."

"Calling it a plan is a little generous," Mary admitted. "I mean, you just came up with it."

"I did not! I've just been waiting for the right time to bring it up." Fred put his elbows on his knees and leaned closer to them. "We know around where is it, right? Somewhere in the Mortmain Mountains. We give them a few hours head start and then go. Oh, your brother's walkie-talkies! They're those good ones. You take one and we'll take one so we can let you know when we're nearby."

Mary looked at him skeptically. "I'm sharing a room with Hermione. It's going to be kind of hard to answer. And suspicious if I have a walkie-talkie for no reason."

FP nudged her. "I don't think Hermione's going to be spending much time in the room with you."

"Hey!" Fred pointed his finger at him. "Hermione has never slept with him. There is zero reason to believe that just because the two of them are going to be at a cabin together -"

"In the middle of nowhere," FP pointed out, "with another couple that can't keep their pants on."

"And Mary. Mary is the key to all of this." Fred got down on his knees in front of her, putting his hands together in prayer. "I'm begging you, Mary, begging you. Just do me a solid."

Mary swallowed the lump in her throat and glanced over her shoulder. FP shrugged.

"I'll go get the walkie-talkies."

Fred pulled Mary up with him and took her into a hug. "You're the best, Mare. You really are the most wonderful, fantastic person I've ever met." He kissed her cheek and gave her a little twirl. She couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"Just one condition guys." She looked between the two of them. "You cannot let them know I'm in on this."

"So what? We just show up and say we're lost, weary travelers?"

"I don't care what you guys say. They just can't know it was me. Any of them. Deal?"

Fred looked Mary up and down and spun her around again. "Deal. You will be our woman on the inside."

They dropped Mary off on the far end of Elm Street a hour later, just out of sight of the Cooper's house. The two watched as Mary glided down the street, her cheerleading bag slung over one shoulder with a professional grade walkie-talkie tucked inside. She half waved at them as she rounded the walkway to Hal's house, readjusting the hat on her head as she put her hand down.

"That Mary sure is a swell girl," FP said matter of factly as he pulled the van away. Fred shot him a look.

"Don't tell me you have a thing for Mary. Mary's not your type."

FP laughed. "No, she's not. But what kind of girl would go along with this dumbass plan for you?"

Fred shrugged, seeing where his friend was going. "Come on, dude. Mary's a good friend. Just like you. You're going along with this too."

"About that." FP rapped his fingers against the steering wheel, hating that Fred was putting him in his position. "I don't want to do this."

"But you're going to, right?" There was an uncomfortable pause. "FP, come on."

"You think I want to spend the entire week somewhere we're not welcome? With some guy who doesn't even like us?"

"Doesn't like me. Hiram loves you. And just because we weren't invited doesn't mean we're not welcome. We'll make ourselves welcome."

"I love your enthusiasm, but this is never going to work."

"Ye of little faith." Fred smacked his arm. "Don't flake out on me, please."

"You know there's one huge flaw in your plan, right? It's Easter Sunday."

"So? I went to church this morning."

"Your brother working today?"

FP looked at Fred sideways, watching his face fall. "Shit."

"Yeah shit. Liquor store is closed today."

"Oscar has keys to the store. He'll let us in. Or we can scrounge around for whatever's at home."

"Fred." They were just pulling up to the Andrew's house. "How about we wait until tomorrow, huh? Sleep on it. If you still think it's a good idea tomorrow - a really, really good idea - we will grab the booze, load up the van, and get going. Deal?"

Fred let out a loud sigh. "Fine. Maybe if I call the Cooper's now I can still catch Mary before they leave."

"Don't make it too obvious. Say you're her brother or dad or something. Don't sound like… well, don't sound like Fred. If his mom answers and you chicken out, just ask for Alice."

Fred tapped his nose as he got out of the car. "See you tomorrow."

"Are we ready to rock and roll?" Hiram shouted. He leaned against his dad's Cadillac with a pair of sunglasses perched on the edge of his nose.

Alice rolled her eyes at Hal as they walked towards the car. "You owe me. Big time."

"You guys like?" Hiram gestured to the car as the four approached him. Hermione came at him first and he kissed her on the cheek in greeting. She raised her eyebrow as he popped the trunk and took her bag.

"Where's your car?"

"Well, mine was a little too small for five people and luggage." He shot a grin at Mary. "Not that I mind there being five of us. We'd probably be uncomfortable if it was just four in my car anyway."

He kissed Mary on the cheek as well as he took the bag out of her hand. She wanted to kick her herself as she felt a blush coming up. Stupid red headed genes, making her flush every time a remotely attractive boy was nice to her.

"Thanks for letting me tag along, Hiram."

"Tag along?" He grinned. "More the merrier… Mary."

She laughed in spite of herself. Alice bumped into her, making her stumble a bit in the opposite direction. "Calm yourself, Hiram. Mary's not here as your backup."

"Alice, always a delight." He leaned down and kissed her cheek too, ignoring her comment. She held out her bag towards him, but he gently pushed between the two girls without taking it. "Excuse me, ladies. Hal!"

He jogged the few feet to Hal and snatched his bag out of his hand, leaning up to kiss Hal on the cheek. Alice rolled her eyes and Mary held in a laugh, delighted Hal couldn't help but blush either.

"Cut it out, man," Hal hissed, wiping his cheek. "You know my mom's watching."

"Good. I hope she is." Hiram winked back at the girls. "Hey, nice bag."

"Hello Hiram!" Mrs. Cooper shouted as she came down the walkway. "How are you?"

"I am excellent, Mrs. Cooper. Happy Easter." He pulled her into a kiss as well, smiling brilliantly as her all along. Alice almost snorted as the woman held in her shock. "So sorry we couldn't join you after church but my parents really wanted to go to the club for lunch. Tradition and all."

"Of course." She had on a plastic smile as she looked between the five teens. "Now, I don't suppose there will be any tomfoolery this week?"

"Us? Tomfoolery?" Hermione let out a laugh. "Come now, Mrs. Cooper. We're just a group of kids looking to have some fun. Hiram, didn't you say your parents have a whole closet of board games?"

"Sure do." Hiram didn't let up on his award winning smile, but he did knock his sunglasses to the top of his head so he could look his friend's mom right in the eye. "Maybe even do a little hiking, birdwatching. Might be a little too cold for swimming, but I told everyone to bring their bathing suits anyway."

"And the hottub?" Mrs. Cooper asked, eyes narrowed but smile still plastered on.

Hiram snapped his fingers. "Shucks. You know it needs to be serviced. My parents were up there for Valentine's Day and it just flaked out. Haven't had anyone up to see it yet."

"Pity. And I assume your parents keep the liquor cabinet locked?"

Hiram bounced on the balls of his feet. "Empty actually. They normally just buy a bottle or two of wine when they're up there. Not big drinkers."

Alice couldn't hold her snort at that one. Hal quickly grabbed her arm and she turned it into a cough.

"And the sleeping arrangements?"

Hal dug his fingers into Alice. "Well, Mom -"

She held up a finger. "I was asking Hiram. Actually, no." She looked between the three girls. "Mary dear, what are the sleeping arrangements?"

"The sleeping arrangements are us three girls in the master bedroom with the king size bed, Hiram in one of the smaller bedrooms, and Hal in the other. Those are the sleeping arrangements, Mrs. Cooper." Mary finished with a smile, feeling like she was reciting a difficult word at a spelling bee. Mrs. Cooper smiled.

"Right, of course. And I have the number in case anything happens." She gave the car the once over before waving the teens inside. "Well, have fun. And be safe, children. Safe."

"We always are, Mom." Hal kissed his mother on the cheek before climbing into the passenger seat. The three girls went in the back, Mary in the middle, and Hiram got behind the wheel.

"Your mom is a nut, Hal." Hiram knocked his sunglasses back to his nose and took off down Elm.

"Just keep going. I'm surprised she didn't search everyone's bag for liquor."

"Don't worry. There's a place in the town that will sell to us, even underage."

"Oh, she totally checked your bag when you guys went downstairs, Alice," Hermione laughed. "I saw her when I was on the phone with Mary."

"Whatever. Probably just replaced some of my clothes with stuff more to her liking." Hiram half turned his head.

"Wait, Alice. Don't tell me you're not holding. Nothing?"

"Stupid." Alice fixed her gaze out the window. "You think I'm dumb enough to leave my stash unattended? With Hal's mom around?"

"So where is it?"

Alice patted her chest. "I've got it covered."

Hermione laughed. "I knew they looked way too big today. Didn't I say that, Mare?"

Mary fidgeted between them. "What did you bring?"

Alice sighed and turned away from the window to look at her. "Why do you ask if you don't want to know?"

"Come on, Mary," Hiram called. "We need to have some fun this week. All of us."

"This is going to be a good week," Hal said, turning in his seat to face the girls. "I can feel it."

FP pulled up to the trailer the Serpents set him up with a few months ago. He'd stayed with Alice and her dad for a short amount of time after his old man kicked him out, until Rodger Smith had set him up to live in a double wide with one of the other young guys in the gang. It wasn't much, but it'd do until graduation.

Rodger was far from being a good guy, but he followed the laws. Serpents looked out for their own. Rodger looked out for him and in turn FP -

Someone pounded on the van window before he could even put the van into park. The devil himself. FP fiddled with his seatbelt before opening the door. He took a deep breath.

"Hey Rodger, how's it going?"

Rodger's red eyes glared at him. He was shorter than FP by a long shot, but had an air about him that you wouldn't want to mess with. No doubt where his daughter had gotten it from.

"Where is she, Jones?"

He gulped. Rodger never called him that unless he was angry. With anyone else, he might dance around the question. 'Where's who?' Not the kind of game to play with Rodger on a good day, and especially not the kind to play when it was 5 pm and he was already loaded.

FP bit his tongue, feeling the betrayal spilling out already. "Cabin. She went to the Lodge's cabin somewhere in the Mortmain Mountains for spring break."

"The Lodges?" he asked slowly. "What, the kid hire her for the week or something?"

He took another breath. Getting mad at Rodger would get nothing done. "Her boyfriend, he's friends with the Lodge kid. Group of them went, not just them."

Rodger let out a harsh laugh. "First I'm hearing of this trip. Why you not part of this group?"

"Just not my crowd."

"Hmm. So I suppose you're about to make it your crowd, huh?"

FP nodded. "My buddy and I were thinking of meeting them up there tomorrow, you know? I could keep an eye on her."

Rodger hit his hand against the side of the van suddenly, making him jump. "Sounds like you're heading up their tonight, huh?"

"Yes sir."

"I've done you a lot of favors kid, and I don't ask too much in return. The one thing I do ask is you keep an eye on my daughter. She runs around with that preppy Cooper kid, now she's off with some snobby Lodge? How do you plan on watching out for her when you're here and she's there?"

"Of course sir."

"Better pack a bag if you want to make it by sundown."

FP went inside the trailer. He leaned back against the door and took a few deep breaths until his hands stopped shaking.

He could kill Alice. She'd told him she cleared it all with her dad, didn't care that she was going away. Leave it to her to lie and sneak away, making him clean up her damn mess.

Not as if she had never cleaned up any of his messes before. If they were keeping tally, she was probably way ahead in the clean up department.

So he'd go waste his spring break, watching her sit on her boyfriend's lap and scowl at him for cramping her style.

He picked up the phone and dialed the Andrew's house. Fred answered on the second ring.

"Back your bag, Freddy. I changed my mind."