*Poppi's POV*

Another day came to a start as Perri and I made our way through the deserted town. Yet again, we were out partying all night and now we were trying to sneak home, failing of course. As the day was beginning, the rising sun cast hues of orange and pink across the towns empty streets. We made our way across the intersection leading to our home. Stumbling up the paved driveway, we noticed a familiar car parked in our mom's usual spot. Being that our mother works from the early hours of the day to the afternoon hours, we thought it was a bit weird for there to be a vehicle parked at our house. We carefully approached the house, hesitant of what, or who, was lurking inside. Opening the door as slowly as I could, I peeked inside to see if the intruder was in sight. Not seeing anything, or anyone, I entered cautiously and beckoned Perri to follow me.

"You go that way," I whispered to her softly. "And I'll go this way. Oh, and be quiet."

She mockingly laughed. "Ha Ha, no dip Sherlock."

I flipped her the bird and then headed in the opposite direction than my sister. Knowing that our younger brother and sister were upstairs in their rooms, asleep, I took extra evaluation of my surroundings and looked everywhere that someone could hide. I just finished searching the lounge and dining room when I heard a screech and something hit the floor, coming from the kitchen. I sigh, knowing immediately that it was Perri, and made my way to her. As I reached the doorway of the kitchen, I could see that the milk she dropped was all over the floor. I was about to walk in but stopped when I heard a male's voice.

"Where have you been?" His voice bounced off the walls.

Perri sighed as she started to clean up the milk. "None of your business, Ash."

"Ash?!" I whispered to myself.

I smiled and decided to sneak up behind him. Walking back the way I came, I headed to the other entrance of the kitchen. Carefully placing my steps and making sure I didn't hit anything, I rounded the corner to the kitchen and tip-toed up behind Ashton.

"Where's Poppi?" He asked Perri as he just stood there, watching her clean up her mess.

"Somewhere." She responded curtly, pushing a strand of her blonde hair back away from her face.

My grin widened as she looked up at me. She smiled and then continued to clean her, well, Ashton's mess. Continuing my tip-toeing, I got close enough to pounce onto Ashton's back. I took my leap and as I did so, Ashton turned around and grabbed me. Caught by surprise, I froze and then huffed. I should have known than to try and scare my older brother. It never works.

"Is that...alcohol on your breath?" Ashton asked as he set me down.

I quickly covered my mouth. "No."

At that, Perri ran to the toilet to rinse her mouth with some mouthwash. I rolled my eyes as Ash crossed his arms.

"You two are still partying like animals I see." He sighed.

"So." I shrugged my shoulders.

"SO?!" He raised his voice. "Harry and Lauren look up to you two just as much as they do me. Going out and partying every night isn't setting a good example for them Poppi!"

I backed away from him slowly as he got angrier. Perri came up behind me, messing with her wavy hair. I could tell that Perri was getting angry from what Ashton was saying. Reaching out, I grabbed her hand to try and calm her. Her being her, she yanked her hand out of mine and stepped in front of our brother. Before I could do or say anything to stop her, she started to go off on him.

"Bad influences, huh?" She raised her voice. "You are the one that is never home or never around. You're on the road with your buddies while Poppi and I stay here with Mom and help her with Lauren and Harry!" Her voice rose higher and higher with each word. "You never even stop to call home once in a while to see how we're doing!"

"Perri..." I said to try and stop her.

"Wait a minute!" Ashton yelled.

While the two of them were yelling at each other, I heard footsteps above us, making their way to the stairs. Within seconds, a sleepy-eyed Harry and bed-raggled Lauren were slowly walking down the stairs. I'm sure they were both confused as to why there was screaming. They walked up to me and I wrapped my arms around them.

"Don't worry. It's just two hard headed siblings arguing." I smiled.

Harry rubbed his eyes. "Is Ashy home?"

I inwardly awed at Harry's adorableness. Guiding them to the lounge, I tried to keep them from hearing the dispute in the other room. We sat on the couch and I held their hands. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

"Ashton is home, but him and Perri are having a bit of a disagreement at the moment." I look between them. "So how about we stay in here and play a game?"

"Wonderful plan. Can I join?" A voice said from behind me.

"Me too." Another chimed in.

"What's going on?" An another.

Surprised, I turned around to find three boys who I know all too well.

I smiled and hugged them. "Of course."