Summary: AU. "Her eyes were always guarded, hoarding unspoken secrets, but her walls crumbled every time she looked at you."

Lela and Butchy moved to a new town, a new school: Windy Bluff High. All should go smoothly for the two siblings, or at least they hoped. Everything then changed once a certain brunette stumbled into Lela's life.

Pairing(s): Mackela (Lela/Mack) endgame. Some minor Branner (Brady/Tanner) with some background Butchy/Giggles, among others.

Rated: T, for language and whatnot.

Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Beach Movie or any of its characters.

A/N: I am so sorry. This is way overdue. I know I said maybe around Thanksgiving but now it's the end of December. Thanks for being so patient - for that, there's more Mack/Lela interaction - and some more Branner action, requested by alexlittlelc on AO3. Any grammatical mistakes are my own - its 12 am, sorry.

A special thanks to cherrygorilla and all the other guests and nonusers who reviewed/read Chapter 3. Thank you for the support and for the favorites/follows. Enjoy this chapter - and Happy Holidays! This is my "gift" from me to you.

Chapter 4: Between Crushes and Dances

Blue eyes started back at her. She narrowed her eyes and the blue pair mimicked her. She raised a brow and her reflection did the same. A childish grin formed on her lips as she moved her toothbrush along her teeth. Her first day at Windy Bluff completely wore her out and her part-time job just drained her. She didn't mind the work. She just hoped that it wouldn't kill her but she doubted that would ever happen. Lela was a hard worker and she strived to be the best she could be.

It was already past ten and her brother was in his room, playing some shooter game with his friends online. She could hear his muffled shouts and curses. She rolled her eyes and spat into the sink. She rinsed her mouth and smiled wide at the mirror. Her pearly whites shone back. She left the bathroom and headed toward her room—her safe haven.

She closed the door behind her, knowing that Butchy wouldn't annoy her at this hour. Even he wasn't that cruel. Lela quickly changed into an old t-shirt and some shorts, and hopped into bed. Her phone was on the nightstand and she grabbed it, checking if she had any notifications. She nearly had a heart attack at the message displayed on her lockscreen.

Mack (9:56pm): Hey its me, Mack. Just wanted to make sure that you were adjusting well on your first day. :)

Lela just gaped at her phone, about to hurl it across the room from shock. She willed herself to breathe and reread the text. She racked her mind to come up with a reply and she kept erasing her started messages. Lela took a deep breathe and slowly typed out a text and sent it.

Lela (10:13pm): My day went well, thanks. I can't wait to talk to you in person. See you tomorrow.

She set her phone down and stared at it for a long moment before a splitting smile grew on her face. Her chest was light, her hopes higher than ever. Maybe moving was a good thing... Her phone lit up again. The biker picked it up and scanned the screen.

Mack (10:15pm): That's great and ditto! See ya.

A goofy grin molded onto her face before she laid her phone back on the nightstand, and went over to turn off the lights. It took a while for her to go to sleep. A single thought whirled through her mind: Oh my god, how am I going to face her tomorrow? She groaned at the new complication and forced herself to sleep, her heart still trying to cope with that small smiley face.

-x-

"Hey Lela!" a voice called out from behind her. She immediately knew who it was.

Lela closed her locker and turned around, smiling at the person. "Hey Giggles. What's up?" She ran a hand through her hair, staring intently at the blonde.

"The sky, of course," Giggles joked, swaying on the balls of her feet. "We're still up for Friday, right?"

"Yeah, definitely."

"Great! Oh, are you going to the 'Save the Beach' dance this weekend? Me, Chee, and Struts are totally going."

Lela bit her lip, unsure of her answer.

"Yeah," someone interrupted. Chee walked up to them, dark hair tied high on her head, her body adorned in a thin leather jacket and skinny jeans. "We just bought our tickets. They're only five bucks and it's for a good cause." She grinned at Lela's silent state. "What? Not big on school dances?"

The raven haired girl shrugged. "I don't know. Don't you have to have a date?"

Chee snorted, amused by the new girl. "Lae, it's a school fundraiser, disguised as a dance. No one really cares if you bring a date or not. Besides, most of the people going are either sympathetic and want to donate or want to be there just 'cuz the football team'll be there."

"So Tanner and Brady will be there?"

The Latina pursed her lips. "I guess so. Brady's big on saving the beach 'cuz he surfs. Tanner just follows his boyfriend." She eyed the raven haired girl. "So, you're going?"

Lela sighed heavily. "We'll see. It's this Saturday night, right?" She earned a nod in reply and she shifted. Should I go? It'd be a great way to meet new people. "...Maybe."

"Maybe? Girl, you have to—"

The bell rang, cutting Chee off. Her eyes suspiciously narrowed on the biker. "This isn't over, shorty." She strutted off, her head high. Giggles smiled shyly and said her goodbye before leaving for class.

The start of another day, Lela thought before she too headed to first period. She was about to enter the classroom when a certain brunette stumbled into her. Luckily, they didn't fall or collide horribly but it was embarrassing that both of them didn't acknowledge each other at first. Usually, you tended to look where you were going, but not in Lela's case. Or Mack's, as it seemed.

The taller girl let out a long breath and smiled bashfully at Lela. "We have to stop meeting like this."

"I don't know," Lela commented, a crooked grin forming on her face, "It does have a spontaneous aura to it, don't you think? At least we'll always surprise each other and hopefully we're not ever on the ground, clutching an injured limb. That would ruin the fun."

Mack snorted, fixing the strap on her shoulder. Her warm eyes were leveled on the biker. "Although I agree on the surprising aspect of it, I can't help but think that one of us is going to get really hurt someday, if we aren't careful."

For some reason, those words caused a shiver to run down Lela's spine. She ignored it and opted for a smile. "Hey, live life to the fullest. Come on. let's go sit."

The two girls entered the room and sat in their seats from the day before. This time, Lela wasn't as lost as she was before. She took out her journal and pen for notes and turned to Mack. She forced herself to speak what was on her mind, even if it lead to embarrassment. "Thanks for the text by the way. It made me feel better after my long day at work. I needed some support."

Mack raised a brow, interest piqued. "Your brother didn't support you?"

"Well, he did but I did most of the work when dealing with the customers, and that's the hardest part." Lela's expression darkened slightly. "I now understand why retail employees complain so much about customers..."

The brunette laughed, attracting Lela's attention. Her breath caught and she quickly looked away, her face burning.

Fortunately, before she could do anything stupid, the bell rang and Mr. Terry began to talk about the basics of chemistry: the states of matter, significant numbers, conversions, et cetera. Lela took as many notes as she could for future reference - aka, a test. Her pen swirled across the page, staining the blank sheet with ink. Her mind soon drifted and she started to doodle a rough outline for a motorcycle. Luckily, Mr. Terry didn't call her out as he was too busy arguing with a student that you had to round to the nearest tenth when writing your answer with significant numbers.

A small piece of paper suddenly appeared before her and Lela stared at it in confusion. A loud cough to her left caused her vision to fall on Mack. The surfer raised a brow and nodded at the note. Oh.

Lela quickly took the note, unfolding the paper, and subtly glanced at it.

Why are you drawing a motorcycle? You should be paying attention :p - M

Her lips quirked into a small smile. Her eyes darted to the teacher, who was writing something about converting from moles to molecules, and wrote a reply on the note.

I just stopped paying attention, sue me. :p As for the motorcycle, I was just trying to learn all the parts. - L

She secretly passed it to Mack and awaited her response. She resumed her sketch of the motorcycle, quizzing herself on its various parts. She had to know most segments of a motorcycle and a common car for her job, in case customers asked for certain pieces.

The little piece of paper came back to her and Lela read it, her eyes widening at the final sentence.

He is just reviewing stuff... That's pretty cool, Lae. Could you teach me how to ride one? - M

Lela swallowed thickly. Teach her how to ride a motorcycle? Isn't she supposed to teach me how to surf? She thought, biting her lip. I guess we could both teach each other. Yeah, school each other... Lela's eyes widened into large saucers, her cheeks burning at the random innuendo. She turned her face away from Mack, hoping she didn't notice the blush on her cheeks.

The bell rang once more, signaling the end of first period. Lela shoved her journal into her bag and cleared her throat. "You want to learn how to ride a motorcycle?"

Mack brightened, blurting, "Yeah, it seems so cool and badass!" She smiled shyly and ran a hand through her hair. "I mean, yeah. It'd be great to learn."

The two girls exited the classroom and headed to Calculus, trying avoiding people's prodding shoulders and elbows. High school hallways are the worst.

Lela just hoped that today's math class would be better than yesterday's, where she nearly suffocated of boredom. "It's easy, if you have the right mentor. I can teach you next week, if you want. You still have to teach me to surf."

"I know that, Lela. You still haven't told me when you want to start."

Reaching the classroom door, they stared at each other before they both burst out laughing. The other students stared at them weirdly before going back to their original tasks.

"I guess we both need to get a calendar, huh?" Lela joked, walking into the room. Mack chuckled, her eyes straying on her friend.

"Oh my god, you have this class too?" Giggles exclaimed from behind them. The blonde grinned widely at the two girls. "Ooh, we're gonna have so much fun!"

"Math isn't that fun, Giggs," Mack deadpanned with a raised brow. The end of her mouth twitched. "But then again, you do make everything fun. Even studying on a Saturday night, which is the worst."

Giggles hummed happily, joining the girls in the third row. Lela was in between both of them with Giggles on her left and Mack on her right. They then prepared for class, taking out their needed materials. "So, Lela, have you decided?"

Lela's burrows knit together. "What?"

"Are you going to the dance or not? Chee's been bugging me all first period. I'm not trying to pressure you but it'd be fun—"

"Wait, you're not going to the dance?" Mack butted in, her eyes set intently on the biker.

"I never said that! I just haven't decided yet," Lela argued. She was fighting a battle she couldn't win, receiving attacks from both sides.

Before she could defend herself, the bell rang and Mr. Calvin stood up. Class was starting. Luckily for Lela, her friends dropped the dance subject and turned their attention to their teacher, who was talking about the basics of the first unit. The period went by fast and again, the bell rang, dismissing them.

Giggles leaned into Lela, her mouth by her ear. "You better decide quick, Lae. See ya later." And with that, she was gone.

Lela sighed heavily, collecting her things before rising. Should she go to the dance? It won't hurt her. It''ll be fun. She has nothing to do Saturday night anyway. "Mack, are you going to the dance?" she asked as they were heading to Marine Bio.

Mack raised a brow at her as they entered the classroom. "Um, yeah. I'm the one who passed out the flyers yesterday. I recall that you believed animals were supposed to have emotions when mating."

Lela grinned crookedly, feeling a blush spreading across her face. Yesterday felt like an eternity. "Hey, I'm not a marine biologist. I'm more of a mathematical engineer."

"Very true. So, are you going to the dance? I didn't mean to sound so aggressive earlier. I just want everyone to come and have a good time, y'know? While supporting a good cause. Brady was ecstatic when I told him about it."

The two girls took their seats from the day before and Dr. Jones smiled at them.

We're on time for once, Lela thought, waving at Brady and Devon from across the room. "Yeah, I'm going to the dance. It'll be fun."

A wide grin appeared on Mack's face as her stare lingered on the biker. "Great. You won't regret it."

Class started with the bell ringing. The girls exchanged small words while finishing yesterday's lab and completing a worksheet associated with the lab. Lela worked hard to finish her work but her phone kept buzzing in her pocket and she made a face. Mack snickered at her expression but didn't question it.

Five minutes before the bell would ring, Lela checked her phone.

Chee (10:47am): Hey Lae, you going or not? I'm at the ticket stand..

Lela (10:50am): Yes, I'm going. Buy me a ticket. I'll pay you back.

Chee (10:52am): Well well well. Who convinced you to go? :p

Lela flushed at the question and quickly replied.

Lela (10:53am): Mack did. Can we talk at lunch?

Chee (10:54am): Sure, shorty. See ya.

I'm not that short and I'm taller than her! Lela refrained from commenting and slid her phone into her back pocket.

The period soon ended and Mack turned to her. "Hey, I have that Calc study group again. Tomorrow we can go to lunch together. I'll text you later. Bye Lela." She waved a final time before leaving Lela on her own.

Lela's shoulders slumped after the brunette left through the door. Her expression was wistful, as if she wanted to join her. This crush is really affecting me—and it's only my second day of knowing her. Gah, I'm so gay. She let out a long exhale, grabbed her bag, and headed to the cafeteria.

She quickly hopped in line and got her tray full of chicken nuggets, french fries, and an apple. A pint of strawberry milk topped it off. Good enough...for a school lunch.

"Hey shorty! Over here!"

The raven haired girl turned around and followed the direction of the familiar voice. She found the Latina smirking at her, sipping a milkshake. Lela's brows furrowed. A milkshake? "How?"

"I have my ways," Chee replied mysteriously, taking a final sip. She crossed her legs, straightening her posture. "Sit. We have much to discuss."

Lela complied with the Latina's wishes and sat beside her. She began to eat her lunch, dipping a fry in ketchup. "So, what are we talking about? Dresses? Motorcycles? Oh, and did you think of a topic for the class discussion in World History? I thought of some but—"

Chee held up a hand, her nose scrunched up in distaste. "No. We are not taking about history at a time like this. It's only the second day of school. Chill Lela. It's like you want my stress levels to go up already."

Lela offered an awkward smile as an apology. She shoved fries in her mouth, trying to swallow her embarrassment.

Chee sighed heavily and extended her hand. In her grasp was a dance ticket. "Here. I bought it for you earlier. You better not change your mind now."

"I won't. Thank you so much," Lela said gratefully, taking the pass. She placed it in her bag for safekeeping. "So what are we talking about?" She opened her milk carton and drank from it.

The Latina's smirk returned as she leaned back in her seat. "Your crush on Mack, of course."

What?! Lela's ocean blue eyes widened comically as she choked on her strawberry milk. Her throat and lungs immediately burned.

"Chee-Chee!" Giggles exclaimed from behind Lela. She patted the shorter girl on the back, trying to comfort her. "Are you trying to kill her?"

"I didn't mean for that to happen."

Lela coughed and hacked until her windpipe cleared. Her eyes watered as she hastily wiped them. "What did you say?" she croaked, her eyes firm on the other biker. She needed to make sure she didn't mishear anything.

Chee's eyes worriedly darted to Giggles. She may be loud mouthed and very blunt with secrets but she would never say them aloud without the person's permission. Especially when it came to outing them or exploiting their love interests. "You sure?"

With Lela's nod of approval, she continued. "You're crushing on Mack, girl. It's kinda obvious. And I'm sorry I made you choke. That wasn't planned."

Giggles sat next to Lela, setting the new girl in the middle. "Oh that. I mean - if you paid attention, it was obvious."

Lela buried her face into her hands. Her eyes clenched tight as her teeth gritted together. Oh god, they know... They KNOW! What do I do now?

A soft hand fell on her shoulder, startling her. She hesitantly looked up and a bright blue pair of orbs met hers. A warm smile eased her previous worry. "Lela, we don't care if you like girls or boys or anyone else. You can love whoever you want and we would never judge."

"Unless you 'love' your ex again," Chee remarked, earning a glare from Giggles, which was truly frightening as she was always a gentle soul.

"You're still our dorky Lela, okay? Besides, Mack is cute, isn't she?" the blonde teased, smiling wide at the blush on Lela's cheeks. "It's amazing that in just a span of two days, you're so close to going head-over-heels for her."

Lela was about to argue against that claim when Brady and Tanner reached the table. The couple stared at the girls in suspicion as they sat opposite from them.

"Okay, what's going on?" Brady questioned, raising a brow at Lela's flustered state.

Lela cleared her throat, taking a swig of milk. I might as well tell them. We're in California and it's the twenty first century. And they're gay. It should be no big deal. "We were just talking about my revealed crush on Mack. Nothing new," she answered nonchalantly. A smile tugged at the ends of her mouth at their facial expressions.

Both boys' eyes were wide, shock visible on their faces. Chee snickered at them, sipping her chocolate shake.

"Um, well, congrats?"

"Brady!" Tanner scolded, smacking him lightly. "We have to support our fellow people." He directed his attention to Mack, grinning. "So, when did you figure out you had a crush on Mack?"

"To be honest, after first period yesterday," she admitted shyly. She felt a little bit nervous with all of this attention on her.

"Aww, that's so cute," Giggles inputted gleefully. "You two are gonna be the cutest couple!"

Lela chuckled lightly, observing her friends intently. "Not to be nosy or anything, but what do you guys identify as? You don't have to tell me. I'm just curious."

Tanner giggled. "Well, Brady and I are gay. Duh." He went to kiss his boyfriend on the cheek but Brady slyly turned his head so that their lips met. Tanner yelped in surprise but sighed contently into the kiss. His hand crept onto Brady's cheek, holding him in place. No one gave them strange looks.

Lela smiled at the sight, feeling a tug of envy in her gut. She wished that she could have a partner in which she could kiss them whenever. Patience, Lela. One day.

"I'm pansexual," Giggles confessed with a small smile. "I love everyone."

"I'm invisible," Chee joked. "Nah, I'm just bisexual."

Lela smiled. "And I'm a lesbian. Proud too."

"Aren't we just a bunch of misfits?" the Latina bantered with a smirk.

The group broke into hysterics and for a moment, Lela could forget all of her problems and soak in her friends' positive vibes and support.

At least she wasn't alone.

A/N: I tried to update before Christmas ended but oh well - couldn't beat time. Happy Holidays from me! I hope you enjoyed your "gift." I'll try to update sooner since I'm on break but we'll see. I'll work on the next chapter as soon as I publish this one.

Okay, so now everyone knows about Lela's crush on Mack and everyone's sexual orientation. I hope you enjoyed the texts and the notes between Mack and Lela. I tried to fit in some Branner but don't worry, there'll be more next chapter. The next chapter will explore some Branner and how Lela copes with her crush and how Chee and Giggles help her out.

Please tell me what you think in the reviews! Till next time!