Chapter Four: Cherry Bomb

I guess you could call it a normal day, the L.A. sun was high and bright in the sky and the heat was rolling in like a tidal wave.

''It's going to be another hot day here in Sunshine California. Not a cloud in sight, we'll be experiencing-''

''Jerrica! Do you see any mixing bowls over there?'' A tall blonde woman asked her, slightly shorter, sister.

The Starlight house was having a Backyard BBQ and Jerrica and Jem were tasked with making the snacks and desert.

''It's right here.'' Jerrica slid the robin's egg green bowl across the island to her twin.

''Thank you.''

''Is Damien coming for the Bar-B-Q?'' Jem just shrugged.

She and Jerrica were wearing similar sun dresses. Jerrica had her hair piled onto the top of her hair, a white sun dress adorned with blue flowers of different shades on one side, flaring at the knees, and blue sandals. Jem, on the other hand, her hair was down with a pink ribbon, the dress was white at the top then fades into pink, form fitting, with pink heels.

''No. He's overseas overseeing some construction for the company he works for.''

''Oh, I was hoping we could finally meet him.'' Jerrica frowned.

''Well, you can't this time.''

Jerrica's frown deepened. Jem had been evasive about the family meeting her new beau. She was concerned about it, Why was Jem being so secretive about her boyfriend? It's like she didn't want them to meet him.

''How are the snacks coming along?'' Ashley grinned from the doorway. The fiesty blonde was in a red and yellow letterman jacket, a black off the shoulder shirt half shirt, high waisted jean shorts, and black flip flops.

''Just fine Ash.''

''Are you two sure you can do this?'' Ashley asked in mock seriousness.

It wasn't hard to figure out that 'The Blonde Benton Twins' couldn't bake. Jerrica always mixed up the measurements and Jem's baking always ended in black cakes and smoking kitchens.

''We've gotten better, and this time it's a team effort. Jem will be sure I get the ingreidients right and I'll be sure that it doesn't burn.''

''I could help you guys.'' She crossed her arms, leaning on the doorframe, legs crossed at the ankle.

''Don't you have you're own task you need to keep up with?'' Jem opened the strawberry cake mix.

''I finished.'' Jerrica grabbed the eggs from the fridge.

''Well, all You, Deidre, and Lela had to do was set up the tables. Does anyone else need help?''

''Aja and Rio are setting up the grill now.'' Jem's face soured for a moment. ''Shana, Raya, Marianne, Terri, and Krissie have decorations covered. Kimber, Becky, Laura, and Nancy are picking out the music.''

''I guess that bout covers everything.'' Jerrica frowned.

''What about the drinks?'' Jem asked.

''That's right! Can you get Raya, she can drive you to the store and get some beverages.''

''Sure thing Jerri.''

''Hey Raya!'' Ashley found the young hispanic woman hanging up streamers on the living room wall with Terri.

''Oh, Did you need something Ashley?'' Raya was wearing a bright yellow tank, capri's, and a pair of white girls. She had her pink dyed hair braided to the back with a ribbon.

Terri was wearing overall shorts, a white T-shirt, brown sandals, and her hair were in two seperate braids to the back.

''Jerri wants us to go up to the store and by drinks, we kinda forgot about them.''

''Okay.'' She stepped down from her step stool and helped Terri down.

''Can I come too?'' Terri asked.

''I don't see why not.''

''We can't have a party without something to drink.''

''Finally!'' Aja said, while wiping her hands clean on a hand towl. Aja was dressed in a simple light blue button up, white shorts, and black flats.

Rio had grown since fours years ago, he washed the dye out of his hair, raking his hands threw his short brown locks. He wore a purple polo and khaki shorts, and brown sandals.

''At least we got the grill up and running. Where's the meat?'' Rio asked.

''Mrs. Jodie was cleaning it last I saw, She should be done now.'' Aja shrugged.

''I'll go check and see if it's finished. Make sure the fire doesn't go out.'' With that Rio jogged up to the patio backdoor.

''Hey Aj, '' She turned to see Shana walking up to her.

Shana was in a soft white blouse with sleeves that stop at the elbows, and a floral patterned silky skirt, and lace strapped wedges.

''What's up Shay.'' She greeted back.

''Where's Rio?''

''He just went into the kitchen.''

''Hm, okay'' She hummed. ''Raya just went to the store for beverages along with Ashley and Terri.''

''Shoot, I wish I'd have known earlier.''

''What is it?''

''I could of asked her to pick up some beer.'' Aja tapped her chin with the tip of her ring finger.

''Not likely, You know Raya doesn't like beer.''

''I know, but I like it. So does Roxx, Rio, and Kim.''

''We can't get a hold of her now, she's gone already.'' Shana shrugged.

''That's fine, I'll ask Roxx to get us some.''

''Aj, there's somethig I need to ask you.''

Aja gave a quirky smile. ''What's wrong Shay, You sound nervous?''

''Antony asked me to marry him.'' Shana blurted.

''What did you say?''

''I didn't know what to say! Jem and The Holograms are still touring and I could'nt just think about me. The girls and Starlight House rely on the money the company makes.'' Aja frowned.

''I'm not seeing the problem.''

''The problem is...I don't know if I want to get married right now. The problem is, he wants an answer tonite before he has to leave. He's shooting a movie in Australia and it will take up to a year.''

''Look Shana, don't let him pressure you into getting married. If you don't want to be with Antony, just tell him.'' Shana stared at her in something akin to horror.

''Did I say something wrong?''

''I don't want us to break up! I'm just not sure about getting married.''

''Shay, you two have been dating for close to five years, you almost live in his condo. You spend as much time there as you do here when we're not on tour, you even have you're own closet space!''

''I...I just don't know.'' Shana started to bite her bottom lip.

''Look, I'm gonna tell you what Jacqui told me: 'Love is never easy, but if you can survive the worse of times than marriage will be a breeze.', kay?'' Aja put a hand on Shana's shoulder.

''I'm still not sure.'' She sighed.

''You have all day to think on this. Don't overwhelm yourself.''

''Thanks Aj.'' She hugged her sister.

''Hey Shana,'' The girls turned to see Rio with a large pan in his hands.

''Hi Rio.''

''Come on Old man, I wanna get some of the meat done before people start to show up.'' Aja took the pan from him and set it on a small fold out table.

''Yeesh, what a hag.'' Rio teased.

''I'll see you guys later.''

Rio watched as Shana walked off. ''Is she going to be okay?''

''Yeah, she's just needs to think.''

''Welp, Let's get this meat on the grill.''

''I just don't see why we have to go,'' Rapture scoffed. She was perched on an armchair in Riot's posh uptown condo.

''We were invited by Jem to attend.'' Riot shrugged.

''Oh please, the invitation was extended to you. She didn't even glance in Minx and I's direction the whole time she was here.''

''No one says you have to go Rapture, if you do not wish to attend this 'Bar-B-Q' than do not waste you're time.'' Minx flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder.

''What are you wearing?'' Rapture blinked. ''Weren't you just wearing a skirt?''

''I had asked Riot and Stormer, they have informed me that most women either wear dresses or jeans to a backyard party. I have decided to wear a summer dress.''

Minx twirled in her strapless yellow sundress with a pair of strapped high heels, her hair was held back from her face with a yellow handband and a white daisy attached to the side.

''You look lovely Minx.'' Riot pat the top of her head.

''Yes,'' Rapture smirked. ''Very, how you say, Americanized.''

''When in Rome,'' Riot fixed the cuffs on his white button up.

''Wish that you were in Paris.'' Minx winked at her counterpart before leaving the room.

''Ugh,'' Rapture rolled her eyes.

''Come now Rapture, you've been so droll lately this is a party.''

''I'd perfer a party in Europe or one of our own celebrations, not some small garden party filled to the brim with heathens.'' She sneered.

''Now, now, That face is very unbecoming Rapture. What has you in such a distasteful mood?''

''How can you go when that panting dog, Pizzazz, will be there?'' She quickly changed the subject.

''Pizzazz and I have a mutual understanding, she has come to the terms that my affection is never what she truly wanted. We are not friends, but we can be in the same room as the other with any problems. Now answer the question.''

''I don't owe anyone an explanation.''

''I never said anything of the sort.'' He raised a finely tweezed brow.

''You didn't have to!'' She stood abruptly. ''You will not bully me into pouring my heart and inner thoughts at you're feet!''

Riot patiently waited as Rapture collected herself. ''It seems to me that your mood is steming from the stress you have been under lately. You have also taken to lashing out at Minx these recent weeks,'' His grey eyes narrowed on her. ''The pressure must be mounting.''

''You are right, It is no concern of mine, See you tommorrow.'' Riot tossed his jacket over his shoulder and strutted out with a wink.

Rapture slowly slumped back down into the arm chair with a heavy sigh.

As The Starlight House Bar-B-Q tilts into full swing, the Benton sisters tension goes with it. Being surrounded by the people they care for and came to call friends did nothing to ease the upcoming storm.

''Um, Shay?'' Vivien 'Video' Montgomery squat next to her long time friend. ''What in, all that is holy, are you doing?''

Shana had nearly fallen out of her hiding spot when she heard Video. ''H-hey Vid. U-uh... I...''

''Are you hiding or something?''

''I... kind of?'' She shrugged.

''What for?''

''It's a bit of a mess.''

''It can't be that bad.''

''Antony wants to propose, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that next step.'' Video winced.

''I can understand that. I'm not the best with love and relationships.''

''Can't you give me some advice, you've known Tony for years, surely he won't be upset if I don't want to get married right away.''

''Again, I'm not the person you should be asking about this, All of my decisions end up with me being single again.''

''I guess,'' She sighed. ''Thanks for listening anyway.''

''Sure thing.''

Across the yard Jerrica and Jem sat at a picnic table glaring the other down over their food. Rio sat next to Jerrica, And Aja sat next to Rio with Roxy on her right side. On Jem's left side was Kimber, Stormer, and Raya.

Everyone else at the table was having a pleasant conversation, save the twins. The problem seems to have started in the kitchen.

So, um Jem?'' Kimber coughed meaningfully.

''Where's this gorgeous guy you've been hiding from us?''

''He's not coming apparently, he has to work.'' Jerrica said coolly.

Jem gave her a scathing look. ''Really? I thought he was going to come. Didn't he say that he'd try to make it?'' Kimber asked.

''He tried and he couldn't make it.'' Jem shrugged.

''Will he be here for Christmas, I at least want to meet him once.''

''Probably not.'' She shrugged.

''Why not-''

''Why are you asking? What does it matter if he's here or not?!'' Jem snapped.

''We just wanted to be nice.''Aja and Roxy exchanged looks.

''Calm down Jem, don't fly off on Kim.'' Rio placated.

''Butt out Rio, I think you've done enough as is.'' Jem glared.

''Oh shit.'' Roxy said under her breath.

''What happend four years ago has no premise for the way you're talking to Kimber!'' Kimber started to shift away from the forming altercation.

''Let's take a walk Rox.'' She and Aja stood from the table and left.

''Please let's not fight, it's a party! We're here to have fun and enjoy our break.'' Raya tried.

''You never know when to mind you're business. What? Your relationship with Rio not going so well. I don't understand how when you're so reliable.'' Stormer started to choke on her strawberry soda.

''Jem!'' Raya gasped.

''I think the meat needs to be checked.'' Rio stood and left the table.

''Are you trying to insult me Jem, If that's all you have it's not as impressive as I thought it would be. But then again you and I were never good at conflict.'' Jerrica stated.

''There you go acting like your perfect!''

''I never implied anything of the sort! I have in no way acted like I was better than anyone here.'' Jem scoffed.

''You talk to everyone like a pompous ass!''

''How do I sound prententious?! I never speak to anyone like I'm better than them, I' m to flawed a person to look down on someone else.'' Jerrica was looking around the backyard to see if anyone had noticed their arguement.

''Don't you think how you are talking now isn't pretentious?''

''Guys, Can't this wait?'' Kimber put a hand on Jem's shoulder.

''Yes, let's talk about this at another time.'' Jerrica dabbed at her mouth with a napkin before standing up.

''Don't bother,'' Jem shrugged Kimber's hand off her and stood up as well. ''I won't be here.''

The girls watched as the pop star stormed away.

''I' am sorry you had to bare witness to that ugly scene.'' Stormer straightened in shock.

''Who me?!'' She shook her head. ''It's fine, every family has it's own spats.''

''Jem wasn't always so... catty, she was just as laid back as Aja.'' Kimber started to wring her hands, she was filled with nervous energy.

''I guess the fame from Jem and The Holograms is putting more pressure on her than I thought.'' Jerrica slumped her shoulders.

''It was either her or you and we all know how difficult it can be for you on stage.''

''This next tour will be the last of Jem and The Holograms for a while. Everyone is pursuing other interest now.'' Raya smiled.

''Not me. Music is everything that I' am, there is no way I'll give it up.'' Kimber grinned.

''That's right! As soon as the tour ends you'll be dropping a new album.'' Stormer said.

''Jerri has been a great help with it, pulling strings to get Luna Dark and Johnny Deacon to perform on it with me!''

''Anything for our baby sister!''

''That's a pretty big baby!'' Four heads swiveled to see Shana coming from the house.

''Hey Shana, how's it going?'' Kimber chirped.

Shana slouched with a frown. ''Not too well, I've been dodging Antony all evening.''

''Why is that?" Raya asked.

''He wants to propose, but I'm kind of afraid of that next step.''

''Oh,''

''Take it from me Shay, marriage changes people. It can really open you're eyes to a new perspective and you see you're potential spouse in a new light.'' Kimber shook her root beer bottle at her.

''Oh lord.'' Shana groaned.

''I think you're advice made it worse.'' Raya put a hand to her cheek.

''You speak as if you're an expert.'' Stormer raised an eyebrow.

''I did almost get married once.'' This time Jerrica groanes, slapping a hand on her forehead.

''First, you two weren't even seriously dating like Shana and Antony are. Second, the only reason he proposed was because he was impulsive and young. Poor guy didn't know any better.'' Jerrica sighed.

''And to think that's not even the worst thing she's ever done.'' Shana chuckled.

''Ah yes, Remember the time she tried to run away with lil Billy Norton?''

''She swore they were in love, but then he left her so he could ride bikes with the other neighborhood boys.'' Kimber huffed.

''He didn't see a good thing when he had it.''

''And don't try to make it seem like I was the only one doing things! I wasn't the one who lost her virginity in our treehouse.'' Stormer started to choke on air.

''I see everything's calmed down.''

''Rio!'' Jerrica grabbed her chest. ''You startled me!''

''You okay?'' He frowned.

''We're just talking about the time you two had sex in our the old Starlight House treehouse.'' Kimber smiled slyly.

''We've never done it there.'' He looked down at Jerrica.

Stormer and Raya looked at each other in slowly dawning comprehension.

''That's because we didn't!'' She giggled nervously. ''It was Aja.''

''No, It-''

''It was Aja!'' Jerrica cut her off. ''You can ask her.''

''Wait, when was this-" Rio held his hands up.

''Jerrica?!''

''Yes Marianne?'' She jumped from her seat and turned to a wide open area of the backyard to see the petite cuban girl waving to her.

''Can you help us with the volleyball net?''

''Sure!'' She bounded away from the table and it's conversation.

''So?'' Rio looked to Kimber.

Before Kimber could speak Shana stepped on her right foot. ''AaH!''

''I guess Kimber was mistaken then, Aja and Jerrica had similar hairstyles when we were younger and it was dark so she could have mixed them up.'' Shana shrugged.

Rio raised an eyebrow. ''Whatever.''

Once he was out of ear shot Kimber turned teary eyes onto Shana. ''Why'd did you have to stomp so hard?''

''I'm sorry, I have wedges on.''

''So, Aja was the one to...'' Kimber wiggled her eyebrows.

''No it was Jerrica up in that treehouse.'' Shana said. ''Rio just wasn't the 'One'.''

''What... but, like Jerrica and Rio have been dating almost ten years.'' Kimber's jaw dropped.

''They never officially started dating untill a month after she lost it.''

''Oh my... So Rio dosen't?!-He wasn't?!-Oooh!'' Kimber cackled. ''I'm gonna lord this over her.''

''You're terrible.'' Raya gasped.

''Big mouth Kimber.'' Stormer shook her head, her dark curls bouncing.

As the evening started to wind down, Rio, with the help of Aja, Antony, and Sean set up fireworks to end the evening.

Shana had been able to evade Antony all day, now she stood inside the kitchen watching out the window.

''Is something the matter?'' Shana spun so quickly she saw stars for a moment.

''Oh! Riot, n-nothing is wrong.''

''Hm.'' He walked towards the fridge.

''You seem nervous and jittery,'' Riot grabbed a bottled water. ''You are also avoiding your parmour, which is very unlike you.''

''I... just...'' She stopped short, what could she say? That she was afraid of signing a piece of paper? That she fears that her happy relationship would turn sour if they got married?

''Instead of hesitating you should take a step forward and be more assertive. You hide away and ask other's to help with you're problems, why not just talk to him.''

''I'm scared.''

''What is there to be afraid of? This is still the same man you've been courting, is it not?'' He asked.

''Well yes,-''

''It appears you feel as if you are not enough and that he will regret his don't you try asking him how he feels, you discourage yourself.'' Riot started to leave. ''Have a good evening.''

''Did I just get love advice from Riot? What has our world come to that Riot of all people can give out helpful advice!'' Shana was too stunned by this development, the girls would never believe it.

''Shana? Are you in here?'' She sighed and took a deep breath.

He's right, She should have talked to Antony first and stopped pussy footing the subject. Shana stood straight and called out to Antony. It was time for her to be the strong person Jerrica and the other's can rely on, it's about time she started seeing herself that way too.

''Bye guys! Drive safe!'' Kimber waved out the last of the guest.

She shut the door and slumped against it. ''I've never noticed how many people we know untill they're all in one place.''

''Everything's cleaned up and the girls are all cleaned up and in bed.'' Rio came from the living room with Jerrica.

''Hey Shay, did you ever talk to Tony?'' Aja leaned her shoulder against the stairs banister.

Shana who had started going up the stairs looked at her sister and friend. ''Actually, I did.''

''How'd it go?'' Kimber shuffled to the stairs.

''I'm missing something.'' Rio said. Jerrica patted his shoulder in sympathy.

''Riot was the one to shake me out of my funk.''

''What?''

''No way.'' Kimber scoffed.

''How so Shana?'' Jerrica asked.

''He made me realize that I was never afraid of losing Antony or being married, I was afraid that I wasn't good enough. Not everyone can be 'wife' material.''

''Shay, You would make an awesome wife and mother. You do great with the girls and you love Antony.''

''I know, it was just a silly irrational fear and I've gotten past it.''

''So, Do I hear wedding bells?'' Rio teased.

''Not yet. Antony only proposed because he thought that's what I wanted, we both decided we could wait a little longer.''

''That's great!'' Aja smiled.

''Yeah, you two are so cute you make me gag.'' Kimber stuck her tongue.

''Har har,'' Aja deadpanned. ''Keep it up Kimber and you might actually make it past 'Do you..'.''

''Just so mean~.''

''Night Rio.'' Aja waved.

''Drive safe.'' Shana grabbed Kimber's arm and helped her up the stairs.

''Bye Rio.''

''See you girls in the morning.''

''Thanks for your help Rio.'' Jerrica kissed his cheek.

''Anytime Jerri.''