Thank you for all the amazing reviews and suggestions! I'm definitely going to take all of those into consideration when continuing with this story. I hope you guys like this chapter! Please read and review! If you have any ideas for the next couple chapters please feel free to say so. I might just incorporate some of them.

Chapter 10

"I still don't understand your problem."

"I'm grounded until tomorrow, but tonight is Belle's party." Aviva doesn't look like she cares. Her thoughts are on the project they have to start. "I don't want to miss the first big party of the year. That's my problem."

Aviva sighs. "Someone should tell those starving kids in Africa to get over it."

"Shut up." Somehow Aviva always has a way of putting everything in perspective while staying sarcastic; it's a skill Callie usually finds amusing. "Maybe I'll be let out early on account of my good behavior."

Too be honest, Callie's been as good as gold. She even stuck by Auntie Pen when Will and JJ went out with friends last night. She could've snuck out to see Ben, but she didn't. From what she hears throughout the school day; he and Jack are doing okay. Diana, Jack and Leslie have come to an agreement; Ben is gradually going to spend more time with the Hodgins family. Starting tonight, he'll spend every weekend with them and after Christmas he's set to move in. But, he also has to go out to dinner with Leslie one night a month. Everyone, but Ben thinks that's a good plan but the fifteen year old is feeling overwhelmed with these newfound commitments.

Alex cut in. "The first real party was the weekend after school started." He's managed to appear out of nowhere, but is able to piss them off in seconds. "What? I'm just being honest. Look, I'm not going either."

"You aren't? What? Did your daddy forbid it?" Aviva teased with raised eyebrows. It isn't like Alex Karvelle to miss a party, especially one of Belle's parties. He likes to attend to make sure Belle doesn't get too slutty or drunk. In a sense, he's her guardian angel who always puts her to bed before she's gotten out of hand.

"Screw you, I've gotta watch Sophia. Nicky and Jake are staying with their grandparents in Charlotte." Alex said with a trace of nervousness in his voice. He'll have to sneak Sophia into Belle's party too – prop her in front of a T.V. Belle gets too rowdy at her parties. Lately, her wild stage has yet to taper off like it usually does. "Can you watch Belle until I get there Aves? Wait, are you going?" It normally falls on either him or Grace to watch Belle.

Aviva shrugged. "Sure, my parents are going to Saratoga this weekend and since Nate's heading back to school Mags is in charge and she'll be too busy Facetiming her boyfriend to care what I do."

"Her boyfriend's Wyatt's brother, right?" Callie questioned with her brow furrowed.

"Yeah, Brendan, the army one; he's cool. I don't know why he's dating Mags." Aviva chuckles understanding her sister would be annoyed by that comment while Nate would find it funny.

Callie shoots her a grin. She and Aviva have become the better friends in their group. The former foster kid thought she and Belle would've hit it off, but Belle Friar is too wild for her. And that's saying something since Callie Scott prides herself on being spontaneous. However, it seems like Isabelle has a death wish.

"You sorta met Jimmy when we got busted. He used to be all right. Now he's a grade A dickwad." Alex said as they walk outside where their respective parents are waiting or in his case where the buses are. Dad is a believer in his kids walking home from school; rain or shine. Thank God it rarely snows in Virginia. Jimmy Copeland used to be cool, but now that he works for the locals he's just as jerky as the rest of them.

"Is Wyatt going?" The blonde questioned her eyes wandering over to where Wyatt is laughing at something Zac Greer says. She frowns as the grin is wiped from Wyatt's face and he steps away from the handsome boy.

The tan skinned girl follows Callie's gaze. "Yeah, probably, he usually does."

"He likes Belle's parties the most." Alex groans feeling Aviva nudge him sternly. "What'd you hit me for? You know it's true. Wyatt loves going to Belle's parties. Doubt he'd ever admit it." There's something in his tone that makes Callie pull a face, like he's saying everything but nothing all at once. She crosses her arms feeling like an outside again. The others don't try to make her feel that way, but they have a history together. Callie feels that way at home too, like she's intruding on the perfect family. "If you really wanna go new girl just do what I do."

The blonde rubs her brow. "What do you do?"

"Sneak out, you gotta love a classic." He shrugged indifferently. Being a foster kid Callie can read people pretty well and Alex seems like he always is when he talks about his dad, tense. Alex smirks. "There's my bus, see yah – or in your case new girl; I'll be seeing yah tomorrow when your mommy and daddy let you out." He saunters off.

"Shove it up your ass, Karvelle." Callie shouted earning the gazes of bystanders, in particular, frowns from adults in spitting distance. She feels her cheeks go ablaze. Callie hopes JJ didn't hear that. "He's such a dick sometimes."

"Try having classes with him for ten years." The other girl remarked in feigned annoyance. They share a laugh until the sound of JJ honking her horn breaks the teens out of their snickers.

Callie sighed. "There's the warden, I'll try to get out."

"Good luck, if you need a lift text Grace. Her sister Cass is nice so she might get you." Aviva stated as Callie nods, Grace offered her that several times today. Anyone else would've thought the ginger was a stalker but Callie has come to realize that Grace is persistent. The tan girl sees Maggie motion for her to hurry up and she pauses. "Hey, you don't have to go. We're coming over tomorrow. Anyway, Belle has lots of parties and the same thing happens at all of them; Belle gets smashed, Alex takes care of her, Wyatt hooks up with Zac, Grace gets all gooey with Mason and I sit back watching the madness." Aviva starts to walk away. "But, I guess it'd be nice to have someone to watch with." Her words render Callie speechless; she still has a lot to learn about this group.

The teenager bites her lip as she opens the car door. She looks a bit taken-aback at the sight of her mother sitting in the driver's side and not her stepfather. "Why're you here and not Natalie?" That sounds a lot ruder than Callie intended, but she's honestly surprised to see JJ. Usually her parents are working and they rely on Natalie to pick all of them up. The college sophomore is actually okay; JJ, Will and Callie have discussed how she's more there for the boys rather than her. Well, this week Callie is supposed to stay home which she did.

"Hello to you too, Grumpy," JJ chuckled teasingly as the teenager rolls her eyes huffily. This action alone makes the mother frown warningly. She's let a lot of things slide lately but her patience with Callie's bad attitude is starting to wear thin. "Watch it Cal, I'm not above giving you a time-out when we get home." Her kid has the sense to look moderately abashed. "Oh and my day was fine thank you for asking."

"All right, I guess I'm sorry. But you never pick me up." The young girl has the sense to look abashed.

"Excuse me? I dropped you off this morning." Her mother replied all the while trying to keep a steady tone, some woman with a Massachusetts license plate just cut her off.

Callie countered. "But, you don't usually pick me up."

"True, but now we're splitting hairs here." JJ's tone has taken a firm edge causing Callie to realize she shouldn't push her foster mother any further. "So how was school today, sweets?"

"Okay, I had a test in math. I thought I got like a B on it, but now I dunno cause Alex and Grace said they got different answers than me." Callie explained biting her lip. Before she hands in most tests, Callie does what she presumes a lot of other students do; she calculates what she thinks she'll get. The teenager frowns to herself as she realizes another very important thing. "Hey, where's the squirt?"

"He's at Finley's birthday party. Wait, you had a test today and didn't tell us?"

The younger blonde asked, bemused. "I'm supposed to tell you when I have a test?"

"Yes," the mother tries not to sound too annoyed. She has to keep reminding herself that they need to take baby steps with Callie because the teen hasn't had to answer to anyone besides Tanya. She comes to a red light. "Babe, Will and I want to help you prep for tests. In fact we'd love helping you. From now on, you tell us when you have a test–" JJ pauses studying her kid. "Tell us when you first hear about it okay?"

"Sure fine, I didn't think you guys cared about that junk. Guess Tanya was right." Callie shrugged appearing almost amused by this revelation. She and her social worker/counselor, Tanya has started having bi-weekly meetings with one another…just to ensure her progress. JJ, Will, and Tanya have also met with one another discussing Callie's status and how she seems to be thriving under their guardianship. Callie coughs. "So I've been really good."

The mother parks her car and walks towards the door. Over her shoulder she nods in agreement. "You have."

"And today's the last day of this." Callie follows after JJ who seems to be desperately trying to avoid having this conversation, but the teenager isn't going to give up. She has to at least ask. It doesn't hurt.

"Your grounding, you mean." JJ finally stops as they enter her and Will's room. Her husband happens to be on his last button of his shirt with glistening hair. Thank God he has pants on or else Callie would be scared for life.

Callie can tell her cheeks are bright red. "Uh-huh, I was thinking maybe I could sleep over Belle's tonight."

"Is this you asking my permission to go or asking for me to end your grounding early?" Will interceded as he ruffles his foster daughter's hair and gives JJ a light kiss on the lips.

"Uh both?" Callie asked her bright blue eyes brimming with hope.

JJ rubs her forehead. Her mind is elsewhere. Like on the fact that she finally got through with Robert's secretary, Nora today and planned a meeting with him next weekend. "We'll think about it." Really, all she can think about is seeing Robert again. A part of her still despises him for up and leaving without so much as a goodbye. Another part doesn't want to see him because that means they're going to have to tell him about Callie and if JJ remembers right she knows he'll do the honorable thing. Or at least, he was noble when she knew him.

"You're avoiding my questions." Callie huffed in typical teenage arrogance.

Will folds his arms over his chest. "That may be the case, but we're in charge so we can."

"Are you? It's not like you're my real dad, Will." Callie retorted thoughtlessly almost instantly regretting her words upon saying them. She likes Will. He's been a real good friend to her since moving in here. Granted, he's starting to become sort of annoying in a dad sort of way, but maybe he'll ease up soon.

"Callie," JJ began.

Will holds up his hand stopping JJ from continuing and answered. "She's right Cher, I'm not her daddy. But, I am legally responsible for you and I care about you just like I know your mama does so because of that I want yah to show me some respect. Got it?" Callie nods. "Ah that reminds me, your mama and I are going away on a trip next weekend. Auntie Pen and Uncle Spencer will be here. You feel all right with that?" The foster father asked resisting the urge to feel any sort of pain envelop within his chest. He considers Callie like one of his own.

The little Jareau attempts to keep the wide-eyed grin from tickling her cheeks. This is perfect. "Sure that's ah uh that's Halloween weekend right?" Now there's no way she can get in trouble next weekend. Although, she highly doubts her parents would mind a little pranks anyway.

"Trouble any ideas of trouble dancing in your head ain't worth it." The dad remarked messing up her wild blonde curls in amusement. "Why don't yah grab a snack while your mama and I finish talking?"

"If you're gonna talk about me, shouldn't I be here too?" Their very sassy teenager questioned earning twin eye rolls from both parents who know that's fair, but there are some topics that they need to talk alone.

"Sweets this may come to a surprise but, we do have lives outside of you. I swear between you and Henry you'd think the sun rose and set for you two. Will and I need to have a grown-ups talk. Go on scoot." The mother said not sounding even the slightest bit annoyed as she sends Callie off with a light pat to her rear.

"And no eavesdroppin' little darlin' or your mama will cook dinner tonight." Will warned with a smirk causing his grin to widen at Callie's mock-horrified look.

JJ pretends to look insulted as her daughter dashes out of the room. She turns to her husband. "I'll have you know my cooking isn't that bad."

"Oh course not Cher; I personally love your chicken surprise." He chuckled causing his wife to shoot him a rather scathing scowl. "So," Will checks the door making sure Callie isn't in hearing distance. "What're we gonna do about next weekend? I know Tanya wants us ta meet him, but I feel like we're lyin' to Callie by not taking her along."

"Tanya's right, Callie is doing better with us and this could set her back. What happens if Robert doesn't want to know her? Or worse he doesn't acknowledge her?" JJ asked although a part of her remembers Robert being a really good guy. That's why she was so surprised when he abandoned her.

Will asked. "He's been dodging your calls, ain't he?"

"Not him directly, but close enough, I had to schedule a meeting for us to see him."

"What does he do again?"

"He's the CEO of Perry International." That company is huge in business endeavors; they often fund small-time inventors aiding them in becoming huge successes for a price. "When we were younger he wanted to be a mechanic." He once repaired this incredible 72' Impala, JJ wonders what ever happened to it.

"Huh," The foster father rubs his chin. "Are you sure about this? What if he wants her? He has money, Cher. He could take her from us." Will knows this is selfish, but he does care about Callie and he knows how much JJ and Henry especially adore the baby Jareau.

JJ runs a hand through her thick blonde hair with a weary expression. "Robert wouldn't do that. Look, I don't want to tell him either, but she's his daughter too. We can't just keep Callie from him and her from him either. They both deserve a chance to get to know one another."

"What if he doesn't wanna get to know her? What do we tell her?" Her husband speaks the thought that's been nagging in the back of JJ's mind. It's a fair one too. She's read Time articles about his 'wonderful' life with second wife Lillian Coleman-Perry and how he's considering running for Mayor. He also has two boys from his first marriage with hotel manager, Victoria Kyle. This would definitely ruin any possible campaign ideas.

"We don't. If Robert wants to get to know her, then we'll tell her, but if he doesn't we ah well we won't…agreed?" In the back of her mind, JJ knows her husband would never agree with this. She just doesn't want to see Callie get hurt.

Will protested. "Cher." He can't do that to Callie.

"Don't 'Cher' me, Will LaMontange. I'm not going to hurt our little girl like that."

"I don't wanna hurt her either, but Callie deserves to know the outcome. This is her life." He replied for once taking a stand on his role towards Callie. She may not be his kin, but that doesn't mean he's going to keep secrets about her life from her either. "Lookit, say she finds out we did this one day and never forgives us."

"I guess we'll just have to not tell her then." JJ declared. Even though, she promised Callie they'd always be honest with her there's always a line. They're the parent and they have to protect Callie…from everything; no matter what. She runs a hand through her hair with pursed lips. "I'm going to pick Henry up from the Herron's."

"You promised we'd always be honest with her, Jennifer." Will called immediately reminding his wife who swallows hard feeling the guilt rise in her stomach.

The profiler is halfway out the door when she stops. "I'll be back in half an hour. Can you start dinner?" She turns looking at her husband in a pleading sort of way causing Will to nod.

There was an eerie stillness over the course of that evening which led into dinner. Callie noticed, Henry noticed, hell Michael probably noticed it too. Callie's been in homes like this before with parents always fighting over random crap, but Will and JJ hardly if ever argue. They bicker playfully but they're always affectionate. The teen guesses whatever they're 'not arguing' about must be serious. So definitely not a good time to ask if she can head out to a party then, afterwards Callie leaps at the opportunity to clean up while Henry watches some T.V.

However much she tries, Callie can't get the idea of going to Belle's party out of her head. She has to go. Everyone she's become friends with is going to be there. As the minutes turn into an hour then another one, Callie grabs a book off the shelf deciding to get lost in Treasure Island. This doesn't last long because her gaze keeps flickering to the T.V.'s clock. She sighs rereading a sentence for the eighth time tonight. She can't miss the biggest party of the month. They've made plans to prank people on Halloween. And Belle only turns fifteen once. Plus this will be her first time going to a party with this crew. Her gaze flickers over to the door of her room, JJ never did follow through on her threat to nail it shut. She rubs the back of her neck.

It has been a very long grounding. And at precisely twelve tonight Callie's no longer grounded.

She takes a cursory glance around the kitchen; Henry and Will are reading together, JJ's mulling over some file in her bedroom and Mike is already tucked away in bed. Callie presumes after they finish this chapter that Henry will be sent to be as well. The teenager purses her lips together before deciding to go with Alex's idea.

"I ah I think I'm gonna hit the sheets."

Will's eyebrows nearly reach his hair line in shock. Callie's worse than Henry about going to bed. "You all right, Trouble?" He asked reaching over on the couch to feel her forehead. The very parental act alone causes Callie to inwardly tense up. "Huh, yah don't feel warm. How's your stomach? Do you hurt anywhere?"

"I'm fine, just tired from school…you know how it is." Callie said as she struggles to keep the redness from burning her cheeks. When did she become such a shitty liar? Surely, she was better at this deception deal before moving in with the freaking Cleaver family. A part of her – that's growing larger with each passing day likes it. Everything feels safe, secure. Like the ground isn't going to come crumbling out from beneath her.

"It's been a while, but I guess I do. Hey, least when yah wake up you'll be free as a bee." The foster parent said as if Callie even needed reminding. Much to his surprise, Callie gives him a hug goodnight and ruffles Henry's hair, the little boy is quick to bid his sister farewell mostly because she's cutting into his daddy-time.

A frown forms on Will's face as he watches the short teen walk off to her bedroom. He has half a mind to tell Cher…hell what would he say? That he has a weird feeling. That makes about as much sense as using damp wood to build a shed. The father suddenly feels Henry tugging on his arm.

"Daddy, daddy it's your turn." Henry stated in an annoyed tone causing Will to wonder if the boy ever gets a bit frustrated their attention has been more on Callie than him lately. "This page," he points fully expecting his father to understand and is pleased when he does. "

"Gotcha, now where were we…" Will clears his throat gearing himself to read the last page in this chapter. So far they've dominated The Magic Tree House Books, defended the realms with The Knights of the Kitchen Table, and are currently chuckling through Flat Stanley.

Callie meanwhile is brushing her teeth trying to figure out how she's going to do this. Her foster parents aren't stupid enough to fall for the old pillow under blankets trick. And Callie Isn't stealthy enough to tiptoe out the front door. Guess she'll have to go through her bedroom window like before. Here's hoping she doesn't get caught. With that the blonde heads into her room quickly shedding off her pajamas for some party clothes cute enough for a boy to flirt with her but not too slutty. The fourteen year old keeps her door ajar before turning off her light. Callie figures if she shuts her door completely that might arouse suspicion. You can never be too careful when it comes to having cops as parents. With that in mind, Callie slides across the floor deciding to put her shoes on outside rather than make any sort of noise. After opening the window and tossing her shoes out of it, the young girl starts to maneuver herself over it when the light in her room flicks on.

"Seriously?" JJ's voice echoes in the room, tired and annoyed. As though the bedroom light has caused her to become frozen, Callie cringes. She doesn't even notice her mother stalking over and practically yanking her back inside…in a weirdly gentle manner. Huh, Callie's certain she must've learned that at Quantico because usually when someone pulls her it hurts. "I knew I should've nailed your window shut."

"JJ, it's not what it looks like. I was just uh – you see, I was…I dropped my shoe and I was gonna get it." The lie even sounds ridiculous to the fourteen year old.

JJ pinches the bridge of her nose counting to ten. "That's what you're going with? You dropped a shoe out the window and are going to get it. But, you're holding the other shoe or you were. Out of all the material out there you've decided to go with that? How stupid do you think I am?" The mother questioned. "If you have any sense at all, you won't answer that Caroline." There's silence. JJ's really at a loss as to what to do. She only came in here because Will texted her saying something felt fishy. "You have ten seconds to give me one good reason why I shouldn't extend your grounding another week."

"I'd be grounded on Halloween. That's sort of child abuse."

"Yeah but I don't think it'd go to trial." JJ is deciding to be witty. "Seven seconds left."

Callie blurted. "Because…because, I wouldn't like it."

"Hmm, that's a leading factor in why I should extend it. Now five," The mother countered. "Oh now it's four," she can sense the girl is starting to sweat. Her kid is unsure if she's serious but wants to see if she can get away with almost sneaking out. Anyway, JJ figures a healthy dose of discipline is exactly what Callie needs.

"I didn't wanna miss Isabelle's birthday! If I miss hers, I might not get invited to another one." Callie said her brutal honesty shocking them both. She blinks. The realization didn't even strike her until this very second. She sits down on the bed appearing stunned, but continues quietly. "I-I've moved around a lot okay? So I don't have a shit ton of friends – and I like the ones I have now. I know you and Will don't, but I do."

JJ profiles her daughter taking in no signs of deceit. In fact, this is the first time it appears Callie's being absolutely truthful. She closes her eyes. If only the teenager had come up with a lousy excuse like she had done before then this would've been a hell of a lot easier. She would've extended the grounding and locked her window. Then in the morning she would've officially nailed it shut. But, her kid had to go and be honest. She sits down beside her.

"Honey, we don't always appreciate the trouble you get into with your friends, but we do like them." JJ's voice has lost its edge. "Babe, really listen to me, you have to stop trying to trick us all the time. If we'd known why you wanted to go out, then we would've let you. I want you to start talking to us…and when you say yes ma'am and you will say yes ma'am when I'm done talking, I want you to mean it got it?"

"Yes ma'am." Callie answered meeting her mother's eyes.

"Here's the deal, you can sleep over Isabelle's–" the teenager wraps her arms around JJ. "But, if I find out you did something you shouldn't and you can bet that I will find out because I know everything. It's a skill all moms have, then you'll really be in trouble. Are we clear on that?" Her mother warned wagging a serious finger at her. There's no way she's going to approve of her young teenager drinking at this age.

The little blonde responded. "Yes ma'am."

"Good, now do you need a ride or can you have someone pick you up?"

"Grace's sister can get me." Callie grabs a stray pair of pajamas and clothes to change into for tomorrow. "Will told you he thought I was gonna sneak out right?" She asked wanting to make sure she has all her bases covered.

"Oh yeah, he also told me you'd have a good reason." JJ answered rolling her eyes at the text Will sent her about how was adorable. Odd, how he knew straight off the get-go though. JJ sighs she must be losing her touch or it's probably that their disagreement really shook her. The mother suddenly appraises her not so innocently dressed teenager daughter in slight horror. "I want you to have fun sweets, but you're changing into more appropriate clothes." The look Callie gives her, JJ swears she's given her mother the same one who knows how long ago. "Ah, ah, ah, don't give me that look babe." Her kid mutters something under her breath but does as she's told.

It's around ten when Callie and Grace arrive at Isabelle's estate. The party it seems is already in full swing. Grace's sister Cass drives off but not before warmly warning her sister to behave herself. The place is surprisingly packed considering how small their grade is. Their entire high school must be here, or at least anyone Belle has deemed worthy of coming to her house. Callie's been to a few parties in her life, but this is a real rager.

"Cals!" A very tipsy Belle greeted her practically dragging the other blonde to the bar where some junior with a minx haircut is mixing drinks. "There you are. I've been looking for you forever!" She wraps her arms around the older blonde practically reeking of booze.

"I just got here." Callie rocks on her heels awkwardly.

Isabelle throws back another shot before staring at Callie seriously. "That's why I couldn't find you." She looks like she's completely in her element, wild and untamed. Her make-up even seems a little wild too, like she put it on without looking but almost sexy in a way. Like, she wants to look less put together to through people off.

"I guess it is. Where'd Grace go?" The foster kid asked. It seemed like just a second ago Grace was standing beside her and now she's somehow managed to disappear. What the fuck just happened? Callie wondered.

"To get shit-faced and cuddle with Mason. I'm gonna let you in a on a secret Callie," Belle sways slightly as she hands Callie a shot of vodka. "We're all fucked up. I mean like it'd be funny if it wasn't so fucking sad."

Callie questioned uneasily. "How much have you had to drink exactly?"

"Not enough," Isabelle quickly pours herself another shot.

"Maybe you should drink this before you have anymore. Don't you wanna remember this night?"

"Oh loosen up," the girl snapped. "I'm having fun. You should try it." She pours another shot for her friend who appears a little uneasy about having to drink. She's been around people who drink a lot and it isn't pretty. Callie honestly prefers to do what Aviva advised and watch the madness unfold.

"I don't think so." Callie backtracks. She promised JJ she wouldn't drink. And she can't go back on her word, at the moment Callie's sort of working to earn back the trust she lost. "Someone has to be responsible."

Isabelle clearly has had too much to drink. "Let someone else be responsible. You're spending the night here – you are crashing here right?" The way Belle Friar sees it, responsibilities are what happen when people get boring and she has decided to never be boring. Anyway, it's not like her parents give a shit. "See, take advantage of it."

"Hey guys, I've had four shots and I feel fine." Grace dances over to them. Her eyes are slightly glistening with a buzz that has Callie's head spinning. This is insane. She befriended complete alcoholics.

"Weren't you going to find Mason?" Isabelle asked. When she first ran into Grace, the kindhearted red head proclaimed her desire to find the apparent love of her life and promptly hook up with him. Mason doesn't like hooking up with his girlfriend when she's gone, but that doesn't stop Gracie from trying.

Grace pouted. "Yeah and I did, but he like disappeared."

"I think it was the other way around." Mason wraps his arms around her waist pulling her close to him. He plays with his girlfriend's auburn tinted hair appearing amused. "There you are."

"Mase," Grace cheered easily. "I missed you." She leans into his touch quite happily. Honestly, Callie wonders how the hell she managed to get this shit-faced within the short amount of time they've been here. They couldn't have been here for more than twenty minutes.

Mason gapes at his girlfriend shaking his head in dismay. "You did? Oh wow, you've been having too much fun in the twenty minutes you've been here." Grace kisses him causing Belle and Callie to sigh. "You're so beautiful." He commented earnestly making Callie almost throw-up. She swears those two are worse than Haley and Nathan from One Tree Hill.

"Where's Alex anyway?" Callie asked. She expected the dick to come sauntering out the minute he saw Cass drop them off and was pleasantly surprised to find that he didn't. Really though, Callie likes teasing with Alex; it's a lot like bantering with Ben – only Ben is nicer.

"Ugh, he was right there a second ago." Isabelle complained. "He must be with Sophia." She loves Sophia Karvelle like a kid sister and always lets the nine year old sleep over. Alex doesn't trust his father not to lose his temper, especially when Sophia gets sassy. She's the only one who talks back. Granted Nicky and Jake are barely three therefore their linguistics aren't expansive yet, but still. He has to protect her.

Callie can't be the only one who's stunned by this. She gapes at the group and just as Aviva walks over with a beer in hand, questions. "Sophia? As in Sophia his nine year old sister? He took his little sister to a house party?" The others don't even appear surprised.

"He does it a lot. That kid is going to need therapy like you wouldn't believe." Aviva shrugged. They all look out for Sophia and no one would dare mess with Alex's little sister. If they did, well it wouldn't be pretty. Hell, half the school would consider killing them. She's sort of like their mascot. "So you came. You sneak out?" Aviva asked a smirk tugging on the sides of her cheeks.

"No my mom let me sleepover after all." Callie answered as Aviva nods in approval.

Alex's voice causes Callie to roll her eyes. "Ooh new girl I knew you couldn't resist one of Belle's parties."

"Yeah, I see your daddy let you out." The blonde retorted gearing up for a match of wills, however, Isabelle bravely and drunkenly cuts in before the pair can get their swords out.

"Alex, dance with me!" Isabelle takes his hand winking at Callie over her shoulder.

"With pleasure," Alex lets her lead him onto the presumed dance floor while adding in a mutter. "We're just gonna dance Belles, nothing more." Callie has to strain to hear it and is sufficiently stunned. She never thought Alex would be the type to ever refuse a girl, especially when that girl is Isabelle Friar.

Aviva smirked. "I think she's the only one who doesn't know how much he loves her." She squints as though only just realizing something. "I've gotta check on Wyatt. Be back when I'm back." The tan skinned girl pulls a face upon seeing her friend appears tense at the prospect of being alone. "Don't worry, no one's gonna mess with you; half the people here think you're a convict and the other half think you're a pyromaniac."

"That's not really a compliment Viva." Callie shouted to her friend's retreating back which causes the other girl in return to wave her off. The blonde heads upstairs putting her backpack in Isabelle's closet and then returning back downstairs, she goes out to the back porch. Isabelle's house is beautiful. Callie bets it's even better in the morning without all the drunken kids or strewn solo cups. She sits down on the porch staring up at the sky aimlessly before feeling someone plop down beside her, asking.

"So, what's your story?"

Callie recognizes the voice. It's the same one she heard on her first day at Fortitude Grace, the one who told her about possible escape routes. She looks over. The guy has wavy hair as dark as night and a mix of green-blue eyes that are leaning towards green. "I don't have a story." Callie answered. "I'm just a girl at a party."

"I'm just a guy at a party." He nods holding up his drink nodding at her.