*WHEW*

I could go on forever on the many excuses as to why this chapter is so late, but in the end there're no excuses that really make it up *sigh* sorry guys, you must think I'm a horrible, neglectful biatch right? *Sad face* I'm sorry!

Well, to make it up to you (or it may be a curse, idk) this chapter is like, TWICE (no joke) as big as the others. I couldn't help it, I had to have this club scene done and done. And...it's done! :) I hope you can forgive me, as my love shows in length. The downside being it can be hard to read when it's MASSIVE, but do try...i tried hard :)

Warning- guys, I finally broke and there is going to be some serious swearing. Nothing OTT, but I noticed a lot of stories with T ratings have ALOT of F-bombs and S-bombs, I tried to avoid it as much as possible, and you find my characters use 'crap' and 'freakin' instead of...you know...nothing major, but...well...warning :)

WITH THANKIES TOOOOO... *dun dudda duh!*

miss-black-eyeliner: Aw, thankyou :D I love writing Abby, I don't know why...maybe because her postions probably the worst. Ahh poor Abs, the things I do to my characters... hehe. I hope you like this chapter! :D

shejams: Omg new reviewer! *CONFETTI!* *BALLOONS!* *CAKE* *FIREWORKS*

(Dingo: you think she's desperate?

Me: Back in the cage, you!)

Hope you like the update :D

mel: No, you rock! :D hehe had to say it. Thankies!

Kameko-Lullaby: Lol, gotta say I love writing drunk scenes :P no idea why :D And thanks *squeals!* love to know people actually find me humerous :P Hope you like the update :D

simi838: I know, I saw that ay! So I'm guessing you're on Team Taylor? I don't like her but still nobody deserves that! *sigh* old gossip, but still :D Hope you like my chapter Aussie pal ;P

sstoons3425: Aw, thanks :) I hope you like this chapter...I'm always hoping to improve my 'fluff writing skills' because I don't think I'm that good at it :) Not too much fluff in this chapter, but Enjoy!

Starlight Kittycat: Hehe, thank you so much! :D sorry for the wait! Hope you like it :)

hellopandaluver : Hehe, thanks :D I hope you like the fluff in this chapter...please don't kill me for the ending... *takes cover* :D enjoy! (if you can get through it...I almost can't *pants*)

itsaDoggyDogworld : Lol, thankyou! It's good to be back, I hope you can get through this chapter! :| Hows your stories going? :)

Laurie43 : Aw, your reviews are always awesomesauce :D Dodge and Fanny...i never expected they'd be a likeable couple...maybe I should do a poll! :D Another love triangle? Hehe, thankyous :) I hope you like this chapter! Let me know what you think :P

camisado: LOL, I doubt it ay? Gosh, well at least one person out there does ;) Thanks for getting my totally lameass jokes :D

OOO, btw- I make a cameo with my friend ;) I bet you can guess who I am! MUHAHA!...I'm the boring one :P

Hollie groaned and rolled over as she heard someone knocking on the door. She'd just been having the best dream, but instead she'd woken in the same sleazy motel as the night before. She groggily opened her sticky eyes to a mascara stained pillow. She sighed and rose to her feet, rubbing her smeared eyes and running a hand through her long, tangled hair. As she stumbled across the cheap, shag carpet, all she could think of was breakfast- her head throbbing and her stomach aching. With a yawn, she opened the motel door, blinking in surprise at the sight she saw.

"Dingo…" She cooed croakily, turning. "Dodge…" She bit down on her tinted lips as she stared at the two boys, who glared back. She smirked and ran her finger down the doorway delicately, her hazel eyes now wide and glistening maliciously. It was only early, and both boys looked as though they'd just gotten out of bed, thrown jeans and a jacket on with large aviator sunglasses- probably due to matching hangovers. Dingo growled at his ex, and looked at her up and down.

"Hollie" He snarled at her. "Do you ever wear clothes?"

She frowned and looked down at the leopard print bra and small pink panties she was wearing. She only then realised what she probably looked like- her amateur dyed hair teased and her face caked in makeup, her eyeliner smudged from where she hadn't wiped it off the night before. A regular, cheap, trashy masterpiece. She grinned, her lined eyes travelling back to his.

"Like it matters." She smirked. "You've seen it all before."

Dingo rolled his eyes irritably as Dodge sniggered. He was leaning against the brick wall of the motel; his head throbbing from last night's drinking session. He was still recovering from being dragged out of bed roughly by Dingo about 10 minutes earlier, and was still half asleep. He shifted his glasses off his face and gave his old friend a look.

"So… can we come in…?" Dodge mumbled. "Or are you gonna leave us to roast out here?"

Hollie sighed and pushed open the door, silently inviting them into the motel room. The boys entered and were automatically overpowered by the strong scent of perfume. Dingo grimaced as he recognized that smell- he hated that smell, it was Hollie's smell. The bathroom door opened and a gust of swirling steam escaped. Bonny stepped out, a small white towel wrapped around her dripping wet body. She grinned widely at the two visitors and skipped up for a hug, wrapping her damp arms around Dodge, who stiffened.

"Hi Stranger." She whispered sensually into his ear. He felt a cold drop of water drip down his neck and he shivered, giving his ex a tight grimace. Dingo lowered his sunglasses as Hollie bent over for her sweatpants, slipping them on and yawning. Dingo groaned to himself and rolled his eyes, dropping onto the hotel bed. Just being in his ex-girlfriends company brought him back to who he used to be. A few black and white, ugly memories flashed into his mind as he looked around the trashy, cheap motel.

17 year old Dingo stood in the bathroom of his apartment, chugging down a glass bottle of straight vodka so sloppily the clear liquid was dripping down his chin and down his neck, all the way down his chest. He slammed the empty bottle down on the counter and shivered, looking at himself in the mirror. He looked a total mess and his head would not stop buzzing…his eyes itched and his skin was tingling. His vision blurred and his stomach ached.

He muttered a curse as he slammed his forehead against the mirror, clawing at the glass. He felt so screwed up…whatever he took it mustn't have been good. It didn't agree with him. It wasn't a good hit and this wasn't a good buzz. He ran a few fingers through his hair and began shaking uncontrollably, stumbling his way back to bed.

Holly suddenly walked in, looking irritated and twitchy. Dingo snarled at her. It was her fault...she was the one who got the junk in the first place…unreliable whore. God he was starting to hate her. She was such a bitch, always passing out at parties and ending up in the emergency room. She wailed for his attention and always screamed at him. Every time they were together they fought, and since both were just as stubborn they didn't go easy on each other.

"Where the HELL were you last night?!" She screamed at him, her eyes wild and her face pale. She had a smear of dried blood under her nose and leaned against the doorway hauntingly, her pale fingers splayed out against the plaster. Dingo snarled at her, his lips twitching and his head pounding.

"Where was I?!" He sneered, matching her volume. "WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?! YOU BITCH! YOU LEFT ME AT THAT CRAP CLUB JUST SO YOU COULD MAKE OUT WITH SOME ASSHOLE!"

"AND YOU AND YOUR CHEAP SLUTS ARE SO MUCH DIFFERENT?!" She hollered back, now sobbing. "I HATE YOU! YOU HYPOCRITE! I HATE YOU! WHY DON'T YOU JUST DIE?!"

The lovers lunged at each other, hoping to cause as much damage to the other as possible. Dingo's hands wrapped around the girl's neck where as she fought tooth and nail to kick, scratch and bite him, screaming every insult she could. Both had been together ever since they were about 14 years old, and would never have dreamed they would be like this…but due to Holly's 'connections', Dingo's 'business' and the couple's constant substance abuse this was almost regular in their relationship. It was a destructive hell for the both of them, only staying together because they couldn't imagine being apart..

Dingo roughly threw Holly against the wall and backed away, trembling as his head throbbed. Holly coughed roughly, blood appearing on her lips. She wasn't ready to back down and threw herself against Dingo, pushing him roughly into the bathroom door. He retorted by smashing his fist into her lip. She fell to the floor and scrambled back up, screaming and clutching his arm as he made his way to the front door.

"Don't leave me!" She was screaming, grabbing his leg as he ignored her, the redhead dragging across the floorboards. She stubbornly refused to let go as she screamed like a toddler throwing a tantrum. She loved this boy…it would work out. "Don't leave me Dingo! Please don't leave! DINGO!"

He roughly threw her off and grabbed his keys, stumbling out into the hallway. All that was going through his mind was how much he needed to talk to his father.

"So Dingo." Hollie said silkily, approaching him. He was knocked roughly out of those repressed, hideous memories and instead glared at her, hating the way she purposely allowed her leopard print bra to show above her skimpy shirt. Abby is so different…"You wanted to talk?"

"Yeah" Dingo bit back. He looked to Dodge for support, who was looking just as uncomfortable. Bonny was practically serving her damp naked body to him, her towel leaving nothing to the imagination. Dingo could tell it was making him irritated- Dodge was showing one of his rare signs of fury, his lips twisting awkwardly and his eyes darkening dangerously. "I need your…help."

Hollie grinned triumphantly as she approached her ex, running a delicate finger along his collarbone. He glared at her and she smiled sweetly back. "My help…" She sighed serenely. "I always knew you'd come back to me."

It took all his strength not to lash out at the girl in front of him. She always seemed fake, she brought back the bad blood from the life he tried so hard to leave behind. Everything from her dyed hair, raccoon-ed eyes and curvy, milky body brought back hideous flashbacks of their dark lives in Sydney. He swallowed, suddenly thinking of his brother and Abby. He calmed down, mind back on the task. "Not quite, Hollie." He muttered darkly, folding his arms and knocking her hand away. "I need your help, it involves my brother."

She smirked. "A little sibling rivalry, D-Day?"

He gave her his traditional devilish grin, his bright green eyes gleaming as he pulled off his glasses. "Ha ha, Hollie." He muttered, folding his arms. "Not quite."

Hollie sidled over to him, leaning over the bedstand to the small collection of liquor bottles that made up the motel mini bar. She grabbed for the tiny bottle of vodka. "So…what?" She questioned, her eyes scanning his face carefully. She cocked an eyebrow. "You need little ol' me? And what may I ask for?"

Dingo scoffed, knowing the look on her face. "Just for you, Hols" He cooed back, hoping to draw in the bait. "I'm going old school."

She grinned widely, licking off the remains of her red lip-gloss. "Like old times?"

He shrugged moodily, his eyes flashing slightly. "Not quite, doll." He smirked. "But I need your body, and not for me this time."

She sighed and pouted, looking up into his emerald eyes. "Okay" She shrugged, smirking. "I'm listening"

Mushi arrived at work early, brushing her long newly dyed blonde hair and putting it up into a neat bun. She sighed, mentally preparing herself for the day that lay ahead. It was her second day at work, and it was the day she was set out to prove that she could handle a job like this. She was beginning to doubt herself, after a night without sleep she felt sick and exhausted.

She walked to the counter, where the bell was already dinging for a pick up. She picked up the plates, balanced them carefully and delivered them to the table, walking back across the deserted diner emotionlessly, smoothing out the creases of her uniform.

Irma snapped her gum loudly as she looked over her glasses at the young girl, who was pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"I'm impressed." She remarked, raising her eyebrows. "Hardly anyone comes in this early."

"Yeah, well…" Mushi shrugged, adjusting the name tag that read 'Madeline' on her shirt. "You know, I'm desperate for cash."

"Consider yourself hired." Irma shrugged, giving the girl a careful look. Mushi stiffened, hardly daring to believe it. "I was once like you, young'in." Her steely eyes suddenly softened on the girl as she gave her a curious look. "Young and by myself, out for cash…Anytime you need a hand, sweetie." With that she actually smiled and walked off into the back room, leaving Mushi standing in amazement. A smile spread across her pale face. A job, she got the job! All by herself! If only her parents could see her now…

She suddenly stepped back into the wall and hit it with a thud, her hand over her mouth as she stared out of the diner window. She blinked, hardly daring to believe it. She thought it was all over, this was it- it was- She gulped.

Outside the diner a slumped, hooded figure was just outside the window, leaning up against the brick wall and smoking a cigarette. A regular teenage hood, she'd thought at first, then she'd noticed the physique, the stance, and then he'd turned- Mushi's heart leaped in her throat as he recognized those distinctive cold, grey eyes. He turned to look in the window, exhaling a plume of swirling smoke into the crisp morning air. She could swear his eyes were on her, the boy she dreaded to meet again had found her. Instead he merely put the cigarette back to his chapped lips and kicked the cracked pavement beneath his sneakers. He pulled down the hood of his jacket to reveal tousled, rust coloured hair that hung into his face. He shook it off and threw his cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his foot. Mushi caught a quick glimpse of his pale, slightly scarred face before he turned and walked away, across the car park and out of sight.

"MADELINE!"

She jumped, the tray she was holding clanging to the floor. She turned to see Irma giving her a careful glance, her hands on her hips.

"You alright?"

"Y-Yeah" Mushi choked out, feeling herself shake. "I'm fine."

Maurice tapped his pen on his desk mindlessly, staring into space. He had completed all of his work an hour ago, and was now twiddling his thumbs and thwacking his pen as he waited for his next assignment. Chad, who was working beside him, kept shooting him nasty glares.

"You right there?"

Maurice glanced over to the blonde, who raised his eyebrows in annoyance.

"Yeah" Maurice growled back. "I'm fine."

The truth was that he was far from fine. Maurice was finding it hard to overcome the massive guilt trip over the Dingo/Abby problem. When Cree wasn't discussing wedding plans she was fretting over her 'baby' sister, and how worried she was about the pregnancy, and the father of her baby. Cree had no idea that Maurice knew about Dingo, and Maurice wanted to keep it that way.

Maurice was stuck. Cree was fretting about Abby's choices, Abby was stressed about the pregnancy and about Dingo, and Maurice labeled himself as the cause of it all. He knew all about Dingo, he knew the things Dingo didn't want Abby to know. He could tell Abby, his friend and sister-in-law, but that would mean giving up everything he'd worked towards.

"What's up with you?" Chad scoffed, grinning at his friend from across the desk. Maurice gave him a look of dislike.

"None of your concern." He snarled back before returning to his paperwork. Chad perked up with curiosity and slid closer to his workmate, grinning eagerly.

"C'monnn…" He smirked, raising his eyebrows. "You can tell me."

Maurice rolled his eyes at the cocky blonde, who was giving him a not-so-trusting look.

"Chad, don't you have some corrupting to do?"

Chad chuckled darkly. "Not today."

Maurice groaned and looked around the busy office, where phones were buzzing, papers were shuffling and the chatter was near deafening. Their conversation went by unnoticed by their fellow police officers, and Chad knew this.

"I heard Abby's pregnant."

Maurice choked on the cold coffee he had been drinking as Chad gave him an innocent look from across the desk, smiling sweetly. Coughing, Maurice wiped hastily at his tie as he gave him a furious, surprised look.

"Wh-what?"

"Well…now I know she's pregnant." Chad said triumphantly, bursting with laughter. He stopped and gave his partner a wide grin. "I saw her the other day and she looked pregnant, you just confirmed my theory."

Maurice frowned, glaring at him with fierce dark eyes. "What do you mean? I never said Abby was-"

"I take it nobody's supposed to know." Chad said with a roguish wink. "Otherwise you wouldn't have sprayed coffee everywhere at the suggestion."

Maurice hastily mopped up the coffee stained files in front of him with a napkin, feeling his cheeks burn furiously. Just perfect…of all people to know about the pregnancy…

"Secret's safe with me." Chad chuckled, grinning from ear to ear.

Maurice growled at the look of triumph on his partner's face. He could feel a migraine coming on with the amount of stress he could feel piling on top of him. Nobody was supposed to know about Abby's pregnancy, for the simple reason her own parents didn't know, she wasn't even 20 years of age and the baby's father was most probably a not-so common criminal, who is her ex-boyfriend's brother. He ran a hand through his hair and groaned, his head in his arms.

"When did life become such a soap opera?" He growled to nobody in particular. Chad gave him a half-hearted shrug before turning back to his computer screen. Maurice frowned as he felt something land beside him. He looked up, jumping as he saw his supervisor gazing at him suspiciously.

"Mr. Duvall, I was just er-"

"There are the files you wanted."

Maurice blinked in confusion, suddenly groaning a vague "Huh?"

"The files" Mr. Duvall told him slowly, as if he was slow on the uptake. He shook his head, rolled his eyes and ticked something off on his clipboard before moving on up the aisle. "You ordered them a couple of weeks ago."

Maurice frowned, rubbing his tired eyes and groaning as he saw the quite large bundle of files on his desk. He untied the first one and withdrew a slip of paper. Focusing his eyes, they widened in surprise as he was faced with a faded photograph of a small teenager, wide eyed and scared looking. He was a handsome looking young teenager with light brown hair and an innocent, frightened face. His icy blue eyes were wide and seemed glassy, as if he was holding back tears. His hair hung in his face limply and he was holding up a sign, a police number where a bunch of details were hastily scrawled where they took him into custody.

No. 098299902

Name- Dodge C. Mathers
Age- 13
Date- Aug. 9th, 2001

Maurice suddenly bit down harshly on his tongue, staring at the seemingly pathetic looking young Dodge. He flipped the old photo over, where someone had scribbled a number of notes on the back, probably relating to the occasion at hand.

Found with:

098299901- Bandit A. Madden
098299842- Trent Atwood
098299781- Dingo S. Beatles

Maurice swallowed, grabbing a similar looking photo of another teenager. He was, too, handsome- but in that sly, mischievous way. His green eyes seemed to gaze at the camera and he was smirking, holding the sign before him as if it was a trophy. His raven hair was ruffled and he still wore a black hoodie. Maurice didn't need to read the scrawled note on the back of the photo to realise it was the young Dingo Beatles snickering at him.

"Jeese" Chad suddenly sighed, shuffling through some of the papers. Maurice jumped in alarm as he tore his gaze from the photo. Chad gave him a look. "Why'd you get these for? We were supposed to overlook these, not look them up!"

"I dunno…" Maurice lied, swallowing. "I guess I just had to know what we'd let in, you know?" In all truthfulness he'd completely forgotten that about a month ago he'd ordered the files in, but just about Dingo, not the rest of his gang. He needed to know what Dingo was really running from, and what his sister-in-law was really getting into. He looked back at the faded photos, shoving those of Dingo and Dodge out of the way and instead looking at a dazed looking teen, his navy blue eyes half-lidded and the tie that was wrapped around his head as a scarf askew. The sign labelled him as Bandit Madden.

"Well I, for one, don't care." Chad dismissed, throwing the pile back on his desk and looking at them with disgust. "It's over, we can forget it."

"Maybe you can." Maurice mumbled darkly before glancing at another photo. This one almost made him flinch, as the young kid in the photo looked so venomous and daring Maurice felt he was more staring into a lion's cage, not into the eyes of the young Trent Atwood. "I can't…so much." He frowned as he put the four portraits together, finding it strange how they came together.

"You need to let it go, man." Chad muttered, leaning back in his chair and casting his partner a cautious look. "It's over, okay? We got the money, you can get your designer tux. Now ya gotta tell me…am I your best man?"

Maurice ignored the joking remark and instead rolled his eyes, spreading the photos of the young offenders across his desk and looking at them closely. The young faces stared back at him. Bandit's dazed expression, Dodge's frightened eyes, Trent's dangerous glare and Dingo's handsome smirk. He sighed and pulled a loose leaf document from the file curiously. As Chad chatted on behind him obnoxiously, he turned his attention to what he judged was a poster, one they plastered on police notice boards to alert the station of situations. Staring back at him was the same four faces- Dingo's gang, looking older but otherwise just the same.

He felt his blood run cold as he saw the poster.

WANTED FOR QUESTIONING
Dingo Beatles
Trent Atwood
Bandit Madden
Dodge Mathers

It was a group photo of them all together casually. They looked about 18 in the photo- Bandit was slumped over Dodge, grinning stupidly as he looked up at him, his head on his shoulder. Dodge was smiling too, shyly and sweetly as he glanced nervously at the camera. His eyes were wide, but no longer nervous. Trent was on the other side, leaning on what looked like a brick wall casually, scowling at whoever was taking his picture. Maurice barely noticed the trio, he was staring at the person in the centre, who seemed to be staring back at him with familiar emerald green eyes, a sly smirk on his handsome face and his arms folded. It caused Maurice to shiver involuntarily, and he found he couldn't look away from the picture of Dingo, and the writing beneath the photo.

WANTED- Suspicion of Murder

The two friends sat in silence as they avoided each other's gaze. They sat across from each other, a beautiful, but sad looking brunette with downcast chocolate brown eyes and a tall handsome dark-haired boy of 19. Both were staring into their cups of coffee carefully, awkwardly trying to avoid any type of conversation. The girl wound a shaky finger around a wavy strand of hair, her brown pupils wide as she looked up.

"So…you wanted to talk?" She mumbled in a shaky voice. "Nigel?"

Nigel's eyes locked with hers and Abby almost flinched.

"Yeah" He mumbled, running a hand through his hair. He sighed as he looked at her from across the table, the awkward silence almost suffocating him. He was used to being the leader, the one always in charge and always knowing what to do. Not this time. "I kinda did…"

Abby bit her lip, trying to stifle the urge to cry. She could hardly pull herself out of bed this morning, she was so nervous. It seemed to her that her pregnant stomach was growing bigger and more noticeable every day. Her oversized off-the-shoulder gray sweater covered it well, but a couple more months and she'd have to give some answers. Her secret was already out.

She sighed, and said the thing she knew they were both thinking. "You know I'm pregnant" She said shakily, looking back to her coffee. Nigel swallowed.

"Yeah." He looked up at her, a serious look on his face. "You have to tell Wally, Abs."

She shook her head automatically at the suggestion, her brown eyes wide and glassy. She looked so glum and depressed Nigel sighed and grabbed her hand. "Abs," He murmured to her, nibbling on his bottom lip. "You have to trust me on this, we've been best friends since forever."

"I know" She said glumly.

He looked at her closely, his stomach clenching nervously as he watched her. He didn't want to say it, but he felt he had to. "Abby…" He finally sighed, watching her. She raised her head to look at him, her brown eyes wide and vulnerable. She looked so sweet and innocent, so susceptible- so unlike Abby- that it hurt him to say it. "This baby…it's not Wally's…isn't it?"

Nigel's stomach dropped as he saw his friend's chocolate brown eyes fill with tears. She sniffed, suddenly bursting into quiet sobs as he jumped from his seat to slide into the booth next to her. Abby couldn't help it, she just continued to cry as Nigel hugged her close. She felt so ashamed, like a regular trashy whore who'd been caught cheating by her boyfriend. She couldn't believe it, this wasn't like the real Abby. She cheated on Wally, her friend…with his brother. She was knocked up, and now one of her best friend's knew. She felt like a real failure.

"I-I-I'm so sor-ry Nigel!" She sobbed as Nigel held her close, unsure of what else to do. It seemed like all the pain, stress and fear she had felt over the past few months escaped her system at those truthful words. She sniffed and sobbed into Nigel's shirt, completely saddened at the position she was in. "I don't-t know w-w-what to do! I n-never meant f-for it t-to hap-p-p-pen! I never wanted to h-h-hurt Wally! It-It just happened!" She looked into his face, her face blotchy and her bloodshot eyes wide. "Y-you hate me now, d-don't you?"

Nigel sighed sadly, hugging his friend. He didn't know what to say, he'd never been good at talking. Giving speeches, yes. Making jokes, yes. Planning the best strategy, yes. But he was never good at talking, especially when someone was crying. He truly felt for Abby, and the pain she must have felt at keeping her pregnancy a secret. Her face showed so much guilt and pain, and he wasn't sure what to say to make her feel better.

"I don't hate you, Abby." He said sternly. "I could never hate you."

"I feel like such a slut." Abby sniffed, a few more tears escaping her cheeks.

Nigel swallowed, unsure of what to say. "You're not a slut, Abby." He muttered, patting her shoulder awkwardly. "You're just… in a rough patch."

Abby scoffed, a new wave of tears flooding down her cheeks. Nigel tightened his grip around her as she cried into his shoulder, grateful for someone to finally cry to. Nigel gnawed on his bottom lip.

"So…you're not sure who the father is?" He asked her. She emerged, wiping at her eyes and sniffing. Sadly she shook her head.

"No" She coughed out, her brown eyes looking deep into his face. She looked like a scared little girl, much opposite to the Abby Nigel knew. "I…I don't- I can't be sure" She babbled, her bottom lip trembling. "Wally and I- we…well…" As she caught sight of Nigel's expression she swallowed. "It's over, me and the guy."

"You broke it off?" Nigel asked, cocking an eyebrow. Abby stiffened, thinking back vaguely to her and Dingo's previous conversation, and his stubborn refusal.

"We- well, I broke- he, I…." She sighed, dropping her gaze. "Well, we're over."

Nigel gave her a careful look, trying to look into the face of his best friend. He still saw her as the old Abby, the fearless cool character who always seemed to be the rational, careful one of the group. He knew she had changed over the years, much more sophisticated, sly and sexy…but he never saw her as one to cheat on her boyfriend, one of their best friends. Abby looked lost and upset, overpowered. Whoever this guy was, Nigel judged, he clearly had stolen something within her.

"He's gone?"

She nodded numbly, staring at her coffee cup.

"Do your parents know?"

She shook her head and Nigel gave her a grim look.

"I'm gonna tell them…" She mumbled, already wincing at the thought. "…Soon."

Nigel sighed, looking down at his friend with pity. "What are you going to do Abs?" He finally asked her. "You're not even 20, how are you going to raise a kid by yourself?"

Abby swallowed, her mind suddenly filling with a faint vision of her and Dingo, together happily raising a baby. Then Wally suddenly entered the picture, a look of betrayal and hurt all over his face. Abby shook these thoughts out of her head. A happy family? As if.

"I'll manage" She mumbled strongly to Nigel, wiping away the last of her tears and trying to steady her shaking voice. "I'll stay with my aunt and uncle."

Nigel suddenly paused, blinking down at her with a look of shock on his face. "You're not leaving us…" He frowned, trying not to sound too desperate."Are you Abs?"

Abby shrugged her slim shoulders and ran a hand through her brown locks, which reached her elbows. "I have to…" She mumbled shyly, unable to look into her friend's face. "It's the only way."

"But-" Nigel swallowed, unable to find the right words. "You can't leave! You can't give up college!"

"I'm not" Abby muttered, and extracted a slip of paper from her pocket. She gave it to him, her face still down and glum. Nigel opened it with fumbling fingers, and upon spying the basic information written down, he gave it back to her. He growled lowly.

"You're transferring."

"I have to Nigel." Abby muttered. "I want this baby…"

"How can you want it?" Nigel bit back, hurt. "It's a mistake."

Abby shrugged, gulping. "It was my mistake, not the baby's."

Nigel scowled. "Who exactly is the father, Abby?"

She shrugged again, unsure of what to say.

"How far are you…ya know…along?"

"17 weeks" Abby mumbled.

Nigel swallowed, looking down at the loose, off the shoulder gray sweater she was wearing, which was tucked into her jeans. "You don't…look it."

Abby shrugged, raising her eyebrows. "Thanks."

"Abby…" Nigel ran a hand through his hair awkwardly as he gazed at the girl beside him, who finally looked up. "You don't have to do this."

Abby gave him a small smile, scoffing as she gave him a look. "Nigel…" She sighed. "I haven't got a choice."

The two friends gazed at each other stubbornly, their long silence only broken by the shrill ringing of Abby's cell phone. She groaned an apology before flipping it open, the voice of her older sister not making her feel any better.

"Hey Cree"

"Hey Baby Sister!" Cree squealed back as she raced down the street, Shana trailing behind her. Her high heels scraped across the sidewalk as she hurried to her favourite clothing store. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Cree" Abby lied, groaning to herself. "What do you want?"

"What makes you think I want something?" Cree asked with a dazzling smile as she lowered her sunglasses, walking through the automatic glass doors. "Can't I just ring up my knocked up little sister and ask how she's doing?"

Abby rolled her eyes and sighed. "Not when it's you, Cree." She muttered. "By the way, thanks for makin' a girl feel special."

"All right, fine." Cree sighed as she jumped on the escalator. "I need you to meet me at Mademoiselle Danielle's Boutique ASAP" She checked her designer watch. "Like now"

"Now?" Abby groaned, also checking her watch. "But Cree, I have to-"

"Please Abs?" Cree begged, her lower lip protruding into a pout. "I have to show you something! It'll only be for a tinsy tiny wittle second! Please?"

Abby groaned, slapping her palm to her forehead and sighing deeply. "Okay fine, but you owe me." She hung up before her sister had a chance to reply and threw her cell phone back onto the table. "I gotta go."

"I figured." Nigel mumbled in annoyance. He gritted his teeth before he sighed again, pulling her into a one armed hug. "You going to the club tonight?"

"Yeah" Abby said, pulling her bag onto her shoulder.

"Even when you're…" Nigel swallowed, unable to finish. Despite his awkward expression, Abby smirked.

"Yeah, I can handle it." She sighed, sliding out of the booth. "Besides, I won't get to hang out with you guys that much more so…" She shrugged, her face looking grim. She bit her lip as an important thought entered her mind. "And…Nigel, you can't tell anyone."

Nigel groaned. "Abs-"

"I mean it" She said sternly, her brown eyes darkening. "I don't want anyone to know, I can handle it, it's my business."

"Ok, ok." Nigel groaned, rising to his feet. "Don't go givin' me no attitude."

Abby grinned, her smirk lighting up her face. The two friends shared a few seconds silence before Abby finally hugged the Brit, sighing into his shirt.

"Thanks for being a friend, Nigel." She mumbled into the fabric. She swallowed nervously. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Nigel bit his lip. "Just…" He sighed, kissing her lightly on the forehead. "Just take care of yourself, Abs."

A couple of tables away, a girl watched them closely behind her thick rimmed glasses, hiding her camera phone behind the magazine she was pretending to read.

Kuki skipped down the hallway and bounded towards her boyfriend's door happily, a smile on her face as she flattened her hair and wrapped her knuckles on the door. Her smile only widened when the door opened a few seconds later to reveal her sleepy, shirtless boyfriend. Wally rubbed a fist into his eye as he yawned, frowning as he noticed the angelic figure in the doorway. He must still be dreaming…

"Morning!" She chirped happily, clutching a pink box to her chest as she nibbled on her bottom lip sweetly. "I hope I didn't wake you."

Wally smirked, taking in her radiance. Her long ebony hair was sleek and shiny, flowing all the way down her back. Her face was shining with happiness and her bright violet eyes were wide like her glowing smile. Just the side of her caused him to beam.

"You're the best thing to wake up to" He said truthfully, pulling her into a hug. She blushed as she was pushed against his muscular chest and she smiled, holding up the box in her hands.

"I brought donuts!"

"That's the magic word in this dorm!" Hoagie grinned happily, exiting his bedroom and rubbing his hands in glee. Kuki smirked and offered him one.

"Are you going to work today?" Wally asked his roommate, frowning at Hoagie's uniform. Hoagie nodded, chewing happily on a glazed donut Kuki had offered him.

"Yep" He mumbled. "It's pretty busy at the moment."

Wally rolled his eyes. He was still pessimistic about Hoagie working so close with his brother. He doubted it was anything but a good influence on him. Every day he grew more of an Australian accent. Not to mention the fact that Wally still hadn't spoken to Dingo since that picture fiasco occurred, and he didn't trust himself to make the first move.

"Righto!" Hoagie licked his fingers as he grabbed his bag from the floor. "I'm off!"

"Wait, are you going to the club with us tonight?" Kuki asked him. Hoagie nodded at her and Wally smirked at him.

"He wouldn't miss it, he's got a date."

Hoagie blushed and quickly flipped his friend off as he walked out the front door. He could still hear their muffled chuckles as he made his way down the hall.

The redhead stranger twisted her lips in annoyance as she glared at her friend who was sitting beside her. Her gaze swivelled upward to the revision mirror, where she could just see the snoozing form of the hitchhiker they'd picked up a couple of miles ago. She growled in annoyance.

"Dammit, Lex." She growled at her friend as she watched the highway, driving stiffly with her fingernails clawing into the leather of the steering wheel. "We shouldn't have picked him up."

Her blonde friend sighed, blowing her long hair out of her eyes. "Lis, he's harmless."

"He's a total stranger." Lisa argued back. "I knew it was a bad idea from the very beginning. Do you know how many serial killers pick their victims by who picks them up on the road?"

"Of course you would know." Alexa sniggered, rolling her blue eyes and smirking at her best friend. "You worry too much."

"Its people like you who are killed first in horror flicks" Lisa remarked darkly as she drove along the highway. Alexa rolled her eyes at her friend's paranoia and continued to read the gossip magazine in front of her, occasionally looking behind her to the hitchhiker they had picked up. Alexa had suddenly squealed in excitement and grabbed her friend's arm as they exited the interstate diner an hour ago. Before Lisa could so much as protest Alexa had already invited the stranger into their rental car.

The stranger was in fact Jake, and he'd introduced himself to the ladies with a charming smile and his hopeful expression. The truth was he'd gotten sick of paying for fuel on the way, so instead adopted his familiar method of hitchhiking the way there. The added bonus was he could stretch out in the back of their car and snooze, which he did automatically as they drove. He was spread out along the backseat with his hands behind his head, his chest rising and falling as he slept soundlessly against the hum of the motor. Alexa frowned as she stared at him from the front seat. She could have sworn she'd seen him before.

"You know..." She frowned. "He looks familiar..."

Lisa smiled, winking slyly. "Funny how those things happen."

Rachel sipped on her familiar banana smoothie as she turned a page of the fashion magazine in her hands. She knew she was openly procrastinating- having the magazine cover her history books- but she couldn't help it. The blonde found it hard to concentrate.

As she read about the current gossip surrounding Robert Pattison and Kirsten Stewart, she occasionally looked over to her cell phone, which was lying by her history notes ominously. She was half hoping it would ring any second, but as well she was hoping it stayed silent. The early morning text message she received was still fresh in her mind.

Hey Rach, can't make it to lunch 2day. Something came up :(
Sorry, love you!
Nigel xo

Something came up…isn't what they all say? She frowned and sucked up the last of her smoothie violently as she looked around the college cafe. She was being paranoid and she knew it. Nigel would never blow her off for some sleazy girl, not like Chad did. She shook the thoughts out of her head and laid the magazine to one side, going over her history notes for the upcoming test. She scribbled down a few measly notes before throwing down her pen in frustration. It was no use, she couldn't concentrate.

"Rachel."

She didn't even have to look up. She groaned as she recognized that voice. "Lizzie."

The girl sat down opposite her, grinning like a cat that had just cornered a mouse. "How are we, Rachel?" Lizzie blinked at her from behind her glasses, a fake look of concern on her face. "Are we all fine?"

Rachel scowled, but gave her a fake smile back. "'We' are fine, Lizzie." She said back, returning to her notes. "And yourself?"

"Oh, couldn't be better." Lizzie remarked, playing with the gold chain around her neck. "Where's Nigel?"

"Wow, Lizzie." Rachel remarked, her eyes on the page. "It took you a whole 6 seconds before my boyfriend came into conversation." She looked up at the girl. "A personal record, you should be so proud."

Lizzie gave her a slight scowl before her fake smile returned. "I'm merely concerned, Rachel, for Nigel's well being. I've heard his eyes have wondered."

Rachel looked up, frowning. "What are you talking about?"

"Surely you must have noticed." Lizzie said silkily, waving her hand around. "That your boyfriend isn't here?"

"I don't need to keep him on a leash, Lizzie." Rachel shot back, her cheeks reddening. "Nigel was busy today, and I like to have time by myself."

"Oh" Lizzie remarked, her eyebrows disappearing into her bangs. "Busy, was he?"

"Yes" Rachel retorted, growling. "Now Lizzie, if you're done pestering me, would you mind getting out of my breathing space?"

"No need to be hostile, Rachel." Lizzie simpered back, smiling. "I'm merely looking out for you." With a flourish she pulled out her plump, pink cell phone. It jingled obnoxiously, a long thick chain attached to it with a large heart-shaped charm on the end with the letters L.D + N.U on it. She smirked as Rachel looked at it with distaste.

"Looking out for me?" Rachel echoed, scoffing. "As if, Lizzie." She narrowed her eyes at the girl suspiciously. "What are you really up to, Lizzie?"

"Oh…" Lizzie grinned widely, blinking her eyes at the blonde innocently. "It's not me who's up to something…" She pulled open her phone, and watched as Rachel's hazel eyes widened at the picture. "It's your boyfriend who's up to something."

Rachel felt herself go numb as she stared at her fears. Her boyfriend, it couldn't be anyone else, dressed in his familiar red tee and favourite dark blue jeans, cuddling with a girl and it looked as though he was kissing her on the forehead. They were snuggled up close in a booth at some restaurant, the girl's long brown hair the only thing visible as her face was pressed against him as they hugged.

"Wha-" Rachel gaped, frowning. Then Lizzie clicked a button and it went to the next snapshot, Nigel smiling at the girl he was sitting with as she looked at him, smiling as well. Her brown eyes, her brown hair, her tan skin- It was Abby.

"I always knew to look out for her." Lizzie remarked, smirking. "You've been a bit lax, haven't you Rachel?"

Rachel shot her a filthy look, and in one fluent movement she'd scooped up her books and study notes and stomped out of the café, leaving Lizzie sitting alone at a table. Lizzie smirked as the blonde slammed the front door shut. Lizzie sighed happily and shut her phone proudly.

It was a long, dreary morning at work for Hoagie, who was polishing and cleaning tools instead of doing something exciting. The most thrilling event that had happened so far was Dingo and Dodge's late arrival, where Bandit had decided to throw a bucketful of soapy water right onto the pair as they walked through the door. They'd spent the next hour watching the cat-and-mouse chase between Dingo and Bandit and betting on who would win. In the end it was Dingo, having the upper hand as he dumped the entire contents of the soap dispenser on Bandit's head. Hoagie smirked as Bandit walked past him, muttering furiously about how he smelt like a McDonalds bathroom.

Hoagie's thoughts wandered to tonight- with Fanny. He started mentally preparing himself for the conversation- interesting topics, funny jokes…he had to impress his date.

"Sup Rookie?"

Hoagie jumped and turned, frowning as he saw it was Dodge who blinked back at him innocently, smirking.

"What is it with you guys and sneaking up on people?" Hoagie muttered darkly, picking up the tool he'd dropped from the floor. Dodge shrugged and hoisted himself onto the work bench, swinging his legs serenely. Hoagie liked Dodge; he could trust him much better than he felt he could trust any of the others. He never saw him stoned or buzzed and he never shot him death glares like Trent always seemed to do.

"It's fun." Dodge grinned. "You're an easy target."

Hoagie rolled his eyes and shot his workmate an exasperated look. "Whatever." He suddenly grinned at him. "What are you? Eye Candy of the day?"

Dodge shot him a confused look before looking down. He was shirtless. "Well I couldn't walk around with a soapy t-shirt on." He snarled, but then grinned. "Besides, you love it."

Hoagie punched him playfully as they both sniggered. Hoagie's eyes suddenly travelled to the various amounts of black untidy scrawl that adorned Dodge's upper body. All the guys had tattoos, some of them didn't even make sense to Hoagie, and a lot of them were similar. He frowned, pointing to Dodge's shoulder blades thoughtfully as Dodge lit a cigarette.

"I gotta ask you, man." He mumbled thoughtfully at the tattoo. It was a phrase, and he noticed all of the guys had it- Bandit on his arm, Trent on his wrist and Dingo…he didn't want to know. But for Dodge, it was scrawled right across his shoulder blades. "What is that? What does it mean?"

Dodge eyes flickered to his shoulder, but then upon realizing he couldn't see he smirked. "Such is Life."

"Huh?"

"Such is Life." Dodge repeated grandly. "We all got it one night, first tattoo we ever got together."

Hoagie rolled his eyes at him. "What does it even mean?"

Dodge grinned eagerly. "It was the last words of Ned Kelly." Upon seeing Hoagie's questioning look he groaned, rolling his eyes. "He was an Aussie criminal back in like…I dunno. He was a bushranger that robbed people, kinda like Robin Hood…Uh…Anyways he killed some people, mostly coppers and they got him in the bush and hung him." Dodge shrugged as Hoagie gave him an incredulous look.

"You've got the last words of a condemned criminal on your back?"

"He's an Aussie legend to some people." Dodge smirked. "He's seen as either a hero or villain."

Hoagie rolled his eyes. "No offence, Dodge, but how is some gangster a hero?"

Dodge frowned, swallowing. "I dunno." He muttered. "You kinda have to be Aussie to get it. He's like…a hero 'cuz he was different and stood up to society. He was like, judged because he wasn't all snooty, and he only stole 'cuz he needed to, ya know? He stood up to the authorities and took a shot. It's…well, to us it's true Aussie blood. That and he kind of stood up for a lower class. Robin Hood…kinda, but a bushranger with a gang of outlaws. He was daring, with guts."

Hoagie sniggered and folded his arms. "You guys actually see a common criminal as an icon?"

Dodge shrugged, a tiny blush appearing on his cheeks as Hoagie's words hit him. "You kinda…have to be Aussie to get it, Hoagie."

"I don't get you guys at all." Hoagie muttered, but he grinned all the same. "You can get anything tattooed on your body and you choose the last words of a common criminal. I mean, you don't see anyone with the last words of Al Capone on their body."

"Well…" Dodge shot him a smirk. "It proves not all criminals are bad, some stand up for good reasons-"

"Ugh" Dingo suddenly appeared, wiping at a black grease stain on his cheek. Hoagie noticed how irritable and tired he looked- his handsome face sporting dark shadows under his usually gleaming green eyes. "You with the ethics talk Dodge!" He snapped to his friend. Dodge rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"You okay, Dingo?" Hoagie muttered, frowning at him. "You look kinda…tired and-"

"He's hung-over" Bandit snickered from the other side of the garage. "Up all night drinking 'cuz his lady friend got into a fight with him." Dingo gave him a furious look over his shoulder and Bandit blinked innocently. "Well you did!"

Hoagie cracked a smile, turning to Dingo with a knowing look. "No way, you have a girlfriend?"

Dingo swallowed, giving him a defensive look. "Yeah…why?"

Hoagie shrugged. "I dunno, you seemed more of a…you know, more of a….uh-" He bit his lip nervously as Dingo's look hardened.

"Womanizer." Dodge nodded in agreement as Dingo threw him a dangerous growl. Hoagie smirked.

"Well, to put it blankly…"

Dingo ignored this, instead lowering his gaze to his finger, where a fresh cut was now bleeding profusely. He sucked on it thoughtfully, frowning at the taste of blood. He thought of how much he missed Abby…he couldn't lose her. Hoagie perked up with interest.

"So who is this chick?" He asked. None of the guys had mentioned her like they did the other girls they hung out with. "Your girlfriend, what's she like?"

Dingo's eyes widened as he turned to him. "Um…" He imagined what Abby would do if she found out he blabbed. "Uh…well she's-" He ran a hand through his hair, trying to make up something off the top of his head. Dodge looked on with amusement. "She's…great she's got uh…brown eyes and uh-"

He paused as Dodge began to hum "Baby Got Back" loudly and clearly, causing Hoagie to break out into laughter. Dodge shot him a sly look as Dingo snarled at them both, his face flushing darker as he stomped off in a huff. Suddenly Bandit started drumming on the roof of a car, chiming in on the first verse.

"I like Big Butts and I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny…when Dingo's girl walks in with an itty bitty waist and a round thing in yo' face you get-"

"Sprung!" Trent and Dodge cheered as they attempted to carry out the infamous 'butt dance', Dodge grinding on Trent and Trent smacking it in return.

Dingo gave him an evil look as Bandit continued, smirking. "So fellas…"

"Yeah!" Trent and Dodge answered.

"Fellas-"

"Yeah!"

"Has Dingo's girlfriend got the butt?"

"Hell yeah!" Dodge and Trent echoed, dancing. Hoagie joined in, all three did their best to shake their 'thang' as Bandit carried on.

"Tell her to shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it, Shake that healthy butt! Baby got back!"

"Ugh, Holls!" Bonny whined as Hollie walked confidently ahead, almost flying across the mall. "Can we stop please? We've been shopping for hours! I need Maccas or sumthin'!"

"Suck it up, Bon!" Hollie dismissed, rolling her hazel eyes carelessly. She dragged Bonny along the busy mall walkway, her eyes scanning expertly for a store. Bonny wasn't exaggerating, they'd spent all morning looking at various and copious amounts of clothing from at least 30 different stores, but still Hollie wasn't satisfied. Tonight was the night for her time to 'shine', so to speak, and she had to look her best if she were to impress the guys. Bonny was less than impressed, she was happy with her favourite denim mini and blank tank top. "Ooo, this one!" She suddenly squealed, dragging Bonny into a nearby boutique. Bonny groaned in protest.

They stepped into the dress store, looking around at the various colours and materials that shone at them. The shop was big and well known, sporting dresses of all types- from short and sassy to long ball gowns. Hollie frowned in concentration and automatically headed to a rack of short dresses in satin material. She needed to look good for tonight, and to do that she'd need a whole new look.

"I don't understand why we have to be here." Bonny whined in annoyance and pouted as she reapplied her lip-gloss. She followed Hollie around the store, wrinkling her nose and widening her eyes at the various dresses Hollie picked up. "Ooo! That one!" She squealed, pointing at a short, skintight red number Hollie chose off the rack. Hollie rolled her eyes and put it back.

"Too bold." She dismissed, thumbing through the dresses again. "I told you, Bon. New Image!"

"What do you mean by new image?" Bonny muttered at her, frowning. "You mean you hope to get attention by dressing like a total prude?"

"No" Hollie said simply, judging on a gold dress. She shook her head and put it back. "Just not as…daring. We need something subtle, simple…innocent."

Bonny groaned as Hollie suddenly dove into the rack, suddenly pulling out a number of dresses and grinning proudly before making her way to the dressing room.

A couple of changing rooms away, Abby twisted her hands nervously as she pulled back the curtain and felt the two judging pairs of eyes watching her, more specifically her stomach. It was the fifth dress she'd tried on, and already she was seeing the entire expedition as fruitless. The first- a pale blue- was dismissed as 'too revealing'. The second -a deep olive green- 'too ugly'. The third- a pale pink- 'too cute' and the fourth- a satin red- 'too short'. She stepped out into her sister's watchful gaze and waited for the judgments to pile in about the navy blue knee length dress she was wearing.

"I don't like it" Cree dismissed, wrinkling her nose. "It will not go with the decorations at all. It has to match the bridesmaids and the bouquets."

"Of course" Shana agreed, scribbling something on her clipboard with her fluffy pink pen.

"And it's way too tight across the chest." Cree added and Abby sighed, watching the way her sister gazed at her, trying to find something else wrong. Cree blinked at her sister in mild amazement, her eyes wide. "Wow Abs, they say boobs get big during pregnancy but yours have ballooned!"

"Cree!" Abby hissed, her arms going to said chest. Her tanned cheeks flushed a deep pink as she glared at her sister. "Do you mind?! You're as bad as Mom while shopping!"

"I am not" Cree muttered, rolling her eyes. "I'm just sayin'…" She turned to Shana thoughtfully. "Shana, take note- bust size up."

Abby groaned, slapping a hand to her forehead. "Cree, I don't need this right now."

"Well I don't need this either!" Cree said defensively, looking at a couple of dresses nearby. "I should be getting my massage, pedicure and manicure- it comes with the pre-bridal package I bought myself- But instead I have to do it tomorrow because of your dress."

"Well I'm sorry I'm such a bother." Abby snarled, her brown eyes flashing. "To think, a pamper package booked one day late."

The sisters glared at each other silently, their matching brown eyes flashing dangerously. Then Cree sighed, turning to Shana. "Shan, can you go and check out the purple dresses in the corner? They'll go with the bridesmaid dresses."

Shana nodded obediently and scampered off, leaving the two sisters alone in the changing room. Cree sighed guiltily, giving her sister an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Cree sighed, putting an arm around her. "I've just been hung up on how stressed I am…I can't imagine what it's like to be you at the moment." She bit her lip, giving her a careful look. "Are you okay? You look like you've been crying."

"I'm fine." Abby muttered, crossing her arms over her chest. "Just a little stressed, that's all."

They looked over briefly at the girl who'd just entered the changing room, a slim tanned girl with shoulder length brown hair. She was nibbling on a Subway cookie as she guiltily looked around the room, trying to hide the food from the shop assistants so she wouldn't get thrown out. Cree turned back to her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah I'm fine." Abby dismissed, shaking her head. "Don't worry about it."

Cree looked down at the discarded dress she was holding and threw it back on one of the chairs. She nibbled her bottom lip nervously as she looked back at her sister. She could hardly recognize her anymore; she'd grown up so much since they were children. Cree remembered how they used to fight any time they could, battling for reasons they'd long forgot. Cree promised herself that would never happen again, she'd always be there for Abby and Abby would always be there for her. She gazed into her little sister's face- her lost, downcast and slightly bloodshot brown eyes and her chapped, slightly trembling lips. Abby truly looked sad and stressed, she was far from fine.

"Listen, Abs." Cree sighed at her, nervously nibbling on her bottom lip. "Your chest isn't the only thing that's changing, and I don't mean that in a mean way."

Cree looked over at the giant floor-to-ceiling mirror that was a couple of feet away and Abby followed her gaze, looking at them both in the mirror. Cree's tall, model like slim figure was a lot like Abby's- only Abby was much curvier and a little shorter than her sister. Abby could see in the shape of the dress she was wearing, from the side, the evidence of a protruding baby bump. She drew in a sharp breath as her hand went to her stomach protectively.

"When are you going to tell Mom and Dad?" Cree asked her in a hushed voice. "You have to tell them sooner or later."

"Soon" Abby snapped, swallowing. "I just…I want to wait until I can change colleges."

"I can't believe you're running away." Cree told her sternly, growling. "The Abby I knew would never do this."

"Cree" Abby groaned and squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't need this, she felt bad enough leaving her friends behind, but she'd decided long ago that she couldn't tell them- especially Wally- what happened. "I can't."

"This baby" Cree muttered darkly. "It could just as easily be Wally's- you know that right?"

"Yeah" Abby snapped back. "And there's no way to tell until the baby's born, I know. But I can't put them through that…" She bit down hard on her bottom lip. "And even if it is Wally's, which I doubt, I wouldn't tell him."

Cree's eyes widened. "You wouldn't? Abby-"

"I wouldn't because he's happy." Abby muttered back defensively. "He's happy with Kuki, happier than he's ever been with me. No matter how much that hurts it's best for both of us if he just stays that way."

"And what about this other guy?" Cree asked, folding her arms. "Is he going to support you?"

"Dingo would if I let him." Abby muttered. "I don't want him involved."

"So what?" Cree growled. At the other end of the change room, both sisters were completely unaware that Hollie's hazel eyes were now watching them closely from behind her changing curtain. Bonny jumped at the mention of the name and spun around to the two girls. "You're going to leave him?"

"I don't want to…" Abby muttered, as the Subway cookie girl suddenly dived into a random change room. "But what else can I do? I can't keep this secret forever and I don't want to bring him down too."

…

"That's Dingo's knocked up chick!" Bonny hissed at Hollie as they hid in the change room. Hollie snarled at as she sprayed cookie crumbs all over her.

"I know! Shutup!" Hollie whispered back.

…

"Don't you love him?" Cree muttered, frowning. Abby looked down at the plush carpet.

"Of course." Abby sighed, realizing how much of a truth it was. "But, I have to put my baby first."

"I can't believe you're giving up everything for this baby." Cree told her darkly, narrowing her eyes. "What's going to happen in five years? You're going to have to give up complete contact with your friends, you know. You'd have some explaining to do if you came back with a toddler."

"I know, Cree!" Abby suddenly snarled, tears forming in her eyes. "I know, okay? I know." She sighed deeply, shaking. "I know what kind of mess I've made, I know what the consequences are, I know what everyone will think, I know what I'm getting myself into, I know what I've got myself into, I know what an idiot I am, and I just…I know, Cree." She looked up at her sister and sighed shakily. "I know."

Cree pulled her sister into a supporting hug, which Abby returned. They pulled apart, Abby sniffing slightly. Cree swallowed, putting an arm around her sister.

"How about you hang with me tonight?" Cree offered. "We could hang out, you know? De-stress. We can do pedicures, manicures, do our hair- anything you want!" She leaned in, smirking. "We can watch Police Academy…

Abby laughed, sniffing and wiping at her face. "Thanks, Cree. But maybe tomorrow…" She sighed. "I'm going clubbing tonight."

"Clubbing?" Cree echoed with disbelief, snorting. She gave her sister a dark look. "In your condition?"

"I'm pregnant Cree, not dead." Abby smirked back. "Besides, I only have a limited time before I have to act all motherly, I might as well have as much fun with my friends as I can now."

Cree smirked. "You got a point."

Both turned as they heard the excited squeal of Shana, who appeared waving a deep royal purple silk dress at them excitedly, beaming. "I have it Cree!" She squealed happily. "The perfect dress!"

"There!" Wally announced, holding his arms up in a 'victory' stance as he sat at his computer. Kuki looked up from his bed, where she was spread out reading a book. She smirked.

"You've done your essay?" She asked, raising her eyebrows.

"No" Wally muttered, rolling his eyes. "I got to level 10 on Tetris." He rolled his computer chair backwards and proudly showed his girlfriend the flashing Tetris score on his laptop screen. Kuki's playful violet eyes narrowed as she gave him a lecturing look.

"Wally" She growled at him. "You're supposed to be working on your paper!"

"Well in my defence, I can't concentrate when there's a beautiful girl spread out on my bed." Wally smirked, giving his girlfriend a pout. Kuki blushed and threw a pillow at him.

"Get to work, you!" She scolded, laughing. "Or we can't go out tonight."

Wally groaned, opening his half-done paper on the computer with an irritated look. "I don't see why you're so excited about paying to get into some overcrowded, typical nightclub scene just so we can be shoved in a cramped room of other sweaty, grinding college kids." Wally scoffed and gave Kuki a wink from over his shoulder. "We could just stay in…"

Kuki smiled that radiant, natural grin he loved to see. It seemed to light up his dreary bedroom and sent a light tingle through his body. "Nice try." She scoffed at him. "I never turn down a party. Besides, I love hanging out with my group of friends."

Wally sighed loudly, turning back to his laptop and typing quickly. "I guess I'll have to accept the fact that I have to share you."

Kuki giggled, falling back onto his pillows. She rolled over onto her side, snuggling her face into her boyfriend's sheets. She decided on the spot she loved his room, it would have to be up there with her favourite places of all time. It smelt so much like him- a little like aftershave, spearmint, and that smell all guys seem to have. She loved his scent.

She frowned, looking across at his bedside table drawer, which was open slightly. Reaching in, she pulled out a faded photograph that seemed to have attracted her attention. It looked about 10 years old, and it was a picture of five friends- huddling and hugging together as they laughed. Kuki could barely recognize her own self in the centre, smiling with her arms around Wally- who was grimacing. She smiled as she stared at the five in the photo- Her, Wally, Nigel, Hoagie and Abby, laughing and clutching each other. It looked as though it was taken at Wally's house, by the pool. She smirked as she remembered that day.

"I found that the other day." Wally remarked as he watched her. "It's weird seeing it now…"

Kuki swallowed, putting it back in his drawer. "Times have changed, huh?"

"Yeah" Wally mumbled, returning to his typing. "Tell me about it."

Kuki sat up, frowning as she pulled her boyfriend's drawer open and pulled out a similar photo, but instead she wasn't in it. It was a picture of the gang, but looking much, much different. They were dressed up, the boys in tuxes and the girls in long, flowing dresses, all smiling and posing together for photos. Kuki's heart ached when she saw Wally in the centre with his arm around Abby. They were smiling, Abby looking beautiful in a sparkling navy blue dress and silver jewelry. Wally was dressed in a matching tie, looking gorgeous in a simple tux (yet his shirt was untucked). Nigel and Lizzie were beside them, Lizzie grinning widely and Nigel looking almost pained, but yet still grinning all the same. Rachel was on Abby's side, posing with Fanny and laughing. Hoagie was in between Nigel and Wally, his arm on each of their shoulders and posing for the camera. A bunch of other kids from school were with them, grinning at the camera- about 10 all together. The dresses, tuxes and corsages told her it was Junior Prom, and looking at Wally and Abby made her frown.

"You were Prom King." Kuki muttered out loud, looking at the matching crowns on Abby and Wally's heads. She didn't know how it sounded so unbelievable, in fact it made sense, but still Kuki was amazed.

"Hmm?" Wally muttered, looking up. "Oh yeah."

He went back to typing like it was nothing, but still Kuki couldn't look away from the photo in her hands. Everyone looked beautiful. Even Lizzie, in her tacky aqua blue dress and long white gloves, looked like a movie star. What hurt her most was the couple in the middle, the couple everyone was surrounding. They were picture perfection- a perfect couple, like a king and queen. The crowns proved it.

"You look so happy." She bit her lip, wishing that she hadn't found the stupid prom photo.

"Hn?" Wally looked over at Kuki, who was still hunched over, her eyes on the photo in her hands. "Well…" He shrugged. "It was a pretty fun night."

Kuki nodded, and Wally bit his lip awkwardly. "I still wished you were there, though."

Kuki gave him a small, watery smile as she put the photo back on his bedside table. "You couldn't have missed me all the time."

Wally rose from his seat and jumped on his bed, causing Kuki to fall back onto the bedspread. He hovered over her, grinning widely.

"You'd be surprised." He remarked, swooping down and giving her a kiss. She smiled at him as he lay down beside her, running his fingers through her hair. "You okay?"

"Yeah" She said back automatically, blushing. How embarrassing…your boyfriend catching you getting upset over a photo! "I'm fine."

He smirked, scooting closer to her and kissing her ear, causing her to giggle. "You sure?"

"Yeah" She mumbled, playing with the hem of her shirt. "I guess I'll just…" She sighed, looking into Wally's deep green eyes, which gazed at her. "I guess I'll just never forgive myself for…missing out on 10 years with you."

Wally smiled, wrapping an arm around her and kissing her neck. "You're back now…" He said into her ear. "And that's all that matters."

Kuki smiled, her heart lifting as she rolled over and kissed him. He kissed back passionately, running a few fingers down her face. The two embraced each other on his bed, Kuki taking in his scent and Wally taking in hers. Kuki gave him a sneaky kiss on the neck and pulled away, rolling off the bed and issuing him with a smirk.

"I better go." She grinned as he pouted at her. "I have to get ready for tonight, and you have a paper due." Wally sighed at her, pouting in annoyance.

"Fine" He groaned, but beckoned her closer. "But I need some inspiration."

Trent sat, cross legged and hunched, on the roof of Dingo's car. Bandit, beside him, sighed deeply. A plume of thick smoke escaped his pierced lips and swirled into the evening air. He passed the joint to Trent, who accepted and sucked on it deeply.

Dodge leaned against the front door of the car, chewing on his bottom lip casually. He looked up into the sky, where streams of black, navy, orange and yellow littered the horizon. Stars were just beginning to litter the black night sky. He looked over at Dingo, who was tapping at his phone, dialing Abby's number one last time. Dingo could already tell she wouldn't answer, but he wanted to hear her voice on the voicemail again.

Of course, he wouldn't ever tell his mates this.

"Does anyone else get the feeling of Déjà vu?" Dodge asked openly. The three mumbled back agreements to this statement as Dodge turned to them, smirking and cracking open a bottle of beer.

"No answer" Dingo muttered, throwing his phone back onto the driver's seat.

"Typical." Trent scoffed, taking another drag. Dingo shot him a dangerous, but lazy, look.

"Hey, Dude." Bandit suddenly said, frowning. "So if your chick's pregnant, that mean you're gonna keep it?"

Dingo frowned. "Yeah, course I am." He muttered. "Why wouldn't I?"

Bandit gave him a concerned, confused look. "So, you're gonna have a kid?"

"Yeah" Dingo scoffed, snickering. "That's basically what it entails."

"That mean you're gonna tell Jake?" Dodge suddenly asked, giving him an innocent look. Dingo glared at him.

"Shutup, Dodge."

"Are you gonna walk out on us?" Trent asked, frowning. "I mean, I heard kids are a lot of work."

"Nah" Dingo scoffed. "I'd never walk out on you guys."

"Maybe you would for Abby." Bandit teased playfully, sniggering. Dingo growled, unable to come up with a retort.

"Unless she wants to join us." Dodge smirked, cackling. "Think she'll be willing?"

"She'd be better than some…" Trent put in, grinning. He looked up, much like a dog does when he smells a live animal. "…Speak of the devil…s…"

The four boys looked over at the familiar sound of high heeled shoes clicking against the cement ground. A second later the two girls they had been waiting for appeared from around the corner, strutting towards them. They didn't look much different than the last time they saw each other- they were both heavily made up. Hollie's long dyed hair was out and straight, falling across her face and down her back neatly. Her eyes were heavily lined in dark black eyeliner and her face was plastered with pale foundation. Bonny was much the same, her eyes covered in electric blue eye shadow and her hair curled and waved. Both girls wore short dresses, newly bought. Bonny threw on her familiar sky blue skin tight dress that reached mid-thigh, and Hollie had chosen a short white dress, looking surprisingly tame with thick straps.

There was an awkward silence, where the boys looked at the pair up and down. Finally Trent broke the silence with a loud, stoned scoff.

"What are you supposed to be?"

Hollie pouted, folding her arms across her chest. "What?"

Dingo frowned. "You're wearing a white dress."

"You look a bit like an angel…" Bandit remarked, causing Hollie to beam. "You know like, a hooker dressed as an angel." Hollie's smile disappeared; instead she growled at him and flipped him off, her acrylic nails gleaming threateningly.

"Simple and innocent, right Holl?" Bonny snickered, grinning at her friend.

"Can we just get this over with?" Hollie snapped, walking forward towards the car. "I call shotgun!"

"Hell no!" Dodge glared at her. "I get shotgun!"

"I called it!" She pouted at him. They proceeded to wrestle for it while the rest looked on in mild amusement. Dingo rolled his eyes and lit a cigarette. They were wasting time…they'd be at the club by now.

Trent slid off the roof of the car calmly, landing beside Dingo. He looked over the deserted parking lot. It was closing time at the diner across the street, and he could just see the last of the employees walking out. He frowned as he saw a frail, slim figure emerge from the back door, walking under the light of the streetlamp. Her long blonde hair was out and messy, around her elbows. Her face was dainty and pale, from what he could see. She was still clad in her waitress uniform. She looked down as she walked…little things Trent seemed to notice, he could swear he remembered her from somewhere.

Then again, it might be the drugs talking.

"Trent!" Dingo called to him. "You comin' or what?"

"Yeah" Trent muttered, glaring at the girl who had disappeared around the corner. "I'm coming…"

Kuki gripped onto her boyfriend's hand tightly as he weaved around the crowds of people. She was so excited; her violet eyes were wide and awed at the club she had just entered. Rachel was behind her, wearing a bright peach sundress and gold jewellery. She was looking around the jungle of heads, trying to find her boyfriend. Her stomach was twisting and writhing with nerves. She couldn't believe what Lizzie showed her, and what it meant. Either way she had to face Nigel and ask him about it point blank, and she wasn't looking forward to it. Behind Rachel was Hoagie, trailing behind nervously. He'd infuriated Wally right before they left by taking an hour deciding what to wear. He anxiously thought about meeting his date, as he wasn't sure what to say or do, and if it didn't work out he feared what their friendship would be like.

Club Nine was everything Bandit promised Hoagie it would be- A bunch of people dancing around to loud music, half drunk and obnoxious looking for a one night stand. The lights were blinding, the music was deafening and there was hardly any personal space, but to Kuki it seemed a world of excitement and adventure. To Hoagie it appeared daunting, to Rachel it was just another club, for Wally it was just annoying. The music was blaring, lights were flashing and fellow college kids were dancing and grinding around them. Wally shouted over the blaring club music.

"They said they'd meet us by the bar!" He clenched onto Kuki's hand protectively and led the group through the crowd to the bar at the other end of the club, where already a large crowd was gathering. Friday night was always the busiest night.

Kuki gripped her boyfriend closely, aware of all the eyes that seemed to be on him by various girls. Clearly, they were on the prowl tonight. Kuki was well aware that Wally was 'delicious', and he'd abandoned his orange hoodie for tonight and now showed off his muscular physique with a plain white shirt and jeans.

Wally was aware of this as well, he glared at any guy who seemed to check out his girl. He couldn't blame them for staring, however. His eyes came close to falling out of his head when he saw his girl all dressed up. She was wearing a cute lavender dress that fell to her knees and silver shoes. Her hair was up, exposing her sleek, elegant neck and shoulders. His eyes scanned the room carefully, suddenly noticing a flash of bright orange hair and heading over. Fanny was waiting nervously at the bar, her flaming red hair out and in waves, wearing an emerald green dress. She was waiting with the rest of the gang at a secure spot by the bar. Nigel and Abby were next to her, chatting over the music.

"Hey" Wally greeted, grinning at them. "Thought we'd never find you guys."

"You got here in one piece." Fanny smirked, her eyes quickly finding Hoagie's. He sidled up to her and put an arm around her waist, whispering something in her ear. Her freckled cheeks flushed a deep pink and she giggled in a very un-Fanny like fashion. Kuki grinned at them, holding her boyfriend's hand tightly.

Rachel's eyes travelled to her own boyfriend, who was still talking to Abby in a low tone. Rachel felt a flash of fear go through her body as she noticed her boyfriend's hand on Abby's upper arm. Abby nodded and whispered something back before the couple even realised Rachel was watching them. Nigel jumped and quickly greeted his girlfriend, flashing her a smile.

"Hey, Rach." He grinned. "How're you? You look great."

"Yeah" She muttered back, folding her arms. "Thanks."

Abby edged away from the scene as Nigel frowned in annoyance. She looked around at the happy couples glumly, realizing she was the seventh wheel. She sipped her mocktail anxiously, feeling totally out of place and self conscious. She'd realised upon putting on the dress Kuki had chosen for her that if she flattened the dress her bump showed ominously. She was concentrating on keeping the dress fluffed out at all times, hiding her growing stomach.

Kuki noticed the out of place girl and her violet eyes grew wide with concern. She reached out a hand and touched Abby's arm.

"Hey Abs" She gave her a wide smile. "You wanna come dance with us?"

Abby sighed, hearing the pity in Kuki's voice ring clear. "Yeah Kooks, I'm just-"

She suddenly froze, and everything and everyone in the club seemed to stop and grow quiet as she caught sight of a pair of green eyes from across the room. It wasn't just the eyes that caught her- it was that watchful, protective look in those emerald pupils. It was the shock of messy black hair and that black, tight shirt he loved to wear so much. From across the room of dancing bodies she saw Dingo, and he saw her. He smirked and disappeared. Abby could sense trouble.

"I just…need to go to the…bathroom." She finished, frowning. She hurriedly finished her drink and waved off Kuki's insistence that she can accompany her as she disappeared into the crowd. Kuki blinked, frowning. It was as if Abby had just disappeared into thin air.

"Where's Abby?" Wally suddenly asked her, snaking a muscular arm around her waist. Kuki sighed, leaning into his form.

"To the bathroom. I feel bad, Wally. She's the only one here without a guy."

Wally frowned, trying his best to shake off his guilt. "She could have had one if she wanted." He muttered, referring to the amount of guys who'd asked the newly single Abby out on a date. "Besides, she seems okay with it. Maybe she spotted someone she knew." He suddenly smirked. "Maybe she's got herself her own date."

Feeling at ease with the thumping, heavy club music Dingo easily pushed through the crowds of people, the guys and girls following him with ease. He grinned to himself as he thought of Abby, and what she must have thought when she saw him. She looked beautiful, as always, and when her big chocolate brown eyes had widened upon seeing him it reminded him of a doe- an innocent, precious doe. His grin suddenly turned into a frown as he thought of what effect this would have on the 'plan.' He didn't want Abby to know about the so called 'plan'. He didn't even want her to know he was even associated with the two girls who were following him.

"Alright, Baby…" Hollie's obnoxious voice suddenly reached his ears and he winced at the stupid pet name she insisted on calling him. She sidled up to him, sucking on a lollypop. She smirked. "Where's the intended target?"

"Round here somewhere." He smirked back at her, his green eyes flashing. Back when they were in high school, they did this regularly- playing pranks and setting people up for further drama. It was a strange sort of thrill the whole group was still up for, and it was an obvious solution to the problem that had been bugging him- his stupid brother. "Settle down."

She sighed impatiently and leaned against him, swaying slightly to the music. A brief thought crossed Dingo's mind whether to push her off or not, but she was like an infuriating, buzzing mosquito that refused to leave until it had latched onto something. Besides, he needed her on his side at the moment.

"Okay guys" He managed to growl to the others, who were trailing behind casually. "We all good with the plan?"

Hollie nodded, eagerly licking her lollypop. Bonny grinned, her tongue between her teeth. Bandit gave him a corny' thumbs-up' and Trent nodded eagerly, half distracted by a bunch of college girls. Dingo swallowed, now anxious and paranoid.

"Right" He muttered, grabbing Hollie's arm and pulling her close. She obliged and moved closer to him, her grin widening. "You know what to do right? I want it done quickly." He looked down at her fiercely, his emerald eyes gleaming evilly as he moved through the crowd. He pointed out the target and Hollie nodded, her eyes on him.

"That's the guy?"

Dingo nodded. "Yep."

Hollie seized him up, licking her lips as she pulled the sweet out of her mouth and handed it to him. Her smirk matched his. "Piece of cake."

Dingo shook off that feeling of déjà vu as he instead sucked on Hollie's lollypop. "Hope so" He growled at her, folding his arms as he crunched on the stick fiercely. "Fetch."

Nigel chomped on his bottom lip anxiously as he eyed his girlfriend, who had barely uttered two words to him since she arrived. He could read the signs- the folded arms, stiff stance and the twisting of the lips. He could tell his girlfriend was angry about something…most probably him.

"Rach…" He said carefully, getting closer to her. "Are you alright?"

"Fine" She said stiffly, staring ahead. "Why do you ask?"

Nigel rubbed the back of his neck. "I dunno…" He shrugged. "You seem…distant."

Rachel twitched, and in one swift movement she'd whipped her head around to face him, an incredulous look on her face. Her hazel eyes were livid, and her bottom lip trembled. "You, Nigel Uno…" She hissed to him, loud enough for them to receive some surprised looks- "Are the distant one! You blew me off today and left me by myself so you could hang with some…" Her cheeks flushed as she tried to find the right word. "On-the-side attraction!"

She stomped off through the crowd, furious and upset. Nigel blinked in confusion before starting off after her. "Rach!" He yelled at her. She ignored him, attempting to get away. She was furious and tired, unsure of why she came to the club in the first place if she knew she would be faced with this. He grabbed her hand and she looked back at him, her eyes dewy.

"Rach" Nigel frowned at her his face full of concern. "What's wrong?"

Fanny shuffled her feet nervously, feeling awkward on an unfamiliar pair of black high heeled stilettos. She was so nervous, and kept finding herself chewing on her fingernails, her nervous habit. Hoagie looked absolutely drop dead gorgeous, always smiling, joking, being courteous and charming…and what was she? Some awkward childhood friend with a weird accent. She continued to catch various attractive girls checking Hoagie out and it automatically made her feel self conscious, especially when she felt Hoagie's own eyes were wondering.

"How's work?" She made a stab at a conversation as she sipped at her juice. Hoagie shrugged, gulping down his own soda.

"It's alright…" He said back, shrugging. "Same as always- fixing cars…you know. It's a bludge most of the time."

Fanny blinked, pausing. "Uh…" She muttered, confused. "What?"

"A bludge." Hoagie repeated. "You know it's- Oh." He chucked, as if realizing what he'd just said. "Don't worry, it's nothing."

"Um…okay." Fanny mumbled, sighing. She was never any good at conversation, and it seemed to her that she was just digging herself a deeper grave with every stab at a conversation she attempted. Hoagie sidled up to her, his grin glowing against the dark lighting of the club.

"You wanna dance?"

Kuki laughed as Wally twirled her around on the floor, and he couldn't help but crack a smile as well. Usually he hated dancing of any kind, and he barely liked being out of the house or the club scene at all. But on the dance floor with Kuki seemed like his own sanctuary. Kuki looked beautiful, her silver dress whipping around her as she pranced innocently, not caring if she looked like an idiot or not. Her smile sparkled just like her dress seemed to, her raven black hair flowing beautifully with her body. She danced closed to him, close enough so he could smell her flowery, heavenly perfume. He couldn't stop chuckling with her as he twirled her around under his finger to the music and he pulled her against him. She wrapped her arms around his hard stomach and grinned at him widely, trying to catch her breath.

Dingo's eyes looked over the club as he downed another shot of tequila easily, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. Trent sat moodily beside him, looking stiff and dangerous. His light charcoal coloured eyes were no longer wide and excited, instead they were hard, dark and solid. He scanned the room as well, as if targeting anyone who looked as though they were challenging him.

"Loosen up, man." Dingo grinned at his friend, nudging him. Trent barely moved, instead he just stared straight ahead. "What's up?"

"Nuthin'." Trent mumbled back, looking solemn. He frowned, as though working through a difficult problem. "I'm good."

Dingo smirked knowingly, his face relaxing as the alcohol flowed through his system. "Trent man" He scoffed, grinning. "I know you, dude. The only time you shut up is when you're up to something."

Trent bit down on his pierced lip, racking his brain to come up with a response. Dingo was one of the few people he could never cross; he always looked up to him even though there was never a big difference between them. He was loyal to Dingo no matter what, and if Dingo knew what he was thinking he knew he'd never hear the end of it. To avoid a massive lecture, he gave his friend a reassuring grin back.

"Trust me, D." Trent smirked. "It's nothing."

Dingo frowned, and gave him a searching look as if judging whether or not to trust him. Before he could reply, Dodge appeared and Dingo immediately perked up.

"How's it goin'?" Dingo asked him, his expression suddenly becoming stormy. "I know that look. Something's up."

Dodge shook his head, his icy blue eyes looking across at the dance floor guiltily. "Nah…" He muttered. "It's not that, nothin' like that…it's just uh-"

"Well…?" Dingo asked, raising his eyebrows sarcastically. "Spit it out."

Dodge groaned, rolling his eyes moodily. "Abby's here."

Dingo scoffed, smirking. "I know, I saw her. She came with him." He growled in annoyance as he grabbed another shot. "Sucks, huh? But lighten up, man. I know she's here. She won't suspect anything-"

"It's not that" Dodge suddenly interrupted, folding his arms. He gave Dingo a knowing look, one that made Dingo cringe and drop his cocky demeanour. Without words Dodge nodded shortly to the dance floor and Dingo followed his movements. His deep, watchful green eyes scanned the club closely, through the dancing bodies and the flashing, colourful lights he could just see his girl in the middle- and a guy with his hands around her.

Within what seemed like a millisecond Dodge was blinking at an empty spot at the bar. Trent frowned, looking over at Dingo's retreating back as he disappeared from sight.

"Ace!" Dodge hissed in annoyance. "Don't do anything stupid! You don't want to mess up the plan! Dingo! Are you listening to me? Oi! Dingo I swear if you-"

Dingo elbowed and pushed his way through the crowd, his eyes dangerous and his jaw set. All common sense and sensible thought seemed to have been ripped from his mind as he aimed for the girl that seemed to stand out above all the other people in the room. With ease he reached her, and with no further acknowledgement he grabbed her swiftly by the forearm and dragged her backward before rounding on the guy- who stepped back in alarm.

"Who the fuck are you?" Dingo snarled dangerously at him. The guy blinked, sidestepping slightly to turn to Abby instead.

"Sorry- I didn't know you were taken!"

Abby's eyes widened, recovering as a sudden force seemed to sweep her away from the guy who'd been chatting her up. The guy had picked her up from the crowd randomly as she'd walked across the dance floor and she vaguely remembered him from some of her classes. He now gave her a fearful look as Dingo advanced on him. She shook her head, reaching out and grabbing a fistful of Dingo's shirt.

"I- I'm not, I mean-" She growled as Dingo pulled against her, a dangerous look in place. She pushed him off, following closely as she rambled apologies- the guy still staring in shock. "I'm sorry- I- uh- I'll see you around!"

She bulldozed her way through the crowds using him as her buffer, Dingo still putting up an aggressive front.

"Who the fuck was that? Did he try anything? So help me I will tear his throat out, Abby-"

"Dingo- would you- stop- already!" She hissed, narrowing her eyes. She steered him into an empty corner of the room, finally coming to a stop to issue him a stern glare. "For crying out loud-"

They had reached the back end of the club, where the limited light and quieter atmosphere made it much for private, and made it a better place for them to talk. Abby almost winced as she looked up into Dingo's face. She'd never seen him look so infuriated.

"What" He hissed, his voice a low, animal-like growl. "The fuck was that?"

Abby swallowed, straightening herself to full height and narrowing her eyes at him firmly. Both gazes were so powerful it was hard to tell who was winning. She cursed herself for not wearing higher heels- even with her shoes he could still look down on her.

"What are you talking about?" She asked back, her eyes narrowing stubbornly. "And what's with the sudden defensive act? I'm not yours to protect so you have no right to-"

Dingo's hands became tight fists as he loomed over her powerfully, his handsome face contorted into a snarl. He glared at her, his muscular chest heaving. "No right?" He gritted his teeth and raised a finger and pointed it back to the dancing crowds. "That…That dickhead had his hands all over you! You were practically serving it up to him! What the Hell Abs? What's your Goddamn problem? What the fuck are you even doing here?"

Abby looked up at him in alarm, her brown eyes widening as she matched his furious stance. "I can be here if I want!" She hissed back darkly, glaring at him. "What's your problem? Are you trying to get us caught?" She took a deep, shaky breath as she stared at him, beginning to falter under his enraged glare. His words stung. It was as if she had been caught cheating on him. She turned away before her pregnancy hormones went completely out of control and she began to cry. Dingo immediately grabbed her back, pulling her towards him.

"Let go of me!" She growled, pushing him away. He growled back, tightening his grip and instead pushing her against the wall behind them. She fought back, attempting to escape. He snarled and boxed her in with his arms, grabbing her chin and pulling her face up to meet his.

"Dammit, Abby." He growled harshly, staring deeply into her face. She stiffened as his thumb ran along her jaw line. His intense gaze lowered to her body; eyeing the black dress she was wearing. He knew that dress. Stiffening, he drew in a shaky breath and looked back into her teary face. He weakened, pushing his forehead into hers and swallowing the lump in his throat. His heartbeat calmed, the anger within him subsiding. "You…you're killing me." He eventually croaked out.

Abby swallowed, trying her best to hold in her tears as she took in his now weakened form. She really didn't know she had that much power over him. "I…I'm sorry." She choked out. She closed her eyes as she felt Dingo's cheek brush against hers as he buried his face in her hair. She raised a feeble hand and ran it down his arm, fingers dancing across the tense muscles. A few tears travelled down her cheeks and she sniffed them away, grateful for the dark lighting. Dingo embraced her tightly, as if afraid to let her go. Abby let him, grateful for the loving embrace.

"You're mine, Abs." He whispered into her ear as he held her. "All mine…nobody else's."

Abby nodded, her eyes half closed peacefully as she relaxed in his grip.

Dingo suddenly froze, blinking as he realised the situation he was in. He'd been so impulsive on getting Abby out of a handsome stranger's clutches he'd completely forgotten the delicate plan he'd thought up. He cursed silently and let her go reluctantly, looking sheepish.

"You gotta get out of here Abs." He scowled, suddenly looking venomous. Abby frowned at him.

"Why?" She said suspiciously.

Dingo clenched his fists angrily, growling with frustration. She was a stubborn one. "'Cuz I said so, that's why!"

Abby scoffed. She was never the one to take orders, always the stubborn and prideful one she considered it ludicrous for her to take demands from Dingo. He had no real authority over her. Even his bipolar emotions didn't throw her- she just rolled her eyes at him. "Yeah, Dingo." She scoffed, raising her eyebrows. "Sure."

Before she had a chance to escape again Dingo's arm snapped back to lean against the wall again, trapping her in. Abby matched his dangerous glare, looking just as ferocious.

"I don't think you understand what I'm saying" He snarled at her lowly, growling in her ear. "You have to leave."

"I don't think you understand what I'm saying." Abby retorted, pulling away. "I'm here with my friends, and have no reason to leave. I'm staying."

"Abby" He snarled menacingly. She stood her ground. "I say you have to leave, even if it means dragging you out of here!"

Abby blinked at him and frowned, examining the fierce and stubborn expression on his face. His fists were clenched and his muscles tensed. He looked as though he was ready to do that exact promise if he had to, but still she refused to back down. She sidled up to him and raised her head so she was looking directly into his eyes. Her face broke into a cocky smirk.

"Do it." She dared him.

Fanny carefully padded her flushed cheeks carefully with her makeup sponge, smoothing out the flesh coloured cream she'd smeared onto her face. Her hair was slightly damp with sweat and her lips were dry and chapped from laughing and talking. As she gazed at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but smile at her reflection. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so hyped up, excited and happy. Her pulse was racing, her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were wide and bright. Her cheeks slightly ached from smiling too much. Hoagie and Fanny were never the best dancers around, but that didn't stop them from having a blast as they laughed and stumbled all over the club, dancing to the music while Kuki and Wally giggled at them.

Fanny grinned stupidly at herself in the bathroom mirror as she reapplied her mascara. Things were finally looking up, she was finally happy. Kuki was standing beside her at the sink, fluffing out her hair. Her porcelain cheeks were tinted with a deep pink and her bright violet eyes were wide and gleaming with excitement.

The door opened and Rachel walked in. Fanny gave her a friendly grin as she took her place next to her at the sinks.

"Hey you" Fanny said, swallowing. "What's up?"

Rachel shook her head in reply, her face solemn as she spread some gloss over her lips. "Don't worry" She sighed. She combed a few fingers through her hair as she twisted her lips, as if thinking. "Hey girls…"

"Yeah?" She looked up, as did Kuki.

"Do you believe…" Rachel frowned, her hazel eyes gazing into her reflection. "In…'once a cheater, always a cheater?'"

Fanny frowned, stuffing her makeup back into her clutch. "I dunno" She said truthfully, shrugging. "I've never really…you know, had that dilemma." She turned to Rachel. "Why? You think Nigel is cheating on you?"

Rachel didn't respond, she only lifted her slim shoulders half-heartedly. Kuki acted as though she couldn't hear the two girls, she just busied herself with her cherry flavored lip moisturizer. She didn't know what to think or what to say. Technically Wally cheated on Abby to be with her…what did that mean?

"I wouldn't count Nigel as a cheater, Rach." Fanny said, smiling reassuringly. "You guys were only dancing together when Lizzie started that fight. Nigel never really cheated on Lizzie."

"Yeah" Rachel muttered, swallowing. She forced a smile and chewed her tongue thoughtfully. "Yeah, you know…I was just wondering, really."

Fanny gave her a small smile, as she could recognize her friend's troubled expression anywhere. "C'mon..." She grabbed her hand. "Let's go dance, just us girls."

"Lighten up, Uno." Hoagie smirked at his bud as he gulped down a beer at the bar. Nigel gave him a dark look and looked back down. Both Wally and Hoagie had noticed the Brit looking as though he was at someone's funeral. To cheer him up, they'd bought him a drink (thanks to Hoagie's trusting grin) that he'd left untouched.

"Something's up with Rach." He muttered darkly, frowning. Wally and Hoagie shot each other a look and shrugged, thinking it best if their friend drowned in his own pity. Wally sipped at his drink, his head becoming much more buzzed and clouded as the alcohol slowly swum through his system. He chuckled, a goofy grin already gracing his handsome face.

"How's Kuki?" Hoagie asked him, winking slyly. "Having…fun?"

"Yeah, Man." Wally nodded, taking another gulp of his drink. ""It's going really great. How's you and Fanny?"

Hoagie smirked sheepishly. "Great." He was walking on air, so to speak. He and Fanny were getting on like a house on fire. She was one of the prettiest girls in the club, and she was all his.

"Hey!" The three girls made their way over, each grabbing the other's hands so they wouldn't lose each other within the crowds. Rachel still looked solemn, but still managed to have a smile on her face. Kuki and Fanny were beaming as they made their way over, giggling and waving.

"We're gonna go find Abby" Kuki yelled over the music. A new song was starting, and upbeat Pop number by the Veronicas that she knew. She gave Wally a quick kiss and whispered how they'd be back. In a flash they'd disappeared within the crowds, weaving around the masses of people looking for Abby.

Abby refused to drop her gaze, as did Dingo. His deep, fierce emerald pupils bore into her determined, solid chocolate ones for what felt like hours before he finally blinked, looking reluctantly to the ground and back into her face.

"What are you even doing here?" Abby asked, narrowing her eyes with suspicion. "What are you up to? You want me out of the way for something."

Dingo froze, his mind working furiously. Only his father could look into his face and see passed that cool, calm exterior he always displayed. Abby could see his guilt, panic and tactics. She could almost see the sick bastard within him, and the thought made him stutter.

"W-what?" He choked, being swallowing and composing himself. "I'm not doing anything Abs, I just object to my pregnant girlfriend walking around something as dangerous as a bar, especially when some asshole decides to pick her up in the middle of the fu-."

"I'm not your girlfriend." Abby muttered. "I told you it's over."

Dingo gave her a look, a wide eyed innocent look that was matched with his sweet smile. He sighed, cupping her chin in his hand before she had the chance to object.

"Abby…" He cooed into her face, smiling. "You're having my baby. It isn't over until I say it is."

Abby pushed him roughly, stepping away before she sobbed on him, jumped on him or slammed her knee into his crotch- she couldn't decide. She couldn't help but feel totally under his power at times, he was just so dominant, so robust that she couldn't help but want to melt into him, do whatever he says and let him takeover her completely. It was rare she found anyone she actually let take care of her- usually she prided herself on being independent. It was one of the reasons she fell so hard for him. But now she was pregnant, she had another responsibility besides her libido. She had a baby to look after. She had to be strong.

Dingo frowned as she walked away, and his arms automatically made a grab for her, pulling her back to him. She shook him off, frustrated and furious. With a low growl he seized her gently around the stomach and pulled her tightly to him, turned her face and kissed her.

Abby felt as though she was melting, about to collapse in a blaze of fire and passion. Her cheeks flushed and everything seemed to slow down as their lips met. His kiss was hard and lustful, his teeth scraping against her lips as he hugged her tighter and closer to his body. He pulled her face closer, his tongue slipping in and fighting for dominance. Abby closed her eyes as she felt her legs go weak, her knees shake as they kissed, occasionally drawing in a rushed breath before going in for more. She tasted the immediate bite of tequila on his lips- a tangy mix of sour and sweet.

With a gasp she finally broke the spell he'd cast on her and she pulled away, breaking from the trance. She blinked and pulled out of his grip weakly, stumbling into the crowds of people. Still awed by her presence he was slightly dazed, blinking in alarm as he found she was no longer in his grip. He growled and followed her, but Abby had already run into the one place he couldn't follow her. The ladies room.

"Oi! Dodge!"

Dodge weakly managed to tear his awed gaze away from the redheaded girl in the emerald dress and look at Trent, who was giving him a cocky grin.

"You right there?"

"I'm fine." Dodge growled defensively, finishing his beer.

Trent gave him a knowing look and returned to his own drink. Nearby, Bonny and Hollie were waiting patiently amongst the crowd, swaying and jumping to the loud music. Dingo had disappeared, so Dodge was waiting for an opportune moment for the prank to take place. Dodge slammed his empty bottle on the table and looked towards the bar, where three familiar guys were standing by idly. He sighed.

"Now's probably good." Dodge muttered to the girls, who instantly perked up. A sly smile spread over Hollie's face and Bonny giggled to herself. "Try not to be too conspicuous." He added with a low growl.

"Yeah yeah" Bonny remarked, laughing. "Always paranoid, right Dodge?"

"Just like old times…" Hollie smirked, and with that they pushed through a gaggle of people and made their way over to the bar just as a new song started."Brace yourself, Bon." She grinned. "We're going in for the kill."

Nigel sat glumly by himself and hardly looked up as he felt someone sitting beside him. He suddenly looked over as he saw a glimpse of blonde hair and lightly tanned skin…soft lightly tanned skin. He swallowed.

"Hey Rachel"

"Hey Nigel" She looked down at the bar, meekly tapping her fingers against the hard surface. She swallowed nervously before casting her boyfriend a nervous glance out of the corner of her eye.

"Weren't you dancing with the rest of the girls?" Nigel asked, raising an eyebrow. Rachel shrugged.

"I thought I'd sit with you instead." She mumbled, swallowing.

Nigel nodded, and the pair slipped into another deep, awkward silence that was only broken by the now pounding dance music around them. Rachel bit down on her bottom lip, thinking back to when she was only 10 years old, and the only highlight of her day at the moonbase was seeing the bald British leader on the screen, adjusting his sunglasses importantly and telling her about the latest update. She loved his voice, his authority, everything he did seemed logical and perfect. Sometimes she'd get lost in a daze and completely forget Sector F were under attack, just because she was thinking about Nigel Uno.

Had the times completely changed?

"Nigel…" She finally sighed. "Would you ever cheat on me?"

Nigel looked up in alarm, his face troubled and his eyes worried. "No" He said, his voice so strong and firm Rachel was straight away filled with guilt at doubting him in the first place. He growled. "I would never cheat on you, Rachel. You're everything to me. Why would I want to give that up?"

Rachel swallowed, her face now glowing a bright red. "It's just…" She broke off, already regretting what she was about to say. "I saw a picture today…of you and…Abby…kissing and I-"

"What?" Nigel's face was stormy, and he seemed to bristle with anger. "Me and Abby never kissed…I mean, I saw her today and gave her a peck but she was upset and it was just as friends!" He stiffened, turning back to the bar. "Jeese, Rachel."

Rachel swallowed, blushing guiltily. "Look…" She sighed quietly as she spoke. "I just…I'm paranoid okay? And you just have to accept that about me… My last relationship…it left me a little scarred after my first boyfriend cheated on me." She twisted her hands together, a few tiny drops of tears forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I do trust you- I do."

Nigel turned, and his heart automatically swelled with warmth for the girl beside him. She looked so sad, but yet so beautiful in the dimmed lights. Her hair spilled over shoulders like melted sunshine, shaping her heart shaped face. Her hazel eyes were wide and warm, glassy with tears. He sighed, unable to be angry with her even slightly. As he watched her, a tear ran down her cheek and dripped into her lap. Without words, he cupped her face with both hands and brought her into a passionate kiss.

Hollie and Bonny worked their way through the crowd, stopping as they spotted the two men by the bar, chatting and laughing together. As the new song blasted through the club they began to dance, not taking their eyes off them. They knew the "sticky eyes" technique was virtually 100% reliable.

The lights are out and I barely know you
We're going up and the place is slowing down
I knew you'd come around

The two girls began to dance and sway, closing their eyes and smiling as they moved their bodies to the beat of the music. They were drawing a lot of attention, but they kept their eyes on the target. They mouthed the words of the song, the music fitting the two girls perfectly.

You captivate me, something about you has got me
I was lonely now you make me feel alive
Will you be mine tonight?

Wally looked over at the two girls a couple of feet away. A bodacious redhead and her slender brunette friend. He couldn't ignore their gaze, it was as their eyes were glued to him and Hoagie, who was gawking at them not so subtley.

Take me on the floor (dadada da dadadada)
I can't take it any more (dadada da dadadada)
I want you, I want you, I want you to show me love

The redhead's hazel eyes were wide, deep and mischievous as she eyed him, winking and smirking shyly before looking away, only to look back. She was beautiful, as any guy could plainly see, and she was watching him so intently he couldn't ignore her. She moved her curvy body to the music, mouthing some words as she swayed her hips, waist and chest, her long hair flowing behind her.

Just take me on the floor (dadada da dadadada)
I can give you more (dadada da dadadada)
You kill me, you kill me, you kill me with your touch

The other girl, the brunette with the chopped, shoulder length hair, was eyeing Hoagie as she danced closely with her friend. They seemed to whisper and giggle at each other as they watched the two, who seemed to be spellbound into silence. The brunette moved her hands over her body sensually, never taking her eyes off of the lean, brown haired boy. The redhead was the first to move as she took a step towards them, licking her lips.

My heart is racing as you're moving closer
You take me higher with every breath I take
Would it be wrong to stay?

Both (taken) boys watched, frozen, as the two hotties moved closer to them, their eyes ready and their faces set- sexy smirks on their faces. Hollie approached them, with a walk that drove any guy crazy, and nervously chewed on her bottom lip. She played with the tiny silver chain around her neck as she looked downcast, approaching her target with a nervous, shy demeanor that no guy could resist. She pouted at him as she pushed her body to him, trapping the blonde Aussie against the bar. She smiled and somehow Wally found his hand gripping hers loosely. She pulled, and he numbly followed. This was all happening too fast.

"Dance with me…" He thought he heard her say.

One look at you and I know what you're thinking
Time's a bitch and my heart is sinking down
You turn me inside out

Wally frowned with confusion as he found himself back on the dance floor, amongst the other dancing and grinding couples. Hoagie and the brunette were beside him, but he barely noticed. His eyes were on the redhead, and the numb, sharp thought entered his head. Kuki. He resisted, but her grip suddenly tightened and she wound an arm around his hard body. Her gaze was powerful and trusting as she gave him a slick, sugary sweet smile. She danced, innocently and sweetly, but her look was still powerful and dominating. Wally stiffened with nerves as he found the strange girl get closer and closer with every sway of her hips.

Take me on the floor (dadada da dadadada)
I can't take it any more (dadada da dadadada)
I want you, I want you, I want you to show me love

All through the chorus, her eyes never left his face, her hands never left his body. She lay a hand on his chest, heading lower and lower. Out of the corner of his eye Wally noticed the brunette and Hoagie were incredibly close, her fingers gripping the collar of his t-shirt protectively.

Just take me on the floor (dadada da dadadada)
I can give you more (dadada da dadadada)
You kill me, you kill me, you kill me with your touch

Wally swallowed, trying to regain of what was left of his common sense. The music changed, became louder, pumping and throbbing in his head. He was faintly aware of the redhead's hands, she was everywhere, her eyes, her lips, her chest… It was a blur as she and the brunette suddenly danced closer together.

I wanna kiss a girl
I wanna kiss a girl
I wanna kiss a boy
I wanna ...

The brunette and redhead danced together seductively before returning to their chosen boys, gripping them close again. The two boys were stunned, mesmorised by the two girls. Wally faintly tried to tug away. This wasn't right, this wasn't innocent. He knew the look in her eyes. Wally looked around the club with worry, looking for a life preserver to grab onto. The girl's hands slid around his torso, his back, his shoulder blades…he froze, her hands sending nerves jolts through his body.

I wanna kiss a girl (do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya)
I wanna kiss a girl (do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya)
I wanna kiss a boy (do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya)
I wanna kiss a (kiss a, kiss a, kiss a)

Suddenly, time seemed to stop as the music did. The redhead was close, closer, way too close as her hands trailed his neck, her arms eventually finding home around his neck as she drew him closer, those intense eyes, those plump lips, she held him close as he frowned in confusion. She pulled his lips to meet his.

dadada da dadadada
dadada da dadadada
dadada da dadadada…

Wally froze, his heart in his throat as he was vaguely aware of her tongue swirling around his mouth, swiftly and quickly with expertise. He pushed her off, her arms still firmly around his neck. She opened her eyes, her lips curling into a smile as she mouthed the word just in time with the music.

"Oh"

Wally's eyes widened with fear as Holly drew him in for another kiss, this time she completely lost her seductive demeanor and threw herself onto him, her legs firmly latching around his hips and her arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders as she kissed him, her lips locking onto his. A few feet away, two girls stopped dancing to stare, their mouths open in shock and horror. A pair of violet eyes widened, and her breath quickly escaped from her lungs.

Take me on the floor (dadada da dadadada)
I can't take it any more (dadada da dadadada)
I want you, I want you, I want you to show me love
Just take me on the floor (dadada da dadadada)
I can give you more (dadada da dadadada)
You kill me, you kill me, you kill me with your touch

Wally pulled away from the girl and she gazed at him, dazzled. A wide smile spread across her face as she clung onto him. Wally stared back at her in shock, her face completely broke into a joking laugh, her eyes gleaming.

"Damn…" She whispered to him. A foreboding shiver travelled down Wally's spine. She leaned forward, her eyes boring into his own. "You're as delicious as your brother."

"What?" He choked out. Amongst everything- the song, the dancing, the people- he heard one noise that made him completely stop. The sound made his heart stop and leap into his throat. He wanted to vomit as he turned to that sound. The sound of his own girlfriend sobbing. He turned, his hands still on Holly's hips, and saw Kuki standing amongst the crowd, her violet eyes completely lost as she gazed at her boyfriend across the dance floor. She let out a choked sob as the tears ran down her face, her violet eyes wide and pleading. In a split second she'd run, leaving Wally with the strange girl still clinging to him. He pushed her off and ran after the love of his life, his heart heavy with deep regret and fear of losing his one true love.

Fanny looked on, her heart sinking as she saw her date, a brunette's arms wrapped around his neck and her tongue down his throat. She found she couldn't look on anymore, seeing Hoagie barely notice her as she looked on, and she followed Kuki's distressed steps into the bathroom.

Abby's mouth fell open as she watched the scene from the other side of the club. Having saw everything, she was amazed at how quickly it had all happened. The two girls, all over the two boys. They had no chance to even think, to even consider what they were doing, when suddenly Fanny and Kuki had approached them at exactly the wrong moment. Abby watched the two girls, both beautiful, curvy girls- one with red hair and one with brown hair. They had been so strategically poised, so prompt and precise. They'd planned it all. And Abby knew it. She saw the brunette break away from Hoagie, disappear into the crowd. She saw her follow the redhead, right into the back of the club. She switched her gaze to the bathroom, where Kuki and Fanny had hidden. She saw Rachel and Nigel meet the boys, rushed and questioning looks on her faces. The two girls had disappeared into the back of the club.

Abby swallowed. All Hell had broken loose within one song. It had all happened in front of her. She frowned, watching the two girls disappear from the scene as if they had disappeared into thin air. All in one quick second, two girls had knocked out two relationships with one hard blow. Abby growled, her hands becoming tight, enclosed fists.

And Abby knew who was behind it.

"Take me on the Floor" Is a Veronicas club classic! Even though they are so old school :P

;) You know what to do