Hey, everyone! Sorry that it's been so long since I updated. My parenta and I were going from house to house visiting family on Christmas Day and a few days afterwards. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. I know I did! I got a Teen Beach Movie DVD! :) I'm really excited! Then, today (Dec. 30) is my b-day! Well, on with the story! I just had to fill you guys in! So, on to Chapter 10!-Alyssa

Once the Adders left, everyone began speaking at once. Mostly asking questions, mainly revolving around 'How did you do that?' That is, until Tessa held her hands up for silence.
"Now, I said this already, but I am a Black Belt in karate. I also know several other forms of martial arts."
"Why did you do that?" Tessa heard someone ask from the back of the group.
Everyone stepped aside, revealing that it was Butchy who had spoken. His face showed almost no emotion, possibly because he was having mixed feelings. He was glad that Tessa had taken on Speed, but then again, she could've been hurt. But yet, he was proud that a girl could be that good at fighting.
"Well, for one, I couldn't just let him attack! Second, I knew what I was doing. And Third, I wanted to show him that girls are just as capable as boys."
"It was very dangerous! He could've easily hurt you, or worse."
"Yeah, but he didn't! Besides, it's an occupational hazard."
"What occupation!?"
"Being a karate Black Belt!"
"You're stubborn, you know."
"Yeah, I know. My mom told me that all the time."
"Tessa! We gotta go get ready for the Shindig tonight!" Lela said, grabbing Tessa's arm.
Not only did the girls have to get ready, but Lela also wanted to avoid another confrontation. Once the girls were back at the house, they started preparing. By the time it was 30 minutes till the Shindig, Butchy, Lugnut, Tanner, and Brady, were all waiting downstairs for the girls. After a few minutes, the girls walked downstairs, all except for Tessa.
Lela was wearing her usual Shindig outfit; Struts was wearing a hot pink, one shoulder, dress; CheeChee had on a Silver, strapless dress; and Mack had on a blue ombré, maxi, strapless dress. All they guys' jaws dropped. Then, the girls stepped aside, to reveal Tessa. Tessa had her hair in a French Twist, she had on a blue version of Lela's dress, with black heels.
Butchy gaped at how stunning Tessa looked. Tessa looked Butchy right in the eye and smiled a small, shy smile.
"M'lady." Tanner said, walking to Lela and kissing her hand.
"Oh, Tanner!" Lela exclaimed.
"Shall we go?" Brady asked, offering Mack his arm.
At that, odded and everyone walked out. Leaving Tessa and Butchy alone.
"Um, you look very pretty tonight. I mean, you always look pretty, but you look…"
"I know what you mean. And thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."
"Uh, thanks. Should we go?"
"Sure."
Butchy offered his arm to Tessa, and she eagerly accepted. After they'd walked part way, Tessa realized that Butchy seemed a bit tense.
"You know, you don't have to walk me there if you feel uncomfortable."
"What makes you say that?"
"I can just tell."
"Oh, um, ok. Well, I'll still walk with you there."
"Alright." Tessa said with a smile.
When they walked in, Lela came rushing over to them.
"Tessa, you HAVE to sing with me tonight! CheeChee is taking up backup singing tonight, cause Struts is gonna dance with Lugnut!"
"Well, good for them! Sure! I'll sing with you!" Tessa exclaimed.
"Great! Come on then!"
Then the two ran to join CheeChee, Maya, and Nikki by the stage, just as Tanner went up on the stage.

Well, I hope you enjoyed it! And I'd like to give a shoutout to cherrygorilla, who has helped and supported me so far, as well as becone a friend to me; fanfictionlover211, who has become a great friend; MJ Lynn, who has given tips on how to better write my story; and to guest, Struts4123, thank you for reviewing on my story, and thank you so much for saying what you did, it means a lot to me. :) Also, Struts4123, if you sign up on , and PM me, I could help you with your writing, if you'd like. :) Well, everyone, R&R!-Alyssa