A/N: It has been a while, but I am back. I still wish that more people would send me what they think instead of just reading, but whatever. So, without further ado, Episode 8 of Like a Record. And please review!

Episode VIII: Bring Me to Life

Kelly, Shane, and Jordan were currently walking down the sidewalk in front of the school.

"I can't believe that he was jumped." Kelly said. "I mean, who would want to jump A.J? He's virtually invisible."

"I bet it was Damon and/or Nathan." Jordan said. "They're always picking on us and A.J always stands up to them when it comes to Gabrielle."

Shane shrugged. "It could've been practically anyone, really. But I'll find out. And I hope that Scooter or Nathan had something to do with this. I've been itching to-"

"No more fights. Mom would be pissed. Not to mention Dad's double-duty schedule that he'll pin on you." Kelly said.

"True," Shane said. "But if Jordan just so happened to be in trouble…"

"No. I was used for the Dakota thing, remember?" Jordan said. "I'm not your scapegoat, Shane."

"Yes you are. That's why Mom had you." Shane said as the trio made their ways to the front steps where Aaron and Dustin were talking. "Hey A.J, how are you?"

"Better." Aaron said. "Thanks."

"No problem." Shane said. "Remember, if you need anything, just call."

"I will." Aaron said as Shane and Kelly walked up the steps. "You had to tell them."

"You're like family." Jordan said throwing an arm around Aaron's shoulders. "So we have to look after you when your 'older brother' can't."

Aaron nodded as he felt his throat tighten up. His brother could and wants to look after him. But Aaron did not want it.

"Let's go." Aaron said.

Helen smiled as Jayden continued to whisper things in her ear as he held her against him, her back against his torso.

"Jayden… I have to get my books." Helen said.

"Then answer my question." Jayden replied.

"Hey Jay," Kelly said as she and Shane walked towards him. "Can you help us for a second?"

Jayden looked at the blonde with purple and orange highlights in her hair.

"What can I do?" Jayden asked.

"Well, Jordan's friend A.J was jumped yesterday and we wanted to know if you could help us find out who did it." Kelly said.

"Sure…" Jayden responded, now completely thinking about the situation again. "Anyway, Shane tell you about-"

"Yes!" Kelly interrupted happily. "I think it's a great idea!"

Jayden looked at Shane who merely shrugged.

"Wow." Shane said.

Jayden laughed. "Yeah. Wow."

"Jayden," Helen said. "You're going to have to release me so I can go see Scar."

"Sure." Jayden said releasing Helen. She turned around to face him. "What? Did I do something wrong already?"

"No." Helen said. "In fact, it's because you did what I asked the first time I asked it that troubles me."

Jayden hummed in thought. "Hmm… You're right." Jayden hugged Helen again. "How's that?"

Helen laughed. "Better. Now, let go."

"Hey Shane, hey Jay, and Kelly." Nicole said as she and Jacquelyn walked towards the group. "So, are the cheerleading practices going to start today Helen?"

"Yes." Helen said breaking free from Jayden's grip. "That is, if I'm able to make it there without someone towering over me."

"I see." Nicole said glancing at Jayden with a grin.

"Jayden. A.J. Help. Remember?" Kelly asked.

Jacquelyn frowned. "Who is this A.J character?"

"A friend of Jordan's." Shane answered. "He was jumped yesterday and Jordan has asked us to find the guy or guys."

"Well," Jacquelyn said. "If it has anything to do with what I heard Nathan and Scooter-"

"McBride." Jayden muttered.

"Yeah… They were talking about it yesterday after school. Something about he's a chump that doesn't quit and if you two had a problem it'd be messy." Jacquelyn explained.

Jayden walked away from the group angrily causing many confused faces.

"Your boyfriend is weird." Nicole said to Helen. Helen snapped Nicole a fierce glare. "I m-mean… In a cute way."

"Let's go." Helen said before she, Nicole, and Jacquelyn walked off.

Kelly and Shane were left staring at the direction Jayden took off.

"You think he's mad?" Kelly asked.

Shane nodded. "Yep. And now we will see the McDuelle Blackout." Shane sighed. "What a life."

Dakota looked around the emptied locker room.

"This is the perfect place to skip during first period." Laura said. "Plus, it's away from those two losers, Nathan and Scooter."

"Can't argue with you there." Dakota said sitting on a bench.

Laura sat on a bench opposite of Dakota and revealed a bottle.

"You know," Laura said. "Last year, I knew that there was something off about you. Everyone said that it was because you were just some suicidal chick, but I knew that there was something more. You're filthy stinking rich."

Dakota sighed. "Trust me. It comes with its problems."

"I bet." Laura said. "You got some cups?" Dakota nodded and revealed two red plastic cups. "That's better. Don't want you wasted before class, now do we?"

"Thanks." Dakota said.

"Hey, I'm a friend, remember?" Laura replied. "Now let's drink."

Helen watched Jayden's pencil tap on his desk impatiently.

"Are you okay?" Helen whispered towards Jayden.

Jayden's pencil stopped. "Slightly angered."

"Why?" Helen asked.

Jayden sighed. "Last week, I told Damon to lay off with those three, Jordan, A.J, and Dustin. And now that he and Nathan haven't-"

"Don't get caught." Helen cut in.

Jayden smiled at Helen. "I won't."

Kelly could only sigh as she sat in her seat wondering where Dakota was.

"Ms. Mason," Mr. McCall said. "Do you know where your friend, Ms. Nash, is?"

Kelly shook her head. "No."

"That is strange." Mr. McCall said. "I hope she is okay."

"Me too." Kelly replied.

Mary-Jane looked at Amber. Amber was now casually checking her nails at the time, completely ignoring the teacher. It was not like Amber to miss out on a lesson, but Mary-Jane could completely understand why. The lesson was incredibly boring.

"Hey." Mary-Jane said to Amber. Amber hardly gave her friend a glance. "So that movie wasn't so bad. I actually liked it."

"Uh-huh." Amber said.

Mary-Jane frowned. "What's your problem?"

"Nothing." Amber replied. "Just realized what you said."

"What did I say?" Mary-Jane asked.

"Think about it." Amber said.

Mary-Jane chose not to say anything. The only thing she could do was, try and pretend that she did not care at all. But she did care, whether Amber knew it or not. Mary-Jane was beginning to deeply care for James Brooks.

Scarlett was walking down the halls, running a small errand for the guidance counselor, Mr. Goodwin. She hated doing errands because of her status as student body president, but she did it nonetheless because it gave her a valid reason to skip class.

Currently, she had to hang up a memo on a cafeteria wall. The memo was about the cheerleading tryouts that were to be done later on today. She never really cared about cheerleading, but for the sake of her cousin, she was always doing things for the Spirit Squad.

"I still can't figure out why you're not a cheerleader." Scarlett smiled slightly before turning to see Jayden. "What are you doing?"

"Hanging this up." Scarlett said. "What are you doing?"

"Getting some water." Jayden replied.

Scarlett frowned. "Your class is-"

"I know." Jayden said. "Just trying to calm down a bit." Jayden looked at the poster. "Cheerleading tryouts, huh? Guess that means that Helen won't be free this afternoon."

"And many to follow." Scarlett said.

"Well, I guess that's acceptable." Jayden replied. "Well, I have to get back to class. Hopefully, I'll see you this happy at lunch. Or else."

"Or else, what?" Scarlett asked as Jayden walked off. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"

"And I'm ignoring you." Jayden responded.

Scarlett, despite herself, smiled at his antics. Maybe, she thought, he dating Helen would never change who he truly was. Then again, Helen was Helen. If he could not change himself, Helen surely could.

The bell had rung for the end of first period. Mary-Jane walked out of her class, still thinking about what Amber had told her. Before the thought slipped her mind, she decided to speak to Amber.

"Amber." Mary-Jane said. Amber stopped and looked at Mary-Jane. "I want to talk to you."

"About?" Amber asked.

"You know about what." Mary-Jane said.

"Look," Amber said. "I know you want James. I get it. But what I don't understand is how you got the notion that I wanted you to take him to the dance for me. That doesn't make sense, because I would've wanted him to stay at home while I was out."

Mary-Jane sighed. "This is not how I wanted this to go."

"You're selfish and spoiled and I stick by you because I get you. I get you." Amber said. "But you will not take James that fast. Not without a fair fight. And I know you've never had a fair fight picking on kids like Helen, but I'm not Helen."

"Tell her." Laura said as she and Dakota walked past the two.

"Stay out of this." Mary-Jane said.

Laura stopped. "I'm sorry," Laura looked at Mary-Jane. "You're mad at me because you are chasing after your best friend's man. Oh how much I have tortured poor Amber Clarke."

"Are you drunk?" Mary-Jane asked disgustedly.

"No. But I have had a few ones." Laura said. "Because, if I were drunk, I would be blabbering on and on about things that don't have to do with you. But… Seeing as my good friend wouldn't allow it…" Mary-Jane looked at Dakota. "I am fully aware of the situation. You want James. You tried to steal him while Amber was MIA."

"You don't know what you're talking about and I suggest you keep it that way." Mary-Jane said angrily.

"Ooh. I'm so scared." Laura replied. "Tch. You're not worth it. Not now anyway. Just remember one thing, Princess. You're a dirty slut who keeps her legs open twenty-four seven, which is why I find it understandable that you would want to be on top of the pyramid. You're comfortable there."

"Listen here you little whore," Mary-Jane said. "I don't know who you are or what you think you're doing, but you're starting to piss me off. Now I don't care if you have the other girls shaking in their boots, but no one scares Mary-Jane Del Rossi. Not even you."

"Well Princess, if you want a fight, then let's fight." Laura said.

"Hey, Laura," Dakota said. "It's not worth it. Just go to class or somewhere else."

"You're right. Wouldn't want to ruin my hair." Laura said. "But tomorrow, be on the lookout Princess. Or to dumb it down for you preppy overrated dipstick cheerleaders: Watch your back bitch."

With that Laura walked away from Mary-Jane, leaving the older of the two standing with a disbelieving look on her face.

"Laura's right." Amber said, causing Mary-Jane to whip her head around to look at Amber. "You do want James and you did try to steal him from me while I was sick."

"He isn't yours." Mary-Jane said.

Amber glared at Mary-Jane. "I thought so."

Mary-Jane watched Amber walk away with a frown smeared on her face. Out of all the things that she wanted to say to Amber, none of them came out because of Laura. And now she had to deal with this after school during cheerleading tryouts.

"Great." Mary-Jane said.

Aaron was walking down the hallway alone, against his better judgment. He had been asked several questions about his previous beating and chose to ignore them all. He saw Jayden walking in his direction, but ignored the thought. His brother had not said much to him since their talk yesterday.

That thought was quickly demolished once Jayden nearly dragged Aaron into the nearest restroom.

"Damon and Nathan?" Jayden said.

Aaron blinked. "What are you-"

"Don't lie to me A.J. It was them, wasn't it?" Jayden asked.

Aaron sighed. "Yeah. But please don't-"

"Shut up." Jayden said. "You want to tell me why you didn't say anything earlier? I hate those two and would've loved fighting them with a legit reason."

"You're not going to go find them, are you?" Aaron asked.

"Now," Jayden answered. "You've known me for what, ten years while I've known you all twelve years you were here. I think you should know me by now."

"That's a yes, isn't it?" Aaron questioned.

"You know it is." Jayden replied. "And the next time this happens, don't think I will be that forgiving towards you. Mama and Dad are out here trying to make amends-"

"Get vengeance." Aaron interrupted.

"Well, if I'm correct, you are the child that carries Granddad's name. Honor it or else." Jayden said. "Now, like I was saying, our parents are out trying to make amends and you're doing your best to 'stand alone' or whatever. Hey Stupid, you're number three of seven. Dad is three of nine. You have a large family. Embrace it."

Aaron sighed as Jayden brushed past him and out of the restroom. Things were about to become much worse for him and he knew it.

"It's not like him to be late." Helen said to Scarlett.

"Unless," Scarlett replied. "He's skipping. And knowing J.T, that's a very good excuse."

"Not with me it isn't." Helen said crossing her arms before Jayden walked into the classroom. "About freaking time."

"I had to talk to someone." Jayden said. "But I am here. I would've skipped, but, giving the circumstances that I'm dating you and this is your uncle's class and you're my neighbor, that just didn't end well in my mind."

"Smart." Helen said.

"That's just J.T." Scarlett said.

"No it isn't." Helen said.

Scarlett frowned. "Why so defensive? I've known the guy just as long as you do. I think I know how often he skips classes and I don't have 'love' to blind me and see otherwise."

"I don't-"

"Helen, Scarlett, I'm starting class." Coach Blue said. "Now, as I was saying…"

Scarlett glared at her cousin. "Honestly, grow up."

Helen scoffed. "You first."

Jayden stared at Helen and Scarlett. He had just seen both girls as happy as can be and not even an hour later, they were at each others' necks.

"Tramp." Scarlett muttered.

"Jealous." Helen shot back.

Jayden silently shook his head. It was going to be a long day.

"She didn't come to first period." Kelly whispered to her brother. "I think something may have happened to her."

"Like what?" Shane responded in a low tone.

Kelly shrugged. "I don't know. I just feel it though."

Shane looked over at Laura and then back at Kelly.

"If Dakota is skipping," Shane said. "Then with who? We're her only friends!"

"I know that." Kelly said staring at Laura. "But I know that she did something. I just do."

"You sound like Mom." Shane said.

"Hey, Laura." Kelly said.

"What are you doing?" Shane whispered.

"What?" Laura asked.

"Have you seen Dakota today?" Kelly asked.

Laura frowned. "No. What do I look like, her keeper? Besides, isn't she your friend?"

"I thought that you two had become friends." Kelly said.

"Maybe we have and maybe we haven't. But I haven't seen her so just leave me alone." Laura said.

Kelly frowned as Laura turned away from her.

"I don't trust her." Kelly whispered to Shane.

"I'll find out." Shane replied. "Just give me an hour or so."

Jayden looked at Helen's painting on the easel.

"Not to brag," Jayden said. "But I can do better than that."

"Prove it." Helen said before looking at Jayden's painting. "Finish your painting."

"Instead of trying to take his tongue from out of his mouth, maybe you should concentrate on taking some of his talents." Scarlett said.

Helen frowned. "I would if I could. How about you go try it on your boyfriend." Helen gasped. "Oh wait. That's right. You don't have one."

"Tell me something new like how you plan on seducing the next boy." Scarlett said.

"Oh shut up already and get over it." Helen said.

"Get over what?" Scarlett asked.

"You! You're so jealous Scarlett!" Helen said a bit louder than she should have. "You're moping around at home, you're trying to boss people around here in school, and you obvious keep trying to make me look like the bad guy! Well I have news for you. I did what you couldn't! And if you don't like that, bite me!"

"You no-good stupid son of a-"

"Scarlett! Helen! Detention!" Coach Blue said from his desk. "You two act as if you can't stand each other."

"I can't." Helen shot back. "Not while she-"

"I don't want to hear it." Coach Blue said before sighing. "Man that's annoying."

Jayden stared at the two cousins for a moment. Mentally, he felt sick. He had done the cursed and wrong thing by getting in-between them. There was nothing more that he wanted to do than to solve both of their problems at one time. The only problem was fixing one problem meant starting another.

"You're going to miss your cheerleading tryouts." Jayden said quietly to Helen.

"I'm going to miss my cousin." Helen replied. "As much as I hate the place, I will return to Manhattan if this continues."

"Please. Don't. I hate long-distant relationships." Jayden said, gaining a smile from Helen. "Look, if you need to, just come next door. I know that walking may not be your thing, but it's the closest place I think we can meet up out of your house."

"Thanks Jay. I really need that right now." Helen said.

"No one deserves to be alone. Especially not someone's girlfriend." Jayden said with a smile.

James looked at Amber once more, who gave him a sweet smile and then returned her focus back to her computer screen. He had no clue what had happened in the last twenty-four hours- not even that long- and wondered what was wrong with her. Then again, he would not complain if she was acting normal again, even if normality was now odd.

StellAmber9822: Loved the movie. We should do it again.

KingBrooks1002: Whenever.

StellAmber9822: No. Just the 2 of us.

KingBrooks1002: Rlly?

StellAmber9822: Yea.

KingBrooks1002: When?

StellAmber9822: Whenever.

KingBrooks1002: R u ok?"

StellAmber9822: Yes. Y?

KingBrooks1002: I heard about u and MJ. Wats up?

StellAmber9822: Stupid stuff.

KingBrooks1002: Like?

StellAmber9822: Nothing.

KingBrooks1002: So… Movies…?

StellAmber9822: Whenever.

KingBrooks1002: Ok.

James looked at Amber. Once more, she gave him a smile that told him all that he wanted to know. They were back to normal and if not something close enough.

As the bell for lunch rang, Aaron hurriedly got his things together to go to the cafeteria, lest something happens like yesterday.

"Hey A.J," Jordan said catching up to him. "What's the rush?"

"Nothing. Just caught in my own thoughts, I guess." Aaron replied. "So, how's your day been?"

"Me? I'm fine. How about you?" Jordan asked.

"Good." Aaron said. "I kind of hate going to Media Immersion later on."

"Why?" Jordan said. "I thought you would like that class out of all."

"Yeah, but it's also the class where we have to do the most work in." Aaron said. "The 'gifts' of being 'gifted' remember?"

Jordan shrugged. "Granddad is like that. I'm used to it."

"I bet." Aaron said. Aaron spotted Jayden walking towards them. "Don't look now, but your crush is headed this way."

"Oh my God." Jordan said. "How do I look?"

Aaron shrugged. "The same as always I guess." Jordan slapped Aaron's arm. "Ouch! What was I supposed to say?"

"Hey Jordan. A.J." Jayden said to the two. "Hey, Jordan, if your brother or sister asks where I'm at, tell them I had to go do something for a teacher first, okay?"

"Yeah." Jordan said.

Jayden smiled. "Thanks. In a weird way, I wish you were my younger sister instead of the ones I have now. You're resourceful and I like that. And by the way, thanks for the bail out Saturday. Really came in handy."

"Um… No problem…" Jordan said before Jayden walked off. Jordan sighed. "He likes resourceful people and I'm resourceful. Yes!"

"Let's go Jordan." Aaron said.

Dakota sat at her usual lunch table where Jacob, Kelly, and Shane were already sitting at.

"Where's Jay?" Dakota asked.

"Who knows? I guess he was the same place you were during first period." Kelly said. Dakota sighed, causing Kelly to frown. "Let me guess. Laura."

"Kelly it's-"

"Don't give me that Dash." Kelly said. "First you're just drinking. Next, you're smoking pot. And before you know it, you're pregnant. That's how it works. If you keep hanging with Laura, that's what's going to happen to you."

"You're overreacting. And I'm not drunk." Dakota said.

"Now." Kelly retorted. "What about tomorrow?"

"Laura's not that bad." Dakota said.

Kelly pointed at Dakota. "She's no good Dash. Stay away from her or she'll drag you down with her."

"Whatever Kelly." Dakota replied.

Nicole and Jacquelyn exchange glances from Scarlett to Helen, neither cousin speaking to or looking at each other.

"So…" Nicole said. "What's going on?"

"Do we really want to know?" Jacquelyn asked.

"Oh come on. Something clearly happened. Helen was so happy during first period and now she's all mad." Nicole said. "Something had to happen, that's all I'm saying."

"You know, I was happy earlier today until someone had to ruin it." Helen said.

"Well that someone might have been doing you a favor by reminding you just who the guy is you're dating." Scarlett replied.

"I don't need help. I don't need reminding. I know Jayden just as long as you do and just because I don't know his stupid middle name doesn't mean that I'm any less suitable to date him than you are." Helen said.

"So this is about Jayden?" Nicole asked.

"No!" Helen and Scarlett snapped at the same time.

"Sorry." Nicole muttered.

"Give it up Scarlett. I win. I can seduce any guy I want to and now that I actually like a guy, you don't have to get all sensitive about it." Helen said.

"Sensitive? Yeah right. You're just not going to admit that I was right from the beginning. You are nothing but what he could scrape up after Jackie and him broke up and I rejected him." Scarlett said.

"Why you -"

"Where is Jayden?" Nicole asked looking at the table where he normally sat in.

"I don't know." Jacquelyn said. "I hope he isn't doing anything stupid."

"He is." Scarlett said.

"Isn't." Helen said. "Doing something stupid meant asking you to a dance."

"Touché. But I've seen him do dumber like when he asked you out." Scarlett shot back.

Damon's bloodied face connected with the locker once more before he slumped onto the ground.

"Now," Jayden said standing over him. "This is going to be my last time telling you this. Leave those kids alone or else I won't go so easy on you. Understand?" Damon let out a grumble before Jayden kicked the boy against the locker. "I thought so."

Jayden walked out of the locker room and spotted Laura standing with her hands behind her back.

"I knew it." Laura said.

"Not now." Jayden said.

"Come on. You just beat the hell out of Scooter in there. Show me the rest of the anger." Laura said. "Does it piss you off that I openly trash talk your girlfriend? That I got your friend drunk Saturday and today. That I know just-"

Laura was cut off as Jayden's hand stopped inches away from her face.

"Know that my father has told me that real men never strike a woman. So you're lucky." Jayden said lowering his hand. "You lose Laura. I won't hit you. I won't strike you. But Helen? She will. And if you're lucky, you'll live to apologize. Because if she ends up in jail for attempted murder, she'll only regret not finishing you off when she had the chance."

"Big words for such a small slut." Laura replied. "I mean, seriously, my breasts pack a stronger punch."

"Then you need to wash them." Jayden said walking away.

Laura smiled. "That hurt." Jayden did not respond as he continued walking on. "Go on and run Jayden McDuelle! But I don't lose! Ever!"

Once Jayden had disappeared out of the doors, Laura decided to go check in on her "friend" in the locker room. She walked in to see the benches spread across the floor haphazardly and Damon lying on the ground near some lockers. Damon was clutching his stomach area and his lips and nose were bleeding badly.

Laura sat on a bench and crossed her legs, staring down at Damon.

"You know what really sucks about this?" Laura said. "I won't verify that Jayden was even down here to do this. So even if you say it, no one will believe you."

"Ugh… Shut up Laura." Damon said.

Laura shrugged. "No point in getting mad at me. I didn't do this to you."

"How'd he know I was here?" Damon asked as he tried to sit up fruitlessly.

"I don't know." Laura said. "Have you seen your butt-buddy Nathan? Sure he had something to do with it."

"Why does he care for the kid so damn much?" Damon questioned, now sitting against the locker. "I swear to God that when I'm back to normal I'll-"

"Come on. You're record against Jayden isn't one I would brag about. Hell, I wouldn't even mention it." Laura interrupted. "However, I have learn that a sore heals in time. Cancer, however, worsens if not treated."

"What are you talking about?" Damon asked.

"You just sit there and look pretty. I'll handle Jayden." Laura said. "Because I am cancer, Scooter. The incurable, unsafe, unfriendly cancer and I will do the one thing no one seems to do. Show the world the true Jayden McDuelle."

"Good luck." Damon said. "He'd toss you aside like the small whore you are."

Laura frowned before standing up. She stepped towards Damon and looked down on him before smiling. Damon returned the smile before the two ended up laughing. Laura extended a hand, pulling Damon up to his feet. She then punched him in the face and followed it with a blunt kick to his groin, sending him back to the ground.

"Remember who you're talking to." Laura said. "Clean yourself up before someone finds you here. You're a pathetic site."

Laura walked out of the locker room leaving Damon on the ground clutching his sore area.

Chandra scoffed. "Ashton Manning is a loser."

"Why's that?" Aaron replied.

"Earlier today," Chandra explained. "I was late getting to class and he has the nerve to try to ask me about Jordan."

"Me?" Jordan asked.

"Looks like someone has a secret admirer." Dustin said.

"If he were a secret admirer, wouldn't that mean that Jordan has no clue about it?" Chandra asked.

"Well… Not necessarily." Dustin answered.

"You're hopeless." Chandra said.

"Bambi," Aaron said. "I think you're just angry for whatever the reason may be. I don't think it necessarily has to do with Jordan or Ashton."

Chandra sighed. "You're right. It's that stupid project for Media Immersion. I haven't thought anything for my presentation."

"I know what you mean." Dustin said. "Everyone keeps on doing it on some musician or star. I want to do it on someone else."

"Scarlett?" Jordan, Chandra, and Aaron said in union.

Dustin crossed his arms. "Losers."

"Seriously, I think that…" Chandra paused once she saw Jayden walk into the cafeteria. "Sorry! Gotta go!"

Chandra stood up and made her way across the cafeteria to the boy of her affection.

"I can't believe her." Jordan said. "The boy has a girlfriend and she still tries! What is the world coming to?"

"One beat down from one Helen Coyne to one Chandra Torres." Aaron answered.

"Hey Jay!" Chandra said happily. "I haven't seen you around lately. I mean, I have, but you're not really saying much."

"Bambi, are you okay?" Jayden asked.

"Perfect!" Chandra said with a smile.

"Uh… Um, I have to get over here to Helen." Jayden said. "See you around."

"Sure." Chandra replied. "And remember your promise."

"I remember." Jayden said as he walked away. "God, why do I have to make everyone happy?"

Helen frowned at Jayden. "And where have you been?"

"You're mad at Scarlett, I presume." Jayden said sitting beside Helen.

"What gave it away?" Helen asked.

"Because normally," Jayden replied. "You wouldn't care. Just as long as I was there. So what have you two been arguing about now?"

"They-"

"Nothing." Scarlett said cutting Nicole off. "Just petty things."

Jayden frowned. "Earlier it sounded like you were arguing over me and I'm not petty. All the time."

"You're never petty." Helen said. "I don't do petty."

"With all due respect, Helen. You haven't done me yet either." Jayden said with a smirk.

"I think I'm going to be sick." Scarlett said.

"Jay! That was really perverted!" Nicole exclaimed.

Jayden shrugged. "Sue me."

"Hey Jayden," Shane said standing behind him now. "Have you seen Nathan or Scooter around here? I've been searching and searching and nothing."

"Try the locker room. I think Damon should be getting up any moment now." Jayden said.

Helen glared at Jayden. "You didn't." Jayden nodded. "Jayden. You know that if he tells you're suspended, off the track team, off the basketball team, and your mom will never trust you with her car until Christmas."

"Small price to pay in order for him to take me seriously. Lay off of the kids." Jayden said. "And as for him snitching, I doubt it. Even if Laura-"

"Laura?" Helen interrupted.

"Yeah, she was just listening to it, I guess." Jayden said. "I told her that if you got arrested for attempted murder, you'd never live it down that you didn't kill her."

Helen leaned on Jayden. "In your own weird way, that's actually sweet of you."

"Correction. In your own weird way, that is the truth." Jayden responded before kissing Helen. "But, of course you know I wouldn't let her bad talk you while in my presence."

"I know you wouldn't." Helen said.

"When you're done playing tongue wrestling with Helen," Shane said. "Come over to the table to tell me just exactly how that went down."

"No problem." Jayden replied before Shane walked away.

"Did you really just beat Scooter down?" Nicole asked.

Jayden looked at Nicole. "Yes I did. Would I ever lie about something like that?"

"Just glad you didn't get caught." Helen said.

"Me too." Jayden said. "And hopefully, he and Nathan will learn that this year, they don't get so many strikes with me."

"Glad that you're here to save the day or whatever." Scarlett said.

"Whenever you call, I'm there." Jayden replied. "That's just who I am. Jayden McDuelle."

"Jayden T. McDuelle." Scarlett responded with a smirk.

"I'm so killing Danni when she returns for that." Jayden said.

Manny sat down on her couch and sighed heavily. She had just spent the last few hours talking to her agent about a movie offer. Ultimately, she rejected it because she still wanted to spend time with her family. She was a mother after all.

"Hey," Maxwell said walking into the entertainment room. "I thought you'd be out with Emma."

"She's at work, I think." Manny said before looking at her husband. "What are you doing here so early?"

"Did you forget that I'm my own boss? I can do that to make my wife happy." Maxwell said before leaning in and kissing Manny. "Are you happy yet?"

"Content. Not happy." Manny said with a smile. "Now if you could just-" Manny was interrupted by the phone. "Oh give me a break." Maxwell laughed as Manny answered the phone. "Hello."

"Hi Mama!" the mature, yet extremely happy, voice of Danica McDuelle said. "How are you?"

"Danni? What- Where-" Manny paused. "Just when did you decide that you were going to call me and tell me that you were alright?"

"Hmm, I'd say the same time you and Dad decided to call and tell me that you were moving to Toronto." Danica replied.

"Danni don't get sassy." Manny said.

Danica giggled. "I'm playing Mama. But, Grandma is like really pissed at Deion right now. She got suspended from her school for fighting."

"Well, her mother is the twin of your father. I can see where she gets it from." Manny said. "So where are you?"

"You know that phrase, when in Rome?" Danica said. "Well, I'm not in Rome, but I'm in Italy. I'm at the villa."

"You don't have any boys over there, do you?" Manny asked. "If you do, you know your dad will find out and he will not be happy."

"None if you don't count Scott." Danica answered. Manny gave a relieved sigh. "Oh come on. Am I that promiscuous?"

"You were engaged to a boy you had known for three days. I think that's a yes." Manny said.

"Sure beats your story with Dad." Danica said, causing Manny to frown. "But, I still think you and Dad have the best love story ever. I swear."

"Yeah, yeah." Manny said. "What did you want Danni? Call to put wrinkles and grays in my head?"

"Nope! I'm coming down there for a few weeks." Danica replied happily. "I thought about just moving there, but it gets cold in Toronto and I like my sunny house in L.A."

"You mean my house?" Manny questioned.

"Your house, my house, tomato, tomata." Danica said. "So, is that cool? Do you think you have time to baby your oldest daughter?"

"For you," Manny said. "I have all the time in the world."

"And that's why you're the greatest mother in the entire universe." Danica said, gaining a laugh from Manny. "I'll be there in like two days, I swear. I have to fly home and get a change of clothes. I'm sure Jay or A.J has perverted friends that would die if they saw me in my bikinis."

"Did you pack anything other than bikinis to Italy?" Manny asked.

"Hmm… Two pairs of shorts and a few tank tops. So basically, no." Danica said. "But then again, Sophie, Scott, and I just wanted to relax. Scott went out to try and score him a Roman or Italian or whatever, and Sophie and I just sun bathed in the privacy of my own backyard. Or Dad's." Danica paused. "Speaking of which, is he around or is he at work?"

"He's right here." Manny said before extending the phone towards Maxwell. "Please. Talk to your talkative daughter."

Maxwell laughed. "Hey Danni."

"Daddy!" Danica said happily. "How are you? Renée and Jenée haven't driven you insane have they? If they did, I'll take care of it when I get there."

"No they haven't. Besides, together they can only put me through half the things you did." Maxwell replied. "So, you're in Venice, huh? How'd you enjoy your private trip?"

"Perfect. Even Julie didn't screw this up." Danica said. "Speaking of which, the Coopers and Cohens and etcetera wants to know when we can get together again. I said I'd have to check in with you because I can't really make plans for the family."

Maxwell sighed. "That's a good one. I don't know really." Maxwell paused. "Say… You said that you were there with Scott. Anyone else?"

"Sophie. That's it." Danica replied. "But, I get it. The daughter that slept with a boy on her sixteenth birthday, still grounded I guess. No one takes into account that she's twenty and old enough to do a lot of things on her own."

"To me, you'll always be my little girl and not old enough to do everything on your own." Maxwell responded. "And yes. You are still grounded for your sixteenth birthday. Not because of what you did, but because of who you did it with."

"He was a loser, wasn't he?" Danica questioned. "Oh well. I have to get going if I want to make this plane. See you in two days Dad."

"Okay, I'll see you then Danni." Maxwell said. "And could you do me a favor and call your aunt for me? I was overlooking some figures and-"

"Whoa, you're losing me with that Wall Street lingo again. I speak English." Danica interrupted.

Maxwell laughed. "Yeah, you still are my little girl. Get your English-speaking butt here as soon as you can, alright?"

"Sure Daddy. Anything for you and Mama." Danica said.

"Bye Danni." Maxwell said.

"Bye." Danica said before hanging up.

Maxwell sighed. "You know, twenty years ago, you said that you were pregnant and I was happy."

"Now?" Manny asked.

"I should've run as far away as I could so that child couldn't put me through what she did." Maxwell said before sitting beside Manny. "But, for some odd reason, I feel that it was worth the pain."

"Really? Why?" Manny questioned.

"Because I kept you in the process." Maxwell answered. "And if that means raising seven children and dealing with your dad's mood swings, then I say bring it on."

"Max… I think you want something." Manny said standing up. "And I thought I should tell you, I'm not going to do it."

Maxwell frowned. "Do what exactly?"

"Correction. I'm not going to give it up." Manny said sultrily. "You're going to have to come and get it. And I suggest you do it before we have to go get the twins and Christian."

Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "Since I ran track, I'll give you a ten second head start."

Manny giggled before darting out of the room. Maxwell smiled before looking up at the ceiling. Saying a silent thanks to his deceased father, he stood up and made a beeline after his wife.

The final bell finally rang, giving many students the relief they have been looking for all day long.

"What is your problem?" Chandra asked Ashton.

"Bambi maybe you-"

"Shut it A.J." Chandra snapped back. "This guy has been pissing me off all day long."

"Look," Ashton said. "I asked you a simple question. Is it my fault that some people look better than you?"

"Really? You think I'm that stupid?" Chandra said. "You're just seriously annoying and nothing like your brother."

"That's right. How could I be like the 'perfect' son?" Ashton replied. "God I hate you people so much."

"You people?" Chandra asked.

"You and everyone else that thinks that Steven is without problems." Ashton answered. Ashton opened his locker, causing a container of pills to spill into the hallway. "What the…?"

"So you are on your period." Chandra said picking the bottle up. "These aren't prescribed to you."

"I don't know where they're from." Ashton said.

"What's the meaning of this?" Toby asked walking to the group. He took the bottle from Chandra's hand. "Are these yours Chandra?"

"No. But I know where they came from." Chandra said glaring at Ashton.

"Is this true Ashton?" Toby asked his nephew.

"They were in my locker, but I swear, I didn't put them there." Ashton said.

"You're right. I did." Chandra responded rhetorically. "This is probably why you've been so annoying all day."

"Ashton, come with me." Toby said before leading Ashton away.

"You don't think that they're his, do you?" Aaron asked Chandra.

Chandra scoffed. "Who else could they be? Yours?"

"I don't take pills." Aaron replied. "Come on Bambi. We're going to meet Brie, Dustin, and Jordan at the Dot."

"Sure." Chandra said.

Kelly stood in front of Dakota.

"What now Kelly?" Dakota asked. "You've already made me feel worse about myself in the last two hours. Is there something you forgot?"

"Dash, I'm your friend and I just want to help." Kelly said. "Please. Stay away from Laura. She's bad news."

"Seriously, she's not that bad." Dakota said. "And I'm late. My mom does need help at home."

Kelly sighed. "Okay Dash. Call me later on."

"Sure." Dakota replied as she walked past Kelly.

Kelly shook her head. "And that's how it happens."

Helen and Scarlett looked at the time on the clock on the wall. The two were currently sitting in detention with Marco.

"Alright you two, you can go." Marco said. "I don't know what was said, but please keep it at home."

"Yeah, yeah." Helen said as she stood up to leave.

"Excuse her. She's a bit moody." Scarlett replied as she stood up to leave as well. "This will be the last time I'm here. Promise."

Marco grinned. "I believe you."

Scarlett and Helen walked out of the classroom, neither speaking to one another.

"I missed the meeting." Helen said looking at the time on her cell phone. "Thanks a lot, cousin."

"You're welcome." Scarlett responded.

"I know this may be the worst possible time for me to interject," Jayden said leaning against the lockers. "But your mother, Scarlett, told me to drive you two home because she didn't want to hear your arguing on the way home."

"I'll catch the bus." Scarlett said.

"No Scarlett. Ride with us." Jayden replied. "I have to talk to you." Scarlett and Helen frowned at Jayden. "Both of you."

"I'm listening." Scarlett said crossing her arms.

"It took me approximately ten minutes to get it out of Nicky and nine of those ten minutes, she was talking." Jayden said. "I don't know how much of what she said is true. I don't know if you are truly that mad Scarlett that Helen proved you wrong. I don't know if Helen is really rubbing it in your face that she and I are dating."

"More like shoving it in my face." Scarlett muttered.

"Either way," Jayden said. "I thought that it might be important that you hear my part. Sure, Scarlett, I asked you to the dance first. But that doesn't make Helen second-best to you or not. I just thought I'd have a better chance getting a yes from you than her." Scarlett opened her mouth. "I'm not calling you easy. I just know both of you and that made sense to me, and apparently everyone else when I told them."

"So what are you saying?" Helen asked.

Jayden grinned. "What I'm saying is, I wasn't expecting to fall for my date. I was looking for a friend to go to the dance with. But you Helen and your godforsaken stubbornness were going to prove your cousin and me wrong."

"J.T, I don't think you understand what's going on here." Scarlett said.

"Oh I do." Jayden said. "It's not that hard to see. And if it is, you both were shouting it in my ear for the last week now, so what's not seen is heard." Jayden sighed. "Scarlett, we are friends. In fact, we are good friends and you are the cousin and best friend of my girlfriend. If you can't accept that, then that's on you. But don't make Helen feel as if she was my back-up plan, because she wasn't."

"And for me?" Helen asked.

"Don't rub it in her face. Some things are not worth it." Jayden answered. "You won the bet, but you don't have to collect on your reward. Can't I be your consolidation prize?"

Helen sighed before smiling. "I guess so. Though, making her saying that she was wrong would've been better."

"I bet. But hearing you say that you were thinking about going to Manhattan because of that just got me thinking that you two wouldn't know how to live without each other." Jayden said.

"Yes we do." Helen and Scarlett said in unison.

Jayden laughed. "See what I mean? You're two of a kind and the world spins smoothly when you're picking on Kelly's clothing instead of ringing each other's necks."

"He's got a point." Scarlett said. "So, forgive me?"

"I guess." Helen said. "Just as long as you can keep your snide comments and grubby fingers off of the only thing that I have that you don't and we'll be fine."

"Sure." Scarlett said walking down the hall. "Though I saw him first."

"Why-" Helen was silenced by a kiss from Jayden.

"Consolidation prize, remember?" Jayden said taking her hand. "Let's go."

"Shotgun." Scarlett said, gaining a laugh from Jayden and a glare from Helen.

"You did not just call shotgun." Helen said.

Scarlett shrugged. "Guess I didn't. Have fun riding in the back, cousin."