Chapter 12: Bright Night, Christmas Lights

Rating: (T-M) Not for Kids.

Pairings: Louis/Clementine, Marlon/Brody, Aasim/Ruby, Sophie/Duck, Mitch/Sarah, Violet/Minnie, Mariana/Willy, etc.

A/N: Wanna know what's crazy? This chapter was supposed to come out on December 24th. DECEMBER. 24TH. And look what month it is, from a new year, everything. Absolutely ridiculous that I couldn't finish this on time. :((


December 24th, 7:40 AM.


"You have been humbly invited," Lee started, hand holding onto his glasses.


"To A Christmas Party..." Javi read, eyes squinting at the lettering.


"On the Date..." Luke continued Jane right by his shoulder reading the card.


"...December 24th of This year." Molly said, the card burning her palms.


"The party," Omar's mom stated, a grin forming on her face.


"Will start at 7:00 PM in the evenin'," Bonnie said, moving around the pancake batter.


"And will be located in Preston Kyng's Mansion," Aasim paused, wondering if this street was made up or not. "Near streets,"


"Walnut Street... and 199 Hills... street?" Carlos said cautiously, flipping over a tortilla on the stove with his spare unoccupied hand.


"Please be sure to bring one whine bottle if attendin'," Kenny said, raising an eyebrow at the statement.


"And be sure to pay your thanks," Mitch said numbly, eyeing the card.


"The party," The Twins said at the same time, Tenn holding the card out in front of them.


"Will end precisely at 12:00 AM," Brie said, hand holding onto a tight fabric.


"And will then proceed to gift-giving when departure," Dee said, placing a plate of cereal down for Marlon to eat when he wakes up.


"Huh..." Lee said, closing the card, examining the outside. He turned to Clementine and A.J's morning breakfast, consisting of the great orange juice, plus some yummy eggs and bacon. "That's tonight," Lee confirmed to himself, placing the card down. "Maybe hanging around other people won't be so bad..." He mumbled, thinking over his options.

He smiled then, reaching over for his newspaper. "I'll let Clem and A.J know when they wake up," Lee told himself, opening the newspaper, and letting himself wander into the news of today.

He'd have to let Kenny know too.


Kenny inspected the card, eyes narrowed. Who the hell is going to willingly go to the party to willingly give up a good bottle of booze? That's got Kenny fucked up. He isn't about to show up to the party with some booze he isn't even going to enjoy. That's a load of horse shit.

Setting the card down on the outside table, he resumed with tending the horses, making sure yet again if they had just enough food for them to eat. Once checking around each stable and making sure that both the horses and cows were eating well, he turned to the exit, hands clapping out the leftover hay and gunk left on them.

When turning around, however, his eyes caught Duck reading over the card himself, expression confused.

Duck opened the card and read over it, and later closed it to examine the outside a bit more, a surprised look on his face now.

"Duck?" Kenny asked, walking to his son, "Why aren't ya takin' care of the plants out in the back?" He asked him, making Duck look away from the card.

"Oh..." Duck said, putting the card back down, "I-I was just finished. Came to check what you were up'to." He shrugged, setting the pitchfork down hard onto a big haystack.

Kenny placed his hands on his hips, emitting a sigh. "Figured. Nothin' much to do today. I guess having a long vacation was gonna catch up to us one day." Kenny chuckled, looking over at the horse eating right at his face.

Duck dismissed the vacation part. "Naw, pa'. I'm pretty sure we have a load of pickin's to do. Not that I don't like restin' or anythin'... But I'm pretty damn sure we need to deliver a couple of tools over at the Saint Johnson's Dairy farm. Plus repaint the back of the house." Duck said, his tone monotone and with disregard.

Kenny pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "Yeah, yeah. Your right. Forgot about that shit." Kenny huffed, walking past Duck to collect a big brown sack of grains. "Plus, we needa' plant some more shit out back. Plants are startin' to die from the cold." Kenny added, walking out with the sack on his back.

Duck looked back at the card, a hard look on his face. This was it. A party. And he was pretty sure it was the party Louis wanted since ages. Maybe if...

"Hey pa'?" Duck called, turning around, card in hand.

Kenny stopped and turned his head back at Duck, eyebrow raised.

Duck read the card once again, an odd look on his face. He looked back up at Kenny, frowning. "I know we don't attend parties and shit," Duck started, approaching his father, "But I was thinkin' maybe this time... we can?" He asked cautiously, hoping his father would let him.

Kenny looked to the ground, contemplating. This was tough. His son wanted to go. But he didn't want to buy booze and waste it. Frick.

After a few moments of thinking, Kenny turned back to Duck with the same look of complacency on his face and sighed. "Yeah alright," Kenny relented, shifting the sack on his back, "I'm sure a few hours of social fun ain't hurtin' nobody." He smiled then.

Duck smiled back at his dad, his expression brightened with joy. "Awesome! Thanks, Pa', this'll be a fun toy around, you'll see!" Duck said, running out of the small barn and into the house, the card still in hand.

Kenny snorted and watched his son until he entered the house, reminding himself of how much he hasn't changed at all.

He was still the little boy he loved and cared for so much.

And nothing would ever change that.


Lee pressed at the buttons on his phone, eyebrow raised. How do these iPhones work again...?

"Good morning!" A.J exclaimed, walking into the living room, his mouth in a big yawn sequence.

Lee turned to A.J in surprise and then smiled. "Good morning, kiddo. You hungry? Breakfast is on the table." He said, watching A.J brighten.

"What's for breakfast?" He asked, teddy in hand, his teddy's foot touching the floor.

Lee pressed a few more buttons on his phone while he made his way back in the kitchen, A.J following behind him. "You're favorite," Lee said, looking back down at A.J. "Pancakes." He finished, pressing the green button on the phone.

A.J smiled then and made his way towards the table, setting himself down and purposely taking the biggest stack on the table. He knew that stack was for him. He fucking loved pancakes.

Watching A.J basically engulf the pancakes, Lee held the phone along his ear, hoping that he was getting this phone thing right. He only just recently bought one, as Clementine was sure that in order to keep in touch, Lee would need to get hip with the cool kids. He had no idea what she was talking about, he was already in style! The kids just didn't know it yet.

"Y'ello?" Kenny's fuzzy voice came from the phone, surprising him. "Who the hell is this?" Kenny asked, sounding just as pissed as he remembers him.

"Kenny? This is Lee." Lee answered, a smile on his face. "I got a phone a few days ago."

"Lee? Well butter my back and call me biscuit, it's about damn time! Who convinced ya? Let me guess," Kenny snickered, his voice no longer holding a sour tone to it.

"Clementine." Lee and Kenny both said at the same time, making themselves both laugh.

"Yeah, I figured as much," Kenny said, grinning on the other end. "Clementine is just full of ideas. Duck ain't even on her level yet." Kenny said, making Lee grin and shake his head.

"Well, when you have a daughter like mine, she's just bright like that. I mean me, holding a phone? I can barely remember how to operate a normal house phone!" Lee laughed, earning a hearty chuckle from Kenny.

"Well, either way, they're both great. The only reason I got a mobile phone was that Duck was so insistent in gettin' one. Hell, I don't even use that shit no'more." Kenny admitted, currently on the house phone. The house phones don't even exist anymore, but Kenny just can't get rid of the old-fashion good ol' days.

Lee saw that Clementine was coming into the kitchen, somehow all dressed up and ready as if she were leaving somewhere. Lee didn't need to ask, he presumed she was going out with her friends. He was glad she was having fun outside and enjoying herself. It was sad to see her so introverted in her room before, back in Atlanta. When he adopted her, she was just so different from the girl she is now. And he was happy with the results. With a quick good morning, Clementine sat beside A.J and pulled the small stack of pancakes closer to her, ruffling A.J's Afro. Lee smiled at the exchange.

"Anyhow..." Kenny began, returning Lee to their conversation, "Why'd you call, pal?" He asked, an upturn to his voice.

Lee cleared his throat, his hand picking up the newspaper he was reading. "I just came to ask if you got a party card in the mail this morning. From what I've heard, Carlos got it as well." Lee explained, eyes reading over the lines of a small comic strip. Oh yeah, all dads know each other. Earlier in the morning, Carlos had called to inform him that he also got a card. Luke wasted no time in calling as well, claiming that a good neighborhood union would be a great idea to spend the holidays.

"Oh, you got that shit too? Fuck, I thought I was the only one. Didn't know. Are you attendin' it?" Kenny asked, a little with regret. He was terrible at parties, Lee knew.

"Yeah. I was thinking maybe Clementine, A.J and I could go tonight. I thought it would be a nice little change." Lee said, noticing that Clementine gave him a big thumbs up. He didn't know for what though, but it was most likely because of the pancakes. He does make killer pancakes.

"Well, shit. If you're goin', then so am I. Glad that you're going too," Kenny scratched his beard, looking over at Duck who was looking for his wallet, "Duck wanted to join too. I'm all game for a good party." Kenny agreed, making up his mind. Wherever his friend goes, he goes as well. He's the boss here.

Lee nodded, eyes glancing at A.J who took the plate and placed it in the sink. "That's good. I'm sure good fun for the kids won't be so bad." Lee added, officially glad that Kenny agreed. It wouldn't be the same without him.

"You bet. Now, I'm sorry to cut this short pal," Kenny was being pulled by Duck who was pretty much dragging him at this point, "But we have some arrangin' to do. Call back later when the party starts, a'ight? Because you know damn well I never keep track of time." Kenny stated sternly, Duck now carrying him. This kid was persistent.

Lee smiled and waved at Clementine, assuring her it was okay to leave. "Alright. I'll see you later. And remember to bring a bottle of rum, that's the good shit." Lee laughed, making Kenny laugh as well.

After a few more words, Kenny ended the call. Lee, lowering his phone, smiled at the screen and turned it off, and stood up to head into his room, determined to find something to wear. And he knew he had some nice clothing in there somewhere...


Louis stared at his morning breakfast, moving the small bits of eggs around with boredom. With his palm on his chin, he felt dejected, as his father had yet again denied him something else. Why would he? It was just something simple, plus, he would be in charge of decorating the place! Not his dad. Or the maids. Or the servants...

He sighed, pushing the plate away and putting his head down. Nothing was ever fair. He begged for singing lessons, he never got them. And all he created was just a mess of divorce papers and separation...

His father's words left him scarred. 'You can be happy, or you can be rich. You can't be both.'

How was it that he was right? Even with a decent amount of money and a proper living space, he just... he found that it was true. He could have everything in life, and happiness would still be missing. How long would things take for Louis to be... free again? To hang out with his friends, openly rather than scheduled, or hang out with Clementine, someone he...

It wasn't fair.

It will never be fair. And it hurt to realize it. Louis was going to spend his life alone eventually. He turned his head and traveled towards his shiny reflection against the marble counter, wondering why his reflection was only the bit he can see of himself. Maybe the angle? Life?

That's when he heard sharp and expensive footsteps come up to the long table, making Louis peek up.

His eyes widened a little when he saw that it was his dad on the other end of the table, his hands behind his back.

"Well, I've changed my mind." Louis' dad said, frowning. "I have realized the potential of this party of yours, and have sent out invitations to everyone in town, including your friends." He stated, walking over closer, dropping the small red envelope in front of him. There was a hint of regret in his tone of voice, but a shallowness in his eyes.

Louis stared at him, eyes wide, wondering why of all times his dad would agree now.

His dad gave him a stern look. "I expect everyone to be on their best behavior tonight. None of that tomfoolery you consider funny." He said threateningly, eyes narrowed. "I will put you only in charge for the teens and kids arriving, the rest will be set for the adults to come and enjoy. I will give you the biggest room we have, and you will contain every inch of your idiocy. Understood?" He asked, hands folding behind his back. His suit wrinkled at the movement.

Louis nodded, a small smile forming on his lips.

With one last look at his son, he left the dining room and smiled to himself, happy to know that his son was already thinking better than he would ever. And what does that mean? Well, frankly, Louis' dad just believes Louis is looking forward for business partners or something. But NAW.

Anyway...

Louis was happy, to say the least.

And because the party was now a go, Louis decided to immediately call Clementine, for whatever reason. Not that he didn't text the group chat to get ready, but he kind of wanted to spend the day with Clementine.

And what better to do it by looking for some awesome clothes?


Clementine sat down on the porch steps, phone in hand. She was scrolling through the pages on Instagram, all dressed and prettied up for... what Louis called 'A day out'. She knew it was some sort of an attempt at getting him alone with her... but well, she didn't really mind. At all.

That's when she heard A.J bursting out of the front door, his once pajama clothing now of normal day-to-day clothes, simple jeans, and a yellow hoodie. He looked happy when he found her there and smiled at her. "Can I go too?" He asked immediately, willing to help her and accompany her any way he can.

Clementine smiled back at him, her hand reaching over to fix her small hoop earrings. "Yeah, of course, kiddo. I'm sure Louis won't mind." Clementine said, receiving an even bigger smile from him.

He sat down next to her and proceeded to put his shoes on, as he had them in hand ready and set.

After asking Clementine to help tie his shoes, he stood up and stretched, excited. Just him, Louis, and Clementine! He couldn't wait to show Louis how much of a mature kid he was now. He was a man, for sure.

Clementine couldn't help but giggle at his childishness. He was just so cute sometimes. It felt nice to see A.J smiling.

Looking out into the street, she found a royal blue car pulling up on the curb, looking pretty much... expensive. It looked sparkly against the clouded sky, and its head had a lighter color to it.

A.J somehow knew it was him. Because according to A.J, Louis was too expensive for his liking. Clementine didn't really care if he was rich or not, but well... it was a bit overwhelming how much he flexed.

The black tinted window rolled down to expose Louis in the driver's seat, a smile on his face. He winked at her, waving his phone in hand.

She stood up but looked down at her phone to find that he had sent her a text message not long ago, telling her to 'be prepared'. She blushed a little and rolled her eyes, smiling over at A.J while she made her way to his car.

A.J practically gleamed upon seeing Louis. "Louis! Hi, nice car!" A.J complimented, head peaking over at the passenger seat.

Louis smiled upon seeing A.J. "Thanks, little dude. Can't be as awesome as your drawings though!" Louis chuckled, unlocking both the back seat door and the front door.

Clementine shook her head, still smiling. "Thanks for inviting us, Lou. I didn't think you'd be heading out anywhere." She said, opening the back door and allowing A.J to go inside. She buckled his seat belt, feeling the smooth and strong material of the belt.

"It was no problem. Your fellow prince charming is here to accompany you anywhere you go." He said, giving her a little bow.

She hummed happily and made sure A.J was buckled before closing the door and entering the passenger seat. Already she scented a mellow strawberry smell, along with what was roses. Is this why he smelled like strawberries all the time?

She could tell that this car was brand new. She wondered where he got all his money from, his dad, mom, maybe?

Louis, after locking all the doors and bringing up the window, could instantly smell her lovely scent of cinnamon and peaches. It was certainly a fruity scent, a scent that made him just want to hug her all day. Especially by the way she was looking...

He couldn't help but glance over at her, examining her now that she was buckling her seat belt. Jean jacket, black shirt, tight jeans... Well, damn. Okay, he must be lucky today to see her so... pretty. Beautiful, absolutely stunning. Especially now with her hair down—not that he hasn't seen her with her hair down before, but something was different about it today. Like, shiny, maybe.

After buckling her seat belt, she turned to Louis, her own hazel eyes meeting his chocolate brown. She could see the calmness in them, and the fondness that made her feel so... safe.

Louis, in turn, could just see not only beauty but the sereneness he missed so much from his father. He could feel her protection, her loyalty that she would always be there for him. It made him feel all warm inside, and all he wished to do was... touch her, feel her, have her as his. It just drove him mad sometimes at night, because he would feel so frustrated that Clementine was probably never going to like him the way he... well...

"Why are you two looking at each other funny?" A.J asked, chin in hand.

Louis and Clementine blushed and looked away, Louis to the road, and Clementine to the sidewalk.

There was a brief silence, and A.J hoped he didn't mess up. He had a plan. And he hoped he really had it going.

"Well," Louis cleared his throat, turning to her with a smile, "Shall we?" He tilted his head, motioning for the road.

She turned to him and smiled then, her blush never fading. "We shall." She stated simply.

He grinned and turned on the radio, putting on 'Low Life'. (Not from Poppy!)Convenient. With the music on blast, he jokingly put on his shades and hit the gas, his mind focused on one thing.

Well, two.

The road.

And her.


"Absolutely not." Brody dismissed, her hands pushing rows of clothes away.

Marlon, who was behind her, stared at her, defeated. "Brody, c'mon, it's just some party—"

Brody snapped her head back at him, eyes wide with anger. "No. This is not just some 'party'." She quoted, her finger stabbing his chest, "This is the big thing! I can't just show up with some ragged old dress that won't even impress anyone! It's needed to represent that you have class, manners, and—"

"Brody." Marlon put his hands up, "We're literal country folk. Sure we don't do... everything the country folk does," He paused, remembering the time when Wyatt claimed that Marlon grew up in a farm, "but seriously." He continued, sighing, "We aren't that far gone from them." He reasoned, crossing his arms.

Brody huffed, clenching her fists. "Look, Marly, I get it." She told him, noticing the relieved look on his face, "But that's not the point. We're going to a party. And not just a party, a Christmas party. It would be so very bad if we showed up looking like dirty snow!" She hissed, turning back around, once again shuffling through the clothes.

Marlon stared at her, tired. "Louis is hosting it. For the teens." He told her, hoping that would stop her from going through a little rampage in every store.

Brody only paused for a second, her hand clenching onto a red dress. Then she continued, eyes narrowed, determined to find the perfect dress—a dress to wear for tonight's party. Oh god, tonight! Tonight was the party! What if she doesn't have time to look for her dress? Style her hair? Her makeup? Her breath caught in her throat and she stopped rummaging, her breathing increasing in shallow breaths.

Marlon furrowed his brows and approached her closer, "Brody? Are you okay?" He asked, his tone of genuine concern.

Brody was clenching the clothes, trying to regulate her breathing. Shit. Maybe she should've taken her pills this morning...

Marlon didn't receive an answer. So, he presumed she must've been freaking out again. He didn't speak and only grabbed her hand to sit her down on a small little stool, used to measure one's shoes.

She sat down and breathed in, her mind counting back from 100. Everything was fine. It was just a dress. Marlon's right. Louis is hosting it. He won't mind. Everything is fine. People won't judge her.

"Everything's fine," Marlon told her, parting the hair away from her face, a frown present on his lips. His hand on her face felt soft and warm, felt like something she could nuzzle against.

She nodded, breathing in. She didn't say anything, as she was still focusing to control her heart rate, and try not to be so... scared. Panic-like. It only made her freak out more.

Marlon held the frown on his lips, the concern in his eyes. "Look, Brod, you don't have to worry about impressing people. You already impress me enough. But," He paused, sighing, "I'll still look for something for both of us to wear. Just because I know you'll feel bad if you go looking the same at a party." He said, making her smile.

He felt good about that.

After standing by her and making sure she was okay, he offered her up and allowed her to continue her search, happy that she was slightly calmer now.

Life will be better. Marlon said to himself, now looking with her, casting her a few glances.

Brody stopped looking and turned to him, a blush adorning her cheeks.

'Life isn't always the same.'

'But if you stop and breathe,'

'Things you once thought impossible are possible enough.'

'Life gets better.'


A.J stood by a clothing rack, his head peeking around it to stare at Clementine and Louis. They were talking to each other, Clementine obviously having a tremendous time. She was laughing quietly and blushing at Louis' stupid jokes, and Louis was the same whenever she would remark with a sarcastic notion to any of those jokes.

It was just so plainly obvious that they loved each other. A.J knew. He wasn't dumb.

It just made him mad that they denied they liked each other. He was really sure they were. Like, together even. And A.J had a right to know! He wasn't a kid anymore. He was big now. He could handle Clementine being married!

"What are you doing?" A tiny voice whispered next to him, making A.J turn quickly with wide eyes. Before he stood a girl his own age, her reddish-brown hair glimmering with something glittery against the lights. Her brown eyes looked at him curiously, as if asking the very same question she just asked of.

"Who are you?" He asked instead, crossing his arms. He narrowed his eyes, obviously suspicious.

"I'm not gonna tell you until you answer my question." She insisted, stubborn.

A.J tilted his head, confused. What was she talking about? He wasn't just going to tell her. He didn't even know her.

As if sensing that A.J wasn't going to tell her, she sighed, grumbling to herself. "I'm Jamie. Now, what are you doing?" She asked, narrowing her own eyes.

A.J seemed surprised. "Ja..mie? Okay. Cool. And I'm not going to tell you." He shrugged, turning back to Louis and Clementine.

"Why not!?" She demanded, watching his expression form to worry. Uh oh.

A.J stepped away from her and looked around, turning, going through the clothes. They were nowhere to be found.

Jamie followed him, furious. "Answer me! Stop being dumb!"

A.J turned to her then, glaring. "I was watching my parents, okay? Gosh. You're really annoying." He huffed, looking some more. When he couldn't find them, his brows furrowed together.

Jamie noticed. She knew that look. "You can't find them huh?" She asked, tilting her head innocently.

A.J turned to her with a furious glare. "No dummy. I know where they are." He hissed at her, turning around and looking some more. Did they... forget him?

Jamie twiddled with her thumbs, looking around. "I can help you find them if you want." She mumbled, her anger gone now.

At her voice, A.J turned, eyebrow raised. "What? No, you can't. How?" He asked, hoping she would.

Jamie smiled then as if her angered self disappeared. "I know where all the parents hang out. We're just by the toy part in the store. C'mon, I'll show you." She smiled, grabbing his hand.

He shook it off and huffed. "Fine. But don't touch me." He told her seriously, wiping his hand against his clothes.

She pouted at his remark.


Meanwhile, Clementine and Louis were having a great time.

Clementine actually felt genuine humor and happiness—not that she didn't feel it around anyone else. It was just... different for them.

"Look!" Louis said, picking up a rubber chicken. "It's Marlon!" He joked, squeezing it and making it go 'Qwah.'

She snorted and shook her head, wondering how a guy like Louis could exist. So much goofiness... "Hilarious. It'll be really funny then when Marlon finds out you called him a chicken." Clementine hummed, reaching down below to examine a small white plushie bunny.

"I've called him worst, trust me. Plus, he called me a spoiled brat the other time, so it's even." Louis concluded, his eyes glued to her back. Those jeans hugged her figure well. A little too well.

"Right." She shrugged, her tone hinting at the playful side.

He averted his eyes when she turned to him with a small bunny plush, pretending to idly squeeze the rubber chicken. Only when he could smell her lovely scent did he turn back to her, finding her to be smiling fondly while showing him the plush. He smiled at her. "That plush looks like you." He said, hoping he didn't sound too flirtatious. Or maybe he wanted to sound really flirtatious.

Clementine gave him a playful smile, shaking her head. "This bun? Thanks, but this bunny's way cuter. I mean, look at its ears," She flapped them with her finger, giggling, "They're so cute it hurts." She then cringed, setting the bunny down.

Louis scoffed, "Actually, I changed my mind." He gave her a soft grin, "You actually look cuter than the bunny itself." He nodded, tossing the rubber chicken away and off to the side. He had important things to look for...

Clementine blushed then, giving him a look. Did he just... tell her she was cuter than the cutest thing in the store?

"By oh by, is that Clem?" A masculine voice said from another aisle of clothing, head peeking over.

Her thoughts were pushed away as she turned and was met with Luke grinning at her, with Jane tilting her heels up to smile at her. She waved politely, while Luke was already making his way towards her. Was he wearing... a suit?

He went through the clothing rack and smiled at his success at not getting stuck, however, yelped when he almost slipped because of a toy bus. Luckily, Jane was there to hold him in place, wearing her usual jean jacket attire.

"Hey, kiddo. Nice to see you again." Jane greeted, offering Clementine a fist bump that she took gladly. Jane's eyes then turned to Louis, eyebrow raised. "Uh... I'm going to assume that's your boyfriend?" She asked while pointing, an uncertain look on her face.

Louis smirked cheekily while Clementine's eyes widened, surprised. Did people think they were dating?

"Good guess!" Louis said, smiling over at Jane. "I'm Louis. Clementine's obvious boyfriend." He offered his hand for Jane to shake, friendly.

Clementine snapped her head at him, narrowing her eyes. A very thick red blush appeared on her face, either by annoyance or from Louis being her boyfriend. Supposed boyfriend. "We are not—" She began, ready to tell both of them they really weren't dating

"Oh, hello! Nice to meet ya, partner. I figured you'd be as much. How'd you two meet?" Luke interrupted, making Clementine look up and gape at him. They can't be serious.

Louis, for the most part, was loving this whole thing. "Well, I know it might sound cheesy as hell, but I met her in the library cafe down by the street. I work there, and let me tell you, love, at first sight, is definitely a thing." Louis informed, grinning at them proudly.

Luke brightened. "That's nice. And I agree with you on that one. When I first lay eyes on Jane, by god—"

"Don't even start." Jane hissed at him, eyes narrowed. She was blushing.

"—I fell in love instantly. She was just so beautiful—you must've been the same, yeah?" Luke said, eager to know more about them.

Clementine smacked Louis' mouth before he could say anything else. "Yeah... no. We did not meet at Starbucks. We actually met at school, like normal students, plain old and boring high school." She hissed through clenched teeth, blushing extremely so.

Jane seemed to understand her pain.

Louis gently peeled her hand off his mouth, and grinned, holding it. "Actually, I never said Starbucks. And plus, I'm really surprised you went along with this—"

"Clem, Louis!" A.J cried happily, running to them with wide open arms.

He almost toppled Clementine over, but luckily Louis was there to hold onto her.

"Those are your parents?" Jamie asked, making a face. "They look really young. Parents need to be old." She crossed her arms.

"Hey!" Luke cried, pouting.

"Parents?" Clementine and Louis said at the same time, confused.

"Well yeah," Jane added, ignoring her husband's sudden low confidence, "You two looked like you got married at 13. Seriously." She stated simply, smirking.

A.J scoffed, making Jane turn to him with surprise. "Wrong. They got married when they were babies. They love each other very much. A lot. It's pretty nasty sometimes. They do kissing stuff too." A.J kept adding, voice painfully neutral.

"We do what now?" Clementine and Louis said yet again at the same time, one shocked, the other absolutely petrified.

"That's a lie!" Jamie cried, placing her hands on her hips angrily. "Your parents can't get married as babies! They need to be this tall!" Jamie said, tugging at her father's sleeve.

"Marriage?" Louis and Clementine said, just too confused to function.

Jane sighed, pinching her nose. "Jamie, don't speak like that—"

"Screw you, weird girl! At least my parents don't stop me from eating candy!" A.J stuck his tongue out, obviously taunting her.

Jamie gasped and turned to Jane, eyes wide. "Mom, look what he said! He's being mean!"

"A.J please," Clementine said, a desperate tone to her voice. She was forcing a very strain smile.

"Yeah son, don't do that." Louis shook his head, clicking his tongue.

That's when Clementine turned to him with a harsh glare, which shut him right the fuck up.

"Holy shit! You guys are on a date?!" Marlon yapped, excited. Brody was next to him, an annoyed look on her face.

Clementine, Jane, and A.J groaned, while Jamie and Luke sobbed together, and Louis well...

"I guess we're dating now." He whispered, grinning at her weirdly.

She knocked him out.


Marlon looked at them inquisitively, eyebrows furrowed. "So, let me get this straight," Marlon started, looking over at Clem, "You guys weren't on a date,"

"We were not, correct." Clementine hissed, arms crossed.

"Right." Marlon cleared his throat, then placed a second finger up, "You guys were not sucking face," He added, making Clementine flush.

"Too bad we weren't." Louis sighed, moving his jaw a bit. Ow. She hits pretty hard.

"We weren't," Clementine said, making sure to keep her anger down.

Marlon paused, placing a hand on his chin. He turned to Brody then, eyebrow raised.

Brody looked down at A.J and did the same, and A.J responded with a shrug.

Marlon looked back at them, many things crossing his mind. "And... you guys are not, in fact, to many other's belief, dating?" He listed, a tone of disappointment in his voice. Damn it, he thought Louis shot his shot!

"No." Clementine and Louis said at the same time, one a little dejected, the other a little flustered.

Brody looked at Marlon, a suspicious expression adorning her face.

Marlon looked back at her then, nodding. They were going to need to plan some shit.

"Liars," A.J mumbled, playing with the rubber duck.

Louis heard him but Clementine did not, and he seemed awfully surprised. Louis didn't really think anyone would look at them like that. He thought they would just confuse him for another servant of her's. I mean, he was here to serve her. Like, love. Does that count as being a servant?

"Well, this sucks." Marlon huffed, making Clementine raise an eyebrow. He ignored her and turned to Brody, tilting his head at them.

Brody looked confused and offered him a straight-lined smile.

He hinted at them again this time clearing his throat, obviously telling her motion-like to do the thing they were supposed to do to them.

Brody just stared in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Clementine was watching them, obviously suspicious. She wondered what they were planning, and why Marlon was tilting his head at them as if it were about to fall off. Brody seemed just as confused.

Louis and A.J were playing patty cake now, as A.J had insisted that he'd wanted to learn that game since kindergarten, but nobody would ever play with him because he was either A) A boy that girls didn't wanna touch, or B) that it wasn't manly to play patty cake. Louis took his admittance into consideration and offered himself immediately to play. I mean, what could be bad about playing a fun little game of patty cake, hm?

"Take Clementine out in another store for a dress." Marlon then deadpanned, a tired look on his face.

Brody brightened then, "Oh... Why didn't you just say it instead of playing 'throw the head' over and over?" Brody scolded, narrowing her eyes and smacking his arm.

"Ouch..." He mumbled, "I thought you got the memo!"

"Clearly I didn't!" Brody huffed, rearranging her small red plastic bags of clothes.

Marlon sighed for the 5th time that day. Turning to the lovely couple, his eyes instantly looked down at Louis playing patty cake. He furrowed his brow, and groaned. "Clem." He began, still looking at Louis, "Allow Brody to take you and A.J for some shopping shit. I need to talk to Louis." Marlon said, crossing his arms and watching Louis clap along.

Brody was instantly at her side, a small smile on her face. "Shall we?" she asked, shuffling the bags.

"A.J, C'mon, we have to go," Clementine said, offering a quick smile at Brody before turning to A.J.

"Coming!" A.J said, leaving Louis' side and practically running after Clementine and Brody's retreating forms.

Louis pouted and looked back, his claps stopping, "Aw, but what about the game?" He asked, clearly disappointed.

"No game today, Lou. How about we go home and start preparing, yeah?" Marlon mumbled, getting a hold of Louis' collar.

"But I haven't finished playing patty cake with A.J!" Louis whined, already being dragged out into another store.


December 24th, 6:47 PM.


"I'm so excited," Louis said to himself, sliding down the railings of the stairs, his emotions high on happiness. It was just so good of a day today. He got to shop with Clementine, he got to know her a little more, he even got called dad from A.J! Which... shouldn't really make him feel good, but it did. And now, he got to make the party he wanted! It had been so long since there had been a Christmas party, so long since anyone had reunited for anything.

"Yeah, just yell it out, why don't ya." Marlon sighed, coming down the steps normally while fixing the cuff of his dress shirt. Before leaving the mall, Louis suggested visiting one last store to buy some good clothes, as that was Louis' first intention of the mall in the first place. Marlon couldn't refuse, and he decided that a little more shopping wouldn't hurt.

So here they were now, each wearing something formal; Marlon wore a button-up and red tie, his sleeves folded up to his upper arm, and some nice black pants and dress shoes. Louis wore something a little different, as he had on a pink dress shirt and a grey tie, along with some jeans that really took the whole 'dress up thing' out of balance, but made up for it with some nice grey shoes. Louis intended himself for a casual look more than anything.

Landing with a jump on his step, his shoes bent against the land, his eyes searching around the main room. Already, from the echo of the outside, he could hear a lot of voices, both young and old. It was crazy, to find himself here. "Yeah, yeah. You'll get to drink later." Louis grinned over at Marlon, proud.

Marlon snorted, offering Louis a smile. "How did I know you'd sneak in some rum?" He asked, his own ears catching the sounds of the guests as well. Damn, everyone really was here.

Louis clicked his tongue while walking over to the main door. "I have my ways. Plus, we're old enough now. I'm sure some rum won't be too bad." Louis said, stopping to fix his shirt in the small reflection of a marble pot.

Marlon was right behind him, an unimpressed look on his face. "We're underage. But eh," Marlon shrugged, stretching a little. "I'm still gonna drink."

Louis paid him no mind and only continued his journey forward, greeting some maids in the process. As soon as his hand touched the doorknob handle, his father approached.

"Be on your best behavior." His father told him one last time, instead opening the door himself and allowing a fake grin to take his lips.

Marlon looked over at Louis and frowned, noticing the neutral look on his friend's face. "Hey man—"

"Marlon?" Louis interrupted, turning to him with a grin, "Wanna take all the booze from the cage?" He asked, dangling a little key.

Marlon grinned then, an evil glint on his eye. "Fuck yeah."


Sarah was practically jumping when she stepped out of her car, a jittery feeling within her bones. A party, a Christmas party! God, this was so cool!

"Now Sarah," Carlos started with his thick Spanish accent, "I know this might be fun, but it is best that you try to be with your friends tonight. Too many strangers..." Carlos mumbled, opening the trunk and taking out two Christmas presents and a rum bottle. After all, it was needed.

"I know, dad. Don't worry! Mitch said he'd be waiting for me at the front!" Sarah said excitedly, a blush forming on her cheeks. Tonight, she wore an especially pretty dress, just for him. And her favorite pair of ruby glasses, which she hoped wouldn't break apart.

Carlos winced at that but decided not to comment on it anyway. Just like her mother... "Alright. You can go now, but you must be careful and not mingle too much around that boy. Who knows what type of person he must be." Carlos instructed, placing down the items and later closing his trunk. Typical Carlos, for Sarah. He was always so protective of her, he just couldn't avoid that.

Sarah gleamed happily and hugged her dad before running inside, her bright red bow bouncing along.

Without thinking, she quickly made her way up the steps and entered inside, immediately bumping herself into a strong build.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," She began, backing away, looking up.

"Watch where you're—Sarah?" Mitch stopped immediately, eyes wide, staring down at her.

Sarah flushed then, smiling up at him. "Mitch hi! It's nice to see you!" She said and went in for a tight hug, squeezing the heavens out of him.

When letting go, he released a breath. "Jeez, you're going to kill me someday, seriously," Mitch mumbled, a wide-eyed look on his face.

Sarah smiled sheepishly, shrugging, "Sorry, Mitch... I forget how tight I hug." She said, reaching up to her glasses and pushing them back properly on her nose. Again, a nervous habit she would do.

Mitch looked around and then looked back at her, his smile replacing his former scowl. "It's fine. Look," He stopped, scowling over at the other people, glaring. Then he turned back to her with a neutral look on his face, his eyes glittering with... was that spite? "I need your help with something. Swear you won't say shit to the others?" He asked, offering a hand out to her, determined.

Sarah without question took it, feeling it's warmth. It made her shiver. "Yes... of course! What am I swearing not to tell?"

Mitch then pulled her somewhere else, then turned to look left and right, his back pressed against a wall. He noticed that the adults were all heading one way, and he noticed Sarah's dad heading off in the same direction. All of them had a bottle of either Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila or Wine, which proved to be a great source of where they would get every single ounce of it.

"Mitch...?" Sarah hesitantly spoke, a blush adorning her face. He was still holding onto her hand.

After inspecting some more, he turned back to her, a smirk on his face. "Okay, look, me, Marlon, Gabe, and Louis are planning something. And don't say anything," He paused, scowling, "We're gonna steal some drinks." He then smugly grinned, making her breathless. THAT GRIN—

"O-Oh... But why are you telling me?" She whispered, still feeling the chill against her legs from the open door of the grand entrance. Oh jeez, from all this blushing she forgot it was practically snowing outside. Not too much, but it was certainly cold.

Mitch looked around yet again, and Sarah had to refrain from telling him literally nobody was around. "Because your sweetness convinces the hell out of people." He shrugged, "And you're gonna need to convince the waiter working in there." His smirk only widened at that, a whole plan going through his head.

Sarah blushed at his smirk and looked away, making her think... things. Not unholy, per se, because Sarah wasn't the type to think about those things. But there was a lot of... kissing stuff. Which would still resort to being unholy but way less—

"Are you two holding hands?" Gabe asked from behind Sarah, pointing at them with a gloved hand. Mariana held a smug look, her thumb pressed against the phone screen.

Mitch instantly looked down at their conjoined hands and immediately pulled away, blood rushing to his cheeks. He glared at Gabe and said nothing, and only crossed his arms in annoyance.

Sarah wouldn't admit that when he let go, she was pretty disappointed.

"Cool. Now I have something to tease you with." Mariana said triumphantly, slapping Gabe's palm that he offered.

Mitch rolled his eyes, "Yeah. To think I even care." He murmured, wondering why his hand tingled.

Mariana shrugged and pocketed her phone in her jeans. She stretched then, cracking her knuckles. "So. Are we doing this whole thing or what?" She asked, smiling smug-like.

Mitch raised an eyebrow at Gabe and then turned to Sarah, contemplating. "How much people did you tell?" Mitch asked, referring his question to Gabe.

Gabe whistled, looking away and pretending he didn't just hear his question.

Mitch sighed. Of course, Gabe would tell everyone. "You know what, I'm not gonna bother with you." Mitch glared at him, making Gabe release a breath, "Let's do this shit." He then said, all traces of his good conduct now gone.


The Twins entered through the grand polished wooden doors, internally excited to have been invited to this. They were immediately alerted about the party this very morning and immediately set out for their closets to look for the things they needed to wear. And here they were now, standing in the bare center, a grand sparkling chandelier above them. They couldn't feel more open.

Tenn was with them, his hand holding onto his sister's, his little tuxedo suit a little wrinkled from standing too close to his sister's legs. He was always very nervous around crowded areas, and as a habit either twiddled with his fingers or stuck like glue next to his sisters.

"You think Violet came?" Minnie asked her sister, turning to her with an expectant look.

Sophie shrugged, flipping her long red hair. "I dunno. I'm sure she came. Didn't she text you about matching tuxedos?" She asked, smirking.

Minnie shrugged, tinging a bit red. "Well, yeah. I wanted more of a dress look, but she insisted on tuxedos. I'll get her to wear a dress for prom, though. I know for a fact." Minnie said, smiling, feeling determined. There was nothing more that Minnie wanted to do but see Violet in a dress. "What about you?" Minnie asked, examining her nails, "Did Duck text you or anything?"

Sophie blushed and gawked at her. "Duck? Why would Duck text me? Why would I text Duck?" She blabbered, puckering up her red lips.

Minnie raised an eyebrow. "I never mentioned you texting him."

"I never said I texted him," Sophie replied.

"Well, you implied you did. Secretly." Minnie said, leaning on her hip and placing both of her hands along her hips.

Sophie rolled her eyes, looking over at Tenn. She thumbed back at her sister, shaking her head, "Crazy, am I right?"

"What do you mean, Crazy? I'm not the one gushing about what dress you need to wear in order to impress Duck." Minnie stated, snapping her fingers.

Sophie groaned and reached down to fix Tenn's bow tie, trying to distract herself from looking at her sister in the eye. "Well, at least I'm not planning to Suck face with my lover." She snickered, smiling down at Tenn and bopping his nose.

Minnie blushed, pouting. "Hey, at least I'll get a kiss tonight. Unlike your loser ass." She taunted, giggling when her sister turned to her with an irritated look.

"Well actually, Minnie, you're wrong." Sophie said smugly, "Duck and I—"

"So, you did text Duck to meet up, yeah?" Minnie asked, raising a playful brow.

Sophie stopped, clamping her mouth shut. She stared at her sister grimly, realizing she just unintentionally admitted what was going to be a secret.

Minnie hummed, fixing the cuff of her white dress shirt. "Talk about keeping a secret right? You and Duck are meant for each other!" Minnie mocked, fluttering her eyelashes and puckering up her lips tauntingly.

Sophie shoved her playfully, snorting. "Shut up. So what I texted him? Nothings going to happen." Sophie shrugged, pouting later.

Minnie shook her head. "Look, just make a move. Us girls already talked about this." Minnie advised, patting her sisters head. "Just tell him, and go in for a kiss if he silently gives you consent." She said, nodding.

Sophie bit her lip, though thought better of it and stopped, as her make up would get ruined if done so. "So... I tell him, and then I kiss him?" She asked, furrowing her brows.

"Or... you can draw him something, to show that you love him." Tenn offered weakly, smiling timidly up at her.

Sophie glanced nervously down at Tenn. She then turned to her sister, still nervous. "But how will I know if he lets me kiss him? Will he tell me? Should I do something? Agh!" She groaned, covering her face.

Minnie sighed exasperatedly. "Just use your charm. Literally what you've been doing all this time in order to get a boyfriend. You've had like, six this entire year." Minnie said, giving her sister a tired look. That's when she noticed that Duck was coming in with his dad, his hair slicked back and tuxedo well ironed. He had his own little bottle of rum in his hands, and it seemed he was excited to attend.

"But how, I swear, I suck at flirting—" Sophie stopped at the look of surprise on her sister's face, looking back. That's when she squeaked and hid behind her sibling, hands trembling from both the cold and from how nervous he was. "Shit! He's already here?" Sophie said, panic-like. "What am I going to do?" She hissed, gripping her sibling's shoulder tightly.

Tenn twiddled with his fingers, looking down. "Maybe... just say hi like you usually do?" Tenn suggested, frowning a little.

Minnie smiled down at Tenn and pat his head, nodding. "That's a great idea, Tenn. Why don't you try it, Sophie?" Minnie said with clenched teeth, hinting at Duck that was making their way over to them.

Sophie looked at Minnie and Tenn with fear, shaking her head no.

Minnie grumbled and turned around to push her sister towards Duck, tired of her shit. With one good push, her sister was sent forward, almost falling onto the tiled waxed flooring.

Sophie regained her balance and turned to Duck, greeting him with a small wave. A blush adorned her cheeks, feeling extremely nervous. She hoped that her little trip with her heels when her sister pushed her wasn't noticed.

Duck was more than happy that he could attend and happily waved back at her, a bright grin on his face. "If it ain't, Sophia! I didn't know you'd be comin'." Duck said, placing both of his hands on his hips.

Sophie placed a strand of her hair behind her ear. "It's Sophie. But... I was coming. Everyone was invited." She told him, smiling cheerfully. However, she felt just about that she could melt in place. She turned back to check and see if her sister or brother were there, and found that they had unfortunately left. Amazing. She would have to do this shit again.

"Er—right, Sophie. Anyway... Where's ya sister? I thought y'all always came together?" Duck asked, looking over both her shoulders.

Sophie turned to him then, laughing awkwardly. "Oh... my sister? Yeah, she went to go drop Tenn off in the kid section. I was just here to see if you—the others—were coming." She quickly corrected, smiling wide.

Duck nodded. "Yeah. Figured as such. Hey, why don't you come along with me and drop this off at Louis room, yeah? He said he was plannin' somethin'. I doubt it's kid-friendly, though." Duck said, shaking the rum bottle with one hand.

Sophie smiled then, clapping her hands together in front of her. "Yeah... sounds great! I'm down." She said, making him smile.

That's when Kenny then came in, swinging his own bottle. "Duck, I didn't know ya had a girl?" Kenny said jokingly, looking away from the red bottle.

Duck flushed and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Dammit, Pa! I can never talk to any woman, can I?" He asked with annoyance, crossing his arms.

Sophie felt her blush deepen, her eyes widening a bit. She turned her head to Kenny who was now laughing at his son, to which Duck felt no humor at all. She rubbed her hands together at an attempt to become warm and paused to think, wondering. Maybe right now wasn't the time... But maybe...

Swallowing her nervous feeling, she bit her lip and went closer, reaching over to place a soft kiss on his cheek. "Well, you can certainly charm one." She shrugged, smiling at him. FUCk. SHE REALLY JUST—

Duck turned to her slowly, eyes wide, hand reaching over to touch his cheek.

Kenny laughed in the background.

"Ohhhh!" Mitch yapped, "And you said you didn't like Sophie!" He yelled, making Duck look at Mitch who had Sarah, Gabe, and Louis with him, the whole group looking extremely intrigued.

Duck became flustered instantly and replied quickly, "Shut up, at least I don't make it obvious that I have a crush on someone, unlike you with Sarah!" Duck yelled, making Sarah freeze and turn to Duck, eyes wide.

She flushed and Mitch flipped him off before heading into another area, of course, blushing.

Louis was then left to sigh to himself, shaking his head. "Mitch, am I right?" He elbowed Sarah, who in turn just stared.

Sophie was still blushing, but had a better time hiding the shocking feeling she felt. Unlike Sarah, who had literally stopped functioning, if that was possible.

Gabe whistled, turning to Mariana who stopped recording on her phone. Amazing, already two moments. She's making a movie out of this.

"Anyway..." Louis cleared his throat, smiling at Duck and Sophie, "You guys wanna break into my dad's alcohol stash?" He asked deviously, obviously glad that more of his friends made it.

Duck and Sophie looked at each other, blushing a little. Then they both turned to Louis, "Hell yeah."

Gabe nodded in approval, "Great. Let's get this stupid alcohol already." Gabe said, tired.


Clementine released a sigh, her breath coming up in a fog inside her dad's car. Incredible that Macon was a hot place, yet it somehow became 37 degrees in a span of three hours.

Lee shifted his stick shift into park, reaching over then to turn off the ignition. He turned back to Clementine and A.J who were sitting next to each other, one excited, the other nervous. "I know as a good dad I should tell you two to be careful..." Lee began, "But let's be straight. How about you two, of course, be safe, and promise me you won't get yourselves into trouble? And in return, I'll give you two ice cream tomorrow in the morning." Lee consoled, hand still on the lever.

Clementine looked down at A.J smiling, "What do you say, Goofball? Are you going to be careful?" She asked, placing a soft gentle touch on his Afro.

A.J nodded, looking over at Lee. "I'll be careful, I swear! And it's Alvin Junior." A.J corrected, narrowing his eyes at Clem.

Clementine chuckled at his child-like nature, shaking her head. "You'll always be goofball to me." She said motherly, making A.J smile.

Lee felt warm at the exchange. For a father, moments like this with your children were worth it in the end. That's the great thing about being a parent, you get to see the children you love grow and become better people, change from the baby they once were. And in moments where affection hung around, Lee would always feel at home. He knew that with Clem and A.J around, there will always be home. Including that Louis guy, if he ever really hit on Clem. For some reason that felt a little untrustworthy in his head...

"Lee? Are you going to be careful?" Clementine asked playfully, making A.J giggle.

Lee turned back to the steering wheel and took out the key from the ignition. "Damn right. I'm the most careful person in here." Lee joked, making Clementine snort.

"Right. Says the person who burned the sandwiches he was making during lunch." Clementine said, looking outside and noticing the small bits of snow coming down.

Lee let out a cough, "It was the stove's fault!" He argued, chuckling while opening the door and getting out into the even colder night air. "Now quit pointing fingers and let's head inside! The cold makes me have runny noses." Lee said, quickly running to the trunk to get the one whine bottle needed to attend.

Clementine laughed at the quickness in his tone of voice.


Clementine walked along the long halls, passed many doors, all of which were labeled with either golden lettering or some paper and tape. Some said party room, others said office, some bathroom—it was a whole mess.

After leaving the car and kissing Lee in the cheek goodbye, Clementine and A.J headed off on their own, wondering many things to themselves.

At the moment, Clementine was trying to find the little nursery for kids Jane had told her about before leaving the mall. And apparently, according to one of the servants around, that one nursery was here, around Hallway 4. She's not even going to go into detail on how difficult it was to find Hallway 4.

"Clem?" A.J spoke up, his little hand tightening on her own, "Where are we going?" He asked, frowning.

Clementine looked down at him, offering him a small smile. "We're going to a very fun place. It's where all the kids come in and play." Clementine explained, marveling when his expression turned to joy.

"Really?" A.J asked, surprised, "Will there be toys there? Other kids?" He asked, curious. He wanted to play toys with other kids. It would be fun. He often didn't do it nowadays.

Clementine nodded, looking onward and noticing a small piece of paper on a door they were approaching. "Yeah, many toys. And many kids to make friends with." Clementine said, getting a light jump from A.J.

"I'll make more friends? Cool!" He said joyfully, letting go of Clementine to hop around a bit.

Clementine smiled and turned to the door, stopping right in the front. She read the cursive lettering as 'Kiddy Room', suspecting that Louis was the one who wrote it. He had very nice handwriting, contrary to popular belief.

"Now A.J," Clementine started, hand pressing against the handle of a wooden door, "I want you to be on your best behavior. And I swear I'll let you play on my DS tonight if you do." Clementine said sternly, reaching down to fix her dress. "I know you like to—"

"Run, play, make messes. Yeah, yeah, I know, Clem! I swear I won't break anything or be mean to anyone." A.J said, crossing his arms. Does she not trust him?

Clementine let out a breath and smiled, shaking her head. "I know. But I was just making sure you knew what to do, okay?" Clementine assured him, brushing her hand along his forehead.

A.J pouted, kicking at the marble floor. "Can't I go with you? What if the kids don't like me?" A.J asked, looking at the door with dismay. "Kids never like me." He added sadly, willowing a bit.

Clementine frowned, shaking her head. "Sorry, Kiddo. But who knows what'll happen at the teen area. Don't worry, I'll come and get you immediately if you don't like it. I'll give you my phone in order to call me, okay?" She said, taking out her phone and handing it to him. "And don't worry too much about making friends. Everyone will love to have a friend like you. Louis told me." Clementine said, offering him a wide smile.

A.J felt his dejected mood lift, a small smile appearing on his face. But then it went away. "But... how will I call you if you don't have your phone?" He asked, taking it.

Clementine winked and bopped his nose, smiling. "Call any one of my friends, and I swear I'll be the one to answer," Clementine assured him, making him nod.

"Okay..." He relented. "I'll stay here," A.J grumbled, pocketing the phone and turning to the door. "But I swear if someone tells me what to do..."

Clementine stood up straight and fixed her dress again, frowning down at A.J. "Don't worry Goofball. The mommies in there are really nice." Clementine said, hand then gripping the handle and opening it.

A.J looked at Clementine and furrowed his eyebrows, still hesitant. "But..."

"I made sure Jane would be in there to protect you." She told him, telling him the truth. Jane was more than willing to help, even if she hates kids.

A.J remained silent, thinking. He was staring at her, a 'Do I have to?' look on his face.

Clementine smiled to assure him it was okay to go in there, hoping that he would trust her enough that she'd come back if he ever needed anything.

After a little while, A.J smiled back at her and ran inside, instantly being greeted by Jamie, the little girl he met earlier today. Jane was around as well, and she herself was already guiding A.J to play games, something Clementine was surprised of.

With one last glance at him, she closed the door and let out a breath. She didn't trust these buttloads of strangers either, but Clementine didn't exactly have another choice... Considering what Marlon told the group chat, all the bigger kids would be drinking tonight. And Clementine wasn't a fan of drinking, but maybe a small glass wouldn't hurt... The last time she tasted rum was when she was 11, an offering by Duck himself. Apparently, he had given it to her the day he visited back in Atlanta and had claimed that Kenny had 'given it' to him. Clementine knew he was a big fat liar. But she was curious and well, you know the rest.

Turning around, her hand let go of the golden handle, the cold seeping in between her fingers. Maybe she should've brought her gloves. Instantly, when she let go, her body slammed against another's, who instantly held onto her quickly before she fell off her balance.

"Whoa, don't run into my life just yet! I've only mustered up to talk to you." Louis cheery voice greeted her, her head shooting up.

She felt herself blush a little and chuckle, parting away. "Good one. Though, not charm material." Clementine joked, a tingle running down her spine. Was that because she was cold, or because Louis was with her now?

"Welp. I tried. But I haven't tried your beautiful lips, so I'll keep going." Louis replied, winking at her flirtatiously.

Clementine rolled her eyes but smiled, her cheeks still red. "Idiot." She mumbled, tucking a curled strand behind her ear.

"Okay okay, I'll stop. But seriously, Hey! I thought you wouldn't arrive. I mean, do you know how agonizing it is to not have your soul mate next to you?" Louis asked, pulling at his suit. You know... that little thing he does every time he has something extra to say?

Clementine reached over to touch her pin, a small smile on her face. "I wouldn't know. Since I—"

"Okay you two, before you start sucking face, can we get the alcohol plan in a go?" Marlon asked from the end of the hall, a smirk on his face. He was dangling the very same key Louis had, mockingly telling them that tonight wasn't the time for lovey-dovey shit.

Louis sighed, shaking his head. "Fine." He replied curtly, stepping away from Clementine. He turned to her and offered her a grin, making her smile back at him and follow.

Clementine, never in her life, would she let herself admit to the others that she felt rather annoyed Marlon had interrupted their little moment.


"Fucking finally," Mitch said with annoyance, uncrossing his arms and dropping them towards his sides. "Took you guys long enough." He hissed rather irritated, mostly because he was still sour about what Duck said earlier.

Marlon snorted, "Cool it, Mitch. We got this shit."

"Exactly," Louis added quickly, smiling. "'How poor are they that have not patience'!" He quoted, snatching the keys from Marlon.

"I come here just now, and I already hear some stupid shit from your mouth," Violet interjected, standing herself up from the wall, black tuxedo in place. She looked rather fancy.

"On the contrary Vi, Shakespeare is far from stupid." Louis defended, tossing the keys from one hand to the other. "Glad you could make it!" He then said happily, making Violet roll her eyes.

Clementine gave Violet a curt nod, earning a nod back.

"So... Have we heard from Omar, Ruby, or Aasim yet?" Gabe asked, hand running along with his brown hair. He didn't gel it tonight, as he knew that he'd probably mess it up anyway. Mariana already attempted that twice.

"Yeah, actually," Sophie spoke up, bringing out her phone to check her messages. "Ruby said she's here already. Omar said he was going to come a little later, but Aasim hasn't replied yet." Sophie said, her thumb moving to press at the keypad to respond to Ruby.

"Of course, Aasim wouldn't respond. Well, we're going to have to do this without three people. Won't be too hard." Louis said, walking over towards the open doorway to the grand room, not at all surprised to notice the many people surrounding the area.

"What's the damn plan?" Duck asked, already becoming too excited to even wait.

Marlon turned to them, hands in his pant's pockets. "It's easy enough. Sarah, Sophie and Brody are going to head inside and talk to some of the waiters around carrying the bottles, while the rest of us grab one bottle each." Marlon said, looking down to check the golden watch Louis had gotten him just now. It was an early Christmas gift. "And just in case, Clementine'll keep watch to check and see if anyone would be coming in, and Gabe will be the one to enter the code since he claimed to have 'seen it'." Marlon air-quoted, making Gabe scoff.

"I did, I swear. We need that key Louis has and that one passcode—42619." Gabe said, thinking about it. "Yeah, 42619," Gabe repeated, assuring the group that it was indeed, the correct number.

Violet stared at him suspiciously. "How did you even get that?" She asked, crossing her arms.

Gabe coughed and cleared his throat, hitting at his chest. He released a breath and then cautiously placed the most neutral face ever. "Uh... Lucky guess?" He grinned.

Violet narrowed her eyes.

"'Lucky Guess'?" Marlon repeated, raising an eyebrow. "But you said—"

"It's no lucky guess," Violet said, scoffing, "He's lying."

Mariana nodded. "Yeah, actually. He is." She added, earning a look from Gabe.

"Mariana!"

"Hey wait, what about me and Mari?" Willy asked, crinkling his brows. "Aren't we allowed to help?"

"Yeah, no," Mariana answered for him, looking just as dejected. "Apparently we're not 'old enough'." She quoted sarcastically giving Marlon and Gabe a sour look.

Willy huffed, rolling his eyes. "Are they serious? C'mon! I can handle a little mission, right?" Willy said, jumping in place. "I know a bomb quiet enough to break in!" He said, taking out his phone and turning it on.

"A bomb?" Sarah squeaked, eyes wide.

"A bomb," Violet mumbled, turning to Mitch who looked like he was about to tell Willy to shut up.

"Yeah! That could definitely work," Louis agreed, making the entire group turn to him, "But the thing is Willy, I can't exactly break any of my dad's things. He'll know it would be me."

Clementine released a breath she was unknowingly holding.

"Oh..." Willy said, stopping and putting his phone away.

"But you can hold onto that idea, just in case everything backfires!" Louis said with a happy tone, making Willy brighten again.

Brody shuffled towards Mitch, "What the hell have you been teaching him?" She hissed, obviously surprised.

"Alright, cool. Then what are we doing waiting around?" Mitch asked, ignoring Brody. "Lets bust in there already."

"Nice choice of words, Mitch." Louis complimented, causing Mitch to make a face.

"Gay," Marlon said, shaking his head.

"Shut the fuck up before I punch your ugly mullet." Violet hissed, "I'm not going through that gay bullshit again."

"Okay! Plan thing is a go!" Marlon said quickly, sprinting out of the room.

Louis gave him a look.


*Insert Partially Successful Plan here, because I'm lazy*


"The Gin?"

"Check."

"Whiskey."

"Double Check."

"The beer?"

"Ugh, fuck no."

"Okay good."

"..."

"Please tell me you got the rum?"

Louis took another look at the drinks displayed upon the table, searching for a bottle that clearly stated 'RUM'. He grinned triumphantly and turned to Marlon, "Triple Check."

"Okay," Marlon said, satisfied, "This is good. We got everything we need." Marlon announced, an accomplished grin taking over his face.

"So will anyone tell me what we're going to do with 9 bottles of alcohol?" Violet asked, crossing her arms.

"We'll shower in it." Minnie deadpanned, earning a scoff from Violet.

"Yeah? What are we gonna do? I vote chug one each!" Mariana announced, running to the table to swipe a bottle for herself.

However, Gabe was there to snatch her back and keep her in place. Mariana pouted at the loss of alcohol.

"Well, we are going to drink it, for one," Marlon said, staring at the bottles. "Honestly, I didn't think we'd make it this far." Marlon included while smiling sheepishly.

Louis seemed to think the same. What were they going to do with 9 bottles of different alcohols? They can't just drink them. I mean, they can, but it sounds plain. If only there was some sort of pizzazz...

"Okay, how about this," Clementine spoke up, brushing her hair out of her face, "We'll come back to this alcohol thing later. Right now, let's just check and make sure everyone's in place, just in case. I don't want Louis getting in trouble for some robbery of alcohol. Or any one of us." Clementine said, leaning on her hip.

Louis smiled at her, then turned to the group. "Yeah, how about that? Plus, we're missing the others. So... how about, whoever finds all three of our missing friends," Louis instantly noted the determined look Mitch and Violet suddenly had, "—will choose what to do with the alcohol?" He finished, his thumb pointing back at the alcohol placed neatly in rows on the table.

"Done." Mitch and Violet said, scrambling out of the room and shoving at each other.

Louis stared at them until they left his room, everyone else doing the same.

"Okay then..." Brody muttered, her finger gently wiping something from the corner of her eye. "That just happened."

"It did indeed," Louis said, taking out his phone. "Too bad they won't find them anywhere." Louis shrugged, eyes reading over the time before putting his phone back.

"And how do you know that?" Clementine asked, skeptical.

"Didn't you just tell us to look for them?" Marlon asked, narrowing his eyes.

Louis then grinned and walked over to his huge closet to open it, revealing Aasim, Omar, and Ruby, all of which were squished together.

"Ugh, finally," Omar said, un-squishing himself from the closet. He came out, hands dusting off his suit. Well, it wasn't a suit but rather long-coat casual wear, but people could argue it would be the same. "You need to hire more maids," Omar told Louis pointedly, idly making his way next to the others.

Aasim then came out with a huge blush on his face, eyes glaring daggers at Louis. "You planned this." He hissed at him, pointing accusingly.

Louis pretended surprise. "Muah? I swear, I'm innocent!" Louis said to everyone, knowing damn well he wasn't.

Ruby actually came out pretty mellow, and only fixed her hair before making her way to the others.

Louis was honestly surprised.

"Anyway." Gabe began, "So... We're checking on the party, and then we'll come back here to see what we can do with all that beverage?" Gabe concluded, knowing that this plan of Louis was an excuse for him to make sure everything wasn't going to hell. As Louis being the partial host, it was his duty to make sure the kids and teens were in the best behavior and that nothing too bad was going on.

"Yep!" Louis said, "Now, I'll text you all when I'm done... just to make sure everything's okay." He chuckled nervously.

"Yeah, that's not going to work—I left my phone with A.J," Clementine interjected, making Louis halt.

"Oh..." Louis said, then thought about it, "Then I guess you can accompany me meanwhile." He said with a flirtatious grin, winking.

"Smooth." Marlon nodded, the rest of the men agreeing. Gabe just stood there, a little annoyed as always.

"So it's a go?" Aasim asked, surprising everyone including himself for speaking up, "Plan 'Letting Louis go make sure he's being responsible' is on?"

"Well, I wouldn't word it that way—"

"Yeah, it is." Clementine interrupted, reaching down to fix her red dress. The lining of fuzzy white cloth was bothering her a little.

"Cool!" Mariana said, snatching Willy, "Let's head out!"

And everyone did so, with Willy yelping in the background.


December 24th, 9:09 PM.


"So... What are we checking first?" Clementine asked, fixing her little hood behind her, hoping that with moving the hood, the fuzzy white lining wouldn't bother her cheeks so much.

Louis checked his watch, reading the time. "Well, it's not like I don't trust kids or anything—In fact, I love them!—But we're checking out the kids first." Louis said, looking over at her with a smile.

"I can see why," Clementine nodded, "But wouldn't it be better to check out our age group first? They're the ones without parental supervision." She suggested, squinting a little from how dark it was in this hallway. Oh jeez, this looks like a set for a horror film.

"Well, that is true," Louis agreed, "But my dad would most likely be there. Since y'know... there's a lot of moms." His lips made a thin line, shuddering.

"What? What do you—Oh. Okay, yeah, that would make... sense." Clementine said, laughing a little. "I didn't take your dad to be... the womanizer type. What about your mom? Wouldn't she, I don't know, be bothered by it?" She asked, a little worried.

At that, Louis remained silent. He looked onward, his face painfully calm, his posture a little stiff.

Clementine, upon not hearing an answer, furrowed her brows and looked forward, avoiding to look at his face. Did she open something up she wasn't supposed to? He was quiet. And Louis was never quiet.

And she was right. Louis decided to keep his mouth shut and not correct her, as he was afraid of...

The guilt that was eating at him was ruining him more and more. And he didn't want that.

"My parents... divorced a while ago, when I was little." Louis finally said, his face devoid of any sadness.

Clementine looked over at him, surprised. She noticed that he didn't look sad, but his voice sounded strained, guilt-ridden even. Was that something she wasn't supposed to know? "Oh, I'm... so sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up." Clementine said, genuinely feeling bad. She knew a thing or two about reopening wounds.

"No, no, it's fine." Louis chuckled awkwardly. "I do that... sometimes. Without even knowing." He shrugged, turning to her with a wistful look.

Clementine frowned. "I know. But it wasn't my... stand to ask about your parents." She mumbled, looking onward, eyebrows furrowing.

Louis frowned then, sighing. "Look, Clem, did you know about my parent's life?" He asked, earning a shake of the head, "Then it's okay. Trust me, I've said a lot of things without meaning to. I might as well be Duck Jr." Louis joked, laughing. But when he heard her silence, he stopped laughing, rubbing his arm.

"It still wasn't right. I was reopening wounds that were already healing." Clementine sighed, "I know I wouldn't like it if someone mentioned my parents either." She muttered, shaking her head.

"Your parents...? Your dad, Lee?" He asked, confused.

Clementine flinched, looking at him. "No. He's my stepdad." She said, frowning. "My real parents... died. When I was eight." She whispered, clenching her fists. No. She wasn't going to be sad about it, not again. She was strong.

She wasn't a little girl anymore.

Louis stopped, eyes widening.

Clementine avoided looking at him. "I know I shouldn't feel... so upset now. And I don't. Not as... before. But... It just kind of feels really shitty if someone just up and asks something about my parents." Clementine admitted, letting herself feel the sad truth. "I know it isn't their fault. And I don't feel angry if they mention them. But my point is, is that it still hurts deep inside. Even if they don't mean to make it that way." Clementine said, feeling something wet run down her cheek. Wait, was she crying? No way.

That's when she felt someone wrap their arms around her, pulling her into another set of warmth that only made her feel even more miserable. But... not the miserable you think.

She could smell the strawberries, and she let herself close her eyes, tears running down her cheeks. She wasn't ugly crying like she would mostly do if she were ever truly by herself, but... she was crying a little. It sucked that she couldn't hold it in like she wished she could.

"I'm sorry," Louis whispered, hugging her closer, his expression holding some sort of empathy and sadness. He could scent the tropical smell of her hair and could feel her petite form relax into him, her breath hitting against his chest. He could sense she felt vulnerable.

Clementine's own arms wrapped around his waist, relishing his warmth. More tears fell, and she let herself bring forth his comfort. "Thank you." She whispered to him, burying her face in his chest, "And... sorry. I'm just being... emotional." She joked a little, laughing lightly. The fact that she felt so safe in his arms made her realize something, something she knew would be very bad in the future. He felt nice—his well-built frame hugged her tightly, so perfectly that she felt that she couldn't find it in herself to let go of him. It was just so warm with him there, so utterly perfect that it made her want to hug him forever.

He laughed a little too, still holding onto her. It was funny, he thought the same as she. He didn't want to let go now, especially now that they could comfort each other while alone, without any distractions.

And so, they held each other close for a little while. In the open vacancy of the hallways, they stood there, hugging their sorrows away.

It wasn't until Clementine mentioned about the nursery did they part away, the cold seeping between them. Clementine suddenly realized how cold it actually had been, and she felt a little upset they couldn't hold each other for so long.

Louis tried to look into the positive of things, "Hey, I bet you A.J'll feel super happy to see you."

Clementine looked up at him with a shy smile, her heart warming itself. "Yeah, yeah he.. might." She said, moving her curled strands away from her face.

"No, no, He will." He corrected, walking onward.

"Really?" She asked, giggling.

"Who wouldn't be happy to see you?"

"I can name a few—"

"Shhh. Nobody. Now, where were we?"

"We were going to check the kids, Louis."

"Oh yeah, right!"


A.J was playing around when he saw the door open, his eyes lighting up with glee upon seeing that it was Louis who came in.

Setting his little toy trucks down, he ran up to him, yelling out a "Louis!" while doing so.

Louis looked over and found A.J running at him full speed, and he grinned, lowering himself down to hug him back.

A.J opened his arms and practically threw himself at him, knocking him down. He laughed and hugged him back, looking up to find Clementine staring at them wide-eyed.

A.J looked up then and found Clementine, immediately jumping off him and hugging her too, too happy to see them.

Louis sat up, laughing, looking at them. "What did I say?" He asked, raising a playful eyebrow.

Clementine rolled her eyes, "Yeah yeah, I know." She said, placing a loving hand on A.J's head, "Hey Goofball, did you miss us?"

A.J let go and nodded quickly, "Yeah! These kids don't know how to play the police officer right. Except for one of them." A.J said, pointing over at a little boy with a tuxedo, "His name is Tenn! He's my friend!" He said happily, making Clementine smile.

"That's great, Kiddo. Do you mind if you introduce us to him?" She asked, turning to Louis with a small smile.

Louis nodded, propping himself upright.

"Nope! C'mon," A.J said quickly, grabbing both of their hands and dragging them to the little boy.

"You know, he's actually The Twin's brother," Louis whispered to Clementine while being led along.

"Really?" Clementine whispered back, a little surprised. "I didn't know they had a brother."

"Yeah! They always talk about him." Louis chuckled, making Clementine give him a playful look.

"Louis, Clem, Tenn," A.J said, standing before Tenn with a small smile.

Tenn waved at both of them, shy. "Hi..." He said, timid. He twiddled with his fingers, his legs crossed.

"Hey little dude, remember me?" Louis asked, crouching down. "Louis the Train?"

Tenn smiled and nodded, saying nothing.

"Hi," Clementine then said, smiling down at Tenn, "I'm Clementine. It's really nice to meet you." She said while setting herself down on the carpet.

"Hi... I'm Tennessee. A.J said you were very pretty." Tenn said, admiring her face, "You look really cool to draw."

"I completely agree. She's a living art piece." Louis said, swooning a little.

Clementine blushed and shook her head, obviously knowing that Louis would agree upon something like that.

"What are you guys doing here?" Jane came in, about three different kids hanging onto her. "I thought you guys were out stealing?"

"Stealing?" Clementine and Louis said at the same time, looking at each other.

"Yeah. Some girl with blonde hair came in here to talk to her sister about something, and mentioned something about stealing whiskey with Louis." Jane pointed out, turning towards Louis with an expectant look.

"S-Stealing? Us? Pfft, Nah. We were..." Louis stopped thinking, turning to Clementine, "What were we doing?"

"We were fixing um... the party decorations... for the uh..." She stopped, unable to think. "Teens...?" She added, making a face.

"Teens! Yeah, the Teens!" Louis then added, grinning sheepishly.

Jane nodded slowly, "Riiiight. Look, kids, I'm not gonna snitch on you. I'm just gonna tell you guys to be careful and not do that again just because of my parent morals." Jane said, smirking at them.

Clementine and Louis released a breath and stood up, smiling at Jane.

"What's whiskey?" A.J asked, confused.

"It's an alcoholic drink," Tenn replied, making A.J nod. He still didn't know what Alcoholic drink meant, but he presumed it was something good.

"Back to my original question," Jane placed the little boy on her arms down, "What are you two doing in here?"

"We were out to Check on the party guests," Louis replied.

Clementine smiled at Jane, "Yeah, we were just making sure everything was running smoothly." She explained, earning a small grin from Jane.

"Surprisingly for us, it is. I thought the kids in here would start barfing all over the place. Especially the toddlers." Jane muttered, glancing back at Luke who was being bombarded with kids.

Louis winced when a kid jumped on Luke, and he turned to Jane, smiling embarrassingly. "Yeah, I thought that might happen. Not to jinx it or anything, but I'm glad everyone's not screaming." Louis responded, turning to A.J and Tenn who were now resuming their play session.

"Not yet, at least." Jane said, "I've had multiple instances where I needed to give up my chocolate cookies to the kids before they screamed." Jane said, rubbing her eyes. "These kids are brutal when it comes to cookies."

"100%." Louis and Clementine said, agreeing.

Jamie then came running in, whining. "Mom! That kid ripped up my Barbie doll!" Jamie whined, jumping up while holding the doll out, one hand holding the head, the other the body.

Jane made a face. "Oh jeez. Don't worry, mommy'll fix it." Jane grumbled, grabbing Jamie from her wrist gently. "Sorry. Gotta see who fucked—uh messed up—her Barbie doll. Talk to you two later?" Jane asked, earning a nod from them. Without another word, Jane left, off to find who broke her daughter's toy.

That left Clementine and Louis to take their leave, knowing that the Parents had everything down.

Waving goodbye at A.J and Tenn, Clementine smiled when A.J waved back, knowing that he was glad that he finally made an actual friend. And it was good that he did. He might not feel as lonely as he always does anymore.

"Louis the train, huh?" Clementine then asked, turning back around to give him a funny look.

Louis grinned. "What? It's a great name!"

"For a weirdo."

"Hey, that's mean! I'm calling 911 for that."

"And I'm going to start calling you Louis the train if you do."

"Okay... Fine. You win."


After closing the door to the little nursery room, Louis let out a breath, happy to find that the moms had everything under control.

"Stress-free now?" Clementine asked, smirking.

Louis let out a contemptuous sound. "Not yet. The Teens are what have me actually worried." Louis dismissed, making Clementine sigh.

"I told you we should've checked on them first." Clementine reminded, fixing the hem of her dress yet again. Stupid fuzzy lining.

"Okay, yes, you did, but now we can actually have some fun!" Louis said, walking onward.

That's when Violet turned and ran into him, almost falling back. "Aw shit." She hissed, holding onto her nose. Looking up, she glared, "Fucking Louis. Where were you?" She asked, crossing her arms.

"We were checking on the kids," Clementine said, giving her a little frown.

Violet's expression softened. "Have you been crying?" She whispered, raising an eyebrow.

Louis then intervened, "Hey! Did you end up finding Aasim and the others?" He asked, changing the subject.

Violet then narrowed her eyes. "What do you think? Of course not. Fucking Mitch gave up and left me searching for them all by myself." She huffed, tired.

Louis snorted, making her eyes narrow. "Funny thing is..." He began, touching his index fingers together nervously, "I had them hidden in my closet the entire time. So they were there." He said quickly, holding up his hands.

"I would punch the living daylights out of you, but I'm too hungry to care. Let's head to the teen area yeah? I'm eating the entire batch of cookies." Violet said, her stomach right on cue, grumbling.

"I wouldn't mind some cookies," Clementine said, a little up for the idea.

"We were heading there anyway," Louis replied, walking off. "It'll be so great too—oof" Louis backed away immediately and looked over at who he bumped into, familiarizing himself with the same stupid dark colored straight hair. What's with him and bumping into people today?

Michelle, of the seniors, scowled and backed away, touching her lips to check and see if they smudged. "Watch where you're fuckin' going," She hissed, looking over at Louis. Her expression changed immediately upon doing so, giving him a once-over.

Louis held back a tired groan.

"Well... Ain't you lookin' good today?" She said flirtatiously, licking her lips.

Louis chuckled nervously, stepping back a bit. "Ha... Thanks! I get that a lot." He replied nicely, a sheepish smile adorning his face.

Clementine couldn't help but look over and glare at the girl. Who was she to be talking to Louis like that?

Violet did the same, but for completely different reasons.

With one flirtatious motion, she stepped closer, tilting her head. "You haven't changed a bit, baby. You still look just as good as I remember." Michelle complimented, smirking then, her finger reaching over to trace his jawline. "You hostin' the party?" She asked, smirking.

Louis nodded slowly. "Yeah actually, I was just—"

"Good, you invited me, then. Now we can have some real fun in here." She said, stepping closer, invading his personal space.

Louis, though, was pulled back when she did.

"And you are?" Clementine asked, raising an eyebrow, Violet right next to her.

Michelle glared then, eyes looking up and down Clementine's figure. Well, shit. Now, this girl has some competition... "Why the fuck should you know?" Michelle asked, stepping closer, basically face to face with her.

Clementine, unaware, squeezed Louis' arm. "It's my right to know if it means you're harassing him," Clementine growled.

Michelle rolled her eyes. "You have some fuckin' nerve... Outta my way, bitch. I'm trying to get at my man, not yours." Michelle snarled back, pushing Clementine back.

Clementine held her ground, however, barely moving. She noticed the look of surprise that flashed along Michelle's face, making her think that no one had the guts to stand up to her before.

Violet snorted then, catching their attention. "That's funny. Last time I checked, your whore-ass was absolutely gushing over Gill. And surprise, you fucking bitch," Violet pushed her back much harder, "I don't think you have any right to own a man that's already someone else's." Violet stated clearly, making Louis blush in the background. Clementine did not much care that Violet had low key addressed him as her man because right now, she was in a very close range to get rid of that girl.

Michelle seethed, her fist balled up. "Who? This," She pointed at Clementine, "Bitch? Bitch, please. Nobody believin' that shit. She's just some white-washed thot." Michelle growled, making her own friends snicker.

Louis narrowed his eyes. "What—"

"And you know what you are?" Clementine asked, face neutral, "Some desperate bitch who looks like she prostitutes for a living." Clementine said plainly, finally letting go of Louis, who was alarmed at Clementine's use of words.

Violet cackled aloud, pointing at her outfit. "She even has the look!" Violet added, wiping her eye.

Michelle glared and then pushed Clementine even harder, making Clementine buckle back a bit. "You really bout' to get on my nerves, girl." Michelle snarled, her fist pounding against her palm, "You wanna fucking fight? Is that what the hell this is? Talkin' shit like you ain't bout' to get fucked over!" Michelle's voice became louder as she came closer, Clementine not at all protruded.

"Fucking do it, Pussy." Violet hissed at her, "Or are you that much of a fucking coward?" She taunted, scowling. The other girls huddled closer, looking about ready to swing.

Violet didn't say anything, but she could tell that Becca was one of the girls messing with Michelle, along with Ida, the blonde haired girl that lived off of Starbucks for a living.

"What the hell did this bleached bitch say?" Ida asked, flipping her hair.

"What are you, fucking deaf? Headass bitch." Violet growled, coming up to her face. "What's your blond-o Barbie bitchass going to do, huh? Hit me? That's funny." Violet spat in her face, making Ida scowl and step back. Becca, upon realizing it was Violet, widened her eyes and stepped towards Michelle.

She whispered something only she could hear, and all of them watched with what they would do next.

Clementine was ready to fucking kill if she needed to. Louis could tell just by the look of anger on her face. Did it make it worse if he thought that was hot too?

Michelle ground her teeth as she stared at them, noticing the hands of Clementine all over his arm. Becca was right. This wasn't worth it at all.

"Tch. Go ahead, have him. Like I give a fuck." Michelle then said, shouldering past Violet, giving one last look of hatred towards Clementine. Ida followed but Becca stayed back, glaring at all of them. Then she left in the opposite direction, fuming.

Violet stared right after the retreating form of Becca, wondering why that stupid twat even stopped this whole mess in the first place. Hopefully, it wasn't to get back at Sarah for all those years ago.

Louis sighed. "Hey, it's okay. Look, we should go find some food. I heard they're giving out chicken nuggets!" Louis said with a smile on his face.

Clementine huffed, still glaring. Violet was convinced with the chicken nuggets, but Clementine felt as if nothing could convince her. It wasn't because Louis didn't offer anything up, but it was because when someone made Clementine angry, all Clementine wanted to do was to knock their teeth in. But unfortunately, Clementine knew better than to disrupt Louis' party over some stupid shit.

"Now you know. That's Michelle Williams, a fucking piece of a shit, let me tell ya." Violet growled, cracking her knuckles. "She's been giving us a hard ass time since 7th grade, all because she thought I took Louis away from her." Violet rolled her eyes, positively seething when she remembered. All this beef just because she thought Louis was hers. Ridiculous.

Clementine shook her head, her hoops hitting lightly against her jawline. "That's a stupid reason..."

"Yeah, I know. I'm fucking gay. Plus, even if I was straight, I wouldn't even think once about dating someone like Louis." Violet fake gagged.

"Hey! I'm handsome!" Louis argued, glaring.

"Only to Clementine. Hell if I know what she sees in you." Violet snorted, shrugging.

Clementine blushed and glared. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Violet said, folding her arms. "Are we gonna get some chicken nuggets or what?" She asked instead, starving.

Louis and Clementine stood there, watching her go with a smug grin on her face.

"Violet scares me sometimes."

"I know."

There was silence.

"You guys coming or what?" Violet yapped, turning around.

"Yeah, hold your horses!" Louis said, walking after her, Clementine doing the same. From that point they walked onward, many things running along their minds, most of which related to that Michelle girl.

She looked over at him with a skeptical look, wondering why of all the time that she's been here, now was the time where that girl popped up. What about the other times at school? Clem's heard she's a student there.

"Uh... thanks, Clem." Louis muttered suddenly, smiling down at the floor fondly.

Clementine threw him a look of surprise, wondering where his gentlemanliness came from. "Why are you thanking me?" She asked, noticing the small amount of blush on his cheeks. Was she imagining things?

Louis rubbed his neck, laughing awkwardly. "Well, for having my back down there. I was afraid she might think wrong again." He replied, shaking his head. "It kind of, I don't know, made me feel a little less stuffy?" He added, turning to her.

Clementine smiled. "You don't have to thank me. I was just defending you, it was no problem." She shrugged, fixing her red little hood jacket.

Louis nodded, grinning. "Well, you weren't just defending me." He mumbled, rubbing his arm, "You outright protected me!" He chuckled, pointing at the crinkling along his suit's arm.

Clementine flushed and turned away, "Sorry. Force of habit." She replied, focusing on the detailed patterns of the walls instead of him. Maybe what she did was a little too much...

"Nobody's ever really done that, before, I mean. When you weren't here." Louis said, turning to Violet with a sad look. "I know you're not going to believe me, but before, way before you came, Violet didn't have guts to do anything. And I know she might kill me for this," He frowned, "She was always bullied around by that girl. And our group never really had any peace with that, because we'd always get picked on and shit. Not all of us, but certain of us." Louis sighed, remembering the day.

"Nobody ever had the guts to stand up to people, before," Louis added quietly, looking at her with a sad expression.

Clementine copied his expression. "Never? I find that hard to believe. Everyone's so determined for their own opinions, and I've seen countless of times what they do if they hear someone complain about who they are." Clementine responded, looking up at Violet. "I can't really imagine Violet being timid or held back. She's one of the toughest girls I know." Clementine complimented, whispering it to Louis.

Unbeknownst to them, Violet heard every word up front and forced herself not to feel so sad. It made her feel better when Clementine said she was tough, it made her feel good that Clementine thought of her as a great person. It just sucked that she couldn't have always been like that in the past. All because certain people judged her for who she was, or for things that weren't even true.

"I know. Don't tell her I told you this either, but I consider her family. Well, not only her but every one of our friends. I just happen to lean onto her or try making her laugh because I know sometimes she plays the tough card, but in reality, she's just as kind as all of us. I don't mind it when she calls me stupid, or other names," He breathed in, smiling, "I know she's just saying that because I'm trying to be myself. And she likes joking around too. Minnie loves her, for that." Louis said, grinning. "And believe me, it's worth it when she laughs."

Clementine giggled, covering her mouth.

Violet turned back a little to see their happy forms, a smile forming on her own lips. She turned back to looking forward, touched. Well, I guess she was doubting herself all along. Maybe people don't hate her.

And she's happy to find that they don't.


Already, first time entering, Louis, Violet, and Clementine could hear the loudass music on speaker. It was the very sexual shit too, and Louis had a pretty good idea who put 'Or Nah' by The Weeknd.

"This is very unholy..." Sarah, the first person they saw since their return said, walking past them with a small plastic red cup. She looked uncomfortable.

Mariana was following behind, bumping to the music. "What? Unholy? This is just the cheap stuff!" She exclaimed as the music was pretty loud. Gabe wasn't so far behind, munching on a bag of chips.

"It's a little scary to know you know more than I possibly do." Gabe sighed, stopping mid-way to pick up a fallen penny. That's when he saw some people in the doorway and instantly recognized them. "Oh! Hey you three, you guys missed the party starting." Gabe said, walking to them with a smile.

"I don't even think it started yet," Violet mumbled, narrowing her eyes at some boys across the room who were cheering at a guy with a dozen plastic cups in front of him.

Clementine winced at the scene. "Well... I guess you're right this time, Violet." Clementine said, watching the guy grab three cups and pour it into his mouth. Yeesh. Talk about drinking hard.

"I wonder if the buffet was ransacked?" Louis asked, getting a harsh glare from Violet.

"Don't even joke," Violet warned, waving her fist.

"What's joking?" Louis asked, nervous.

"Is everyone else here, Gabe?" Clementine asked to change the subject, looking around the big area to see if she could recognize anyone else.

Gabe blushed a little but played it off by putting a chip in his mouth. (Is it bad I almost said Dick in my mind?) "Oh-uh, yeah. There are just some people hiding in the bathroom, and Marlon and Brody were in one of the bedrooms doing you know what." Gabe shivered, swallowing thickly.

"What about Duck, or Sophie?" Violet asked, shoving at Louis' face. "Minnie texted me earlier that they went missing."

Gabe looked surprised. "Huh... now that you mention it, I haven't seen either of them. Mariana must've seen them, though, at least. I mean, she was last to talk to Sophie about something." Gabe said, placing a questioning finger along his chin.

"I bet you 100% they went off to make out," Violet said, thinking.

"I would honestly not be surprised," Aasim said, coming by them, holding onto a red plastic cup of his own.

"I'm honestly surprised you haven't been sucking face with Ruby tonight," Louis smirked, giving him a pointed look. Aasim glared at him.

"Oh, hey Aasim. Have you seen them anywhere?" Clementine asked, getting a shake of the head.

"No. As I said, I wouldn't be surprised if we found them making out in one of the rooms." Aasim said, sipping at his vodka. This was the good shit.

Mariana came by later, just to say hello. "Ugh," She said, crinkling her nose, "Is that vodka? Ew." She cringed.

Aasim mocked her expression, "Ugh, is that an annoying little brat? Get it away from me." He said snarkily, making Mariana glare at him.

"Shut up, or else I'll tell Ruby you want to bang her," Mariana warned, pointing at him.

"The hell?" Gabe said, glaring at Mariana, "I told you, that was plan B if he never said anything!"

"Excuse me?" Aasim asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Oh boy," Louis said, wincing.

"This is interesting news," Violet told herself, nodding, listening.

Clementine threw her a concerned glance.

"Fuck, I think I'm drunk." Marlon slurred, his body leaning against the wall, silently staring off into the distance.

The group turned to Marlon who was close to them off in a corner, noting that Brody was tired, helping him down there.

"I thought they were making out somewhere?" Louis asked, confused.

"Apparently not. Thank god." Violet said, relieved.

"You're not drunk." Brody reasoned, trying to pick him up.

"Naw. I'm hot." He muttered, grinning at her.

Violet narrowed her eyes. "He's not drunk, he's retarded." She hissed, making Gabe snort.

Brody turned to Violet with a glare. "Nice to see you tonight too, Violet." Brody hissed, crouched down to inspect Marlon's drunken state.

"Unlike you, It isn't nice to see you." Violet mocked, pushing a finger against the tip of her nose to make a face. Brody looked infuriated. Gabe let out a snicker at that.

She turned to him and raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed.

Gabe looked away, whistling to himself, his hands behind his back twiddling along with his fingers.

While the others huddled Marlon, Violet only kept staring at Gabe, trying to decipher something.

He looked so suspicious. As if he was planning something, and lately, he's been a little too close to her, too nice to her, too... something. And she was hoping it wasn't something relating to... crush things. He knows she's GAY.

"You've sensed it too, no?" Omar asked, suddenly next to her, Christmas themed phone in hand.

Violet didn't even jump. "Yeah. He's been acting all—"

"Close. Intimate." He finished for her, staring right at Gabe who was currently now speaking with Becca about turnips. That was weird... He wasn't talking with her a minute ago.

Violet narrowed her eyes then at Becca. Becca... That dumb girl who proceeds to only get herself into trouble and diss Sarah about everything. Claiming she was weak. Stupid. Everything. Yet come up and stop shit out of nowhere.

And she was only a Junior.

Why was Mariana friends with her again?

"This is weird. It's freaking me out." Violet murmured, "I'm starting to think he has a crush on me or something."

Omar looked surprised. "I highly doubt that. However, his behavior is odd."

Violet saw a servant passing by and just snatched his plate, making the servant look over at her with surprise. She glared to make him go away, which worked. "Whatever," She said, putting a whole chicken nugget into her mouth, "I'm gonna head out to get some more chicken nuggets. I'm fucking starving."

Omar tapped along his phone, "You've said that." He replied disinterestedly.

"I know. And that's just facts." She replied, heading over into the buffet section. Oh goodie, she could already see all types of foods—chicken nuggets too.

Meanwhile, Gabe was talking to Becca, hoping Violet hadn't noticed him staring at her. Turning back, he let out a breath when he found her gone, and turned to Becca once more, now chatting among other things.

Becca nodded solemnly, not really paying attention. Her eyes landed on Mitch from across the room, noticing that he was by himself, probably brooding. Good. This might be her time to maybe... make friends. And probably a boyfriend.

"Yeaaah. That's cool and all," Becca began, walking past Gabe, "But I just forgot something. I'll see you later, yeah?" She offered, not even taking another glance at him.

Gabe watched her leave, a confused look on his face. The hell was that?

"Hey." Becca started once close enough to Mitch, arms crossed, face neutral.

Mitch rose an eyebrow at her. "And you are...?" He asked, wondering why a junior of all classes was talking to him. Wasn't she the girl who talked shit about Sarah?

Becca grinned. "I'm Becca. I'm sure you've heard of me or something." She shrugged, remembering the time when she heard him talk shit about Sarah down by the boys' locker room. "I was Gill's girlfriend? Y'know... the Senior Football player—"

"I'm aware of who that is. I just don't really care." He shrugged, eyes catching Sarah making his way over to him. Huh... she looked really pretty with that black dress on, now that he really looked at her.

Becca shrugged it off, pretending. "Oh yeah. Sure. I don't really care either." She said, realizing a little afterward that he wasn't even looking at her anymore. Wow. First time for everything I guess...

"Mitch, Mitch!" Someone yelled, a few jingles coming by, "You've got to see this, there's a whole bunch of cookies and bells over there!" Sarah said excitedly, stopping right next to Becca.

Becca made a face, turning to Sarah. "What the hell are you doing?" Becca hissed, making Sarah turn to her in alarm. "Can you maybe... I don't know, back off? You're kind of getting into our personal space." She told her, making Sarah smile drop.

"W-What—"

"What are you, deaf?" Becca hissed at her, pushing her back, "Do you want to get fucked up?" She hissed, "God, it's like you never listen." She mumbled, making Sarah's eyes widen with fear.

Clementine heard from across the room what was going on, recognizing the voice. She turned around, eyes locking on familiar short hair. About to head over there herself, she stopped when she saw Mitch shake his head as if telling her he would handle it. Clementine didn't think twice and remained by her post next to Louis.

Mitch narrowed his eyes at the girl, fists clenching against his loose suit. "Yeah. And you don't have common fucking sense." Mitch told her sourly, making Becca snap her head at him.

"What?" She asked, genuinely confused.

Mitch scoffed. "Jeez. What are you, a Junior? And you're acting up? Seriously? You're some shitty bitch if you're talking to one of my friends like that." Mitch hissed at her, grabbing the rest of the rooms attention.

Louis heard the commotion and then turned, furrowed his brows, looking at both Mitch and Becca.

Becca was still confused, her eyebrows up in alarm.

"The fact that you don't have enough sense to leave me alone isn't surprising though," Mitch continued, bitter, "You're just some wanna-be senior."

The room with Teens erupted with noise, some yelling out 'OHHHH', others giggling or talking among themselves.

Sarah was a little overwhelmed, but she felt rather secure when Mitch defended her. He's never done that before.

"Are you serious?" She chuckled nervously, looking around and then locking eyes with him, "What's your problem?" She asked, smiling awkwardly. Still playing it off, amazing.

"My problem?" He asked, "What's yours? You've been bothering all of us, especially Sarah," He glanced at her briefly, "For about the longest time now. And for what? Just because your other stupid friend has a problem with us too? Is that what you are? A problem inducer?" He asked, glaring.

"Hahaha... how about we settle this in a game of Drink or Dare?" Louis then asked awkwardly, bringing up a finger.

Clementine elbowed him to shut up.

"What? No. Don't be fucking stupid. All I was doing was being nice to you, and you just come up and at me, with some stupid shit you don't even know!" She argued at him, fuming.

Mitch stared at her, and turned his head to his drinking friends, shaking his head. His friends did the same, some laughing.

"You're retarded!" Marlon yelled from the back, and Brody covered his mouth from saying any more.

"I agree," Aasim said, Omar, nodding in approval.

"Well, Sarah didn't do anything to you either. Yet you're being a complete bitch to her." Mitch shrugged, giving her a look.

Becca said nothing, eyes ignited with rage.

"How about you leave and don't bother people? We're all trying to enjoy a party tonight." Someone said from the crowd, a few voices bidding in and agreeing.

Becca stood still but looked around, her expression angry. Without a word, she turned and left, leaving everyone else to continue their lovely night in the Kyng Mansion.

Violet then came out of the buffet, a whole bowl of chicken nuggets in her hands. She noticed the looks of her friends and raised an eyebrow. "Did I miss something?"


Brody was the last to come in of the group, her eyes attentive in keeping Marlon in check. She was sure he wasn't that drunk, but she could already tell that he was drunk enough not to realize what was going on. Pushing Marlon forward, she idly closed the door to the room, right after making sure everyone who was coming with was inside.

"Alright." Louis began, turning to the group before him, "I believe we've escaped without much notice." He said, earning a look from Violet.

"We just left the Teen section. Nobody cared." Violet said, picking at something on her tooth.

Louis ignored her and went towards his drawer, opening the first.

The group watched as he searched through it, most of them bored out of their mind. Marlon was ogling the bottles of alcohol, though.

"So... What are we doing?" Gabe asked, scratching his chin.

"You'll see," Louis replied, still moving around the socks and towels to find his magical object.

Clementine glanced at the bottles on the table and sighed, realizing something. "Does it have something to do with the bottles?" She asked him, walking over to them to search for her favorite: Reserva Exclusiva. That rum just hit differently from every single other one.

"Maybe." Louis chirped, eyes brightening once founding the object. "Alright!" He announced, closing his drawer and keeping the object close to him, "Everyone, form a circle!" He said, glad to see that everyone didn't think twice and sat down.

He saw a few new faces: Elodie and Collette, the Domonic Twins, and Samantha and Greg. They seemed to have heard what they said. "Oh, welcome to my humble abode, you four." Louis greeted, earning quick smiles.

"So what the hell are we doing?" Mitch asked, impatient.

Louis then took out the object he had 'hidden', revealing the stack of cards in his palm. "We're playing, a game." He announced, setting himself down next to Marlon, right in front of Clementine's vision. He placed the cards in the center, not before shuffling them.

"What's the game again?" Marlon asked, eyes squinting down in front of him, a blurry picture of some cards in the center.

"He hasn't said it yet, headass," Violet hissed.

Louis grinned over at his friend. "You're favorite. Drink or Dare!" He stated, placing a now empty bottle of gin in front of them, a royal blue color.

"You got the shitty one," Mitch grumbled, crossing his arms.

"No, he did not," Violet said instantly, kicking the Gin bottle away and putting down some sweet-spicy rum.

The group cheered while Louis pouted.

"Where's Duck and Sophie?" Sarah asked, looking around.

"They're having sex." Marlon, Minnie, and Violet said at the same time, voice devoid of emotion.

Sarah blushed scarlet and looked down. "Oops..." She muttered, realizing what she asked.

"Is it always like this?" Greg asked Gabe, concern in his eyes.

"You have no idea." Gabe deadpanned, watching Louis grab about two more bottles to set them in the center of the circle.

"Violet. Lights, if you will." He called, taking out a candle from behind him. Clementine tried not to dwell on the fact that Louis somehow could get shit out of his ass.

The lights shut off and the room became eerily dark, making Elodie and Collette giggle. Oh, how exciting it was to be found in the dark surrounded by MEN. And women.

"Okay," Louis started, lighting up the candle, "Same rules apply. Everyone grabs a card, the highest card wins, the lowest card has to either complete the dare or drink." Louis said, reaching back for the cards.

But then Violet grabbed onto them, swiping them away before he could reach them. She was standing now, shaking her head. "How about we screw the cards? We'll go around in a circle, whoever has the candle has to spin this bottle," She tossed the cards off into the distance and grabbed a nearly empty bottle of Vodka, "And to whoever it points to, has to answer the question." Violet explained, taking her spot next to Clementine.

Most of the group agreed, and to everyone's surprise, so did Louis. "Deal, then. That sounds like a better option." Louis said.

"It's agreed, then." Ruby said, clapping her hands together, "Oh, this'll be so excitin'!" She turned to Violet, smiling.

"So... Who's going first?"

The room became quiet.

"I'll go." Aasim volunteered, only because he's bored.

The group didn't argue.

Reaching for the bottle in front of him, he brought it a little closer and then turned it. The bottle spun around quickly, as the carpet was making its glass surface slippery.

After only a couple seconds it stopped, landing right on Louis.

Aasim smiled smugly. "Alright. Drink or Dare, Lou. I dare you to admit the person you'd get rid of." Aasim said simply, earning disappointed looks from the entire circle.

Louis hummed, pretending to think. "I have no idea! Mitch. I don't know why I can't think of anyone! Mitch." Louis said, making Mitch narrow his eyes.

"Really? You didn't even try." Aasim deadpanned, making Mitch move his glare onto him.

"Who's next?" Sarah asked, clapping her hands together.

Ruby replied with spinning the bottle herself. It landed on Elodie, making the girl gasp. Ruby smiled nicely at her. "Drink or Dare, Elod. I dare ya to admit who ya like in here." Ruby offered, some of the group intrigued.

Her sister shoved her playfully, making Elodie blush. "Louis." She said in the tiniest whisper, making the entire room gasp.

Louis sat there, surprised.

Clementine held back the jealousy she felt. Wait, why was she jealous? She wasn't jealous. Not at all. (fucKIN LIAR)

"He's ugly," Violet stated matter of factly, giving Elodie a look.

Louis shrugged, flexing. "Sorry Vi, but I'm hot. Can't hate on me!" He said, drinking it in.

Clementine made a face, mostly because she was still pretty jelly of the girl.

"You hear that, Clem?" Mitch asked, smirking. The entire group turned to her, including Elodie, "You have some competition."

Clementine glared at Mitch fiercely, crossing her arms. Elodie couldn't help but swallow and hope Clementine didn't kill her. She didn't know Clementine liked him!

"A what now?" Louis asked, surprised.

"Nothing. Who's next?" Mitch pushed, pretending as if he hadn't said anything.

"I believe it's me." Louis then said, surprised that he didn't realize it was him. Reaching for the bottle, he spun it much like everyone else did, and waited until the right moment. The bottle stopped.

Everyone looked at Mitch, to which Mitch glared at.

Louis grinned deviously. "Drink or Dare, Mitch. Kiss Sarah." Louis stretched his arms, confident.

Sarah looked wide-eyed and flushed red, looking from Louis to Mitch, to Mitch to Louis.

The girls squealed happily, Clementine winking at Sarah for confidence.

Mitch huffed, closing his eyes. He was blushing and thinking it seemed like.

"What's it gonna be, Mitch?" Marlon asked, blinking slowly, smirking. "The girl, or the drink?"

"This is so fucking stupid." Mitch hissed, opening his eyes and glaring. He turned to Sarah, noting that she seemed a little distressed. He sighed. "Give me the stupid Rum." He muttered, earning a lot of disappointed looks from the circle.

Sarah felt a little relieved, yet a little upset he didn't go for it. Oh well, there's always a next time.

After pouring the rum into the cup and drinking it, he placed it down and nodded at it, approving of its taste. He'd have to steal one of these bottles for later.

"Alright... I'm afraid to ask," Brody chuckled, "But Who's next?"

"Me," Violet darkly said, smirking.

The circle felt an eery chill run down their spines, a sudden fear lurching in their bodies.

"Was it just me or did anyone else feel that?" Gabe squeaked, eyes wide. The group nodded and talked with each other, noting that they weren't the only ones who felt the evil lurking in the corner.

Violet grabbed onto the bottle and spun it without much of a care, the entire circle hesitant and afraid to look on who it landed on.

With a small grin, she sat up straight and looked around. Her eyes locked with Clementine, and Clementine froze. "Alright. Clementine," She spoke, making Clementine stop, "Drink Or Dare. Seven minutes of Heaven with Louis." She leaned forward, smug.

The room became quiet, and most of the girls were wearing shocked looks. The boys, however, were smirking at Louis to probably pressure him on.

Clementine reached for a little plastic red cup, sighing. Already, she made up her mind.

The girls sighed, defeated.

Louis sat there, not sure whether to feel disappointed or relieved.

"Now hold on," Marlon began, putting a hand up, "You made your choice, yeah, we get it," His expression formed to one of surprise, "But you aren't down to make out with this hot piece of shit right here?" Marlon asked slowly, motioning towards Louis who looked away, embarrassed a little.

Clementine stopped from pouring, tilting her head. She gazed at Louis, wondering. "Actually," She placed the empty cup down, folding her hands. "I changed my mind."

The group huddled around began to cheer, the girls giggling to each other that their OTP was finally happening. The boys started shoving at Louis who was practically the reddest tomato out there.

Violet looked at her wide-eyed. "Wait, seriously? You're gonna willingly make out with Louis? In that Closet, over there?" Violet pointed, surprised.

Clementine blushed then, the light of the candle hitting her pretty face. "Well, yeah, or else I wouldn't have agreed," Clementine said, smiling at her timidly.

"Shit!" Marlon said, laughing. He slapped Louis' back, cackling. "You're welcome, Lou!"

At that, Minnie went over to pick up Louis, Violet doing the same. Clementine and Louis were surprised to say the least.

Louis looked bewildered. "What—"

"What are you guys doing?!" Clementine asked, suddenly shoved in the closet. Louis collided with her, courtesy of Minnie.

"Seven minutes of heaven." Was all Violet said before slamming the closet and locking it from the outside.

Louis turned to Clementine then, his hands against the wall, holding himself in order not to fall. Clementine was between them, her face awfully close to his.

They blushed.

Louis moved away with a light chuckle but almost fell from how many shoes he had in his closet, but Clementine reached for him to hold him up as to not let him fall.

They were face to face again.

They pulled away, laughing.

"Well," Louis said, avoiding eye contact. "We're here."

Clementine just stared at him and sighed. "Yes. We are."


Violet and Minnie sat back down in their respective spots, smirking. They fist bumped, and then turned to the group, smug. "Who's next?" Violet asked, earning many skeptical looks from the others.

"Sarah's next," Ruby said, smiling.

Sarah swallowed and went over to move the bottle, happy to see that she managed to spin it well.

Mitch wouldn't say anything, but he was rather disappointed he didn't sit next to her to stare—Wait what?

It landed on Aasim.

The group turned to him respectively, making Aasim sigh in relief. Okay, so this must be easy.

Sarah smiled shyly. "Drink or Dare, Aasim. Do you like Ruby?" She asked, eyes innocently staring at him.

Mitch and Marlon began to cackle, while Brody, Minnie, and the Domonic twins grinned in excitement.

Gabe smirked at Aasim, crossing his arms triumphantly.

Ruby couldn't help but feel surprised by the question.

Aasim stopped. He swallowed, silent. What was he supposed to say? 'FUCK YEAh?' No, that wasn't an option. Plus, he was pretty sure Ruby would kill him. So, in order to save his butt, he grabbed a new red plastic cup and began to pour the liquor in.

"Chickening out, huh?" Violet asked, smirking.

Aasim ignored her and drank the rum, feeling the spicy liquid sweeten up his mouth. He tasted it and then put it down, shaking his head. It wasn't nearly as good as Vodka.


"This sucks," Mariana whispered, next to Willy from the door. "We could be in there drinking too, but they won't let us!" Mariana said angrily, pouting.

"It was for a good reason. But I agree! It isn't fair." Willy said, frowning.

Mariana glared at their cheering forms in a circle, and at the closet, where Clementine and Louis were probably making out in. This was going to be tough. She needed to come up with a plan, and fast. Maybe there was something outside of here, somewhere where they could, I don't know, take over Louis' spot. Take all the rum. and their power.

"Willy," Mariana whispered, still eyeing the group. "You said you had a bomb?" She asked, turning to him.

Willy nodded, bringing it up from nowhere.

Mariana grinned. "Okay, cool. Follow me." She whispered, closing the door shut, and running out of the party area.


Willy stopped running, almost colliding into Mariana. He held the bomb close to him.

Mariana looked around, searching for the room. "Sophie told me there was a secret room with a lot of empty bottles of Rum. I forgot where though... I know it was somewhere around here, though." Mariana said, searching around.

"You sure there's a room around here? I see one on that wall over there." Willy pointed, furrowing his brows.

Mariana looked to where he was pointing and brightened. "That's the room!" She said happily, grabbing onto his hand running to it.

The room's door was painted white and was flat with only a dent to slide it open and closed, remaining hidden within the white walls. It was hard to see, as the lighting made it almost perfect for it to become hidden.

Mariana, without much thought, pulled it open, smiling wide. Her smile dropped with what she saw inside.

"Holy shit!" Willy exclaimed, covering his face and turning away.

Mariana screamed and alarmed the people inside, making them turn to her with surprise.

Sophie was there, sitting on Duck's lap, her face flushed, dress almost undone. Duck was there with her, looking just as shocked, absolutely SHOCKED. I tell ya.

Mariana just kept screaming, pointing at them, unable to comprehend. UNDERSTAND.

While Mariana busied herself with screaming, Willy ran back into the dark room and burst open the door.

Everyone jumped and turn to him with surprise, wondering what was going on to have Willy making a face like that.

"Duck... Sophie!" He breathed, and without much thought, the group got up and headed out.

Well, minus Aasim. He had to be the one in charge to open the closet door so that Clementine and Louis could get out.

Aasim wasn't at all surprised to find Clementine and Louis talking to each other instead of making out. Though, he did feel a little disappointed.

"Heya Assy!" Louis greeted, holding up a card, "Wanna join?"

Aasim made a face and turned to Clementine. "I'll pass. But you can come with us, apparently, Sophie and Duck are doing something." Aasim said, crossing his arms.

Louis wasted no time to head out, already running after his friends.

Aasim let out a sigh and shrugged at Clementine, before following hot on his heels.

Clementine sighed and began to fix the cards he left on the floor, pretty sure that what was happening wasn't much of a big deal.


"This isn't what it looks like, I swear!" Sophie immediately said, standing up, her dress up to her waist. She instantly pulled it back down and began to fix her bra strap, face flushed with embarrassment.

"It is exactly what it is." Duck pointed out, standing up and dusting himself off. He turned to Mariana, grinning sheepishly, "Whoops!"

"'Whoops'? 'Whoops'!? What do you mean whoops!? You guys were about to intercourse with each other!" Mariana kept yelling, hearing footsteps run to her.

Sophie smacked Duck for his nonchalance.

"Oh shit!" Someone exclaimed, making them jump, "Is that Duck and Sophie? MAKING OUT?" Mitch yelled, making them turn to him, equally flustered.

"What!?" Louis yapped, running to his side, colliding with him and bringing them down.

"Where?" Marlon yapped, sliding a little too far and falling on his ass.

Violet actually rushed in as well, unfortunately suddenly caught in Gabe's arms when he ran in as well, falling on top of an already fallen Louis and Mitch.

Clementine, who was around, came in slowly, curious. Upon seeing a messed up pile of her friends and Sophie holding onto Duck's arms, a few things clicked.

"They kissed!" Mitch said, shoving the rest of his friends off him.

"They did more than kiss!" Mariana yapped, absolutely shocked. She will forever be cursed with that haunting image in her head.

"More!?" Omar gasped, walking in with his phone out, recording. Aasim was with him, equally surprised.

Clementine then smirked, crossing her arms. "And who was talking about never liking anyone ever?" She asked, making Duck glare at her with a flustered expression.

It was then when Ruby, Sarah, Brody, and Minnie came running in, colliding right into Clementine, and into Louis who had just gotten up from the floor. Jeez, these floors were slippery as all hell.

They all fell with a big collision, a whole mess.

Omar stopped recording, and then took a picture, smiling down at the hilarious photo that will be remembered for centuries.


The group of friends made it back into the teen section with chugs of alcohol and a bunch of laughs, enjoying the time in the party.

With how much has happened this very Christmas Eve would not live up to the things in the past. The friendship group knew this for a fact.

"Haha, haha!" Violet pointed at the thing on her phone, snickering, "This is the best picture, Minnie I'm sending this to you." Violet said, pressing at her phone.

Minnie made a face, "Yuck, I don't wanna see my sister half naked! With Duck, no less!" Minnie said, however, looking at Violet's phone screen.

Duck glared at them. "You guys are a bunch of hootenannies. Ain't nothing more than a session!" Duck complained, huffing and crossing his arms.

"Don't defend yourself on this, Duck. That was literal intercourse." Mariana hissed, Willy looking out in the distance, still haunted just like Mariana was.

"You're kidding. They had sex?" Clementine asked, eyes wide.

"Obviously not!" Sophie said, flustered.

"Yes they did," Violet whispered, Louis, surprised.

"Then this party was a great idea!" Louis announced, grinning.

Sophie and Duck glared at him equally.

"Hey..." Marlon began, looking around. "Where's Mitch?"

Everyone proceeded to look around, confused looks on their faces.

Omar tapped along his phone, "He mentioned he was heading out for a drink." He replied monotonously, taking a selfie.

"Oh..." Brody said, blinking. "Well, typical Mitch." She said, opening her little pocket mirror to check her make up.

Sarah frowned. Maybe she should go look for him.

"So... is anyone up to play another round of Drink or Dare?" Louis asked, flashing them all a grin.

Their friends nodded with interest, and followed after him, back into the room.

Clementine had actually stopped to realize that Sarah wasn't going with them, as she was still standing. "Sarah? Are you alright?" Clementine asked, approaching her.

Sarah stopped looking at the door and turned to her, surprised. "Oh! No, I'm okay. I'm just worried about Mitch." Sarah mumbled, twiddling her thumbs.

Clementine nodded. "I'm sure he's fine. Brody mentioned he always disappears at parties." Clementine assured, making Sarah sigh.

"Maybe... But I'll go look for him, just in case." Sarah said, brushing her black strands of hair behind her ear.

Clementine smiled. "Go ahead, just call us if anything happens, okay?" Clementine asked, waving at her and heading into Louis' room.

Sarah smiled at Clementine's retreating form, glad to have her as a friend.


Mitch headed out back into the hidden room, suspecting that none of his friends would come back there. He didn't know why, but he felt a sudden empty feeling. Stupid teenage hormones.

Okay. Maybe it wasn't the hormones.

Maybe it was just that his mom texted him that he was leaving soon. Him and Willy. And he didn't want to, not yet. The party doesn't end until 12:00; It's only 10:50.

And his mom, well, he didn't want to go home because he knew what she would do. And the sucky thing was, was that he couldn't do anything. He needed to stay home because he didn't have enough money to move out with his brother. Plus, high school was another mess, so no.

It wasn't fair, to be like this. Pressured.

Already, his once wonderous mood dropped down to something low and stupid, and Mitch hated that so many things in his life affected his emotions. He didn't need to feel so shitty, he didn't need to feel so fucking pathetic. Yet, he felt it anyway.

Mitch sighed, slumping to the floor. This was stupid. He was never going to be able to get the chance to—

"Mitch? Are you okay?" Someone asked him, making him turn, eyes alert.

He realized it was Sarah the person he didn't expect to see. She was standing by the hidden door, a look of relief upon her face, as if she was glad she found him there.

"Sarah?" He asked, sitting a little up, placing his elbow onto his knee. "I thought you were with... Louis and everyone else?" Mitch said, a confused look on his face.

Sarah shrugged, smiling. "I saw you were missing, so I went back to see if you were here." She explained, sitting down as well, right to the side of him.

Mitch nodded, confirming certain things for himself, allowing the dark snow colored room to consume his inner thoughts. Weird. Anyone could come in here and make out without anyone noticing. All the designs on the walls, the soft powder along the sides, it made him suspicious a bit. It kind of seemed like a drug room.

Sarah looked around, all the same, her thoughts different, a little scary, a little innocent. This place could be a perfect place to sleep in, including play powder the nose with. To explain briefly, Powder the nose is similar to a snowball fight, except it's with flour, baby powder, or other dusty products. This game was invented by her mom so long ago, and Sarah could remember playing it every Christmas with her. Well... before she...

"I love Christmas." She admitted, smiling as she looked around, admiring the swirling patterns along the walls. "It brings so much happy vibes, and good food too!" She said happily, turning towards him, bringing her knees close to her chest.

Mitch couldn't help but smile back, her own smile warming him up. Smiling while alone together was a good sign. "Yeah. I wouldn't really know, though." Mitch shrugged, not really meaning to be sad.

Sarah's smile fell, suddenly concerned. "Really? What do you mean?" She asked him, just now realizing that the bruises he received about a week and a half ago were almost gone. She almost completely forgot what happened to him during their outing for baseball.

Mitch realized what he'd said, and he sighed, face-palming. "No, nothing. I was just being emo. Ugh." Mitch cringed, reliving the time during 9th when he decided to go 2007 mode.

Sarah humphed, placing both of her hands to her hips. "That can't be true. Are you sure? You look sad." She asked timidly, making him scowl a little.

"I told you, I'm fine. I've just... been thinking." Mitch replied, looking away, to the walls.

Sarah turned to the open door and looked out into the hallway, noting that the only light source was the outside lights. "I think a lot too," Sarah mumbled, pushing her glasses up her nose.

Mitch turned to her slowly, face neutral. "Well, everyone does. Obviously." Mitch said, shaking his head.

Sarah nodded, not taking his comment as an offense. "Yeah... But... do you ever think about the bad stuff? You know, of what happened to you?" Sarah whispered, looking dejected at the floor.

Mitch turned to look out the door, blinking. He was silent.

"You never really... stop thinking about it. And it's sad, because even though you try to stay positive," Sarah lay her chin on her hand, "The things that happened keep coming back."

Mitch couldn't help but feel the same. Though, he often just accepted what happened in his past. But... Sarah was a different person from him. She didn't quite accept things right away, and would always try to forget, try to stay positive. It's happened countless times before Clementine arrived.

"I know everyone knows this because I talk too much," Sarah laughed weakly, "But my mom died when I was 12, on Christmas Eve." Sarah murmured, her forced smile dropping. Her eyes began to water. "I was enjoying my Christmas and was being all happy and stuff," She reached over to wipe her eyes, "When right in front of me, she fell, and her heart stopped beating. I remember I just stared at her, and I couldn't understand what had just happened. But then I screamed, calling for my dad because I knew that what she was doing couldn't be normal." Sarah continued, her lips trembling.

"She died, right in front of me." Sarah's voice broke, and she turned to him, red puffy eyes.

Mitch was looking at her, expressionless.

"And I had to see her fall, I had to see her being taken to the hospital, and I had to see her in a casket, laying peacefully, laying finally." Sarah continued, taking off her glasses and covering her face.

Suddenly, she felt a warm body hug her close, hands wrapping around her small frame. She could smell cologne, the same fragrance of men she had grown used to. Mitch's scent. He was hugging her, it seemed.

"My mom, she was so happy..." She whimpered into her hands, her tears coming down, "And sometimes I can't believe she's gone."

Mitch held her close, eyes displaying remorse. "My parents..." Mitch began, voice a little strained, "Died about a few years ago, in a car accident." Mitch admitted. "They were coming back from my grandma's house, in the holidays." He mumbled, hardening his eyes.

"I was 13. When they died." He said, softening his eyes. "They said they were bringing something for me and Willy, but I never found out what."

Sarah uncovered her face and sniffled, leaning onto him. "I'm sorry, Mitch..." She whispered, her hand grasping his shirt, "I'm sorry you had to go through that too." She mumbled, tears still falling.

Mitch didn't let go.

"I know." He whispered. "But it has to happen at some point." He muttered, remembering his mother's—real mother's face, smiling down at him, picking him up as a boy, happy to have him there. He remembered his dad, when he would applaud him for creating imaginary inventions, things not known possible. He remembered when his brother was born, from how happy his parents were, to have them there, with them. He missed them.

Everyone missed their parents. No matter who they were. No matter if they were there now.

"I'm... sorry, Sarah." He breathed.

Sarah turned to look up at him, parting away. "What...? What are you sorry for...?" She asked, noticing the pained look on his face.

"I didn't know. Of what happened to your mom. I would always be so... negative. I would always be so mean to you, all because I..." Mitch shook his head, looking away. "Forget it." He mumbled, about ready to stand up and leave.

Sarah grabbed onto his sleeve though, pulling him down.

He looked at her, surprised.

"I..." She stopped talking, thinking. "I like you too." She then said, very quietly, very silently.

Mitch widened his eyes. She... liked him? After everything that he's done to her, she liked him? She...

Sarah leaned forward.

Sarah didn't think. All she thought about was, as Violet, Clementine, basically, all the girl squad taught her, was lean in and take the shot.

And so she did.

She shyly but quickly pecked him in the mouth, instantly pulling away, her cheeks beyond red. Her heart was beating so fast it was ridiculous.

Mitch just stared at her, comprehending. After a few moments, in the dark, she could see his cheeks turn red as well, maybe not like hers, but in a good amount.

It was silent.

It wasn't awkward.

But it certainly felt like an understanding of emotions...

Mitch understood she kissed him.

Well, not kiss, but a small... peck.

And he understood that he no longer felt chilly at all, but certainly... VERY WARM.

Though... He couldn't understand why he kissed her back, deeply this time, making her squeak a little.

However, he pulled away when he heard someone sneeze, clearly close, and Mitch looked around, noticing a small strand of dreads.

Clementine peeked out then and then pulled her head back, muttering out, "You just had to sneeze, didn't you?"

"Dammit, Louis!" Violet yelled from the other side now, holding onto her phone, clearly recording. "We were about to get to the good part!"

Mitch stared at all of them, completely dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, Sarah had stopped thinking, only staring off into a wall, clearly screaming on the inside.

He kissed her!


A/N: Okay, fun fact: Alvin Jr. is the only video game character with a confirmed place of birth, his being Parker's Run, Henderson County, Tennessee.

Coincidentally, the first person that he becomes friends with is named Tennessee.

I had to write that down. LIKE OOF.

Oh! The song featured today is "Want her" By DJ Mustard, Ft. Quavo, YG. It's great.

And the song "Cold" by Neffex helped me out as well.

(Sorry if it's Rushed!)

Toodles~

Ana.

Ad/N: This chapter's 24,000 words.