A/N: Happy New Year. ;)
New Characters, New Year. Y'all are in for a surprise. ;)
Condor Studios
Los Angeles Metro Bus
Los Angeles, California
1:27 pm
"Hurry up, get in!" Tawni whispered as the cast sprinted from the bushes.
Quickly inserting their fare into the 'fare bin' (as Tawni liked to refer it as.), they took a seat in the back and silently began their cheer. They've done it. They've finally done it.
"Guys?" Sonny's voice groggily came from the seat beside Tawni. The cast immediately crowded around her. "What happened?"
"We got away." Zora whispered proudly. "He tried chasing us- and to add insult to injury- I think he lost his knife because he was using a plastic one from McDonalds."
"Well, where is he now?"
The cast all peered out the back window. Chad was hysterical, literally screaming at Trevor.
"YOU SHOULD HAVE CAME!" The Randoms heard Chad's voice, even through the closed bus window. "IF YOU DID, THOSE RANDOMS WOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN AWAY!"
Sonny smirked. "Ha!"
"Ready to go?" The bus driver boomed into the microphone.
"Yes!"
The bus began moving and as Zora, Tawni, Nico and Grady chatted amongst themselves, Sonny peered back at Trevor and Chad.
I'm gone. You didn't save your slut.
~.~
Rosewood Apartments
Apartment 207, Lancasters
Los Angeles, California
1:49 pm
"Thanks for the ride, Jim!"
The Metro driver tipped his hat and winked. "Welcome, little lady."
Zora smiled as she hopped off the bus. "We'll ride the bus more often, I guarantee."
With one last wink, Jim closed the bus doors and drove off.
"So..." Zora faced her cast, her arms wide open. "Welcome to Lancaster Villa."
Tawni wrinkled her nose. "Ugh. This is a villa?"
Zora rolled her eyes. "I'm trying to make it sound appealing."
"Reality check!" Tawni pulled out her Cocoa Mocoa Cocoa and pasted it all over her lips. "It ain't appealing to me."
"I still love it." Sonny's soft voice rang from behind Nico and Grady.
Tawni's walls literally fell. "Well, if you love it, then so do I." She gave Sonny a hug.
Zora smirked. "So shall we twirl into the villa?"
Pulling out her key, Zora lead her friends into the building, up two flights of stairs and finally into the apartment.
"Make yourselves comfortable." Zora smiled softly. "I'll be right back."
Walking out of the apartment, Zora went over to Apartment 209. Knocking softly, she waitied patiently.
A petite, auburn haired girl opened the door. "Zora? At-" she checked her watch. "Almost two in the morning?"
"Sarah, you know I'd never come unless there's an emergency."
12 year old Sarah Hampton nodded thoughtfully. "True. So, Z, what happened?"
"We found Sonny."
"You did?" Sarah's mouth dropped open. "Lemme go ask my mom if I can sleep over."
Sarah dashed into her apartment. A moment later, she emerged with a Bratz sleeping bag and a smile. "It's A-Okay."
Sarah and Zora walked into Apartment 207. Tawni, Nico and Grady were gathered around a tray of something steaming and Sonny was staring blankly at her journal.
"Zora!" Mrs. Lancaster ran over and hugged her daughter. "How was the trip? Oh-" she stared at Sarah. "Hello there, Sarah."
"Hi, Mrs. Lancaster." Sarah answered politely.
"Who's this?" Tawni asked from the living room, curiousity creeping into her voice.
"This is my best friend, Sarah." Zora nudged Sarah, who waved.
"Hi, Sarah." the room recited.
Sarah set her sleeping bag up beside Zora's and grabbed a hot chocolate from the tray. Sitting down on her sleeping bag, she gazed at Sonny.
Sonny gazed back. "Hello."
Sarah gave a bright smile back. "Hi, Sonny. I'm glad you're back." She reached over and gave her a hug.
"Sorry, I'm a hugger."
Sonny smiled faintly. She's just like me.
"I know."
Sarah smiled the biggest smile and then proceeded to finish her Hot Chocolate.
Boy, I'm so lucky. I have such great friends.
"Thanks for saving me back there, guys."
Tawni handed Sonny a cup of hot chocolate, filled to the brim with mini-marshmallows. "It was no problem, Sonny."
"Isn't that what we're for?" chimed Zora, clutching her own cup.
Nico and Grady gulped down their hot chocolates. "We're always here for you."
"Always remember that." added Sarah in a whisper.
And then something happened, something that used to make time stop.
Sonny Monroe smiled.
~.~
A/N: Just letting you know: Sarah is Zora's best friend. Sarah Hampton is a matter of my own creation, and boy, I wish I've stuck her in during the chapter "Running." But oh, well, I've gotta work with what I've got.
And besides, the climax is rapidly approaching. ;)
And... where's Chad?
Well, my friends, you're going to have to stick around. ;)
