First Time Chapter 21: 4ever, a teen titans fanfic

"Thank you for meeting me, Mary," Nicole Hexe greeted with a smile as Mary West joined her at a small table in a Starbucks café. She extended her hand but the gesture was met with cold eyes. Mary's lips formed into a frown like a defiant child meeting an unwanted part of the family for the first time. Nicole moved her extended hand to her lips and coughed awkwardly, feeling terribly uncomfortable. She wanted this woman to be her friend, so she offered to treat her to a drink.

"Why don't we skip the pleasantries and get to the point of why we're meeting here," Mary replied in a business like manner.

"Alright then," Nicole replied, grateful that they could speed this along. She didn't want to spend that much time with someone who was openly unpleasant. "I wanted to talk about Jenn and Wally."

Nicole crossed her arms and Nicole held her hands up peacefully. "Now, I know what they did was bad-"

"Bad?" Mary repeated. She poked the table with her index finger, her eyes locking with Nicole's. "Try horrendous. Despicable. They are too young to be doing such things."

"They're not as young as you think, Mary. They're teenagers. Young adults, even. This is apart of them growing up."

"Wally can't even do his own laundry! He should not be having," Mary paused and lowered her voice, her tone repulsive. "Sex."

"I know you think it's bad that they are intimate, but try to look on the bright side," Nicole suggested as she listed off her reasons on her finger. "They're both really smart and very good kids, they're in love, and they use protection every time."

"Even with protection that doesn't mean they're accident free. And being in love while being in high school is worth about a dime in the long run. These kids separate all the time. As for being smart and good... my Wallace used to be those things until he met your daughter."

Nicole's eyes narrowed a bit. "Wally is more than capable of making decisions for himself. My daughter has nothing to do with the choices he makes."

Mary looked away, her hand clenching around the straps of her purse. To her this conversation was pointless and the exit was calling her name. "Clearly you don't know anything about your daughter."

She moved to leave but Nicole leaned over the table and placed a hand on her shoulder, her grip somewhat tight. "Then please, enlighten me."

Mary turned her head to look at Nicole, scowling at her. It now seemed more like a challenge than conversation. Mary turned her legs so she could sit properly in her seat. "Very well. Your daughter is a delinquent. She has no respect for herself as evident by her appearance and clearly lacks respect for others. If it were up to me she would be put on a leash instead of sniffing around for promising young men like my son."

"Are you trying to insinuate that my kid is some kind of golddigger?" Nicole asked. She wanted to keep things civilized for Jenn and Wally's sake but her patience was considerably thin as her inner momma bear was begging to be released.

"I'm not insinuating. I'm telling you how it is."

"Clearly you haven't bothered to get to know my daughter at all like I have with Wally. I didn't just judge him without knowing him. Have you even bothered to have a conversation with her? To have a relationship with her?"

Mary rolled her eyes and Nicole could tell the answer to her questions were a no. Mary had been put in her place, and in a flustered attempt to regain control of the conversation she turned the tables on Nicole. "I know enough to see that you are an unfit parent."

"Excuse me?"

"You're a single parent with a lackluster career. It's no wonder your home would be an unstable environment."

"My career is just fine and so is my home!"

"Admit it, Nicole. The truth hurts. You're a terrible mother and your daughter is a leech. She's been using Wally for her own selfish gain and-"

Nicole stood up and slammed her hands down on the table, leaning into it. She locked eyes and glared at the woman before her. "Lady... you insult me all you want, but say one more negative word about my kid and I'll make it so nobody can recognize your face."

The room became quiet and the people from other tables began to stare. Nicole raised an eyebrow, almost daring Mary to speak again, but the blonde didn't take the bait. Calmly she stood up from the table, but not before having the last word.

"Just make sure your daughter stays away from my son."

With this being said she turned away, leaving the café, an obvious quickness to her step that was noticed by everyone. The door shut behind the stubborn mother, and it was only then did Nicole release the breath she had been holding before slumping in her seat.

"Way to make things worse," Nicole said to herself sarcastically, covering her face with her hands.

Jenn had been waiting patiently for her mother to come home, but the minute she heard her mother's key unlocking the door all patience flew out the window. Like an eager puppy she jumped off the sofa and ran to the door. Nicole had yet to even close the door before Jenn was upon her.

"How'd it go? Did it go okay? She's not still mad is she? When can Wally and I start seeing each other again?"

Nicole felt as if her head was spinning from all the questions. To make Jenn stop and calm down she held out a bag to her as a distraction. "I brought fried chicken."

Jenn leaned back, stared at the bag questionably, and then flicked her gaze back to her mother. "Uh... yum?"

Nicole smiled and walked towards the kitchen; Jenn hot on her heel.

"Isn't there anything you want to tell me? C'mon, mom, don't make me beg."

Nicole bit her lip as she unloaded the food from the bag onto the counter. It wasn't an easy thing to admit that she had failed. "Do you want potatoes or macaroni and cheese? Or maybe we should go half and half?"

"Mom! Can I see Wally or not?"

Nicole's gaze fell shamefully. "... Kiddo... it didn't go the way we hoped. I'm sorry."

Jenn turned away and leaned against the counter with a frown.

Nicole put a hand on her back. "You mad?"

She nodded. "But not at you. It's not your fault Wally's mother is impossible to talk to."

A chuckle escaped Nicole's lips as her hands stroked Jenn's hair. "Yeah. It's too bad your father's not around. He always was the better speaker."

"Okay, since this plan didn't work I guess Wally and I are on to plan B."

"What's your new form of attack?" Nicole asked with a small smile. The pride in her grew tremendously; her daughter was no quitter.

Jenn blushed as she faced her mother. "Sneak around. Get our friends to cover for us so we can actually spend time together."

The smile fell from Nicole's face, surprising Jenn.

"Jenn, you know I support you and Wally... but I can't allow that."

Jenn took a step back as if she had been burned. "What are you talking about? Aren't you on my side?"

"I am," Nicole assured her immediately, reaching for her hands and squeezing them. "I am on your side, but I'm also a parent. As a mother I don't feel comfortable allowing you two to do that. Wally's mother may be wrong, but she's still his mother. I have to respect her choices."

Jenn pulled her hands away. "What kind of shit is that?!"

"Hey! You don't use that type of language on me young lady."

"Sorry, but I couldn't help myself after you stabbed me in the back!"

"I didn't-," Nicole sighed. "Jenn, try seeing it from my point of view."

"No! I don't want to see it from your point of view. Your point of view sucks! I just want a normal relationship with my boyfriend!" she yelled before running to her room and slamming her door.

"Jenn! Jennifer!" Nicole snapped with narrowed eyes. "Don't be such a teenager!"

The response she got was Jenn blasting her radio.

Gar and Atlee walked side by side, taking the long route to her house to kill time. The two were returning from an evening dinner spent with her friends, or ex friends, he wasn't sure what they were now.

Atlee had wanted him to meet her friends from her internship and had invited him to a restaurant located in one of the more expensive parts of the city. In hindsight Gar wished he had done his research on where he was going, maybe then he wouldn't have shown up in a t-shirt and jeans. Atlee's friends hadn't been pleased with his attire, or the color of his hair. What he thought would be a fun evening was really just her friends picking at him like vultures. Anything about him was subject to ridicule; where he goes to school, his hobbies, his goals, and so on.

He tried to act cool for Atlee's sake, tried to brush off their words with a smile and a laugh. He thought that he could finish the evening with no setbacks occurring, but that didn't happen. Atlee had felt the peck of their words as well as if they were personally directed at her. They had just finished insulting Gar's hair color when she finally snapped, calling them out individually on their wicked ways and presenting their flaws for all to see. Her friends had been furious, but most of all stunned.

One of the girls stood up to her. "We're just having a little fun. Why do you care if we make a few jokes?"

Atlee and Gar were on their way out when the girl had said that. Atlee had turned around to face her as she answered. "Because, he's my boyfriend."

They left the restaurant after that and hadn't spoken a word since. As they walked Gar tried to come up with something to say. He considered telling a joke, but thought it inappropriate at the moment. He wanted to say something cool and amazing to appeal to her, but fear of messing up held him back. He sighed heavily and lowered his eyes, his hands falling from his pockets as if his despair was weighing them down.

Atlee cocked her head in his direction upon hearing the sudden noise, the green haired teen had been unnaturally quiet thus far that she almost forgotten he was there. Her eyes turned upwards to look at the arching branches over their heads as they walked under some trees. Gar, since the day she met him, seemed like a lively character to her. He was bright, his mood arching upwards in bliss but yet reaching down to those below with less enthusiasm, just like the branches above their heads. It was unnatural to see him so put down, especially when he deserved better.

Atlee's eyes lowered to the ground before slowly inching upwards to gaze at Gar. He wasn't very tall, wasn't buff either, and his hair wasn't extraordinary... but he was kind, even to those who rebuffed him, like she did on many occasions. His heart was his greatest asset; it was big and gentle and there to show her support. She liked it, or rather, she liked him. A lot. Her lips curved upwards a little. Her friends didn't know what they were missing out on she thought as she took Gar's hand.

The action surprised him and he stopped walking, pulling his hand from her's in the process. Atlee stopped too, her cheeks red with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," she started quickly. "I-I thought it would be okay-"

Gar waved his hands immediately. "No, no! I'm sorry. I just, I, uh, wasn't expecting you to-"

"I probably should have asked first-"

"No, you're not at fault. I should have asked you if I could have, uh," Gar scratched his head, perplexed. "... Wait, I'm lost. What was I trying to say?"

Atlee giggled, but then laughed outright. Gar smiled at the noise and took pride that he was the cause of it. After her laughter subsided she extended a hand to him. "Let's go. We're almost at my house."

He stared at her hand and gulped, his cheeks red. "... Are you sure you want to hold my hand?" he looked down shamefully. "My hand's all sweaty..."

To answer him she took his head, this time firmly, and tugged him gently so he would walk in step with her. He smiled at her, and in a sudden burst of courage he intertwined their fingers. Atlee smiled back at him, glad that he seemed happy, but then frowned when a wave of guilt abruptly hit her.

"Uh... Gar," she began quietly. "I'm sorry I didn't speak up sooner at the restaurant. My fri-... Those jerks were giving you a hard time and I shouldn't have allowed them to continue for as long as they did."

"It's alright, Atlee. They're your friends, so it must have been harder on you than it was me. Besides, I've dealt with people way worse than them," Gar replied, quivering at the image of a blonde clad in pink apparel that emerged. He stuck his tongue out in disgust.

"Well I'm glad that you're not bothered by this," she leaned into his side a little. "But I promise, next time if someone's giving you a hard time, I won't hesitate to speak up."

Gar chuckled. "Awesome. I'll be sure to call you up when Vic is verbally harassing me to win at video games."

She laughed, and like before the sound was pleasing to his ears but his face didn't reflect that feeling. Instead it was a look of confusion that claimed his features as he recalled something.

"Hey, Atlee, back at the restaurant when you defended me...," he began, pausing their walk. "You uh... said something really specific back then and I was just wondering what did you mean by it."

Atlee couldn't help but notice how his eyes wouldn't meet hers' and she let go of his hand so she could cross her arms. "I said several things at the restaurant. You need to elaborate."

"Um, it has to deal with a single word, really. Well, the word doesn't imply single... It begins with a B, and there's a gender to it..."

Atlee shrugged indifferently. "Doesn't ring any bells. Mind spelling it out for me?"

He almost did, until he noticed the slight curve of her lips. "You're messing with me, aren't you?"

She nodded, proud of herself. "I can understand why you like joking around so much. Very amusing."

He playfully rolled his eyes at her. "'Kay, jokes aside... Did you mean it?"

A pause passed between them, and for a moment Gar regretted bringing the subject up, but then suddenly Atlee stepped closer, close enough so that he could feel the warmth of her slender body. Her hands went behind his neck, urging him forward, and with his head titled slightly to the side their lips joined in a kiss. It was easy and slow, they had to become familiar with each other first. Gradually, the pressure of the kiss became stronger, more, and Gar's hands settled on her hips. The pressure melted away gradually before it could extend to a different level and was sealed with an extended peck. The two pulled away slowly, their eyes finally opening to look at the other, but instead of Atlee's image before him Gar saw a different girl; one who looked the same but with a darker hue of blue for eyes, messier hair, and who's fashion style reflected that of one ready to go to the gym.

The name of this new image silently crossed his mind; Terra.

A car driving down the street blinded him with its lights, causing him to shut his eyes and shake his head. When he reopened them he saw Atlee again who was looking at him affectionately.

"Does that answer your question, boyfriend?"

He didn't trust himself to speak, so he could only nod. Atlee smiled, reclaimed his hand, and the two continued their walk.

"So, if your mom couldn't get through to Wally's mom who can?" Raven asked as she, Jenn, and Joey walked the halls of their school. It was morning and they were on their way to first period.

"Ugh, I have no idea," Jenn answered as she rubbed her temples in frustration. "His mom has reached a psycho level. Last night I tried calling Wally but she picked up instead. When I asked to talk to him she said I was fucking insane and hung up the phone. Bitch... Don't tell Wally I said that."

Joey pretended to zip his lips and throw away the key. "I'm really sorry you're going through this, Jenn," he said when they came to a stop. He looked at Raven and squeezed the hand he had been holding all this time. "I don't know what I would do if I was in your position. Being apart from Raven would be torture."

Raven couldn't help but let the smile she had been holding back escape her grasp. Instead of acting cool and nonchalant like she would have preferred she decided to bask in the glories of a good relationship. "You're sweet," she told Joey, kissing his cheek.

Jenn put a hand over her eyes in fake disgust, waving them away. "Oh, come on you newbies. No need to rub your romance in my face."

"Sorry, Jenn," Joey replied as he threw an arm over Raven's shoulders to pull her closer, clearly not apologetic at all. "I can't help myself."

"Mmmhmm. Just beware of crazy mommies," Jenn warned playfully. She did a small wave to usher them off. "I told Wally I'd meet him here, so you two can go ahead."

"I thought you said his mom hung up the phone on you," recalled Raven.

"Yeah. But she didn't count on Alain calling him and then connecting us via threeway."

"Nicely played," Joey complimented, offering her a fist bump that she returned.

"Thanks. Catch you guys in class."

As the couple walked away Jenn turned around, deciding to help herself to a drink of water. Pushing her hair back she bent over the water fountain, unaware of the boy creeping up behind her. Reaching out a hand a red headed boy did a quick grope of Jenn's behind, startling her. Immediately she turned around with a fist raised.

"You sonnva-Wally?!" she growled, her cheeks red, causing Wally to laugh. "Idiot, I thought you were a creep. I was about to punch the shit out of you."

"Sorry, but I couldn't resist," he said with a shrug. "Besides, I know saying 'boo' wouldn't work on you."

"You are so immature," she scolded disapprovingly. A few seconds later she smiled and opened her arms. "Come here."

Wally quickly did as he was told and embraced his girlfriend, burying his nose into her hair and smiling as the scent of her wild orchid perfume filled his nostrils. The scent drove him to hold her even tighter and he raised one hand from her back to entangle in her loose hair. Jenn smiled into his chest and clenched the fabric of his shirt to keep him there. From those who passed by they felt as if the two were being dramatic and couldn't understand the level of their embrace, while a select few of the female audience suddenly disapproved of their own boyfriends. "How come you never hold me like that?" was one complaint.

Any disturbances their embrace might have caused went unnoticed by the two who only wanted one thing; each other.

"We haven't even been separated for that long but it feels like..."

"Forever?" Jenn finished.

"Yeah."

"I know. I feel the same," she sighed. "Damn you, Wally West, you've turned me into a big softie."

"It's adorable," he encouraged, pulling away ever so slightly to look into her eyes. He placed a hand on her cheek and grinned at her.

"It's disgusting. Look, I think we've already scared most of the freshman boys."

Wally's expression suddenly turned serious. "Jenn, what are we gonna do?"

She wished she could provide him with an answer but the only thing she could offer was a gloomy frown.

"I'm worried, Jenn. I think my parents might want to send me away to some fancy prep school like Bruce did to Dick."

"Are you serious?" Jenn questioned, suddenly panicked.

"I found a brochure in the living room last night."

Jenn bite the nail of her thumb, looking away. "Dammit."

The school bell rang, filling the ears of all students. Wally looked at the bell before returning his eyes to his girlfriend. "Double dammit."

"Better hustle lovebirds," Mr. Mod commanded as he passed the couple in the hall. He paused in front of them to take a sip at his coffee. When he finished he smiled at them. "Still here? Perhaps some people haven't learned that lateness only inspires us educators to make more pop quizzes."

Jenn and Wally looked at each other fearfully. "We'll talk about this later," they said in union before joining hands and rushing towards their first period.

"Hey, no running in the halls!" Mr. Mod warned.

Gar had been in a lovestruck daze since the moment he entered school, and it didn't take Vic long to catch on to it. Not paying attention in class and the dopey grin on his face were the indicators that Vic noticed, but it wasn't until lunch time when Gar almost happily ate meat that he caught on. When that happened Vic wasted no time in carting Gar away so that he could learn all the details.

"Alright little man, spill."

"And make it snappy. If I keep Toni waiting any longer she's going to fry my ass."

Vic jumped up, his eyes wide. "Isaiah?! When did you-"

"I spotted the two of you rushing off. It looked kind of suspicious so I followed."

Vic shrugged and turned back to Gar. "So what happened? Why are you so happy today?"

Gar grinned ear to ear. "Atlee and I had our first kiss last night. And it... was... AWESOME!"

"That's it?" Isaiah said with a shake of his head. He had thought something more exciting had occurred. He turned to leave, but before he could go he was suddenly pulled into a playful headlock by Vic.

"Seriously? It's 'bout time, man. I thought you were never going to make your move."

"What can I say, great things come with time," Gar replied, cocky.

"Then it's official? You two are going out?" Vic asked, his excitement for Gar making it impossible for him to notice that Isaiah was still locked in his arm and struggling to break free.

Gar nodded. "We're hanging out again today after school. You guys should join us. We should get the others to come along too. Now that Atlee and I are dating it's about time everyone properly meets each other."

"Won't that be intrusive?" Isaiah asked, taking a break from clawing at Vic's arm.

"Pfft, nah," Gar answered with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Terra loved it when we used to go out as a group. It's more fun."

"I don't mind," Vic said before grinning wickedly. "If Karen comes maybe we can 'accidentally' get separated from the group. What do you think, Isaiah?"

"Sounds awesome," Isaiah deadpanned. "Can you let me go now?"

Advanced english and writing class. Why the teacher Mr. Mallah felt it necessary for his students to take a quiz after every book he assigned was unknown to Wally. He silently cursed the ebony skinned balding man and his heavy French accent. Wally looked at the questions on his sheet is despair. Unfortunately he had forgotten to read the book assigned. In fact he was pretty sure he had used the book as a coaster...

It wasn't fair. How could he be expected to know all of this? He was just a teenager! Taking a deep breath Wally forced himself to calm down and recall the class discussions on Catcher in the Rye. After a long pause the only thing he could remember was making paper airplanes.

He ruffled his hair in frustration and hoped his fellow classmates were on the same boat as him (it was shameful to admit but he would feel better if he wasn't the only one to fail). Deciding to look up from his paper he peaked around quickly to catch sight of his fellow strugglers: Kori, Gar, Toni, Roy, and Isaiah. All looked as hopeless as he. Continuing to peer around he noticed Joey, Vic, Alain, Karen, and Jenn working confidently on their papers. He felt jealous of the others but his heart swelled up in pride for his girlfriend. He couldn't help but think "Way to go, babe! Get that A plus!" Finally Wally's eyes rested on Raven who sat with arms crossed and pencil down, her paper turned over to mark her completion. She was the only student done in the class and Wally couldn't help but look at her with awe.

Raven could feel someone's eyes on her and turned to see Wally looking at her. She smirked and poked out her tongue, infuriating him, before turning back to look at the board.

"That does it," Wally muttered before furiously scribbling on his test. "I'll show her. She isn't the only one who can figure out symbolism."

With fifteen minutes left before class was to end Mr. Mallah announced that time was up. A few groans and protest for more time were heard but Mr. Mallah was firm in his decision. He asked that all the test be passed up to the front so that he could discuss the next assignment.

"From today until the star of holiday break we will be doing various works of Shakespeare," Mr. Mallah explained. He picked up a stack of small books on his desk and began to pass them out to the class. "Each one of you will have a different work from one of history's greatest story tellers, that way I know no one will cheat off of their friends. Garfield."

"Hey!" Gar snapped and crossed his arms. "One time and you're branded for life."

"Before your break begins you will each make a presentation. You can do whatever you like. Performance, power point... you can even read a short essay in front of the class. Just so long as you don't merely repeat the plot you can do no wrong. What I want from you is to capture the essence of your piece to achieve true understanding of it so that you may share it with the rest of us."

Mallah stopped by Raven's desk and gave her the play Macbeth.

"So we have total creative control?"

"That is correct, Raven."

"So... let's say if I wanted to rewrite a scene...?"

"Totally acceptable, just so long as you provide a small explanation as to why."

Raven smirked. "Wicked."

Next he stopped by Wally's desk and placed Romeo and Juliet on it. Wally picked up the book and frowned, raising his hand.

"Mr. Mallah, can I switch? This one is way too chick flick for me," he leaned over to look at the book Raven had received and smiled. "I can switch with Raven. I know all about Macbeth thanks to this old cartoon about Gargoyles."

"I'm sorry, Wallace, but there will be no trading," Mr. Mallah patted Wally on the shoulder. "Give it a try. You might learn more from this than you expect. You might even be surprised to learn that you share some similarities with the story."

"But sir, that book was written like a million years ago. How can it have any similarities with us today?" asked Gar.

Mr. Mallah proceeded to the front of the classroom after handing out the last book. He leaned against his desk and crossed his arms, facing the class. "Let's see... Who here has ever been in a relationship?"

All hands in the room went up.

"Alright... Now, who here has been in a relationship that became complicated because there were either friends, or family members, who tried to sever the bond you and your partner had?"

Only a few hands were raised, a notable few being that of Kori, Jenn, Joey, Gar, and Wally.

"Does you moving from Jump City count?" Toni asked Isaiah in a whisper.

"I don't know. I guess," Isaiah responded with a shrug, and the two raised their hands.

"Now this is just part of Romeo and Juliet," Mr. Mallah explained. "There is a lot of heartbreak in this tale for the two star-crossed lovers." Mr. Mallah sighed and removed his glasses to pat a tear that came to his eye with a tissue. "I remember the day I first read the story myself. I had hoped that it would end differently for the two, that perhaps the two could have run away together and lived happily ever after."

Wally lifted his head, interest peaked. "Run away?" he glanced over at the yawning Jenn. "Together?"

"Alas," continued Mr. Mallah. "It was not meant to be. But that doesn't mean their story has to end children! If you want to, you make this tragedy into a fairytale."

"Run away together," Wally repeated. Slowly a grin spread across his face and he erupted from his seat like a volcano burning with excitement. "I'll do it!"

The class looked at Wally with wide eyes, both confused and a little disturbed. Mr. Mallah however, thinking his excitement to be over the assignment, nearly cried with joy. "That a boy, Wallace!"

After Mr. Mallah's class had ended Wally put his track skills to good use. Barely giving Jenn enough time to pack up her bag, he grabbed her hand and yanked her out of class, much to the puzzlement of their friends who pondered where they were off to in such a rush.

Inspiration had struck Wally, and he was quick to share the idea in his head with his girlfriend. They found an empty classroom to hide in as the late bell rang for next period. Once they were inside Jenn sat down to catch her breath.

"You... nearly... tore... my arm off," Jenn said in between breaths, her hand on her chest.

"Sorry slow poke," Wally said as he grabbed the empty seat besides her and sat down. "But my uncle Barry always told me when inspiration strikes you just have to run with it."

"And what's so inspiring that you couldn't wait to tell me?"

"I know how we're going to fix our parent problem."

"You mean your parent problem. My mom's not the one on the tirade"

"Do you want to hear my plan or not?"

"Go for it. Inspire me."

He grinned and threw out his arms. "We're going to run away together!"

Jenn didn't bat an eyelash.

"Well?" Wally took her hands in his. "What do you think?"

"Think of what?"

"The answer to our problem," he frowned. "Were you even paying attention?"

"I was. But you can't be serious."

"I am serious. If we run away we can do whatever we want. No more parents telling us we can't see each other."

Jenn rolled her eyes and removed her hands from his. "I was hoping you were kidding."

Wally blinked in surprise. "You don't like my idea?"

"Like it? I HATE it!" she screamed, standing up in her seat and jabbing him in the chest with her finger. "Of all the stupid shit I've ever heard this is definitely in the top five!"

Wally moved his hands in a downward motion, looking at the door and then at Jenn. "Maybe you should lower your voice..."

"Lower my voice? Lower my voice?! You say let's run away and you want me to lower my voice?!" Jenn exploded, her hands going to his shoulders and shaking him roughly.

"What if I added please?" Wally suggested, hoping to ease Jenn's fire.

"Where is your brain today? We can't run away! Where did you even get an idea like that?!"

She had stopped shaking him to hear his answer, and very timidly Wally told her his idea came from Romeo and Juliet. Jenn was unsure of what to do next; whether to shake him, smack him, or yell at him... She decided on all three.

"Are you nuts?!" she yelled, shaking him again, this time by the collar of his shirt, Wally's head acting very much like a bobble head that had just been tapped. "They died in that story!" She released him long enough to give him a hard clonk on the head. "MORON!"

Wally's hands went to his injured head, his teeth and eyes clenched shut from the pain. "At least I'm trying," he hissed as he rubbed his head. "And why'd you have to hit me so hard?"

"To knock some sense into you," Jenn snapped sharply, crossing her arms and glaring down at him. "We're just teenagers. We can barely survive high school and you want us to go where the fucking wind blows. I don't think so."

"I never said it was a good plan, but at least it's a plan."

She shook her head at him and turned away. She knew his intentions were pure, but good or not she felt as if he himself didn't grasp the level of depth of his proposition. The two of them on the road together, trying to make it on their own. It was romantic in a sense but it mostly reminded her of eloping. She shook her head again. Wally was in over his head and she told him just that. Her statement confused him so she turned around to elaborate.

"Stop rushing ahead on your own and think about it," she pleaded desperately. "If we run off together we'll be on our own. We won't have time to goof off. We'll have to grow up, fend for ourselves. Really think about it. We'll need a place to stay, money-"

"Things we can get!"

"How?" she cried, frustrated. "We weren't born with silver spoons in our mouths. There's no unlimited bank account for us like there is with Roy or Toni or Kori. We'll have to struggle everyday."

"It'll be worth it as long as we're together," protested Wally.

"Will it?!" she snapped, her own words surprising her as well as Wally.

Her words cut him deeply, Jenn could tell by the way he seemed to shrink into himself; his head lowered as if to say she had won this debate. Jenn bit her lip, wishing her last sentence had never spluttered out. It sounded cruel to her own ears; she could just imagine how it sounded like to Wally. What could he be thinking she pondered, as she timidly stole a glance at him as the two stood in the silent darkened classroom. She knew what she would be thinking had the tables been turned and he had snapped that at her. There would be doubt in her mind; doubt that if the person she wanted, wanted her back just as much. Jenn shut her eyes, hoping that this cut she caused would go untouched. She hoped that the silence would engulf it and allow them to skimper by with minimal damage, because if it was one thing she learned from her rough housing youthful playground days it was this: when you pick at an injury you'll only make it worse. Jenn silently pleaded with Wally to ignore what she said, but when he raised his gaze to meet hers' she knew that was an impossibility.

"I don't have a family worth a million bucks, Jenn. And I know my idea is kind of idiotic," he chuckled softly, helping himself to continue. "Actually it's more on the massive scale of crazy... but I want you to know that I would struggle every day of my life if I had to if it meant being with you."

Jenn cupped a hand over her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears because she knew that he meant every word.

"Listen, Jenn," he began as he stepped closer to her, taking her free hand in his. He paused a moment to admire her delicate slender hand in his own and squeezed it gently. "I want to be with you for as long as you're willing to keep me around. Even after that, because if you were to kick me to the side I swear I will never stop bothering you until you take me back."

She laughed a little at that, unable to help herself, and brushed away the tears forming in her eyes. She looked at him with a soft smile.

"I want to be able to see you. You're my girlfriend after all, it's within my rights...," he frowned. "But my parents aren't budging. They're strict as hell. The only way we'll get any freedom is if we're away from them."

"Wally, I-"

"Wait, let me finish," he interrupted as he took her other hand, his gaze lowered at their touch. "When Mr. Mallah told us Romeo and Juliet's story my idea hit me like lightning. I didn't have time to think it through completely. But I get it now. I know there needs to be detail in it."

"Wally-"

He looked up at her. "So I've decided. I'll run away. It's my mom that's the problem, not your's. You shouldn't have to suffer."

"But, Wally-"

"I'll run away and then we can meet up in secret whenever we want to and-"

Jenn leaned in to kiss him softly on the lips, silencing his rant. When she pulled away she smirked at his stunned expression. "About time I got you to shut up."

He was wide eyed. "Jenn-"

She put a finger to his lips, letting him know it was her turn to speak. "Wally West, you're a fool if you think for one second I'd let you run off... without me."

He grasped her hand that was at his lips with both of his own. "You mean that?" he asked, trying to contain his joy.

She nodded. "But only if we think about this properly. We'll need money and a place to go."

"I have some distant relatives in Keystone City. My folks don't really approve of them even though they're super cool. I even have a cousin there who's about our age. I'm sure she would help us if we go there."

"See, now you're thinking," Jenn replied approvingly. "And you know what, I have some money saved that we can use." She shrugged. "Maybe we can even convince our friends to lend us some? We'll have to lie about why though, but I'm sure they would understand in the long run."

Wally smiled at her.

"What's with that dopey grin?"

"It's nothing... just... I can't believe what we're going to do."

"It is a bit insane."

"Yeah."

They looked at each other, allowing a brief pause to pass before erupting into a fit of laughter, allowing the excitement of their plan to bloom and expelling their worries.

"Hey guys, over here!" cried Gar as he waved his arms enthusiastically, even going so far as to stand in his seat to capture their attention.

With Gar's antics it didn't take long for Vic, Karen, Alain, Toni, Isaiah, and Kori to notice him sitting outside one of their favorite cupcake shops with Atlee.

"Holy crap she really does look like Terra," Toni whispered as she and the girls trailed behind the boys.

"Well that's the definition of a twin, Toni," Karen said with a laugh.

"I know that!" Toni snapped, crossing her arms. "It's just kind of creepy, that's all."

"Try not to make a big deal of it please," Kori pleaded. "We're here to support Gar and his new relationship."

"I know, I know," Toni groaned. "It's still kinda creepy."

"Is that some kind of zombie fear you're expressing?" Isaiah inquired, smirking back at her.

"No!"

"Just be nice and remember to smile," Vic instructed.

"Don't worry, Vic," said Alain. "The last thing we want is to put Gar in the dog house."

"Hey guys, over here!" cried Gar as he waved his arms enthusiastically, even going so far as to stand in his seat to capture their attention.

Atlee tugged on his shirt. "Gar, please, you're making a scene."

"Oh, sorry," Gar apologized as he got back down in his seat. "I'm just glad you finally get to meet everyone. Well, almost everyone."

"I'm glad you're excited," Atlee said with a small smile as she held his hand, but her smile quickly went away. "Don't take this the wrong way, but... I thought today we were going to be alone. I mean, we just became a couple last night."

"Don't worry about it, Atlee. Like you said, we just became a couple. There will be plenty of time for us to be alone," he grinned. "And besides, Terra used to love this sort of group thing."

"Oh...," Atlee replied softly, turning her gaze away from him as she whispered to herself. "I thought this date was for me, not Terra."

Atlee was a bright girl, one of the best in her class, so it didn't take long for a girl of her caliber to notice that Gar was behaving differently. She couldn't help but to reflect on his behavior as they strolled through the night together, walking the path that would lead them to her house.

Today Atlee, Gar, and the others had done several activities (most of which didn't particularly spark her interest), and at least once during every event Gar had the annoying tendency to mention Terra's name to her. They had passed by a candy store while touring the mall, exciting everyone enough to venture inside. Once inside everyone had spread out, filling up a bag with their favorite treats: Alain to Swedish Fish, Karen to the bubble gum, Toni to the Twizzlers, and so on. Atlee too had ventured over to her favorite sweet treat, but before she could even grab the scope Gar was ushering her over in a new direction.

"Atlee, you have to try these. It was Terra's favorite," he said as he pointed out some chocolate coated peanut contraption. "I'm sure you'll love them."

To please him she obliged, even though the candy didn't interest or satisfy her.

Next they had all visited a karaoke place to satisfy Toni who was just dying to go in. Atlee had to admit, watching the others perform was amusing, and she was enjoying the duet Vic and Isaiah got challenged to do, but personally karaoke wasn't her type of thing to participate in. At least not yet, after all she had just met these people; she wasn't ready to make a fool of herself in front of them. The others were okay with her opting out, but Gar was more persistent.

"C'mon," he begged. "Terra would do it."

Reluctantly she gave in, allowing Gar to pick Terra's favorite song for her to sing. "... I guess one song wouldn't hurt."

She had hoped that would be the last occurrence, but hoping didn't provide fruitful results. Gar's antics continued onto the arcade when he begged for her to be his partner in a game of couples laser tag.

"But Terra would do it," he whined, and like before she contorted to his will and played a game she thought boring and pointless.

His words were getting to her, so when they all finally took a break at a smoothie bar Atlee decided to do some digging. She sat with the girls while the boys went to go order and questioned them about Gar's relationship with Terra. Kori had said she thought Terra to be Gar's greatest love. Karen noted that she thought Terra was everything Gar would ever want in a girl and more. Toni told her how hard it was for Gar to get over her.

Atlee voiced her concern in that moment. "Do you think he's ready to move on with another girl?"

The three girls sitting in front of her had paused in that moment, each one of them seeming to ponder that question themself. Finally, Kori broke the ice.

"Of course he is," she said, though not convincingly enough for Atlee. "He wants to move on."

"Yeah, and all he talks about is you now," added Karen quickly.

Atlee nodded despite her doubt. All he talks about is her? That was a laugh considering all he ever seemed to talk about was Terra, especially when he was with her. She had to wonder if perhaps the two of them were making a mistake being together. Gar had been an amazing friend and a great show of support since the moment she met him. He helped introduce her to an amazing brother and with the stories he shared with her she almost felt as if she had met Terra personally. Maybe that was all there was to the relationship. Maybe Gar was destined to be her friend and nothing more. Maybe she just wasn't enough for him. Atlee gazed up at the sky in disappointment. She had been outmatched before their relationship even began, after all the only reason why Gar came into her life in the first place was because of Terra.

"Atlee," Gar interrupted, startling Atlee away from her thoughts. "We're here."

"Oh," Atlee said, looking from him to her front door. "Sorry for spacing out like that."

"It's okay," he smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Night."

He turned to leave, but Atlee reached for his hand. "Gar, wait."

He turned back to her and rejoined her on the first step of her porch. He remained silent, unsure of how to proceed. Since he was puzzled he thought it best to wait until she made the first move.

"You know I never really had a boyfriend before," she confessed. "I mean, I've been on a few dates but no one has ever triggered any form of spark for me... And then I met you, and I finally understood what the girls from school meant by 'butterflies' and 'opposites attract'."

Gar smiled at her, thrilled with her confession, and leaned in to kiss her.

She took a step back, surprising him.

"Gar, I want you to know that I really enjoy being with you, and I've never liked anyone as much as I like you. And I hope you really like me," she admitted seriously. "Do you like me?"

"Of course I like you," he assured her, bringing her into a hug. "You're the best thing that's come into my life in a long time."

She smiled into his shoulder and hugged him back. "You mean that?"

"Of course I do," he insisted. "Being with you feels just like old times."

She blinked her eyes and pulled away at arms length. She fidgeted awkwardly. "Old times? Wh-what does that mean?"

"Nothing. Just that I'm happy again. And it's all because of you."

"Oh... Okay," she leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek. "Goodnight, Gar."

"Night. I'll call you when I get home."

She nodded and watched him go, waiting until he was out of sight before venturing inside her home. After shutting the front door behind herself she leaned her back against it and sighed, her frown from earlier returning.

"Please," she begged silently. "Please let it be me he wants to be with and not her."

Hi everyone! I'm finally back after a long time away. I apologize for that, it's just that I got an unwanted dose of DRAMARAMA of my own. I finally know how the characters feel... Anyhow! My DRAMARAMA for the most part is gone so I'm feeling better and I'm ready to jump back into this story with anyone who is still willing to take the journey with me.

I have a few things I will like to say before I close this chapter. First thing is the new few chapters are already written, I just need to type them up. Secondly I do intend to respond to the reviews sent to me and the messages but I'll need some time to do that.

Now, on to the next thing. I was told that someone has been stealing content from this story? I'm not sure who is doing that or the name of the story but any information about that would be greatly appreciated. I've never had something like that happen to me before so I'm not sure how to proceed on something like this, but I would rather at least have knowledge of it.

And finally I got a review a long time ago from an anonymous reviewer who made a complaint about the story being too dark. I am sorry for any plots in the story that become too dark and for anyone who becomes uncomfortable with it, but this will be the last time I apologize for the story being too dark. There are many times in a series when we follow characters for many years and as they become older the plot around them becomes dark. It's a process to show that things are changing and that they are growing up. I'm sure many of you have read series where this occurs.

I've had these plots in my head since the time I started Sick Cycle Carousel and I want to continue with the plans I originally had. Feeling and opinions are always welcomed and appreciated and they inspire me to make certain changes or even bring new ideas to me, but the story is mine and I intend to write it the way I think is best.

In terms of this story I want to provide real experiences that happen to high schoolers. Most of the time I draw upon inspiration from people I've met in my high school years. What Kori is going through in this story is a nightmare... The unfortunate fact however is that it does happen. I've met girls who have gone through what she's been through.

I want to be completely honest, if you think the story is dark now there are going to be a few more plots where it becomes darker. I'm saying this now so that any who are uncomfortable can back out now. I do not want to upset people, and although I will miss the readers who will choose to walk away it's only fair that I give you some type of warning now. The last thing I want to do is make some feel extremely uncomfortable.

For those who will continue with the story, faults and all, thank you. The support you have given me, and even the support of those who are choosing to walk away, are the only things that keep me coming back. I want to finish this story for everyone and I am so lucky to have the readers that I do. You guys are AMAZING!

I thank everyone for reading and I apologize if I have offended anyone.

By the way... this chapter is named after the Veronicas song 4ever because Wally TOTALLY wants to spend forever with Jenn!

Next chapter: Wally and Jenn move forward with their plan and the singing competition Karen entered finally arrives! Will she succumb to the pressures?

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