A/N: I'm on a week break from classes and I thought it'd give me more time to update...wrong! I'm having fun writing up these chapters and you guys' feedback is really helping with morale, but I've been overloaded. However this chapter may be longer than the usual cause I had some extra time. Consider it compensation for the lack of updates I usually give during breaks.

Also, thanks for the kind reviews, favouriting and following! I really appreciate it as well as the eagerness for the next chapters.

Speaking of eagerness, time to answer some reviews! UWU

DramaBuddy - Lol. No-one can trump Chris, he knows exactly what someone like Topher would do.

Gucci Man LaFlare - Yeah, I just thought I'd add some events from the show into the story. Plus it was fun writing that.

Till next time,

D.L.D

Quarantine marker - 2 months 3 weeks

Courtney's P.O.V

"So this is the family dinner," I say as Heather and I walk into the Burromeurto's main dining room.

Both of us had dressed in formal wear, me in purple and Heather in red. We had made sure to be dressed suitably for the family's status and even spent the whole week revising what questions we'd possibly need to answer. Jose and Alejandro had helped considerably with everything, although Heather said she didn't need it. We all know that she was too prided to say it. I mean the girl can't even speak Spanish!

Anyway, the dining room was large. It was quite open spaced with a mint green and white theme. A white chandelier hung from the ceiling, accompanied by a couple lights on the walls. The walls had a mint green wallpaper decorated with flowers. The floor was polished wood and the table was dark oak. Around it stood matching chairs making the room look even more pleasing.

Then there was the food on the table. There were all sorts of dishes, platters and even deserts on there accompanied by red wine, which was legal for us to drink here. Gotta love Europeans for their lower drinking age: that's what I'd say if I enjoyed drinking. But tonight was different, red wine isn't the same as a beer or normal alcohol. It was a classy beverage that people had at events or when they were severely stressed or depressed.

"Who knew they could actually cook, let alone decorate," Heather smirked as we took our seats at the table.

The rest of the family were there, an assortment of hazel, grey and green eyed Hispanics looking at us as we looked back. We probably stuck out significantly, well Heather more so than me, but still. Everyone there seemed to have been raised by the family traditions, or at least familiar to them all. However Heather and I were definitely American.

"You two must be Jose and Alejandro's esposas," A woman who looked around the same age as us smiled, "Buenos noches, I'm Luna. I'm Alejandro and Jose's prima."

"Buenos noches," I smiled back, "I'm Courtney and this is Heather."

"We're American, so we don't know Spanish as well as you guys," Heather put on her sweet voice.

"So I've heard," Luna nodded, "I also heard that Heather's pregnant."

"Which is true," I answered before she could, hiding my smirk, "We actually arrived late because of it."

I could already see Heather fuming inside as I solidified the fact that she was pregnant. She'd probably kill me if we weren't in front of all the Burromuerto family. Instead she just put on a smile and nodded. This was definitely going to be a fun time.

"Yes, they're due early next year," She grinned patting her stomach, "I can't wait to become a mother."

"I'm so happy for you! My husbands too much of a wuss to have any hijos," Luna smiled before we heard someone tapping against a glass.

We all turned to see who it was. To no surprise it was Mr Burromuerto. He was probably the head of the family since the grandparents were extremely old at this point. Heather seemed to notice this too because she paid a lot of attention as he spoke.

"Buenos noches everyone," His voice rang around the silent room.

"Buenos noches," Everyone seemed to reply. Luckily Alejandro and Jose went over this with us.

The dinner consisted of four courses: starters, tapas, main meal and then dessert. Tapas was optional, however Jose and Alejandro told us their family always have it separately. It was a tradition passed down for as long as they could remember. That meant it was extremely important to know about.

"As you all know we have some new members to our familia," He gestured towards us and I could feel everyone's gaze on us. They'd probably want to make sure we were good enough for, or were actually part of their family. This dinner was only proof of that. They clearly didn't believe that Heather and I were actually married to Jose and Alejandro (which we weren't) however no-one said otherwise. They only judged.

"So we must trial them with this meal," Mr Burromuerto continued, "If they pass we will question them no longer, if not they will be sent back to America."

With no further words, the starter was brought in. It was a choice between gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or pan con tomate (bread with tomatoes). I honestly didn't mind whichever I got so I picked randomly, Heather chose the bread with tomatoes. When I questioned her she simply shrugged and said shellfish would make her throw up because she was 'pregnant'. That was actually a good excuse.

During the dinner we were asked an array of questions, while Jose and Alejandro were questioned on the other side of the table. Many asked about our weddings, or Heather's baby, or simply about how Jose and Alejandro were. Many of them commented about how they were glad they found such nice girls, while others simply huffed and said Heather was way to fussy. I backed her up by saying it was hormones, but she simply rolled her eyes. I know, rude.

Soon we were at dessert, which was Brazo Gitano (Spanish roll cake/ Swish roll). It was the final trial to pass as well as the final food to eat before dismissal. Everything seemed to be going well. The questions had started to slow and Heather and I easily engaged in conversation. It was easy to bond since they all seemed to have a hatred to Isabelle (the girl who Carlos was going to marry). They seemed to chatter for ages about how she has things a particular way and doesn't like to touch surfaces.

To me it just sounded like she was a germaphobe, which I can understand. However I don't take it that far. It seems like she's had to be so prim and proper all her life she resorts to wearing gloves all the time.

Once dinner was over Heather and I were dismissed from the room, leaving the family to discuss whether we belonged or not. I was going to head back to my room, but Heather convinced me into eavesdropping. I don't know why, but it was probably because she came up with a viable excuse for being out there: she lost her earring.

"They seem to be extremely intelligent," We heard a female voice say.

"They're also well mannered, the brunette more than the other one," A male voice spoke.

"Biased," Heather rolled her eyes, "I just have character."

"Shush," I glare at her.

"Sorry, I was just adding my opinion," She huffed before listening in again.

"Well, they seem to know the boys pretty well," Mrs Burromuerto's voice spoke, "I think they should stay."

"They're in the middle of studies," A male voice pointed out, "It would be a while until they can come here."

"Plus the other one's pregnant," Another female voice pointed out.

I chuckled a little, while Heather growled. She definitely hated her situation right now.

"Anyway, I think they should be a part of this family," All their voices spoke at the same time.

Ok weird. Do they have this mental link or something?

"I'll go and tell them the good news!" Mrs Burromuerto's footsteps grew closer.

Heather and I wasted no time in dashing down the hall, making it up the stairs and to my room in record time. Our rooms were joined by a single door, so we both slipped into the closest one (mine) before acting as if we were talking. Not too long after there was a knock on the door.

"You can come in," I say and Mrs Burromuerto enters with a smile.

"You girls passed!" She wrapped us in a hug, "I'm so happy for you two! I finally have two hijas!"

"That's great," I say forcing a smile as I hug her. Heather does the same, however hers seemed even more forced.

"Well, I'd better start planning that baby shower," The older woman removed herself from the hug, "I'll see you two tomorrow."

"Yep," We both spoke as she left the room.

I then sighed as silence filled the room. Heather was meant to be pregnant, but she wasn't pregnant. Would that mean there would be questions when it's time for the baby? That would mean the lies would unravel...

"Heather," I look at her to see she's fiddling with her charm bracelet.

"What?" She growled.

"What happens with the baby?" I raise a brow, "You know, when it's born?"

"I'll find a way around it," She simply waved her hand as she left the room, "I always find a way out of your messes."

"Sure," I reply as I roll my eyes, before deciding to get ready for bed.

She'd better have a plan by tomorrow, otherwise I'll have to interfere. I'd hate to ruin my good reputation with the Burromuerto family.

Tyler's P.O.V

I smiled as I caught my breath back from warm up. My recovery time had improved significantly and it was a sign that I'd been getting better over time. Last week was part one of my assessment, but this week was the most important part: theory and some practical.

Pete and Gerry had set me some separate tasks from the rest of the class and told me that after half an hour, I'd have to go and fill out a test. Apparently theory was just as important as practical, which was true, since it helped you to understand how to perform better. However theory was a little boring. It was like science.

"Ok, now that you've warmed up," Gerry spoke as I watched the rest of the class run around the field, "I want you to start your tasks. Call me once you're done. I will be watching."

I nodded before getting a basketball and beginning to dribble. I did a few drills before Gerry told me to switch. I got the soccer ball and began to do drills once again. I did this with the two other sports I'd selected for finals in high school, before hearing Gerry blow his whistle.

I stopped, catching my breath quickly, before glancing over at the class. They were playing Handball again, split into three teams. It seemed to be going pretty well, however I could see the annoyance on Scott's face as he looked over in my direction. He felt I didn't deserve to move up. That I was the runt of the group. Maybe that's because now I'm gone, he's the runt.

"Ok, it's time for your test Tyler," Gerry smiled, "Chef told me he cleared a spot for you in his office."

"Ok," I say as I head towards the building.

I was always good at the theory tests, better than practical actually. This should be a piece of cake. Easy breezy.

I walk in silence to Chef's office, barely acknowledging anyone I passed on the way. It was a quick trip, leading me to the familiar door of Chef's office. It had a dark oak door with a glass window. On it were black letter's reading Hatchet's office. For some reason Chef never let anyone know his first name. I'm guessing it was something embarrassing like Nancy.

Laughing at the possibility, I enter the room. It was surprisingly clean considering how commando Chef is. I remember when he made lunch during high school, it was terrible. But Chef's office was actually tidy. There was a porcelain cat figure on his desk, a picture of what I assume is his mother and a coffee mug. Other than that, it looked like every normal and tidy office instead of the pigsty I anticipated.

I took a seat at the desk, to find my test paper in front of me. It was an hour long and would test me on everything I've done so far this year. If I wanted to move up I needed at least 80 percent.

I take a deep breath as I flip it open, skimming the first question. Let's hope I can ace this test.

Leshawna's P.O.V

"Why did this have to happen to me!" I moan as I wipe the remains of vomit from my mouth.

Morning sickness had just began to kick in and I couldn't feel any more shitty. It was like I needed to throw up all the time now and it wasn't exactly ideal with all the hormonal mood swings I've been having. I still have to speak to Harold about all this. Plus I need to apologise to Gwen. I feel terrible for snapping at her.

I sigh as I finish brushing my teeth, using my mouthwash to get rid of the taste of bile. It's like I have to buy a new one of these every week and I have to buy the alcohol free ones too. The baby's extremely sensitive after all. I roll my eyes at the thought.

Everyone's been treating me differently because of this whole baby thing. It's not like I have a terminal illness or anything, I'm just carrying an extra life form. Nothing threatening or fancy. Plus I know enough about this stuff thanks to my mom having Deja and Troy. Those two were hell to deal with a babies, though Deja was much cuter than Troy. He was just a devil in disguise from birth.

I jump as I hear my phone ring. It was probably my mom checking up on me again. That seemed to be her favourite past time at the moment. I smiled as I got my phone and answered.

"Hey Leshawna," My eyes widened as I heard Harold's voice, "I just wanted to check up on you since I haven't called in a while."

I knew I'd have to tell him somehow, I just didn't think I'd have to now. Sometimes I hate fate for having the most bitchy timing.

"Oh, hey Harold," I put on a smile to help make me sound happy, "How's the tour been?"

"Sucky," He answered, "No-one ever appreciates my talent and the band's falling apart. Things have been getting better since Topher left though."

"I can imagine," I nodded, "And it's a shame to hear that sugar baby. But you have to get yourself out there. I say you post a few solo songs on social media and see how that goes. Then you may get signed separately."

"I'll definitely try that," I could see the smile on his face, "But is everything ok with you? I heard things aren't going too well at the college."

"Everything's actually fine here," I nodded, "Since Chris has been gone, drama's been low. However I do have some news."

"What news?" I bit my lip as I heard the confusion in his tone.

"Well...I got pregnant," I sigh, "I just thought to tell you since you're such a good friend, but I know you have a crush (more like obsession) with me. Sorry if I seem like a bitch Harold."

There was silence on his side of the line, the only sound being his wheezy breathing. Yep that was definitely awkward, making my anxiety shoot through the roof.

"It's fine," Came his simple answer.

"Really?" I ask, my tone normal.

"Yep," He responded, "I'll always love my chocolaty goddess, even if she has one child that isn't mine. I'll still love them like my own."

"Harold, I never said I'd end up with you," I say, but I know the boy's already gone to La La Land. Here we go with the creepy obsession thing...

"I'll help you with anything, no everything!" I rolled my eyes as he got carried away, "I'll babysit, teach them what they need to -"

"Harold!" I frowned as I had to snap to gain his attention, "I appreciate the concern but we're just friends."

"Oh I know," He answered.

"Great, cause I'll call you back later," I say quickly, "I have a really bad urge to throw up."

I then faked gagging noises as I hung up. I didn't mean to be so brash, but Harold tends to get carried away. I had to end it before I dug myself into a deeper pit.

"Let me guess," Gwen smirked from the doorway, "Harold?"

"Yep," I sighed, "Poor fool can't realise I'm not interested."

"It's the curse of being attractive," Gwen sighed, "All females are cursed to have creepy stalkers, mine's Cody."

"And mine is Harold," I say as we laugh, "I'm sorry about the other day. I was really emotional."

"It's cool, hormones are a bitch after all," Gwen smiled, "Although without them we couldn't get men to do what we want."

"So, so true," I nodded, "Like getting us chocolate when we're having our periods."

"That's my favourite way to torture Duncan," She laughed, "I usually tell him he can't touch me because I'll have a hormonal bitch fit. Then I demand for him to give me all I desire. "

"You are evil Gwennie," I tut.

"I try," She shrugged, "Plus he has his moments."

"Don't we all," I say before feeling the familiar sensation of bile in my throat, "But right now I really gotta throw up."

I then dash to the toilet, where I empty the contents of my already barren stomach. Gwen just chuckled before leaving.

These are the times I hate being pregnant, the times are don't are when I get pregnancy privileges.

Kitty's P.O.V

"Thanks for meeting me here, Owen," I smile as we sit across from each other, hiding behind my menu.

I asked the chubby blonde to meet at a local diner to discuss the issue of my sister and Noah. We both know that they're miserable without each other. I mean they're like peanut butter and jelly. They go together perfectly, though you can't have too much peanut butter. It'd be way too nutty. Like Izzy and Owen.

"No problem," He responded munching on a panini, "I care about my buddy and I know he's miserable without Emma."

"He's eating your ice-cream isn't he?" I narrow my gaze at him.

"Yes!" Owen cried out, exasperated, "Do you know how much I have to spend on it now?"

"A lot," I say and he nods, "Anyway, I was thinking of a plan to get them back together."

"I like the sound of that," He nodded, "But how? Emma's ignoring him and he's too mopey to do anything about it."

"I'll tell her that I have a dinner planned," I smirk, "We'll plan it at the fancy Italian restaurant."

"But that's expensive," Owen gasped, "We're students, we don't have the sort of money!"

"I do," I say as I show him the fashion magazine, "I get a monthly income from the company, so I've already paid off my college fee."

Owen just sat there in awe, looking over the designs I modeled with Katie. I had actually got paid a lot and was offered some jobs. Of course I accepted the few that didn't disrupt my photography and designing classes, and the income from them was huge. In fact I managed to pay of my and Emma's college fee. she'll have to pay me back of course, but her becoming a lawyer will make that easy.

"Awesome!" Was all that left his mouth, "So what do I tell Noah?"

"Tell him that you want to get him out for the night," I grin, "We'll be disguised as waiters, my friend who works there already knows, and we'll serve them."

"Ok, so what day?" He raised a brow.

"Next week," I smirk, "That way they have time to prepare and we can plan more."

"Great," Owen beamed, "So operation get Noah and Emma back together is a go?"

"We need a shorter name for that," I sigh but shake his hand, "But yep, it's a go."

"Miss are you going to order anything or just hide behind a menu?" A waitress raised a brow at me.

"Sorry," I blushed, "I'll take a burger."

"Ok, anything else for you sir?" She turned to Owen.

"Yep, I'd like another panini," Owen nodded.

The waitress just nodded, sighing as she walked off to tell the cook our orders. Once she'd gone we continued our planning.

"I'll text you the details later," I smile.

"Mhm," Owen nodded as he swallowed, "I'll make sure Noah's there."

Heather's P.O.V

"What do you want?" I growl as I see Alejandro enter my room.

He just had to here to ruin my day. He couldn't just take the whole saving him from marrying someone and stay silent. He had to come and see me. After he abandoned me with no explanation whatsoever. If anything he should be apologising and not thanking me.

"To thank you?" He raised a brow, "You just got me out of marrying a complete monster. It proves you still have some sort of attachment to me."

"Very funny," I roll my eyes, "I came here to save your ass, nothing else."

"So you wouldn't mind if I marry Isabelle?" He mused, "Because I can always tell my family that you're lying."

I don't know if it was desperation, my own selfishness or what, but I blurted out a word that simply sealed my fate. My dumb fate.

"No!" I say as I hug him from behind, causing him to smirk.

"Did I hear that correctly?" He raised a brow.

Oh, he really wanted to hear those words. That I cared for him. All because there was nothing for us to compete for anymore, he thought I'd admit it. He thought this hug meant something, but it didn't. I was just acting the role of a good wife and my hormones were playing up. Yep, that's what's happening.

I'll never admit to the truth with Alejandro. I'd admit it when fat pigs fly; which is never.

"I said no, you dummy," I mumbled, still not moving from my position.

Curse you arms for feeling so comfortable!

"No? So you don't want me to marry someone else?" I could tell he was smirking.

"No," I mutter, "You happy now?"

"Very," He said as he placed a kiss on my head.

Sierra's P.O.V

"This is one juicy scoop!" I say as I type up all the information I'd discovered this week.

Thanks to the secret crush column, the campus paper's been getting a lot of attention. Though it does mean the downfall of my passion, gossip, I'm glad that I'm engaging an audience through journalism anyway. Plus I've got tons of dirt and advice on people who don't even know my name! If the gossip column gave me power, then this gave my immortality.

I grin as I continue to skim through the notes I'd gathered. Apparently Sky was feeling crappy because of stuff that happened in high school, ruining her reputation and her chances with guys; Jo was getting beauty classes from Dakota and Katie; Taylor was still stumped on how to tell Lightning about her crush; and the most important scoop, Lightning's been venting and I've been writing down every minute detail.

I'll go into all the basics with you since you've just arrived on the scene. It started after class and he was hanging out with Tyler. Surprisingly, Taylor wasn't with them. I mean she usually had some time with her gal pals, but today they told her that they were hanging out together. They told her some excuse about Tyler needing to learn something for Lindsay. Complete BS by the way, they were doing it to talk alone. Also did you know Tyler and Lindsay sell tapes? I don't mean innocent tapes I mean...you know. But that's a tale for another time.

Anyway...I should be telling you the story. (Totally breaking the fourth wall. Hahaha!) So Tyler and Lightning told Taylor they were just doing some guy stuff and I immediately found it odd. Usually Lightning and Tyler discuss in front of her cause she's 'one of the guys' and she's the one female opinion they listen to. So I followed them, not stalked (stalking is completely different and I told Cody I'd never stalk again. The difference is very crucial)

So I followed them and overhead snippets of their conversation. From it I gathered that Lightning was in quite the situation. Anne-Maria still counted on him as her go to fuck boy, but at the same time he's kinds grown out of that and is developing feelings for his friend. Not just any friend either: Taylor. Yep he was talking about her.

Naturally I had already written this down and with the information I have quite the juicy gossip tale. Maybe even a relationship origin story! I could base a romance saga off it. It could be the next Twilight! Minus the vampires of course. That was a cliche that's been used way too many times; though it's a good one.

Sorry, I got carried away. Anyway, right now I'm just typing up this stuff for my new Lightning x Taylor blog. If they get together then this blog may even surpass the Duncney vs Gwuncan blog! Things have been pretty quiet since Courtney and Gwen became friends again. Plus they don't care about that stuff anymore. But tension between a party girl and newly reformed spoiled prick over a hot but now tolerable jock would certainly make viewers come.

Problem is I gotta throw in some bait.

"Staci!" My roommate comes into my room almost instantly.

"You called?" She raised a brow, icing on her face. She was probably baking again to satisfy her sweet tooth. Guess we're running low on snacks...

"I need you to tell me the easiest way to get two oblivious friends to hook up," I look at her.

"Well, that's easy," She shrugged, scoffing slightly, "Just text them about how they both feel or set up a blind date for the two."

"The first option seems easier," I say tapping my chin, "But they'll probably kill me for meddling. I'll do the second!"

I grin as I get my phone and begin to frantically text them a location as well as date and time. It was a wooded area, not too big from here. I told Taylor it was about something I needed to tell her and I told Lightning it was to get a lifetime's supply of protein powder. Knowing Lightning, he'll fall for it hook, line and sinker.

"Did you do it?" Staci raised a brow as she spotted me smile.

"Yep," I grinned, "And they should be a couple by next week. I bet my blog's reputations on it!"

Bridgette's P.O.V

"I don't know, this one's too flowy," I say as I look in the mirror.

We were in a wedding dress shop, trying on dresses for Geoff and I's wedding. It was scheduled for the end of summer this year and so far we'd planned the reception and gotten a few details out of the way. However dresses had to be the hardest part.

I was in a floor length white gown. It had a sweetheart neckline that had silver glitter-like gemstones decorating the hem. The skirt panned all about me, the soft material forming ruffles at each end. It fit softly yet securely around my frame and highlighted by collar bones. However it just didn't reflect me. The dress was too much like those princess dresses you see on TV. Like the ones that Disney princesses wear at their wedding. I was looking for something more plain, something that didn't attract attention. Something simple.

"I think it looks good," Leshawna offered a smile.

"It does but it looks like Bridge is drowning in all the fabric," Gwen laughed slightly.

"I think it looks perfect," Courtney's voice rang through a phone.

I forgot she wasn't actually here. She was in Spain, dealing with a family matter. Apparently her grandma wasn't doing too well and she went to say what was probably her final goodbyes. Geoff wasn't here either because I didn't want to ruin the surprise of what I looked like on the big day. Instead he was looking after the twins, probably going to the park with them or something. Brody probably tagged along too.

"For your wedding maybe," Amy rolled her eyes, "I think it doesn't speak Bridge though."

"I agree," Zoey nodded.

I smiled at their comments before looking at my reflection once more. I'm glad they all accepted to be my bridesmaids for the event, and Gwen and Leshawna even agreed to be my maids of honor. Of course choosing a dress for the bridesmaids and the maids of honor is going to be hard, but we'll find a way around it.

"I'll try on another dress," I say to the employee assisting us.

They nod and disappear into the back, returning with yet another dress. I take it in silence and head to the changing room. I carefully slip off the first dress, put it away and then try on the other dress, making sure not to damage or crinkle any of them before walking into the room.

Silence filled the room as I stepped onto the platform and turned to them all. So far I haven't seen how I look in this, however their expressions tell me this is the dress.

"Aww Bridge...it's - " Zoey immediately shushed Leshawna.

"It's too perfect for words," Courtney broke the silence.

I turn to see and I'm taken aback. Tears fill my eyes as I look at the reflection.

Once again it was a dress with a sweetheart neckline, however this time it was a mermaid and not a princess dress. The shape and style of the mermaid dress matched my body type completely, highlighting my best features, while also not hiding my others. The lace of the dress differentiated it from prom-style mermaid dresses, however it wasn't so over the top that I'd be tripping or drowning in material. The way the fabric also pooled at my feet, but didn't create a whole sea of fabric around them, pleased me. It lessened the chance of me tripping over the dress, knowing how clumsy I am when walking, while also covering my ankles.

"Is that the dress?" The worker raised a brow as she smiled.

I nodded.

"Great!" She beamed, "I'll tell you the price after you get changed and then we can move onto the bridesmaids. I also have a few accessory suggestions."

The others all groaned while I laughed. Even if the rest of this was going to be as dull as trying on the first few dresses, it'll be fun. In what way, I don't know, I just know it'll be fun.