A/N: Hey ya'll! I just wanted to let you know that I'm probably gonna be
working on this story while I'm waiting for this writer's block to go away.
And to whoever asked about Cinder's name. It's really Cinder. Not short
for anything and not a nickname. It's really her name. Cinder Mae
Copeland. Don't ask where I got the name from, cause I really don't know.
Maybe it's my love for Cinderella or something. lol Anyways, here's the
next chapter.
**********
"Oh you're so gonna get captain," Trish said as she and Cinder stood in the girls' locker room.
"Well, it all depends on whether or not Terri likes me," Cinder said with a shrug as she shut the locker door.
"I hope you have plenty of tissues ready Cinder, cause I'm definitely going to win. I am after all the only senior on the squad," Dawn Marie said as she slithered by them.
"Slut," Trish coughed as Cinder elbowed her in the stomach with a laugh.
"Trish, be good," she laughed.
"Come on. Let's go see who Terri's picked," Trish replied as the two of them linked arms and walked out into the gym. They sat on the gym floor next to each other just as the football team walked out to the locker room in their gear. On their way to the field, Charlie stopped and smiled at Cinder blowing her a kiss. She began to blush as Trish giggled at them.
"Move it Haas!" Sean O'Haire yelled pushing him forward.
"Hey girls!" Terri exclaimed as she walked into the gym in her heels and tight leather skirt. "I'm glad that most of you decided to come back this year even though I'm not here to be your wonderful captain."
"We'll miss you Terri!" Stacy yelled.
"Cut it Stace. You more than anyone should know that sucking up to me won't work," Terri said placing her manicured hands on her hips. "Well, as you all know, I'm here this one last time to announce my choice for captain. It was a hard choice and I took a lot of things into consideration. It all came down to one girl. She's been with us for two years and has been on varsity since the beginning. She's been my right hand girl and I know she'll make me proud. Everyone, your varsity captain this year will be Cinder Copeland!"
"See, I told you!" Trish exclaimed as Cinder stood. She walked up to Terri and hugged her tightly.
"I know you'll make me proud. You're one of the best out there," Terri complimented her.
"Thank you. I'm gonna try my best," Cinder replied giving Terri that famous smile of hers.
"Alright everyone. I have a few things to announce to you all before giving Cinder the reins," Terri joked. "First off, the school has given the squad enough money to get new uniforms. So those old ones are being handed down to the JV squad. Cinder and whoever she chooses for co-captain will choose what the new uniforms will look like. Second, there are a few spots open for the Varsity squad so Cinder will be choosing up to 4 people to help her pick the 3 replacements from the JV squad tomorrow. I wish you all good luck this year. I'm going to miss you all!" Everyone said their goodbyes to Terri and Cinder was off as her first official day as captain began.
"Okay, for the four people that will accompany me tomorrow to judge are Trish, Alanah, Jessy, and Rico," Cinder announced.
"That's not fair!" Stacy exclaimed as she stood.
"What do you mean it's not fair?" Alanah asked.
"She picked all the people she's friends with. You four couldn't pick good cheerleaders if they were stapled to your foreheads," Dawn Marie exclaimed.
"Get over it. My decision is final," Cinder responded. "Alright, now my choice for co-captain. Trish Stratigias."
"I knew you'd pick her! I'm outta here!" Stacy exclaimed as he left for the locker rooms.
"Whatever. Anyways, Trish, we need to go over choices for the uniforms. We'll show you what we picked on Friday. I'll see everyone on Wednesday for our first official practice," Cinder announced as everyone departed.
"Congratulations!" Trish said as she hugged her friend.
"Thanks. I feel kinda bad though. I've already pissed off some of the squad." They walked off towards the locker room just as the Varsity half of the football team walked in sweaty and covered in mud.
"Hey baby," Charlie said as he walked up to Cinder. "Wanna get some food after I shower?"
"No way. CC, Mom's expecting us to eat with her. Tradition on the first day of school," Adam said as he started to walk by us.
"Adam's right. I can't," Cinder replied sadly.
"Oh well, how about dessert?" Charlie said as he placed both his hands on her waist.
"Hmmm........doesn't sound too bad," she replied.
"C, uniforms," Trish said crossing her arms over her chest.
"Oh that's right. Trish and I have to pick new uniforms."
"Sounds like everything's against us tonite," Charlie said as his arms dropped to his sides.
"Well, Trish will be gone by midnite cause that's her curfew. What about you come pick me up and we get some dessert then?" Cinder suggested in a whisper.
"But your curfew is 11 on school nites," Charlie said.
"Not if I sneak out," Cinder whispered.
"Oh........alright, midnite it is," Charlie smiled. "Want a ride home?"
"No, Trish is gonna drive. But I'll see you tonite," Cinder kissed Charlie lightly and turned towards the locker room.
"Are you really going to sneak out tonite?" Trish asked as they drove down the road towards Cinder's house in Trish's BMW convertible.
"You better believe it," Cinder replied.
"Adam's gonna flip!"
"Not if he doesn't find out!" she laughed as she turned up the radio, blaring a DMX song.
"C, he's gonna find out. He always does!"
"Not this time. I'm gonna do it and not get caught."
"What about the welcome back dance? If your mom finds out, you're done for!"
"No one's gonna know. Just chill. Okay Trish?!"
"Alright, sorry."
******
"So, tell me about your day kids," Leeann, Cinder and Adam's mom, asked.
"Well, I'm captain of the football team," Adam replied proudly.
"And I'm captain of the cheering squad," Cinder added.
"Very good kids. What about you Trish? What's going on?" Leeann asked.
"Cinder picked me as co-captain. We're picking new uniforms tonite," Trish replied with a smile.
"That was very nice of you C," Leeann smiled.
"Hey mi familia!" Shannon and Jay exclaimed as they walked into the house.
"Hi boys," Leeann laughed.
"Hi, Ms. Copeland," they chorused as they took seats at the dinner table.
"What are you two doing here?" Adam asked resting his elbows on the table.
"We were walking to the store and smelled something good and knew it had to be the first day of school dinner," Jay smiled.
"Can we stay?" Shannon requested.
"Of course you boys can," Leeann said standing to grab two more plates.
"We heard the good news C. Congrats!" Jay said.
"Thanks," she blushed as her mother walked out, setting the plates down.
"How were classes?" she asked.
"Oh ya know. Same old same old," Cinder answered as she shoveled in a fork full of baked ziti.
"You had best be paying attention this year Cinder. I will not tolerate your grades slipping this year. And that Charlie boy better not get in the way. I will put an end to that immediately if he gets in the way of your studies," her mother threatened.
"I think you should put an end to it now," Adam smiled.
"Shut up!" Cinder exclaimed.
"I mean it Cinder."
"I know mom. Don't worry. I'll do better this year," Cinder replied.
"I really wish you'd apply yourself in your studies like your brother. Three years on the honor role. I'd love to see you on it too, honey."
"I know mom. Gees," Cinder said sounding quite annoyed.
"Don't give me that tone," Leeann warned. Cinder lowered her head and continued eating.
"So, Shannon, tell me how the band is going," Leeann said.
"Oh it's great. We have our first practice on Saturday. I'm trying to talk Amy into being our bassist, but she's not coming around too easily," Shannon replied.
"How are we gonna practice without a bassist and guitarist?" Cinder asked.
"Chris asked me that," Shannon said shyly.
"Oh I'm sure you kids will figure something out," Leeann said.
"Or their band will end before it's even started," Adam whispered to Jay with a snicker.
"What'd you just say?" Cinder yelled.
"Nothing," Adam replied shaking his innocently.
"Bull shit," she muttered.
"Cinder!" her mom yelled. "I will NOT have you speaking like that."
"Sorry, mom," she replied.
"What has gotten into you?" Leeann asked angrily.
"Nothing mom."
"Watch your language young lady," she said firmly. Cinder shook her head and sighed.
"Can Jay and I be excused? We're done and have some homework to do," Adam asked.
"Go ahead," Leeann answered as Adam and Jay excitedly jumped up from the table. "And no music until it's all done!"
Adam and Jay stopped in their tracks and sighed with a roll of their eyes. "Yes mom," they both replied. Cinder chuckled as they placed their dishes in the sink and ran up the stairs.
"Trish and I have to find the uniforms we want. Can we be excused too?" Cinder asked.
"Yes, go," her mom said shaking her head.
"You comin Shan?" Trish asked with a smile.
"Yeah, sure," he replied with a smile of his own.
The three of them walked up to Cinder's room and she put on the some Disturbed in her stereo. They sat on her fluffy dark blue rug that was placed at the foot of her full sized bed and began looking through catalogs and websites on her laptop.
"Ya know what I think you girls should wear?" Shannon asked.
"Oh no. A comment from Shannon. This could be scary," Trish teased.
"And Shan, we are not going to wear nothing," Cinder added.
"No, that's not it at all. You guys should get uniforms like on Bring it On. The one's the green squad wore," Shannon said thoughtfully. Trish and Cinder looked at each other then rushed to Cinder's tv and popped in the movie. They sat in front of it and went straight to where they showed the uniforms at the competition.
"Shannon, you're a fuckin genius!" Trish exclaimed as she jumped up, placing her lips quickly on his.
"Ummm.......thanks," he blushed.
"No, wait. Those won't work. There are some girls that are too self- conscious. But maybe the Toros' uniform would work. They would look good with the colors too. Blue with a black border. It's perfect. Thank you Shannon!" Cinder said happily.
"I can't wait to tell the girls. I think they'll really like em," Trish smiled.
"We are gonna be the best leaders of this squad ever!" Cinder laughed as she and Trish high fived.
"I should get home, it's getting late. I'll see you girls at school tomorrow?" Shannon said as he stood.
"Yeah, actually, I can give you a ride. I'm leaving too," Trish smiled. Cinder crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head at them.
"Thanks. Later C!" Shannon said as he and Trish walked out.
Cinder wondered around her room, looking for something to do. She sat at her drum set and began to beat away on them. "CINDER!!! Not tonite!" her mother yelled. Cinder looked at the clock and sighed as she saw it was only 10. She stood from her drums and wandered into Adam's room where him and Jay were playing video games.
"And what do you want?" Adam demanded as he paused the game.
"Just bored. Thought I'd come see what you two were doing," she answered as she relaxed on Adam's bed.
"Why don't you call that loserific of a boyfriend of yours," Adam suggested as he went back to the game.
"What's your problem with Charlie?" Cinder asked as she laid down.
"He just pisses me off. I don't know," Adam answered.
"So there really isn't a reason," Cinder said.
"I don't need a reason. I just don't like him."
"Alright, let me ask you this. If I were dating let's say, Oscar. How would you feel?"
"I'd kill him," Adam replied quickly.
"So you just don't want me to date anyone," Cinder said as she sat up.
"No, that's, no, that's stupid!" Adam said sounding a bit flustered.
"You're an ass Adam. Stop trying to protect me. Charlie is a nice guy. I like him. I really like him. And he likes me. Get over it!" Cinder said angrily as she stormed into her own room and shut the door. She flopped down on her bed and sighed as she looked at the clock, 11. "UGH!"
"Jay, do you think I'm being ridiculous about C and her relationship?" Adam asked as he set the controller down on the floor.
"Well, is she right? Are you just trying to protect her?" Jay asked.
"Well yeah, but that's my job. We don't have a Dad to look after her. I have to or no one else will man. I love her. She's my baby sister. My best friend. I just couldn't bare to see her get hurt," Adam answered.
"Then no. I don't think you are. But I think she has a point too. You can't keep her under your wing forever. She's gotta grow up sometime man. I love her too, but you don't see me jumpin all over Charlie every time he looks at me wrong or something. Just chill with this, okay? When he does something truly wrong, then do something about it," Jay said as he stood.
"Where you goin?" Adam asked.
"To say goodnite to C and then go home. See ya tomorrow man," Jay said.
"Alright, later Jay!" Adam called as his friend walked across the hall to Cinder's room.
"Come in," she said as Jay opened the door after knocking. She smiled as he walked into her room. "Hey Jay."
"Hey Kiddo. I was just leaving and wanted to say goodnite," he said as he hugged her tightly
"Nite," she smiled at him.
"Um, CC, give Adam a break, okay? He's just trying to look out for his little sister. He means well," Jay said as he held his hand on the door knob.
"I know, but he makes me so mad about this whole thing," she replied.
"Love ya kid. See ya tomorrow," he said as he walked out.
"C, can I come in?" Adam asked as he knocked on her door.
"Yeah, sure," she replied as he walked in. He sat on the edge of her bed and sighed.
"I'm sorry for how I'm acting. I just don't want to see you get hurt. Cause when you're hurt, I'm hurt," he said.
"That's how I feel about you. But I know that you're old enough to make your own decisions. Why can't you realize that about me?" she asked.
"I guess I still see you as the little girl I used to have wrestling matches with. The little girl that I used to get in trouble with for breaking the coffee table."
"Hey, that hurt. I hate that scar on my back," Cinder interrupted causing Adam to laugh.
"I still see you as my little baby sister. I want to protect you. I feel the need to. Okay, so I wasn't able to do that for ya that one nite. I apologize for that," Adam said. "But just know that I'm going to try my hardest to give this relationship of yours a chance."
"Alright," she grinned with a yawn.
"Tired?"
"Yeah, been a long day. I think I'm gonna go to sleep."
"All right. I love you Cinderella," Adam laughed when he called her, her child hood nickname.
"Nite ADD," Cinder laughed calling him his own nickname from her. She watched him shut the door and quickly jumped over to the window. Charlie stood there leaning against his car with his arms crossed. She smiled and shouted down to him. "Charlie!"
"Hey babe!" he yelled back in a whisper.
"Grab that ladder over there," she pointed as he walked towards it. She got out onto the roof of the porch and carefully walked to the side.
"It's caught on something," he yelled to her.
"Ugh, Adam must not have cut the weeds over there like he was supposed to back in July," she exclaimed. "Nevermind. I'll just jump off. Just spot me okay?"
"Not a problem." He walked over to her as she slowly stood. "Are you sure you can do this?"
"Yeah, no problem. Adam and I used to jump off this thing all the time as kids. Although that's how I broke my arm, but that's okay," she smiled.
"I don't know C. Maybe we shouldn't do this. You could get into a lot of trouble and your brother already hates me. Maybe we should just go out tomorrow nite," he worried.
"No way!" she exclaimed as she took a big leap off the roof and landed on her feet. She stood up straight and smiled at her bewildered boyfriend. "See, not a problem. Now let's go!" All he could do was laugh at her as they ran to his car. He opened the door for her and she jumped. They sped off into the nite to God only knows where!
**********
"Oh you're so gonna get captain," Trish said as she and Cinder stood in the girls' locker room.
"Well, it all depends on whether or not Terri likes me," Cinder said with a shrug as she shut the locker door.
"I hope you have plenty of tissues ready Cinder, cause I'm definitely going to win. I am after all the only senior on the squad," Dawn Marie said as she slithered by them.
"Slut," Trish coughed as Cinder elbowed her in the stomach with a laugh.
"Trish, be good," she laughed.
"Come on. Let's go see who Terri's picked," Trish replied as the two of them linked arms and walked out into the gym. They sat on the gym floor next to each other just as the football team walked out to the locker room in their gear. On their way to the field, Charlie stopped and smiled at Cinder blowing her a kiss. She began to blush as Trish giggled at them.
"Move it Haas!" Sean O'Haire yelled pushing him forward.
"Hey girls!" Terri exclaimed as she walked into the gym in her heels and tight leather skirt. "I'm glad that most of you decided to come back this year even though I'm not here to be your wonderful captain."
"We'll miss you Terri!" Stacy yelled.
"Cut it Stace. You more than anyone should know that sucking up to me won't work," Terri said placing her manicured hands on her hips. "Well, as you all know, I'm here this one last time to announce my choice for captain. It was a hard choice and I took a lot of things into consideration. It all came down to one girl. She's been with us for two years and has been on varsity since the beginning. She's been my right hand girl and I know she'll make me proud. Everyone, your varsity captain this year will be Cinder Copeland!"
"See, I told you!" Trish exclaimed as Cinder stood. She walked up to Terri and hugged her tightly.
"I know you'll make me proud. You're one of the best out there," Terri complimented her.
"Thank you. I'm gonna try my best," Cinder replied giving Terri that famous smile of hers.
"Alright everyone. I have a few things to announce to you all before giving Cinder the reins," Terri joked. "First off, the school has given the squad enough money to get new uniforms. So those old ones are being handed down to the JV squad. Cinder and whoever she chooses for co-captain will choose what the new uniforms will look like. Second, there are a few spots open for the Varsity squad so Cinder will be choosing up to 4 people to help her pick the 3 replacements from the JV squad tomorrow. I wish you all good luck this year. I'm going to miss you all!" Everyone said their goodbyes to Terri and Cinder was off as her first official day as captain began.
"Okay, for the four people that will accompany me tomorrow to judge are Trish, Alanah, Jessy, and Rico," Cinder announced.
"That's not fair!" Stacy exclaimed as she stood.
"What do you mean it's not fair?" Alanah asked.
"She picked all the people she's friends with. You four couldn't pick good cheerleaders if they were stapled to your foreheads," Dawn Marie exclaimed.
"Get over it. My decision is final," Cinder responded. "Alright, now my choice for co-captain. Trish Stratigias."
"I knew you'd pick her! I'm outta here!" Stacy exclaimed as he left for the locker rooms.
"Whatever. Anyways, Trish, we need to go over choices for the uniforms. We'll show you what we picked on Friday. I'll see everyone on Wednesday for our first official practice," Cinder announced as everyone departed.
"Congratulations!" Trish said as she hugged her friend.
"Thanks. I feel kinda bad though. I've already pissed off some of the squad." They walked off towards the locker room just as the Varsity half of the football team walked in sweaty and covered in mud.
"Hey baby," Charlie said as he walked up to Cinder. "Wanna get some food after I shower?"
"No way. CC, Mom's expecting us to eat with her. Tradition on the first day of school," Adam said as he started to walk by us.
"Adam's right. I can't," Cinder replied sadly.
"Oh well, how about dessert?" Charlie said as he placed both his hands on her waist.
"Hmmm........doesn't sound too bad," she replied.
"C, uniforms," Trish said crossing her arms over her chest.
"Oh that's right. Trish and I have to pick new uniforms."
"Sounds like everything's against us tonite," Charlie said as his arms dropped to his sides.
"Well, Trish will be gone by midnite cause that's her curfew. What about you come pick me up and we get some dessert then?" Cinder suggested in a whisper.
"But your curfew is 11 on school nites," Charlie said.
"Not if I sneak out," Cinder whispered.
"Oh........alright, midnite it is," Charlie smiled. "Want a ride home?"
"No, Trish is gonna drive. But I'll see you tonite," Cinder kissed Charlie lightly and turned towards the locker room.
"Are you really going to sneak out tonite?" Trish asked as they drove down the road towards Cinder's house in Trish's BMW convertible.
"You better believe it," Cinder replied.
"Adam's gonna flip!"
"Not if he doesn't find out!" she laughed as she turned up the radio, blaring a DMX song.
"C, he's gonna find out. He always does!"
"Not this time. I'm gonna do it and not get caught."
"What about the welcome back dance? If your mom finds out, you're done for!"
"No one's gonna know. Just chill. Okay Trish?!"
"Alright, sorry."
******
"So, tell me about your day kids," Leeann, Cinder and Adam's mom, asked.
"Well, I'm captain of the football team," Adam replied proudly.
"And I'm captain of the cheering squad," Cinder added.
"Very good kids. What about you Trish? What's going on?" Leeann asked.
"Cinder picked me as co-captain. We're picking new uniforms tonite," Trish replied with a smile.
"That was very nice of you C," Leeann smiled.
"Hey mi familia!" Shannon and Jay exclaimed as they walked into the house.
"Hi boys," Leeann laughed.
"Hi, Ms. Copeland," they chorused as they took seats at the dinner table.
"What are you two doing here?" Adam asked resting his elbows on the table.
"We were walking to the store and smelled something good and knew it had to be the first day of school dinner," Jay smiled.
"Can we stay?" Shannon requested.
"Of course you boys can," Leeann said standing to grab two more plates.
"We heard the good news C. Congrats!" Jay said.
"Thanks," she blushed as her mother walked out, setting the plates down.
"How were classes?" she asked.
"Oh ya know. Same old same old," Cinder answered as she shoveled in a fork full of baked ziti.
"You had best be paying attention this year Cinder. I will not tolerate your grades slipping this year. And that Charlie boy better not get in the way. I will put an end to that immediately if he gets in the way of your studies," her mother threatened.
"I think you should put an end to it now," Adam smiled.
"Shut up!" Cinder exclaimed.
"I mean it Cinder."
"I know mom. Don't worry. I'll do better this year," Cinder replied.
"I really wish you'd apply yourself in your studies like your brother. Three years on the honor role. I'd love to see you on it too, honey."
"I know mom. Gees," Cinder said sounding quite annoyed.
"Don't give me that tone," Leeann warned. Cinder lowered her head and continued eating.
"So, Shannon, tell me how the band is going," Leeann said.
"Oh it's great. We have our first practice on Saturday. I'm trying to talk Amy into being our bassist, but she's not coming around too easily," Shannon replied.
"How are we gonna practice without a bassist and guitarist?" Cinder asked.
"Chris asked me that," Shannon said shyly.
"Oh I'm sure you kids will figure something out," Leeann said.
"Or their band will end before it's even started," Adam whispered to Jay with a snicker.
"What'd you just say?" Cinder yelled.
"Nothing," Adam replied shaking his innocently.
"Bull shit," she muttered.
"Cinder!" her mom yelled. "I will NOT have you speaking like that."
"Sorry, mom," she replied.
"What has gotten into you?" Leeann asked angrily.
"Nothing mom."
"Watch your language young lady," she said firmly. Cinder shook her head and sighed.
"Can Jay and I be excused? We're done and have some homework to do," Adam asked.
"Go ahead," Leeann answered as Adam and Jay excitedly jumped up from the table. "And no music until it's all done!"
Adam and Jay stopped in their tracks and sighed with a roll of their eyes. "Yes mom," they both replied. Cinder chuckled as they placed their dishes in the sink and ran up the stairs.
"Trish and I have to find the uniforms we want. Can we be excused too?" Cinder asked.
"Yes, go," her mom said shaking her head.
"You comin Shan?" Trish asked with a smile.
"Yeah, sure," he replied with a smile of his own.
The three of them walked up to Cinder's room and she put on the some Disturbed in her stereo. They sat on her fluffy dark blue rug that was placed at the foot of her full sized bed and began looking through catalogs and websites on her laptop.
"Ya know what I think you girls should wear?" Shannon asked.
"Oh no. A comment from Shannon. This could be scary," Trish teased.
"And Shan, we are not going to wear nothing," Cinder added.
"No, that's not it at all. You guys should get uniforms like on Bring it On. The one's the green squad wore," Shannon said thoughtfully. Trish and Cinder looked at each other then rushed to Cinder's tv and popped in the movie. They sat in front of it and went straight to where they showed the uniforms at the competition.
"Shannon, you're a fuckin genius!" Trish exclaimed as she jumped up, placing her lips quickly on his.
"Ummm.......thanks," he blushed.
"No, wait. Those won't work. There are some girls that are too self- conscious. But maybe the Toros' uniform would work. They would look good with the colors too. Blue with a black border. It's perfect. Thank you Shannon!" Cinder said happily.
"I can't wait to tell the girls. I think they'll really like em," Trish smiled.
"We are gonna be the best leaders of this squad ever!" Cinder laughed as she and Trish high fived.
"I should get home, it's getting late. I'll see you girls at school tomorrow?" Shannon said as he stood.
"Yeah, actually, I can give you a ride. I'm leaving too," Trish smiled. Cinder crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head at them.
"Thanks. Later C!" Shannon said as he and Trish walked out.
Cinder wondered around her room, looking for something to do. She sat at her drum set and began to beat away on them. "CINDER!!! Not tonite!" her mother yelled. Cinder looked at the clock and sighed as she saw it was only 10. She stood from her drums and wandered into Adam's room where him and Jay were playing video games.
"And what do you want?" Adam demanded as he paused the game.
"Just bored. Thought I'd come see what you two were doing," she answered as she relaxed on Adam's bed.
"Why don't you call that loserific of a boyfriend of yours," Adam suggested as he went back to the game.
"What's your problem with Charlie?" Cinder asked as she laid down.
"He just pisses me off. I don't know," Adam answered.
"So there really isn't a reason," Cinder said.
"I don't need a reason. I just don't like him."
"Alright, let me ask you this. If I were dating let's say, Oscar. How would you feel?"
"I'd kill him," Adam replied quickly.
"So you just don't want me to date anyone," Cinder said as she sat up.
"No, that's, no, that's stupid!" Adam said sounding a bit flustered.
"You're an ass Adam. Stop trying to protect me. Charlie is a nice guy. I like him. I really like him. And he likes me. Get over it!" Cinder said angrily as she stormed into her own room and shut the door. She flopped down on her bed and sighed as she looked at the clock, 11. "UGH!"
"Jay, do you think I'm being ridiculous about C and her relationship?" Adam asked as he set the controller down on the floor.
"Well, is she right? Are you just trying to protect her?" Jay asked.
"Well yeah, but that's my job. We don't have a Dad to look after her. I have to or no one else will man. I love her. She's my baby sister. My best friend. I just couldn't bare to see her get hurt," Adam answered.
"Then no. I don't think you are. But I think she has a point too. You can't keep her under your wing forever. She's gotta grow up sometime man. I love her too, but you don't see me jumpin all over Charlie every time he looks at me wrong or something. Just chill with this, okay? When he does something truly wrong, then do something about it," Jay said as he stood.
"Where you goin?" Adam asked.
"To say goodnite to C and then go home. See ya tomorrow man," Jay said.
"Alright, later Jay!" Adam called as his friend walked across the hall to Cinder's room.
"Come in," she said as Jay opened the door after knocking. She smiled as he walked into her room. "Hey Jay."
"Hey Kiddo. I was just leaving and wanted to say goodnite," he said as he hugged her tightly
"Nite," she smiled at him.
"Um, CC, give Adam a break, okay? He's just trying to look out for his little sister. He means well," Jay said as he held his hand on the door knob.
"I know, but he makes me so mad about this whole thing," she replied.
"Love ya kid. See ya tomorrow," he said as he walked out.
"C, can I come in?" Adam asked as he knocked on her door.
"Yeah, sure," she replied as he walked in. He sat on the edge of her bed and sighed.
"I'm sorry for how I'm acting. I just don't want to see you get hurt. Cause when you're hurt, I'm hurt," he said.
"That's how I feel about you. But I know that you're old enough to make your own decisions. Why can't you realize that about me?" she asked.
"I guess I still see you as the little girl I used to have wrestling matches with. The little girl that I used to get in trouble with for breaking the coffee table."
"Hey, that hurt. I hate that scar on my back," Cinder interrupted causing Adam to laugh.
"I still see you as my little baby sister. I want to protect you. I feel the need to. Okay, so I wasn't able to do that for ya that one nite. I apologize for that," Adam said. "But just know that I'm going to try my hardest to give this relationship of yours a chance."
"Alright," she grinned with a yawn.
"Tired?"
"Yeah, been a long day. I think I'm gonna go to sleep."
"All right. I love you Cinderella," Adam laughed when he called her, her child hood nickname.
"Nite ADD," Cinder laughed calling him his own nickname from her. She watched him shut the door and quickly jumped over to the window. Charlie stood there leaning against his car with his arms crossed. She smiled and shouted down to him. "Charlie!"
"Hey babe!" he yelled back in a whisper.
"Grab that ladder over there," she pointed as he walked towards it. She got out onto the roof of the porch and carefully walked to the side.
"It's caught on something," he yelled to her.
"Ugh, Adam must not have cut the weeds over there like he was supposed to back in July," she exclaimed. "Nevermind. I'll just jump off. Just spot me okay?"
"Not a problem." He walked over to her as she slowly stood. "Are you sure you can do this?"
"Yeah, no problem. Adam and I used to jump off this thing all the time as kids. Although that's how I broke my arm, but that's okay," she smiled.
"I don't know C. Maybe we shouldn't do this. You could get into a lot of trouble and your brother already hates me. Maybe we should just go out tomorrow nite," he worried.
"No way!" she exclaimed as she took a big leap off the roof and landed on her feet. She stood up straight and smiled at her bewildered boyfriend. "See, not a problem. Now let's go!" All he could do was laugh at her as they ran to his car. He opened the door for her and she jumped. They sped off into the nite to God only knows where!