*A/N- I'm so sorry about not updating sooner. I wanted to, but I was
totally bogged down with homework, and tests and all that lovely crap.
Honestly, I think my teachers read a handbook on 'How to work your students
to the bone'. But I'm rattling on. R+R please! And I say HELL NO! to
flamers. Constructive criticism is welcome, but definitely no flames. I'm
extremely sensitive to flat out assaults. You have feelings too, don't you?
Disclaimer: Much to my woe, I don't own any of the School of Rock characters, and only own the movie poster, soundtrack, DVD, and a Marta bookmark.
**Chapter 4**
"Hey Freddy." Katie smiled shyly, feeling the thin rope of courage she had felt slowly beginning to fray, much like her frazzled nerves. The drummer nodded his head in greeting, slamming his locker.
"Hey. What's up?"
She bit her lip tracing patterns on the floor with her toe. "I was wondering if...would you...uh...that is, do you think...argh."
Freddy did not look amused, but an eyebrow quirked. "Katie, if you don't ask me, you'll never get an answer."
Learnt that much over the past few years. She idly thought to herself before sighing. "If you're not busy, would you go to the musical that's showing today with me?" Katie crossed her fingers.
"Fine. I'll go with you." Freddy shrugged, remembering that he had asked Arin to go to a movie with him, but she told him she was busy. A musical wasn't the worst thing imaginable, at least he could evade his parents again for another day. He smiled warmly as Katie grinned and ran away, leaving him with a quick "I'll see you later then. Bye!".
Katie wasn't so bad, she was pretty and all, with dark brown hair that flipped out at the edges, and soft brown eyes that often tried to meet his. Freddy had the feeling she liked him, and for a little while he had liked her, but now all he felt was friendship. Nothing more, nothing less. Maybe something might come out of their friendship, but at the moment, those kinds of romantic feelings were definitely on life support, and the plug had been pulled.
But it was okay to hang out with friends, right? This whole thing with emotions and feelings was a little hard for Freddy to understand, and the situation he was in was a little to complex for his understanding. Thus the reason why he never truly tried to get a girlfriend, because females were unpredictable, at least to him. The preppy ones pretty much had their own language for crying out loud, with their constant crooning over the hot guys (himself included in some cases), and the difference between BFF and the BF, and all those annoying LYLAS's they wrote to each other when they passed notes.
So sure, he had intercepted a few of them. But hey, it was a free country, and they should have better sense than to try to send a note to their friend on the OTHER side of the room. And if it passed through Freddy's hands, then God help you. He would read it.
But then he had to admit, something was different when it came to Arin. She wasn't like Katie, or Summer, or Tomika, or any of the other girls. There was just a vibe to her. She was just someone not to just let slip through your fingers. He thought about it for a second longer. Maybe the reason he was attracted to her was not only because she was hot, but because he understood her, and her motivations. You like what you can control, and understand. It's human nature.
Sighing he trudged to his next class, hearing the bell, and knowing that he was going to be late.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Zack was so tired. Yawning, his head hit the desk, trying to stay awake amid the droning of the "queen bee of the classroom" Mrs. Gregory. It wasn't an easy task, since her monotonous voice was very much like a lullaby, a free one-way ticket to dreamland, all commodities accounted for.
He felt someone prod him with the point of a pencil as his eyes threatened to close fully. It was not the first time he had been poked out of his thoughts. Grinning to the desk he recalled that day in detention where Freddy had actually pinched him to get his attention. And it had hurt too. Who knew Freddy could pinch so hard? The kid should have been rewarded a medal.
"Zack, come on. Get up." Summer groaned and kicked the back of his chair startling him into awareness. "Mrs. Gregory's gonna flip."
"Sorry." He apologized over his shoulder, his handsome features breaking into another rueful grin. "Late, late night. Talking to Freddy online. He wouldn't shut up after he signed on at about ten."
Summer made a 'tsking' noise with her tongue, and smiled sympathetically. "I know how you feel. I pulled an all-nighter once studying for a mid-term that was crucial to my grade."
"Come off it Summer. You're a frickin genius. You don't need to study." Zack suppressed another yawn and watched as their classmate Frankie went up to the board to write down the answer to the problem that Mrs. Gregory had posed.
"Actually I do. I'm not perfect, but I'm so close it's scary." She smiled, passing him her pencil case so that he could read the key-chain attached to the zipper.
"That doesn't surprise me. Hey, Katie's going to some musical today after school. You want to go?"
"With you?" Zack couldn't see Summer's face, but he could visualize her wrinkling her nose in that cute manner when she didn't like the idea of something. His heart sank like an anchor in a harbor.
"You don't have to go..."
"I'd love to." She cut him off, feeling herself blush, and thankful that he sat in front of her, and not next to her. The shrill bell cut of any further socializing, and they gathered their belongings together as quickly as they could.
"So I'll see you after school?"
"Definitely." Summer brushed past him with a smile, her head bowed slightly to mask her face, which she was still struggling to compose. He watched her leave, feeling the eyes of Candace on his back. God, he had forgotten she was in that class.
"Hey Candy, what's going on?" He attempted to keep things the same as always. She merely deflected his greeting and cut to the chase.
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
She snorted, apparently miffed beyond compare. "That little interchange you had with the Brainiac Babe. Don't give me that look Zack. I'm not as smart as she is, but I'm not blind."
"I know you're not." He sighed. "Summer is a really good friend of mine, and I wanted to go to the musical with her. She is our band manager."
"And you didn't want to go with me." Accusation blazed in her eyes as she looked to the brown haired brown-eyed boy that she had long coveted. " Fine, go ahead, go to the musical with your precious band manager. Have fun while I sit at home alone."
Why did she have to be so difficult? "Look, I'll make it up to you Candy. I'll...tell Shalyn to leave me alone."
"That's not enough." Candace bristled. "Look, I was willing to battle it out with Shalyn over you because you weren't paying a whole bunch of attention to either of us. But this Summer suddenly waltzes in, and poof, we're gone from your mind."
"Well she didn't exactly waltz in. More like crashed in." Zack tried a joke, half-heartedly smiling to her mutinous looking face.
"It's not funny Zack. You hurt me. So leave me the hell alone from now on." She choked back a sob and ran out the door, making Zack feel like he was a criminal or something. Caught in the crossfire of all these emotions, jeez. He should go and talk to Freddy.
Shouldering his bag, he finally exited the door, every step he took echoing in his head.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Freddy walked into the school auditorium when school let out. He was supposed to meet Katie here and they would go to the musical with Zack and Summer, and Marta, and heck the rest of the band. Their school was performing their own musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and today was a Wednesday, so that would mean tech day.
His eyes wandered to the stage when he caught sight of a familiar face, moving the heavy woodwork that made up the scenery. Arin had always changed the uniform, or added her own flavor to it as she insisted. She wore the white shirt with the school logo monogrammed on the left, but she also wore a second long-sleeved shirt under it, and that was hiked up to her elbows.
The front of her kilt had little pins on it, with "encouraging" quotes on them. Around her wrists were countless rags of bandannas, the long ends trailing off like tails, black and red bangles, and this strange buckle thing around her arm under her elbow. Her hair was up in a messy bun with chopsticks holding the whole style up. Those were probably her trademark, along with her fang and guitar pick necklace, and the spike necklace that she wore to compliment it. Headphones hung around her neck like a medal of honor or something. His eyes traveled further down, to the knee socks that just peeped over the black buckle boots that she wore.
Freddy made his way down to the front of the stage, resting his head on his arms as he watched her go about her business.
"I didn't know you were a tecchie." He called out in greeting. Arin paused in her tracks and smiled appreciatively.
"I just started last week. They had already casted for the parts, so Mrs. Walter said I could be a tecchie instead. It's not that bad."
"I'll take your word for it." He winked cheekily. "Miss Tech of the Century."
She rolled her eyes and went to sit down on the edge, dangling her feet in the air. Freddy, being 5'8", could easily stand and reach the line of her elbows from where he was on the ground. He smiled evilly. "I hate sappy BS."
"What?"
"I had to write four sappy essays for my scholars program, who by my friggin luck happens to be run by Mrs. Leighton. I am definitely at the top of her 'students to assassinate' list." He sighed melodramatically, earning a snicker from the girl on the stage.
"That must suck."
"Yeah. It's a flower-covered bullet through a cynic's heart."
"Oh. I thought it was just Frankie attempting to sing. Meaning the sappy BS you were talking about." Arin swung her legs, watching the harsh stage lights glint off the silver buckles of her boots.
"No. That's called obnoxious tuneless torture." Freddy replied evenly, grinning at her reference to his other friend. "I'm drowning in this honey dripping. The devil's glucose."
"Oooook then Freddy." She shook her head, and bit back a giggle. "So why are these essays so hard to write? You really hate writing all the good sappy crap, huh?"
Freddy cracked his knuckles and rolled his head."Well, right now outlook is negative. I'm trying to make up nice crud, because the essays are self- reflection. And all I'm seeing is stuff that made me cynical, and self- centered, and judgmental. That's not what the scholars program wants to hear."
"You sure? I wouldn't have guessed. You're so prickly anyways." Her smile took away the sting of the words. "Give me examples. Go on, I dare you." She laughed as he grabbed her booted foot, and tried to pull her down off the stage. He didn't succeed.
"Fine." He growled frustrated, but couldn't exactly rid his face of the grin. "My parents' constant verbal attacks and competition = tendency towards sarcasm. A friend dumped me in 6th grade for someone more popular = cynicism = friends for life is BS. They don't want that, but that's all I got! As you see, I have issues."
"I see your evident anger towards life. If life gives you lemons, do you know what you do? Kick life in the ass and as for oranges."
"Not a bad philosophy. Life's just a terminal disease, and she's just a bitch anyways."
Arin's eyebrows furrowed in confusions. "Life or Mrs. Leighton?"
"Both. And since I need a title and all for my paper, I think I'll shall call it "Journey to the Bitch"."
Arin couldn't stop herself from laughing. Taking advantage of her distraction, Freddy tugged her down to his side. She gave him a dirty look, and pretended to slap his face. He played along, rubbing his cheek.
"Why'd you have to hit so hard?" Freddy grabbed her quickly, slinging her over his shoulder and whirling her around.
"Put me down Freddy!" Arin shrieked, laughing at the same time. " Goddamn you, Freddy Jones, put me down!" Her fists beat upon his back gently as she tried to get free.
"'Kay then." He set her down gently, noting the flush on her cheeks, and rolled his eyes at her indignant remarks. "I am so much cooler than you." Freddy teased.
"No you're not."
"Yes I am."
"No you're not."
"Yes I am, yes I am, yes I am."
"Anything you can do I can do better." Arin challenged, folding her arms.
"I can do anything better than you."
"No you can't."
"Yes I can." Freddy pursed his lips comically.
She made a clicking noise with her tongue. "You strange child."
"Hey, so I was talking to Zack, and he suggested that the four of us hang out some time this weekend. We could watch a movie over at Zack's house, and all that junk. You interested?"
"Yeah. Sounds good." Arin smiled. "This Saturday?"
"That's right. And we jam tomorrow. I can pick you up and bring you over to Zack's if you want."
"Sure." Her eyes twinkled merrily. Had they really been this blue all along? Freddy punched her shoulder gently, shaking his head and grinning like a maniac.
"Am I interrupting something?" Katie asked, adjusting the strap of her bag.
"Nope." Arin responded brightly in her good humor. "How's it going?"
"Not too badly." Katie was a little wary of Arin's sudden change towards her, but brushed it off. If Arin wanted to let go of the bitchy façade, so could she. Besides, Freddy was going to the musical with her.
"Cool. I suppose you guys have plans, so I'll let you go. I got to work anyways, Mrs. Walter won't like it if the stage isn't set right." Arin waved, feeling a little reluctant, but pulled herself onto the stage, watching the two leave.
"Did something just happen so fast that it went over my head?" Freddy inquired incredulously. "Since when have you two been all buddy buddy?"
"Since never." She admitted, "But hey, she's not acting like a brainless bitch today, so I decided that two can play at that game. I'm not really that mean you know."
"Yeah. I've known you for six years. And I can be totally meaner than you can."
Katie rolled her eyes and smiled. "We know Freddy. We know. How many practices we've lived through that you've been dissing someone or other."
"True, true. Maybe we can stop at McDonalds or something and I can try to chug a milkshake again, this time without Mr. S trying to stop me."
"Dude, that would be cool, but stupid." Zack commented in greeting. He held up his hand to high-five his best friend.
"You got that right." Katie nodded. "What are we going to tell your parents when you croak."
"Ah, they won't give a shit. I expect they would throw a huge party in my honor, and thank me for dying." Freddy said with a smile. "They've never really liked me all that much before. Eh...what's up with that project that Thomas totally slammed on us for History?"
"I know! I don't understand why he would pick a project so close to the end of the term." Summer shook her head as they fell into step.
Freddy pretended to gasp. "Wow, Miss Summer Hathaway doesn't know something about the teachers? This is really serious. Death to teachers!"
"No! Cause then there won't be anyone to evaluate me, and I won't ever get into Harvard." Summer gave him an irritated look.
Marta popped up beside the girl with Alicia, Tomika, and Frankie."Come on, whose cars are we taking? We're going to be late."
*~*~*~*~*~*~
If anyone asked him, the musical was great. But if you asked him plot details, Freddy couldn't answer. That was probably due to the fact that he had fallen asleep in the beginning of the whole shebang, and didn't wake up till everyone started clapping. That went for Zack too, who had been more than happy to use the dark theater as an excuse for succumbing to slumber.
"That was fascinating. I never knew they could pull off a musical about eyelids." Freddy joked with a yawn. He blinked as they walked out into the bright outdoors.
"Very intellectually stimulating." Zack agreed.
"You guys are so...argh!" Marta exclaimed, not able to hide her amusement. "I bet you don't even known the name of the musical."
"Yep, I don't." Freddy responded nonchalantly. Zack quickly scanned the program they had received, brandishing it triumphantly.
"We went to see 'The Sound of Music'." He grinned, taking a quick bow. " Thank you all for the wonderfulness of the performance."
"And you asked me to come, yet you sleep through the whole thing. Katie and I were about to consider pulling some god-awful prank on you, and get a picture of it to send to everyone. But lucky you, we had no whipped cream, or shaving cream, or even chocolate syrup, or eggs."
Freddy wrinkled his nose in disgust. "That's for little kids. The highlight of my life was when I T.P'd Mrs. Leighton's house, and got away with it. By the way, I still haven't lived down the picture of me polishing her hubcaps, thanks so much Summer."
"No problem." Summer flipped her hair back with a small satisfied smile. "I will always be there to capture your humiliating moments. It humbles you for a time."
"Thanks, you're a peach." He snapped sarcastically. "Look, I've got to go. Don't worry about me, I've got my skateboard, so I'll get home."
"You sure? I could always drive you." Katie offered, "Wait, I can't. Stupid permit regulations."
"And that's why I already have my license." Freddy stuck his tongue out childishly. "Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass for now. I can cut through the park anyways. You all gonna be there this Saturday?"
"Yeah." Katie, Marta, Tomika and Alicia nodded.
"I'm going to be there too, if anyone else cares." Frankie said brightly to annoy them all.
"Of course we care." Alicia said mockingly, shooting looks to her friends.
"See you Freddy." Zack watched as his friend rolled away, the tie he was wearing from school waving over his shoulder like a flag.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arin sighed, her fingers itching for the guitar that Zack used, and wishing that she were with Freddy again. The last night had been ever better than the first. The blonde drummer had been in better humors since he had avoided a fight with his parents, and that much was apparent since he was often surlier when he had been in an all out verbal brawl.
But keeping a serene face, she tilted her head and glanced to Lawrence who sat looking like it was his birthday, Christmas and any other holiday of import all rolled into that day. She pushed down a smile at his expression, and focused again on just sitting and listening to the jazz band playing on a gazebo in the park.
As the song came to a close, multitudes of people stood up and clapped. Arin followed in their example, wondering idly how so many could turn up at this event, and how Lawrence could have gotten wind of such an activity. He was too polite, even with his exposure to Rock, and Dewey, and Freddy. A smile graced her face as she thought about the blonde boy. Something was really wrong with her. She couldn't stop thinking about him, or object reminding her of him, and she had known him for about how long? Yeah, a little over three weeks? Talk about whacked.
"So what did you think?" Lawrence asked, searching her face for any trace of repugnance, but Arin's face was so schooled that there wasn't any. Relief flooded onto his own face, which wasn't as easily masked.
"It was an experience." She replied with a short nod. "What now?"
"A walk?" Lawrence didn't look all that comfortable in the situation Arin had presented, but when she nodded, he shrugged and they walked down the path around the park.
"So what have you been up to these past few days?" Arin asked in a friendly tone, elbowing Lawrence slightly.
He took time to ponder his answer. Saying 'thinking about you' wouldn't really help out a whole lot, so he decided to say something else. "I've been practicing new pieces. And homework, and mainly just thinking about stuff."
"Like what?"
"Uh...what colleges to apply to. I have to start getting everything in order. And I'm all excited for the competition that is coming up."
"Fair enough." Did she look a little reserved? They walked on in silence, Arin twisting the bandannas around her wrist restlessly. She was clad in a pair of jeans, which was surprising as she normally wore cargoes, and a white oversized long-sleeved shirt with a picture of dragon on the front. There were holes in the sleeves, just perfect for sticking your thumbs through, which she was doing.
Lawrence ingrained this picture of her into his memory as best he could, trying to remember the elegant lines of her neck, and the way her dark hair complemented her eyes. Those were probably the feature that stood out about her other than her strange personality. Deep sapphire blue, it was almost like you could drown in the depths of them, and they weren't light ice blue like some peoples' eyes were.
The sound of rolling wheels jarred him out of his personal thoughts, and he turned to see what the distraction was.
"Lawrence! Hey, how's it going buddy." That voice he could recognize anywhere. He heard it enough in practice. Especially in a sarcastic tone. That would be Freddy Jones.
"Not too badly." He replied politely, his eyes traveling to Arin. It was like she had been transformed, the air around her was...different somehow. Freddy caught sight of her too, and his brows furrowed in confusion.
"Hey Arin. What you doing?"
"Hanging out with Lawrence. I promised him that I would yesterday. We on for tomorrow?"
"Definitely." He grinned widely. "Mind if I join you two?"
"Not at all." Lawrence said, even though he was a little annoyed with the intrusion upon his one-on-one time with Arin. But he felt a little regretful as Freddy took his position on the other side of the pretty girl. It was as if he wasn't there the moment the drummer rolled into the scene. Arin's attention immediately turned to him, and the two were talking animatedly, with a lot of pushing, gentle punching, and there was even a point when Freddy wrapped his arm around her shoulders possessively, whispering something into her ear before releasing her.
"Have I been beamed off this planet?" Lawrence attempted a joke to gain back her attention. It worked when she offered him a smile.
"Sorry Lawrence. I guess I got a little sidetracked." She shoved Freddy square on his chest, causing the boy to stagger back slightly.
"That wasn't fair!" He declared indignantly. "Tell her Lawrence."
"What?"
"Nevermind." Freddy shrugged, "I'd better run before the 'rents really get angry. They're pissed as it is."
"I hope they don't get upset with you." Lawrence commiserated with his band mate.
"Thanks. I hope so too, but I think they're past upset. They're almost as bad as Zack's parents." He nodded slightly and rode off on his skateboard.
"So much for chivalry." Arin joked, turning back to Lawrence. "Now where were we before he interrupted?"
"I'm not that sure, but we can talk about---the piano."
"Right." Arin toyed with the strands of her hair, and wished for a more interesting topic.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Left with the rest of the band, Zack shook his head, thinking about all the other events that were going on. At least there was that Rock Rumble thing.
"So how's all your lives going?" Tomika questioned as they entered the parking lot.
"Can't complain." Zack closed his eyes sleepily. "Well, actually I could, but it would take too long."
"I heard the funniest story." Frankie broke the small silence that settled about them. "A guy was driving when a policeman pulled him over. He rolled down his window and said to the officer, 'Is there a problem, Officer?' 'No problem at all. I just observed your safe driving and am pleased to award you a $5,000 Safe Driver Award. Congratulations! What do you think you're going to do with the money?' He thought for a minute and said, 'Well, I guess I'll go get that drivers' license.' The lady sitting in the passenger seat said to the policeman, 'Oh, don't pay attention to him - he's a smartass when he's drunk and stoned.' The guy from the back seat said, 'I TOLD you guys we wouldn't get far in a stolen car!' At that moment, there was a knock from the trunk and a muffled voice said, 'Are we over the border yet?' Isn't it great?"
Silence met his words before Zack burst out laughing. "That's too funny man."
"Where did you hear that?" Marta grinned devilishly.
"From a friend."
"Well you can all sit here and share stories. I gotta get jet." Alicia apologized, "You coming Summer? How about you Tomika?"
"Yeah. Bye Zack! Bye Frankie! Bye Katie! Bye Marta!" The two girls followed the singer to her car, leaving Zack, Katie and Marta, as Frankie had to leave too.
"Don't our friends love us to death?" Katie joked, shaking her head and glancing to the both of them.
"Oh definitely." Marta smiled. "So now Zack, how's you 'girl trouble' going?"
He shot her a quizzical glance. "How did you know about that?"
"I hear things from here to there. You forget that I was in Mrs. Gregory's class, and saw the whole Candace confrontation thing. And I totally think there's something going on between Summer and you."
As if to prove her point, Zack turned a furious shade of scarlet. " Uh...yeah, I guess."
"Oh come on." Katie smiled. "You totally check her out in the halls. I've seen you."
"Shit, I forgot you were Summer's friend." He smacked the palm of his hand to his forehead. "But I do know that you like Freddy."
They were even. Katie fell into a silence, staring dumfounded at him.
"Yeah, so do I." Marta nodded energetically, "But I didn't want to say anything. I think a lot of other people know. Heck, I even think Freddy knows."
Katie groaned. "Oh, that's great. That's really great."
"But he has to like you somewhat if he agreed to come with you to the musical." Marta tried with a little smile. Katie nodded, seeing the train of logic.
"That does make some sense. I guess you're right." She offered up her own smile, shrugging slightly. "But I don't know it that was for pity reasons."
"Freddy doesn't have a sympathetic bone in his body. We all know that for a fact." Zack rolled his eyes, thinking of all the times Freddy had made some snide remark when someone was digging for sympathy points. Definitely not the best idea to turn to Freddy for comfort. But what about...well, it wasn't really his concern. But maybe you could turn to Freddy after all. The kid had changed that much, Zack had to hand it to him. Or was the cause of the change her?
*A/N: So I'll try to update quickly, but you never know how my teachers choose to react, and dump a wash load of work on me. So please take the time to review, I would really appreciate it, but as stated before, absolutely no flames. For the shout outs!
EvaLuna85: In response to your previous question, no, I am not from Toledo. Far from it. But my aunt is, so I had some inspiration. And I know I was making Katie so mean, I'm so sorry about that, cause if you want to know the truth, I actually love Katie, but my editor isn't the biggest fan of her, and was like "I think she should say this", and of course, changed it a little. But never fear, she does get a lot nicer. I can't stand Katie being so bitchy. And it was so hard for me, but thanks so much for reviewing.
audi katia: Go right ahead and use those songs! I encourage others to write SOR ficcies, and I can't wait to read yours! I don't own the songs that I chose, so I really couldn't say, but I love them, and decided to just stick 'em in there for good measure. Thanks so much for reviewing, I really truly appreciate it. And thank you again, because the rose was extremely beautiful -_^.
Pheonix Feathers: I know, isn't it great? I was hoping we would finally get one. I can't wait until you post your story! I'm definitely going to read it. Let me know when you do!
picklesniper: You are correct in your thinking Joey is around 12/13, but Kevin has already had his birthday, and turned 15 *cheers* on December 3rd. Thus he is older than me by a few mere months, and thus I am extremely content, because the pie was great. Lol. Thankies.
Camden Elisabeth Stephano: Ah, I would have to agree with you on that one. Joey is really cute, even though I'm older than him. 'Tis sad, but then I'm the same age with Kevin, so things even out. But like going to meet him *tear tear. sniffle* Thanks so much for reviewing, it really made my day.
sk8erpunkGCpnay: Musician in the heart, soul, mind, and flesh. If that answers your question much. And you have officially been added to my "people who rock my world" list. Thank you for respecting my tastes, normally my friends either agree with me, or attack me for thinking Kevin's cute, and I totally appreciate your understanding that not everyone likes the same kind of guy -_^.
No Use For A Name: Thanks for the review. And don't worry, I took it as constructive criticism. I know that Katie was a little OOC, and I'm trying to correct that. It's just that my editor isn't a Katie fan, so...yeah. But I'm attempting to push her back into character, even if my editor is gonna have a fit. Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for pointing out some other stuff like the unoriginality of my OC's. But oh well.
skaterpunkGCpnay (again): I took drums at a Conservatory, but now I'm taking it with a family friend who plays the set professionally, and it's pretty cool. But lemme say, wow. You do play a lot of instruments. I play piano, guitar, drums, clarinet, and harmonica, but that's not really that hard to play if you ask me. Oh! Wait, and the Chinese flute.
rockin'till dawn: I know! It's definitely an awwwww situation. I never thought about them together, but then someone mentioned it to me, and it kind of clicked.
blue-eyed-stranger: THANK YOU! Someone agrees with me! All those flamer people make me think that they don't realize that they aren't the center of the universe, and their opinions don't float everyone's boat. And I don't really think that what I did was brave. Just stupid and honest, if you ask me, but no one is. Thanks for reviewing though.
Dolly: Wow, you're the first one to mention Lawrence. I feel kind of bad for him too, but I think I know how he's going to go. And no, I'm not releasing that, cause I have yet to finalize it, but I'm thinking...-_^. And I'm so glad you like Arin, no one has said that either, so you deserve a big enormous cookie!
Jewelkitten: Yes, I apologize for Katie being a little OOC, and I'm gonna reign her in. It's cause of my editor isn't a big Katie fan, so hence, she's a little bitchier, but never fear, I am in reality a Katie fan, so the real Katie shall prevail! (ok, enough with the cheesy valiant crap) Thanks for reviewing!
Faye: Thanks, I'm glad you like it. And definitely caught that scene! I know, that's hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing. He makes the best faces in the background *sighs and smiles* Thanks so much for making me remember that scene! And thankies for reviewing too. You deserve a big cookie.
LeigH 143: LMAO! The kid is one for burning up things (hehehe.) And you're the first to mention his relationship with his parents! Kudos to you. And thanks, I hoped it was realistic enough, but knowing me, I kind of go out there on a limb, and pray it is real enough. Your review really made my day!
Disclaimer: Much to my woe, I don't own any of the School of Rock characters, and only own the movie poster, soundtrack, DVD, and a Marta bookmark.
**Chapter 4**
"Hey Freddy." Katie smiled shyly, feeling the thin rope of courage she had felt slowly beginning to fray, much like her frazzled nerves. The drummer nodded his head in greeting, slamming his locker.
"Hey. What's up?"
She bit her lip tracing patterns on the floor with her toe. "I was wondering if...would you...uh...that is, do you think...argh."
Freddy did not look amused, but an eyebrow quirked. "Katie, if you don't ask me, you'll never get an answer."
Learnt that much over the past few years. She idly thought to herself before sighing. "If you're not busy, would you go to the musical that's showing today with me?" Katie crossed her fingers.
"Fine. I'll go with you." Freddy shrugged, remembering that he had asked Arin to go to a movie with him, but she told him she was busy. A musical wasn't the worst thing imaginable, at least he could evade his parents again for another day. He smiled warmly as Katie grinned and ran away, leaving him with a quick "I'll see you later then. Bye!".
Katie wasn't so bad, she was pretty and all, with dark brown hair that flipped out at the edges, and soft brown eyes that often tried to meet his. Freddy had the feeling she liked him, and for a little while he had liked her, but now all he felt was friendship. Nothing more, nothing less. Maybe something might come out of their friendship, but at the moment, those kinds of romantic feelings were definitely on life support, and the plug had been pulled.
But it was okay to hang out with friends, right? This whole thing with emotions and feelings was a little hard for Freddy to understand, and the situation he was in was a little to complex for his understanding. Thus the reason why he never truly tried to get a girlfriend, because females were unpredictable, at least to him. The preppy ones pretty much had their own language for crying out loud, with their constant crooning over the hot guys (himself included in some cases), and the difference between BFF and the BF, and all those annoying LYLAS's they wrote to each other when they passed notes.
So sure, he had intercepted a few of them. But hey, it was a free country, and they should have better sense than to try to send a note to their friend on the OTHER side of the room. And if it passed through Freddy's hands, then God help you. He would read it.
But then he had to admit, something was different when it came to Arin. She wasn't like Katie, or Summer, or Tomika, or any of the other girls. There was just a vibe to her. She was just someone not to just let slip through your fingers. He thought about it for a second longer. Maybe the reason he was attracted to her was not only because she was hot, but because he understood her, and her motivations. You like what you can control, and understand. It's human nature.
Sighing he trudged to his next class, hearing the bell, and knowing that he was going to be late.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Zack was so tired. Yawning, his head hit the desk, trying to stay awake amid the droning of the "queen bee of the classroom" Mrs. Gregory. It wasn't an easy task, since her monotonous voice was very much like a lullaby, a free one-way ticket to dreamland, all commodities accounted for.
He felt someone prod him with the point of a pencil as his eyes threatened to close fully. It was not the first time he had been poked out of his thoughts. Grinning to the desk he recalled that day in detention where Freddy had actually pinched him to get his attention. And it had hurt too. Who knew Freddy could pinch so hard? The kid should have been rewarded a medal.
"Zack, come on. Get up." Summer groaned and kicked the back of his chair startling him into awareness. "Mrs. Gregory's gonna flip."
"Sorry." He apologized over his shoulder, his handsome features breaking into another rueful grin. "Late, late night. Talking to Freddy online. He wouldn't shut up after he signed on at about ten."
Summer made a 'tsking' noise with her tongue, and smiled sympathetically. "I know how you feel. I pulled an all-nighter once studying for a mid-term that was crucial to my grade."
"Come off it Summer. You're a frickin genius. You don't need to study." Zack suppressed another yawn and watched as their classmate Frankie went up to the board to write down the answer to the problem that Mrs. Gregory had posed.
"Actually I do. I'm not perfect, but I'm so close it's scary." She smiled, passing him her pencil case so that he could read the key-chain attached to the zipper.
"That doesn't surprise me. Hey, Katie's going to some musical today after school. You want to go?"
"With you?" Zack couldn't see Summer's face, but he could visualize her wrinkling her nose in that cute manner when she didn't like the idea of something. His heart sank like an anchor in a harbor.
"You don't have to go..."
"I'd love to." She cut him off, feeling herself blush, and thankful that he sat in front of her, and not next to her. The shrill bell cut of any further socializing, and they gathered their belongings together as quickly as they could.
"So I'll see you after school?"
"Definitely." Summer brushed past him with a smile, her head bowed slightly to mask her face, which she was still struggling to compose. He watched her leave, feeling the eyes of Candace on his back. God, he had forgotten she was in that class.
"Hey Candy, what's going on?" He attempted to keep things the same as always. She merely deflected his greeting and cut to the chase.
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
She snorted, apparently miffed beyond compare. "That little interchange you had with the Brainiac Babe. Don't give me that look Zack. I'm not as smart as she is, but I'm not blind."
"I know you're not." He sighed. "Summer is a really good friend of mine, and I wanted to go to the musical with her. She is our band manager."
"And you didn't want to go with me." Accusation blazed in her eyes as she looked to the brown haired brown-eyed boy that she had long coveted. " Fine, go ahead, go to the musical with your precious band manager. Have fun while I sit at home alone."
Why did she have to be so difficult? "Look, I'll make it up to you Candy. I'll...tell Shalyn to leave me alone."
"That's not enough." Candace bristled. "Look, I was willing to battle it out with Shalyn over you because you weren't paying a whole bunch of attention to either of us. But this Summer suddenly waltzes in, and poof, we're gone from your mind."
"Well she didn't exactly waltz in. More like crashed in." Zack tried a joke, half-heartedly smiling to her mutinous looking face.
"It's not funny Zack. You hurt me. So leave me the hell alone from now on." She choked back a sob and ran out the door, making Zack feel like he was a criminal or something. Caught in the crossfire of all these emotions, jeez. He should go and talk to Freddy.
Shouldering his bag, he finally exited the door, every step he took echoing in his head.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Freddy walked into the school auditorium when school let out. He was supposed to meet Katie here and they would go to the musical with Zack and Summer, and Marta, and heck the rest of the band. Their school was performing their own musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and today was a Wednesday, so that would mean tech day.
His eyes wandered to the stage when he caught sight of a familiar face, moving the heavy woodwork that made up the scenery. Arin had always changed the uniform, or added her own flavor to it as she insisted. She wore the white shirt with the school logo monogrammed on the left, but she also wore a second long-sleeved shirt under it, and that was hiked up to her elbows.
The front of her kilt had little pins on it, with "encouraging" quotes on them. Around her wrists were countless rags of bandannas, the long ends trailing off like tails, black and red bangles, and this strange buckle thing around her arm under her elbow. Her hair was up in a messy bun with chopsticks holding the whole style up. Those were probably her trademark, along with her fang and guitar pick necklace, and the spike necklace that she wore to compliment it. Headphones hung around her neck like a medal of honor or something. His eyes traveled further down, to the knee socks that just peeped over the black buckle boots that she wore.
Freddy made his way down to the front of the stage, resting his head on his arms as he watched her go about her business.
"I didn't know you were a tecchie." He called out in greeting. Arin paused in her tracks and smiled appreciatively.
"I just started last week. They had already casted for the parts, so Mrs. Walter said I could be a tecchie instead. It's not that bad."
"I'll take your word for it." He winked cheekily. "Miss Tech of the Century."
She rolled her eyes and went to sit down on the edge, dangling her feet in the air. Freddy, being 5'8", could easily stand and reach the line of her elbows from where he was on the ground. He smiled evilly. "I hate sappy BS."
"What?"
"I had to write four sappy essays for my scholars program, who by my friggin luck happens to be run by Mrs. Leighton. I am definitely at the top of her 'students to assassinate' list." He sighed melodramatically, earning a snicker from the girl on the stage.
"That must suck."
"Yeah. It's a flower-covered bullet through a cynic's heart."
"Oh. I thought it was just Frankie attempting to sing. Meaning the sappy BS you were talking about." Arin swung her legs, watching the harsh stage lights glint off the silver buckles of her boots.
"No. That's called obnoxious tuneless torture." Freddy replied evenly, grinning at her reference to his other friend. "I'm drowning in this honey dripping. The devil's glucose."
"Oooook then Freddy." She shook her head, and bit back a giggle. "So why are these essays so hard to write? You really hate writing all the good sappy crap, huh?"
Freddy cracked his knuckles and rolled his head."Well, right now outlook is negative. I'm trying to make up nice crud, because the essays are self- reflection. And all I'm seeing is stuff that made me cynical, and self- centered, and judgmental. That's not what the scholars program wants to hear."
"You sure? I wouldn't have guessed. You're so prickly anyways." Her smile took away the sting of the words. "Give me examples. Go on, I dare you." She laughed as he grabbed her booted foot, and tried to pull her down off the stage. He didn't succeed.
"Fine." He growled frustrated, but couldn't exactly rid his face of the grin. "My parents' constant verbal attacks and competition = tendency towards sarcasm. A friend dumped me in 6th grade for someone more popular = cynicism = friends for life is BS. They don't want that, but that's all I got! As you see, I have issues."
"I see your evident anger towards life. If life gives you lemons, do you know what you do? Kick life in the ass and as for oranges."
"Not a bad philosophy. Life's just a terminal disease, and she's just a bitch anyways."
Arin's eyebrows furrowed in confusions. "Life or Mrs. Leighton?"
"Both. And since I need a title and all for my paper, I think I'll shall call it "Journey to the Bitch"."
Arin couldn't stop herself from laughing. Taking advantage of her distraction, Freddy tugged her down to his side. She gave him a dirty look, and pretended to slap his face. He played along, rubbing his cheek.
"Why'd you have to hit so hard?" Freddy grabbed her quickly, slinging her over his shoulder and whirling her around.
"Put me down Freddy!" Arin shrieked, laughing at the same time. " Goddamn you, Freddy Jones, put me down!" Her fists beat upon his back gently as she tried to get free.
"'Kay then." He set her down gently, noting the flush on her cheeks, and rolled his eyes at her indignant remarks. "I am so much cooler than you." Freddy teased.
"No you're not."
"Yes I am."
"No you're not."
"Yes I am, yes I am, yes I am."
"Anything you can do I can do better." Arin challenged, folding her arms.
"I can do anything better than you."
"No you can't."
"Yes I can." Freddy pursed his lips comically.
She made a clicking noise with her tongue. "You strange child."
"Hey, so I was talking to Zack, and he suggested that the four of us hang out some time this weekend. We could watch a movie over at Zack's house, and all that junk. You interested?"
"Yeah. Sounds good." Arin smiled. "This Saturday?"
"That's right. And we jam tomorrow. I can pick you up and bring you over to Zack's if you want."
"Sure." Her eyes twinkled merrily. Had they really been this blue all along? Freddy punched her shoulder gently, shaking his head and grinning like a maniac.
"Am I interrupting something?" Katie asked, adjusting the strap of her bag.
"Nope." Arin responded brightly in her good humor. "How's it going?"
"Not too badly." Katie was a little wary of Arin's sudden change towards her, but brushed it off. If Arin wanted to let go of the bitchy façade, so could she. Besides, Freddy was going to the musical with her.
"Cool. I suppose you guys have plans, so I'll let you go. I got to work anyways, Mrs. Walter won't like it if the stage isn't set right." Arin waved, feeling a little reluctant, but pulled herself onto the stage, watching the two leave.
"Did something just happen so fast that it went over my head?" Freddy inquired incredulously. "Since when have you two been all buddy buddy?"
"Since never." She admitted, "But hey, she's not acting like a brainless bitch today, so I decided that two can play at that game. I'm not really that mean you know."
"Yeah. I've known you for six years. And I can be totally meaner than you can."
Katie rolled her eyes and smiled. "We know Freddy. We know. How many practices we've lived through that you've been dissing someone or other."
"True, true. Maybe we can stop at McDonalds or something and I can try to chug a milkshake again, this time without Mr. S trying to stop me."
"Dude, that would be cool, but stupid." Zack commented in greeting. He held up his hand to high-five his best friend.
"You got that right." Katie nodded. "What are we going to tell your parents when you croak."
"Ah, they won't give a shit. I expect they would throw a huge party in my honor, and thank me for dying." Freddy said with a smile. "They've never really liked me all that much before. Eh...what's up with that project that Thomas totally slammed on us for History?"
"I know! I don't understand why he would pick a project so close to the end of the term." Summer shook her head as they fell into step.
Freddy pretended to gasp. "Wow, Miss Summer Hathaway doesn't know something about the teachers? This is really serious. Death to teachers!"
"No! Cause then there won't be anyone to evaluate me, and I won't ever get into Harvard." Summer gave him an irritated look.
Marta popped up beside the girl with Alicia, Tomika, and Frankie."Come on, whose cars are we taking? We're going to be late."
*~*~*~*~*~*~
If anyone asked him, the musical was great. But if you asked him plot details, Freddy couldn't answer. That was probably due to the fact that he had fallen asleep in the beginning of the whole shebang, and didn't wake up till everyone started clapping. That went for Zack too, who had been more than happy to use the dark theater as an excuse for succumbing to slumber.
"That was fascinating. I never knew they could pull off a musical about eyelids." Freddy joked with a yawn. He blinked as they walked out into the bright outdoors.
"Very intellectually stimulating." Zack agreed.
"You guys are so...argh!" Marta exclaimed, not able to hide her amusement. "I bet you don't even known the name of the musical."
"Yep, I don't." Freddy responded nonchalantly. Zack quickly scanned the program they had received, brandishing it triumphantly.
"We went to see 'The Sound of Music'." He grinned, taking a quick bow. " Thank you all for the wonderfulness of the performance."
"And you asked me to come, yet you sleep through the whole thing. Katie and I were about to consider pulling some god-awful prank on you, and get a picture of it to send to everyone. But lucky you, we had no whipped cream, or shaving cream, or even chocolate syrup, or eggs."
Freddy wrinkled his nose in disgust. "That's for little kids. The highlight of my life was when I T.P'd Mrs. Leighton's house, and got away with it. By the way, I still haven't lived down the picture of me polishing her hubcaps, thanks so much Summer."
"No problem." Summer flipped her hair back with a small satisfied smile. "I will always be there to capture your humiliating moments. It humbles you for a time."
"Thanks, you're a peach." He snapped sarcastically. "Look, I've got to go. Don't worry about me, I've got my skateboard, so I'll get home."
"You sure? I could always drive you." Katie offered, "Wait, I can't. Stupid permit regulations."
"And that's why I already have my license." Freddy stuck his tongue out childishly. "Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass for now. I can cut through the park anyways. You all gonna be there this Saturday?"
"Yeah." Katie, Marta, Tomika and Alicia nodded.
"I'm going to be there too, if anyone else cares." Frankie said brightly to annoy them all.
"Of course we care." Alicia said mockingly, shooting looks to her friends.
"See you Freddy." Zack watched as his friend rolled away, the tie he was wearing from school waving over his shoulder like a flag.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arin sighed, her fingers itching for the guitar that Zack used, and wishing that she were with Freddy again. The last night had been ever better than the first. The blonde drummer had been in better humors since he had avoided a fight with his parents, and that much was apparent since he was often surlier when he had been in an all out verbal brawl.
But keeping a serene face, she tilted her head and glanced to Lawrence who sat looking like it was his birthday, Christmas and any other holiday of import all rolled into that day. She pushed down a smile at his expression, and focused again on just sitting and listening to the jazz band playing on a gazebo in the park.
As the song came to a close, multitudes of people stood up and clapped. Arin followed in their example, wondering idly how so many could turn up at this event, and how Lawrence could have gotten wind of such an activity. He was too polite, even with his exposure to Rock, and Dewey, and Freddy. A smile graced her face as she thought about the blonde boy. Something was really wrong with her. She couldn't stop thinking about him, or object reminding her of him, and she had known him for about how long? Yeah, a little over three weeks? Talk about whacked.
"So what did you think?" Lawrence asked, searching her face for any trace of repugnance, but Arin's face was so schooled that there wasn't any. Relief flooded onto his own face, which wasn't as easily masked.
"It was an experience." She replied with a short nod. "What now?"
"A walk?" Lawrence didn't look all that comfortable in the situation Arin had presented, but when she nodded, he shrugged and they walked down the path around the park.
"So what have you been up to these past few days?" Arin asked in a friendly tone, elbowing Lawrence slightly.
He took time to ponder his answer. Saying 'thinking about you' wouldn't really help out a whole lot, so he decided to say something else. "I've been practicing new pieces. And homework, and mainly just thinking about stuff."
"Like what?"
"Uh...what colleges to apply to. I have to start getting everything in order. And I'm all excited for the competition that is coming up."
"Fair enough." Did she look a little reserved? They walked on in silence, Arin twisting the bandannas around her wrist restlessly. She was clad in a pair of jeans, which was surprising as she normally wore cargoes, and a white oversized long-sleeved shirt with a picture of dragon on the front. There were holes in the sleeves, just perfect for sticking your thumbs through, which she was doing.
Lawrence ingrained this picture of her into his memory as best he could, trying to remember the elegant lines of her neck, and the way her dark hair complemented her eyes. Those were probably the feature that stood out about her other than her strange personality. Deep sapphire blue, it was almost like you could drown in the depths of them, and they weren't light ice blue like some peoples' eyes were.
The sound of rolling wheels jarred him out of his personal thoughts, and he turned to see what the distraction was.
"Lawrence! Hey, how's it going buddy." That voice he could recognize anywhere. He heard it enough in practice. Especially in a sarcastic tone. That would be Freddy Jones.
"Not too badly." He replied politely, his eyes traveling to Arin. It was like she had been transformed, the air around her was...different somehow. Freddy caught sight of her too, and his brows furrowed in confusion.
"Hey Arin. What you doing?"
"Hanging out with Lawrence. I promised him that I would yesterday. We on for tomorrow?"
"Definitely." He grinned widely. "Mind if I join you two?"
"Not at all." Lawrence said, even though he was a little annoyed with the intrusion upon his one-on-one time with Arin. But he felt a little regretful as Freddy took his position on the other side of the pretty girl. It was as if he wasn't there the moment the drummer rolled into the scene. Arin's attention immediately turned to him, and the two were talking animatedly, with a lot of pushing, gentle punching, and there was even a point when Freddy wrapped his arm around her shoulders possessively, whispering something into her ear before releasing her.
"Have I been beamed off this planet?" Lawrence attempted a joke to gain back her attention. It worked when she offered him a smile.
"Sorry Lawrence. I guess I got a little sidetracked." She shoved Freddy square on his chest, causing the boy to stagger back slightly.
"That wasn't fair!" He declared indignantly. "Tell her Lawrence."
"What?"
"Nevermind." Freddy shrugged, "I'd better run before the 'rents really get angry. They're pissed as it is."
"I hope they don't get upset with you." Lawrence commiserated with his band mate.
"Thanks. I hope so too, but I think they're past upset. They're almost as bad as Zack's parents." He nodded slightly and rode off on his skateboard.
"So much for chivalry." Arin joked, turning back to Lawrence. "Now where were we before he interrupted?"
"I'm not that sure, but we can talk about---the piano."
"Right." Arin toyed with the strands of her hair, and wished for a more interesting topic.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Left with the rest of the band, Zack shook his head, thinking about all the other events that were going on. At least there was that Rock Rumble thing.
"So how's all your lives going?" Tomika questioned as they entered the parking lot.
"Can't complain." Zack closed his eyes sleepily. "Well, actually I could, but it would take too long."
"I heard the funniest story." Frankie broke the small silence that settled about them. "A guy was driving when a policeman pulled him over. He rolled down his window and said to the officer, 'Is there a problem, Officer?' 'No problem at all. I just observed your safe driving and am pleased to award you a $5,000 Safe Driver Award. Congratulations! What do you think you're going to do with the money?' He thought for a minute and said, 'Well, I guess I'll go get that drivers' license.' The lady sitting in the passenger seat said to the policeman, 'Oh, don't pay attention to him - he's a smartass when he's drunk and stoned.' The guy from the back seat said, 'I TOLD you guys we wouldn't get far in a stolen car!' At that moment, there was a knock from the trunk and a muffled voice said, 'Are we over the border yet?' Isn't it great?"
Silence met his words before Zack burst out laughing. "That's too funny man."
"Where did you hear that?" Marta grinned devilishly.
"From a friend."
"Well you can all sit here and share stories. I gotta get jet." Alicia apologized, "You coming Summer? How about you Tomika?"
"Yeah. Bye Zack! Bye Frankie! Bye Katie! Bye Marta!" The two girls followed the singer to her car, leaving Zack, Katie and Marta, as Frankie had to leave too.
"Don't our friends love us to death?" Katie joked, shaking her head and glancing to the both of them.
"Oh definitely." Marta smiled. "So now Zack, how's you 'girl trouble' going?"
He shot her a quizzical glance. "How did you know about that?"
"I hear things from here to there. You forget that I was in Mrs. Gregory's class, and saw the whole Candace confrontation thing. And I totally think there's something going on between Summer and you."
As if to prove her point, Zack turned a furious shade of scarlet. " Uh...yeah, I guess."
"Oh come on." Katie smiled. "You totally check her out in the halls. I've seen you."
"Shit, I forgot you were Summer's friend." He smacked the palm of his hand to his forehead. "But I do know that you like Freddy."
They were even. Katie fell into a silence, staring dumfounded at him.
"Yeah, so do I." Marta nodded energetically, "But I didn't want to say anything. I think a lot of other people know. Heck, I even think Freddy knows."
Katie groaned. "Oh, that's great. That's really great."
"But he has to like you somewhat if he agreed to come with you to the musical." Marta tried with a little smile. Katie nodded, seeing the train of logic.
"That does make some sense. I guess you're right." She offered up her own smile, shrugging slightly. "But I don't know it that was for pity reasons."
"Freddy doesn't have a sympathetic bone in his body. We all know that for a fact." Zack rolled his eyes, thinking of all the times Freddy had made some snide remark when someone was digging for sympathy points. Definitely not the best idea to turn to Freddy for comfort. But what about...well, it wasn't really his concern. But maybe you could turn to Freddy after all. The kid had changed that much, Zack had to hand it to him. Or was the cause of the change her?
*A/N: So I'll try to update quickly, but you never know how my teachers choose to react, and dump a wash load of work on me. So please take the time to review, I would really appreciate it, but as stated before, absolutely no flames. For the shout outs!
EvaLuna85: In response to your previous question, no, I am not from Toledo. Far from it. But my aunt is, so I had some inspiration. And I know I was making Katie so mean, I'm so sorry about that, cause if you want to know the truth, I actually love Katie, but my editor isn't the biggest fan of her, and was like "I think she should say this", and of course, changed it a little. But never fear, she does get a lot nicer. I can't stand Katie being so bitchy. And it was so hard for me, but thanks so much for reviewing.
audi katia: Go right ahead and use those songs! I encourage others to write SOR ficcies, and I can't wait to read yours! I don't own the songs that I chose, so I really couldn't say, but I love them, and decided to just stick 'em in there for good measure. Thanks so much for reviewing, I really truly appreciate it. And thank you again, because the rose was extremely beautiful -_^.
Pheonix Feathers: I know, isn't it great? I was hoping we would finally get one. I can't wait until you post your story! I'm definitely going to read it. Let me know when you do!
picklesniper: You are correct in your thinking Joey is around 12/13, but Kevin has already had his birthday, and turned 15 *cheers* on December 3rd. Thus he is older than me by a few mere months, and thus I am extremely content, because the pie was great. Lol. Thankies.
Camden Elisabeth Stephano: Ah, I would have to agree with you on that one. Joey is really cute, even though I'm older than him. 'Tis sad, but then I'm the same age with Kevin, so things even out. But like going to meet him *tear tear. sniffle* Thanks so much for reviewing, it really made my day.
sk8erpunkGCpnay: Musician in the heart, soul, mind, and flesh. If that answers your question much. And you have officially been added to my "people who rock my world" list. Thank you for respecting my tastes, normally my friends either agree with me, or attack me for thinking Kevin's cute, and I totally appreciate your understanding that not everyone likes the same kind of guy -_^.
No Use For A Name: Thanks for the review. And don't worry, I took it as constructive criticism. I know that Katie was a little OOC, and I'm trying to correct that. It's just that my editor isn't a Katie fan, so...yeah. But I'm attempting to push her back into character, even if my editor is gonna have a fit. Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for pointing out some other stuff like the unoriginality of my OC's. But oh well.
skaterpunkGCpnay (again): I took drums at a Conservatory, but now I'm taking it with a family friend who plays the set professionally, and it's pretty cool. But lemme say, wow. You do play a lot of instruments. I play piano, guitar, drums, clarinet, and harmonica, but that's not really that hard to play if you ask me. Oh! Wait, and the Chinese flute.
rockin'till dawn: I know! It's definitely an awwwww situation. I never thought about them together, but then someone mentioned it to me, and it kind of clicked.
blue-eyed-stranger: THANK YOU! Someone agrees with me! All those flamer people make me think that they don't realize that they aren't the center of the universe, and their opinions don't float everyone's boat. And I don't really think that what I did was brave. Just stupid and honest, if you ask me, but no one is. Thanks for reviewing though.
Dolly: Wow, you're the first one to mention Lawrence. I feel kind of bad for him too, but I think I know how he's going to go. And no, I'm not releasing that, cause I have yet to finalize it, but I'm thinking...-_^. And I'm so glad you like Arin, no one has said that either, so you deserve a big enormous cookie!
Jewelkitten: Yes, I apologize for Katie being a little OOC, and I'm gonna reign her in. It's cause of my editor isn't a big Katie fan, so hence, she's a little bitchier, but never fear, I am in reality a Katie fan, so the real Katie shall prevail! (ok, enough with the cheesy valiant crap) Thanks for reviewing!
Faye: Thanks, I'm glad you like it. And definitely caught that scene! I know, that's hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing. He makes the best faces in the background *sighs and smiles* Thanks so much for making me remember that scene! And thankies for reviewing too. You deserve a big cookie.
LeigH 143: LMAO! The kid is one for burning up things (hehehe.) And you're the first to mention his relationship with his parents! Kudos to you. And thanks, I hoped it was realistic enough, but knowing me, I kind of go out there on a limb, and pray it is real enough. Your review really made my day!