Chapter 7
Finally an item, truth reviled, gun shot

Code:
' ' thought
"" pretty self explained (dialogue)
MSN...MSN msn messenger covo
FLASHBACK bit self explanatory
(wee stars) singing
(A/N) author note

Disclaimer: basically you know what I own and what I don't!! IF you don't I have come to this short, tiny conclusion. Anything that may make a lot of money (e.g. companies and TV shows) I don't own.

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CJ went straight to the java lava and place on the apron and washed her hands.

'I can't believe I just did what I did in school' thought CJ as she paced up and down the floor behind the counter. She heard someone come into the shop. She raised her head and put on a smile. It was Lil.

"Hey CJ one cheery twist please" said Lil. CJ put the cherries, ice and sauce into the blender, put the lid one and mixed it all together. She then poured it into a glass and served to Lil.

"That's 83 cents" said CJ. Lil handed over a dollar.

"Keep the change so heard you got through for the school talent show?" said Lil. CJ smiled.

"Yeah I did! Look like things are turning up for me. Getting a job, through for the talent show. Andy got a new job at La vita" said CJ

"Yeah a girl deserves some happiness" said Lil. CJ and Lil both laughed at the same time. Tommy came in to the java lava. CJ began to blush and so did Tommy as he got nearer the counter.

"Can I have a blackcurrant and raspberry smoothie please?" said Tommy. CJ placed all the ingredients in the blender, mixed it all together then poured it out for Tommy.

"That'll be 83 cents please" said CJ. Tommy gave over a dollar. CJ pressed the buttons on the till but it refused to open. CJ hit it and it shoot opened. CJ got out the change from the till.

"thanks" said Tommy as he went to sit beside Chucky and Phil.

"spill what happened between you two" said Lil.

"Let's say I got over excited and I cuddled him! I made a mess of it" said CJ as she made her self a smoothie and payed for it.

"Look talk to him! In privet" said Lil. CJ was about to go over to the table.

"I can't!" said CJ as she went back behind the counter.

"Fine you be alone" said Lil as she walked away. CJ wiped the surface clean. Tommy came to the counter to get a refill.

"Hey Tommy I kind of need to talk to you" said CJ. Tommy sat on one of the high stools.

"Yeah it was sort of about the hug! Look I didn't mean to make you feel comfortable and I'm sorry about it you know spur of the moment about getting through," said CJ

"Right" said Tommy

"So you see I didn't mean to freak you out so I'm sorry and I hope we can still stay mates" said CJ.

"Yeah sure! Friends as before" said Tommy as he put on a fake smile.

"Brill" said CJ.

'If only we were more' thought Tommy

'Why did I make the biggest mistake' thought CJ.

CJ got home and collapsed on the sofa. She got up and found her guitar and started to play chords and started to play stuck by Stacie Orrico

I can't get out of bed today or get you off my mind

I just can't seam to find a way to leave the love behind

I ain't tripping

I'm just missing

You know what I'm saying, you know mean sang CJ. She suddenly stopped playing. That song in the passed week had ran through her head. She could only think of Tommy recently and she was scared to now get involved especially when she would be moving to Dundee when summer had begun. Suddenly the door opened.

"Hey CJ" shouted Andy.

"Hey" said CJ as she got up from slouching on the sofa.

"What's up?" said Andy.

"Nothing" said CJ as she nearly tripped when walking to her room.

"CJ I know something up you're not clumsy if nothing was up" said Andy.

"I made a prat of myself in school when I found out I got through" said CJ.

"What did you do?" asked Andy.

"Well Kimmi and Tommy came with me to find out about the talent show and I got excited that I accidentally cuddled Tommy" said CJ. Andy started laughing

"It's not funny! And I had to explain about the cuddle and I couldn't stop going red" said CJ.

"What did you say about the cuddle?" asked Andy.

"I didn't mean to make you feel comfortable and I'm sorry about it you know spur of the moment about getting through" was what I said and "So you see I didn't mean to freak you out so I'm sorry and I hope we can still stay mates" I made a class a prat" said CJ.

"CJ just phone him and tell him how you feel" said Andy.

"I can't! Look there's no point if I'm going to Dundee when the summer begins and I'll be working full time up at the ranch" said CJ.

"But he'll phone and visit! CJ just phone him" said Andy. CJ picked up the house phone and dialled Tommy number and called him.

"Hello pickle residence Dil speaking" said Dil

"Hey Dil it's CJ is your bro there?" said CJ.

"Hold on I'll check" said Dil. There was a long silence. This gave time for CJ to go to her room.

"Hey CJ" said Tommy.

"Yeah I kind of phoned you to say about what happened. Right truth is some of it was spur of the moment but the rest was that I do really like in like a crush kind of way," said CJ

"Wooh yeah CJ I have liked you in the way since we met. Hey you know how it's your Birthday this week how about I take you out after school for dinner" said Tommy.

"You mean like a date?" said CJ

"Yeah you could call it that" said Tommy

"Yeah sure" said CJ.

"Ok I'll see you tomorrow at school" said Tommy

"See ya" said CJ. She hung up and cruised back into the living room.

"I have a date this Friday" said CJ.

"Finally I thought I had to do blind date to get you two to go out" said Andy. CJ gave an evil stare.

"Just kidding" said Andy. CJ broke her glare with a laugh. The intercom rang.

That night CJ slept easily. Not only was she going out with a cute guy like Tommy but she had a good job and she was a singer in a talent show. What more could a girl ask for? She saw a feather dance around her head as the wind gently cooled down the room and making it peaceful.

Friday came around quickly. Sun shone through CJ's window as she woke up really early that morning. Excited about her birthday. CJ got dressed in a black "rock chick" t-shirt with a denim skirt and ankle boots. CJ brushed her hair then placed it into a half pony tail. She cruised into the kitchen and made herself toast and tea. Andy staggered into the kitchen. He clearly had something behind his back.

"Happy birthday CJ" said Andy as he gave CJ her present. CJ smiled as she opened it. It was a new portable cd player.

"Thank you" said CJ. Andy smiled. It had been the first time he had seen his little cousin smile since he came to America. Torso walked out again with something clearly behind his back. He gave CJ her present.

"Thank you" said CJ as she toke her gift and opened it. Inside was a box. CJ opened the box and saw a pair of heart drop earrings.

"Thank you" said CJ as she put them on. Andy laughed. Torso and CJ exchanged looks.

"Man my little cousin's growing up" said Andy.

"I'm 5ft 5 I'm not little" stressed CJ. Torso and Andy started laughing as the intercom went off. CJ answered the intercom.

"Hello" said CJ.

"Delivery for CJ petal" said a woman's voice. CJ went to answer the door. It was a package and a bunch of roses.

"Could you sign here?" said the woman. CJ place the package down to sign her name.

"Have a good day" said the woman as she left.

and they called it puppy love sang Torso as CJ lifted the flowers.

"See you tonight. Love Tommy" read CJ quietly.

oh I guess they'll never know sang Torso and Andy joined him. CJ gave a haunting glare as she looked at the roses.

"You guys sing one more time and I'll turn you guys from tenors to sopranos" said CJ. Andy and torso stopped grinning as Andy went to the kitchen to make coffee. CJ sat down to open the package. It was an old jewellery box with a gold plate with the name "Petal and Oakland" engraved. She opened the card.

"Hey CJ

Finally sixteen years old! You mum and Dad were planning to give you this when you turned sixteen. They would have been so proud of you CJ and never forget God is with you always and he loves you so much. Never forget that during hard times. 1 Peter 5 verse 7. Read this verse when you are down.

See you at the ranch soon

Love

Auntie Jane and Uncle Rich" read CJ as she felt tears falling down her face.

"Who's the package from?" asked Andy.

"Your mum and dad" said CJ as she wiped her tears.

"You're crying at the mushy stuff mum writes" said Andy. CJ gave a "shut up or I'll kill you" look. The intercom rang again. CJ went up to answer

"Hey CJ speaking" said CJ

"Hey it's Kimmi and Suz" said Kimmi.

"Two secs" said CJ as she went to grab her bag.

"Bye Andy bye Torso" said CJ.

"Behave just coz your sixteen doesn't mean you can cause trouble" said Andy. CJ glared as she left.

"Hey nice earrings" said Kimmi as she gave CJ her present.

"Thanks" said CJ as she toke the present. Inside was Evanescence album.

"Thank you Kimmi" said CJ. Suzie gave CJ her present. Inside were earrings.

"Thanks Suzie" said CJ.

"No probs." said Suzie as they walked to school. CJ went to her locker. A girl walked past.

"AUTOMATIC HIGH!" she screeched. CJ walked away as the bell rang.

"How does she know my past?" whispered panicky CJ as she went to registration. She sat next to Tommy as Michelle walked past.

"Hey CJ. Is Tommy your new direction?" shouted Michelle as CJ ran to the bathroom. Lil followed.

CJ paced up and down the bathroom floor as she leaned against the wall and slid down like a snail. She started to cry as she heard the door open.

"Hey CJ what up?" asked Lil as she crouched down to be beside CJ.

"They weren't meant to find out!" cried CJ.

"About what? Tell me" said Lil.

"They found out about me and S Club juniors" said CJ. Lil was confused as CJ pulled out a newspaper cutting.

"Clarissa takes one step closer to leaving stardom" read Lil.

"I was in S Club juniors. Two years ago. Then I lost control after new direction. I got bullied and during the shows I was booed off stage. I left and I went back to teen ranch. School was the hardest to go back to. Everyone said I was a loser. They're right! I am a loser," cried CJ.

"you're not a loser. Come on you're dating Tommy the most popular guy in school" said Lil.

"When mum and dad died, I was upset. My whole world crumbled and I had to move somewhere. I had to move on. Auntie Magi offered me a new home. Saying goodbye was the hardest. Auntie Jane and Uncle Rich didn't want me to go. Even when it cam down to it even Tim, my cousin who claims he hates me said he didn't want me to leave" cried CJ.

"look CJ I know you can make it as a singer. You don't need these teeny boppers. You can make it. The only person who can stop you is yourself CJ" said Lil. CJ nodded as she got up and looked in the mirror. She washed her face.

"Thanks Lil" said CJ.

"What are friends for" said Lil.

After school Tommy asked CJ a lot about what happened in registration.

"So you were in a group? Why did you leave?" asked Tommy.

"I got bullied. The rest hated me. Sometimes if we practised with mics they'd switch mine off. The only one who didn't hate me was Hannah. S club 7 thought I was ok but then Paul left and it was obvious it was sign for me to go," said CJ.

"They were obviously jealous," said Tommy.

"Yeah but at the time I felt crap. Singing is my passion. I know God gave me the ability. I need to use it wisely now. I'm not a kid anymore and the choices I make cause consequences" said CJ. Tommy smiled.

"CJ I know you can make it. That what I like about you. You're so strong in your faith. Anyways this way" said Tommy as he lead her to the restaurant. Inside was filled with candles and it played romantic music.

"Wow this is all for me?" said CJ shockedly.

"Happy birthday CJ" said Tommy as he kissed her cheek. CJ was shown to her seat and Tommy pulled out the chair.

"Wow" said CJ. Tommy smiled as the waitress passed out the menus.

"What would you like to drink?" asked the waitress.

"Diet coke please" said CJ.

"Coke please" said Tommy. The waitress wrote down the orders and left.

Mean while at the Java Lava everyone was rushing about preparing for the party. Kimmi was in charge with a check list. Lil was helping Phil with the decorations. Angelica was singing out of tune as usual to test the microphones. Suzie was helping Andy with the sausage rolls, cakes and other food. Torso was supervising cookie with the smoothies, making sure none went on the decorations. Harold was testing the decks were working. He put on The Darkness Lp on and Angelica stopped testing the microphone.

"Is that what you call music" moaned Angelica.

"CJ likes that kind of music. She loves any kind of music except rap and classical" said Andy.

"Ok just warn me before you play it" said Angelica. Andy and Suzie exchanged looks.

"Yes I know she is a spoilt brat sometimes" whispered Suzie. Andy laughed. Suddenly Kimmi's cell phone rang.

"Hello Tommy" said Kimmi.

"Yeah dinner's going great but food taking longer than I thought it would so we'll be there ASAP" said Tommy.

"Ok hey we got the tape from Scotland," said Kimmi.

"Brill ok see ya" said Tommy.

He went back to join CJ and the food had arrived.

"Who were you calling?" asked CJ.

"Oh it was mum she sent a message saying to make sure I had my house key" said Tommy as he eat his lasagne.

After they had eaten Tommy paid for the dinner and they left.

"Right CJ I have another surprise for you but you need to wear the blind fold" said Tommy.

"Ok" said CJ. Tommy put the black scarf on. Tommy led CJ to the java lava.

The Java Lava was decorated and everything was in place and working. Kimmi looked through the window.

"They're coming light off" said Kimmi as she hid under the table and Chucky switched off the lights. CJ was guided into the café and Tommy unveiled the blind fold and chucky switched on the lights.

"Surprise" shouted everyone in the room. CJ was shocked. Every one of her mates was there.

"Oh my goodness" screeched CJ.

"Happy 16th" said Tommy as he cuddled CJ.

"Hey CJ welcome to you party first we have to show you a video which arrived to day." said Harold. CJ sat down at a table.

"Hey CJ! Zac, Tim, Rich and I thought the card and jewellery box wasn't enough so we decided to make a video. Happy birthday CJ and I hope your behaving in America. I know what the American boys are like so BEHAVE CJ" said Auntie Jane. CJ was laughing and so were all the guests.

"Hey CJ! Man 16! my older cousin who loves to play pranks turns 16! Just because you're 16 doesn't mean you can still play pranks! Happy B day cuz oh and Andy if there's chicks you know I would like send me their phone numbers" said Tim as Auntie Jane hit him on the arm. CJ was laughing and crying at the same time.

"CJ! Its brill when you move back you'll be here on full time staff! You're one of the most enthusiastic members on voluntary staff. Your mum and dad would be so proud of you CJ and I bet they're looking down and smiling! The boys miss you. They don't admit it sometimes and can't wait till the summer round ups. Happy birthday CJ! Make sure Andy doesn't flirt with the American girls" said Uncle Rich. Andy laughed hard. CJ knew Zac's would be the hardest not to cry to. Zac was her favourite cousin, well her favourite youngest cousin.

"Hey CJ! Happy birthday! I miss having my big cousin around not to play pranks on or helping me with pranks! I can't wait for you to come home! Hope you feel better from being in hospital and remember all out pranks" said Zac, crying which made CJ cry.

"We have to go because the boys have school in the morning and we have work up at the ranch. Can't wait to see you CJ. Boys say bye to CJ" said Auntie Jane.

"Bye to CJ" said all the boys. This point CJ couldn't stop crying. The light went back on. Tommy was cuddling CJ. CJ went to the bathroom as Harold played music and people went to the dance floor. Kimmi went in.

"Hey CJ you ok?" asked Kimmi. She saw CJ was crying near the sink. Her mascara was running down her face.

"I really miss them. Even Tim and he hates my pranks and also when I leave here I'll miss all you guys" cried CJ.

"I'll make sure to come over to Scotland. So will Chucky, Tommy, Phil and Lil" sympathised Kimmi. CJ smiled threw her tears.

"I know!" cried CJ.

"Come on and wipe your tears" said Kimmi. CJ wiped her face as she came out.

"Hey CJ" said Andy. CJ grinned as Andy gave her a nuggie.

"Oh less of cousin nuggies, please" laughed CJ.

"Come on go and the floor and dance" said Andy. CJ did her army salute which toke the mick out of the army as she went to dance with Tommy.

"Is CJ ok?" asked Andy to Kimmi.

"Just missed your brothers" said Kimmi.

"Yeah even Tim was gutted when CJ left. CJ did joke about setting up with her best mate in Scotland" said Andy. Kimmi laughed.

Meanwhile Auntie Magi was outside and she crept into the java lava threw the back door.

"Now it's time for the slow song so grab your partners!" said Harold. He put on CJ's favourite slow song. David Sneddon's don't let go.

"May I?" said Tommy.

"You shall" said CJ as the two teenagers laughed as they began to dance. CJ was happy. She didn't need the S Club juniors or S Club 8 as they were called now. She didn't need guys to help. She knew when she went home challenges were going to face her and seeing her cousins may cause some fights but God was going to be with her.

"Happy birthday CJ" said a dark voice behind CJ. She grabbed CJ from behind and held a gun. It was what she feared. Auntie Magi.

"LET HER GO!!" shouted Andy.

"No Andrew! She has to be punished" said Auntie Magi.

"I don't get you" said CJ as she cried so heavily. Tommy tried to pull CJ away.

"Look little boy don't play with fire" said Auntie Magi. CJ cried.

"Now CJ my niece. Time to meet your death!" said Auntie Magi. She pulled the trigger. CJ feel onto the floor. Tommy rushed beside

"CJ!" cried Tommy. Her arm was heavily bleeding.

"Tommy she shot me right" said CJ. Tommy cried. CJ closed her eyes and she fainted.

"CJ! CJ!" cried Tommy. Auntie Magi felt smug.

"WHY!" Andy screamed. Auntie Magi smiled smugly.

"Uncle Campbell wasn't an innocent man and right now she is the closest thing to him" said Auntie Magi.

"Magi what are you talking about?" said Andy.

"SOMEONE PHONE AN AMBULANCE!" cried Tommy as Suzie pulled out her cellphone.

"Campbell Petal wasn't the sweet uncle you thought he was. HE RAPED ME!" screamed Auntie Magi. Andy froze in shock.

WOW COULD WHAT AUNTIE MAGI BE SAYING IS TRUE? FIND OUT IN LOVE IS LIKE A BLOSSOMING FLOWER ONLY ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!