"You're taking more care with your appearance than usual." Rei
wrinkled her nose. "If that's even possible."
Mina's glare was delivered via mirror. "I'm the hostess. With great power comes great stress."
Rei snorted. "That's a good one Mina. Uncle Ben couldn't have said it better." She waved off Mina's confused expression. "Whatever, you're not doing anything extra special for hosting." Her smile brightened and her tone turned childlike. "You're making yourself pretty for Jordan."
Mina jerked, the movement so slight Rei would have missed it if she hadn't been watching for it. "That's ridiculous, Rei!"
"But it's true!" Her childish tone included a sing song element. "You're wearing lipstick. You want Jordan to kiss you. You want to reapply lipstick a million times for him. You-"
Mina's hand clamped over Rei's mouth, ending the bizarre song. "You," Mina began, frowning at Rei. "Are behaving entirely too much like my brother."
Rei tried to gasp in denial, but found it difficult with Mina's hand positioned as it was. She pried it from her mouth. "So you really like Jordan?"
Mina nodded. "I think so. He's really nice and funny and-"
"Just be careful, okay?"
Mina straightened and studied her friend. "You don't like him? I thought you did."
"I don't dislike Jordan. I just get a.creepy vibe from him."
Mina relaxed. "Rei, you think that Russell Crowe gives off creepy vibes."
"He does! He's all creepy and Australian and Gladiator was the worst movie ever! I don't care what century you're living in- you don't take a nap and wake up enslaved! It's-"
"Rei? Off topic."
"Huh? Oh right Russell Crowe. He just always has this scary 'I'm mentally murdering your kitten' look on his face."
"When would be a good time to remind you that you've never met the man?"
Rei sniffed, offended. "But that's my point. I wouldn't want to meet him. He's creepy."
Mina sighed in defeat and Rei became serious again.
"Look, I'm not saying that Jordan is a bad guy. I'm just saying that so far I haven't seen any evidence that he's a good guy either. So just.be careful."
Mina flashed a mega watt smile. "I always am."
Rei rolled her eyes and a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Jed swooped in. "We've got an hour or so before anyone shows up." He pointed at Rei. "You promised to watch Cowboy Bebop with me."
She blanched, even though she had no idea what Cowboy Bebop was. "I did no such thing!"
He pouted. "Did too. When you got here I asked what you wanted to do and you said that whatever I wanted to do was fine."
"That's hardly a vow." She crossed her arms stubbornly on principle. "Maybe I don't want to watch Cowboy Bebop."
Jed's pout turned into a grin. "Tough." Before she could duck away, she found herself tossed over Jed's shoulder, ass in the air.
"Put me down or you will die." Rei explained in a terrifyingly calm voice.
Jed flinched but held his ground. "You'll kill me anyway." He winked at his sister as he left, unable to wave. His hands were other wise occupied.
Rei let out a frustrated scream as she was carried away but Mina wasn't feeling sympathetic. Truth be told, she was a bit jealous. Jed was head over heels for Rei.
Not that she wanted her brother. Because ew! Wrong!
But Rei and Jed were so perfectly suited for one another that it was almost frustrating. Jed didn't let Rei push him around and she didn't put up with his bullshit. Not to mention the way their eyes got all soft and mushy when they thought no one was looking.
Mina was a romantic, she wouldn't deny it. But sometimes it was really hard to be around her brother and his girlfriend. It was never fun being the spare tire. She wanted someone of her own.
Admittedly she hadn't taken relationships seriously in the past, choosing to date casually rather than looking for commitment. Tonight she planned to change her game strategy.
For the larger part, boys at Rivercrest High were totally unacceptable. They were typical high school boys: immature, loud, rude, and possessive. True there were exceptions. And Mina had already dated most of them. But after the chase was over, she quickly grew bored.
Jordan could be different, if only in age in maturity. She felt comfortable around him. Not 'I could meet him in my pjs, with three hours sleep and no shower' comfortable. More like 'I won't make a fool of myself' comfortable. Or something like that.
In any case she was looking forward to Jordan coming to the party. He was cute, funny, and always up for a good time. And that was what she wanted in a man, right? She knew that she didn't love him and that she never would. But she wasn't looking for love. She just wanted a boyfriend who she and everyone she knew liked.
Everyone, except Keith. But who really got on well with Keith?
Just about everyone, Mina allowed herself to admit. Despite being standoffish and silent, Mina hadn't really heard any complaints from the student body.
And her brother, despite his outgoing nature, didn't lend his trust easily. And Keith had it completely. Even grumpy Rei liked Keith.
Mina frowned deeply at her reflection. Why was she even thinking about Keith? She was supposed to be excited about Jordan. If she was lucky Keith wouldn't even show up.
Mina wandered down the stairs and away from her thoughts. Rei's voice rose up to greet her from the den and Mina stood outside the door and listened.
"No! I don't give a damn if it was the best show ever created! You can't toss me over your shoulder, cart me downstairs, and expect me to do whatever you want!"
"Come on, Rei. It really is a good show. You'd be missing out for nothing."
"It's the principle of the thing." Rei's voice rang stubbornly.
"Please."
"Oh! Now the puppy dog eyes! That's cheating and you know it!"
'Tank', began to play in the living room. Jed's voice became a combination of annoyance and barely restrained laughter. "Rei, open your eyes. Now you're just being childish!"
"Oh, and it was so mature to throw me over your shoulder like a rag doll."
"Please. Please. Pleeeeeze."
"What did I say about the puppy eyes? I'm immune. You'll have to devise a new method of swaying-" Rei's voice was cut off abruptly. It took little imagination to figure out that Jed had kissed her into silence.
Shaking her head, Mina went to the kitchen and made a bowl of popcorn. She stomped to the living room to give the couple fair warning. She sincerely hoped that they were through kissing and vowed that tonight would end her stint as tag along Mina.
The party was in full swing and as Rei had predicted over half were unfamiliar faces. Melvin had been one of the first to show up, but Mina hadn't had a chance to ask him who the girl he liked was. She hadn't had to.
He was glued to Rei's side and despite the girl's attempts to get rid of him, he was for all appearances permanently attatched. Rei, in the beginning, had tried to spare Melvin's feelings. But in the interest of escaping she looked ready to move straight past rude to violent. Rei's fist kept rapidly clenching and unclenching and Mina knew it was time to intervene. She snagged Jed by his shirt collar as she leapt to Rei's (actually Melvin's) defense.
"Jesus, Mina! I think I'm gonna bruise." Jed whined, rubbing his neck.
"Really? Well, Rei's going to make Melvin bleed if we don't get him away from her."
Jed followed the direction Mina's finger was pointed just in time to see Rei draw back her left arm. "Shit." Bowling people over in his haste, he surged through the crowd in time to grab Rei's fist before it could make contact. Smoothing it open he brought her palm to his mouth. She glared at him as he twined their fingers together.
'Kill. You." Rei mouthed.
With twinkling eyes he turned to Melvin. "I see you've already met my charming girlfriend. I'm Jed Hathaway."
Melvin shook Jed's free hand with a bitter look. Message received. "Melvin Collins."
Mina finally stumbled out of the crowd and the sour look on Melvin's face faded. "Mina would you like to dance?"
"Umm." Mina supplied as she searched for an escape route.
Rei wasn't going to allow it. As far as she was concerned Mina was the reason she'd been forced to spend an hour with Melvin glued to her side. Mina had, after all, been the one to invite him. Smiling sharply, she leaned forward. "Mina's always going on about how she loves this song Melvin. Go ahead Mina, I don't mind."
Mina gave Rei the glare-o-death as she was dragged away.
"That wasn't very nice." Jed chided, releasing Rei's hand in order to wrap both arms around her waist and pull her close. "She rushed me over here to save you."
"Some boyfriend you turned out to be." Rei grumbled as she leaned into him. "Anyway, Mina was the one who invited him so she's the one who should get to enjoy his company." Her smile became smug as Melvin stepped on Mina's foot, and then apologized profusely.
Jed observed the exchange and cringed. "She's going to make your life hell."
"It'll be worth it."
Mina smiled politely and waited for the song to end so she could escape. Rei would be sleeping on the downstairs couch, she decided. Amidst the beer cans and whatever trash was left behind. Oh yes, that would do nicely.
She wasted no time once the song ended. "Thanks for dancing with me Melvin, but I should get back to my guests." She melded into the crowd and started chatting with a group that had a clear view of the door. She hoped Jordan showed up soon.
"Looking for someone, Mina dear?"
Mina looked at Lynda and felt her stomach knot at the look on the girls face. "Jordan said he'd drop by so I'm keeping an eye out."
Lynda raised an elbow and studied her blood red nails. "You didn't actually think he'd show, did you? Why would a college man spend his time at a high school party?"
Mina glared. "I personally invited him."
"My point exactly." Lynda's smirk softened into something resembling a smile as she spied someone over Mina's shoulder. "Great party, by the way. You always did throw the best bashes!"
Mina gave Lynda a look normally reserved for retarded monkeys. "Huh?"
Lynda's smile went up a notch. "Keith! I was hoping to run into you!"
Keith's wince was barely noticeable. "Yes. Well. Here I am." He looked down helplessly at the viselike grip Lynda had on his arm. "Actually I was just about to ask our lovely hostess to dance with me."
Mina was so busy trying not to laugh out loud at the look on Keith's face that she almost didn't process the question. "Wait? Me?"
"Yes you Mina. May I please have this dance?" His eyes begged her to help him out of Lynda's grasp.
Mina would have refused if Lynda hadn't spoken up.
"Oh Mina doesn't want to dance. She fully intends to spend the rest of this night looking longingly at the door." She laughed at the end as if to soften the insult into a joke but no one bought it.
Mina beamed at Lynda as she answered Keith. "I'd love to dance with you Keith." She tugged his arm away from Lynda and led him to the floor.
It was entirely possible that dancing with Keith was even more awkward than dancing with Melvin. Mina at first looked at everything but Keith's face. Unfortunately Keith towered over her, so her choices were limited to staring at Keith's chest or twisting her head to awkward angles to look around him. Which would just be strange. And the more she looked at Keith's chest the more appealing it became. In a desperate pitch for sanity, Mina found herself looking Keith in the eye.
"This is really awkward. We'd better talk or everyone will assume that we're bitter enemies."
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize that the silence was awkward. Your brother's always telling me that I'm too silent. It's one of the reasons why I admire you Mina. You always find something to say."
"So I'm a chatter cube, am I? It's a shame we can't all be silent statues like you." It was said with a determined grin as she began to ignore the weirdness of the position and crane her neck to peer around Keith.
"I didn't mean to offend you. It was a compliment." He frowned when she gave no response but kept looking around him. "Are you looking for someone, or just politely ignoring me?"
"Actually I'm looking for Jordan Wicklam. Perhaps you know him?"
Keith's entire countenance darkened but before he could speak the song ended and Mina stepped out of his arms.
"Actually, I don't think I want to hear anything about Jordan from you Keith. Enjoy the party."
Mina's exit would have been much more dramatic if Melvin hadn't appeared by her side the second she turned away from Keith and latched onto her arm, making both stumble a bit.
"You look upset Mina. I noticed the two of you arguing but thought it best not to step in. But if you require it of me, I'll gladly go take care of that bully for you."
Mina twisted gently, escaping Melvin's grasp with minimal effort. She gave Melvin a doubtful once over, comparing him with Keith who had six inches in height and well, muscles that Melvin would never possess. "No need Melvin." She scanned the crowd, politely ignoring Melvin. The boy remained at her side. "Is there something I can help you with, Melvin?"
"Oh no. I don't really know anyone but you, so I figured I'd stick with you all night."
Mina frowned and scanned the people until she made eye contact with Rei. Without words she made her message clear. 'Help me or I'll find the most painful way imaginable to make you pay.'
Rei rolled her eyes but made her way towards Mina. Before she could arrive Melvin's cell phone went off. He excused himself to take the call.
"I'm going to kill you." Mina cheerfully informed Rei as soon as she arrived.
"Now, now Mina. You were the one who invited him. You'd be a horrible hostess if you didn't spend time with your guests. Especially those who got a personal invite."
"I did mention the killing part, didn't I?"
Rei laughed. "Oh come on. The tiny shove I gave you to towards the dance floor doesn't warrant death."
"You're right, it doesn't. But you will be spending the night on the couch."
Rei gave the crowded couch a look of disgust. "That's cruel and unusual punishment, Mina. I saw that Gary kid spill an entire beer on the arm rest and," she squinted a couple on the couch and quickly turned away. "I'm pretty sure Jessica and Brian are well on their way past third."
Mina gaped at Rei, and then gaped at the couple. "Oh. My. God. That's so not my territory! Please grab Jed to break it up."
"As long as you promise never to make me sleep on that couch. No, scratch that. I never want to sit on it again."
Mina nodded fervently and Rei shoved the crowd out of her way in search of Jed. "I wonder if I could burn the couch without Mom and Dad noticing." She pondered out loud to herself.
"Mina!" Melvin filled the space that Rei had just vacated. "I'm so sorry to say this, but I have to leave. Apparently I have a curfew I was unaware of."
"When?"
"About an hour ago, actually. I've had a wonderful time though. Would it be presumptuous to ask for a hug goodbye?"
Mina cringed inwardly but leaned into a brief hug. When she pulled back she caught Melvin searching her face with a look that suggested he was about to kiss her. She backed out of the hug and grabbed his hand, shaking it firmly. "I'm glad you could make it Melvin. I'll see you at school." She smiled cheerily and backed away towards the kitchen.
Rei found Jed in the den talking with Keith. Pushing a girl in a tube top out of her way she stormed towards her boyfriend.
Keith saw her coming. "Rei looks pissed." He dryly observed.
"Rei always looks pissed." Jed replied with the cheerful conviction of a besotted man.
"I'm right behind you, Jed. Anything to add to that?" Rei asked from around his back.
Jed turned to beam hopefully at his girlfriend. "And that's why I love her?"
Rei rolled her eyes. "Right. I'd love to stand around and listen to you expand that but there's a situation Mina needs you to diffuse."
Jed almost bounced. "Is it a fight? I've always wanted to break up a fight."
Rei patted his hand. "And I'm sure you'd be very good at it dear. But that's not the problem. Jessica and Brain have decided not to save themselves for marriage."
Jed shrugged. "That's not my problem."
"They're on the couch in the living room."
Jed yelped something about his mother's 3,000 dollar couch and leapt into the crowd.
Rei turned towards Keith. "So, having a fun time?"
Keith ignored her question. "You're Mina's best friend, right?"
Rei shifted awkwardly. "I guess so."
"You have to keep her away from Jordan Wicklam."
Rei shook her head. "Look Keith, I know its tough liking someone and having to compete for their attention with someone else-"
"That's not it." Keith ran an impatient hand through his hair. "Jordan Wicklam is dangerous. I can't tell you why or how I know."
Rei studied him. "I think that's the most I've ever heard you say."
Keith frowned down at her. "You're turning into your boyfriend. I'm serious. Please."
Rei glared at him. "I wish people would stop saying that."
His frown deepened but he didn't say anything.
Rei threw her hands up in frustration. "I'm not in charge of Mina. I can't tell her who she can and can't see. And to be honest with you Keith, I've met Jordan. I don't necessarily like him, but I don't think he's evil incarnate either; and unless you give me a reason to, I can't do anything but tell Mina to be careful." Rei held up a hand to prevent Keith from cutting her off mid rant. "Which I've already done. Jordan's too.slick to be good."
Keith gripped Rei's shoulders. "He's a lot more than slick Rei. You just have to trust me on this."
Rei shook her head. "I can't control Mina. Why don't you bring this up with Jed?"
"He'll go into psycho older brother mode. You know him." He leaned toward Rei. "Fine. You can't control her. I know that. Just keep an eye on her. And make sure she doesn't meet him alone."
Rei's eyes widened. "Now you're scaring me." She sighed. "I'll do my best, but I can't stick to her 24/7." She leaned so close that her forehead was almost touching his. "You can't tell me why it's so vital that I keep Mina away from him and I accept that. But if anything happens to her that could have been prevented with the information you have, then you'll be the one to pay. Understand?"
Keith nodded.
"What's going on?" Jed appeared beside them and studied Keith's grip on Rei with suspicion.
Rei smirked at Keith and dislodged his grip from her shoulders by stepping back. "Keith was just asking me about Mina."
The suspicion on Jed's face didn't change a bit. "You seem awfully interested in my little sister lately, Keith? Anything I should know about."
Keith sighed and made a mental note not to piss Rei off ever again. She knew the right buttons to push. "You don't have to worry about Mina and me. I'd better get home. Just keep an eye on her, okay?"
Jed frowned after his friend in confusion before turning to his girlfriend. "What was that intense exchange with Keith really about?"
"He was explaining the benefits of dating him as opposed to, well.you."
Jed gaped at her in disbelief.
She laughed. "Just kidding! We really were talking about Mina." She noticed the mentioned girl heading towards them. "I'll tell you about it later." She promised.
Author's Notes
:::::: Waves timidly at readers.::::::
Hi. Remember me? The author who used to update on a regular basis?
Yeah. I guess that aspiration's been shot to hell in the month (or more) it's taken me to pound out this chapter. I could blame it on a lot of things- papers, tests, finding somewhere to live next year, writer's block, blah, blah, blah, whine, whine, and whine. In other words I let RL take up more time than I should have and dropped the ball as far as Underneath It All is concerned. I apologize to those of you who've been waiting patiently for the next installment. I'd promise to never do it again, but I promised that this chapter would be out before Halloween and look how that turned out. I'll try to be better though.
:::: Bats eyes hopefully.::::
Forgive me?
Sweet Flame of Vipers made the valid point that Rei and Jed act nothing like mild mannered (read boring) Jane and Mr. Bingley. She's right. I wasn't clear enough in my notes. They play the roles of the two without the characteristics. Confused? Yeah, me too. They're the confidants of Keith and Mina but they don't act like Jane and Mr. B.
I also cannot stress enough that though this is a modernized Pride and Prejudice, it's not a purist version of the book. Think of this of it as a Bridget Jone's Diary interpretation: some of the same character types and plots and names, but much as been dropped, altered, or added. Take Jordan for example- his fate will be different from Wickham's. As will Lynda's.
On another note, the Shittenou forums are up and running. It's the Disneyland of message boards! Come over and play if you're a general/senshi fan.
Mina's glare was delivered via mirror. "I'm the hostess. With great power comes great stress."
Rei snorted. "That's a good one Mina. Uncle Ben couldn't have said it better." She waved off Mina's confused expression. "Whatever, you're not doing anything extra special for hosting." Her smile brightened and her tone turned childlike. "You're making yourself pretty for Jordan."
Mina jerked, the movement so slight Rei would have missed it if she hadn't been watching for it. "That's ridiculous, Rei!"
"But it's true!" Her childish tone included a sing song element. "You're wearing lipstick. You want Jordan to kiss you. You want to reapply lipstick a million times for him. You-"
Mina's hand clamped over Rei's mouth, ending the bizarre song. "You," Mina began, frowning at Rei. "Are behaving entirely too much like my brother."
Rei tried to gasp in denial, but found it difficult with Mina's hand positioned as it was. She pried it from her mouth. "So you really like Jordan?"
Mina nodded. "I think so. He's really nice and funny and-"
"Just be careful, okay?"
Mina straightened and studied her friend. "You don't like him? I thought you did."
"I don't dislike Jordan. I just get a.creepy vibe from him."
Mina relaxed. "Rei, you think that Russell Crowe gives off creepy vibes."
"He does! He's all creepy and Australian and Gladiator was the worst movie ever! I don't care what century you're living in- you don't take a nap and wake up enslaved! It's-"
"Rei? Off topic."
"Huh? Oh right Russell Crowe. He just always has this scary 'I'm mentally murdering your kitten' look on his face."
"When would be a good time to remind you that you've never met the man?"
Rei sniffed, offended. "But that's my point. I wouldn't want to meet him. He's creepy."
Mina sighed in defeat and Rei became serious again.
"Look, I'm not saying that Jordan is a bad guy. I'm just saying that so far I haven't seen any evidence that he's a good guy either. So just.be careful."
Mina flashed a mega watt smile. "I always am."
Rei rolled her eyes and a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Jed swooped in. "We've got an hour or so before anyone shows up." He pointed at Rei. "You promised to watch Cowboy Bebop with me."
She blanched, even though she had no idea what Cowboy Bebop was. "I did no such thing!"
He pouted. "Did too. When you got here I asked what you wanted to do and you said that whatever I wanted to do was fine."
"That's hardly a vow." She crossed her arms stubbornly on principle. "Maybe I don't want to watch Cowboy Bebop."
Jed's pout turned into a grin. "Tough." Before she could duck away, she found herself tossed over Jed's shoulder, ass in the air.
"Put me down or you will die." Rei explained in a terrifyingly calm voice.
Jed flinched but held his ground. "You'll kill me anyway." He winked at his sister as he left, unable to wave. His hands were other wise occupied.
Rei let out a frustrated scream as she was carried away but Mina wasn't feeling sympathetic. Truth be told, she was a bit jealous. Jed was head over heels for Rei.
Not that she wanted her brother. Because ew! Wrong!
But Rei and Jed were so perfectly suited for one another that it was almost frustrating. Jed didn't let Rei push him around and she didn't put up with his bullshit. Not to mention the way their eyes got all soft and mushy when they thought no one was looking.
Mina was a romantic, she wouldn't deny it. But sometimes it was really hard to be around her brother and his girlfriend. It was never fun being the spare tire. She wanted someone of her own.
Admittedly she hadn't taken relationships seriously in the past, choosing to date casually rather than looking for commitment. Tonight she planned to change her game strategy.
For the larger part, boys at Rivercrest High were totally unacceptable. They were typical high school boys: immature, loud, rude, and possessive. True there were exceptions. And Mina had already dated most of them. But after the chase was over, she quickly grew bored.
Jordan could be different, if only in age in maturity. She felt comfortable around him. Not 'I could meet him in my pjs, with three hours sleep and no shower' comfortable. More like 'I won't make a fool of myself' comfortable. Or something like that.
In any case she was looking forward to Jordan coming to the party. He was cute, funny, and always up for a good time. And that was what she wanted in a man, right? She knew that she didn't love him and that she never would. But she wasn't looking for love. She just wanted a boyfriend who she and everyone she knew liked.
Everyone, except Keith. But who really got on well with Keith?
Just about everyone, Mina allowed herself to admit. Despite being standoffish and silent, Mina hadn't really heard any complaints from the student body.
And her brother, despite his outgoing nature, didn't lend his trust easily. And Keith had it completely. Even grumpy Rei liked Keith.
Mina frowned deeply at her reflection. Why was she even thinking about Keith? She was supposed to be excited about Jordan. If she was lucky Keith wouldn't even show up.
Mina wandered down the stairs and away from her thoughts. Rei's voice rose up to greet her from the den and Mina stood outside the door and listened.
"No! I don't give a damn if it was the best show ever created! You can't toss me over your shoulder, cart me downstairs, and expect me to do whatever you want!"
"Come on, Rei. It really is a good show. You'd be missing out for nothing."
"It's the principle of the thing." Rei's voice rang stubbornly.
"Please."
"Oh! Now the puppy dog eyes! That's cheating and you know it!"
'Tank', began to play in the living room. Jed's voice became a combination of annoyance and barely restrained laughter. "Rei, open your eyes. Now you're just being childish!"
"Oh, and it was so mature to throw me over your shoulder like a rag doll."
"Please. Please. Pleeeeeze."
"What did I say about the puppy eyes? I'm immune. You'll have to devise a new method of swaying-" Rei's voice was cut off abruptly. It took little imagination to figure out that Jed had kissed her into silence.
Shaking her head, Mina went to the kitchen and made a bowl of popcorn. She stomped to the living room to give the couple fair warning. She sincerely hoped that they were through kissing and vowed that tonight would end her stint as tag along Mina.
The party was in full swing and as Rei had predicted over half were unfamiliar faces. Melvin had been one of the first to show up, but Mina hadn't had a chance to ask him who the girl he liked was. She hadn't had to.
He was glued to Rei's side and despite the girl's attempts to get rid of him, he was for all appearances permanently attatched. Rei, in the beginning, had tried to spare Melvin's feelings. But in the interest of escaping she looked ready to move straight past rude to violent. Rei's fist kept rapidly clenching and unclenching and Mina knew it was time to intervene. She snagged Jed by his shirt collar as she leapt to Rei's (actually Melvin's) defense.
"Jesus, Mina! I think I'm gonna bruise." Jed whined, rubbing his neck.
"Really? Well, Rei's going to make Melvin bleed if we don't get him away from her."
Jed followed the direction Mina's finger was pointed just in time to see Rei draw back her left arm. "Shit." Bowling people over in his haste, he surged through the crowd in time to grab Rei's fist before it could make contact. Smoothing it open he brought her palm to his mouth. She glared at him as he twined their fingers together.
'Kill. You." Rei mouthed.
With twinkling eyes he turned to Melvin. "I see you've already met my charming girlfriend. I'm Jed Hathaway."
Melvin shook Jed's free hand with a bitter look. Message received. "Melvin Collins."
Mina finally stumbled out of the crowd and the sour look on Melvin's face faded. "Mina would you like to dance?"
"Umm." Mina supplied as she searched for an escape route.
Rei wasn't going to allow it. As far as she was concerned Mina was the reason she'd been forced to spend an hour with Melvin glued to her side. Mina had, after all, been the one to invite him. Smiling sharply, she leaned forward. "Mina's always going on about how she loves this song Melvin. Go ahead Mina, I don't mind."
Mina gave Rei the glare-o-death as she was dragged away.
"That wasn't very nice." Jed chided, releasing Rei's hand in order to wrap both arms around her waist and pull her close. "She rushed me over here to save you."
"Some boyfriend you turned out to be." Rei grumbled as she leaned into him. "Anyway, Mina was the one who invited him so she's the one who should get to enjoy his company." Her smile became smug as Melvin stepped on Mina's foot, and then apologized profusely.
Jed observed the exchange and cringed. "She's going to make your life hell."
"It'll be worth it."
Mina smiled politely and waited for the song to end so she could escape. Rei would be sleeping on the downstairs couch, she decided. Amidst the beer cans and whatever trash was left behind. Oh yes, that would do nicely.
She wasted no time once the song ended. "Thanks for dancing with me Melvin, but I should get back to my guests." She melded into the crowd and started chatting with a group that had a clear view of the door. She hoped Jordan showed up soon.
"Looking for someone, Mina dear?"
Mina looked at Lynda and felt her stomach knot at the look on the girls face. "Jordan said he'd drop by so I'm keeping an eye out."
Lynda raised an elbow and studied her blood red nails. "You didn't actually think he'd show, did you? Why would a college man spend his time at a high school party?"
Mina glared. "I personally invited him."
"My point exactly." Lynda's smirk softened into something resembling a smile as she spied someone over Mina's shoulder. "Great party, by the way. You always did throw the best bashes!"
Mina gave Lynda a look normally reserved for retarded monkeys. "Huh?"
Lynda's smile went up a notch. "Keith! I was hoping to run into you!"
Keith's wince was barely noticeable. "Yes. Well. Here I am." He looked down helplessly at the viselike grip Lynda had on his arm. "Actually I was just about to ask our lovely hostess to dance with me."
Mina was so busy trying not to laugh out loud at the look on Keith's face that she almost didn't process the question. "Wait? Me?"
"Yes you Mina. May I please have this dance?" His eyes begged her to help him out of Lynda's grasp.
Mina would have refused if Lynda hadn't spoken up.
"Oh Mina doesn't want to dance. She fully intends to spend the rest of this night looking longingly at the door." She laughed at the end as if to soften the insult into a joke but no one bought it.
Mina beamed at Lynda as she answered Keith. "I'd love to dance with you Keith." She tugged his arm away from Lynda and led him to the floor.
It was entirely possible that dancing with Keith was even more awkward than dancing with Melvin. Mina at first looked at everything but Keith's face. Unfortunately Keith towered over her, so her choices were limited to staring at Keith's chest or twisting her head to awkward angles to look around him. Which would just be strange. And the more she looked at Keith's chest the more appealing it became. In a desperate pitch for sanity, Mina found herself looking Keith in the eye.
"This is really awkward. We'd better talk or everyone will assume that we're bitter enemies."
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize that the silence was awkward. Your brother's always telling me that I'm too silent. It's one of the reasons why I admire you Mina. You always find something to say."
"So I'm a chatter cube, am I? It's a shame we can't all be silent statues like you." It was said with a determined grin as she began to ignore the weirdness of the position and crane her neck to peer around Keith.
"I didn't mean to offend you. It was a compliment." He frowned when she gave no response but kept looking around him. "Are you looking for someone, or just politely ignoring me?"
"Actually I'm looking for Jordan Wicklam. Perhaps you know him?"
Keith's entire countenance darkened but before he could speak the song ended and Mina stepped out of his arms.
"Actually, I don't think I want to hear anything about Jordan from you Keith. Enjoy the party."
Mina's exit would have been much more dramatic if Melvin hadn't appeared by her side the second she turned away from Keith and latched onto her arm, making both stumble a bit.
"You look upset Mina. I noticed the two of you arguing but thought it best not to step in. But if you require it of me, I'll gladly go take care of that bully for you."
Mina twisted gently, escaping Melvin's grasp with minimal effort. She gave Melvin a doubtful once over, comparing him with Keith who had six inches in height and well, muscles that Melvin would never possess. "No need Melvin." She scanned the crowd, politely ignoring Melvin. The boy remained at her side. "Is there something I can help you with, Melvin?"
"Oh no. I don't really know anyone but you, so I figured I'd stick with you all night."
Mina frowned and scanned the people until she made eye contact with Rei. Without words she made her message clear. 'Help me or I'll find the most painful way imaginable to make you pay.'
Rei rolled her eyes but made her way towards Mina. Before she could arrive Melvin's cell phone went off. He excused himself to take the call.
"I'm going to kill you." Mina cheerfully informed Rei as soon as she arrived.
"Now, now Mina. You were the one who invited him. You'd be a horrible hostess if you didn't spend time with your guests. Especially those who got a personal invite."
"I did mention the killing part, didn't I?"
Rei laughed. "Oh come on. The tiny shove I gave you to towards the dance floor doesn't warrant death."
"You're right, it doesn't. But you will be spending the night on the couch."
Rei gave the crowded couch a look of disgust. "That's cruel and unusual punishment, Mina. I saw that Gary kid spill an entire beer on the arm rest and," she squinted a couple on the couch and quickly turned away. "I'm pretty sure Jessica and Brian are well on their way past third."
Mina gaped at Rei, and then gaped at the couple. "Oh. My. God. That's so not my territory! Please grab Jed to break it up."
"As long as you promise never to make me sleep on that couch. No, scratch that. I never want to sit on it again."
Mina nodded fervently and Rei shoved the crowd out of her way in search of Jed. "I wonder if I could burn the couch without Mom and Dad noticing." She pondered out loud to herself.
"Mina!" Melvin filled the space that Rei had just vacated. "I'm so sorry to say this, but I have to leave. Apparently I have a curfew I was unaware of."
"When?"
"About an hour ago, actually. I've had a wonderful time though. Would it be presumptuous to ask for a hug goodbye?"
Mina cringed inwardly but leaned into a brief hug. When she pulled back she caught Melvin searching her face with a look that suggested he was about to kiss her. She backed out of the hug and grabbed his hand, shaking it firmly. "I'm glad you could make it Melvin. I'll see you at school." She smiled cheerily and backed away towards the kitchen.
Rei found Jed in the den talking with Keith. Pushing a girl in a tube top out of her way she stormed towards her boyfriend.
Keith saw her coming. "Rei looks pissed." He dryly observed.
"Rei always looks pissed." Jed replied with the cheerful conviction of a besotted man.
"I'm right behind you, Jed. Anything to add to that?" Rei asked from around his back.
Jed turned to beam hopefully at his girlfriend. "And that's why I love her?"
Rei rolled her eyes. "Right. I'd love to stand around and listen to you expand that but there's a situation Mina needs you to diffuse."
Jed almost bounced. "Is it a fight? I've always wanted to break up a fight."
Rei patted his hand. "And I'm sure you'd be very good at it dear. But that's not the problem. Jessica and Brain have decided not to save themselves for marriage."
Jed shrugged. "That's not my problem."
"They're on the couch in the living room."
Jed yelped something about his mother's 3,000 dollar couch and leapt into the crowd.
Rei turned towards Keith. "So, having a fun time?"
Keith ignored her question. "You're Mina's best friend, right?"
Rei shifted awkwardly. "I guess so."
"You have to keep her away from Jordan Wicklam."
Rei shook her head. "Look Keith, I know its tough liking someone and having to compete for their attention with someone else-"
"That's not it." Keith ran an impatient hand through his hair. "Jordan Wicklam is dangerous. I can't tell you why or how I know."
Rei studied him. "I think that's the most I've ever heard you say."
Keith frowned down at her. "You're turning into your boyfriend. I'm serious. Please."
Rei glared at him. "I wish people would stop saying that."
His frown deepened but he didn't say anything.
Rei threw her hands up in frustration. "I'm not in charge of Mina. I can't tell her who she can and can't see. And to be honest with you Keith, I've met Jordan. I don't necessarily like him, but I don't think he's evil incarnate either; and unless you give me a reason to, I can't do anything but tell Mina to be careful." Rei held up a hand to prevent Keith from cutting her off mid rant. "Which I've already done. Jordan's too.slick to be good."
Keith gripped Rei's shoulders. "He's a lot more than slick Rei. You just have to trust me on this."
Rei shook her head. "I can't control Mina. Why don't you bring this up with Jed?"
"He'll go into psycho older brother mode. You know him." He leaned toward Rei. "Fine. You can't control her. I know that. Just keep an eye on her. And make sure she doesn't meet him alone."
Rei's eyes widened. "Now you're scaring me." She sighed. "I'll do my best, but I can't stick to her 24/7." She leaned so close that her forehead was almost touching his. "You can't tell me why it's so vital that I keep Mina away from him and I accept that. But if anything happens to her that could have been prevented with the information you have, then you'll be the one to pay. Understand?"
Keith nodded.
"What's going on?" Jed appeared beside them and studied Keith's grip on Rei with suspicion.
Rei smirked at Keith and dislodged his grip from her shoulders by stepping back. "Keith was just asking me about Mina."
The suspicion on Jed's face didn't change a bit. "You seem awfully interested in my little sister lately, Keith? Anything I should know about."
Keith sighed and made a mental note not to piss Rei off ever again. She knew the right buttons to push. "You don't have to worry about Mina and me. I'd better get home. Just keep an eye on her, okay?"
Jed frowned after his friend in confusion before turning to his girlfriend. "What was that intense exchange with Keith really about?"
"He was explaining the benefits of dating him as opposed to, well.you."
Jed gaped at her in disbelief.
She laughed. "Just kidding! We really were talking about Mina." She noticed the mentioned girl heading towards them. "I'll tell you about it later." She promised.
Author's Notes
:::::: Waves timidly at readers.::::::
Hi. Remember me? The author who used to update on a regular basis?
Yeah. I guess that aspiration's been shot to hell in the month (or more) it's taken me to pound out this chapter. I could blame it on a lot of things- papers, tests, finding somewhere to live next year, writer's block, blah, blah, blah, whine, whine, and whine. In other words I let RL take up more time than I should have and dropped the ball as far as Underneath It All is concerned. I apologize to those of you who've been waiting patiently for the next installment. I'd promise to never do it again, but I promised that this chapter would be out before Halloween and look how that turned out. I'll try to be better though.
:::: Bats eyes hopefully.::::
Forgive me?
Sweet Flame of Vipers made the valid point that Rei and Jed act nothing like mild mannered (read boring) Jane and Mr. Bingley. She's right. I wasn't clear enough in my notes. They play the roles of the two without the characteristics. Confused? Yeah, me too. They're the confidants of Keith and Mina but they don't act like Jane and Mr. B.
I also cannot stress enough that though this is a modernized Pride and Prejudice, it's not a purist version of the book. Think of this of it as a Bridget Jone's Diary interpretation: some of the same character types and plots and names, but much as been dropped, altered, or added. Take Jordan for example- his fate will be different from Wickham's. As will Lynda's.
On another note, the Shittenou forums are up and running. It's the Disneyland of message boards! Come over and play if you're a general/senshi fan.
