So, school on Monday, Paige is not there and neither is Spinner. Paige is at the police station and Spinner is at his dad's body shop trying to find a way repair his car. Liberty and Toby have still been hanging out; they seem to really enjoy each other's company. Toby even joined the Grapevine so he could send more time with Liberty. He's the co-editor.
"Hey Liberty, " said Erica " what are you doing after school today?"
"Nothing. Iwas going to work on the Grapevine, but decided that can wait until tomorrow morning, why? What do you have in mind for today?"
"Me, Emma, and J.T. were going to spray paint my floor orange to go with the ceiling, and we are going to need as much help as possible."
"Oh Cool. I'll invite Toby also."
"Yeah, and Darts of Pleasure will be there also."
"Who's that?"
"The band I'm in. We changed our name because Dean was the one who came up with the name in the first place so we decided to change it to avoid future conflict."
"That's awesome. See you later."
"Indeed"
Erica walks to class and on her way she sees Michael and Ashley totally making out. Michael sees her also. She looks at him with sheer hurt in her eye. But then she sees the lovely J.T. and immediately goes up to him and hugs him. J.T. makes a comment that she's actually not wearing his shorts. Haha Oh Indeed, she replies. Erica reminds him that he's coming over after school to spray paint her floor orange.
"I'm totally there." Said J.T. " who else is going to be there?"
"The band, Liberty, Toby, and Emma… So far. I was going to invite Spinner but he's working on his car"
"So, what are we going to do today?"
"We are going to learn… You're not thinking of skipping school , are you? Well, I can't. I'm failing Algebra and really could use the grades I can get."
"Alright alright… Lets get to class."
Ellie and Ashley are talking to each other about their weekends in first period. While Manny and Roxy are talking about their weekend also in their first period .
"Davey is the most sweetest person ever. And he knows alot about music and is musically talented." Said Ellie
"Remember that him and Michael are in the same band."
"I know I know. But Davey's a bit older. A junior. Michael is a freshman. But Michael is cool too. He's good on the guitar."
"And Davey is good on the drums. But what I like about Michael is he doesn't seem to rush into anything. He just goes with the flow."
"That's sweet. Unword like a certain someone named Craig." After Ellie said that Craig turned around and stared at them, then he shook his head and started reading his book.
"Agreed." Said Ashley
Manny is telling Roxy about what happened and such. The whole bathroom situation. Of course, Manny didn't have sex with Sean, she learned her lesson the first time. But of course, they did make-out intensely.
"After we made-out in the bath tub." said Manny. "He wanted to know where we stood. I told him that it would be interesting if we started going out."
"So, you're dating Sean? The sensitive bad boy with a habit of drinking and stealing."
"He's not going to steal or drink when we go out. And besides, he lives by himself. I can sneak out to his house anytime I want to. Do you think we make a good couple?"
"Yeah. Opposites attract, you guys are going to last for a long time."
"I like the sound of that."
Erica heard Manny's whole conversation about her and Sean being a couple.
"Gag me with a spoon, Manny and Sean, a couple?" said Erica
"I know. Unbelievable, they must've hooked up at the party." said Emma.
"Speaking of, Sean's friend, Jay, I believe, is a very cute fellow."
"He's bad news."
"I know. I will keep my eye out for him."
"In what way?"
" Physically, sexually, and emotionally. And I will do all that without cheating on J.T."
"Just be careful."
Part 46-The school day went by pretty fast, a group of people were walking home with Erica so they could help her with her room. It was Craig, J.T., Emma, Liberty, Michael, Toby, Ellie, Davey, Ashley, Stephen, and Theodora. The plan was the guys were going to take most of the stuff except the bunk bed out of Erica's room, then the girls were going to spray paint the floor with orange spray paint. Erica think its great that Darts of Pleasure would sacrifice one rehearsal day to help Erica spray paint her floor. Once they got to Erica's house, everyone threw their stuff onto Erica's living room floor.
"So, everyone ready to work?" said Erica
"I think that's why we're here..." said Michael, he winked at Erica. Stephen punched his arm playfully because he knows that Michael is totally flirting with Erica telepathically.
So they all take Erica dresser and computer and such out of Erica's room while Erica looks for something to wear tomorrow. She's thinking of starting to dress somewhat like the Strokes. You know, the worn out tight jeans, with an average joe shirt, a blazer then some high top chucks. She still isn't sure yet.
The guys got most of the stuff out so the girls start to get the spray paint cans and spray paint Erica floor.
"Uhm. Erica, why didn't you just hire someone to re-carpet your floor orange?" asked Ellie.
"That's expensive, and I don't have enough money to hire someone to put orange carpet in my room." replied Erica
"Don't you have a job?" asked Theodora
"Yeah. But I'm giving Spinner half my paycheck so he could fix-up his car. Thanks to that no-go Paige."
"Whoooa, let's not get catty here," said Ashley. She changes the subject. "Liberty, I cannot believe you are dating my step-brother."
"Its amazing, isn't it? He's so awesome," said Liberty.
As they are spray painting the floor and bragging about guys. The guys are bragging about the girls... in a way.
"Listen to them bragging about us." said Davey. " Girls love to talk about their boyfriends."
"I know, Ashley talks about me to Ellie all the time."
"I know."
The girls got finished spray-painting the floors, so the girls told the guys nicely to replace all of Erica stuff back. Which they did. Then they hung out and talked for a while then left Erica's house. Since they all had to do homework and such.
Part 47- After everyone left and her carpet was dry enough for her to walk on without getting orange paint on her socks. Erica went into her room and turned on her Strokes cd that she felt she hasn't listened to in a long time. She immediately changed the song to 'New York City Cops'. Erica is glad that Darts Of Pleasure knows how to play this song because it's one of her favorites. She starts to sing and forgets that her window is totally open so fresh air could be in her room; she also forgets that Michael leaves his window open no matter what. And Michael is totally listening to her sing. I don't know why her singing mesmerizes him like they both aren't in the same band and he doesn't listen to her sing. But who knows. Michael, as usual, throws something through Erica's window.
"I was practicing the damn song, what do you want?" asked Erica
"You… But no, on the serious side. You sounded really good." Replied Michael.
Erica stared at him. "Why are you dating Ashley?"
"To get my mind off you." Replied Michael. "Why are you dating J.T.?"
"Because he's charming. I did start dating him before I started to like you… damn, I shouldn't have said that."
"You like me?"
"I never said such a thing… Okay, so I did. I'm just confused right now. I love J.T. but I like you. It's hard to explain, I don't know why this is happening to me."
"Come over and we'll talk about it."
"Oh no. There will be no sympathy make-out session, I am NOT falling for that." Said Erica, defensively. "You meet me in my psychedelic alcove."
"Fine. Have it your way." Said Michael, "And put on some pants. I don't need to see your boxers."
"They aren't mine…" she said smiling.
Erica walks away from the window and finds a pair of bell-bottoms to put on. She then puts on her Strokes tee that she hasn't worn since the day after she dyed her hair blue (the black and blue one, not the pink one.) Which speaking of, the streaks are fading away in her hair. She walks down to her alcove to see Michael already sitting on the couch. She told a certain amount of people that she trusted that her basement door is always unlocked, and that anyone can chill there as long as they don't steal or mess anything up.
She sits on the couch next to Michael and he says. "Nice shirt, I didn't know you were into The Strokes."
"Don't play around with me Michael." Said Erica. " I need to know one thing. Do you want to go out with me?"
"Huh? You're starting to confuse me…"
"Because, I think I can go out with you without J.T. finding out."
"Now, why do you think that I am willing to agree with that?"
Erica sighs heavily. "God, I know, that was a stupid suggestion."
"Look, I am willing to break up with Ashley, if you are willing to break up with J.T."
"See, but that is hard for me, because I love J.T. But me and you have sooooo much in common- not that J.T. and me don't. It's just that, I think we'd have fun together."
"Me too. SO you think about it."
"I can't believe that while I was in Maryland, I couldn't get a boyfriend, but here, I can't decide who I want to be my boyfriend. I-fucking-ronic."
"Come here, you." He kisses her for a while. It gets intense. It seems that they made-out forever. But Erica stops this infinite make-out session by saying. "I'm tired, Out of breath, and I have school tomorrow. See you tomorrow, unless you're sleeping down here."
"You'd let me do that?"
"As long as you don't get caught by my dad… He'll brutally murder you. Goodnight Michael."
Part 48 "You know, the Grapevine has been getting alot better. More interesting." said Paige. "They talk about the serious stuff, and then get to the entertaining stuff, what do you think Hazel?"
"I think Erica is doing a good job on the Grapevine. It is a bit more entertaining then it was before."
"Hell Hath No Fury has a gig December 4th at Exotic Rose, are you going to come?"
"Sure. Even though I'm not in the band anymore. Who's playing drums, again?"
"Alex, Ellie convinced her to play drums for our band. Surprisingly."
"Oh, cool." said Hazel disapointingly. "I'll totally be there." she puts on a fake smile.
Erica is at her locker with Emma and Liberty when Alex comes up to her. "Hey you."
"My names Erica. Not 'you'. But hey, what's up?" replied Erica
"Uhm, okay. I heard you were part of some band. Are you in Hell Hath No Fury?"
"No, I'm part of Darts Of Pleasure. Why?"
"Just wondering who was in this band Ellie wants me to join."
"Oh, well... It's Ashley, Ellie, and Paige... You're going to be the drummer right?"
"Yeah. I go crazy on the drums." bragged Alex. "SO hopefully they won't have the teeny bopper songs that won't allow me to crush the drums."
"So, what's up with that Jay character? Why does he try to act like a bad boy"
"Jay is my boyfriend. That's just the way he is. See you later."
"Bye." Erica turns to Emma. "Why didn't you say anything to Alex?"
"Because she doesn't like me. Notice how she didn't look my way."
"Alex is very independent. I'm surprised she has a boyfriend. I'm also surprised that Marco decided to let her be vice president." said Liberty
"Really? Amazing." said Erica. "Where's my J.T.?"
Just then. Michael came towards Erica to tell her that they were rehearsing at Exotic Rose until 5. Erica said she be there about 15 minutes late. Because she would have to go to her job and say that she'll be arriving late for personal reasons. She doesn't know why her dad got her a job, anyways. But whatever. Michael leaves and J.T. comes and gives Erica a comforting hug. J.T. comments on how Erica is going for a casual look. Indeed she is, she's starting to wear loose fitting jeans, a band tee shirt, and her blazer. When J.T. releases her from their hug. Erica stares and J.T's finger, and sees the ring that she gave that Monday after she got into a fight with Manny at the rave. She's still thinking whether she should break-up with J.T. or not. She'll most likely stay with J.T. She likes a guy who can make her laugh. And he does like some of the bands that she listens to, so they'll be able to be together for a few more months'… maybe.
She grabs J.T's hand. "Come on, doll face! We got a Performance project to do in English"
If you remember the episode where Ashley and Jimmy start going out again and they had that one play assignment, with the 'for I am born to tame you Kate' line. Then this is the exact same project that Erica and company is doing. We all know that a teacher doesn't change their curriculum every year. See, but there is one twist. Erica and J.T. aren't partners. J.T. is partners with Emma, and Erica is partners with Jay. I know, I know, scandalous. But Erica has practiced with Jay, jokingly. But nothing serious. Jay can be charmer when he wants to be. When Erica and J.T. walked into the classroom, Jay pulled out a chair and said, "Here's your seat fair, fair Kate."
"Thank you." Replied Erica. Emma stares at Erica with cautioning concern. She knows that Erica has a crush on Jay; she knows that Erica was a bit happy when she found out her and Jay was partners. The bell rings and Ms. Kwan walks into the room and says, "I know I gave you assigned seats, but I would like you to sit next to your partners for the performance project. You guys had about a few days to practice and I hope that you've remembered your lines and what you are suppose to do. Now, let's walk to the auditorium"
Erica links arms with Jay and walks on to the auditorium with the rest of the class. J.T. knows that Erica links arms with guys and it doesn't mean a thing, so this doesn't phase him. J.T. and Emma are walking behind them and Emma totally drops the bomb.
"You're not jealous?" asked Emma.
"No. She always links arms with guys, it's no big deal." Replied J.T.
Emma leans towards his ear and whispers. "Yeah, but what if she has a crush on him?"
"What are you trying to get at, Emma?"
"Erica, your girlfriend, has a crush on Jay."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
Erica leans into Jay's ear and whispers. "I hope no one told you about my little crush on you."
"No. But you just did."
"Are you and Alex dating?"
"Yes. And you're dating J.T."
"Come to Exotic Rose this Friday. I'm performing."
"Alright."
They go into the auditorium and do their little performance thingy. Everyone did a really good job but one thing was very shocking, and that's when Jay totally kissed Erica on the lips in front of the whole class. Erica backs away in shock and says. "We didn't rehearse that." She runs out of the auditorium and sits right in front of the door. She didn't cry, no. She just sat there, absorbing what just happened. J.T. walks out the door and sits next to her. "Erica. Tell me that wasn't planned."
Erica looks him straight in the eye and says. "It wasn't planned. I swear."
"Okay. Because Emma told me that you have a crush on Jay."
"She told you! I can't believe her."
"Is it true?"
Erica lowers her head and whispers. "Yes…"
"Pardon?"
"I said yes! But it won't be anymore than a crush, J.T. Understand that I love you! I can't help that I have so many guys' friends. I'm just one of the guys... I'm bound to have a crush on one of them someday." Erica looks like she's about to cry.
"Aww. Don't cry, Come here, and give me a hug." He opens his arms.
Erica gives him a hug. "Are we breaking up?" She askes
"I'm… Not sure."