Hey guys! Long time no see! Sorry for the super long wait- man I seem to be saying that a lot lately. I don't know about everybody else but my Christmas was super cailfragalistic expiolo-freakin- docious! Basically, it was awesome. Lots of fun, lots of family, and my brother and I got stranded in Idaho for a few hours- nice one Jason (Note the sarcasm). Typical story of a flat tire. We're just driving on through Idaho trying to get back home( I always go to Utah for Christmas, it's a family tradition) then all of a sudden, boom! Our tire goes flat….right in the middle of a highway! Yup, almost died there. No seriously, a car almost ran over my brother when he got out of the car to see what was going on.

But anyways, enough about MY life. Let's get onto the good stuff…Stella's life! Lol.

Chapter 15

"Everybody partner up. I want each of you to come up with a story. No rules, no certain genre, just be creative. I want to see how you handle this. This assignment is due monday, you may begin now," Professor Reynolds, my English professor announced.

I turned to Musa, who was sitting on my right and nodded.

"Partner?" I asked

"But of course" She said with a wink

"This one auta be good" Said the person behind us

"Brandon, if you have something to say, say it to my face" I said angrily, turning around. Behind Musa and I sat Brandon and that Mackenzie. Just my luck they were in the same class as Musa and I. Nabu, Riven, Sky, and Helia were also in our class. Man do I wish I was in class with Bloom, Flora, and Layla right now.

"Stella, I don't believe he was talking to you. If I were you and Musa I would probably start on the assignment, it is due tomorrow after all" Mackenzie said, he eyes narrowed on me So…Mackenzie's really smart…like Brandon level smart…how can I compete with that!?

"We really don't need advice from you Mackenzie, thank you" Musa said motioning for me to turn around.

"And P.S, he was talking to me" I said, then Brandon rolled his eyes

"You just have to have the last word, don't you?" He asked

"Always" I said with a smile

I turned around and faced Musa.

"Sorry about that. Now let's think…we gotta sound intelligent,"

I heard Brandon snort. I clenched my fists, refraining.

"Let's just brainstorm some ideas" I said

Musa's head was facing another direction.

"Mhm" She said in kind of a trance

" So like how about if we did our story about like this magical monkey that's a normal monkey by day and a superhero by night?" I asked

No answer

"Musa" I said snapping my finger in front of her face

"Muse, are you even listening to me?" I asked

"What! Yeah, yup, magical monkey! I'm totally on board with that idea" She screamed, jumping out of her trance.

I looked to where she was just looking. Riven.

I smirked, then laughed.

"My word, staring at boys during class, Musa Melody I for one am appalled" I said

"Appalled? Nice vocab" She said high fiving me

"I know" I said

We laughed.

"I dare ya to go start a conversation with him. You are his girlfriend after all, and it looks like he doesn't have a partner" I said

Riven was sitting alone at his desk, working diligently on the assignment.

"But what about you. I'm not making you do yours alone while I do mine with Riven!" She said

"Just go sit with pretty boy" I said with a smirk

She hugged me

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! And this is why you're the best" She said

I laughed, as she went off. I watched her sit down next to him and start conversation, the usual flirty look in her eye. Classic Musa.

I looked down at the computer before me. What to do, what to do. What shall I write about? I suppose I can write about the time I- no that's stupid, or maybe when I- no that's even worse. Well, maybe there's one thing. The teacher did say it could be any genre…

I placed my hands on the keyboard and slowly typed,

When Everything Goes Wrong by Stella Solaria. This is a story not only about life, but also about family and love…

I kept typing, on and on until the bell signaling the end of class rang. I didn't want to stop though. I was writing my story based on my life after the earthquake. It was like I was writing a diary. I-

"Stella! Guess who's got a date Saturday night!"

My eyes panned up to see Musa running frantically toward me.

"Uh…me?" I said

"Besides you" She said

"Riven asked you out on a date? Awww!" I said happily

"I know! What am I gonna WEAR?" She screamed

I laughed, shutting the computer and putting it in my bag

"Let's go tell the girls," She said checking her watch

"They're probably waiting for us in the cafeteria" She said

"You can go, I'm gonna head down, to the art room" I said

"Again? You're like glued to that place" She said

I smiled

"Cant deny" I said

"Alright, then I'll see ya in class. Later girly" She said waving goodbye

"Later" I said

Suddenly, my phone started ringing in my backpack. I dug it out then pressed send.

"Hello?" I said

"Hey sweetheart"

I smiled

"Dad" I said

Brandon looked at me as I spoke. There were still a few people in the classroom.

"I was just calling to check in on you. How is everything?" He asked

"Great. Shouldn't you be in work?" I asked looking at my watch

"I always have time for my Stell Bell" He said

I laughed

"It's so great to hear your voice. I miss you so much. How is everyone?" I asked

"We miss you and Brandon very much. The house is just not quite the same without your bickering" He said

I smiled

"I'll take that as a compliment. Actually I kind of have to go, so I'll call you later" I said

"Okay. I love you" He said

"Love you too"

I hung up then looked up at Brandon

"They miss us" I said

He rolled his eyes picking up his bag. I picked up mine and followed him out.

"So…" I said

"So" He said

"How's the college life treating you? I don't really see you much outside of class" I said

"You slept in my apartment on your first night here" He said with a smirk

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes

"You better not tell my Dad I got drunk" I said

"I don't know, I may save it for later. It could help me in the future" He said

I glared

"Jerk" I mumbled

"So I heard you say you had a date Saturday" He said, looking away

"Yup" I said proudly

"Who's the sucker?" He asked

I smacked his arm

"Casey Freedmen, if you must know" I said

He raised his eyebrow

"Casey Freedmen, wow, he's way out of your league" He said

"And now I have a league" I said under my breath

"How much did you pay him?" He asked me

My mouth shot open

"He asked ME out! You little- you're just jealous" I said

"Jealous? Don't flatter yourself" He said

"It's amazing how many times we have this conversation" I said

Brandon stopped walking, turning toward me sharply.

"You're not the only one with a date you know" He said

I raised my eyebrow

"Yeah right"

Brandon smirked, walking away

"Hey! Don't walk away from me!" I screamed

"Walking away" He said

"Aughh!"

Later that day, around 3 the girls and I were scattered in our dorm. Tecna and Flora were studying in the bedrooms. Layla, Musa, and Bloom were in the living room watching T.V, and I was sitting in the kitchen typing my paper for Professor Reynolds.

Musa, Layla, and Bloom walked in.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing. You're still going at it?" Musa asked, looking at my computer screen

"I'm almost done" I said

"I've never seen you so committed to something school related…I'm so proud of you" Bloom said

I smiled

"No seriously, can we snap a picture? I'm getting teary eyes here" Layla said

We all laughed

"I don't know…I just cant stop writing" I said

"What are you writing about?" Layla asked grabbing an apple out of the fridge

"My life after I moved in with the Shields'" I said

"That's a good story" Musa said

I nodded

"But I'm using fake characters" I said

"oooooo, who plays me?" Bloom asked

"Your Jocelyn, the smart, beautiful, all around nice friend" I said

"Who am I?" Musa asked

"Your Jessie, the rebellious, partner in crime to the main character of the story," I said flipping my hair back

"Serena" I said

"You named your character Serena?" Layla asked with a chuckle

"Hey I'd watch it or I'll change you from Patricia to Gertrude" I said

She laughed

"It's making me miss home so much. I just talked to my Dad today" I said

"What did he say?" Bloom asked

"He said he misses Brandon and me fighting"

They laughed.

"That's sweet. I miss my parents too" Layla said

"Yeah, college life is awesome but…" I said

They nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, I got an idea.

"What time is it?" I asked Bloom

"Almost 3:30, why?" She asked

"If I get on a train now what time do you think I'll get home?" I asked

"By train? Probably 6ish" Bloom said

"I think I'm gonna take a trip over there, stay for the weekend" I said

"Let me drive you then, the train is all gross" Musa said

"The train's fine. I'm not making you drive 2 hours just so I can be home" I said

She sighed.

"okkkaayyy…but you better hurry because if you end up on the train after dark I'll never forgive myself" She said

I laughed.

I got up and went to my room. I took out a small backpack and packed enough clothes for the weekend. I grabbed my laptop and phone and put it in the bag.

"Okay guys, I'm leaving!" I called

They all came out to say goodbye.

"Bye Stell!"

"Have a safe trip!"

"Tell your Dad I said hi!"

"You better bring us back some cookies!"

We all turned toward Musa

"What? Have you tasted Melanie's cookies?"

I laughed, hugging them all.

"Bye guys"

I left for the train, and by the time I got on it was around 4. The train was pretty empty except for me and a few other people. I looked at my phone. I'd been looking at my phone for the past hour. Should I call Brandon? Should I not? I was thinking that maybe I should call Brandon and ask if he forgot anything- but maybe he'll think I'm weird for asking.

It took all my courage, but I pressed call. I put the phone on my ear waiting for an answer.

"Hello?"

It was not Brandon's voice. It was a woman's voice.

"Mackenzie?" I asked confused. That's when it hit me…the "date". Oh snap, he wasn't lying…and it's with Mackenzie!

"Yeah…is this Stella?" She asked

"Um yes," Come on Stella, say something, anything to make you sound cool. " Um, is Brandon there?" I asked

"Yeah but he's a little busy, want me to pass on a message?" She asked

"Uh, yeah. Ask him if he left anything at home, because I'm going home for the weekend so I can bring it back for him" I said

"Uhhhh…okay?" She said, and she sounded confused

"Tell her I left my calculus textbook in my desk" I heard Brandon say

"He uhh…left his calculus textbook in his desk" She said, still confused

"Left side or right side?" I asked

"He says left-okay am I missing something here?" Mackenzie asked

I smirked.

"What? Brandon never told you?" I asked

"Never told me what?" Mackenzie asked

"We live together, didn't you know that?" I said. Okay, I'm enjoying this a little to much.

"Actually no, I dint know this" She said

"Well I guess I'll see you around. Bye" I said

I hung up the phone. It took all my will power not to laugh out loud, right there on the train. Brandon's date is totally going to be ruined after that! Muwahahhahaha! Man, I'm kind of evil now aren't I? Aaaa, screw it, muuwwaahahhahaha!

I got of the train at around 6: 15. It was almost dark out. The train station was only a few miles away from the house, so I just called a taxi. I probably should have called my Dad or Melanie in advance…hmmm…that probably would have been a good idea.

When the taxi turned the corner and I saw our house, a jet of excitement went through me. My house! I'm home! Ahhhhh!

"You can stop here" I told him as he was about to enter the drive-way.

"Your total is 10 dollars and fifty cents" He said

I handed him some money.

"Keep the change" I said, jumping out. I ran up the drive-way, clutching my bags. Suddenly the door opened, Melanie, Harry, and my Dad coming out in fancy clothing. My Dad and Henry were in suits and Melanie in an elegant dress.

"Stella?" Melanie said surprised, running at me with a hug.

"Melanie!" I cried, throwing my arms around her

I hugged my Dad and Harry after that.

"What are you doing home?"

"I got a bit home sick. Are you guys going somewhere?" I asked noting their attire

"Yeah, Harry has a business dinner in New York" Melanie said

"Oh…I probably should have called" I said

"No, sweetheart, we're so happy you came" Melanie said

I smiled.

"You guys should go. I'll stay here, it'll be nice to sleep in my own bed again" I said

Melanie smiled.

"Actually your timing is great. The baby sitter just canceled on me, so I was about to send Sammy to a friend to sleep over" Melanie said

"Don't worry about it, I'll watch Sammy. Where is that little snot anyways?" I asked looking around. No matter how annoying he is, I still missed him.

Melanie laughed.

"He's inside" Melanie said

"I'm so sorry we cant stay" My Dad said kissing my forehead.

"Don't worry. You guys have fun" I said sincerely

"Okay, but we'll see you tomorrow. You're staying right?" Harry asked

"Yeah, the whole weekend" I said smiling

They piled into Harry's car, Melanie in the front seat, my Dad in the back, and Harry driving. I waved at them, until their car was out of sight. I sighed, turning to go inside.

"Yo Sammy! I'mmmmmm baaaaack" I sang

Sammy ran down the stairs an incredulous look on his face.

"Stella! Gross! Don't tell me-"

"Guess who's babysitting you?" I asked

"No!" He cried

I laughed plopping down on the couch

"Where's Brandon? Why didn't he come?" Sammy asked sadly

"Sorry kiddo, Brandon's got a," Should I say date? That might make Sammy feel bad-like his brother doesn't care about him anymore, "Brandon's got a lot of homework to do. He couldn't make it" I said

"Oh great, so now I'm stuck with you" he said

I smiled

"I missed you too Sam" I said nudging him

I don't know if it was a smile or a smirk on his face, you can never tell with the Shield boys.

"Have you had dinner?" I asked

"No, but I'd rather not eat anything YOU make" He said disgustedly

I rolled my eyes.

"You and your brother have no belief in me!" I cried

"You wonder why? You burn water!" He cried

"One time, you burn water one time, and suddenly the name sticks" I said

Sammy smirks.

"How about this. I'll make my own dinner, and you make yours. Deal?" He asked

"Fine, I guess that means less work for me" I said putting my hands behind my head

He rolls his eyes, going upstairs.

"You can do whatever you want, but you better be in bed by 9!" I called

"Worst baby-sitter, ever!" He called

"And don't you forget it!"

I ended up eating Doritos and pepsi for dinner…Sammy had macaroni and cheese…urrrrgggghh

I was sitting at the kitchen table continuing my paper. I was almost catching up to present time, but not quite yet. I'm up to when Brandon or should I say "Damon", kissed me at the graduation party.

I looked down at the clock on my computer. Hmm, 8:30, and no noise coming from upstairs? Now that can't be right.

"Sammy?" I called

No answer

"Sammy!" I called a little louder

I started to get a little nervous. I got up, running upstairs. His bedroom door was shut.

"Sammy?" I asked, knocking.

All I could hear was coughing.

I quickly opened the door to find Sammy on the floor struggling for air.

"Sammy!" I cried, going to the floor next to him

"Cant…breathe…inhaler!" He frantically said to me

"W..where? Where is it!" I asked jumping and looking around the room

"I….dont…kno-" He passed out. His eyes shut.

"No, no, no, no, no! Come on Sammy, wake up!" I said hitting his face a few times

I kept looking around his room for his inhaler until I realized it was useless. I frantically dug into my pocket for my phone. With trembling fingers I dialed 9-1-1. As I waited for them to answer all that was going through my head was man, I am the worst babysitter! If Sammy doesn't wake up-

"Hello, how may we help you?" I heard a woman say on the other end.

"I need an ambulance right now. My 11 year old…brother…is laying unconscious. He…he couldn't breath…I couldn't find his inhaler" I said frantically, not knowing why I called him my brother

"Mam, mam, calm down. Where are you, we'll send one immediately"

I gave the woman our address and they sent over an ambulance. As I waited for the ambulance to arrive, my heart wouldn't stop beating.

"Sammy, come on, you've got to wake up" I said as I felt tears start to well up. No Stella, not right now! You cant cry! Stop it!

Then, I did the only thing I could think to do.

"Brandon!" I screamed into my phone

"Stella, not again. I told you it's on the left side-"

"Sammy had an asthma attack! He wont wake up! You've got to help me!" I screamed

"WHAT? Where are you?" He asked

"I'm at the house. I just called an ambulance. We're going to the hospital" I said

"Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can Stella. Don't worry, just get Sammy there safely" He said

"Y…Y..Yes! I will!" I said

The ambulance came fast, bringing up a stretcher. They put Sammy on, carrying him into the ambulance. I rode in the back of the ambulance, scared to death. I tried not to cry, I really did. I tried to stay strong. Looking at Sammy on that stretcher, a gas mask on, men crowding around him trying to make him regain consciousness, I lost it. I started crying.

Brandon, where are you!?

There you have it. A little sad….

Sorry for the cliffy, know you guys hate those.