Author's Note: Well, getting one out on arather convenient day. You'll understand what I mean once you read the chapter, but for now, today, the 26th of October, is actually my 18th birthday! Absurd to me, honestly, but hey, it's just life! Anyways, I don't know if I'll be working on the story much, seeing as this will be keeping me occupied for a WHILE... hahaha! But enough of that, enjoy the chapter! :)

Chapter 56: Life Won't Wait

It's now 7:50 PM, and outside of the house, Chris and Skylar have spent quite a while discussing random variety of heavy metal related things, from albums, stories behind albums, band members, and vice versa. After around 10 more minutes, the latter tells the former, "Hey, do you wanna go back and join the others?"

"At this point, sure. I don't think there's much else for us here. I wonder what's gone on with everyone else." responded Chris.

Oh ho boy! Aren't they in for a surprise! Chris runs over to the door, holds it open for Skylar to go through, after which he closes it. When the two of them get to the living room, they notice the absence of Double D and Marie, but they notice something which is shocking to the both of them, which is the fact that Lee and Eddy are seemingly holding hands, and appear happy. Of course, once the people in the living room notice that Chris and Skylar have returned, they stop what they were doing, and welcome them back.

"Hey man! You're back! How's everything?" said Eddy to Chris.

"It's... nice." responds Chris, while taking a seat with Skylar, who shot a quick wink at him. "Everything okay when we were gone?"

"Yeah, no problems here. Double D and Marie are discussing something upstairs, just so ya know." stated Eddy. "Why do you look like you've just seen a ghost though?"

"Nothing, don't worry about it." said Skylar, taking Chris's position for him, doing him a favor. Although, she gets a reminder about the whole resolution between Chris and Lee.

"Hey, do you want to resolve the problem right now? It seems like we can." whispered Skylar to Chris.

In hindsight, he should've planned to do that the moment he and Skylar both returned from their long chat outside. Of course, he was too busy enjoying the moment, so it didn't cross his mind yet. Regardless of this, he tells her, "You know what? No better time, tell ya the truth."

"Great. Let me go up first, okay?" she states.

With that, Skylar clears her throat before coming over to Lee, and tells her, "Chris would like to say something, is it fine if he tells it right now?"

"Yeah, sure. What does he want to say?" asks Lee.

Skylar then backs away a bit, before Chris comes up, and says, "Look, I'm not going to delay this, so let me just get to the point. I'm sorry for what I did in those situations that we got into, what I did was stupid and in poor judgement, alright? I know that's probably hard to believe, but again, I'm really sorry about that."

"I can't say I can stay mad at ya forever, as to be honest with you, what I did wasn't good either." responded Lee, making Chris extremely surprised. "The whole revenge thing wasn't exactly the best move, especially after what you did at the pit. You're a good fighter, I'll say that much, but neither of us were good or bad."

"Thanks. It was just bad communication and everything. But I'm willing to look past it, as I don't even know of a single benefit from keeping this going, like, at all. I would much prefer to start on a better note." stated Chris.

In Lee's mind, if both of them are being honest, neither of them set a good impression on each other. It ranged from very provoking (in a bad way), to flat out fighting. So, she says, "Honestly? We didn't even start on any note! All of it was just head butting and everything!"

"Well... I guess that's true. But yeah, aside from all of that, want to well... I guess, 'wipe the slate clean', as some would say?" asks Chris.

In response to that, the two of them shake hands in agreement, to try to get used to each other, to not go at each other's throats, and simple make peace amongst one another. Skylar, May, Ed and Eddy watched the whole thing, and all four are proud that this feud has just been cleared up, as hangouts would usually be awkward, especially considering what occurred. Anyways, Lee then says, "We can talk later, go join your woman, and hey!"

"Yeah?" asked Chris.

"Treat her well, I'm sure she's fallen for ya!" said Lee, while snickering a bit.

Chris only chuckles in response, before giving a thumbs up, and rejoining Skylar back at their spot in the living room. Once he returns, she tells him, "Nice, the whole thing is resolved I'm guessing?"

"Yep. No need to worry about another fight that results in ridiculous circumstances, situations, scenarios, and whatever bloody else you could think!" responded Chris, making Skylar laugh a bit at the last part.

"Good. You know, now that I think about it, I feel like we should get Double D and Marie here, but where on earth could they be exactly?" asks Skylar, out of curiosity.

"Here!"

Marie yelled that from a distance, with Double D coming with, holding hands as they are coming back. A couple of laughs occurred at the fact that Double D had a few marks of what are kissed. Oh I wonder oh wonder, how could he have possibly gotten those? What a mystery!

"Greetings everyone!" stated Double D. "Is everyone handing themselves well here?"

"You could say that man!" responds Eddy. "Since all what, eight of us, are here, why don't we say if we've tied the knot? That's the challenge!"

"Don't you think that invades privacy a bit much Eddy? stated Double D. "Besides, I'm sure not everyone here wants to share the details of their relationships with their companions. I suggest something that could involve all of us, but in a less overbearing way. How's a dance work?"

"Not a bad idea! But does anyone have a good dancing song?" said Marie.

Skylar raises her hand, as to say yes, and says, "I got one, but I'll need to know how to play it on the speakers. Chris, mind showing me the way that you managed to play the songs on the speakers?"

"Sure."

The two of them go to the speakers, and after around a solid 3 minutes of them figuring out things, they manage to get the song playing. What is the song? "We're Not Gonna Take It", by a band called "Twisted Sister". Chris also agrees with her that it works well enough for a dance situation. They return back to the rest of the people, and Skylar says, "Got it in! Let's go then!"

In what seems like a role call, everyone gets up and goes to the middle of the house to dance with their respective companions. Double D and Marie don't go ridiculously fast or slow, they decide to take a more middle-of-the-row approach, balancing it out for themselves.

On Lee and Eddy's side of things, they decided to take an approach where Eddy tries to catch her more often, and Lee moves him around more, due to the rather noticeable difference in height. Either way, both of them enjoyed their first dance as an official couple, though no one else knew about said event yet.

With Ed and May, since the former already had an idea of dancing, he decides to bring the latter along, and teach her what he knows. May couldn't help but be amazed at the rather impressive dance skills that Ed knew, not expecting that from him, but complaining isn't something she is doing.

Lastly, with Chris and Skylar, they aren't actually dancing to the song. No, instead they are more just doing a "dance", where they just hold each other, and they give each other a stare into the eyes or two. Admittedly, neither of them have danced with a partner before, let alone dance in general, so neither of them minded per se, it was just very out of place for them.

At around 9:30 PM...

Everyone at this point is very immersed in the moment with their own respective partners, admiring each other for various different reasons, even if they are a bit exhausted, it being QUITE late and all. Although, Kevin has a special announcement, and he goes to the speakers and connects a microphone to announce it.

"Hey everyone! It's now time for the birthday cake! Can everyone gather close to the middle of the living room!" said Kevin.

"Oh man! Let's see what happens here!" commented Eddy.

While a good handful of people have left due to personal reasons, the main people of the cul-de-sac and another good handful of others have stayed still. Regardless, after Kevin announces that, he goes over to the kitchen, and brings the cake, sealed in it's medium-sized box. Nazz comes down herself, and is eager to witness what this cake looks like, as she hasn't seen it. Until now!

Everyone gathers around, but with some space to let Nazz come through, and with that, Kevin reveals the cake, and Nazz is extremely surprised and amazed at said birthday cake reveal. The cake consisted of white swirls that spelled out, "Happy 16th Birthday Nazz!", along with the cake being made of chocolate, with some cream and frosting making a heart, a touch added by Kevin.

"Everyone! Are we ready to sing happy birthday!?" asked Kevin to everyone witnessing, and they respond with variations of yes, and so, everyone begins to sing the famous happy birthday song, minus the part where they say, "are you 1, are you 2...", and so on, as the age was already on the cake. Aside from all of that, Nazz enjoyed the united singing from everyone who was present. After everyone finishes, Nazz blows out the candles, and everyone cheers, claps, and congrats her on being 16.

Kevin tells her, in a whisper voice, "I also have another cake, as I knew this wouldn't be enough for everyone. Let everyone finish that one first, then we will bring the second one out."

Nazz gives a thumbs up in response, and asks who wants a slice of cake. To her surprise, not many people wanted a slice, most likely due to the fact that most had ate quite a lot in the hours beforehand. But some people, such as Ed, Double D, Eddy, Chris, May, and Marie, accepted the offer.

On the other end of the living room, the main crew of 8 are currently discussing the recent event. Or about the cake.

"Man, this cake is amazing guys!" said Ed, happily.

"I must agree Ed, whoever made this cake certainly knows their ways in the process of creating it!" responded Double D. "Although, I will say, I do prefer a more vanilla flavor, but this works just as well."

"You said it man." stated Eddy, with a part of his slice in his mouth. "So, are we still hanging around after this or what?"

"As much as we would love to, we can't, mom wants us back before ten. Look at the time." said Marie. "But I'll stay just to finish up this cake, it's incredible!"

"It really sucks mom wants us home at this time or so" commented May, in a slightly sad manner, which results in Ed giving a light hug from behind, surprising her.

"Well, at least we will have a lot to talk about tomorrow, right?" asks Chris, earning a stare from Skylar.

"Oh won't we?" she says, while wrapping an arm over his shoulder, making him laugh in a nervous manner.

After around 5 minutes, it's time for the Kankers to say their goodbyes to the Eds, their partners. Wow. Can you imagine being a sentence you could say in a non-ironic way? Neither did I. Regardless, Chris and Skylar stay behind, as they prefer to give them privacy, besides, the both can stay for around 10 or so more minutes. Plus, the six of them all go outsides to say their farewells for now.

"I must say Marie, tonight was a lovely night." said Double D, getting a smile from Marie.

"Same here cutie. Catch ya in school."

After that, the two of them share a 10 second kiss, with the both of them smiling at each other. On the other end, Lee and Eddy are extremely mixed about the events that just occurred tonight, finding it rather unbelievable.

"Man... can't believe this." stated Eddy with a sense of disbelief.

"You're telling me. Want me to announce it to the others, or shall I keep it private?" asks Lee, in a tone that was much more calm and surprised Eddy. Aside from that, he responded by nodding his head in an unsure manner. Which results in, well...

"Hey! All of you! Listen up!" said Lee, back to the normal voice that Eddy and everyone recognized most. Some things don't change, do they? Haha!

"What is it?" asked Marie, curious.

"Me and this man have decided to make it official between us!" said Lee, receiving looks of confusion. "He and I both agreed that we care for each other enough, and have done enough fighting, so, we're trying something new to both of us! Ain't that right hun?"

Eddy cleared his throat before saying, "Yeah. You can say it's... well, you can think what you want, but it's official my friends!"

Unexpectedly, the other two pairs say congrats in different ways. Either by clapping, or simply saying congrats. Although, Marie couldn't help but wonder if it was truly an agreement between the two, or if it was genuine. Unable to help her curiosity, she says, "Are you sure you aren't forcing him into this!?"

"What did I just say two seconds ago Marie?" responded Lee, harshly. At that point, Marie couldn't help but laugh before responding with, "Alright alright, happy for ya both!"

"Yeah, me and her did agree to-"

Eddy couldn't finish his sentence, as Lee leaned down and kissed him on the lips, cutting him off. Then again... admittedly, he prefers this anyways, so it's a win for him!

Lastly on Ed and May's side, the latter appears slightly disheartened, which the former doesn't understand.

"May? What's the problem?" asks Ed.

"Nothing much. It's just... I wish this could go on for longer, you know?" responds May, taking a deep breath. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Not to worry my friend!" said Ed, giving her one final hug to wrap up their conversation for now.

And so, all three Kankers got together, and began making their way over to their trailer, while the Eds wave goodbye, and make their way back into the house. Although, just before they turn the first corner, Marie tells her sisters, "Hang on, I need to talk to Skylar real fast, wait here."

The other two sisters nod as to say yes, and Marie runs straight back in, and finds Skylar, having a conversation with Chris currently. She goes up to them and says, "Hey Chris, sorry for bother you and her, but is it okay if I talk to her for a bit? I promise it won't be long."

"Sure, that's fine, no need to ask me. I'll be here." he responded.

With that, Skylar and Marie go outside to chat, and the former asks, "What's up?"

"Me and sisters are leaving, but everything go okay?"

"Yep! He's not going to mention it, but... we had a bit of a moment." said Skylar, chuckling slightly, making Marie curious.

"Wait, does that mean-" said Marie, getting cut off by Skylar instantly, knowing what she was going to ask.

"No. He wasn't fully sure about going into a relationship, because he didn't feel like we knew enough about each other." explains Skylar. "I honestly understood him, so, we both agreed to give each other more time until it's actually something that's he is comfortable with, as that's what I care about."

Marie is stunned at this information, as she expected them to tie the knot in 1, maybe 2 seconds. But to say that these results are insanely different to what she expected is an understatement my good friends. Anyways, Marie says, "I'm surprised, but it's the choice of you two. What did you mean though, by 'had a moment'?"

"I kissed him. What else?" responded Skylar, blunt and as honest as ever.

"Huh, would've loved to see his reaction! Anyway, you go back, I gotta go unfortunately. See ya!" stated Marie, sharing a fist bump between her and Skylar, and with that, they split off back into their separate paths. For now.

Back in the living room, the Eds were in the kitchen, grabbing some refreshments, and returned to the living room, at the same time Skylar came back from her conversation with Marie.

"How long can you stay here? I can't imagine you staying much longer." asks Chris.

"Why? You'll miss me? Just joking, but that's a good question. That will depend on when mom comes over. She told me that she is coming soon, but sometimes when she says that, it's complete bollocks, let me tell ya." responded Skylar. "We can still have a chat or two about stuff if you want. Heck, maybe we can go to your place before my mom arrives."

"Maybe another time, don't exactly have much time together, so to say." said Chris.

"Hey guys!" said Eddy, towards the pair out of nowhere. "You got any news for us?"

"What do you mean?" asked the pair at the same time.

"Eddy, plea-"

Double D was going to tell Eddy not to do what he is about to do, but he covers the former's with his hand quickly, after which he says, "You know, anything occur that we missed?"

When Eddy finished his question, Skylar receives a call from her mother, signaling that she has arrived. Pretty convenient, right?

"Okay, because you are so cheeky and bloody obsessed with knowing, I'll just have you know nothing huge happened. Aside from this." responded Skylar, before delivering a quick peck to Chris, surprising the latter, and quite frankly, making him feel embarrassed.

"Well... yeah. I'm guessing NOW you have to go?" said Chris, not to sure of what else to say.

"Yeah. Well, that's gutting to know. I might aswell get going now, see ya tomorrow in school." responded Skylar, giving a hug afterwards. Chris, of course, returns the favor to her. After they break it, Skylar starts making her way out, but before she leaves, she says to him, in a serious tone, "DO NOT DO ANYTHING STUPID!"

"Oh, uh... yeah! Don't worry! I won't!" responded Chris, not used to that rather unsettling tone from Skylar.

"Good. Love you, catch ya later!"

With that, Skylar makes her way to her mother's car, and now Chris is in a position that is... rather difficult to explain, to say the least.

"Does this mean that you did it man!?" asked Eddy in excitement.

"Oh my goodness, calm down dude! Also, no. I honestly didn't feel like we both knew enough about each other yet, so I said no to being in relationship for now. But she understood, and man, it felt nice having someone who was on the exact same page. Now, let me clarify something, it's not that I now suddenly hate her, or whatever, it's just that we want to spend more time before officially deciding." explained Chris to his friends, Eddy in particular.

"That's a rather interesting mindset. I can understand the perspective of wanting to get better acquainted with your fellow friends, and potential partners. Although, I will knowledge that it's the decision of you two, not of us. I wish you good luck with that Chris!" responded Double D.

"I guess what Double D said makes sense." commented Eddy. "Well, good luck with your woman, but I just scored big time fellas!"

"So that thing I heard from out the window was true? You and Lee huh?" asks Chris.

"Heck yeah! It was just all so perfect, and we both agreed to it! I hope that she doesn't change her mind on it, cause I sure won't!" said Eddy, in yet another tone of excitement.

"Congratulations Eddy! You managed to patch up past conflicts and tensions, and make a new bond!" stated Double D, happy for his best pal. "Just be sure that you're committed to it."

"What Double D said. Happy for ya my friend!" said Chris, while clapping.

"Eddy and Lee are happily together!" yelled out Ed, cheering for his best friend.

In Eddy's mind, he had expected to get several questions about if this was actually something he agreed to, or if it was something that he was forced into, essentially the opposite of the former. But he ain't complaining, as the circumstances at this current moment are much than what he expected!

"Thanks guys! Double D, I'm sure you and Marie are fine, but Ed? How did it go with May?" asked Eddy.

"Oh, it went really well Eddy! Me and May have planned a nice hangout sometime to watch a cool movie!" responded Ed, in the same cheerful tone.

"Awesome! Well my friends, it seems we all got something great from tonight, haven't we?" stated Eddy.

"You could say that. It's getting kind of late though, and I don't think I can stay much longer either." responded Chris. "Here, let's go talk to Kevin once more, and then we will call it a night."

"Not a bad idea. Let's go fellas!" said Eddy.

Kevin is currently in the kitchen, serving cake to anyone who asks for a slice. He notices the crew of four coming over, and says, "Yo, what's going on?"

"Not much my guy. We will got something special with our ladies!" responds Eddy. "We can tell ya all about it later in school."

"Oh I bet you all did! Do you guys have to go right now? Because I can have some slices you can take home, as thanks for helping me out with this party." stated Kevin.

"We must depart, but I'll take the slice of cake. Thank you very much Kevin!" said Double D.

The other three also take their slices, and Kevin says, "You can all go if you need to, thanks again for helping me, would've been harder if it was just me doing this for Nazz."

"Don't worry man. We got your back. Take care brother!" responded Chris.

The crew of four all go outside, and Chris receives a text from his mother, saying, "Dad is home, where are you?"

"Well, now I have a reason to go home. My dad has finally returned home." said Chris.

"No way! Can we meet him? I wanna see what the guy behind your sick moves looks like!" said Eddy.

"Alright sure, but let's just make sure we don't take forever with it, okay?" responds Chris.

Well! Ain't this a way to wrap the night! The crew of four all go to Chris's house, and Maria goes to get the door, welcoming her son and his friends back.

"Hey, welcome back! Chris, dad is upstairs right now, but he'll come back down soon." said Maria.

"Good to know." responded Chris.

"The party go well for all of you?" asked Maria, curious of what went down. All four of the lads give rather basic answers, simply stating that they enjoyed the company of the partner they went with respectively, and mentioned the major fight that occurred, but they all got it under control quick. Maria is happy for them, but also appreciates the gesture of taking care of the rather bad crew of people that arrived to the party and caused unnecessary attention and conflict.

However, once they finish telling the stories of how the part went...

"Hey Chris! There you are!" said a voice that sounded deep, yet clear at the same time. Obviously, this is Chris's dad, who came down, in a brown leather jacket on top of a black shirt, navy blue pants, and home shoes that were soft for home wear. He also had a notably medium-sized brown beard and mustache.

"Oh hey dad, glad to see you. These are my friends, Ed, Double D, and Eddy." responds Chris, pointing at the respective Ed boy.

"Ah! Nice to see you three! My name is Zoltan, and you are all welcome to call me that any-day of the week!" said Zoltan, introducing himself to the Eds. "What have I missed between all four of you guys?"

"Well... it goes back quite a longer way Mr. Zoltan. Allow me to explain." said Double D.

Double D explained how he and his fellow Eds met Chris, with some assistance and corrections from the other three. He explained the various hangouts they had, along with the occasional drama they had ran into with the Kankers. Due to being absent from everything, to Zoltan, this is all rather ridiculous and hilarious at some points. Regardless, he is glad that Chris managed to find a good group, as he can tell based on the rather funny personalities of the Eds.

"Well, seems like going on a trip with friends can make you miss a lot huh? Hahaha!" commented Zoltan. "I think I'll want to more later, it's actually quite late, and I think you three lads should get home, would much rather not be grabbing you by the horns from getting home."

"Don't worry about it. What I want to know is, how was it learning the sick moves I've seen Chris do?" asked Eddy.

"Oh, so you've seen my son perform martial arts before I see. Well, I can tell everything about it tomorrow. In fact, how's this good chums, once you all return from school tomorrow, I shall tell the story?" offered Zoltan.

"I do believe that's a good offer. In that case, I think we should we should depart. It was nice meeting you, Zoltan!" stated Double D.

"Same goes to you and the rest of you! Stay safe out there, see you tomorrow!" said Zoltan.

"I'll catch you guys in school alright? Cheers!" said Chris to the Eds.

And so, the Eds all break into their respective homes, finally resting from the overload of crazy events that happened tonight. Back in Chris's house, Zoltan and Chris are currently having a conversation in the living room about things that the former is curious about.

"So, you've known them for a quite a well hmm?"

"Yeah." stated Chris. "Honestly, the circumstances were pretty funny, but man, since then, it's a roller coaster that you have no idea about."

"I can imagine it. It sounds also that those sisters that... Double D I believe, mentioned, have now become friends with them and you now?" asked Zoltan.

"Pretty much. Two of them are dating two of the sisters, but it's their business, not mine really." said Chris. "There's also someone else I would like to you meet too. She isn't another sister from that trio, but someone else I met at school."

"Oh? What's her name?"

"Skylar. She and I have gotten to know each other fairly well this past week or so, plus, she knows a bit about the martial arts thing I do too, because I told her, but I'm sure she would love to come over and listen to the story after school." explained Chris.

"You are welcome to bring her, if you are happy with her company. I'm not implying that you two are romantically involved, what I am saying is, if you are happy with her presence, that's all that matters, as at the end of the day, you know who is wrong and right. If she is able to come over, invite her!" responded Zoltan.

"Thanks dad. I'm sure she will be able to come over. Although, right now, I want to shower and rest for a bit, I've been through quite a long party honestly man." said Chris.

"Understood. Go up, I'll stay here with your mother, as I have some things to talk with her about." stated Zoltan, sharing a small arm wrestle with Chris, ultimately winning.

Oh, life won't wait indeed.