DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons" or "High School Story," I only own Diana, Karena, Nikki, and Wesley.
Friday came and now I had to decide what to wear to the beach party at Caleb's house. But the texts that Michael had sent me about Max and Kara trying to sway voters away from my campaign continued to worry me.
"Do you know what you're going to wear?" I turned to see my mom at the door.
"No."
"Can I help?" Wesley poked his head in the door, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sure. Why not?"
I allowed Wesley in my room and in my closet.
"What kind of party is it?" Wesley asked.
"A beach party. Caleb lives on a house next to the beach."
"Then you should wear this!" Wesley exclaimed, his brown eyes going wide as he handed me a pink skirt and a white shirt that showed my midriff.
"You should be my fashion designer, Wes," I replied, smiling at what he picked out.
"Nah, Auntie Tallie does that stuff," Wes replied. "At least let me help you kiss your boyfriend."
"Okay, Wesley, that's enough," Mom said as I went in the bathroom and changed. When I got out, I got another text from Michael asking if I was coming or not.
"Alright, Mom, let's go."
I entered the door to Caleb's house and I had trouble getting through to find the hosts! The house was packed, and I saw some students in the backyard before I walked in. Thankfully, I felt a finger touch my shoulder from behind me, and I turned to find the two brothers. I gave Caleb a kiss after I hugged him.
"Hey, you."
"Hey, yourself," Caleb said, kissing me on the cheek.
"Diana! You made it!" Ezra exclaimed. "Glad you could come!"
"Of course! Like this was a party until I showed up!"
"Make yourself at home," Caleb said after a chuckle. "We've got drinks over there, dancing over there, and some people are hanging outside too."
"Thanks! I think I'll—"
"You're just in time, Diana," Michael interrupted me as he had pushed his way through the crowd.
"What's the sitch?" I asked. "Is this about Max and Kara?"
"See for yourself," Michael replied, pointing to the two students trying to convince Wes and Morgan to vote for them. I walked over so that I could get a closer listen.
"You'd be an idiot if you don't vote for us for prom king and queen," Kara remarked.
"Yeah, we can give you what Diana can't," Max continued. "Free t-shirts, hall passes to cut class, you name it."
"Been there, done that," Wes answered with a smug smile. "Don't trust them, Morgan."
"I dunno, it's a pretty nice offer—"
"Max! Kara! You can't bribe people for votes!" I angrily interrupted Morgan.
"Oh, look, it's the fun police," Max retorted back.
"Back off, Diana," Kara shot back. "We were just talking to Morgan and Wes. It's like your whole strategy is to tell the competition off. Guess what? It's not working!"
"That's not my strategy," I sternly replied. "I just want to run a clean race!"
"Sure, because that's what you're doing," Max replied. "Come on, Kara. Let's talk to some other voters."
"Well, that didn't go how I planned it," I told Ezra, Caleb, and Michael after I turned around.
"Don't beat yourself up," Michael replied. "They've been doing this all night. Same with the rest of their Staples posse."
"And if we kick them out, then the Staples kids we actually like will leave too," Ezra explained.
"You know what, they'll still never get enough votes," I explained.
"I hope not. I don't think I could stand Max and Kara winning our prom king and queen."
"Does that mean I have your vote, Ezra?"
"We'll see, Diana. You're not winning it that easily."
"I guess it's time to make the rounds then," I replied with confidence. "I've got to show off my dazzling personality. Then by the time voting comes around, I'll be the obvious choice! Whatever the case, we cannot let Max and Kara win, even if I don't win."
"Good luck, Diana," Caleb said, kissing my cheek, and then I saw a glimpse of the sunset outside, so that's where I went. I went to the edge of the shore and allowed my feet to sink into the sand and the water to hit my legs as I enjoyed the breeze and the setting sun.
"Hey, Diana!" I turned to see Emma, Maria, Sydney, Myra, Luis, and Kieran join me, forming a line along the shore. Emma stood next to Luis, and she leaned her head against his chest as they looked out toward the horizon.
"This is nice," Emma said as the seven of us continued to gaze out.
"I hope I didn't interrupt you guys," I said, not looking at any one of them.
"Not at all," Luis answered. "We're just getting to know Kieran."
"He's so much fun to hang out with outside of cheerleading!" Sydney said enthusiastically.
"Who knew a Staples student could be so cool?" Myra asked.
"This party is so much better than I imagined," Kieran replied with a big smile on his face. "Everyone here is so nice. When Max and Kara said I had to come, I thought everyone would hate me… since I'm just a Staples kid."
"That's crazy talk," Emma replied, turning her head to the left to talk to Kieran. "You're fun to hang out with."
"Glad you think so. I don't know if I'll ever have the heart to pit everyone against Diana now."
"Wait, what?" I asked, turning toward Kieran, who stood right next to me.
"Max and Kara wanted me to convert everyone against you for prom queen. They even sent Zoe and Terrence to make sure I did it."
"Hey, girl!" We all jumped and turned to our right when we found Brian hitting on Sydney. "How about you and me find somewhere—"
"Forget it, Brian," Amber replied, interrupting him. "I'm dating Mia."
"That wasn't a no—"
"And I'm into girls," Sydney sternly replied.
"What a coincidence! Me too!" Oh boy… I watched as Sydney moved away from the group and headed inside. Brian went up to the next girl in line: Myra.
"I'm single. You're single. We could fix that problem easily."
"Us? Together?" Myra asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Get lost, Brian!" I yelled from my spot.
"You don't have to put up with these losers anymore," Brian said, ignoring me. "I'm here now."
"Brian, if anyone's the loser around here, it's you," I yelled again.
"As if!" Brian yelled back. "I'm quarterback, star of the basketball team, and extremely hot. A girl like Myra should be lucky to have the attention of a guy like me. So what do you say, Myra? There's a nice, secluded spot just down the beach. No one will disturb us as we make out."
Uh, eww…
"Brian, back off," Emma angrily said. "You're crossing a line."
Suddenly, Myra fell into the sand in a fit of giggles, clutching her sides.
"Like that's ever gonna happen!" Myra exclaimed, still laughing. "I'm not interested, Brian."
"You heard it from her, Brian!" I excitedly yelled. "Bye-bye!"
"If Myra wants me gone, she can say—" Suddenly, Maria marched up to Brian and gave him a death glare. "All right, all right, I'm going. But if you change your mind… you know where to find me."
I watched as Brian goes back into the house, and I heard Myra still laughing!
"What a creep," Maria said, still carrying that glare.
"I don't know, I think he's a real joker," Myra said.
"Myra, you think this is a joke?" I asked with worry. "I'd be careful."
I walked over to the fire pit to join Aiden, Cameron, Nishan, Sakura, and Koh. Koh was throwing pieces of paper into the fire.
"Where did you get the paper from?" I asked.
"My grandpa told me to throw away these old documents," Koh explained. "And I did! Sort of."
"So wait, you kept them, and now you're throwing them in the fire?" I asked.
"Shouldn't we be a bit concerned with fire especially after what happened at Staples?" Aiden asked.
"It's fine, Aiden!" Cameron exclaimed. "You don't have to worry for my sake."
"Besides, I'm being safe!" Koh exclaimed. "There's a bucket of water right over there just in case."
"You know, this is a great example of a chemical reaction," Nishan spoke up. "Just like we were talking about in class—"
"Two points!" Koh exclaimed, throwing another document in the fire.
"But can you make a three-pointer?" Sakura asked with a grin.
"You have the right idea, Koh," Cameron said, taking one of the documents and throwing it into the fire. "Sometimes you've gotta live a little."
"Nice three-pointer!" Koh complimented Cameron. "You know, you're all right for a Staples kid."
"I can't believe it's come to this," Aiden said, shaking his head as Koh throws another document in the fire.
"Want in, Diana?"
"I think I'll sit out," I replied, finding the idea creepy. "I don't want to ruin this moment."
"I'm glad somebody has some sense," Aiden replied with a smile.
"The Mitchells have the best fire pit ever," Koh said, continuing to throw documents in the fire.
"Yep, Koh's better off having all the fun," I replied with a smile.
"I really don't get it," Aiden said as Cameron hands Aiden an old sheet of music.
"Just close your eyes, breathe, and drop it in," Cameron instructed him. "This is about art and expression! Sometimes, that means letting things go."
Aiden drops the sheet of music in the fire just after Cameron does.
"That wasn't too bad, actually," Aiden said with a smile.
"Exactly! It's creating something from such a destructive force! Almost like a piece of theatre or a musical concerto!"
I walked back inside where I saw people dancing on the floor, and I stood next to Michael.
"Not joining the fun?" I asked.
"Oh this is for everyone else's sake," Michael answered. "If I go out there, my moves would put them all to shame."
"Are you kidding? Let's put your money where your mouth is!" I exclaimed, pulling Michael onto the floor and dancing with him.
"Happy now?" Michael asked, showing some of his suave moves.
"Your moves are just so good!" I answered and danced in a circle where I saw Autumn dancing with Frank and Payton. I also noticed Julian and Wes looking at Autumn, both looking like they want to ask her to dance.
"Look at Julian over there!" Payton exclaimed. "He's so close to asking Autumn to dance! He just needs a bit of encouragement."
"Wes is about to do the same thing!" Michael exclaimed.
"Michael, let's get Wes to dance with Autumn," I whispered in his ear.
"Awesome. I know Wes has cleaned up his act. This is a great chance for him to prove that."
"Well, I don't have a problem with Wes," Payton chimed in. "But Julian's been so nice to Autumn lately. He deserves a chance."
"Well, today, I'm team Wes. Michael, get something slower playing."
While Michael walks over to the DJ, I walked over to Wes.
"Diana."
"Wes. Why don't you just ask her to dance already?" I asked him with a smile.
"Like she'd say yes," Wes replied, turning toward me with a frown. "I already screwed things up with her."
"I'm sure she'd give you another chance. Trust me."
"Alright, I'll give it a shot," Wes said after a moment of hesitation. "But this comes back on you if she says no."
I watched as Wes approached Autumn and asked her to dance, and watching her expressions, she accepted the invitation.
"Say what you will," Michael said behind me as I jumped. "But I think they're great together."
"I have to agree," I replied, joining Caleb, Ezra, Jade, and…
"Nikki, is that you?" I asked the girl with dirty-blonde hair and blue eyes, and Nikki dropped her jaw.
"Diana?" Nikki's open mouth turned into a smile. "Oh my gosh DIANA!" We ran toward each other and hugged each other tightly.
"I didn't know you went to Staples!" I exclaimed with happiness.
"You're a Westport High student huh?" Nikki replied back.
"It's so great to see you!" I exclaimed.
"Small world! It's been ages since I've seen you, and here we are!"
"Wait, you two know each other?" Jade asked.
"We've known each other since preschool!" Nikki explained enthusiastically. "Diana thought I was making fun of her at first, but our love of Dora the Explorer brought us together. It was a shame that we went to different schools after the fifth grade."
"So what are we talking about?" I asked.
"I was just remembering back when Nikki and Ezra hung out in junior high," Caleb explained. "They had some kind of bet then."
"Oh yeah! Who could kiss more people by the end of the year," Nikki replied.
"I, of course, won," Ezra said with a smirk.
"Liar, liar, pants on fire!" Nikki exclaimed with a smirk. "My long, blonde locks scored me that kiss with Chad, remember?"
"But my dashing good lucks and sweet guitar jams got the kiss with Isabelle," Ezra replied. "Remember that?"
"Sounds like you two had some great memories!" I told my childhood best friend.
"Are you kidding me? This guy's the only thing that kept me sane in middle school!"
"I was bummed when we went to different high schools," Ezra explained. "But now it's like old times again."
The five of us watched as Terrence poured himself and Zoe some drinks while the latter studied Jade and Nikki.
"Careful, girls. Remember your loyalties lie with Staples," Zoe explained. "Would hate for someone like Max or Kara to get the wrong impression."
"Come on, darling," Terrence said, handing Zoe her drink. "Let's move away from the riffraff."
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Zoe replied as they walked away.
"Buh-bye!" Nikki exclaimed sarcastically.
"That was something else," I said. "Nikki, how do you deal with this all the time?"
"I remember a certain someone telling me to 'keep moving forward,'" Nikki explained, pointing at me. "But hey, at least Terrence's ego isn't as bad as Max's. There's a reason I switched to band this quarter."
"I cannot believe I didn't recognize you on the basketball team," I replied, smacking my head. "I would have stopped by to say hello."
"I totally understand. It looked like you guys had a lot going on at the time."
"Well, you should come on over to my house like old times and catch up!" I suggested.
"I will take you up on that!" Nikki exclaimed. "Good luck running against Max and Kara, Diana; you'll need it."
After a few more minutes, I went outside and sat down on a lawn chair to look at the stars, and I smiled, remembering how Dad would always take me outside to look at the moon and stars.
"So here's where you ran off too," I heard Caleb say behind me as I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. I watched as he sat on an armrest, and I leaned against him as he rubbed my left shoulder.
"I was kinda hoping you'd find me out here," I replied, looking up at him.
"Finders keepers," Caleb replied as we kissed.
"No complaints here."
"Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Reuniting with Nikki made my night," I answered. "But honestly, I just want to spend some alone time with you. I feel like I've hardly seen you tonight."
"Lucky for you, I have an idea to fix that."
"Oh?"
"I've been really looking forward to some alone time with you tonight, too. And it's such a shame there's this huge beach next to us, but nobody's using it. You, me, and the beach. How about it?"
"Caleb, I'd love to, but I need to relax." I paused, and I felt a smirk creep up on my face. "On second thought, let's do it. Beach time with my boyfriend? How could I say no to that?"
"I thought that might interest you," Caleb replied, and we both got off the chair and started to walk alongside the shore.
We eventually made a stop, and I felt Caleb hug me from behind as we watched the waves crash and the moon rise.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Caleb asked, and I smiled.
"Oh, I was just thinking about where the extra penny goes if I add my two cents. Obviously somebody's making a profit if you offer me a penny for my thoughts, but I put my two cents in!"
"I've never thought about that before," Caleb replied in awe.
"Does somebody have a giant castle of pennies from that question?" I asked with amusement in my voice.
"I'm sure they've exchanged it for nickels. Less obvious that way."
"They must be saving up for a quarter house."
"I wonder where your mind goes sometimes."
"It's an important question!" I answered with a laugh, and I continued to gaze out at Long Island Sound. "I can't believe this is your backyard."
"Yeah, I lucked out," Caleb explained. "I used to race home after school just to play on the beach. There was a good month or so where I made a new sandcastle every single day."
"I didn't realize I was dating the sandcastle artiste of Westport! I simply must see your craft in action."
"All right, but only if you help me out."
"With pleasure," I replied as we started constructing our sandcastle. We had four towers with a keep, and I opted to add a seashell gate as well as a driftwood drawbridge. When we finished, we took a step back to admire our creation.
"It's better than I could've imagined!" I said in awe.
"Just one more thing to add," Caleb replied, handing me a long spindly seashell, and I held it close to my heart. I had never really thought that I was raised in a city that was alongside the Atlantic coast until now. Me and my family had lived in the countryside since I was a baby, so going to the beach was not in our everyday plans, even though we lived very close to one. Instead, our plans consisted of my dad teaching me how to ride his horse, and I enjoyed my horse rides with him.
"Diana, it's time to cleam this castle as our own," I heard Caleb say, and I snapped myself back to reality. "Care to do the honors?"
I smiled as I placed the seashell atop the highest tower.
"In the name of House Robinson, I dub thee, Stormholt."
"Stormholt... great name."
"Enemies beware!" I yelled, pretending to hold my dad's lightsaber. "You'll never take Stormholt down!" I paused as I turned toward my boyfriend. "I'm honored to see this artistic side of you."
"It's been a long time since I made one," Caleb explained. "I think I called the last one Fort Batman." I let out a hearty laugh and took his hand. "Stormholt is clearly better."
"There's only one thing left to do: take a selfie with Stormholt!"
I took out my phone and had Caleb help me aim the camera. We scooted toward each other next to our castle and took the photo.
"Aw, that's a keeper," I said, admiring the photo, and then I turned to see Caleb gazing at me. "What?"
I watched as Caleb traced my jawline with his hand.
"You're so breathtaking, Diana," he replied with that smile on his face.
"You're pretty handsome yourself."
We closed the short distance between each other with a kiss, and I felt him deepen it. As we deepened our kiss, I felt his hands running up and down my back, and then we pulled back as we rested our foreheads on each other's.
"Caleb, kiss me again," I said dreamily, and I watched him get close again. But, as I tried to close the distance, he pulled away.
"Just wait."
I watched as he brushed his lips against my collarbone, and I closed my eyes, soaking it all in. As he kissed around my neck, I ran my fingers through his curly black hair, taking every kiss in. I eventually couldn't handle it, and I kissed his forehead. Our lips met again, and I lied down on the sand as we continued to love each other. We eventually broke apart to catch our breath, and I found myself looking at the stars past Caleb. Then, I remembered my dad's warning about wanting more, and I knew it was time to head back.
"We should head back," I heard Caleb say, and I turned to face him.
"I know you're right, but I wish you weren't," I replied as he helped me up.
"It is my backyard, so we can always revisit this later."
"I'll hold you to that," I replied as we headed back to his house. Just as we approached the back door, I heard the music stop playing. "Wait, what's Ezra doing?"
"If it's what I think it is, we don't want to miss this. Come on!"
Caleb and I ran inside to find Ezra standing on top of the table, holding a microphone.
"I just want to thank everyone for coming out tonight," Ezra said into the microphone. "You guys are great, but I've got a special question to ask. Nikki, where you at?"
I turned to the back to find Nikki being pushed through the crowd toward Ezra, and she stands on the table next to him.
"Ezra, what's all of this?" Nikki asked.
"Nikki, will you go to prom with me?" Ezra asked, and Nikki put both of her hands on her cheeks.
"Oh my gosh! Yes, yes, YES!" Nikki answered, wrapping her arms around Ezra and kissing him eagerly. Everyone around us cheered.
"Promposal season is in full swing!" Myra exclaimed.
"You go, Nikki!" I yelled, cheering for her. "You two are perfect together!"
"They need a ship name," Myra yelled. "Nikra? Ezki? Hm… needs work."
"Now, while I still have your attention," Ezra continued. "I just wanna say that since I was prom king last year, I'm endorsing Diana for prom—"
"I'll let you finish in a minute," Max interrupted Ezra, taking the microphone from him. "But Kara and I just want to say that even though Nikki is a traitor, the rest of Staples should remember where their loyalties lie."
"You don't want to be caught fraternizing with the enemy," Kara warned. "Why is why you're going to vote for me and Max… or else."
"At least I don't scare people into voting for me!" I yelled angrily.
"We don't scare people into anything," Kara said in defense. "We simply show them the facts. A bit of persuasion never hurt anybody."
"Is that what happened to Troy the Trojan back in the fall?" I yelled again.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Kara replied angrily.
"This party's lame," Max said. "Let's bounce."
"Staples out!"
I watched as almost all of the Staples students follow Max out the door. Jade, Cameron, Kieran, and Nikki were the last ones out.
"You're leaving too?" I asked with sadness.
"Sorry, but there's no way I'm crossing Max," Jade explained sadly. "We're still on the baseball team together."
"I wish I could stay, but I don't have a choice," Cameron explained sadly.
"When Max or Kara call, I have to answer," Kieran also explained with sadness. "It's my duty as a loyal Staples student."
"I don't like it, but I get it," I replied as Nikki approached me and gave me a hug.
"I'll see on Monday for sure," Nikki said with tears in her eyes.
"I know. It was nice seeing you."
I watched as Nikki left the house, and Kara smiled as she takes in the remains of the party.
"See that? That's why we're the best," Kara remarked. "Loyal to a T." Kara passed Maria on her way out. "See you at prom committee, Maria. You'll need my help if you don't want your pathetic dance to end up like this."
"Kara! Maria is fully capable of planning prom without you!" I angrily yelled at her.
"Not if she wants people to show up," Kara shot back before she slams the door. "Food for thought."
"How am I gonna plan prom with Kara?" Maria asked, pacing the room. "She's going to ruin everything! I can't tell her no… but I just know she'll make everything Staples-centered!"
"We won't let that happen, Maria," I told her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'll join prom committee to make sure that's not the case."
"You can count on me too," Caleb chimed in, putting a hand on Maria's other shoulder.
"You'd really join prom committee for me?" Maria said, touching both of our hands.
"After how Max and Kara ruined my party and treated you?" Caleb explained angrily. "There's no way I'd let them ruin prom as well!"
"It'll be just like homecoming!" I replied enthusiastically as Maria turned around and pulled us in a hug.
"Thanks, you two. The first meeting is Monday."