Letting out a loud laugh, I successfully dribbled the soccer ball around Tommy as the other guys gave chase.
I was supposed to be over practicing cheer with the girls who had welcomed me onto the team when Barbara forced me to join; even Ali urged me to join.
Instead, I was playing soccer with the guys and winning "Get her!" Dutch yelled as I ran rings around them laughing as they dived to try and reach me but ending up on the floor as I dodged them.
Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around my waist, and I was yanked from the floor "Johnny!" I screamed as he threw me over his shoulder "That's cheating" I yelled as Bobby took control of the ball with a cocky grin.
"Aww is the Princess mad?" Dutch mocked coming closer to my face as I reached out to swat him only to miss when he moved away at the last minute with a laugh "she's like a kitten" he joked as I glared knowing what was coming next "Kitty Kat."
Groaning I shifted on Johnny's shoulder when they all chuckled "Do not call me that" I hissed rolling my eyes with no real malice.
"Let me down" I pouted childishly, being short had its disadvantages especially when your friends think it's funny to hold you like cavemen.
Kicking my legs frustrated I squealed when Johnny quickly shifted me into a bridal style carry before placing me back on the ground "alright, alright" he laughed when I jokingly pushed him as the other guys passed the ball between each other.
"So I was thinking..." Johnny began as he held me in his arms "Uh oh" I said as he gave me a worried look "Johnny Lawrence thinking, that must be dangerous" I teased as he moved one hand down to tickle my ribs with a fake laugh "very funny, Kitty Kat."
Narrowing my eyes at the blond, I let him continue "My mom really wants to meet you officially" he explained as I internally began to panic "She asked me to invite you to a dinner party at the country club" he finished with a nervous smile.
Blinking slowly, I felt myself getting more anxious, "Country club?" I questioned knowing the type of people who go there, and all of them have more money than I could ever imagine, they were the type of people who I probably wouldn't fit in with.
Seeing my face Johnny rubbed my arms "It's just dinner, meeting my mom and maybe so other people" he tried to calm me as the guys all turned to look at us "Don't worry Kat, we'll all be there" Bobby smiled giving me a coxing nod "Ali and the girls will be there too".
Glancing around I noticed said girl and my brother flirty playing soccer together not far from us "Ok, I'll go" I relented as they all cheered and Johnny pressed a kiss to my forehead "They'll all love you" he whispered comfortingly before stepping back.
Giving him one final smile I quickly tackled the ball away from Jimmy's feet, and we were all once again running around after each other shouting and laughing when one of us falls or misses the ball completely.
Kicking the ball to Dutch, I turn my head hearing Ali's voice coming closer before she turns and stumbled over the ball I kicked "way to go butter toes" I grin as she passes the ball to me with a laugh.
"Hi, Ali" Tommy greets flirtingly, but Ali pulls a face at him "'Hi, Ali'" she mimics as she runs over to the other Cheerleaders "Ouch!" I commented as Tommy jokingly pushes me away "Go do your little cheer thing" he grunts crossing his arm.
"Don't worry T I'm going, you take care of that wounded ego" I called jogging backward as the guys all laugh at our friend's expense "brat!" Tommy shouts to me as I turn from him throwing a thumbs-up back in response.
"I need your help" I whisper to Ali when I reach her "What is it?" she questions looking worried at my tone. Letting out a sigh, I glace at the blondes face not used to needing someone's help, especially someone like Ali.
"Johnny's mom invited me to your little country club party, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to wear, or act, or even how not to be me" I rant as the other girl just blinks at me in surprise "Mrs. Lawrence invited you to the club?".
Sighing heavily I raised my eyebrow at the girl with whom I'd become acquainted with "Really Ali? That's all you took from that?" I huffed before letting out a quick breath, "I'm kinda freaking out here."
Ali shook her head with an apologetic smile "why would not want to be you?" she questioned as I shifted on my feet awkwardly.
"I'm not 'the Hills' Ali," I explained as her eyes widened in realization "you don't need to be anything other than you, Kat," she told me gently.
"People don't usually like me when I'm me" I retort as she gives me a knowing smile "I like you, and I know Johnny likes you" I groan trying not to stomp my foot like a child, "but I wasn't even trying with you guys."
Ali's eyes twinkle when she smiles "exactly. How about you come to my house and ride with me and my parents?" nodding slowly, I eye the blonde girl before nodding my head more confidently "I'd like that."
Seeing my brother watching us from a distance I quickly walk over to him "Hey" I greet as he gives me a nod before narrowing his eyes at me suspiciously "You look nervous" I blink in shock that Daniel was able to read me, he's never been able to do that before.
"Uh yeah, Johnny's mom invited me to a dinner thing at their fancy country club" I explain as his face darkens at my words "You got invited to that?" he hissed as I frowned in confusion "Ali didn't ask you to go?".
Daniel shook his head at me, putting his hands on his hips "So what you're friends with them again," my twin gritted his teeth nodding toward the guys who all watched our interaction curiously.
Biting my cheek, I nodded knowing he'd find out either way "great, just great" my brother growled at me, "You remember what they did right?" I felt my body tense as he got in my face, but I breathed through my anger.
"Yeah I do, but I also remember you instigating it too" I responded through my teeth trying not to let my vision taint red as my brother didn't move from my comfort zone "you can't go" he barked as I eyed him in shock.
Placing my hand on my twin's chest, I removed him from my bubble "So what I can't go because you weren't invited? How childish can you be Daniel?" I questioned as my brother crossed his arm and looked away from me.
"I'm trying hard to make this work," I said pointing between the two of us having had enough of my brother's spoiled attitude, "but now I can see I'm the only one putting in the work."
Moving around him, I started to walk back to Cheer before turning back to face my brother "why can't you just let me be happy?" I let out a humorless laugh realizing something "Who's more like our father now?".