For those that have been patient; thank you. Here's your new chapter...

Chapter Fifteen: Girls of Autumn

Ronnie took off up the stairs and grabbed a quick shower. She headed into her room and got dressed into a casual top and jeans. She headed down to the kitchen and checked to see what they had for lunch. There were some leftovers, but she thought that they might not like what they had. She rummaged in her jeans and found a twenty. She smiled; maybe a pitch in for a pizza would work. She put a few more sodas in the fridge. She headed to the door as the doorbell went off. She opened the door and smiled.

"Ladies."

Alyson snickered. "God we're not that old. Girls would have worked."

Ronnie smiled. She noticed Gabe's girlfriend, as well and Emily Cameron, Nikki Coyne and Rosalyn Brooks. She was happy to see her friends.

"Come in, I've got the wine chilling."

"You didn't order a keg?" Alyson asked.

"Yeah, it's coming with the exotic dancers that I called." Emily said rolling her eyes. Rosalyn giggled at this.

"You're kidding right?" Nikki asked.

Ronnie smiled. "Yeah we are. I figured some girl time would be nice."

"I couldn't agree anymore." Emily commented. "If I have to listen to J.J. go on about wrestling one more time…"

"It's not that bad." Rosalyn smiled. "I like seeing those guys in those tights."

The girls sighed at the thought of this. Ronnie had to blush, thinking of Shane.

"Best looking guy on the team?" Nikki asked.

The girls headed into the living room and Ronnie shut the door.

"Tough call." Rosalyn stated. "I've met most of them."

"It has to suck a bit that your brother knows all of the jocks." Emily smiled.

"I've seen most of them at the house at one point or another." Rosalyn shrugged. "Jimmy's been trying to keep me from going after any of them."

"Boo." Nikki pouted. "That's no fun."

Rosalyn shrugged again. "I can't blame him though. Jocks tend to be on the dumber side of school."

"Hey!" Alyson mock growled. "My boyfriend is one of those guys!"

"He's one of the exceptions." Nikki commented. "Between Gabriel, J.J. and Edgar; most of them seem to be knuckle-draggers."

"Thank you!" Alyson smiled. "Someone that sees my guy other than a jock!"

"I still can't believe Edgar got on the team." Ronnie stated.

"I was more surprised that my dear cousin joined the team." Nikki replied. "He's not a violent type. Actually, he's more of the type to sit in with us."

"I think that was J.J.'s fault." Emily smiled. "Those two hang out so much and Coach Milligan just assumed that he was there to tryout." Emily snickered. "You should have seen the look on his face when Coach called him out to try."

"Ronnie; you and Alyson missed it." Rosalyn giggled. "Poor Eddie went out on the mats in socks, khakis and a t-shirt. He sized up his opponent and took him down in a matter of minutes. Everyone in the gym was impressed."

The girls shared a good laugh. Ronnie offered drinks to the girls; which they took. Nikki and Emily took off for the bathroom while Alyson stepped out for a moment. Rosalyn followed Ronnie to the kitchen.

"Hey are we good?" Rosalyn asked.

"Yeah, why?"

Rosalyn looked at her feet. "Well with Monday and everything…"

Ronnie looked at Rosalyn. "We've been friends for ten years Rose. Yeah, I was a little mad that I was being accused of what you heard. You could of just asked me."

"I didn't want to believe it, y'know." Rosalyn blushed. "I just thought that after that one argument we had in English."

Ronnie shook her head. "I took it personally. That was my fault and I'm sorry about that. You know how passionate I get about literature."

Rosalyn smiled. "Yeah, I was trying to egg you on. I'm sorry about that and not believing you about those comments."

"It's in the past." The two girls hugged. "Just next time, ask me."

Rosalyn smiled and nodded.

"Aw, did someone go and make up?" Alyson asked, coming in from the backyard.

Rosalyn rolled her eyes. "Yes. Thank you for the pep talk."

Alyson shrugged. "I thought that the two of you needed to talk about it. Besides, I had to wish my man good luck at the meet today."

"I'm surprised that you didn't go." Ronnie stated.

"No that's part of my punishment." Alyson grumbled. "I didn't get grounded but I can't see my man at any school functions this week. However, if he returns while we're here…"

"Lucky you." Rosalyn smiled.

"Okay, can we not talk about my brother like that?" Ronnie groaned.

Alyson nodded, looking at Rosalyn smiling. "You ever been kissed by a guy and felt fireworks go off in your head?"

"That good huh?" Rosalyn smiled back.

"EW!" Ronnie stated, shaking her head. "Ew. Ew. Ew."

Alyson and Rosalyn laughed out loud. Ronnie glared at the two of them. "You two are horrible, you know that?"

"Hey, what is said among the circle; stays in the circle." Rosalyn smiled.

"Speaking of which; Rose did I tell you what Gabe did…"

Ronnie huffed as she moved towards the sink. She grabbed the sprayer and pointed it at Alyson. "So help me if you finish that sentence Alyson."

Alyson let out a roar of laughter. She put her hands up in surrender. Rosalyn smiled.

"She's trying to get a rise out of you, Ronnie."

Ronnie sighed. She heard the other girls come into the kitchen.

"So who wants pizza?"

The girls spent most of the day talking and catching up with each other. Ronnie had to smile as she watched her friends laughing and gossiping with each other. She truly felt that she had some of the greatest friends in the world. Sadly, as time moved on during the day; her friends started to depart. It was when Alyson had left for the day that Ronnie had remembered what she wanted to ask the girls. She knew that Nikki would answer the question that had been plaguing her mind.

"So what's on your mind?" Nikki asked, shaking Ronnie out of her thoughts.

"If I ask you something, will you answer me honestly?"

Nikki smiled. "Of course you can. We're best friends aren't we?"

Ronnie nodded. She took a deep breath and sighed. She turned back to Nikki.

"Of course we're best friends; I wouldn't ask just anyone for advice." Ronnie smiled. "I just don't know what to do."

Nikki smiled. "I'll give you an honest answer. What's the problem?"

"Shane asked me out on Monday."

"You're afraid of what could happen?"

Ronnie blushed. "Among other things."

Nikki smiled. "Okay first and foremost; I don't think Shane is going to ask you to sleep with him. He doesn't take me as that type of person." Nikki continued, trying not to laugh. "Secondly, I have a feeling that Gabriel would put him down permanently if he hurt you."

Ronnie giggled at the second comment. Nikki continued.

"Finally, Shane has changed from when we met him at the beginning of the school year. I think he wants something serious."

"Why me though?" Ronnie moaned.

"Because he sees the awesomeness that is my best friend." Nikki smirked. "Besides, I'm a bit jealous of you."

"Jealous of me?"

Nikki nodded. "All of my friends are seeing someone or in the process of seeing someone. I would like to have someone to call mine."

Ronnie looked at Nikki sadly. "Why didn't you say anything to me? We would have found someone for you to go out with you."

It was Nikki's turn to blush. "I've already gone out with someone. Someone that was here today."

Ronnie looked at her friend in shock. "Who?"

"Rose and I have spent some time together. Sadly, Rose doesn't want anything serious." Nikki sighed, as if she was reminiscing. "Although it's nice to have someone for a casual moment or two."

"Wait, Rosalyn is a lesbian?" Ronnie asked.

Nikki nodded. "I'm surprised she didn't tell you."

"Must have slipped her mind." Ronnie grumbled. "Of course she did try to get an LBGT group formed in middle school." She sighed. "When did you two…?"

Nikki blushed. "A few times in the last month or two. I wanted to take things more seriously, but Rose wanted something more casual at this time." Nikki fidgeted a bit to a more comfortable sitting position. "Not that I'm complaining."

"See? This is the reason that I came to you." Ronnie exclaimed. "You're my best friend first and foremost. We have been able to talk about anything. Secondly, you're on both sides of the dating side of things." Ronnie threw her hands up in the air. "If anything; I'm living vicariously through you!"

Ronnie paced a bit, grumbling about the affairs of her friends. She ended up in the kitchen and pulled out a can of Easy Cheese. She sat on the kitchen counter cross-legged and opened the can; spraying in a decent amount into her mouth. She swallowed and shuddered only to do the same thing again.

Nikki tilted her head and moved towards her best friend. "What in the world are you doing?"

Ronnie shook the can and took another shot of cheese. "When I get annoyed with myself or upset I would grab a can of this stuff and crackers and have some until I could calm down. After some time, I discovered that the cheese stuff wasn't too bad alone." Ronnie sighed as she took one more shot. "I'm sorry that you have to see me like this."

Nikki softly laughed. "I'm not. I get to see my best friend actually being honest with me."

"Glad I can entertain you." Ronnie smiled weakly. "I've known since that first weekend that you were playing both teams. I remember you letting that slip. Why Rosalyn didn't tell me is a surprise. It makes sense that she'd keep that secret. I guess that's the reason that she's been agreeing with us." She tossed the spray can in her hands as she continued. "I guess that I've been kicking these thoughts around in my head for some time now."

"What's that?"

Ronnie capped the spray cheese can and put it down. "Truth? I've been thinking about my sexuality for some time now. I'm flattered that Shane asked me out. He really has changed from when I first met him. I just don't think that I have the same feelings for him that he may have for me."

"So you're thinking of telling him no?"

Ronnie shook her head. "I would give it a shot." She hopped down from the counter and took a seat. "He's nice to look at and he's somewhat smart. But then I look around at the girls that were here today. I sat there and while we're talking about boys and clothes; I'm having a internal monologue with myself about who's the hottest girl here." She looked at Nikki. "You were tied with Alyson at the top."

"I tied with Alyson?" Nikki looked at Ronnie with mild interest. "I figured that I would have come out on top of that."

"Only because you both have qualities that I find admirable." Ronnie nodded. "Alyson is how I want to be about things; she's carefree and a rebel. She rocks an awesome outfit with her fashion sense. She's got a no-nonsense attitude about life. She takes things day by day." She smiled. "You're gorgeous; like movie star gorgeous. While the physical is great; you are a mental challenge to me. I find intelligence a very sexy quality. You're also brutally honest and sophisticated. You're there for me when I really need someone. You are what I would want in an honest relationship. Shane and Alyson just wouldn't provide that. Well, they could in time."

Nikki blushed and smiled. "Thank you." Ronnie replied with a shrug and a smile. "I have to ask; why are you saying all of this now, let alone to me?"

"I don't know." Ronnie shrugged again. "When I talked to my mom earlier today about dating, she just gave me her comments about Shane. I almost told her, but I chickened out at the last second." She looked down at her hands. "I guess I wasn't really ready to tell her."

Nikki took the seat next to her and looked in Ronnie's direction. "It wasn't easy for me at first. I told my mom about where I was sexually at age eleven. She was fine with it; so was Imogen, you know Ms. Moreno." Ronnie looked towards Nikki and nodded for her to continue. "When I told Adam and Dad they were fine with it. Dad was real supportive; especially coming from the way I was raised. I had four people with different backgrounds raising me that gave me all that I needed; they still do."

"It was your Aunt's family, wasn't it?" Ronnie asked.

Nikki nodded, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Auntie J and Uncle Declan were fine with it. They loved me like their own. Aunt Heather and her family? They were just vicious. I was an abomination in their eyes; unwed lesbian mother gets artificially pregnant by her closest guy friend. To make matters worse; I'm then raised by said mom and dad and mom's partner and Toronto's most famous DJ and shock jock." Nikki laughed shallowly. "I was the messed up one, but everyone sided with mom. It was kind of nice to know that."

"Except Elizabeth." Ronnie spoke meekly.

"Yes, my darling cousin that's the black sheep." Nikki grumbled. "She thinks that my aunt Heather farts unicorns and shits rainbows. Yet she calls me fucked up."

"At least I gave her a black eye when I hit her." Ronnie smiled.

Nikki covered her mouth. "Granted; the one good thing that comes out of that fight is that she looks like a raccoon with the broken nose."

The two girls sat and laughed for a few minutes. When the laughter died down, there was a comfortable silence between the two.

"Veronica; go out on the date with Shane."

Ronnie looked at Nikki. "What do you mean?"

Nikki nodded. "He did ask you out and you did say yes to the date. You have to honor this first date with him."

"But…" Nikki placed a finger on Ronnie's lips. Ronnie closed her eyes and sighed.

"I'm flattered and you're my best friend. I'm content with that for the time being. Go out on the date with Shane. Have a great time and have fun. If things don't work out for you two, I'll be sad about it. However, if you want to pursue us; then we'll get to that bridge in time."

Ronnie nodded. The two friends hugged each other. Ronnie was reluctant to let go, but did so when Nikki's phone chimed.

"Great timing." Ronnie grumbled.

"That's my ride." Nikki smiled. "Just go with my suggestion with Shane. Go have fun and yes I want details." Nikki picked up her purse and went to put her shoes on. She turned to Ronnie, who really looked upset and smiled. "I'm your best friend. Remember that."

"Yeah I know. I wouldn't want to ruin that."

Nikki smiled. "At least at the moment." She hugged her friend again. "Love you."

"Love you too Nikki."

Nikki walked out the front door and closed it behind her. She walked towards the car and noticed Gabe getting out. Her smile brightened as he held the door open for her.

"Milady, your chariot awaits."

Nikki laughed. "Charming as always Gabriel. I take it things went well."

Gabe smiled. "Oh yeah. Degrassi is going to have the team to beat this year. I did pretty well, but your cousin's one bad dude."

"Really?"

"Come on Gabe; don't brag about me." Edgar chimed from inside the car.

"Sorry dude, you were a badass taking that guy down as quick as you did." Gabe smiled. "Sorry I'm holding you guys up. Did you all have a fun time?"

"Yes we did and no I won't share what Alyson said about you."

"Party pooper." Gabe smiled. "Well you two have a good night and I'm sure we'll see each other before Monday."

Nikki stepped closer to Gabe and kissed him on the cheek. "Talk to Ronnie when you can. I really think she needs her big brother right now." She got in the car and closed the door, not answering any more questions. The car left the Mason home and Nikki watched as the elder Mason waved as they left.

"He has a girlfriend." Edgar chimed in. Nikki turned to him as Gabe was out of sight. Edgar sat with his arms crossed and glanced at his cousin.

"A girl can dream, can't she?" Nikki smiled. "I think the two of them and me…"

"Way too much of a mental picture there." Edgar shifted in his seat. "Besides wouldn't that be incest with them in the same room at the same time?"

"I suppose you're right. Again a girl can dream."

"Did she finally tell you?" Edgar asked after a moment.

Nikki handed Edgar a bill and smiled. "You were right. She's been in conflict for some time. She likes Shane, but I think she likes me a little more."

Edgar smiled. "I told you that this would happen."

Nikki glared. "Oh you're so smug about this. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I truly believe that having a woman to talk about these things is easier." Edgar stretched. "Besides I think it would have been weird if I said something to her about it."

"That may be true." Nikki said thoughtfully. "We play on both sides of fence dear cousin. It might make it easier from a guy's point of view."

Edgar shrugged. "One thing at a time dear Nicolette. I have a feeling that she'll talk to her brother about this."

"He'll be very understanding."

"I would think so." Edgar smiled. "It's one of his more endearing qualities."

"He has a girlfriend." Nikki gloated. It was Edgar's turn to glare at her. "What? Your words and not mine. I'm just stating for the record."

Edgar shook his head and looked out the window while Nikki looked in her purse for her phone. They both sighed at the same time.

"So did you enjoy rolling around on the mats with those big sweaty men?" Nikki flashed a cheesy smile. Edgar merely shook his head and rolled his eyes as the car continued towards home.

Pretty interesting chapter. Yet so many questions...

I've been kicking this chapter around for some time now. It's probably as close to perfect as I'll ever get it. I'll try to explain some of this here today (although I appreciate commentary from you guys as well).

-Rosalyn keeping the fact of being lesbian to a few people is not known at this time. It will come to light on the reasons why later on in the story.

-Yes, Nikki is bisexual; as well is Edgar. Edgar will keep this fact to himself; he feels that it is his business alone. Edgar likes girls/women more so, but as he put it to me; likes to keep his options open. Nikki is a little more open about it; partially due to the fact in the way that she was raised (see above). She also feels that it's time that some of her friends did know about it; something that Ronnie also picked in a previous (albeit off-scene) conversation. I also chose Nikki and Edgar to be this way not to get readers, but I feel it's an issue that really wasn't covered fully in the series (I'm aware that Paige tests the waters on both sides, but I'd like to delve more than what was covered there).

-Keep in mind; Ronnie is QUESTIONING at this time. It is something I've had planned for a while with her character. Remember that this is a story based around the Mason children. The other kids that are around are used as either plot points or to progress the story. Yes, I still like them too; so they are involved in Gabriel and Veronica's lives.

-The conversation in the car between the cousins isn't intended to show them in a bad light. They are close as family can be, but remember they're VERY observant teenagers. Rich, observant teenagers. They will gossip like other kids, but will do silly things like betting on conversations and the like. It wasn't meant to make them sinister, just different.

So thank you guys for reading! Please feel free to comment and ask questions. I'll do my best to answer them honestly (unless I have a reason to tell you, but I'll warn you ahead of time). I'll have the next chapter up fairly soon; hopefully near the end of the month instead of in May. Thanks!