When James finally checks the roof and finds you, he's so relieved that for a moment nothing else matters as your big brother pulls you into his arms. But then reality hits and you let him pull away and glare at you.
"Why didn't you tell me?" And really, what kind of question is that. Words and sentences stumble over themselves in your head as you try to explain what was always crystal clear before. In Minnesota he had a little sister that relied on him too much and parents who had totally screwed themselves over. Here he has his boyfriend and his band and his chance to become famous. Bonus, he gets to live in a nice apartment and be paid for all this. Of course you didn't tell him.
"Because you would have left. And I couldn't let you do that because you have this nice record deal and a job you love and…you just always seemed so happy. Why would I take that away from you?"
He just shakes his head at you, but you know you're off the hook. Then Logan, Kendall and Mrs. Knight are piling onto the roof and everyone seems so glad to see you. With a sigh you brace yourself and put up your 'I'm-so-bored-and-don't-care-what-you-say' face.
"Alright, let's hear it." Everyone's looking at you in confusion but you don't quite register that. "Come on, hit me. Tell me how I was so immature, disrespectful, irresponsible, a complete disappointment…what are you guys waiting for?" For a long moment no one speaks and you're left in a whirlwind of apprehension. Why won't they just say it already?
Logan is the first one to speak, taking your hand and leading you back into the building. "I don't think you're a disappointment. Actually, I was rather impressed by how calm you were." You stare at him as everyone agrees. You open your mouth to say something, realize you're still utterly lost for words and close it just as Kendall grabs you and tosses you on his back, making you giggle in delight as if you're still five.
"We're all just glad you're safe. Don't take this the wrong way or anything but we were kind of worried you would try something crazy." A pang of guilt settles in your stomach as you shrug. Carlos looks back at you with concern, asking if he should tell them. The guilt seems to get heavier with each passing moment and you just can't pretend that you were calm and collected the way you wanted to.
"I tried to, or at least I thought about it" you wiggle off the blonde's back and take a moment to marvel at how slowly time can move at times like this. Carlos is still looking at you as if he's afraid you might disappear, Logan is studying you like he wants to give you a full check-up and make sure you didn't hurt yourself. James has a look on his face that makes you think he's going to come up with some crazy plan so you'll never leave his sight again. Kendall is the only one who's cool about it and even he's a little shaken. Your eyes shoot around with worry and finally you open your mouth to speak. "I couldn't do it. It didn't seem right."
Everyone is still staring at you and you hear Carlos mutter something before stepping forward and wrapping his arms around you. "Never ever, ever, ever again right?"
You only laugh and slip out of the embrace, tugging him along to the apartment. Your parents are still there, but they look shaken. Mrs. Diamond is the first to look up from the suitcases, but when she does her hand raises and just for a moment, you're thirteen again, right after James left. Your first instinct is to flinch, but you refuse. This woman will not control you.
Then your father looks up and you can see he's drunk again. His eyes are bloodshot and watery, and he sways where he stands. Suddenly, you feel like the parent. Because these two are not adults, they can't be. You consider trying to help them, but there is only so much one person can do, and they won't accept your help…
You try anyway, one last time. But you don't try to reason with them or use gentle words to support the two. Instead you say exactly what you feel when you look at them. "You're pathetic. Even now, when your child is being taken away from you, you can't act like adults. I'm so glad James and Logan are taking me in, because I can't stand you people."
They reel back in shock and hurt and anger, but you turn and walk away, Carlos behind you. Because your Maria Lemay Diamond, and you are stronger than them. It's a fact you've doubted before, but those thoughts are long gone. You can make it without those people, you know that now.
Carlos and you make your way to the boys' apartment, where everyone else is waiting. Behind you, you can hear Mr. Diamond stumbling and Mrs. Diamond hitting something, but you can't fix them anymore than they could fix you, so you step into the apartment and shut the door behind you, closing off your life from before.
James is glowering at you and the tall Latino holding you, but Carlos shrugs it off and hugs you even tighter to him as he leads you to the table. Sitting beside your brother is Logan, watching his boyfriend with eyes full of barely contained amusement. As you sit, the boy-genius winks at you, a small act of comfort as Kendall passes out forks and Katie sets down the big bowl of Mac and Cheese.
Small talk is started and lunch is served. Finally, halfway through the meal, James talks. "I don't like it." He declares, still glaring at Carlos. "But I won't stop you two from dating. However, if you hurt her Carlos, I swear you will regret ever being born."
"When was the last time Carlos hurt someone? Like seriously tried to upset someone?" You ask in a thoughtful tone, which makes everyone stop to think for a moment.
"OH! I know" Carlos says, and everyone turns to look at him. "That Nick kid who beat up Logan. The next day on the ice I sent a hockey puck directly to his front teeth."
You turn to look at James, a small smirk playing on your lips. "I rest my case" he surprises everyone by laughing, reaching across the table to flick you on the nose. You just smile and reach for a second piece of bread. As you do so, you catch Mrs. Knight watching you and your brother with a small smile. There's a glimmer of knowing there, playing behind her eyes as she glances to her own to kids making faces at each other across the table.
There's a knock on the door and Kendall calls for them to come in. A dark-haired girl with chocolate brown eyes walks in with a blonde. Both of them start to say something before coming up short, eyeing you with confusion.
"Umm… who's that?" the blonde asks and you stand, walking around the table and holding out a hand.
"Maria Diamond. James is my big brother." The two nod while the dark haired girl holds out her hand as well.
"I'm Camille and this is Jo." You grin.
"Oh yea, I've heard about you two. James called and ranted to me for hours on end about how it was so unfair, he knew Logan longer, blah, blah, blah. I'm sorry bro but it just went on and on and on."
The two girls laugh as James ducks his head in embarrassment. You and Carlos pull up a couple extra chairs and begin to clear the table. Once the bowls and plates are safely in the dishwasher, you two rejoin the group, which is featuring Jo looking mildly annoyed.
"Really?" she asks as Logan hangs up the phone.
He nods. "Gustavo wants us in the studio in five minutes."
She sighed and Kendall leaned down to kiss Jo on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow. Hey, maybe you and Camille could take Maria shopping. She's going to be here for awhile."
Camille smiled and stood pulling you with her. Jo stands as well and instructs you to grab your bag. Sending Kendall a mock glare, you say goodbye to Carlos and the other boys before grabbing your purse.
Walking out of the Palmwoods, you wonder just what you've agreed to. Jo looks annoyed and Camille is chattering away, but that's not so bad. However, the three girls who look at you like you're trailer trash? That has you convinced you're in way over your head.
Jo and Camille are quick to brush them off, but it makes you even more aware of your ratty hair pulled into a pony tail and your old clothes from Minnesota. However, you are a Diamond and you are James's sister, so you flash a charming smile and put just a tiny bit more sway in each step.
Camille lets out a low whistle and laughs as you jump. "Did James teach you that or did you teach him?"
You laugh but don't respond, thinking of when you were six. James had been studying Mrs. Diamond's walk, much to your amusement.
They lead you to a grey Mercedes Bens. You stare, thinking of your old 95' Ford back in Minnesota.
"Maria, do you want back or front?" You shrug and they shove you into the passenger seat up front. As Jo drives you to a boutique she's sure you'll love, you can feel the hum of the engine under your feet. Your parents were considered rich back at home. You were considered a spoiled brat, but you've never been in a car so nice.
Jo pulls the car up in front of the shop and you step out worriedly. The last time you were at a place like this Mrs. Diamond still dressed you and you weren't allowed to cross the street by yourself. And, you had been there while Mrs. Diamond helped pick a wedding dress for Mr. Diamond's sister.
Needless to say, places like this aren't really your style.
"Don't worry" Jo advises, leading the three of you to the door, "I'm sure you'll love the stuff here.
Once you're inside, you can't help but agree. There are light sundresses and lots of skirts too, but there are also some awesome shorts and some very cute tops. Soon your arms are filled with clothes and you're practically being dragged to the dressing room.
An hour later you buy three tanks, two button-up shirts and eight pairs of shorts. You get bullied into a sundress and two skirts that were added to your pile right before the cashier rings up your purchases.
By the time you finally get back to the Palmwoods, almost all of your money's gone and there's a ridiculous pile of clothes beside you in the back seat.