DISCLAIMER: i own nothing, obviously.

AN: hi guys! i'm really sorry i haven't updated in so long, i was having trouble seeing what i wantedd to do with this chapter...i kind of feel like its a filler chapter, but the pairings are shaping up a little better. i hope you like it and dont think its stupid, because i do this for you. you push me to write with your reviews, so review review review! thanks (: and have a great day!

ps, i put up new character pictures for the new people in this chapter.

chapter five; slow hands

Megan was stressed. As usual. Lately, anything and everything stressed her out. The looks girls gave her in the hallway. The looks boys gave her in the hallway. How she felt when she was with Ryland. Schoolwork. Being away from her family. Nothing was familiar to her in Ipswich, except for her sisters. And nothing could ease her worrying mind.

As she sat staring at the clock in the last 5 minutes of Physics, she decided she would skip Psychology today. Maybe that would loosen her up enough to enjoy her weekend.

when the loving that you've wasted, comes raining from a hapless cloud

Once the bell rang, she quickly made it out of class, and headed straight for her dorm. As she walked up the stairs and down the hallway, she pulled out her phone and turned it off. There was no need for distractions from Ryland today. She was so focused on everything that she didn't notice a book strewn on the floor, and consequently tripped right over it. Before she fell, a strong arm moved out and pulled her back up again.

"Whoa there Meg, we can't have you hurting yourself now."

She looked up and saw Pogue smiling down at her.

She smiled and picked up the book that almost caused her demise. "Thanks. I'm a little out of it."

"Yeah? How so?"

"Well, I've just been terribly stressed lately and I can't really focus on anything with my mind so…busy."

He smiled softly "So, I'm guessing you're skipping class to chill out, huh?"

"Yeah, I might just go take a nap or watch a movie. I just need to zone out."

"Well…from personal experience, that never works for me."

She smiled wryly "Then what do you propose Dr. Parry?"

"Well, riding my bike always de-stresses me."

"Well, not everyone has a Ducati at their disposal."

He grinned "Come on, I'll take you."

"Are you kidding me? I've seen you drive that thing. You'll kill me."

"You'll love it. Come on, I promise, this will work," he said, before taking her bag and putting it in his locker with his and grabbing a yellow helmet.

"Fine," she sighed.

He grinned at her, as he interlocked their arms together, and dragged her out to the parking lot.

Once at his bright yellow Ducati, he moved behind her and placed a helmet on her head.

"Now, we don't want you getting hurt. This will save you from a fall incase I don't."

She rolled her eyes, and hit him on his arm "I'm actually coordinated. Maybe you shouldn't have books lying on the floor for innocent girls like me to trip over."

He laughed, putting on his helmet, and said "Maybe innocent girls like yourself should pay a little bit more attention to what's right in front of your face!" before climbing on the bike.

"Come on slowpoke!" he said, patting the bike "We're waiting!"

She climbed on hesitantly, and sat there. He grabbed her small hands, and placed them on his well defined torso.

"Now, hold on tight. Really tight. And don't worry about hurting me, I don't think you can," he laughed.

She immediately pinched his side hard, laughing when he exclaimed "Ow! Watch it!"

She chuckled "Okay Mr. Indestructible, any other directions?"

"Nope. Hold on tight, and enjoy."

As he revved up the engine, she started to speak "Please don't go TOO FAST!"

see the living that surrounds me, dissipate in a violent place

Her last words came out like a squeal as he shot out of the parking lot. She held onto him for dear life, and shut her eyes and prayed she wouldn't fall off. Her hair whipped in the wind, and as he got further away from the school, he slowed to a slower pace. It was by no means slow, but now, her eyes popped open, and she loosened her grip ever so slightly. As they weaved through turns and curves in the road, she watched his arm muscles clench and unclench as he smoothly drove his bike. She looked around her and was amazed. The sky was startlingly pale against the crimson and gold of the trees, and the wind whipped her knees comfortably. Leaves scattered behind them as they rode past woods, and the more they drove, the more trees and beautiful nature she saw. She saw creeks to be explored, and woods to run through. The colorful trees went on for days and days, and she saw the top of the church faintly. She stared at the estates that went deep into the woods, and felt the hum of the bike wash over her. All the stress in her had dissipated, leaving her only with awe from the beautiful place Pogue was driving her through.

She sighed soundly and Pogue chuckled "Feeling better?"

She squeezed his torso and said "Much. Thank you."

"Ready to head back princess?"

"I'm ready if you are."

"I could ride this all day, but I should probably get you back," he said, as he gracefully made a circle in the road, and sped off back towards the school.

Megan breathed out contently as she rested her head on his strong back as the rode back into the campus, feeling completely at ease. He pulled into the parking lot, and she jumped off, pulling the helmet off her head, and ran a hand through her windswept hair. He pulled off his helmet and as they began walking back to his locker he grinned "So, what did I tell you?"

"You were right. I feel a million times better now."

"Good. Now you know, whenever you're stressed, come find me. I'd love to skip a class and go riding for an hour," as he unlocked his locker and put her schoolbag on her shoulder

She smiled "I'll be sure to do that. Thanks again Pogue, you really made my day," before kissing his cheek and walking away.

but I am married to your charms & grace, i just go crazy like the good old days

Lia came out of her last period class, exhaling as she said to herself "Thank god it's the weekend."

She walked outside and flipped open her phone to call Riley, but a pair of male hands covered her eyes before she could do anything.

She sighed "Reid?"

A deep voice laughed "Try again LG."

She recognized the nickname and immediately spun around. "Rian!" she squealed as she jumped into his arms. He held her by her waist as he hugged her tightly "I've missed you already!"

She pulled back and smiled "What are you doing here?"

He grinned "Tanner and I decided to visit our baby girls." She quickly turned her head to find Tanner and she saw him standing right behind her. She moved out of Rian's embrace and hugged Tanner tightly as well. She saw the two as her brothers, even if there was no blood connection between the three.

Rian Quinn was Riley's older brother. He had the same intense blue green eyes as Riley and his wheat colored hair was always messy. Tanner Phillips was Taryn's older brother. He looked exactly like her. They had the same gray green eyes, tan skin, dark hair and blinding smile. They were well into their sophomore year in college at Boston College, and rarely home came to visit.

Lia was still in shock that they were here "Do your sisters know you're here?! I can't believe you guys are here!"

Tanner grinned, throwing an arm around her shoulder "You know what I can't believe? That they don't have the girls wearing little pleated skirts at Salem Prep! How hot."

She rolled her eyes, laughing "Glad to know you're still a pervert," before grabbing Rian's hand and leading them both to the girl's dorms.

"Now seriously," Lia said "You have to be here for some reason, hell you rarely visited home, why come here?"

Tanner smiled mischievously "Honestly, we came here to check out your hot ass classmates…and they do not disappoint," as he winked at a blonde girl as she passed by.

She rolled her eyes, and looked at Rian for the real answer.

He shrugged "We have a little surprise for you guys…"

Another voice, higher then the two college boys, but still a deep baritone, huffed "You better not call me little again Quinn, or I'll kick your ass."

Rian laughed in response, and Lia jumped up as she recognized the boy's voice and ran to him.

"Baby T!" she exclaimed

He smiled and pulled her in for a hug "How ya been LG?"

She pulled away and scanned the younger boy. Talan Phillips, youngest of the Phillips clan, had grown up. His dark hair fell into his gray eyes, and the baby fat in his young face was replaced by a strong jaw and chiseled features. His short stature had been replaced as well, by a tall, strong figure that hovered over her. She hadn't seen him in a year, and he was a changed boy.

"What are you doing here? Why aren't you at Groton? ...And why are you wearing a Spencer t shirt?!"

He grinned "Oh LG, you've missed a lot. Groton wasn't cutting it… And Spencer's been scouting me for a while now. Thought it'd be high time to transfer and be with my big sisters."

"You can not be serious! Baby T, Taryn is gonna be so excited!"

He laughed "Let's go find her then! Or is she preoccupied?"

Tanner guffawed "Knowing our sister, she probably is."

Lia smacked him on the arm "Oh, stop it. She'll stop whatever she's doing to see you and you know it."

As they continued on their walk to Lia's dorm, Talan leaned into her "So, have any hot friends in need of some company?"

She rolled her eyes "Tanner is rubbing off on you in the worst way. And to be honest, I have about one girl friend here."

He smirked "Name?"

"Sam."

"Sam who?" Tanner asked "I used to know a girl named Sam from here."

"Sam George."

Tanners face lit up "Ah, Samantha George…so hot. Tell me her dorm number, I have to stop by."

Lia sighed "Let's go see the others before you go on to your conquests. They can wait."

He grinned "Can't have them waiting too long, lets go!"

and i might stop and look upon your face, disappear in the sweet, sweet gaze

Meanwhile, Taryn was pacing in Reid and Tyler's dorm, waiting for Tyler to come through the door. She had to apologize. She'd apologize for days if necessary. She felt like an asshole for the way she overreacted, and the way she completely disregarded his apology. She sat down on his bed finally, and ran her hands through her hair, as she anticipated his arrival. She contemplated using to figure out exactly where he was, but then heard the doorknob twist and the door pushed open. There was Tyler clothed in only shorts, with damp hair and a towel hanging around his neck.

He looked surprised "Taryn…"

She took in his gorgeous chest, before looking at his face "Uh hey," she said as she stood up to her full height, still more then a head shorter then him. "I just wanted to say…that I'm sorry. I was being such a bitch the other day, and now I understand what you meant, and I'm so sorry I freaked out like that, that isn't like me, really it's not, I just don't want you to hate me because of this because I didn't mean to be such a jackass and I just miss you cause you've been avoiding me for the past few days and –"

He smiled, moving closer, shushing her as he pulled her in close for a kiss to her forehead. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings…you've got to be crazy if you thought I'd never wanted to be with you…I just thought we could have done it at a better, more romantic time."

She sighed into his chest "I know."

He looked down at her questioning "Oh really?"

She smiled at him "Reid told me what you were probably thinking, and he was right on point."

"Reid knows me better than anyone else…I'm a little surprised he said anything though."

"Maybe he was trying to be a good friend for once."

"Thank god for that," he said as he gently kissed her lips. She moved her hands to his dark hair and slowly slid them around his scalp as she kissed him back. As time went on, the kisses grew harder and more passionate, and he led her to his bed flopping down on it and beckoning her to climb on top. As she straddled him, he sighed "God, I've missed you Tar." She grinned before moving in for another passionate kiss. Right as things began to heat up, the door swung open.

Lia's voice floated through the room, and Taryn could hear the smirk on her face "Figured I could find you in here."

Tyler blushed "Hey Lia, what's up?"

"Nothing, just wanted to tell Taryn that we have some visitors."

She turned around "Who is so important that you had to interrupt our makeup make out?"

Taryn heard loud laughs and a voice called out "Well, last time I checked, no one was more important than your big brother."

She immediately jumped off of Tyler and jumped into Tanner's arms. "TANNER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" she shrieked as she buried her head in his chest. He hugged her back tightly and let go only once he saw Talan appear behind her with Rian. She turned and yelled again "BABY BRO! RI! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE?!" as she jumped and gave them long hugs as well. As she pulled away from Talan, she scanned him up and down before stopping at his shirt. "You have got to be shitting me."

He grinned "Not at all. I start Monday."

"Since when have you ever been interested in Spencer?"

Rian laughed "Since he got his ass expelled from Groton!"

Taryn snorted "Expelled huh. And Spencer still wanted you?

He smirked "What can I say? I'm just that good."

She rolled her eyes "Anyways, I want you to meet my boyfriend Tyler."

Tyler stood up awkwardly, before Tanner, Rian and Talan broke out into a chorus of "What a cutie!"

Tanner laughed before walking up to Tyler and dapping him up "What's up man? We're just playin' around, nice to meet you."

"Yeah man, same to you. You too Rian and Talan, welcome to Spencer. What grade you in?"

Taryn pinched his cheeks "My baby is a sophomore!"

He glared at her, shrugging her off "Don't ever do that in school Tar."

She grinned "I don't think I'll be able to help it baby brother, this is the first time I've gone to school with you since we were in elementary school, with you being shipped off to Groton and all when you were practically a preemie!"

"Not my fault I showed actual skill at something," he said laughing.

She rolled her eyes, but before she could throw back a response, Reid walked in the door, and looked perplexed "Did I miss my invitation to the party in my dorm?"

"Reid! Dude!"

Reid looked up confused and then laughed "Tanner, what's up man? What are you doing here?"

"I came to visit you of course!"

Taryn looked confused "How do you know each other?"

Reid looked at Taryn "How do you know each other?"

She rolled her eyes "Wow, Reid, you're really observant. He's my brother."

Tanner flung an arm around Reid's shoulders, and ruffled his hair "I met this kid when I came to visit during my senior year. Still kickin ass in pool?"

"Won two hundred last night."

"Man! You're good. Tar, how do you know this hunk?"

"He's Tyler's roommate."

Reid smirked, slinging an arm over her shoulder "And, her best friend!"

Taryn rolled her eyes "Don't push it peroxide…"

He laughed "I thought we had moved on in our friendship sunshine!"

Tanner grinned "My two favorite people, friends? This makes my day! Let's all go out to Nicky's to celebrate me being here!"

Talan rolled his eyes "Or maybe, me being here…"

you make me want to pick up a guitar, and celebrate the myriad ways that i love you

To say that Nicky's was crowded was an understatement. The pool hall was buzzing with teens flitting around from table to table, the music was loud and thumping, and the smack of pool balls hitting each other still echoed off of the walls.

Megan sighed as she walked in with Riley "Jesus, I think a few more people should have come out tonight…"

Riley smiled "Oh Meg, come on, it'll be fun!"

She rolled her eyes "Yeah, cause you're seeing your new golden boy…I don't have a Caleb Danvers to swoon over tonight."

Riley elbowed her in the side swiftly "Could you be a little louder? I don't think everyone heard you clearly, asshole. And anyways, shouldn't you have a Ryland Kennedy to swoon over instead?"

"He doesn't like it here."

"Uh, hello? Who cares if he doesn't like it here, doesn't he like hanging out with you?"

Megan shrugged "He's just not into this scene…and he doesn't really mesh well with the 'Son's of Ipswich'."

Riley rolled her eyes again "How immature. Maybe you should forget Ryland, and move on to

someone that'll actually be with you."

"Whatever Riley, why don't you go snuggle up with Caleb? Oh wait, he has a girlfriend."

Before Riley could respond, Caleb shouted over the music "Hey! Over here!"

Megan smirked "Speak of the deliciously handsome devil…"

Riley growled out "Shut the hell up Meg!" before they made their way over to Caleb, and the rest of their group.

Caleb grinned "Hey!"

Riley smiled back "Hey big guy, what's up?"
He shrugged "Wanna go get a drink? Reid just swiped mine…"

"Yeah, let's go," she said smiling, as she interlocked her arm in his waiting one. She immediately felt a little guilty of their close contact, and blushed.

"Where's Sarah?" she asked, still flushed.

He sighed "Not up for it I guess, she's been cooped up in that room of hers, and I don't know how to get her out."

"Well, she's missing out!"

He grinned down at her "Yeah, she is…"

Riley blushed again "So, about those drinks. What are you feeling like tonight?"

"Just another beer please."

"Nicky, two beers, please?"

They sat down on the stools in front of the bar, facing each other. Their knees bumped, but neither minded.

"So, how have you been lately? I haven't seen much of you since our project."

"I've been good…"

"Are you and Sarah getting any better?"

"I feel like we're getting worse…Kate's been planting ideas in her head that I'm cheating on her."

"What?! That's ridiculous. With who?"

He awkwardly scratched the back of his head "Uh, with you…"

"That's crazy!" she exclaimed, blushing furiously.

"I know! Why would she think I was cheating, with you?"

Riley, somewhat insulted, huffed slightly at that comment.

Caleb quickly retracted his statement "I mean, not like that, obviously you're great and gorgeous and you know, amaz –shit, what I mean is that I'd never cheat, even with someone as temp- grea-cool as you. You know?"

Riley smiled to herself "I know."

i submit my incentive is romance, i watched the pole dance of the stars

Meanwhile, Megan was bouncing from friend to friend. She sat and talked to Taryn and Tyler for a few moments, but extracted herself once they started kissing and stopped talking. She mingled with Reid, Tanner, Rian and Talan, before getting bored with their perverted jokes, and their underwear bets. Finally, she just sat down, and pulled out her phone, disappointed that there were no messages from Ryland. She sighed, and took a sip of her drink dejectedly.

"Why the long face, girl?"

She looked up and saw Pogue's smiling face. "Oh, it's nothing; I'm just a little bored."

"Well, you're in luck, cause I just so happen to be a known antidote for bored girls."

"I bet you are," she said laughing.

"See, already working my magic."

"Shouldn't you be working your magic on your girlfriend mister Parry?"

"She disappeared a while ago. Plus, I think you need it more than she does."

"If you insist, sir."

He sat down in the seat across from her, and leaned in close "So, tell me little miss, what's troubling you?"

"My boyfriend."

"Ah, Kennedy. Junior, right?"

"Yeah. He hates you all, and will never go out with me, to parties or here, or anywhere. If we aren't cuddling in his bed, watching shitty sci fi movies, he isn't happy."

"Fuck that Meg! You need someone that'll take you out and be romantic. The Sci Fi channel is not romantic."

She sighed, and ran a hand through her hair "I know, I want him to realize that. I don't want to be the pushy girlfriend and make him do things that he doesn't want to do."

Pogue looked into her green eyes and smiled "Baby girl, you definitely need to explore your options…"

"What options? I have no options."

"Babe, you have options, trust me."

She grinned at him, and leaned in closer to him "Tell me about these so called options, and I'll tell you if they're good enough for me."

He laughed, but it was drowned out by Kate's shrill "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

AN: DUN DUN DUN! what's gonna happen next chapter? any ideas? any suggestions? did you love it? like it? loathe it? LET ME KNOW :D