Author Note: Just so you know- Deborah was looking at Mason and Alexy 'cause the door to the classroom was opened. Annabelle was too horrified at the thought of her watch going off with Deborah that she didn't notice.
And- Yay! I have one more semester final left (science) and then it's WINTER BREAK! So excited- mostly because 1. Christmas 2. Doctor Who Special. Winter break is my hibernation- and by hibernation I mean, I only get up from sleep to play on laptop and eat.

~CWA

(P.S. To everyone taking semester finals- good luck!)

Replies to Reviews:
Goodgirl1275- So sorry about that. I did fix the problem with the signs (Annabelle mentioned it- I think it was in the previous chapter- to Mason that she had to redo her paperwork because Mason screwed up the birthdays). I didn't know you were reading to kids- though this story is rated T. Still, I do apologize.

Chapter 6- Closer Together:

Annabelle:

"Okay dork-fish," I said as I plopped down beside Mason and turned off the TV, "What's up with you?"

"I don't know what you mean," he said as he shrunk down into the couch.
"You can try all you want, but you're not going to become one with the couch and you can't avoid this. Now tell me- what's up? You have been blushing and giggling like a Japanese schoolgirl since we got home. I know you're watch went off. Now tell me what happened."

Mason gulped. Then in came Auntie,
"YOU'RE WATCH WENT OFF!? Tell me everything," she plopped down on the floor- sitting criss-crossed applesauce. She looked more like a little kid eagerly waiting to be told a story from a book than the adult she was…and she's our adult supervision and Aunt…

"….It went off," Mason shifted, "And…itwasAlexywhenIkissedhim," he rushed out. Auntie looked confused. I sighed,
"Mason- don't rush your sentences. You're saying it without spaces."

He blushed,
"….It was Alexy when I kissed him."

Auntie nearly fainted. Mason bolted up and towards the door. I grabbed him by the collar and plopped him back down on the couch. Auntie hugged him,
"OH MY PRECIOUS LITTLE NEPHEW! THAT IS SO WONDERFUL!…but I thought you and Annabelle had the same times on your watches."

Auntie scratched the back of her head. I looked at him,
"Actually, that's a good point. I thought we had the same times too."

Mason gulped,
"…uhhh I didn't tell you about that? We had almost the same time. We were both off about two or three weeks."

I looked at my watch. I still had three weeks left. I popped my back,
"Interesting as this is- I'll be in my room if you need me."
I smirked at Mason- and despite his silent pleas- left him in the room with a hyper Auntie that wanted to know 'all the details down to the seconds of the kiss.' I gave him a two-finger salute and quickly retreated to my room. I plopped down on my bed the second I changed into pajamas. I couldn't wear my tank tops in front of Auntie- it would show the bandages. I didn't want her to freak out. It wasn't the first time I did it though. I remember when I was thirteen, I did the same thing. I got so mad at the watch because it didn't go off when I kissed Benny Tenson so when I got home I was heart-broken and angry. So I smashed it against my pink mirror. I sighed at the memory and looked at my ceiling. The difference back then and now…back then- no one saw the bandages. Lysander did. Him and Castiel confronted me about it shortly after my encounter with Deborah.

"Annabelle, you know we are here for you," Lysander said. They corned me in the hallway- no escape. Castiel looked at me concerned. Without saying a word, he grabbed my wrist and rolled up my sleeves- showing the bandages in plain sight.

"So it's true," he said sadly, "Annabelle, you know you can tell us anything."

I didn't look him in the eyes. No I can't. I can't tell you about the watch so of course you don't believe my story. Though it was the first time Castiel called me Annabelle. It was always 'princess,' 'china doll,' 'greenbean,' and the all-time-favorite 'grass stain.' Honestly, if I had brown hair I wouldn't be surprised if Castiel called me 'Muddy,' or 'Dirt-hair.' Okay, so I am not that creative with nicknames. Though I still called him Red and Hotshot. I called Lysander, Lys but everyone else did so it wasn't a special nickname.

"I didn't hurt myself," I protested, "I really did just smash into a mirror."
"And cut both of your wrists, yeah right," Castiel snapped. I narrowed my eyes. Lysander looked at me concerned,
"Annabelle, we just want to help you. You know we are here for you."
"I know," I growled, "But dang it! I smashed it against the mirror!"
"Annabelle," Lysander said gently as he put a hand on my arm, "Please…calm down. We just wish you to be careful."
I grumbled under my breath.

"Whatever," I grumbled, the n louder I continued, "Look, I appreciate the concern- but I'm fine."

I sighed as I grabbed my notebook. It was hard to convince Lysander and Castiel otherwise and even after they left- I wasn't sure they were convinced. Either way, they stopped asking me questions and gave up. Well, Castiel gave up because Deborah was back at his side. Lysander just kept giving me concerned looks.

I looked down at my new pajamas. Yeah, I finally got new ones. They were a gift from Auntie so I wasn't sure if they were better or worse than my Chill Pill and I'm Toasty pajamas (actually, I kind of liked my kiddie jimmies). It was a yellow tank top with a print of this black kitten with its head stuck in a can and the word 'Halp.' To go with it was black shorts. I found it cute. I also had another new set of pajamas too- black sweats with a black tank top with words written in white. The words said 'suck my metaphorical dick.' It was better than my brother's 'pajamas.' His pajamas consisted of red pants with the superman symbol all over them and a superman shirt. Though he also had 'immature' shirts that he wore sometimes. Stuff like 'I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed person,' 'Here I am, what are you other two wishes', and 'Never trust an atom. They make up everything.'

I secretly found his shirts funny but I would never tell him that. I sat up against the headboard of my bed and put my knees up. I had the new notebook in my hands. It was brand new. I then started to write- thinking about everything that has happened.

November 28

Dear Journal (because it's totally not a dairy),
I have never wrote this empty journal before so what I better time to start than now? So much has happened that it's kind of hard to keep up. First- Dad and Mom die. Then I am here with my Aunt and my idiotic twin brother. Then we have to go to some dang new high school- which is hard. Now, my brother found his soul mate (and I mean that literally) with his boyfriend, Alexy. Now Alexy is cool, I'll give him that. I'm happy for my brother- but I am kind of mad too. Because it's just a wake up call that we're…we are kind of growing up too. I mean….Gosh, I sound so girly.

Now for my problems (it is myjournal), I like these two guys. Yeah, two of them. Castiel and Lysander. I think both of them like me too. Though since Castiel's ex came back, this bitch named Deborah, he's totally ignoring me. Gosh, he's such an ass sometimes. It's funny to think I like both of them because I know a lot of people would automatically think me and Castiel would like each other. We were alike. Castiel has this fire-truck red hair (Firetruck! Haha, finally found a new nickname for him!), these dark mysteriously gray eyes and he's rebellious. Plus we both smoke and have a reputation for being badass. Lysander…now there's a real gentleman. He brought out a softer side of me. He loved fashion and he loved poetry. He's pretty classy too. If Shakespear was born during this time period, I'd like to imagine that he would be something like Lysander.

Oh and one more thing that is causing problems- I smashed my wrist against the mirror again. Yes, again. I have done it before. Lysander's concerned and he confronted me about it too. So did Castiel but Castiel didn't seem as concerned so that hurt. He didn't pay much attention since Deborah soon dragged him off. Man I hate that girl.

Wow. I just realized that it really is November. It's not too cold here so I guess I haven't been paying attention. Either way, it's only like…three or four weeks till Christmas. I am not looking forward to the first Christmas without Mom and Dad.

Either way- it's getting late. Gotta go take my late night smoke and get to bed.

~Annabelle Vandal

I closed my journal (NOT A DAIRY) and put it under my pillow (the only place I trusted to put it).

(Thursday- December 12):

The closer it got to Christmas, the more and more grumpier I became. I had about a week left on my watch and it was….I wasn't freaking out about it…Okay, so minor freaking out is involved. I crossed my arms. It was finally starting to feel like winter- cold wind and all. So I was stuck wearing this stupid ugly Christmas sweater that Auntie forced onto me. The sweater was hideous and had Christmas trees all over it. It was worse than the sweater that Mason got (Auntie didn't give him an ugly sweater because he bought his own sweater). His sweater was red with white decoration on the bottom and on it was white words that said 'All I got for Christmas was this fugly sweater.'

I headed into the school- my eyes practically screamed 'murder'. It didn't help that the school was decorated just as badly as my sweater. Who the hell put up the mistletoe? Castiel and Lysander were the first brave enough to comment on it.
"HAHAHA," Castiel laughed. At least he was back to his normal self after Deborah left (though she only left because I had punched her and exposed her as a fake). I scowled but Castiel kept laughing,
"Greenbean, when we said for you to get into the Christmas spirit, I didn't think you would take it that far," he laughed.
"It's…interesting," Lysander finally said. I huffed,
"You don't have to compliment it- I hate it. Auntie forced me into it."

I looked at the boys,

"I'm not the only one with a changed wardrobe…"

I wasn't the only one with a changed wardrobe- though theirs was better. Lysander had on black pants, a light gray long-sleeved shirt with a black vest over it. The black vest had a pocket on it with a chain. It was still Victorian-like though. Castiel had on black jeans and a plain red shirt (instead of his Winged Skulls shirt), and a black leather jacket that was a bit longer than his old one. He even had a black necklace on.

"Nice," I complimented them both. They both nodded.
"EEEP," Rosayla screeched as she tackled me, "WE HAVE GOT TO GET YOU INTO SOMETHING NICE BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS! Come on!"
Before I knew it, I was dragged off against my will by Rosayla.

Mason:

When I saw Rosayla drag my twin sister out of the school I knew exactly what was going on. Rosayla was taking Annabelle to Leigh's. I knew that because I knew Rosayla. I also knew that Annabelle's sweater was hideous enough to make another want to drag her off to the nearest clothing shop to get her something. Looking down at my sweater, I realized that it was funny but it was too hot in the school (because of their heating system) so I ditched it. I took it off and revealed my black shirt underneath. I ran a hand through my hair and then blushed when I heard someone whistle at me. I turned to see Alexy. He laughed.

"Just messing with you," he winked. I laughed,

"I know."
"So…why was Rosayla dragging your sister off?"
"….You saw your sweater," I pointed out. He shrugged,
"Fair enough. If Rosayla didn't do it, I would have. There's a line that you can not cross."

I laughed and then held his hand. He smiled.

Annabelle:

Rosayla shoved me into a changing room at Leigh's shop. She just kept tossing clothing after clothing over the top of the door.

"Try all those on! We have to find you something!"

I knew there was no use protesting but…

"Why are you helping me?"
I heard Rosayla giggle,
"We're best friends, silly! Of course I'm helping you!"
Best friends? I knew Rosayla and I were good friends, but I didn't think she considered me a best friend…Huh..I guess she is my best friend now that I think about it. When I came out, I was better dressed and thankful for it. I had on alight gray long-sleeved sweater with a light green scarf. Rosayla squealed,

"You look so adorable in that! And do you need new pajamas too?"
"Huh," I asked confused and she giggled again,
"I was wondering- we should have a sleepover at your house before Christmas!"

I blinked in confusion,

"…And you didn't think to tell me earlier?"
"I kept forgetting."

I sighed,

"Fine…we can have a sleepover at my house. I'll tell my aunt and I'll kick Mason out."

Rosayla cheered,
"Super! Should we invite others too? Like Iris, Melody, Capucine, Violette and Kim?"

I shrugged,

"Sure, whatever…I guess."

Rosayla smiled,
"Awesome! Oh! Idea! We could do a Christmas sleepover so we can do games and gifts!"
That means I'll have to go shopping, I sulked,
"…Fine."

She cheered again. Why do I have the feeling I'll regret this?

"Besides," Rosayla said, "it'll give me a chance to talk to you."
"Eh, about what?"
"…boys," Rosayla said slyly, "…and about Castiel and Lysander…and why you're all grumpy."
She poked my sides. I chuckled,
"Eh-hey! Quit it that tickles!"

She smiled and then I scowled,
"…I don't know what you're talking about," I huffed.

"Yes you do," Rosayla smiled, "Now which do you like better? Castiel or Lysander?"
"Do I really have to say?"
"Yes."
I pouted.
"…Lysander, I guess…or Castiel…," I admitted. Rosayla giggled,
"Oh, I knew it! I knew you liked them both! I knew you liked Lys-baby better! I knew it!"

I huffed again and she continued,
"Now…why are you so grumpy?"

I scowled,
"I'm not grumpy."
"Of course you're not," Rosayla rolled her eyes, "You're Mr. Scrooge!"
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."

"Are too," I repeated and like planned Rosayla continued,

"Are not."
"Exactly."
"Wait, what," she said confused and I laughed.

Friday:

"Okay," I said, "You wanna make this difficult…. Then prepare for a fight!"

I jumped on my sleeping twin brother. He screamed,

"HOLY MARSHMALLOWS WHAT THE HELL!?"
"Language," Auntie's voice chimed. I rolled off my brother and onto the empty space on the bed beside him.

"You wouldn't get up," I smiled, "So I resorted to drastic means."
"I will get my revenge."

I shrugged,

"Whatever, but you have to do it later. Right now," I jumped off the bed and started to hand him a duffle bag filled with random clothes and junk, "You have somewhere to be!"

"Where," he yawned.
"Alexy's," I reminded. With that, he jumped out of bed and started to get dressed. Well, get dressed was a term that I used loosely. He didn't change out of his pajamas. All he did was comb his hair and just brushed his teeth. I didn't blame him about the PJs though. The second we got home; we both got into more comfy clothes. The difference between my brother and me was that when he got home he went straight to sleep even if we had plans. He didn't even care that he was just about to see his boyfriend with that shirt on. The shirt was dark blue and in was white words that said, 'I fart. What's your superpower?'

Then again, I wasn't one to talk. I was just about to have almost all the girls over at my house and I was wearing my 'I'm Toasty' pajamas. Speaking of the girls, I rushed to the living room and finished setting up. I wasn't one for Christmas, especially this Christmas. However, Auntie was making me decorate and prepare. Her version of decorating and preparing- a small fake Christmas tree with ornaments (it was our Christmas tree but I wasn't going to put it up till next week), mistletoe, Christmas wreaths on the doors, holly on the mantle, the stockings on the fireplace mantle, making snacks. Even though I insisted that we would be okay with a bunch of bags of chips and pop, Auntie was stubborn. Because of her, I had the table with a plate of Christmas cookies, a plate of pigs in a blanket (small hotdog wieners that I forget the name of wrapped in a biscuit), cheese and crackers, summer sausage (to go with the cheese and crackers), chips, and did I forget to mention the Snowmen marshmallows and chocolate bars for smores.

Auntie really got in the Christmas spirit. She had reindeer antlers on her head and wore a Santa pajamas one piece. It was for that reason I was glad I convinced her to go to her friends' for the night.

Lysander:

I wasn't sure why Rosayla had dragged me along. Though, I did suppose I wouldn't pass down a chance to say hello to Annabelle. Still, the meeting would be short as I was just dropping Rosayla (and Kim, Iris and Violette) at Annabelle's. When we got there, I let out a sigh of relief. I would never again volunteer to drive four girls somewhere. I opened the car door and Rosayla, Kim, Iris, and Violette all exited. I led the girls to the door- to be polite and to say a brief hello to Annabelle.

At the door was Alexy and Armin- who appeared to already be waiting for the door to open. With them, there was also Capucine standing there giggling while holding a pillowcase, a gift bag, and small over-night bag. I raised an eyebrow.
"She still hasn't opened the door," Alexy complained and then banged on the front door again. Annabelle opened the door. Her green hair was in a loose bun and she had reindeer antlers on her head. She had interesting pajamas which consisted of pants with little cartoon toast on it and a yellow tank top that had a toaster with a piece of cartoon toast (eyeballs and smile) with a little speech bubble that said 'I'm toasty!' She also had on long elbow-length yellow gloves. I looked at her amused. She blushed,
"Dang it didn't know he'd be here," she muttered. He? Is she referring to me? It's unlikely she's referring to Armin or Alexy. And is that a good or a bad thing that she said? Either way, she was blushing and I found it pretty cute. Rosayla cheered,
"Oh your pajamas are just so adorable! But what's with the gloves?"
"Oh," Annabelle said, "My hands get really cold in the winter."

I know the true, the gloves hide the bandages. Rosayla was smiling. I was glad that she had a best friend like Annabelle. In a way, the two complimented each other like Castiel and I did. They were different, yet so alike. Mason came running through the door and tackled Alexy,
"I'm ready, let's go!"

I looked at them briefly, amused. Those two were a good couple- even if I knew others thought otherwise.

Annabelle:

"These cookies are really good," Iris complimented as she chewed it.

"Thanks," I smiled, "Auntie and I made them."
"Speaking of," Rosayla pointed out, "Where is your aunt?"

"She's with a friend," I answered as I ate some of the summer sausage. Man, I loved those things.

We were all currently pigging out in front of the fireplace while dressed in our pajamas. Iris had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders as she ate cookies. Kim was starting the fire- as if I did it I would probably set myself on fire. Capucine was sitting there while giggling. Honestly, I invited her more out of politeness- the same reason why I also managed to invite Peggy. Peggy was alright- she just didn't know when to keep her nose out of other people's business. Honestly, I was almost sure that I was the only one in school that actually considered her a good friend. She wasn't as cool as Rosayla and I was though.

We already did our presents. I got a dress (Rosayla), a stuffed cat (Violette- because I apparently reminded her of one), a keychain (Kim- which was cool with me since I got her something similar), friendship bracelet (Iris), and a Radiohead album (Peggy- because she figured out that I really liked that band). Capucine gave everyone a bracelet. It was pretty nice, exchanging Christmas gifts. I couldn't help but smile.

"Oh, look who's in a good mood," Rosayla giggled and I huffed.

"Don't know what you mean," I denied.

"Hey, we had this talk before," Rosayla pointed out, "You were in such a bad mood about Christmas and now look at you- throwing a party and smiling and everything!"

I stuck out my tongue and they all laughed.

"I like this," Iris pointed out, "It's a chance for all of us to get closer together."

I smiled faintly. I was happy- mostly because it was a chance to forget that my watch had only a week.

Mason:

"Okay, I'm totally cool with you two going out. I'm cool keeping it a secret with Mom and Dad that you two are dating but please- DO NOT MAKE OUT IN FRONT OF THE TV SCREEN," Armin said ticked off. I blushed as Alexy and I parted.

His parents knew he was gay- they just didn't know that I was his boyfriend. Alexy pouted,
"But there's nothing interesting on anyway."
"Nothing interesting," Armin said looking insulted, "We were playing a video game!"

Alexy shrunk away and I laughed. It was true. We were playing a video game that turned into a make out session when I won. Oops.