A/N: Okay. I think I just pulled something while I freaking out over a cricket. This is what late nights do to me.
Anyways! I know that this is incredibly late and you have my sincerest apologies!
However!
I'm going to give you some options which will be displayed at the end of the chapter!
So enjoy and should you feel so compelled, leave a review, those are always welcome.
Also if you would like more recent updates on chapters and new projects find me on twitter valenglandish.
I'm on there everyday so chances are you'll get more info!
Last but not least- I'm going to start a new AU project that's very A-Squared that has to do with Auggie not too long after the accident and Annie already working as a spy.
It would be heavy romance and probably rated M eventually.
Thoughts? (I'll give you a virtual penny :))

'She came in through the bathroom window,
Protected by a silver spoon,
But now she sucks her thumb and wanders,
By the banks of her own lagoon.'

-The Beatles - She Came in through the Bathroom Window

She Came in through the Bedroom Window

Should the structural conditions allow, Corrine always made a point of avoiding front doors. Despite everyone's view of her, she hated making a big entrance, especially when she only wanted to visit with one person in particular. Besides, there was more adventure in coming through the window, it made her feel like some covert operative.

When she slipped inside onto Auggie's bed, she saw something that she hadn't quite been expecting. Matt and Jasper were on Matt's bed in a lips locked, hands roaming, shirts off, desperate feeling kiss. Clad in only cut off blue jeans, Jaspers long white legs straddled Matt's hips, his strong fingers laced through his honey colored hair. It was a beautiful thing and Corrine felt guilty for staring, yet she couldn't seem to look away. It made her stomach churn with desire.

"Corrine," Matt muttered between Jasper's heavy kissing, earning a strange look from his lover.

"What," Jasper asked, his breathing labored.

Matt pointed to Corrine with a grin on his face and Jasper turned to her, jumping at the sight of the unexpected intrusion. They had locked the door after all.

"Sorry to interrupt," she smirked, an eyebrow raised, "I was hoping Auggie would be in here, is he home?"

"Yea," Matt said, sounding somewhat strained, his eyes flickered back to Jasper with an intensity that made Corrine's knees wobble. There were times when Conrad looked at her like that and she wished more than anything that she look back. "Out back."

"Thanks, baby," she grinned, giving Jasper a wink as he met her gaze.

His alabaster cheeks flared crimson and he went to move off of Matt, but the other boy was quick and caught him in a tender kiss. Corrine slipped out quietly, locking the door.

August stood in the middle of the yard, throwing a baseball as hard as he could as their golden retriever, Lizzie, bounded after it, her pink tongue flying in the hazy veil of nightfall. She smiled as she slipped out the sliding glass door, if he knew she was there he didn't clue her in.

"Working on your curveball," she called with a smirk.

He spun around to face her, his brown eyes wide. So he hadn't noticed her.

"Yea," a grin spread his lips, "She's the only one that doesn't mind where the ball ends up."

Corrine laughed beside herself. The blind jokes had been coming in torrents lately and she couldn't tell if that was good or bad. Though she was proud of her intuition, Corrine had always had a difficult time figuring Auggie out, he was a master of disguise. Maybe even better than Corrine herself.

"So other than the desire to improve your pitching skills, why are you out here," she asked as she settled herself on the porch steps, "It sounded like the whole family was down in the den."

"Eh, not the whole family," he grinned as Lizzie nudged his hand with her baseball-swollen snout, "Just half."

"You didn't answer my question," she said, ignoring his attempts at dodging her question.

He was quiet, taking a moment to throw the ball for Lizzie before making his way towards Corrine. After a few strides he started drifting, nearly falling on his ass as Lizzie flew in front of him. Chris once told her that it's impossible to walk in a straight line with your eyes closed, after Auggie went blind she realized how true that was. Even when he walked with his cane he followed a sort of serpentine pattern. Once his toes hit the steps she took his hand, guiding him to the seat beside her.

"I just wanted some time alone," he shrugged, "Some quiet time to hear my own thoughts."

"You look happy," she smiled softly, wondering at his good humor. All the stress and frustration was missing from his face. He looked relaxed, content.

"I am," he smiled at her, his brown eyes wild with happiness.

"Care to share you secret?"

Like they did when they were kids, she looped her arms through his and laid her head on his shoulder. In her mind, she fit perfectly, like they were created to mold together.

"I was with Annie today," his voice rumbled in his chest.

She looked up, her brow scrunching together.

"When you say with-" she cut off, watching his grin spread further over his face, reaching his eyes, "August, you banged Barbie!"

He laughed and shook his head, Corrine had always been brash but it was something he'd liked about her. She was honest. Well, mostly.

"Yes, I slept with Annie," he translated. "And we didn't just have sex, it was more than that. We talked, got to know each other. Did you know she's teaching herself Russian? I swear she's amazing."

Something cold curled inside her stomach, an emptiness of unknown origin. Suddenly she felt worlds away. There was some jealousy in there too, she knew. She was Auggie's best friend, she should be the one making him happy, not some girl he'd only known for a month or two. But there was more to it than simple jealousy, something her subconscious wasn't ready to name.

"I'm glad you two are happy," she heard herself say, it echoed through the back of her mind, haunting her.

In a tender gesture, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She indulged in the warmth of him.

"So, what about you? What are you doing out here?"

"I just wanted to come and visit my best friend," she sighed, relaxing into him.

"I'm glad you did," he said as he rested his head on top of hers.

The sliding door slammed open and Corrine jerked around to see a boy with huge grey eyes and curly black hair staring at them.

"Uncle Auggie," he nearly yelled, his bright eyes then moved to her and his smile exploded, "Corrine! You're here!"

The boy, Benji, ran up to the two and threw himself onto Corrine, his small but strong arms wrapping around her neck.

"Hey Benj," she laughed, squeezing him tight. Corrine had never been one for children, but Benji was the one exception she could make. He was smart and – despite occasional mishaps – he behaved himself. "What's cracking?"

"We're getting pizza and then we're going to watch a movie and eat popcorn," he said, practically vibrating with an excitement that possessed only seven-year-olds and Justin Bieber fangirls. "Come on, you guys have to come inside!"

With a laugh, Auggie stood to his feet and allowed Benji to take his hand, holding his other hand out for his best friend.

"Coming," Auggie asked her, hand outstretched.

"I don't know," she said, getting up slowly, "I still have some things to get ready for – later."

"Aw, come on," he pouted, using his puppy dog eyes, something else he was just too damn good at. "Come eat with the family, we all miss you. Mom's been asking about you for a solid week now."

"Yea, Corrine," Benji added, reflecting his Uncle's puppy dog eyes like a mirror. "I haven't seen you in like months!"

"Well, since you put it that way," she dragged the words out, "Okay I'll stay!"

After cheers from Auggie and Benji, she let the two drag her inside. Maybe this was just what she needed, some time with people who loved her, some time with her family.

xXx

Annie twirled her food around on her plate, making pretty pictures in her mashed potatoes. For once she was glad that she listened to her gut and had taken Auggie home before her parents arrived with her sister, he had wanted to stay and meet her father but Annie had the strange feeling that it should wait until later. Right she was.

It wasn't that she disapproved of her sister's boyfriend, she liked Michael, but when he walked in unexpectedly after her beloved sister, Annie could barely contain the urge to run up and kick him in the shin. It had been months since her family was together, since she and her sister had quality time, and now she would have to split that quality time with the boyfriend. Her grumpiness would be known.

"So Annie," Danielle said brightly, "What are your plans for this weekend?"

The concert suddenly invaded her brain. She hadn't gotten around to asking her parents yet and she knew Auggie would kill her if she couldn't go. She would kill herself if she couldn't go and he was there with Corrine… Alone.

"Actually," she began slowly, taking the time to set her fork down and look straight at her father, "I've been meaning to- talk to you guys about that."

Word usage was very important when it came to speaking to her father.

"Alright," he said, swallowing his mouthful of food, his blue eyes wide and waiting. "Go ahead, Annie."

"Well, there's a concert this weekend," she answered, doing her best to sound casual, "And my friend from school, Corrine, would like me to go with her and a few other friends would be going as well-"

Always invoke the girl's name first, she'd learned that a long time ago.

"It's this Friday, I think," she continued, "I meant to discuss it sooner but with the amount of homework they've been giving it just slipped my mind."

"Okay," he began, he seemed happy that night, despite Michael's presence. He was just happy to have all three of his girls in the same room. This was the perfect opportunity for her proposition. "Who else is going?"

That would be the hard question.

"Well, myself, Corrine, Clare, Conrad, Stu, Jamie and Auggie," she listed off, still looking her dad in the face, it was difficult, but she wanted him to trust her enough to not care about the four attending males, especially the last one. "We'd share the driving and the gas and food and everything-"

"And where is the concert," he interrupted.

Correction. This would be the hard question.

"It's a ways away, we would probably have to spend the night," her gaze dropped from her father's then and she caught her sister's eye. Danielle looked hopeful and Annie had the feeling that if she needed it, her sister would have her back. God, she'd missed her. "But it would only be one night and then we'd leave for home early the next day-"

"Now Annie-"

"Oh come on, dad," Danielle jumped in, "She's seventeen now and it's with a group of her friends, not just one guy. I think it sounds reasonable."

"That's nice to know, Danielle but I think this decision is between me and your mother," he said sternly, though not without a small smile. He always appreciated how his daughters stood up for one another, his own sister would have been shocked. "We haven't met any of these people, Annie and that makes me nervous."

"Now Jonathan," her mother began, mom had always been the free-spirit which was where Annie inherited her love of travel and people, and the woman could work wonders with her husband, "I've met August and if the rest of the group is anything like him, then I say you should let her go."

"It's my senior year, dad," Annie said with hope in her voice, she could see the cracks in his defense, "And I'm happy here, I have friends who are amazing and we'll be good, I promise."

"Well," he sighed, looking Annie in the face. The longer he looked the softer he got. "Where are you going?"

"It's in New York," she said with a smile, "It's not in a big name place, they'll be in a café sort of atmosphere."

"New York is a long ways away, Annie," he reasoned.

"I went overseas for my senior trip and that was just a bunch of us that got together, no teachers or anything," Danielle insisted. "We came out just fine, no trouble involved."

"And Annie is quite responsible, she has given us no reason not to trust her," he mother said assertively.

A tiny twinge of guilt welled up in Annie's stomach at her mother's words as she thought of the activities that went on in her room just a few hours ago, but that guilt was quickly replaced by a longing that started in her chest and slithered down to a more dangerous region of her abdomen.

"That's true," Michael chimed in, "It seems she is a very logical girl, you've raised her well Mr. W."

The glare that flitted across her face couldn't be stopped as she turned to Michael, his presence put her on edge and she had the dooming feeling that something terrible was about to happen. Like when you know that a storm is coming and your skin gets sort of clammy. She didn't like it.

"Well thank you, Michael, they are good girls," Jonathan gave Michael a huge smile before turning back to Annie with a knowing grin, "Now, one last thing I need to know before I make my decision. Are you dating any of these boys?"

It seemed that a spotlight suddenly exploded from the ceiling, illuminating Annie with its attention grabbing light. Every eye was turned to her; her mother, peaceful and knowing, Danni, looking hopeful, Michael, reaching for more steak-tips and her father, looking triumphant. For once she appreciated Michael's ignorance of the situation.

"Actually," Annie blushed a bit, "Auggie and I have decided to be in a relationship. He made it official on Sunday."

It was like the whole table exploded at that point.

"Oh god! Annie that's so exciting! What's he like?" Was Danielle's contribution.

"Baby, that's so good, so the two of you worked everything out? I was worried for a bit." Her mother said with a concerned look, she was the only one who knew what had happened the night before that fateful Sunday morning.

"Now, Annie, you have to take into consideration that this is going to affect my decision and rightfully so, I need to meet this boy before you travel anywhere with him." Was her father's firm answer, though not unexpected.

Michael was busy enjoying his steak-tips.

"I understand, I'll ask him-" she broke off midsentence, nearly giving away her midnight plans that would certainly ruin her reputation, "I'll ask him about coming over when I call him tonight, I'm sure he'll be excited to meet you, he's been wanting to ever since we got together."

"Well, he's on my good side already," her father smiled warmly before digging into his food.

Annie's mother put a gentle hand on her arm and gave Annie a wink, all systems were go.

"Well," Danielle said brightly, folding her hands on the table. Annie's stomach tightened considerably. The storm was about to hit. "Since we're sharing happy news, I have something to tell everyone. Michael and I are getting married!"

Jonathan spit his steak-tips across the table.

Suspicions confirmed.

xXx

When Annie pulled into the rear parking lot of Bastion Palace Country Club, she was a full fifteen minutes late and incredibly nervous. It was a strange thing to be nervous about and as she shut down the heat in her tiny red Volkswagen, she scolded herself for it.

"Buck up, Walker."

She steeled herself for the chill autumn air that waited to embrace her on the other side of the door, it just didn't seem logical to take a swim at midnight in Illinois. Whatever. She would do it and she would enjoy herself, dammit.

Everyone seemed to be gathering on the outskirts of the pool that she couldn't even see for all the surrounding bodies- not to mention the unnaturally high privacy fence. She hadn't realized how many people would be there, then again she didn't really care who was there. Her wool-lined boots worked double time as she made her way through the parking lot, the cold was so intense that she could barely feel her toes. Despite her determination, she could feel her forced good mood ebbing. It had been a hell of a day.

"Annie," she spun at the sound of her boyfriend's voice, her tension easing in the most minimal of ways.

"Hey guys," she grinned when she got there, happy to see Stu and Jamie and tiny Clare, but mostly Auggie, naturally. She slipped her hand into his free one and relished in the warmth of him. "There are so many people."

"Yea, it seems Corrine wanted to start the holiday with a bang," Stu smiled, his hands shoved deeply in his fleece coat.

"Yea, a bang that she's incredibly late for," Jamie shook his head.

His arms were wrapped around Clare whose lips looked just about blue, her cheeks a stunning pink. If Annie thought about it, she looked very much like a porcelain doll, all delicate limbs and alabaster skin equipped with an adorable wardrobe and quiet personality.

"She's not late," Auggie said, "She's finishing something up with the security guard."

"What, is she paying him off or something," Annie asked.

Stu grinned, "Or something."

"It's awfully cold for a swim, isn't it," Clare asked softly from between her chattering teeth, Jamie pulled her closer, crossing his arms over her chest. Their height difference was astounding.

"We can go any time you like," Jamie said, kissing the top of her head. She looked up to him with her wide cerulean eyes.

"No, no, I'm fine," she managed, "I was just wondering. Isn't anyone else cold?"

Annie nodded in agreement and the girl gave her a sweet smile in return.

"You won't regret it," Auggie assured them, "The pool is heated and there's a Jacuzzi on either side. Can you see it from here?"

"Nah," Stu replied, "There's a privacy fence around the whole thing. Seems the rich people don't want to be caught in their bare essentials."

"Right, I forgot," Auggie rolled his eyes at himself.

"Alright everyone," Corrine called, waltzing into view with a wild look in her eyes, "Let's move around to the back where the chain link fence is and get this party started."

There were some hoots and hollers but the offenders were quickly shushed as they didn't wish to wake the neighbors, though Annie couldn't imagine they would stay quiet for long because, knowing Corrine, she knew there would be alcohol involved. She walked hand in hand with Auggie, noting the fact that it was a full moon out. No wonder the day had been so screwy thus far. Maybe this party was exactly what she needed.

One by one, the group of teenagers hopped the chain link fence and Annie rolled her eyes. Her fingers were freezing and the idea of grasping icy cold metal didn't exactly sit well with her at the time.

"Why are we jumping the fence, didn't Corrine get a key from the guard," she whispered, leaning into Auggie.

"Well, Corrine has her own key – her mother is a member," he explained, "But it's an electric keycard and if she uses it after hours it will set off an alarm and send the offence to the main computers. This place is pretty prestigious."

"You think," Annie scoffed. It seemed the Universe was keeping her from getting excited about this idea.

"'Kay, Augs, your turn," Jamie said, taking his brother's hand and putting it on the fence, "Stu's already on the other side."

"That would explain the grunting," Auggie grinned, holding out his cane for Jamie to take.

"Oh-ho," Stu put his hand to his chest from behind the fence, "Low blow, Mr. MaGoo."

Everyone laughed at their banter as Auggie quickly made it over the obstacle with only slight difficulty on the landing, which Stu helped amend.

"Clare's next," Jamie pulled her towards the fence and she blushed a bit, "I'll help you and Stu will catch you-"

"Don't worry," Auggie called putting his hands up in surrender, "Mr. MaGoo will stay out of it."

His words stole a laugh from Clare and Annie smiled, he always seemed to get the best out of people. With a little push from Jamie, Clare made it over just fine.

"Annie," Jamie gestured for her to move closer and she did, although reluctantly.

"Hey, don't fondle my girlfriend, Jameson," Auggie warned with feigned seriousness, he fumbled for Stu's shoulder and leaned towards him, "Keep an eye on him for me, Stu, he only looks innocent."

"You are incorrigible," Annie laughed, nearly falling off the fence but Jamie caught her around the waist and pushed her back up, "You nearly killed me Auggie!"

Once she was over, Jamie practically flew over the offending obstacle and Annie wondered just how often they did this.

She was amazed by the venue as she took it all in. The pool was absolutely huge with multi-hued lights embedded beneath the water and the Jacuzzis bubbled welcomingly. It seemed that the night wouldn't be as terrible as she'd anticipated, besides, Auggie was there as were the rest of her friends, so how bad could it be?

"Settle down, people," Corrine called again, something inside Corrine seemed to come out when the sun went down, "Drinks are in the pool house, bathrooms too, only rule is- don't break anything!" She raised her hands above her head- "Jump in!"

Just as Annie was about to ask Clare if she wanted to accompany her to the pool house to change, everyone pulled their shirts over their heads and slipped out of their jeans before making a splash that had water lapping at their feet. With wide eyes Annie looked around, noting that the Anderson brothers plus Stu had already abandoned their shirts- not that she was complaining. Skinny dipping. That's what this night had been reduced to.

"Clare, Annie, you two okay," Jamie inquired, his eyebrow quirked. "It's just underwear, nothing to be scared of."

"What's the matter, Walker," Auggie taunted, the full moon had done something to him. Tonight he was dangerous. "Cold feet?"

With a glint in her eye, Annie took a deep breath and allowed a mischievous smile to creep along the contours of her mouth. She'd promised herself it'd be fun and she was damn determined to keep that promise. Quickly she slipped out of her jeans and her sweater – thankful she'd worn matching bra and panties – and sauntered up to Auggie.

"Actually, Anderson," she crooned, "I'm just getting warmed up."

A/N: In my mind, this is the point in Annie's life in which her wild side starts to take hold. :3
Your options are:
We can continue the pool party in the next chapter or we can head directly to the parental meeting and the concert.
Also, how do you think Annie's father will react when he meets Auggie for the first time?
And that episode on Tuesday... Wow.
Yum.
And I can't wait to hear from you!
Hope you enjoyed.