So again this is another filler chapter, but a good filler chapter, you'll get to meet more of Hayley's Kansas friends, and possibly more info then I could possibly think if at the moment, but I've really got nothing to say at the moment since this is just the intro.

But I do have a nod to my friend Angel and Axis Powers Hetalia also…

"Fast Car" - Tracy Chapman

The last few days flew by faster than they anticipated

Sterling and Hayley were sitting on the pullout couch watching a re-run of Saturday Night Live, Cori came running into the room, still in the process of putting on her pants on, Hayley and Sterling looked at each other then looked back at Cori, who also had a shoulder up with a phone against her ear and a comb hanging from her hair.

"No, no, no, I'll be there, I just need to tell her that I won't be able to… oh it's fine… seriously…fine… I'll be there as fast as I can…yes… uh-hm… alright, bye." Used a free hand and closed her phone, and tossed it on the bed as she finished the process of pulling up her pants

"Let me guess, you got called into work?" Hayley asked, noting the obvious.

"Yeah, sorry hales, I really wanted to go shopping with you… if you want you can meet me at the pretzel place if you go to shop at the mall."

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea." She turned to Sterling, "Want to go shopping with me?"

He looked down at the floor and sighed, "Fine."

"… and count this as payback for making go shopping for the 80s stuff you didn't even wear." She said poking him in the chest. "I should make you come to the get-together too."

"This is your family reunion, not mine, I'd feel really weird if I went."

"Cori is going, and she's not even related." She took his hands in hers, "besides, you're one of my BFFs, I need you there so I don't kill my Aunt Dorothy."

He stifled a laugh, "You have an Aunt Dorothy? Does she have red slippers and a dog named Toto?"

Hayley let go of his hand and folded her arms and glared at him, "Ha-ha," she said monotone, "Another Kansas joke."

After 30 minutes to get ready, they ended up going to the mall, because Hayley knew that would be where she could find a cute dress for cheap, without saying 'hey, I'm an big actor now'.

But before they could make it into the Mall, the two of them were stopped numerous times for photos and autographs.

Once they finished and headed through the door, Hayley leaned over to Sterling and said with a smile, "I guess they finally realized we're in town."

Hayley ended up pulling Sterling into 'Forever 21', "What about this? This is cute." She asked, holding up the first dress she saw up to her body.

It was instantly shot down by the look on Sterling's face, "It kind of reminds me of my grandma."

"Really? Your Grandma?"

"You asked for my opinion and I gave it."

After about an hour of shopping and pretty much every dress being shot down, Sterling finally voiced his opinion. He held up a short flowy purple dress, with light sleeves and two cords that hung down, obviously to tie near the neckline. "How 'bout this one."

"Holy Crap boy," She looked at the dress, almost stunned at how cute but hot it was, "I need to take you shopping more often."

He chuckled softly, "You should go try it on." He put the dress in her hands.

She quickly walked to the dressing room, closing the door behind her. Sterling took a seat near the mirror. In a matter of moments she emerged.

"Wow, I love it." He said softly.

This caught Hayley's attention. "What did you say?"

He noticed his slip up, "I said, David would love it."

A grin spread across her face. "So this is a yes?"

"You know it's a yes from me." He imputed.

She leaned over and hugged him. "God, if it wasn't for you and Cori, I don't know what I would do with myself."

"Speaking of… You want to go get a pretzel?" he asked as she pulled away.

She nodded as she ran back into the dressing room.

After buying the dress, they made their way to Cori's place of employment, Hayley noticed a friend.

"Oh my god… Angel?" Hayley said as she ran over to a mixed girl, she wore thick rimmed glasses that covered her brown eyes, with long dark, almost black, brown hair, she stood with a tall skinny guy and held a little child on her hip.

"Hales?" The other noticed, as Hayley approached her. "Wow, it's been a while."

The two hugged

"So, how's Hollywood?" angel asked balancing the child on her hip.

"Well, not too bad, made a few friends… Speaking of…"

"Holy Crap you brought Sterling Knight with you to Wichita?" Angel noticed the blond standing next to hayley

Hayley laughed.

"More like dragged me here." Sterling spoke up.

They all laughed at his sarcasm.

"So who is this little beauty?" Hayley asked as the little girl in Angel's arms shied away.

"This is Brittany; she's about 14 months I-… Shoot, forgot to introduce you to my husband." She gestured to the man to her right, "This is Arthur Kirkland, Artie, this is Hayley Bainbridge and her friend Sterling Knight." Angel introduced the whole gang, all shaking hands in the process.

"So where are you guys headed?" Arthur asked.

He had a thick British accent, and Hayley took a moment to catch her breath, "Oh, we were going to stop by Cori's Job and try to get a free pretzel."

"Ooo, sounds like fun… could we join?" Angel then asked.

"Only if I could hold Brittany." Hayley demanded.

Angel passed the little girl to Hayley, who took to her right away. Angel watched as both Hayley and Sterling played with her daughter, they were almost too sweet together. Angel could feel that she was getting a cavity.

"So, Hales…" Angel got close to Hales, trying to get out of Sterling's earshot

"Yes?" she momentarily took her attention away from the child.

"Are you and Sterling dating?"

"No, no, no. I'm actually dating David Henrie… we're having a bit of problems at the moment, but Sterling is just a friend. I swear."

Angel nodded, she knew there was something between them, she just couldn't put her finger on it.

Woot! Chapter 18 FINISHED... onto chapter 19...