I hope you enojoy this chapter, definitely not much action, but fluff. Thanks for the reviews from SnowPrincess88 on my earlier chapters! Don't worry, more excitement will come! I may have went overboard on the banter, but i had fun:)
Disclaimer:I don't own the Hardys or their friends
Chapter 13
"This is the life," Joe commented as he was kicking back and relaxing in living room.
"Don't get too comfortable, my dear brother, we'll have to return to school tomorrow."
Joe sighed, "Frank, don't ruin my moment of peace by bringing that up."
"Well, it will inevitably be brought up, so I thought that I might as get it out."
"Ugh, I know. I know," the blond haired boy muttered as he closed his eyes and made his head sit comfortably against the chair.
"I can't believe that dad just said for us to leave it alone. We could definitely help get more of those guys down."
"Frank, can't you be quiet?"
Joe was met with a pillow to the face that he angrily reciprocated in the general vicinity of his brother's laughter.
"Nice try lil'bro. You should work on your aim, it's horrible."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Joe responded and picked back up Frank's train of thought. "Isn't the FBI being brought in? Dad said we need to focus on school and they don't want teenager hampering their investigation."
"Still, we're the only people that they know of that had firsthand experience behind the scenes of their operation," Frank sighed. "The police got in touch with that other family and learned they were only at the warehouse. Only communication was between meals and bathroom breaks."
"Frank, I'm not one to give up, but this is a lost cause. There is no way we are going to be allowed to help, especially because this operation is believed to be throughout a few states. How can you expect to do well in school if you are distracted?"
"I guess, you are making some sense."
"Yes! Thank you that is all I can ask. Continue being the loving family nerd. I shall be the impulsive, hot-headed, disregarding rules one."
Frank huffed and rolled his eyes and his little brother.
"Oh, and don't forget we still have a house guest, so …"
"Yeah, I know Joe. We should think before getting into dangerous situations."
Earlier, both of their parents sat down and gave them a talk. She is not accustomed to these precarious situations, so they should worry about the safety of their guest and not get into any adventures. Therefore the boys had to stay home and were advised to know get involved with the case.
"So, what do you think of Kailey?"
"What? Why? Are you interested?" Joe rushed to spit out those words.
"No, but you are?"
"Pffft, say…. What?"
"Come on Joe, it's positively obvious that you are attracted to her."
"Well, yeah, she's a girl. Pretty nice. Really smart. Has a BA side to her."
"Sounds more like your type of woman, brother."
"Eh, I don't think so."
"Oh, right you and Callie are still going out."
"How do you forget? Nothing has changed."
"I'm still hopeful," Joe mumbled as he turned away from Frank to get more comfortable in the chair.
"What was that?" Frank asked, already pretty sure of his little brother's sarcastic remark.
"Uh, nothing. I was just talking to myself," was the muffled reply as his face was now in the pillow.
Frank sighed. He didn't understand why his brother was always making sarcastic remarks about his girlfriend. Now he really thought about her and the fact that he hadn't even talked to her since he was kidnapped. He should probably get on that phone call, it wasn't too late.
"Hello?" a sweet voice said at the other end after only two rings.
"Hey Callie, how are you?"
"I'm fine Frank, how are you? What happened last night? Tony told us some stuff, but are you okay?"
"I'm fine. We were kidnapped right outside the pizza shop…" Frank began and retold the story, leaving out some parts, so she wouldn't worry too much.
"I'm so glad you're okay. How are Kailey and Joe?"
"They're good, both sleeping. After sleeping most of the morning and then answering some more questions those two decided they needed to relax even more."
"That sounds like Joe."
"Yep. How was school?"
"Alright, too bad you weren't there in gym when this idiot ran headfirst into the bleachers and got a concussion. The rumor going around is that he was pushed. His older brother, I think it's Richie decided to take it out on the guy and both of them got suspended."
"Whoa, I missed one heck of a day!"
"Yeah, but you won't miss the assembly were they explain to us how fighting is bad."
"Aw man!" Frank replied, dragging it out for emphasis. "How were the classes though? We have a test on Friday in history."
"Yeah, they weren't too bad. You didn't miss anything important there."
"Okay good. Still want to study for it tomorrow?"
"Yeah, it sounds like a good idea."
"Sweet, want to come over after school?"
"Okay. It sounds like a plan," Callie replied. "Oh, and Frank the gang is planning on getting together at the pizza shop Friday night."
"We'll definitely come. Can't say no to food!"
"Okay, I'll let them know! By the way, you sounded a lot like Joe. I have to go, Frank, my mom's calling me for dinner."
"I don't sound like Joe!" Frank retorted, "Anyways, talk to you later Callie!"
"Bye Frank!" were the last two words Frank heard before he hung up.
He returned to the living room with his book bag and plopped on the couch.
"So how's your gal doing?" Frank heard Joe mutter barely above a whisper.
"Gal?"
"Yeah, Callie."
"I know, but gal? I've never heard you refer to her like that before."
"Dude, why do you care? Sheesh, if it means that much to you, I'll just call her Callie."
"Whatever, I just thought it was weird."
"Yeah, okay. Well I think it's weird that you are going to study today even though we didn't have school."
"I'm just studious. As opposed to you."
"What do you mean? I'm a very studious person, just not right now."
"Oh, sorry. Next time I'll be more specific."
"Yeah sure."
Another voice from the hall inquired, "What are you two bickering about this time?"
The boys looked up to see Kailey entering the room dressed in sweats and a t-shirt.
"Oh nothing," Joe replied, "Just our different definitions of being studious."
"Really?" Kailey played along as she took up residence beside Frank on the man-eating piece of furniture and wrapped herself in a blanket.
"Yes. Frank here doesn't believe I'm studious at all just because I'm choosing to kick back and relax since we had no school today," Joe continued.
"Correction Joseph," Frank interrupted. "There was school, but we didn't go because our parents wanted us to get some rest after our long night."
"Frank is implying that you still have homework, even though you didn't go."
"Man, why do you have to be such a party-pooper Frank?"
"I'm just realistic," Frank replied as his younger brother begrudgingly left the comfort of the chair and trudged upstairs. Frank turned to Kailey and said, "At least he's not dramatic."
"Nope, not at all," she replied, smiling at the banter of the brothers. It made her miss hers. "So what are you working on?"
"History. I have an exam Friday."
"Good luck! I'll let you study." Kailey proceeded to lift the blanket off the ground and go to the second level, leaving Frank with his books. As she passed the boys room en route to the guest room, there was a whispered "Hey! Come here!"
She stopped and back tracked to see Joe animatedly waving her into his room. Trying to hold back a laugh at his odd behavior she just went with it. Stopping in the doorway and leaning on the frame she asked, "What is it?"
"Well…" Joe trailed off, while Kailey looked at him expectantly. "I need some help with my work. Before you say anything, I don't wanna ask Frank because I know he's busy and am not necessarily too fond of the way he helps me with math. My friend just sent me a message that we have a ton of work to do since I missed."
"Oh, I guess so. I don't have anything better to do."
"Well now that's the spirit," sarcastically replied and pumped his fist in the air for emphasis.
Kailey just giggled and entered the boy's room, "Yeah definitely, now what are you working on?"
Joe pulled out a few papers and notes, while he explained what he thought they were learning in class. She easily jumped in and began pointing Joe in the correct direction to approach those types of problems. After he correctly finished the first problem, Kailey began to leave.
"Wait," Joe pleaded, turning around to face Kailey. "Can you just chill in here in case I have any more questions. That was only the first problem. And that is usually the easiest, so I have a feeling I made need some more help."
"Sure, but do you mind if I grab my school stuff and just work on in here while you do yours?"
"No that's fine!" Joe answered.
"Okay, well then I'll be right back," Kailey responded as she rushed out the door down the hall.
A few minutes later she was back and threw her various book across the neatly made bed. "Joe?"
"Yeah Kailey?" he replied, not looking up.
"What happened to your bed?"
Joe broke his concentration and took a quick glance at the bed, then returned to his math homework, "It's just made."
"Yeah, well you don't seem like the type that makes your bed."
"And…"
"I just wanted to point that out," Joe shook his head, man this girl was a piece of work. She continued, "So you admit to being a momma's boy?"
"Whoa, what? You've got it all wrong. I fell asleep on top an already made bed earlier. My mom made it before we came home today."
"Oh, I'm just joking around Joe, no need to get too defensive."
Joe laughed, "You're just so funny Kailey. Now stop distracting me."
"Okay," Kailey said as she got situated with all her books.
The arrangement was working out perfectly for their expectations. Joe was getting help with his work without Frank's annoying tone, while Kailey was studying her notes and staying on task. There wasn't too much conversation for a while, only strictly school related talk. It was a relaxing atmosphere.
"So Kailey," Joe began, breaking the concentration in the room. "I have a personal question."
"What is it?" she asked looking up, a little nervous of what it could be.
"Well, I know it's none of my business, but don't you think you should call your father and let him know you are okay."
Kailey took a deep breath. This wasn't a question she expected from this Hardy, the other was more indirectly suspicious. Man that was blunt, she thought, oh no am I taking too long to respond? She cleared her throat and answered, "Um, actually I think he's got bigger fish to fry, and there's no need to worry him about something that turned out fine."
Joe looked up from his work and the distressed girl in front of him. Being kidnapped was more of a no-big-deal thing for him, but for her it was a traumatic experience, wasn't it? Wouldn't her father be bending over backwards with worry. "Kailey, I'm sure your dad would be interested in knowing about the kidnappings. He cares about you. I know my dad asks the same of Frank and I whenever something like this happens."
"Yes, but you don't know him," Kailey replied with attitude, "Sorry, but it is none of your business Joe. I'm not going to tell him. I need to worry about school. He is preoccupied with his work and capturing that fiend."
"Yeah, sorry, I was just curious," Joe mumbled and turned back to his math problems.
The silence was deafening after that quick chat. Neither dared interrupt the other. The tension filled room was suffocating both teens. Frank was the relief when came up later to announce dinner was ready. Frank thought it was odd the way the two of them rushed out the door determined to not make eye contact. Complacent that the rift would be noticed and attended to at dinner he just followed the tow of them downstairs to the nicely laid dining table.
"Wow! This looks delicious Mrs. Hardy!"
"Thank you sweetie. Everyone sit down and I'll get your drinks."
Mr. Hardy came in right on time. After coming through the door he shed his outer clothing, and joined his family who were already digging in to the meal created by his strong and creative wife. Fenton sighed and smiled as he looked around the table. He could feel something was off. Joe wasn't cracking jokes and Frank wasn't making lame comebacks. Kailey was intently focused on her plate. Glancing at his wife, she shrugged her shoulders and moved her head in the direct of their eldest. Fenton took a look at the boy who wasn't taking his eyes off the other teens while he shoveled food down his throat.
"So, how was your day?" Mr. Hardy asked an opened question, expecting a quick answer, he was surprised by the silence. He chose to continue, "So does silence mean that it was alright? Bad? Could be better? You guys have had enough of each other?"
Finally they all looked up at him, and glanced at each other to determine who would speak. He could tell Frank and Joe were arguing with their peculiar facial expressions and Kailey looked confused.
"Well, I had a pretty good day today Mr. Hardy," Kailey responded, capturing the boys' attention.
"That's good considering your {harrowing} night," Fenton stated and was glad to get a small smile across her once stony face. "Joe how was yours?"
"Alright."
"Alright?" Frank jumped in at the chance to antagonize his little brother. "What was bad about it?/ You slept most of it!"
"Yeah, but then you had to go and be all studious and what not and point out that I had homework. So I have to do my homework and can't finish doing nothing the rest of the day like I wanted to."
Fenton just shook his head at his bickering sons, some things never did change. "What do you have to do?"
"Pre-Calc problems."
"OH," Fenton said.
"Exactly," Joe stated, glad his father understood his reluctance and dred.
"It's not that bad, I have an AP History exam Friday. I missed today."
"Oh, boo-hoo mister smarty pants."
"At least Kailey can help you, no one can help me memorize all the events for my test."
"That's so nice of you sweetie," Mrs. Hardy interjected.
"Thanks Mrs. Hardy. It's no big deal, I don't find math too bad."
"Well, still thank you," Mr. Hardy added, making the young girl blush at all this attention.
Noticing there was still a little tension Mrs. Hardy decided to keep the questions flow as they ate. "So boys, what are your plans for the rest of the week and weekend?"
Frank swallowed and answered, "Tomorrow, Callie is coming over to study for the exam. Friday night the gang is getting together for pizza. I think Callie said something about taking you shopping on Saturday if you're still up for it Kailey."
"Do you boys eat anything else besides pizza?" Mr. Hardy asked.
The teens laughed when they all made eye contact. "Well, dad I didn't know there are other types of food out there as good as pizza," Joe said.
The whole room was filled with laughter after that declaration.
"It's okay Mr. Hardy, I know what you mean. I'm pretty sure that's all my brothers eat. Oh, and of course any other junk food in the house," Kailey told the family.
Mrs. Hardy nodded her head in agreement and spoke, "Don't worry, I understand. I have three men to serve on a daily basis. I honestly do not know how they can keep eating after one serving."
Conversation continued being light throughout dinner. Joe and Kailey seemed to have put their differences aside and be a part of the family. They were so wrapped up in enjoying the company, no one noticed the time fly. Mrs. Hardy didn't even think anything of the multiple excursions to the kitchen for food and drink refills- she had insisted when the others offered.
Finally, Fenton looked at his watch, "Oh my, look at the time."
Frank quickly pulled out his phone. "Oh man, I need to get back to work. More history to learn!" He dramatically pumped his hand in the air as he stood up.
Joe rolled his eyes at his brother's enthusiasm, while Kailey just laughed.
Fenton intervened, "First, let's help your mother clear the table. Then, you can go back to studying."
Frank nodded and grabbed his things.
Mr. Hardy turned to Joe, "Oh and you too, help your mother then go to Pre-Calc."
The blond boy sighed and followed the guest into the kitchen. Eventually the family returned to its positions before dinner. En route to Joe's room, Kailey phone rang.
"Hello, Dad?"
A few seconds passed and her brow furrowed even deeper.
"Dad, what is it?" Kailey asked, her father's voice sounded strange. She was scared.
A/N: Wow, it's a pretty longer chapter. Please review!