Chunk 24: Sections 116 thru 120
Fandom: The Tribe
Author: PinkTribeChick
Summary: I said maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me . . . Life goes on for the Mall Rats after the Chosen take over the city.
Extended Summary: Essentially, this is an Alternate Universe story for Series 3 and beyond of the Tribe. I won't say anything more than that, because I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who have never read this before

Rating: Teen
Pairing: Too many to name! But Bray-Amber, Lex-Zandra, Ryan-Salene, and Jack-Ellie, for starters. There will also be some Tribe-character with original character pairings.
Author's Notes: Again many thanks as always go to Brett The Mole, as he was the one who talked me into sharing this story with others when I first started writing it, and he was the one who kept bugging me to complete it. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without you, Brett! And major thanks to Ariannya, Whit, and all the others who at various times read and proofed sections for me and gave me their invaluable feedback.

Enjoy, and please review! Feedback is much appreciated!
Disclaimer: All characters, situations, and song lyrics remain the property of their respective owners. Troy Wisneski belongs to the author Paula Boock, from her Tribe novel "Power and Chaos." Any original characters are sole property of me, PinkTribeChick.

Tribe 3: Wonderwall

Sections 116 thru 120

Ellie and Todd walked hand-in-hand into the ballroom at the hospital, where the party was already in full swing with the music blasting. The room seemed alive, with all the people dancing to a fast tempo dance tune. Ellie quickly scanned the room, looking for anyone she knew. Dal, Tzara, Amber, and Bray all stood by the refreshment table, talking and laughing. Todd followed Ellie's gaze over to where her friends stood and squeezed her hand reassuringly, sensing her apprehensive mood.

"Care to mingle?" he practically had to shout so she could hear him. She nodded, and he led her through the crowd over to where the others were. Amber smiled and waved at them. Ellie looked very elegant in her pale blue gown, which was straight-lined and sleek, with a matching shawl.

"Hi, everyone!" Ellie forced herself to say cheerily. The others smiled and nodded at her and Todd, not wanting to shout over the music. Tzara left Dal's side and walked over to Ellie.

"Jack and Lysette told me about your engagement to Todd!" she leaned towards Ellie and said. "Congratulations!" She gave Ellie a squeeze.

"Thanks," Ellie said gratefully, smiling at the girl.

"Dal and I were wondering if it would be alright if we offered up a toast to your engagement tonight, along with everything else!" Tzara exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's fine. What's one more thing to celebrate going to hurt?!" Ellie responded. Tzara nodded.

"Great! Congratulations again!" Tzara squealed before making her way back over to Dal. Todd leaned towards Ellie to talk.

"Do you want to dance?" he asked. Ellie nodded in relief. She wasn't in the mood to make small talk that evening. They walked out onto the dance floor. The song changed to a slow one, and Ellie rested her head on Todd's shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her waist. She closed her eyes and felt the whole world drift away, aside from her and Todd at that moment.

"Your turn, KC!" Sienna said, smiling mischievously. "Truth or dare?" He, Sienna, Charlie, Cloe, and Patsy sat in a circle on the floor of Patsy and Cloe's bedroom. KC thought for a moment, and then sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Truth," he said in a monotone voice. Playing Truth or Dare was beginning to bore him. It was something girls did, not guys.

"What is . . . the farthest you've ever gone with a girl?" Sienna asked, being nosy. Cloe's eyes widened in embarrassment at the question. KC's mouth fell open.

"I'm not answering that," he said defiantly.

"Why not?" Sienna said, pouting.

"Because it's none of your beeswax, you stupid cow!" Cloe exclaimed defensively. Sienna started laughing.

"But we are playing Truth or Dare, so he has to answer," Sienna responded, grinning. "KC?"

"I said I'm not answering that. I didn't even want to play this stupid game in the first place, Sienna. It was your idea," KC said. He crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oh, come on! It's just a game! Nothing said here will leave the five of us!" Sienna said playfully.

"Sie, back off," Charlie stepped in, seeing how irritated KC was getting and how upset Cloe was by it. "Just give him a dare." Sienna pouted. "Sienna, do it." She then crossed her arms over her chest as well, staring up at the ceiling for a minute. She thought silently, as a wonderful idea came to her.

"Alright. If you won't answer the question, there's only one way I'm going to let you out of it," she began. KC looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "You have to kiss me." Cloe's expression changed from one of upset to horror.

"No way, Sienna! He's my boyfriend, and I'm not letting him kiss you!" Cloe shrieked angrily.

"It's the only way I'm going to let him out of this. He has to kiss me. Just a little peck on the cheek. Nothing more," Sienna said, feigning innocence.

"Nothing more, my eyeballs! KC, tell her no!" Cloe demanded. KC shrugged, giving Cloe an odd grin. "KC? You have to say no. Please?" She looked at him desperately.

"If it will shut her up about it, then . . . ," KC trailed off. Cloe scowled at him, then at Sienna.

"Fine. If that's the way you want it, he's all yours. You're perfect for each other anyway!" she said, calmly standing up. "Both completely selfish and insensitive! And I hate you both!" With that, she ran out of the room in tears. The other three looked at Sienna sternly.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" she said, looking puzzled.

"That was just mean, Sienna," Patsy said. "I'm going to go after Cloe." Patsy walked to the doorway. KC sighed in relief that Patsy hadn't scolded him as well. Then she stopped and turned around. "KC, you're just a . . . a . . . a big jerk! And I'll deal with you later!" She ran off after Cloe. KC put his hand on his forehead in frustration.

"This is why I didn't want to play this dumb old game in the first place. Someone's feelings always seem to get hurt. Thanks a lot, Sienna," he said sarcastically. He got up and left the room, followed by Charlie. Sienna just shrugged.

"Oh, well," she said, grinning. "Guess that's the end of the two lovebirds then. And KC will be all mine soon. Much easier to pull off than I thought it would be" She rubbed her hands together, chuckling lightly.

Zandra walked over to the punch bowl, leaving Ryan across the room talking to Bray and Amber. She picked up a glass of fruit punch and turned to look at the crowds around the room. There were people dancing, some talking. She saw Alice dancing happily out on the dance floor with TaiRon from Tribe Dorkus. Alice had lost weight in the past few months, and she was wearing a sleek, short-sleeved cranberry dress that suited her very well. Alice and TaiRon waved at Zandra, and she waved back, smiling. At least someone was having fun tonight.

"Hi, Zandra," a familiar female voice said. Zandra looked over to see May standing beside her.

"Hey," she replied. May had decided to stay with the Rebels after the Chosen were defeated, but she still came to visit Salene at the mall a lot. Zandra wasn't particularly fond of her, mostly because she got the impression that May was always suspicious of her, like she was going to steal Ryan from Salene or something. It also didn't help that May and Lex had been involved one point, but Zandra didn't really care about that too much anymore. May could have Lex for all she cared. He wasn't worth it anyway.

"Nice party," May commented.

"Yeah. Dal and Tzara did a wonderful job," Zandra said politely. She took a sip of her punch. She knew May was just itching to say something about the fact that she and Ryan had come together, and she was just waiting for it.

"So, how's Lex? And where is he tonight? I thought he loved a good party," May asked.

"He's doing fine, as far as I know. He decided to stay at home with Lexi tonight," Zandra replied coldly.

"It was sweet of Ryan to bring you," May said in a sugary sweet voice that made Zandra want to slap her.

"Well . . . it was Salene's idea, not his or mine. I was perfectly fine staying at home with my husband and my child," Zandra snapped. "I mean, it was incredibly generous of Salene to think of it, and I'm grateful to her, but she didn't have to do it."

"I thought you'd be happy to have Ryan to yourself for the evening. Not have to compete with his wife and children for his attention for once. You're acting as though the sky is falling instead," May responded snidely, giving Zandra an innocent smile.

"I have a husband of my own. And I'm very happy with him," Zandra said, though it wasn't entirely true. "When are you going to get it through that head of yours that I don't want Ryan?! He loves Salene! And Salene is one of my very best friends, and I would never do anything that cruel to her!" May's comments were really starting to get to her. She was growing angry.

"Never is a long time, Zandra. Don't fool yourself," May said. Zandra took a deep breath, fuming by now. She put a smile on her face.

"You know what, May? Salene's a big girl. She can take care of herself. And if she suspected anything, she wouldn't have suggested Ryan and I come together in the first place. So why don't you just mind your own damn business and stop getting up into the middle of mine," Zandra said sweetly. With that, she poured her punch down the front of May's dress and walked away. She stormed across the room and grabbed Ryan by the arm.

"Let's dance," she ordered, dragging him out onto the dance floor. He put his arms around her waist, and they began to sway to the music.

"What's got you all in a fit?" Ryan asked in concern.

"That stupid May. She doesn't know that she's talking about. I wish she'd just mind her own business and leave me alone," Zandra responded angrily.

"What did she say to you?" he asked.

"Just her usual. She accused me again of trying to steal you from Salene and the twins. Which is preposterous! We agreed days ago that nothing was going to happen between us," she exclaimed. "Ooo . . . it just irks me! She thinks she knows me so well, that she's got me all figured out! She doesn't even have a clue!"

"She's just very protective of Sal, Zandra. Don't let her get to you," he said. "She's not worth the fuss."

"I know. But sometimes, my temper just gets the better of me," she agreed.

"That I am very well aware of, considering I've known you for about four years, Zan," he said, smiling. Zandra looked down at her feet as they danced.

"I poured my cup of punch on the front of her dress," Zandra said sheepishly. Ryan started to laugh, a deep, hearty laugh. He pulled Zandra closer to him, and she put her head against his chest.

"Way to go," he said, still laughing. "That sounds like the Zandra I know and love."

"Do you really love me?" she murmured. Ryan stopped where they were standing, and stepping back, looked at her in shock.

"Don't ever doubt that, Zan. I love you. I always have, I always will," Ryan said. He took her back in his arms and they started to dance again.

"I love you, too, Ryan," she responded. "But things are different now. We both have families of our own, children to take care of." She paused for a moment, tears filling her eyes. "And I'm married to your best friend, and you're married to mine. And that just makes it impossible."

"It's impossible any way you look at it," he told her. "Which is why tonight is the end of it."

"What do you mean?" she said quietly, not daring to look at him, afraid she would get down on her knees and beg, even though she knew he was right.

"After tonight, we don't talk about how we feel, we don't talk about what happened, nothing. It never happened," he said firmly. "As much as I hate it, it has to be this way."

"I know," she said, her voice breaking as she started to sob.

"I'm still here for you, though. I always will be. You're my best friend in the whole world, and nothing can change that at least," he said. He held her tightly as she cried, bowing his head as tears welled up in his eyes. "Nothing can change that."

Jack scurried around the room he shared with Lysette, making sure everything was in place. He only had a few minutes while Lysette was bathing Ilse, since Dal had told them not to take her out of the incubator for too long. He had to get everything just right.

He flipped the lights off, and then lit a couple of candles. Then he brought the food in, placing it on his worktable. He checked his pocket to make sure his mother's engagement ring was still there. The music was the last touch. He switched the stereo on and soft piano music filled the room. He looked around at his masterpiece of handiwork. A romantic candle-light dinner.

"Perfect," he murmured. "Now to go get Lysette and Ilse." He hurried out of the room and down the hallway to the café. Lysette stood at the sink, supporting her tiny daughter's body with one hand, while using a wash cloth to rinse her off with the other hand. He walked up behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Almost done?"

"Yeah. I just have to dry her off and get her dressed. Zandra gave me some of Lexi's old clothes, stuff she's outgrown," Lysette replied. "Wasn't that sweet of her?" After pulling the drain on the sink to let the water out, she wrapped Ilse up in a towel and turned to face Jack.

"Yeah, that was very sweet of her," Jack said nervously. Lysette looked at him strangely.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Uh . . . no . . . nothing's wrong. Listen, after you get Ilse dressed, I'll take her for a little while. I've left a surprise for you in your old room," he responded. Lysette gently dried Ilse off and then started to dress her in a white onesie and a pair of pink overalls.

"All . . . right," she agreed slowly. "You certainly are acting strange, Jack. Are you sure everything's alright?"

"Yeah. Everything's fine. Don't worry," he said, smiling. He kissed her on the cheek as she handed Ilse to him. "Just go see your surprise, alright." She cocked her head to the side, smiling at him.

"Okay," she said, shaking her head. She kissed her daughter on the head and walked out of the room. Jack shifted Ilse in his arms, and then walked back toward their room with a grin on his face.

"Lex?" KC said, poking his head in the doorway of the nursery downstairs. Lex sat in a rocking chair, holding Lexi as she drifted off to sleep. Lex looked up at him.

"Shhh . . . she's finally sleeping." Lex got up and put Lexi in her crib. "What is it, mate?"

"Cloe's mad at me . . . ," KC said softly.

"What did you do?" Lex said, chuckling. KC was leaning against the doorway with an uncharacteristically forlorn look on his face.

"I didn't do anything! Sienna started it!" KC said defensively. "Her and her stupid Truth or Dare game."

"Well, have you tried apologizing to Cloe?" Lex asked. "I mean, when in doubt, admit you're wrong, even if you didn't do anything."

"I tried that," KC said curtly.

"And?"

"She threw a very large stuffed animal at me," KC responded. "And she throws really well. Hit me in the head with it and knocked me off my feet." Lex started snickering at that point. "What?" Lex shook his head, laughing.

"What in the world did you do, KC? Really? It must have been something pretty major to make her throw a stuffed animal at you," Lex said with a grin.

"Well . . . we were playing Truth or Dare . . . and Sienna asked me how far I'd gone with a girl. And of course, I refused to answer that, because it's none of her business. Anyway, Cloe was right there. I wasn't about to reveal details about our relationship to everyone with her sitting right in front of me. So Sienna said the only way she'd let me out of answering the question was if I kissed her . . . ," KC trailed off.

"Well, you said no, didn't you?" Lex asked, walking over to him. KC grimaced uncomfortably at the question.

"Uh . . . not exactly," KC replied guiltily, looking down at his feet. Lex swatted KC hard across the back of the head. KC let out a yelp of pain.

"Way to go, moron! You practically cheated on her, and you did it right in front of her at that! How did you expect her to react?" Lex exclaimed. KC shrugged sheepishly. "You are going to have to do some major groveling if you want to fix this one, buddy. Come on. We'll go to my room and talk about it." He pushed KC away from the doorway, and they headed toward Lex's room.

That's all for now, folks! Thanks again for reading, now please go and tell me what you thought of what you read! I love reviews – they keep me going! Toodles until later . . .