Heyy guys! I bet you guys are SO mad at me. But, please understand, this time, I have a proper, proper excuse, and it involves one of my dreams coming true!
Okay, so you guys know 'Life of Pi' right?! Well, the library at my school was having a competition where we have to write an adventure story with the heading 'Life of Moi.' It's based on the movie, but it can be any type of adventure story.
So, rewind a little to back when the Best A&A Story Awards was happening, and I said that whoever voted first would be in my next A&A story! So, I tweaked it a bit, entered the competition and gave it in today. I will upload it here as soon as I'm finished PCA and tweak it again so that it resembles A&A! Now, fingers crossed that all those weeks of writing were worth it! When the competition is over, my book will become an actual book! Well, in our library, but still! And first prize gets a huge chocolate hamper.
But guys, to be honest, the whole time I was off F&F, not a moment passed by without me thinking of this story and you guys. True love right there!
Review Responses!
Tlkin2much: I agree with you there. Auslly rules!
XxRauraXAusllyxX: Enjoy!
Tffan1980: Thank you so much! You're amazing!
Primjay10: Haha thank you! Sonya is a piece of work, hey? Ah well. Get ready for more drama!
Jalcarries: You are the only person who noticed he wasn't there! So now I can't wait for your reaction when you find out where he was!
Irenetomboylife: I wouldn't dream of not giving you a shout out! Thank you so much! But if you really want to read an awesome author's stories, I highly recommend xXDemiFanForeverxX if you haven't already.
Jamesmaslow4evz: I love your penname! I hate to say this, but that was just the beginning.
cheyennedaily: I'm so glad you liked the chapter and that you found it amusing! When there's all this drama, you have to laugh some stuff of!
Queenc1: yep she's back. Talk about return of the sea witch.
Lalalala: I've always loved reading your reviews, but that one in particular brought a smile to my face. I'm so ecstatic that you liked the length. I thought it was too long and that it would be boring, but I guess not! You'll get a lot more news on what happened to Logan.
Randomsmileyperson: Thank you! And thanks for telling me. Well, for the story's sake, I'll call it spring break. I hope you like this chapter!
Ally's POV
My head was spinning with multiple questions. Why was she here? Did Tasha know about this? Was this a hallucination? How did she know where I lived?! Did my parents know about this? Did they tell her where to find me? No, Dad wouldn't do that. He knows how much I loathe her. Mom... well, it's not that she doesn't know, it's just that she's all about 'one family' and 'one love' and 'burying the hatchet' and that family is everything.
I don't disagree with her there, but Sonya is just... the worst thing that could ever happen to me. And I say that with all the little love I have left for her. Hey, she is family.
Then again, family wouldn't do everything that she did to me. She's like a nightmare come to life. There are moments when I absolutely hate her, and moments when she scares me. On the whole, I don't like her that much.
"Hey Ally!" a voice called from behind her, "you'll never guess who I ran into at school!" My eyes narrowed. Tony. He walked in, not as excited as before. Now, he looked, confused, excited and confused. He gestured to Sonya, who was scanning all of us indignantly.
"She came to school, and she said that you were cousins! So I brought her here," he explained. "No need to thank me." I looked at him in shock and anger. How could he be so stupid? Couldn't he have dropped her off at a hotel or something? Everyone groaned. I guess no one cared about how she'd take it.
My cousin put a hand to her chest, looking genuinely hurt. "Well that's a nice way to greet someone who you haven't seen in three years. For some people, their sister," she sneered at Tasha. "Nice hair, sissy. I like what you've done with it. How did you get it out of your nose?"
Tasha didn't have a comeback, so she settled for staring at the floor. Sonya rolled her eyes and caught sight of Logan, who was still fuming from the incident with Trish. "Who's she?"
"That's Logan," Tony said, still not understanding that we did not like Sonya. She laughed, "Nice name." I clenched my fists in frustration. The way I hated this chick...
"What do you want, Sonya?" Austin demanded, stepping forward.
"A place to stay," she said, now pushing past us and looking around. I could tell she was trying not to look amazed.
"You live here?" she asked me. I smirked in response. She regained her posture. "It's good enough, I guess."
"Why do you have to stay here? And why are you here anyway?" Trish asked.
"Well, my father said that I needed some time away from home to 'find myself' and become 'more stable' or something like that. So I came here. Besides, I missed little Tasha. And of course Ally," she said in a sugary sweet tone.
"Why can't you go stay in a hotel or something?!' I asked. She sighed, "Because you're going to let me stay here with you. My father says you're a good example to me. Or so he believes. I just can't disagree with him more. Saint Ally Dawson, parading around drunk as hell and half naked," she chuckled. "Whore."
I couldn't help it. I blushed deep red – mostly from anger and partly from shame. Austin draped his jacket over me the moment Tony and Dez started looking again.
"Okay, you need to get out," Austin said, taking her suitcase with one hand and pushing her out with the other. Sonya looked a little bewildered. "But I can't... I don't have a place to go!"
"Well you should have thought about that before you insulted Ally," he replied, shoving her out onto the driveway. He tossed her suitcase and bag out after her. "Goodnight!" he called and started to shut the door. She ran up to the door and stopped it, just showing her face.
"Oh come on, Austin." She said, "I have to stay with you guys."
"Earth is full. Go home," he snapped, closing the door. Then we all instantly turned to Tony, who was appalled.
"What the hell, guys?!" he demanded, "She's got nowhere to go and she's got no job and she knows no one here. The least you could do is help her out. After all, she's"
"A psychotic beeyotch!" I interrupted, stepping closer to him. "Do you not know who she is? That person is the most heartless, pathetic, obnoxious little brat that has ever lived. I'm not going to do shit for her, family or not!' I snapped.
Tony's expression faltered a bit. "Wait, she's the crazy cunt who stalked you when you lived in Spain?" Tony asked Austin, who looked like he was ready to jump him. "YES! And you brought her to my house!" he moaned, now putting a hand on his face.
"Well, guys, I know you hate her a lot, and judging from what I saw, she can be a major pain in the neck, but please just look past that this one time," he begged. I crossed my arms and scoffed. "So now you try to be the good guy?"
"For your information, I always was!" he retorted. "Come on, guys. Think about it. She's on the other side of the world, in a foreign country. She's got no place to stay, no job, and is completely abandoned. Not even her own family wants to help her. What are you going to do? Leave her to starve outside in the streets? How could you let that happen? Would she not do the same thing for you?"
"No," Tasha replied, speaking for all of us.
"Well if you're so into this idea, then why don't you let her stay with you?" Ross asked, speaking up for the first time in a while. Tony shrugged. "The school won't allow it. She's not a student, remember?" Austin sighed. I could see he was giving in.
I guess it was the right thing to do. I mean, the closest I've come to her situation was the day I was ditched at the beach in Spain. I remember how scared I felt, walking down the dark streets by myself. If it wasn't for Austin... who knows what would have happened to me?
"He's right," I said, surprising everyone in the group. "I know I'm going to kill myself in the morning, but I think we should let her stay." Austin bit his lip, obviously deciding on what to do. I really didn't want to, but what kind of person would I be if I rejected her like this? What would my aunt and uncle think? What would my parents think? My mom would be so disappointed in me.
"Are you sure that's a good idea, Ally?" he hesitantly asked. I shook my head. "No. I think it's the worst thing I've ever thought of. But I have to. She's family."
"Okay, okay. But this is on your conscience if the house 'accidentally' gets caught on fire," he said, going for the door.
"I'm proud of you, man," Tony said, grinning. Austin shrugged. "Yeah, whatever."
Austin opened the door slowly, as if a deadly monster were on the other side. Then again...
Sonya stood, leaning against her suitcase, talking on her phone. Although she didn't look hopeless as she was, it was still quite sad.
"Someone should go tell her," Tasha said. We murmured in agreement. But no one made an effort to move. "Jeez guys, let's not all run over there at once," Austin said sarcastically, walking over to her. We watched from the window. She looked up at him. He scratched the back of his neck and spoke to her. Then, she embraced him excitedly. Austin nervously shoved her off and quickly retreated. She followed him with her bags.
I'm so going to regret this tomorrow.
I regret it.
I groggily checked the digital alarm clock that sat on my bedside table. It wasn't even five AM. Beside me, Austin was still snoring, fast asleep, but I could tell it was only a few minutes left until he woke up. Honestly, who right in their mind blasts music this loudly before sunrise?! I snuggled deeper into his chest, trying to drown out the loud music. It did not go well with a hangover.
"Ally," Austin groaned, eyes still closed. "Go tell your stupid cousin to turn off her devil music."
"You go do it, I'm tired," I mumbled. We were both still half asleep and where in no condition to go downstairs. He didn't respond, but he was awake. We both lay there for a few seconds before it finally got to Austin.
"To hell with this," he muttered, stumbling out of bed and looking for a shirt. I guess he didn't feel comfortable walking around in just his boxers anymore. I pulled the covers over my head, trying to block out the music. In a few moments, it was silent again. I sighed in relief and allowed myself to fall asleep again. I didn't even notice why it took Austin twice as long to collapse into bed again. All I cared about was sleep.
A few hours later, there was a knock on our bedroom door. I turned over in Austin's arms to check the time. It was seven. The light streamed in from between the thick curtains, shining into my eyes. I groaned and closed my eyes. The knocking continued. We ignored it. Finally, Sonya gave up and walked right in, still in her pyjamas.
"Good morning good people!" she sang loudly.
Austin and I jumped up, surprised by her loud outburst. Austin put both hands over his face. "What now?"
"Well its seven fifteen and I still haven't had anything to eat," she said.
"Are you asking us something or are you telling us?" I asked, rubbing my eyes. She put her hands on her hips. "Um, I'm telling you guys that I'm hunger," she said in a duh tone.
"That's your department," Austin said to me, "I'm going back to bed."
"Oh no you're not," I snapped, "We have class today."
He groaned, "Today?!"
"Who was the one who wanted to throw a party on a school night?"
"Who was the one who agreed by herself?" he retorted.
"And who is the one who's dying of starvation?" Sonya moaned.
"I'll have some cranberry almond caramel pancakes, a fruit salad, a caviar and crouton omelette and mocha coffee," Sonya said, strolling into the kitchen later on. Austin and I exchanged looks. He laughed.
"What?" she asked.
"Seriously?" he said, "You can have Lucky Charms and a glass of orange juice."
"Okay, fine. But after that, I'm going to have a bubble bath so I need one of you to draw me a bath and then I have an appointment at the spa so I need someone to drive me there. Oh, and my current room is too small. I want a bigger one with more closet space." Austin and I exchanged looks.
"Are you for real?" he asked in disbelief. Too small? Her room was too small? It was the second largest in the house and it was bigger than half my parent's place.
"Yes. I do not joke about closet space."
"Okay we have to go, class starts at seven thirty," I said. We had less than five minutes. Austin nodded and grabbed his bag. Sonya walked up to us. "What about my appointment? Who will drive me?"
"Walk," I said simply.
"But... but..."
"No buts!" I said to her.
"What about my breakfast?" Sonya called after us.
"Make something," Austin shouted back. I stopped and turned around. "We'll be back at three. Then I'm going to Sonic Boom and Austin's going over to Dez's. If you get hungry, just order pizza or something. Our numbers are on the fridge," I said.
She rolled her eyes, "I'm not a child, Ally."
"I know. It's just so hard to believe sometimes."
I sat down at the table, slamming my laptop on the surface with a little more force than needed. All at once, my five friends jumped, startled.
"What's wrong with you two?" Trish asked. Austin grunted in response, wolfing down his sandwich, so I spoke for us. "It's Sonya. She's driving us crazy – and it's only been one freaking day!"
"She can't be that bad," Logan said. I scoffed. "She woke us up at four in the morning, blasting this weird yoga music and then she started treating us like the help and not with respect. I mean, it's our house!"
"Huh?" Dez inquired, confused. Austin started to imitate her.
"Um, so like, I want a bubble bath with extra bubbles. And I need one of you two bozos to drive me to the spa. Like, and what about breakfast? I want it to have a caviar and crouton omelette and almond caramel pancakes. Oh, and I like, totally need a new room. It's, like, so small – I've seen bigger broom closets! Chop chop, I have a schedule people!" he mimicked in a falsetto voice. We all cracked up.
"I can't believe she's back," Trish moaned.
"And that you have to deal with that," Ross added.
"I'm so sorry guys," Tasha apologised. "What for?" I asked, "It's not your fault your sister is a brat." She only shrugged in response.
"Well as annoying as that sounds, it doesn't seem that bad," Tony stated. "Oh please!" Austin said incredulously, "That's not even the biggest problem. I've gotten fifty-seven messages from her complaining about lack of transport or the TV not working or something or the other. Listen to this 'Send an ambulance! I've got a HUGE zit on my forehead that needs instant attention! I think it's going to blow!'
'Ally's not answering. Where's the TV remote?!'
'This is très tragic! Where do you keep the fire extinguisher?!'
'Brought some friends over. Don't come any sooner than four'
'Do you and what's-her-name have a vibrator? Or you could come over ;)'
'Okay, I really need the fire extinguisher.'
'So I happened to find a safe... wanna tell me what the code is?' "
"Fifty-seven? Aren't you over exaggerating just a bit," Tony asked. Austin tossed his phone over to Tony, who caught it with ease. He let out a whistle as he scrolled through them. "Make that fifty-eight. Fifty-nine... Sixty... sixty-one. Damn."
"But how long is she staying?" Dez asked, fiddling with his camera. I shrugged. "I don't know. I'm going to ask my dad later this afternoon. I know he knows something. He has to."
"What happened to 'she's family, we have to look after each other'?" Dez asked. Did he just miss everything we just said...?
"Family can be irritating," I said, switching on my laptop and finishing my paper for class.
"Boy, is that the truth," Logan muttered. I don't think she expected us to all stare at her the way we did.
"What's up with you?" Austin asked, not as genuine and caring as he should have been. I nudged him in the side.
"Yeah, why do you get all touchy-feely whenever they're mentioned?" Dez inquired. Well, 'touchy-feely' is one way of putting it.
"I do not!" Logan argued.
"You kinda do," I said gently.
Logan sighed. "Don't get me wrong, I love them and all but sometimes they just don't understand me. But my mom wants me home for spring break and... Ugh, she's the worst of them all. She wants to change me into something I'm not. She's always struggled to accept me for me."
"Why does that sound like something out of Disney Channel?" Austin asked. Logan glowered up at him. "Of course you would know," she smirked. "You still watch it."
Austin realised his mistake and blushed, looking elsewhere. We laughed, except Logan. I bet she is really upset about going home. I wonder what she meant by 'trying to change her'. When I asked her, she blushed a deep red, something that really shocked us all.
"Logan Sloane, blushes?!" Trish asked, bewildered.
"Logan Sloane is human," Logan said, still blushing.
"What do you mean, trying to change you?" I asked again. She sighed.
"Since I'm the only girl in my family, my mother has always wanted me to act like one. She was always signing me up for ballet classes and making me cook and dressing me up stupid dresses. Dad understood me. He wasn't surprised when I made it into the wrestling team in high school, in fact, he was extremely proud. My mom wasn't, so the only way I could do wrestling was if I did something for her. So she made me do ice skating. That backfired in her face though because I started doing ice hockey instead. The maddest she's been would be when I changed my name."
"You changed your name?!" Trish repeated shocked, "so what's your real name?"
"Logan is my middle name. I was named by my dad. My first name, which I'm never going to tell you guys, wasn't Logan until I changed it a few years ago," she said.
"Why won't you tell us?" I asked, "We won't laugh."
Logan shook her head. "I'm not telling anyone. I just need an excuse so that I don't go back home for Spring Break," she said, leaning in with a heavy sigh. I frowned. I didn't like seeing her so upset. It wasn't right. I wished I would help her out somehow. Like, I'm sure she'd love seeing her family again if she had someone to help her through it with her mom.
Hey, there's an idea.
"Oh no," Austin groaned beside me.
"What?" I asked him, my head still buzzing with my newfound idea.
"You have that look in your eye. You have an idea that involves meddling with someone's problems that aren't your own," he said matter-of-factly. I gaped at him, crossing my arms in defence.
"I do not meddle with other people's problems!" I said, offended.
"Yes, you do," Dez said, "so what's the idea?"
"Logan, what if I come with you to Canada? I'm not going anywhere," I offered. Logan smiled.
"Really? You want to visit my family?" she asked in disbelief. What was wrong with that? I wondered. She saw my puzzled expression and continued, "I mean, I just never thought you would... Because you guys are so different..."
I waved it off, "I'll come. Austin can, too!"
"NO!" Austin and Logan shouted at the same time. I rolled my eyes at them, "fine, stay with Sonya."
"I've always wanted to go to Canada," he said quickly, making us all laugh. I clapped my hands together.
"So it's settled! We're going to visit your family with you," I said, bouncing in my seat with excitement. Logan was always a bit of a mystery to me. Now, maybe I can figure her out.
I hope you guys liked the chapter. I'll be here more often now, that's for sure.
Sammie ;)