Well hello there, stranger. Many apologies for the lack of updates! I actually have an excuse: I moved across the country! Its been super crazy, but I am doing my best. Not a bunch of friends, but slowly getting better. So, forgive me?

Hope this makes up for it!

~Me

_LINE_

I looked at Ella's red face streaked with tears. I had to admit, such an open expression of emotion made me a little uncomfortable. I reached my hand out in an effort to comfort her, and it landed awkwardly on the top of her head.

"Um... don't worry Ella, I'm sure... well, at least you didn't tell mom you had in the first place, right?" I said, lamely trying for humor. Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say, as Ella produced a sound of which hurt my ears.

"What? What's wro- Ella, are you okay? Do I need to kill a bitch?" Nudge was suddenly at my shoulder, and then pulling Ella into a hug. She dealt with these sort of things a lot better than I did, even managing to stop Ella's tears for a moment got her to smile. Nudge looked over her shoulder at me, offering me a glare. My defensive nature rose up in me, and I had to literally bite my tongue to keep from saying something I'd regret.

I quickly relayed to her the story of Total the missing dog. By now my friends had risen from their comfortable seats and joined us in consoling my sister.

"Well, I guess we're on a dog hunt." This came from Trixie. I shook my head vehemently.

"No, no, you really don't have to do that. It's my fault, I let her keep the poor dog,"- cue a wail from Ella- "so it's my responsibility. Sorry to break up this shin dig, but I've gotta go look for him." I smiled sadly at my friends, and turned to go outside and search.

"Oh, no you don't! We may not be the most qualified people, but it's been a long time since I've been apart of a good search party." Iggy told me, grabbing my shoulder. I opened my mouth to protest, but decided better of it. I looked at the assembly of people before me, all ready and willing to help.

"I...I guess I'll go find some headlamps?" I suggested, suprised to see the sun had already set. JJ reached on the floor and pulled up her gigantic tote bag she had brought with her.

"I've got my own already, but thanks!" She said cheerily. We all cast her an odd look. She took no notice, and proceded to adujust the straps to her head. Ella giggled as JJ took a hand held mirror from her sack to admire her work. What else is she hiding in that bag? I thought to myself. I shook off JJ's over preparedness and motioned for the posse to get out of my room.

"C'Mon, gang, to the Mystery Machine!" Iggy said brightly.

-LINE-

"I swear to God, if I find that dog, I'm going to kill it." I grumbled.

It was already 10 at night, and I could tell that that my friends were getting restless. We we combing through my neighborhood, and were about a mile from my house. I couldn't imagine the dog had run this far, but Ella was hysterical at the thought of returning home without Total. I had looked under every deck possible, and I had about had it. Nudge must have sensed this, as she quickly asked for attention before I dragged Ella back home.

"Say guys, why don't we make a game of it? Go into pairs, and compete to see who can find Total first?" Nudge suggested, blushing a little at the intense gaze from all of us.

"What do we win?" I asked, unable to squelch my competitiveness. Fang chuckled, and it was my turn to blush. I had almost forgotten he as here, as he barely said anything all night. I turned and even deeper shade of red when I remembered our legs touching earlier.

""How about the losers have to wear blue facepaint on Monday?" Trixie suggested, a devlish glint in her eye. An animal instinct in my subconscious desperately wanted to beat her. I grinned at her.

"Sounds perfect." I agreed. I was about to grab Nudge as my partner, until she linked arms with Iggy and they took off down the block. Ella was entranced with Trixie and the aura of coolness that seemed to follow her, and skipped behind them as her and JJ went into the driveway on my left. I looked at my partern by default.

"Well," Fang started, " Are you ready to kick some asses?" I laughed and ran for the woods on my right. If the dog was going to found, I would be the one doing the finding.

Well guys, do I deserve som welcome- back reviews? I certainly think so. I really wanted to get this chapter up, even though basically nothing happens and I am stretching out this scenario way too long. Anyway, good to be back!

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Please- you don't know how good it makes meh feel!

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~Me