Chapter 39:
A week has passed and things are going great for everyone. Well... mostly everyone. Taranee, Cornelia, Hay Lin, Cassidy, and Elyon are doing great with their boyfriends Nigel, Micheal, Eric, Aldern, and Drake. Will and Angelo are doing fine as well as Selece and Matt. And Alchemy's relationship with Stephen is growing into something special. As for Irma and Caleb, those two... who knows about those two?! They hang out together and that's all. The others think they're in denial of their feelings for each other yet Irma and Caleb still say that there's no chance of them getting together. But you know the saying. Timing is everything. Right now we have them all working on booths for the carnival. They along with some other students are staying after school to help with whatever needed to be done. Let's check in on some of our heroes shall we.
Irma & Caleb
"Look at them.", Irma said as she and Caleb were looking at Matt and Selece who were working on one of the booths for the carnival with some other students who volunteered to help after school. "All happy and crap. That should be me with Matt! Not her!"
"Well how do you think I feel?", Caleb questioned as he and Irma were working on the signs for the carnival. "I should be with Will yet she's with Angelo! This stinks!"
"Tell me about it.", Irma said with a sigh. "I don't know what to do anymore. I think the best we can do is just move on. You know?"
"I guess you're right.", Caleb said when he suddenly grinned. "Wouldn't it be just our luck if we did end up together?"
"Yeah right!", Irma laughed. "You and me? Please! We would get into so many arguments that it wouldn't even be funny!"
"Yeah!", Caleb laughed as they went back to painting the signs.
But as they were doing this, they both looked at each other and blushed a bit as they went back to working on the signs.
Will & Angelo
"Are those two in denial or what?", Will questioned as she and Angelo looked over at Irma and Caleb.
"Total denial.", Angelo said as he and Will were working on a booth with Nigel and Eric.
"Oh well.", Nigel said. "At least they're not trying to get in between you guys."
"Or Matt and Selece.", Eric added.
"True.", Angelo said. "So not to change the subject..."
"Please do.", Will said getting a laugh out of the guys.
"Okay then.", Angelo said. "Will Wreck 55 be playing during the carnival?"
"We're still talking about it.", Eric said. "We're working on some songs from animes so you never know."
"Well if you guys decided to play, then you better sign up as soon as possible.", Angelo said. "A lot of other people have signed up for the singing competition we have planned."
"We'll let Matt and the others know.", Nigel said. "I think we need more nails."
"And wood.", Eric said. "Be right back.", he said as he and Nigel went to get what they needed.
"Take your time.", Will said. "I know that we have a lot of work to do for all of this, but geez! How many booths do we need?"
"Enough.", Angelo said. "Count yourself lucky. We got some students out there shopping for stuff to use as prizes or these booths. And believe me it's not as easy as it sounds. They have to get things based off of comics, cartoon, TV, movies, anime, and fantasy."
"That does sound like a lot.", Will said. "But it does sound fun. Almost like a scavenger hunt."
"Well I have Cornelia and Hay Lin leading the group on that little shopping spree.", Angelo said with a grin.
"So, if you don't mind me asking, what costumes do you plan on wearing for the Carnival?", Will asked.
"Good question.", Angelo said. "I do plan on dressing as Static only this time it'll be the final season version. I might go as Bishop from the X-Men. And Nick Fury for the teen dance."
"Nick Fury, huh?", Will questioned with a smirk. "That's good to know."
"Why?", Angelo asked.
"Two words.", Will said. "Black. Widow.", she said with a smirk.
"Heeeeeeey!", Angelo said before they shared a kiss.
Alchemy & Stephen
"So do you want to dress as matching characters?", Alchemy asked Stephen as they were working on some banners.
"Sure!", Stephen said with a smile. "How about Hope and Vanille from Final Fantasy XIII?"
"That's sounds great!", Alchemy said with a smile. "I think Hay Lin can help me work on Vanille's outfit."
"Cool!", Stephen said. "And I know where I can find some of the clothes to make the outfit Hope wears. And I have a boomerang. And I think I can make the weapon Vanille has for you."
"Thanks.", Alchemy said. "And how about we go as other Final Fantasy characters?"
"Works for me.", Stephen agreed.
"Good!", Alchemy said. "Cause I was thinking about going as Irvine and Selphie."
"Sweet!", Stephen said. "I think you'll look cute in overalls.", he said making Alchemy blush a bit with a smile before they went back to work on the banners.
Selece & Matt
"Look at those two.", Selece said as she and Matt were working on a booth with some other students.
"Yeah.", Matt said looking over at Alchemy and Stephen. "They like each other big time!"
"I'm happy for Alchemy.", Selece said. "I remember her telling me how she had a thing for Martin. But then found out that he was with Courtney."
"That surprised a lot of us.", Matt said. "But you know the saying. Love can be a an interesting thing."
"Very true.", Selece said. "I just hope that we don't get called away for any Guardian business during the carnival.", she said in a whisper so only Matt could hear her.
"Same here.", Matt said. "Everyone here is working hard on this. It would suck if we had to miss any of the carnival."
"Then let's pray and hope for the best.", Selece said with a smile that Matt returned as they continued to work in the booth with the other students helping them.
Now at the mall, Cornelia and Hay Lin along with some other students were getting all they needed for the carnival.
"Okay. So far, we've got plenty of plush dolls for some booth prizes along with some posters, and other swag.", Hay Lin said.
"How about some t-shirts?", Cornelia suggested. "People do love winning t-shirts."
"Good idea!", Hay Lin said with a beaming smile. "And we have enough cash to get a good amount too. We need to get some for kids, teens, and adults of all sizes!"
"Let's see. They need to be based off of comics, video game, anime, TV shows, cartoons, and movies.", Cornelia said as she remember what Angelo told her to get things for.
"There's a place here in the mall that has what we need.", Hay Lin said before turning to some of the students that came to help them. "You five take what we got and head back to the school. That rest of you come with us. We have a lot more stuff to get."
"You know, I'm surprised that we have this much cash to work with.", Cornelia said as they headed to the store Hay Lin mentioned.
"Well... actually we don't.", Hay Lin said. "Angelo talk his family into lending him the cash to help out."
"And they said yes?", Cornelia questioned in surprise. "Wow! That was nice of them."
"Actually, from Angelo told me, they're were happy to help Angelo out seeing as he was so into it all.", Hay Lin said. "They see this as a business venture for him. Or something like that."
"Oh! I get it.", Cornelia said. "They want to see how well he does with all of this."
"I guess so.", Hay Lin said. "Well if you ask me, he's doing pretty good so far."
"Totally.", Cornelia said. "Let's just hope nothing goes wrong.", she said getting a nod from Hay Lin as they neared the store.
About an hour later, both girls had returned to the school with the t-shirts and laid them with the other things they got from the mall.
"Whoa!", Will said impressed with what Cornelia and Hay Lin had bought from the mall. "Nice work!"
"I'll say!", Angelo said. "And good job with the t-shirts. I'm sure we'll get people into playing the booth games now with these kind of prizes!"
"What about the raffle prizes you were talking about?", Will asked.
"I have Cassidy, Aldern, and Drake getting that stuff.", Angelo said.
"I was wondering where you sent them.", Elyon said as she and Taranee came up to them. "Whoa! That's a lot of stuff for the booths."
"Think it's enough?", Taranee asked.
"Not even.", Angelo said. "But we can set up this stuff in some of the booths to see if we built them right with enough room. Once we do that, we can shop for whatever we need."
"Good thinking.", Hay Lin said.
"Speaking of the booths, have you two mapped out where we'll be setting them all up?", Angelo asked Taranee and Elyon.
"Done and done.", Taranee said as she showed Angelo and map she and Elyon had drawn out. "We mapped everything out so that there's plenty of room to put everything up. This includes both the booths and stands where they'll be selling swag or running games."
"Looks like we'll be having some booths and stands in the hallway, too.", Hay Lin said.
"Yeah.", Elyon said. "With all the sellers that will be at the carnival, we had to make sure there was enough room for them as well."
"Well you two did a great job of that.", Cornelia said as she looked at the map Taranee and Elyon had drawn out. "What are the blocks you got in the parking lot of the school?"
"Those are the food trucks that will be coming.", Elyon said. "Looks like Uriah was able to talk them into helping us out at the carnival."
"Looks like there's going to be enough of them.", Will said.
"And that's a good thing.", Angelo said. "Variety is good. And each of those food trucks serve different kinds of food."
"Food trucks?", Irma questioned as she and Caleb walked up to them. "You mean that Dunn actually came through?"
"Yes he did.", Angelo said. "Unlike you."
"What's that suppose to mean?", Irma questioned not liking what Angelo said to her.
"I mean that you only came up with three booth games.", Angelo said. "The rest if us had to come up with the rest."
"Well excuse me for having homework to do.", Irma said while rolling her eyes. "Be glad that I came up with the three I came up with."
"We all had homework and were still able to come up with the booth games, Irma.", Elyon replied. "You just figured that the rest of us would bail you out."
"And I thank you all for doing that.", Irma said with a cheesy smile.
"Unbelievable.", Taranee said. "It's like you like taking advantage of us!", she said.
"How can you even think that?", Irma questioned.
"Well if you didn't, then you would have actually did your part.", Cornelia said.
"Like you did?", Caleb said.
"Actually, Cornelia did.", Hay Lin said.
"Yeah right.", Irma said rolling her eyes.
"Well she did.", Angelo said. "I have her and Hay Lin in charge of buying the prizes for the booths."
"Why her and not me?!", Irma questioned. "I can get what we need!"
"Because Cornelia is a much better shopper.", Will said. "And with Hay Lin's knowledge of what we need for the carnival, they make the right team to lead the shopping."
"I gave you the task of thinking up ideas for booth games because I figured that with your imagination, it wouldn't be a problem.", Angelo said. "Guess I was wrong about that, huh? But don't worry. I got plans for you."
"And what is that suppose to mean?", Irma asked.
"Remember the dunk booth?", Angelo questioned. "Guess who's going to be the first one to sit in it?", he asked getting snickers out of all but Caleb.
"WHAT?!", Irma questioned. "No way! Not going to happen!"
"Oh yes it is.", Angelo said. "It's either that, or I'll tell Mrs. Knickerbocker how much work you've been doing for all of this."
Irma said nothing as she turned a walked off with a huff.
"And there she goes.", Will said.
"You didn't have to do her like that.", Caleb said.
"Like what?", Angelo questioned. "Tell her the truth? Please. I'm not going to lie to her. Today is the most work she's done at all for the carnival. She needs to do her part."
"So you go and put her in that dunk booth?", Caleb questioned. "You can have her do something else, and you know it!"
"Actually, no he can't.", Elyon said. "When we were giving jobs to everyone, Irma wasn't there to sing up for anything. Apparently, she had better things to do."
"Which turned out to be her going to get some pizza.", Hay Lin said.
"So now she's paying for her not signing up for anything.", Taranee said.
"Couldn't any of you signed her up for something?", Caleb questioned.
"And take away a job from somebody who was there to sign up for it?", Angelo questioned. "No way! She wasn't there to sign up for anything, so she's out of luck."
"But we have a few things she can do to get credit in helping.", Taranee said. "And the dunk booth is one of those things."
"And with that settled, let's get back to work.", Angelo said. "Cornelia and Hay Lin, have those who helped you with the shopping help you put all of this in the Newspaper Club's room for now. Taranee and Elyon take the map you made for the carnival to Mrs. Knickerbocker and get her okay on it. Everybody else, go back to what you were doing.", he said getting nods from the others as they did as Angelo told them.
As for Caleb, he went to check on Irma and found her outside mumbling to herself as she was eating a candy bar.
"Mind if I join you?", Caleb asked as he sat next to her.
"It's a free country.", Irma said.
"You okay?", Caleb asked.
"Yeah.", Irma said. "I'd just like to take Angelo down a peg or two. I mean how could he put me in the dunk tank first. ME! If I had my way, Corny would be the first in there! Heck! She'd be in it throughout the whole carnival! Hehehe! That would be fun!"
"Now, now.", Caleb said. "Doing that would make you look bad. Besides. I hate to admit it, but if you were there for the job sign ups, you wouldn't be in this mess."
"Yeah, yeah. I know.", Irma said. "And the others could just sign my name for anything. Man! This sucks!"
"Well maybe you won't have to do the dunk tank for long.", Caleb said.
"I better not have to!", Irma said. "Or so help me..."
"Easy now.", Caleb grinned. "Don't let your temper get the better of you. Take a deep breath and calm down."
Irma did as Caleb said and took a deep breath. As she exhaled she calmed down a bit.
"Thanks, Rebel-Boy.", Irma said with a small smile. "I needed that.", she said as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"No problem, Irma.", Caleb said as he wrapped as arm around Irma.
Watching this was Elyon, Alchemy, and Cornelia who could help but smirk at what they saw.
"So into each other.", the trio said with a giggle as they went back to doing what they had to do.
Later that day after everyone headed home for the day, Stephen and Alchemy were the last to leave the school and were waiting outside the school for Stephen's ride to pick them both up.
"Are you sure your grandfather doesn't mind giving me a ride home?", Alchemy questioned as they were waiting outside the school gates.
"Of course not.", Stephen said with a smile. "When I asked him about it, he said it was no problem."
"Okay then.", Alchemy said with a smile. "As long as he's okay with it."
"Good.", Stephen said as a green car came to a stop at the school. "Cause here he is.", he said as he opened the back door for Alchemy. "Ladies first."
"Thank you.", Alchemy said as she got in the back of the car followed by Stephen.
"Alchemy Ethel. Meet my grandfather.", Stephen said. "Edward Hollens. Grandpa. This is Alchemy Ethel."
"Hello, Sir.", Alchemy said with a friendly smile.
"Hello, Alchemy.", Hollens said with a friendly smile.
'My grandson and one of the Guardians.', Hollens thought to himself as he drove off. 'Talk about a small world.'
"My grandson tells me a lot about you, Alchemy.", Hollens said as he drove away from the school.
"Gramps!", Stephen said with a slight blush.
"What?", Hollens said with a smile. "It's not everyday a lovely lady wins the heart of my grandson.", he said making Alchemy blush. "So tell me, Ms. Ethel, what attracted you to my grandson?", he asked with a grin.
"Grandpa!", Stephen said feeling embarrassed.
"Well to be honest, I didn't know Stephen even liked me.", Alchemy said with a blush. "I didn't even know he noticed me."
"Is that so?", Hollens questioned.
"Yeah.", Stephen said while rubbing the back of his head with a small smile. "I finally gathered enough courage to go up to her at the dance."
"You sound a lot like me as your age, lad.", Hollens said with a small laugh.
"Really?", Stephen questioned.
"Yep.", Hollens said. "There was this girl who I had strong feelings for. She was funny and knew how to have a great time. She was also a kind-hearted girl. And after a long time, I finally asked her out on a date. And the rest was history."
"Wow! That's so sweet.", Alchemy said. "What was her name?"
"Cassidy.", Hollens said surprising Alchemy. "But I called her CC for short based off her initials."
"Oh.", Alchemy said. "That's nice."
"Whatever happened to her, Grampa?", Stephen asked.
"She passed away.", Hollens said sadly. "From what I was told, there was this accident. It hurt me so much for I was in love with her. I moved on in time but I never forgot her."
"Aw man.", Stephen said sadly. "To lose someone at such a young age."
"Death has no rules, my boy.", Hollens said. "So I suggest that you take care and value what you have for as long as you can."
"Don't worry.", Stephen said as he held Alchemy's hand making her smile. "I will."
'We'll see, my boy.', Hollens thought to himself. 'We'll see.'
Soon Alchemy was home and said her goodnight to Stephen and Hollens after thanking him for taking her home. She then headed inside and got cleaned up for dinner. After dinner, Alchemy did any homework she may of had and got ready for bed. But throughout the night, she kept wondering one thing.
"Was he talking about our Cassidy?", she asked herself as she slowly fell asleep.
As for Hollens, he was in his home having a cup of milk while looking through an old photo album. He then came across a picture of him and Cassidy together as teenagers. He had blonde hair and green eyes holding Cassidy from behind. Both were happy together as they smiled. He remembered that it was Yan Lin who took the picture. A smile grew on is face as he knew that Alchemy would asked Cassidy about him.
"Soon, Cassidy.", Hollens said as he ran his fingers along the picture as a lone tear ran down his face. "Soon Kandrakar shall pay for what they did to us. And shall pay dearly.", he said as he closed the photo album.
The next day, Alchemy met up with the others at their normal spot and found some of them talking about this and that. It was then that Alchemy decided to ask Cassidy the question that's been bugging her since yesterday.
"Hey, Cass.", Alchemy said getting the Water Guardian's attention. "Does the name CC mean anything to you?"
Once she heard that name, Cassidy dropped the juice she had as her eyes went wide in shock.
"I think it does.", Hay Lin said. "Hey! CC! Cassidy Chacon!"
"Must have been her nickname back in the day.", Angelo figured.
"CC, huh?", Irma questioned with a smirk as she saw the surprised look on Cassidy face and decided to have a bit of fun. "Well then... CC! Care to tell us where you got it?"
Cassidy suddenly grabbed Irma by her shirt and yanked her up to her so that they were face to face.
"Never call me that name!", Cassidy said to Irma in a tone that said she meant business. "NEVER!", she said as she pushed Irma away from her.
"What's your deal?!", Irma questioned as she brushed the wrinkles out of her shirt.
"That's what I'd like to know!", Caleb said.
"Back off, Pretty Boy!", Cassidy snapped surprising everybody before she turned to Alchemy. "Where did you hear that name?!"
"From Stephen's grandfather.", Alchemy answered. "Edward Hollens.", she answered to which Cassidy looked at her with wide eyes.
"Eddy.", Cassidy said in a soft tone before turning and walking away from the group.
"What was that all about?", Matt asked.
"She's finally lost it, that's what!", Caleb said.
"Caleb, shut up.", Will said.
"But..."
"Shut up, Caleb!", Taranee said. "Alchemy, what can you tell us about Stephen's grandfather and Cassidy?"
"Well from what he told me, he and Cassidy were close.", Alchemy explained. "Real close. And CC was the nickname that Mr. Hollens gave her."
"That explains it then.", Cornelia said.
"Yeah.", Micheal said. "They were in love. And CC was the name that only he gave her."
"And somebody just had to have fun with it.", Selece said as everyone looked at Irma.
"How was I suppose to know about all that?!", Irma questioned.
"Irma's right!", Caleb said in her defence. "She didn't know the special meaning in that name."
"She didn't bother to ask the right way either.", Elyon said before looking at Irma. "You just decided to go and pick at her with it."
"So I suggest you apologize to her when she calms down.", Will said.
"Okay. Fine.", Irma said. "I'll say I'm sorry. There, happy?"
"You know what? Don't say it if you're not going to mean it.", Will said to Irma before she and the others left her and Caleb standing there alone.
Irma looked at Hay Lin who shook her head sadly before joining up with the others.
"Oh sure! Now I'm the bad guy!", Irma snapped as she stomped her foot.
"I hate to say it, but maybe you should apologize to Cassidy.", Caleb said.
"I said that I was.", Irma said.
"And mean it.", Caleb said.
"Oh. Yeah. That.", Irma said. "Well it's not like I knew it would..."
"I know. I know.", Caleb said. "But see it from her point of view. If some one called you by a certain name that was special between you and someone special, wouldn't you get upset if someone else called you that name in a teasing tone?"
"Yeah. I would.", Irma said. "Great. Now I actually feel bad. Thanks a lot, Rebel-Boy!"
"Just doing what you would do for me.", Caleb said.
"Okay. I get it.", Irma said as she rolled her eyes. "I'll tell Cassidy that I'm sorry."
"And don't do it in a way that make you look like the victim.", Caleb said as they headed inside the school.
"Just had to take the fun out of it.", Irma said. "Didn't you?"
"Just saving you from getting in more trouble with the others.", Caleb said.
"Yeah, yeah.", Irma said as they walked into the school.
Later that morning, in their history class, Alchemy sat with Cassidy in hopes of apologizing for what happened earlier.
"Hey, Cassidy?", Alchemy questioned hoping that her friend would listen to her. "Listen. I'm sorry about this morning. It's just that after hearing Mr. Hollens' story, part of me figured that he was talking about you.", she said low enough so only Cassidy would hear her. "I'm so sorry."
"I know, Al.", Cassidy said with a sad smile. "It's just that hearing that name brought back a lot of memories for me. And then Irma had to go and poke fun."
"Yeah. We got on her about that.", Alchemy said. "We told her to apologize to you and mean it."
"I doubt that she'll mean it.", Cassidy said with a grin.
"You never know.", Alchemy said.
"Weirder things have happened.", Cassidy said. "So... How does he look? Eddy I mean?"
"He's looks okay to me.", Alchemy said. "I mean he's in good health and everything. I guess you'll have to see him yourself."
"I don't know about that.", Cassidy said. "He may have a heart attack if he were to see me."
"We can always say that you're a grand-daughter of one of your cousins.", Alchemy suggested. "That or dye your hair another color.", she grinned.
"Anything but a brunette.", Cassidy joked with a laugh which got the teacher's attention.
"If you ladies don't mind, I'd like to start the lesson.", the teacher said.
"Sorry, Sir.", Cassidy and Alchemy said before looking at each other and giggling.
Soon, before any of the young teens knew it, it was lunch. They along with those helping with the carnival had decided to have their lunches where they have gym seeing as that was where they were working on the booths and other things for the carnival. Everyone had their lunch and began to work on what they needed to do. As for Irma, well...
"Hey, Cassidy. Can we talk?", Irma asked her fellow Guardian as they were standing alone.
"What is it, Irma?", Cassidy asked. "We have a lot of work to do."
"I know. So I'll get straight to the point.", Irma said. "I'm... sorry about earlier today.", she said to which Cassidy raised an eyebrow wondering if she meant the apology. "I shouldn't have picked at you like that without knowing the full story. I'm sorry."
Cassidy looked at Irma and saw that she meant her apology and gave her a smile.
"Apology accepted.", Cassidy said as they shook hands.
"Hey, Cassidy! Can you give me a hand with something?", a female student asked.
"Sure!", Cassidy said as she walked off to help them. "Later, Irma."
"Later.", Irma said as she went to help Caleb with a banner he was working on.
"I take it that things are okay between you and Cassidy.", Caleb said as he saw the smile on Irma's face.
"Yeah. They are.", Irma said. "I meant my apology and I feel better."
"Good.", Caleb said. "Now if only we could make doing these signs and banners go a lot easier."
"If only we were able to use our 'special talents' for this.", Irma said with a smile. "Then all of this would go a lot easier."
"If only.", Caleb said as they began working on the sings. "Oh well. Might as well get this done and over with."
"Yeah, yeah.", Irma said. "The sooner we get this done the better."
"I hear you there.", Caleb said as they were working on one of the signs for the carnival.
Weeks passed and everything was coming along quite well. The students had things for the carnival done and ready while our heroes were able to get their costumes done and ready for the carnival. Soon it was two days before the carnival and everyone who was helping with it was pretty nervous. But most of all Hay Lin was nervous because she was going to meet Lala Wong. One of the people who got her into making costumes from all the things she saw on LaLa's website. Right now, she's at the Vanders' home waiting for her to arrive.
"Calm down, Hay Lin.", Elyon said. "She'll be here soon."
"Yeah.", Angelo said. "Uncle John called me about an hour ago and said that they were leaving the airport."
"I'm sorry.", Hay Lin said nervously. "It's just I never thought I'd meet Lala. This is one of those things that rarely happens!"
"Well it's happening.", Cassidy said. "So relax and enjoy it all. You'll have the whole weekend to talk to her."
"When she's not busy.", Hay Lin said. "Which will be just about the whole time."
"Well you can have dinner with us tonight.", Angelo said. "That way you can say that you had dinner with Lala Wong."
"Cool!", Hay Lin said hugging Angelo. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou! THANK YOU!", she said getting a laugh out of the others.
Suddenly, the front door opened and John Vadners entered with a few suitcases. Following him was an Asian-American woman in her mid-twenties with long black hair and brown eyes dressed in a pair of red jeans and a pink shirt with white sneakers with a white pocketbook.
"Hey, kids.", John said. "I could use some help with Ms. Wong's luggage, boys.", he said to Angelo, Drake, and Aldern.
"Sure thing, Uncle John.", Angelo said before he noticed how Hay Lin was frozen in place. "You okay there, Hay Lin?"
"Is she okay?", Lala asked as she looked at Hay Lin.
"She's a major fan of your work.", Elyon said.
"I see.", Lala said with a smile as she walked up to Hay Lin. "Hello. I'm Lala Wong."
Hay Lin said nothing as she fainted on the spot."
"Oh my.", Lala said.
"I knew this would happen.", Angelo said as she scooped up his future cousin and laid her on one of the couches. "The poor girl was so nervous about meeting you, Ms. Wong."
"I see.", Ms. Wong said as she sat in a chair that was next to the couch. "Then I shall wait for her to wake up."
"I'm sure she'll like that.", Drake said as he went with Aldern, Angelo, and John to get the rest of Lala's luggage.
"Can I ask you something?", Cassidy asked Lala.
"Shoot.", Lala said with a smile.
"What made you decide to come here?", Cassidy asked. "I'm not complaining, but being as famous as you are, you could have just said that you were busy with other things."
"True. I could have said that.", Lala said. "But then some one named Taranee sent me a message on my Facebook page asking me to check out the Facebook page of your friend here.", she said as he looked down at Hay Lin. "And when I did, I saw all the costumes she had done and was working on. She has a talent. And she actually reminded me of myself when I was her age making costumes. So I couldn't just say no to you all."
"Well I know Hay Lin would love to hear that.", Elyon said just as Hay Lin was coming to.
"Oh! My head.", Hay Lin moaned as she slowly sat up. "Oh no! Lala! I can't believe I fainted in front of her!"
"Don't feel to bad.", Lala said with a grin getting Hay Lin's attention. "I see it as a compliment.", she said with a smile.
"Oh! My! Gosh!", Hay Lin said as she sat there facing Lala.
"Hi. I'm Lala Wong.", Lala said as she held out her hand to Hay Lin who shook it nervously.
"I'm... Lin Hay! I mean Hay Lin!", Hay Lin said with a smile. "I'm a big fan of your work."
"So I've heard.", Lala said with a smile. "And I've seen your work. It's very good."
"You really think so?", Hay Lin asked getting a nod from Lala. "Wow! When I first started doing costumes for cosplay, I didn't think I would be good at it, but over time, I saw that I loved the challenge of working on costumes."
"So this carnival must got you excited big time.", Lala said with a grin.
"Yeah!", Hay Lin said. "To see all the costumes people worked on and to show off my own work as well has me pumped up!"
"I know the feeling!", Lala said. "And for me to judge them all is just as fun seeing as I get to see all the costumes the people made."
"I know I may not win, but it'll still be fun to compete.", Hay Lin said with a smile.
"That's the spirit!", Lala said returning the smile. "Have fun with it. Winning isn't everything. But it can be fun. And with all the different categories you have planned out, the chances of you winning one of them, is pretty good."
"Thanks.", Hay Lin said as the guys finished bringing in the rest of Lala's luggage.
"Not as much as I thought it would be.", Angelo said,
"That's because I only brought six outfits to wear.", Lala said. "One for the daytime and the other for night."
"Well let me show you to your room.", John said to Lala as he and the boys took her luggage along as well.
"This is so awesome!", Hay Lin said with a beaming smile. "Nothing can ruin this!"
"Here's hoping.", Elyon said to herself.
The next day, which was Thursday, everyone had gathered together in the Newspaper Club room, during lunch, to talk about what needed to be finished for the carnival that was going to start tomorrow.
"Okay. I have to ask.", Irma said as she noticed the happy look on Hay Lin's face. "Why are you so happy, Hay-Hay?"
"She got to have dinner with Lala.", Cassidy explained.
"The costume lady?", Irma questioned.
"Yeah.", Angelo said. "Hay Lin is a fan of her work. So this just made the carnival a whole lot better for her."
"We can see that.", Will said as Hay Lin was going through things with Angelo, Martin, and Taranee.
"So far, so good.", Angelo said. "It looks like we got everything ready for the carnival."
"Good.", Selece said. "So when do we set up for everything?"
"After school today.", Taranee said. "Us along with other students and adults that offered to help will be here to help move the booths and stands to where they need to be. As well as set up the spots for the food trucks to park. And the banners and signs."
"Looks like we've got everything ready to go.", Angelo said.
"Awesome!", Alchemy said. "Now we can get some rest when we're done setting everything up."
"Got that right.", Micheal said. "This was a lot of work."
"But worth it.", Martin said as he looked over the map of the carnival. "What's this spot for?", he asked as he pointed to a spot on the map.
"That's where we'll be moving the picnic tables we use for eating outside for lunch.", Taranee explained. "They'll be there for people who want a place to sit and eat their food."
"This may be the biggest thing that's ever happened to this school.", Cornelia said.
"Well let's hope it all goes well.", Selece said just as the bell rang signaling the end of lunch.
"And now we're off to class.", Matt said as he and Selece left holding hands.
"Well don't they look happy.", Irma mumbled to herself as she watched Matt and Selece walking together.
"No use getting upset about it.", Caleb said as he watched Will and Angelo walking together. "They made it perfectly clear that they've moved on."
"I know. I know.", Irma said. "I guess I'm upset about what I'll be doing tomorrow."
"Don't worry to much about it.", Caleb said. "I mean for all you know, you may not get to wet."
"Yeah right.", Irma said while rolling her eyes. "I'm not that lucky."
Soon school ended and those who had volunteered to help were there to help set up everything for the carnival. Which didn't take long with them working together. Once they were done it was dark out but they all had rides home. So after looking up the main gates to the school, everyone headed home knowing they were going to be busy tomorrow. Sylla, being the last to leave was about to get in his car when two cars pulled up next to his. Out of one of the cars stepped Hollens while Riddle stepped out of the other one.
"So tomorrow the Guardians and their allies will be here running some sort of carnival?", Riddle questioned.
"You know, we could make things really hard for them and possibly get them in trouble.", Sylla said with a smirk.
"No.", Hollens said. "What would we gain by doing that? Besides. We may put innocence in danger."
"Not if we do it right.", Sylla said.
"No. Hollens is right.", Riddle said. "With all the people that will be here, there will be to much of a chance of someone getting hurt if we try anything."
"Very well.", Sylla said.
"Do not be so glum, Sylla.", Hollens said. "When the time is right, and our robot army is ready, you shall have your fun with those brats."
"Speaking of which, John Vanders and the Robertsons are close to finishing their test with the microchip.", Riddle said.
"Excellent.", Hollens said. "When they are finished, we'll steal the blueprints of the finished microchip and make our own for our robots and finally be able to invade Meridian and take it over. But until then, I just may come here with my grandson and see how our enemies act when they're not fighting the good fight."
"Things are looking up.", Riddle said as he, Sylla, and Hollens looked up at the school. "They are looking up indeed."
A/N: We folks, looks like the carnival is on. And our heroes are ready to get it going. But with Hollens lurking around, who knows what may happen. Will he freak out when he sees Cassidy? What will Cassidy do if she sees Hollens? Talk about drama! Find out what happens in the next chapter!
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