Hey guys! I'm back! Sorry it took so long school got in the way. Hopefully you all had a fantastic holiday and New Years! So I forgot to say this last time but if you haven't noticed I changed my username from awolnation319 to One-Tuff-Cookie723. I'm still the same me though!

Raven678- Iola died in book one of the Casefiles Dead on Target. My story is more based off of the original blue spines. So Iola is alive! I really hated it when she died. And also I honestly don't think the boys could handle losing anyone else because of all the shit that I've put them through. Hope this cleared things up.

ErinJordan- Thank you so much. Your review was very encouraging!

Chapter 10: Pleasant and Unpleasant Surprises

(Frank is 17. Joe is 16)

Homecoming. Probably one of the most important parts of a high schoolers life. A time of dress shopping, dates, corsages, dinner, dancing and of course, romancing. Joe Hardy was posing for pictures with a group that consisted of his date, Iola, Frank with Callie, and Chet with his date.

"Oh, Joe. Quit making faces and smile!" Aunt Gertrude lightly scolded her nephew for making silly faces for the camera.

Joe grinned and snaked an arm around Iola's slim waist, pulling her closer.

"That's better!"

The group was posing inside of the Morton's barn. A place that was slightly musty but full of light. A perfect spot for taking pictures.

Fenton and Laura were standing off to the side, letting Gertrude handle the picture taking, for mental images could not be lost. Their arms were wrapped around each other and their eyes were glistening with unshed tears. It felt like just yesterday that Fenton had stormed into that barn in which the boys were being tortured. It felt like just yesterday the boys had come home from the hospital and didn't trust anyone. They had come so far in just a few short years. They didn't need the counselings of a psychiatrist and they better trusted friends and family. Now Frank was going to graduate and head off to the University next fall. Joe was going to be a senior in high school, then he too was going to fly the nest.

"Just a few more pictures then we'll let you guys go." Mrs. Morton smiled warmly. They already had a ton of pictures, some of the group and some individual, and some of the siblings, and the girls.

"Let's take a family picture." Gertrude said, it was more of a request than a suggestion.

First it was the Morton family. Iola and Chet were on the inside with both adult Mortons' on the outside. Then Callie and her family posed, and finally it was the Hardy's turn.

Laura got on Frank's side and wrapped a hand around her waist, encouraging him to do the same. Fenton put am arm around Joe's waist as the younger did the same. Fenton's hand found his wife's on the back of their sons and held it. Laura felt her eyes mist up as she thought of her children growing up and leaving, every mother's worst fear. Fenton squeezed her hand and she could tell he was feeling the same way.

The cameras lowered and Frank glanced at his watch. "We're supposed to meet Phil, Biff, and Tony in a few minutes."

"Drive safely son," Fenton gave both Frank and Joe a hug, then backed up to gaze upon both his beautiful, happy children.

"Have a good time!" Laura embraced both her sons and held them for a minute.

"Be safe. Don't do anything foolish. I know what happens at these dances." Gertrude reminded, grinning.

The group piled into the Hardy's van and prepared to have the time of their lives.

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The dance was in full swing by the time the circle of friends arrived. Music was blasting, people were dancing, a great sight to the youngest Hardy. The group walked in and were immediately flocked by their classmates, and teammates alike saying their hellos, and how good they looked in their formal wear. The Hardy's and their dates made their way towards their friends who were casually standing by the snack table.

"Hey, there's the football stars! Frank, Joe, Iola, Callie we're all going to Mr. Pizza's after the dance." Tony exclaimed, seeing the Hardy's approach.

"Sounds good Tony!" Joe exclaimed.

"What took you so long? We've been waiting forever!" Biff complained. "Sandy and I haven't even gotten to dance yet!" Biff had brought the head cheerleader, Sandy Cooper.

"You all look great!" Phil said smiling.

"Thanks Phil, so do you. And sorry Biff, you know how Aunt Gertrude is with her pictures!" Joe practically had to yell at over the music.

"Now that we are here, let's dance!" Callie yelled and pulled Frank out onto dance floor.

Soon the group dispersed to dance with their selected dates, leaving only Joe and Iola at the snack table. They had come as to the dance as friends, upon Iola's request. Joe had asked her to be his girlfriend, but she wasn't ready for a steady relationship just yet. Due to her reluctance, she proposed they'd go to the dance together. She really liked Joe, and seriously considered to go out with him. Maybe she'd say yes after homecoming.

"So," Joe said sheepishly. "Do you want to dance?"

"Are you kidding me? I love this song!" Iola grinned, referring to the upbeat song playing. Joe laughed led her to the dance floor.

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As the dance began to wind down, the slow songs took over the gymnasium. Callie laid her head against Frank's shoulder, he placed a hand on her back as they swayed to the music. Frank held his date close, realizing how beautiful she was. Callie was wearing a gorgeous blue dress that complimented her tanned skin and brown eyes, her blonde hair was done in a stylistic up-do. Frank leaned in and lightly brushed his lips over Callie's.

Joe was thinking similarly as he slow danced with Iola. She looked absolutely stunning in a simple yet elegant purple dress with her brown hair curled in ringlets, framing her petite face.

"Joe?" She mumbled into his chest.

"Hm?" Joe replied dreamily.

"I really do like you, you know."

Joe looked down, bewildered. "So, does this mean what I think it means?"

"Yes, Joe. I'd love to be your girlfriend."

Joe was over the moon with excitement. She had finally said yes! He encircled his arms around her waist, lifted her up and swung her around in a circle before putting her back on her feet, grinning wildly.

Iola giggled and blushed, before breaking into one of her fabulous smiles as well.

It really was one of the best nights of Joe Hardy's life.

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Meanwhile at the Hardy residence, the three elder Hardy's were watching a romantic comedy, secretly absorbed in their own memories of their own high school years. Fenton was thinking about how lucky he was to have married his date for senior prom, he draped an arm around her shoulders and Laura placed her head against his shoulder. Gertrude had gone to her homecoming and prom with one of her very good friends, Richard. They had broken up right after graduation.

"I'm going to go make a snack. You want anything?" Laura addressed her two companions for the night.

"Just tea for me, please." Gertrude said somberly. She was always a tad depressed when the boys weren't home.

"No tea for me. But why don't you make a big bowl of popcorn for us to share?" Fenton suggested.

Laura nodded and exited the living room, heading for the kitchen. She began humming a tune to herself as she filled a kettle with water and placed it on the stove. Gosh, I hope the boys are having a good time. She thought to herself as she placed the bag of popcorn in the microwave. Come to think of it, the tune was the song that her and Fenton had danced to at their prom, and again at their wedding.

A shrill ring of the phone brought her back to reality. In the other room, Fenton rose to answer it.

"Hello?" He asked into the receiver.

"Fenton? This is Ezra."

"Good evening Chief!" Fenton exclaimed, not having talked to the chief of the Bayport police department in quite some time.

"Fenton listen to me. Louis Callaway has escaped from jail and we think he's going to go after Frank and Joe!"

I hope you guys liked it! Please leave me a review. Answer this question: New Year new...? Don't say new year new me without explanation! Bye!