"Come in friends!" I screeched throwing my arms around Michayla, and Aidee.
The two were rather excited to be back at our 'fancy' place, especially Michayla who admittedly is always easy to excite. Pulling away from them I let them through the door, and Vicki awaited on the other side with a warm smile. Colress also stood by Vicki with an awkward grin, he appeared to be a bit exhausted probably from practice. As they greeted each other I touched my neck, I made sure to put on a bright blue bandana around my neck to hide the small scar. I didn't want to be more demeaned than I already became from Ghetsis treating me like a pet.
As they got settled with complacent greetings, and nods I watched Cyrus turn a sharp corner with tired eyes as usual. His ghostly pale skin reflected how much more exhausted he was, but for some reason lit up a little more when seeing that our friends have arrived. Although something lately seemed off about him, and now it looked worse than ever as he itched at the collar of his shirt. I wondered what exactly got under his skin, but I hoped rather he would admit it instead.
Aidee being one of kind, and outgoing nature approached me quickly after exchanging words with the others. Her red hair began to fade from washes, and the blonde began to shine through delicately. Regardless of this however she always took extra care in her appearance, and looked quite alluring to everyone. With two flicking glances of looking me up, and down she smiled brightly. I didn't know exactly why, but at the time I was more distracted by her adorable pink sweater, and black jean shorts.
Aidee spoke happily, "I absolutely adore your outfit today!"
Astonished I kicked the ground nonchalantly,"Well it's not that nice..."
She rolled her blue eyes in a sarcastic way, she knew that I always had a difficult time accepting compliments, and it annoyed her. Today though I admit that I took extra care to appeal to them, I wore a goth black, and blue corset dress with ripped black tights. On my wrists I wore two spiked bracelets that I loved, and I even kept a black bow in my hair for decoration. The blue bandana however, wasn't exactly in the plan, and just happened to fit for the time being. Vicki as well decided to put on something a little extra as well.
Vicki wore a casual summer dress that laid gently past her knees, it seemed classical in cool tones of a darker red. Her dark brown hair began to grow out as well, laying far past her shoulders which complimented her well. Along with her cute dress I tied a red bandana of mine around her neck as an accessory. It also was nice to actually match with my best friend, of course we looked awesome.
"So Cyrus, ready for some real awesomeness?" Michayla blurted throwing herself onto him.
Imiedietly he froze into place, and slowly pushed her off, "I assure you practice is not all that much of, whatever you call it..."
"Awesomeness! Stop being such a grump!" The orange haired girl laughed elbowing him in the side.
While Cyrus recoiled from the blow to the stomach, I observed Michayla closely as she blushed. It is more than obvious that she is head over heels for him, and well, he just doesn't like her. However stranger things have happened so I didn't think anything much of it. Regardless of that though I liked her different almost pastel goth style today.
Passing to the inside I followed the group for a tiny bit, until they finally all dispersed into separate rooms. Michayla as planned left with Cyrus, Aidee with Lysandre, and then Vicki off to train Colress with a Maxie tagging along for good measure. Meanwhile I stood awkwardly in silence, as I hadn't the slightest clue of what I should do. It sucked not actually having any interesting talents, sure I could draw, and sing a little bit, but really what is that worth? I sat down at the edge of the winding stairs, a tiny bit bored, and a tiny bit annoyed with myself.
Leaning my head on the side of the railing my light brown hair ruffled in front of my face. However I quickly snapped forward when I heard footsteps walking across, I guess you could say I'm skittish sometimes. It was just Archie in what I could only assume to be the coolest, and craziest rock clothes ever. On his body he wore a denim vest with ripped sleeves, and his pants were plain black, and baggy. My favorite part about it though was the spiked gauntlets, and crazy golden chain he always seemed to wear when he felt like it. The entire thing made me chuckle as I observed him, and he imedietly directed his attention to me.
"What's so funny squirt?" he played with a raised brow.
I grinned as I explained, "Nothing's funny, I just think the outfit it is crazy cool, but also a little much for a lazy day off."
"Well look who's talking!" Archie laughed pointing at me, "Yer' always wearing something overly adorable on a day like this!"
Nodding I agreed, "Yeah, I guess I do happen to overdo it sometimes."
The tanned male winked, "Hey doesn't mean I can't be absolutely irresistible too!"
I rolled my eyes with a snicker, "Well aren't you just charming?"
"I know I am, lookout squirt I'll snatch you up like a sharpedo!" Archie replied with a hardy laugh, "Maybe if yer' up to it you can play with me, we'd make quite the duo with matching outfits, and all. By the way, love the bandana it suits you."
Never one to be all that oblivious it clicked in my head quickly, and in fact had to admit it was actually pretty clever placing. However unfortunately for any of them, I wouldn't becoming a grunt, not even an admin any time soon. Stretching out his arms he continued on his way off into another spare room, something we had too much of. Then again I became alone once again, and I certainly had mixed feelings about Ghetsis for the moment so I decided to just be by myself for a little bit.
******
The day of tiring practice finally came to an end as the evening entered over the horizon. We all gathered around the long table in the kitchen for a well deserved break, and most certainly retiring for the rest of the night. Sitting, and conversing about we enjoyed idle talk among friends, until Archie sprang forward. He had been absent for a little while, and now we knew why, he went to grab alcohol none of us were aware of. Unlike most people I had almost never turned down a nice drink, I just enjoyed having a drink with friends. Not everyone accepted, and as usual N, and Cyrus were the only ones who decided to sit out.
As usual everyone had their own tastes, drinking from their usual boundaries. Something however put me off about the spring in Archie's step, as much as he seemed gleeful it almost seemed too happy. It seemed as if something mischievous was about, so I kept a bit of a distance from him until I finally clued in. He'd been drunk for awhile already, and he was far from just buzzed. My biggest worry though, was that I knew people don't drink alone unless they're depressed.
Cyrus sat next to Michayla, and I during this time, and after many attempts I finally was able to get a solid drink into him. My reasoning however was far from a friendly drink or too, most people tell the truth when they're drunk, and I desired for some answers to his peculiar nature. After one drink, I offered him shot, and then another, and another. Pretty soon he seemed delirious, but remained quiet most ends, just less intelligent. After I waited for an opportunity to speak, it finally came when the everyone went to get more drinks except Cyrus of course (and N who instead had to use the bathroom).
I only had a little time so I prodded him, "So Cyrus, you've been acting a little odd lately..."
"I am not odd, acting odd. Stuff, and things!" He interrupter in a huge slur.
I held in laughter from his dysfunction, "Alright, if you really think nothing is bothering you."
Cyrus hesitated for a moment before slamming his hands on the table, and whispering into my ear, "To tell you the truth, I'm scared, so ninny. We can go home kid, but I ain't ready to go no, no. Don't tell anyone."
I nearly choked as the words hit my ears, why in the world would he withhold that information from all of them? Does he even realize what would happen if they found out that he was keeping it a secret? My mind remained boggled as I nodded slowly to appreciate his honesty, I couldn't tell them. I myself wouldn't even know how to approach them about, they'd just have to wait until he's ready. Although I feared that maybe they would all leave forever, and the worst part would be being left alone again. I hadn't realized how attached I've gotten to them, and it killed me.
My stomach twisted inside out from knowing what Cyrus had been holding in, and now I regretted ever asking. In attempts to forget it ever happened I pushed down some alcohol while I hung out with my many friends. As my head began to feel fuzzy I actually noticed Maxie, and Vicki getting along very well, maybe too well. The two sat fairly close, but I decided not to stare either. Making my way across the room I decided to spend some time outside for a cool off, the wind whistled warmly, and the taste of pollen lingered in the air.
Outside by the bright colored pool I saw Lysandre, and Aidee conversing quietly. She sat close with her legs dangling over his, and I knew exactly what they were doing. Lysandre in the time that I've known him came much to be a ladies man, and the flirting between them was beyond intense. The foreshadowing of some sort of relationship between them became crystal clear to them, and I searched for a place that wouldn't make me an awkward block in-between them. Much to my discomfort however the only other one outside is Ghetsis, and he almost seemed to be completely in his own space, ignoring everything on the opposite side of the backyard.
I approached him with a quiet peep, "Hey, what's going on?"
His head jerked up in my direction with complete surprise, "How drunk are you?"
"That obvious?" I laughed awkwardly as I flopped forward facing into the grass.
"No, not at all!" He confirmed in a sarcastic tone, "Perhaps you should lay off the alcohol for the rest of tonight?"
I rolled my eyes as I huffed, "Is that a demand, or a suggestion?"
He leaned down to pick me up, "That is just a suggestion, I don't mind when you act like a maniac that enjoys being all over me."
"You are a terrible human being!" I boomed with laughter louder than I should have, "Put me down I need stuff."
He complied as I rolled onto the grass on my back, his expression one of mild amusement, "I'm going to bed then, join me later if you wish. I'll let you do... Whatever that is."
My head spun as I heard the grass crunching from him walking away, the noise trailed off until he was completely gone. Focusing on the stars I could feel my skull pounding with guilt of what I held in. Not even the huge amounts of alcohol was enough to push it out of my mind, which really was a stupid idea in the first place. The realization of knowing that any day now they could all just disappear made my eyes water in complete fear. What hit me though was the additional thought of having to cope with such a drastic change, not even Vicki would like it, I knew she is also close to them.
Suddenly I heard Archie calling out to me, "Britney what are ye' doing sprawled out on the grass? Everyone is inside now."
"I'm thinking, you can all do the things with the stuff okay!" I replied while leaning my head in his direction.
He hovered over me with a tilted head obviously just as drunk as I am, "You look so spaced out squirt, ye' sure you ain't dying?"
I waved him off as tears welled up in my eyes, "I'm perfectly fine."
His expression changed quickly as a shed tear flowed down the side of my pale cheek. Lifting my up to sit, and face him he stared me right in the eyes (as best he could). It seemed very obvious I had a problem to him, and he appeared to be just as distraught from who knows what. I wiped my eyes dry, and proceeded to hold back any emotions I felt that were overpowering.
"Please tell me what's wrong?" He asked while gazing at the dry grass.
I recoiled attempting to counter his question, "You're much more upset than I am, I know you were drinking today by yourself. People don't do that when they're happy."
Almost as if I hit a switch the full grown male began to cry, "You don't have any idea how much it hurts to see that idiot around you! Why can't you like me? What's so wrong with me, everyone else likes me just fine? Yet you haven't the slightest clue what it's like to stand by, and just watch!"
My stomach twisted up in guilt, "I had no idea..."
"Of course you didn't, because I'm damn good at hiding it!" Archie whimpered.
"I'm so sorry, come here!" I declared as I embraced him tightly, "It won't matter when all of this is over I promise, you'll go home, and you'll be happy again."
He squeezed me back with an unsteady shiver, "Come with me, just for one night."
I cocked my head with trembling knees, "Huh?"
"It's late, but let me take you somewhere, anywhere. I want you to at least let me try to impress you" Archie stuttered with a wide smile.
Not think properly I shrugged, "I guess it couldn't hurt to have some fun, take me away!"
Being two drunken idiots we raced off over the fence into the night streets, never realizing what a ridiculous idea it was. Regardless of this though the rushing of my head, and the excitement made me feel worry free. The night air felt crisp against my skin, and we traveled around to parks, and random places about. When all came crashing down from the buzz I forgotten many details, and had no idea where we were.
******
END CHAPTER
Man why do I do these things to my characters, also what was up with Vicki, and Maxie. Yes I have excellent plans for next chapter mwahahhaha. As for everything else, sorry about the long wait but this time FOR SURE I am back on regular schedule for this since my novel is now finished, and in editing! You can read that original stories free chapters on Fictionpress, under the same name ShadowLamb, the story is called Stuffed.
Sorry back on topic, I've actually never read that book patato, but lol Ghetsis why XD. Also you'll be happy to hear that this story will indeed have a sequel, and I've already started planning it. The one thing I'm struggling with here though is giving all characters more personality since Britney is the only narrator, you only see things from her point of view, and through what she sees in certain people. I was thinking for the sequel it will be wrote in all four different points of views for the girls, do you think that's good or not? What are your thoughts? As always please let me know what you thought, bye bye!