Season 5, Episode 7: Back In Session
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Fast and Furious Franchise.
Monday, January 4th, 2016
O'Conner Household
Los Angeles CA
6:15 a.m.
Third Person POV
Another holiday season has come and gone once again in the blink of an eye. And with a new calendar year brings about new adventures and challenges for all. For the Toretto Crew, their top priority was locating Cipher & Lorr as a means to put an end to project snowflake finally. As for Brian, Mia, Darryl, and Alyssa, they would be tasked with a semester filled with hearty schoolwork to conquer in addition to stopping the bad guys. It wasn't until January 4th where the four crew members felt the full effects of work, school-life balance.
During the early morning hours of the 4th, Darryl lays sound asleep in his comfortable full-size bed with a pitch-black background. The sun wouldn't be up for another hour or so, which made getting up for school even more painful. Around 6:15, Darryl's phone rings with an incoming call. The younger blond makes one swift motion for his nightstand to grab the phone in question. Darryl barely sheds his eyes in enough time and sees Alyssa's name plastered across the screen.
"Hello?" Darryl answered groggily
"Where are you?" Alyssa demand impatiently
"At home. In bed. Sleeping, like a normal human being."
"You can't be serious? It's our first day back from Christmas break!"
"So?"
"So…we need time to stop for coffee, and I live twenty minutes away from school."
Darryl rubs his eyes. "I'm not sure I follow. It is 6:15 in the morning, after all."
"Since you got your driver's license and a car before me, you have to chauffeur me around," Alyssa stated as if it was apparent.
"Oh, do I?" Darryl chuckled.
"Yea! It's part of our best friendship agreement."
"Well, when you put it that way, I'll be at your house in 20 minutes."
"Yay! See you soon, best friend!"
After ending the call, Darryl turns on his bedroom light to prepare for the school day.
But Alyssa was right; Coffee was of the absolute essence.
~The Fast & Furious Family Chronicle~
Monday, January 4th, 2016
Silver Fox High School
Los Angeles, CA
8:10 a.m.
Darryl's POV
I can't believe it's finally here-my second semester of junior year. The countdown towards graduation keeps getting shorter and shorter. And If I'm truthfully honest, the fact of going off to college terrifies me. Not only because I need a decent score on the SAT, but I'm still confused as to what I want to major in. My top two choices as of right now are teaching and psychology. I've always had a knack for wanting to help others. Wait a minute-I could be a school counselor! So I get the best of both worlds.
"Thanks for picking me up, O'Conner," Alyssa said gratefully, breaking me out of my daydream.
"Of course. Anything for my best friend." I replied before taking a sip of coffee.
Alyssa flashes me a joyful smile. Moments later, our AP Government teacher, Ms. Patterson, focuses our attention on the projector.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen. As you all know, the AP exam for college credit is now a few months away. With that in mind, our first unit of the semester will focus on heavily used topics on the exam; the three branches of government and federalism. However, I won't be teaching you these topics. Instead, you're going to be working together in groups of 5 to create a presentation lesson to show your peers. One group will have the executive branch, and one will have the judicial branch, followed by the executive branch, and lastly, federalism. And before any of you ask, No-you cannot pick your groups."
My classmates and I share a collective groan of annoyance.
"Yes, I know, I'm quite the monster. This is to ensure no one is left out. Once you get into your groups today, I'll pass out the rubric and instruction packet. I will now be displaying the group pairings.
Ms. Patterson advances to the next slide on her presentation, revealing 20 names all crammed together into four different boxes.
Executive Branch
Maria S.
Tyler C.
Darryl O.
Ryan W.
Sara A.
Judicial Branch
Alyssa P.
Morgan P.
Daniel S.
Jackson D.
Rylee W.
Legislative Branch
Tanner B.
Michael J.
Mackenzie E.
Charlotte D.
Eric L.
Federalism
Simon Y.
Desmond S.
Christine W.
Rachel H.
Peter A.
Damn it. Alyssa and I aren't in the same group. The two of us locked sad puppy face glances.
"Until next time." We both uttered.
Then, my classmates and I started moving about the room until we were seated amongst our groups.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen. While I pass out the rubric and instructions, introduce yourself to your groupmates." Ms. Patterson instructed.
Introductions? She can't be serious. We've all been in the same class for half a school year, how could we not know each other?
Oh well, orders and orders. As a result, Sara, Tyler, Ryan, and Maria went around our desk in circles and said our names and some interesting facts about ourselves. However, I couldn't think of anything on the spot.
"Oh C'mon, O'Conner. You've got some juicy action stories from your family adventures?" Ryan prompted.
"Yeah. I feel like you would be the most interesting person in this group." Maria noted
"Well, I mean-I did get attacked by grenades during that lockdown freshman year, I've been to space-"
"Space? That's so dope!" Tyler interrupted.
"But my family and I crash-landed on an alien planet and were kept prisoner there for a brief period." I finished
Tyler's brows fall flat. "Oh. That's unfortunate."
Sara shrugs. "But coming into contact with Aliens is still cool."
You're right, Sara. Despite the circumstances, Few people can say they've met actual aliens.
~The Fast & Furious Family Chronicle~
Monday, January 4th, 2016
O'Conner Household
Los Angeles (Darryl)
Phoenix (Brian and Mia)
3:30 p.m.
Darryl's POV
After school ended today, I dropped off Alyssa and headed home for a much-needed nap. But first, I'll FaceTime Brian with my status update for the day.
After a few rings, my brother answers and smiles brightly on screen.
"Darryl! How was your first day back?" He asked me
I shrugged. "It was alright. Longer than I wanted it to be. My AP Gov teacher assigned us a group project as a means to prepare us for our final exam in May."
"Oh? What's your project about?"
"The Three Branches of Government & Federalism. My group covers the executive branch while Alyssa's group has the judicial branch."
"Sounds like something up your alley. I know you have a love for social studies. How are your group mates? Do they seem like reliable people?"
I chuckled. "Yeah, they're cool. Everyone is coming over tomorrow night so we can work on the project."
Brian raises a brow. "You promise not to burn down the house again?"
I roll my eyes. "Bro, that was one time in eighth grade. And it wasn't even the whole house—-just the kitchen!"
"It still counts. Just be careful, please."
"I will. But enough about me, Brian. How are you, Mia, and Jack settling in?"
"We're doing good. We miss being home with everyone in LA. However, Mia and I going to school to get decent-paying jobs will help out the family in the long run."
"That's true. Just know that I'm proud of you both. Wait, where's Mia?"
"In class. We alternate our schedules for babysitting purposes. She has classes in the morning while I have mine at night. "
"That makes sense. Well, bro, I'm going to let you go. I'm in desperate need of a nap. My body isn't used to the new sleep schedule yet."
"Sounds good—-"
Brian then pans the camera down to his lap to show my nephew. "Hey Jack, can you wave goodbye to uncle Darryl?"
Jack giggles at the camera and does an adorable goodbye wave.
"Aww. Uncle loves you, Jack. Can't wait to see you again."
On that note, Brian and I ended our call. I then retreated upstairs to my room for that nap I'd been dreaming over all day.
Mia's POV
I entered Brian, and I's new apartment in complete distress. School today was a complete disaster. Two of my professors changed the required textbook for their course-after I had already spent $400 on them online. I tried doing an even exchange after dismissal, but of course, the bookstore was closed until Wednesday due to a holiday break. But why in the hell are classes starting now? It would have made more sense to wait those extra few days before beginning the semester. Unfortunately, I don't get paid the big bucks to make those decisions.
Brian observed my demeanor instantly and asked me. "Hey, honey. How was school?'
I sighed as I threw my school bag on the ground. "Bad. Not only do I need to exchange two of my textbooks, but the bookstore is closed until Wednesday, and I have a shit ton of homework to complete by tomorrow. Not sure how I'm going to complete it with the wrong book."
"I'm sorry, Mia. Anything I can do to help?" Brian asked
"I'll take a hug."
Brian complies and gets up with Jack in tow to give me a tight embrace.
"Thank you. Just what I needed from my two special guys." I whispered, savoring the moment. I then turned to Jack. "Mommy missed being with you. Hopefully, you had fun with daddy today?"
Jack lets out a soft giggle.
"Oh yeah, it was a fairly decent morning. We just got off the phone with Darryl."
"Aww, and I missed it? I'll be sure to call him tonight. But first, a glass of wine to calm the nerves."
I retreat to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of zinfandel. "Are you excited for classes tonight?"
Brian winces. "Yes and No? I'm eager for the outcome but anxious about being in school. I haven't been a student since high school. What if I'm getting in over my head and just simply too old."
I frowned. "Not going to lie, I've been having those thoughts too. However, there have been people older than us that have gone back to school and graduated. So we have to take it one day at a time and think about the outcome as you said. And-we'll be doing something we're passionate about. Hopefully, you won't have to change your textbooks." I finished with a lighthearted chuckle.
"You're right, Mia. We got this. I just hope Darryl is adjusting okay with us not being home."
I waved off my husband's concern. "I'm sure he'll be fine. We did set ground rules before leaving. Hopefully, he sticks with them."
I trust Darryl has learned from past mistakes and will do the right thing in the end.
~Fast and Furious Family Chronicle~
Tuesday, January 5th, 2016
O'Conner Household
Los Angeles CA
4:30 p.m..
Darryl's POV
In anticipation of my group's arrival, I took the liberty to deep clean the entire house. This is the first time these classmates have been over, and first impressions are everything. Man, if Mia could see me in action. She'd either be proud of my dedication or relieved that I finally decided to take the initiative with cleaning.
After vacuuming upstairs, the front doorbell chime goes off.
"Shit." I cursed anxiously. "They aren't supposed to be here for another thirty minutes. Well, I guess there's not much I can do but deal with a 75 percent clean house.
I descended downstairs and opened the front door, and to my surprise stood Alyssa.
"Oh, it's just you, thank goodness." I sighed in relief.
Alyssa raises her brow. "Thank you? Have you been home this entire time?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, how come you didn't answer your phone when I called and texted?" Alyssa scoffed in defense.
"I didn't even hear anything-"
I grabbed my phone from my pocket and saw three missed calls and several texts from Alyssa. I then observed my ringer was still on silent. "My bad. I forgot to turn my ringer on after school."
Alyssa playfully rolls her eyes. "What am I gonna do with you, O'Conner?"
"I don't know." I shrugged before asking. "So, what's up?"
I wanted to see if you'd be down to hang out tonight?"
"I would, but I can't. My group for our AP Gov Project is coming over in thirty minutes."
"Your group is cooperating? It must be nice. It's like pulling teeth with mine. Every time I try to plan things out, everybody claims to be too busy or flat out says they don't care. At this point, I'm going to be doing this project solo."
"But that's not fair to you! Your group needs to get off its lazy ass and help out-"
And that's when an idea popped into my head. "I got it. What if you join my group?"
"I don't think it's that simple, Darryl. Ms. Patterson was clear that there could only be groups of 5," Alyssa mentioned.
"Yes. However, if you explain how your group doesn't want to work, She'll more than likely make an expectation. Think about it, we win the beach pizza party, and your group is embarrassed in front of the whole class by having nothing to present."
Alyssa deceitfully rubs her chin. "I do like the sound of that. You know what? Screw those assholes. Let's call Ms. Patterson!"
This is going to be fun.
~Fast and Furious Family Chronicle~
Tuesday, January 12th, 2016
Silver Fox High School
8:05 a.m
Third Person POV
Alyssa took Darryl's advice and asked Ms. Patterson to join The Executive Branch's group. The AP Gov teacher agreed instantly after hearing the situation. Now comes presentation day.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Let's not waste any time. Our first group to present is the judicial branch. Morgan, Daniel, Jackson, and Rylee. Who out of the four of you shared the PowerPoint with me?"
The group in question turns to Alyssa.
"Alyssa did. But why didn't you call her name?" Morgan asked.
"You didn't hear? I'm not in your group anymore." Alyssa answered with a cheeky smirk.
Jackson grunts angrily. "What?! Since when?!"
"Since last week."
"You haven't been in our group for a week and didn't say shit?!" Rylee cursed.
"Did you guys think I'd do an entire project by myself? Just so you four could get all the credit?" Alyssa asked.
"I can't believe this! What are we supposed to present?! Daniel demanded.
Alyssa shrugs. "Don't know. Don't care, bro."
Jackson grits his teeth. "Ms. Patterson, you knew about this all along?"
"Of course I did. Who do you think approved the change?"
"This isn't fair!" Morgan wailed.
"And being lazy is? You four brushed off Miss. Parker's attempts to plan and work together. Not only that, but you did not once check in on the progress and expected an easy A. You all may be high school students, but this is a college-level course, and I am treating it as such. Meaning that The Judicial Branch group will be receiving a zero on this assessment and will not be able to make it up!" Ms. Patterson declared.
The class "Ooo's in response.
"Let this be a lesson. Don't expect credit if you're unwilling to put forth the effort. But enough getting off track. The Executive Branch, we'll start with your presentation."
Maria, Tyler, Darryl, Ryan, Sara, and Alyssa rise from their seats and make their way to the front of the classroom.
The two best friends high five each other.
Mission success.
~The Fast and Furious Family Chronicle~
Friday, January 15th, 2016
LA County Beach
12:30 p.m.
Third Person POV
The executive branch group ranked victorious on getting the highest project grade. And as promised, they get to enjoy an afternoon beach pizza party while celebrating. So while Tyler, Ryan, and Sara played a two versus one volleyball game, Darryl, Alyssa and Maria were chilling on lounge chairs as they soaked in the radiant California sunlight.
"Ah, now this is life!" Alyssa said.
"It truly is. If only we could start every weekend on the beach." Maria noted as she took a sip of her sprite.
"Agreed. And getting to gawk at a shirtless Tyler working up a sweat is a nice bonus!" Alyssa added.
"Tyler is alright. But I think Ryan is cuter." Maria argued before turning to the younger O'Conner boy. "What about you, Darryl?"
"What about me?" Darryl asked.
"Who do you think is cuter? Ryan or Tyler?" Alyssa prompted.
"Ryan. Hands down"
"Damn, you didn't even hesitate!"
"What? Can't a guy appreciate another guy's handsomeness?" Darryl laughed.
"I suppose. But have you always considered yourself straight?" Maria asked
Darryl creases his forehead "Yeah, for the most part."
"The most part?" Maria retorted
"I mean, yeah, with puberty, I've had different viewpoints about how I see guys. No biggie." Darryl shrugged
"No biggie? Not once have you mentioned these thoughts for the two years I've known you." Alyssa gasped.
"Because there was no point saying something if I'm not even sure of my sexuality. I'm only 17. There's plenty of time to figure myself out."
Upon the conclusion of his statement, Darryl reaches for the last slice of pizza but gets hit with a volleyball and drops said piece in the sand.
"Well, that was sad. I was looking forward to eating that." He said in a glum manner.
Moments later, Ryan comes rushing to the group of three. "Oh shit, my bad, bro. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. My pizza, not so much." Darryl said in a joking manner as he pointed to the ground.
"I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you." Ryan assured him.
"That's not necessary."
"It definitely is. How about I take you out for Ice Cream next weekend?"
"Ryan-"
"Please? I insist."
"Alright, I'm down for Ice cream." Darryl agreed.
Ryan flashes Darryl an eager smile. "Great, I look forward to it."
On that note, Ryan collects the volleyball and goes back to his unfinished game. Maria and Alyssa squeal in excitement after ensuring Ryan is a safe distance away.
"What?"
"Ryan basically asked you out on an ice cream date, that's what!" Maria gushed.
"You two are reading way too much into this." Darryl said.
Alyssa shakes her in disagreement. "Nah, did you see the way he was smiling at you when you said yes? It's like you made his entire day."
"If you say so. But the way I see it, it's just two guys hanging out and nothing more." Darryl answered.
The girls gave up on the subject matter as a means to continue enjoying their beach party.