A/N

Hope I didn't take too long with this! My motivation was 📈 and 📉, 📈,📉

So here's chapter 2, I cooked on the first half. Idk about the second half.

Also the 'summer to do-list' meant to be crossed out (like there would have been a line striking through the points), but fanfic doesn't allow that format. So I just put 'x's at the end. (Pretend it's crossed out)

Summer To-Do List

-Date night at drive in theatre x

-Stargaze together on rooftop x

-Romantic walk on the beach at sunset x

-Share an ice cream from Wanderlust x

-Rent and ride bikes by the coast of the beach x

-Kiss at the top of the ferris wheel at Pacific Park x

That's what I get for revolving my entire summer around a boy. Brittany thought to herself with a sigh as she struck through the last plan in her summer to-do list.

How did it all go so wrong so fast? Just moments before her dream summer was within reach, it vanished from her grasp. It almost felt poetic in a way. Not that she knew much about poetry she never paid attention in class, but she considered this alteration was a sign of karma. She begrudgingly admits that she was losing a lot of her life to a boy who had none to give back. All her time and all her mind focused on him. She had quit her job to make time for them, and she paid no mind to school to keep them in her thoughts. He assured her she wasn't making mistakes, 'Could rich people really make mistakes that can't be solved with money?' She remembered he told her once. But he was the one with the generational wealth, and she was the one making the mistakes. A boy she envisioned to be so perfect that he created imperfections in everything else, so perfect that he deemed her not perfect enough for him. She really was pathetic for thinking he was the one.

So she sat with her list of crossed off couple activities. Head knocking against the glass window in the backseat of the car she was passengering in. If she looks at it from a stranger's perspective, it would seem as if she was holding a list completed. On her way home from finishing the very last activity of her very short list. That would be a much better reality, and she wouldn't correct them even if they were wrong. It's better to keep up admirable appearances than admit the unfortunate actuality. Pity doesn't come without gossip. She knows this all too well.

The California heat was at its midday peak, overpowering even the AC's. In the wave of mirages, Brittany could begin to see familiar palm trees lined up towards a very familiar street. Each tree they passed, the closer she was to beginning her summer. She could already feel the anxious excitement to greet her beloved mother. To see her sweet slanted smile and silver updo. And as the trees were thinning out, and the last few turns were taken, she was returned to her memories of riding down this street as the white suburban house came to view.

"I was hoping for a mansion." 12 year old Brittany stood with her arms crossed facing an antiquated house.

It was old, yes, but it also appeared to have quite a bit of property, not to the extent of a mansion, but it definitely wasn't a small house. The victorian-style exterior imposed it with an eccentric personality, it was indeed not like the other houses on the street. However, it was not a very impressive building overall. Much of the house paint was chipped or chipping. The white flanks that outlined the windows and porch were yellowing, and the porch itself looked worn. It was surrounded by far too many bushes and flowers. Anyone could guess this home belonged to a crazy elderly woman. Looking at it standing right next to the Seville's larger, colonial-style residence, Miss Miller's seemed to have backtracked a century or two.

"It's this or back to the foster care system." Eleanor spoke with not much enthusiasm.

"It's not so bad." Jeanette commented with her head at a tilt. Although trying to be optimistic, she didn't sound so convincing.

The three girls stood with their luggage, beholding the sight of their new potentially permanent home. Neither of them too impressed with the picture. But they weren't going to back down now. Eleanor and Jeanette began to pick up their suitcases and prepared to march forward. This was going to be a new chapter, good or bad; they were going to make the best out of it. So without any more hesitation the two sisters finally took their steps forward to their future.

Brittany was still standing, arms crossed. She knew it was inevitable, but she might as well savour this last moment of her sanity before she spends what could be the rest of her life with a mad woman. For her sisters sakes, she took a deep breath and collected her things. If this was the only way for the sisters to be together, then so be it. She took a quick glance at the Seville's home and back to her own home. At the very least they still reside in LA, next to their closest friends. After all, without help from the Seville family, the girls would have been sent to a foster home in another state. They had spent a while in California, and they have made good friends here. She would like to stay here. So Brittany walked behind her sisters and approached the front porch. Where came into view the old Miss Miller.

She stood with her sweetest smile and crinkled eyes. Holding in her hands three bouquets of flowers, each a different colour representing each of the three girls. Green for Eleanor, purple for Jeanette and pink for Brittany. She must have asked for their favourite colours.

Brittany's pessimism flew away at the sight and she couldn't help but grace a smile, maybe Miss Miller wasn't going to be the change they wanted, but a change they needed.

Now 18-year old Brittany couldn't be happier to see the sturdy, old-fashioned home which she grew to love. And she saw Mis Miller patiently waiting atop the stairs of her front porch, with her timeless smile and tearful eyes. With the light shining through her silver hair, and brightening her pink dress. She held this time; two bouquets, pink and blue. Brittany smiled and let out a silent exhale from her nose. Her mother looks as if she's hosting a gender reveal party. She was always unintentionally comedic. As she stood in the exact same spot as when they first met, this time Brittany held no hesitation.

As soon as the car parked Brittany opened her door and yelled, 'Miss Miller!' as she ran to her warm and longing embrace. Miss Miller ruffled the bouquets in her hands as she tightened the hug with her face streaming warm salty tears. Brittany whiffed the familiar scent of cinnamon and the soapy aroma of Miss Miller's favourite perfume. She was instantly taken back by the nostalgia of living with Miss Miller. They held onto each other firmly for a long moment before the hold softened and they pulled apart.

"Welcome home dear." Miss Miller spoke, wiping away her happy tears.

"Welcome back Brittany!"

Brittany turned her head to the sound of the second voice, it was David Seville, her next door father-figure. She hadn't even noticed him until he spoke, but she recognized that voice all the same. Dave stood just in front of the doorway holding up a 'welcome' banner. He looks exactly the same as when she last saw him. Time seemed almost frozen here compared to the fast, busy and ever changing life in New York. Albeit it's only been a year, a lot can happen in that time, and a lot has certainly happened to her within the year. Dave came in to give her a hug as well, and she felt as if she were a kid again. It felt refreshing, and very much needed.

"Thank you Dave, thank you Miss Miller." Brittany thanked taking ahold of the pink flower bouquet.

As Dave left to collect Brittany's luggage from the taxi car, Miss Miller's eyebrows began to scrunch together.

"So where is this young man you were telling me about, Brittany?"

An alert system went off inside Brittany's head. She forgot she had told Miss Miller she was bringing her boyfriend, and hadn't had any time to update her on their breakup. It wasn't an easy task to explain to an old woman who loves you dearly that some boy broke your heart. Miss Miller would take it more personally than even Brittany herself did. So now she had two options, either tell the truth and spend the summer wallowing in everyone's sympathies and consoling Miss Miller or make up a lie and put up an act to not be seen as a reject. Being short of time and to not draw any suspicion to her response she decided to go for the latter. Deception if meant with good intentions is perfectly reasonable.

"He couldn't make it," She studied Miss Miller's every expression to her words, and before Miss Miller could open her mouth to further question the subject she added, "Family emergency."

Physically she was standing with confidence, mentally she was palming her forehead over and over. Family emergency? Of all cliche excuses!

But to her relief Miss Miller was just that trusting as she gave Brittany a sorry look and pulled her back in for a hug.

"And I had this bouquet prepared for him…that's just too darn bad."

"It's alright Miss Miller, he'd have appreciated it. I'll let him know."

Dave then returned as well rolling along two pink suitcases, about to ask the same question, "Where is–"

"Couldn't make it, family emergency."

Dave's mouth made an 'O' in understanding, gave his two cents of pity and took inside the suitcases.

Brittany just hopes this is the end of the topic for the rest of her stay, but she knows that's just wishful thinking. She better come up with a straight answer for any follow up questions she may hear about soon. Time to put her acting skills to some real life use and pray this lie won't trip her into snowballing. Maybe being honest would have been easier… but can't risk humiliation. She sighed inwardly before making her way inside after Miss Miller.

–

She puckered her face at the tingling of sour lemonade meeting the back of her throat. Miss Miller had insisted she try her new low-sugar lemonade knowing she would have refused any other sugary drink. But it's the thought that counts, so Brittany counted down her next sip. As unpleasantly bitter her drink was, it did aid to cool her temperature in the california heat. Plus she didn't want to hurt her feelings, Miss Miller could be very sensitive.

"How was your flight dear?" Miss Miller spoke after finishing her cup within a single swing.

"It was good." She nodded.

Miss Miller offered some small talk but nothing was forming in Brittany's mind. She was left with short replies to prepare for the explanation she was going to give on Bart's behalf. So she sipped her lemonade, waiting for the question and let the whizzing of the fan fill up the empty space in their conversation.

"It's a shame that Bart couldn't make it … What happened exactly?" Dave broke the silence before it became too uncomfortable.

Alright, let's get this over with.

"I know, it's a shame," Brittany dropped her head slightly to invoke her utter disappointment of the situation, "Bart was really looking forward to meeting you guys."

Dave and Miss Miller had shifted into sympathetic looks as well, waiting for her to continue.

"His grandma passed away." She willed tears to gloss over her eyes to look as believable as possible.

"Oh my, the poor dear." Miss Miller was already sniffing away into a tissue paper.

"When did this happen?" Dave asked, as he gently rubbed Miss Miller's back.

"Last night."

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Brittany. Give him our condolences."

She nodded to Dave's request before continuing, "Yes, and since I had already bought my ticket he told me he didn't want to burden me and to go without him. He decided to stay behind for his family." She ended with a sad smile.

"You're very brave, my child." Miss Miller came to sit next to Brittany and gave her another squeeze.

The excuse worked like a charm just as she thought; dead grandparent was a classic, not too complicated and not unexpected. She almost felt guilty for tricking them, if it weren't for her pride. So for now she played the role of the brave and burdened girlfriend in her little false story. Though, now that she had a story, she needed to ingrain it into her head as if it were a true event, should anyone else ask. Always believe your own lie if you want to sell it to someone else. A skill she had refined over her years of sneaking out, hiding relationships and coming up with excuses for why she was late to class. You're talking to the queen of lies here. (Not something she's very proud of, but a skill nevertheless.)

Silence settled into the room once more as Brittany leant on Miss Miller and Dave sat across in solace. All she heard now was Miss Miller's ragged breathing. Her breaths were drawn in strain, which felt a little concerning to Brittany. But of course, Miss Miller's sort of an emotional wreck at the moment, so it's nothing out of the ordinary. It just felt a little unsettling. So she listened to the shaky breaths trying to form the words to approach her with, just out of curiosity for her health. But before she could open her mouth, Dave stood up.

"I'm so sorry to leave like this, but I have an appointment with a client soon so I better be on my way. It was great to see you again Brittany."

Thank god.

Brittany wasn't sure how long she would have to sit in this room and sulk over nothing. Dave was the only one she really needed to put effort into persuading. Miss Miller just believes anything, and she probably would have settled with 'family emergency', no detail needed. Finally she could wrap this lie up and put it aside for the day.

"It was nice to see you too Dave," She got up to give him a quick side hug.

"I'll come back with the boys this evening, so don't trouble yourselves with dinner!" He shouted on his way out.

"Goodbye David!" Miss Miller yelled back, "Now isn't he the sweetest." She said in admiration.

"Yeah." Brittany giggled, knowing Miss Miller has always had a little crush on David Seville.

"Why don't you go on and settle into your room and get some rest, you must be tired from your journey. In the meantime I'll get the house tidy."

Brittany was a little confused as the house looked as if it had been tidied up already. Miss Miller may have developed some OCD during her time alone. What else would a single old lady do all day she supposed. And the thought of finally getting sorted and a nice cool shower overpowered anything else she wanted to do, or was going to ask. Brittany agreed and left upstairs to unpack.

–

Shower was taken, clothes were put away, makeup and accessories were placed. Everything was completed and now she could just relax in the hues of soft pink and fairy lights. It was past 7 and even still the california sun poured in through lace curtains with its heat as stagnant as it was midday. It was going to take some getting used to, New York's yesterday felt like a walk in the autumn breeze compared to LA's today which was beginning to feel like walking through hellfire.

To cool down Brittany wore a tank top and linen shorts. It was good foresight of her to have taken out her summer clothes way earlier than her sisters. Summertime was Brittany's time, so she had actually replaced her winter clothes back in March when the temperature had just risen. Her sisters hadn't even begun thinking of summer and they're pretty much in June now. Soon enough they're going to be battling the humid air while sorting their winter and fall clothes. She laughed a little imagining the scenario.

Maybe I should call home. Jeanette at the very least deserves a call.

And without another thought her phone was ringing. She plopped herself, tummy first onto her bed and pulled out a magazine to read.

"Hello?" She heard Jeanette's muffled voice through the line.

"Hi Jean."

"Hi Brittany."

"I was just calling to let you know I made it, and Miss Miller says hi."

"Oh, that's great Britt. Let her know I said hi back!"

"Sure thing," Brittany flipped a page absent-minded, "And I just thought to let you know you should probably take out your summer clothes."

"Oh, good idea." Jeanette's voice was becoming more muffled, "Also I should let you know that I'm taking up night shifts at the library. I won't be able to pick up anymore calls starting 6pm to 2am."

"2am?" Brittany's mind returned to her head as she heard her sister. "What kind of library stays open till 2 in the morning? That's ridiculous!"

"The library is technically open till 12, the 2 hours are for cleaning, organising, summer events planning, –"

"Okay! I get it." Brittany shook off the disbelief, but it was crazy to think a library would be open so late. Nerds.

"I'm actually working right now, so I have to cut the call. Talk tomorrow?"

"Sure,"

"And you should also talk to Elea–"

Brittany hung up before Jeanette could finish her sentence. The more she pushes it the less she will abide. When Eleanor realises her mistake and calls her to apologise, then Brittany will gladly talk to her. But for now it's radio silence between the two.

So now that she's dealt with the necessity use of her phone, it was time to clock back into her social life. She hadn't been active since the breakup, which was about three days ago. This is the longest she's been away from her insta, snap and messages so she wasn't shocked to see a bombardment of notifications.

After opening many messages and sending her delayed replies, she figured out the gist of it. Great minds think alike, as her highschool friends have also landed in LA from wherever they had moved to after graduation. It was going to be like a one year reunion and they invited Brittany to a hangout. She was very much looking forward to getting out of the house, even after spending less than half the day here. You can tell she's not much of a homebody.

Brittany is a socialite. She needs the hot air in her face and the sound of chatter running through her ears. She garnered the eyes of every friend and stranger, she knew she was meant to be seen. And in those eyes she felt alive, she felt real. Sometimes even unreal. Whether it was the eyes of lust or jealousy, she knew she was the centre of their focus in that moment. Attention was her drug, a very addicting drug. Especially since at home she was a blend of the background. Her presence was acknowledged, but not burned for. She didn't reach the level of flying she did out there, she was always just floating in here. Here she felt boring.

Now if there's one other person who could relate to her it was…

A flash of red glimmered in her peripheral vision and followed by the sound of an engine diminishing.

And Brittany felt her heartbeat accelerate. Without even taking a look outside, she knew who's car had just pulled in. That signature red could not be mistaken. A bold colour mirroring his equally bold personality and with an ego so bloated it rivalled her own. Alvin Seville. Childhood friend, rival, frenemy and at one point lover. Like a wildfire, he was turning to ash every other thought of hers, including Bart Crawford. She knew she was in trouble when she felt her cheeks flush that very red he always flaunted.

Get a grip, Brittany.

Why was she getting all worked up? She hated the colour red and the boy who came with it. She hated the way they ended. She hated him. That fact was more solid than her temperament.

She hasn't seen him since they broke things off permanently, besides a few unavoidable glimpses here and there. Being in the same school didn't help much with her, "I don't ever want to see you again!" statement.

However, she said that nearly two years ago now, so it doesn't feel like it would still be in effect any longer. They are adults now, responsible enough to put the past behind and move on. Perhaps they can move forward on friendly terms. To get Alvin on the same platonic boat as her would only be an attainment of her vow. Working to mend a broken relationship means she would be working on herself. You only grow as a person by resolving conflict in your life, right? She didn't necessarily have to like him to do it, take Rachel McAadoms and Ryan Gosling for example: They hated working with each other on 'The Notebook', but their on-screen chemistry was unbelievable, and they both made millions off it. Sure, Brittany wasn't about to make any money off of this, but to see Eleanor's reaction to the new and improved Brittany Miller would be priceless. And who knows, giving Alvin the benefit of the doubt he could be a much more mature person to deal with now.

So she quickly fixed herself up as she heard the series of voices and footsteps approaching her house. Reapplying her lip gloss she started on her way down the stairs and to the front door where Miss Miller eagerly opened the door.

First Dave walked in, carrying a silver wrapped bowl and the aroma of his famous chicken stew. Right behind him tumbled in Theodore, holding a silver tray with some red hot pasta. Next was Simon, holding up a container of vanilla cake. And last but not least… the door shut. No Alvin?

Her heart suddenly dropped and she overcame with a feeling of disappointment. Quickly trying to hide it and unsure why she felt so strongly about it she recovered well enough to greet the boys. She just hopes her reaction wasn't so obvious. Not very A-typical of Alvin.

"Brittany, great to see you. You look great."

She snapped out of her misjudgement of Alvin to Simon's compliment. His voice sounded a lot deeper, she almost mistook it for Dave's. He didn't look much like the same nerd he used to be in highschool. Simon had always been tall, but he looked like he had grown a couple inches since. His eyes are now framed by a new pair of glasses, and his hair was slightly longer than he used to keep it. He looked more charming, she was definitely going to tell Jeanette about this.

"Thank you, Simon! And look at you! You look like you've broken some hearts." She said slyly, teasing him. Simon may be the smartest person she knew, but he wasn't so smart at taking compliments.

He just awkwardly took it and began to rub the back of his neck, "Thanks."

"Theo, wow you definitely hit a growth spurt huh?" She said as she noticed her normally shorter friend is almost the same height as her.

"Yeah, better late than never. Your hair looks longer!" Theodore's voice also sounded an octave lower.

Chubby little Theodore, was now almost as tall as her and looks as if he lost a little weight too. His blonde hair was also grown out more than usual and his innocence seemed a little less childish. He sure has grown up. Their gene potential was being reached to the fullest.

Everyone aside from Dave and Miss Miller seemed to have changed. She wonders if Alvin has as well, appearance wise that is, she knows he's still a jerk at heart.

"Longer and darker. I got it coloured to bring out my natural auburn colour, it was getting too light. I think it brings out my eyes."

"You'd be right." Simon stated in his astute manner.

"It's too bad Eleanor and Jeanette couldn't make it," Theodore began, "How are they anyways?"

"Oh they're fine. They couldn't get any vacation time for the summer since they used it for Fall and Winter."

"Oh, well tell them hi for us." Simon added.

This gave Brittany the perfect opportunity to ask about Alvin in turn for her sisters. So it wouldn't sound as if she really cared, "How's Alvin?"

There was a pause and quick look exchanged between the two, before the brother's gave an answer.

"He's working late." Simon answered, with an expression Brittany couldn't quite make out.

Working late my ass. He probably doesn't even have a job. Just too scared to face me. She silently assumed of him.

"Alright kids, we could use some help in the kitchen!" Dave called out from the kitchen.

Before Brittany could interject with anything, the two boys were heading in the direction of the kitchen followed by Brittany.

–

The clock read 11:10pm and Alvin was still 'working late'. What kind of job besides the library Jeanette works at is open till this late? She couldn't help but feel irritated by his absence, and then feel irritated by her feeling irritated by his absence. So much for healing relationships. Maybe it's better off this way.

The dinner party was just concluding and it went through without much of a hitch. There was only the strange disappearance of Miss Miller a couple times through the meal, nothing too out of the ordinary. Simon and Theodore went on about their experiences in university just a couple hours drive away. Their summer internships and more school related stuff. She mostly tuned out a lot of it. She just couldn't get the lingering feeling of Alvin to leave her head. Lighting a small candle of hope that he would walk in super-late. But kept blowing it out when she felt irked.

And now it was the end of dinner. And the Seville's were gathering their trays and dishes to leave. She enjoyed their visit, but didn't really bring any thrill to the evening. So she excused herself as soon as she heard the door shut and the last voice faded away.

Miss Miller was just as ready for bed as she was.

–

It was now almost 12am and Brittany had just gone through her socials once more, confirming her hangout planned for tomorrow. Now that all that's dealt with she was going to fall into her beauty sleep. Except she couldn't. She's getting this nagging feeling she's forgetting something important.

…

School!

She almost forgot, homework! She had signed up for two important classes which she needed to pass in order to maintain her scholarship. She wanted to get started on her assignments ahead of time so she could spend the day at the mall tomorrow. So Brittany bit her lip looking at the clock. Not that anything was due today, she could just get on it later tomorrow. A fresh mind is a good mind for school. Besides, her vow was still intact. So with her mind made up she went to grab a cool cup of ice water before finally hitting her soft pink sheets and extra feathered pillow.

That's weird…

Brittany was now on her way back upstairs when she noticed Miss Miller's light still on. Today was a long day and she did go to bed around 11:30, so being up for another 30 minutes isn't too weird. But she knows Miss Miller sleeps as soon as her head makes contact with her pillow. Which would have been 30 minutes ago.

Being tired herself, Brittany just raised a brow and continued back upstairs. She will ask Miss Miller about it tomorrow. Maybe she's growing out of her old habits, maybe she has really changed. And with a final yawn Brittany switched off her lamp and awaited the next day to arrive. Summer is really going to begin now.

A/N

This chapter was long, I feel like it was kinda boring but I'm tryna set up the ground work. Hopefully I'm able to pick it up in the coming chapters.

And little side note if you guys have any questions about anything that confused you, I'd be glad to clear it up. No spoilers tho. Like the part where Brittany darkened her hair, it's just the same colour as it is in my IWDWS story. I just hear people with reddish hair dye it a lot to make the colour more powerful. Or you could just imagine whatever you want.

Next chapter hopefully comes soon. But like I said no guarantees, sorry!

Andddd if any of you guys have seen my profile, you know I'm a big fan of 'Two for the road' by KnK4891. I actually made a fan-art for it if ya'll wanna check it out on my IG: attempteddrawingsss or Tiktok: attempteddraws