"You two be safe and have fun!" called Cathy, as she dropped JJ and Nikki off at the end of the street Echo and her family lived on. A well-kept apartment block in front of them, the security guard stationed there keeping an eye on them as if waiting to see if the pair of teenagers would enter the apartment building or move on down the street. Both Nikki and JJ waved to their mother, as she turned the car around and drove off, after which the duo began to make their way down the quiet upper-class street. The further they got the more confused JJ become, Nikki could only grin, even more so when she spotted some of the others wandering around, confusion painted on their features as they questioned the google maps app.
"Need help?" asked Nikki, a friendly smile painted on her lips, as the group of Seth, Roman, Dean, Drew, Miz, Maryse, Renee, and Summer, looked in her direction, relief seemingly washing over each of them, as they found comfort at seeing Nikki there. The older of the Bella twins suspected Aleister, Cross, Becky, AJ, and Punk along with Finn, Corey, and Carmella were likely already at Echo's, or at least were having less trouble finding the place due to being with someone who'd already been there. Or had been there themselves before. "You've already passed it if you've come up this far" laughed Nikki, beginning to lead the group of confused teenagers down the upper-class street with a caring smile upon her painted lips. JJ hung back to talk to some of the group members whereas Drew quickened up to walk to Nikki's side.
"Wait, is this the right place?" questioned JJ, seeing some of the boys he'd been talking to, were just as surprised as him, if not more so. The large family home seemed almost out of place with its black and white exterior compared to the white and beige houses surrounding it. The former cheerleader nodded with a sweet smile before walking up the garden path, the other teenagers following quietly behind, almost in awe and still surprised. Echo's mother greeted the group at the front door, welcoming all of them to the family home, as well as introducing herself to those visiting for the first time.
With gentleness, Isabelle gave JJ clear directions to get to where her triplet sons were. Mere seconds later she directed the older teenagers to the basement stairs. Informing them Echo and the others already there would be found in the large common area down there. Seth grinned upon walking down the carpeted stairs, noticing the fairy lights lining the walls, almost as if they were Christmas decorations the family forgot to take down from the festive holiday. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs the group was welcomed by Echo, being greeted with the sight of Aleister and Finn participating in a dance-off of sorts with Cross and AJ. Punk filmed the entire thing with Becky watching on with amusement.
At the Bella Residents, the group of cheerleaders making up Brie's entourage had arrived, each with smiles and a different outfit to what they were wearing during the school day. Serenity looked around amazed, comparing the beautiful two-story family home, to the cramped apartment she shared with her mother. A home she was too embarrassed to invite friends over to. Daniel and his group of trusted boys soon arrived too, joining the girls in the midst of their random conversation about the dances after Homecoming. Cameron suggested they should all go prom dress shopping together, with each agreeing to go on a specific date, so they had a chance at getting a good dress rather than being left to pick from the dresses no one else wanted.
"So how's Homecoming planning going," asked Daniel, upon the group of popular boys joining the girls in the living room. Almost instantly the friendly atmosphere turned awkward and tense as all turned their attention to Nattie, Serenity, Tyson, and Jinder. The two teenage boys didn't seem all that bothered by it, instead ignoring the question entirely as they knew Brie and likely Daniel to an extent would throw a tantrum upon finding out whatever the girls had planned during the summer was likely going to be obsolete.
"The normal theme was voted out. Not evening going to be considered for this year's event" complained Natalya, playing with her blonde locks to try and settle her growing nerves. Serenity was at her side still furious she hadn't been given control and been practically ignored when she'd stood up to share the plan with everyone else. "Neither of us was voted leader of the committee either" continued the Canadian native, all but refusing to speak the name of the teenager selected as leader. Even more so when all knew Brie and Daniel would have a hard time pushing the teenager in question around.
"That's not a problem. After all me and Brie always get our way" confidently voiced Daniel, as if unaware one of the teenagers he considered his mortal enemy was even on the committee let alone the selected leader. "I'm sure after we've spoken to them, they'll see our view on things and agree to the plans you girls made over the holidays" continued the former football star, setting his sights on being a member of the swim team and making it great again, or at least his point of view. Something he branded easier due to Seth Rollins not signing up this year, instead his focus was on the wrestling team.
"Good luck with that" commented Rusev, chuckling upon realizing neither Brie nor Daniel had noticed who had been bestowed the leadership badge. Thrust showed just how little they paid attention to those around them, especially those they didn't consider worthy of friendship. "Echo is the committee leader" added the Bulgarian teen, watching as the confidence Brie and Daniel had mere seconds ago, was replaced with frustration and realization. The plans Brie and some of the girls made would be nearly useless unless something drastic was done. Even the prospect of Brie and Daniel being crowned homecoming king and queen was now being called into question. Both teenagers knew the stubborn teen in question wouldn't comply with their thought-out plans without good reason to, even more so given their turbulent history.
"Looks like we've got things to fix and another mess to clear up" muttered Daniel, handing Brie the white homecoming folder she and the girls had made over the summer holidays. The careful decoration on the front suggested the group of teenagers had been looking forward to the committee before it was revealed most of them had been banned from it, after the disaster the previous year. New rules are also being implemented, ensuring those on the committee were specially selected by the teaching staff. Brie soon reached for her phone, the glittery case sparkling in the glowing sunlight from the sunset outside. The cheerleader scrolled through her phone until she found the insulting name she'd recently changed Nikki's to, a name that changed to suit the mood she was in at any given moment.
"Put Echo on" demanded Brie, the moment the phone had been answered and Nikki's laughter-filled voice rang through. The others surrounding Brie could hear the music through the phone and the voices of several others. The group of mismatched teenagers sounded like they were having a fun party, complete with terrible singing and lots of jokes. "It's important Nicole" yelled the cheerleader when Nikki asked what the intruding call was about. AJ's voice was soon heard, although her words were inaudible compared to the laughter and music masking everything. Everything soon fell silent, with Brie yelling in frustration as someone had hung up on her.
"Leave it to me" muttered Cena, knowing it was pointless to try calling Nikki from his phone. She'd blocked him months ago, ensuring she'd never have to deal with excuses or attempts to pull her down further than he already had. Instead, Cena found the numbers of Drew, Seth, Dean, and Roman. Calling them all one by one until someone answered. He'd called Miz as well but found out he'd already been blocked when the call went straight to voicemail. "Roman. Its Cena. Listen I was wondering if I could talk to Echo, it seems there might have been a mix-up with the homecoming committee. Figured we'd get it sorted before it becomes a bigger problem" casually spoke Cena, wondering if the Samoan teen would put the gothic girl on. To his surprise, Roman had simply answered there was no mix-up, just as he confirmed he wasn't going to do as requested either. Even more so when it was so obvious Brie and Daniel would make demands and want things their way without considering anyone else.
Seth's voice in the background confessing the dance wouldn't be focusing on the swim team this year. Something both Natalya and Serenity would already know if they cared enough to pay attention during the committee sessions. The moment both Brie and Daniel began to shout and yell, Roman politely said goodbye and hung up, refusing to answer when Cena and the others tried to call back. Seth and Dean appear to have followed in Nikki and Miz's footsteps by blocking the entitled group of cheerleaders and jocks.
"I'm gonna talk to Michelle. Maybe she won't be such a bitch about it" angrily growled Brie, finding the actions of her twin sister and people she'd once considered friends frustrating beyond belief. Although she questioned if they were doing it to protect Echo or her. After all, it was no secret Echo's wrath could be far worse than anything she and the popular cheerleaders could think of. The more popular jocks had still yet to heal from her revenge the year prior. Although it seemed Echo wasn't as bitter to everyone under the popular banner as she once was, Drew, Miz, Seth, Dean, and Roman seemed to be building a friendship with her, all be it slowly. "If that doesn't work maybe taking it to Stephanie will" added the younger of the Bella twins, once again being oblivious to the obvious, despite it all but screaming at her.
Back at the Black Residents, the senior-year students had begun to play the childish games selected. Snakes and Ladders had already been played and packed away, now it was time for twister. The music had been turned up again, as the group set their sights on ignoring what Daniel, Brie, and their never-ending flow of friends wanted, instead, they focused on having as much fun as possible. Echo had once again skipped off to the small bar, acting as a makeshift barmaid for the night, even when the small area was only stocked with soft and fizzy drinks. The gothic teen had been thankful for the quieter area, as she had time to hear her own thoughts and assess how the extended group reacted to finally knowing the secret she'd kept for so long. A secret only a handful had known prior.
Seth soon joined the midnight-haired teen at the bar, taking a seat on one of the high stools there. Following the house rules and ensuring none of the newly laid carpets were stained or ruined. An empty cola bottle stood to the side of the sink, freshly washed and likely ready to be used for the planned game of spin the bottle Drew had suggested. Echo soon placed a tall glass in front of Seth, complete with a little umbrella and straw, the same tropical-tasting drink he'd been sipping on since arriving. She held another glass out for Nikki, her favorite one and her normal choice of drink when visiting. This one a blue fizzy drink.
"Suits you" spoke Seth, when he took his black cap off and placed it on Echo's head. The silver patterning on the front seemingly complimenting the gothic teen's style. Echo offered a confused but cheeky grin, as she turned the cap around, wearing it backward but questioning why Seth had given it to her, even more so when he'd always been so protective of his baseball caps. Her trail of thought had been interrupted by Punk yelling out. AJ's plan finally coming to fruition. The petite brunette had been laying towels across the floor since arriving, as she inconspicuously tried to get Punk to stand where the towels were. Finally, she'd gotten him with the yellow water balloon.
"Oh, she's fast" spoke Dean, as Echo ran past him, heading towards the patio doors leading to a deck area. Seth chased her, as he pulled his hood back down. Although he still felt the tingly burn on his cheek, from the sweet kiss the gothic teen had placed there. Nikki chuckled, grinning widely at seeing one of her best friends finally accept Seth, even playing cute little games with him. Aleister had made a comment about a tree house, as Seth had darted past, thrust cluing the two-toned teenager where the midnight-haired teen was likely heading or could hide.
"Drew" called Carmella, looking to the taller Scottish teen a wickedly mischievous grin upon her lips, one that could rival Dean's on a good day. "Truth or dare?" asked the beautiful cheerleader, her smile unmoved as she waited patiently for the star athlete to respond. Their friends around them sitting in a circle in the center of the large room, Aleister calling for Seth and Echo to return, calling them love birds. Seth's cheeks heated up as he re-entered the large basement room, whereas the midnight-haired teen in front of him, act as she normally did when around friends, playful and confident. "I dare you to kiss the prettiest girl in the room" spoke Carmella, upon Drew answering her previously asked question with Dare. The Scottish teen merely shrugged his shoulders to the simple dare, before shuffling over to where Nikki sat next to Echo. There he gave her a quick kiss, to the choir of awes and comments of how cute it was.
"Summer. Truth or Dare?" asked Drew upon returning to his spot between Roman and Finn, the Irish teen who had acted as Nikki's protector for months, seemingly happy for the pair. It was clear he like many had seen Drew wanted to be more than friends with the older Bella twin, but he faced a similar conundrum as Seth did with Echo. "I dare you to do your best impersonation of Aleister" voiced the star athlete, seeing Aleister's general intrigue. By far he was under the impression he'd be the easiest to impersonate, most of the time, he'd be watching from the shadows, his best glare on standby to scare away anyone that meant harm.
Summer accepted the dare with elegance, shaking her head a few times before putting on a moody expression and glaring at the star athlete. The deadly glare was enough to send a shiver down even the toughest man's spine. Cross's manic laughter soon put an end to the impersonation, with Aleister complimenting the leggy blonde on her portrayal of him, citing the death glare as his favorite part.
"Roman. Truth or Dare?" voiced Summer, a soft grin coming to her lips upon noticing Finn had switched places with Nikki, allowing Drew to be close to her. Seth had also switched places with Dean, allowing the lunatic teenager to be next to his girlfriend Renee and Seth to sit next to their party host. The Samoan teen thought about his answer for a few seconds before choosing the risky option of truth. Despiting knowing there was a possibility he could be faced with admitting his darkest secrets to those surrounding him. "Is it true, you, Seth, and Dean secretly helped Echo with her revenge last year?" asked Summer, curious to know the answer. Seth and Dean merely looked at each other, as if questioning how Summer knew they'd played a part in helping the gothic teen, much like Drew had done when he'd filmed all of it and posted the videos to YouTube.
"Yup" replied Roman with confidence, not being afraid to admit all three known as the Hounds had helped. Although they'd not been as obvious as Drew had been. Roman's attention soon turned to Echo, seeing her confusion clearly displayed. Just as it was plain for all to see, she hadn't been aware of others under the popular banner helping her. "I was the one who wrote down all the secrets and taped them to your locker. Seth posted the videos Drew didn't and Dean there kept the others out of it as much as possible. All three of us made a pact. If you were punished for the revenge, we'd tell the staff what they did to deserve it" admitted the Samoan teen, hearing Echo's thank you and showing her appreciation for the help.
"I knew you three were rebels at heart" commented Becky, a light-hearted laugh escaping her soon after, she displayed her pride in knowing with a cheeky grin and high-fiving the three teenagers. Although they'd been subtle about it, they'd helped, even if that meant turning on the people they'd once been grouped with. "Most surprising rebels here are Miz and Maryse" declared the Irish teen, recalling she'd been surprised when Carmella mentioned the A-list pair had opted to join them, although Miz was known for his outspoken ways, he never seemed to have the inclination to stand up to the royal couple of the senior year.
"Never had a reason to fight until now" admitted Maryse, displaying although she'd not outwardly shown her dislike for Brie and Daniel, besides avoiding them in favor of helping younger students. She hadn't agreed with what the so-called royal couple had chosen to do to others. How the pair let their power go to their heads. "All of us being together, being confident in ourselves and each other, it does more than rebel against Brie and Daniel, it does more than rebel against a stupid hierarchy. It gives younger students still trying to find themselves and their place hope, it shows them, they don't have to compromise and change who they are to please others. Whether any of you realize it or not, creating this group. It's given others a chance to have what we didn't. It's given them the chance, freedom, and confidence to be who they are and not be ashamed of it. It gives hope to younger students and started a change that's worth fighting for" explained the French-Canadian teen, a softness about her as she spoke from her heart. As she described what the group of miss-matched teenagers had unwittingly done for those in the year groups below them.
"To change" voiced Nikki, holding up her glass of blue fizzy liquid.
"To being proud of who we are" added Miz, doing the same as Nikki with his nearly empty glass.
"To each other" called Punk, joining in. A grin appeared on his lips as the group clicked their glasses together as a small toast. Almost as if they made a silent promise to keep the fight for change going. Even more so now Maryse had opened their eyes to what they had unknowingly started and the hope they brought to others.