Letting My Imagination Run

He sauntered out the jail with such a cockiness, such a sure of himself smirk on his face that if the guards had had any sense they would have turned him around and marched him right back inside. Instead, Noelle watched as Tyler made his way toward the car she was perched on the hood of. 

“How’d you get out?” 

“I have friends in low places.” 

“Why didn’t you call Elliott?” 

“Who do you think was the friend?” 

It was Noelle’s turn to smirk as Ty stopped, his legs pressed to her. “Besides, he can barely drive.” She pushed at his chest and slid off the hood of the car. He was dirty, but in a rugged way that he always pulled off. His blonde hair shaggy and his clothes, the same from when he got picked, smelled like stale beer and cigarettes. On anyone else it would’ve disgusted her, but Tyler.. It made him even more appealing. Despite it being her car, Noelle threw the keys at him. “Let’s go before they change their mind.” He caught them with ease, giving a sarcastic bow before getting in the driver’s seat. 

It had been a cheap thing he had gotten picked up on. A raided party, a cop recognized him, disturbing the peace was an easy grab and it was even easier for Ty to get out of, but still. The whole thing had been incredibly annoying. Noelle had been there with him, of course, so had the others. She helped them make a get away and when the cops had come up to her, it was clear that Noelle Slater, Martin Slater’s daughter, wasn’t going anywhere. And while she could talk herself out of the situation, she wasn’t having the same luck with Ty. He could’ve left, but he let them take him in. She’d feel just guilty enough that she’d post his bail and come pick him up. Pathetic, sure, but it had worked like a charm.

Noelle rolled the windows down, letting the sticky summer air take away some of the grime from the jail. Her hair blew over her shoulder as Tyler peeled out of the parking lot and onto the freeway. She closed her eyes and let the breeze cool her while they drove, a soft smile on her face. 

Tyler looked over at her to say something and his words caught in his throat. She had to know what she looked like, what seeing her like this did to him. She had to, she was too smart for all this to be an accident. He must have stared one moment too long because Noelle lolled her head to the side and opened her eyes. “How’s the road?” Tyler swore silently to himself. “I’m starving, we’re stopping for food.” and he pulled off at the nearest diner, practically causing them whiplash to pull into a parking spot. He just needed to get out of the car. 

Noelle was stretching when Tyler leaned on the roof of her car to look over at her. “Where did you tell everyone you were going today?” There was no way it was to come pick him up, Addie at the very least would never had missed an opportunity to make fun of him coming out of jail. Noelle looked over the roof of the car at him, “Gynecologist appointment.” she said simply earning her a laugh and a shake of the head from Tyler.  “That’s one way to get me by yourself.” Earning him an eyeroll from Noelle, “Let’s get you food, you’re getting delirious.” 

The pair walked into a diner that looked like it came out of a TV show from the 50s. Peeling red booths around w dinow lined room, a bar with stools sitting at the front. Through a door off to the side of the bar went a back area that looked like a dive bar.  Noelle felt like she was in that one Beyonce music video and it was thrilling. Everything with Tyler was thrilling. There was a sense of danger, a sense of rebellion that she absolutely loved flirting with. It was what had gotten her in trouble in the first place with him and would eventually be her undoing. She was positive Tyler knew it too, he had to. And it was just as fun for him as it was for her.

She looked at the menu that took up half the table Tyler looked at her. “Can’t remember what I look like after a day and a half? You may want to get that looked at.” He shook his head and looked down at his own menu. “I’m just trying to figure out why you came to get me.”

“You called me, remember?” 

“And since when do you come when you’re called?” 

Noelle felt her cheeks flush and deeply, deeply hoped that her summer tan was enough to hide it. The waitress that came over to take their order was her saving grace. “Pancakes please, a side of fruit and a coffee.” She didn’t hear Tyler’s order, she was too busy trying to steady her heartbeat back down to it’s average pace. 

Tyler looked back across the table at her and took a sip of his water. The straw stayed against his lips as he looked at her. He didn’t need powers to see he had gotten under her skin just a little bit and he relished that. It was a game they were constantly at and being able to tell when he, with out a doubt, gained a point on her was part of the reason he wouldn’t end it. It was too fun.

“Why’d you call me?” Noelle asked, calm and collected, getting back on topic.  looking Ty right in the eye. Whatever his answer was, it wouldn’t rattle her. She didn’t know why she wanted the dangerous answer to be the one she heard. Tyler held her gaze, he was one of the few who would, “You know why.” 

“I want you to say it.” 

But he would never say it and neither would she. Noelle learned that her freshman year when he broke her heart and she had been naive enough to let him do it. Tyler studied her and then just leaned back in the booth as casually as if he would’ve told her the sky was blue. “I figured you owed me after letting me get picked up like that. Daddy’s power couldn’t save everyone?” Before she could point out how unfair that was, Tyler added on “or maybe it was just a very detailed plan to spend a whole day with me away from everyone’s eyes?” 

Two points Tyler. 

Noelle just shook her head, “While I would do plenty to get you alone, that’s one step too far and you’re the one who suggested to make this a day by tacking on food.” She pointed out as the waitress brought out their orders. Tyler hadn’t heard anything after her first sentence. 

One point Noelle. 

The two ate in silence for a little while, both far hungrier than either of them realized when they entered the diner. Both thought about the other. Noelle about how all of this was sure to embarrass her if she kept it up and Tyler about what exactly she would do to get him alone. 

The music coming out of the bar in the back finally switched to something of the past three decades and the caught each others eyes mid bite. Noelle flushed, Tyler grinned. “Dance with me?” He reached out his hand to help her out of the booth and Noelle only thought for a moment or two if it was worth it before taking it. 

They ran to the incredibly empty and very sticky back bar and Tyler took her by her waist. The two danced and Tyler twirled Noelle around, matching carefree grins on their faces. He pulled her into him and put an arm around her tightly. Noelle looked up at him, blue meeting purple, shining bright in this dark dingey room. 

“Don’t embarrass me.” repeated in Noelle’s head, inbetween plenty of other less G rated thoughts 

Tyler looked down at her with a knowing, cocky smile on his face. 

Addie and Jeb have their first big blow out and the rest of the gang has to pretend they’re surprised.

If anyone would’ve asked Rhody even a year ago if he would’ve been taking off work to go to parents weekend at his sisters university he would have laughed at them. The levels of which that was humorous were almost innumerable. Addie in college? Them being able to afford taking him off work? Addie actually caring about an organized school event? Having people she wanted him to meet? No it all seemed so improbable. And yet, here he was. Riding onto campus to surprise Addie for the weekend. 

She had brought up and assured him that it wasn’t a big deal, she didn’t even think anyone;s parents were coming, but if he could come it may be fun. Rhody could read between the lines. It wasn’t like she was ever going to bother to ask their parents, but clearly it was something she wanted to be a part of. Sure she would be fine if he couldn’t come, she always was, but it would be nice. He had told her that he wasn’t sure and eventually she had dropped it. Addie had stopped asking for extra from Rhody. Not because he didn’t pull through or because she didn’t want it, but because at the end of the day it didn’t seem fair when he did everything under the sun for her. But for once, Rhody could make this. 

That was how he ended up standing outside of a random apartment on a college campus to surprise Addie. When he had decided to make the trip, he figured it was best to surprise her. If something did come up, he didn’t have to disappoint her twice. A girl with black hair and markings opened the door. He had been sent enough pictures he recognized her as Akari. “Hey. Um.. Is Addie here?” The girl raised an eyebrow. “Who are you?” smart Rhody thought. “Im her brother? Rhody. I wanted to surprise her, I saw shes here.. Here.” He passed over his phone that he could see their conversation and the GPS to prove who he was. 

“Oh my god!” She clearly believed him. “Come in. Come wait in the kitchen I’ll go get her. She’s going to freak out she was so disappointed you couldn’t come tomorrow. Not that she really talked about it, but you know you can tell.” Rhody actually didn’t know. He could tell when Addie was upset but with everyone else, he had always known Addie to be incredibly closed off. This group must be different. He followed Akari to the kitchen while Akari kept going to the back yard where everyone was sitting around studying and hanging out. “Addie? Can you come help me with drinks?” Rhody could hear Addie even from the kitchen. “Why doesn’t Tyler ever help? It’s his apartment.” Rhody smirked. Atta girl. “Because you can float things dumbass. So we can carry more. Just come help.” Addie must have agreed because Akari pushed the door open wider a second later to let someone in. 

It took Addie a moment to process what she was seeing, but the moment she did she screamed. “No way. No you’re not here. No way!” She ran at at Rhody and jumped at him, clinging on like she was a kid again. Her screams had summoned the rest of the yard and the entire rest of the gang came filing in at record speed. Addie wa still clinging onto Rhody even though her feet had made it back to the ground. She wasn’t ready to share him with her friends just yet. “You said you couldn’t come.” Rhody tried to pry Addie off of him, but it was pretty clear that that wasn’t going to happen until she was ready. “I wasn’t sure if I could get off work and I didn’t want to get your hopes up.” 

“So you’ll be here all weekend?” Lydia asked from her spot by the door. Her voice seemed to snap Addie back to the kitchen where she turned just in time to see Lydia exchange a look with Noelle. Jeb was also there looking like he was going to throw up and everyone else just looked confused. “Oh my god! Wait you have to meet everyone.” Even though that was clearly already going to happen. “Okay so-” She started pointing people off, “- you met Akari, but that’s Nate in the back next to Tyler? They live here, Ty helps tutor me sometimes.” Most of the time, because her and Jeb had gotten frequently less productive, but she left that bit out. “And then Noelle, Nate’s sister and Kai her boyfriend.” Of course Rhody knew everyone from the pictures Addie sent and posted, but she was so excited he just let her continue to go on. “Lydia and Elliott and..” Addie stopped at the sight of Jeb, but Tyler nudged him and he seemed it pull it together. “Jeb.” He said, stepping forward and clearing his throat before shaking Rhody’s hand. “Addie talks about you all the time. It’s nice to meet you.” He sounded like a southern gentleman, causing Addie to beam while the rest of the group held back laughter. 

“She talks about all of you too. It’s good to finally be here.” Addie was just beaming up at her brother, none of her friends made a joke about what she could have possibly shared with him or how much they talked. “Well listen, man, we have pizza coming. You’re welcome to stay.” Ty offered, looking at his watch to see when the pizza actually was going to arrive because the more they talked the more hungry he got. Rhody shook his head. “I was actually going to take her out to dinner, catch up a little. Thanks though.” He turned to Jeb. “Do you want to come with us?” That was the last thing Jeb could have ever expected and he gaped at the question. All eyes were on him, he could practically feel Kai’s glee at his discomfort and nerves. It was as simple yes or no but his brain seemed to short circuit. Luckily Addie came to his rescue without even trying to. “Um.. I’d actually really like to catch up just the two of us?” She turned back to Jeb, “If that’s okay? I mean we’ll come back after for the bon fire obviously.” Jeb wasted no time nodding his head. “No of course. It should just be you two. We can hang out later and umm..” He finally looked at Rhody. “I’d love to talk later, man, when you guys get back.” Rhody nodded with a smirk while Addie ran out back to get her books together. “So you’ll really be here all weekend?” Lydia asked again, her first question going unanswered. Rhody smirked. “Bonfire, tailgate, the whole 9.” The redhead seemed satisfied with that and glanced at Noelle while Ty and Kai glanced at each other from behind their backs. 

“Okay! I got it all, we’ll be back. Let me know if you need me to grab anything!” Ty nodded, a grin splitting across his face as he watched Addie drag Rhody off. He had done his best to step into Rhody’s shoes when Addie had gotten to school, and he thought he had done a good job, but there was clearly no one who was ever going to be as good as the real thing. The gang watched Addie get into Rhody’s truck and drive away in a stunned silence. Finally Elliott broke the silence. “Jeb you have to breathe you’re going to pass out.” to which Jeb responded with a punch as everyone started talking at once. 

“So he’s staying all weekend?” 

“Did anyone know he was coming?” 

“She didn’t say anything to me.” 

“Does this mean we have to clean?”

“So her parents are coming too then?” 

“I didn’t think she had parents.” 

The final comment caused Elliott and Tyler to exchange a look, but Jeb was the one who answered. “She has them, they’re just not really in the picture.” The group was silent for a moment. They all had their problems with their parents, but none were out of their lives at such young ages. And Addie would talk and talk about her brother, but never about her parents. They knew the youngest girl was always strapped for cash, but they had never thought too much into it. Jeb knew some, of course, and Elliott and Tyler had put some pieces together but none of them knew the extent. 

“Interesting..” Lydia finally said. “Well.. I think tonight is going to be very informative.” 

—---

While the gang back at the apartment ate pizza and got things ready for the party, Addie and Rhody sat in a booth at the best burger joint on campus while Addie talked a mile a minute. Her and Rhody talked as much as they could with her gone and him always working, but it still was never enough especially in comparison to having a captive audience. She was barely touching her food, but she was making sure that Rhody knew all about her lessons and working with Elliott, how Tyler had become a brother at school and how much Rhody would like him, how Kai had been her first friend, but his relationship with Noelle had recently made it a little distant. How Addie was positive Noelle didn’t actually like her and Addie was determined to change that. She didn’t like Lydia liked her either, but recently she has started coming around and even offered to help her get ready for a party. All of the drama with Noelle and her boys and Lydia and her boys. How everyone thought Nate really needed to have some fun, but Addie thought he loved having everyone around. That Akari was the coolest girl she had ever met and, of course, everything about Jeb. 

Rhody listened to everything and, for the first time in months, was able to actually watch his sister. She was clearly happy, the happiest he had maybe ever seen her. It seemed like she had lots of goals which was another positive change, even if none of those goals were necessarily school related. Addie had surrounded herself with a group that clearly cared about her and wanted her to succeed. It was all going much better than he could have ever suspected when he had left campus that first time. 

“Okay..” Rhody cut in when Addie finally came up for air and a sip of Rhody’s beer. “What do they know about you?” Addie raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? They know everything. They know we have powers and they know I work and they know I’m bad at school and they know that I’m probably the most fun thing that has come into any of their lives. Did I leave anything out?” 

The siblings looked at each other. They both knew exactly what Addie had left out. The younger siblings sighed. “I dont talk about mom and dad. Jeb knows they exist.. I let slip to Elliott that what side they work for but that’s it.” Rhody nearly slammed his beer on the table. “You what?” Addie hadn’t thought that any of it was a big deal until now and she was starting to get nervous. “He was.. When he agreed to let me work with him? He was giving me a hard time, acting like everyone was going to judge me or whatever and I got sick of it and I said you don’t work for anyone and they aren’t the good guys so he would shut up. That’s it. I swear.” She bit her lip. “That’s okay right?”

Rhody sighed. Addie had never had close friends, her slipping up about the family was nothing he had ever had to worry about before. “Yeah.. I mean just don’t give details. People could get the wrong idea, try to use you to get to them.” Addie scoffed. “They would neve come for me.” “But no one knows that. If you’re going to talk about who they work for, talk about who they are too. That’s all I’m saying.” Addie nodded. Neither voiced that Addie was much more likely to be used against Rhody one day than their parents, but both thought it. Nothing they could do about that at this point though, that ship had long sailed. 

Rhody finished off his beer while Addie finished off her onion rings. “You’re happy though?” Addie nodded quickly. “Probably the happiest I’ve ever been. My grades are even okay. I’m not failing anything and I think I even have an B in my psychology class?” Rhody could see it in her. The anger that had always fueled her seemed to have subsided. No doubt still there, but no longer the leading emotion. There was a light in Addie that he hadn’t seen since she had been a little kid. He nodded. “And Jeb?” She flushed. “Jeb is the nicest, funniest, most caring guy. He’s funny, he listens.. He just gets me. So you have to be nice to him tonight because he’s going to be nervous so please don’t mess with him.” 

Rhody held up a hand to say he surrendered. How could he be so hard on a guy that clearly was the cause for this light in his sister. “I’m just going to talk to him and get to know him. Nothing weird, promise.” Addie ndoded, satisfied. “But you’re being safe right?” Her head whipped around to see if anyone could hear them, even though the bar was plenty loud. “Can you not?”

 “it’s a yes or no question.” 

“oh my god.” 

“You can’t jeopardize all this by being stupid.” 

Addie put her head in her hands. “I’m not! I mean.. I’m not jeopardizing this. Yes it’s all safe now can we go? We’re going to be late.” 

—------------

In the time that Addie and Rhody were at dinner, the rest of the gang had housed a few pizzas and cleaned the apartment to an actually acceptable standard. And although the group stayed the same, the energy changed from day to night with a change of clothes and plenty of drinks put out on the counter. And even thought it was just their crew and fringe friends, all three of the older girls - and Jeb- were slightly more presentable than they would have been any other time. Something that absolutely did not go unnoticed by Elliott when everyone came back from showering and refreshing. 

“What The Bachelor comes to town and suddenly you have to get all dressed up? Are we not good enough for you?” He feigned offense with a look at Akari, but it was Lydia who answered. “Aw, babe, we’d get all dressed up for you too if we thought you’d ever stop looking in the mirror yourself to notice it.” It was a point that Elliott couldn’t really argue with so he grumbled something about going to get drinks and headed back towards the kitchen. Kai and Ty came in from helping in the back and greeted each of their girls respectively. The pang in Noelle’s gut when Ty kissed Lydia came as expected, but as usual she ignored it. It was getting harder and harder to do, but she was determined to hold out at least one more weekend before finally confronting her best friend. 

Kai could feel it, but he also knew it wasn’t anything personal or against him. He squeezed Noelle a little tighter. “Come on, let’s go check on Jeb.” A nod of agreement and Noelle and Kai headed towards the kitchen where Jeb had busied himself cleaning the counters and rearranging drinks time and time again. “You know whatever you do he isn’t going to like you right?” Kai earned a soft smack in the gut from his girlfriend for that one. “Stop, you don’t know that. Nate liked you right away!” a “no I didn’t” and a “no he didn’t” came from the two men simultaneously. “Wait what?” Noelle looked over at Nate who shrugged. “I didn’t like him. I didnt tell you because when have you ever listened to me about relationships but Kai knew.” Kai grinned. “I don’t blame him, have you met me?” Before Noelle could answer Jeb threw a clorox wipe at them. “None of you are helping.” 

“Hello?” Addie’s voice called from the other room. Jeb blanched, but Noelle had his back “Kitchen!” The brother and sister duo followed the voices to find the little party, all plenty amused, in the kitchen. “What did we miss?” Addie asked, walking over to give Jeb a hug and a kiss which was very stiffly returned. “Nothing, I think everyone else is out back.” Addie nodded and headed to the door but Jeb stayed back. “Um.. I want to talk to your brother real fast if that’s okay?” Addie just shrugged. She wasn’t going to make it a bigger deal than it was so she allied Noelle to pull her out into the yard while Kai followed them after mimicking choking to his younger brother. 

Jeb wanted to absolutely throttle Kai, but what good was that going to do for his case? So instead, he stood there as calm as possible until he was alone with Rhody. The older man grabbed a beer off the counter with a smirk. “What could you possibly have to talk to me about?” He asked, a knowing look towards the younger one. All Jeb wanted to do was crawl out of his body and die, but instead he took as deep a breath as he could without being noticeable. “I just wanted to say that.. Addie.. She’s great? And I wanted you to know that I care about her a lot and that I can’t believe she’s giving me the time of day but I’m glad she is. And that I’m a good guy, at least everyone tells me so and that I’m not trying to hurt-” Rhody held his hand up to cut Jeb off. “Dude. I’m not here to defend Addies honor. She can defend herself if she ever needed to. She could kick your ass before you even got a sentence out.” Jeb didn’t really have a response to that because it was definitely true so he just let Rhody continue. “I’m just asking that you don’t give her a reason to. Shes been through more than enough. Just be straight with her whatever it may be.” Jeb was confused. That wasn’t what he had expected, but it wasn’t bad either. “So.. you’re saying you’re fine or you want us to break up?” 

Rhody laughed. “No, I’m saying if it comes to that don’t draw it out or make it worse. But It doesn’t matter if I”m fine or not. Addie is a grown adult and have you ever tried to get her to do something she doesn’t want to do?” That felt like a trick question, but for once Jeb’s brain worked quicker than his mouth. “Studying mostly.” He admitted. Rhody nodded with a little smirk. “So then you know that it’s pointless. But for what it’s worth you seem fine.” The older one raised his beer before turning towards the bathroom. “I’ll meet you all out back.” 

There was no time wasted between Rhody turning around and Jeb bolting to the backyard. “AYYYE HE LIVES!” Elliott cheered as the door slammed behind Jeb. “KAI, LYDIA AND NATE TAKE A SHOT!” Jeb looked at his own brother as Addie slid comfortably under his arm. “Dude what the hell?” Lydia was the one who answered. “We figured you’d go ghost and really lose any sort of confidence you had in the situation.” Addie looked up and gave a little peck on his cheek. “Clearly I did not take the bet.” 

“For what it’s worth, neither did I.” Noelle pointed out. Fair as it was very un-Noelle to be on Jeb’s side. But there had been a shift in their relationship recently and she had softened towards him. Everyone could see it but no one bothered to point it out. “Addie wouldn’t let me take the bet.” Ty admitted as Rhody came to join the party. All of the other girls stood up a little straighter with their respective men sharing a glance. The only one that probably had anything real to be worried about was Tyler, but regardless none of the men were blind. The rest of the more fringe friends started showing up as the losers took their shots and the party was off. 

The cheers from beer pong and cornhole filled the backyard along with the music Elliott was DJing. The laughter, the mingling, the flirting. Rhody took a step back to take it all in. When he was supposed to go be a freshman in college, Addie had been 13. Going had never felt like an option for him. He took a second job, he got the little apartment, he got Addie out of their parents place by the time she was 15. And never had Rhody ever regretted the choices he had made and he would make them again because it what was right for both of them. But, standing in the backyard looking at what he had missed out on did tug at something that he thought he had made peace with long ago. “No one should be that deep in thought at this type of party.” 

Leave it to Lydia Reagan to pull him back to reality. Rhody looked down at the red head with a grin. “No, no I was just watching everyone and trying to figure out why so many people are actually horrible at cornole.” Lydia smirked and took a sip of her own drink. “I’m still trying to figure out why it’s even a game.” She was quiet for exactly two seconds before she just couldn’t help herself. “So what’s your story?” 

“You’re going to have to be more specific, we don’t have enough time.” 

“Fine. Did you go here like Addie?” The question was so ironic, Rhody remembered to ask someone if maybe she could read minds. “No it wasn’t for me. I worked instead. Didn’t think it was for her either but clearly.” He gestured to indicate that he was wrong. Lydia nodded. That was interesting. “What do you do then?” He had to give it to her, Lydia was clever. “I’m an EMT and then I work at a garage on off days.” The same kind of work ethic Addie hm constantly trying to get extra shifts and get as much as she could. It was no secret Addie didn’t come in like the rest of them, but maybe it was a lot worse off than any of them suspected. “EMT.. that’s kind of hot.” She was clever and shameless. If she hadn’t been one of the only real friends Addie had ever had, she would have been just his type. 

“And what about you? Hoping to become a national beer pong champion or what?” Lydia grinned. “That was the initial plan, but I couldn’t find a partner to keep up with me, so I settled on a doctor instead.” And she was smart. “Well as admirable as that is, you shouldn’t give up on your dream. Want to give it a shot?” He had knowingly played right into her hand, but maybe he didn’t actually care that much if she was Addie’s friend. “I’ll go claim next game.” Lydia walked away just as Addie was practically running up her brother. 

Whatever concoction was in her cup sloshed all over as cornered Rhody with drunken annoyance that Rhody had not missed having to deal with. “Are you kidding me?” She hissed with a  knowing look back at Lydia. “You’ve been here like 6 hours and already messing with one of my friends?” Rhody rolled his eyes. “Trust me she wants to be messed with.” Addie wrinkled her nose. “Ew.. Look I’m trying to figure out tomorrow morning? Where are you staying tonight?” He hadn’t actually thought about that at all. The possibility of actually getting to come had been so slight he hadn’t bothered with any details. He looked over at Tyler who was approaching and just shrugged. “The truck probably. Unless a motel has a cheap deal.” 

Before Addie could even ask, tyler seemingly read her mind. “No, man, that’s stupid. Sleep on our couch. Everyone is coming over tomorrow morning anyway, it’s probably just easier.” Rhody would have protested, but even in her inebriated state, Addie cut in before he ever had that chance. “Thank you! Oh you’re the best, I didn’t want to ask.” She gave a quick hug then ran off to find Jeb, Elliott and Akari without a word to the other two.

“You really don’t have to do that, my truck is actually more comfortable than it looks.” Tyler shook his head. “No really it actually works because you can help us clean up tonight.” He looked over at Rhody and stuck a hand out. “Tyler by the way. We met on-” “Move in day. Yeah I remember. Tough gig, offering to help move some boxes and then you got stuck with Addie apparently.” Ty grinned and looked over at the girl who was now arguing with Elliott over his music selection. “Guess I did. It’s fine though, she’s never boring.” Tyler actually had so much love in his heart for the younger girl who had only come into his life a few months previous. They had slipped so seamless into each others lives, filling sibling rolls for the other that neither knew needed filling. “I wanted to thank you for that actually.” Rhody was more serious than he had been the entire night. It had been something he had been practicing to say to Tyler for weeks. “I know Addie and for better or for worse she can be a lot to deal with. And I know she can handle herself, but I’ve always been able to see her every day, check in and I was worried about her. It’s just us you know and.. Well I don’t need to explain it, you understand.” Tyler nodded. Addie had told him more than any of the others. Thody continued. “But she started talking about you and telling me what you were doing for her just all that stuff and I started to feel a lot better so.. Just thanks for looking out for her for me.” 

Rhody downed the rest of the beer like that speech had, emotionally, taken 10 years off of his life. Tyler, meanwhile, wasn’t able to contain the smile that cracked over his face at the acknowledgment. “Well you know.. I didn’t come to college with the intention of essentially adopting a sister but best laid plans and all that.” Ty genuinely believed that he knew what it was like to not be an only child now that Addie was in his life. “Don’t mention it man. She’s a good kid.” Rhody nodded in acknowledgement and the two parted their ways without a further word. Rhody playing beer pong with Lydia and Akari and Noelle before finally stepped in out of sheer annoyance with all parties involved. 

The party died down and the group started to break up, each confirming their plans for the morning before making their way home. Addie squeezed Rhody and promised to bring breakfast in the morning. “Alright.. Text me when you get in. Get home safe.” He shot Jeb a look who nodded and stood up a little straighter like getting them both back was the most important task he was ever given. 

Noelle had spent nights thinking about the blow up at the party with Tyler that head to the tension between her and Kai. In any relationship she was the one that expected all the effort and attention be given to her. She would chastise the guy when they didn’t give it to her, and when the interest wasn’t returned she made it clear it was their loss. It never bothered her. She didn’t know why then Ty had such a hold on her. 

The first night after learning about all their friends, she had stayed with Jeb and the two had spent the night talking and researching. The previous night she had been alone and her mind was still racing. Now on night three, her mind had moved from what she had learned to what that could mean for her. The ruminating wasn’t fun anymore, it was stressing her out. She kept thinking about Elliott. He obviously wasn’t a good guy, but his motives all made sense to her. He was a lot like Rhody in that way. Lots of people would classify Rhody as a bad guy too, but Addie never would. Rhody fought for what he thought was right for everyone else around him. That seemed like what Elliott was doing too, but no outlet was ever going to report it in that light.

Jeb always talked about the hero world once he graduated. There was never any question where he was going to end up or what he wanted for himself. Kai didn’t talk about the future, but Addie couldn’t imagine that he would go full villian once they were out of school, now the previous night with Elliott confirmed those suspicions. She rolled over in bed for what felt like the hundredth time. She had no idea what she was going to do when she graduated. She had to integrate herself now or she would be completely stuck. It would have been so much easier if she hadn’t been born with powers. Her parents probably wouldn’t have been such assholes and all she’d have to worry about is what major she wanted to choose. In her actual life, her major barely even mattered at the end of the day. Addie rolled over again and grabbed her phone. 3:10am. This was useless. Addie got out ot of bed as quietly as she could without waking Emersyn. 

Her roommate slept in the bed next to her without a care in the world and Addie had to envy her. Her life was so normal, so care free. Nothing kept Emersyn up at night, all she had to worry about was waking up for her 8am class. It was probably why the two weren’t close. How was Addie supposed to connect with someone where half of her life was a secret? She floated a sweatshirt over to her and slipped on her shoes and slipped out of the room. The sun wouldn’t be up for hours and the campus was mostly deserted. The crisp air that was surrounding her and the lack of people could probably give her a calm mind for the first time in days. Addie walked aimlessly for, what she thought, was an hour but was only about 20 minutes. Finally she sucked it up and called Rhody. Voicemail. “Hi. I’m only leaving this so that you know nothing is wrong. I just can’t sleep and wanted to talk about.. Life.. I don’t know I’m tired. Be safe and call me tomorrow. Love you.” Addie sighed as she hit ‘end call’ and looked around the empty campus. She knew where she had to go. 

Addie had no idea when Elliott would be back for the night or if he already was, but Addie was more than willing to wait hot however long she needed to to talk to him. Under almost any other situation, she would need to talk to Ty. And maybe she still did. But after the incident earlier, she needed to talk to just Elliott. This would have been a lot easier if she knew where they all reconvened after a night of fighting. She figured it wasn’t the warehouse he had lead them to earlier, that would be too easy. But she felt weird sitting outside the frat all night so she went anyway. 

It was spot on. 

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to show up.” Eliott was peached on the upper level, looking down at her like the Cheshire cat. Addie leaned against the door, very nonchalantly, but also close to the exit. “So what you just stayed here every night waiting for me to come? You have my number, you could’ve saved yourself some time.” Elliott nodded like he couldn’t argue with that logic, but he just shrugged. “I wanted you to come on your own because you wanted to. So. Why did you come?” 

Addie wasn’t completely sure that she could voice why she had decided to come. She couldn’t sleep, she was thinking so much about the future. But why couldn’t she sleep? She couldn’t sleep because she wanted to be like Elliott and she hadn’t seen that as an option before. But voicing that outloud? She wasn’t sure if she was ready to yet. “I want to help.” Addie finally landed on. It wasn’t a lie. It was the only thing she knew for sure.

“Then go to Ty or Akari. They’re the ones that are helping the city.” Addie shook her head quickly. “I don’t fit in with that world. It..” She stopped for a few moments to try and search for the words. “I hate it? It’s so self important. They don’t help anyone. They help their image. They- not Ty and Akari specifically but the universal they- help themselves and use regular people to do it. I don’t want that.” Addie stopped for a breath. She hadn’t ever voiced those thoughts about the hero world because she knew they were unpopular. Somehow, she also knew that Elliott would understand. 

Elliott flew down so that he was a few inches from Addie’s face and studied her closely. “You’re not ready.” 

“I never said that I was.” 

“You’ll have to train.” 

“I should be doing that anyway.”  

“What is your family going to say?” 

“My brother is a vigilante and my parents are villains. They’ll probably be thrilled.” 

The surprise that flashed across Elliott’s face lasted only a moment. He had suspected Addie didn’t come from the same cloth as her friends, but he didn’t know how right he actually was. 

“People are going to be pissed. Your boyfriend? Ty? Kai?” 

“They’d be more pissed if I was fighting for a side I didn’t care about and it lead me to making a mistake.” 

“And you know what you’re signing up for?” 

“I reserve the right to change my mind if you’re not who I think you are. I’m not contracted, I’m not officially teamed. I work for myself, but currently with you.” 

Addie hadn’t backed down at all. She stood nose to nose with Elliott and answered each question. Most people, young people, people with no experience, would have at the very least stuttered. Not Addie. Elliott was impressed. She was small and unassuming, but it was quickly becoming clear that she had been standing up for herself her entire life. “You’re sure about this?” Addie nodded. “I have been fighting my whole life. Neither side deserves to take advantage of that.”

 Of all of the answers Addie could have given him, Elliott was not ready for thato ne. He had a lot of questions, but those would come with time and trust. “Fine. But I want you to shadow a few times while you’re training. After that you’ll just help in small things until someone else determines you’re ready to join.” Addie nodded again, “And I can leave whenever I want. This isn’t binding.” Elliott nodded and stuck out his hand. Addie wouldn’t want to leave, he was pretty positive of it, but he wasn’t going to hold her against her will. All that would be would be dangerous for him and loose ends could always be tied up if need be. Addie shook as the sun started to shine through the warehouse windows. 

ADDIE POV 

Two weeks at college and Addie was not thriving the way that she assumed she would. No she didn’t imagine to become president of a sorority over night or to start off valedictorian, but she had expected to make a friend or two. 

“Okay well we’re not doing that.” Rhody put the box he was carrying down and stood in front of Addie blocking her view. Lately their age difference hadn’t felt as extreme. Addie was older, she was becoming her own person, against all odds she had gotten into college. But Rhody stood there and looked at her and she looked eight years old again. Rhody hadn’t gotten this shot that Addie was getting. No Rhody had become Addie’s guardian when he turned 18. She had been 12 at the time and he had done online school while working two jobs and patrolling to make sure that Addie had the bare minimum. Selfish or not, what wasn’t going to happen was her backing out after everything he had sacrificed. “Now while neither of us are going to pretend that your grades are what got you into school, you aren’t going to chicken out now.” Addie went to cross her arms, but couldn’t with the bags so just sighed and let him continue. “You had a very tough time of it and now is the time you get to start completely over. So I’m not going to stand here and let you unravel while I’m about to cross my finish line and you’re at the starting line. What we are going to do is you’re going to stand here with the stuff while I get the other box out of the car. Got it?” Addie just nodded. Rhody nodded, satisfied and headed back to the parking lot.

Addie took a few deep breaths and looked at the building in front of her. Rhody made a good a point. Here no one would know about how she had gotten here. She could start over and be anyone. She could get straight As if she wanted, well at the very least she could try. All she had to do was walk through the door and find her room and she could start. “Let me guess, it didn’t look that big on the website?” A voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she noticed the boy with a white tuft in her hair coming up next to her. He picked up the suitcase that she hadn’t even realized had fallen over. “I’ve heard it before. You’ll be over it quick.” The man grinned. “I’m Ty. One of the RAs. Not yours but I can help you figure out where you’re going if you want?” 

“Addie and yeah I’m just waiting for-” “Me.” Rhody had come back with the other box. It was significantly less than everyone else walking into the building but it would get her through. “Oh hey man. Ty. An RA here.” He held his hand out and Rhody reluctantly shook it. “Rhody. Her brother.” Tyler nodded, “Well welcome. Come on. I don’t know where your RA is but I can help out for now. You’re on the third floor.” He picked up a box and Rhody shot Addie a look who just shrugged. The trio walked into the form and Addie let out a breath that she didn’t realize she had been holding. She could do this. She was in now, all that she had to do now was unpack and get some books and meet some people. 

They got to the tiny room and Addie kicked it open due to the lack of free hands. It was small, it was cramped. The walls reminded her of a prison cell and the lack of AC made it stuffy, but it was going to be all hers that no one could take away, her name was on the door, which is something she had never had before. “So you have a roommate… Emersyn.” Ty checked the door. “But she’s not here yet so unpack, make yourself at home. I'm the RA on the boys floor down so you’ll see me around but that..” Ty pointed out the window to what seemed like another pair of siblings arguing out front. “Is one of mine so I have to go help out. Just holler if you need anything.” Addie smiled with a little nod. “Thanks.” Rhody tilted his head in acknowledgement and got to work setting up Addie’s bed while she continued to look out the window.

 The brothers Ty greeted, he clearly knew the older of the two. The red head was staring at the building just like Addie, but did not seem to be nearly as overwhelmed. He’d probably been here before. “Well everyone here is friendly.” Rhody pointed out as he struggled with a fitted sheet. “He was just doing his job.” The redhead boy looked up and made eye contact with Addie who quickly backed away and went to help. “Stop.” She floated everything to where it needed to be and saved them both time and a fight. Rhody sighed. “Just don’t get pregnant.” 

“Jesus Christ! He was literally required to help find the room that doesn’t mean I’m sleeping with him can you calm down? What the fuck?” Rhody held his hands up in surrender even though it was a conversation that he had meant to have weeks previously and couldn’t bring himself to do so. “I just had to say it.” 

He looked down at his watch with a sigh. “Kid..” Addie nodded. “I know..” Rhody had only managed to get time off from one job. Enough time to bring her and leave again. Everything else she had to do was on her own. “I’m sorry. But look, anything you think you forgot just make a note I can bring it by next week if you give me a heads up. And remember you have to go pick your books up before monday and you have to go meet the manager at the cafeteria at 2. You can’t forget that, that job is quite literally your meal ticket so-” Rhody was cut off by Addie practically launching herself at him. The two had never been the most emotional, their life was too hard to deal with the emotions all the time. But this was different. Rhody held onto Addie as tightly as he could while she actually cried. “Hey.. I am an hour away. You say the word and I’ll be here okay? But this is going to be so good for you. This is the life that you deserve to have always had and you’re going to kick its ass. Listen.” He somehow managed to unclench Addie from his torso and bend down so they were eye to eye. “You can do this okay? I’m a phone call away but you can do this. Don’t let anyone say differently.” Addie sniffed and nodded. “Thank you.. Not just for that but for everything. I wouldn’t be here withou-” This time Rhody cut her off with a hug. “All you have to do to thank me is take full advantage of this place okay? That’s all I want.” 

The Pier - The Squad Arrives 

Nate could not believe that he was at what was essentially a rush party. It wasn’t, but that’s what it felt like. He was way too old for this. The pier was littered with his frat brothers, cheerleaders, Noelle’s sisters and whoever else showed up. “You owe me so much for this, man.” He shot at Tyler who was casually sipping a beer next to him. “Comeon, you never come out any more. One night won’t kill you.”

“No I go out” Nate clarified, “I just go to bars or parties with my friends. I graduated the frat scene when I turned 21. And it’s not like it’s fun for me to watch that walk around the whole time. It’s stressful.” He motioned to the trio that had just walked through the clearing to pier. Noelle lead the little pack and walked right over. “Look who decided to make an appearance.” She shot at her brother who looked so annoyed at the entire situation it made her spirits soar.

“You know, Nel, there isn’t a rule that says you have to attend every single party that is thrown on campus. They do expect you to abstain occasionally.” Her lips pursed, involuntarily, at the family pet name for her being use in public. Nate knew that, it was why he had said it. “Nel?” Tyler asked, an eyebrow raising at such a seemingly un-Noelle-like name. The blonde whipped around on Tyler, more than ready to take him down a level when Lydia interrupted. “Is Elliot here already? We brought a friend, Akari. Akari, this is Ty and Nate - Noelle’s brother.” Akari gave a soft smile. “we’re trying to introduce her to everyone.” Lydia explained

Tyler kept his eye on Noelle as Akari stepped up toward the group. The smirk on her face both gave her butterflies and made her want to bash his face in. Who was he to look at her, to tease her, after everything that had happened. The moment his attention was on Akari while he introduced herself; however. Noelle found herself craving it again. “Akari just joined the squad.” She did her best to put on a smile again. “She’s great, we’re lucky to have her. We thought we’d introduce her to everyone tonight, make her feel welcome.” 

“You thought of that?” Ty asked in what he meant to be a joke but be it the energy or the tone, did not feel like a joke. Hurt flashed across Noelle’s face for only the briefest of moments before collected herself again and turned to Lydia. “I’m going to get a drink.” And she turned on her heel and hurried away from the welcoming committee as quickly as she could. Nate cleared his throat and pointed towards a group standing towards the water line. “Elliott is over there somewhere. He came with Kai, Jeb and Addie so if you find one of them you find him. We’ll catch up to you later.” If Lydia had a thought about spending time with the three that weren’t Elliott, she didn’t show it. She just pulled Akari away from the boys as quickly as she could.

“Dude…” Nate sighed. He didn’t want to get into it with Tyler, but at some point there were no other options. “I know I know. I heard it as I said it.” Ty admitted, groaning into this own drink. The two were quiet for a few moments. “You know.. She didn’t tell me what happened. I mean I’m not an idiot, I can put two and two together but I don’t know the details” Nate looked out for Noelle, rarely did he step in or make his opinions know, but sometimes he stepped up when he felt like she actually wasn’t in the wrong. “She told me that I shouldn’t lose a friendship over her mistake so.. She’s not the raging bitch she puts out to the world. Maybe keep that in mind occasionally.” Nate clapped his hand on Ty’s shoulder and headed to mingle while Ty just sighed and turned to find some place private for a smoke. 

The Pier - The Newcomers

The more people that had come since Addie had shown up made the party feel much more comfortable. It felt weird at first, arriving so early and she made the mental note to absolutely never have that happen again. Elliott was showing Jeb off to everyone while Kai and herself stood in the background. “You owe me so much for this.” Addie hissed at Kai in between sips of her drinks. But Kai just smirked, “No, you got a private tour of the house earlier. We’re even.” Addie, of course, went to argue, but was cut off by Lydia and Akari bouncing over.

“There you are, Elliott, we’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Lydia quickly gave him a hug. “This is 

******I KNOW THAT I NEED TO PUT MORE HERE FOR JADDIE I JUST WASN’T HAVING IT IN MY HEAD BUT KNOW THAT IT’S WHAT CONNECTS THE ABOVE TO THE BELOW*********

Kai and Noelle 

Every time Kai caught sight of Noelle throughout the night, she was smiling but the smile was never touching her eyes. It looked, to Kai, like a mask she was wearing and he was positive that if he could get a moment alone with her, that would be all but confirmed. Meanwhile, Noelle spent her night talking with her friends, drinking, dancing, goofing around. She wanted to make sure that Ty knew she was completely unbothered by his entire being. And while it wasn’t working, she realized that every time she looked for Ty in the crowd of the night, she was starting to look for Kai as well. Any time they were in a group together his energy was so relaxed, he seemed to care about Jeb and Addie and making sure they were taken care of while also having fun. He had a mystery to him, but the mystery didn’t seem dangerous. It was just one that she was dying to figure out. 

Kai reminded her a lot of Ty, but there was a key difference. The key difference was at this point one had hurt her and one had not so that put Kai lightyears ahead of Ty. Also, he didn’t seem so interested in her which made her all the more curious. Ty had been evident immediately. Kai seemed more interested in hanging around with Akari and Addie. Akari seemed to love this fact and every time she threw an arm around his neck or grabbed his hand to pull him somewhere, there was a pang of jealousy that just grew as the night went on. 

Noelle had given up on getting any alone time with him when she went to get a drink for what felt like the hundredth time. But, as she took a sip, a soft “are you having a good time?” came from behind her. Noelle’s stomach flipped, but she turned around anyway, the smile on her face genuine possibly for the first time all night. “Hey.. yeah, I am just needed a little pick me up.” 

Kai studied Noelle for a moment. Her energy had certainly shifted when he had come up, but it didn’t change everything he had noticed the rest of the night. “Are you really having a good time?” The repeated question caught Noelle off guard. Who did he think he was to question her  or to not believe her when she spoke. But he face was kind, it didn’t look like he as trying to catch her. It looked like he actually cared. She had had enough to drink that for the first time all night, possibly all semester, her hard exterior cracked just a bit. “Just one of those nights.” Noelle admitted.

The fact that he had gotten a relatively genuine answer from Noelle, even if it was short lived, was amazing to Kai. He hadn’t expected it. She actually seemed like a normal person for once instead of a mean robot that was programmed to look perfect and rub it in everyone’s face. “I wondered. You’re a good sport for coming then. I’m assuming you did it for Lydia and Akari?” Noelle hardened up again and flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I did it because I’m not the type to give in to that. Lydia and Akari would’ve been fine. I didn’t know you and her were so close.” She raised an eyebrow over her cup, watching his every movement like a hawk. 

A little grin spread across Kai’s face. It wasn’t doing much for his mission to get to know Noelle without pissing her off but he couldn’t help it. “Not too close, we just have some classes together. It’s not a big program.” Noelle nodded, that pang of jealousy quickly returning as he spoke. “Oh it just seemed like she was comfortable with you.” To which Kai shrugged, but the grin remained to Noelle’s supreme annoyance. “She’s probably just drunk.” 

“Hmm..” She looked over at Akari and then back at Kai, figuring it was time to get the attention back on her. “Well why did you come tonight? I didn’t think this was really your scene.” As expected, Kai’s attention returned to her and Noelle let a satisfied little grin settle on her face. “No.. it’s not. But my brother - Jeb- he just joined the frat and he wanted to show it to me and Addie and Addie wasn’t going to come without me and that would have crushed him so here I am.” Just like she suspected, Kai was just a good, nice caring guy. And Noelle realized that maybe she wanted to be one of the people he cared about. Disgusting.

Noelle nodded and looked over at Jeb and Addie. She had a lot of questions about Addie, but one mystery was enough for the night. “Well it’s really nice if you to do that for him. He seems really happy. He’s lucky to have you on his side.” It was no doubt the most genuine thing she had said to him all night. While Noelle was calculating, she was also drunk and tired. She just wanted to spend time with a cute guy and not have to feel like she was constantly playing chess. 

“No! No you can’t he hasn’t done anything!” Noelle felt like she was pinned to the spot. 

“ADDISON! THE DOOR!” Addie sighed. She was in the middle of making dinner for both her parents, trying to keep the peace. Her father was in an exceptional mood which meant that her mother was on a war path. 

The frat house loomed over Kai and Addie as they stood out front. “And he really did this on purpose? He wasn’t held down and forced to do this at gun point?” 

“I mean, I’ve never not liked Jeb, like I’ve always known that he just is who he is and I’ve always accepted that. Unlike his brother, who my faith has faltered on many a time.” She sighed, twisting off her mouth to the side of she thought about the dichotomy of the two brothers. So similar yet so different, and each one with their problems yet one was just…. More likeable. Maybe it was just her, and she’d always keep that opinion to herself, but she always found it interesting. “I can see that though. Like… I dunno, you two have grown a lot together and in like, a good way. And Jeb has a pretty good head on his shoulders for his age, as do you. I can see you guys going the distance. The whole high school sweethearts for life thing.” She chuckled, thinking of her parents and their own love story. Lydia’s back arched up as she let out a loud laugh, of course Jeb is downstairs prying out information, it’s practically the only time she isn’t attached to his hip. But she appreciated the honesty all the same. 

Lydia sat up finally, nodding as Noelle spoke. While she wasn’t thrilled that the two stayed together, she knew it made Noelle happy. And if Kai could keep it together in the long run, just maybe he would earn Lydia’s approval back, but that was yet to be determined. “Good. At least things aren’t a nightmare anymore… It feels like we can finally breathe and just… Focus on school. College… Boys… All that good stuff.” As exciting as the superhero world was, she personally had never been fully sure it was the path she wanted to take.

“Well it’s beautiful. Cecilia’s a nice lady. I wish I got to spend more time with her.” She noted, letting the fabric go from between her fingers. “Gnomes?!” Lydia erupted into another fit of laughter at the description, unsure if that was supposed to be a good thing or not. Akari just smiled and shrugged. “It’s a good thing! Gnomes are known for good luck and prosperity, also perseverance. If I called you Goblins, then you might want to be offended.” She laughed along with everyone. The laughter had soon faded, her brain scrambling as she fought to decide how much to tell them. Lydia’s eyes fell back on Noelle, a coy smile on her face. Obviously she hasn’t learned yet. It’s like she doesn’t know Jeb and Addie at all. Lydia thought back, running a hand through her hair as they all waited patiently, a hand going over her mouth as Addie ratted out her man. “Ooooh shit! What happened?!” Lydia started to pry, because now she absolutely had to know, she was hanging on every word in excitement.

“He told you?! He promised!” Akari’s jaw fell, cheeks burning bright. But, the girls did have a point. She was excited to tell people, especially her friends. Girl talk was just something she hadn’t been used to yet, so the embarrassment was hitting her in one massive wave. She looked around at the girls once more, before a smile broke over her face and she covered her cheeks with her hands. “We’re not like… Official or anything yet but we’ve like… Been hanging out a lot when I have to be out with my parents, if he’s free, we meet up on the rooftop of his building and just chill and talk and it’s nice y’know?” Her eyes fell to her hands, the multiple times he’s traced her markings with his fingertips burning itself into her sin. “It’s like our own little oasis…” Another wide smile cracked across her face and her cheeks lit up again, Lydia leaning forward as she read Akari’s brainwaves, knowing something juicy was hanging on the girls lips. “And maybe we had a little… A little kiss the other night before he left. Before my dad caught us and sprayed him with the kitchen hose” She giggled, falling over to hide her face more. Lydia gasped and looked to Noelle, she was absolutely full on all the gossip and everyone’s love life. 

“Shes been really nice to me. She feels like how your dad feels.” The group never talked about Addie’s home situation ad Addie doubted that any of them even knew the whole extent of it. But it had been obvious that Ryan was filling a presence in Addie’s life even if no one was going to say it out loud. Now Addie was voicing just the littlest bit of acknowledgement. “Well you just compared me to those things that dads keep in front of their yard with fishing poles, but sure we can pretend that other stuff out shadows that fact.” But Addie was grinning anyway. It wasn’t like she actually cared. She just shrugged off Lydia’s reaction and turned back to fixing her hair. Noelle had to laugh. “Akari you need to know. If Jeb knows, Addie knows. And vice versa. That’ just how they function.” 

“Right. He probably promised not to tell anyone, but I’m not just anyone so.. yeah he told me. So spill.” Noelle was actually impressed. It was a moment of the student becoming the teacher and the teacher had had no idea that the student was even bothering to pay attention.”Well done, Addie.”She chuckled with a sip of her drink as   Akari finally spilled everything that had been going on with Tyler. For as into Kai she was again and as great as that was feeling, there was still a ting of jealousy she hadn’t expected to feel coming across as Akari talked. She tried to keep her mind and emotions in check just incase Lydia was listening or tuning in. It wasn’t like she was going to do anything with Tyler, especially not now, but a hint of curiosity was still there. But she did her best to be excited for Akari given the conversation they had just had. “That’s good! It’s good that you guys were friends first and you have that good foundation before anything actually happened.” Noelle refused to look at Lydia. “Do you think you two will go on an actual date soon? Or is it too soon to tell? 

Addie watched Noelle in the mirror, taking everything in so that she could report back to Jeb how Noelle had handled the news. To Noelle’s credit she seemed genuinely happy for Akari, but she was now pounding her drink and avoiding Lydia’s eyes. Noelle must have known because she met Addie’s eyes in the mirror, raising an eyebrow before going over to fix up Addie’s makeup for her. “So that’s going well.” Noelle grinned. “And Lydia, you and Elliott? He genuinely seems so happy that you’re giving him the time of day it’s so sweet. He’s going to be so good in bed whenever that time goes.” She smirked at friend and finished up with Addie. “Alright. Those boys may not be the brightest but they’ll figure out we’re gossiping without Addie telling Jeb if we stay up here much longer so. Vamanos.” Addie hopped up and linked her arm with Akari’s as they walked back down to the kitchen.

Lydia smiled over at Addie, replaying the small moments where it was just her and Elliott, how absolutely simple it was. “It’s… Weird. Good weird, and when I’m with him I don’t feel like I’m pulling teeth for attention or… Or that I need to put on some mask to make myself feel heard he just… Does those things naturally.” She smiled at the thought, nodding as Addie spoke. Her and Jeb had taken everyone by surprise. With her being a hothead, and Jeb being too neurotic for his own good, it seemed like a disaster. However, they both grew, and they grew well together. “Jeb’s a good guy. I never thought I’d say this, but it’s kind of nice dating someone similar to him.” Lydia laughed at the thought, but truthfully Mrs. DuBois had raised her boys right, and continued to do so. Maybe it also meant her and Addie had more in common than she thought, but she wasn’t about to dive into that thought process right now. 

With her door open and all of them piling onto her bed, Lydia rolled over to make room. The girls all giggling and riding the high of the night and the end of the semester. “God, he’s probably down there trying to pry information out of everyone else, somehow, I feel like you two planned this.” Lydia teased, shaking Addie’s leg. The two were the nosiest of anyone she’d ever met, which said a lot. If anyone was going to get the dirt or the hot tea, it was going to be Jeb and Addie. Addie gave the breakdown of the short conversation that took place before they were all in the bedroom. Lydia nodding as she looked over at Noelle. “It’s been a really good time since Kai decided to stop with the bullshit. Like I can just feel the good change in the air.” She commented, eyes flickering over to Akari as she spoke.

“Ooo, she made that?” Akari reached out, feeling the material of the dress. Cecilia DuBois had done a lot of things, but when it came to Addie, she had really out done herself in that corner. “You and Jeb are cute together, it’s always good vibes and like… Mischief. You’re like gnomes.” She giggled, letting her hand pull away, face burning red at the question and just shrugging. All eyes were on her, all of them coy and awaiting something good to hear. “Uhh…” She stalled, flashing back to the night on the rooftop, and again to her recital and again to earlier that night. “I mean, nothing really is happening, it’s just a crush… Maybe a mutual crush but nothing more. The most alone time we’ve had was he came over last night to study…” She trailed off, looking over to Addie to see if Jeb had let his loose lips flow or not, before looking over to the other girls. I don’t buy a word of that. Lydia shot off her thought to Noelle, looking to the blond briefly, and then to Addie before bringing her attention back to Akari. 

“Mhmm. ‘Study’.” She teased, a wide smile on her face as Akari’s jaw dropped. “Don’t be nasty! Elliott’s rubbing off on you too much!” She laughed as the other girls broke into fits of giggles.

“Because. That. Is. What. It. Supposed. To. Feel. Like.” Addie was sharp on every word. She had been saying this for years and finally at least one of her friends had listened to her. “Well you guys all had to come around on him at some point. Weird that this is how it came about, but that’s fine I’ll take it. I mean, I don’t want to be dramatic, but.. and I know we’re still in high school.. and I know we bartended earlier so maybe this is coming from that, but I love him. So much and I know that he’s it for me. For the rest of my life.” She rolled over again and looked up at the ceiling. It wasn’t something she had ever admitted to anyone else, but it felt good to get it out. To actually say it out loud felt like finally reaching cloud nice. “But I’m really happy for you and Elliott. I think it’s a really good match and I think you two make sense and you actually seem happy.”

Addie just rolled her eyes. “Yeah of course he is! That’s the whole reason he’s ever not with me. But what could everyone know that we don’t already?” She looked around at the other girls, eyes lingering on Akari for a moment longer before getting up to go over to Lydia’s vanity and fix herself up. “We didn’t plan this. I just wanted a girls moment before we all get too drunk and all over our boys. That’s all.” Noelle shot a look at Lydia, but it wasn’t like she could argue.. The bullshit had gone on for so long it had effected everyone. “I know.. we were just talking outside and we agreed it felt like we were back to normal.. We’re not, I mean.. too much has happened to be patched up in a few weeks, but at least for tonight it felt normal. And we all felt that tonight and it was great.” Noelle had been called up to gossip, but mentally she was back down on the deck with Kai smoking and feeling alone together. Thankfully, Akari started talking and that was what she wanted to talk about anyway. She obviously wasn’t interested in Tyler anymore, but still. It was just good to hear what she had to say.

“Yeah um.. She came over one day and that was an awful idea so we went to Rhody’s and she had made this and she fit it for me and.. I swear I didn’t ask her. I guess Jeb was telling me how I kept borrowing dresses.” She said it without any shame in her voice, but her eyes never left her dress hem. “And I guess she had some extra time so she made this and.. it’s the best thing I’ve ever owned.” Addie looked over at Akari with a grin. “Thank you, I’ll take it as a compliment.” Causing Noelle to actually snort. “No but come on, Akari, spill.” The blonde settled a bit into the bed, looking at Akari wondering what she would actually fess up that more was going on than just spending time last night. It was all more or less what she had said before. There was no way. Doesn’t she know we’re the smartest people she has ever met?” Noelle raised an eyebrow and looked over at Addie who met the blonde’s eye in the mirror.

Jeb just shrugged, happy that now he didn’t have to look his mother in the eyes and lie, and also equally happy the anxiety of asking once more was over. He listened as Addie spoke, eyes going between her and Lydia, cheeks sucking in and releasing as both he and Elliott tried to figure out the best way to salvage the situation. It was one of her more endearing qualities, trying to take something morbid and make it optimistic. However, sometimes, and only sometimes, it did not come across that way. Jeb shoved a bottle of alcohol in her hands so they could start making their infamous ‘what the fuck is that’ cocktail. “Yeah! Don’t be rude!” Jeb interjected, laughing as they continued to mix together items that had no business being together. “It rarely ever tastes like rocket fuel, sometimes, it tastes like diesel but whatever.” He noted with a shrug, as if that made it better. “Now drink.” He chuckled, happily pouring the mixture down his throat, eyeing Noelle’s exit then sharing the same look with Addie, grateful the glass was covering his mouth. As he put the glass down he shook his head, tastebuds basically fried. “We really out did ourselves with that one.” He coughed, laughing as Akari winced, face in a full frown as she coughed, trying to finish the monster as fast as she could. Elliott had downed his no problem, probably from all the garbage he drank when he was their age, but still. Jeb had never seen that reaction before. His head tilted as Addie took off with Lydia, giving a shrug in response to the confused look on Elliott’s face. 

As the nonsense spilled out of Addie’s mouth, Lydia’s smile faded just ever so slightly. Not that she was upset with Addie, worse things had come out of the girls mouth, but it just heightened her worry about her parents. She tapped Elliott’s arm as the younger two mixed their drinks. “Your best bet is just to chug it.” She advised, bracing herself as Addie handed out the cups, sucking in a breath, and downing it as fast as she could. The burn sent a shiver down her spine, and she looked over at Akari who looked like she was going to throw up. She hadn’t yet grown the backbone needed to stomach Jeb and Addie’s bartending skills, but she didn’t spit it out this time so that seemed like progress. Then, like a flash of light, Addie was pulling her around the corner and disappearing them up the stairs into her room. Lydia contained herself for a moment, nodding as Addie’s giddy energy filled the normally sterile room. She gathered a few things to touch up Addie before bursting into a fit of giggles, rapidly bouncing on her feet as she went over to the bed. “I do feel it! Like, I feel like we’ve finally hit a good stride and things can really only go up from here.” She sighed out, falling onto her bed with Addie and staring up at the cieling. “Hold on, I also want gossip, I need to know what the fuck is going on with that foursome downstairs.” 

Akari, Noelle, get up here we’re gossiping. She sent out the SOS before rolling onto her side to fill in Addie anyway. “Oh my god he’s so cute. And he’s so smart, like… Not booksmart, obviously, but like street smart and social smart. And he loves his dad soooo much and ugh.” She smiled, thinking back to earlier when he surprised her on the doorstep because she didn’t have a date. “Tonight was like something out of those shitty books and movies.” She thought a moment, biting down on her bottom lip before looking at Addie. “Rhody is a great brother, but Elliott is so much better for me.” She nodded. “He’s just… On my level.” She propped herself up as the door creaked open and two brown eyes peered at them, followed by a head of blonde hair before Noelle and Akari piled into the room. 

Akari continued to listen, giving thoughtful nods so Noelle knew that she wasn’t being tuned out. “It was quite scary for a moment, but I’m glad he was able to pull it off.” And it was true. Akari didn’t know if Kai had it in him to go through with it. The power had become addicting, and the fact it wasn’t a fight to get him to do it? A true miracle in her book. But she figured Noelle was on the same page with it, and didn’t voice that opinion. “No problem. I know how it feels.” Everyone just wants to be listened to, and sometimes you don’t get the satisfaction of giving or receiving an apology, and she understood that all too well. But now drinks were being handed out, Noelle had slipped away, and the burn in her throat was the only thing she could focus on. If there was one thing she’d learned it was just drink it and wash the taste out with something else. Jeb and Addie didn’t just clear the history, they wiped the entire harddrive with their drinks. “Oh my god.” She sputtered out, slamming the cup down on the island and getting a small back rub from Elliott. “You good, girl?” He chuckled and she nodded. “Yeah, Jeb, you two really did it this time.” She laughed, the boy just shrugging. “I’m glad you didn’t spit it in my face this time.” He commented with a smile, sliding over a can of Cherry 7Up. She popped the top and took a little sip, the feeling of cold fingers ghosting over her skin pulling her attention. “Hey there.” She smiled up at him as his hand settled on the nap of her neck, fingers gently playing with her necklace as they did so. Her head popped up as Lydia’s voice entered her head, looking back as Noelle also entered. “Uh, we’ll be right back? Lydia and Addie need help.” She commented, pressing a kiss to Ty’s thumb before making her way upstairs. The sound of laughter bubbled behind the two girls as they climbed the stairs and entered Lydia’s room quietly. “I hear giggles, what are we gossiping about?” She asked quietly, skipping over and falling onto the bed across from Addie.

“What the fuck is that?” His nose wrinkled up, Elliott laughing and gladly handing over the cup. “It’s a welcome to the party drink.” Jeb smirked. Ty looked to Akari for information and she just shook her head, taking a sip of from the can. She took off before he could ask more, and he looked to Kai for answers as he walked in the door. “Ah, you’ve already made the monstrosity I see.” He chuckled, taking a glass from his brother. “Dude, it smells like actual gasoline what is this?” Ty whined, watching in horror as Kai just chugged it down, quickly cracking open his own can of soda to wash it out. of his mouth. “Jesus, Jebediah what is that?” Kai laughed. 

“And you guys want me to drink this?” Ty protested more, and after some taunting and coaxing finally drank the cup, spitting it out as it filled his cheeks. 

Kai nodded as Noelle spoke, an easy expression settled on his face as Noelle took her hit. “Yeah, both her and Jeb are feeling the change I think, and it’s not bad I think it’s just different… It’s been awhile since we’ve had an actual decent stride.” And he knew that was his fault but he didn’t need to voice that right now. He looked back at Noelle, eyes no longer dull but sparkling in the dark of the night, his returned lazy grin spreading across his face as he nodded. “No, I agree, it was more than what I could ask for.” He murmured, holding her tightly as she leaned into him. The silence filled them and it was the most welcomed lack of sound. It had been so long since he’d only heard the thud of her heartbeat, the brush of the wind, and the loud chatter of their friends in the background. It truly was, perfect. He took her hand as they walked inside, his stomach falling when he saw that Jeb and Addie had already found the booze. Oh boy. He downed his and looked to Ty as Noelle and Akari disappeared. “You just… You just gotta down it, man. There’s no getting around it. It’s tradition.”

Noelle nodded. “It has been way too long, but maybe this will be a good shift. And Addie and Jeb are.. well maybe… maybe they’re growing up a little bit too and we are all meeting at a more even playing ground. And you’re back so everything is exactly as it should be.” And Kai being back had brought Noelle back. She was sleeping better, she didn’t feel like she was on the verge of crying all the time, all of her self care actually was working for the first time in a very long time. Noelle leaned against Kai and just let him hold her for as long as they could. She would stay there all night if it was up to her. “I wouldn’t want to ask for anything else.” Noelle said quietly. But it was over soon and they had to go back inside. They’d pick it up another time when it really could just be them.

Addie rolled over onto her side and listened to Lydia with a huge smile on her face. The redhead hadn’t been giddy about anyone in a long time, even Rhody. Addie had known that it was was going to crash and burn so at least Lydia was getting out of it without a complete meltdown. It was a nice surprise. “Well you’re bookmark enough for both of you, too bookmark and things get complicated.” She giggled. “Elliott is so much better for you than Rhody. That’s what it’s supposed to feel like.. it’s not supposed to feel like all the drama and games like it is with my brother.” What was crazy as that out of the four girls, Addie definitely had the most stable relationship. “Jeb and I are easy. Even when we fight it’s easy because we both just know that it’s going to be okay at some point. That’s what I want for you! For all of you. And seeing you with Elliott feels like that.” Although Addie was on her way to getting drunk and probably not thinking completely clearly, but she felt pretty strong on that point.

“They might!” He argued back with a laugh, but he fully knew better. There wasn’t a soul around that would agree with him besides his mother and a few in his youth group. Jeb went about flipping the speakers on and adjusting the audio as Addie gave her input, giving a little shoulder shimmy as she praised him and fawned over him. Even as he started to gain more attention, it felt best when the positive comments and compliments came from Addie. “It really is like… This… Energy,” He made a circular motion with his hands as Addie handed the phone back. “It’s nice, like. I think the scales are finally tipping in our favor.” He agreed, turning up the volume just a little bit as Noelle called out about food. “Wellllll…” He trailed off, the tally of every very un-Christian and highly un-Catholic choice racking up in his head, along with his own long list of sins that he’d yet to repent for. “Oh, my mom said you’re still welcome to join us if you’d like. She said the offer always stands.” He mentioned as they walked to the kitchen. He knew the answer would be no, but he also knew his mom would ask if he’d mentioned it and if he lied to her she’d scold him. Jeb was a piss poor liar, it was the one thing that hadn’t changed over the course of the last few years. He figured that was a good thing. His head whipped around as the door to the Reagan downstairs opened, Lydia and Elliott spilling out a moment later. “Ayye! There they are!” He laughed.

Lydia rolled her eyes as Jeb announced her and Elliott’s presence. “Shut up, you’re so annoying.” She teased, handing over one of the bottles in her hand as they all reconvened in the kitchen. “I was trying to find bottles that had already been opened, which proved to be harder than anticipated. Turns out my mother is a heavier drinker than once thought.” It was an off comment stated with a light tone, but sometimes Lydia wondered what that meant for her parents. But the worry was cut short with Elliott’s strong arm wrapping around her shoulder. “Hey, they host a lot of events, that tends to happen.” He eased with a grin, letting his feathers gently set the rest of the bottles down before calling them back to his wings. The small comment redirected her thinking, and she just nodded. “You’re right, you’re right. I shouldn’t be so judgmental.” He just shrugged as they all started getting drinks ready, taking inventory of where everyone was and the heartbeats to make sure the mood was still right. “You just worry too much.” He eased, watching Addie and Jeb start to make some awful concoction, his own drink having disappeared from his hand. “I already know that’s going to taste like rocket fuel.” He noted with a laugh. It’s one thing she adored about Elliott. He was so positive, so easy to be around. He got along with all her friends, and better yet he got along with her parents. She observed a little longer before she turned to see Noelle slip out the back with the other two for a moment, giving at nod at her instructions.

Akari listened, giving a thoughtful nod as Noelle gave a bit of information on their situation. She was happy to hear things were going better, that Kai’s half-cocked plan had actually worked for once. “I’m glad. I was really worried about him for a moment there.” She admitted, munching down on an apple slice and hopping up onto the counter. Her head tilted, curiosity filling her as Noelle launched into an apology. Akari had never expected an apology, and the thought of asking for one hadn’t even crossed her mind. All she’d wanted was to be accepted into the group, because despite appearances, she wasn’t her mother. In fact, other than looks and power, she was nothing like her mother. She had the patience and understanding of her father, and sometimes that wasn’t a good thing. She gave Noelle a sympathetic smile and nodded. “You don’t have to apologize, but I appreciate it. For what it’s worth, I don’t think there’s anyone to blame for what happened. Maybe Kai’s pride but even that gets finicky.” She hopped down from the counter and helped Noelle carry a few things. “But I’m sorry it was a hard year, that was never the intention my mom had I think she actually also struggled with figuring out where things went wrong. Just, also know that, if my mom were to ever have bad intentions my dad would’ve shut that down right away. After all, he was a hero, old habits die hard or something.” She laughed looking over as Lydia, Elliott, Addie, and Jeb rejoined them. 

Tyler was a faster learner, Kai would give him that. They passed the perfectly rolled joint back and forth for a moment, talking about the dance and girls, Kai trying to be like his brother and pull information but he didn’t have the silver tongue Jeb did. “Akari’s cool though, it’s a shame her and–” He stopped as the door opened and Noelle came out. “Oh yeah, sure.” Ty handed over the joint and stood up with Kai, both boys starving especially now. “See you guys inside.” Ty headed into the house, ready to absolutely pound down on some food. Kai hung back to stay with Noelle, letting her relax for a moment. “You okay?” He asked, looking back at her in the dark. 

“I’m never going to come with you, but it’s so nice of her to continue to ask.” Addie whispered as they made their way back to the group, listening to Lydia talk about her parents. “Plus! Plus. Addie started collecting different bottles for her and Jeb to pour into one giant concoction. “Plus they’re very busy and very stressed. If I was your mom I would come home and drink too. I’d be more worried if she wasn’t.” A look from the room made her stop talking. “Also Elliott’s right, they host a lot… especially with the holidays.” She added for good measure like it had fixed everything that had come out of her mouth previously. She gladly let Jeb pull her to the side a bit so they could bartend. Both knew well enough to not waste everything, but to at least make one fun experiment drink for everyone to start off with. “Hey. It is not going to taste like rocket fuel. It will be light and classy.. like jet fuel.” Addie winked at Elliott and handed out glasses as Jeb poured away. “We all know the rules. We have to finish this and then we can drink whatever we want. Cheers.” Noelle sneaking out as the group took their first sip did not go unnoticed by Addie, no matter how much Noelle probably wanted it to. She looked at Jeb with a raised eyebrow, but actually kept her mouth shut. “See. Barely even jet fuel more like… more like a very strong cleaning solution.” Then Addie took Lydia’s hand and started pulling her towards the bathroom. “I need help with my dress. You guys amuse yourselves!” The two practically ran towards the bathroom, but Addie detoured into Lydia’s room where the makeup and hair stuff and everything was. Finally she turned on her friend, eyes sparkling and full of excitement. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry I just wanted to steal you for a moment! And fix my makeup which I need your help with anyway.” She spun around before finally collapsing on Lydia’s bed. “Don’t you feel it? Like the tides are turning for all of us?” She propped herself up on her elbows. “Come on we have like 10 minutes. Tell me everything about how it’s going with Elliott. I needed some gossip.”

“I was worried too but that was mostly because every time I saw him, he was farther and father away. I didn’t know if he could come back.” Noelle shook her head. Akari could say again and again that she didn’t have to apologize, but that was just because she had no idea what Noelle had spent the last year thinking about her, saying to Nate and Nora.. Akari deserved one thousand apologies from Noelle, she just had no idea. “Well you can say that, but I know that I have to so just.. thanks. For letting me get that all out.” She pursed her lips. She fully still thought that Akari’s mother had a bit to do with Kai’s downfall. Maybe not intentionally, but she should have done more to keep Kai on the right path. Voicing that would probably disregard the apology so Noelle kept that thought to herself. “Don’t get me started on his pride.” She laughed a little but just shook her head. “I know that.. Well I know that now anyway. I didn’t. So just.. I’m sorry.” There were plenty of other things Noelle could own up to. Being scared, being angry, having feelings for Ty.. but one admission and apology was more than enough for the night. She had never been more thankful that the rest of the group came back to join them so that the apology could be left behind them and she’d never have to do it again. Everyone was wrapped up in the drinks, so Noelle snuck out.

Jeb clicked his tongue, a habit he’d picked up from Tyler, but agreed to keep the music at least mostly upbeat. Of course, he’d sneak in slow songs to mellow out, to give everyone the feeling of closeness, but the playlist needed to pass the vibe check. Both him and Addie kept each other in the loop with their own gossip session, knowing better than to say anything and blow everything up in their faces. Still, he often wondered how Kai just… Didn’t notice or chose not to notice. Maybe it’s because he truly believed the thought was implanted in his head. It helped that Akari confided in him about her crush, that probably through him off any trail, but still. “I won’t, I won’t, one day, everyone will hop on the country train, I feel it in my bones.” Jeb laughed, picking out a few songs and handing his phone to Addie so she could pick. “Did you have a good night? I feel like we had a good night.” He mused, starting to plug the wires into the speakers. “No fights, no crying…” He paused, playing with the sound a little bit. “Everyone’s getting along. I think we finally found our groove.”

“It’s a very rigid school that’s for sure.” Kai agreed, scrunching his nose up at the thought. Though, as much as he hated the strict routine, it had been good for him. It gave him more structure and a sense of organization he didn’t usually have. “I would’ve hated wearing a uniform.” Ty commented, looking down at Akari who just shrugged. “It’s not so bad, though I agree, the design is a bit dated.” While Kai still knew that his relationship wasn’t fully back 100% he knew that they were trying and working on it, and that eased him. Nothing was going to be fixed over night and that was fine, but at least Noelle didn’t hate him anymore. Her skin didn’t seem to crawl when he was around, and everything felt easier than it had. He even made the effort to try and like Tyler, only because he knew that Tyler was important to everyone else, but it was still effort to mend the bridges he’d damaged. The two headed outside, a cackle of laughter following a moment later and then a familiar silence and muffled talking. 

Akari followed Noelle to the kitchen, stretching out her toes a little more as they started to get some snacks ready. The gentle smile was still on her face as the quiet filled the kitchen, the music not yet filling the house. “Hm?” She looked over, her smile widening a bit as she nodded. “Yeah, no, it was nice of Lydia to invite us, I didn’t expect it at all.” She admitted, a wider smile spreading across her face as she thought of Tyler doing his absolute best to fit in. “He said he had fun, though it did take him a moment to get over the awkwardness of a school dance.” She chuckled, starting to cut up some fruit. The early memory of him stumbling to put a tie on, and doing the awkward ‘leave room for Jesus’ dance at first made her laugh again, but it would be a fond memory. He seemed to ease into the social expectations pretty quickly, and it probably helped Elliott and Jeb were there. “Did you guys have fun? Kai seems to be doing better?” She asked, looking over at Noelle for a moment. She’d been meaning to ask how things were going but hadn’t quite got the chance yet, but they seemed fine from what she could tell.

“No one is going to get on the country train, Jebidiah. It’s just like ‘fetch’ it’s never going to happen.” Addie hopped up to sit on the nearest table while he worked, “But it’s so cute that you just keep trying don’t ever let anyone tell you that you aren’t committed.” She took the phone from her boyfriend so that she could go through and counteract all of his country choices. “Of course I had a good night, I was with you wasn’t I?” She winked at him quickly and went back to the phone. “No, I really did. Everyone got along and we had fun. There was barely any drama which is such a welcome change of pace.” Addie handed back the phone. “Plus I had the hottest date in the entire room.” She nodded and leaned back on her elbows on the table. “I agree. Hopefully for at least the next few weeks we can just enjoy being around each other.” Noelle called out for food and Addie groaned. “Why is there food but no alcohol? What have I done that is un-Christian.” She shot a look at Jeb before he could say anything. “Don’t answer that.” Addie hopped off the table and pulled Jeb behind her towards the promise of food.

“We did, we had a lot of fun. It felt normal for once. He is doing better.. thankfully. There’s a long way to go, but it’s something. Not like before..” Noelle shook her head. She had shared her feelings on her relationship with Kai plenty of times with Lydia, but she knew Lydia was always going to be aligned with Noelle. Akari was always going to be more closely aligned with Kai and Jeb than Noelle, but she took the chance anyway. It was probably a good thing that needed to be said anyway. “Look um.. I think I owe you an apology.” She had to laugh a little. “Actually, no, I know I owe you an apology. I probably owe you several.” Noelle put down the bag of chips that she had transferred to a bowl. “I blamed you and your mother for everything going on with Kai and I know I didn’t make a secret of it. I have no idea if it was justified, at this point I don’t know who to blame for what, I’m figuring it all out. What I do know is that I’ve been a bitch this past year and I’m sorry. You were… well you were- to me- a physical embodiment of everything I actually wanted to take my anger out on and that wasn’t fair so.. I’m sorry.” Noelle gave a sheepish smile before pulling out her phone to order pizza. “I know everything thinks I’m a bitch and I can be, but this past year was so hard.. Akari, it was so hard. I love him so much and I just kept watching him slip farther and farther away and I was mad and scared and then you took the brunt of it from me so I’m sorry.” While she could apologize, she couldn’t quite admit that she thought that Akari and Ty were sweet together. One step at a time as far as Noelle and her grace went. She collected the bowls, “Let’s get these out there before everyone becomes ravenous.” Noelle gave Akari a small smile before heading back out the main room. “WE HAVE FOOD! And pizza is on the way come eat!”