#mandy hinkle

Rushing to his locker between classes, his mind more on his latest video download then on where he was going. He hadn’t planned on posting his newest song but once his friends heard it they practically bullied him into uploading it to his SimTube account. Not that he thought the song was bad. If anything, it was one of the best songs he’d ever written. Once his friends had left, he logged onto his account to remove his post and that’s when he received the shock of his life. Someone had commented on it. Not just anyone. Haru! His favorite member of Sugar Valentine! He couldn’t believe it! Haru liked his song! His song! 

Not only did Haru like it but he wanted to meet him. Backstage passes for him and Mandy. He couldn’t wait to tell her. They were going to meet Sugar Valentine! He couldn’t believe it! And to think he hadn’t wanted to post his song! His friends were never going to let him forget it. Maybe he wouldn’t tell them until after the concert….

His thoughts were so far in the clouds he was oblivious to everything and everyone around him. One minute he was daydreaming about what he was going to say to Haru and the next he was falling to the floor with a jarring abruptness that knocked the breath right out of him.

Drawing a long agonized breath into his lungs, Eli could feel the edges of his text books digging into his back from inside his backpack he was lying on. He could hear muffled laughter from his classmates who had witnessed his demise. Groaning, he squeezed his eyes tight before opening them. 

He should have left them shut. Staring down at him with cold, hate filled eyes was Stephan. 

“That’ll teach you for thinking you could steal my girl,” Stephan hissed, his hot breath washing over Eli’s face as he grabbed the front of Eli’s shirt, twisting the material in his fists as he dragged the slighter boy to his feet.

Eli felt the back of his head slam into someone’s locker, scattering what little coherent thought he was attempting to muster. “I don’t…” he muttered trying to make sense of what was happening.

“That’s right you don’t,” Stephan hissed, spewing spit in the air. “Everyone knows Mandy’s my girl. No little shit’s going to take her from me either.”

Eli wanted to wipe the moistness from his face where Stephan’s spit had landed. Despite how uncomfortable he was Eli couldn’t help but chuckle “does she know that she’s your girl? If she does, it seems kind of odd she’d ask me out.”

“What,” Stephan demanded, banging Eli a couple of times into the lockers behind him. “She wouldn’t do that.”

Shaking his head Eli shrugged “whatever.” 

“Everyone knows she’s mine,” Stephan repeated “I was going to ask her out.”

“You snooze, you lose,” Eli said, feeling almost delirious. He knew what was coming even as he said it. He felt all the air come rushing out as Stephan’s fist plowed into his stomach. Why had he felt the need to antagonize Stephan even more? He must be delirious.

The bell rang and students scattered to get to their next class. Stephan shoved Eli backwards releasing his hold on him. “This isn’t over,” he mumbled as he hurried away presumably to his next class.

Eli sank to the floor, his head throbbing and his vision swimming. Oddly beneath the pain he still felt elated like he was invincible.

Eli glanced up when a pair of feet came to a stop near him. “Shouldn’t you be in class?” he asked, recognizing who it was.

“I could ask you the same thing,” she said tilting his head forward inspecting it.

Wincing at her touch Eli pulled away “I’m fine.”

“No you’re not,” she said, kneeling beside him. “You shouldn’t have egged him on.”

Grunting Eli said “Stephan doesn’t need to be egged on.”

“What was it this time?” Jolene asked.

“I was breathing the same air as he was,” Eli chuckled.

“It’s not funny,” Jolene snapped.

“It’s not,” Eli agreed wearily “but there doesn’t seem to be any way of stopping him.”

“I’ll stop him,” Jolene assured him.

“Don’t get involved JoJo,” Eli sighed. “Help me up so you can take me to the nurses office. That way you’ll have an excuse for being late to class.”

“That’s it,” she cried incredulously, “aren’t you mad? Don’t you want to get even?”

“Yes,” he snapped. “I’m sick of being his target but I don’t know how to stop him. I can’t fight him and talking to him doesn’t do any good. No one else seems to care. So tell me what can I do?”

“I don’t know … something,” she said, giving him a hand up. “Maybe a spell…”

“No magic,” Eli snapped before she could finish. 

“Why not?” She demanded. “I know some really good spells that could help.”

“Because there has to be another way besides magic,” he said. His dislike for magic wasn’t the only reason he was reluctant to go in this direction. He had a deep sense that something awful would happen if he let her cast a spell on Stephan, something they both would regret. 

“You don’t trust me,” her words came out low and from a place deep inside her that few ever saw. A place where she hid all her fears, her doubts and concerns. 

“I just think something could go wrong,” he said.

“It wouldn’t,” she persisted, rallying to the idea. “I’m good. Have you ever seen me fail casting a spell?”

“No,” he shook his head but the uneasy feeling persisted.

“Then why won’t you let me help you?” she demanded as they neared the nurses office.

“You are helping,” Eli said grinning at her “by letting me figure this out on my own.”

“Fine,” she agreed as they stepped inside but her fingers were crossed and she knew that if it got worse she’d cast the spell against her brother’s wishes.

Mandy walked into barely contained chaos when she met Eli at his house. “Are you sure it’s alright that I’m here?” she asked, “we could have met at the restaurant.”

“It’s always like this,” he assured her, closing the door behind her. He could read the disbelief on her face “well maybe it’s a bit more chaotic than usual,” he admitted. There were suitcases in the entrance and the twins muffled sobs could be heard and Jonah’s calm voice soothing them. “My dad is leaving in a few minutes to catch his flight. He’s going on tour for a few weeks.”

“I wish I’d known,” Mandy said looking towards the twins room where a few sniffles could still be heard. “I would have insisted on meeting at the restaurant. I don’t want to be in the way.”

“You’re not in the way,” Eli assured her “besides I wanted to show you something.” He touched her elbow, nudging her in the direction of his room. 

Shaking her head “I think I should just wait outside…”

“I thought you wanted to meet my dad,” Eli said, opening his bedroom door.

“I do but,” she glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the twin’s room, “that was before I knew he was leaving tonight for a tour.” Turning to face Eli “you really should have told me.”

Sighing, Eli nodded “I’m sorry. I guess I was just thinking about the surprise I have for you.”

“A surprise,” her eyes sparkled “for me?”

“Well for both of us really,” Eli said as he explained about the video he’d posted on his SimTube.

Interrupting him “can I see it?”

“Uh…sure,” he shrugged cheeks turning a hot pink “anyone can if they find it. I don’t have many followers.” He turned on his PC, logging into his account. “Don’t laugh,” he begged.

“Why would I laugh?” she demanded. “You have so much talent. You really should be more confident.”

“So I’ve been told,” he mumbled as music began to play.

As she listened, Mandy’s soft, full lips smiled softly. “You wrote that for Awan didn’t you?”

“How’d you know?” he gasped, shocked that she’d guess who it was about.

Taking his hand “Awan and you were always together. It doesn’t take a genius to know you had feelings for him.”

“Oh,” he murmured, looking away.

“Hey I didn’t mean to make you sad,” she said touching his shoulder. “I really liked your song.”

“You did,” he said, sounding surprised “Tara and Reed practically twisted my arm to get me to post it. I didn’t think it was ready.”

“They’re good friends,” Mandy said “Now what’s that surprise you were telling me about?”

“It’s in the comments,” Eli said, making a hasty swipe at his eyes before turning back to face Mandy. 

Looking back at the comments, Mandy shook her head “what am I looking for?”

“Don’t you see it?” he asked, bending over her and pointing “Haru from Sugar Valentine said he really liked my song.”

Mandy’s eyes grew large as she read the comment “Haru wants to meet you.”

“Yeah,” Eli nodded, “he sent me backstage passes for us.”

Jumping up, Mandy threw her arms around Eli “we’re going to meet Sugar Valentine. This is going to be the best date ever.”

Date! Eli’s mind screamed the word inside his head. When did this become a date? They’re just two people who share the same interest in music and have the same taste in music. Right? This wasn’t a date. It couldn’t be a date. He let out a nervous giggle “we should probably get going if you want to meet my dad before he leaves.”

Not seeming to notice any change, Mandy took his hand, “I’d like that but are you sure it’s alright? I mean he probably has a million things on his mind right now and I don’t want to be in the way.”

“You won’t be in the way,” he found himself saying as he gazed into her blue eyes that seemed to be beckoning to him like a moth to a flame. 

Squeezing his hand, Mandy smiled up at him “well if you’re sure, I’d love to meet him. Do you think he’d mind if I asked for his autograph?”

Eli watched as she pulled out a small notebook from her pocket. “You came prepared,” he shook his head much like a horse would swish his tail to keep the flies away. It did little to clear his confusion or his rising sense of panic.

“I always go prepared on the off chance I get to meet a celebrity,” she grinned at him. “I wouldn’t want to use something I might throw away by accident.”

“No of course not,” he murmured hurrying to his bedroom door. To his relief his dad was standing by his luggage locked in an embrace with Cecil. “Dad,” he called moments before Mandy’s elbow jabbed him in the side, “owe,” he cried rubbing his side.

“You shouldn’t have disturbed them,” she whispered, trying to look inconspicuous.

“Did you need something?” Jonah asked, pulling away Cecil with a sigh.

“Mandy wanted to meet you before you left,” Eli said, taking her hand and pulling her after him as he walked forward. 

“Hi Mandy,” Jonah said “Eli’s told me a lot about you. He’s way more excited about seeing Sugar Valentine than he’s ever been coming to one of my concerts.”

“Dad,” Eli moaned, rolling his eyes.

“I know,” Jonah chuckled, “ I’m just dad. Nothing special like Sugar Valentine.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Mandy said, stepping forward earnestly “you’re one of my favorite solo artists. I have all your albums.” She looked down as if remembering her notebook, biting her lip before continuing “I know you’re super busy but could you…would you…” Words failed her as she held out her notebook and pen.

“Of course,” Jonah grinned, reaching for the notebook and writing a few words before signing his name. “It’s always a pleasure to meet a fan.”

Looking down Mandy’s eyes skimmed the words “gosh thanks Mr Reagan.”

Jonah tried to give her a nonchalant shrug but he’d never get used to the idea of complete strangers wanting his autograph or trying to rip his clothes in the chance of acquiring a physical piece of him which had happened a few times despite the best security available. Changing the subject he asked “where are you kids going for dinner?”

“To the new Indian Restaurant,” Mandy said “their garlic naan bread is the best.”

“Well have fun,” Jonah said, stepping forward to give Eli a hug “and I expect to hear all about it when I get home.”

“Sure Dad,” Eli mumbled, stepping back from the hug “take care.”

“I mean it,” Jonah opened his mouth to add they could facetime after the concert but his eyes flicked towards Mandy and changed his mind. “Have fun you two,” he said instead.

Turning to Mandy with an air of relief “we should be going or we’ll miss our reservation.”

“It was nice meeting you Mr Reagan,” Mandy said as she let Eli escort outside “I’ll take good care of your son.”

Closing the door behind them, Eli could feel his ears burning. He gave Mandy a scowl in response to her soft chuckle. “What’s so funny?” he demanded.

“You are,” she giggled, taking his hand and pulling him close “your dad’s nice.”

 “He’s the best,” Eli agreed “but he worries too much.”

“Ah he’s the anxious type,” Mandy nodded, walking towards her car. “I’m sorry that I made it sound like I was your babysitter.”

Shrugging he reached for the door handle “it’s cool.”

Tilting her head to the side, “that’s why I like you. You’re too nice to say I embarrassed you.”

His chin jerked upwards “you, you like me?”

Mandy laughed, shaking her head “I thought that was obvious. Why else would I have asked you to come with me to see Sugar Valentine?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged, following her inside the car. “I thought maybe as friends.”

“Well … yeah,” she said, backing onto the road “we can be friends but I’d like something more.”

Eli was silent the entire drive to the restaurant, staring out the passenger side window, wondering how he had gotten into this mess. The car coming to a stop jerked him from his thoughts. He glanced over at Mandy “sorry,” he murmured.

“It’s fine,” her voice was tense with false cheer.

Pressing his lips together he followed her into the restaurant. His eyes flicked towards her wanting to say something to fix the mood that seemed tense and awkward since they left his house. “I’m sorry,” he said once they were seated at a corner table.

Shrugging, “no need to be.” She opened one of the menus the hostess had left on the table. 

“It’s not that I don’t like you,” Eli sighed, picking at the menu in front of him without opening it. “I just never thought about it.”

Setting her menu down Mandy reached across the table to take Eli’s hand, “you think too much. I know you miss Awan and have feelings for him. But he’s not here. He may never be here. Are you going to pine for him forever?”

“You sound like my dad,” Eli mumbled.

“He’s a smart man,” Mandy smirked, picking up her menu. “Besides we’re young, why not experience as much as possible? Just because we go out on dates doesn’t mean we’re going to get married.”

Eli nodded. He knew she was right. He may never see Awan again and even if he did, it didn’t mean they’d be able to pick up where they left off. He was learning there were no guarantees in life. But there was one thing he needed to know. Looking over his raised menu “what about Stephan? He seems to think you’re his girl.”

Mandy huffed “I’ve told him no I don’t know how many times. He just doesn’t get it.”

Eli grunted in agreement.

Mandy gasped letting the menu slip from her fingers “oh no. I didn’t think…did he…is that why you weren’t in class today?”

“Yeah,” Eli gave her a rueful smile “don’t worry about it. If it weren’t you it would’ve been something else. Stephan has had it out for me for years.”

“I’m still sorry,” she said “I didn’t mean to make things worse for you.”

Eli shrugged “you didn’t.”

“You sure?” she asked.

“I’m sure,” Eli grinned, “at least now he has something to be jealous about.”

“Why’s that?” she asked, looking at him curiously.

“I kind of want to see where this is going,” Eli said “you’re right. I don’t know if Awan will ever come back or if I’ll ever see him again. I like you. You’re really nice and pretty. I don’t know if I’m ready to move on but I…I want to try.”

Jonah shook his head as he watched his son as he left. Turning towards his husband “maybe I shouldn’t …”

Cecil gently took his hand “Eli will be alright.”

“But …” Jonah stopped knowing that his husband was right. “It’s not just Eli. It’s the twins and Jolene too. Maybe I am being selfish for pursuing my dream in music.”

Cecil cupped Jonah’s face between his hands “you are not selfish. It’s alright for you to pursue what makes you happy. You do so much for your family…”

“It doesn’t feel like it,” Jonah said, a wave of guilt coming over him. “The twins practically cried themselves to sleep and Jolene barely even looked at me when I told her goodbye. Maybe I should just quit before I destroy the family.”

“You are not destroying the family,” Cecil told him firmly. “I will talk to the twins. They are old enough to understand we all must do things we don’t like. They are trying to manipulate you by their antics and Jolene, she needs your understanding.”

“I know,” Jonah agreed “but I can’t help but feel guilty for leaving you to deal with it all.”

Cecil smirked a little “that’s because you are a good father and want to be everything for your family. Trust me I can handle this. No doubt Cai’Ndrell is in there talking to his brothers and they’ll overcome their separation anxiety.”

“Cai is so much like you,” Jonah said fondly.

“He is a dragon like me,” Cecil affirmed.

“Yes he is,” Jonah agreed, stepping back to begin gathering his luggage. “The car will be here soon. “You’ll let me know how Eli’s date went? And anything else that happens while I’m gone?”

“Yes,” Cecil assured him “you have nothing to worry about. Everything will be alright.”

“I know it will be,” Jonah said as his phone buzzed announcing the arrival of his car. “I have to go…” he rushed over to Cecil, giving him one last hug and kiss before he left.

“I love you,” Cecil said as they pulled apart “now go and don’t worry.” Cecil knew that was a pointless admonition. Telling Jonah not to worry was like telling the sun not to rise. It was going to happen regardless but it had gotten better over time.

The air was filled with the shrill cries of what Eli could only imagine were thousands of birds singing at once. Where was he, he wondered as he brushed aside heavy green foliage before it slapped him in the face. Was he in a jungle? Were there lions or tigers hidden in the deep jungle undergrowth? What if he were eaten, no one would know. Fear trickled down his spine as he moved forward, moved by instinct to continue on despite his growing fear. 

Beneath the sound of birds singing, he could hear a low murmur like someone was talking somewhere ahead of him. He moved forward making as little noise as he could. The sound of birds making his progress easier.

“Awan,” he whispered as the couple came into view. Eli retraced his steps not wanting to be seen.

The young man turned in Eli’s direction as if he sensed or heard something but the girl he was with tugged on his hand redirecting his attention.

“You’re not listening to me,” the girl said, pointing in the opposite direction from where Eli was hiding. “We need to go in that direction.”

“Then you go,” Awan grumbled.

“Your mother said we have to go together,” the girl said with growing irritation. “This is our couples rite. If we don’t find the harmony tree together we won’t be allowed to marry. Don’t you want to be married?”

Rolling his eyes “yes of course I do but…”

“But what,” she snapped, “are you still holding on to the hope of seeing your little friend again?”

“He’s my soulmate,” Awan said, “not just my friend.”

“He can’t be your soulmate,” the girl replied, “you didn’t even go through the rite of passage or find the harmony tree.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Awan held firm to his belief.

“It does,” the girl said, equally as firm. 

“You sound just like my mother,” Awan mumbled “no wonder she picked you for my wife.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” the girl grinned, turning and disappearing into the jungle.

Awan watched her go, mumbling beneath his breath “it wasn’t a compliment.”

Eli moved from his hiding spot, “is it true? You’re going to marry her?”

Awan turned, grinning “I knew you’d find your way to the dreamscape.”

Eli spun in a slow circle “this is the dreamscape? It looks different from the last time.”

“You’ve entered into my rite of passage,” Awan explained “I’m here to find my soulmate.”

“The harmony tree,” Eli murmured, showing he had been listening for quite a while to the girl.

“Yes.” Awan sighed “but she is going in the wrong direction.”

“She is,” Eli affirmed “I passed it on my way here.” He wasn’t sure how he knew that but he was positive he had. “The place is full of thousands of birds singing at once.”

Holding his hand out, Awan said “will you take me to it?”

 Taking his hand, Eli smiled “I never thought I’d see you again.”

“I never stopped believing,” Awan said, “even though everyone said I was a fool to believe.”

“I’m not so sure they were wrong,” Eli said.

“You’re here aren’t you?” Awan said, coming to a stop and pulling Eli close. “I knew you would come and you’re as beautiful as I imagined you would be.”

Blushing, Eli leaned in close, “you’re even more beautiful than I ever could imagine.” Eli closed his eyes, expecting, hoping … Instead he felt Awan move away from him. He opened his eyes in confusion, what had he done wrong? Had he misread the signs? The emotion in Awan’s eyes? He let out a small whimper of longing and protest.

Awan squeezed his hand, “we must wait until we find the harmony tree.”

“Oh,” Eli sighed, “what’s the harmony tree?”

“A sacred place,” Awan explained, “where two people destined to marry will be bound together forever to their soulmate.”

“Like the red string of destiny,” Eli asked.

“Something like that,” Awan said “not all soulmates find each other and even if they do, they may never marry each other.”

“But you just said the harmony tree binds them together forever. That they become soulmates.” Eli was really confused now.

“My mother has entered into a marriage arrangement for me. As her son I cannot break the arrangement.” Awan explained “but that doesn’t mean the harmony tree will bind me to her as my soulmate.”

“We won’t ever see each other again will we?” Eli asked; although it was more of a statement. He felt it’s truthfulness even as he asked the question.

“Not in the flesh,” Awan agreed.

“But in the dreamscape,” Eli pressed on, needing the answers to his burning questions.

“Only in the dreamscape will soulmates who are destined never to be together be able to meet,” Awan said and there was a measure of sorrow in both his eyes and voice.

“Are we destined to be estranged soulmates?” Eli asked as his chest constricted, fighting back tears.

“I have given my word that I will not seek you out or leave my people,” Awan said. “I will not break my promise.”

“Nor will I ask you to break it,” Eli said, seeing his own pain reflected back at him in Awan’s eyes. “I love you. I always have.”

“And I you,” Awan said, “and I always will.” He bent forward, his face mere inches from Eli’s, he cupped Eli’s face between his hands. As their lips touched they were bathed in a halo of light, and all the birds joined together in one song.

Breathing hard, Eli gazed into Awan’s eyes “we’ve found the harmony tree.”

“You felt it too,” Awan said, breathing just as hard.

“It feels like our hearts are beating as one,” Eli said as placed a hand over Awan’s heart.

“In harmony forever,” Awan said, putting his hand over Eli’s heart. 

There were no words needed to express their feelings. Their bodies spoke for them. Moving in a harmony as the tree safeguarded them and unified their connection, mind, soul and body.

When they were spent they laid in each other’s arms, a moment both knew they would remember all their lives. “So this is it,” Eli asked as Awan reached for his clothes.

“It’s all we can ever have,” Awan said.

“I’ll always love you,” Eli said, pulling on his clothes.

Awan moved in, giving him another kiss, “no matter what happens in our lives you must live for the future. Marry. Have a family. Promise me you will live your life.”

“I will if you promise to do the same,” Eli said, clinging to Awan, wanting this moment never to end.

“I promise,” Awan said.

“I promise too,” Eli said “always remember I love you.” He felt himself being dragged away and he woke up with a jerk to find himself in his room, alone with Awan’s picture pressed to his chest.

He sat up, reaching for his notebook he used to write his music in. He knew how to finish Mandi’s song. He also knew it was for Awan as well. A farewell to his soulmate.

“I can’t believe you lost … to him,” Jolene glared in the direction where Stephan was gloating with his friends.

Eli shrugged “It’s alright JoJo…”

“No it’s not,” she crossed her arms in front of her. “You were way better than him.”

“I agree,” Mandy said as she wrapped her arms around Eli, snuggling into him. 

“We,” Eli emphasized the word “were pretty good.”

“You’re too modest for your own good,” Reed said as he and his girlfriend joined them.

Snorting Eli shook his head “I’m just one member of a band.”

“Oh we know,” Tara chuckled, “we would have won but Stephan got the sympathy vote.”

Eli let out a relieved sigh. For a moment he thought Tara was going to say they would have won if they had practiced more. He couldn’t shake the thought though. 

“Hey,” Mandy cooed, “why the long face? You did awesome.” She grinned “I especially loved that new song. Was that for me? Am I your muse?”

Eli didn’t have the heart or nerve to contradict her. “Yeah,” he murmured, catching Jolene’s eyes long enough to wonder if she’d call him out on his lie. 

Jolene pressed her lips together but remained silent even though she knew her brother was either lying to himself or to Mandy. Maybe even both. Guilt stabbed at her heart. It was her fault that he was playing this charade. “That’s my brother,” she grinned, “the hopeless romantic.”

“I’m not hopeless,” Eli objected.

“No you’re not,” Mandy assured him

Reed cackled, with loud obnoxious laughter,  earning himself several stares from passing people and a jab to his ribs from his girlfriend. “What?” he demanded rubbing his side “he is hopeless. He pined for years for Awan and…”

“Be nice,” Tara urged glaring at him 

“He’s right,” Eli agreed softly “but that’s all in the past.” He squeezed Mandy against his side “this is now.” 

“If you say so bro,” Reed scoffed.

“I’m warning you,” Tara glared at him.

Rolling his eyes Reed sighed “fine. Whatever.”

“Good,” Tara grinned entwining her arm with his “now let’s go party; afterall we did come in second.”

“Yeah,” Eli agreed, “my dad’s have a celebratory party planned at the house.”

“And we’re already late,” Jolene said, urging them towards the exit.

Several weeks later Eli plopped down beside Jolene where she was reading a book under a huge shade tree. The air was full of the sounds of birds chirping at once and the scent of cherry blossoms wafting in the breeze. Leaning forward to see the title of the book Jolene seemed engrossed in, Eli grunted “you do know we aced our project?”

Sticking a finger in the book to mark her place, Jolene glared at her brother. “I know.”

Tapping the book Eli asked “then why all the studying?”

“Because,” her shoulders rose in a shrug.

Raising an eyebrow Eli chuckled “you really like magic school don’t you?”

Sighing Jolene let her eyes wander around the small garden. Breathing deeply, she lifted her face to the sun where its rays were breaking through the dense foliage. “I do,” she said, closing her eyes and smiling.

“Good,” Eli said, shifting his weight as he started to get up.  

“Ei,” Jolene called, her eyes snapping open as she reached for his hand “don’t go. I…” she stopped as the words she wanted to say stuck in her throat.

Eli paused looking in her eyes and saw what he could only describe as panic. Sitting back he placed his free hand over her hand that was clutching his wrist. “What’s wrong? Did something happen? I thought you were happy here.”

“Yes. No. I am,” she replied to his questions in quick succession.

“Then what,” he asked at a loss as to what to do or say.

“You’re graduating soon…”

“Ah,” he chuckled, “you’re going to miss me.”

“It’s not that,” she said, shaking her head, tugging her hand free.

“Then what?”

“I..” she paused, gulping for air knowing the time had come to tell him. She needed to tell him. “You’re going to hate me.”

“You’re my sister, I could never…”

“Yes you will,” she cried, cutting him off. “I’m a terrible person.”

“A little hotheaded and self-centered at times,” Eli grinned, “but not terrible.”

“You don’t know,” she cried, jumping to her feet.

“Hey,” Eli said following her. 

She jumped from his touch “you don’t understand. I did something terrible. Something unforgivable.”

Frowning Eli shook his head. “Stephan’s alright. Even better than he was before. I mean he’s still a jerk but he’s not dead or dying.”

“Not that,” she hugged, her hands balled into fists.

“Ok,” Eli eyed his sister warily “then why don’t you tell me. It can’t be that bad.”

“I called Awan’s dad,” she blurted, “I’m the reason why Awan left. I’m the reason for why Stephan was able to bully you. I’m a terrible person.”

Eli’s eyes widened, filled with shock, then pain. He could see Jolene’s lips moving as she poured out her secret to him but it was the sound of a storm swept beach filled his ears as one wave after another pounded against the surf and rocks. 

“Eli please,” Jolene sobbed, “say something. Anything. Just don’t look at me like that.”

Eli’s muscles jerked in discord as he turned to face Jolene. His heart pounded in his chest as his mind drew an image of Awan in the dreamscape and the awful finality of all their dreams came down around him in a million shiny shards, shredding his heart apart. “You’re the reason,” his voice was rough as if someone had run his throat through a grater. 

“I know you hate me,” Jolene cried, reaching out then shrinking in upon herself. “I’m sorry.”

A part of Eli wanted to comfort her while another part wanted her to feel his loss. His anger. His anguish. Wanted her to feel the pain of never being with her soulmate. The ugly, bottomless pit inside his heart where only Awan could fill and never could. And in that moment he truly knew what it meant to hate someone. What if felt to hate with every fiber of his being. He understood why someone would bully someone until they wished they were dead. Understood what motivated someone to destroy the hopes and dreams of someone else out of spite and jealousy. He wanted revenge. Cold. Brutal. Revenge.

“Eli,” Jolene’s voice was small, tinged with fear “say something. Please….”

“Why? Just tell me why?” 

She flinched from his cold, hard tone. “I was jealous. I was young and stupid and jealous. I wanted what you had. I wanted Awan. I thought he liked me. I ignored what Josie was telling me and what I could see. The bond the two of you had.”

“So you hated me so much you needed to destroy me. Awan.”

“No,” she shrank in upon herself “not intentionally. I never meant for Awan to leave. I didn’t think about what might happen. I just wanted to stop what was causing me pain.” She looked up “but I caused so much more sorrow by doing what I did.”

“He’s my soulmate,” Eli said sorrow replacing the lines of hatred from his face “did you know that? My soulmate. And I can never be with him.”

“You’ll be together. I know you will,” she said, taking small timid steps towards him. “You and I. We’ll find him together.”

“No, no we won’t,” he sobbed. “I promised I wouldn’t.”

“When?” Jolene demanded, coming to a stop in front of him.

“We met in the dreamscape,” he wrapped his arm around himself, “he’s engaged to someone else.”

“Who cares,” Jolene’s nostrils flared “he loves you. Not them. He’ll break his engagement if you ask him too. I know he would. He loves you.”

“You don’t understand,” Eli cried, turning away from her. “I promised I wouldn’t ask him to break his promise to his mother. I promised I would go on with my life. Marry. Have kids. I can never be with him.”

“Yes you will,” she cried, enveloping him in her arms. “I’ll find him. I promise I’ll find him.”

“Jolene don’t,” he mumbled “I promised him I wouldn’t.”

“But I didn’t,” she said with resolve. She made this mess and she was the one who had to fix it. “I don’t care about his promise to his mother. Or the promise you made to him. None of that matters. Not in the grand scheme of things.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Eli said, forming a resolve of his own. “I’m going to keep my promise to Awan and I want you to do the same. I’m going on with my life.” He took a deep shuddery breath “just like Awan’s going on with his.” He took Jolene by the shoulders “I don’t hate you. Not really. Not where it matters. But I need a little time…” He didn’t know how to finish. Time to process what she told him? Time to not be hateful? Time to accept? Maybe all of the above and then some.

“I really am sorry,” she took a step back, wiping at her eyes.

“I know you are,” Eli said “and I don’t hate you. I just need a little time.”

“I get it,” she said watching her brother walk away from her of what felt like a chasm she wasn’t sure could ever be closed between them. Sure he said he forgave her. Said he didn’t hate her. But could he really mean that if he was forever separated from his soulmate? “I’m going to fix it. They will be together,” she said it aloud, like a vow to all that was sacred and holy.

Jolene could hear her dad and Cecil talking just beyond her bedroom door. A part of her felt bad about the way she had said goodbye. She wanted to beg him not to go. That she needed him. She needed the hug she had refused. 

As her parents murmured voices softened to the point she could barely hear them she found herself rushing to her door like she was going to run out there and … say what? Don’t go! I need you! I’m the worst daughter and sister in the world.  

She … couldn’t do that. It felt too much like betraying Daddy and admitting that everyone was right about him.

She let her hand fall away from the knob, turning away from the door, hugging her arms around herself. He didn’t have time to listen to her. Inside her head she heard Ethan agreeing with her. Not now or ever! Jonah only cared about his career. He didn’t love her. If he did he’d know she needed him. 

Tossing her hair back, Jolene turned away from the door. “Fine,” she mumbled out loud, “let him leave. I don’t care.”

She stopped in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. Frowning, she made a face at her reflection. “You’re a terrible person,” she accused her reflection “only a terrible person would have done what you did. It’s your fault he doesn’t care.” 

Her fingers wrapped around her hairbrush, tempted to shatter the image in the mirror. Perhaps if the old image disappeared a new one would replace it. Perhaps Cecil was right and she needed to tell her dad what she did. Perhaps he wouldn’t hate her.

Running to the door, she threw it open, calling “dad I need to tell you something.” It took her a moment to realize she was alone. “Where…”

Cecil walked from the kitchen “your dad left a few minutes ago.”

“Oh,” she sighed.

“Perhaps I can help you,” Cecil offered, hearing the disappointment in her voice.

“I um,” she licked her lips “never mind. It’s not important.” 

“If you’re sure,” Cecil said.

“It’s just I wanted to tell him about what we talked about,” Jolene said. “I guess I’ll just have to wait until he’s back.”

“The offer still stands if you want to talk,” Cecil said before going back into the kitchen.

“This has been the best night of my life,” Mandy said, yelling above the noise of the crowd as they cheered for the band to come out on stage one more time. 

“Mine too,” Eli shouted back as the crowd erupted in applause as Sugar Valentine came on stage once more. “Looks like we get one more performance.”

The crowd jostled them forward as the sea of people surged forward. Eli was at once a part of it and apart as he let his imagination teleport him into the future and it was him the crowd was calling for. It was him on stage performing until his fingers bled and his voice was hoarse. 

So lost in his fantasy it took Mandy tugging on his arm to bring him back to earth. “Come on,” Mandy said, “we need to hurry.”

“There’s no rush,” Eli chuckled, waving their backstage passes.

“Weren’t you listening,” she demanded “because of their extra song they’re limiting the time they’re meeting people backstage.

Eli stared at her blankly, “what are you talking about?”

Shaking her head, “nevermind,” she said, tugging him along “just hurry up.”

Hurrying through security they were admitted into the area where Sugar Valentine was meeting fans lucky enough to have obtained backstage passes. 

“There he is,” Haru bounced across the room. “What took you so long?”

“We came right here after the last song,” Eli stammered.

“But that was so long ago,” Haru whined.

Before either Mandy or Eli could think of something to say Haru was already calling some of the other band members over. “Taiji, this is him,” Haru said, waving his friend over with large arm sweeping gestures.

Taiji grinned joining them, “is this the kid you’ve been talking about nonstop for the past week?”

“Sure is,” Haru nodded, waving Ryu over to meet Eli as well. “He’s really talented.”

“You must be Eli,” Ryu extended his hand.

Taking the extended hand Eli nodded “I am but I’m not…”

“You are,” Ryu interrupted him. “Haru had us all watch your video.”

Eli felt his face flush with heat “tthanks.”

“Eli’s going to win our school talent contest,” Mandy said, pride dripping from her words like honey.

“Are you Eli’s girlfriend?” Haru asked.

“Um, uh …”

“Yes,” Eli yelped, swallowing hard as all eyes turned on him. “I mean this is our first date and, well…” he shrugged, unsure what else to say.

Mandy nibbled on her bottom lip as she gazed up at Eli, her cheeks a rosy pink. She could feel the heat from his hand that was mere inches from her own. 

Eli felt his own cheeks burning at his declaration and wondered if his eyes held the same confusion as Mandy’s did as they gazed up at him. His stomach twisted as his inner turmoil mounted. 

“Tell us more about this contest,” Ryu requested as Taiji explained what a talent contest was to Haru in the background.

Their time with Sugar Valentine was all too short and Eli was still reeling from all their encouraging words that he barely even remembered calling Mandy his girlfriend until she they were walking out to her car in the almost empty parking lot. 

“Did you really mean it when you called me your girlfriend?” she asked.

Eli stopped, turning to look at her “of course I did. I…” swallowing hard, he continued, “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”

“You really mean that?” she asked, giving him a penetrating gaze as if she were trying to read between the lines, afraid she was missing something.

“I … think so,” he said, although it sounded more like a question. 

She walked over to him, her fingers brushing lightly over the back of his hands. “We can go slow. See where things go. Alright?”

Nodding “yes,” his voice came out as a croak.

Giggling, Mandy turned away walking towards her car “this has been one of the best nights of my life.”

“Mine too,” Eli agreed, following her on feet that felt like they were walking on clouds. “I can’t wait to tell Tera and Reed about meeting Haru, Ryu and Taiji.”

“I wish we could have met the others,” Mandy said, stopping to unlock the doors.

“I suppose they had to entertain the other fans with backstage passes,” Eli said.

“Or the rumors are true,” Mandy said.

“I hope not,” Eli said fervently “they wouldn’t be Sugar Valentine without them.”

“Yeah I know,” Mandy agreed. “Let’s not think about that. Let’s plan our next date.”

Opening the passenger side door, Eli suggested “we could go to the movies, the new Twister movie is still at the theater.”

Wrinkling her nose “I heard it wasn’t that good.”

“I don’t know, I kind of liked it,” he said.

“You’ve already seen it?”

“Yeah,” he shrugged. “I took my baby brother to see it. It was fun watching him enjoy the movie.”

“You’re really close to your family,” she observed.

“Aren’t you?” he asked.

Shrugging, “I don’t have any siblings and my parents are always too busy to notice I exist.”

“Oh,” he glanced over at her, lightly touching her hand. “You’re always welcome at my house. Come over any time.”

“Thanks,” she hastily dabbed at her eyes before putting the car into drive. “I’ll do that.”

“Where do you think you’re going?” Eli demanded reaching for Jolene’s arm.

“Why do you care?” she demanded jerking away from him.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Of course I care,” he ran a hand through his hair as he looked over his shoulder. “Come on, let’s go back.”

“What for?” she asked.

“Class is about to start,” Eli tried to persuade her to come back inside

“So what,” Jolene demanded.

“We’ll be late,” he tried again.

Putting her hands up to his chest Jolene pushed “go back. School is obviously way important to you.”

“It should be important to you too,” Eli said, his face twisting with indecision.

“Well it’s not,” she lifted the pamphlet Eli had given her when they were at the museum. “This is…”

Grabbing the pamphlet from her hand Eli glanced at it “are you serious? Did Dad say you could go?”

“No,” she held her hand out, “give it to me.”

“I bet he would have said yes if you had asked him,” Eli said.

“He hates me,” Jolene objected, shaking her head. 

Rolling his eyes “he doesn’t.”

“He does,” she shouted as she started to run, “and so should you.”

Eli stood frozen in his tracks watching her go.

Fuming that she had wasted so much time on her brother she slipped into a back row seat ten minutes into Profesor Blanchet’s presentation. She snickered at the whispered comments of the two young women sitting in front of her discussing Profesor Blanchet’s outfit. The girls glanced in her direction, Jolene shrugged “what?”

The girls eventually stopped ogling her and she turned her attention back to the presentation. Profesor Blanchet did look good in a dress she couldn’t help but observe. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen a man in a dress though, her step father Cecil wore a wedding dress when he married her dad. Who was she to judge? 

Inside her head she could hear Ethan’s less than complimentary opinions of men wearing women’s clothes. Frowning, she wondered what he would think of Profesor Blanchet. Would he still feel the same way? Or was it because of Cecil that he was so opposed? A wave of irritation swept through her, no matter what, she couldn’t rid her mind of her doubts.

She doubted her parents or any of her teachers would associate archeology with her interests. Working in the heat and dirt not to mention the sweat and hard work. She had to admit it didn’t sound like something she’d be interested in and yet it held an allure to her. She liked the idea of discovering things about the past to understand the future.

At the end of the presentation she started to follow everyone else outside when she stopped, reversed her steps and went back inside. She forced her way to the front. “Can I talk to Professor Blanchet?” she asked one of the assistants who was busy cleaning. 

“No I’m sorry he had an early plane to catch,” the assistant explained.

“But I..” Jolene sighed realizing she’d lost her chance to talk with the professor. 

“Miss,” the assistant called as she turned around to leave. “The professor left several packets of information for anyone who was interested in a degree in archaeology. Would you like one?”

“Yes please,” she couldn’t have concealed her excitement even if she tried. She took the heavy folder and began to sift through it. Her anticipation rose, if only she didn’t have to finish high school then she could get started on her degree right now.

She went into a nearby coffee shop. After ordering a double espresso she sat down and began reading her packet.  The more she read the more convinced she was this was the career for her. Closing her eyes she could see herself in khaki brown, hiking boots, her hair pulled back as she made one discovery after another correcting history with her findings. 

Finishing her espresso she hurried from the coffee shop. She needed to tell someone. She could text Eli but that felt anti climatic. She wanted to tell someone in person. She wanted to see her excitement reflected back to her. “I know,” she chuckled, causing a few people to turn in her direction but she was so lost in her own thoughts she didn’t notice. She was practically skipping as she hurried towards the bus stop. She couldn’t wait to see his face when she told him. Daddy was going to be so happy when she told him what she wanted to be when she grew up. 

She hurried down the street towards the familiar house. She couldn’t wait to tell someone about her discovery. She could see her future laid out before her. She was going to make important discoveries about sim history. She was going to make a difference. 

Her heart was pounding loudly in her ears as she came to a stop outside her Daddy’s house. She felt as if she had run a marathon, she was breathing so fast. Pounding on the front door she called “Daddy I have so much to tell you. Daddy,” she called louder as her knocking increased. “Come on Daddy, answer the door.”

She jumped a little trying to see inside the windows but couldn’t see anything other than a few shadows moving around. “He’s home, so why isn’t he answering?”

Growing desperate she jiggled the door knob. “Daddy,” she cried, “let me in.” 

Pressing her ear to the door she thought she could make out voices, too low to hear what they were saying but definitely voices. “Maybe Daddy’s talking to someone on the phone or he’s watching TV.”

Not wanting to give up on telling someone about her self-discovery, she focused her attention on the door knob, breaking her promise to Ethan by casting a simple opening spell. Stepping inside she rushed into the living room “Daddy I have to tell you…” She stopped, her smile felt frozen on her face as she tried to comprehend what her eyes were seeing. “Daddy?” she croaked.

A woman sat up, clutching a shirt to her chest. “Ethan take care of this,” she snapped as she got to her feet and moved towards the stairs seemingly in response to the sound of a high pitched wail. 

“Who was that?” Jolene stammered.

Ignoring her question Ethan pulled his pants up before facing his daughter. “What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded.

Gasping, Jolene took an involuntary step backwards in the face of his anger. “I … I,” she snapped her mouth shut to keep from sniveling. Her eyes stung as tears threatened to overwhelm her. “You lied. To me. You lied,” she murmured in shock that was slowly giving way to fury. 

Ethan ran a hand through his dark hair “Jolene it’s not what it looks like.”

“Oh,” she blinked, the tears drying up in the face of her anger. “That,” she pointed towards the stairs where the half dressed woman had disappeared up “wasn’t just a fling. She lives hear, doesn’t she?”

“I don’t have to answer to you,” Ethan grumbled. 

“Oh no,” she put her hands on her hips “I’m just your daughter. Who is she? Your girlfriend. Your wife? Who?”

“Don’t talk to me like that young lady,” he shouted. “That door was locked. How did you get in?”

“Magic,” she said, lifting her chin up defiantly. 

“I told you not to bring magic into my home,” Ethan snapped.

“Well too bad. I lied. Just like you.”

“For your own good,” he said, attempting to justify himself.

“Oh right,” she rolled her eyes, “so it’s in my best interests that I don’t know you have a girlfriend.”

“She’s my wife and yes it is for your own good,” his voice was rising as anger flashed in his eyes.

“Why?” she demanded glaring at him.

“Because I don’t trust you,” a woman’s voice said from behind her. “There’s no telling what you’re capable of. You and your brothers are freaks.”

“I’m not a freak,” Jolene shouted, holding herself stiffly in the face of so much hate that seemed to be radiating from the woman, her step-mother. Turning to face Ethan “you never intended to tell us about her or your new family did you?”

“No,” Ethan said “you shouldn’t have come here.”

Shaking her hair back Jolene chuckled a little “don’t worry, Ethan, I won’t be coming back.” She turned and strode from the house. She heard Ethan calling for her to stop and the woman telling him to let her go. And of course he did…let her go.

When they left the museum they walked to the park that was on their way home. Eli followed the twins to the swings where he took turns pushing them. It would have been easier if Jolene had joined him however she had other ideas on how to spend her time at the park. 

Ethan barely noticed her when she sat down beside him, he only had eyes for the missed text messages on his phone. 

“Is everything alright Daddy,” she asked when all he did was grunt she asked “are you hungry? I could get you a hot dog from the vendor over there.”

“I’m fine,” he said as he continued to read. “I just need to take care of a few things. I didn’t expect to be at the museum so long.”

“I thought you promised you wouldn’t work on the weekends when we were here,” she said.

“I’m not working,” he grunted “sweetheart, why don’t you go play or something.”

“I’m too old to play,” she retorted somewhat offended that he thought she should. 

“Right, right,” he muttered, clearly not listening.

“Daddy, can I ask you something,” she asked despite his lack of attention so far.

“Huh? What,” he mumbled, frowning at his phone.

“Daddy,” she whined, making a grab at his phone “I need you to listen to me. It’s important.”

“Not now,” he grumbled, snatching his phone back, “can’t you see I’m busy? I just need a few minutes. We can talk later.”

“But it’s important,” she pouted, crossing her arms in front of her.

Maybe it was the sheen of tears in her eyes or the rising whine in her voice Ethan sighed in resignation. “Fine,” he said “what’s so damn important it couldn’t wait a few minutes.”

Frowning, Jolene moved to get up muttering, “nevermind. Your stupid messages are obviously more important than your own daughter.”

Grabbing her arm, Ethan said “don’t go away in a huff. I said I’d listen. I’m listening.”

“Are you sure,” she squinted at him, “I wouldn’t want you to miss something more important than me.”

Shrugging he glanced down at his phone “if you’re not going to talk then I’m going to reply to my messages.”

“Fine,” she huffed, sitting back down. “Do you remember when I told you about what I did that caused Awan’s dad to take him away?” She paused waiting for him to acknowledge her question with a nod or something. When he didn’t she continued “I was wondering if I did the right thing. I know you said it wasn’t a big deal and that he had it coming. I’m not saying you were wrong or anything …”

Frowning Ethan looked confused “what are you talking about? When was this?”

“Don’t you remember? I called you and told you all about it. You said Awan deserved it. I want to make sure he did. Sometimes I feel bad about it, kind of like guilt.”

“You have nothing to feel guilty about,” he assured her even though he had no idea what she was talking about. All he wanted was to return to his phone messages.

“So you don’t think I need to feel guilty about what I’ve done,” she persisted.

“It was so long ago, who even remembers it,” Ethan said, glancing down at the phone in his hand. “What does it matter now anyway? It’s not like you can change the past.”

“That’s what I thought,” she sighed watching him lift his phone but this time she didn’t try to stop him. She wasn’t sure what she expected but she didn’t feel much better than she did before, she might even feel a little worse.

“Hey wait up,” Eli turned from his teacher to call after his departing friends.

“Hurry up,” Reed urged, hand on his stomach “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” Tara poked him like he was the Pillsbury DoughBoy.

“Stop,” Reed cried rubbing where her finger had tried to drill into him “that hurts.”

“No it didn’t,” she said “you probably didn’t even feel it with all that extra padding you have.”

“Are you calling me fat,” Reed demanded as he sucked in his stomach.

“You’re putting words in my mouth,” Tara said giggling when Reed’s attempt to look less pudgy failed and his stomach went back to normal with his next breath.

“I’m a growing boy,” he said “my mom says I have two hollow legs.”

“Are you sure she didn’t say you have a hollow stomach,” she asked, thumping him like she would to see if a watermelon was ripe.

“If I said that to you you would have clobbered me,” Reed whined, giving her his best poor me look.

“You’re right,” she agreed “and I’m sorry.” She grinned as she pinched his cheek “but you’re so cute when you get upset I just can’t help myself.”

Reed blinked at her as his cheeks flamed with heat “you think I’m cute,” he stammered.

“Now you’ve done it,” Eli chuckled as he joined his friends “we won’t get any sense out of him for the rest of the day.”

“No biggie,” Tara shrugged, grinning “he never made much sense to begin with.” Turning to Eli she asked “what did Mr Moore want?”

“You won’t believe it,” Eli said, sounding as if he was the one who didn’t believe it.

“He must have asked if you were going to perform at the talent show,” Tara said as if she expected it.

“Yeah,” Eli said “but I don’t think I’m ready for something like that.”

“You’re good,” Reed said, “you should totally do it.”

“You’re a lot better than Stephan,” Tara enthused.

“He’s pretty good,” Eli agreed, ignoring his friend’s grimaces. 

“You’re better,” Tara said “you have to do it. Show Stephan what you’ve got.”

Eli gave his friend’s comments some silent contemplation before slowly shaking his head. “I’ve never performed in front of anyone before. What if I freeze?”

“That’s not true,” Tara contradicted, “you performed with your dad on stage once. And you were awesome!”

“That’s different,” Eli said. “I was with my dad. I wasn’t alone.”

“You could always start a band,” Reed offered.

“That’s not a half bad idea,” Eli said, pondering it.

“See I do make sense,” Reed said, running ahead of them to use the vending machine.

“Are you sure you want to start a band,” Tara asked, “your songs seem to be made for a solo act.”

“All it would take is some tweaking and we could turn them into ballads,” Eli said rubbing his chin “like those heavy metal eighty’s bands. That’s more the type of music you and Reed are into anyway.”

“Are you asking Reed and I to join your band,” Tara asked.

“Of course,” Eli nodded, “I can’t think of anyone else I’d want to be in a band with.”

“We’d have to do a lot of work to get ready for the show,” Tara said “and we’d have to find a place we could practice.”

“I’ll ask my dad,” Eli offered. “I don’t think he’ll have a problem with it. He’s wrapping up his latest album and there’s talk of him going on another tour.”

After school, Jolene rushed to walk with Eli and the little kids instead of lagging behind to talk to Josie. “Why didn’t you tell me you started a band,” she demanded.

Keeping his eyes on his brothers, Eli shrugged “it just sorta happened.”

“How do you sorta start a band,” she asked.

“Cai wait for us before  you cross the street,” he called to his younger brother before responding to her question. “Why all the interest? I didn’t think you were interested in learning an instrument.”

“I’m not but I’ve always wanted to be in a band,” she enthused. “Please can I be in your band?”

“Doing what,” Eli asked, staring at her.

“I can sing,” she said “and dance and if I must play an instrument just give me a tambourine. Anyone can do that.”

Eli shook his head watching his little brothers as they walked ahead. “I don’t know,” he said, “I’ll have to ask the others.”

“Oh they won’t mind,” Jolene assured him.

“I don’t know about that,” he stammered. “Reed and Tara aren’t exactly fans of yours.”

Waving a hand “they won’t care. Not if you tell them I’m in. Please let me in the band.”

“I don’t think it’ll work out,” he said “it’s a lot of work to write music and songs. Not to mention all the hours of practice.”

“How hard can it be,” she demanded. “Dad does it. And if he can do it, so can I.”

“He makes it look easy but it’s not,” Eli said knowing that Jolene never gave their Dad credit for all the hard work he did.

“All he does is play the piano and sing,” she said dismissively “anyone can do that.”

“Yeah but not everyone’s good at it,” he said. 

“Daddy says that he’s only popular because our Grandpas are famous. That without them Dad would be a nobody playing in some rundown lounge someplace playing for tips.” 

“Ethan’s just jealous,” Eli said, “and he’s upset that Dad decided to quit the orchestra that Grandpa started and manages. Dad has his own manager and plays a different genre of music and he did that on his own without anyone’s help.”

“That’s not what Daddy told me,” Jolene said. “He says that Dad paid the manager to take him on and that he got the money from Grandpa. But don’t worry you won’t need to cheat to become famous.”

Stopping outside the house “Jolene you listen too much to Ethan. He doesn’t know everything and I’m not just saying that because I don’t like him. Just think about it. Dad has never tried to keep us from seeing Ethan and he’s never said anything bad about him to persuade us to like him more than Ethan. But Ethan has done just the opposite. If I were you, I’d wonder why he’s always trying to make Dad out to be worse than he is.”

Jolene glared at him, “Daddy doesn’t do that.”

Eli’s eyebrows rose but all he did was shake his head and walk into the house. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would take to open her eyes.

Setting his fork down Eli glanced over at his dad “are you all set for your tour?”

Nodding “I leave in a week,” Jonah confirmed “it’s only for three weeks this time.”

Nodding Eli glanced over at his sister who made motions with her fingers to encourage him. “Would you mind if me and my friends practice at the house while you’re gone?”

Jonah’s eyebrows rose “I don’t see why not,” he glanced over at Cecil who nodded. “Are you working on a school project?”

“They formed a band,” Jolene blurted out “and I’m going to be in it.”

“If the others agree,” Eli said, giving her a look.

“Can we be in it,” Ephy asked.

“No,” Jolene snapped, “it’s just me and Eli.”

“Why can’t we be in it,” Ephy whined.

“Because you don’t know how to play an instrument,” Eli said.

“Neither does Jolene,” he said.

“I can sing and play the tambourine,” Jolene said.

“A band,” Jonah asked looking at his son, “when did that happen?”

“Today,” Eli said, explaining how his teacher had asked if he were going to enter the talent show.

“When is it,” Jonah asked, pulling out his phone to pull up his calendar.

“In four weeks,” Eli murmured.

“I should be home then,” Jonah smiled as he entered the information into his schedule so that his manager could see it and not book him for anything on that day. “You don’t have a lot of time to get ready. Have you decided on the songs and type of music your band will make?”

“We just formed the band,” Eli exclaimed.

“What’s your band called,” Ezekiel asked.

“Um…” Eli shook his head “we don’t have a name yet.”

“You have to have a name,” Jolene said “I know you can call yourselves Jolene and the guys.”

“I don’t think Tara would like to be referred to as a guy,” Eli said, shaking his head.

Shrugging, “then she shouldn’t dress like one,” Jolene said.

“Just because she doesn’t dress like you doesn’t make her any less a girl,” Eli said. 

“Whatever,” Jolene rolled her eyes.

“Sounds like you have a lot of work to do before you’re ready for the talent show,” Jonah observed.

Slouching back “we do. We need a name before we can sign up. Not to mention reworking my songs to fit their music.”

“I thought your songs were pretty good,” Jonah said.

Eli smiled “thanks. They are but they’re not exactly alternative rock songs.”

Jonah blinked “that’s not exactly the type of band I imagined you forming.”

“What kind of band did you think it’d be,” Eli asked.

“Pop rock or a boy band like Sugar Valentine,” Jolene smirked.

Eli could see from the expression on his dad’s face that was pretty much what he’d been thinking too. “Well Tara and Reed aren’t into those types of bands.”

“Are you sure you want to join a band that doesn’t play your preferred music?” Jonah asked.

“Dad It’s just a high school band, it’s not like we’re going to get a music deal or anything,” Eli protested.

“Maybe you should form a boy band,” Jolene said with a wicked glint in her eyes “that way you could become a heartthrob and have your poster plastered all over someone’s bedroom wall.”

“I just want to play music with my friends,” Eli protested.

“All I’m saying is you need to get out and meet people. Go on a date.” Jolene said “and being in a band is a good way to do that. You’ll have all the girls and probably a few boys begging you for a date.”

“Hi Eli,” a pretty girl with long dark brown hair and china blue eyes said, coming to a stop next to him. 

Eli stood up, brushing crumbs off his shirt “oh hi Mandy.” He shoved his hands into his pocket, uncertain what else to do or say. 

“Um,” she flashed him a toothy grin. “I liked that song you played in class. You wrote it yourself, right?”

“Yeah,” he agreed, trying hard to ignore his friends who seemed to be more interested in listening to his conversation than in the argument they were having before Mandy joined them. “I liked your song too,” he said, he couldn’t remember any of the words but it had a pleasing melody.

“Thanks,” she glanced out the window before looking down at her feet. “I wanted to ask you something.”

“Oh sure, ask away,” he said easily, thinking she was going to ask him for help with their next class project.

“I have tickets to Sugar Valentine and I was wondering if you’d like to come with me,” she said.

“I love Sugar Valentine,” he enthused, “I’d love to go. When is it?”

“It’s Friday night,” she said. “I was thinking we can go out to eat before…”

“Oh yeah sure,” Eli grinned, “sounds like fun.”

“Alright good,” she half turned away before adding, “maybe we should exchange numbers. You know, just in case something comes up.”

Eli pulls his phone out, handing it to Mandy as he takes hers. He quickly adds his information before handing it back to her. “I’ll see you later then,” he said as she turned to leave.

Reed lets out a low whistle “someone has a death wish.”

Resuming his meal Eli gave his friend a puzzled look. “Why do you say that? Mandy’s nice.”

“It’s not Mandy you have to worry about,” Reed said “It’s Stephan.”

Frowning Eli asked “what’s he have to do with us going to see Sugar Valentine together.”

“Because he’s been trying to get a date with her for months,” Reed said shaking his head “I thought everyone knew that. It’s common knowledge.”

“I didn’t,” Eli said, his sandwich turning to lead in his stomach. 

“Stephan’s not going to like you stealing his girl,” Tara agreed “if you thought things were bad before it’s going to get worse.”

“I don’t see why,” Eli said, “it’s not like Mandy and I are dating.”

“You kind of are,” Tara said.

“Yeah Mandy just asked you out and you said yes,” Reed chuckled. 

“Well, I … um,” Eli didn’t know what to say. “I just thought we were friends hanging out since we both like Sugar Valentine.”

“Hey don’t look so guilty,” Tara said “it’s not like you’re cheating or anything. You and Awan weren’t a couple and he’s been gone for years.”

“Yeah I guess,” Eli agreed half-heartedly, wondering how he managed to get himself into this situation.

“I don’t know,” Eli hesitated. “I promised my dad I wouldn’t sign anything until I discussed it with him first.”

“By then the opportunity will be gone,” Reed whined.

Eli gleaned at the men in suits “why the urgency?” Holding the contract out for someone to take “I’m not signing it.”

“I knew it,” Reed cried explosively “we’re going to miss out on a deal of a lifetime just because you want to run home to daddy.”

“I don’t like being rushed into an agreement,” Eli said standing his ground even though his friend’s words hit a nerve. “We need a lawyer to look at all the fineprint so that we understand what’s expected of us.”

“I hope not,” Eli said fervently “they wouldn’t be Sugar Valentine without them.”

“Yeah I know,” Mandy agreed. “Let’s not think about that. Let’s plan our next date.”

Opening the passenger side door, Eli suggested “we could go to the movies, the new Twister movie is still at the theater.”

Wrinkling her nose “I heard it wasn’t that good.”

“I don’t know, I kind of liked it,” he said.

“You’ve already seen it?”

“Yeah,” he shrugged. “I took my baby brother to see it. It was fun watching him enjoy the movie.”

“You’re really close to your family,” she observed.

“Aren’t you?” he asked.

Shrugging, “I don’t have any siblings and my parents are always too busy to notice I exist.”

“Oh,” he glanced over at her, lightly touching her hand. “You’re always welcome at my house. Come over any time.”

Their time with Sugar Valentine was all too short and Eli was still reeling from all their encouraging words that he barely even remembered calling Mandy his girlfriend until she they were walking out to her car in the almost empty parking lot. 

“Did you really mean it when you called me your girlfriend?” she asked.

Eli stopped, turning to look at her “of course I did. I…” swallowing hard, he continued, “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”

“You really mean that?” she asked, giving him a penetrating gaze as if she were trying to read between the lines, afraid she was missing something.

“I … think so,” he said, although it sounded more like a question.