DELETED398633

Palm Beach Royals: Senior Year

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
_{Collab with Ryland @TootsiePop & Marisol @Rosalia}

Originally, this felt like a good idea. In the heat of the moment, and with how enticing Marisol was dressed, Ryland found himself unable to resist their shared ploy to cause Sonny (and maybe, Julie too...) to get jealous. The fact that Sonny kept looking their way, there was no doubt in Rye’s mind that they DID get under his skin, still…

There was a small glimmer of hope that if he did something this petty, like have his best friend in his arms right in front of her boyfriend, who was also his best friend, maybe, it could result in Miss Macmillan noticing him. He knew the redhead thought nothing of him. He knew first impressions lasted forever.

She would hold that against him, from now until they no longer crossed paths. His immature outburst and disrespect toward women. His improper manners and his unreasonable anger. While part of him had hoped there was something there, he knew this was a complete lost cause.

He really fucked up.

Coming to a halt, he delicately released his friend and muttered, “What are we doing?” This night was supposed to be fun, but he knew he most definitely caused a rift between two people he loved and most likely looked ten times worse in his crush’s eyes. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t angry. Moreso at himself than anyone else. He wanted to be there for Sol. He wanted to make her happy, instead of focusing on her boyfriend and his date. He wanted to forget for one fucking second that there was a girl that absolutely disdained him and would never even want a friendship with him.

Lost as she’d been in between the carefree, sensual dancing with Ryland and making sure her boyfriend was watching them closely, it wasn’t until her friend released her that Marisol noticed something was wrong. Frowning, she turned around to face Ry, who was suddenly looking as if someone had punched him in the stomach and randomly asked what they were doing.

“Um, what we said we would do? Make Sonny jealous?” the girl responded without hesitation as if explaining something to a child, rolling her eyes. It had been his idea after all. But when she noticed how distraught he looked, she raised a questioning eyebrow at him. “Is there a problem with that or something?”

Shaking his head, clearly upset, he apologized, “I shouldn’t have come. I’m sorry, Sol. This is overstepping some clear boundaries and now you and Sonny… I don’t know, man. I should go…” Unnerved, which only happens when Rye was about to go off somewhere to hurt himself, like punch a wall or slam his head against something he clearly shouldn’t be slamming his head on, he continued to ramble, “I’m a fucking crap friend and a dissappointment to my father.”

“What the- ?” Marisol blurted out loudly, staring at Ryland as if he’d grown an extra head. His abrupt change in demeanor was definitely freaking her out. They had now garnered the attention of a few of the classmates in their immediate vicinity, so the brunette decided that it was best to take this conversation somewhere else. “Come on,” she told him, and without waiting for his answer, she took his hand and almost dragged him to the entrance of the country club.

Once they were away from the prying eyes and ears of the rest of the King’s crowd, Mari turned to her best friend with a worried expression. He’d seemed so determined to make a statement before, and now that they were achieving it, he was suddenly backing out? Ry wasn’t the type to back out of anything, which made his behavior all the more concerning. “What the fuck is going on, Ryland? Where is all of this ‘I’m a piece of shit’ mood coming from?”

This semester seemed to have a theme of Marisol comforting him and assuring him that things would get better. Relieved they were outside, where he could breathe and calm his nerves, he released her hand and ran all his fingers through his long hair.

Not answering right away, he decided to unbutton his jacket and take it off, throwing it on a nearby bed of grass. “Do you know how unlucky I am, Marisol?” He paced back and forth, clenching his fists. “Whenever I like someone, it never ends up working and when I see Julie, it just dawns on me that I will never be her type. She will never want me.” Before she could say anything, he rapidly continued, “I’ve called Ariel stupid in front of her face and now she probably sees me as some homewrecker. Do you see why I’m a piece of shit? Because I don’t consider anyone else’s feelings.”

“That is not true,” Mari quickly interjected, crossing her arms in front of her chest. What was it with school dances bringing out the worst in her and her friends? It was as if they were cursed or some shit. “You’re not a homewrecker, you’re not a piece of shit, and you have no way of knowing what Julie’s type is to even think she wouldn’t want you. Hell, I don’t think I know what Julie’s type is, and I’ve gone to school with her for over twelve years now!” she passionately stated, scoffing and shaking her head. Impressing Julie Macmillan long enough for her to give you more than five minutes of her time was a feat that very few men had achieved, but who was to say Ry couldn’t do it? “But if she can be best friends with Sonny of all people -who we both know is probably the fucking opposite of everything she represents-, then what makes you think you don’t have a shot, hmm? You’re not going all pussy on me now, are you? Because we both know Ryland Aspen is a fucking bull with balls of steel, not a fucking coward.”

Damn. Why’d she have to go so hard, so quick? Verbally and metaphorically, his best friend slapped him in the face. It didn’t even hurt. It was more like. Wow. She was absolutely right. He had no idea what Julie’s type was, so why the hell was he assuming? He hadn’t even jumped yet to be scared and he wasn’t someone that pussied out because he MIGHT get turned down. He broke more bones than the average teenage boy because of how foolishly fearless he was. This funk that he was in, whatever this funk was, was unlike him. And yeah! Julie somehow became close with Sonny which was basically his brother from another mother. They had a lot of similarities. Not enough to go gay for one another, but that’s not the point. They were BROTHERS-IN-ARMS, waging this war called: highschool. “I am a fucking bull! You’re so goddamn right. Like, what would I do without you? You’re so money, you don’t even know it, Sol.” At this point, his hands were on her shoulders and he was completely pumped. Fire in his eyes.

Fuelled by pure hype and excitement, the beaming Marisol jumped into Ryland’s arms, wrapping both her arms and her legs around his tall frame. She giggled and held onto him tightly as he spun her around, only letting go of her when they were both dizzy. As she was placed back down on the ground, the short girl couldn’t help but think about the irony of the situation. The start of the night had consisted of her feeling down and Rye cheering her up, and now here she was returning the favor. Say what you would about Mari, but she had a real talent for gassing up her friends even when she was the worst at being kind to herself. It was easier to find the virtues of those you loved, anyway.

Grinning, Marisol roughly grabbed Ryland’s face with one hand. “I love you, you piece of shit,” she declared, planted a big kiss on his cheek only to follow up the affectionate gesture with two small slaps to the same area. “You’re a real money machine, Ryland James! Remember that. Now stop being a bitch and go get your girl. You’ve got this in the bag.”

For a second, he thought she’d kiss him in the lips, since this was panning out to feel like a scene right out of a rom com, but he shook that thought out of his head when she encouraged him to confess. “I love you too, you firecracker.” He teased back, even going the extra mile to poke her belly.

Having a new sense of determination, he turned to the door, then turned back to his friend. While he was pumped, he still wanted her to go back inside, with him. “I’m about to put on a show, sooooooooooo if there’s anyone I want there to watch, it’s definitely you. Whaddaya say?

Mari didn’t have to be told twice. Nearly skipping, she climbed onto Ryland’s back like she’d done since they were kids. She made sure that her grip was strong and that she wasn’t showing off her ass to the world before crying out, “Let’s go get ‘em, tiger!”

Leaving his jacket behind, he strode to the door and threw it open. The moment it slammed against the walls, he charged, deciding it was now or never, and hoping they didn’t leave Sonny to his thoughts for too long. As they ran, he playfully swerved like a plane, while Marisol giggled, made the comical little sound effects and had her arms wide open.

Finally reaching the ballroom, he stopped in front of the door to catch his breath, “I’m going to do this. There’s no turning back now.” Kicking the door open, knowing that would probably draw some attention, he entered, still with Marisol on his back. Releasing her, making sure she landed on her feet, he turned and gave her one more bear hug for encouragement.

The girl simply beamed at him, her green eyes sparkling with pride and excitement. “Fucking go for it, man.”

With her final boost, he strode through the dancefloor and straight to the DJ, not letting anyone, not even his friends stop him in his tracks. He made sure when he passed Sonny and Julie he locked eyes first with his friend, and then with his heart’s desire. Reaching the DJ, he shouted, “Yo dude! I got an announcement to make. It’s gonna be good.”

Meadow University

With her sunglasses on, and arms crossed, Diana slept the assembly away, with her drink from the Bean resting on the ground. Since the party, she hadn't seen the Delamar twins because one was sticking his dick in crazy and the other was an open door policy and kept herself busy. While she loved Ty and Jasper, they had a lot going on and for now, it was best if she let them do them, while she focused on her projects. It wasn't like Ty would listen to her anyways — he was a lovesick puppy and it was gross to watch. That Macmillan girl had more influence over him than she, or Jasper, anticipated.

Her best friend, Fifi, who was a fellow music lover and genius, didn't go to the party, which was pretty damn lame. Fiona left her alone to deal with the tomfoolery that was now punishing them all. Granted, if she did come, Dee might've not found that perfect opportunity to throw a football at a pretty little (fucking thin) redhead. Such was life and she'd be lying if she said she didn't enjoy making those two frustrated. Man, she almost had her.

Without her, would they have even gone all the way? Deets spread fast like wildfire. They only had her to thank! If it weren't for that stunt, they wouldn't have left the party. She'd have to remind Ty to thank her by buying her brunch sometime. Taking credit for providing the lovebirds the push they needed to inevitably screw all night, Dee sluggishly opened her eyes to an assembly room that was nearly empty.

Great!

It was over!

Her mom had already given her the low down prior to this grand event, like literally right before it. That woman was trying to take away her privileges at this school, like having 24/7 access to the music building. That didn't end well because it only turned into jokes that Dee woke up in Costa Rica with a pound of coke and a buttplug in her ass. Oh, and she totally threatened to tell dad all her mom's lovers.

Well, the top three.

Her mom was such a naive woman, thinking she had any authority over her. Hell, she was even demanding her to bring her C's to A's. Dee kindly declined. Her mother would accept those C's in her core classes. She only cared about her major courses (ie. all things revolving around music) and as such those would be the only classes she passed with flying colors. Everything else could suck it.

As she shuffled out of the building, caramel apple cider iced tea in hand, she stopped to see a big guy walk away from a now broken water fountain. She contemplated her day as she watched his backside. Maybe she should invite Fiona to a luncheon so she could listen to the fire boiling inside her? Listening to Fiona was always entertaining. To get academic probation when you didn't even get in on the fun must suck royally. Still, Dee found it all rather amusing.

People were getting so worked up when it was only a matter of time rich people would do what rich people do best. Put the school in it's place by scaring them. It didn't take much. All they had to do was say they would pull their sponsorship. At the end of the day, money was desperately needed to thrive. Any school needed money. An Ivy League school, though? It needed a guarantee of cash flow to sustain the excellence they say the kids were not meeting. If anything, the video made Meadow seem more appealing in the general public's eyes. This was the age of technology, and social media was the way of the future. No kid wants to go to a school to just study. Props to whoever posted the video, they should be proud about the mess they made. Messes were great. Messes meant attention and oh did she love attention.

Yawning widely, pushing the thought of lunch to the back burner, she strolled up to the guy, who was going to look at his phone for something. Actually, now that she thought about it, she DID feel a vibration in her bag. Eh, too much effort to take her phone out. She had better things to do. Tapping the back of his shoulder, while chewing the straw of her drink, she waited for him to turn around before saying, "I know your name starts with a K and you're one of the hockey boys. And.... that's all I know! So yeah." She continued to chew on her straw, while looking up at him. He was definitely large and in charge. Massive. "Hey. I'm Dee. The water fountain wanted me to ask you if you like drums? Might be a better way to... relieve yourself. No, not for pee, but for all that pent up aggression." She had a video to review anyways, so having company wouldn't hurt. Might be kind of nice to make a new friend, assuming he was down.

"You don't have to be good and if you break it, that's my mom's problem."

Palm Beach Royals: Senior Year

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
_{Collab with Ryland @TootsiePop & Marisol @Rosalia}

Finishing the last bit of his burger, having scoffed it down in a matter of seconds, Ryland crumpled the wrapper, reached in the back seat, and tossed it in the brown bag the food came in. When the light turned green, he gently pushed on the paddle, taking his sweet ass time, choosing to cruise to the dance rather than rush. They’d get there when they get there.

After opening the console, he grabbed a napkin to clean his fingertips, before putting that too in the garbage bag in the back. While his room wasn’t the cleanest, since he hated folding his clothes, and eventually it all just exploded, Rye was all about personal hygiene, especially in a car that didn’t belong to him. Rich people got possessive over their cars. He knew his aunt wouldn’t scold him if something were to happen, but for him, this was a common courtesy and a show of respect. He was fortunate enough to have a car to drive his date in, who by the way, was dressed incredibly. Nobody could pull off a red dress like Marisol — that’s for sure.

Taking the obvious scenic route, intentionally turning on roads he knew would bring them off track, and that would only make them late to the dance, Rye cleared his throat, “You really do look amazing, Sol. I mean it.” He tapped his thumbs on the wheel, turning his gaze to her briefly, to have another look. As a result, he smiled, that kind of smile that showed a genuine softness that only those he would die for saw. That ‘I love you’ kind of smile. “This is not the same from seeing pictures posted online in the Hills. This is so much better.” Grinning, that goofy Aspen grin, as if Marisol was a gift from heaven that he didn’t deserve, Rye chuckled, “Sonny best be glad you're his.”

Marisol wasn’t one to blush often. But when she heard Ryland’s words, and the way he was smiling at her, she couldn’t fight back the bright pink heat rising to her cheeks. Leave it to Ry to find a way to make her feel so great about herself. “Thanks, Bread,” she said in a surprisingly soft voice, shooting him an even more surprisingly sweet smile. And when he commented on Sonny being glad she was his, the girl chuckled along with him. “You bet your pale ass he is! Or at least, I hope he is. Wouldn’t wanna be wasting my time if he’s not.”

“Yeah, well, he’d be dumb to let you go.” Rye calmly responded, bringing his eyes back to the road. The fact that they couldn’t go to a Valentine’s dance together was still kind of weird for him to understand. Beverly Hills High threw grand parties where people did whatever the fuck they wanted, because money did all the talking. Authority, not so much. The three Queens had more power than the actual principal. That was his normal.

King’s was different, though. It was… interesting, to say the least. He wasn’t complaining! Ryland had a hottie to entertain in the form of his best friend, so he expected this night to go well. The pessimism was overshadowed with hope because in this instant he was happy and that was a fantastic start for their night. “My ass is pretty pale. I don’t tan like you. I burn.”

Mari could only scoff and raise her eyebrows at him. “Tan? You think this shit is tanning?” she debated, pulling down the strap of her dress so Ry could see the visible solar power redness on her shoulder-- a clear contrast from the very pale skin where her bikini had been resting that afternoon. “I look like a shrimp!”

“... better than me.” He cheesed, not really noticing the redness on her shoulder, because his gaze kept going to her dress (while still paying attention to the road). Clearing his throat, realizing he was looking at her boobs for a second too long, since they were kind-of-sort-of-hanging-out, he looked ahead. For once, a rare sight could be seen. His cheeks were kissed pink. “SO! You looking forward to this?” Yes, enough about skin. Focus on the party.

“I guess,” the brunette said with a shrug, taking a loud sip of the large cherry coke her best friend had so graciously gotten her along with the food. “I would’ve loved to go with Sonny, since it would’ve been our first school dance as a couple and last valentine’s day dance and all-- no offense,” she added, hoping Ryland wouldn’t be upset about what she had just said. “But I’m not mad about it. I get to spend the night with you, which is still a win in my book. No complaints on my end over that.”

“None taken. I get it. If I had a girl, I’d want to take her too. I could only imagine Sonny’s feeling the same way.” Who wouldn’t be a little bitter if they couldn’t take their lover to a dance that celebrates love? A dance for friendship was the school’s way of trollin’ the newly lovebirds. It sucked for his friends, but hopefully, this only made them stronger.

A hesitant expression suddenly fell over Marisol’s features. There was something that had been eating at her for some time now, but she hadn’t dared to tell anyone about it. Yet, before she could stop herself, she was spilling every single one of the details to Ryland. “I mean, I don’t know… He seems pretty damn happy about taking Julie to this dance...” she confessed, voicing aloud some of the thoughts the evil little voice in her head had been plaguing her with for the past week. “I mean, I don’t blame him: I would be too. Jules is probably one of the most stunning women I have ever seen. But, I don’t know. I just feel he’s been a hell of a lot happier since he started to spend more time with her and less with me. Makes you think some shit and put some things in perspective…” she trailed off, biting her lower lip and shifting her eyes in the direction of the rolling scenery in the passenger window.

“Stop.” As positive as Rye wanted to be, which he was doing a pretty good job at, he did recall the long phone calls from last semester. It was a lot of information to take in and he was sure Marisol filtered some, but the sudden realization that his two friends were dating kind of helped thread the pieces together a little better. He knew how insecure Marisol was, he knew she battled her own disorder on a daily basis, he knew that Sonny wasn’t always the greatest person to be around with. They may both be his best friend, but his loyalty leaned more toward Sol because her being hurt wasn’t something he wanted her to be used to. He couldn’t handle seeing her cry.

“You’re beautiful. Remember that. Always.”

Living miles away prevented him from being here for her when she really needed him the most. He was here now and for the next few months, he wasn’t going anywhere. A solemn expression washed over him, as he made a promise to his date, “... AND, if he ever does something to make you cry. Don’t bother lifting a finger. I will gladly go in your stead.”

The girl couldn’t help but let out a shaky laugh. “Thanks, Ry, and I appreciate the effort,” she told him, resting her head on his shoulder and her hand on the knee nearest to her. “But we both know I don’t hold a candle next to that girl. And I’m okay with that! But… I’m not okay with how I’m feeling because of it. It makes me feel stupid, and I hate feeling stupid.”

There were so many responses coursing through Rye’s mind. How should he respond without making her mood sink even more? He could keep quiet. However, that would be unnerving, even for him, especially after what she said. She knew Rye was into Julie, who to him was completely out of his league, so him disagreeing in any way would be seen as blowing smoke up her ass. They had a whole conversation about both being sexually attracted to the redhead like a week ago!

Placing his right hand on her left, he grabbed it and gave it a gentle squeeze, letting instinct take over, instead of overthinking, “You’re mine tonight, right?” He let those words linger in the air.

“Yeeeeaaaaah…” she answered slowly, looking away to hide the new blush in her face for a completely different reason now. There was no confusing or even denying the sudden change of atmosphere inside the luxurious vehicle, and she hated how… creative... her mind could get in instances like this. Especially with all of these suggestive scenes unfolding inside her of her brain, playing continuously as if a movie on a loop, getting heated and heated with each passing second-

Pulling up in the lot, he smirked, “Allow me the chance to show you a good time. And I have no doubt, we’ll make them jealous.” Like a dork, he mischievously winked, hoping this would cheer her up.

It was the car coming to a full stop at the country club’s parking lot what brought Marisol back to her senses. She had quickly turned her eyes towards Ryland, a panicked expression settling in at the thought of him even realizing where her mind had been venturing towards. She had hoped to be looking at a serious expression, but found herself facing a wink and another line that could be entirely misconstrued if heard by the wrong ears.

Her throat suddenly dry, Marisol grabbed her drink again and took a long, deep sip, not stopping until there wasn’t a drop of liquid left inside the cup. Only then was she able to give her unsuspecting friend an answer. “S-sure,” she stammered, visibly flustered.

Unsuspecting indeed, Ryland took the next moment to take the keys out, get out his car, and go on the other side to open the door for her. Offering his hand, his stare trailed down to her bare leg before going back to her blushing face. He would behave tonight. While her skin did look nice to touch, that wasn’t his skin to touch.

Although she was at the peek of champagne pink, he assumed her mind was still fighting thoughts of rage. His lips seemed to have a permanent lift, and to his surprise, his glowing excitement didn’t seem to fade. This would be their night and he’d have fun. She’d have fun. They both would have fun. “That’s right, dollface.” Rye broke into one of his voices, choosing a film noir accent from movies like Sin City, “You’re a dame to kill for-- and I’m ready for your worst.”

The short girl chuckled and playfully shook her head. There was the Ryland Aspen that Marisol knew: the one with the corny voice-acting and not the one who was making her mentally cheat on her boyfriend like Ariana Mossos probably did on an hourly basis. It was the push she needed to get herself out of the mentally compromising road she’d been going down.

Grinning, she took his hand and exited the car as gracefully as she could. “You don’t want to know what I’m capable of at my worst, sugar,” she teased with a wink of her own, following his lead but with a surprisingly convincing Southern accent. “Now let’s go in there and show all these children who are the real bosses of this place.”

“Money!”

---

Fast forwarding to them entering the dance, which was already poppin’, Ryland wrapped his arm around Marisol’s waist, while scanning the field. Between the drink table and the dancefloor, this place was lively and they had arrived at a perfect time. Or so he thought.

Turning his attention back to his date, he could see the deadliest glare, the hellfire of jealousy emitting from her aura, and as such, he turned to follow where she was looking and there they were. Julie and Sonny showing off on the dance floor, and looking as happy as they could possibly be. Continuing to let instincts lead, he leaned down to whisper in Marisol’s ear, “I’m thinking we need a song change…”

Ugh… There was that damn voice again, and there was Ryland doing something that absolutely drove her crazy. It wasn’t his fault, though, and she wasn’t blaming him for whatever he was unsuspectingly doing to her. How was he supposed to know the consequences of these types of actions? It wasn’t as if they talked about these types of things anyway.

Fueled by both jealousy and curiosity, the brunette tilted her head back in his direction so she could reach his ear. “What are you thinking?” she asked him in a low voice, keeping his narrowed eyes locked on her very pleased-looking boyfriend and Julie as they joyfully danced together in a way he and Marisol never had.

Rather than respond, he led her to the DJ, first gesturing with his head. When they reached the man in charge of the tunes, Rye tapped the table to grab his attention, “Hey, we’re over this crap. Play PillowTalk, by Zayn, my dude.” They were the first to make a request, which was surprising. Even so, Rye wasn’t complaining. No more talking. He used all the dancing skills his aunt Summer had blessed him with to make himself and Marisol look and feel like a MEAL. Better than a snack. This may have been a reckless move on his part, but he wanted his date to feel good. If that meant making his bro jealous with the sensual way their bodies were pressed up and moving along together, then yeah-- he would do just that.

Cancelled - until next time family. Thank you for understanding.

<sup>▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃</sup>

Sometimes being surrounded by people was a good thing. A distracting kind of thing. People with a variety of personalities never let things get boring. This was usually a good thing for him. Yet, with all the attention directed to him (or Val, but mostly him), and with AJ finally being given a moment to slow down and catch his breath, he felt uncomfortable and suffocated. No, not because his children were at risk, but because everything, in this moment, felt like it was crashing into him all at once.

Not understanding one word coming out of Aleks' full mouth, the boy looked at him with a frustrated glare, even going out of his way to swat his friend's hands. Not now. He was already feeling some type of way toward Cosmos and this whole showing he cared, trying to be the comforting brother, was not helping. He was not helping.

Soon to follow, Trash and Fruit Loop decided to make things worse calling Val a shrimp and a Chihuahua and there was no doubt that this only solidified his losing battle. There was no way she'd want to come now. Why would she? These people were giving her every reason to dislike them, and walk away.

The pain easing and his energy slowly but surely coming back, AJ barked, "You two are something else. Fucking Christ. Shut-" Before he could finish his sentence, Sami was making his way to Val. Chris following afterward right when Katie called him 'Christopher' (wtf) and told the girls (Rey and Ava) exactly what was on his mind: “You know, if you guys weren’t going to help, the least you could have done was shut the fuck up. This is supposed to be a damn vacation, no need to pour gas on the fire, ladies.”

Although Chris had said enough for the whole party, Leon added a pinch of disappointment with his 'that's enough'. As soon as he scolded, Leon made a great escape to the shower. Finally, Chloe was staring down at him, running her hand's through Aleks' hair while checking on the boy with the pained groin. Usually, he wouldn't mesh Ava and Rey together, since he had a higher tolerance for one over the other, but this. This was not the time or place for this shit.

With Chloe's offer of food, and show of concern, AJ shook his head, "It doesn't matter, I just want to hit the road. Thank you, though." Unfortunately for Chloe, AJ didn't take her warmth as kindness. It was clear to him she was more here for Aleks than she was for him. At least, she wasn't causing trouble. Out of all the girls Val didn't get along with, Chloe seemed to be 'next level' solely because she was beautiful and standing next to Aleks most of the time probably didn't help. They were blessed with good looks and from this angle, maybe, AJ could see where Val was coming from.

While he held Chloe's hand, before he used any energy to get himself up, Emilia and her infectious happy-go-lucky voice chimed in. It almost seemed like she was going to put the drink on his... part... so he quickly swiped it out of her hand and took a sip, letting go of Chloe's hand in the process. "Mmm, good. No, you're good. This is fine. I'm fine." Amidst the chaos surrounding him, this was when Nate decided to approach Josie. AJ didn't notice since now, at last, he was picking himself up, deciding against using Chloe as a crutch. Call it pride or whatever, but he could do it himself.

Standing up now, his eyes rested on Katie talking to the two bitches. It was finally settling in that she was here. It was finally settling in that someone that wasn't Val invited her. It was finally settling in that he wasn't okay with this. What would she gain by coming along? Didn't she have a boyfriend to keep her busy? Hell, she could easily go to Greece and be with her brother and his boyfriend! There were so many questions crashing into his head. His impulsive nature wanted to ask them all now, make the scene worse and cancel the whole trip, because Val was definitely not coming anymore.

But...

He couldn't. Seeing her made him see Jamie. She came in his car and now she's pretending this isn't a big deal. He was too sober for this shit. The heartache he should've gotten over the moment Jamie and Marshall went Facebook official was still there, stinging.

"Fuck me." He muttered, all those around him would've heard. Aleks, Chloe, Emilia. Swiftly and temporarily brushing it off, while he not only had pain on the outside, but also on the inside, AJ took this instant to join Leon in the comfort of his family's RV.

"Thanks, guys. Really. I'm going to wait for things to settle down. Enjoy your breakfast, then we'll head out." Once he took a sip of the soda, he smiled at Emi, showcasing the drink she gave him, "Refreshing. Just what the doctor ordered."

With that, AJ left them behind and found himself laying down on the sofa, right arm covering his eyes.

Meadow University

@metanoia

Dee

Name

Diana Caterina Valentine

Nickames

Dee, Di, Valentine

Age

20

Gender

F

Year

Third

Reason of Admission

Third Generation Legacy (Valentine Fortune)

Major

Bachelor of Music in Music Production and Engineering (MP&E)
Minor in Music Business

Sexuality

Pansexual

Relationship Status

Jaded / Romance history: None of your business

Label

Miss Unconventional / Master Musician Girl

Appearance Details

• Hair: Dirty Blonde | Wavy | Usually some form of 'down' do (ie. straightened, curled, or left alone).
• Eyes: Dark brown
• Height: 5'5"
• Body Type: Slim
• Clothing Style: 90 percent of the time she is dressed like this, this, or that. But, she has an entire wardrobe that shows her wealth, her stature, and her femininity. She knows how to strut her body when need be, but she prefers for days with low expectations to dress comfortable.
• Makeup Wise: Light eye make up, lip pop. However, if she needs to change it up, she will.
• Scars, Tattoos and/or Piercings: Basic earlobes, and a tattoo on her right shoulder blade, done by Ty.

Personality Traits

Persistent → Free-spirited → Non-traditional → Bizarre → Childish → Sarcastic → Meddlesome → Self-critical

Upbringing Synopsis

Diana was a little girl afraid to let go. She was raised by two people, Giovanni and Nina Valentine, that fell out of love with each other a long, long time ago. That didn't change the fact that they never served each other papers. For better or for worse, they stood together. They'd be together until 'death do us part' or at least that's what they tell their daughter. Unfortunately, Diana was too young to remember the fit she gave when they argued and brought up the word 'divorce'. It led to self harm, on her part.

Her reality was painted to be beautiful, though that was far from the truth. Behind closed doors, it was empty, lonely, and fruitless. Her parents were afraid she'd hurt herself again. Both felt like if they waited it out, until they knew she'd be okay, they'd get the happy ending they wished for. Little did they realize how hard that sacrifice would be. In addition to that act of 'kindness', y'know instead of tender love, some affection, a little attention, and a pinch of direction, they put her on meds. This would change the way she saw things forever.

Diana blamed herself for causing her mother to give up on her dreams of becoming a famous violinist and violist. Instead, her mother decided to teach at the college she went to, eventually becoming the music program director. Diana blamed herself for her father never showing her the love that daddies usually show their little girls. Her father, a well renown, young judge, was a man more focused on building her up to be the son he never had than the precious gem that she was. She blamed herself for their constant desire to seek pleasures behind the other's back - Alcohol, gambling, sex - and her having to cover for them on the daily.

The picture looked beautiful from afar. They went to charities, political parties, and other high class socials, looking well kept and picture perfect. The judge, his songbird of a wife, and their only child. If you gave it a closer look, you'd see the paint running. They could put on an act, but at the end of the day they were torn.

As barren as her family life is, even if everyone's physically there, she has found comfort in music. Having plenty of funds to use, she taught herself many instruments, composed, as well as wrote her own songs, and most importantly, produced. She has a Youtube channel, under her full name (because she wants to be known), where she produces music videos for the local talents, including medleys, covers, and originals. Sometimes, she's in the background playing an instrument for the musicians, sometimes she's behind the camera, and sometimes it's just her recording herself in her home studio. Note, she commutes from home but can be found on campus dabbling with the school's studio and software.

Her rocky childhood has made her an eccentric oddity who has found purpose in music, like her mother. Turns out she's a prodigy! Too bad her parents are too busy fucking some random to see their daughter's gifts, but hey, that's okay. She attends the very school her mother went to, now works at, and aims to get her skills in a place where she can help kick start someone's music career or start her own studio. For now, she has YouTube. She may be winging it, but at least she's trying!

Family

• Giovanni Cosimo Valentine - Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont - FC: Christopher Abbott
• Diana Caterina Valentine - Their only child - Junior in college, her mom's legacy
• Nina Marie Valentine (Maiden surname, Fletcher) - Head of the Music Department of Meadow University - FC: Jaime Ray Newman

Misc.

Halston Sage | 3caea0 | Music talent based off of Kurt Hugo Schneider

• In Meadow University Poetry Society.
• Boredom is a common feeling she feels, so she's a rather busy body. Her boredom has led to her messing with other people, for shits and giggles. A favorite pastime of her's is cockblocking her best friend, Tiberius Delamar.
• As depressing as her demons are, she isn't a debbie downer. She does enjoy morbid and dark humor, but she's actually a HOOT to be around with. She's just a strange and fun person, but there are times that her underlining sadness can be seen. Only the Delamar twins have witnessed those moments. It isn't easy to catch her off guard since she usually always expects something unexpected to happen.
• Actually hates her smoking habit, but can't seem to find enough motivation to quit. She started at the age of thirteen, with no one ever telling her no.
• She's surprisingly audacious and not afraid to jump on a table making a scene, whether for entertainment or drama she's hella ballsy.
• It is massively hard for her to dislike someone. Even Junie, who has grabbed Ty's attention. Those kind of girls are easily stirred, so if anything, she likes trolling her, but there isn't some hidden intention. She's simply a nuisance.
• She's a ride or die kind of friend. Doesn't matter if she's in class, or it's 3am in the morning, if you need her, she will be there. She might not understand what you're going through, or empathize, but she's there and that's what matters.
• Although she can be insulting, she has never once physically hurt anyone and if it gets too far, she walks away.
• If she goes through an depressive episode, she tries to create a fort and hides in it. Whether its using blankets, pillows, or classroom chairs, she will figure out how to make a hideout for herself.
• Carries gummy bears everywhere she goes, even in formal settings.
• Likes to throw things. Footballs, basketballs, bouncy balls, pong balls, gummy bears, pens, notebooks, anything in reach... sometimes she's precise, sometimes she intentionally darts hard and aimlessly to see where it goes.
• People have no idea when she gets her homework done, but she does, because it always seems like she's fooling around or focusing on projects of passion, instead of her homework.
• Rarely backs down from a challenge. Sophomore great bash, someone challenged her, thinking she couldn't rap. They knew she was good at music, but they believed they could find the one thing she wasn't good at. They were wrong. While rap isn't her cup of tea, she's big on spoken word poetry, good at improvising on the spot, and writes her own songs. Undermining her gives her a reason to embarrass you, especially if you challenge her with her expertise,
• If you couldn't tell, she loves making someone look like a fool. No malice involved. Just playing around.

Rules: In Junie's sheet.

Meadow University

^{Collab with @spooner as Julie Macmillan}

Morning after the party...

As splendid and eventful her night was, all good things do come to an end. Eventually. Her’s ended after a nicely cooked breakfast. Pancakes with a plentiful amount of fruit and a side of bacon. How thoughtful. Junie couldn’t help but think she was dreaming, but that would be silly since neither of them got a wink of sleep. While yes, she wanted to spend more time with Ty, and even join him in the shower, she also needed him to keep wanting more.

After kissing him goodbye, letting it linger to the point where it seemed they may go for another round, she pushed away and playfully waved farewell. Leaving Ty’s dorm, purposely having left her shoes behind, yes she was barefoot, Juniper Macmillan pranced off to her sorority. A walk of pride.

Yes!

They finally did it. There was so much she needed to tell her dear twin. As she walked, her phone buzzed. Digging it out of her bag, she opened the notification to see a video from the party. When she saw who was involved, she shrugged, completely uninterested. Yes, her baby Cass was part of the trouble, but he was a big boy and needed to learn from his mistakes. He should’ve known better.

As long as Mona was safe from the nosy bitches of Meadow, she could care less what went down. At least she hoped Mona wasn’t involved in anything too bad that it would go viral like this fight. Junie was sure it was only a matter of time this would come bite them in the ass, like Ty did last night. To her. But that's neither here nor there! She was on cloud nine and that's all that mattered.

When she entered her house, her sisterhood, ALL of them, minus Lola, which was to be expected, were waiting for her, with the expression: well?!?!?!!?

Pretending to be forlorn and sad, she pouted and forced herself to tear up, “He, um, rejected me.” The girls gasped at the same time and then came rushing to her to cheer her up and offering whatever they could. Do you want a mani-pedi? Hey I’ll make us mimosas! Let's watch chick flicks all day and eat ice cream! Here do you need some lush balls? I’ll go buy the chocolate and ice cream!

Letting this go for far too long, Junie laughed out loud, “I’m kidding, bitches. Let’s just say, we were each other’s company. All night long.” And that was immediately rewarded with screaming, jumping, squealing, and dancing.

“WE NEED TO DRINK TO THIS!”

---

Monday at the assembly…

Was this really happening right now? She wasn’t even at the party during that stupid fight! Would her mother kill her, or let this pass? Honestly, part of her believed that her mother would be on her side because this was complete bullshit. Academic probation, really? All for what? A stupid fight? If Meadow was as prestigious as they claim to be, they would’ve had it off the internet by now! This was an act of malice and a declaration of war. She would not allow being made a fool by two idiots and an old lady that had a stick up her ass. They would pay.

Hmpf.

With a death glare, the fiery redhead watched Emilia leave the podium. What a fucking coward. Couldn't even consult the kids and get the full story. There was absolutely no justice at this school. Maybe Junie should’ve traveled abroad just like her sister! To be blamed for others' stupidity was infuriating and revealed more about the school than the students themselves.

Storming out, leaving her friends behind, she muttered, “Yeah, I’ll show you an appeal.” Making her way to the courtyard, Junie speed dialed her mother and impatiently waited. Listening to the ring back tone, she noticed an unread message… from Nate.

What?

Opening it, she read what he said, which made her scoff in revolusion. Of course Jasper would go after someone so easy. She couldn’t handle a little competition. That was glaringly obvious. How did Nate get her number anyways? Ah, that’s right. They were paired two years ago in a fundamentals of visual design class. Quickly, she replied ‘congrats’, and then perked up when her mom answered:

“Juniper! My sweet little flower. You’re finally calling me back” Julie Macmillan’s chirpy voice rang from the phone’s receiver. “How are you darling?”

Sighing heavily before responding to her mother, Junie fretted with concern, dropping the anger, and letting all the dramatic sadness fill her up from head to toe, “I could be better, mommy. It’s just, ugh, this school is punishing me for someone else’s mistake!” There was no point in dragging out the conversation when she knew her mother would be absolutely furious when she found out the big news.

In addition, Junie was not ready to tell her parents about Ty yet. So, knowing her mom would get inevitably impatient as well, Junie went straight to the heart of the matter, “There was a fight at a party and I wasn’t even there for it. I left because it was so boring and now we’re all on academic probation because of it.”

There was a moment of silence when the only sound coming from the other end was the bustle of Julie’s office. “Okay… so let me get this straight.” She started calmly. “They are jeopardizing your education because they can’t be bothered to do their job?” Julie queried. “Or did something else happen at this party that would make them do this?” She asked before letting her daughter answer her first question.

“Someone recorded it. It wasn’t only the fight. It was a combination of students being immodest, feral, and without morals. Good students too, like Mackie. To them, this jeopardizes everything Meadow stands for. We have to prove to the school that we meet the criteria. If we fall below what they consider a ‘good academic standing’ they could expel us. And that’s just not fair, mommy. I had ONE drink and then went back to my sorority!”

The last part was a lie.

While she feigned complete innocence to her mother, glad her moment with Ty in the lake, where her nipples were showing through her dress and her legs were wrapped around him… indecently, did not get recorded, Junie’s eyes found two familiar faces arguing, with little to no regard to their surroundings. Casually, she trailed close behind them to eavesdrop.

“Mhmm...” her mother said knowing details were being kept from her. “If you really have nothing more to tell me baby. Let me do what I do best okay? Just keep a low profile as of now.” Julie’s voice was laced with annoyance and determination.

“Yes, mommy. Of course! Thank you so much. With all my heart, I love you.” Once Julie returned the love, bidding her blossom farewell to show the wrath of the Macmillan name, and evidently hanging up, Junie was able to focus more clearly on the two fighting.

“It’s not that you didn’t sleep with me, Cassian Lee-”

Oh snap!

Pretending to still be on her phone, she stood in place, listening to all the tea. Lola Russo was her housemate, but they never had opportunities to get to know one another. It didn’t help that the beautiful woman challenging her friend preferred the company of Blake over anyone else. Who could blame her? He was hot. When Cassian tried to defend his case of not leading Lola on, a chortle escaped her thin, pink lips. She didn't let it go on for too long, and as a reaction for her own abrupt and obnoxious laugh, Junie looked away. Uh-huh. Okay, Cassie.

When she did so, she saw a bunch of students wide eyed and staring at the not-so-happy-not-couple. Rolling her eyes, Junie approached the group and hissed, “Mind your business, and go study.” After pretending to hang up the phone officially, she crossed her arms and gave a ‘try me’ look to the nobodies. When they walked away, she noticed Ty, Jasper, and... Nate. Eek. Instead of dumbly gawking at her almost boyfriend, she turned to look back at Cassian and Lola, only to see her foolish friend storm away and her fellow sorority girl sorta, maybe, win the battle?

Curiosity getting the best of her, Junie scurried her way to Miss Russo. Dropping her phone in her bag, she softly and politely asked, “Is everything okay? I’m sorry if Cassie hurt your feelings, he can be, to bluntly put it, a dumbass.”

Palm Beach Royals: Senior Year

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
_{Collab with Ryland, Aunt Miley @TootsiePop, Marisol @Rosalia & lil' bro Marshall @metanoia}

"That’s against the dress code.” Miley Bennett peered into her nephew’s bedroom to see his progress. While yes, his outfit was a casual preppy look that suited the King’s Academy scene, minus how he held himself which was free and easy, to an extremely informal level, sneakers was an absolute no-no. In her book. In their book. In everyone’s book that was attending this semi-formal dance.

Did he even read the dance pamphlet like she did? He wouldn’t be allowed to get inside with his darling date with those on, even if they looked brand spankin’ new. And oh god, that hair. How she wanted to cut his hair and make him look as pristine as those white sneakers he was wearing. He was a KING and he never acted like one, which was beyond her. Just a little snip snip and he’d be a heartthrob. Alas, this was a losing battle, unless by some divine fate, he felt inclined to clean up for someone special.

“Hey, is knocking not a thing anymore?” Ryland grumbled at his aunt, while he gave her a deadpan stare through the mirror, above the guest room dresser. He didn’t understand why he had to dress above average for a dance that celebrated friendship. He was celebrating this night with his best girl, Marisol, and if they had it their way, they’d celebrate it with jeans, tees, and sneaks. The best kind of wear. School dances were overrated and uneventful. He had low expectations and doubted anything interesting would happen to appease his boredom.

Raising his eyebrow, he turned around to face the person he was speaking to. As if she already knew what he was going to say, she revealed white slip on moc toe shoes, which caused him to close his mouth before even speaking. "These are still white and give the vibe you want!” Miley proclaimed, having picked these shoes specifically because of their comfort level. Yes, they were hammy-downs but he didn’t need to know that.

The moment Rye laid eyes on the shoes, he rewarded his aunt with a scowl. There was no way — no way in hell he’d be wearing that! Those were not money. Not money at all. This was unbelievable. He couldn’t believe his aunt was looking at him as if he had no choice. As if he wouldn’t throw those shoes out the window right here and right now. “That’s fucking dumb. They should let this pass because hell-to-the-no. I ain’t wearing those!”

"Language. And, Riri, honey, if they give you a pass, they’ll have to give everyone a pass, and that’s just not the King’s way. Come on, please, for me? If it makes you feel better, your dad used to hate wearing shoes like this too, but when he went from rags to riches, he had to adapt.” Miley entered the room, disregarding the ‘knocking’ comment because this was her house, and extended her arms, each hand holding one shoe, "You want to have fun with Marisol, right?”

“Yeah, but not with those shoes.” Rye stubbornly clapped back.

"Wear the damn shoes, Ryland James Aspen.” Clicking her tongue in annoyance, knowing they were running out of time and she still wanted to take pictures, Miley gave her signature deathly glare that she would give her kids, if she had any, to her charming, wonderful nephew. She knew very well she was dealing with the brat of her brother’s children, but she adored him nevertheless. It was obvious that lately he wasn’t being himself, and she could guess why without imposing. It wasn’t that hard to tell he was a lovesick puppy. If he didn’t try to care about anything, like his grades, or his looks, or the mess of laundry that was visibly irking her this very moment, he sure as hell wouldn’t get the girl that’s keeping him awake all night. The walls were thin, after all.

“I guess I’m not going because I REFUSE!”

"Don’t be a baby and don’t make me get your dad involved. Do you want your weekly allowance, or nah? WEAR THE DAMN SHOES!”

“No! CALL HIM. I DON’T CARE!”

---

He indeed did care.

In front of the Castillo’s, standing in front of his aunt’s cadillac ciel, keys in hand, Ryland continued to grumble and mumble under his breath. Obviously, he had given in, and now here he was picking his friend up for this stupid dance with these stupid shoes. All he wanted was to wear sneakers. Fucking sue him. Ambling down the path and to the door, Rye had no idea what to expect on Sol’s end. They didn’t really go through the whole coordination thing that most couples do for dances. That was unimportant. He was simply happy he was taking her.

Before ringing the doorbell, he ran his free hand through his hair, pushing some of his long strands behind his ear, and then and only then, did he finally make the household aware of his presence, as he joked, “Honey, I’m home!”

“I swear, if it’s the fucking Jehova’s Witness morons again--” The door swiftly opened. Instead of Sol or even the head of the Castillo-Jameson family, a much shorter, yet clearly fit Marshall received that bothersome doorbell and who was responsible, scowling for all of three seconds. “Oh, you’re not a Jehova’s Witness.” Marshall eyed Ryland up and down, fixating on his shoes, chuckling with a half-smirk. “Where ya headin’, cowboy?” The teen joked and leaned his right shoulder against the side of the wall.

“How the fuck is it gonna be a Jehova’s Witness at half-past six of a Saturday night, you dumb fuck?!” Marisol’s voice rang across the house from her room on the upstairs floor, where she was about finished with her preparations for the dance.

“Where do you think? I got a date with the devil; now excuse me, Marshall, not right now.” Rye was visibly peeved and just wanted to see Marisol in a dress already so he could laugh.

Marshall chose to ignore Marisol’s loud, annoying voice and stepped to the side so Ryland could come inside. “Oh, I didn’t know Candyman was taking you. Is that why you brought out the pearls?” Marshall asked, once again glancing down to Ry’s shoes.

Internally seething, still hating these shoes, a huge chance he would end up barefoot by the end of the night, Rye chose to ignore the gesture toward the shoes, and laughed, “Whatever, man. You know your sister can bring hell on Earth worse than any man that goes by the fucking name: ‘Candyman’.” He casually entered, and then shouted, “Hurry your ass up! I want to get this over and done with.”

“Fuck you, you piece of stale-ass bread! Don’t tell me what to do!”

Marshall squinted and dug his left pinky into his ear, cleaning it out. “Okay, maybe next time use your inside voice. I’m not trying to go deaf over here.” With a sigh, Marshall took a place a few feet away from Ryland and leaned against the wall, waiting for his sister to, as Ryland so poetically phrased it, hurry her ass up.

It wasn’t long before the momentary calm of the Castillo household was interrupted by a flash of red fabric and long brown hair sliding down the handrail of the stairs and landing perfectly in front of Ryland and Marshall on the first floor. Dressed in a long, spaghetti strap red dress with a slit that reached the middle of her right thigh and holding a pair of silver heels on one hand, the crimson-lipped, grinning young woman waved at her date.

“Hey,” she said breathlessly, taking a seat on the second step of the stairs to put on her heels. “Sorry I’m late. I was out surfing all day, and when I realized what time it was I barely had enough time to get decent,” she explained in order to justify her simple makeup and even more simple hairstyle, while the faint marks of paler skin where the strings of her bikini had covered her from the sun corroborated her story.

While the entrance was hardly lady-like, and nothing like a slow-mo monumental moment in a chick flick, Rye expected this, or something of the same variant. Smiling now, he watched her put her shoes on and took in the dress of the night. That was what took him aback. How goddamn good she looked in red. It was rare for Rye to look at Marisol in a light other than a sister, but today he could admit that she was absolutely stunning, beautiful, and, “Priceless.” He subconsciously said out loud, before admitting, “You look good, Sol.”

“What Woody said,” Marshall chimed in, smiling. “Amazing what a little effort into looking like a female can do for you, right sis?” He joked (for the most part).

That made the usually frowning Marisol grin from ear to ear. “Thank you, sourdough!” the short girl teased, walking over to her friend and lightly slapping his cheek a few times. “And you look… Like a vision,” she told him after taking a quick look of his selected outfit for the night.

“Oh shut up, I hate it.” Rye huffed, wishing this was just some dumb house party where he could wear whatever the fuck he wanted. Deciding to change the subject, he gestured toward the door, “You hungry? ‘Cuz I got us some food and I would hate for your fries to get cold.”

“You’re a fucking hero, dude,” Mari growled, lightly punching Ryland’s arm and heading over to the front door when--

“Not so fast!” Marshall whipped out his cellphone. “By order of our annoying dad, I am required to take pictures.” He sighed as he spoke and gestured to the happy couple to squeeze together. “Trust me, I don’t want to do this as much as you don’t but it is what it is.”

Great. “Does it have to be traditional?” Searching for a way to not have to try and take a good pic, he stepped closer to Marisol, scanning her up and down, “And do we have to do this here? Outside? Do you want me to hold her? How excessive are we being?” He was having memories of his aunt Summer spending an hour just taking pictures of him and his brothers. He hated taking pictures, but for Mr. Castillo, he had no choice. This was a matter of respect.

This one makes Sonny look like Einstein. ”Just put your arm behind her and Mari, put yours in the same position. And, please, for the love of God, don’t be tasteless.” He immediately glared at Marisol, who stuck her tongue out at him and flipped him off. If she had it her way, she’d stick her nonexistent ass out like a TikTok Thot.

“Okay, man, whatever.” Ryland eased his hand around Marisol’s waist and pulled her close. He knew the generic way of posing but this was way too couple-y for him. If it’s what the photographer wants, then so be it. To be frank, ever since he found out the news of his friends, he had no idea how to treat Marisol now. Boundaries were necessary, when his two best friends were fucking.

On her end, Marisol had done her part by closing the distance between her and Ryland and wrapping her own arm around his waist. “Hey, you’re not a whole foot taller than me anymore!” she teased, proudly standing beside her friend and not feeling like a dwarf next to a beanstalk.

“Still a shorty.” He teased, earning himself a pinch on the side where Mari’s hand had been resting before looking at Marshall expectantly. “Let’s do this, so we can grub.”

He chuckled at the height difference between the two. As he would back up so they were both in frame, Marshall was literally seconds away from taking the photo but then he saw Marisol stick her tongue out and lift her leg up while Ryland held it up, smirking. Shaking his head, Marshall cursed in Spanish and took the photo reluctantly. “I swear, you two are going to be the death of dad.” His sister just gleefully giggled in response.

“Okay, okay. Now a serious one.” Rye released his friend’s leg, not realizing how soft her skin was until now, but pushing that thought aside. The more they fooled around, the later they’d get to the dance.

They behaved long enough for Marshall to take a few more photos before Marisol cried out: “Can we fucking go now? I’m fucking starving!”

As he saved each picture, Marshall shrugged and pocketed his cellphone. “Go for it!” He walked past them, hands in his shorts. “Have fun, you crazy kids!” Marshall yelled out as he walked upstairs.

“We’ll have fun alright. In my car. Eating.” And with that, Ryland grabbed Marisol’s hand, and led her out.

About fucking time.

Palm Beach Royals: Senior Year

_{Collab by Stella @metanoia & Chrissie @TootsiePop}

---

---

With music blaring out of her bluetooth speakers, Ideas by Au/Ra, the Starlet of King’s Academy finished strapping on her last heel, while examining her french mani and pedi that she got only a couple of hours ago. Getting off her white sheeted bed, compliments to the Lamberts, Chrissie strutted to the vanity to check herself out. She was a pink flower in a room of white, standing out and looking good. Most importantly though? Feeling good.

Almost when the chorus came on, she started touching up her lips with gloss and swaying her shoulders and hips to the rhythm. After kissing the air, as she gawked at herself in the mirror, she twirled to music and sang out loud, “...Don’t put ideas in my head, no. Because the deeper they get, the more I like it. Don’t put ideas in my, no, don’t put ideas in my, no, don’t put ideas in my head…”

As the song continued, she prepared her evening bag, the Kate Spade’s Emanuelle Glitter Clutch one. She’d rather be too prepared than not prepared at all. Make up just in case, blotting papers for her girls with caked faces, safety pins for emergency repairs, mint because she ain’t got time for people’s bad breath, stain removal stick, her phone, and deo for obvious reasons, a small version of her scent for the day to freshen up, and tampons for emergencies. Not for her since she wouldn’t get her period anytime soon, but for whoever. Chris always had some JUST IN CASE her friends needed it. No one would ruin their dress on her watch! Part of her hated the need to bring a bag, but also, part of her simply loved how it accentuated her look, as well as flaunt her daddy’s wealth.

When the song came to a close, she finished her ensemble with another round of mist, ‘Such a Flirt’. This was a vibrant, floral fragrance, with a tease of tempting starfruit and white orchid. She already sprayed some prior to her putting her dress on, but this was just a little more, for extra measure. She was aiming to have fun tonight, which called for a playful scent. A scent that was alluring and tempting, but not too strong. A subtle statement.

Grabbing her phone, she snapped a picture of herself to her Cherry, making a goofy face, purposely trying to look unattractive, and commented: “Can’t wait to see you!” Once she turned her music off, she swung her door open, a sudden curiosity washing over her of what her cousin was wearing, and who her cousin was taking. Thank GOD not Carter. Deciding to break the silence, bored of being petty, she sauntered down the hall and to Stella’s bedroom. In Chris’ fashion, rather than knock, she decided to go for the door and...

“Don’t you ever knock!?” Stella stood in front of her full-body mirror, nearly tipping it over when Chrissie had burst through her bedroom door. It was common courtesy to knock before entering someone’s room but Chrissie seemed to lack that in spades. Fortunately for the brunette, she was dressed and moments away from applying the finishing touches to her hair, which was down but it was clear the right amount of product had been applied to it as well as a recent winner of the best treatment the saloon had to offer.

For most of the week, Stella had mostly relaxed. In the time that she wasn’t seeing Carter casually, texting him when she could, and calling him, she had been doing the same thing with Santiago. After their surprisingly pleasant date, Stella was in a good place. It was odd but when she had that do-over, knowing that it was a purely platonic date, a majority of her negative thoughts had disappeared like a raft of ducks flying south for the winter. She didn’t know if it had to do with Santiago treating her to the date or her finally coming to terms that you can’t control everything, but when her hazel brown eyes gave Chrissie the time of day, she felt bitter towards her cousin, who she had to admit looked beautiful.

As she fixed Weitzman Nudist sandals and straightened the dress with multiple green fabrics and colors she wore that came to a stop at mid thigh and tightened the belt, she sighed and took a long moment to inhale and exhale, pushing all of what she could say right now to Chrissie down where she didn’t have to think about it right now.

Turning around, she stood firm where she was and eyed Chrissie with as much of a genuine smile she could muster, knowing for the sake of the household, she had to remain civil, regardless how much it was killing her right now. “What do you want, Chrissie.” Stella asked. She didn’t feel like wasting any time, especially since she didn’t know when Santiago would be arriving.

Ew. Stella was doing a shit job hiding her annoyance and disgust. Mature, really. Leaning against the rim of the door, crossed arms, Chris rolled her eyes and honestly admitted, “I’m allowed to be curious. Wanted to see what you were wearing.” She took a moment to scan her cousin up and down before smiling, “Sexy, I like. That lip shade really works with the green.

It was interesting watching Stella’s change in style, mannerism, and just overall vibe. From a sweetheart to a vixen. With this sudden new-found confidence, it made sense. All thanks to Paris and not Carter. Today, however, Chris would not go out of her way to ruin her cousin’s day or even attempt to cockblock her if she left her date and gravitated to Carter. Things weren’t always about her and Chrissie had her mind set on enjoying her night with Kavi, and eyeing the tension between Mr. Russo and Ariana. He would watch in pain as his kitten lured yet another boy in for a good time. Stella and Carter were the least of her concerns. For today. Expectantly, she waited for Stella to give her a compliment back because Chrissie knew she looked phenomenal, but she wanted to hear it.

Stella smiled, proceeding to grab her clutch. “Momma picked the shade out, said it went well with my dress. But thank you for noticing.” As she went to walk forward, Stella saw how her cousin was looking at her as though she was waiting for something. “If there isn’t anything else, I should get going,” she stated simply, moving closer to Chrissie but not yet reaching the door. “So, is there anything else you need from me? If not, then could you please step to the side. You’re blocking my way.”

Okay, so her cousin was choosing to be rude. Chrissie was trying to make today a day of peace, a day where they could push all this bullshit behind them so they could smile and act like they weren’t in a feud, but being talked to like this was not something Chrissie would stand for. She honestly didn’t care if Stella bitched and whined to the whole family and played the victim, but Stel talking to her like this, like she was yesterday’s trash was a HELL no in her book. “Stella, what the fuck is your problem? You’re being a bitch and I’m just here telling you you look cute. Fuck you, and this whole new personality you got going for you is seriously unlikable.” Scoffing, having snapped, honestly regretting playing the peacemaker, Chris turned around and headed down the hall, “Stop crying over spilled milk, and don’t worry. I’ll stay at Ariana’s!”

She was more confused than angry right now. When she didn’t talk to Chrissie, her cousin still blew a gasket and when she did, it was her doing everything she could to not bite her head off and still it resulted in the same thing. Stella truly didn’t want to deal with her, especially today of all days. On a day where it was supposed to be about celebrating love and cherish the bonds one had, there was Chrissie McCoy, making sure she pushed all of the right buttons to get that response she so desperately wanted.

Well, congratulations, Chrissie. You got it.

“Or better yet, maybe you should just go back to Scotland!” Stella rushed out of her bedroom door, her legs carrying her and closer to her cousin. “Because I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re tired of your backstabbing, two-faced dramatics!” As she spoke, Stella shoved against the back of Chrissie’s shoulder as she went downstairs.

As Stella stormed downstairs, Chrissie was both full of rage and sadness. Screaming off the top of her lungs, she shouted, “Maybe I will, you fucking cunt!” Fighting the urge to cry, because now her cousin was holding ONE action, where she toyed with Carter, against her like it was a life sentence, the drama queen ran down the stairs, pushing her out of the way, and going straight outside. If Stella couldn’t tell the difference between her trying to ruin someone’s life and her being jealous that her best friend wanted to be with a guy more than she wanted to be with her, then there really was nothing left between them.

How would she understand how vulnerable Chris was right now? She wouldn’t and she wasn’t even trying to. Jason broke up with Chris and immediately afterwards Stella went to Paris on a romantic getaway. Who was there for her? Ariana. Mind you, Ariana was in a different country too! Greece! And still found the time to call her. Also, to add insult to injury, friends like Shawna checked up on her! Like, really? Where was Stella?! Being selfish and a bitch, that’s where. The moment she came back from ‘finding herself’ and growing a pair it’s only been about her!

When she reached Kavi’s car, she screeched, “I HATE HER!”

Meadow University

_{@HaleyTheRandom & @TootsiePop Collab}
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

“Tough shit, Nero!” Diana “Dee” Valentine called out from the sidelines. With her arms crossed, she gave him a ‘what are you going to do about it’ face and then smirked, fully knowing someone’s panties were not only just wet, but now in a bunch.

With interference from a football, and now the lake getting crowded, Junie Baby was displeased. While she felt the need to twitch her eyes, she kept a gentle smile on, while she fixed her hair from the splash. Maneuvering her way to the football, the thin redhead grabbed it and started making her way out of the lake, her nipples visible through her dress. “Ty, who’s your friend?” She gestured for him to follow her, the moment ruined, and started making her way to Dee, passing Joey and Jade to get to her.

Dee was the daughter of the Director of Music Education at Meadow University and the Senior United States District Judge for the District of Vermont. Junie was well aware of who her beloved associated with, she simply wanted to hear his response. After all, having someone treat his future girlfriend like a punching bag wasn’t a trait she sought in the man she’d dedicate her life to. Watching the other girl take a cup of beer from someone nearby, Junie kept calm and collected, showing no annoyance whatsoever, for appearance's sake.

“You promised you wouldn’t be revolting, dude. Are you trying to be like every other couple here?” Dee visibly grimaced; a girl who absolutely despised PDA especially when it came to Ty.

Rolling his eyes, Ty did his best to give Junie a look of reassurance. “My friend Dee. She’s…. Like another sister. Huge pain in my ass. I gotta look out for her,” rambling as he tried to explain, the young man sighed in defeat. Everything had been going great until Dee showed up and decided she didn’t approve of what was going down. Now Junie was most likely pissed and Dee was…. Being Dee.

Turning back to his friend, Ty gave the blonde woman a pissed off look. “I mean if being like every other couple here includes showing my kinda date a good time, then yeah. I guess I am.” He sighed, shaking his head. “Why are you here and why are you throwing footballs at peoples heads, man?”

“Bored. Had nothing better to do.” Dee bluntly admitted. Aside from the fact that she didn’t want to be home, since she was one of the few students that commuted, she found herself in need to pester her big ‘brother’ as if her life depended on it.

“Here.” Junie handed the football back, and proceeded to introduce herself, “Junie—”

“I know.” The small blonde said matter-of-factly.

“O-K.” Junie knew the alcohol would start making her do something she’d regret in the morning, because now, seeing Diana’s face and hearing her responses were starting to enrage her even more than she could contain. If she weren’t inebriated, she might’ve even used her pretty manicure nails to cut the girl’s face, but at last, she was in no state of mind to reveal her fangs to Ty. Honestly, it’s because Ty was standing there that she kept the ‘tude to a minimum. “I’m going to get a drink. You coming?” She gave the boy the option to stay or go, but she was leaving regardless of his decision.

Standing there as the girls had a small exchange, Ty couldn’t believe just how fucked up things had become in a split second. He was finally going to get to kiss Junie after three freaking years. Why did the universe hate him so much?

Simply nodding at Junie's suggestion, Ty climbed out of the water and offered a hand to the red head before saying one last thing to Dee. ”Go find another source of entertainment, please.”

“Whatever.” Dee tossed the ball up and down in her left hand, beer in the other. Up and down. “Don’t get your pretty girl knocked up. I’m sure your father would hate that.” Purposely, she left with a verbal jab before disappearing into the crowd, knowing more about Ty’s relationship with his parents than any of his friends, including his Baby.

”You’ve got to be shitting me…” Ty mumbled as she walked away. The last thing Ty wanted to talk about was his family, and now there was a fifty-fifty chance that Junie was going to bring it up. Normally, Ty would say something petty right back to Dee, but he was trying his best to remain calm and gentleman-like at the moment. ”Come on,” he said, looking at Junie. ”Let's go grab that other drink you were talking about.”

“Actually…” Having noticed the brief moment of tension in Ty’s facial expression, Junie decided to take matters into her own hands. “Why don’t you.. and me… get out of here?” Trying to disregard the unwanted appearance of his friend, a needy little bitch she’d say, Junie wrapped her arms around him once more. If they were going to keep getting interrupted, what was the point of staying? He was the main reason why she was here. “...then we could do more than just kissing.”

Large crowds and parties had always been more of Jaspers thing than Ty’s, so when Junie suggested that they slip away, he was more than glad. Add that to the bonus that she was full blown flirting - Ty might dare say that he was a happy man at the moment. Kissing her forehead as he detached himself from her, Ty bent over to pick up their things off the ground where they laid beside the lake. Handing Junies things back to her as he slipped his shirt back on, Ty unlocked his phone and wrapped his free arm around her waist.

”Sounds like an excellent plan. I’ll go ahead and order the uber. We can go back to my dorm, if you want? Seems like everyone from school is going to be here a while, so…”

Yes! Junie mentally chirped. For as long as they’ve known each other, she had never stepped into his room. Maybe she could take something of his, as a keepsake. Maybe she’d leave a little something behind too. Sure, she didn’t think they’d make it back to anyone’s place before they had sex, she honestly thought they’d just fuck on the beach, but perhaps Dee interrupting them was a blessing in disguise. They’d have his dorm to themselves, and they could do… whatever they wanted. However they wanted.

“I’d like that.” She smiled up at him, honestly excited and even thinking about her morning call with her twin, gushing about all the juicy details of her and Ty’s adventurous night. “Ah, but I don't have a change of clothes.” She coyishly muttered, as she displayed her damp dress that stuck close to her dainty body. After swiftly putting her boots back on, she looked up at him watching her, with hunger in his eyes.

”You won’t need any,” he said, smiling down at her. And he meant it. Ty seriously doubted that either of them would be wearing clothes for the remainder of the night. Besides, if she was that worried, she could borrow one of his shirts or something.

She wasn’t worried. Not at all. Simply fishing to hear his remarks. With a rising grin, Junie held her purse and phone in one hand, his arm in the other, and gave an inquisitive purr, “Mm, is that so?” before they both made their way out of the crowd and into the woods.

Cancelled - until next time family. Thank you for understanding.

<sup>▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃</sup>

Slyly returning the smile, AJ took a sip of his latte, as Aleks ruffled his hair. One of the few people he was okay with touching his hair. He watched his friend's face carefully, all the while keeping silent, letting his voice be the only one resounding in the nearly empty lot. They were inches apart, and just when AJ opened his mouth ready to respond, Aleks looked away, back at the RV, and asked him a question.

Tsk.

After taking another sip, he shrugged, "Do I ever?" Masking his annoyance, AJ followed Aleks' gaze to look at his father's RV. To others, this might be excessive, but to him, it was his normal. And there was nothing interesting about his normal. Quite frankly, it was boring to him. Feeling inclined to yawn, AJ covered his mouth with his arm. This coffee would be his saving grace, at some point. When it hits him.

"Can you two fuck on this trip and get it over with? Or at least announce your soul mate status on FB or something, dios mio.”

Rolling his eyes, AJ shot back, "Fuck you, Sami-boy." Their relationship, meaning Aleks' and AJ's, was hardly affectionate. What he had with Valentine and Tink was affectionate, what he had with Aleks was more like a babysitter who had no choice but to watch a kid bounce off the walls. Beyond that? There really wasn't much. Shut up, AJ. Drink your coffee. When Sami gave the RV compliments, and made a playful jab at the host of the road trip, AJ muttered, "Uh-huh," and then took a bigger gulp.

Of course rather than make matters better, the next person entering the scene caused AJ's heart to drop. His mood was already turning sour, and then... he saw his ex's car. While his mouth went agape, he watched the car approach, as if it was going in slow motion. When it finally went into park, AJ held his breath.

When Katie exited, he was relieved and speechless. More importantly though, he was pissed. Did Jamie set this up? Why was SHE here? His grip tightened around the cup, but not tight enough to cause it to explode. He hadn't seen Katie in a minute, and yeah, she was still hot as fuck, but the fact that she came in with Jamie's car set the mood. It was like putting salt on an already butthurt wound.

“Good morning, my favorite Gearheads. Morning AJ,”

"Wow, well fuck you too, Katie. It is a good morning, I'd say so myself. Absolutely lovely. Fan-fucking-tastic." His first response was meant to be sarcastic, playful, but the displeasure and scorn he felt, emanated from him and into the general proximity. He wasn't necessarily trying to hide the fact that he felt some type of way seeing his ex's sister again. He thought he could leave all that behind. Regardless of what he felt, AJ kept his ground, his dark gaze never looking away from her. "Look at you, all packed and ready to go."

At that point, everyone else started piling in. First came, Ava and Trash. While his Fruit Loop was making her way, with a big ass grin plastered on her face, Reyna offered pancakes. Usually, he would be stubborn and not get pancakes, but this was an opportunity for him to walk away from the current situation that made him uncomfortable, even if it meant he had to look Reyna in the face and accept her damn food. So, he decided, sure, why not. "No shit, yeah. Pancakes sounds great!" While his words came out in good humored, it didn't take a rocket scientist to know that AJ was only doing this to prevent himself from doing something stupid.

However, as he started striding to the pancakes, still latte in hand, to offer his assistance or grab food first, his Remedy shouted, “Don’t fret, Bumble, I’m here now!”

"Oh thank god," He whispered to himself, feeling like his Valentine was a better escape than the garbage disposal. Throwing a smile back on his cute, babyface, he called out to Chris, Ivy, and Chloé, "Hell yeah! Now this is a party!" It seemed the group was balancing in his favor. Katie started to become smaller and smaller to him, in this moment, and less of a concern.

This was fantastic!

“Leave it up to you to go over the top, Shortstop!” A genuine smile was back on AJ's face. Nate and Val were here! Almost everyone! A nice calm washed over AJ after Nate slapped his back and left his arm around his shoulder. Okay, he was over Katie. Sure, she can come along. Why not? Should be one helluva ride. A road trip to remember.

Not.

Of course, as always, good things never last.

Things were supposed to get better, with all the cool people here.

They usually do!

And yet... “I need to talk to you alone NOW.” He was roughly ripped from staring at his other friends, right from Nate's arm, when he turned to see a tiny anklebiter pulling on him and taking him away, giving him really no room to say no.

He should've seen this coming. Part of him wanted to believe this wouldn't happen, and she would let shit pass, like he was doing with Katie. That was him thinking on the bright side. This was Val, for crying out loud. She was a hard woman to please. Something he knew would make her mad, but chose to not think it would make her mad, hoping it wouldn't make her mad, forgetting it was a high possibility that she'd get mad, has gotten her past that point of madness. She was raging mad. And he knew it.

But that's the thing.

This road trip wasn't about her, and he would make sure she'd understand exactly that.

This was fine.

Everything was going to be fine.

The RV door closed behind them...

...and that's when Leon came jogging in.