SirensCall

No Longer the Lost, No Longer the Same

Alrighty, dead, I am going to be doing some work on Emily's character sheet, so don't be surprised if here in a few days I tell you that it's done.

You Make Me Feel

During the small break between second and third period, Ricki found herself checking over the stat books with Coach Dubois when he was free. She wanted to make sure that they were correct. Now she was sporting Gabe's school jacket, as she had started getting cold about midway through the Second period. "Thank you, coach. I know how thorough colleges are with their stats, Krista and I just wanted to double check."

"No problem." He said, tuning away rather quickly as she headed back to her seat. However, someone was sitting in her seat.

"Excuse me?" She asked, and when the figure turned she dropped her stat book and flung her arms around him. "Darren!"

"Well, hello sis!" He chuckled a bit.

"Mom said you guys wouldn't be in until tomorrow." She said. Darren slid over and Ricki took her seat. This was exactly the mood booster she needed. "Where is Andy, anyway?"

"Montgomery's house. Seeing as dad is still home and not happy, mom invited Gabe's parents over for dinner and movies, and wine. Just so we had a place to party." He answered, looking to her back. "Nice to see you're no longer with super douche."

Ricki nodded, and Krista gave her a look, but it got shot down. "Wednesday night was rather eventful."

"Mom told us. Everything."

Ricki paled, but Darren grinned. "What, we ain't gonna kill you, and at least it wasn't Livingston."

Maureen heard that and laughed. "Damn straight!"

However, play was starting back up, so the.conversation died out. Again, Landry was playing against Jacobs, and it was a nice change in pace. It was good to see someone so well rounded on the ice playing for the Bears. And Jared was showing that they-He, really- were a forced to be reckoned with.

By the end of the game, the crowd was screaming, and it was an all around good time. Ricki looked in their shirt boxes. "Damn, we sold all of them?" She asked, looking to her brother. "Beer run?"

"It's why I came. Andy's got the food going already." He said, "and since he dropped me off, I figured I'd just get a ride with you three beautiful ladies."

Ricki chuckled a bit, and she and Krista stacked the boxes in his arms as.Maureen handed Ricki the cash box. "Darren, I know you graduate like three years ago, but how do you feel about being the last quarterback to reach state?"

Maureen was stroking his ego. "Pretty fucking good. Means you can't replicate me, even if Livingston tried."

Ricki chuckled, but once they Piled into the car, Darren redirected the topic. "Oh, but beware, Andy is none too happy about you and Gabe. Especially if you two aren't together. He won't act on it unless provoked. And if you see Livingston, tell me. Andy is liable to put him in the hospital."

Ricki felt a little on edge. They still didn't know about the bruise, and neither of them had been fans of David anyway which just made things worse. Once they got the beer, they headed to Gabe's house, and Ricki ran inside and once she found Andy, she threw her arms around him.

"Andrew!" She smiled, and he laughed.

"Having a conversation, Ricki. God." He said, motioning to Jared as she backed away, but she was soon spun around. "Montgomery, eh?"

"Yeah, he insisted I use it if I got cold." She said, and an arm came around her and she jumped.

"Damn straight." Gabe said.

"Goddammit, Gabriel!" Ricki shouted. Andrew laughed.

"Be careful with my baby sister. You don't want to hear about the things I'm going to do to Livingston." He said, and Gabe looked to her.

"They know?" He asked. Ricki gave a gentle nod. "All of it?"

"What? About how you two screwed when Livingston went off to Hawaii?" Andy asked.

Darren came up. "Old news."

"What about this?" He asked, pulling up Ricki's sleeve to show the.bruise that had faded some. She almost immediately pulled her sleeve down.

"Gabe." She hissed, and she was soon carted off by Darren who found the quietest place was out front.

"What was that?" He Asked, pulling up her sleeve and examining the bruise. "Is this from Livingston? Did he hit you?"

"No, no, we had a talk the other day, and he grabbed my arm when I went to leave." She explained.

"There's more to this drama then?" Darren asked, and she nodded. "Alright, me and you will talk later, but for now, go enjoy the party. If Andy is still hot, I'll talk him down. Normally the idea of a party will keep him calm."

"Set me and him up some shots and he'll relax." Ricki said. Darren took her literally and she sighed, heading back in, and grabbing Gabe's hand before pulling him into his bedroom and throwing his jacket on his bed. "Have you completely lost your mind?!"

"He's handling It better than I thought he would." Gabe said.

"For now." Ricki said.

"Well, they deserve to know." He said, "They have a right to do something.about it."

"Why?"

"Because if they don't I will!" He exclaimed, and they both fell silent. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell."

"Why?" Her voice was quieter, and she approached him, and brought his face in her hands, making him look her in the eyes.

"Because I care about you, Ricki." He said. "You've always been real with me, and so many people are walking away because Livingston is playing it up as the victim. But he's not. You are. I didn't want you to walk away on me too."

Ricki closed her eyes and moved away. "Okay." She said, taking hold of his hand and pulling up, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Now, let's go have some fun and forget all this Livingston drama. Besides, I'm pretty sure Andy, Darren, and I are about to do shots."

"Oh, this will be fun." He said, and he led her back to the party, Darren waving them over.

"Ricki Nichole, time for shots." He said, pointing to a lime of four he had made for her. "Your favorite. Tequila."

"You know me too well." She said.

Krista smiled, seeing Andy off to Ricki's right. "Shot race?"

"Count us down, sis." Andy said.

"3,2,1, Go!" She counted fast, and the three siblings took their shots down, Darren finishing.just before Ricki and Andy.

"I win, little ones." Darren teased.

"Oh can it, Dare." Andy punched his arm before going back to finish up What.little meat there was left to cook.

"Ricki Trenton!" Maureen shouted from the door. "You got me?"

Gabe gave a look as Ricki walked over and pulled a condom out.of her bra and placed it in Maureen's as discreetly as possible. "You are a doll." Maureen placed a kiss on Ricki's cheek and she returned It before Maureen headed off. When she returned se received a look from Gabe.

"What?" She asked.

"What was that?" He asked. "I saw what it was."

"Me helping my sister out." She chuckled.

You Make Me Feel

Once lunch rolled around, Ricki Trenton was near sure no one would find her. She wasn't in the art room like she normally was, her phone wasn't on, and she had avoided going past the lunch room rather effectively. She was in one of the two piano rooms in the choir/band room, and she was working on getting down her.trouble parts for when she played for Maureen at contest. She was sure Maureen would get to State if they were perfectly in tune.

After playing through it a few times, Ricki turned on her phone, She had five new messages. One from Krista, one from her mom, one from Maureen, one from David, and one from Gabe.

She told Maureen and Krista that she was alright and where she was at if they were that worried. David was trying to get her to talk to him again, and her mom told her that they'd be home that night, but leaving out again Friday afternoon.

Then her eyes went to the one from Gabe, and she just stared at it.

Rick, can we talk sometime? I promise I won't be like David.

The last bit caused a smile to play on her lips as read the last bit. She sighed a bit, and as Krista found her way into the room She finally responded to Gabe.

Friday, okay? My parents are actually in town the next couple days.

Okay. After school?

Sounds good

Krista slid onto the piano bench beside Ricki, when her eyes fell to her arm. Ricki had her sleeves rolled up and the bruise was.apparent. "Babe? What happened?"

She sighed. "I went and talked to David yesterday, and I guess.he didn't like where I ended the conversation." She answered. "Should have seen Gabe's face when I told him."

"I don't doubt it. I kinda want to kick his ads, and we both know.I couldn't." She sighed, But Ricki chuckled.

"Won't have to worry about it, mom and dad are home until Friday afternoon. Mom won't let David in the door." Ricki said, and Krista nodded.

"You okay? You seem really out of it today." She asked, and Ricki gave a nod.

"Just tired. I didn't sleep very well last night." She answered and Krista nodded.

"Come on, let's get you something to eat." She said, and Ricki shook her head.

"I'm not hungry. But you go ahead, I'm sure you and Tyler have a lot to talk about." Ricki said. Krista smiled wide.

"He said yes when I asked him to the formal." She informed, and Ricki gave her a hug. "Are you still going stag?"

"We shall see." Ricki said, and Krista nodded before she left Ricki to herself again.

--

The rest of Wednesday had been quiet, even at home with her parents. Aside from when David came up.

"So, what happened with you and David?" Her mother asked, and Ricki looked up from her dinner plate and sighed.

"Well, you see, we-" She began before the doorbell rang. "I'll get that."

She excused herself and when she saw David there, She saw the pleased look on his face. "Hey there, Ricki."

"What are you doing here?" She asked, crossing her arms.

"Your dad invited.me." He.said, and she headed back into the kitchen.

"Dad!" She called, and when she entered the room with David still behind her, he looked.to her.

"Yes, dear?" He asked.

"Why did you invite him over?" She asked, and her dad gave a stern look.

"Get both sides of the story." He said, and Ricki Sat down, David sitting across from her. "Go ahead, David."

"Thanks, Mr. Trenton. I really don't know what happened. I just know that Ricki said unhappy, and then something came up, and I guess this summer she and Gabe had a little thing."

"Gabe Montgomery?" Her mother asked.

"The one and only." David said. He was enjoying this a little too much.

"Such a sweet boy. Was this around the Fourth of July? Because if I recall correctly you went to Hawaii after asking my daughter for a pass on those two weeks." At least Ricki had her.mom on her side. "She cried for two whole days about that, so when we had business we had to have Andrew and Darren come in. I just have to know David, just one thing."

"Yes, Mrs. Trenton?" He asked, but Ricki finished.

"Was the pussy worth it?" She asked, and David paled. Now her father was.looking directly at him. "I believe that answers it."

"Then was Gabe worth the drama now?" David was getting angry, and her parents Now looked.to her.

"Damn fucking straight. For fuck's sake, David, I told you that there was no sex until you proved to me you wanted more than just that. You never did. Good things.come to those who do good." She exclaimed, and she got up and left the room, David following after her. "We're not even together anymore, and you could have any other girl, why aren't you chasing.them? Why can't you leave me alone?"

"Because you were supposed to have been mine!" He grabbed hold of her arms and shook her a bit. "And over Gabe Montgomery you weren't!"

"Hands off my daughter." Her father spoke, leaning against a black, covered case. David released and Ricki walked out the door and took off driving.

--

Thursday was, thankfully, uneventful. David had backed off of her, luckily, but her bruise still hurt. She.knew he was still running hot, but he also didn't know how to back off of things until he got the answers he wanted. Krista made the comment at lunch. "You need to make things more than clear that you two are over, babe. As long as you're still single he will keep at it."

Soon a shorter brunette girl approached. A junior named Emily Godwin, who was on the dance team with Ricki. "Ricki, can I ask some advice?"

Emily was a sweet girl, really shy, but once the music started no one would ever know. "What do you need, Emily?"

"Well, I wanted to ask David to the formal." Ricki and Krista both turned to her fully. "I know, he's your ex, but I kind of have a crush on him and I want to see how It plays out."

"Just go up and ask him, he likes straightforward." Ricki said, and Emily nodded, turning around and going back to her seat before she and Krista saw Gabe slide into the seat across from Ricki. She looked to him and Krista chuckled.

"He wanted to hear your dinner story, I guess." She said, and Ricki shot her a look.

"No one wants to hear that." She said, rubbing her bruise, and Gabe looked to her.

"Does It feel any better?" He asked.

"Still sore." She answered. She was still wearing long sleeves to hide it.

"But what happened last night?" He asked, and Ricki went through and told him. At first he laughed, but even Ricki could see the detest in his eyes. "Your dad was.going to bring out the .45?"

Ricki shrugged. "No clue, sounded like it. The only time anyone should ever be afraid of my dad is when that .45 is.in his hand."

Krista nodded as Tyler sat beside her. "Hey, so are you sure you're okay for the formal? We've got just over a week now."

The tall, dark skinned guy nodded. "Got the tickets, and you said pink flowers right?"

Krista smiled and nodded, and Ricki rolled her eyes a bit and Gabe looked to her. "Who are you taking, Pretty Ricki?"

She shot him a look. "Me, myself, and I for the moment."

Gabe just gave a nod, and soon He spoke. "What color dress?" Ricki looked to him. "What, I'm curious?"

"Champagne." She answered, and he nodded.

--

Finally, it was Friday. Ricki had skipped her last class to see her parents off and pick up the three hundred some odd t shirts she had made for the hockey team. Those who had ordered them we're in their own box, as Ricki had organized them as she sat in the school parking lot, waiting on Gabe. She was wearing her hockey shirt, and her hair was up in a ponytail. She had some maroon and white face paint beneath her eyes like war paint, and her jeans were tucked into her boots.

She was in the middle of sorting out the team's shirts when Gabe found her working out of her trunk. "Hey."

"Hey." She greeted, and she handed him three shirts. "The top one is yours, the bottom two are for tour parents."

He set them on the roof of her car and held his up to himself and she nodded. "So, what did you want to talk about? Becaue.I have to ask why you're kissing so much ass."

"I realized I never answered you this summer." He said, and she looked to him. "If I ever regretted us.not working."

"Gabe..." She began, and he pressed a finger to her lips.

"No, you have to hear this. Because I do regret it. I regret not being ready for a real relationship then, and then when I was you weren't available." He said, and she sighed. "I want to make it up to you. I need to know how."

Ricki nodded. "Alright. We'll see if you can. You can start by opening my back seat door." She said, taking up one of the boxes of shirts, but he took the box.from her and she opened the door and he slid.the boxes in the back seat. "Thanks."

Gabe nodded and took off his school jacket, handing it to her. "In case you get cold in there." He said, and she nodded before setting It in her car.

"Now, get going. I'll see you after the game." She said and he nodded before heading off as Krista got to her car. "Get in, we have a few shirts to hand out."

"You have the shirts Hector asked for right?" Krista asked. Ricki nodded and they took off.

--

The game was nearly started and Krista and Ricki had sold nearly half the shirts that weren't reserved already, and Ricki pulled her camera out of its case and got it ready as she got her stat book ready. Krista looked to Maureen. "Alright, remember the parent's shirts are free to the parents, the reserved shirts are paid for, and all the rest are 7 a piece." She reminded.

"I got this." Maureen said and as the game began. Everything shifted. Game mode definitely and Ricki managed to get some good photos of Carl in the goal and of the rest of the team as they skated around. They were near perfect pictures, but the imperfections would come out in editting.

This home game was perfect to say the least, and the best picture she had was when Gabe passed to Jared. "That's paint worthy." She said, showing the picture to Krista as she finished recording the score.

"That it is." She said, and as they continued watching vigilantly, and recording what needed to be.

You Make Me Feel

Sounds good to me. =)

Edit: Heather is up

Once again, I'm on the hunt.

Quick question before I pm you. Where do you stand on the doubling/multiple main characters front?

You Make Me Feel

Ricki stood there, looking up at Gabe before she answered. "David wanted to talk, I guess he didn't like where I was ending the conversation and he grabbed my arm. I didn't realize it had bruised." She said, using her hand to cover her still sore spot. "What did you want to talk about anyway? How you've been so far us Voss' ass that you have left me to fend for myself?"

Gabe was silent now, and Ricki spoke again. "What happened to you, Gabe? You used to be sweet, now you're so different. I mean, I actually used to kinda like you, probably more than I should have, but now... I find myself wondering why."

"Rick, I'm sorry... I-" He began and soon Adam came up and Ricki looked to him.

"Go ahead and get in, I'll only be another minute." She informed before she looked back to Gabe.

"I didn't realize that-" He continued but she stopped him.

"I'm done, Gabe. I'm done trying to figure out the best way to deal with this drama, so just stop. Please. Maybe it will make It easier until this whole ordeal blows over." She said, heading towards her driver door, but Gabe went and stood in front of her.

"I really am sorry." He said, "I wanted to talk to you after what happened with Nick, but you weren't there anymore. So I checked the art room."

"I need a new hiding spot."

With that she moved passed him and got into her car and.took off with Adam.

--

The next morning hadn't come soon enough, and after Ricki got dressed she headed.to school. She didn't put any effort into herself aside from some cover up and mascara, and she wore a black t shirt with a pair of faded jeans and a pair of sneakers. Her hair was pulled up into a bun, and she was the most dressed down she had been in a long time. She just didn't feel up to it anymore, and she pulled on one of her.brother's goodies and left for school.

She got there an hour early, Mr. Dancy letting her in so she could work on the backdrops for the drama club's play. That and while she worked on them, Dancy was going over the art club meeting agenda for that afternoon.

"So, we're going to go over our annual fundraiser and start planning our little gala at the spring choir/band concert." He said.

She nodded. "I also wanted to go over how we're going to do the backdrops for the spring play too, really divide the work." She said, continuing on her piece for the backdrop.

"Sounds like a good idea. Have you got the t shirt order forms?" He asked and she nodded.

"And I have plenty of ideas for the fundraiser." She said. Neither of them realized that the hour had passed by so quickly as the first bell rang. "Shoot."

She began scurrying to clean up, and Dancy wrote her note explaining why she was tardy, and just after the second bell She finished.cleaning up. After she toon the.note, she headed to class and she set her things down, she handed Ms. Andrews the note. Andrews dismissed her to her seat and Ricki Sat down, feeling eyes on her as she.opened her book and her journal.

They were given a worksheet over the content they covered yesterday, Andrews being behind on some grading, and they had until the end of the class to turn them in. Her phone vibrated in the pocket of the hoodie and she.looked at the message.

How's your arm?

It was from Gabe, and Ricki briefly looked towards him and she answered.

Sore. Thanks for asking.

She Sighed, sliding her phone back into her pocket and working on the classwork before her. She was tired, not having slept well last night since she was alone. She Had been up until three in the morning painting, and the few hours she did sleep weren't very restful. Her mind was so heavy, and she wanted.nothing more than to be at home. But she had to face this.

She had her assignment near completed, but the last bell was coming closer. She was just so off focus and the last question she just stared at for a.minute before she started her answer. She was just trying to block everyone and everything out to get her work done, but her phone vibrated again. She looked to her phone again, and it was Gabe again.

You alright?

Just fine.

She turned her phone off and she finished her assignment at the bell and she handed it in as she headed out the door, heading to the art room. She just wasn't in the mood.to deal with anyone, and when she entered the art room, Krista saw it immediately as Ricki took her iPod and put in her ear buds. She took it as a sign to just leave it alone, and she watched as Ricki opened her sketch pad and just went at it, her music drowning everything out.

About halfway through class though, Maureen pulled an ear bud.out of her ear. "Ricki, d'ya hear?" She asked, and she shot her a look.

"Hear what?" She asked.

"Voss and Landry are going to the formal together." She said, and Ricki rose a brow.

"And this involves me because?" She asked, and Maureen and Krista fixed her with a look.

"You like him." Krista whispered.

"Yes, he's a nice guy, but let's be honest, it would never go past school work." She said.

Maureen rolled her eyes, and Ricki put her ear bud back in and went back to her sketch.

When was lunch? She wanted nothing more than to disappear and be alone.for a while.

You Make Me Feel

I love it! Its perfect. I think the day before the formal I'm going to have Ricki ask Gabe, just for the hell of it.

You Make Me Feel

CARL LITTLEJOHN//17//SENIOR//THE BEST FRIEND

--



TASHA JOHNSON//18//SENIOR//THE JOURNALIST

--



HEATHER VOSS//17//SENIOR//HEAD CHEERLEADER

You Make Me Feel

Oh, that could be fun to play with. I like that idea a lot.

I'm still thinking that the formal is a couple weeks away unless you wanted to make it sooner.

The Search is Real (Still real, still searching)

Pm me, we may be able to work something out.