The Brothers

Short Bio: This story is about a girl. A girl who fights for what she believes in and is very stubborn. She is kind and reads people very well. She became best friends with two out of three brothers and a friend of said brothers. Their names were: Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon. The four were close. Nicholas was 27, Michela was 17, and Jesse and Brandon were both 13. Nicholas and Jesse were brothers, there was one more by the name of Justin, who was nineteen. Michela met Nicholas first when she was 6 and he was 16. Don't question.... End Begin: Meeting Nicholas Nicholas was on Austin Street. He was upset about his recent break-up. His younger brother Justin tried to make him feel better but Nicholas was still sad. He suddenly felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked down and saw a young girl with big brown eyes full of innocence. He smiled at her and kneeled down. "Why hello, what's your name?" The girl smiled brightly. "My name is Michela! Are you okay mister?" Nicholas was confused by the question. "I am good, why do you ask?" Michela scrunched up her nose in a cute way. "You lied. I saw that you were sad. My mommy is sometimes sad and if I smile sometimes she smiles." Michela proceeded to smile the most amazingly cute smile Nicholas has seen. "Thank you, Michela. My name is Nicholas." Michela smiled largely. "So I helped you?" Nicholas felt warm when he saw how happy the young girl looked at making him feel better. He nodded his head. Michela jumped up and down and clapped her hands in excitement. "Awesome!" Nicholas laughed. He felt immediately better at the young girl's enthusiasm and happiness. Michela cocked her head to the right in question. "How old are you?" Nicholas smiled at how cute cocking her head is. "I'm sixteen. How old are you?" Michela smiled in admiration. "Woah! That's so cool! I am six!" She held up six fingers and got a smile from the teenager. "I don't wanna be a meanie but why were you sad?" Nicholas smiled a small smile at how curious she is, he remembers his little brother Justin being curious like that, he still is even if he is nine, his baby brother Jesse is 2 so he has a few years before Jesse becomes curious. "A girl that I like doesn't like me anymore." Michela frowned in thought. Then her eyes brightened as an idea came to her young mind. "Ooh! I know! Bring her chocolate and flowers! Or make her something from the heart. My mommy is always happy when I give her stuff. Think of all the good times you have with this girl and make her something from the heart and tell her that you like like her a lot." Nicholas was shocked by the answer he got from the young six-year-old. He smiled hugely and hugged her. "Thank you, Michela!" Michela smiled hugely. "I like you, Nickey. Can we be friends?" Nicholas smiled as Michela stuck out her pinky finger. Nicholas smiled and nodded. They linked fingers. "We will be best friends." "Forever?" "Yes, Forever." Michela smiled hugely. That was their goodbye for a while. Nicholas did do as Michela suggested and got his girlfriend back. Not knowing that they would last forever. He did mention Michela to his parents and brothers. End: Begin: Meeting Jesse and Brandon Now it is a very interesting way that Michela met Jesse and Brandon. She never forgot Nickey. She was thirteen when she met Jesse and Brandon and remet Nicholas. Nicholas was 23, Jesse and Brandon were both nine: Brandon and Jesse just got out of school. Michela was walking home from school when she saw something horrible. Two boys were shoving Brandon and Jesse, Nicholas has not arrived to pick the two boys up yet. Michela glared at the boys. "HEY!" The four boys looked and saw the newly turned teenager. "What do you think you are doing?!" What was not mentioned was that the two boys bullying Jesse and Brandon were both fourteen, so older than Michela. Jake, the black-haired jock, smirked. "Oh lookie here. A little princess is gonna try saving these idiots." Michela walked up to the jock that had his other Jock friend: Kenneth, with him. She was nose to mouth with Jake. "Don't you even DARE try to bully these two kids. They are half the size of you and twice the man." Jake looked at her in fury for saying something. He pushed her and she fell down with an oomph. Jesse and Brandon were taken out of their shock when they saw that. "HEY!" The two kids shouted. Michela got right up. She stared right into Jake's eyes. She then punched him right in the nose. He screamed out in pain and held his bleeding nose. "You b***h!" Kenneth was about to punch her but his fist was caught by someone else. Nicholas glared his most frightening glare at the two fourteen-year-olds. "I'm sorry but do we have a problem?" Jake and Kenneth looked afraid and shook their head, proceeding to run away. Nicholas looked at his brother and friend, and then Michela. "Are you three alright?" Jesse and Brandon ran up to him. Jesse hugged him. "Nicholas! Those guys were bullying us. But she came to the rescue!" Nicholas looked at the teenager. He can't help but think of her as familiar. Michela smiled at the two. "I can't stand bullies. I couldn't let them beat you guys up." Jesse smiled and so did Brandon. Nicholas let his brother and his friend go as he approached the hero. "What is your name?" Michela smiled. "My names Michela, are you guys alright?" Nicholas was getting a sense of deja-vu from somewhere. Jesse hesitated a little. "Yeah, we are alright." Michela scrunched up her nose in an adorable way. "That's a whole lie and you know it." That is when Nicholas realized who it was that he is talking to: Michela, the young girl who grew up. The one who saved his relationship and made him feel better. Nicholas hugged her. Michela was taken aback by the sudden hug. "What?" Nicholas broke out of the hug. "It's me, Nicholas. Remember? We are best friends forever." He held up his pinky finger. Michela suddenly realized it was Nickey: Her mysterious best friend she made when she was six. She jumped on him in a hug. "Nickey!" Jesse and Brandon were instantly confused by the interaction. Michela smiled hugely when they stopped hugging while Nicholas smiled and laughed. Nicholas looked at the confused Jesse and Brandon and explained who Michela was. Jesse and Brandon gawked at the girl who they heard about in a story. The one who saved Nicholas and Ashley's relationship. "Wow! That is so cool!!!" Jesse shouted enthusiastically. Michela laughed. Brandon looked at her and Michela saw something in his eyes that she has seen in her twin brother and herself every morning. Michela smiled at both boys. "I guess this is gonna be a tradition between me and you boys." Nicholas laughed. Brandon smiled. "You're missing a brother though, Justin." Jesse smiled a huge smile. "Yeah! Now you just gotta help Justin and then you would have helped all of us in this family." Nicholas laughed. Brandon smiled at Jesse's enthusiasm. "And others outside of the family." Michela smiled at Brandon's input. Nicholas invited her to walk home with them and they exchanged numbers because as best friends, they have to maintain contact so the next time they meet it won't be seven years from now. End Begin: I did Not sign up for this! In this portion of this story, Michela is 14, Nicholas 24, and Jesse and Brandon were both 10. It was Brandon's birthday and Michela was told to distract him the whole day...which never actually works out. Justin was on a trip so he still is not in this story just yet. Brandon was walking next to Michela and they were just talking. "Okay Mickey, but why can't we watch all the Harry Potter movies?" Michela laughed. "We don't have time for that, Let's get some food!" Brandon immediately brightened up. "Can we get ice cream?!" Michela laughed. "Alright, but you also need other food too!" "Yay! Let's go!" Brandon started tugging on her arm. Michela laughed as she let the young boy tug her along towards the ice cream parlor that they always went to. Brandon sat down in his spot across from Michela. Michela did not even have to ask what he wanted, Michela and Brandon both had ice cream together many times, Jesse also usually being with them along with Nicholas on the occasion. "Ice cream!" Michela laughed as the ice cream was given to them. They finished the amazing ice cream within 30 minutes. Michela checked the time and saw that she still had an hour with Brandon to spend before Nicholas gives her the okay. Michela smiled at Brandon. "How about the park?" Brandon smiled huger. "Yes! This is the best day ever!" He immediately got up and looked like he could bounce off the walls with how excited he was. Michela laughed at the red-headed boy that she loves like a brother. Michela paid the bill and then they went to the park. The two played around by running around and playing mini-games they made up on the spot. Michela got the text from Nicholas and smiled. "Let's get going. I can't steal you forever." Brandon smiled. "It would be cool if you could!" Michela smiled at the boy. "That sure would be interesting...come on, I'm sure Nicholas and Jesse want to wish you a happy birthday." Brandon lit up at the mention of his best friend and the older brother of his best friend. "Okay! Let's go!" Michela laughed as Brandon dragged her. At the house Michela opened the door after finding the extra key in the flower pot by the door. Brandon frowned. "It's dark in here Mickey...are you sure they are home?" Michela smirked. "I am almost positive." That was when the lights turned on and Jesse, Nicholas, and Brandon's parents jumped out of a hiding spot. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON!" Brandon smiled "Thank you!!!" He tackled his parents in a hug and then proceeded to hug his best friend. Nicholas walked up to Michela. "Great job Mickey," Michela smirked. "I did not sign up for this...but it was fun Nickey...so thank you too," Nicholas smiled at his best friend. The friends and family celebrated for hours until Brandon and Jesse got tired. Michela offered to walk with Nicholas home but he said that she should get home too. And that is the story of the best birthday Brandon has ever had. End Begin: This is why we do not walk close to edges Michela kept seeing Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon throughout the next few years. Michela became the sister they all needed in the dark and bright sides. Michela didn't meet Justin until she was sixteen, but she didn't know it was the infamous Justin that she has heard about for four years. And Justin did not know that she was the infamous Michela he has heard about for many years. Michela has been getting Jesse and Brandon from school and bringing them home every now and then. Michela would go with Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon on a few adventures outside of Forest Hills. This is where our story starts: Brooklyn Bridge Michela, Brandon, Jesse, and Nicholas were walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Nicholas wanted Justin to come but he has school and works today. Michela, Jesse, and Brandon were ahead of Nicholas because he walked slower than the three younger kids. It was a little windy out and the wind was against the four. Brandon walked up to the side, one of the lower sides of the bridge, he did sometimes think about suicide but it did not fully occupy his thoughts today. He felt a slight shove and next thing he knows, he's screaming as he goes over and hangs onto the edge. Jesse and Michela heard the scream. Jesse was first the reach him and grabbed both of his hands. "MICHELA! NICHOLAS!!! HELP!!" Both boys screamed, even more, when Jesse went over. Michela jumped over and caught onto Jesse and the ledge. "NICKEY!" Nicholas immediately got to the edge and was horrified at seeing the three hanging off. Jesse got Brandon up and Nicholas pulled him to safety. Jesse started slipping a little. "Mickey I'm slipping!" Michela looked in horror as he started slipping from her grasp. Michela looked at Nicholas. "I'll return with him. Take my purse as a promise to return with him. Don't worry Nickey." Jesse slipped and screamed. "JESSE NOOO!" Nicholas yelled out as he saw his little brother slip from his best friend's hand. Nicholas watched in continued horror as Michela let go and fell with Jesse. Brandon was horrified too. He hugged Nicholas in sadness while Nicholas hugged him back, feeling horrible, guilty, and empty. He failed Jesse and Michela. They are both dead now. No one could survive that. End Begin: Telling people about death is not fun With Nicholas and Brandon Nicholas and Brandon got back home at 7. Nicholas did not want to call his brother, Justin, because he was at work until 10. Brandon and Nicholas sat down on the couch, Nicholas put Michela's bag down on the table. They decided to watch a movie, they really hoped that Jesse and Michela were alright. They both felt guilty about what happened and needed to distract themselves to prevent themselves from bursting into tears. At 10, Nicholas went to his room and Brandon went to Jesse's room that he shared with him whenever he slept over....which was constantly because his parents were always away on business trips. Nicholas stared at a family picture of the three brothers: Justin was on the Right, Nicholas on the left, and Jesse was in the middle of the two. He teared up when he stared at it. He should have been quicker, he should have saved his best friend and little brother. Brandon was on the extra bed looking at a picture of him and Jesse on Halloween. They were dressed up as Hunters. He could not stop the guilt of what happened from rushing to him. It should have been him that fell, Jesse and Michela should not have fallen instead of him. Justin entered the house finding it oddly quiet. He put his keys down and looked around. "Nicholas! Jesse! Brandon! I'm home!" No one responded so he was even more confused. He walked upstairs and knocked on Nicholas' door. Nicholas got up and opened it slightly. Justin was shocked when he saw that his older brother had a sad expression on his face. "Nicholas, what happened?" Nicholas hugged Justin and shook his head. Justin, still confused, hugged back. Nicholas sighed. He broke the hug and took Justin downstairs after making sure that Brandon was following them. Justin was shocked to see that Brandon was crying and was confused as to why Jesse wasn't with him. "Where is Jesse?" Brandon looked down in sadness and guilt. Nicholas frowned. "Jesse, Brandy, Mickey, and I were walking across the Brooklyn Bridge..." Justin was horrified by the time that Nicholas was done. He felt his heart shatter at the thought that Jesse, his little brother, was dead. Dropped to his death with Michela. Brandon shook his head. "He can still be alive. Mickey promised.." Nicholas shook his head. "Brandy, that is a very long drop." Brandon frowned. Justin decided he had to have hope too. "Ok. But from all these stories that I have heard about this Michela person, we have to have faith that she will bring Jesse home." This is the worst news he has gotten today, the second was that his friend, who was also named Michela, did not show up to the Tennis Club today. Melissa asked him, she sounded worried because she had a very bad feeling. End: Begin: No… With Jesse Jesse surfaced. He coughed and looked around. "MICKEY!!!" He frantically looked around. He couldn't see her. "Mickey!! Where are you?!!!" He started shedding tears. "Mickey! Please...Don't leave me alone." He didn't see her. He swam to shore, sadness filling him. He couldn't believe he let her go. He remembers Michela telling him to not let go of her and to take a deep breath. He remembers hitting the water but not feeling any pain. He climbed onto the beach and got up. He looked around but still didn't see his sister figure. He collapsed in tears. "Nooooo!" He was in tears. He couldn't believe he lost her. He lost his best friend....his savior. She saved his life again but now she's gone. He got back up, he was covered in sand at this point. He doesn't know his way back home. The wind brushed against him. He looked around and felt like he should start walking. He felt someone watching him during his journey, he couldn't explain it...but he knew someone was watching over him. He walked and walked for a good amount of time. He was getting tired when the time came close to ten. End Begin: Partial reunion and sad times Jesse smiled when he saw somewhere he knew. He was very tired but knew he had to get home because his siblings were probably worried. He had to for Michela. He started running. He ran to his house. He banged on the door. Inside Nicholas and Justin were still awake while Brandon was passed out on the couch. They heard a banging on the door and both sprang up to get it. Nicholas opened it.. "Jesse!!!!" Nicholas pulled him into a huge hug and Justin joined in. That was when Jesse started crying again. Nicholas frowned and pulled out of the hug along with Justin. "What's wrong?" Justin was worried when he asked the question. That was when Nicholas realized that Jesse was alone. "Where is Mickey?" Jesse shook his head and hugged Nicholas again while crying. That response was all Nicholas and Justin needed. Nicholas shed a single tear at the loss of his best friend. Justin frowned. He hugged the two again. Jesse looked at his older brothers. "It's all *Hiccup* my fault," It was a heartbreaking sight. "Oh, Jesse. Mickey would never want you to say that." Jesse got out of the hug again and shook his head. "But it is. She told me to hold onto her tightly and not to let go! I let go." Jesse just ran upstairs. Nicholas looked down in sadness. Justin put a hand on his shoulder. Nicholas nodded at him. "He needs space. Let's put Brandy in the guest room tonight." Justin nodded. He took Brandon to the room by carrying him. He passed by Jesse's room on the way and could hear his brother grieving. He knows this Michela is important to his brothers so he feels sad that she's gone too. End: Begin: She can’t be gone Nicholas woke up and groaned. He got out of bed and sighed in sadness because he will never see his best friend again. Brandon, however, woke up and saw his best friend. "JESSE!!!" He tackled his best friend in a hug. "I was so worried about you!" That was when Brandon sensed that something was wrong. He frowned. "What's wrong?" The two went into Jesse's bedroom. Jesse told Brandon the bad news. His first reaction was denial. He couldn't believe that Mickey died. Next was the grief that struck him. Jesse and Brandon hugged each other. Justin heard them from outside and felt a pain in his chest, he felt horrible for his siblings. He knew how much Michela meant to them. He feels useless as to what to do. He never met this girl and he does not know how to comfort his siblings, especially since he has to go to work at 2 p.m. He decides to go to his older brother. He knocked on the door and goes in. "Hey, are you ok?" Justin knew it was a stupid question but he needed to ask. Nicholas looks up at him. He shook his head. Justin sits next to him. Nicholas looks at Justin again. "I don't know what to do. I don't know how to tell her family...I don't know what I am doing Justin." Justin hated seeing his family like this. He looked at him. "Wait a bit...how long was she supposed to stay with us? "The weekend." Justin nodded. "Alright...wait until tomorrow. Take some time to grieve. I know how much she meant to you." Nicholas nodded. "I wish you got to meet her Justin. She was so awesome and funny. You would like her." Justin smiled. "I know I would have." End Begin: How could you?! With Michela Michela woke up on the sand. She gasped. She immediately got up and looked around. "JESSE!" She looked around wildly. "JESSE! WHERE ARE YOU!" She looked down. "no." She collapsed to her knees and had her head in her hands. "I failed....I'm so sorry Jess." She got up. She looked at the sky in fury. "How could you take away Jesse?!" She shook her head as tears started coming to her eyes. "I thought you had my back." She remembers telling Jesse to hold on...to hold his breath...then she remembers hearing a voice telling her that it wasn't her time to go. She knows that she has to tell Nick and Brandy about Jesse. She can't go home without her purse. So she starts her journey. End: Begin: Maryland Michela does not know where she is. She looks around and does not even recognize anything. She walked up to a store and went inside. She walked up to an employee. "Hello, Where am I?" The employee looked at her. "You are in Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland. Is everything alright miss?" Michela gasped. She couldn't believe that she was in Maryland. The guy she asked looked at her in worry. "Hey, is everything alright? What is your name miss?" Michela just looked at him. "My name is Michela..." The worker nodded. "My name is Jake. Are you alright Michela? You are covered in sand." Michela shook her head. Jake nodded. "Wait one second." Jake walked away for a few minutes. He went to tell his boss that he was done for the day. He came back in his regular clothes and took Michela's hand. "Come with me and you can talk to me." Michela blindly took his hand and let him lead her away. He took her in his car. "Explain to me what's wrong." Michela looked into his dark green eyes. She felt she can trust this stranger. She nodded. She spilled everything that happened the past day. Jake listened carefully and hugged her in the end because he saw how much she was hurt. "Thank you for listening to me Jake." Jake nodded. "Hey, I'm not doing anything for the rest of the day. Can I help you?" Michela looked at him in confusion. "Why do you want to help me?" She was so confused by the question. Jake smiled at her. "You are a great person Michela. I want to help bring you home. *He smirked* Plus, I don't live with anyone so no one would care." Michela laughed. "So what do you say Miss Michela Kastle, do you want to go on an adventure with me?" Michela stroked her invisible beard. "Eh, what the hell! Sure!" Jake smiled a big goofy smile. "Yesss!!!!" Michela laughed and Jake started up his car and turned up some music. "Let's ride!" And so started the journey of Jake and Michela. Two strangers, yet they trust each other enough to journey from Maryland to New York. End Begin: It’s not the same anymore Back with the Family Justin left for work, not really wanting to leave his siblings behind. He was hoping that something good would happen at work, like seeing Michela Kastle, but he just wanted a good work day... He did not get what he wanted. Sure, it was fun working, but he didn't see Michela and was worried a little about her. He asked Melissa again if she saw her but she hasn't. He was worried. He was worried about his brothers, and he was worried about his friend. Justin did not know what to do. He did not know how he can cheer up his brothers because he barely knew the infamous Mickey that had room in his family’s heart. He was worried about his brother and Brandon because of how worried and sad they were. He was worried about how Nicholas will tell her family that she died saving Jesse and Brandon. He was clueless on how to help out his family, he wished that he could ask someone what he should do. End: Begin: Reunion Time <3 With Michela and Jake. 8 p.m Jake parked his car a bit of a walk from Nicholas' house. Him and Michela got out of the car. Jake looked at Michela and saw the worry in her eyes. "Hey, It's going to be alright. I am right next to you always." Michela smiled and nodded. The two walked, hand in hand, for two minutes. Michela saw the familiar house. She took a deep breath and walked up the stairs with Jake standing in the front. She looked back at him and he made shooting gestures and winked at her. She chuckled at his weirdness. She knocked on the door. Inside Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon were around the T.V. watching some random channel, they couldn't think of anything to watch. They heard someone knock on the door. They were all confused as to why someone was knocking. Nicholas shrugged and got up. "I'll see who it is." He walked up to the door, he opened it without looking to see who it is. He was shocked to see his best friend standing there. She was about to say something when Nicholas brought her in a hug. She hesitated before hugging him back. Nicholas shed some tears of joy. His best friend was alive and he was hugging her. Michela broke apart from the hug. She looked at her best friend and saw tears running down his cheeks. She wiped them away. "Why so sad? You know, whenever someone's sad, they smile when I do." Michela proceeded with her infamous smile. Nicholas chuckled and hugged her again. "I thought I lost you for good this time." Michela smirked. "Now why would you think that? Who gave you the right to escape me?" Nicholas laughed again and broke out of the hug. He pulled her inside. That was when he noticed the guy with messy black hair and green eyes. "Who's the dude?" Michela laughed. She turned to Jake. "Yo Jake! You graduated from stranger to dude!" "Yes!" He fist-bumped the air. Michela laughed. "That is Jake. He drove me here." Nicholas narrowed his eyes at the random dude. "Do we like him?" Michela laughed. "I would hope so. He drove me here all the way from Maryland." "WHAT?!" That was heard all the way from the living room that the other boys were. Jesse heard it the most. "Whose at the door?!" Nicholas looked inside for a second again. "I'll tell you in a second!" He turned back to the girl in question. "How did you get all the way to Maryland?" Michela shrugged. Jake walked up the stairs. "Because she is just THAT good at getting lost." "Shut up." He was then elbowed by Michela in the gut. Nicholas shrugged at the two people. he suspected that Jake was maybe eighteen or nineteen. He smiled at the thought of Jesse finding out that Michela is alright. "Jesse is going to be-" Michela's eye's widened. "Jesse's alright?!" Nicholas, confused, nodded. Michela pushed right past him and ran inside. Nicholas looked after her in confusion. Jake laughed. "Oh thank God." "What?" "Michela was so afraid of coming here at first...she thought that Jesse died. You should have seen her the first hour of the car ride here. She was even freaking out a little on the walk here. I was worried that she wouldn't even do this." "I'm happy that she is alright." "Yeah. I would be very worried too if she went missing after something like that. You must have been so worried." Nicholas looked down. "We all thought she died." Jake covered his mouth in shock. He now understood why Nicholas had that reaction when he saw her. "I think you should check up on your brothers." Nicholas nodded. He gestured Jake to follow him in. "Come on in, you helped Michela and for that I owe you." Jake smiled. "Don't mention it, dude." Michela ran into the living room frantically looking for the kid she thought she failed. She saw him next to Brandon. "Jess!" Jesse turned around. He smiled the hugest smile ever and jumped off the couch and ran into her open arms and wrapped his arms around her neck. The two started tearing up, thinking that they lost the other. Jesse looked at her. "I-I thought I lost you!" Michela shook her head. "I thought I lost you." Nicholas saw the scene along with Jake. "How did you find your way home?" Jesse shrugged. "I just followed the wind." Michela shrugged, not even questioning it. Brandon smiled. "My turn!" He jumped into Michela's arm that was open. Now Michela was lifting and hugging the two young boys that she loves like brothers. Nicholas smiled at the scene. "And this is what family is about." Jake smiled. "Preach." Jesse and Brandon looked at Nicholas. "Come on in the hug Nicholas!" Nicholas laughed. Then the two youngest noticed the boy they don't know. Jesse was the one to question first. "Who are you?" Michela snickered at the bluntness. She taught him well. Jake smiled. "I'm Jake. I drove Michela here." Jesse and Brandon narrowed their eyes. Jesse looked at Michela innocently. "Can you give Brandy and me a second with this dude? Pwease?" Michela burst into laughter while Jake was just shocked. Nicholas also found it very amusing. Michela nodded and Nicholas and Michela left the room. "Do you think Jake will last the interrogation?" Nicholas laughed at the question. "He seems like he is tough enough for that. Anyway, my brother Justin should be here soon." Nicholas gave Michela her purse and the two hugged again because they were worried about the other one. End Begin: Interrogation Jake was shocked that the two boys actually made him sit down across the table from them. The interrogation started: "So, how did you meet Mickey?" "She walked into the store I work in and asked where we were." "How did you end up driving her here?" "I found out how she got here after I noticed that she started panicking after I told her where we were. I left work and started driving her." "Why would you do that?" "I'm a nice person and she was very far away from home. I wasn't about to let her walk home." "Did you feed her a meal?" "We had dinner at 5 and lunch at noon." "What do you think of her?" "Ummmm..." The 'interview' was interrupted by Justin walking in. He saw the three and immediately was wondering who the mysterious guy was. "Ummmm...Guys...who is the dude." Jesse and Brandon looked at Jake again. "Michela is alright, he brought her back." Justin was happy when he heard that Michela was alive because his brothers were very hurt about her 'death'. Justin was also confused as to why they were with him and not Michela. "Sooo...why are you interrogating this dude?" Brandon looked at Justin. "We need to approve of him." Justin looked at Jake for a solid second, confused. Jake realized why they were interrogating him. "Ohhhhh." Justin looked more at him. "What is your name?" Jake looked at him. "Jake Campbell, what is your name?" "Justin Belasco." The thought that came into Jake's head was: Oh s**t that's Michela's crush. Jake nodded. "Nice to meet you Justin, now am I done with my interview?" Jesse and Brandon sighed and nodded. End: Begin: Small World Jesse looked at his older brother. "You get to meet Mickey!" Justin chuckled. "Yeah, after all of you guys talking about her, I finally meet the living legend." Jake smiled. "You won't be disappointed." Justin looked at him and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I won't." Jake was busy laughing on the inside. Michela is going to freak out so much after finding out that her crush is the mysterious brother she has yet to meet. He knew that Michela and Justin would be very shocked when they see each other. Jesse looked around. "I think Nicholas and Mickey are in his room. They should be coming out soon." End Begin: Hello there With Nicholas and Michela Nicholas was finally happy with catching up with his best friend. He decided that he would tolerate this Jake person because Michela likes him as a new close friend...plus he brought her back. "I guess we can head back out...I bet Justin is home." Michela smirked. "I get to finally meet this mysterious brother of yours." Nicholas laughed. "Yeah, after so many years." Michela smiled. "Let's get on with it!" Michela got up from the bed with Nicholas. The two best friends left the bedroom and walked downstairs. Nicholas went in first because he was going to 'present' Michela to Justin. He walked in and saw the four guys around the table. He smiled. "Justin, may I present to you my best friend...MICHELA!" Michela laughed as she walked in. Justin recognized her before they made eye contact. "Michela??" Michela looked at him. "Justin??" The two stood staring at each other in shock. Jake was the only one that found this amusing. Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon were just confused. In Justin's eyes. He was looking at the girl who he met a year ago...a girl who is always so selfless and is always looking after others before herself. Someone who worries about others. Who got him amazing Christmas presents and a great birthday card that made him smile so huge. The girl who he actually likes a good amount without fully knowing. The girl who he was worried about because she wasn't at the west side at all this weekend yet, now he knows why...she saved his little brother without any thought...she helped his older brother many years ago and has been his older brother's best friend for a long time. She was looked up to by his younger brother and Brandon. Those girls are the same. She was still covered a bit in sand and her hair was a little messy, she had a small cut on her cheek, but she was smiling one of her most vibrant smiles until she was put in shock like himself. In Michela's eyes. She was looking at the guy she met a year ago on his second day of work. The guy who she ranted to about so many different things. The guy who is so adorably awkward and sweet. This guy just so happens to be the brother of her best friend. He looked just like he always does, just confused and shocked. Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon were all confused. Jake was just laughing on the inside. Nicholas looked at the two shocked people. "Soooo...you two know each other?" Michela nodded and so did Justin. Justin looked at his older brother. "I met Michela on my second day of work." Nicholas' eyes widened in realization. "So that is why everything you tell me about the West Side sounds so familiar!" Michela facepalmed. "How could you forget? I literally talk about it like every month." Nicholas shrugged. "You stopped saying the name of the tennis club...I forgot." Michela rolled her eyes. Justin chuckled. Jake smiled. End Begin: Just some family things Jesse hugged Michela again. "I missed you." Brandon joined the hug. "Me too." Michela smiled largely at the two young boys. Justin, Jake, and Nicholas felt a warmth spread through them. Nicholas smirked. "Whelp, I guess I missed you just a little." Nicholas joined in the massive group hug and the four laughed. Jake took a picture and smiled, happy for his new best friend. Justin smiled too, he looked at Jake for a split second because now he has developed a different opinion on the teen. He felt something when he looked at him and decided to not fully like the mysterious person who helped Michela. The friends got out of the hug after a minute. Nicholas looked at Michela. "You should take a shower, you stink." Michela smacked his shoulder. Jake smirked. "Finally someone tells her! My car is stunk up and smells horrible." "OI!" Michela slapped Jake's shoulder as the teen laughed at the 'angry' girl. Justin just looked on. Nicholas laughed. "Now go take a shower, Mickey, I think some of your clothes are in my top drawer." Michela shrugged and nodded. She left after nodding to Jake to make sure that he would be fine. He gave her a smile with a nod. When she left, Nicholas took another look at Jake. "So why did you help Mickey?" Jake looked at Nicholas. "She needed help, I wanted to help her. It turned out good." Justin narrowed his eyes at the dude. "But, don't you live in Maryland?" Jake smiled at the questioning. "Nah man, I live wherever. I moved out of my parent's place to go to college." Jesse was now taking his turn. "What college?" Jake looked at the kid. "Uni at Maryland." Brandon looked at him in curiosity. "Do you like it?" Jake scratched the back of his neck. "No," The interrogation was probably going to continue if not for Michela's loud voice. "NICKEY! I DON"T SEE ANY OF MY CLOTHES!" "Then I guess you should take one of mine!!!" "BUT YOUR CLOTHING STYLE SUCKS!" Everyone laughed while Nicholas rolled his eyes. "Michela! Do you want the outfit in my car?!" "Yes!!" Jake smiled and nodded. "Is it alright if I get something from my car?" The four others nodded, Justin looked at him in suspicion. "JUST HURRY UP JACK!" Jake rolled his eyes and laughed. He left. Jesse turned to Nicholas. "He seems alright." Nicholas nodded. "Mickey is fine with him, so that is good enough for me." Brandon agreed with the two. Justin still did not form an actual opinion of Jake, he did not really like him. Nicholas looked at his brother. "What do you think Justin?" "I don't know...I don't have an opinion of him yet." Nicholas nodded. "Fair enough. Jesse, Brandon, you two should go to bed...it has been a long day." They left but not before sticking out their tongue out at Nicholas. Nicholas looked at his brother and sat down with him. "What is your opinion about Mickey? You have known her for a year." Justin smiled. "She is very nice, selfless, and caring. She has some habits that you probably know about too. Also, she gets mad, but not really, when someone doesn't eat...she brought me some food multiple times." Nicholas laughed. "Hahaha hahaha! So YOU are the idiot who forgets to get food." Justin's eyes widened. "She talked about me to you?!" Nicholas nodded. "One time she came here, she was ticked off and started ranting about, and I quote: 'This idiot who I work with FORGOT to get his lunch! It's free! How can you forget to get FREE food?! He probably wasn't even busy when it was time to get food! I mean honestly!'" Justin blushed out of embarrassment. Nicholas smirked. "I guess you should start packing lunch on Sundays lil bro." Justin rolled his eyes. "Shut up" Jake came back inside with two bags in his hand. "Where is the bathroom Nicholas?" Nicholas looked at him. "Upstairs, second door to the left." Jake nodded and took the directions. "When did he have time to get clothes with Michela?" Nicholas shrugged. "They did have a long drive all the way from Maryland." Justin still did not like it though and Nicholas could tell. Jake came back down after a minute. "Ok, we are all good now." Nicholas nodded. "So when did you get clothes?" Jake looked at the one bag left in his hand that had a different outfit. "We walked into a store to get some snacks for the ride in Pennsylvania. She saw two outfits that she liked and we didn't know if she would be sleeping here or with me so we decided to get them." Justin definitely did not like the answer. "Why wouldn't she be able to sleep here?" Jake put his hands up in surrender. "I don't know man, I learned that you have to always have a plan B, that was our plan B just in case." Nicholas nodded. "Fair enough." Nicholas touched Justin's shoulder to make sure that he was not going to say anything stupid to the guy that helped save Michela. Jake looked at them. "So how did you guys meet Michela?" Nicholas smiled. "I met her when I was in high school, I was sixteen, and she was six years old...She helped me with an issue I was having and we became best friends. I saw her again a few years ago when she helped Jesse and Brandon with some bullies, ever since then, we became closer." Jake smiled and nodded. He looked at Justin next. "I met her my second day of work, we became friends and we sometimes work together when she volunteers. We talk a while whenever I see her." Jake smiled. That was when they heard Michela. "OK! I am ready for my presentation!" The three laughed. Michela walked down the stairs. Justin was amazed: Michela had her brown-blonde streaked hair down and straight from the water. She was wearing a black Metallica shirt and black sweatpants, along with some slides, and she was finally not covered in the sand anymore and was glowing with joy. Jake smirked. "Finally clean from sand and stink." Michela glared at him and threw her shoe at him, which hit him in the nose. "OW!" Michela, Nicholas, and Justin laughed. "That's what you get," Jake rolled his eyes at her. He looked around and started feeling a little awkward. "So, I guess I should head out." Michela frowned. Nicholas and Justin noticed the frown. Justin frowned at seeing Michela frown. "Why?" Jake shrugged. "Well, I delivered you safely like I said I was going to...I have no reason to stay in Forest Hills." Michela rolled her eyes. "Just stay in town a bit, go site seeing with me at some point." Jake smiled. Nicholas raised his eyebrow when he saw his brother glare at Jake for a second. "I guessssss...If you actually show me something cool," Michela smiled. "Ok! I have your number and you have mine, now shoo!" Jake rolled his eyes when Michela started shoving him out the door. "We should have worked on your manners too!" Michela rolled her eyes and closed the door behind him. End: Begin: Night Everyone She turned to Justin and Nicholas. She smiled. "So, can we eat something? Or am I gonna miss out on some food?" Nicholas smiled. "Come on," Michela clasped her hands together and followed her best friend to food. "What do you want Mickey?" "Food." "You have to be more specific." "Good food," Justin laughed while Nicholas sighed in frustration and Michela smiled victoriously. Nicholas looked at Justin. "You deal with her, You have known her for a year." Justin shrugged. "Alright, Michela do you want sweets? Or actual food?" Michela put a hand to her heart in betrayal. "How dareth you ask such an obvious question." Justin laughed. "I had to." He took out a quesadilla. "Here, it's good." Michela shrugged and took it from him. Nicholas, mocking offense. "So now you trust Justin over me?!" Michela smirked. "I like his opinions on food." Nicholas sighed. Justin laughed. Michela finished the food quickly. She looked around and looked at the two guys. "So is the couch still awesome to sleep on? Because I swear if one of you boys broke it already," Nicholas laughed at his best friend "No, it's still intact after the few days that you have not been here." Michela smirked "Great! Now shoo, I want to sleep," Justin and Nicholas frowned. "Mickey, you just got back from Maryland, you are NOT sleeping on the couch," Michela rolled her eyes at her best friend. "Oh come on Nickey! I like the couch." Michela pouted. Justin looked at her. "But you should sleep on something softer, you haven't actually slept on anything soft since Thursday night," Michela shrugged. "Jake's car seat was alright," Nicholas sighed. "That does not count at all, come on Mickey...please?" Michela rolled her eyes. "Fine...where am I sleeping?" Nicholas and Justin looked at each other. That was when Michela got an idea. "Ooh! The first one to a bed wins!" She then took off towards Nicholas' bedroom. Nicholas and Justin shouted in protest before they took off. Michela jumped onto Nicholas' bed and Justin ran into his room and sat down on his bed. Michela smirked. "You snooze you lose Nickey!" Nicholas rolled his eyes at his 17-year-old friend. "You are so childish sometimes," Michela laughed and so did Justin. Nicholas walked into Justin's room. "I'm sleeping with you, so shut up and move over," Michela laughed while Justin rolled his eyes but did as his brother told him. They all fell asleep, Michela thought Nicholas' bed was very soft and knew that she was going to steal his bed many more times. End: Begin: Mornings are never good In the morning Nicholas was first to wake up like always and went to the kitchen to start making food. He looked at the time and saw that it was only 8. He smiled as he heard a yawn. He turned and was surprised to see Jesse. "Morning Jesse," Jesse frowned "Mornings are never good," Nicholas laughed. "Is Brandy still asleep?" Jesse nodded. "Justin asleep?" Nicholas nodded, that was when they heard another yawn and saw Justin was awake. "Wow, I think this is the earliest you got up without having to go to work in the morning," Justin stuck his tongue out at his laughing brothers. "Brandy and Michela are still asleep?" The two nodded. Justin thought it was a bit odd because Michela said she always wakes up early and he knows Brandon usually wakes up early too. Jesse looked at the clock. "I should wake Brandy up!" Nicholas and Justin laughed because they know how Jesse likes waking up his best friend. "When should we wake Michela up?" Nicholas thought of his closed bedroom where he has everything. "Let's wait a bit longer, she probably is tired from everything," Justin nodded, not even daring to disagree with the statement. With Michela Michela was having a nightmare. She has been having nightmares a lot in the past month. When she was in the car ride with Jake, she had a very bad nightmare and he woke her up because she was starting to scream. This one, she wasn't screaming, she was just as still as can be and shivering. Michela was walking next to Jesse and Brandon. Next thing she knew, they start running. 'Jess! Brandy! Wait up!' They ran into a street. Michela picked up pace but it was like she was not even moving. A truck came. Michela was horrified when she saw them get hit. She ran up to them and saw them lying on the ground, not breathing. She started crying. 'No...' She looked up and saw Nicholas and Justin. They looked pissed off at her. 'I trusted you to look over Jesse and Brandon...you were my best friend. You are the monster here Michela Kastle,' That was a punch in the gut to Michela. 'I can't believe that I liked you even a little, you killed my brother and I will never forgive you' Michela looked down- Michela gasped awake. She looked around quickly and sighed in relief when she saw that she was still in Nicholas' room. She looked at the time and saw that it was 9:15. She looked around a bit longer and sighed, running a hand through her hair. She sat up and breathed slowly to catch her breath. She looked around and saw no one. She carefully got up and walked to the mirror in Nicholas' room. She looked like she was barely sweating and did not look that bad. She looked around and smiled at how neat the room was. Michela put her hair back up and decided that she should probably leave the room because it was technically Nicholas' room. Michela knew she might be a bit awkward because of that nightmare. In the kitchen Nicholas just finished cooking a bunch of eggs and four pancakes because he knows that Michela loves pancakes more than anything else for breakfast. He heard a yell and him and Justin turned around to see Jesse running into the room with Brandon following him, looking for murder. Nicholas and Justin just laughed because he was soaking wet. They continued laughing until they heard Nicholas' door open. Nicholas smiled hugely and walked up to Michela. "My room!" Michela laughed and shoved him. "Morning to you too you jerk," Nicholas rolled his eyes at her. "Fine then, no pancakes for you," Michela's eyes widened a considerable amount. "Pancakes?!!!" She then ran into the kitchen and almost crashed into Brandon who was busy glaring at Jesse. Michela laughed when she saw the young boy and he stuck his tongue out at her. Nicholas came back laughing at Michela's excitement. "Let's all sit down at the table first, Brandy, do you want to change first?" Brandon grumbled a bit but sat down next to Michela. It was a round table so Michela was next in between Brandon and Nicholas when he will sit down, next to Nicholas and across from Michela is Justin, next to Brandon is Jesse. Michela smiled at Justin and he smiled back at the teenager. Nicholas finally got everything on the table and sat down. "Ok, dig in!" Michela immediately grabbed two out of the four pancakes and while the four boys went for the eggs and bacon. Michela took a bite and smiled in contentment. Justin smiled at how her eyes lit up. Nicholas smirked when he saw Justin looking and smiling at Michela. Nicholas looked around him and was so happy that everyone was their, that his best friend was safe along with his brother. Michela looked at Nicholas. "When is Ashley coming over again?" End Begin: Calling Ashley! Never forget to call your girlfriend boys Michela and Ashley met a good amount of times and they loved each other. Ashley saw Michela as a baby sister and Michela saw Ashley as another big sister. Ashley and Michela met a few months after Michela remet Nicholas and met Jesse and Brandon. They immediately started dissing everyone and became very close. As should every best girl friend should with the girl who's dating her guy best friend. Nicholas rolled his eyes. "Of course you only like me because of my girlfriend." Michela laughed along with Jesse and Brandon. "Yeah I do, so when is she coming over?" Nicholas rolled his eyes at his best friend. "I haven't asked her yet, I didn't tell her that you 'died' or anything that happened." Michela's eyes widened in shock. "WHAT?" Nicholas rolled his eyes. "I couldn't, I didn't want to believe it myself." Michela shrugged. "Alright...but I will be telling her," Nicholas slumped in defeat about the fact that he will be hit by a shoe again by the love of his life. Michela smirked at his defeat. "You best call her right now," Nicholas looked at the time, 10:00 A.M. "She might not be up," Michela rolled her eyes and took his phone. "HEY!" Michela stuck her tongue out at him and unlocked his phone, Nicholas' eyes widened at the fact that his best friend knew his password. "How do you know my password?!" Justin, Jesse, and Brandon stared at the girl. Michela looked at them in confusion. "What?" Justin shrugged, not even going to question her because he learned not to. Nicholas just stared at his best friend and surrendered. Michela smiled and dialed Ashley's number: In the contact, her name was- My Universe <3. The Call: (Italicized is Ashley, the boys can not hear her) "ASH!" "MICKEY!" "Ayyyy what's up Ash?" "I was waiting for someone to call me, tell my stupid boyfriend that he should have called me yesterday." "Hahhahahah, I will...Yo Nickey! You should have called Ash yesterday you jerk! *Nicholas rolled his eyes at her* Okay he knows." "Good, now what's up bae?" "You will NOT believe the adventure that I have been on recently," "Oh no," "Oh shut up, don't be like that." "When we meeting up?" "Can you come over asap?" "Only for you boo, I will come over in ten minutes." "Yay! See you in ten!" Michela hung up and gave back Nicholas his phone. "Ash will be here in ten minutes, I would get dressed for your girlfriend Nickey." Nicholas sighed. "How come sometimes I feel like she is more your girlfriend than mine?" Michela laughed. "I wouldn't be able to tell you that, never dated before my dearest friend." Nicholas rolled his eyes. "Well when you get a boyfriend, I'll make sure to steal him from you," Michela laughed at him. "I have to find an outfit, did Jake leave another bag around?" Justin frowned at the mention of the guy. Nicholas thought for a moment, then pointed at a plastic bag on the chair. Michela smiled hugely and took the bag. "Thank you! I'll be right back! You all best get dressed." The four guys nodded at the teenager who clearly is the boss of them at the moment. The shirt Michela put on was a black Star Wars t-shirt with a Uni at Maryland sweater from Jake when she was cold the night he found her, along with leggings and her worn-down sneakers. She walked back to the living room to find that Jesse and Brandon were dressed in t-shirts and sweatpants. Brandon and Jesse looked at her sweater. "Did Jake give that to you?" Michela laughed at the question Jesse gave her. "Yeah, it gets cold at night in a car, believe it or not." Jesse and Brandon laughed. They both obviously think that Michela and Jake like each other, because they know that Nicholas has given loads of his hoodies to Ashley, sure Michela stole a few of his, but Nicholas only GAVE hoodies to his girlfriend. End Begin: Ash! When the doorbell rang. Michela jumped up in joy and raced to the door and opened it up. Michela smiled at seeing her best friend, Ashley. "Ash!!!" Ashley laughed as the younger girl hugged her. "Hey bae, How's it going?" Michela looked at her. "We have a LOT to talk about," Ashley nodded, that was when she noticed the hoody that she has never seen Michela wear ever before. Ashley had the biggest smile on her face. That was when Justin and Nicholas decided to make an appearance. "YOU HAVE A HOODY!!!" Michela yelped in shock of her loudness and The guys in the room immediately looked at Ashley. "I will tell you that I lost my hearing." Nicholas and Justin finally walked up to the two girls. Nicholas hugged his girlfriend and kissed her cheek. "Hey, Babe," Ashley gave him a look. "Uh no 'hey babe' from you mister. You didn't call me yesterday when you told me you would. Plus, you told me Mickey was sleeping over this weekend so she could finally meet Justin. Yet she has a guy's hoody on and I am pretty sure that she has never worn or had ever before owned." Michela looked down at her shoes because both Nicholas and Justin looked at her, realizing that she was wearing a sweater that they have never seen before. Nicholas looked at his girlfriend with caution. "I didn't know she had that sweater before...I think Mickey is going to explain everything, just do not throw a shoe at me." Ashley raised her eyebrow at the adult, now realizing something did happen to her younger friend. She looked at Michela and nodded. "Well, let us go get ice cream while we discuss what has happened and how to get back at certain people." Michela laughed while Nicholas groaned in annoyance. Ashley and Michela linked arms. Before the two girls left, Nicholas looked at his best friend. "Where did you get the sweater?" Michela blushed slightly as to which Justin frowned and Ashley almost squealed. "Jake gave it to me Friday night because it was cold..." Ashley looked at her in shock. Justin frowned even more. "JAKE?! WHO IS THIS JAKE?! IS HE CUTE!!" That is when Ashly looked back at her boyfriend and his family. "We will be gone for a while. Boy talk is our main goal right now apparently." Nicholas chuckled and nodded at his girlfriend while Jesse, Brandon, and Justin looked mildly disgusted, Justin looked more unhappy than disgusted. Michela was a deep scarlet when Ashley fully yanked her out of the place. End: Begin: Girl Talk With the girls Ashley and Michela finally made it to the ice cream parlor that was only a few minutes away. They ordered their food and sat down. Ashley looked at Michela expectantly. Michela sighed and nodded, telling her the story: Michela started off with the Brooklyn Bridge fiasco, as to which Ashley almost called Nicholas to kill him over the phone...Michela stopped her. She told her about waking up and thinking she lost Jesse, Ashley gave her a big hug because Michela almost started crying again, walking into the store and meeting Jake. Ashley seemed to like Jake immediately. Michela then proceeded to tell Ashley about her adventures with Jake and how close they got. Ashley herself seemed to fall in love with the friendship/relationship that was formed. Then Michela told Ashley about returning to Nicholas and meeting Justin, skipping over the fact that she has a giant crush on him, and telling Ashley that Jake told her that he would stay in town for a while....the end of the story. Ashley looked at Michela. "When are you hanging out with Jake?" Michela looked at her and shrugged. "I don't know, maybe next week?" Ashley rolled her eyes. "No, maybe you can invite him over again today!" Michela laughed at how excited Ashley was about that. "Nahhh...Maybe tomorrow," Ashley rolled her eyes at the young 'clueless' girl that she really does love. "Oh come onnnn...I want to meet this Jake guy! Make sure he's alright." Michela laughed and they started eating ice cream. Ashley looked at Michela. "So you have known Justin for a year and never knew he was the brother of your best friend?" Michela rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah...I know it is crazy...but Nickey never mentioned his last name and I never asked." Ashley shrugged. "Alright, I'll give you some credit. So what dooo you think about him? Michela thought about it a bit. "He's really kind and dorky. He is a true idiot half of the time and has a memory of a frog sometimes. But he is a sweet dude." Ashley smirked at the response, fully knowing that Michela likes him a bit more than normal. "Aw, that is sweet that you like him." Michela blushed and had no response. Ashley smiled hugely. "Well, I can work with this!" Michela laughed. "What do you mean?" Ashley smirked. "Jake is the perfect guy to get Justin jealous." Michela laughed and rolled her eyes. "Oh my lord. He said the same exact thing." Ashley laughed, fully knowing that she will like this guy. End: Begin: FaceTiming Jake Ashley looked at her. "Well, you should FaceTime him with me next to you so I can meet him and we can schedule a hang out with you two." Michela laughed but nodded. She took out her phone again and looked for her contact name for Jake: Jack!. She started the FaceTime: (Italicized is Jake, bold is Ashley) "Yo Stranger!" "Hey Michela, miss me already?" (Cue eye roll by Michela) "Nope, but my friend wanted to 'meet you' so I decided to be a good person and FaceTime you," "Who?" Ashley poked her face into the frame. "Why hello there Jake, Michela said some nice things about you!" "Oh no, what did she say?" Michela laughed. "Shut up a*s, I only had good things to say." "Which is a huge deal Jake, now how did you manage to do that?" Michela shoved Ashley in a teasing manner. "Wow man, it was NOT easy I will tell you that much. Food is the way to her heart," Ashley nodded, teasingly pretending to take this very seriously like Jake is. "Ah, I see...I must try to do this much more often." "You should, it really works wonders," That was when the two burst into laughter and Michela rolled her eyes and pouted. Ashley patted her should. "We still gonna use Jake to get to Justin right?" Michela rolled her eyes while Jake shouted. "Yes! Someone sees it too! I swear he looked like he wanted to kill me yesterday," Ashley awed and Michela just facepalmed because: How in the world did she make these friends? "We are not using Jake to get Justin jealous! I just somehow find his company nice." Jake and Ashley rolled their eyes in annoyance but knew that they will both do that, lord knows how long it will take for Justin and Michela to get together without their help. "Well, I think we have to get back to the boys, It was VERY nice meeting you Jake and we simply must talk more," "It was marvelous meeting you Ashley, we will continue conversing," Michela facepalmed. "I have the weirdest friends." That made Ashley and Jake laugh again and Michela hung up. Michela turned to Ashley and nodded. "Are you satisfied?" Ashley laughed and nodded. "Yes I am...now what do I do to my boyfriend for not telling me?" Michela smirked. "Get him the most passive-aggressive card that we can find!" Ashley nodded. "And that is why we are best friends and I prefer talking to you rather than my boyfriend." Michela laughed as the two got up and paid for their ice cream. They linked arms once again and went to the nearest store and got the most amazing card and Ashley wrote: You are the biggest pain in my a*s ever and you are lucky I still love you at this point. Just try to keep yourself alive or get Michela to take charge at this point. Love you! Your loving girlfriend, Ashley Michela laughed when she read what Ashley wrote because it has got to be the funniest card she has ever read. Michela smirked and nodded. "Okay, let's get back to the boys." Ashley nodded, very content on the card she got for her boyfriend. End Begin: Family Time with the boys With the boys Nicholas sighed because he knew that he will get an earful from his girlfriend when she comes back with his best friend. Justin smirked at his older brother along with Jesse and Brandon. Jesse walked up to Nicholas. "Rest in peace brother." Nicholas rolled his eyes at his youngest brother. "It's fine," Brandon chuckled. "Every single time Ash and Mickey hang out together, you sometimes find yourself in a weird position," Nicholas facepalmed, knowing it to be true. Justin looked at his brothers and friend. "What tends to happen?" Nicholas plopped down on the couch. "The first time Ashley and Mickey met, they dissed me immediately and Mickey told Ash about how she helped me when we broke up in high school." Justin, Jesse, and Brandon laughed. Nicholas rolled his eyes. "They got close immediately and now it sometimes feels like I'm third-wheeling and Ash is MY girlfriend." That just made the three laugh more. Nicholas now fully understands that he needs new brothers and friends. "When Mickey gets a boyfriend, I swear I will bother them mercilessly." Jesse and Brandon smiled. "We will too," Justin shrugged, feeling something inside again that he has yet to figure out. Nicholas nodded. "Whelp, I think it will happen soon," Justin quickly looked at his brother. "Why do you say that?" Nicholas smirked a small smirk. "She got a hoody from Jake." The three younger boys were confused, and yes, Justin counts as a boy, Jesse looked at his brother. "What do you mean?" Nicholas rolled his eyes at the lack of intelligence in his family and Brandon. "Girls always steal guy's hoodies that they like. I lost a lot of my hoodies to Ashley in our long time of dating (Cue laughter from the boys). I gave her a few, especially for Christmas and her birthday, to show I love her (Cue aw's and ew's). The fact that Jake gave her a hoody without knowing her for a long time says something." Justin felt something deep inside, he does not like Jake at all. Jesse and Brandon crossed their arms. Jesse smiled. "We can work with this, I just need a few more minutes with him." Nicholas laughed at that. "We are not threatening Jake, he seems alright," Justin frowned. Brandon shrugged. "Yeah I guess so, he seems alright. I mean Mickey trusts him enough so I trust him," Nicholas nodded. "Yeah, let's just wait for the girls to come back. I think they should soon." So the boy started watching a movie and doing things. End: Begin: Boy Trouble When the girls finally return Michela opened the door with her key...yes she has a key to the house, Ashley made a copy of her key to the house and Michela just kept it and yes, Nicholas knows. Michela barged into the house. "HONEY I'M HOME!" Jesse sprang up and tackled her. "Sweety!" Michela and Jesse laughed and Michela put Jesse down. Ashley rolled her eyes. "You know I wonder what that feels like, to be immediately greeted with a hug," Nicholas shrugged. "I wouldn't know either." He walked up to Ashley and kissed her. Ashley kissed back obviously and Michela, Jesse, and Brandon cringed. "Ewwww!" Nicholas and Ashley laughed because they were used to the three's behavior. Ashley smiled. "I got you something!" Nicholas frowned "Oh no," Michela and Ashley laughed, "Now I know it's something bad," Nicholas was then handed the card. He opened it and laughed when he read the inside. Ashley smiled in pride. Nicholas turned to her and side hugged her and laid his head on hers. Michela smiled at the romantic gesture while Jesse and Brandon gagged and Justin smiled too. Ashley broke the hug and turned to him. "Also, this Jake guy seems verrrryyyyyy nice." Nicholas visibly tensed, clearly protective over his girlfriend. Ashley laughed. "I'm playing with you, Nick," Nicholas relaxed and smiled. "I know." Michela smirked. "Tell that to your tense shoulders. Damn, that was hilarious," Nicholas rolled his eyes at his best friend. Everyone sat down. Jesse looked at Ashley. "How do you know he's nice?" Ashley looked at Michela momentarily and winked. Michela blushed and hid her face at what Ashley is about to say. Nicholas, Justin, Jesse, and Brandon were now fully intrigued. Ashley smirked. "We FaceTimed Jake at the ice cream parlor. I like him, he's super chill." Nicholas frowned. "How chill?" Ashley laughed again at her boyfriend's jealousy. "Shut up you idiot, I only like you, no one else." Nicholas smiled brightly and kissed her cheek. "Good," Michela cringed. "The cheesiness in this room is overwhelming." Nicholas and Ashley laughed while Jesse and Brandon agreed with Michela. No one noticed Justin looking at Michela in curiosity or the fact that he glares every time Jake's name is mentioned. Jesse looked at Ashley. "So he's good enough?" Ashley smiled at the innocent question from the boy who she has known many years. "Yes, he is good enough." Ashely did mean that, even if Jake and Michela will never love each other more than best friends do, Jake would be a good guy for Michela. Jesse smiled hugely along with Brandon. Nicholas was unsure and Justin was against it. Brandon looked at Michela. "So...?" Michela looked at the boy in confusion. "So, what?" Everyone rolled their eyes at the clueless teenager. Jesse looked at her in the eye. "When are you going to date Jake?" If Michela was drinking something, she surely would have choked, same with Nicholas and Justin. "*Cough* WHAT?!" Nicholas looked at his brother in amusement. "That is NOT how dating works Jesse," Jesse looked at Nicholas in visible confusion. "But don't you have to tell someone how you feel and ask them out? And then BOOM! You date?" Ashley laughed at his take on dating. Nicholas sighed. "No, that is not how you end up dating," Ashley smirked. "It took Nicholas three years to gain the courage to tell me he liked me." Nicholas scoffed. Ashley smirked. "And then I asked HIM out because he was so nervous," Nicholas blushed while everyone laughed. Justin looked at Michela. "Do you like him?" Michela was taken aback by the sudden voice of the teenager that has been so quiet recently. Now all eyes were on her. Michela blushed out of embarrassment. "Ummmm...I don't know," Everyone was quiet for a moment because they realized that Michela was still unsure of everything, Justin felt weird at the response, he felt awkward that he asked but also felt some joy at the response. Nicholas shrugged. "Great, I don't have to worry about my speech just yet." Michela gave Nicholas a weird look. "Speech?" Nicholas smugly nodded. "Yep, as your best friend and guy friend, I have to make sure that he knows to not mess with you." Michela blushed and hit Nicholas in the arm. "Nickey!" Everyone laughed at the embarrassed teenager. Jesse looked at Michela. "When are you going to see Jake again?" Michela shrugged. "I don't know," Ashley smirked and Nicholas saw it immediately and groaned because that look on his girlfriend's face is her: 'I did something' look. Ashley punched her boyfriend's arm. "Shut up, it was an amazing idea." Michela raised her eyebrow at her friend. Ashley smiled innocently. "I told Jake to pick you up tonight to take you home." Michela gapped. "Oh my Jesus...you did NOT do that," Ashley proudly nodded. "Yup!" Michela put her face in her hands. Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon found this very amusing. Nicholas turned to his girlfriend. "What time is he coming?" Michela glared at her best friend. Ashley smiled. "At 6!" Justin looked at the time and it was 4. Jesse jumped up. "We should get her ready!!" Michela looked betrayed at the young boy. "Jess!" Jesse shrugged. "Aren't you supposed to do that for someone you like? Nick does it all the time!" Nicholas blushed and Ashley smirked at him. Brandon nodded. "Yeah! We should do a full makeover!" Michela's eyes widened at the biggest traitors ever. "No! I hate dressing up," She looked at Ashley and pointed a finger at her. "Traitor!" Ashley just laughed. Justin did not like this talk at all. Nicholas finally noticed that Justin was not interested in this conversation at all and smiled a small smile at his brother. Ashley looked at Nicholas. "Do we have any girl clothes for Mickey?" Nicholas shrugged. "I'm not sure, Mickey was complaining about my lack of her clothes." Ashley shrugged. "I'll look for my extra clothes that SHOULD be somewhere here...did your mom do laundry recently?" Nicholas nodded. Ashley nodded with a look of determination "Yeah I guess some of our clothes might be still in the shoot...be right back!" Nicholas nodded as Ashley left. Brandon smiled at Michela innocently. "So is he bringing flowers for you?" Michela's eyes widened again. Justin glared at the door. "Brandy! Why would he do that?" Justin looked at Michela. "If a guy likes a girl, they usually bring them flowers. Nicholas does it all the time," Nicholas rolled his eyes at the fact that his brothers and Brandon are putting him on the spot so much during this conversation. Michela shrugged at Justin. "You would think I know by now after watching Nickey's failures what to expect." Nicholas shouted in protest. "Hey! I have been with Ashley for like over ten years." Michela shrugged. "I think Ashley just really likes you, that's why." Nicholas feigned hurt and everyone laughed. End: Begin: You all are so annoying Ashley finally came back down with a bag. She threw the bag at Michela's head. "Here, change into this." Michela rolled her eyes. "Yes mother." Ashley laughed at the younger teen. Nicholas turned to his girlfriend. "So why are you trying hard with Mickey and Jake?" Ashley sneakily saw Justin frowning at the name Jake and smirked. "I have my reasons." Nicholas rolled his eyes. Justin decided to pop a question finally, "But is he good enough?" Everyone agreed with that question being asked. Ashley smiled and knew that even if this relationship will never happen, she knew the right answer. "He is a very sweet person, they would work. Sure, no one's perfect...but I can see them having a really great relationship." Jesse, Brandon, and Nicholas smiled at the answer. Justin wanted to be happy with the answer, but he still couldn't. That was when Michela came down. "Ashley!!!!! Why did you pick this out?!" The four turned and were all shocked: Michela had her hair in her ponytail but it was very wavy. She was wearing a baby blue linen shirt and blue jeans and black converse. She was almost glowing to everyone in that room. Nicholas rubbed his eyes and Michela threw her shoe at him. "Ow! What was that for?" Michela smirked. "You were staring too long," Nicholas rolled his eyes at her. Justin was starstruck by her once again. No one knowing how starstruck he was...well except Ashley because she is just amazing like that. That was her plan the whole time, that sneaky girl. End: Begin: Jake Michela sat back down finally after glaring at Ashley more. Ashley was amused by her reaction to 'nice' clothing. Nicholas laughed and gave her the bag of her things that she had for the 'sleepover'. Michela smiled. "Thanks Nickey!" Nicholas smiled and nodded. Jesse sprawled out over Michela and Brandon like he tends to do. Michela smiled in amusement. Ashley turned on the television and they started watching T.V. with Justin every now and then looking at Michela. Michela was amusing herself by messing with Jesse's hair that was long enough to braid little braids. It was finally six when the doorbell rang. Jesse sprang up, startling everyone. "I GOT IT!!!" Everyone laughed as Jesse ran to the door to open it. Jake was awkwardly standing outside with a blue flower in his hand, Ashley specifically told him that he better bring a flower with him to pick Michela up to get their plan started. Jesse swung the door open and narrowed his eyes at the flower. "A flower?" Jake scratched the back of his head. "Yeah? It's for Michela, she loves blue flowers. Since she said she will take me site seeing, I wanted to thank her." He was blushing because it was hella awkward for the poor adult. Jesse nodded slowly. "Ok, come in." Jake nodded his head in thanks. He walked in and saw everyone in the living room. Ashley saw the flower immediately. "Awwwww! Is that for meeee?!" Ashley jumped up and ran to Jake. She winked at him. Jake scratched the back of his head. "Uhhh...no it's for Michela...I uh, wanted to thank her because she is taking me site seeing..." Justin glared at him while everyone else got up. Ashley 'awed' at the gesture while Michela blushed the deepest red that she probably ever could. Brandon looked at Michela and Jake. "So does that count as a romantic gesture?" Everyone laughed except Justin. Nicholas ruffled the young boy's hair. "Not fully bud." Jesse threw up his hands in the air. "I give up! Romance is so confusing!" Everyone laughed at that. Jake looked at Michela. "Ready to go weirdo?" Michela smirked and looped her arm through his. "Of course stranger." Nicholas, Jesse, Brandon, and Ashley smiled softly at the dorkiness. Justin was still not amused and he still could not figure out why. Michela rolled her eyes. She looked at Nicholas. "Text ya tomorrow or somethin?" Nicholas smiled. "Definitely." Ashley smirked. "I better get a text when you get home," Michela laughed. "Of course love, when do I forget?" Ashley fake sighed. "If only I could find a guy version of you," Nicholas stared at his girlfriend. "Wow, ok that's fine. That didn't hurt at all." Ashley and Michela laughed at Nicholas. Jake smiled. "It was nice meeting you guys again." The five nodded, Justin not really meaning the 'nice to meet you too' phrase. End: Begin: Ooh! Bryce! Jake and Michela left to get into his car. Michela smirked at Jake. "You are so freaking extra," Jake laughed. "I know I am...but I dare say, Ashley did help with that." Michela rolled her eyes. Jake smiled at her. "I saw this guy, by the way, got his number." Jake winked at her. Michela's eyes widened and she shrieked. "YESSS!!!" Michela then started punching his arm in excitement while Jake was wincing at every punch. "I won't get any chance with him if you kill my arm!" Michela winced. "Oops...sorry," Jake laughed. "Yeah, no worries. You ARE the only one who knows that I'm Bi." Michela smirked. "And I am honored....so, who's the lucky dude??" Jake smiled. "His name is Bryce...oh my gosh you should have heard him! He has the most amazing voice ever. Oh my god he is so hot!" Michela smiled a soft smile. "I'm happy for you Jake," Jake smiled a true smile at his only best friend. "Thanks weirdo...how's Justin?" Michela slapped his arm. "You never told me! No warning whatsoever!" Jake laughed. "When he introduced himself the first thing I thought was: Oh s**t that's Michela's crush! Oh this is going to get good!" Michela laughed, "You a*s!" Jake laughed again. Michela smiled at him. "It was very weird seeing him and finding out that he's the brother of my best friend. I'm ready for it to be hella awkward whenever I see him." Jake rolled his eyes. "It won't be thaaattt bad." Michela shrugged. "So when are you going to see Bryce??" Jake blushed. "I have no idea...when are we going to go site seeing?" Michela smiled brightly. "We should go this week...pick me up after tennis one day, I'll tell my mom that I'm hanging out with my friend and you can just pick me up." Jake smiled. "Sounds like a plan miss weirdo," Michela laughed. That was when they arrived at her place. Michela got out. "Let me know when you can hang out." Jake saluted and nodded and they laughed before both left. A day later It was the day that Michela and Jake were going to hang out after tennis. Maria was fine with Michela hanging out until late as long as she was home by 10. Nicholas was informed that they were going to go site seeing and then he told everyone else naturally. Justin has never felt such a strong hatred towards someone, and he still does not understand why he feels the way he does. Michela walked outside after saying bye to everyone, and after telling Justin that she will let him know how it goes. To which Justin fake smiled and nodded. Michela tackled Jake in a hug and the two laughed shortly. "Why hello to you too weirdo," Michela smirked. "Let's get going!" Jake laughed at her excitement. They then got into the car while Michela told him that they are going to spend the day at Central Park. Unknown to the two is that they will be seen together by two people. End: Begin: Central Park Michela and Jake finally parked and got to central park. Jake looked around in awe. "Woah, it is so nice here!" Michela smirked. "Told you, now let's get climbing!" Michela and Jake spent a few hours climbing rocks and just joking around and being the kids that they are on the inside. Jake laid down on top of a bolder. Michela smiled softly and laid down next to him. Jake looked at her momentarily. "Do you ever think about life? Like why we are here?" Michela sighed. "Yeah, I do all the time. But I learned that we all have our own paths. We just have to go with the flow. Try to live our life." Jake looked Michela in the eyes and the two smiled at each other. Michela jumped up. "Picnic time!" Jake laughed at Michela and nodded. "Alright Miss Kastle, lead the way." Michela smiled hugely and nodded. The two climbed down and went onto the grass with the picnic basket. That was when Jake almost had a heart attack. "Oh my God!" Michela looked at him, "What?" Jake looked at her. "Bryce! He's here!" Michela immediately looked around. That was when she saw a beautiful guy sitting under a tree. I mean, come on! He had SILVER eyes!!! "Oh my gosh! He is beautiful!" Jake jokingly glared at her. "Back off sister, he's mine." Michela laughed. That was when an idea sparked in her head. "Let's make him jealous!" Jake looked at him in confusion. Michela laughed. "Oh come on! Live a little Jack!" Now comes the part where they are clueless: Justin Belasco was at Central Park with his friend: Mason. Justin and Mason aren't friendly with family close, but they like hanging out together. Justin heard Michela's laughter and turned and saw her with Jake. Mason took notice of his glare and saw that he was glaring at a pretty girl and a guy. "Why are you looking at the girl and guy?" Justin noticed that he was looking and looked at Mason. "I know her," Mason smirked knowing that Justin likes her. "So who's the dude?" Justin frowned. "Jake...They met a few days ago. My family thinks that they might be dating or might start dating." Mason frowned. "Why don't you do something?" Justin looked at him in confusion and Mason facepalmed at his obliviousness. "Nevermind. So what are they doing?" Justin looked at them again momentarily. "Michela is taking him site-seeing since he is from Maryland." Mason nodded. "Got it." That was when something unbelievable happened...Michela discussed with Jake her plan: Jake started leaning in and so did Michela, that was when they were almost positive that Bryce was watching, they did not actually kiss but it looked that way to Bryce and Justin. Justin felt the most anger that he has ever felt. He probably would have marched right up to Jake if not for Mason holding onto his arm. Bryce's reaction was similar- He was mad that this girl got to kiss the most amazing guy he has ever met or seen. Michela and Jake broke away from the 'kiss' and smiled at each other. Michela was proud of the expression she kind of saw Bryce give. She smirked and Jake. "You should acknowledge his existence now. Try not to get ME killed though," Jake laughed. He then turned and 'saw' Bryce for the first time. He waved at him and jogged up to him while Michela shook her head in amusement. She did not know if her plan was smart or not, but she wanted to see what would happen and if it would work. End: Begin: Well that kind of failed Jake walked up to Bryce, semi-nervous because he actually liked this guy. Jake smiled at him. "Hey Bryce, didn't know you come to Central Park," Bryce smiled slightly at him. "I didn't think you even knew Central Park existed," Jake chuckled. "I didn't until now, my best friend is my tour guide right now." Bryce frowned. "Your best friend?" Jake smiled and nodded. He turned to Michela and pointed to her. "Michela Kastle, I met her a few days ago by accident and I drove her here from Maryland." Bryce's eyes widened. "You drove all the way from Maryland to help a stranger?" Jake blushed while Bryce looked at him in awe. Jake nodded. "It was the right thing to do. Anyway, I love it here." Bryce nodded. "I'm happy you came," Jake smirked. "I know, your life would be so dull without my presence," Bryce laughed and Jake thought it was the most beautiful thing ever. Jake smiled. "I hope we can hang out way more. I gotta take Michela home now," Bryce nodded. "Wait...how old are you?" Jake smiled. "18," He winked at Bryce and Bryce blushed while Jake left. Michela was smiling so proudly at Jake as he came up to her. Jake looked at her in pure bliss. "I did it!" Michela smiled so big and jumped onto him in a hug. "Ahhh! Congratsss!" Jake laughed as he twirled in happiness because he talked to his crush without stuttering and he might actually have a chance with Bryce. Michela laughed as she was spun around. Justin felt the strongest urge to throw something at Jake's head. Mason tugged at his arm. "Let's leave man," Justin looked at Mason. "But he left her to talk to a friend, no guy should do that," Mason sighed in frustration at his friend. "Look at how happy they look," Justin looked back at the two and frowned because he saw that Mason was correct, he sees Michela smile that big around people, but something was different this time. Justin sighed in defeat. "Alright..." Mason frowned and saw how broken up Justin was over this. "I'm sorry man..." Justin nodded. Still clearly unhappy with the newfound feeling that he has yet to be able to identify. The two teenagers left, one not wanting to. Michela and Jake finally broke away from the blissful hug and decided to pack up. Michela smirked at Jake. "You better start hanging out with Bryce and stay in New York for a while." Jake smiled and nodded. "I think I will...I have nothing left in Maryland." Michela smiled sadly at him, knowing that his parents never liked him. Michela got into the car. "Let's go home, I think Ashley is expecting a FaceTime and Nickey is too." Jake laughed. "Your friendships are weird." Michela stuck her tongue out at him, mocking offense. "I don't judge you for having weird-a*s conversations with people," Jake just laughed. End: Begin: Brotherly loved Justin entered his house and went straight to his room, mad at the events that took place. Nicholas frowned at the lack of conversation as his brother went to his room. Nicholas knew immediately that he was unhappy about something. Jesse was hanging out with Brandon so it was just Nicholas and Justin home. Nicholas knocked on Justin's door. "Bro, you okay?" Justin did not answer so Nicholas entered the room and sighed when he saw that Justin's head was in his hands as he sat on his bed. Nicholas sat down next to him and put an arm around his shoulder, knowing his brother was hurting. "Do you want to talk about it?" Justin shook his head. Nicholas nodded. Justin looked at his brother. "I lost her...I didn't even have a chance," Nicholas frowned, feeling the sadness in his brother. Nicholas has a small idea of who he is talking about, but he's not entirely sure so he lets it slide. "It sucks...I know that Justin. But you have to remember that you are amazing, if she doesn't see that then it is her loss." Justin looked at his brother and Nicholas saw just how hurt he was. Nicholas' heart broke at seeing his brother in so much pain. Justin nodded. "Okay I guess...I'll find someone else." Nicholas smiled. "That's the spirit!" Justin smiled while Nicholas clasped his arm. "Just let me know if you need anything," Justin nodded and Nicholas left, not knowing what he started. End: Begin: Friendship Michela was dropped off at home and immediately went to her room to facetime Ashley because she was commanded to do so. (Italicised is Ashley) "Hey, Mickey! How did it go?!" "It went great! You should have seen Jake's face when he saw Central Park! It was like showing a kid ice cream!" "Hahahahah! I'm glad you took him there!" "Yeah me too. Especially since he saw someone." "Ooh! Details sister!" "Hahhaha. Well, Jake did give me permission to tell you-" "Wow! I feel so special!" "Hahaha! Anyway, he met this very beautiful guy like yesterday or something-" "Ooh! how cute?" "If you let me finish *Wink*" "Sorry sorry, continue your majesty" "Hahah. We saw him in the park! Then I got the brilliant idea to make this Bryce guy pay more attention to Jake." "*Ashley tear up a bit* Aw my baby is growing up. Already planning how to set people up" Michela rolled her eyes and laughed. "Anyway, we pretended to kiss-" "WHATTT?!!!!" Michela laughed at her loudness "Oh please, we didn't. But, the angle we were in would have made people think we did," "Damn, I'm so proud of you!" Michela laughed and nodded. "Thank you, anyway so Jake has a VERY big chance with Bryce, he's going to plan a day where they hang out again!" Ashley shrieked in excitement and Michela laughed. Ashley looked at Michela. "Can we help him with dressing up and stuff like that?" Michela smirked. "I told him that we will no matter what he says," The two girls laughed and nodded. Michela looked at the time. "Is Nickey free right now? He told me to tell him everything that happens. Which I will not but yeah." Ashley smiled. "Yeah he should be now...what are you going to tell him?" Michela shrugged. "That we went to central park and had a picnic and climbed the rocks and just had fun," Ashley nodded, content with the response. "Talk to you later then! Bye bae!!" "Bye!" End: Begin: Talks with over-protective best friends Michela smiled as she clicked on Nicholas' contact, Nickey!!!, to FaceTime him. Italicized is Nicholas "Yoooo Nickey!!" Nicholas smiled at his best friend. "Hey Mickey, how was your thing with Jake?" Michela smiled happily. "It was fun! *Nicholas smiled, happy for his best friend* we went to Central Park! I swear, it was like taking a kid to candyland! He was the biggest kid ever when we arrived. It was amazing!" "I'm happy for you Mickey, give me the details!" Michela smiled, feeling lucky that she has Nicholas in her life. "We did some rock climbing and we laid down together on top of a large boulder for a few minutes and stared at the sky. Then we finally decided that we should eat and we climbed down and set up a picnic-" Nicholas stared at Michela for a second, seeing her eyes shining so much. "Did anything happen?" Michela looked at him confused. Nicholas rolled his eyes at her obliviousness. "Did you guys kiss?" Michela gagged because, sure they came close but that's because she wanted Bryce to get jealous. "EWWWWWW!" Nicholas laughed at her. "Good! Because I have to talk to him before you guys try anything funny," Michela laughed. "Yeah, because you are sooooo scary," Nicholas feigned hurt. "Ouch! That truly hurts Mickey, I can be scary when I want to," Michela laughed. "Surrreeeee." That was when Jesse and Brandon came home and into his room. The two ran up to Nicholas and popped up on the screen (Bold is Brandon, underlined is Jesse, bold and underlined is when they say something in sync) "MICKEY!!" Michela laughed while Nicholas grunted becuase he was 'gently' pushed away from the phone. "How was the date?" "Was it fun?!" "What did you guys do?" "Guys! Let her breathe! And let ME breathe!" Michela laughed at the friends. "Sorry Nick," Michela smirked. "Yeah, I feel very safe Nickey," Nicholas rolled his eyes at his best friend. Jesse and Brandon stared at her in anticipation. Michela chuckled. "First of all, it was NOT a date. It was fun! We went to Central park and climbed the rocks and had a nice picnic," The three smiled. "When are you guys hanging out again?" Michela shrugged, not knowing the actual answer. "You should soon!" Michela laughed. "Well I think it will be next week or something. He's going to try finding an apartment in the city," The boy's eyes widened in shock. "Really?" "Is it because he likes you?" "Are you going to move in with him?" Nicholas glared at Jesse for the question while Michela lightly blushed because of the weird question that she never thought about. "Ummmm...no? He likes it here so he decided to stay awhile." "That's nice." Michela smiled and nodded. "It is," "Yay! Can we see him again to threaten him?" Michela laughed while Nicholas scorned his brother and Brandon. "I'm not sure about that...but I gotta go guys, it was amazing talking to you guys...see you soon?" The three nodded and said bye to her. End: Begin: What's wrong? Wednesday Michela was noticing some sudden changes in Justin's behavior towards her and was completely confused as to why he was acting so strangely. It made no sense to her, sure, she knew it would be awkward after finding out that Justin is Nicholas and Jesse's brother, but she never knew that he would ignore her for the most part. He was acting fine until Tuesday after meeting up with Jake in Central Park, which was Monday. It was the end of the day and Michela finally got the time to talk to Justin since they were told to clean up at the pool. "Are you okay Justin?" Justin looked at her, feeling something that he almost identified. "Yeah, why?" Michela shrugged. "You haven't been talking to me, I was wondering if everything was fine...I didn't do anything right?" Justin shook his head, (Thoughts are italicized) "No, you never do anything wrong. You shouldn't ever think that," "Other than kissing Jake, but she doesn't need to know that." Michela smiled and nodded. "Thank you Justin, I appreciate it a lot." Justin smiled and nodded, having a hard time looking at her. Michela nodded. "I can bring the towels back, you can start bringing the things left, back," Justin smiled at her in appreciation. "Thank you," Michela smiled. "Of course, see ya in a few?" Justin nodded and left with the bag of things that were left while Michela finished bringing the towels back. Michela couldn't wait to see Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon tomorrow and she can still sense something off with Justin but did not want to pry too much because she hates being annoying like that. End: Is everything ok? Begin: Dating?! Thursday Justin decided that he wanted to hang out with this girl that likes him because he wanted to forget about a certain somebody and decided that he might as well see where this goes with Kenzee. She seemed alright in the eyes of Justin and she just recently admitted that she likes him on Tuesday in the morning. I know, sounds like a very bad idea from the start, I fully support that statement...but they don't know that yet. Justin was about to leave to pick up Kenzee to bring her over. "Nick! I'm going to go get Kenzee," Nicholas looked at his brother, fully knowing that he was trying to figure out everything. "Alright, I think Mickey should be here soon, should I tell her that you're gonna come back if she asks?" Justin shrugged. "She won't ask but yeah sure." Nicholas rolled his eyes at his brother. "Go get Kenzee, you can't let girls wait...they get grumpy." Justin laughed and nodded. Jesse and Brandon finally came down. Brandon looked at Justin. "Where are you going?" Justin smiled at Brandon, "To get Kenzee, we are dating." Brandon and Jesse looked at Justin in confusion. Jesse cocked his head. "When did you start?" Justin smiled. "Tuesday," Brandon smiled hugely, "So you have a girlfriend?!" Justin and Nicholas chuckled. Justin looked at Brandon. "Not yet Brandy, after a bit of dating, I'll ask," Brandon and Jesse sighed, both fully accepting defeat of understanding dating. Justin left after the talk. Jesse and Brandon sat down on the couch along with Nicholas, all three waiting for Michela to finally come. End: Dating?! Begin: Who is that? Michela finally arrived after a few minutes of the boys being bored. She, obviously, barged into the quiet house. "HONEY! I'M HOME!!" Jesse and Brandon both sprang up and tackled Michela in a hug. "SWEETY!" The three then burst into laughter and so did Nicholas as he watched, really appreciating this girl who came into his life almost ten years ago. Nicholas got his chance to hug his best friend after his brothers. "You know, I remember when Mickey was MY best friend...I wonder what happened?" Michela, Jesse, and Brandon laughed at the comedic adult. "Sorry Nickey, I prefer young people." Nicholas gasped in offense. "Why you little..." Nicholas grabbed Michela and threw her over his shoulder while Michela shrieked, "NICKEY!!" Nicholas laughed a deep laugh in pure bliss. "Oh I'm sorry, I can't hear you that well. I blame my VERY old age," Michela laughed even harder. That was when the door opened. The four turned, Michela's butt facing the door while she somehow twisted herself around so she was now facing the door, now that takes some serious skill. In came Justin and a girl: The girl had light brown curly hair, electric blue eyes, tan skin, some make-up on, and she was wearing a lilac shirt that fit her frame and leggings on along with black sneakers. Michela was confused, to say the least. The two that just walked in were confused as to what they walk into. Michela smiled shyly. "Why hello there. This is a very bad first meeting...I'm sorry but this idiot decided that he should pick me up," Nicholas rolled his eyes, "Excuse me. But you were calling me OLD," Jesse and Brandon laughed. The girl giggled and Justin facepalmed because this is a weird way to introduce his date to his family and family friends. Michela glared at Nicholas. "Now you can put me down Nickey," Nicholas sighed, "Fine, but only because I am a gentleman." That caused Michela to laugh even harder. She fell off of Nicholas and landed face first onto the carpet. That made Jesse and Brandon laugh even harder. Michela looked up at them. "Oh yeah, I'm fine, thank you guys for asking." Nicholas chuckled and helped his best friend up, "Oh come now Mickey, you survived wayyyy worse." Michela rolled her eyes at her best friend. Then the four occupants looked at the new girl. Justin cleared his throat. "Guys, this is my date, Kenzee," Michela almost choked on those words, she felt a deep stab. She ignored it again though like usual. Kenzee smiled hugely at all of them. "Hello, it is nice to meet you, Justin told me all about you guys!" She looked at all the boys but quickly skipped over Michela. Nicholas stuck out his hand, "I'm Nicholas, the oldest and the one responsible for these knuckleheads." Kenzee giggled and nodded at him, shaking his head. Jesse was next in the introductions. "I'm Jesse, the youngest and most amazing," Kenzee giggled "And the cutest," She winked and everyone laughed. Brandon smiled at her. "I'm Brandon, Jesse's best friend," Kenzee smiled at him, "And the honorary Belasco, it's nice to meet you," That made Brandon smile the biggest smile and Michela felt warmth flood her again at the smile that Brandon had on his face at that tittle. Kenzee turned to Michela and Michela smiled. "I'm Michela, best friend of Nickey," Kenzee smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you Michela," The two girls shook hands but Michela could sense that Kenzee did NOT like her at all. None of the boys noticed though so I guess that is their agreement that they will fake it in front of the guys. Michela looked at the time, noticing that it is almost time to eat. Nicholas noticed too and clasped his hands. "Alright, well let's get started on dinner. Justin can you help me? Jesse and Brandon you both are on standby for if Justin messes up with something. Mickey can you show Kenzee around?" Justin glared at his brother for teasing him but Kenzee giggled at it. They all nodded at their assignments Michela looked at Kenzee. "Well this is gonna be interesting" Michela smiled at Kenzee, "Whelp, let's get going! I'll show you upstairs first." Kenzee smiled at her, "Sounds perfect!" The two girls left while the boys went to the kitchen. Michela led Kenzee upstairs and Kenzee pulled her aside. Michela was shocked and Kenzee glared at her. "Listen here girl. Stay away from MY boyfriend. Justin is MINE. I know you two have known each other for a year or something. But I am telling you NICELY to back off. Find someone else for yourself because Justin is a taken man." Michela was shocked at what Kenzee just did. "I understand nicely." Kenzee smiled hugely. "Great! Now if I were you, I would STOP hanging out with Justin, don't even LOOK at him. Better yet, you should stop talking to everyone in this family a lot." Michela nodded. "Fine." Kenzee giggled. "Glad to know we understand each other," Michela nodded. She finished showing Kenzee around and texted Jake to come to pick her up because she can't stay here anymore because Kenzee is totally giving her the meanest look ever. Jake immediately texted back, understanding that something happened. The two girls went to the kitchen. Kenzee walked up to Justin and smelled the good food. "Mmmm. Smells good," Justin smiled at her. "Yep," Michela walked up to Nicholas and tapped on his shoulder. Nicholas looked at her and knew that she wanted to talk to him alone. Nicholas nodded and turned to Justin. "Justin I'll be right back, don't burn anything," Justin chuckled and nodded. Nicholas pulled Michela outside of the kitchen and looked at her. "What's wrong?" Michela has never EVER lied to her best friend like this... "Nothing...my mom wants me to come home for some reason so I texted Jake so he can pick me up," Nicholas narrowed his eyes at her but nodded...He knew that Michela was not telling the truth, but he knew it must be serious if she would lie about it. "Okay, what time is he coming?" Michela looked at her phone. "In five minutes," Nicholas smiled. "Okay, just enough time to pack you some of the pasta that's finished. Do you think Jake would like some?" Michela smiled at her best friend. "Yeah, but a fair warning...if he knows you can cook this good, he might be back here for more," Michela winked and the two laughed. Nicholas wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I'm fine with that," Michela smiled brightly at him. The two walked into the kitchen and Michela grabbed one of the containers for Nicholas to fill up. Jesse and Brandon frowned. "You aren't staying?" Michela smiled sadly at them, "No can do Jess and Brandy, my mom wants me to come back home as soon as I can," Brandon and Jesse frowned as she kissed their foreheads. Brandon looked up at her. "Who is taking you home if you are in a rush? Nick has to stay for food," Michela chuckled. "Jake said he can drop me off home," Jesse smirked. "Oooh! Are you guys finally dating now?!" Now everyone looked at Michela, especially Justin and Kenzee, Kenzee glaring at her. Michela scratched the back of her head. "Uhh...No," Jesse and Brandon slumped in defeat. Nicholas laughed at the two's reaction. Jesse hung onto her arm. "When will you?? He seems like a good guy...especially after we threaten him," Michela laughed at Jesse, finding it always so sweet that he says that. She loves her boys and it will hurt her to not see them so often. Nicholas gave her the container full of pasta. Michela smiled at him. "Thanks Nickey!" Michela gave him a side hug. Nicholas smiled and graciously and hugged his best friend back. They heard a knock on the door. Michela smiled hugely. "That's my steed! I'll text ya later?" Nicholas laughed. Jesse and Brandon pouted. "Can we say hi to Jake?" Michela narrowed her eyes jokingly at the friends. "And why do you want that?" Jesse and Brandon smiled. "We like him," Michela rolled her eyes at the two. "Fine, Nickey you good from here? You don't need the minions anymore?" Nicholas laughed and nodded. "Sure, you can keep them if you want," Jesse and Brandon humphed while Michela laughed. "Nah, they are your problem, not mine." Jesse and Brandon rolled their eyes at her and opened the door. Jake was standing outside leaning on the rail. He smiled at the two boys. "Hey guys," Jesse and Brandon smiled, "Hi Jake!" Jake smiled, he likes the two. "Do I have your permission to take Michela? Or is it up to Nicholas?" The two smiled at his question. Jesse looked back. "Mickey! Your boyfriend is waiting!" Jake laughed at the statement that was yelled for all to hear. Michela rolled her eyes at Jesse. Nicholas smirked and chuckled, Justin frowned like usual because he still gets that weird feeling, Kenzee sees the frown and is not happy. Kenzee smiled hugely at Michela. "I didn't know you had a boyfriend! That is super cool," Michela smiled at her. "We aren't dating, Jesse and Brandon are playing," Kenzee shrugged. "He seems amazing to pick you up and everything," Michela shrugged. "Yeah he is," Nicholas laughed. "Get going lover girl, your steed has arrived." Michela glared at him in a joking manner. "Shut up lover boy," Nicholas laughed and hugged her goodbye and Michela left to the door. Jesse and Brandon hugged her one last time before Michela left and Jake wrapped an arm around her because he knew, the second he saw her, that she was in mental pain. End: Who is this? Begin: Pain When they were out of view of the house, Jake looked down at Michela. "Are you okay?" Michela looked up at him, seeing as he is taller than her, and Jake saw the tears that started coming down her face. He broke out of the side hug and held onto her arms. "Michela, what happened?" Michela started to tear up more. "Justin is dating someone." Her voice broke at the last word and Jake pulled her into a giant hug. "Oh honey." Michela started crying more. Jake rubbed her back and put his chin on top of her head. "It's alright to cry Elly...He's a massive jerk to do that." Michela looked up at him momentarily and Jake saw how broken up she was over this and almost wanted to cry for her. Michela looked a bit more at him. "The worst part is his girlfriend threatened me." Jake was furious at the sentence. "SHE WHAT?!" Michela sighed. "She told me to stay away from Justin...to be more distant with Jess, Brandy, and Nickey." Jake stared at her in shock. "What?" Michela nodded and cried more into his shoulder. Jake glared back at the house. "That b***h has no right. Let's hang out at my place." Michela looked at him, "You got the apartment?" Jake nodded. "Yep, it's not far from here. I was talking to Bryce yesterday and he mentioned that there was an apartment near him for sale. So it's just a ten-minute drive. Twenty-minute walk from your place." Michela awed at the cuteness of Jake and Bryce. "Awwww! Now you can hang out with your boyfriend more!" Jake laughed and rolled his eyes at his best friend. "He was actually over when you texted me," Michela frowned. "So I broke you away from Bryce?" Michela felt horrible. Jake's eyes widened. "No! Not at all! Bryce was happy at the idea of actually meeting you!" Michela's eyes brightened and Jake smiled because he hates when Michela cries. Jake smirked. "Yeah, I don't know why though," Michela gasped and slapped his arm. "RUDE!" Jake and Michela laughed. Jake looked at Michela. "Let's get back at him?" Michela looked at him in confusion. "How?" Jake smirked. "We are going to hang out wayyy more now, I know it sounds horrible...but it will get him jealous." Michela laughed. "Nahh...he is dating someone, he won't feel jealous." Jake rolled his eyes at her. "Come on...please?" Michela laughed. "Maybe." Jake smiled hugely. "Yes!" Michela laughed. End: Pain Begin: Finally meeting Bryce Michela did call her mom during the car ride to Jake's apartment and she was told she can sleepover tonight but she can't this weekend. Michela got her tennis things to change into so she can immediately go to camp tomorrow morning. Jake was very kind to her and knew that she was having a hard time because of Justin. Jake texted Bryce that Michela was having a hard time. Bryce graciously said that he will gladly help with her heartbreak. Which made Jake like him even more. Finally getting to Jake's apartment Jake barged into his apartment. "Bryce we are home!" Bryce came out of the kitchen and smiled at the two. Bryce walked up to Michela. "So you are the infamous Michela Kastle," He was staring her down. So naturally, Michela did the same. "So you are the infamous Bryce I-don't-know-your-last-name" They then laughed after another few seconds of staring each other down. They hugged each other in greeting because that is what they do. Bryce smiled. "It's amazing to finally meet you in person Michela," Michela smiled. "It's amazing to actually meet you too! I love your silver eyes by the way," Bryce chuckled and nodded. "Thank you," Michela's eyes brightened. "Hey! I have dinner for us! Nickey packed me some to share with Jake, but knowing him, he gave me wayyy too much." Bryce smiled. "Awesome, I'll get the table set up." Jake was totally weirded out that HIS guests totally moved into his apartment quicker than him. "Okay that is so unfair, you are MY guests." Michela and Bryce rolled their eyes. "Oh well," They laughed and went to the kitchen together. Jake grumbled about best friends and guys. Michela absolutely loved Bryce and Bryce loved Michela. They became siblings in the short time they were together. Michela tends to have that effect on people apparently. Bryce and Michela talked while getting the dinner ready and wanted to punch this Kenzee person in the face for doing this to the most sweetest girl he knows. Bryce looked at her. "Don't worry hun, that b***h doesn't deserve your time of day. We will show her that you are having fun with two hot guys," Michela cocked her head. "I know that you're hot...but I don't know any other hot guys." Jake yelled "I heard that Elly!" Michela and Bryce laughed. Bryce turned to her. "But seriously M, Jake and I got your back. We are going to pick you up tomorrow and the three of us will have fun. We will walk into the tennis club to pick you up...rose garden?" Michela smiled hugely. "Yeah, but honestly you don't have to Bryce," Jake smirked. "But I do," Michela laughed and shrugged. "Your choice!" The three laughed. They had dinner and chatted the whole night, Michela actually felt much better now. Jake went to sleep earlier than Bryce and Michela, Michela ended up threatening Bryce with a knife to not hurt Jake and Bryce gave her the most beautiful speech that brought her to tears: "I could never hurt him. I never felt so great with anyone in my life. I'm an outsider in my family and have had my heart broken by a few guys before. I knew the second that I saw Jake that he was the one. I love him more than anyone I have ever known before. If I hurt him, I would be hurting myself." Michela hugged Bryce and looked at him, tears in her eyes. "Please make this work...I wish I had something like this," Bryce hugged her back. "You will M...you will," They fell asleep next to each other. The three were on the floor on a mattress. End meeting Bryce Begin: Wait...really? In the morning Michela, Bryce, and Jake woke up early and Jake made breakfast, without burning anything for once. Jake dropped Michela off outside the tennis camp after she showered and dried off and got ready. Michela walked into the Rose Garden and her twin greeted her because obviously, she wasn't home because she was sleeping over at Jake's apartment. Massimo smiled at his sister. "How was sleeping over at...who was it this time?" Michela laughed at him. "I slept over at my friend, Jake's apartment with another friend of ours." Of course, Justin had to hear that...he was obviously confused because he distinctly remembers Michela telling Nicholas that her mom wanted her home. Massimo smirked "Is he something else?" Michela laughed and playfully shoved him. "Nahhhh," Massimo rolled his eyes. "Sure, okay...but I better be one of the first to know, forget your other friends," Michela laughed at his statement. "Sure, I know idiot," Massimo smiled and nodded. "When are you hanging out with this Jake guy again?" Michela laughed. "Why don't you ask about Nickey like that?" Massimo rolled his eyes at her. "Because the first time I did, you threw a shoe at me after gagging for twenty seconds." Michela laughed. Massimo smiled. "Plus, I know you see him, Jesse, and Brandon like almost every weekend, sometimes more often." Michela smirked at that true statement while Justin smiled a small one. "True Mass." Massimo smiled. "So, when ARE you gonna hang out with Jake again?" Michela rolled her eyes. "After camp today," Massimo smiled, "Uh-huh, totally nothing," Michela punched his arm. "Shut up you a*s," Massimo laughed and Justin still frowned. He now knows he should hang out with Kenzee after camp probably. Michela and Justin barely talked at all that day, Michela took heed and avoided him as much as she can because she KNOWS that Kenzee will be pissed off if she does. After camp Kenzee was meeting Justin outside of the club because they agreed that that will be the location that they will meet up after Justin finishes. Then a car pulls up just outside the entrance. Jake was driving and Bryce took the driving position because Jake was going to get Michela. Bryce noticed Kenzee but did not know it was Kenzee until Jake whispered it to Bryce when he got into the driver's seat. Bryce immediately wanted to hit her with something while Jake chuckled at his new date. Yes, they started dating, they both told each other that they like the other and they decided to take it slow. Jake was now in the view of Kenzee. Kenzee vaguely recognized him and then it hit her: He's the dude that Michela could date so she can back off of Justin! Kenzee smiled sweetly at Jake. "Hey Jake! How's it going?" Jake fake smiled at her. "It's going Kenzee. How are you?" Kenzee smiled, "I'm fine...are you waiting for Michela?" Jake smiled sickly sweet at her. "I'm going to get her now. She asked me to come to the rose garden to get her so I can meet her twin brother seeing as she and I are hanging out more now. It's funny how I met her almost a week ago and we are so close...anyway, how are you and...Justin, right?" Kenzee frowned slightly but smiled brightly at him. "We are doing GREAT. I met Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon yesterday. We started dating Tuesday. When are you going to ask Michela on an official date?" Jake knew that Michela was going to laugh so loud when he tells her about this conversation. Jake smiled at her. "I'm not sure when just yet. If we do date, we will start very slow so we can last longer. I think her privacy and time with family is very important. Anything important to her is important to me. We are best friends after all. I like it when she goes to have fun with friends, as long as she is happy, I am happy....anyway, I gotta go get her, see you on the way out?" Kenzee nodded, not really liking Jake now. Jake smiled sweetly at her again before going inside. End: Begin: Now this is just pure gold He walked to the rose garden after getting directions. He saw Michela talking to a guy who looks a lot like her, they are different but similar. Massimo saw the guy looking at them and assumed that it was Jake. Justin was shocked to see Jake at the rose garden. Michela smiled when she noticed Jake and saw some glee in his eyes and raised an eyebrow at him. Jake smirked and walked up to them fully. Jake side hugged Michela and she returned the side hug. Michela smiled. "Massimo, this is my friend Jake, Jake this is my twin brother Massimo." Jake shook hands with Massimo and they exchanged nice to meet you's. Justin frowned because that meant that Michela and Jake might get serious. Jake smiled at his best friend. "We are about to have so much fun right now," Massimo and Michela looked at him in confusion. Jake chuckled. "Massimo, is it alright if I kidnap Michela right now?" Massimo laughed "Please do," Michela gawked at her twin. "How dare you! I am your twin!" Massimo and Jake laughed at the teenager. Michela rolled her eyes. "Fine, be that way." Massimo looked at Jake, "Take care of her, I am expecting her home around 7. Please feed her because she is a pain in my a*s," Michela laughed and Jake smirked. "Will do man," Massimo smiled and nodded at them. Jake and Michela linked arms after Jake took her bag because that is what a gentleman does. Justin was watching them for a moment before he stopped. He does not understand why he is so bothered by their relationship, he should be happy for Michela...but he wishes it was someone else with her and not Jake. Michela looked at Jake. “What did you do?” Jake smiled at her, “Now why would you think I did something?” Michela slapped his arm playfully. “Because I know you by now,” Jake smirked at her. “Kenzee is waiting outside for Justin,” Michela’s eyes widened. “Oh no. What did you and Bryce do?” Jake laughed. “We didn’t do anything bad. I think she doesn’t like me anymore though.” Michela laughed. “I can’t believe you,” Jake smirked. “I’ll tell you what happened when we get to our apartment,” Now naturally, Justin heard that and felt this weird pain inside, similar to the one he felt when he saw Jake and Michela kissing in Central Park. Michela smiled at her best friend. “Awwww, of course you have to spill when we get back.” Jake smirked “Just make sure that you aren’t drinking any water,” Michela chuckled and nodded. They exited the tennis club and saw Kenzee. Kenzee looked up from her phone and saw Michela, Jake, and Justin trailing behind them on his phone. Kenzee smiled Andean up to Justin, not even sparing a glance at the other two. “Justin!” She hugged him. Justin smiled at her. “Hey Kenzee,” “Where do you want to go?” Justin thought for a second then something came to him. “Let’s go to Juniper Park,” Kenzee smiled and nodded enthusiastically. Jake and Michela got into the car and Michela realized that Bryce was driving. “Aw heck no! I still wanna live!” Bryce glared at her playfully “Shut up M! I got my driver's license,” Michela looked at him suspiciously. “Sureee,” Bryce and Jake laughed at the girl. End Begin: Time Skip Time! It’s been a solid month since the accident and since Michela met Jake. Michela hangs out with Brandon, Jesse, and Nicholas still but not as often which the three have noticed and disappointed by. Michela spends a lot of her time either home or with Jake and Bryce. Jake and Bryce are still in the dating stage because they know how hard Michela is still taking Justin and Kenzee. Whenever Kenzee sees Michela at the Belasco house, Kenzee pulls Michela aside and threatens her. Justin and Kenzee are still dating and not girlfriend and boyfriend officially. Justin has noticed that Michela is avoiding him and is upset about it but thinks it might be for the better. As you can see, this whole thing is a mess. Nicholas talks to Michela over the phone more than in person now because of the fact that Michela ‘can’t’ hang out as often. Usually Jesse and Brandon join the phone call and that makes Michela happier. End Begin: But you can’t just do that Michela was going to sleep over at the Belasco’s house. She wasn’t entirely sure if she should because of Kenzee but Nicholas, Jesse, and Brandon were begging her yesterday to stay over a night. Michela never really brings a change of clothes because Nicholas always has some of hers or Ashley’s clothes. Michela told Jake that she was going to sleep over and Jake told her to be careful and to not let Kenzee get to her. Michela got to the house at 1 on Saturday. She was thinking of barging in and decided that she will not stop doing that. She took out her key and unlocked the door. She entered the house and smirked when she saw Nicholas standing behind the couch. She decided, since she barely sees her best friend now-a-days, she was going to surprise him. Michela snuck up behind him and jumped on his back. “Surprise!!!” Nicholas shrieked a girlish scream and fell forward. The two best friends flipped over the couch and landed harshly onto the floor. The two groaned. Nicholas opened his eyes and glared at his best friend. “Damn Mickey, Whyyyyy?!” Michela smirked. “I saw an opportunity,” Jesse, Brandon, Justin, and Kenzee came rushing down, hearing the girlish scream. “We heard a girl screaming, what happened?” Michela laughed. The four walked to the couch and saw the two on the floor in front of the couch. Jesse and Brandon’s eyes brightened. “MICKEY!!!” They jumped over the couch and landed on the poor girl. Michela glared at the two boys that were now on her and Nicholas groaned because now he has THREE people on top of him. Michela smiled “Why hello there Jess and Brandy,” The two boys frowned. “We missed you,” Michela smiled brightly at them, “I miss you too!” She hugged them, which was relatively easy because she was facing them from Nicholas’ stomach. Nicholas sighed. “Well, I miss NOT having three people on top of me.” The three laughed at the adult. Michela smirked. “I dare say Nickey, I AM rather comfortable right now, how about you two?” Jesse and Brandon smiled and nodded. Nicholas groaned and looked at his brother. “Help me Justin, you’re my only hope,” Michela laughed at the Star Wars reference. Justin smiled. “I don’t know man, they seem like they are in charge at the moment.” Kenzee giggled but was really trying hard to hide a glare that she wanted to give Michela. Jesse looked at his brother. “Fine, I guess I’ll get off,” Jesse got off and so did Brandon, so now it was just Michela and Nicholas. Nicholas rolled his eyes. “Are you going to get off of me anytime soon?” Michela smirked at her best friend. “But Nickey, I thought you said you missed me,” Michela pouted at him and Nicholas smiled at her. “Of course I did, but I do not miss you messing with me 24/7,” Michela laughed and shurgged. “Hey, I’m a package deal,” Nicholas laughed. “Well, I’m getting up now, whether you are still on me or not,” Michela shrugged. “Ok,” Nicholas rolled his eyes. He grabbed Michela around the waste, and with some skills that he somehow developed over the years, he started getting up and Michela yelped out in shock as he got up and was now carrying her in his arms. Michela pouted. “That's not fair.” Nicholas chuckled. “Well getting tackled from behind isn't fair either,” Michela shrugged in defeat. “Fine fine.” Nicholas laughed. He never wins when it comes to Michela, they usually just mutually agree on something, or Michela wins the argument. “About time I win something,” Michela laughed and then Nicholas dropped her. “Ow!” Everyone laughed, especially Kenzee. Michela glared at Nicholas. “I see how it is traitor,” Nicholas smirked and nodded. Michela gasped, “After 11 years of being best friends! This is how I'm treated!” Michela looked away dramatically as everyone laughed again. Michela stuck out her tongue at Nicholas. Nicholas smiled, “Oh come on, don't be like that Mickey,” Michela glared at him and Nicholas smiled, “Well, if it makes you feel better, my parents love you,” Kenzee frowned in immediate jealousy. Michela’s eyes brightened at the mention of his parents. “I love them too! They are waaayyyyy nicer than you guys...I wonder what happened,” The boys shouted in protest. Michela shrugged. “Simply stating the truth,” Brandon was the one to finally help her up. Michela smiled brightly at him, “About time one of you guys learned manners, I swear Nickey, I need to tell Ash to teach you manners.” Nicholas groaned because they already had this talk before, “Not again,” Jesse and Brandon laughed. Justin smirked “You had that talk with your girlfriend before?” Nicholas glared at Michela, “Someone was not happy that I dumped water on her a few years ago,” Michela shrugged “It was cold,” Everyone laughed again except Kenzee because she can feel the hatred growing in her again. Nicholas looked at Michela again and smiled. “Well, let’s get ready for a movie!” Kenzee looked at Michela again and came up with a brilliant idea. “Hey, Michela, do you want to take a walk with me for a bit? We can catch up...it feels like I haven’t talked to you in FOREVER,” Michela knew this was a bad idea because she knows that Kenzee has something bad to say, especially if she is asking for her to go with her alone. Michela shrugged and nodded. “Sure, I’m down for a walk,” Kenzee smiled happily “Yay!” Everyone smiled. Nicholas was happy that Michela and Kenzee got along for the most part. End Begin: Well...this went as well as expected Michela and Kenzee walked in silence until they were a few minutes away. Kenzee then turned to Michela and Michela could see the FURY in her eyes. “What the F**K did I tell you about STAYING AWAY from my boyfriend and his family you ignorant S**T?!” Michela flinched slightly especially when Kenzee slapped her in the face. Michela was in shock that Kenzee slapped her. Kenzee continued to glare at her. “I will tell you one last time. Stay away and just leave us now. Or you will regret everything. Hand over your key” Michela wanted to say she will not stay away from her other family...but she knew that Kenzee won’t stop, and she wants to make sure that her boys are kept safe...even if she can’t see them. Michela looked at her. “Just tell them that my mom called saying that something important came up…” Michela handed over her key to the apartment as Kenzee smirked. “Will do Miss Kastle.” Michela sighed and started walking away. Kenzee smirked at her victory over the teenager. Michela, once she knew that Kenzee was gone, called Jake: (Italicized is Jake) “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be with the boys at a sleepover?” “I left,” “What? Why??” “She threatened me again,” “That little b***h...where are you? I’ll come pick you up,” “No, you don’t have to...it’s fine Jake,” “What? No it’s not...I have half a mind to march right up to their door and knock Kenzee out, or maybe Bryce can do it,” Michela chuckled. “No, I’m just going to go home I guess after calling Ashley, I haven’t talked to her in a few weeks,” “But your mother might be concerned since you NEVER go home early from hanging out with Nicholas,” “It’s fine Jake, really...take the night to chill with Bryce...no babies on my watch though! I’m too young for that s**t,” Jake laughed. “Of course not, I’m too young too!” Michela laughed again. “Bye Jake, I’ll talk to you later,” “Bye Michela, say the word and Bryce and I will storm that house and knock that b***h out” Michela laughed and hung up. End Begin: She left Kenzee walked to the house in pride of finally getting rid of Michela Kastle, now she has to put on a sad face though. Kenzee opened the door with the key she was ‘given’ by Michela. She went into the living room and saw that there were two spots saved. Nicholas looked at her in confusion. “Where is Mickey?” Kenzee frowned sadly. “She got a phone call and she told me she had to leave immediately. She gave me her key to get in,” Everyone frowned. Jesse looked at her. “But Mickey never goes anywhere without her key…” Kenzee sighed sadly. “She acted weird after the phone call, something must have came up,” Nicholas frowned. “I’ll try calling her,” Nicholas got his phone and went to Mickey’s contact name: Mickey!!!!. He pressed the call button and immediately got her voice mail: Hello! You have attempted to reach me but right now I am either: A- ignoring you, B- busy right now, C- have my phone turned off, or D- on a call with someone else. Leave a voicemail at the beep if you want to talk to me...otherwise please leave. Nicholas frowned. “It went straight to voicemail,” Jesse and Brandon were shocked, Michela ALWAYS picked up the phone when Nicholas calls her, even if she is on a phone call with someone else, she still picks up and tells Nicholas to bug off. Justin did not know the meaning of that because, like everyone knows, he barely knows a lot about Nicholas and Michela’s friendship other than from stories. Kenzee ‘frowned’ again. “Maybe she got on another call with someone,” Nicholas shook his head in disbelief. “She would still pick up my call and just tell me to bug off,” Justin frowned. Jesse and Brandon looked at Nicholas. “Is she alright?” They looked heart broken those two kids. Nicholas nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure that her phone died or something like that, she will call back when she sees that I called her.” Jesse and Brandon nodded. Kenzee felt a little awkward and sat down next to Justin. She put her head on his chest and the family finally decided to watch the movie. End Begin: I’m sorry Michela decided to call Ashley, it pained her when she saw that Nicholas was calling her and she sent him to voicemail, she has never done that before in her life. She looked for her contact name for Ashley: Baeeee!. She called her. (Italicized is Ashley) “Michela!!!! It’s been soooo long!” Michela chuckled. “Yeah I know right?!” “What’s wrong bae?” “Waaa-” “Shut up, I have known you for a while and can tell something is bothering you.” “Can we talk?” “Of course! Come over! My door is open,” Michela smiled and ran over to Ashley’s house that was not too far away. Michela barged in and spotted Ashley on her couch with two bowls of ice cream. Michela smiled and plopped down next to her. Ashley turned to Michela and nodded. “Speak,” Michela sighed. “You know Kenzee?” Ashley rolled her eyes. “The spoiled b***h that is ALLL over Justin, yes.” Michela laughed. That was when Ashley’s eyes widened. “Who slapped you?!!!!” Michela’s eyes widened. “I have a mark on my face?!” Ashley touched Michela’s red cheek. “Who do I need to punch in the freaking face?” Michela sighed. “Someone is pretty territorial over someone.” Ashley was horrified when she understood who she was talking about. “That son of a b***h! We are going right over there and beating her up!” Michela grabbed her arm before she started marching to the door. “No!” Ashley sighed sadly. “Fine...spill everything,” Michela did spill everything, from Kenzee and her’s first encounter...to their last encounter. Ashley was beyond pissed at her. “She did NOT just ruin your friendship with the boys! I am going to kill her,” Michela shook her head. “Justin might like her...you can’t do that to him...it’s fine, honest...maybe it’s for the better,” Ashley was horrified at what Michela just said. “You did NOT just say that it’s for the better Michela Kastle. Those boys LOVE you to death and I know you love THEM to death. You helped Nick, Jesse, and Brandy so many times. Heck, you are the reason Nick and I are still TOGETHER! You saved Jesse and Brandy’s LIFE. Those boys love you so much, you are FAMILY to them Mickey. The amount of times Nick told me to check up on you is overwhelming haha. It is NOT alright,” Michela started crying and Ashley pulled her into a tight hug. “Oh Michela...and I love you...we all love you,” Michela hiccuped. “You are not helping me with this crying,” The two laughed. Ashley looked at her again. “But seriously, Nick should know what’s going on,” Michela shook her head. “Let’s just wait and see what happens...honestly it will get better as time goes on,” Ashley shook her head. “But Mickey...I know how much you love them too,” Michela smiled “I do...but sometimes you need to let people you love go.” Ashley was in disbelief at what Michela just said. “No! You need to fight for them. Kenzee can NOT win,” Michela sighed. “She already did.” Ashley sighed. The two sat in silence as they ate chocolate ice cream. Ashley could not believe that this stupid Kenzee person went that far. She knew that Kenzee was fake since the day she met her that one time and told Nicholas that she seemed alright, a bit off. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything bad about Kenzee, Nicholas told her that he’s happy that Justin might have found a girlfriend, especially after coming home upset because he lost a crush to someone else. End Begin: It’s worse Ashley looked over at Michela and saw that she fell asleep. Ashley sighed and took Michela’s phone and plugged it in. That was when she saw the missed call notification from Nicholas. Ashley’s eyes widened in pure shock. Michela Kastle never has EVER had a missed call from Nicholas. Ashley now knew how serious this is and looked at Michela in sadness. Ashley plugged in the phone and sighed again. That was when her phone started ringing. She looked at the contact: Mr. Universe <3...Nicholas. Ashley looked at Michela and frowned. She knows that Michela does not want Nicholas to know that she is here. She sighed again and picked up. (italicized is Nicholas) “Hey Babe,” “Hey, what’s up?” “Have you heard from Mickey recently?” Ashley knew this was going to hurt her more than anything. “No, why? Is she okay?” Ashley heard Nicholas sigh. “I have no idea...she went on a walk with Kenzee and when Kenzee came back, she told us that Michela got a phone call and had to leave...I’m worried about her,” Ashley could hear the worry from Nicholas’ voice. “Did you try calling her?” Ashley was in pain when she asked. “No, she always picks up...what if something bad happened to her Ash?” Ashley wanted to tell Nicholas that she is fine, that she may be damaged, but she will survive. Especially when Nicholas’ voice cracked at no. “Oh Nick...I’m sure she’s fine...was she acting weird lately?” She heard him sigh. “Yes, she has been quiet every now and then. Today she was acting normal and it felt great! Then she just left. I was planning on her sleeping on my bed tonight because I know she fell in love with it after she slept on it for the first time. I miss her Ash...I want my best friend back,” Ashley teared up at the pain she can tell is coming from her boyfriend. “Oh Nick...I wish I could help you,” “No, don’t worry about that...Can you see if you can get into contact with her? Just tell her that I will always be here for her...and Ash?” “Yeah?” “Kenzee had her key to my house…” “WHAT?!” “Yeah...that’s why I’m so worried,” Ashley glared at Michela’s sleeping form for not telling her. “Is Justin happy?” “Huh?” “Is he happy with Kenzee?” “I talked to him a few times about that. He said he might, he’s just unsure because he sees his crush sometimes and still feels jealous and angry whenever she’s with the guy.” “Do you like Kenzee?” “I’m not sure yet...she seems off sometimes and is a bit too obsessed with my brother,” “Hahah yeah I get that...I’ll see what I can do with Michela,” “Thanks Ash...goodnight, I love you,” Ashley’s tongue was caught, that was his first ever time he said, ‘I love you’ to her. “Goodnight Nick, I love you too,” They hung up and Ashley smiled. She loves her boyfriend and knows that he is the one for her. Nicholas was her first and hopefully last. Ashley fell asleep next to Michela because Ashley knows how hard this is for her too. End Begin: Help me Michela woke up and looked around. She saw that she was with Ashley and saw that she was still asleep and smiled. Michela is so grateful for Ashley. Michela got up and stretched. She walked into the kitchen and started making some pancakes, because Ashley and Michela both love pancakes and she has a lot of pancake batter because Michela does sometimes come over to visit. When Michela was done, she heard a yawn. Michela turned around and saw Ashley walking into the kitchen. “Morning Mickey,” “Morning Ash! I made pancakes!” Ashley’s eyes widened in greed and Michela laughed. She set out the two placemats and the two started eating immediately. They finished soon after because they were shoving the pancakes in their mouths quickly. Ashley smiled in content. She looked at Michela and smiled softly. “Nick is worried about you,” Michela frowned. “I know...but I can’t mess this up for them. They need some sort of normal right now probably...I’ll only be gone from their lives for two weeks...okay? Then I’ll call Nicholas.” Ashley frowned. “Two weeks is a long time to worry about someone, especially someone you love.” Michela nodded. “Just tell him that I’m alive...I just need time to think,” Ashley nodded sadly. “Alright. What about when you see Justin?” Michela shrugged. “I guess I’ll try to ignore him and if he talks to me I’ll respond minimully.” Ashley nodded sadly. “Fair statement...but they will miss you,” Michela smiled sadly, “I know.” End Begin: What did I do? Michela went to camp on Monday with her brother. Michela told Massimo that she wanted to hang out with him more. Masimo was very happy with her answer. When they got to the Rose Garden, Michela was happy that she did not see Justin yet, she knows that it will be even more awkward since she never picked up the phone call from Nickey and she got another one yesterday and a voicemail saying that he will always have her back. Michela cried after hearing that voicemail. Massimo and Michela talked for a while until Justin came in. Justin walked up to the twins. “Hey guys, Michela, can I talk to you?” Michela was nervous the second he said that but nodded regardless. Justin smiled and pulled her aside. Michela looked at him. “So...what’s up?” Justin frowned. “What’s wrong?” Michela felt so bad on the inside. “Nothing’s wrong, why do you say that?” Justin frowned. “Why are you lying?” Michela cocked her head at him. “Why do you think that I am lying?” Justin looked at her seriously. “You never picked up your phone when Nicholas tried calling you,” Michela felt her heartbreak. “My phone hasn’t been working well recently...Anyway, I have some work to do.” Justin frowned when Michela left. (Italicized is thought) “What did I do wrong? Is it because of me that she isn’t talking to Nicholas or Jesse or Brandon? What did I do??” Michela did not look back at Justin, now she knows to not use her phone with him around. The rest of the day, Michela spent trying to avoid Justin but not make it look like she is. Justin tried talking to her a few more times but to no luck whatsoever. It was finally time to go and Michela and Massimo left together, Michela saw Kenzee waiting outside like she has been doing, but they ignored each other. Michela and Massimo went home together this time so they can hang out. Justin left soon after and Kenzee, like always, went up to him and greeted him and locked arms. Justin smiled slightly at her. “Hey Kenzee, I have to spend some time with my family right now, but we can talk later?” Kenzee smiled and nodded, “Sure Babe, I’ll talk to you later,” She kissed his cheek and left. Justin sighed and smiled. He was still worried about Michela. End Begin: Is she okay? Justin got home relatively fast and went to his brother’s room. He knocked on the door and Nicholas opened it. Nicholas’ eyes brightened at seeing his brother. “Any news??” Justin frowned and shook his head. Nicholas slumped in defeat. Justin sighed and the two sat on Nicholas’ bed. Justin looked at him, “She lied about being okay,” Nicholas looked at him in shock, “How can you tell?” “Her eyes, she barely made eye contact with me when she said she was okay.” Nicholas frowned. “What do you think is wrong?” “What do you think is wrong Nick? You have known her the longest,” Nicholas smiled sadly, “She lied when she told me that her mother needed her to come home around a month ago. She hasn’t been acting the same and has barely been coming over. And now she just gave her key to the house to Kenzee. Something is not right Justin,” Justin frowned and nodded. “She has been spending more time with Jake, have you reached out to Ashley?” Nicholas nodded. “Ashley has talked to Michela, I know it...she just didn’t tell me...which is why I think something bad happened,” Justin’s eyes widened. “Your girlfriend didn’t tell you something was wrong with your best friend?” Nicholas smiled. “I understand why though...Ashley and Mickey are close too, which is what I’m grateful for. Mickey needs a girl to talk to because she mostly has guys around her you know? Plus, I don’t have to worry about cat fights with my girlfriend and best friend. Speaking of which, how are you and Kenzee?” Justin frowned. “I have no idea, she’s so clingy sometimes,” Nicholas winced and nodded. “Yeah, that’s true...I’m going to see if I can invite Ash over and get Ash to invite Mickey. You should invite Kenzee if they can come.” Justin smiled at the idea. “Sure, sounds good.” End Begin: making the plans Nicholas immediately called Ashley: “Hey, Ash!” “Hey, Nick, what's up? To what do I owe the pleasure of you calling me tonight?” Nicholas laughed “I wanted to invite you over for dinner! I was also wondering if you could invite Mickey?” Nicholas heard Ashley sigh and he frowned. “I'm not entirely sure if she can, I will try just for you though. Who else is gonna be at the dinner?” Nicholas smiled. “Well, Jesse and Brandon are finally going to hang out at Brandon’s place so it shall be, me, you, Justin, Kenzee, and Michela.” Nicholas heard a cough. “Kenzee?” Nicholas frowned. “Yeah, why?” “No reason, hey, can Mickey invite Jake? That might maybe convince her to go,” Nicholas smiled hugely. “Of course!” Nicholas heard Ashley’s laugh and smiled even more. “Okay, I gotta go, but see you later!” “Wait! Is it formal or informal?” Nicholas did not think about that. “Whatever you want to wear,” “Okay, love you, see you later!” “See you later!” Nicholas hung up and smiled. Hoping that his best friend will come. “Hey, Justin! Did you text Kenzee yet?” Justin popped his head out of his room. “Yes, she said that she can come over,” Nicholas smiled. “What are you wearing?” Justin looked at Nicholas in confusion, “I have to wear something nice?” Nicholas facepalmed and shook his head at his oblivious brother. “Yes, yes you do,” Justin sighed. “I guess I’ll wear a nice white shirt and slacks,” Nicholas nodded. “Okay, that works.” “What are you wearing Nick?” Nicholas smiled. “A blue button-up shirt, and black slacks,” Justin nodded. End Begin: You are kidding, right? Ashley knew this would be a bad idea, inviting Michela to the dinner, especially if Kenzee is coming as Justin's date. Ashley pulled out her phone and looked for her contact: Baeeeeee! “Hey, Ash, what's up?” “Okay, so before you say no...just hear me out,” “Oh no,” “Oh shut up, are you listening?” “Yeah,” “Okay. So Nick wants to have dinner. So he invited me and he asked if I could invite you-” “Oh, Ash...you know why-” “Yes, yes I do...but you can bring Jake!” Ashley heard Michela sigh “I don’t know Ash…” “Pleaseeee? Nick is very worried about you Mickey, if it all goes to hell, you have Jake and I that know about Kenzee,” “Ugh...I hate you sometimes,” Ashley smiled hugely, “Thank you!!” Ashley could practically hear Michela rolling her eyes. “Whatever, what am I supposed to wear?” “Well, seeing as Justin will be there, something cute!” “Ash!!” “Hey! I’m being honest!” Michela laughed and so did Ashley. “Okay, well I gotta text Jake that he is being imprisoned for dinner tonight...I think he and Bryce were gonna have dinner together,” Ashley smiled. “They can skip ONE day of dinner time,” “Yeah, well they have some stuff to explain to me,” “Like what?” “I saw a certain mark on Jake’s neck hidden very well yesterday.” “OOOOH!” Michela and Ashley laughed, both happy for their resident gay couple. “Anyway, catch ya later!” “Most definitely, remember to knock! Because you don’t have your keys,” “How did…” “Nicholas told me the day that you came in here crying about Kenzee,” “Oh.” “It’s alright Mickey, just please don’t hold anything back from me...I care about you,” “I know, I promise.” “Great...see you later!” “See ya!” Ashley hung up, very proud of herself for getting Michela to agree as long as she brought Jake. Ashley texted Nicholas telling him that she succeeded. She immediately got a very happy response back. End Begin: thanks Jake Michela HATES dresses, she despises them, so when Ashley said that she should wear something nice, she glared at the wall. She found one dress that she actually likes: a sky blue dress that reaches her ankles. It was a shoulder sleeved dress and she loves the color. She immediately puts it on along with black flats. She left her apartment and waited inside a few minutes until she saw Jake’s car pull up. Jake got out of the passenger side and Michela knew that meant Bryce was driving them. Michela looked at Jake and saw that he is wearing a dark green button-up shirt and black slacks. Michela smiled because his eyes really are showing way more because of that shirt. She walked out and Jake gawked at her. Michela laughed “Cat got your tongue?” Jake nodded. “Damn Elly! You look amazing! Your hair is down!” Michela rolled her eyes. Bryce popped his head outside. “Get in losers, we have a dinner to go to!” Michela laughed and got in. Bryce turned to her momentarily. “And dare I say M, you are looking amaZing today! If I wasn't gay, I would totally fall in love with you right now,” Michela laughed and smiled brightly. “Thank you, Bryce,” Jake smirked. “Don't steal my boyfriend Elly,” Michela shrieked. “Hold up! Boyfriend?! You two are finally official?!!” The two laughed and nodded. Michela smiled. “About time!” Jake smirked. “Don't worry Elly, we can still do stuff,” Michela laughed. Bryce smirked “You know what would really get Justin mad?” The two oblivious kids looked at him in confusion. Bryce rolled his eyes at the two. “If you kiss,” Both teenager’s eyes widened in shock. “WHAT?!” Bryce laughed. “I mean when you pretended to kiss in front of me, that's what got me really pissed and stuff,” Jake crossed his arms. “Aren't you supposed to be territorial over boyfriends?” Bryce laughed. “Nahhh, M needs me more than you right now,” Jake rolled his eyes at his teasing boyfriend. Michela laughed. “I don’t want to kiss anyone right now,” Jake and Bryce chuckled. They pulled up to the front of the house. Bryce turned to them, “Have fun kids, this time, you better kiss and tell,” The two laughed at the joke because they both know they are NOT going to kiss. End Begin: Wow Michela smirked at Jake. “I wonder what they will say when they see my hair is down,” Jake rolled his eyes, “Yeah, because they won’t say ANYTHING about the fabulous dress that you are wearing.” Michela laughed at him. She knocked on the door and Ashley opened it. Ashley was wearing a turqouis dress that made her eyes pop out. Ashley’s eyes widened in shock. “I’m sorry ma’am I think you got the wrong house, we are expecting a teenage girl wearing sweatpants and a weird guy with her.” Michela glared playfully at her while Jake laughed, fully knowing Michela would have totally wore sweatpants if not for Justin and Kenzee. “Shut up Ash,” Ashley laughed. She looked at Michela more. “Damn Bae, you look amazing!” Michela laughed. “That’s exactly what Bryce said, but he also inputted, if I wasn’t gay, I would fall in love with you,” Ashley laughed while Jake grumbled. Ashley turned to Jake, “And Jake, that shirt really makes your eyes pop out,” Jake smiled, “That dress does the same for you, what did Nicholas say to it?” Ashley laughed. “He walked into the wall.” Michela laughed, fully knowing that he would totally do that. Ashley smiled, “Come on in guys, I can’t WAIT to see the boy’s reactions.” Michela chuckled and so did Jake. Ashley led them inside. “Oh Nick!!! We have our guests over finally!” Nicholas walked in and gawked at his best friend. However, being the adult he is, he bumped into the door and winced. The three laughed. Michela smirked. “Cat got your tongue?” Nicholas smiled. “You look stunning Mickey, I mean...DAMN! I never knew you had it in you!” Michela glared at him and slapped his arm. “Manners Mister!” Nicholas laughed. “Can I hug you? Or are you worried about wrinkles?” Michela stuck her tongue out at her best friend. They hugged and it felt great to both of them, neither of them fully knowing how much they missed the other until they were apart for a while. They got out of the hug and Nicholas smiled at Jake. “Glad to see you Jake,” Jake smiled and shook Nicholas’ hand. “Nice to see you again Nicholas,” Nicholas smiled. He turned to Michela. “I think Justin and Kenzee are coming down soon, then we can start dinner.” Michela nodded, a little worried about what Kenzee will do when she sees her. Jake linked arms with Michela and whispered in her ear. “Don’t worry Elly, I won’t leave your side,” Michela smiled brightly at him and nodded. End: Begin: Woah Michela and Nicholas talked while Ashley talked to Jake in a hushed tone because obviously, Nicholas does not know that Bryce is his boyfriend. Nicholas looked at his best friend. “Why did you leave Mickey?” Michela sighed. She was going to actually give him a hint when they heard two people coming down the stairs. Everyone looked as Kenzee walked down the stairs with a purple dress on and Justin soon followed wearing a red button-up shirt and black slacks. Kenzee almost fully frowned when she saw Michela. Justin looked at Michela and almost felt as though he couldn’t breath for a second. Michela smiled at the two. “Hello, been a while,” Kenzee wanted to slap her again for coming. “Yes it has! I missed you so much Michela,” Ashley wanted to call BS along with Jake, but they refrained for the two brother’s sake. “Missed you too Kenzee,” Justin was still amazed and did not say anything. Obviously, Ashley and Jake noticed that and smirked to each other. Nicholas nodded. “Whelp, let’s get seated so we can eat food!”

Author's Note

I am still working on it, please let me know if I should change some of it

Reviews

[JayG]

• I am still working on it, please let me know if I should change some of it

There a few issues you need to look into:

1. Without paragraphing that monolithic block of prose is, I’m afraid, pretty much unreadable. Paragraphs are there to aid the reader. A new paragraph tells them that the subject is changing, or of a new speaker. And it helps break the prose up so the reader can find their place if they get lost.

2. Dump the opening bio. It serves no purpose. The reader will know who the protagonist is because they ARE the protagonist, and the story’s viewpoint is theirs, plus what they are to each other based on how they treat each other, and though conversation.

The thing to keep in mind is that story happens. It’s not explained or talked about. That would be a report. And the reader isn’t seeking to learn the details of the plot. That’s Story, with a capital S—detail and plot-points, not story, which has a small S and is lived.

If you read a romance, do you want learn that the protagonist has fallen in love? If you read a horror story, do you want to be told that the protagonist feels terror? Or do you want the author to make you fall in love, and to terrorize you—make you afraid to turn out the lights.

Forget plot. No one ever turned to page two because of plot. Why? There hasn’t been any in one, two, or even three pages. But…most people decide to buy a book before the end of page three. Why? Because the WRITING grabbed them, and because they were interested in the protagonist because of the writing. Sol Stein put it well when he said: “A novel is like a car—it won’t go anywhere until you turn on the engine. The “engine” of both fiction and nonfiction is the point at which the reader makes the decision not to put the book down. The engine should start in the first three pages, the closer to the top of page one the better.”

Think about this story. Where, in this story, is the thing that makes the reader lean back and say, “Hmmm…tell me more?”

Think about E. L. Doctorow’s observation of: “Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader. Not the fact that it’s raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.”

See the problem? You’re focusing on events and description. In essence, you’re approaching fiction in the way you would approach an essay: report and explain. Your using that approach makes sense, given that how to write reports and essays was pretty much the only kind of writing skill we were taught in school, as they readied us for the needs of employment. But there are many kinds of writing. You might become a playwright, a script-writer, a tech-writer, a journalist, a lawyer, scientist, or a historian. Each of them has their own set of writing techniques. And what they have in common is that like any profession, the specialized skills, including writing for that profession, are designed around the needs of that profession and their medium, and, learned IN ADDITION to the general skill our grade-school teachers called writing. And of course, Fiction-Writing is a profession, one for which the universities offer four-year majors. You have to assume that at least some of what’s taught there is necessary. Right?

See the problem? It’s not a matter of talent, potential, or how well you write. It’s that without the tools for the job, how can you do it? Did your teachers spend even one minute on the elements of a scene on the page? Did even one teacher mention that scenes usually end in disaster for the protagonist, and why? Did they explain the usage and management of the scene-goal? If you’re missing all that, how can you write a scene that a reader will see as one? And forget learning the tricks of writing fiction by reading it. That teaches us to write about as well as eating teaches us to cook.

In short: There is absolutely no reason you can’t become a great writer. But since we all leave our school days literally knowing nothing about writing fiction, there’s a lot to be said for the “becoming” process. And in fact, if you were born to write, the learning will be fun. And if it’s not? Well, you’ll learn something important. So it’s win/win.

The local library system’s Fiction-Writing section has lots of books by pros in writing, publishing, and teaching. So time spent there is time wisely invested. And while you’re there, or on Amazon, look for the names, Dwight Swain, Jack Bickham, or Debra Dixon on the cover of a book on fiction writing technique. They’re gold.

You might check out a few of the articles in my writing blog to get a feel for how many differences in approach there are in writing fiction.

Jay Greenstein
https://jaygreenstein.wordpress.com/category/the-craft-of-writing/the-grumpy-old-writing-coach/