Starstrucked

Something Different, 100: Forever is over.

“Moving?” I cannot believe this.

“Yes,” Dash said, not being able to look into my eyes, “Moving.” 

I stayed silent for what felt like hours. Then, “But, why?”

Dash sighed, frustrated, “Because of the business. Dad got a mega huge job promotion that he was dying to get since forever.” He paused, “And now, finally, he got it.”

“But, where are you going?” 

“Melbourne, Australia.”

Australia. Well, by all means, he’s moving to the other side of the world.

“I’m so sorry, Ivy.” He said, holding my hands, “You don’t know how sorry.”

I was upset, but mainly not because he’s moving… but all my efforts of trying to make the relationship work… are useless.

“What about us?” I asked.

Silence. Finally, he took a deep breath and said, “I honestly don’t know.”

Silence.

“I guess…” He started to say, “We can work it out.”

“How?” I asked, trying to keep my voice stable. “It’s going to be different and you know that. Everything’s going to change.”

“I know.”

I sighed, “Am I ever going to see you again?”

“Of course.” He smiled a sad smile and took both my hands and squeezed it. “I’ll visit as much as I can.”

“Promise?”

He nodded and kissed my forehead. “Promise.”

***

A year passed. A year has gone by. A year full of changes.

Dash kept to his promise, after he left for Australia, he visited Jersey again during Thanksgiving and stayed over for a week. 

One day after having dinner with his family, Dash and I were sitting outside in the starry dark and cold night.

And then, “Ivy.” 

“Mmm?”

“Can I ask you something?” 

Uh-oh. “Fire away…”

“Do you—”

“Do I?”

“—still have feelings for me?”

I stopped and looked at him. I looked into those deep, blue eyes, already knowing my answer for this particular question; the question that I have been asking myself everyday ever since Dash left. 

“I do still care about you.” I said.

Dash smiled, a familiar smile. The smile that I remember that made me fall for him the first time we met. “That’s not answering my question.” He chuckled.

I took a deep breath and said, “I’m so sorry.”

He nodded, his face expressionless. After a few seconds, he looked at me and smiled again. “It’s alright.” He said, “Feelings change. People change.” 

I nodded but didn’t say anything. 

“It was fine while it lasted, right?” He said.

I nodded again.

“Hey,” he said and lifted my chin up. “Friends?” Then he opened his arms.

I smiled now, and said, “Friends.” And hugged him back.

He kissed my forehead, a sign for goodbye, for the last time, and then we broke away.

***

I told Finn and Nat straight away after my break up with Dash. Nat said sorry and she said she’ll be back home soon. She was in Paris, sadly, and my other girlfriends were busy hanging out at their boyfriends’ place to celebrate Thanksgiving with their family.

A month has passed after Dash’s visit.

“You did the right thing.” Was what Finn told me when we met.

I nodded, not saying anything.

“Hey, you okay?” He asked.

I looked up to face Finn. My best friend. He wore his hoodie over dirty blonde hair messily, I could see his blue eyes and a few freckles on his face.

“Yeah.” I nodded then smiled, “Actually, I am.”

He smiled then gave me a hug, I hugged him back. “I know.”

“You know?” I asked as we broke away.

“Yeah. I do.” He smirked and I noticed that he was… really good looking. Not like catch-me-I’m-swooning, but more like, DAMN, SA-WOOOOOOOOOON!

I shook my head. 

Finn giggled, as if he could read my mind. “What are you thinking?” 

“Uh… I—”

But before I could answer, I felt Finn holding both my hands, leaned down and gave me a kiss on the lips.

Okay, definitely a SA-WOOOOOOOOOOOOON! moment.

When we broke away, I blinked stupidly. “Did that really happened?”

Finn laughed and gave me a quick kiss on the lips, “Yup.”

I laughed and felt my cheeks grow hotter. “Took you 15 years, loser.”

He smiled and held my hand, “How about, from now on, it’ll take another 15 years? And another 15 years, and another 15 years… And— oh you get the idea.” 

I smiled, “Yeah, I do.” He smiled back and kissed my forehead.

Note to self: I’m gonna try at least something different for once in my life. Although, falling in love with my best friend wasn’t in my list, but, hey, expect the unexpected, right?

End.

Something Different, 99, part 2: Goodbye.

“The beach, huh?” Nat laughed.

Eric just smiled in return.

After they left Nat’s house that afternoon, Eric took her to the beach. 

“Why the beach though?” Nat asked as she took her slippers off her feet, feeling the sand beneath her feet, and thanking God she wore an appropriate outfit: a simple Levi’s t-shirt and a pair of quarter pants. 

The wind blew her hair, and the smell of the beach filled her nostrils. She let out a sigh.

“You like the beach.” Eric replied, it wasn’t a question. 

Nat didn’t reply, instead she gave him a grin in return and looked out to the sea.

They were quiet for a few moments.

“Why’d you bring me here, though?” 

“I already told you.” Eric told her.

“No, I meant. Why did you bring me here?” Nat asked.

Eric suddenly studied her face as if she was a piece of a puzzle, that wasn’t complete. Suddenly he gave her his warm smile that usually makes Nat’s heart skip a beat. 

“What?” She felt her cheeks growing hot.

“This.” Eric said as he leaned forward, and his lips touched hers, sending out tingly vibes around her body. She giggled and kissed him back.

Once they broke away, breathless, Nat couldn’t stop grinning.

“So, I’m guessing I’m the girl you like in school.” Nat pointed out.

“Maybe.” Eric smiled and kissed her again.

“And what, was that for, again?” Nat smiled.

“Shut up, Scott.” Eric winked and put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a peck on her forehead.

Then after a few minutes, Nat didn’t say anything.

“Why aren’t you talking?” Eric raised an eyebrow up.

Nat just gave him a smile and looked straight. 

“What?” Eric demanded. Then he put a face on and said, “Oooooh. Okay, you can talk.”

Nat bursted out laughing, “Thank you.”

“Weird. It’s weird seeing you not talking.” 

“Shut up, Owens!” Nat slapped his arm. 

“Okay, okay!” Eric put both his arm, a sign of surrendering. “Do you really want me to shut up?”

Nat slapped his arm again and smiled, “No. Keep talking.”

“Thought so.” Eric winked and put his arm around Nat’s shoulders again.

“This is nice.” Nat told him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” Eric smiled. Yes, this is nice, he thought. 

***

Meet me up at Starbucks? D.

Ok. I

***

Ivy.

I waited at Starbucks, again, because, to my surprise, Dash told me to do so.

“Hey, babe.” I heard a familiar voice say. I looked up to face Dash, his face looked tired. I could actually see eye bags under his eyes.

“Hey.” I gave him a quick kiss on the cheeks and said, “Are you alright? You look tired.”

“Fine.” Dash said as he sat down. 

“What’s up?” I asked.

Dash was silent for a few seconds then he finally looked at my face and said, “Dad’s business is going okay.”

“That’s great, Dash.” I told him with a smile. “It’s all thanks to you.”

“Thanks.” Dash said, “But that’s not why I came here.”

“Oh, then what is?” I asked.

Dash fell silent again, I could see he was trying to put on a straight face, but it was no use. His lips were trembling, and I swore, I could see that his eyes were watery.

“What’s wrong, Dash?”

Dash looked up at me and gave me a smile, but I wasn’t satisfied. 

Finally he looked at me in the eyes and everything stopped moving.

“Ivy, I’m moving.” 

Something Different, 99, part 1: Coming to an end.

“So,” Eric started talking. 

“So.” Nat said.

It was already noon, and surprisingly for Nat, Eric texted her up asking her if it was okay that Eric came by her house.

And of course, she didn’t mind. She giddily texted him back saying yes.

“Where are we going?” Nat asked. 

Eric gave her his warm smile that made Nat’s heart skip a beat, “It’s a surprise.”

***

“Jesse?” London called out.

“Yeah?” She heard him reply.

They were both having a picnic at the nearest park. The bright Sunday sun was shining brightly above them. Actually, this was all Jesse’s idea. London was surprised when he called her up when she was arranging her clothes according to brands (yes, she does that, even for a bimbo like herself). London quickly stopped what she was doing and took her car keys and quickly drove to Forever 21 finding a new outfit to wear for her “date” with Jesse that afternoon.

And she did. Within less than 15 minutes.

She found a sleeveless dress, knee length. It was a mixed colour of orange and yellow, splashed with a few green and blue shades around it making it look striking, and along the bottom, it was designed with batik patterns. 

And she had to admit, when she put the dress on, she looked stunningly gorgeous.

But unfortunately, Jesse wasn’t really paying attention to her.

“Jesse.” London said his name again.

“Huh?” Jesse said, “Sorry.”

“You seem distracted.” London pointed out.

“Uh… yeah.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Nah.” Jesse half smiled.

“Well… alright then.” I guess it’s better not to ask him if he doesn’t wanna talk. London told herself.

Jesse didn’t say anything for a few seconds, then he looked up at her and gave her his warming smile, “You look beautiful.”

London felt like she was boiling. It took her how long to make him say that since they got here? 

London leaned closer to Jesse and kissed him on the lips, feeling tingles all over her body when Jesse kissed her back as he put a hand behind London’s neck. She pulled away breathless and finally said, “Thank you.”

***

Eva was now shopping for groceries at Target’s. Pissed at her cousin for ditching her to go on a date with her best friend.

But then again, she smiled to herself, glad, because she knew that London and Jesse like each other.

She was standing in the Dairy section when she saw a familiar someone.

“Paul?” Eva called out. 

“Yeah?” Paul turned around. “Oh, Eva. Hey.”

“What’re you doing here?” 

“Shopping. Obviously.” Paul gave her a smile. “You?”

“Yup.” She gave Paul a grin in return. “You alone?”

“Yeah, you?”

“Yup.” Paul replied. “Where’s Jesse?”

“On a date with London.” Eva rolled her eyes and chuckled. 

“Finally?” Paul laughed. “That took him a while.”

“I know right.”

“Um, so, Eva.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you… free tonight?” 

Eva blinked a couple of times to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. She even gave herself a pinch on the arm, an “Ow!” following it.

Paul smiled, amused. “What was that for?”

Eva felt her cheeks growing hotter, “To make sure I wasn’t dreaming.”

“Well, how about I make sure that you aren’t?” Paul grinned slyly.

“What—” But before Eva could say a word, Paul kissed Eva, right there, on the spot, in the middle of their duty of shopping.

Nice. Eva thought to herself, grinning so much that it hurt.

They pulled away after what felt like minutes and finally Eva said, still grinning non-stop, “Where are we going?”

***

“You’re going to Yale?” Penelope asked Dan. “That’s… amazing. Great. Congrats, Dan.”

Dan replied, “Thanks.”

They were now at the skate park, Penelope remembered what they did not so long ago. The dance off they had. It was one of the best nights of her life.

They were now silent. But then Dan broke it off by saying, “I’ll miss you.”

Penelope looked at him, shocked. Then without realizing that her cheeks felt wet and her image was blurry, Dan gave her a hug, “Don’t cry. I’ll visit as much as I can. I promise.”

Penelope sniffed, “Really?”

“Really.” Dan smiled after that, he kissed her forehead, then her nose, then finally on her lips.

Penelope was wrong. This, is the best day ever of her life.

Something Different, 98: Unsure.

It was a Sunday morning and Nat decided to hang out at Starbucks at 10am, no guys, because it’s a girl thing and she had to tell us important news about her parents.

“So, what’s the news?” I asked Nat as we took our seats. 

Eva, Penelope and London leaned closer to hear whatever Nat was about to say.

“Okay,” Nat started blabbing, “I got a new DK bag from mummy, but daddy bought me a pair of Gucci sunglasses, I love them and all but… LOOK!”

She held up her sunglasses and handbag.

“This is your important news?” Eva asked.

I raised an eyebrow up. “What’s wrong with it?” I finally asked.

“OMIGOD, IVY!” Shrieked London.

Nat gasped and looked at me. “What’s wrong with you girl?!” Nat exclaimed.

I looked at Eva and Penelope, both shrugged their I’ve-no-idea-what’s-up shrug.

I looked at them, eyebrows up, “Um… what?”

“THAT IS SO NOT YOUR COLOUR!” London took the handbag away from Nat.

“I know!” Nat agreed. “I cannot believe mummy bought me that handbag! This is the first time that’s happened! Daddy as well!”

Penelope giggled, “Guys, it’s not like it’s a big deal—”

“Not a big deal she says!” London gasped, “Not a big deal!”

“It’s just a handbag!” Eva popped in.

“JUST A HANDBAG SHE SAYS!” Nat gasped.

“Oh, c’mon!” I took the handbag and sunglasses away from London’s and Nat’s grasps, “Exchange it or something and get something else you like!”

Nat seemed to be calm for a second or two then started blabbing again, “It’s not that easy! Mummy bought this handbag from Paris, and daddy got this from Italy!”

I rolled my eyes and decided to not bother about this conversation.

After what it felt like minutes, Nat finally stopped blabbing about her Gucci sunglasses and DK handbag, she said, “I heard Dash’s dad’s company’s been doing great recently.”

“Ever since Dash started helping out.” I said, not a question.

“Ever since Dash started helping out.” Nat nodded, repeating what I said.

“It just feels like yesterday Ivy moved here!” Penelope said with a smile.

I replied her with a small smile, “Yeah…”

“You and Dash doing alright?” Eva asked.

“Yup.” I said, not meeting their eyes.

“Ivy…” Nat said.

“What?” I pouted. 

“Don’t lie.” 

“Fine.” I finally said, “He’s just, not there anymore.”

The atmosphere seemed to become more quiet.

“That’s just heartbreaking to hear.” Penelope said, finally.

“It is.” I confirmed.

“Dyou think you guys are gonna work out?” Eva asked. “I mean, I’m on both your sides, you guys are my friends.”

“Ditto.” London said.

I gave my girls a small smile and said, “We’ll see how everything goes.”

And that’s because I’m not sure what’s gonna happen next.

Something Different, 97: Emotions.

“Dash doesn’t seem to like me.” Finn told me on a sunny Saturday morning while we were watching basketball match, which was one of those rare occasions for me to do. 

I sighed and said, “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course he likes you.” Which was a total lie. I knew from the day Finn and Dash met during the meet up with everyone else a few weeks ago, he didn’t like Finn at all. 

As if Finn read my mind, he scoffed and said, “You’re a bad liar, you know that?” and picked up a bowl of popcorn which was on the table.

“Yes.” I sighed guiltily and buried my face against a pillow and groaned. “I don’t know, really.”

I looked up to see Finn shrug and his face calm, “I thought it was pretty obvious?”

“Huh? What is?” I asked, confused. 

Finn shook his head, “You don’t even notice it?”

“What the hell am I supposed to notice?” I asked.

“Well, I thought it was pretty obvious. How can you not notice it?” Finn said, practically repeating on what he said.

I threw the pillow with full force until it hit him on the head, “OUCH!”

“Will you get on with it!” 

Finn put his hands up, surrendering. “Fine, fine.”

There was a moment of silence. 

I rolled my eyes, “Well?”

“What?” Finn asked distractedly.

I got up and punched Finn on the arm, “Finn!”

“Okay, okay!” He paused then said, “He’s just jealous.” as a matter-of-factly.

“Huh?” I asked, “Of what?”

Finn laughed and hit me with the pillow I threw to him, “You’re so thick sometimes.”

“That’s not answering my question!” I told him.

Finn sighed in frustration. “He’s jealous. Jealous okay? Jealous of me always hanging around with you.”

I bit my lip, “But… we’re just friends.”

Finn gave me a small smile, “That’s what I thought. I don’t know, Ivs. It’s normal for someone to get jealous. It’s what makes us human.”

“Since when are you this deep?” I teased. 

“Since I read something about this online.” Finn replied.

“What? What were you doing? Looking for quotes to rub things on my face and saying, ‘I told you so’?” 

“What the hell are you talking about, Ivs?” Finn asked, a grin plastered on his face.

“Forget it.” I said as I slumped back into the couch. “My boyfriend’s jealous because of my best friend. That’s a rare thing.”

“He loves you, that’s what I can tell.” Finn said sternly.

I scoffed, “Doesn’t seem like it. He’s always working.”

“His dad runs a pretty huge business.” Finn said.

I sat up immediately, “I know.” I sighed and the next thing I knew Finn sat next to me. 

“Cheer up.” He said, “Why’re you being all down anyway? I thought it was a good thing.”

“That Dash’s jealous of us?” I asked. “What’s to be happy about?”

Finn shook his head, “That Dash is doing this for his dad.”

“Oh, that.” I said. “Well, I am.” Was I, though? 

“But…” Finn said.

I sighed again and said, “But… it’s not the same anymore, you know. He’s never around anymore, I do miss him when he’s not but… I guess I just got used to the fact that he’s barely there.”

Finn nodded but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to anyway.

After a long moment of silence, he finally said, “You know what you need?”

“What?”

He stood up and said, “Grab your coat. We’re going out.”

“Where are we going?”

“You need to clear you mind.”

“Where? The sky?” I joked.

“Ice cream.” He winked, “Chocolate, with sprinkles.” He looked up and then faced me, “Yep, that’s what you need. Treat’s on me, c’mon before I change my mind.”

I stood up and clucked my tongue. 

“I’ll be in the car.” 

“Be there in a sec.”

***

Sunset.

That’s how long we were out. From 11am in the morning till sunset.

We spent the whole day going to every candy store and ice cream shops we see and ended up not eating lunch because of eating too much junk.

“Feel better?” Finn asked once we reached home.

I smiled, “Yeap.”

I opened the door and headed inside, “Aren’t you coming in?”

“Naah, it’s late. I’ve been out the whole day. I should get going.”

“At least stay for dinner!” I pouted. 

Finn laughed, “I’ve been eating dinner with you since I got here! Thanks, Ivs, but I really need to go. Plus dad’s called me 5 times and mum…” he took out his iPhone and said, “15 missed calls.”

I laughed and said, “Alright. But I owe you.”

“Yes you do.” He said and winked. “See you tomorrow, okay? I’ll call you or something.” 

“Please do.” I said.

“Good night, loser.” 

“Night, freak.” I said and gave him a hug.

After a few seconds which felt like minutes, I pulled away, “You better get going.”

“Right.” was it me, or did I head disappointment in his voice? “Night.” He said once again before going inside his car, started driving and disappeared into the night.

I closed the front door and faced my back to it and closed my eyes. 

Okay, what the hell, was that?

A few seconds passed.

Go drown youself, Ivy. 

My head told me before I headed upstairs.

Something Different, 96: Grateful.

“Hey, guys.” I greeted my friends the next morning as I arrived at Starbucks. 

Nat, London, Penelope, Eva, Jesse, Eric, Dan and Paul were sitting down next to the window revealing the slightly sunny morning and people walking down the pavements in coats and umbrellas. 

I took a seat next to Nat and asked, “Where’s Dash?”

“He’ll be here soon.” Eric replied for me.

I smiled him thanks. “So, you guys, Finn will be here soon, just ought to let you guys know.”

“You seem a bit tense.” Nat told me.

“No, I’m not.”

“Your legs seem to have a mind of its own, then.” 

I looked down and noticed that my legs were fidgeting non-stop. ”Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just excited to meet him, that’s all. It’s been months since I last saw him.” 

“You met him last night.” Nat said as a matter of fact-ly.

“Oh, shut up.” I rolled my eyes at her.

“Hey.” I heard a familiar voice call out from behind.

I turned around to face my boyfriend, Dash. It’s been 2 days since I last saw him or talked to him. I felt butterflies in my tummy. 

He pulled out a chair and sat next to me and gave me a small kiss on the forehead. “Hi.”

I gave him a small smile and forgot that I was mad at him. “Hello.”

“Hey, Eva.” He said, “Happy belated birthday.”

Eva looked up to him and said, “Fffffanks.” her mouth full of chocolate cake.

“Eva, really,” Nat rolled her eyes, “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

“Whatefferrr. Yor nawt muh moffer.” Eva snapped.

“PMS, much?” Penelope giggled. 

Dash smiled, “Sorry I missed it. Loads of work, yknow dad. Hope you liked the surprise. Wish I was there to see how priceless your face looked like.” 

Eva clucked her tongue, “Thanks again. And I didn’t like it, though.”

“What?” Everyone at the table blurted.

Eva smiled angelically. “I loved it.”

Everyone at the table sighed in relief. 

“Good.” Dash said.

“And plus, there’s always next year!” London said.

“Omigod.” Eva gasped, “I feel old.”

“Stop complaining!” I clucked my tongue.

Everybody smiled and giggled, but it suddenly stopped as their eyes were wide open, staring at whatever was behind me. I looked to see that only the girls managed to smile after a few seconds of letting their jaws drop.

I turned around to face my best friend Finn. 

“Hello.” Finn said.

“Hi, Finn!” Penelope greeted him.

London did the same, so did Eva.

“Hey there, outsider.” Nat joked.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Finn winked. “May I?” 

I stood up and glared at him nervously. “You should have texted me that you’d be here early.” 

Finn shrugged, a smile playing on his face. “Surprise?”

I heard someone cough. I turned around to look down at Dash, his face stern. 

“Umm, Finn. This is Dash.” I said as Dash stood up. “You know, my boyfriend.”

“Sup?” Dash said as he held out his hand.

“Nothing much. Jersey’s pretty cool.” Finn said, “I’m Finn.” he shook Dash’s hand.

“I know.” Dash said and smiled reluctantly, “Welcome to Jersey.”

“Thanks.” 

I smiled, “Oh! This is Paul, Eric and Dan.” 

The three of them stood up and held out their hands for Finn to shake. 

“Glad to meet you.” Eric said.

“Likewise.” 

“Grab a chair and sit, Finn!” Penelope said.

“Thanks.” 

There was a moment of silence.

“So, what now?” Eva asked.

I shrugged. “I’m starving. Fettuccine, anyone?” I gave my friends a smile, the smile that I haven’t put on for the past few days and feeling grateful to have my closest friends that I love here with me. 

Something Different, 95: Stay.

“Finn?!” I gasped. “OMIGOD. OMIGOD!” I jumped and gave him a big hug. It took some time for him to pull away from the hug. I felt a rush of disappointment. 

He gave me his cocky smile and looked into my eyes, I managed to smile… and slapped his arm.

“Ow!” He rubbed his arm. “Oh, so that’s what I get for coming all the way from New York to New Jersey and surprise you?”

I smiled and hit his arm again. “Really, Ivy? Really? Okay, fine.” He turned back and walked away.

“Hey!” I shouted. 

Finn turned around, a smile played on his face. ”Yes?”

“Get your ass back here.” I said as I crossed my arms over my chest.

“No freaking way.” He giggled, “I’m not going back there. My arm might fall off.”

“Freak.” I laughed, “I won’t hit you again.”

“Promise?”

“Uhuh.” I nodded. “I bet you your arms already red.” 

He laughed and walked back to my front door. “I bet you it ain’t.”

“What’re you doing here?” I quickly changed the subject, I still couldn’t believe Finn was standing in front of me. “I’m not dreaming right? Can someone pinch me.”

“Oh okay, sure.” Finn said and he gave me a pinch on the arm.

“Ow!” I jumped. “I didn’t mean it, you freak.” 

“You asked for it!” 

I pouted in defeat. 

“Ivy! Who’s outside?” I heard my mom ask.

I grinned and so did Finn. “Come outside and see for yourself, mom. Bring dad and Megs as well.”

“Okay but I need you in the kitch— FINN?!” 

Finn and I laughed, “Hey there, Mrs. Egan.”

“C’mon in, Finn. Where are your parents?” Mom asked as she closed the door. We headed inside the living room.

“Ah. Um. I think they’re still at New York.”

“You didn’t come here with them?” I asked.

“Nah. I asked mom if I can come here earlier, and she said yes so yeah. Plus her and dad had to manage a few stuff before coming here.”

“I heard someone say, Finn.” I heard Megan’s voice as she entered the room, “HEY, IT’S FINN!”

“Finn?” it was dad speaking, “Finn? Oh! Finn my boy!”

“Hey everyone! Megan, Mr. Egan. It’s nice to finally see you guys again. It’s been years.”

“You have a British accent!” Megan pointed out.

“Megan! You can’t just point out to people they have British accents!” I told her.

“You’ve been watching Mean Girls again, haven’t you, Ivs?” Finn smiled.

I looked away, a blush creeping on my cheeks. “No.”

I heard my dad laugh, “What are you doing here, son? How are your parents?” 

“They’re doing fine Mr. Egan, sir. Dad has some business thing going on here. Not sure for how long, though.”

“So technically, you’re moving here?” Megan asked. 

“I have tea and biscuits!” Mom came in, her hands holding a tray filled with biscuits and a tea pot.

Finn laughed, “Thank you, Mrs. Egan. And Megan, I wouldn’t say I’m ‘moving’ in, but let’s just say I’m gonna be staying here for a little while. But my parents and I will be going back to New York every weekend and such.”

“Ah, I see.” My father nodded indicating that he understood as he took a sip from his tea cup.

“I can’t wait till you meet Nat and the others!” I quickly changed the subject. “You can meet the guys, too!”

The corner of Finn’s mouth turned into a cocky smile, “Relax, Ivs. I just came!” 

I blushed scarlet. “Sorry.”

“S’okay, I’d like to meet them, too.”

I grinned, “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay! Tomorrow, yeah?”

Finn nodded in agreement. “Tomorrow.”

Something Different, 94: Surprise.

What a night. I thought as I looked out the window of Nat’s limousine. 

We spent the day toasting marshmallows, eating, swimming, sang songs while Jesse played the guitar and making fun of Paul when another fish went in his pants while he was swimming.

“The fishies sure do love you!” I remember London joked.

“Not funny.” was all Paul could say then he blabbed saying that the lake was really cursed with fishes.

We left before the sun set. Eva hugged each and every one of us saying that she had fun and it was the best birthday ever.

I had to agree with her, though. I for one, had fun, too.

***

“I’ll see you in school.” I told Nat as we parked in front of my house.

Nat gave me a hug and nodded. “See you.”

I waved her goodbye until her limousine was out of sight. The night was cool. I ran quickly and headed inside the house.

“Who’s that?” I heard my mom shout as I shut the door close.

“It’s me, mom.” I shouted back at her and headed inside the living room.

Both my parents and Morgan were sitting in front of the flat screen TV watching How I met Your Mother. 

Mom looked up and saw me. “How was Eva’s party, dear?”

I smiled at her, “It was fine. She said she had the best birthday ever.”

“That’s good.” Mom said.

“We’re glad she had fun.” Dad said, “I hope you did, too.” 

“Yeah, I did.” I gave them a small smile.

Mom studied my face for a few seconds and finally said, “Are you okay, honey?”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“What’s wrong, honey?” 

I paused for a few seconds again then finally answered, “Dash didn’t come just now.”

This time Morgan took her eyes off the TV and paid her attention to me, “Why?”

I shrugged, “Helping his dad with his work or somethin’.” 

“Well, at least you know why. And it’s not like he did it on purpose, right?” Mom told me.

I nodded. “Yeah.” was all I could say.

“Where is he now?” 

I shrugged. “Dunno.” Before mom could say anything else I cut her off, “I’m tired. I wanna go to bed.” I gave my mom and dad a kiss on their cheeks and ruffled Morgan’s hair. “‘Night, guys.” I told them as I walked out the living room and up the stairs.

***

I let out a frustrated sigh when I entered my room. 

Dash. I thought. “Where is he?” I asked myself and checked my iPhone. No messages or miss calls. “Bull poopie.” I said as I tossed my iPhone to my bed and flipped open my Mac and checked my email. 

(1) New unread e-mail. 

I clicked it open. 

From: FT_@yahoo.com 

To: IvyE@yahoo.com

Subject: NEW EMAIL AY??????

Sup, loser? 

How was Eva’s party? Bet everything went well.

I giggled and clicked reply. 

From: IvyE@yahoo.com

To: FT_@yahoo.com

Subject: YEP, NEW EMAIL. 

Hey, freak.

Party went well. Dash didn’t come. Paul went swimming and a couple of fish decided to go for an adventure in his swimming trousers! LOL. 

Once I finished writing I pressed send. 

Not long after that, Finn replied back. 

Why didn’t Dash come? 

I sighed and replied, Had to work with his dad. 

O I C. You ok?

Swell. 

I closed my Mac and decided to try and sleep. But before I even shut my eyes closed, a beep sound came from my iPhone.

The front screen read (1) New text message. 

I pressed open and it surprisingly, it was from Finn. It only read 2 words that made my heart skip a beat. Come outside. 

I tossed my iPhone and quickly rain down the stairs.

I opened the door and standing in front of me, a handsome looking guy with dirty blond hair, sky blue eyes and a cocky smile plastered on his face. He hugged me and said, “Surprise.”

Something Different, 93: Lucky.

Eric Owens.

Eric couldn’t help glancing at Nat. 

She was with Ivy, Eva, London and Penelope sitting by the tent eating the food London and Nat brought and Eva’s birthday cake. Nat’s auburn hair was tied into a neat bun and her front hair was pulled back with a head band revealing her flawless skin. Nat and Ivy laughed at something Penelope said. 

And Nat’s laugh, well, he couldn’t help but think how amazing it was.

And he couldn’t help but smile.

He shook his head and put the pile of wood he had collected around to make fire to cook the fish Paul caught. Well, he didn’t catch it really, not by using a worm as a bait and hooked it up on a fishing rod’s hook, but it was more of catching it while he was swimming and he screamed like a girl when he felt something slimy “slapping” and swimming in his swimming trunks.

He laughed to himself at the thought. He didn’t even notice Nat came up to him until she pinched his arm. Hard.

“Ow!” he cried.

Nat giggled. “Sorry, I gotta snap you back to reality somehow, you know.”

Eric clucked his tongue out to Nat. “Why’d you pinch me?”

“Like I said,” Nat crossed her arms. “I had to snap you back from day dreaming.”

“No what I meant was, why’d you need me to “stop dreaming”?” Eric asked as he implied the air quotes.

Nat shrugged. “Do you need help with that?” She pointed to the pile of wood on the ground.

Eric tried to hide his smile. “It would break your nail if you don’t be careful.” he teased.

Nat rolled his eyes and smacked him on his arm, “I’ll have you know my nails are strangely strong.”

Eric laughed. “Right, we’ll see.”

“So, do you want help with that or not?” she asked.

“Sure.” Eric replied. “Help me sort them out.”

“Okay!” Nat jumped. “Just tell me what to do.”

“Okay, I just randomly picked these, you see this?” He held out a block of wood that had twigs and dead leaves sticking out of the sides of it. 

“Yeah, I see it. And?”

“Well, I want you to break the sticks from here so it would look smart and neat when we burn the lot.” He told Nat.

“Smart and neat?” Nat scoffed. “Since when, Owens?”

Eric laughed, “I don’t know.”

“Alright.” Nat did what she was told. 

“Do you miss Mark?” Eric asked suddenly.

Nat looked up at Eric and shrugged, “Yes. But not in that way.”

“Oh.” was his reply.

Nat smiled. “I heard you like someone from school.”

Eric looked down to hide the fact that he blushed scarlet. “No, I don’t. Where’d you hear that?”

“The soccer team.”

“Lies.” Eric told her.

“You sureeeeeee?” Nat poked him with a stick.

Eric laughed and poked her back, “Yes, I’m sure.” He paused. “Well, maybe.”

Nat shrugged. “Suite yourself. But I am going to find out who she is. She must be lucky.” She gave him a smile.

“Why’s that so?”

She shrugged once more, “You’re… let’s just say, different.”

Eric felt his heart skip a beat. “Thanks, Scott. You’re not pretty bad yourself. And good luck with finding out who she is.” Eric winked. And yes, he had to agree with her, she definitely is lucky.

Something Different, 16: Thank You.

“Thanks so much for coming, Dash.” Luke said to Dash as he handed him his car keys. 
“No problem. And thanks for borrowing me your car. I really need to get some space away from El.” He said as he held my hand.
“I get it. Crazy ex. It’s not like it never happened to me.” Luke joked. We laughed.
“Ivy! Where’ve you been?” Penelope shouted running towards me, Dash and her brother. 
“I was.. out.” 
“What, why?” She asked in confussion. 
“El made a scene just minutes after you left me and Dash just now.” I admitted.
“What? Ugh. Again? That crazy bitch. Sometimes I even wonder why I had to invite her.” She rolled her eyes. 
“Well, what can you do?” I laughed.
“Yeah. Your right. But at least you showed up, and I appriciatte that.” Penelope thanked.
“Sis, it’s my party. Remember?” Luke interrupted.
“Yeah but, I invited her.” She said, sounding proud.
“But, thanks. The both of you.” I said. 
“Your welcome.” Penelope and Luke said.
“Anyway, it’s getting late. We need to get home.” Dash said. 
“That’s right.” Nat said, walking with Eric by her side, who was apparently, drunk. “Where have you two been? I thought you just went out to get some fresh air.” Nat scolded both me and Dash. “And I called you guys like for hundreds of times!” 
“My phone was on silent.” Dash lied. 
“My phone ran out of battery.” I lied as well. 
Nat studied our faces carefully, but it was so obvious that she didn’t buy what we just said. “Whatever you two. Let’s just get home already.” 
“Okay.” Both me and Dash said. 
Eric let out a huge burp. “Uhh. Sorry, mom.” He said rubbing his eyes. Boy, was this guy so drunk or what?
Nat slapped his arm. “I am not your mother! C’mon. The both of you are so lucky you didn’t have to look after ‘prince charming’ here.” Nat rolled her eyes.
“Sorreee.” Dash said. 
“Anyway,” I turned back to face Penelope and Luke, “I’ll see you guys soon, yes?” 
“Fer sure.” Penelope said and leaned in to give me a hug.
“See you Luke.” Dash said.
“See you guys.” Luke said.
And then the four of us headed inside our Limousine. I looked out from the window, to see Penelope and Luke wave us good bye, until they dissapeared as the car drove away.