---It may take a few days to finish the next chapter, I've been pretty busy and haven't had as much time to write. Thank you to anyone who Reads, Votes, Shares or Comments. It makes my day!---

The drive to Gale's house was short since he only lived about a mile away from me. Someone had already arrived before we got there. As I got closer to the car I noticed it was Cortney's. Liam ran up to the door and knocked on it. We waited awhile before Gale's mom opened the door.

"Harvey! Liam! Its good to see you both." She waves us into the house. Yup still pretty spacious. I spotted Cortney, Luke and Gale sitting at the table. Their eyes lit up when they spotted us.

"Its good that you guys were able to make it." Gale said with a smile.

"Is it okay for so many people to be coming over?" I ask nervously. I wasn't sure if they would be comfortable with so many people over since they seemed pretty classy.

"Nah, not at all." Nova said coming from the other room. "I've actually been waiting to party!"

"Yep, he's always been like that." Clare smiled, shaking her head.

"But yeah, its totally fine. Especially if it makes Gale happy." She assured. They seem like such great parents. Somehow I feel most of the parents in this neighborhood would get along, with the exception of the Paydels.

Me and Liam joined our friends at the table and chatted awhile, waiting for the others. Around an our later Collin showed up. He wasn't familiar with anyone here other than me and kinda Liam, so I talked to him for awhile. He seemed to ease up a lot, making him more comfortable in the Knightstorm household. Next to arrive was Emily. She seemed excited that she made it before the others.

We spent an hour not doing much, so we decided to head out to the back. Gale's mom said she'd lead any other arriving guest out to the back. We all followed close behind Gale and made our way out. I never noticed how cozy the lounge area looked until now. I looked scanned the backyard and spotted the large pool, I also noticed a nice sized grill in the corner of my eye. Everyone hopped on the lounge chairs, so I hesitantly took the one beside Liam.

"So Gale, what made you want to throw this miniature party?" Liam asked lifting his head to look at Gale.

"Eh, well I haven't had any friends over in the longest time, and you're usually the one throwing parties so I guess its just something I felt like doing." He shrugged. 

"Lucky us the sun is out today. That means we can go swimming!" Emily piped, hopping from her seat. The door opened and in came Bretton and Alen.

"Heyo, let's get this party started!" Were Bretton's first words. Bretton took the final seat leaving none open, except for the one behind Emily. 

"Hey guys, the life of the party has arrived." Alen joked. We greeted them both. Since there weren't any free spaces Alen sat on the edge of Collin's chair. I could tell something was up with by the way they were looking at each other. They seem to be good friends at least. I was hopeful Alen would get his happy ending.

"Clare made brownies inside and I'm about to fire up the grill." Nova announced as he came out onto the deck.

"Aw yeah!" Cortney shouted in excitement, probably cause food is involved. Me, Cortney, Emily and Luke went inside to grab some. When we got to the kitchen we spotted Lillian munching a piece.

"Lil!" Cortney gasped. "Why didn't you let us know you were here?"

"You probably wouldn't have either if you found out there was a fresh batch of baked brownies." She rolled her eyes.

"You... have a point." Cortney laughed in defeat.

"Oh I see Nova's already told you about the brownies." Clare spoke as she entered the kitchen.

"I hope I made enough." She said a little worried, looking to me and Luke.

"You don't have to worry about us. I have to watch my blood sugar level and Harvey here doesn't eat much. It's really my sister you should be worried about." Luke smirked as he explained. Cortney turned away from the pan to face us with a piece brownie sticking out of her mouth. Me and Luke both snickered while Clare grew a large smile.

"Yeah, she could eat the whole pan by herself without gaining a single pound." Lillian said finishing her piece as she left for the backyard. Clare looked surprised by the news. Of course any girl would be jealous of someone who could eat as much as they'd like without gaining weight.

We all grabbed some of the brownie and ate it before head back outside. They were chewy and chocolaty, just right. Clare said she recently found out Gale was a chocoholic and has been brushing up on her baking skills for that reason. I never would have taken Gale for the chocolate type.

When we got out onto the deck I noticed Lillian had taken Emily's seat, and Bretton, Collin and Alen messing around near the pool. Bretton seemed to be trying to push Alen in, while Alen tried to push Collin. They chased each other around the edge of the pool. Everyone besides me came in their trunks and swimsuits, wearing a top. I was wearing my average clothes. I still haven't told them I can't swim yet...

The guys running around the pool had stripped their tops off ready to be soaked. Collin stopped running and turned around. Alen collided into his chest, then took a few steps back. Collin approached him then captured him in his arms, tossing him into the pool a moment later. Collin and Bretton burst out laughing as Alen hit the water. He resurfaced and gave them a little pout. Collin shoved Bretton into the pool next, without hesitation. Both of them continued laughing for awhile then Bretton pulled Collin into the pool having him land on top of himself. They were clutched together, with their bodies touching, which seem to make Alen a little jealous. He turned his back to them acting upset. Collin and Bretton parted after laughing awhile. Collin swam over to Alen and shoved his head under the water. He popped out a moment later wearing a frown. He punched Collin on his peck, with it not budging. 

I heard the door open behind me so I jolted my head in the direction and spotted Becka walking out. Me and Cortney ran over to greet her. The others greeted from their positions. The only one's left to show are Remira and Garris.

Becka, Emily and Cortney all ran over to the pool stripping into their swimsuits. Becka and Emily screamed as they ran, like they usually do.

The smell of burgers crossed the yard as the wind blew. I look over to spot Nova active at the grill. After sitting, feeling the gentle breeze and watching everyone goof around in the pool I went inside to see if Clare needed help with anything. 

"Its gotten pretty lively out there hasn't it." Clare asked as I stepped through the door. I nodded with a grin appearing across my face.

"Uh, do you need help with anything here?" I ask, curiously looking around the house.

"No not really. Though... could you bring these outside?" She asked looking down to a tray with plastic cups and a gallon container filled with juice.

"Sure! This looks delicious." I compliment. She seemed happy by the words.

"Thank you. I hope it tastes good, I'm still pretty rusty at cooking." She warned, probably meaning the time she neglected the house and Gale.

I picked up the tray and carried it out the door. Once outside I placed it down on a small table in the corner. I noticed Luke and Liam had gone into the pool while Gale was on the phone with someone. I watched as he spoke.

"Nah, its okay man."

"Next time."

"Most likely."

"Alright, well see ya." Gale caught my gaze before hanging up.

"That was Garris. He said he wont be able to make it today." He informed a little disappointed. The others seemed to hear, even with all of the noise going around.

"Too bad, did he say why?" Bretton asked simply.

"Said he had some kind of work with his mother. Probably helping her with her errands or some s***." Gale shrugged. He stripped his shirt and hopped into the pool soon after.

I was curious to see how Nova cooked his burgers so I went over to the grill to spectate. 

"Hey Harv, you here to give me some tips?" He joked with a smile on his face.

"Only if you want some." I return the smile.

"Sure, anything to help improve the taste." He said, actually wanting some pointers. I told him which spices mix well, with each other and the burgers.

"Would you mind watching the burgers while I check to see what we have in the kitchen?" He asks using hand motion and pointing towards the house.

"Not at all." I beam at him excited to help. He handed me the spatula and disappeared into the house. I began flipping the burgers, cooking them evenly.

"Hey guys!" The final guest has arrived, Remira. 

"Sorry I'm late. I live all the way across town so It took me awhile to get here." She explained. She dropped her bag as the others called her into the pool. She ran over and bombed in the pool, slashing everyone. Me and Lillian were the only ones who hadn't entered. She came over and watched me grill. She was a real food fanatic, she seemed to be into food more than anything else. No wonder it upsets her so much that she doesn't have a motabilism like Cortney.

A few minutes later Nova reappeared carrying spices in his hands. He mixed the ones I said would work well with the burgers. Me Lillian and Nova chatted awhile before we were called over to the pool.

"Come and swim with us guys!" Cortney waved. 

"Yeah, get your asses in here." Bretton shouted. They didn't give it a second since I was no longer wearing the cast. My leg was just about healed so It was removed. I still have plenty of scars from the indecent but nothing too major.

"No thanks, I don't want to swim. I'm only here for the food." Lillian admitted blandly, staring at them. I hesitantly made my way to the edge of the pool after handing the spatula back to Nova. I stopped and nervously played with my fingers. Liam just watched in amusement.

"C'mon, get in man." Alen ordered. Suddenly all eyes were on me. I would be lying if I said I wasn't uncomfortable and intimidated. I decided I would just fess up.

"G-Guys... I can't swim." I pout nervously at them.

"Yeah right. Just get in here!" Gale commanded, getting frustrated.

"I-I'm serio-" was all that escaped my lips before being stripped by Cortney. I wasn't even wearing my swimming trunks, I had a pair of boxers on, yet she still pushed me in. It felt like everything was suddenly in slow motion as I fell into the water. The pool was pretty deep so I began sinking. I panicked, flailing my arms around trying to stay afloat. Before I knew it my whole body was underwater.