14 ~ Belong

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**MAKE SURE YOU'VE READ CHAPTER 13**

"Scar, why are you awake?"

It's 6:30 on a Wednesday morning, she's usually just waking up. Fully dressed and making breakfast is not a common occurrence so early in the day.

"I've been up since 4:30." She offers, pouring me a cup of coffee.

"Why?" The only person I know who willingly wakes up that early is... "It's your anniversary with Ashton."

"Yes, so I called him and then decided I'd be productive." She grins, wearing the sweatshirt Ashton made for her.

"Well, happy anniversary, sis." I take the cup. "It's sorta weird thinking it's been two years since everything in our life started changing."

Before Ashton we were a little isolated. We talked to no one but Ella and Stella. We did nothing out of fear we'd get in trouble or do something wrong. We weren't living, we were existing.

"It feels like a lifetime." She sighs. "How are you, I feel like it's been too long since we've chatted?"

Choking on my coffee, my palms begin to sweat. Now is the perfect time to tell her. We're alone. She's in a good mood. All good things but I can't ruin her day with worry for me. "I-I'm doing better."

The relief flashes through her eyes, "Good."

"Yeah, I think I'm over it." I say even though I don't believe it and from the purse of her lips, neither does she.

"How are things with Chloe?" She asks, not wanting to push the topic.

"Good. I no longer want to kill her, so I guess that's a bonus." I force a laugh.

"So she's nicer?" She clarifies.

"We just have large personalities." I explain. "It took a second to learn to like each other."

She smiles wistfully, "I remember those days."

The one thing I didn't want to do today is be reminded of how grossly in love she is. "Zayne invited me to go on a trip with his, well now my, friends. I said no because it's when we'll be in Alabama, but I thought it was cool."

"That's awesome." Scarlett smiles. "I'm sorry you can't go but hopefully in the future you can."

"He already said there'd be another trip." I offer, already excited for it.

"Speaking of trips." Scarlett pulls the last waffle out of the waffle maker. "Are you good to stay with being in charge this weekend?"

"Yes, I'm not going anywhere. You, however, are going to have a great weekend and not worry about us." I order. Her anniversary doesn't need any unnecessary distractions.

They both deserve a good weekend.

*****

Walking into school, I hand a waffle to Chloe but she's too focused on her phone to acknowledge me or the food. Looking over her, I notice she's texting someone.

"Is that your lover?" I ask in a hushed tone.

She yelps, jumping back into her locker. "Don't say that word."

"Why?" I laugh. Someone's a little sensitive.

"Because it's icky." She hisses, sounding like a kindergartener.

"Excuse me, is that your physical friend?" I correct myself, enjoying this way too much.

Snatching the food, she glares at me. "That's none of your business."

It's not, but it sure is fun as hell to taunt her with it. However, I remind myself of the thing I wanted to say.

"Look, I wanted to... I'd like to say..." Why is this so difficult?

"Spit it out, Gigantor." She bites the waffle, still annoyed.

"Thank you for forcing me to join your friend group and shit." I say, she makes me feel lame.

"Oh." She looks up at me. "You're welcome. It's entertaining with your weird ass around."

I could say the same, honestly.

We walk in silence, not really sure of where we're going before class, ending up at Maggie's locker.

"Hi, guys." She smiles, taking her backpack back from Zayne. "Are you excited for Saturday night?"

"Um, what's this weekend?" I ask, trying to rack my brain for anything important.

"Shit, I knew I forgot something." Chloe mumbles but it's too late.

"We finally get to hear Zayne's band play." Maggie explains.

That is a revelation I did not see coming.

"In Mag's garage." He explains uncomfortably. "It's just something we started doing to pass time."

"Come." Chloe says.

Oh, um, how do I say no?

"Please." Maggie begs. "It will be so fun, and we never hang out with you."

She's right. I always have an excuse and pretty soon they might grow tired of me bailing.

Gnawing on my lip, I decide to ignore my better judgment. "Sounds fun."

There's nothing that says I can't take care of my siblings and hang out with friends. Scar manages to do it without an issue.

*****

"Everyone shut up, they're showing Scarlett on the TV!" Saffron screams right in Emmy's ear.

Laughing, I turn the TV up.

"Now what's so surprising is that we've never had such followed couple in college football." One commentator says. "There's Tom and Gisele, Ciara and Russell, even Kristen and Jay."

"I understand what you mean." The second one picks up. "They're kids, but with the future McClain has in front of him and the following Scarlett has, I don't doubt they'll be the next big tabloid couple."

"They already have the dramatic headlines down." The first one jokes, and Emmy snatches the remote back and mutes the TV.

"They get paid to talk sports, not about teenagers' lives." He grumbles.

"At least she looks hot." Manny offers, flipping through her wedding notebook. "Why did Scarlett say no to spaghetti for our dinner?"

Drew looks at his fiancé like she's an idiot and I wish I was as brave as he was. "Because you'll be wearing white, Mans, think about it."

"But I like spaghetti." She blinks, still not seeing an issue with it.

"Have it at the rehearsal dinner." Brenna offers, speaking for the first time all day. I can imagine how awkward she must feel here while Avery and Scar are out of town. "Aren't you guys wearing black?"

Manny stares at her, "I think I love you."

"Well, that's nice." Drew mumbles and she glares at him. "But completely doable. If you want spaghetti, we will have spaghetti."

Instantly she smiles, kissing his cheek. "Brenna, you are coming, right?"

"Oh, I-I don't want to impose." She blushes.

"Nonsense." Manny waves her off. "You're coming to Thanksgiving which means you're basically one of us."

"How many people are going to be at my house for Thanksgiving?" I ask, because there's only so much food and I will not be going hungry.

"More than thirty people"

"Thirty-six." Sterling offers, hogging the mini hotdogs.

"So many people." Silver says and I nod in agreement.

"But they are family and that's all that matters." Uncle Ricardo cuts in.

"Jovie is coming and that's all I care about." Manny grins and I perk up.

"Peanut's coming?" I ask. It's been so long since I've seen her.

"What a shame." Manny sighs. "You're finally single and she's not."

I roll my eyes. "Why my mother thought we'd end up together is beyond me."

Ricardo laughs. "Kat, Allie and Hallie used to dream of becoming in-laws. When Gabe was born, she brought Scarlett to the hospital and Allie instantly called Kat to inform her you had a bride."

"And look how that turned out." I observe. Gabe and Scarlett are best friends and Jovie and I haven't spoken in years. Although I do talk to her twin brother.

"I think they're okay with it."

"I don't know if I like her boyfriend." Drew admits and I'm shocked. He's the nicest person I've ever met. He likes everyone.

"No, you just want her to marry Aspen." Manny scolds him.

"Aspen has a girlfriend." I remind them. I would know, she called him every day while we were at camp this summer. I'm very lucky I've never had the misfortune of meeting his long-term pain in the ass.

Not every couple is cute.

As the game continues, I can't help but wonder what my mom would think about Ella being single. Did she want us to end up together? She had to of known we would end up dating, she was my mom. What if she wouldn't like my next girlfriend?

So many things I never thought I'd have to worry about.

*****

Pacing my bedroom, I get a call from Ashton.

"Congrats on the game." I offer as hello.

"Thanks." He says, the chaos in the back ground dying out. "What exactly is the plan for tonight?"

Right, Ashton is the one person I told. "I'm just going to Maggie's garage to hang out with my friends. Listen to some music and stuff like that. Hell, we might even end up doing homework."

I feel like Maggie could tell us to do anything and we wouldn't question it. She's too nice.

"So it's safe and shit?" He clarifies.

"Absolutely." I promise. "Thank you for not telling Scarlett. It's no big deal, I just don't want her mind focused on me when she should be present with you."

My sister deserves to have a stress-free weekend and I'm a big kid. I can take care of myself for a night and still be responsible.

"I understand." He sighs. "Just don't make me regret it."

"Have a fun night, Ashton." I offer. "Be safe."

Hanging up, I immediately get another call and I answer.

"Hey, Bubs." Scarlett says.

"Did you hear?" I ask, wandering around my room.

"Hear what?"

"ESPN showed you on TV and talked about the article." I say, hating to be the one to tell her but she deserves to know.

"Oh."

"It wasn't bad, actually they were positive." I try to assure her, hating how this must hurt her. "I just didn't want twitter to take you by surprise if anyone tagged you in anything."

"Thanks. What are your plans?"

"It's like almost 11." I scoff, trying to keep my cool. I've never lied to her before and it's proving to be a struggle. "Probably just sleep."

I'm not doing anything bad. "Ok, I love you. We all miss you."

My eyes land on a picture of our friend group at Sonic after prom my sophomore year. Then I remember the one I got sent last night and how I wasn't in it. They're in college living their own lives and I'm here.

I'm the one who's alone. "I miss you guys too."

I miss the old way, even if I'm excited for tonight. It would be nice to go back.

"Bye, Sis."

Throwing a jean jacket over my flannel, I grab my keys just as there's a knock on my door.

"You're over dressed for someone going to bed." Sterling observes.

"I didn't know you sleep with car keys." Silver says.

Taking in their smug faces and video camera, I groan. "Listen, you two are going to make sure Saffron doesn't have a nightmare and keep your mouths shut."

"What's in it for us?" Silver demands.

Who does he think he is asking that? "I will film whatever stupid video you want me to."

Their smiles turn wicked and I wish I could take it back.

"Any video we want?" Sterling clarifies and I nod my head. They step out of the doorway. "Have fun."

Running for the car, I plan how I can get back at them.

*****

Somehow, this is not what I expected it to be.

Sitting on a worn-down couch, I fidget with my chain as I listen to them play. In all the years I've known Zayne, I never pictured him to be someone who could sing. He's just so... tough. His favorite hobby is lifting weights. I did not think he would possess the voice of an angel.

"Encore! Encore!" Maggie and Chloe clap, the former a little tipsy.

"You're too kind ladies but we only know three songs." Graham bows, setting his guitar down.

That was even more surprising. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Zayne and Graham would ever be friends, let alone in the same band. Guess that shows how attentive I was.

"Hopefully next time Graham will have his guitar in tuned." Their drummer snips and Graham's energy dies out.

"He was in tune." I snap. "You were off beat though."

He glares at me and Wes forces his friend to sit in a chair, "Jax, have a beer."

Jax takes it, holding my stare as he drinks. "If you're so knowledgeable, why don't you give them a go?"

"No thanks, I prefer my own." I shrug. Not like I haven't touched them in years. At this point I can only imagine how awful I'd sound playing.

I'd still be better than him.

"Chloe, take a seat." He grins, patting his lap as she enters the garage with more drinks.

"No." She states, holding out a beer and a soda out for me to take.

Without hesitation I open the soda and the guy snorts. "Wuss."

"I drove here." I counter. "What's it to you?"

He doesn't respond as he drinks.

Chloe takes the spot next to me, fidgeting with her necklace as everyone else talks about which guy would look better in a skirt.

"You okay?" I whisper.

"Yeah, are you?" She responds just as quiet.

Noticing how she leans into the couch, I clink my can against her's. "I'm just dandy, Chlo-bear."

She offers a weak smile and it doesn't last as she focuses back on the conversation.

"Listen, say what you want but I think Graham would look best." Maggie shrugs.

"Babe, I want to win." Zayne pouts and she giggles.

"No, you're too big." We all die laughing. "Sage, though, he'd look good."

I freeze as they all look at me and Chloe clears her throat. "He has the legs for it."

Zayne wolf whistles and I gape at him.

"Plus, I've seen pictures."

"How?" I demand.

She smirks, "Do you really think the twins and I just sat there in silence while we waited for you?"

It's official. I really am gonna kill them.

"Listen here, Mike Wazowski." I protest. "You're banned from my house."

"Easy there, All-Star cheerleader, I no longer need you to get into your house." She argues.

"I make the rules."

"No, Saffron does and that means I win." She grins, leaning close. "So, ha!"

Laughing, I have her sit back down. Someone's a fun drunk. "Easy there, Chlo-bear."

"You'd be lost without me, Gigantor." She rolls her eyes. "You obviously need me."

Shaking my head, I listen to her rambles as Maggie brings out the UNO cards.

"Here's the deal." Wes stands up. "If you draw two, you drink. If you get a reverse, you pick who drinks. If you get a draw four, you chug." Everyone claps. "Unless you're our sober sister."

I raise my soda high. "You all will regret this tomorrow."

At least, that's what I'll assume based off how Ashton and Gabe feel after they drink. Personally, I wouldn't know, and I'd prefer to keep it that way.

As we play, I can't help but notice the same person has been watching me all night. I ignore it at first but he isn't stopping. My phone rings and I panic. Scarlett knows I'm not home. I'm dead. Instead, it's Ashton.

Ash
Update me

Sage
Playing UNO, will prob go home soon.

"No, you can't go home." Chloe hits my arm. "You promised you'd have fun."

"I am having fun but it's getting late." I laugh. It's already 12:30. I don't like to be on the road so late.

Bad things happen.

"How are you getting home?" I ask her as Wes chugs his third drink of the game. At this point I think Graham is cheating just to get him drunk.

"I'm sleeping here. Right Maggie?" She calls out and Maggie nods, feeding Zayne a handful of Cheetos. "See, I'm all safe. No text tonight."

Suppressing a laugh, Jax snorts and I've decided I'm over his attitude. "Do you have a problem with me?"

He shrugs, "No, I'm just trying to understand why you're here."

"Because I'm with my friends. What's it to you?" I demand.

"You don't belong here." Trust me, I felt that way for a second.

"And you're the police?"

He chuckles humorlessly. "I'm definitely not the police."

"Then mind your business." I state, ignoring the warning squeeze Chloe gives my arm. This guy's an ass and that's saying something since I'm in the same room as Wes.

"Fine, you want to play though, come play a game with me." He stands up and I try to before being yanked back down.

"Gladly." I grit out before turning to Chloe. "What?"

"Don't go." She says. "Go home or stay here with me but don't go."

"Chloe, I'm okay." She's just drunk and it makes her more intune with her emotions, but she's focused on the wrong person.

"Please." She whispers and I'm stunned.

Sighing, a small part of me feels like I should listen but then I remember I'm a Rhodes. I'm not gonna let this ass walk all over me. "I'll say bye before I go home."

Pursing her lips, she nods. "Please don't be stupid."

Grinning, I stand up. What's the worst that could happen?

*****

Standing in a dark alley way about three blocks Maggie's house with Wes and Jax, I blow warm air onto my hands.

"So are we braiding hair or what?" I ask and Wes snorts.

He grabs something from his coat pocket and walks for the wall but Jax grabs his arm. "No, no, let our guest have the honor."

Wes hesitates before giving me whatever is in his hand. I'm surprised to discover it's spray paint.

"Oh, I don't–" I start.

"What?" Jax asks, tilting his head. "Are you not tough enough to do it?"

No, I'm not. However, the longer smugly smiles at me for being right the angrier I get. I can do this. Shaking the can, I pull my shirt up to cover my face.

"Come on, goody two shoes." He taunts and I try to ignore the shaking of my hand.

It's just some paint. I can use it. It doesn't mean anything. Now is the best time to start doing it again. As I hold the can to the wall, I finally remember where we are. We're on Hickory road. This isn't just a wall. This is RJ's mom's Italian restaurant.

What would mom say if she knew I was vandalizing a friend's property. She'd be disappointed. I know how much pride Bella takes in her restaurant, it took years for her to afford it. RJ was so proud he came home from college for the opening.

"Look, I'm not–"

"Cops!" Wes shouts, grabbing my arm and that's when everything goes to hell.

*****I

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