Katelynn Nicole Madison's Story

Kate(thats her outfit and overall look) walked into her family's summer cabin smiling as she saw that the cleaning people had done exactly as her mother asked making sure the place was spotless. Her mother only wanted the best for her as she and Kate's father would always tell her. That's why they gave her and her friends free run of the cabin for the summer. Her parents told her it was her reward for doing so well and getting into Julliard and graduating, but Katelynn knew better. They enjoyed spoiling her.

Katelynn Madison was to her classmate's opinions, one of the rich spoiled girls of Ridgewood Prep. Her parents constant shower of gifts didn't help with her image either. In reality, Kate didn't really care about all the money she had...it was nice but she didn't let it define her. To her friends, she was the kind, caring, confident, sweet girl next door. The girl who would miss countless parties so she could get salutatorian, which she did. The girl who would rather sit at home and play her guitar or read a book at home with friends than go out to a crazy house party.

Now she was looking forward to spending a summer with all of her friends from school before everything changes again. She sat her designer suitcases in the living room. Her mother had taken her shopping to get new outfits for this summer, only getting her the newest trends in fashion. One thing her mother had instilled in her was a love for fashion, which was expected since Laura Madison was one of the executive editors Vouge Magazine.

She watched at the grocery truck came with the weekly delivery of food for the house. Her parents were paying for this so that the kids wouldn't have to worry about leaving. What they didn't know was that Kate paid for the delivery guy to also bring alcohol. Katelynn was determined to have fun this summer and let lose a little.

Walking out to the front of the cabin Kate directed the delivery man to the side of the property where he could find the kitchen to put the things. Then she heard a car coming down the road making her smile. She put her hand on her hips as she waited to see who it was.

"System rebuilding... checking for errors... system saving... Process can't be completed!" Several words and phrases flashed towards the screen and Kazuya fixed a critical eye towards it. He had been working for this particular troublesome error for almost half an hour and he still can't find what is the root of the repeatedly popping warning alert. He typed in another syntax code when he noticed the unusual part of the program and alternately stared at the two monitors in front of him. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice the opening of the door in his room.

"Kazu!!!" A familiar chirpy voice surprisingly piped up behind him and Kazuya can't help but let out a groan when he actually saw his sister next to him. "Nee," he started and paused his fingers mid-air on the keyboard. It was still early in the morning and he knew how loud his sister talks, remembering the time when his mother declared that they can even still hear her voice from three rooms away. "I'd appreciate it if you tone down your voice. It's too early in the morning and Okaa-san--"

"Kazu-kun! Didn't you already forgotten? You're supposed to be at your car travelling to Lake Kenforth now," she immediately cut him off, tugging at the hem of his sleeves endlessly. Then she turned to his room and noted it, her eyes wandering. Kazuya reflexively stood up from the chair, keeping his hands on the pocket of his pants and followed her line of sight. The brunette continued to stared disapprovingly at the messily scattered books and manga on his bed, the still open portable play station left carelessly and the different clothes dumped on the floor. Letting out an irritated huff, she tried to glare at him only to see him shrugging in return.

"Was there a hurricane on your room again last night, Kei?" She made a clucking sound and casually picked up one of his shirt. "I thought you were invited to go to Katelynn Madison's house for this summer? Did you plan to ditch them?" One by one she started to pick up his clothes and tried to smooth out the wrinkles in it. Her younger brother just shrugged again and gazed wordlessly at the cabinet of books situated on the corner of his room. Silence permeated between them and the only sounds that can be heard was the rustling of his clothes as she went through the motions of folding it neatly.

"I was debating whether I should go or not," He finally answered, fixing his glasses not looking at her.

Anthea Kazumi Akashi-de Lacella stopped folding the particular blue polo-shirt and turned at the black-haired boy. "What do you mean?" She asked him, cocking her head to the side obviously confused. "I thought you finally decided to tell Rosemary-chan what you felt? Besides haven't we agreed? You'd go there this summer! After all the troubles Katelynn went to give you the invitation! You will go!" She passionately stated when Kazuya offered no answer to her questions.

Though instead of getting deterred from his uncaring expression, she then tugged him towards the bathroom and opened the door. "As a man of your words and since you already confirmed it to them, you will go there and introduce yourself to all those she invited. Wakarimasu?" She added, stressing the do you understand part and pushed him inside. "I'll be preparing your things and stuff just take a bath and prepare yourself, Kei!"

An hour and a half later Kazuya found himself in front of his car with his sister endlessly spouting out various reminders. "Just loosen up a little, try talking to others and I'm sure you'll be having a great time before you know it. And remember don't eat until someone takes the first bite you know that you should show them how Japa-"

"OK, OK, Nee-chan. Relax, I'm not going to attend a television reality show, OK? I'm just going over Madison's for a few weeks, that's all." He finally cut her off, placing a calming hand on her right shoulder and looked at her, his eyes dancing with amusement. "And yes, before you open your mouth and ask me again, I remember everything you've told me. Just relax, I'll be at my best behavior and I'll show them the Asian way of courtesy." Kazuya spoke when he saw her opening her mouth ready to dish out another comment. He lightly smiled and quirked an eyebrow inquiringly. Anthea immediately shut up and sheepishly smiled at him. He just nodded appreciatively walking away and checked his baggage.

"That's great to know. So see you after a few weeks?"

Kazuya made a small sound of approval at her question. He busily went through his things, making sure that his sister did not pack anything embarrassing. It had happened before and he certainly did not want to remake the experience. He was glad to see that she neatly brought his laptops and spare batteries. She also packed some books and mangas which arguably almost took the whole space of his luggage, and also a selected number clothes and toiletries.

"I'll be going now," he uttered while strapping in the seat-belt and warming up the engine. "Just tell Mom and Dad I left early."
"I will, take care Kei, bye bye!"

=--------------=

Kazu almost made a risky U-turn when he saw Iris' car parked near the cabin. 'She's early!' He thought despairingly. He had been wishing that he was the earliest person to arrive so that he can immediately take refuge at one of the cabin rooms but obviously he had no luck. He was ready to back out when unfortunately made an eye contact with the said girl. Seeing the traces of her glowing smile, he can't help but flush bright red. Knowing the he was already seen, he decided to park his Sedan next to a Volkswagen Kombi. Casually stepping out, he silently collected his things and waved to the owner of the house in greeting, "Hello Madison" "Vieira, Webster,... and Breth" He added turning to each of them.

(What a wall of text O_O)

Just around a few miles from the cabin, Philip noticed a car parked on the curb a few meters ahead. He was curious since this road only leads to one place which is the Madison’s Lake House. Since he doesn’t recognize the car and plate he thought that it must be a car of one of Kate’s friends. As he reached the car, he pulled behind and examined if there’s still someone there. It seems that the car is abandoned but there’s still a dent on the passenger seat. “Someone have walked all the way.” He thought.

---

It was almost twilight when he neared the garage, he already saw several cars parked along the driveway. He was thankful that he brought his Ducati instead of the coupe so he wouldn’t have hard a time looking for a spot. After settling his bike, he removed his helmet and savoring the sweetness of summer air. He carefully looked around; admiring the scenic view. Outdoor lights were already opened thus giving a certain glow on to the place. “Nothing has changed, has it?” He thought to himself. From his eyes somehow everything still looks the same except of the some parts of the house are worn due to age.

It has been 3 years since the last time he visited the cabin. He have had always liked this place. Somehow the atmosphere has always given him peace of mind. For him, the Madison’s Lake house has always been an escape. Every summer, when he was still living in Paris, his family would decide to fly to the country and stay at the Madison’s lake house. It was always a change of scenery, a change of thought; which he gladly appreciated.

As he followed the path towards the cabin, he caught the view of patio on the eastern side of the property. Memories of his childhood came rushing in. This is where Katelynn, Iris and him were first introduced. He remembers that they were making fun of him because of his thick French accent at that first Hello and he hardly can’t finish a complete a meaningful English sentence. He was always mixing up French words with basic English words. But in the end, they got along. He chuckled as he thought how silly they were. They would make use of body language or even draw in order to understand one another. But now he can proudly say that thick accent is now finally gone.

Suddenly, he heard his phone rang. It was a message from Kate. “Where are you? Are you even coming? We have booze! We’re gonna drink the whole week away!” He smiled as he thought how enthusiastic Kate was. “Kate never really fails me.” He thought to himself. As he was about to keep his phone, it was followed by another message. “Hi Baby! I’m on my way. See you in an hour. <3” It was from Tina, his current girlfriend. He replied with passive “ok” and “take care on the road.”

People were already gathered as he peered on the glass window. He silently entered the cabin without announcing his presence and headed quickly towards the kitchen. As he opened the fridge, nothing made him happier. “Kate has really planned this out. Beers from New Zealand.” He said gleefully. He grabbed a 8 Wired Batch 18 - Barrel Aged Imperial Stout bottle, and started drinking. “Nothing beats a cold thirstquencher.”

Kate smiled as Alex and Izzie pulled up. "Hi guys, welcome my families summer house." She said with a smile. "Alex must have been driving pretty fast, you guys got here first." She said smiling at Alex and Izzie. She had invited them because despite the fact she always had extravagant things in school they were some of the few people who didn't treat her differently because of her money. She was about to show them in when she saw another car pulling up at high speed.

She gave a wide smile as she recognized the black Dodge. "He came." She whispered to herself. When Kate had invited Damien she was hoping with everything in her that he would come. Kate had always wanted to know him better because he always had her interest but, wasn't able to due to everything that had happened with his family.

As Damien stepped out of his car asking if this was the right place seeming bewildered. "Yeah....this is it...It's extravagant, I know. My mother and father always added on the the cabin until it was this big...I promise you'll love it. Although you might get lost at first...but I did too." She said softly looking at him.

Just then she heard a car door slam making her jump in surprise, "Hey Iris!" She said smiling widely as she saw her friend. "Everyone's just showing up so I guess we'll just wait then we can go inside." Katelynn said shrugging at Iris and then others.

Just then she saw Piper and Kazuya's cars pull right up behind one another. As Piper mentioned parking her car, Kate shook her head shrugging. "Its fine." Kate said sweetly. Kate checked her phone to see if Phillip or the others returned her text frowning as she saw that she had nothing. Katelynn frowned, "Maybe he's picking up Tina...or whoever." She muttered lamely. Kate loved Phillip to death but she couldn't stand his girlfriends. They were all the same bimbo stupid type. Phillip and her had been friends for a long time, since childhood and every since he started dating she couldn't stand his type.

Katelynn was ripped out her thoughts as she heard Ray making her laugh. "Of course Ray...come on. I'll show you guys around...I am sure you can tell this place is huge."

She walked them inside the cabin giving them a tour of the entire cabin including the theater room, indoor pool and lake. Kate smiled shyly seeing some of their shocked and bewildered faces. "I know its overwhelming but I promise you will know this like the back of your hand in a week. " Kate said trying to reassure them as they made their way to the 2 floor. "You guys have free rain of the house. There are bedrooms on the east and west wing of the cabin." she said pointing to each end of the hall. "So feel free to go and get settled then you can go do whatever you like. I personally will be down at the pool, feel free to join." She said smiling at them as she turned down the hall. "There's beer and other 'adult beverages', food too, in the kitchen." Kate decided she would unpack later.

Making her way downstairs to the ground floor where the pool was, Kate smiles seeing the tranquil area. She pulled in her ipod turning on her mix playlist which played through the built in sound system. As she took of her dress revealing her swimsuit as she did a soft swan dive into the deep end.

Kazuya just nodded at Izzie's deadpanned response and silently observed the other visitors after him. He was surprised to see Piper Keegan walking and apparently leaving her car on the road. He almost volunteered to call the car service when he figured that the the girl may not be need it that badly. After all he can't see Piper worrying about it. After Piper, it was Ray Liverstock who pulled up quite noisily. Seeing the familiar faces of his classmates, it did turned out that he knew most of the people Katelynn invited. But aside from Iris and Katelynn herself, he don't know much about them.

"Any one order a daily dose of nerd?" Ray shouted to every one and Kazuya noticed the four boxes of beers that he brought. The black-haired man didn't really care about alcoholic drinks. It isn't that he can't drink because he certainly can. He just can't see the merit of losing control of yourself. In reality, Kazuya Akashi is really a good drinker. It takes more than few glasses to get him drunk. And when he does Kazu not the noisy or annoying type that loses awareness of his sanity. In fact, he acts like someone who's sober and thinks very much normally like he usually does.

"Of course Ray...come on. I'll show you guys around...I am sure you can tell this place is huge." He heard Katelynn cheerfully reply to Ray's declaration. She then proceeded to tour them inside the cabin. He followed Katelynn as she opened the main door, bringing his luggage and backpack with him. Deciding to walk behind them, he looked at the black-haired spirited girl on the corner of his eyes. Smiling slightly when he saw Iris' expressions and gestures, he then continued to familiarize himself with the layout of the cabin, at the same time still staring at her.

As they went further inside he can see the surprise on the others faces when Katelynn showed them the room. She showed them the theater room, indoor pool and lake and bunch of other rooms that he honestly did not paid attention to. He was too busy gazing at Iris' bewildered expression, stifling the chuckle that threatened to come out when he saw her reaction. Though he can also say that even from someone like him, who was used to seeing such extravagance, that the furnishings of the house was amazing. It was astounding and interesting to say the least. Just from seeing the tables and chairs, one can easily assume that the Madison's are a wealthy bunch.

Her parent's wealth doesn't reflect that much to Katelynn Madison though. As far as Kazuya knew about her, she's one of those girls who doesn't flaunt their wealth to every person they meet. "You guys have free reign of the house. There are bedrooms on the east and west wing of the cabin." When he saw her pointing to their bedrooms, he immediately murmured a quick thanks before going to the farthest room on the west wing of the cabin. He didn't know if he can take another minute not solving the particular syntax error that he had been working on this morning.

After setting his backpack on the table, Kazuya carelessly dumped the other luggage on the bed before him. He deftly opened his bag and took out his laptop, pressing the Turn On button soon after.

Kate came up from the water surprised as she saw and heard Damien. She smiled softly as she heard him complement her swimming. "Thanks, I am certainly not swim team material...like you are." Kate complimented him truthfully. "I went to a couple of your swim meets and you were great."

"Compared to you what I do is merely recreation. Which I mean it is...I do enjoy swimming a lot, and I would join the team if I thought I could make the team." Katelynn said shrugging. "But dance is my passion. Everything else I am only decent at in comparison." Kate had participated in every school and private dance recital she had ever been invited to perform in, and always got amazing responses. Also when she went into a solo competition she came out with first place for her age group, the very thing that lead to her successful Julliard audition.

"Wish I could give my sister this kind of life, but she would probably be much like yourself. Never figured you for one to care about all the money, just as long as your heart is set free like a wild mere then you can be free to do what you want truly." Damien said sitting with one knee to the ground, the other bent at the knee with his right arm draped over the knee.

She smiled as she remembered the one time she had met his sister. It was after graduation and she saw his mother looking for him amongst the sea of red and white caps and gowns, when the little girl took it upon herself to say "hello" with the cutest smile, leaving his mother to introduce the two of them. "Yes your little sister. I met her when your mother came to graduation with her. She's adorable." She said with approval. "And seems quiet smart too."

Kate shook her head as she continued her with what was on her mind after hearing his statement. "You don't wish your sister had this kind of life. I wouldn't wish it on anyone." She said looking at him seriously. "Yes the nice things are there and the easy of having money....but there are so many people that just want to be friends with you let alone in the same area with you just because you have money." She said her voice taking on a disappointed tint. "Then add in the fact that you have to always look your best, be on your best behavior...be the best in general. There's a lot of pressure...so your right I do enjoy the time I get to just....be me. Not, Laura and Trevor Madison's daughter. Thanks for noticing" She said sincerely.

Katelynn smoothed her hair back. "But, if you really think she would enjoy all the things here. I think you should bring her up here for a day or so. Let her enjoy the house. It will be like a small fun adventure for her. I wouldn't mind at all, if she did." She said smiling at him. "I know when I was her age I pretended this place was my castle."

Just as she said that a wave of water hit her making her hair rush over her face. Kate moved it out of the way only to see Piper looking at her Alex and Damien apologetically as she got them wet. "It's no problem Piper really. Its just a little water." She said lifting her body out of the pool from the edge next to Damien and walked over to the table with fresh towels on it, next to Ray and Izzie, grabbing one.

"Rereading them again huh, Ray?" Kate said teasingly as she made her way over to Damien handing him a towel to dry himself if he wished because unlike everyone else he was on the edge of the pool. "Here you go." She's said giving him it before making a clean swan dive into the pool without splashing. Kate swam back up to the surface gracefully.

She turned to Phillip, glaring at him with a pursed lip. "Thanks for texting me back." She said looking at him. "And I ignored you because I told you that your girlfriend, is a jealous harpy so you shouldn't say stuff like that. I told you I didn't want to deal with that drama but, I let you invite her because your my best friend."

Tina, Phillip's current girlfriend hated the fact that Kate and Phillip had a close relationship from childhood. Tina also made it her point to inform Kate that he was hers and that Kate couldn't have him. Not that she ever thought of him that way, Kate would constantly say in denial of the feelings lingering it the back of her mind.

Kate turned back around smiling at Damien before she realized Tina wasn't here. "Where is Tina, anyway? Shouldn't you to have drove together?" She said without facing Phillip.

Kate sighed Phillip walked away from her. "Better prepare myself for a night of glares." She muttered to herself. Last time she had tried to connect with Tina over a nice dinner, Tina glared at her every time Phillip made Kate laugh or vice versa. That wasn't to say they weren't keeping her included in the conversation but she just appeared to be against any other conversation occurring between Katelynn and Phillip.

She turned back around to seeing Damien gone calling out that he was going to fix Piper's car, which was nice of him. Just then she saw Alex coming over, as she was climbing out to sit on the edge drying her hair.

"Have to say, this is a really nice place," Alex spoke sincerely. "Thanks a lot for inviting me out here."

She shook her head. "Its no problem really. I much rather spend summer out here with friends than go on a 5th trip to Europe. Its getting kind of ridiculous." Kate said rolling her eyes. "So thank you for coming."

Looking at Alex I saw his eyes shifting back and forth to the chair where Izzie was. "You should come with me to the kitchen." She said standing up. "I need to figure out what we are eating and go shower, get changed." She said offering him a hand and helping him out of the water.

They both walked to the main kitchen where Izzie was at drinking her beer. Kate looked in the fridge seeing the fresh produce the help had put in there. "I guess...we could do the grilling out tonight." She said pulling out the Steaks, Burgers, Tofu Burgers and Hot Dogs. Turning to Alex she spoke again. "I should shower and go talk to the others about what they might want." She said purposefully leaving Izzie and him alone to solve the little tiff they had with one another. "Feel free to meet me out there guys. Also whenever Phillip and Tina make it down can you tell them or ask them what the want." She said not really wanting to deal with him at all

Kate went upstairs to her bedroom on the west wing of the house, quickly hoping into the shower to rise off the chlorine before getting out and putting on her summer dress . She walked downstairs to the entrance of the cabin, before walking down to the main road where Ray, Piper and Damien were with her car; enjoying her walk along the way.

Kate finally came upon where Pipers car hard stopped seeing Ray, Piper and Damien along with his Charger. "Wow...her car broke down far away." She said softly to herself. She saw Damien listen to Piper engine as she tried to turn on the car. Ray was over on the side working with some car part.

She walked over to Damien, smiling seeing him in his element. It was something she loved seeing with people...the intense concentration on their face when they were doing something they were talented and skilled in. Their eyes would light up with Joy or Passion but their face would be one of complete concentration. She imagined that's how she looked when she danced.

"Piper, you should have called me. Your car broke down pretty far away...I mean the walks not that far but with bags it must not have been pleasant. I would have came and picked you up in my car" Kate said feeling bad that she had to walk up to the house with her luggage. Kate walked around to the hood to see how Damien was doing.

"I walked down here to see if you guys were good with us grilling out for dinner tonight...but since I am here." She turned to Damien before glancing back under the hood briefly. "What's the prognosis?"

"Well, I am here to help." Ray said, with a smile, glancing at the tools. He did not use tools alot, but he did collect them. He loved wrenches, and hammers and every thing inbetween. "Uh, well, I am going inside for a beer, you want one while I am in there?" He asked just in general, looking at the sky. It was a nice summer day, and he loved the summer. He called this weather, a nerds best friend. He loved when people called him a nerd, but he hated when people picked on him for it. They were all dinks for that. But he started to like Damien. He just seemed like a rude guy at first, but then he turned out pretty nice.

"I need you to turn on the engine," Damien told Piper. She nodded,and turned the key in the ignition.
"Uh, well, I am going inside for a beer, you want one while I am in there?" Ray asked. "Yeah, sure, I'll take one," Damien replied, too engrossed in the car too look up. "Piper, you should have called me. Your car broke down pretty far away... I mean the walks not far but with ags it must not have been pleasant. I would have come and picked you up in my car," Piper looked over at Kate, who must have followed them down. Piper rolled her eyes. "It wasn't that far away," she responded. "Besides, I could use some exercise," she joked.

"I walked down here to see if you guys were good with us grilling out for dinner tonight... but since I am here," Kate continued, walking over to Damien. "What's the prognosis?" "It's the carb, the external linkages are sticky," Damien replied. " I'm about to take it apart and clean it. I just want to check and see if there is an internal problem. When I take the the air cleaner and let it run--I might have to have her rev the engine until she forces the choke plates shut until it almost stalls. If that's the case then I'll just have her idle and adjust the mixture screws." Piper sighed inwardly, realizing that she had no idea what he had just said.

Just then, Ray came outside again, carrying two beers in his hand. "Sorry, got lost there. Big house," Ray commented, handing a beer to Damien. He then whispered something to Damien, and Piper heard her name. She rolled down the window. "What about me?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.

Katelynn smiled as he quickly worked on putting the car part back together, she watched as he then brought the reconstructed parts back to the truck, placed them where they had fit prior, then he grabbed a gallon of gas from his trunk and filled her tank. Turning the ignition, the truck rumbled powerfully making Kate give him a small applause.

After closing the hood of Piper's and making his way to place the tools back in his car. She stood up straight about make her way back up to the house when she saw Damien's hand extending his long sinuous and muscular arm for her to take. "May I walk you to your door mademoiselle?"

Kate looked at him for a moment surprised before smiling and nodding her head. "I would love for you to." She said the second part to Piper and Ray aswell placing her hand in his as they made there way towards the house. Kate took to inconspicuously glancing at him in their comfortable silence taking in all of his features, his lean yet defined muscles, the scars on his arm, his deep brown eyes, even his smile which was a confident grin .

She decided to look away before it became oblivious to him that she was looking at him. Besides she was pretty sure he was just doing this because he was worried about her walking in the almost dark.

Kate could tell that Damien had built a wall between the person he showed outwardly and the real him. She didn't know if that was because of whatever caused him to get the scars or something different entirely but she wanted to find out who the real Damien was. Kate didn't want him to feel he had to hid anything around her...and she didn't know why she wanted that.

"So your also good at fixing cars....football, and swimming." She listed shaking her head with a smile. " You're talented, handsome, confident and athletic...no wonder all the girls at Ridgewood loved you." She said remember several occasions when she would hear her 'friends' as they would call themselves raving about how great of a time they had with him.

It wasn't until later that year when she had a few classes with him that she started to realize that Damien didn't seem like the type to just sleep with any girl. Yes, he was confident but he wasn't cocky or flamboyant about his charms. He wasn't the type to just pick out the first thing with pretty eyes and legs.

Damien practically stared at Kate, and Piper didn't like it. Not that she liked Damien but - Why did everyone have to like Kate? All she was was kind, and pretty, and rich... Piper decided to stop thinking about that. All she was doing was making herself feel worse. I mean, after all, what was Piper? A quiet girl who tends to be holed up in her room and only sometimes jokes around, with a tendancy to ignore people. Wow, she must be annoying.

"Thanks!" she yelled to Damien, who probably wasn't listening, too busy paying attention to Katelynn. She rolled her eyes and started the car. "You know, I could have just given you a ride," she said, most likely not loud enough for them to hear, even if they were paying attention.

((Short Post AGAIN! I really have to get into a creative mood...))

Kate looked at Damien as he spoke about the very rumors she was remembering hearing. "Yeah,"He responded giving a slightly weakened smile. " It wasn't as glamorous as it was made out to be." He let it slip. "Girls would date me to elevate themselves, and I knew it."

"I carried on a tradition, that, was poisonous for any one. I didn't fight it because it would have carried drama with it and I have enough of that in my life." He truthfully answered.

Kate looked away as she thought about what he just told her, which further confirmed her thoughts that she was right in not believing a word that the girls had said to her throughout the school year. Personally she thought it was ridiculous and disgusting that people thought it was okay to befriend other people just to climb up the social ladder.

She could completely sympathize with him as she went through same the the same thing...on a day to day basis before she graduated from Ridgewood. "I never believed them really." She said firmly "I heard those rumors myself...the girls we're my 'friends' or so they called themselves" Kate said softly looking back at him. "They told me all about the dates that they had with you...and how great you were."

"I mean yes, at first I was kind of shocked but then when I found out I had a class with you I decided I would not judge you based off some rumor. That's what people did to me all the time...and I didn't like being the 'spoiled rich snooty girl', so I thought why would I do that to you?" She said a smile slowly forming on her face. "And once I got to know you a little bit ...you proved me right. That the rumors we're just that...lies by girls who were stupid and immature." She said simply, with a smile before turning back to face forward.

Walking in comfortable silence one agian until Damien spoke again, "I never got to say, you look truly beautiful in that dress." He commented, making Kate blush slightly which she rarely ever did.

"Thanks you." She said looking at him with a softy smile as she squeezed his hand gently in her own. She looked up at the stars, "You know when I was a little girl and my family regularly vacationed out here...I used to think everyone came from a star when they were born because everyone had a light in their eyes...that little twinkle you get when your happy." She said glancing at him.

"I used to say my star was a shooting star because they loved to dance across the sky, just like me..." She said looking up at the night heaven's.

She turned to face him. "I'll bet your star is probably one of the brightest...if you'd just let people see it. " Katelynn said with a smiled as they approached the house. Realizing she probably made no sense to him she laughed to herself... at herself. "You probably think that sounds silly huh?"


Meanwhile Kris pulled up to the side of the house wondering if Rosemary had gotten here yet.

Dehlilah wanted to give a quick hug to Phillip but his bitchy girlfriend was there so she just gave him a quick wink. Then she just dragged her bags to the stairs. She then ran outside and saw kate with some hot guy, Damien maybe?
" Kate" she said beaming, she and Kate had been best friends since elementary school. When Kate stuck up for her against a group of bullies. She always looked up to her, it was hard not to. She also saw Damien and paused then winked at Kate " conspicuously." She then saw Rosie "Rose!" she exclaimed "Oh my god. " Dehlilah smiled at her, beautiful rose, as she liked to call her. Rose was also her friend but rose could be manipulative and that scared her a bit. But how could you hate her with that accent.

Kate smiled as Delilah came over and hugged her. Disappointment ran through her body as she was forced to release Damien's hand. "Hi De. Hey Rose." She said smiling at her two friends.

“Kate, can I talk to you for a bit?” There was a sense of urgency within his voice. "Yeah, just give me a-" He didn't even wait for her to finish speaking Philip took hold of her free wrist and dragged her towards the other side of the cabin. Kate looked back at the others and Damien apologetically but there seemed to be something that was bothering Phillip and she couldn't just ignore him. She had to find out what was wrong, that's why she ignored the glare Tina was sending her way.

As they reached almost the other side Kate put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Whats wrong Phillip?" She asked genuinely concerned

“I know it’s not like me to interfere. But Katelynn, don’t you know who he is?” He asked her with a stern face.

Katelynn looked at Phillip confused as to what he meant. "Of course I know who he is? Whats your point." She asked her brows furrowing in confusion and fustration.

“He’s an ex-con! It was all over the news. Don’t tell me that it’s one of your charity work that’s why you brought him up here?”

Kate stared at him shocked at what just came out of his mouth and before she could stop herself her hand pulled back slapping him across the face. "I can't believe you just said that to me.... " She whispered as tears filled her eyes realizing what she had just done. "I know what the news said, I saw it too. You should be the first to know there are two sides to a story. If I believed half everything everyone else said about you, I would want nothing to do with you." She said fiercely as tears filled her eyes. "I judge based on what I know about you, instead of stupid rumors say. Damien is the same way."

Shaking her head her best friend she continued. "What really hurts is that you said I would bring him up here for a charity case! My best friend...the person who is supposed to believe the best in me said I treated someone like a charity case! Did you ever think maybe I invited him because maybe I like him." She whisper yelled at him as tears continued to fall.

She saw him about to open his mouth but stopped him. "No you don't get to do that! You don't get to say, you disapprove of a guy I am interested in and expect me to agree with you, and follow your advice blindly; when you don't to the same when I don't approve of the tramps you go out with. " She said shaking her head at him.

Kate backed away from him. "I would have expected this from anyone else except you, Phillip." She said softly wiping the angry tears from her eyes as the headed back to the cabin, she stopped saying one last thing. "Remember when I told you that Tina and I didn't get along...you asked me to 'deal with it for you.'? Now I am telling you, whatever happens with me and my 'charity case' as you called it, just deal with it." Katelynn said walking away wiping away her endless stream of tears.

Her heart was broken as she thought about the fact that Phillip said she would use someone as a charity case. The one person she knew would always be in her corner and tell her the truth just spoke to her so horribly. As she ad her way to the front of the house she ignored the others shaking her head as tears continued to flow from her eyes as she all but ran to her room, slamming and locking the door behind her.

Rosie sighed and skipped to the back porch, songbook in hand as well as a ball point pen and her creative mind. The blond haired girl plopped down on a bench outside, and kicked her feet up on the matching wooden table. A warm summer breeze blew by, tossing her hair in her blue eyes, and Rosie pushed it away, her spirits high. Honestly, she could care less what people thought about her right now, not saying high to everyone, but just isolating herself for a bit, so she could calm down from her excitement. A slow rumble clouded her thoughts and she bent over to peek through the wooden beams at the driveway, seeing another car pull in. At least she wasn't the only one late. She grunted, seeing as she wouldn't be able to settle down yet, and bounced to her feet and scampered into the cabin. She saw Delilah and Rosemary smiled, giving a little wave of hello, and then saw Kate having a little... trouble, and decided to stay out of it.

Setting her mind on unpacking, Rosie headed out to her little truck, and stood on her tiptoes to reach into the back, and grab her duffel bag, and a little portable keyboard, and a few books. She struggled to carry the load, tucking the keyboard under her right arm, and swung the strap of her bag over the same one, while holding the box with her left arm. Meanwhile, her sleeve slipped over her shoulder, and her hair got in her face She was strong, but the size of the objects were pretty big. At l east she got a room to herself.... hopefully. Rosemary mumbled some words under her breath and bounced to shift the position of the box and duffel bag in her arms. Her silver flip flops smacked the ground below her as she walked into the cabin. She heard another car round the corner and craned her neck around to see who it was. Another person got out of the car, and she realized it was Kris. Of course, ehr hands were full, so she couldn't wave, but she managed a friendly and welcoming smile and called over. "Hey Kris!" before a filled up songbook slipped from the box and she groaned, bending her knees slowly, to lower herself down, and her fingers scrabbled for the book, trying not to drop all of her belongings.

To mention, Rosie was wearing some old denim shorts, a cute tank top, and silver flip flops. Her blond but brownish underneath hair was down in it's usual beachy wavy style and her trademark, red flower, was tucked in her hair. Rosemary never wore a whole lot of make up, just a little mascara and eyeliner to make her blue yes pop, and every now and then, concealer to hide blemishes or spots. Usually, that didn't happen. Her tanned skin was usually, virtually flawless.

Then, she heard the sound of fists hitting people and she dropped her stuff. This was not going to happen on her watch. Then, she saw the little fight going on... well... not so little. It was between who she recognized, Damien, and Phillipe. She groaned and left her stuff on the driveway by her truck before stomping over. The summer was supposed to be fun.... not a drama fest.
"Hey! Knock it off! I may not know what is going on, but fighting is never the way to handle things!" she yelled, her small size allowing her to squeeze between the two guys and shove them away from each other by slamming her small but mighty hands against their chests. Usually, people were surprised by her. She was usually the one starting fights, helping people fight, or breaking them up... one way or the other. When Rosie yelled, authority rang in her voice, and her blue eyes hard.

"Everybody chill, and think things through!" she growled. "Honestly, since when was pounding people into a pulp ever solving life's troubles? Hm? Talk it out instead of fighting it out." she said and looked from one boy to the other, crossing her arms stubbornly, not moving in case they decided to go at it again. Now will somebody please tell me what is going on...? she thought mentally to herself.

Kate sighed getting up from her sport where she was leaning against the door. She sniffled walking over to the dresser to look at the blubbering mess she had become. Sighing she shook her head grabbing her pajamas and changing into them. She turned on her ipod speakers which were connected to the sound system in her room humming and lightly singing along toLeona Lewis' song, Yesterday, as she brushed her hair absent minded.

Singing had always been something that calmed her down and let her mind wonder. Which was great now especially because her mind was replaying everything Phillip had said to her. She couldn't understand why she was so hurt by what he said. Her mind ignoring the tinge of feelings at the back of her subconicous automatically attributed it to the fact that he was her most trustworthy friends...the one person who she never expected to hurt her feelings.

Sighing she stood up going to sit on her window seat with a book as she continued to sing softly her ears perking up as she thought she heard yelling coming through her open window shaking her head as she believed it to be her mind playing tricks on her.

Kate's eyelids fluttered open as she felt the sunlight stream into her window. She sat up stretching ash she looked at the clock only to see it was fairly early, along with the picture that had been in her room for as long as she could remember. It was a summer when they were about 8 years old and the Lefeuvre's had decided to take Phillip and his siblings back for two months of the school year.

She could remember being upset about having to start the school year without her best friend. One of there parents had taken the picture when Phillip was comforting her and gave one to each of them in a failed attempt to dull pain from their brief separation. Katelynn and Phillip had spoken to each other on the phone and the Madison's even took a weekend trip or two, to visit until the Lefeuvre family came back.

Looking at the picture she sighed, wondering how Phillip was this morning especially after the escapades with her and then Damien hitting him in her defense. Katelynn got up deciding to shower, do her morning dance session to keep herself in practice. As much as she wanted to see Damien she wanted him to get some rest, this was his vacation.

Kris walked into the kitchen still in his pajamas' like he did when he was home his eye lids still heavy with sleep. He went to the fridge grabbing the orange juice and pouring a tall glass of juice.

He jumped slightly hearing a noise behind him on the island. He turned around seeing Rosie eating breakfast. "Holy crap you scared me, Rose." He said leaning on the counter. "Make a little bit more noise next time, you're like a cat. Too quiet." Kris said with a grin taking a sip of his Juice.

"How did you sleep? Good?" He asked looking at her. "Dream about me?" He said playfully wiggling his brows.

Kate had gotten out of the shower dressed in her casual practice dance clothes. She was looking around her her room for her shoes, "Where are they..." She said to herself softly her brow furrowing in thought. "Maybe they are in my car."

Grabbing her keys she headed out the back door of the house closest to the drive and garage and saw Phillip walking back to the house his expression off. Unable to resist find out wrong with him she stopped him looking at him. "Hi..." She said softly tracing the bruise on his face before moving her hand away. "I'm sorry.... for everything. I shouldn't have have made such a big show about what happened otherwise this would have never happened. It's funny how one of us never fails to get hurt because of something the other did...More times then not its me who gets you hurt." She thought about stupid dare they had when they were 9.

Kate pulled him towards the garage with her. "I need you to come help me find my ballet shoes. I always miss place them and your the one who always is successful in finding them." She said with a frown. "I really need them. My morning practice is my favorite one of the day..." She said stating a fact she was sure he already knew. Kate walked into the garage turning on the lights and walking to her Audi."Besides, I want to get done before Damien...." She said digging in her trunk noticed he wasn't responding like he normally did. "Are you okay Phillip? You know I forgive you for last night right? So if your worried about that, don't. Unless something else is bothering you." She said having a feeling something happened this morning. "Is it Tina?"

(Yeah... kind of waiting for MusicLover to reply with Kris xD)

Rosemary munched on some more grapes. Man, she couldn't help it. Although, she was neatly built, slender and quick, she was a bottomless pit. Well, that is what her dad used to call her. She grinned sadly at the thought, her father's face painting itself in her mind. She shook her head, trying to clear it before she cracked, and bounced up and down, regaining her usual happy behavior. Of course, she didn't force her personality. It was just her natural self. But although, sometimes, mostly whenever she thought, or even saw pictures of her family, usually alone because she knew the outcome, she would break down.

It just killed her to remember. She wanted to, but not the crash. Nobody knew about that other than Kate. Not even Kris.

Rosie was abruptly yanked from her thoughts, when she heard her name, followed by if she had anything to do later. It was Kazu.

"Nope!" she chirped. "Why?" she asked, clueless.