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.

"Hey, palhação, is it just me or did we leave half an hour early and still end up running late."

"Pretty sure we're due there at one, which is....yeah, that happened about an hour ago." Alex all but yelled in responce to Izzie, choosing not to address the fact that the Portuguese equivalent of 'dumbass' was still her time-to-time nickname for him, a word he'd caught onto the meaning of quite rapidly. Music thundered throughout the small space of the old AMC Matador--Alex's car, but as usual, Izzie, with no form of transportation of her own, was riding with him, and had more or less taken over the car's sound system. Hence, Alex was now the contented victim of the aural assault known as Suffocation--what song he couldn't be certain of, since to be frank a lot of their songs sounded much the same to him, though judging by the way she sometimes scrunched her nose up in distaste when she came across one song, or the way the corners of her lips turned just slightly upwards at the advent of another, Izzie could tell them apart quite easily.

She had turned away from him and towards the open window of the passenger's seat, prompting Alex to precariously divide his attention between keeping his eyes on the road, largely devoid in any case of any notable traffic, and staring at her. Her dreadlocks, tendrils of red, orange, and black hair clumped together, danced in the oncoming wind like multi-coloured serpents; she rested her chin on her open palm, elbow secure on the surface of the window-lease, and he could see her dark eyes, surrounded by the violet rings of sleeplessness, staring out on the tranquil landscape that stretched out on either side of the old road Alex had been directed to take to Kate's family cabin--sudden serenity reflected in her own expression. He liked it best when he could catch her in these moments--where her eyes weren't narrowed down to bitter glaring points and her mouth was not drawn back into an aggressive scowl. He liked to see her face natural and unmarred by the bitterness she seemed to wield like a shield against all others, though the moments when she let her guard down were few and far between and, he felt, only happened when she was alone, or alone with him.

Why do I even think this kind of thing? he rebuked himself mentally. There was no purpose to such thoughts. Regardless of his feelings towards Izzie, she'd never reciprocate, and yet for some damn reason that was infuriating to Alex, it seemed his mind was determined to hang on to what had begun as a youthful sort of crush for his friend, and which had grown along with Alex into a burning desire for her. It seemed only logical that now that he knew all too well that she was a lesbian, even if nobody else knew, the feelings should have shrivelled and died away for their futility. Four years later, and they were going nowhere fast--except getting more and more prominent.

"Keep your eyes on the road and not out the window, tchalau. If we end up dead in a ditch because you were too busy admiring the scenery, it might inconvenience those nice people waiting for us at the cabin." Izzie had turned around, caught him staring--she presumed, straight past her face and out into the gorgeous surroundings of the cabin.

Alex smiled, and replied, in mock shock, "Now what's this? Isabelle Moraes Vieira, giving two hoots for the convenience of others?"

"On second thought, no, but I feel that dying due to your shitty-ass driving would probably be a bit inconvenient to me don't you think?"

"I hadn't thought about it that way. You raise a valid point."

Conversation continued as such as it always did--Alex with quiet, good-natured humour, Izzie with her typical sarcastic onslaught. Meanwhile, the car's audio system ran through Izzie's legion of skull-crushing assorted death metal, grindcore, and goregrind, interspersed with flashes of traditional heavy metal, thrash, anarcho-punk, crust punk--which Alex could tolerate, or even enjoy in some cases--and, in brief instances, flashes of the blues and jazz that Alex himself so admired. Welcome moments of calm in the midst of the hailstorm that was Izzie's musical selection.

It did not last long--fortunately for Alex's ears. You'd think I'd've gotten used to it by now, he mused, wondering just how long he'd been listening to this kind of music by proxy with Izzie--she'd first gotten into it...about eleven or twelve, he recalled as he approached the cabin not far away. Strangely enough, however, he could see no cars or automobiles of any kind parked out front--but there was the form of Katelynn Madison, standing at the threshold of the entrance into the picturesque cabin her family owned. Izzie gawked at it--it struck one hell of a contrast to the old, greying tenement in which her apartment resided, and even Alex's charming little townhouse (which Izzie had, secretly of course, always idolised as the epitome of comfort...which wasn't much to someone who'd lived her entire life in tenements and favelas) couldn't really compare to this place.

"Wow, everyone sure is late." She was drawn from a momentary lapse of attention by the sound of Alex's off-hand remark, prompting a spit-fire responce. "Nobody's late, dumbass. We got the wrong time. Typical." Alex merely smiled at the venomous words, by now far too used to them to get angry with them (hell, he couldn't possibly even associate with Izzie if he couldn't tolerate her constant stream of ire-laden invective--a thing few people were capable of). "Yeah, seems I must've heard wrong," he offered plainly, navigating the Matador into one of the designated spaces marked before the cabin before he shut off the ignition (and with it, the maelstrom of furious music) and stepped out of the car.

"'afternoon, Kate," he called up at her as Izzie stepped out of the passenger seat, walking with Alex to retrieve their luggage. Neither had packed heavily; Izzie, for one, rarely deviated from her typical outfit of boots, torn-up jeans, metal t-shirt, leather jacket, and assorted spikes and bullets, and as for Alex, he was never much one for extravagances and excess possessions, so it was of little note when both walked out with but two suitcases between them, Izzie lugging with her the case within which rested her guitar. "Hey," she greeted Kate with a nod of her head as she approached--feeling but suppressing the urge to ask what time they were supposed to have been there in the first place.

Damien was the second to show up, speeding his 71' Dodge down the street, tires squalling behind him and beyond a haze of smoke. He had a pair of shades on, listening to whatever was on the radio, getting more lost in the speed and hum of the car than the lyrics that were blaring into his ears. Earlier that year he had gotten out of jail, he'd been accepted to Ridgewood and unlike many of the students, he didn't exactly come from a glamorous background and definitely not one of money.Scholarships and grants paid his way into the school of prestige. Where most sooner slit their throats than accept a lower middle class guy from the more undesirable neighborhoods that were more of an eye sore than a healthy dose of scenery.

While most would let money define them, this girl he was apart of a couple of his classes including math and English., she didn't seem too swayed by it. Despite the fact her mother was an executive of a hit fashion magazine and her father one of the more successful publishing firms in the country. He had to admit that when she handed him the ivite, he was very skeptical, even giving her a cross-eyed look of puzzlement before opening it and reading it himself. He had told her he might check it out. Unsure if rather or not he could leave his baby sister alone. The life he was in before he went to prison just to get out of and in prison, he kept close tabs on her and his mother. That was his whole reason for being, his baby sister. She meant the world to him.

Even as he stepped out of the plush leather seat, tucked his shades along the collar of his old shirt with oil stains, he couldn't believe he was here. He probably stuck out like a sore thumb. A grease monkey in the middle of a lavish estate own by two people that could bury him in lawyers and charges at the drop of a dime. He was not easily unnerved, but the fact he had abandoned his sister in lieu of his wanting to get out, to actually have a life before falling back into the role of a parent when this all ended. Inside, a part of him truthfully wanted to find someone to love and that would love him--even with what others probably considered baggage or a burden.

Standing upright, he was muscular in away that wasn't too gratuitous and none too grotesque. His arms were lean corded muscle, his chest which rippled just slightly beneath the shirt he wore. His silhouette said ' finesse' and not raw power. He was not one of those surly men who worked out constantly for the Mr. Universe competition. His deep chocolate eyes, while not innocent or inexperienced, showed how uncomfortable he was at the truly wealthy lifestyle of his peer. He knew people like this existed, but to be here was like being on an episode of MTV's Cribs. Right now it was like a knife in his throat, making it harder to breathe. Stepping forwards, he wiped his hands on his jeans out of nervous habit. He felt like there was going to be Secrete Service men coming out of the house to bury him in the yard as he approached Katelynn.

Katelynn was like, that girl that most guys noticed either because she was loaded, but also because she just had that certain look about her. That glowing illumination, like a candle in the night. She made him feel uneasy, which, was strange to him. He had nearly beat several inmates heads in, and still whenever she neared it felt like a loaded gun was cocking behind his head. He could swear he could almost hear it sometimes even. But he fought it and as he looked around at the sheer size of the impressive chalet hee then insouciantly faced her.

"This is the right place, right?" He chuckled, jesting about his original and sincere bewilderment when she had told him where it was.

Iris quickly threw her suit cases in the back of her parents old Volkswagen Kombi and attached her rusty old bicycle to the top of her van and quickly started her van but of course it took about five minutes to start. By the time she got the van to start she made her way towards the lake house. Luckily, Iris didn't live too far from the cabain as her parents loved the outdoors and built a house close to the forest, so it wouldn't take her very long to reach her destination.

Iris was casually diving along in her with her old vintage radio next to her blaring a classic tune she remembered from her childhood. "I'm on my way, I'm on my way" she sang from the top of her lungs while she bopped her head to the beat. Iris was a child at heart, even though she got teased a lot for being 'immature' she couldn't help it. Iris wasn't too far from the others, only a couple of miles behind.

A few minutes after Damien arrived, Iris pulled up. Iris pulled all of her suitcases from her van and dragged them towards the cabain. A glowing smile grew on Iris's face when she saw her friends "Hey everyone!" she yelled.

"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)

Piper drove the old, muddy car down the road, the car window rolled down the full way. A Coldplay song was on, and she sang along to it, grateful for the fact that there was no-one around to complain about her terrible voice. Her car began to slow down, making some weird noises. Piper cursed and parked the car, hopping out of it. She was in the middle of no-where, and if the car broke down now, she would have to walk for miles to get to the Cabin.

She lifted up the front of the car, and looked inside. Everything looked fine, but then again, she had never known much about cars. She promised herself to learn some more about them when she got to the cabin. She closed it, and inspected the wheels. A few of them were rusty, but they had always been like that. Still, she changed them with the spares she kept in the back - with a car this ancient, you could never be too careful- and hopped back in the car.

She got the car up and running, and drove off again. However, as soon as her destination was in sight, the car once again came to a shuddering stop. She groaned in frustration and hopped out of the car, opening the boot. She took out her bags and walked the rest of the journey. At least I was aiming to be early, she thought wryly. When she finally got up, she was gasping for a breath. "Hi," she let out, dropping her bags on the ground. "I kinda left my car down there," she said to no-one in particular. "Is that okay?"

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.”

Ray puled up to the cabin in his pick up, and breathed in the warm summer air. Then he sighed it back out and honked his horn. The horn made a little "Meep meep!" noise and he took his keys out. His key chain was of him and his ex girlfriend, and his cat patches photo shoped onto his ex's head. That is what she got for cheating on him, and using him. Of course, he had a ton of bags, that was just the guy he was. The type of teen who would break his back doing whatever he could to make sure his writing stuff is okay. On the passengers side, was beer cans, lots of them, they were his favourite, laker. Also beside him he had the box set of books he had been reading, the Hunger Games series.
He got out of his truck and went over to his compartment, and took down four bags, witch were just comic books, and two more bags witch were his clothes, and about two more filled with movies, his xbox, his play station, and his games, plus beans and soup. He needed to find a way to get every thing inside, pllus the four boxs of beer he brang. "Any one order a daily dose of nerd?" He shouted to every one.

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.

"Hi guys, welcome to my family's summer house," Kate greeted Alex and Izzie with the same smile Izzie was used to seeing on her face. "Alex must have been driving pretty fast, you guys got here first."

"Nope, I just made him get off his lazy ass and leave early for once," Izzie replied to Kate's smile with her own, while Alex grinned abashedly. The sound of another car pulling in rapidly captured the attention of their hostess--though Izzie could guess who it was by the sound of screeching tires as the car came to a halt behind them--such that though Izzie saw Kate's lips move, murmuring something to herself, her words, if they even came out audibly in the first place, were lost in the haze of noise. Sure enough, Alex turned his head to find Damien emerging from his muscle car (the one that made Izzie wish she had the money to buy a car herself). Seems thus far all the arrivals are of the more...physically fit variation, Alex remarked idly, noting that all three of the present arrivals obviously didn't skimp when it came to working out.

But after Damien's arrival, the rest appeared in rapid succession--some of whom Alex was familiar with, others not so much, whereas Izzie, her persona significantly less conducive to friendly interaction than Alex's, felt surrounded by people she didn't really know. First to arrive in Damien's wake was Iris in one of those ancient Volkswagen vans Izzie had long since learnt to associate with hippies and the 'flower power' of the '60s; she in turn was followed by Kazuya, who emerged from his sedan beet red and proceeded to greet everyone by their surname. "Vieira," he said to Izzie. "Akashi," she deadpanned right back.

A few moments passed before the next arrival, one Piper Keegan, appeared--curiously enough, on foot, stating that she had evidently decided to leave her car further down the road for whatever reason. Izzie didn't ask, and Alex was too busy pondering deeply the profound nature of that greatest quandary of mankind (cake) to venture the question. In rapid succession, she was followed by Philip and Ray--who had apparently decided to pack for his whole damn family judging by the amount of luggage he attempted to lug out of his car. "Need help there?" Alex offered, walking up to Ray, laden down with what looked to be about a dozen bags and half a dozen boxes of beer. Which, upon consideration, Alex should have been expecting. It was a group of teenagers, for chrissakes, it was far-fetched to assume someone wouldn't come along with alcohol (supposing alcohol wasn't already being supplied by the host...which it was). He knew Izzie would be perfectly fine with it, but Alex himself didn't drink, and he didn't like the way his friend got when she did--which varied chaotically between Izzie becoming even more nasty and aggressive than usual, even towards her sole friend, or dropping into one of her deathly sullen episodes. He knew better than to tell her to stop drinking because Alex felt that she did want to stop drinking, but couldn't--or perhaps, was afraid to. Alcohol, though he didn't like to acknowledge the fact, had for better or for worse played a large part in her life. And were he to tell her to stop, he was pretty sure it would only drive her to do it even more.

So he merely offered to help Ray carry some of the bulkier, clearly quite heavy bags he'd brought along--he was guessing half of them were filled to the brim with comic books and the like. And with that done, Kate invited them in to begin the 'grand tour', so to speak. Izzie walked tentatively into the house, guitar in one hand and lone briefcase in the other, looking around as though half expecting a security guard to emerge from the shadows and bark at her that she wasn't allowed here. Curiously, no such thing happened. Flanked by Alex at her side as they followed Kate along with the others, Izzie permitted the music to go from the typical 'holy shit how are you not deaf yet' volume to a mere 'wow, I can hear the music in your headphones across the room' level as Kate spoke. "You guys have free reign of the house. There are bedrooms on the east and west wing of the cabin--" she gestured as she spoke--"so feel free to go and get settled then you can go do whatever you like."

"Guess I'll go stake my claim, then," Izzie mused, accent marring her words somewhat--though Alex, who (coincidentally, of course) had decided to do the same, had adjusted enough to it to have no difficulties with understanding. They strode up the length of the hall, Izzie examining each door as though its condition was of the utmost importance to whether she saw fit to take up residence in the room that lay behind it. At length, she decided on a room on the east end of the hall, tossing her suitcase carelessly onto the bed and then setting down the encased guitar with considerably more care. Alex, having chosen the first room he came across, set to unpacking what few possessions he'd seen fit to bring along, hanging up clothes in the closet and setting aside a few things like books and such on the nightstand beside the bed.

With that, Alex decided he was ready for a swim to kick the vacation off, and he emerged out on the poolside decked out in the most stylish goddamn pair of swimming trunks you'd ever seen--that is, they were a drab oceanic sort of blue, not that Alex paid much attention to the stylishness of his swimwear.

As he gradually sank down into the pool, finding Kate had already made her way into the water, Izzie emerged back out onto the poolside herself, devoid of the leather jacket but otherwise unchanged. Not least, because she didn't know how to swim. Instead, she held her music player in her hand and a beer, gleaned from the stock of alcohol in the kitchen, in the other, and set herself up in a little poolside chair to listen to music and idly watch over the swimmers as they went about their business. "Green to feel blue, is your vision purely golden..." she mouthed along with the rapid-fire lyrics of Rudimentary Peni's 'Media Person' and drank steadily as more began to congregate at the poolside.

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.

"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. He just chuckled and shook his head. "Keep adding on and the base is liable to give out," Damien joked again. " But no, it's very beautiful." He spoke honestly, looking around before returning his gaze to Katelynn. He guessed she had interest in him, he had always been shunning himself away from her. Either because of his family issues, or his poor financial background. He was making excuses, and definitely knew it in the back of his head. "Well, lets hope that if I can find my way around a car I can find my way around this maze." He smiled, and voiced his opinion hesitancy hidden in the underling texture of his voice.

When they both hear a car door shut, Katelynn jumped and then exclaimed, "Hey Iris!" Turning his head he spotted her friend. They had hung out together all year, along with another girl, he thought her name was Delilah and the other was Rosemary. Being mostly the quiet guy, he hear a lot of gossip from other classmates, and therefore, know a lot about people he had hardly met. She then grew a broad grin on her face that lit up her features as they always did. "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. As she moved to her friend, Damien left her to them and ventured

He saw a pick-up truck pull up into the lot and out stepped Ray, carry a few different things in a few different baggage loads. "Any one order a daily dose of nerd?" Ray was a smaller guy than he was, sandy blonde hair and brim glasses. Not to say he didn't carry his weight in amenities. He more or less chuckled somewhat at the absurdity of practically hauling his entire 'home' with him to a establishment like this. He mentally shrugged it off, it was the comforts of home he supposed. There was also two other individuals, two that he knew less of; Alex and Izzie. Izzie he had met on a handful of occasions. She seemed...interesting to say the least. A bit antagonistic and detrimental to her own cause at times. However he always sensed there was more to the story, and like himself, a darker story.

Piper Keegan arrived and told everyone her car was parked further down the road while she had hauled her luggage that distance from her car. His brain then went haywire, while his face remained the same placid smile. He was contemplating the many parts that could have made her car stop, he obviously understood it wasn't a choice of hers to walk with all that extra baggage. Katelynn then led them into the cabin.

"I know its overwhelming but I promise you will know this like the back of your hand in a week. " Kate had told them, "You guys have free rain of the house. There are bedrooms on the east and west wing of the cabin." 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." Smiling, she turned down the hall. "There's beer and other 'adult beverages', food too, in the kitchen." Kate decided she would unpack later.

Swimming. Damien's favorite past time. He had broke three records on the swim team while in school. Naturally, he followed Katelynn, pausing momentarily for her to disrobe and dress into her two-piece bathing suit. Damien then neared the edge of the indoor pool, listening as the speakers through out the hall blared with her personal preferences. He crouched, kneeling down to fondle the waters that were temperate in terms of being too cool or two hot. The water was lukewarm, like the Bahamas he'd imagine. That wasn't the only thing that caught his attention. He found himself very aware of himself watching Katelynn. She was a good swimmer even by his accounts. She had long, limber arms and legs. Slender long fingers, long brown hair with streaks of golden blond. She was like a mermaid if he ever saw one.

"You have a very good stroke, timings a little off but that can be fixed." He finally spoke up, nearly choking on the inside. He was never really good around people. Afterall, he had no life to speak of between his job, school and sister. What little he could get out of each wasn't much--and it showed. Both in his cloistered body language and his low timbered voice that was seeming to be always docile. "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 was sitting with one knee to the ground, the other bent at the knee with his right arm draped over the knee. Damien turned his head to see Alex who had come down to swim as well.

Piper followed the group into the cabin, and her eyes widened in awe. Kate showed them around the house. It was massive, and absolutely amazing. "I know its overwhelming, but I promise you will know this like the back of your hand in a week, " Kate reassured them. "You guys have free reign of the house. There are bedrooms on the east and west wing of the cabin." she continued, pointing down the two halls. "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." Kate turned around, calling out as she did, "There's beer and other 'adult beverages', food too, in the kitchen."

Piper pulled her luggage out behind her, and decided to turn East. She entered the second room - for some reason, even though they were identical, she liked it more than the others- and flopped her luggage down on her bed. She changed out of her outfit and into her two piece swim suit, and looked in the mirror with pursed lips. She grabed at the fat around her stomach. "Ugh," she said. She had always been self-consious of her appearance.

She headed down the stairs to the pool, where Kate, Alex and Damien already were. She gave a small sigh, looking at Kate. I wish I looked as good as her, she thought. Her life must be so easy. She gave a running start and jumped into the pool, arms wrapped around her knees. She looked up and gave an apolegetic look to the three, who she had just splashed when she jumped in.

Ray smiled as Kate laughed. "Thats great to hear the nerd is wanted here." He started to drag his things inside, stacked ontop of each other, and the beer in his other hand. His left the beer, the right his luggage.
Ray looked at amazment at the cabin. "This is not a cabin man, this is like professor x's freaking academy for mutants." Ray was wide eyed and jaw dropped. He scanned the area for an easy way up. "Uhhh, is there any elivators around here?" He let out, just as Kate left not knowing she was gone.
Shruggin his shoulders and droping his rightt hand and his right hand baggage, he went over to the kitchen and put the Laker packs in there. "Geez man, I love this place already." He laughed, grabbing some sticky notes and writing down 'Laker for every one, only after 9pm, that is when the party actually begins, you know, the party that is summer. Officialy." He could not help being akward. That is just who he is. He was lucky Kate was his friend, or else he would have none. He did not beleive he had good looks, because he knew he dident. he was a simple nerd. Ray posted his note on the Laker stacks, and closed the fridge.
Ray emerged from the door into the pool area. "This IS huge!" He preactiacaly shouted to the air. He dragged his comic book bag out of the cabin and dropped it onto the deck area. "Hmm, there must be a nice place to sit." He looked around for some where to sit, nice and shady, but not so much that it would block his view of the books.

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.

From the kitchen, Philip heard Katelynn welcoming the group of people who came in first. He just hopes that Kate would not mind him sneaking in the kitchen fridge; drinking his second bottle. As he looked across kitchen arc and saw Izzie and Alex marching up the stairs. Izzie’s mane caught his attention, it was in dreadlocks with streaks of orange and red. Unusually for him, he appreciated how her hair crowns her face; it is evident that she not have enough sleep for days but gazing at her features he can’t deny that she is pretty. She is different, yet he appreciates every aspect of it.

Philip also noticed how Alex followed Izzie up the stairs, he was tailing close. There was something in his face somehow shows that he is content being with her. It gave him idea, yet, he was disheartened since he’s sure that Izzie cannot reciprocate his feelings if ever Alex says something.

Kazuya came next. He looks in a hurry as if he wanted to do something. Philip wondered what it was.

When walked out of the kitchen, he was carrying 2 more packs of beer hoping that he could share it with some people and have a good time. Before he can he pass by the stairs, he saw Piper running down, wearing her bikini. Piper doesn’t have a lean and model-like body as Kate though but she displays an hourglass shape. “Not bad at all.” He murmured to himself. When their eyes met, he gave her a brief “Hey”, as she did the same. She quickened her pace and walked towards the pool. Philip followed her thinking that the others are gathered there.

After pushing through the pool’s glass door, he saw Kate, Alex, Piper in the pool. He noticed that Kate and Damien were being close thus jealousy struck him. However, he ignored the thought and proceeded where Izzie and Ray are. Ray busied himself with a book while Izzie was listening to her music player with a beer on hand. He didn’t utter a word since they were already busy their own thing. He placed the 2 packs of beer on a pool table, and sat down on the floor lazily right next to them. He looked again at Izzie and studied her intricate tattoos which were covered earlier by her leather jacket. He can see 3 figures which looked like three “6” arranged in a triangle on her right bicep. He faintly distinguish what was in her back because her tank is covering it. However, he knows that it’s a skull which looks have 5 horns and another skull-filled tattoo reaching from the back towards the back of her right arm.

When he deviated his attention back to people who are swimming, he noticed that Kate went out and started walking towards them. His eyes brighten. “Hey Kate! I wanted to give you a kiss and a hug but I would think that guy over there would take it differently. And besides you’re wet.” he said jokingly.

It seems that Kate ignored his statement and went back towards Damien and gave him a towel.

“Girls.” he said to himself.

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.

Damien watched Kate as she swam his way as fluid and flowing as the waters themselves, it was a catalyst for a graceful swimmer. As she neared him she emerged from the waters. He couldn't help himself from noticing the way the beads of water clung to her seemingly radiant skin. How smooth it appeared from his perspective. Her eyes gentle, consuming the light and shining as though twin stars crafted with equal measure in to stones that had been neatly placed upon her face. She then smiled and it was as though a light had been switched on in himself and he couldn't help but return the gesture.

"Thanks, I am certainly not swim team material...like you are." She extolled him, Damien just and shook his head slightly but never breaking their eye contact nor his smile. "I went to a couple of your swim meets and you were great." Damien chuckled softly.

"Alright, alright. Let's not stoke my ego. We know how guys get stupid when their egos are inflated." He laughed, lowering his head momentarily only to look back up into her glimmering eyes.

"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 shrugged it all off. Her conviction for dance was admirable to Damien. "But dance is my passion. Everything else I am only decent at in comparison."

"I have seen you dance, that night you were alone...I think you were just practicing. You looked amazing, and I'm not just saying that cause of the tight leotards--though I have it under good suspicion that may be just a bonus for all guys." He laughed softly again, jokingly this time. "But I was getting out late from fencing and I was about ready to clock out and go home and I just happen to notice movement out of the corner of my eye so I turn and look and all I saw was you," He paused for a moment as if trying to find the right correlation of words to continue on. "You looked so tired, but, I don't know it's like how I feel whenever I tuck my sister in after she falls asleep in my arms. It's that 'good' kind of tired. That kind of tired that tells you, that you've done the. best. damn. job that you could and you are going to make it. I was out in the hallway so there was no distracting you. Then you just put on your clothes and walked out the other side. I'd have offered you a ride, but you already have a car." He spoke to her truthfully, nodding his head. "You looked truly beautiful, although I don't think beautiful is quite as powerful as the word I am looking for. Magnificent maybe?" He smiled even broader.

"Yes your little sister. I met her when your mother came to graduation with her. She's adorable." She said with approval. "And seems quite smart too."

"Ah, yeah..." Damien responded, a different light turning on. One that exuded promise, conviction and hardship. "Dakota is my life. She's pretty much everything good about me. She's got a laugh that's to die for, so innocent. She's going to be a good wife and a good mother. She's just going to be better than me." He said quietly, with a smile of great and remarkable hope and faith. She's the only reason why I've probably worked twice as hard as many of my classmates." He sighed, his face turning into a frown. “It seems like this past year, everyone knew I was arrested--but didn't know the reason. I've heard rumors, some of which--" He began laughing as he thought about the accusations. Before he recomposed himself.

"I am not able to stop laughing about to this day. Others are close but really hit home all the same. I was made into a social pariah on the first day that I came there to Ridgewood. I had to fight to prove how qualified I was for the classes that they gave me. Others discriminated against me because I was a convicted felon. It was really hard to get in to Ridgewood to begin with without the other more influential students trying to harass me out of what I had earned. But I would do anything for that little girl, I will do anything for that little girl. " He had turned serious at that statement, his resolve could be felt and heard.

"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 you’re right I do enjoy the time I get to just....be me. Not, Laura and Trevor Madison's daughter. Thanks for noticing"

"I don't want her to have this life, your life exactly. I just don't want her to have to worry if daddy is going to beat her like he did mommy, or rape her like he did mommy. The opportunity comes knocking to elevate your life from where you stand--on the edge or with your back against the wall--you take it. I ain't got the choice to be happy with just with what I want anymore, I got to look out for Dakota. I mean, I love my mom but the abuse she's been through it’s like all sense of caring for her children has been beaten out of her. So it’s up to me. Has been since I was thirteen. The day I went to jail for her, I became her father figure, her mother." He explained, looking at Kate with soulful eyes; profoundly emotional.

"I kind of know where you come from--instead of parents though, I have students, teachers, sponsors all breathing down my neck and not just for swimming either. I remember the night that, I broke both Harvard and Yale's records--two of our schools top competition. I was sitting naked in the men's shower room. The pressure had grown so intense in my chest I was thinking about calling the whole thing off. Like yourself, I only swam for fun, was virtually drafted into the swim team. But I was sitting there now, scared out of my mind of letting my whole school down. That's when it came to me...the image of my sister walking those halls, wondering what her brother left behind for her. Breaking those records, it filled me with pride. But the thought of her one day, possibly breaking them and making them her own legacy. Or if she wants to dance, I know where to point that finger to."

Kate then lifted her hand out of the water to capture loose strands that collected around her face, pushing them back. Damien's eyes watching her before she began speaking again. "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." Katelynn smiled that sweet, kind, caring grin she was known for. "I know when I was her age I pretended this place was my castle."

Damien laughed a bit louder. “Are you kidding? She'd never want to leave. It would be her castle. Then she'd love you more than me. I can't have that, put too much into it." He laughed, he was joking of course which would be a mutual humorous moment. For both of them.

Unexpectedly there came a splash, Damien felt wet. At first he just blinked and looked around only to find Piper looking towards him and Alex and perhaps Kate as well with embarrassment, shame and compunctious expression. Both Kate and Damien responded in unison. “It’s no problem Piper really. It’s just a little water." Katelynn the pushed herself up out of the pool, but because the sides were wet and the stone of floor, Damien took her hand to prevent her from slipping and falling. After he had helped her out of the pool, she walked over to a small table laden with towels and took one and brought it back.

“Girls.” He heard Philip say, he seemed...agitated. Nevertheless, he put it off for now.

"Here you go." She would say to him while handing him the towel which he took graciously. "Merci de bien vouloir mademoiselle." He spoke the French language fluently while smiling and watching her then return to the pool. He then knelt down near Piper this time.

"Hey, listen, I saw you packing your thing and obviously you didn't carry them all the way from home--May I check out your car, maybe figure out what broke down? Don't need anyone getting stranded." His question was sincere.

"Hey, listen, I saw you packing your thing and obviously you didn't carry them all the way from home -- May I check out your car, maybe figure out what broke down? Don't need anyone getting stranded," Damien said. Piper smiled at him. "Yeah, your right, my car did break down. And thanks," she added, climbing out of the pool. "Wait, I'll come with you, show you where it is. I'll be back in a minute," she said, jogging out of the room, grabbing a towel on the way out. She dried herself as she headed up the stairs. She slipped into a pair of shorts, and slipped a t-shirt over her swimsuit. Then she tied up her dripping wet hair, put on a light jumper and slipped into her converse. She grabbed the car keys and ran out the door.

"thanks again for doing this," she said, walking into the pool. "To be honest, I know nothing about cars, so...yeah." She grinned awkwardly.

((Sorry, shotrt post, I'm going swimming soon (: ))

Ray nodded to Kate, finding a nice spot by the pool, just the way he liked it. He opened his luggage and pulled out a comic book labled "The Gunwitch" and started to read. This type of thing made him love life, even though not many people like nerds. That was why he couuld not get a girl friend ever scince he had broke up with his ex, his only ex.
He planned on flirting this summer, but he did not know who was taken, and who was not. It was very challenging for Ray, he just never know what is going on.

Philip was taken aback from the rush of words coming from Kate. He was about to say that he was already in the Lake house when he received her text but didn’t dare to let it out. As Kate continued, he knows that every word she said is true. He didn’t even try to defend Tina, just for the sake that he shows importance in their relationship.

Deep inside, he do not want his current relationship end up like the previous ones he had. It was an unending circle. It was always good in the start, but someone will always tire out. Unluckily for him, most of the time it was the girl who gives up. Hearing the phrases, “I think you’re not giving me the attention that I deserve”, or “Are you seeing somebody else?” are common to his ears. Philip and Tina have been together for almost half a year; so far it is the longest relationship Philip ever had. Among the girls he have been with, Tina was the only girl who can keep up with him. And her too, as he gazed upon Kate’s eyes.

As Kate walked away from him and asked him where Tina was, he replied “No, she’s not here yet. She is supposed to...” Suddenly, he was distracted by his phone. He accepted the call. “Hey Baby... Yes, I’ll be right there.” He stood up from his place and headed towards cabin’s entrance.

From the window, he saw Tina waiting for him patiently outside. When he gently opened the door, Tina greeted her with her sweet smile. “Hi!” she said. “Hi there” he said in reply, he walked up to her and gave her a kiss on the lips. He took his duffel bag from her shoulder and held her hand as they walked inside. “You drove really fast.” he continued.

“No, of course I didn’t! I do not want to be ticketed of speeding. The meeting with the professor who will teaching the pre-classes was really quick. I can’t believe that we need to start school a month before summer ends. I didn’t think a film school would...” Philip half-listened to her as they climbed up the stairs. As Tina narrated what happened to her earlier, somehow he had this feeling this one is going to end up like the others. When they reached his room, he settled her bag in the cabinet and closed the door behind them.

"Yeah, your right, my car did break down. And thanks," Piper had told him, Damien then reached down and assisted Piper out of the water being sure the she also hadn't slipped. "Wait, I'll come with you, show you where it is. I'll be back in a minute," She said before running off, grabbing a towel on her way out. Damien was a good judge of character, he had to be in prison. You either knew who you could trust, or you were dead. He could tell Piper didn't feel up to par. He got the feeling that she didn't think too highly of herself. The way she acted so eager in the attempt.

Damien thought it was a shame any girl should feel like that. He knew well the expectations of young women and men in the society that they lived in today, and the pressures thrust upon them. It was astounding, as well as terribly horrific. His mentality just couldn't accept the expectations of many of his male peers. He felt honestly bad for women that gave in. He also felt bad for the men who imparted an atrocious cycle.It was sex, it was women's weight, it was always something else. He had seen the effects of the paranoia of both, and what a self-destructive path they led to.

Damien waited patiently for Piper to return and when she had She was in shorts and a t-shirt. He began walking towards her, pulling out the keys of his 71 Charger as he did. He turned around and began walking backwards while he called out to everyone in the room. "I'll be out fixing Piper's car if any one needs or wants me. Not sure how long I'll be."


"Thanks again for doing this," Piper said to Damien. "to be honest, I know nothing about cars, so...yeah." She then commented.

"Oh, it's not a problem, not at all," Damien explained. " Cars can be complicated, but I can be too." He mocked himself in a joking manner. "Over active brain keeps me awake most nights." He tapped his temple.

The pair walked up the series of steps up from the pool he opened the door for Piper to go through and followed her swiftly in tow. He walked around and opened the door for Piper before continuing around to his own side and opening the door he slid in to the leather upholstery bench seats. The inside of his car smelled like he did up close, a hint of cinnamon. His radio supported satellite radios, had jacks for iPods and his cell phone which was resting on its cradle just beneath his rear view mirror. He pulled down the gear shifter next to the steering wheel only after revving the blower which made the car seem like more like a dragster. It was loud, really loud but she could feel the power of the motor vibrating the whole car with out them even moving.

He buckled his seat belt and after she had done the same, he took off. Albeit, not as fast as he truly wanted to go, but with all the other vehicles around he wanted to be careful. However, once they were clear his lead foot came into play, speeding them hastily to where her car had been parked. Damien then did a U-turn and turned his car around and carefully backed it up keep it a mere ten feet from hers. He putt he monstrous Charger in park and then stepped out to check over Piper's car.

"Just down there," Piper said, as the car came into view. Looking at her ancient, rusted up car, she could tell that it would probably be broken down for good. Still, maybe Damien could fix it up. He was supposed to be great at mechanics. Damien parked the car and hopped out, Piper following behind. She unlocked the door and slipped her keys into her pocket. She glanced over at Damien for a second, watching him as he studied the car.

"You probably won't be able to fix it, even with your high IQ," she smiled. "You can try as much as you like though. She's been to the Garage quite a lot recently. Maybe it's her time." She petted her car affectionately. "So good luck." She decided to shut up, all she was doing was repeating herself - that, and sounding like an idiot.

((Ugh, I think I have writers block, or maybe I'm just not in a creative mood. Another short post :/))

Ray looked over at Piper. Most of these people he did not know, but she was kinda cute, and he wanted to meet new people. Ray got up, and walked over to Piper, not in a cool way, but his normal nerdish way. He put his book down and came to Damien and looked at the car he was inspecting. "Need help?" He asked, looking at it. "I know a bit of cars and stuff."

Alex merely leaned back against the side of the pool, content to simply let his body be submerged in the cool water rather than actively swim: he had not so much as touched a swimming pool, or a lake, or any body of water for that matter other than his shower, for longer than he could recall. Kate and Damien were, it seemed, discussing their swimming, though Alex was still lolling lazily in the sun's rays falling across the surface of the water and onto his body when Piper cannon-balled into the pool and most nearly gave Alex a heart attack, sheepishly glancing apologetically at him and the other two in the pool, though Alex merely smiled in responce and then waded over to where Izzie was sitting by the poolside, tapping her long tattooed fingers on her denim-clad leg along with the song currently being blared from her headphones--which Alex noted he could hear pretty clearly even as he was making his way towards her.

"Not getting in the pool today?" he ventured with a smile. "The water's awfully nice."

She frowned at him, knowing only too well that he was poking fun at the fact that she couldn't swim. "I don't care to, no," she retorted evenly, before setting the beer down on the ground and reaching into her pocket to retrieve a pack of smokes, sliding one between her lips; a strike of the match, and thin wisps of smoke emerged in steady streams from her mouth as she expelled the fumes. Alex shrugged, sinking down lower into the water until only his head remained on the surface, his black hair billowing out around it. He could remember that, around the age of maybe eleven or twelve, after he'd first begun growing out his hair--the veritable pride and joy of his physical appearance, more than taking precedence over his musculature--his mother had made him wear a cap of sorts when he went swimming to keep the chlorine from getting in his hair. A policy he immediately put an end to after Izzie, finding it only all too comical, ceaselessly made fun of him for it, though of course, she always found something else to laugh at. "Those swimming shorts look really unflattering on you," she smirked as she took another drag from the cigarette and blew out another rolling stream of smoke.

"What can I say, I'm not a shorts guy," Alex stated truthfully. Shorts just didn't look right on his large frame, a truth he'd come to terms with long ago, but it didn't really matter a whole lot to him seeing as he only ever wore them when he went swimming. "You just gonna sit up there by your lonesome?"

"Not on my lonesome. I've got beer, cigarettes, and loud music. That spells company to me."

Alex frowned. I don't think she gets how gloomy she sounds when she says things like that. Sure, she said it with that same smirk etched onto her face, but it got on Alex's nerves a bit when he realised that she meant it when she said things like that. "Guess I'll leave you to that then..." he sighed, making those weird-ass motions Izzie could never get the hang of (also known as swimming) and moving over to where Kate was now swimming alone--Damien having left, evidently, to check out Piper's car. "Have to say, this is a really nice place," he spoke sincerely. "Thanks a lot for inviting me out here."

Izzie watched her friend drift over towards Kate. Now what the hell did I do to set him off like that? she mused darkly to herself, furrowing her brow as she glared at him talking to Kate. He usually didn't mind when she went off at him with her abrasive attitude, and yet somehow all it took was an off-hand, entirely innocent (okay, innocent for her) comment and suddenly he was 'leaving her to that'? She shook her head a bit, taking another generous gulp from the bottle of beer. As she lowered it from her lips, however, she became aware of someone looking at her--excellent peripheral vision gleaned over the years granted her that much perception at least. She turned her head to identify the culprit, eyes falling upon one whom she recognised to be Philip. As with most, if not all present, Izzie could not claim to remotely be familiar with Philip Lefeuvre, knowing only that much like herself he'd immigrated to this country--as far as she was aware that was as far as any similarities went. Well no, upon consideration, she was also aware that Philip was something of a 'womaniser', evidently involved in a new relationship with a new girl every other week....though he would admittedly be a little more 'public' with his relationships with girls than Izzie...Why am I thinking about this? She turned away from him, returning to her drink and cigarette.

At length, both depleted at roughly the same time. With a heaving sigh, Izzie lifted herself from the poolside chair, lumbering on back into the cabin itself. Over the maelstrom of music she could vaguely hear voices moving about in the house, but decided it was of no concern to her. She approached the refrigerator, opening it up to come face to face with quite a wide selection--some of the more 'refined' liquor having clearly been ordered by their good hostess whilst the 'cheaper' brands, she assumed, had been brought by some of the others. It took very little consideration before she opted for the latter.