Izzy Dias's Story

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Ram lefted his head and closed his green eyes, soaking up the early morning sun as it bet down on the lake. Cool water sprayed in his face and a constant breeze ruffled his hair. It was perfect sailing weather and Ram had been up since dawn to make the most of it. His one man boat, named 'The Falcon', raced across the lake, skimming across the waves.

Ram opened his eyes as he drew closer to the shore. Standing up in the boat he shielded his eyes from the sunlight glistening off the water and took in the view. There, pretty as a picture, sat Northbay. It fit snuggly between the lakeshore and the hills beyond. He could make out the main street with its small array of shows on either side. There was a large amount of activity in the street, surprising for such a small town and so early on a Saturday.

Then again it was the day of the Lantern Festival. No doubt every spare hand the Elder's could rope into helping was busy putting up decorations. Ram's father Ramsey was a member of the Elders' Council so Ramses was able to get all his information first hand and fresh. The festival was officially an overdue welcome to the Greeks. Unofficially it was to try and calm down the rising animosities between the different groups in the town. As Ram's father had said, if the town could come together and enjoy this one, simple event then they would be one step closer to regaining peace and order.

Ram thought it was a vain hope. He highly doubted that bringing together the whole town into one street would solve anything. Quite the opposite really. Ram knew little of the Greeks but he had grown up with the Norse and his own Egyptian pantheon. He knew enough to understand that there would always be certain individuals who do anything but try to ease tensions.

Shaking such thoughts from his head Ram aimed the boat to shore. A moment later he pulled into the docks, jumping onto the wooden jetty with the ease of practice. He anchored his boat to the jetty, tying it securely. The day may have been calm now but Ram knew enough about Irish weather to know to predict anything. Besides, when you lived in a town of power beings you could never be sure when someone's powers would cause a little mayhem.

Standing up Ram raised his arms above his head and stretched, before straightening out his clothes. With a pleased smile he set off down the wooden walkway, heading towards the Sailing Club rooms and a much needed shower.

---

Early morning carpentry was probably not the best way to deal with a hangover, but oddly enough Mack found the rhythmic thud of his hammer strangely calming. Or perhaps he was still drunk from last night.

He had visited Northbay's singular drinking hole, the pub, the previous night. It had started as a causal beer, but three bottles of beer, four shots of vodka and who knows what else later his night had ended up much larger than anticipated. He had woken up this morning still in his clothes, his light still on and his alarm cloak blaring from under a pile of clothes.

Mack had agreed to help set up for the Lantern Festival that night. He wasn't even getting paid, but doing it as a favour to the town. Not that he minded doing it for free. Mack didn't have too many expensive habits and the rent on his tiny apartment over the supermarket was relatively cheap.

"Mack! Can you move the lanterns slightly to the left?" Ebony Aset, aunt of the three Aset girls and member of the Elders, shouted from the street. Mack, standing up on a ladder, nodded down at the woman and moved the lanterns as desired. Satisfied Ebony nodded and wondered off to oversee another part of the preparations. Left to his own devices Mack returned to hammering.

Almost finished he gave one final hammer on the nail, only his attention must have slipped because the next thing he knew a sharp pain erupted in his thumb. With a yelp he jerked his hand back, making him lose his balance in the process. His legs went out from under him, his arms pinwheeling in circles as he tried to grab at anything to keep him from falling.
Unfortunately the ladder seemed to elude him and Mack quickly found himself falling. A gust of wind blew up the street, particles of sand held in the breeze. The wind increased in strength and pressure, directing itself around the falling man. Faster than the eye could follow it had formed into a miniature wind funnel, Mack being safely buoyed in the centre. Slowly he was lowered to the ground. Only when his feet had touched concrete did a movement of his hand send the winds away, leaving a thin layer of sand behind.

'Mack, as much as I'm glad you're not hurt...' The stern voice came from Ebony Aset, her foot tapping quickly as she surveyed the tiny beach of sand that his powers had called forth. She had a broom in her hand, 'I want all this sand gone before tonight.' Thrusting it into his grasp Ebony turned and left. Dusting the light sprinkling of sand off his clothes before beginning to sweep up the street, Mack wished - and not for the first time - that his winds didn't magically summon sand when he called them.

---

The view from the hills above the town was spectacular. Asta, pausing on her descent, couldn't help but grin at the landscape. The lake was sparkling in the early morning sun, light glistened off the town roofs and there was hardly a cloud in sight. She could have stayed on the thin track that ran up the hills beyond Northbay all day, but one glance at her watch told Asta that she'd need to open the shop soon. With a last glance across the lake Asta turned and made her way, half skipping, down the track.

Most likely it was the excitement of the coming festival that had seen Asta rise so early and head up into the hills. She often went for walks, but rarely so early in the morning. Coming back down she hit the main street at it's beginning. The entrance to Northbay was decorated with a simple sign which read 'Welcome to Northbay'. Asta passed the sign, entering the main street of the town. She passed people setting up stalls, others hanging decorations and more than one person shouting out loud instructions.

Asta waved happily at Mack as she passed him. Curiously he was sweeping up sand, although where the sand came from Asta couldn't be sure. Down the street she went, dodging in and out of the workers, until she reached the Bookstore.
"Key, key key... Oh, there you are!" She muttered to herself as she dug into her cardigan pockets. The Bookstore owner had given Asta the responsibility of opening the store today and she would have hated it if she'd lost the keys already.

She pushed the door open and stepped into the dark room. The light switch was unfortunately at the other end of the store and Asta didn't fancy wondering through the dark to find it. So, holding her hand out, she summoned a small sphere of light and used it to guide her through.

Ten minutes later, the store lit, open and ready for customers, Asta sat back at the counter with a sigh of relief. From here she had a good view of the festival preparations, but instead of watching the workers outside she picked up her book 'Catch-22' and began to read. The doorbell would jingle as soon as anyone entered, meaning until then she could happily lose herself in Joseph Heller.

Izzy awoke late in the day, typical of her when she didn't have classes. She instantly went to her phone and was almost disappointed when she saw there were no new messages, at least not from anyone important. Frowning, she made up her mind to do her very best to change that, by sending a few messages out to the people she felt she knew best, most of which who she felt either could easily be controlled, or were attractive, or she considered a friend, and that left a wide range of people.


To: Odessa, Fin, Amanda, Lucas, Bryce, Viona, Ronan, Julian, Calypso:


Hey all, your queen has awoken! So where’s everyone up to? I’m looking forward to seeing all you peeps at the festival tonight, and festivals aren’t even like my thing like at all! So you guys better be there because if I’m there alone with the village elders, heads shall roll! Lol! Will be in town fyi so feel free to meet up with me.


From: Izzy Dias

Izzy put her phone down, sat up, walked out of bed down to the small bathroom in her tiny flat and took a long bath, before dressing and heading out for town. It was nice not having to work to pay for school because you had a rich stepfather to pay for it all, Izzy had to admit, problem was, that meant a lot of people were tried down for work. Driving into town she quickly parked her car and watched as several people put together decorations, smirking almost, she couldn’t understand why anyone but criminals would work for free for something having to do with the community, but she supposed that was why she was a leader, after all, not everyone’s grandfathers Zeus, and the ruling blood certainly ran deep in Izzy.



Izzy, getting out of her car decided to look for a place to loiter around, a hobby she quite enjoyed. She wasn’t really watching where she was going however and bumped into Mack, who was sweeping sand?


“Um excuse me, but do you mind!” She snorted angrily, when he completely ignored her. Then an idea came to her. “ Hey Mack, check this out!” When she had gotten his attention she looked to the sky and caused a small stray bolt of lighting light up the sky. It was the kind that was gone in an instant and made you wonder if there was a storm or not, the ones that Liverpool had been getting frequently for the last 21 or so years. Besides, it was always fun to scare the crap out of people, and Izzy remembered somebody told her once that Mack was afraid of lighting.


Laughing to herself, Izzy walked down to the record shop and gave Julian a wink before turning to the music, trying to find some old records that would make for a great sound mix. She would flirt a little, talk a little, possibly buy something, and be on her way.




Bobby grinned to himself as he heard Asta call out, “Morning Bobby!” Followed by “I don’t drink coffee, but I’d be keen for a hot chocolate.” He watched, coming back to the front of the store, pleased that this didn’t go as badly as he thought it might. Asta helped you out almost, and he had to admit, she was a very easy person to talk to. She pulled out a bunch of euro’s and some coins (that’s the Irish currency if I’m correct) and offered them to him. “Maybe get some lemon cakes too? My shout.”


Bobby refused the money and replied. “Sure thing, I’ll buy, one hot chocolate, a tea for myself and a bunch of lemon cakes coming right up, I’ll be back.” He walked out the door before Asta could protest and ran not really thinking about anything but getting Asta’s ordered right. He ran between Daphne, Amanda and Fin, tripping himself, and said a quick “I’m terribly sorry!” and continued on his way rushing by a girl who he thought was named Layla with the same hasteful sorry before reaching the coffee shop.


When he had at last reached his destination, he found himself waiting for his sister to stop texting before she noticed him. She raised a brow.


“Um Bobby, what up? Why are you so sweaty? Where you running from those normal thugs again!? Cause I’ll cripple them I will! And you know I don’t like it when you just come to visit me.”


“Right, just, everythings fine Steph, just ah, um I was wondering if I could have a medium hot chocolate, a ice tea and two lemon cakes.” Bobby said as Stephanie’s eyes lit up before she got to work.


“Oh Bobby, who is it, who are you buying breakfast for, that’s real unlike you, well then again I guess it isn’t, your just usually too shy to-”


“It’s just Asta, nothing romantic, just, you know, just something employees do for each other once in awhile.” Bobby interrupted.


“Well ‘ere ya go Bobby, enjoy your little lunch with you employee.” Stephanie laughed a little and handed her older brother his order and watched as he ran back out shaking her head. On his way back, breathless, he stopped to catch his breath and felt his phone go off, so he one handly picked it up and read the new message.


To: Amanda Cyprus, Stephanie Ceres, Bobby Ceres, Fin Bacchus

Turns out my boss doesn't want me to work today so I have the day off... Anybody wanna hang out?


He quickly typed back a response.


To Daphne:

I would, but I’m stuck at work. Maybe later, see you at the festival. Oh and I think I’ll ask Asta if she wants to come too if that’s alright.


From: Bobby

He quickly walked inside and put down the bag he’d been carrying. “ And there you go Asta, a hot chocolate, two lemon cakes, and a ice tea.” He sat down on a box of books he probably shouldn't have sat on, and took a big gulp before finding himself stuttering.


“ So um eh w-would you um m-mind going to the f-festival later tonight w-with some of my friends and siblings. I mean you don’t have to, I just thought m-maybe it’d settle some things and we could all get to know each other.”


He winced waiting for her answer.




Stephanie sighed as her phone buzzed and flipped it out to see what was up.


To: Stephanie

Yeah, sure, sounds like fun, when would you like to meet and where?

Stephanie felt her heart thump at the message. There it was, plain as day, a messages from Antares, asking her when and where she wanted to meet up. Why the hell was she so nervous and more importantly, not already texting him back.


To: Antares

Cool, glad you can come, I was thinking we could maybe meet at the docks at around oneish, I should be done with work by then. I still have to wait for Brad and Bobby so it’ll probably be just the two of us, but it’s not like it’s a date or anything so yah. See you at the docks:)



From: Stephanie

Stephanie pressed send and looked up to see Bobby, looking rather crazy. She smiled served him and returned to her phone, an unusual thing for her to do while at work, but today to her it seemed at least, it was like a holiday.


To: Amanda Cyprus, Stephanie Ceres, Bobby Ceres, Fin Bacchus

Turns out my boss doesn't want me to work today so I have the day off... Anybody wanna hang out?

Lucky, she muttered to herself before repiling.


To Daphne:


Sorry, but I’m stuck here till one, we can hang later though.


From: Stephanie.

Stephanie put down her phone only to pick it up again and read yet another message.


At work right now, slow as hell. I’ll catch up with you later at the festival. Promises.

She quickly typed back:


K see you later at the fest, don’t be too sad, you're surrounded by music, I’m surrounded by coffee and baked goods, not quite as entertaining ;)

Then she really did go back to work, shoving her phone in her pocket as a customer came in.

As he was walking the the pub he felt the phone on his pocket beginning to vibrate. Pulling it out he read the texting highlighted in blue with black text:



Smirking at the text, man did he miss her body.



Sending the text he went into the pub and sat down at the bar. An the break of boredom he hoped that he'd get a text back soon, he needed something to do and someone interesting to do it with, Izzy was perfect for both. She was so much like him: sexy, smart, knew how to get attention, she was the whole mine yards. They had had some fun together in the past that he didn't mind having right now.

"A beer please." He told the man who was serving him. "Is that all sir?" Raising his head to the man Lucas rolled his eyes, " Did I ask for anything else?" "Well, no sir, bu-" "No buts," cutting him off Lucas put a finger to his lips, "all I asked for was a beer, but since you decided to be ignorant and ask me for more I'll take a browny." Smiling with a fake sweetness at the man he dropped his arm to rest on the bars table in front of him. "Please hurry up." The voice was kind, but the hint in Lucas' eyes were rude and demanding, he hated dealing with people that asked him questions after his statements, it was unneeded and to time consuming.

"Here you go." The man set down Lucas' order with an uneasy smile and shaky hands. "What happened to saying sir?" He asked nonchalantly to the man. "Sorry s-" From all his shaking he managed to knock over the bottle, spilling it's contents all over the bar and almost on Lucas. "What do you think you're doing?" Lucas had yelled at the man causing almost all eyes to turn on the two of them.
"I didn't realize it was so hard to set down a bottle!" The other boy stood there in a speechless manner looking between Lucas and the eyes that had fallen on them. "I'll get you another bottle, sir, for free." His voice was almost a whisper to Lucas as the bartender bowed slightly to retrieve another bottle. "Thank you!" Calling after the boy it didn't take to long for his returning.

Izzy had just found the tape she was looking for when decided to text her brother to see what he was up to, after all it would probably be fun to go and party with him at the festival and for being twins they certainly didn’t talk near as often as they should. She knew he hated crowds, but being the person Izzy was she was bent on him getting over that. fear.


Hey Antonio, jk, I know how you hate being called that Tony. So guess what, I’ve decided that as your twin sister it’s my job to protect your social life so guess what, you're going to be at that festival tonight. See yah there.

From: Izzy




As soon as she had finished her text to her brother her phone lit up. Finally, she grumbled as she fumbled to answer her phone.


Where are you at right now beautiful? I'm bored, we should hang. ;)



Izzy lit up when she saw that Lucas had been the first to reply and got even more excited with what his message said. He was the one person she instantly got along with, as they were so much alike. Lucas was hot, sexy and had means of getting his way. Izzy loved him in a way she never loved her large amount of lovers before him. Things were different with him.


Well Mr. Atum, I for one am at the music shop looking for some tapes a feeling a bit frisky and broad, a restless combo. Where are you? I’ll head your way.


From: Izzy

Izzy hurried up, bought some tapes and left almost as soon as she had came. A bright little breeze blew her hair and she stopped it so her hair wouldn’t be too messed up. She almost missed it before but now the local pub caught her eye and Izzy swarmed to it like ants to sugar. She stepped inside just in time to hear some sort of commotion happen.

Luckily she spotted Lucas and sat down next to him.


“So I guess I ended up finding you anyway, so what’d I miss?

Laying his phone done on the bar her smirked and picked up his bottle of beer and took a sip letting the bitter taste fill his mouth he then swallowed. "Hey, waiter, you never cleaned up this spill!" The excited had settled some, but Lucas had pleasure in spiking things back up at times. The waiter had a look of anger and annoyance when he started cleaning with paper towels and mumbled something under his breath. "What did you say?" Before the waiter could speak Izzy had entered and taken a seat next to Lucas, "Hey sexy." Saying so to her with a wink. “So I guess I ended up finding you anyway, so what’d I miss?" Chuckling he used his hand to move the hair out from in front of Izzy's eyes so he could see her better. "My normal," he began, "just letting people know I run things around here.".

Turning his attention back to the waiter he had taken the bundle of soaked towels he threw them in the garbage and gave Lucas a stare. "What," a smirk bubbled across Lucas' face, "are you getting upset? Because if you are you should just quit because you'll be seeing me here a lot." All the waiter did was old an intension gaze with the calm cocky Lucas. Finally with a huff the waiter unclenched his fist and started walking over to a different customer. "That's what I thought." Chuckling he had been talking to himself, but said it loud enough where the people around him could hear. The waiter had turned back around to look at Lucas and opened his mouth to speak, but before he said anything he just rolled his eyes and took someone's order.

"I feel sorry for people that can't stand their ground," telling Izzy as he turned back to face her, "but without idiots like him I'd have no one to control." Looking at her with a smirk he picked up the plate that had a browny smothered with chocolate syrup. Holding it with one hand he placed it in front of Izzy. "It's still warm and I haven't eaten any of it, so you're welcome to eat it for me." Saying so he took the fork and the napkin that had been his and put it beside the plate. The aroma from the brownie was mouth watering, but he rather she have something tasty then himself. For the most part Lucas was a douche to everyone, but to specially people like Izzy he'd do lots of things just to make them happy. Resting his elbow on the table he picked up his drink and took another sip. "You and I haven't done anything for a while," he started as he put his bottle down and got a little closer to her, "so how about you be my date to the festival night? We would have lots of fun together." Giving her one of his famous flirtatious smile he took her hand in his. "We could even have some fun before and after the festival too, if you'd like."

Izzy giggled as Lucas yelled at the guy behind the cornner. " My normal, just letting people know I run things around here." He answered her and she half laughed half rolled her eyes, but impressed all the same. She watched as the waiter gave them looks and as Lucas annoyed him enjoying the show.

"I feel sorry for people that can't stand their ground, but with idiots like him I'd have no control" He went on to say after the waiter had moved on to someone else. Izzy smile to him and spoke up saying. "Well Lucas you have much more patince than me I can't stand people like that, I guess I take advantage of them." A guy a few feet away gave her a look and she relized that was a bit loud. " What? Scared."

Izzy would have said more, but Lucas pushed a plate full of brownie throws her and she forgot about talking and was reminded of how hungry she truely was, after all she hadn't eaten anything all day. "It's still warm and I haven't eaten any of it so your welcome to eat it for me."

" Aw why thank ya suger" Izzy thanked him, using her faux American accent she loved to use. She quickly started to eat the browie and finished it in no time. Then she put an arm around Lucas as he got closer to her and began to say what she'd been waiting for. " You and I haven't done anything for a while, so how about you be my date to the festival night? We could have lots of fun togather." He paused and Izzy noticed his flirtatious smile before he added, " We could even have some fun before the festival too, if you'd like."

Izzy tried hard not to blush, but it wasn't working. " That sounds absoultly great Lucas." Izzy said in a dramatic voice, giving the boy a small kiss on the cheek before adding. " So Lucas, would you like to hang around town some more, or would you like to go back to my place. I think I might have left something important on my bed." Izzy said with a small wink, not caring what she was hinting and also not minding what they did.

"Well Lucas you have much more patince than me I can't stand people like that, I guess I take advantage of them." Izzy's voice was loud and got a few heads to turn. "What? Scared." Was her reply to someone's reaction causing Lucas to laugh. "It's not at all patiences, it's just fun to humiliate people." He was being honest, and he did enjoy causing other people trouble, it was funny to watch people get upset at him or embarrassed by the things he would say to them; people were just idiots for falling into his little games. Most of the people in town he knew, so he knew all they ways to get into their heads and trick them. There was only a few people that could ever catch on to his games, Izzy was on of them. He had tried it on her when they first met; he didn't trick her but he still got what he wanted. He always guessed the reason he preferred Izzy over all the other girls in towns was because she knew all the right things to do to get to people like he did, which was extremely sexy.

"That sounds absolutely great Lucas." Using an over dramatic voice got him smile at her and when she kissed his cheek it just made him want her even more. Sometimes I feel like she teases me. And of course at times she did teased him, which drove him completely mad, but sometimes he teased her too which made it ok. "I'm happy you think that." Grinning he noticed the slight pink color that had now lite her face, "It's so sexy when you blush." Licking then biting his lower lip he gave her body a quick glance over, I can't wait to do her again. Having silent thought about her she began to speak again. "So Lucas, would you like to hang around town some more, or would you like to go back to my place. I think I might have left something important on my bed." Kissing her lips softly and then pulling back before she had the time to kiss back he began to speak. "I wouldn't want to keep that important thing waiting." With her hand still in his he rose to his feet and helped her out of her chair.

Thoughts of the other three times they had gotten been together raced through his mind. She was undoubtably the best he'd ever done and he had been with lots of girls, he was pretty sure he'd been with a descendent of Aphrodite once and they came no where close to being as good as Izzy. Every inch of her was perfect in every way, every last inch. He loved the way her skin always felt up against his, the way she kissed him full of passion; the girl was just so seductive. Bending over a little so his mouth was right next to her ear he whispered, "I can't wait for our fourth time." Kissing her neck then pulled away and started walking towards the door with Izzy still in hand.

When getting to the door he opened and held it open for her, "Now let's go get that thing." He had been waiting some time for then to do this again, he had been forcing himself to wait though so the next time it happened it would be perfect; he had been waiting for about a week, which to him is like a year.

Ronan woke up with a start when he heard the front door slam, for a moment he was confused and took some time to straighten himself out and find his glasses. He had definitely had a bit too much to drink last night. It had been a long, excruciatingly boring day at the paper and all he’d wanted to do afterwards was relax a bit. The throbbing in the front of his skull confirmed that perhaps he had relaxed more than he had needed to.

Finally rising from his mess of a bed he stumbled to the bathroom, still steamy from someone else’s showers. Ronan assumed it was his brother; Leslie had always been annoyingly cheerful in the mornings and ready to start the day. Ronan was quite the opposite. He didn’t actually speak to anyone until he showered and had at least two cups of coffee. Hopping into the shower he let the warm water beat the ache out of his head and muscles and felt as if he could stay beneath the showerhead the rest of the day or at least until the hot water ran out.

Knowing that he’d be late if he dallied any more he slipped from the shower, shaved, brushed his teeth and quickly dressed. Racing down the stairs he stopped in the kitchen to chug a glass of orange juice, which did not make him want to vomit, thank the gods. After rinsing his glass and placing it in the dishwasher he grabbed his phone from the counter and noticed that he’d all ready received a text.

To: Odessa, Fin, Amanda, Lucas, Bryce, Viona, Ronan, Julian, Calypso:


Hey all, your queen has awoken! So where’s everyone up to? I’m looking forward to seeing all you peeps at the festival tonight, and festivals aren’t even like my thing like at all! So you guys better be there because if I’m there alone with the village elders, heads shall roll! Lol! Will be in town fyi so feel free to meet up with me.

Grinning, he rolled his eyes a bit at the hyperbolic text he received from the Greek girl; she was fairly new as all the Greeks were. As a matter of fact that was what the whole festival was for. Welcoming the new arrivals. Of course his mother was all ready at the festival grounds, she was an elder and took her responsibilities seriously, and something she had obviously passed on to her children.

My mother would kill me if I didn’t show. As soon as I’m through making sure the paper makes sense tonight I’ll be on my way. If you’re a good and kind friend you’ll have a drink waiting for me.

Ronan quickly texted back as he walked out the back kitchen door, taking care to lock it before clambering down the steps and out to his dusty car. Shoving papers and folders out of his way he started the beat-up vehicle and made his way to the office. He knew most people had the day off, lucky bastards, but the newspaper had to be printed every day. Such was life.
As the thin, slightly anxious young man made his way into the building he waved a greeting to the skeleton crew who were already in attendance, grabbed a cup of sludge like black coffee and wandered back to his lonely little corner. Quickly he settled in at his desk, which he usually shared with another. Looking around he pushed his thick framed glasses on top of his head and pulled out his phone quickly texting his brother.

To: Leslie

Did mom sucker you into setting up the festival today? I’m working a short day, meet up later, yeah?

From: Ronan Saxon

Ronan was very much a fan of his older brothers and enjoyed spending time and hanging out with him, although sometimes Leslie came off a bit overbearing, Ronan supposed that he would probably be the same if their roles were reversed. Family took care of family and that’s just the way it was. Settling back into his chair he switched on computer and began to immerse himself in work. The quicker he could get things done the sooner he could leave.






Odessa had been up and at the gym by seven that morning, having signed up for an insanely early kickboxing class. Which she now thought was maybe not her greatest idea. Considering that she usually worked until four in the morning and was often a bit tipsy when she made it home eventually sometimes making it to class seemed nearly impossible. Yet the Greek girl took her commitments seriously and she’d already paid for them. She really couldn’t afford to not go.

After spending an hour beating the stuffing out of a bag she was properly awake and energized. Being the descendent of Ares definitely had its perks. She was inherently strong, fast and sturdy which definitely came in handy with a personality like Odessa’s. More often than not her mouth started trouble and she was more than happy to let her fists finish it.

Finished for the day Odessa beamed as the instructor complimented her skill and the fact that she was such a quick study. She hadn’t expected any less but it definitely brightened her day which in turn meant that for now her normal aggression and hostility was turned down a notch. It also helped that she just finished trying to beat an inanimate object to death. Taking a moment to read over the text Izzy had sent her, she laughed and figured she’d see her friend in town, or at the very least the festival.

Quickly showering and changing she grabbed her bag and left the gym and decided to head into town to grab breakfast from the restaurant. It was cheap, especially with her employee discount. Lucky for her, her boss owned the pub and the grill and you couldn’t beat half-discounted omelets. As she walked up the street towards her destination she took in all of the preparations going on around town for the festival tonight.

As she approached the restaurant she noticed a few of her fellow Greeks standing outside the restaurant along with a girl she believed was named Layla. Sticking her hands into the pockets of the light cardigan she was wearing she pushed her large sunglasses on top of her head and stopped to say hello.

“Morning everyone, you’re all looking bright and chipper. Anyone actually helping set the festival up or are we just passive spectators?” Odessa asked with a wry grin.

Mack had just about finished sweeping up the sand when someone bumped into him from behind. He turned just as the angry voice exclaimed, 'Um excuse me, but do you mind!' . He recognised the obnoxious voice and face of Izzy Dias, a Greek and the descendent of Zeus. Izzy was one of the few that Mack hadn't gotten to know. Really, there was something about her that put Mack off. She was just too... loud for him.

As if proving his point Izzy grabbed for his attention, eagerly saying 'Hey Mack, check this out!' before looking up at the blue sky. Before Mack could fully comprehend what she was doing a small lightning bolt lit up the sky. Its sudden appearance made Mack jump, his nerves getting the better of him. It wasn't something that Mack cared for much, in fact it freaked him out quite a bit. Luckily Izzy had only created one lightning bolt and it was gone in the blink of an eye. Still, as Izzy walked away laughing, Mack had to take a moment to steady his racing heart.

A moment later he was back to sweeping up the last of the sand. A voice, a much more welcome voice than Izzy's, called out across the street. Mack turned to see Jade cycling past and waving. Jade wasn't a close friend, but living in Northbay meant you rarely didn't know someone. He had spent years living down the street from the Aset girls so naturally he knew Jade well.
'Hey Mack! ... The decorations look great! I'll see you at the festival, yeah?'
Mack smiled and gave his own wave,
"Thanks Jade..." Mack began to reply when Jade, her attention focused on Mack, crashed into another person.

Jade stuttered out an apology to Antonio, a Greek Mack had yet to get to know well. Mack dropped the broom and trotted over to the pair. At the same time Dehlilah Cyprus joined them. Mack placed a gentle hand on Jade's shoulder, concern evident in his eyes as he caught the last of Tony's words, 'Listen, I've got friends waiting on me. So if you're okay...Then I'm gonna get going.'
"Are you hurt?" Mack asked the younger woman. He quickly studied her for signs of external wounds, "Do you want me to take you to the doctors?" As he asked the questions his eyes flicked down to the small swell of her belly.

---

Ram didn't seem to notice the time it took Leslie to arrive, he was happy enough to close his eyes for a time and let the sun soak into his skin. He thrived off the sun. Midday was his favoured time, after all his powers were strongest at midday and he always felt more invigorated then.

He cracked an eye open as his phone buzzed, a message from Leslie,



Ram didn't reply, knowing that Leslie would be there soon. Instead he settled back into his seat, patiently waiting for his friend to arrive.

Ramses opened his eyes a moment later when he heard footsteps approaching. A smile spread across his face as he spotted Leslie coming towards him, his arms laden with bags of delicious food. Leslie sat beside Ram, placing the food between the two.
"I guessed on what you wanted." Leslie said, picking up a piece of food, "You can have anything you want from this."
"You know me too well." Ramses told him with a wide smile as he picked up a coke and a cheese burger. Ram bit into the fatty goodness, a groan of pleasure escaping his lips. "I'll treat you something tonight at the festival." Ram said once he'd finished his first mouthful. "I could shout you a ride on the Ferris wheel." Ram joked, nudging Leslie's knee with his own. At 22 Ram was probably too old for carnival rides and he'd hate to be seen by some of the town layabouts in such a childish pursuit.

---

It seemed that Bobby had other ideas about who would pay for the treats. He refused her money and listed off the order,
“Sure thing, I’ll buy, one hot chocolate, a tea for myself and a bunch of lemon cakes coming right up, I’ll be back.”
Then, before Asta could put her foot down about paying, Bobby left.

With a promise to herself to pay Bobby back at some later time, she stuffed the money back into her pocket and took up her seat by the counter. The shop was empty and likely to stay that way for the remainder of the day. Asta didn't mind the quiet, it was always a good thing when she wanted to read, but having customers always helped make the time fly. On a day like today with the coming lantern festival Asta couldn't help but anxiously watch the hands of the shop clock slowly tick by.

With a sigh Asta stood up again, unsure what to do with herself. She wondered down the isles of books, slowly scanning the titles. She picked out a random book and flipped through the pages, not really paying attention to what she was doing. A moment later footsteps sounded outside and the doorbell rung as Bobby came back carrying their treats.

Asta returned to the counter, bouncing slightly as she sighted the lemon cakes.
“ And there you go Asta, a hot chocolate, two lemon cakes, and a ice tea.” Bobby announced, taking a seat on a box of books. Asta jumped up onto the counter, her legs swinging slightly as she picked up her hot chocolate.
"Thanks a bunch Bobby" Asta said, blowing softly on the drink before taking a sip.

Bobby seemed to be stealing himself to say something and Asta, knowing it was best not to rush Bobby, waited patiently for him to speak.
“ So um eh w-would you um m-mind going to the f-festival later tonight w-with some of my friends and siblings. I mean you don’t have to, I just thought m-maybe it’d settle some things and we could all get to know each other.” Bobby seemed to wince, as if expecting Asta to refuse him with a nasty remark. Instead Asta gave Bobby a happy smile, clearly delighted with the idea.
"That would be great!" Asta said as she grabbed a lemon cake and began picking at it, "And if we're there together I can pay you back for the hot chocolate and lemon cakes. It's useless to argue, I'm determined to pay you back" She playfully stuck her tongue out at Bobby before popping a piece of her lemon cake into her mouth.

---

---

Chione closed the book, rubbing her temples as she looked up and out of the cafe. She could a small group of people that had gathered there. With a sigh she placed her text book in her messenger and left the cafe, hands shoved into her pockets. Mack was down the street sweeping up the last of the sand when Izzy Dias bumped into him. Chione's lips thinned as she watched her blame him for the collision before summoning a fork of lightning. The Dias twin was easily one of the few Greeks that Chione had taken in instant dislike towards to. Her teeth clenched against each other she resisted the urge to yell at her. She didn't care if her ancestor was Zeus, blood did not excuse actions.

She shook her head and continued walking, making a beeline between the people towards her home. She watched as one of the Aset girls, Jade, came rushing past on her bike, calling out to Mack. Chione whirled around in shock as the sound of the crash reached her ears. In the time it took her a few steps towards the crash site Jade and the person she had crashed into were already surrounded by a small group of people. She could hear Jade's voice, profusely apologizing to the man. Seeing that all was under control Chione shrugged and made her way home, placing the messenger bag on her coffee table, she would have no need of it for now.

Checking her schedule she noted that she had to work from three till seven. That left the rest of the night open to her to enjoy the festival. The small smile that had worked its way onto her face during this thought suddenly vanished. To enjoy the night fully she would need to hang around people, she could only look at the stalls, games and bands for so long on her own. There weren't many people in the town he called 'friend'. It was almost certain that her brother already had something planned with his multitude of friends so she wasn't going to make herself a burden towards him.

She paced her living room, coming up with only three people she considered friends. Gwyn, Ronan and Ram. She smiled to herself as she pulled out her phone, chances were they were all going to be busy, but there was no harm in asking right?

To: Gwyn, Ronan, Ram
Hello, I was just wondering what everyone was up to for the festival tonight? Anyone want to meet up? I have to work from three to seven, but after that I'm free.

Pleased with her attempt at socializing she pocketed the phone and headed back outside with no particular destination in mind. Maybe she'd help set up. It was too nice to waist the day indoors.

---

---

Viona teetered on the ladder she was standing on as she strung up yet another lantern. When she finished with that one, she put her hands on her hips and paused to take a breath. Her phone vibrated in her back pocket and she reached back to take it out. The screen of her phone lit up as she read the message.



She couldn't help but smile at the ditzy blonde's text. Whenever you were with Izzy, you were sure to have a good time. She needed that today, after all, it was a festival. Her thumbs flew over the touch screen as she replied to Izzy.



She slid her phone back into her pocket and reached up to sting up another lantern. You couldn't tell now, since it was mid morning, and the lanterns weren't lit, but the street would look beautiful at night when the festival started. She had been working for awhile now, helping with lanterns and decorations. The street was full of noise as people worked to put together their stalls. "I should head to work..." she thought to herself.

As she lowered herself from the ladder, she almost fell down when she missed a step. Her hands latched onto the sides as the ladder wobbled and steadied itself. "Gods, I should be more careful." Stepping off the ladder, she took her phone out and started typing.



She returned her phone to her pocket and headed towards the restaurant. She ran a hand through her long curls as she neared the building. Looking up, she saw a small group gathered near the restaurant, and she recognized a few faces. "Hey guys," she said with a grin. She opened up the door to the restaurant and walked in, heading towards the kitchen. She put on the small white half apron, reaching to tie in behind her as she walked back out. She took out a notepad and went to table, with Fin, Amanda, Deliliah and Tony. "Wonder where Odessa went," she thought as she remembered seeing her outside. "Hey, what would you guys like?" she asked with a smile.

“What a way to start the day.” Odessa replied to Fin with a bit of a shrug as she watched the commotion play out. She watched as Layla and a few others came to the girl’s aid. The crash had looked pretty rough and it seemed like Tony couldn’t get away fast enough. Odessa vaguely noticed as the rest of the group went in to be seated without her apparently. It wasn’t as if she was unused to being excluded and it seemed like Tony probably needed a minute to collect himself anyway. Walking in after the other Greeks she took a moment to look around and take note of who else had decided to have breakfast in town this morning.

As she walked up to the counter and took a seat, she smiled at the other waitress on duty whom Odessa knew from the pub. Quickly she ordered a ham and cheese omelet and a side of wheat toast before slipping out of her thin cardigan and tucking her sunglasses away in her bag. She was positively starving and the breakfast bar she had forced herself to eat at 6:30 this morning was long gone. There was also the small fact that since she burned so much excess energy that her appetite was usually ravenous. She supposed it paid to be an Ares kid, the metabolism was out of sight.

Digging in to the steaming plate that was set before her, Odessa felt like she was in heaven. Food was one of her loves and she had never been the kind of girl that worried about what other people thought of her. So what if she could eat an entire pizza by herself and she thought salad was a curse word? There wasn’t anything wrong with that.




Julian had only had one customer all day and it had been Izzy Dias, who as a rule of thumb he was quite fond of. Of course he greeted her as Your Highness and flirted shamelessly with her until she picked out what she wanted and took her leave. Watching her walk away he was reminded of a certain night they shared that he wouldn’t mind reliving again. There was always the festival later for all that, of course by then there’d be a plethora of people around who he might take a shine to.

Lazily resuming his position behind the counter he went back to his magazine and started thinking about food. He never ate breakfast…or lunch for that matter, he just didn’t have the patience to wait for it to cook or to even go to a restaurant and order anything. For this reason he tended to live off candy, beef jerky and beer. Your typical diet of a twenty-one year old bachelor.

It was then that he heard the jingle of the bell signaling the arrival of a customer, more than happy to break up the monotony he looked up expectantly only to come face to face with Layla, his co-worker and her cats apparently.

“Oh, it’s just you. Hey, it’s been dead. Enjoy.” He remarked casually as he let his feet drop to the floor with a thud as he leaned in to take a closer look at the felines on the counter top. Julian was a fan of animals and often respected them more than most people. Plus he was a shape shifter after all; he spent half his time wandering around in one animal form or another, his favorite being the domestic house cat.

“I like the cats. They give the place a certain je ne sais quoi. Anyway, catch you later.” Julian finished as he gathered his things and headed for the door. He and Layla didn’t exactly get along great. They weren’t enemies by any means just two totally different types of people and if he wasn’t mistaken he made her uneasy.

Decided that he would leave his car at the store for now he decided to walk the rest of the way into the center of town where all the preparations were taking place. What better time to scope out what could be the event of the century? As he pulled out a crooked cigarette and lit it with the black bic he kept in his pocket he found himself in front of the pub. “Nah, too early. Not that much of a degenerate.” The tall, lanky boy said to himself out loud. His smooth baritone, comforting and soothing even to his own ears.

It was then he spotted his sister and Ava and with a crooked grin he walked over to the pair, overhearing most of their conversation on his way over. Tucking his hand into the pockets of his jeans he leaned against the wooden pillar holding up a booth still in the process of being assembled.

“I was just about to ask the same question.” Jules replied in greeting as he took a drag from the still lit cigarette dangling from his pouty lips. “I plan on getting properly wasted and I just can’t do it on my own, it’s not nearly as fun.” He finished with a cheeky grin and a wink in Ava’s direction.

---

---

Jade stood quietly behind Alaura as she took control of the situation- like she did every situation."How can we ever repay you?" Alaura asked, and Jade looked to her with a bit of annoyance. It was over just a quick as it had flared, and she was back to staring at the ground. "No, nothing. I don't need to be repaid," Mack replied, adding "I'm glad you're alright Jade." Jade looked up at him and offered a shy, embarrassed smile. Not soon after, she felt a warmth on her hand and turned to notice Quincy, who she offered the same smile to. He leaned in towards Alaura, informing her that he was there to help if she needed. As always. Jade stared at Quincy for a moment as Liam walked up. Quincy was so in love with her sister, so willing and desperate to help or leap at her command. Jade wondered if Alaura even knew about the effect she had on Quincy.


"Okay... Hoping everything is alright. Maybe we should bring Jade back to her home... I know that she probably doesn't want to stay here at least," Liam offered, speaking to her sister as if she weren't there. Jade looked up at him then, but not to glare. She was too numb to be mad at anyone right now, even though she was feeling more and more claustrophobic by the second. Mack began to nod, which drew her attention back to him as he said, "Do you need anything? I can swing by the supermarket and pick up any supplies..." "I don't think there's--" "The doctor said I need prenatal vitamins," Jade cut in, speaking up as she took her hand away from her older sister. "And, I'm pregnant, not crippled. Alaura, don't you have festival decorations to be putting up?" She sighed, aware of the annoyed tone coming out in her voice. She didn't want all these people around-- she just wanted Gwyn. Right now, that's all she wanted- to curl up beside her and die if that'd make a smile lift Gwyn's cheeks.

Jade shook away the thoughts of her ex as she placed a hand on her steadily growing stomach. Just as the doctor had said; her womb was inflating steadily, even as she stood in front of her friends now. She could feel milimeter by milimeter expanding, and her shorts already starting to feel tighter. "Just go back to decorating for the festival, I'm sure they need the help. My house isn't far- I'll walk. I want to walk, Alaura. I need some time to think. Mack, if you could maybe bring the vitamins over later, or give them to me when you see me at the festival- yes, I'm still going, that'd be great." She glanced around once more to everyone standing, staring at her. "Thank you all for being so worried, but I'm healed now, and I'm okay. I was just a little shook up, but Mack totally took care of me so I'm good now, okay? I'll see you all at the festival." With that, and before anyone else could chime in to stop her, she walked out of the clinic and started up the sidewalk to go back to her townhouse, which was as she said fairly close by.

As her door closed behind her, she leaned up against the frame and slowly slid to the floor, sobbing as she held her growing stomach. This was not how she had wanted anyone to find out- at all. It was all just too much: the loss of her girlfriend, not knowing who the father was, everyone finding out that she was pregnant, the idea of facing everyone that night with a beach-ball for a stomach, but above everything else-- almost losing her children. All five of them. Five of them. The idea made her nauseous, and she curled into herself, holding her stomach gently as she wept for everything she had lost.

When she was finally done feeling sorry for herself, she clawed her way back up her door to walk into her bathroom. She slowly stripped down, still sniffling and crying a little as she stared at her naked reflection. Her stomach welled in front of her as her red, puffy, eyes trailed over her form. She had been so beautiful once- now she looked like a cartoon character that had swallowed a beach ball. With a sigh, she showed and dug through her clothes for a larger pair of shorts, and a loose enough top to flow over her new stomach. Luckily the butterfly print managed to cover all of her skin, but it was painfully evident that she was pregnant. There would be no hiding it now. Figuring that she should at least tell her father, Jade scooped up her car keys and headed out of the door. She was about to get in, when she changed her mind. She could walk there, too. She lived on the other side of main street as it was, so it would just be a short walk to the bakery. Before she left, she placed a postit note on her door, in case Mack tried to drop the vitamins off at her house.

With a heavy heart, she put her keys, wallet, and cell into her brown shoulder purse. Walking felt significantly different now that she had so much weight toward her front. She found herself having to lean back just slightly, and felt very comfortable with one hand on her stomach. As she walked down the street, she noticed that most of the decorations had been set up, and the road had officially been blocked off. Good thing she hadn't taken her car. As she entered the bakery, her father came around the counter with a very serious look on his face. "It's been a long time, Bella," he said, his accent still as heavy as the day she was born. She couldn't help but smile warmly, tears swelling in her eyes. "I know, Papa." "I see you bring good news," his tone lifted with his smile as he walked over to her and put his arms around her. "I bet Guinevere is very excited," he chuckled. Bella started to cry all over again at the mention of her ex, throwing her arms around her father in a tight embrace.

She spent the next thirty minutes filling him in on everything he had missed over the past year, and apologized for being so secretive and distant. Mr. Aset sat stone silent on the other end of the patio table, ignoring the coffee one of his helpers had brought them. "You mean you don't know who the father is?" His tone was gentle, but firm, and from years of listening to that combination she could also hear the underlining disappointment. "I've tried to remember, Papa... I really have, but I just... I can't remember at all. I'm scared, Papa. I don't know what to do." Mr. Aset nodded slowly, holding the ultrasound picture in his hand fondly. "That's exactly how I felt when I first found out your mother was pregnant with Alaura. I was terrified. But, I found a way, little bird. Just as you will. You said Alaura already knows of this? Yes, well, then you will certainly have a lot of support. I'm sure April will be happy to hear the news as well." Jade smiled in awe of her father's calm demeanor. He was always so cool- so collect. No wonder Alaura always had her head on her shoulders.

"I have to get back to the bakery, little bird. Lots of baking to be done, the festival is starting soon. You just try to have fun, and relax a little. All there is to be done now is prepare." Jade nodded and stood as her father did, accepting a kiss to each of her cheeks. She felt significantly better. With renewed hope for herself, she made her way through main street which was lined with rides, vendors and food stands now- all frantically trying to set up for the festival. She had been signed up to work the kissing booth by Alaura weeks ago, and she felt a small twist in her stomach. No one was going to want to kiss a pregnant girl. She helped herself to a large pretzel, as she stood on the side walk and pulled out her phone to text for emergency back-up. She couldn't tell Alaura that she wouldn't be able to make it- she'd have to find a replacement.

To: Ariel, Asta, Julian, Leslie, Ronan, Bryce, Chione, Ramses, Fin, Daphne, Izzy, Stephanie.
Message: [GROUP MESSAGE] Hey everyone! I know this is super last minute, but I was supposed to work the kissing booth and get it organized, but... something came up. I have the following time slots that need to be filled, and I would love you forever if you could take a shift? 6:00-6:30, 7:00-7:30, 8:00-8:30, 9:00-9:30, and 10:00-10:30. The thirty minutes between each time the booth will hold raffles- the money goes to the school playground! Martha ((NPC)) will be taking care of the raffles, so after your thirty minutes is up you're free (: Let me know, guys! Again, thanks so much!

Jeeze, what a long text. She sighed a little, and continued to text since she had nothing better to do- and because she was a little lonely.

To:Layla
Message: Thanks for checking on me earlier. I'm okay, by the way. (: I hope we can get to hang out tonight.

To:Gwyn
Message: We need to talk. Please. It's important. - Jbird.

To:Mack
Message: Hey, I don't know if you got my note on the door or not but I'm already downtown for the festival! I went to see my dad at the bakery. He took the news well. Thanks for being so cool earlier, and for taking me to the hospital. I'm glad I have a friend like you.

To: Quincy
Message: Hey... can you do me one more favor? Keep Alaura busy tonight at the festival. I really don't need her breathing down my neck, worried the whole night. I want to have some fun, and she needs to have some fun. I know you're the man for the job. Ps- Thanks again for today, Quincy... meant a lot.

Tony was seated next to Dehiliah, collecting himself easily in one breath as he pushed away any and all thoughts other than those that concerned the people at the table. There was a time and place to freak out and this was definitely not the place to do it. So, forcing a convincing smile he leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table. When Viona kindly asked what he wanted he waved a hand at her, having lost his appetite. "I'm fine thanks, but I will take a glass of Dr. Pepper." Tony added on the drink quickly, smiling.

Hanging out with Fin, Amanda, and Dehiliah would help ease his racing mind. And it did, after a few minutes of just focusing on them, he already felt better. His loud and deep laugh rattled through his chest and his large smile was convincing enough to even fool him into thinking everything was alright. Tony knew how to get himself out of trouble, no matter how deep of a hole he had dug, all he needed to do was relax and stay calm. Which he was doing pretty well as he talked with the three other Grecians.

However, despite the fun and games, there was a pressing matter Tony needed to attend to. So with a polite smile Tony rubbed the back of his neck. "You'll have to excuse me," He started with a sigh, stretching slightly in his seat. "Dad might need me to help put up finishing touch ups around town." Standing slowly he finished off the Dr. Pepper he had been drinking. "I'll catch up with you later, boss." Tony promised Dehiliah and then looked to Fin and Amanda. "See y'all later. And with that, he took his leave, waving to them as he walked out of the restaurant.

With the sun shining down on him, Tony stretched his arms over his head, soaking up the warmth. Putting on his sunglasses he headed down the sidewalk, taking one last glance at his friends through the window of the restaurant. The streets were getting busy as the day progressed and Tony found himself wandering around town, admiring all the decorations that had gone up. At one point or another he had run into his father, though there wasn't much for him to help with anymore, so he went back to walking around town.

His phone buzzed in his pocket and a dark eyebrow rose slowly, nobody texted him. Actually, that was a life, his twin texted him all the time. Retrieving the slender black phone from his front pocket he shaded the screen from the sun and looked down at the text message from Izzy. He had been right, his sister had texted him, though she had done so earlier this morning. Tony had been so preoccupied he must've ignored the buzzing alert from his phone until now.


Hey Antonio, jk, I know how you hate being called that Tony. So guess what, I’ve decided that as your twin sister it’s my job to protect your social life so guess what, you're going to be at that festival tonight. See yah there.

Snorting a laugh out of his nose he texted her back quickly, his large thumbs having difficulty typing on the small keyboard.


Haha, sorry, just got your text. You'll be happy to know I spent most of my day with other people already. :P See you tonight. Hey, Izzy, smart decisions okay?

Preoccupied with his difficult texting, Tony hadn't been watching where he had been going, bumping his shoulder into someone and dropping his phone as soon as he had hit send. "Shit, sorry, didn't see you there." His apology was quick as he bent down to pick up his phone, unharmed thank the Gods, from where it had fallen. Upon straightening up and looking to the person he had run into accidently. His heart nearly stopped for the second time that day.

"Jade, sorry, again..." His voice trailed off slowly as he looked down at her belly. Putting his hands on his head, he took a step back, obviously shocked with her state. There was no denying it, she was pregnant, all of his doubts put to rest. "Y-you're pregnant?" Tony stammered breathlessly. "Oh Gods..." His voice was barely a whisper. "Where do I even start?" His voice caught in his throat as he tried to explain this outloud to not only Jade, but himself as well.

"We need to talk...But not here." Tony grabbed her wrist, dragging her down the sidewalk. He couldn't have her making a scene in the middle of the street. Pulling her off to the side and into an alley between two of the town shops, Tony let go of her wrist quickly. "I was going to tell you, I was, if I had had any idea you had been seeing somebody at the time..." His sentences were choppy, unorganized. "We were both really drunk...Jade...I'm so, so sorry. I never thought that this," He gestured to her swollen belly. "Was going to happen." Tony finally let go, the weight upon his shoulders lifting ever so slightly as he got this off his chest.

---

---

---

---

Mack was shaking his head as a pair of helpers moved a beam of wood into place,
"Watch where you're..." He started to warn the pair before, crash! the beam hit another pile of poles and sent them rolling across the road. Luckily most of the street was blocked off from pedestrians so there was little need for Mack to run screaming after them. Instead he simply pointed after them to the pair that had caused the crash.

A moment later a voice made him turn and he found Dehlilah Cyprus standing behind him.
"Um, hey I didn't want to interrupt but um can you ask the girl, my friend ran into if she's ok?" She sounded nervous, or perhaps she was just breathless from running across the street.
"Jade. Her name is Jade." Mack said. He felt uncharacteristically defensive of Jade. He was a friendly guy, he didn't take too many things to heart and was easily able to brush off most insults. But the crash this morning had almost cost Jade her babies and in his eyes Dehlilah had been more concerned with getting Antonio into the restaurant than caring for the hurt girl. Still, the fact that she was here asking after Jade meant that Mack's voice wasn't cold, it was simply lacking its usual warmth.

"I would have helped, but I didn't know if you'd want us... To put our noses in your business," Mack wondering who 'our' was meant to be, Dehlilah and Antonio? Mack shook his head slightly. He was about to argue that it had only been 'his' business because he had been concerned, but decided to hold his tongue. He liked Dehlilah well enough, from the little he had seen of her around town. Besides a moment later she looked over her shoulder. She said goodbye, placed a hand on his arm and added "Thanks, seriously," before leaving.

After she left Mack turned back to the set-up, shaking his head as he saw that in the few minutes his attention had been elsewhere all chaos had erupted...



Mack sat back, enjoying the cool beer in his hand as he watched the cordons open and the first residents enter the festival. Mack was at one of the stalls set up outside the bar, fairy lights twinkled above his head and the setting sun was caught and held by the string of mirror-like, plastic crystals that were twined around a nearby lamp post. Soon enough the whole street would be lit by the fairy lights and street lamp, creating a magical setting for the night's festivities.

Mack's hangover of the morning was well and truly gone. In fact, if he found the right people he wouldn't be against making an event out of tonight. He finished his beer and signaled for the bar keep who passed him another. He popped it open, appreciating the tsk of goodness being released.
"To a good night." He said to the bar keep, tilting his bottle in a salute. He returned his gaze to the street, took a sip and leaned back, waiting for the night to begin.

12:00 PM

Stephanie's heart was thumping as she thought about what she'd say to Antares when they were finally alone at the docks for once. Make it good Steph, he's going to love you. She had already told him it'd be okay if Ariel came along to, she doubted the kid would get between anything, she checked her phone and reread her last message:

To: Antares

Hey sure that's fine, can't wait to see you there I'll try to be early

Try was a bit of a stretch, she had purposely left work at 12:00 to make sure she had tons of time, in fact it seemed like next to nothing to could astray, but boy was she wrong. Stephanie walked across throws the docks when she noticed the car. Some idiot had bashed out a headlight! Only one person would dare do such a thing. “Izzy” Stephanie heard herself muttering under her breath. She looked back behind her. While she was furious with Izzy, she knew it wasn't worth running things with Antares. With one last scowl she continued throws the dock. Still no one, which was good, she was the first one there.

Pasting back and forth with nerves Stephanie couldn't think of much to say, a thought which scared her. She's never been good with letting people on to the fact she loved them. Why with her first boyfriend he had to practically force himself on her, so she didn't have to do much, but with the last one, well he was harder. Bobby always told her to just be herself. But what did he know, he couldn't even talk to the postman correctly.

Maybe it was because she was off in a funny memory of Bobby stuttering at the postman, or maybe it was because she wasn't paying attention but whatever the reason she tripped and landed on one wrist, her left one, hard. She winced and swore a bit. Gods her wrist hurt. But she couldn't have broken it, no she couldn't have broken it! If she had broke it that ruined everything! How was she suppose to hold hands with Antares! How was she suppose to pound Izzy!

As if for the pure good of it at that time a older middle aged man walked by. Just from the look of it Stephanie could tell he was just a normal guy and she figured he'd leave her alone.

“Why miss whatever seems to be the matter? I heard your crying while I was going around on my afternoon walk.”

“I wasn't crying it's nothing.”Stephanie growled holding her wrist and wincing.

“Well it seems to me as if you've hurt yourself, and it wouldn't be right of me to leave a young injured woman all by herself.” The man replied.

“You don't seem to understand, you see I have a date- er uh I mean I'm meeting someone!” Stephanie protested.

“Well little missy just come with me to the hospital, you can get that wrist of yours checked out, and then come right back.”
“Oh alright!” Stephanie gave in, but only because her wrist really did hurt, and though she'd never admit it to anyone she did feel a bit like crying in disappointment as she walked with the man, she hoped this would be done soon.

5PM

Stephanie sighed looking down at her wrist. It was banged and had been put in a sling. The doctor had said it was only a light sprain, but already Stephanie was worried. She hadn't been able to explain a thing to anyone as it was impossible to text with one hand. All she need now was some girl to steal Antares from her. Figuring that Antares and Ariel had left by now, Stephanie made her way to the festival. She's meet up with them there, she decided.



Izzy practically melted when Lucas kissed her. She never could figure out why, sure she'd been kissed by many different people before, girls and boys alike, but no one, not even Eva Whites her high school sweetheart, could come even remotely close to this boy. And boy did she ever like that, the only problem was that she couldn't let go of this boy, when he was with others, she found herself, yes her, feeling jealous. And she couldn't stand not being around him for more than a weeks time. Izzy didn't have crushes, nor did she really have love, and this was all strange to her and frighten as well as excited her. Suddenly he stopped kissing her and instead answered her.

“I wouldn't want to keep that important thing waiting.”

“Neither would I.” She smiled as she took his hand and the two walked outside.

“I can't wait for our forth time.” She heard him whisper in her ear. She let out another laugh.

“You've counted?” She watched as he held open the door for her and walked out of it.

“Now let's go get that thing.” Lucas grinned.

“Sure thing, I'd hate to keep either one of us waiting. I hate waiting!” Izzy looked at the sky and made a warm breeze fly by as she kissed Lucas deeply before pulling away and leading him to her car. She opened her doors and told Lucas to sit wherever he wished when she saw it, parked a little aways was the Ceres's car, she'd recognize it's ugly features from anywhere.

“Hey Lucas do you mind denting up a car before we go? See it's just that this little bitch, her names Stephanie, just seems to have parked her car in my blind spot, and I won't be able to see it.” Izzy pulled out and rammed into the car before driving off.

“See?” She smiled as she drove throws her flat. When they finally arrived and wounded up in her house she looked in Lucas's eyes and smiled.

“I love you Lucas, I do, I mean I like really love you.” She told him her fingers trailing around him teasingly. “And I'm going to make you want and love me, and you're going to love tonight.” She added trying hard not to blush. She never blushed. Blushing was overrated.

***

Izzy was laying beside Lucas, her hair in a mess, not that she minded, a pleasant smile on her face.

“Well that was fun eh?” She said. “You know, I was thinking, what if during the festival we go around and try to brake up as any couples as we can. I know it sounds mean, but think of it this way, were preventing the town from unwanted pregnancies. And a lot of drama, plus we'd be the envy of town.”

Izzy realized her phone had went off and she checked it. It was from her brother:


Haha, sorry, just got your text. You'll be happy to know I spent most of my day with people already.:P See you tonight. Hey, Izzy, smart decisions okay?

So much for that, Izzy thought with a laugh

“Sure thing, I'd hate to keep either one of us waiting. I hate waiting!” A warm breeze passed as he received a deep kiss from Izzy, something he really did enjoy. Out of all the girls and boys in town she was the only one he completely enjoyed all the time, everything about her was perfect.

“Hey Lucas do you mind denting up a car before we go? See it's just that this little bitch, her names Stephanie, just seems to have parked her car in my blind spot, and I won't be able to see it.” "Go ahead, babe, bitches get what they deserve." "See?" He knew little about her though, she was quiet and reserved, which to him did make her a bitch. She refused to talk to him maybe she thought she was better than him, there was no way she was though.

Before they left he felt them hit the girls car and then drive off. "That dent looks expensive." Things like that were a huge turn on to him, douche bags were always sexy. Looking over at her he leaned over to kiss her cheek, "Good job, baby." It's was obvious Izzy and him ran this town and had to make sure everyone else knew they were in charge.

When they finally got inside her home he had to use all his strength not to take off her clothes then and there. With his arms around her waist he looked into her eyes as she gazed back into his, Why does she have to be so beautiful? Being with Izzy was both good and bad, the good was their physical relations and the bad was how she made him want an emotional one too. He had never been in a emotional one before, it was all just sex to him, almost like a game. “I love you Lucas, I do, I mean I like really love you.” He couldn't help but smirk at the words, he had heard it so many times and all the others left, always. He knew in the end she probably would too, but he was still pleased to hear the words come from her mouth. As she spoke her hand rubbed against him making it hard for him to listen. “And I'm going to make you want and love me, and you're going to love tonight.” Him love? The thought was nice, but at the same time hard. He loved people, but he had never been in love with someone. Most of the time if a girl told him she loved him in this situation he'd just smack them across the mouth, laugh at them, then have his way, but he couldn't do that to Izzy. What was he suppose to do? He wasn't prepared for conversation, he thought they were just going to bang.

His mind was confused, but his outer appearance remained calm as he gave her a seductive smirk. Pulling her closer he whispered in her ear, "I love you too."



“Well that was fun eh?” "It's always fun when it's with you." Telling her so he slide his pants back on when she continued talking. “You know, I was thinking, what if during the festival we go around and try to brake up as any couples as we can. I know it sounds mean, but think of it this way, were preventing the town from unwanted pregnancies. And a lot of drama, plus we'd be the envy of town.” He liked the sound of the thought, being envied was always on his to-do-list. "And how do you say we break them up exactly?" Laying next to her he cuffed his hand in hers. Maybe he did love her more than he would admit, "You realize you're mine now," looking up at her he grinned, "meaning you have to listen to me. You're my pet." As he spoke he used his free hand to move her hair from her face like he had down back at the pub. "My beautiful little pet." He hoped the words didn't come off to harsh, but it was true. Whenever he was in a longish type relationship or even a short one, like most, he was always the boss. He had to be in control over it for whatever reason, but he had to. It wasn't like he acted like a slave owner, but he'd just tell them what the could and couldn't do, or wear, or say, and stuff along those lines.