Madeline Fowler's Story

She was staring at what would be considered a baby's costume, Madeline Fowler- or Maddie (as her parents would often call her), never had the chance to wear frilly and colorful princess costume during Halloween. Considering that it was her birthday, that wish of hers never came true. Other things on her list were to become a fairy, a ballet dancer or just be normally pretty and for once kids in her school would stop laughing at her.

But somehow Maddie was thankful that she was able to go to the Boyer's Halloween Party, at least she gets to celebrate her birthday without her mother scowling at her.

Owen Fowler was one of the trusted dentist of Forks. Most of the kids in her class would get their teeth checked by her Dad on a bi-yearly check up. Aside from having a private clinic, he was also the school's dentist and this year he would be attending a conference in Chicago, far from Maddie. But her Daddy managed to buy her a gift this year even if he won't be able to be at the exact date of her birthday.

"Sweetheart!" Maddie pressed her ear closer to the wall as she heard her mother complain about something. Earlier she heard shuffles of feet being dragged up the stairs, a soft squeaking of the bed and hushed voices. She didn't bother peaking out to see who it was since she had heard her father's car engine when he arrived. Normally he would knock at her door when he gets home but today was an exception. His wife, Hannah, had dragged him in the bedroom and disappointedly asked what was in the box he was carrying. Madeline still has no idea what they were arguing about.

"Look Honey, she deserves to have some fun. You can't lock her up every time you disapprove of what she does. She's a child for crying out loud," There was exasperation in his voice. "And besides, it's Halloween. Let our daughter have fun. This is the least I can give her." Noises of a paper was then heard.

"What? No, no, no, no. She'd look like a huge joke Owen! I am trying to discipline our daughter but if you are going to defy me in front of her, she'll never learn!" Hannah argued back. Maddie knew they were fighting about her again. It was the fifth and final day of her punishment when her mother saw the candy wrappers underneath her bed. M&M's, Snickers and Butterfinger wrappers were mushed against the side of her bed, a few collection she had for sneaking behind her mother's back. Hannah had confronted her when she came home from school that day. She started sobbing as her mother gripped her wrist and started spanking her hand. She was sent to bed with no dinner and was sentenced on a 5-day no TV, no Phone and No Books grounding.

"Come on, she's just 10! She'll look adorable in this costume. You'll see," And as soon as Maddie realized that the shuffling of feet were going towards her room she rushed back to her bed and pretended to be asleep under the covers. She squeezed her eyes and curled into a ball wishing that her parents wouldn't be suspicious- especially her mom.
She then heard a soft knock and the door squeaking, bright light from the hallway entered her dark room. She could feel the weight of her dad as he sunk his body on her bed, shaking her lightly with a smile and said, "Maddie Bear? Wake up Princess." Owen said sweetly.

Count to 5, Maddie thought to herself quietly. Count to 5 before you open your eyes... 2... 3... 4... 5 She then opened her eyes to see her mom standing by the door way with her arms folded on her chest, not looking a slight happy about her father's gift and her dad holding a big white box. Maddie pretended to rub her eyes with her fists and let out a fake yawn when it fact what she wanted to do was to eat. Her stomach grumbled, now if only she could have a slice of pizza and some coke- "Maddie, I have a surprise for you!" Her food thoughts were interrupted as Owen opened the box to reveal a, well- a little too orange-y Pumpkin costume with a head piece.

"Surprise!" He then walked over the her room's light switch and turned her lights on, Maddie squinted as her eyes had gotten used to the darkness of her room. "I know it's sad that I won't be here for you birthday aka Halloween so I decided to buy you a costume for the Boyer's party!" Apparently it was only her dad who was enthusiastic about the whole thing.

Maddie wasn't really friends with the Boyer kids, she saw them everyday at school but she technically doesn't know them. But since her Dad was pretty popular in town, she gets to be invited in all sorts of stuff. "Thanks Dad!" She sat up and gave her father a hug as her mother shook her head. Staring sternly at her as Maddie quickly shifted her gaze towards anywhere except her Mom.

"You are most definitely welcome sweetie! Now go and try it on," He pulled her up from bed and urged her to try the gift on.


"Hurry up Madeline! Or I'll be late!" She heard her Mom shouted from the base of the stairs. The two of them would be at separate parties as well, not minding that her Mom forgot that Halloween was also the day of her birthday, Maddie wasn't really in the mood to celebrate it without her Dad around. "Coming!" She called back. She then took a deep breath and released it. Surely the kids would be laughing at her once they see how ridiculous her costume was. Gertrude Rose, one of the bullies in her class would surely laugh at her face but she was expected to come when Mrs. Boyer had personally called her Dad (and her) about the party.

Maybe she'd just get some treats and run back home, she knows the secret place where they hide their spare key. She'll just wait until the night was over.

Maddie went down the stairs to see her mom dressed as a beautiful gypsy as she hooked her last hoop earring and stared at her reflection in the mirror. "There you are. I told you I need to be at the hotel's party early! Why can't you seem to move faster?" Hannah complained. "I told you to go on that diet I gave you and yet you never seem to listen to me!" She grabbed her bag, keys and coat and opened the door. "Hurry and get in the car, I'll just lock up." Shaking her head, she moved and gave a little space barely enough for Maddie to fit by.

Madeline squeezed herself in the space and hurried towards the passenger seat of their car, she plopped down at the seat and wore her seat belt. Few minutes later her Mom followed. The whole drive to the Boyer's was eerily silent. She could only hear the car's engine as she looked at the window to see older kids trick or treating or holding hands with their boyfriends. Maddie blushed at the idea of it, none of the boys in school thinks she's pretty enough to hold her hand.

Hannah then stepped on the breaks as they arrived at the Boyer's beautiful house. "Come on, just go with your friends and walk back home. I won't be around until 11. I'm in charge of everything in the party. Make sure you have locked everything in the house okay? You have my phone number and don't eat any of the sweet stuff. Am I clear?" Maddie removed her seat belt and nodded at everything her mother said. And as she was about to lean to kiss her on the cheek, Hannah pulled out her phone from her bag and answered a call. "Lindie? Yes, yes. I am on my way. I know!" She then followed it with a laugh, not minding her daughter. Maddie decided to just step out of the car and closed it behind her. She stood there as her mother drove away, she would have waved good bye but she knew Hannah wouldn't be paying any attention. She twirled around and looked at the magnificently designed yard. She wished her mom was as awesome as Mrs. Boyer.

She was staring at what would be considered a baby's costume, Madeline Fowler- or Maddie (as her parents would often call her), never had the chance to wear frilly and colorful princess costume during Halloween. Considering that it was her birthday, that wish of hers never came true. Other things on her list were to become a fairy, a ballet dancer or just be normally pretty and for once kids in her school would stop laughing at her.

But somehow Maddie was thankful that she was able to go to the Boyer's Halloween Party, at least she gets to celebrate her birthday without her mother scowling at her.

Owen Fowler was one of the trusted dentist of Forks. Most of the kids in her class would get their teeth checked by her Dad on a bi-yearly check up. Aside from having a private clinic, he was also the school's dentist and this year he would be attending a conference in Chicago, far from Maddie. But her Daddy managed to buy her a gift this year even if he won't be able to be at the exact date of her birthday.

"Sweetheart!" Maddie pressed her ear closer to the wall as she heard her mother complain about something. Earlier she heard shuffles of feet being dragged up the stairs, a soft squeaking of the bed and hushed voices. She didn't bother peaking out to see who it was since she had heard her father's car engine when he arrived. Normally he would knock at her door when he gets home but today was an exception. His wife, Hannah, had dragged him in the bedroom and disappointedly asked what was in the box he was carrying. Madeline still has no idea what they were arguing about.

"Look Honey, she deserves to have some fun. You can't lock her up every time you disapprove of what she does. She's a child for crying out loud," There was exasperation in his voice. "And besides, it's Halloween. Let our daughter have fun. This is the least I can give her." Noises of a paper was then heard.

"What? No, no, no, no. She'd look like a huge joke Owen! I am trying to discipline our daughter but if you are going to defy me in front of her, she'll never learn!" Hannah argued back. Maddie knew they were fighting about her again. It was the fifth and final day of her punishment when her mother saw the candy wrappers underneath her bed. M&M's, Snickers and Butterfinger wrappers were mushed against the side of her bed, a few collection she had for sneaking behind her mother's back. Hannah had confronted her when she came home from school that day. She started sobbing as her mother gripped her wrist and started spanking her hand. She was sent to bed with no dinner and was sentenced on a 5-day no TV, no Phone and No Books grounding.

"Come on, she's just 10! She'll look adorable in this costume. You'll see," And as soon as Maddie realized that the shuffling of feet were going towards her room she rushed back to her bed and pretended to be asleep under the covers. She squeezed her eyes and curled into a ball wishing that her parents wouldn't be suspicious- especially her mom.
She then heard a soft knock and the door squeaking, bright light from the hallway entered her dark room. She could feel the weight of her dad as he sunk his body on her bed, shaking her lightly with a smile and said, "Maddie Bear? Wake up Princess." Owen said sweetly.

Count to 5, Maddie thought to herself quietly. Count to 5 before you open your eyes... 2... 3... 4... 5 She then opened her eyes to see her mom standing by the door way with her arms folded on her chest, not looking a slight happy about her father's gift and her dad holding a big white box. Maddie pretended to rub her eyes with her fists and let out a fake yawn when it fact what she wanted to do was to eat. Her stomach grumbled, now if only she could have a slice of pizza and some coke- "Maddie, I have a surprise for you!" Her food thoughts were interrupted as Owen opened the box to reveal a, well- a little too orange-y Pumpkin costume with a head piece.

"Surprise!" He then walked over the her room's light switch and turned her lights on, Maddie squinted as her eyes had gotten used to the darkness of her room. "I know it's sad that I won't be here for you birthday aka Halloween so I decided to buy you a costume for the Boyer's party!" Apparently it was only her dad who was enthusiastic about the whole thing.

Maddie wasn't really friends with the Boyer kids, she saw them everyday at school but she technically doesn't know them. But since her Dad was pretty popular in town, she gets to be invited in all sorts of stuff. "Thanks Dad!" She sat up and gave her father a hug as her mother shook her head. Staring sternly at her as Maddie quickly shifted her gaze towards anywhere except her Mom.

"You are most definitely welcome sweetie! Now go and try it on," He pulled her up from bed and urged her to try the gift on.


"Hurry up Madeline! Or I'll be late!" She heard her Mom shouted from the base of the stairs. The two of them would be at separate parties as well, not minding that her Mom forgot that Halloween was also the day of her birthday, Maddie wasn't really in the mood to celebrate it without her Dad around. "Coming!" She called back. She then took a deep breath and released it. Surely the kids would be laughing at her once they see how ridiculous her costume was. Gertrude Rose, one of the bullies in her class would surely laugh at her face but she was expected to come when Mrs. Boyer had personally called her Dad (and her) about the party.

Maybe she'd just get some treats and run back home, she knows the secret place where they hide their spare key. She'll just wait until the night was over.

Maddie went down the stairs to see her mom dressed as a beautiful gypsy as she hooked her last hoop earring and stared at her reflection in the mirror. "There you are. I told you I need to be at the hotel's party early! Why can't you seem to move faster?" Hannah complained. "I told you to go on that diet I gave you and yet you never seem to listen to me!" She grabbed her bag, keys and coat and opened the door. "Hurry and get in the car, I'll just lock up." Shaking her head, she moved and gave a little space barely enough for Maddie to fit by.

Madeline squeezed herself in the space and hurried towards the passenger seat of their car, she plopped down at the seat and wore her seat belt. Few minutes later her Mom followed. The whole drive to the Boyer's was eerily silent. She could only hear the car's engine as she looked at the window to see older kids trick or treating or holding hands with their boyfriends. Maddie blushed at the idea of it, none of the boys in school thinks she's pretty enough to hold her hand.

Hannah then stepped on the breaks as they arrived at the Boyer's beautiful house. "Come on, just go with your friends and walk back home. I won't be around until 11. I'm in charge of everything in the party. Make sure you have locked everything in the house okay? You have my phone number and don't eat any of the sweet stuff. Am I clear?" Maddie removed her seat belt and nodded at everything her mother said. And as she was about to lean to kiss her on the cheek, Hannah pulled out her phone from her bag and answered a call. "Lindie? Yes, yes. I am on my way. I know!" She then followed it with a laugh, not minding her daughter. Maddie decided to just step out of the car and closed it behind her. She stood there as her mother drove away, she would have waved good bye but she knew Hannah wouldn't be paying any attention. She twirled around and looked at the magnificently designed yard. She wished her mom was as awesome as Mrs. Boyer.

-ignore this-

“I’d run if I were you. Mom has the brush, and she’s looking for a certain little wild cat. ” Turning to where her father stood in the doorway wiggling his fingers and attempting to look frightening, Emmaline giggled.

When their mother had noticed her husband carrying the rumpled Princess Belle through the backdoor of the house, her face turned red in anger.Not saying a word, she had stormed off up the stairs mumbling under her breath, the children's father dragging along behind her. "She's gonna get him good." Aidan had said before pulling Emmaline into the front room to wait for kids to arrive. It was there they still sat,slowly becoming more and more agitated with the wait.

Sighing at her father's words, the small princess shrugged her shoulders“That’s okay....hey look!” Pointing out towards the window, Emmaline gestured to the figure standing at the driveway “Somebody is here!” She squealed, bouncing in excitement.

Gazing out the fogged glass from their place at the window seat, Emmaline and Aidan watched giddily as party guest arrived at the front gate. The girl dressed as a pumpkin wasn’t someone Emmaline recognized, and the girl clearly belonged to the set of invites giving to Aidan’s age group, but Emmaline decided she liked her anyway.

“She’s weird.” Aidan said as he placed his mask to rest on top of his head “She doesn’t talk to anyone, and dresses like she’s your age.” Raising a brow at the pumpkin get up, he laughed “See?”

Glaring to her brother, Emmaline kicked his shin, causing the ten year old to let out a yelp “Dad!”

“Emmaline!”

“There is nothing wrong with the way I dress, Aidan Boyer, and I do not look like a pumpkin!” Looking back to the group outside, she noticed a familiar face “I know her!”

The smaller girl, Kelsy, was in Emmaline’s class, but she never said very much. The only time Emmaline had ever spoken to her was when she was dared to question the girl about her parents. Having two moms wasn’t something Emmaline could grasp, and although she wasn’t sure how, she was pretty sure it took both a mommy and a daddy to make a baby. “She doesn’t talk either, but I don’t think she’s weird.”

“You don’t think who is weird, dear?” A hand placed on her shoulder, Emmaline looked to Aidan who grinned from ear to ear “Moms got you now…” he whispered.

“Kelsy, she has two mommies.”

“Does she now?” Abigail asked, sending a glare to her husband who held his hands up in defense. “That’s nice.” Noticing two more guests arrive, a small boy in a batman custom accompanied by his grandfather, Abigail sighed “You, young lady need to behave tonight, and don’t look at me like that!” Turning to her son, she continued “I want you to go and welcome our guest like a proper gentlemen.” Opening the front door, she led her family onto the pouch before giving Aidan a small push.

Grumbling, Aidan shuffled his feet towards the group before stopping in front of the adults as his mother had told him earlier that day. “Hi, I’m Aidan.” He mumbled, a blush creeping along his cheeks. A loud laugh from the porch followed by a sharp whisper from his mother caused his face to bleed a deeper red, and he sighed in annoyance. “That’s Emma, my sister”

“My name is Lily!”

“Thanks’ for coming,” He continued, kicking a pebble on the ground “my mom made food and stuff, so you can come in the backyard. That's where the party is...”

Pulling away from her mother, Emmaline ran forward and held onto her brother hand with a grin “Come on!” Not waiting for a reply, she tugged him towards the yard, before calling to the others “Wait til you see all the candy!” Not stopping until she reached a black and orange clothed table, Emmaline dropped her brothers hand before picking up a cookie and munched happily on it. "So, do you wanna play?"

If there ever was a Pirate more Piratey than the rest it would be Maisy Cotton. Stella Huntington leant up against the bedroom door of the youngest girl and suppressed a smile. Whilst her two older sisters were sporting Power-puff girl outfits Maisy had refused to complete the threesome and had vowed it was essential that she go as a Pirate. She’d been so fixated on being one that even after a weeks worth of bullying from Holly and Jane hadn’t changed her mind.

“Come on you scurvy water rat” Stella called as Maisy adjusted her eye patch in the mirror. “Ms Johanson’s waiting outside.”

With a contagious beam Maisy run past her with an “ARHHG” and hurried down stairs to join the mismatch posse of power-puff girls, Dracula (Uncle Marcus) Dracula’s bride (Auntie Stella) and herself. Gathering up some pies and treats they had baked to say thanks to the Boyer’s for the invite the rowdy bunch piled out of their house and towards the car waiting for them across the road.
Ms Johanson got out of the car to give them a wave.

“Marcus put your tongue away” Stella hissed whilst shooting her husband a mindful eye. Marcus gawped at the implication but closed his mouth all the same with a pout.

“Hello Molly you look lovely. Not dressing up? No I'm starting to wish I hadnt. So nice of you to offer us a lift I don’t think you’ve met my husband Marcus, and these are the children Holly, Jane and Maisy. Are we sitting on laps? Yes, yes I see alright me and Marcus in the back with Jane and Holly. Is it alright for Maisy to sit on your daughters lap? Taylor? Taylor is that alright?”

The pretty girl in black seemed reluctant but gave a slight nod anyway. Maisy looked up at the girl in the front seat with a grin. She didn’t look like a witch, witches were ugly that’s why she told Holly and Jane to go as one.

“Hey I’m Maisy! S’cuse me” Maisy jumped up onto the girls lap and brought the door shut behind her with an almighty bang.

“Maisy!” Aunt Stella snapped. “Not so hard.”

Maisy looked over her shoulder at the girl and grinned. “You smell nice.”

The girl stared back with made up eyes and smirked. “And you smell…like a pirate.” Whether that was good or bad Maisy smiled all the same. Smelling like a pirate was a thing good.

They pulled up outside the Boyers to an assemblance of other vehicles parked outside the front. Maisy’s eyes widened at the sight of the Halloween mansion. She’d been dreaming about this party all week, getting to dress up as a Pirate and eat lots of candy and cake. She hoped they had sausage rolls…Pirates liked those. Barely able to contain her excitement Maisy tumbled out of the car when she spotted Kelsy and a few others from school making their way down the drive.

“Hey Kelsy!” Maisy liked Kelsy, she had squinty eyes and that made her cute. She also made a great first mate when she felt like it.

“Maisy wait” Stella and Marcus squeezed out of the car with Holly and Jane whilst Ms Johanson pulled a big cat out of a car seat. It looked funny seeing them all get out of the car with their pies and costumes on.

"Come on I can already smell the sausage rolls!" Maisy cried jumping up and down with her sword bumping at her side.

Stella and Marcus straightened themselves out and hussled them all together at the front of the gate. "No pictures first. Come on everyone. Your two aswell Molly"
The kids all shuffled close together and plastered their cheesy smiles on for the camera. Maisy glanced over her shoulder to see Holly and Jane looking ugly, the Taylor girl looking pretty and the little fat cat looking cheeky as she realised it was actually a little boy. She turned back and smiled brightly knowing she looked like the coolest Pirate in the world.

"Come on Kelsy we don't want to be late" said Glenda as she walked into her daughter's bedroom holding her costume in the crook of her arm.

Kelsy was sitting at her table playing with a doll and the stuffed Rajah that went wither Princess Jasmine costume. "Is it finished Mommy!" she jumped up excitedly as Glenda smiled and nodded.

"Yes, it is let’s get you ready" she began to dress her daughter.

Kelsy loved the feel of the satiny fabric on her skin; her mother had started the costume a month before and had just finished some last minute touches. Then the phone rang Kelsy sighed and watched Glenda walk to the kitchen.

She picked up the receiver up from the phone on the wall "Hello.... oh Hi dear.... oh no Kelsy will be so disappointed... alright don't beat yourself up for it. I'll explain it to her and I’m sure she'll understand. Yes I love you too... by honey".

Kelsy stood behind her with a sad look "Mommy Tammy isn't coming to the party is she?" Glenda shook her head and sighed.

"I'm sorry baby but Mommy Tammy is stuck at the hospital a little boy got into a very serious accident and needed help" Glenda wasn't surprised on Halloween. Lots of kids running around trick-or-treating if a parent wasn't careful and took allot of care accidents were bound to happen. Tammy had just started working that shift, after taking a second job working for the hospital.

"Don't worry honey I'm going with you so you don't have to feel so bad" she picked Kelsy up and began to tickle her. Laughter filled the house "Come on munchkin lets finished getting you ready.

After all was said and done Kesly looked at herself in the mirror "I love Mommy it looks just like the move!" she spun around. Kelsy always loved everything Mommy Glenda made and it was always so pretty. Aladdin was her favorite movie every day she had her mother put the video in at least once.

It was still a little early, so mother and daughter decided to walk to the Boyer's party. At first glance people would comment on how cute Kelsy's costume was. Then they realized who it was and whispers would be spoke after Kelsy and her mother had passed.

This was something that often times bothered Kelsy, she had a feeling she know what they were talking about. It was something that happened when she was at school too, other kids would be nice when Kelsy was right next to them but as soon as she walked away it was different. They would laugh and talk about how weird she was for having two mommies.

It wasn't long before they came up on the Boyer's house, Kelsy eyes gleamed as she looked at the house. "Mommy it's so beautiful it looks like Halloween Town" she said with wonder.

Glenda smiled the yard looked great she was sure it had taken them a long time to get it ready, they stood at the front gate and Kelsy clung to her mother.

Kelsy could see lots of children including some big kids she always felt uneasy around bigger kids.

Glenda tried to encourage her along when they noticed a young girls standing in front of the gate in a pumpkin costume watching a car drive away. Kelsy recognized her as the little girl that lived down the street, she was a little bit older then her and her name was Madeline. She remembered it because it reminded her of the stories she'd read.

Glenda felt sorry for the little girl her mother had just dropped her off and drove away. She walked up to the girl "Kelsy and I just got here would you like to walk in with us so you don't have to go in by yourself?" the woman asked with a gentle smile.

Kelsy gave a shy wave "Hi I'm Kelsy" she said still clinging to her mother.

That was when Kelsy heard cheering coming from the house, she could see Lilly jumping up and down. She smiled noticing that she was dressed like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, she liked that movie too but not as much as Aladdin.

The Lilly and a boy came up

“Hi, I’m Aidan.”... “That’s Emma, my sister” said the boy Kelsy smiled.

“My name is Lily!” this made Kelsy giggle a little but she still clung on to her mother's sweater.

“Thanks’ for coming,”... “my mom made food and stuff, so you can come in the backyard. That's where the party is...” said Aidan.

Glenda smiled at the shy boy "Thank you for having us" and she urged Kelsy to go forward.

“Come on!” Kelsy smiled and followed Lilly to the back yard glancing back occasionally at her mother who was just standing there smiling.

“Wait till you see all the candy!” Kelsy's eyes went wide looking at all the treat.

"My mommy made stuff but this is a lot" she said in a soft tone of voice as Lilly took a bite of a cookie. She was still a little uneasy with so many new people around. But being around Lilly made her feel a little better and not so shy.

"So, do you wanna play?" Lilly asked her mouth still full of cookie.

Kelsy nodded and smiled "Oookay".

As parents and their children in tow started arriving after Maddie, she felt so lonely but not for long as younger and smaller girl who appeared to be Asian said hi to her as she clung to her Mommy. A pang of jealousy hit Little Maddie as she wished her own mother was just like any ordinary mother. She smiled at the girl who had introduced herself as Kelsy and she was wearing a really pretty costume of Jasmine from Aladdin. She gave the girl as shy smile and looked at her mother and shrugged as if she was giving an excuse about her lame costume.

Just then a young boy came rushing from inside the party house as Red Power Ranger while a girl rushed after him and she was wearing a yellow Belle costume “Hi, I’m Aidan. That’s Emma, my sister” said the boy. “My name is Lily!”
“Thanks’ for coming, my mom made food and stuff, so you can come in the backyard. That's where the party is...” said Aidan.
Maddie's tummy grumbled by the mention of food, the last thing she had was veggie lasagna served by her mother who thought that if she was "satisfied" with dinner then she wouldn't pig out on candy.
“Come on! “Wait till you see all the candy!” Lily exclaimed. It was enough for Maddie to follow the girls into the backyard. She just wished the other Mommies won't tell on her.

As they entered the backyard, Maddie's eyes widened. It was so much better than the front yard. It was exactly how she imagined a Halloween party would be. She rushed to pick a hotdog on a stick and happily munched on it as the others picked on something else. She took another bite when Lily spoke again, "So, do you wanna play?"

Maddie nodded and followed Kelsy and Lily. They were nice, she just hopes they wouldn't bully her after. "Th-thanks for inviting me by the way." She looked at Lily and offered her hand. "I'm Madeline by the way, but everyone else calls me Maddie." She also looked at Kelsy and smiled. "I- I- I hope I can join and play with you girl," She stammered as she looked down on her black sneakers.

~Reserved for something later in the role play~

She’d forgotten who it was she was running from. All she knew was that she couldn’t stop. If she stopped, she’d lose. Her yellow dress shuffled noisily against her small legs as she climbed over a log that lay across the soft grass. Distance, everything in her screamed for it; behind her the squeals and laughter of the others could be heard, and Emmaline pushed herself faster. Who’s ever idea it was to allow the boys to play with them must have been stupid.

The guest had finally arrived; the Boyer children’s mother had escorted the final guest to where the children stood awkwardly around the table, reminding them all to have fun and for Emmaline to "Keep her pretty dress clean".

At the sight of another Power Ranger, Aidan puffed out his chest and pulled his mask over his face. “About time you showed up.”

Looking in confusion to where her brother had spoken, Emmaline too noticed the presence of others “You know them?” She asked, munching on a cookie.

“You’re so stupid, Emma. Every Ranger knows his own comrades. That's the green ranger.”

Making a face towards her brother, she turned to the pumpkin, who called herself Maddie, and Kelsy. “You know pumpkin; you’re not weird at all.” Emmaline said with a grin. Beside her, Aidan turned red under his mask, and rammed his sister’s side with his elbow before she could speak anymore “Ow! What was that for?”

”Shut up!”

"Well, she's not!" Emmaline said placing her half eaten cookie on the table “And that makes you a liar, Aidan Boyer!” As the word left her lips, the sound of shuffling feet approaching from the side of the house could be heard as another gust arrived.

” "Have no fear, Sir Ian is here!"

“Good, you can slay my pest of a sister” Aidan mumbled as he pushed his hands into the waist of his red pants with a soft kick at the ground.

Emmaline, choosing to ignore her pouting brother, paced her mask gently on the table before ripping Aidan’s from his head ”Hey! What do you think you are doing?”

Rocking back on her heels, Emmaline smiled impishly “They wanna play!” she chirped, oblivious to the fact only two of the guest had answered her previous question.

”Men don’t play with little girls, pest” Aidan growled out before looking to where the men had gathered: A fellow ranger, Bat man, a greaser, a knight…and some kid and a mask. I can work with this he thought glancing towards his bedroom window “You guys any good at Super Mario?”

Grabbing onto her brother arm before he could lead the way to his cave, Emmaline giggled “Well, it’s a good thing we don’t have any men here.” Ignoring his struggles and hard glare, she continued on, using two of the boys that had given their names “Besides, Jason and Ian don’t mind playing with little girls, do you guys?” Emmaline asked before placing her hands on her hips with a smirk “You’re not afraid of girls are you, Teddy?”

Pulling his arm from the clutches of his sister, Aidan stared in annoyance before glancing to the other girls with a blush. Straightening his back, Aidan set his eyes on the pumpkin before glancing to his men ”Get them.

“oh no…” Letting out a scream, Emmaline took off towards the center of the yard, glancing back to the others with a loud “RUUUUUN!”

Her yellow dress shuffled nosily as she clambered over a down log lying on the soft grass. Tumbling over the rotten wood with a small oomph, Emmaline glared angrily at the long fabric covering her legs “I really hate the person who came up with this..” she grumbled folding her arms in a pout, blood now dripping from a small tear on her knee.

Ricky would never admit it in the future, and would not have admitted it at the time, but he felt an undeniable trepidation in the moments before he stepped over the threshold. It followed him inside even as he left his mother behind at the door with a kiss goodbye and a promise to call later. It loomed over him as he made his way through the house to meet these mysterious new people. As he approached the others, another Power Ranger greeted him. One part of what he said stuck out to Ricky. "Every Ranger knows his own comrades." At that moment, the trepidation left, and Ricky felt like he could relax.

Feeling more confident, like usual, he grabbed a cookie and chewed on it as he tried to figure out the names of the other kids. The princess's name was...Emma? The other Power Ranger was Aidan? They really didn't get along; that much was obvious. Aidan reminded Ricky a bit of Tommy, from Brooklyn. The pumpkin girl was...Maddie, and-

"Have no fear, Sir Ian is here!"

Ricky looked over in surprise at the knight. Only a moment later he decided to walk over. He lifted the mask up onto the top of his hair as he said, "Hi Ian! I'm Ricky!"

Before much else could be said, Aidan had joined them. "You guys any good at Super Mario?"

...Wha? Ricky had to admit he wasn't "any good" at this Super Mario. After all, he didn't really know what it was. It seemed familiar, from a commercial maybe.

Aidan and Emma began arguing again, and the next thing he knew a chase had begun. So...tag? He could do tag! He discarded the mask and took off after the others, not knowing who was "it" and not really caring. Just running was fun!

Sweat poured from his brow as Aidan panted against the side of the house. He had just caught Taylor, the girl dressed as a witch, when her mother arrived announcing she would be taking her, along with the girl that arrived with them, to the block party after all. With a small wave the girls were gone, and Aidan was left looking for his next target. He’d be lying if he said it wasn’t actually fun. What boy didn’t like chasing after girls?
Pushing away from the wall of the house, he began scanning the yard. Ian could be seen sprinting across the yard, quickly gaining on Emma who was huddled behind a fallen tree trunk. He debated momentarily if he should go to her before the pumpkin scurrying into a decretive tomb caught his attention. The girl was a joke, and honestly he couldn’t fathom why his parents even invited her. He was sure it had been his mother’s work, with the girl’s father being a dentist and all, but did she really have to know where he lived?

Noticing something scamper by his feet, Aidan grinned as an idea played in his mind. Reaching down, he caught the mouse in his hands and glared to the hiding place of the chubby girl. He wasn’t sure what he hated her so much, he just did, and her being around just made him agitated in ways he couldn’t explain.

Covering his palm over a large crack in the edge of the tomb, he felt the mouse squirm from his hands. Rubbing them against the fabric of his pants after releasing his small “friend”, Aidan turned away to flee the scene. Guilt poked at his stomach, but he pushed it aside. “It’s only a little mouse.” He said glancing back to the tomb ”Emma plays with them all the time..” No sooner than the words left his lips, a high pitched sound came from the box and Aidan spun around in shock.

Looking around frantically he desperately tried to see if anyone had heard her. Seeing no one even glance in their direction, Aidan sighed. Again he tried to turn away, but as the cries reached his ears he knew he couldn’t leave. Finally he ripped the cover off of the tomb panting as he stared at the screaming girl. He wasn’t sure how long he stood there, or even how long she cried out, but suddenly he was reaching down and pressing his lips firm over her mouth. It wasn’t romantic, and it wasn’t like his dad use to kiss his mom, but it shut her up.

Pulling back, Aidan reached over her and picked up the terrified shaking mouse and placed it on the ground. Turning to leave he spoke over his shoulder ”It was me.” He said in a mumble, although he wasn’t sure why"The mouse....sorry."

Walking away, he met eyes with Emma, who was glancing between Maddie and himself with growing anger on her face. He knew nobody saw what had happened, but he was sure one glance to the pumpkin’s tear stained face and his own guilty one would lead to the conclusion he had done something bad.

Lowering his head in shame, Aidan wandered back towards the table where his mask still laid. There, stood the kid in the mask. A new guilt filled Aidan as he realized the boy had been left behind in the fun. ”Hey man,” Aidan said pushing lightly on the boys shoulders with a grin ”How about that video game?"
***********************************************************************************************************************

It wasn’t long after she huddled against the log that Ian had found her. Glancing up with a huff, Emmaline took in the boy’s rumpled appearance. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t shocked to see anyone but her brother hovering over her. Aidan never missed a chance to chase after his sister, especially when she annoyed him into doing so. Despite it not being Aidan, Emmaline grinned as all children do, and held up her hand to be tugged off the ground. She was sure her dress was grass stained, and glancing down to her muddy feet Emmaline let out a laugh. She wasn’t sure where her shoes had wandered off too, but they were most likely gone for good.

The sound of feet hitting the grass caught her attention, and she turned to see Ricky “That’s not fair!” she cried out when both boys circled her. Crossing her arms, Emmaline tried to find a way between them, but knew there was no hope. It was during this process she first noticed a puffy faced Maddie standing in the tomb her father had built with tears streaming down her face. Following her gaze, Emmaline’s eyes locked with Aidan’s and another look between the two told her that her brute big brother was the cause of the tears. She would never understand boys, and if she grew to never see one again she would be a happy girl!

A gasp behind her made Emmaline stiffen as thoughts of stupid boys fled her mind, and she quickly stepped behind the two boys who moments before were her sworn enemies "Hide me. She whispered frantically.

There stood her mother, arms crossed and a frown wrinkling her usual flawless face.“Emmaline Amelia Boyer, what is on your dress!” she screeched , obviously unimpressed with the sight before her.

Peeking out over the shoulder of one of the two boy, Emmaline grinned “Hey mommy!” she giggled before looking down ”I’m not really sure.” she said, narrowing her eyes in confusion ”I told it you said to stay clean, but it didn’t listen. It’s very naughty”
**********************************************************************************************************************

After a long scolding for Emmaline, and a long bath for each of the children, they were all sent to their sleeping areas. It had been decided that since the children seemed to be enjoying themselves, the remaining guest would stay the night. With mumbles of goodnight, the group separated: Girls to Emmaline’s room, boys to Aidan’s. It was a process that would be repeated from many more nights to come, and despite previous judgment on one another…friendships had been formed.

As soon as Thanksgiving was done, Forks' Middle School had started decorating for the Yuletide Season. Even the small town was filled with Christmas balls, lanterns and the cold December breeze. There were times when snow fell, highlighting the smoke that comes out of the chimney to provide warmth for the families.

It wasn't hard to feel the festive mood since the cold weather helped improved it. In fact, the only mall in town had started giving marked down prices for possible Christmas gifts which were often recycled and gave away again.

But what made the students of FMS more excited was the fact that the school has already announced the sign up for the Annual Christmas Talent Show. It was considered the prom of middle schoolers, it is where cool kids win and get to brag about it for the whole year.

And now for more than a month, the children who were once strangers to each other had also created a special bond, they slowly get to know each other better. Differences were often forgotten when the games starts and soon remembered when competitiveness strikes.

Madeline Fowler stared at the Red Poster with awe, she instantly grabbed a leaflet of the progarm as it gave her a certain kind of warmth inside her heart but she suddenly felt sad as she realized that she has no talent to share. So she adjusted the strap of her backpack and clutched her lunch bag tightly before walking away, it was lunch time so she decided to go look for her new found friends. She turned left and right towards their usual hang out, a wooden table under an oak tree that provided them a good shade. She was glad that the sun decided to show up today, at least it wouldn't be as cold as usual.

The leaflet was still in her hand as she dropped her two bags on the table and sat among the girls. She slapped the leaflet on the wooden table and pushed in the middle for everyone to see. "It's the time of the year," She shyly said. "What do you have in mind? I'd probably just watch with Daddy from the audience. Does any of you have a talent to share?"

Other children had started rushing out the yard as well, creating a noisy atmosphere as everyone hugged the warmth that the sun brought. Maddie pulled out her lunch box which consisted of bland lettuce and carrot sticks, at least she liked the carrot sticks so she picked them and munched. She eyed Everleigh's sandwich and knew that even for 3 straight days, she'd prefer it than what her mom packs her for lunch. Luckily, before she goes home, Mrs. Boyer gives her a cookie or brownie. She munches on the treat before she reaches her house where her mom would make her eat silly diet shakes and tasteless dinner. She was glad her dad would order pizza for them when her mom goes on over time at the hotel, the two of them would just have to discard the evidences really good and pretend that they ate the lean meat cuisines.

~~~~~~~~~

"Oh my gaahhh!" Britney Welsch started hyperventilating and fanning herself with her hands as the Annual Christmas Talent poster welcomed her. The Pretties always entered the show and there was never a time that they didn't get an award from the ceremonies. They also always bag the best costume award, thanks to their parent's credit cards. She quickly snatched a flyer and rushed to where Zoey and the others maybe. The Pretties always hang out on table on top of the school yard stairs, it gives them a good look of the rest of the school and giving them a royal like feel. But not everyone can approach the Royal Table (Zoey gets to name everything), only those lucky enough to be invited.

As Britney strutted up the Royal Table, girls eyed her new Barbie back pack with envy. Her parents always buys her new stuff and she always asks them to buy whatever Zoey's parents had bought for her friend. She knew they have a trend to set and she can't let Zoey get all the fame for it, she needs to live up to her name. Anything pink, it has to be Britney's.

wrong place to post- disregard

The girls in the table started brainstorming about their roles for the talent show with the exception of Everleigh, she knew her friends aren't really all that comfortable or at ease with each other but she likes them for being different. Everleigh for their shared love of books, Eryka for her unique yet intriguing personality (as well as the girl speaking up when it's just the two of them) and Emmaline or Lily as she fondly calls her best friend for being the awesomest girl who always stood up for her and being the bestest best friend out there.

She started eating her food and cradled her round chin on top of her palm as her elbow rested on the table, still listening to her friends, when she was taken aback by a familiar voice. She quickly crumpled like a piece of paper and looked down on her thighs and sneakers, Aidan had just come up to their table. And those few moments are on the top list of Maddie's daytime nightmares. Him and the Pretties.

Maddie did her best not to be noticed but Aidan was trying to make it difficult by hanging around a lot longer. She counted up to 30, wishing he'd move away and back to where Zoey and her Drones are. 17, 18, 19... But her counting was suddenly interrupted as a hand quickly reached for her lunch. Aidan had grabbed a piece of her lunch, it totally made Maddie confused. Often he'd tease her to go away of he'll catch cooties from her, he'd make her cry just so she'd get out of the Boyer's house less frequently, or make snidey remarks when Emmaline's not around. But Aidan- Aidan Boyer actually grabbed a piece of her food? Oh boy, you are totally undecipherable She thought, using the latest "big" word she found while reading a new book.

And as she lifted her gaze, doing the unexpected, she saw him winking at her conscious friend Eryka as the poor girl blushed mightily. Has the boy been teasing her friend as well? Poor Eryka, if she has been hearing and been suffering a lot of bullying from the other kids she thinks Eryka is suffering more than she does. At least she has Emmaline to stand for her. Well she does have her brother but she knows Noah is going through some tough time as well.

Aidan quickly messed with her bestfriend's hair and walked away. She giggled at now Emmaline's messy hair when the boy was gone and said, "I'm not really sure what I can contribute for the Talent Show, I can help make the background or pull the rope for the fake snow." She suggested. Just then she remembered the new magazine her father had bought for her. It was a DIY costume maker. "Oh wait! I know! I can make your costumes better, if you'll let me." She beamed at them with a wide smile and hoping the three girls would take her suggestion into consideration.

"I promise, I'll make them nice and cute!" She beamed some more and took a bite of her lunch, feeling much better.

Ricky was having a good day, all things considered. The jerk who made fun of his nose had been absent from his usual post by the doors, the pop quiz in History was an easy ace, and he and Ian had planned for dodgeball during recess. He had settled into a niche quite nicely with Aidan and Ian, if a synergetic hyper-energetic singularity could be called a "niche." Either way, what counted was that Ricky was enjoying himself, both in general and specifically on that day. Which was why meeting the aforementioned jerk again right on the way to lunch had been such an unpleasant surprise.

"Hey, Nosy." The demeaning nickname came out almost venomous, where from anyone else, like Ian or Everleigh, it would have been funny, if strange. "Hey Nosy," he continued, "I'm talkin' to you."

Once again Ricky found himself putting skills learned on the streets of Brooklyn to good use. "Buzz off, jack."

That was a mistake, and Ricky knew it the moment the retort came, outraged at his flippancy. "My name's not Jack, you dummy."

"My name's not Nosy either," Ricky shot back. He felt quite proud of himself for that recovery. His satisfaction was short-lived, though, as he suddenly felt an arresting hand on his shoulder. He whipped around at it, and saw "Not-Jack" behind him. The kid was older than Ricky, and significantly taller. Ricky felt more than a little intimidated.

"You better watch yourself, kid," Not-Jack responded, icy. "Next time you won't be so lucky." With that cryptic remark, the jerk departed for the cafeteria. Ricky turned to watch him mystified, and only then saw the teacher standing a distance away. She was probably the reason he hadn't ended up with a re-broken nose. Thanking her would be weird, though, so Ricky just made his way into the cafeteria, and found the girls already seated. He had been a bit held up thanks to a late class, not to mention the strange encounter a moment ago.

Mystified and a bit annoyed that his good day had suddenly been brought down to normal, he continued on to the girls' table. He gave the best smile he could with his suddenly changed mood. "Hi all! This seat taken?" It wasn't normally, but he always checked.

Emmaline muttered in annoyance as her brother strutted off, most likely to find the boys. I really hate him sometimes she thought as she stared daggers towards Zoey, who waved enthusiastically from across the field. If the child noticed the odd way Eryka reacted to her sibling, she gave no reaction to it, deciding instead to ponder her impending doom.

She vaguely heard Eveleigh question Eryka about something and turned towards her pink friend ”Just ignore him. It works for me most of the time.” Reaching out, Emmaline placed half of her turkey sandwich on Maddie’s lunch box with a smile ”Really, you would do that?” she asked with a raised voice as Eryka made her suggestion ”That would be really cool! It could be me, you, and Maddie…”

Glancing to Everleigh, Emmaline felt a twang of guilt. She really wasn’t that bad….and it wasn’t her fault the boys treated her different. ”It would be nice if you joined too, Everleigh,” She muttered, swinging her legs back and forth”since your mom is making you and all. Maybe you can come over too….to practice your song?” Just as she finished her question, a presence behind her caused her body to stiffen. Never mind…

She knew it was Ricky before he opened his mouth, and she felt joy and anger all at once. Rolling her eyes, Emmaline placed her arm to rest on the table in annoyance. As he questioned about a seat, she surprisingly stayed quiet, deciding instead to allow Everleigh to answer. She knew it was him the girl had been looking for, and Emmaline felt something she couldn’t place. Aidan seemed to always be around Zoey, and now Everleigh had taken Ricky. Who was she supposed to count on now? Scooting closer to Maddie, Emmaline nudged her and pointed to where Zoey seemed to be ranting and let out a giggle. At least she still had her “big sister”.

Across the field Zoey grumbled in annoyance as Aidan’s form left the table and wondered off “He has to make sure his sister doesn’t turn out like her friend.” She spat out before flipping her air and sighed. “Who knows where that girl is, but I know where she is supposed to be.” No sooner than the words left her mouth, Britney showed herself “Gee Brit, nice to show up.”

As she noticed Emmaline’s eyes locked with hers, Zoey waved with a wide smile. She vaguely heard Seraphina, but the girl’s words didn’t sink in until Britney began to speak. It was at this time Michael made his appearance, and the boy paused for moment rethinking his decision to sit as Zoey let out an annoyed screech “You cannot be serious, no, better yet, I know you’re not!” Tapping her feet in anger, Zoey gave a pointed look to her friend “This is important, Seraphina.” Grabbing her bag, Zoey shook her head in shame “You can be so selfish!” Stalking away, expecting Britney to follow of course, Zoey muttered under her breath.

Watching her stalk away, Michael let out a chuckle “You really pissed her off.” Shrugging innocently as a teacher scolder him, Michael popped a couple of sunflower seeds in his mouth and let his eyes roam the field. Nodding his head to Aidan’s sister, who seemed to be laughing as well about Zoey’s dramatic exit , he mouthed in question about her sibling.

Seeing her glance behind her, he too stood to make his departure “I’m going to jet before the beast returns. Good luck with that one.” Tossing a few more seeds into his mouth, Michael strolled to the kids table, allowing his eyes to linger on a certain beauty before he kneed Emmaline in the spine softy “See you later, little bit.” Getting an annoyed half wave, he laughed, giving one last glance to the girl’s friend that sat unaware of him it seemed, before heading to where Aidan stood dribbling a basketball on the black top. No sooner than the game had begun the bell rang signaling the end of lunch, and the once full field became empty as children stampeded to their classes.

As everyone else brainstormed into the ideas for the talent show Madeline listened tentatively on her friends as she continued munching on her bland food. She stared at Emmaline and felt the animosity in her friends voice, she clearly doesn't feel good towards Everleigh. She sighed and continued to munch until the bell rang. Kids everywhere groaned but scurried to close their lunchboxes and throw their trashes as they passed by the large trash bin going towards the school.

Madeline closed her own lunch box after dumping the left overs in a paper bag, a treat for the class' pet rabbit she decided. She took her best friend's hand and walked back to their class just like everyone else.

(Sorry for it being short. Its just a wrap up so we can move on)