California

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Chocolate brown eyes stared dircectly into hazel eyes.

"Shay..."

"Hmm?"

"This is me, noticing you staring," he told her and Shailene peered at him rather seriously over her chai tea latte. After a long match of tennis against his parents, the two had finally drudged up enough energy to leave one of the many Arsenault mansions in favor of the French Quarter Restaurant in West Hollywood. Shailene had been spending the last week and a half with the Arsenault family, especially considering no one had actually been at their bigger mansion over in Arizona. The two had barely been without the other, much to Chadwick's earlier chagrin. He almost complained about her deciding to drag him along to a few photo shoots, but surmised that this was Shay's way of dealing with his senior year. Not like she couldn't have graduated a year earlier if she had just taken the classes necessary to do so, but he wasn't going to bring that up.

So, instead, he sucked it up and spent as much time with Shailene as possible. Which technicaly meant practically howling over the fact that she broke the nose of one of her fellow supermodels. The girl had been coming on to Chadwick and while Shailene had no particular romantic feelings for him, her protectiveness and possessiveness came out when the girl tried her patience. The woman had been adamant that Chad would give in, to which he responded as nicely and apprropirately as he could. Yet, despite his coming to the film festival in Monte Carlo with Shay as Shay's escort, the other model practically ignored her presence altogether and even went so low as to suggest that she was, for lack of better terms, better than Shailene. She also became touchy-feely and well, so did Shay. She just so happened to use her fists.

Either way, after that incident, they had made their way back to LA with little to no problems since the attack hadn't actually occurred on camera. They had spent a good amount of time walking through Hollywood, visiting Richard's beach house (it was definitely more of a mansion, but Shay wasn't going to be picky), and now getting ready to return to school tomorrow. As lazy as the two were, the managed to garner enough energy to play a nice little competitive round of tennis with Chadwick's parents, which turned into three rounds and an initially fuming Shailene. After all, who the hell liked swinging a racket around anyway? It was exhausting. They got themselves together, though. Shailene got dressed in a daring white dress beneath a kimono and paired it with her wedge sandals. While it took her longer to actually decide on things, Chadwick had already been downstairs, dressed, and making reservations for the restaurant. Now, they sat across from one another with a very enthusiastic smile pulling at the corners of Shailene's mouth.

"What color are you wearing to Izzy's party?" She asked in a surprisingly quiet voice, although he detected the underlying excitement that rankled just below the calm. Chadwick chuckled and took a sip of his mimosa.

"Are you trying to dress me again?" He inquired. A strand of dark hair fell into her left eye and Shailene swiped it back, patting the feathery mesh back. To his surprise and delight, she had decided to let the humidity do what it will with her hair and didn't straighten it the other day, allowing her natural curl pattern to show. For the moment, she had some of it gathered at the back of her head while the rest fell down her back in a gratuitous waterfall of tight and luscious curls with strands framing her face. Chadwick didn't say it often, but he preferred this style.

"Would you let me?" Chadwick grimaced at the thought.

He didn't doubt Shailene's ability to dress him. Over the summer, she had gained nearly two thousand more followers and garnered an extra hundred clients on her website, which only meant that her line would be successful long before she got to college. She had dressed him once before and his outfit, though not particularly his style, had been pretty decent and very well close to it. The problem had been his mother. She loved it so much, he got more clothes than he would have ever wanted. And let's be clear - Chadwick was not a fan of clothes, trying them on, or even shopping. So, no, he wouldn't let her dress him again. Not if it meant that again. Hell no, he thought.

"What color would you have me wear?" Chad finally asked, which happened to be the million dollar question because the smile that formed on her face seemed to have made the sun glare brightly into the room. Shailene pushed her plate forward then to place her elbows on the table elegantly, hands pressed beneath her chin. Her half-eaten vegetable omlette sit forgotten.

"I was thinking yellow," she told him and Chadwick was very quick to make a face. She pouted. "Don't make that face, it'll be so cute. It's going to be nice and bright against your skin and you'll be a tease. All the girls will be all over you." Chadwick deadpanned.

"You know I hate that color, Shay." She pouted. He sighed. "You're not going to leave this alone, are you?" Shailene simply pouted even more, if that was possible. Chad could only sigh again, rubbing at the bridge of his nose. "Fine. But it's only a shirt and it better be in my closet because I'm not - "

"Already done and on your bed with a pair of swim trunks," she finished with a small squeal and a clap of her hands. Internally, Chadwick wanted to smile. Despite how much more serious she can be when compared to someone like Alessandra, Shailene genuinely had a child deep inside her that was partly needy and had an eccentric energy that only few could bring out. He happened to be one of this few. "It's going to be great. You'll be a tease and all precious and such."

"Uh huh, sure. Are we done here?" Chadwick inquired, calling to the waiter and instructed the male to put it on his tab. Rolling her eyes, Shailene slid from her stool and neatly straightened out the hem of her dress, which fell to the middle of her thighs.

"Don't be a baby, love. I would never set you up," she swore and linked arms with Chadwick once he set down a tip. Smirking down at her, he led his best friend out just as a thought struck her. "I should probably see what Allie is doing or, wearing, for that matter." She whipped out her phone and sent out a text.

To: Alessandra
Shopping?

Buzz Buzz
Buzz Buzz Buzz
A blonde girl groaned and snaked her hand out of her sheets. She knocked over a gold skull and a tall candle in the process.
"Fuuuck " She groaned deeply.
She finally grabbed the phone and put it up to her ear. " Hello?" She said groggily. Her naturally raspy voice deepened into a bed voice and she cleared her voice loudly.
"Honey it's me", the voice said into the phone. Honey scowled at the phone but let them keep talking. "You know Crystal, your assistant?". Oh year Crystal, that chick her producer was dating. Honey made a noise of agreement so she continued. "Umm Yesterday you told me to wake you up so you could go to your friends pool party?"

Honey jolted awake and glanced at her phone's clock. " Shit!" She cursed, hanging up the phone. She quickly walked to her bathroom and took a hot shower. After taking care of her hygiene, she slipped on a black string bikini, with her high waisted super short shorts, and a crop top. She brushed her hair down to her waist, slicked on some waterproof mascara and some waterproof eyeliner, and lip stain. She eyed her outfit in a full length mirror, then when she was sufficiently satisfied she puckered up her lips at herself. She took a few selfies and posted them to Instagram. She glanced at her clock again. Then slipped out of her room and into the hallway. She tripped a little on some toys and scowled.

As she passed the kitchen she left a note on the fridge that said they needed to clean up the toys. She slipped on her wedges and big sunglasses as she got in the elevator. She crossed her arms over her ample chest and put up her "Don't talk to me" voice. Though apparently it wasn't good enough because a guy walked into the elevator and smiled at her. "Hey, your that singer that lives in the penthouse right?"

She gave him a fake smile and raised her eyebrows. He grinned at her. She slipped headphones in so he wouldn't talk to her again. Luckily he got off at the first floor so she didn't have to worry about him stalking her to car or something. She quickly walked to her Mercedes Benz G Class and hopped inside. Before she pulled out a phone she sent out a group message



Just as she sent that she noticed the guy from before looking at her. She squinted her eyes to look at him closer. Sure enough it was him. She pulled out her phone and quickly wrote a tweet.


She quickly pulled off and sped out the parking lot. Great now she was driving with nowhere to go. Now what?

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"Don't give me that look," Shailene threw at Chadwick as they pulled up into the Arsenault estate. Chadwick, meanwhile, chuckled and shook his head in amusement.

After all, since when did Alessandra Ambrosia not want to shop? Which really shouldn't have been Shay's question, now that she considered it, but still. She couldn't help it. Some part of her was still growing used to the idea of having as much money as she did and while she was enthusiastic about fashion and shopping like her friend, she wasn't always keen on spending money. There had always been several shopping trips that included Shay buying things as simple as jewelry and that being the end of that story. And with the party only a few hours away, Shay would have thought Allie would have been found some epically stunning outfit for the event!

"I'm not judging you." She glowered in response.

"Says the person who's rocking his judgy face," she countered with a small growl. Chadwick laughed lightly and stepped out of his vehciel, hurrying over to Shailene's side to open his door. After all, what kind of world would they be in if Chadwick Arsenault wasn't being a gentleman? "By the way, what are you doing to be doing while I'm out with the girls?" He shrugged, leaning against the side of his father's red XKR Jaguar.

"Probably going to see this outfit you've picked out and take it with me to see if Isaiah needs any help." Shay nodded idly and pulled out her cell, sending a quick text to both Allie and Catalina.

To: Cat
Going shopping w/ Allie. Not sure how u feel about that D:

To: Allie
How foolish of me! Meet u there :D

"Well, I just text the girls that I'll meet them there. Think your Dad will mind me borrowing the car?" A dark eyebrow rose before Chadwick smirk.

"You're like, his other daughter. Pretty sure he'd feel honored if you drove."

"Lucky me," she exclaimed, noting the underlying sarcasm in her friend's voice and snatching the key from his grasp. "Try not to miss me too much, love."

"Yeah, whatever. You try to keep Allie from trying to buy the whole store, again." Chadwick called over her shoulder as she took to climbing into the driver's side and turning on the engine to drown his voice out. Smirking, Shailene slid on her Chanel shades and pulled out. Smirking, Chad brought out his phone and text Isaiah, turning to walk back inside the house.

To: Izzy
I'm bored. Need any help?

"Erik! Erik, get up!" A little girl insisted while shaking the burrito of bed-sheets and a lazy teenager. Everything that came out of the bed sheets was a grunt. "Come on Erik! You promised you'd take me to the mall!" the girl kept insisting, now practically jumping up and down on the poor viking-burrito "five more minutes Clara" Erik mumbled and turned over, tripping Clara in the process. "Come on! Get up! get up!" Erik heard Clara run out of the room, thinking he had won this battle Erik smiled and went back to sleep only to be awoken a few seconds later by a glass of ice cold water in the face. "What the heck Clara!?"Erik shouted and jolted out of the bed, looking down at the girl who stood there with a look of success on her face before she ran out of the room and closed the door behind her. "I'm going to kill that brat someday" Erik mumbled to himself before quickly throwing on a red button-up shirt with rolled up sleeves and a pair of brown jeans.

Down in the hallway Erik met mrs.Smith, the mother in his host family, on her way out of the door. "Good morning Mrs. Smith" he said as she hurried out of the door. Erik wasn't 100% sure on what exactly she did for a living, but it certainly caused her allot of stress. "Morning Erik, be careful with Clara today!" she shouted back at him as the door closed. So far Erik had a great relationship with the Smiths, after just a couple of weeks they trusted him enough to let him watch their youngest daughter at the mall. Of course they still thought he was a Christian, which was the first thing he had lied about in America. Anyway, the 10 year old girl was siting at the dinner table, happily munching on a slice of loaf with some sort of jelly on it. "So what are we getting today?" Erik asked as he sat down with Clara. "Just some schoolstuff. A new backpack, and some pencils, and pens, and a ruler, and...uhm... an ice cream!" she stated. Erik, not wanting to argue just nodded, besides he wasn't the one paying. "Whenever your ready" he said when as soon as they had both eaten their breakfast.

An hour later they were walking around in a shop that had exactly the things they were searching for. Unfortunately Clara couldn't decide on which one she wanted, so while she tried to decide, Erik sent a text to a some guy who allegedly was holding a party for the school tonight.

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Honey was scrowling through her instagram timeline when Shay's text popped up. She had decided it was probably a stupid idea to just drive around aimlessly so she just stopped by a Jamba Juice and bought a smoothie. Shopping? She scrunched her nose in disapproval.They went shopping all the time and don't get her wrong she loved to shop but she hated just going to go. Like if there was a new Fall line out she'd go but that wasn't until two more weeks and she already bought all the fall previews she could get her hands on. "I might as well just head to Izzy's house" She murmured to herself.



She was walking out the store when she spotted the Papz. She pulled her sunglasses on and tied her hair up in a ponytail before briskly walking to her SUV. Once inside she let her hair down and pushed the sunglasses into her hair. She reached for her purse and applied some more lips stain in a maroon color before pulling off

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About thirty minutes later she pulled up in front of Izz's house. She groaned when she saw that he wasn't there. "Guess I'll entertain myself" She said pulling out her phone. One post caught her eye. Some girl talking about how it was a streetlight party. "What the hell? ". But then she saw more and more posts. She sighed as she looked down at her green crop top then turned around and pawed through her backseat praying she'd find a yellow bikini top or a tank or something, anything really. Unfortunately she didn't wear yellow she didn't even like yellow. So the search was fruitless. She opened her door and dangled her tanned long legs out the side and leaned her head against her chair. There really was no option but to wait now. Hopefully Izzy had a shirt she could slip on or something.

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Honey grinned at Isaiah. " I was out all night last night your lucky I remembered to come. " She followed Isaiah into the house but quickly walked in front of him. " Sometimes I contemplate moving out of my place and into something like this. You know more home like? " She sent a smoldering look over her shoulder. A very practiced look otherwise known as the "honey glaze". It was her signature look and she did it so often that occasionally she forgot she was doing it. It consisted of sharpening her eyes, turning her head at just the right over the shoulder angle, and giving a mona lisa smile. " But then I remember I'm not much of a homebody. "

At the mention of Chad's name Honey perked up a little. She spotted a mirror and after lifting her heavy hair with both hands turning her body at an angle and tilting her head to the side, checked herself out. " I don't even like yellow" She said casually. Honey despised wearing yellow. It was bad enough she looked like a barbie, she was not gonna be seen in any color barbie like. Yellow was very barbie like. She followed behind Izzy, occasionally dragging her slender fingertips along objects.

Honey had a natural sexual aura about her. It was part of her image. The long thick blonde hair falling to her waist, the hooded dark eyes, the plump pouty lips, deep raspy voice, and natural confidence. Sex sells and Honey reeked of it. She tilted her head to the side, " So Chad's on his way? " She asked casually as she slid into a barstool in the kitchen. She tapped her long almond shaped fingernails along the counter. " What color do you think he'll wear? "

Part of her hoped he'd wear red. She hoped he didn't intend on having some random hookup. Part of her hoped he'd wear green. As long as it was with her. She shook that thought out of her mind mentally and physically and hopped off the barstool.
" We might as well get started with unloading. I think I'm strong enough to carry some stuff in " She said as she pulled the bottom of her shorts down. The bottom of her rounded toned touche was starting to show. As much as she loved the bubble butt she worked so hard for. She didn't need it out for display. It was hard enough to miss all the junk she had in her trunk without extra help. Finally after a few tugs she gave up and simply headed toward Izzy's SUV.

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"Naea. NAEA! Wake up!"

Linnaea's eyes fluttered open at the sound of her little sister's voice. The smell of hay and horses drifted through her nose, and she felt a soft nose nudging her stomach. She shook herself awake and realized that her pillow was her horse, and she was in his stable.

Of course. She'd come in here when she couldn't sleep last night.

She looked around the comfortable, straw lined box, until she fixed her eyes upon Alice, who was leaning over the stable door. Ace whinnied in protest, nudging her again. She wiped the sleep from her eyes, and dragged herself to her feet. "What's up, Alice?" She mumbled sleepily to her sister. The wide eyed little girl, with her curly locks flowing down her back, swung on the stable door, and Naea petted her horse affectionately. "I guess we had better feed them, huh?" She grinned at her little sister, wide awake, before walking over and exiting the stable, closing the door behind her. The palomino gelding stood up and poked his head over the stable door, whinnying in protest for his food. Naea grinned and rolled her eyes at the horse's cheek, and walked into the feed room to get his breakfast ready, along with Luna's.

A few minutes later, the noise of horses crunching pony nuts and sugar beet in her ears, Linnaea brushed herself off and headed out of the stables. Judging from where the sun was, she would say it was somewhere just before 12. She brushed her jodhpurs off, and finally checked her phone, before picking up Alice and giving her a piggy back.

"Don't you have something to go to, today?" Alice's chipper voice broke the silence as they walked through their mother's carefully preened and cared for gardens. The trickling of a fountain could be heard, signalling that she was almost back at the house. She almost swore out loud as she realized what today was. "Oh my god!" She moaned, angry that she had let herself forget. "Come on, kiddo, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" She yelled, taking off at a run. Her sister squealed in joy, and giggled like a mad thing. They were soon back at the house, at which Alice prompty slid off of Naea's back, and ran into the living room. As Linnaea predicted, the sound of cartoons soon came from the living room. Naea, smiling to herself, headed up the stairs to her room, before closing the door, and searching for the reddest bikini she could find. She was definitely not in the mood for random people hitting on her today. Before she began her search, she got out her phone and sent Allie a quick message.



She didn't wait for a reply, but instead continued to search for a simple red bikini. She found one, encrusted with diamante around the hems, before putting it on and sliding into her outfit for the party. It was simple, but her style. She brushed her hair and tied it into a high, messy ponytail, and went into her bathroom to wash her face, and apply some perfume. Finally, she was ready. Truth be told, she was extremely nervous about the whole thing, but she wasn't about to let it show. She checked herself over one more time in the mirror, before leaving her room and shutting the door, and hurrying back outside to where her car was. She slid inside, checked her phone again and started the engine. She had second thoughts about the color - after all, she was single, she should technically be in green - but then disagreed with herself again and texted Isaiah hurriedly.



She hurriedly drove out of the driveway and was on her way before she could change her mind again. It wasn't a long drive to Isaiah's new place, and sure enough, she was there in ten minutes. It looked like there was somebody else here, too, as she had spotted a car she wasn't sure she recognized. She slid out of the car, tugging her cardigan around her shoulders even though it was hot, slipped her phone in her pocket, and locked her car, taking a deep breath and walking up to Isaiah's home. It was very modern style, and Linnaea didn't remember ever visiting before, but she decided she liked it. Most of it was made of glass, so she had no doubts that they had probably already seen her. She smiled to herself and hurried up to his front door, and knocked on it a few times.

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After texting Alessandra that she was at the mall, Shailene parked and hurried into the store, sighing to herself when she heard the flash of a few cameras. You would think after years in this one profession that the paparazzi would at least attempt to be subtle, but she wouldn't pay them any mind. She didn't bother texting Cat back, she would do it later. After all, she hadn't actually expected her friend to come. Her Allie's interactions were a hit-or-miss. On some days, the two could get along, on another, they were too much for either to handle. Shay slid her shades off when she entered the building, not exactly sure where to go. She could go into Solistice, but didn't she already own nearly fifty pairs of shades already. The obsession began when she was a around seven and she loved seeing the older celebrities rocking sunglasses of varying sizes. In her hands currently was a pair from Chanel that she remembered Beyoncé had worn back in the early 2000s, though Shay's were definitely more modern and personalized. Sighing again, she headed over to Starbucks.

"Grande Passion Tango tea, thanks," she said, slid her card, and waited for her drink. After getting a text from Chadwick stating that he would probably go in another color (whatever his dislike for the color yellow was unfounded and hardly unfair since it would do him justice, but again, she wouldn't pay it any mind or argue. It wasn't like she had actually expected him to listen to her.), Shay wandered aimlessly through the large shopping center, first stopping in Solistice against her better judgment. She sipped at her fruity tea idly and ended up buying about four more pairs of shades, which she would undoubtedly feel bad about later. But now wasn't the time to care. She had to kill time waiting for her friends and after wandering a bit more aimlessly, she headed over to Beach Bunny Swimwear to check out bathing suits.

She was still trying to decide if she was opting for a bikini or one-piece. There were always sexy one-pieces and bikinis were nice yes, and they showed off her tummy which she definitely yummy in her eyes, but which was the move she was willing to make? Steering clear of the raunchier selections (she liked sensual, yes, but taste was definitely was a requirement), Shay's eyes landed on a sexy little number and she hurried up to text Alessandra.

To: Allie
Where r u!? I think I found the 1!!

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To: Isaiah
Five minutes out. Be there soon.

After first sending a text to Shailene about her never dressing him again (there was nothing wrong with the outfit, he just really hated the color and well, the shorts were a joke and they both knew it), Chad had thrown another outfit together and put it in his duffle bag along with two extra towels in case Shay forgot her own, which she had always been liable to do. He would deal with the yellow for now, but he knew himself well enough to know that the color was just not his favorite. It was too bright. Shay would joke that it was just him trying to dress "as dark as his soul" or whatever bullshit line she would try to feed him, but it was whatever. He would wear her little outfit. But the second he was ready, he would put something else on. So, he changed. Finished with that, he had jogged lightly down the spiral staircase to see his Dad on his phone.

"Heading out, probably won't be back until later," he said over his shoulder with a wave and headed out. Not in the mood to have another one of their cars out and about in LA, Chad went instead to his bike collection and chose his 2014 Honda. Most people, it seemed, liked to believe that his bike collection consisted mainly of those one needled to pedal, which baffled him. Chad was, simply put, a fan of bikes. All bikes. He even had a few dirt bikes. Strapping on his helmet, he revved the bike up and zoomed out of the garage, following the long road to the mansion's gates before speeding down the way to get the highway. He was a good ten minutes away from Isaiah's new place when he decided to send his text to Izzy. At a red light, GPS had shown him a shorter route and after a quick U-turn, Chad found himself on Izzy's street. Putting his phone back in his pocket, he slowly found his friend's new crib and parked nearby.

When he walked up, he already noticed one person there and smiled.

"Hey, Linnae. Did he answer yet?"

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Honey raised her perfectly arched eyebrows as she heard the knock at the door. " Well somebody's here. " She opened the door and spotted a pretty blonde girl and a very attractive head of curls. She stepped outside and turned to Linnaea first and flashed her a smile. "Linn, took you long enough " She said with a grin. She gave the girl a quick hug, easily surrounding her in her signature spicy vanilla scent. She then turned to Chad and, after taking a deep breath and quickly reminding herself that she was Honey fucking Perez, gave him a grin. "Hey big daddy Chaddy", she said teasingly. She let out a rare genuine smile that made her eyes squint but quickly regained control of it. She glanced down at her chest and bit her dark red lips " It didn't seem like a good idea to combine a yellow top and yellow skin"She explained even though she really didn't have to.

Honey Perez wasn't cute. She was one of the youngest sex icons in years. People were calling her the new Bridgette Bardot. Get it together, she chastised herself. She walked ahead while biting down a smile, before turning around "We need to get some stuff out the trunk " She explained over her shoulder. She approached his trunk and stood on her tiptoes to lift it up. This caused her back to arch and her blonde hair to tumble down her back. Rather than pull out the hatch she leaned in regrettably giving her peers a pretty enviable view of the butt she spent weeks toning. She couldn't hold back the blush that spread through her dark skin. She held two bottles of Vodka close to her chest and briskly walked back to the house. She set the bottles on the counter before pulling out her phone.



She then walked back to the door so she could hold it open as they brought things in. That and so she could watch Chad's cute little touche bring stuff in.

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"Angel! You gotta wake up, you're gonna be late!" Angel's little... sister, you could call her, Dynasty shouted in the young girl's ear as she shook her. Angelina just groaned before swatting at her and sitting up in her bed to reveal her smudged makeup stained face. Dynasty looked the older girl up and down before looking into her reddish eyes. "What did you do last night?" the eldest girl just rolled her eyes, ignoring the little ten years old's question as she got up and walked to the restroom. "Seriously, Angel. What were you doing last night when you snuck in through the kitchen window." She was rubbing her eyes as she stopped dead in her track to turn towards Dynasty. "How did you know that?"

"You're not very quiet when you're high. But, don't worry no one else heard you and I won't snitch on you. Promise" Dynasty said before holding up her pinky finger. Angel sighed and smirk as she squatted down to her younger 'sister's' level to wrap her pinky around the young girl's. "And that's why you're my favorite." She whispered with a wink. "Now, are Estaban and Sierra up?" Dynasty nodded. "Good, and Zen and Issac?--"

"Took your car." Angel stood up straight, infuriated. "They did what?!"

"Issac and Zen wanted to pick up their girlfriends, or whatever they are and take them shopping for some party tonight. I tried to stop them but, they told me that you said it was fine and you were taking the bus." Angel groaned as she punched the wall, still a little on edge from the cocaine still in her system a bit. She always got even more angry and violent than she already was when she took it. Dynasty took a step back and looked like she was about to cry. Angel looked down at her before sighing and going back down to the young girl's height. "I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at them," She kissed her cheek before continuing. "Now, go get with Sierra and Esta to Emmy. You guys eat?" She nodded with a smile on her face. "Good, I might be a bit late getting home if I have to take the bus again. Have a good day, okay? And no attitude."

Dynasty rolled her eyes and huffed before fixing her bag and walking away before looking back at the eighteen year old. She walked out and yelled at Sierra and Estaban to come on and that their caretaker was waiting in the car for them. Angel smirked and chuckled before walking to the front door to wave at Emily and the kids before they went off to their friends house in Bel-Air Since she now had to take the bus, she had forty minutes to get ready before having to sit on a bus from East LA to Hollywood for an hour just to get to an audition and that was if there wasn't any problems. She rushed into the bathroom, only bumping into the wall once before starting the water and hopping it just to find out that all that was left was icy water. She groaned before shouting, "God damnit! Can I not catch a break today?! Shit." Again, with the anger. Wow, she must have went overboard a bit last night...

It took her ten minutes to get all cleaned only to wrap her hair up in her designated, 'Little Mermaid' towel and wrapping her plain white one around her small body as she hurried into the room and locking the door behind her. Sure, she was the only one home but, she still liked having the door closed and locked at all times when it was allowed. Her outfit for the day was already laying on her bed ready to go as she sat at the vanity turned dresser to get started on her makeup. By the time she had finished putting on her signature ruby red lipstick and slipped on her black top and leggings followed by her white heels (given to her by Sun-Ye from when she went to Paris) Angelina looked herself up and down with a smirk on her face as she grabbed her phone from her twin size bed and took a few quick pictures. She looked at them as she check the time. "Shit." She grabbed her bag from the corner of her bed before rushing out of the room and out of the house. She locked the door as she made her way down the street to the bus stop just to make it there right when the older bus driver, Victor was about take off. She hurried in her heels as she banged on the glass door to make him stop. "Yo, Victor! C'mon man, stop the bus." Apparently someone else heard her and got the man's attention right before he stopped and opened the door for her.

"Angel, since when do you ride the bus?" Angel sighed as she slid her bus pass and sat in the front seat next to a guy who was the first person to introduce themselves when Angel had moved it, Samuel. "Since, Issac and Zen learned how to hot wire my car." She rolled her eyes as Samuel chuckled as put one finger on Angel's chin to make her look at him. "'Know, hermosa you would have to worry about being late if you just got a job closer to your house and hell, maybe you could work with the love of your life at the music store." Angel removed the finger from her chin as she looked at his smirk and laughed softly. "Funny, I didn't know I had a love."

Sam put his hands over his heart with a pout. Victor laughed as he looked at the mirror to see them, seeing that most people in their neighborhood got on the bus ride right before this one, Samuel and Angel were the only two people on the entire bus. "Son, I think you've been broken up with." Victor said as Samuel clicked his tongue. "Victor, my little Angel here wants me. She's just playin' hard to get and all..." He winked at her before watching the girl roll her eyes once again. "Sam, I wouldn't hold your breath on me ever being with you." Samuel bit his lower lip and looked her up and down before leaning into her ear and whispering. "Not what you were saying two weeks ago, beautiful." Angel smirk and chuckled as she nudged him in the stomach softly. "Bite me." She whispered back. "You offering?" Sam asked just as they pulled up to music store where Samuel worked all summer. "Save that answer for later, gorgeous. I need to go make that money." He stated as he slid past her and winked. He blew her a kiss before being flipped off by the young girl and exiting the bus.

Victor closed the door and started driving again. Looking at the time, Angel was seeing around what time she would get to school at this rate. If no one else got on that is. "You know Angel... I think Samuel likes you." Victor said, breaking Angel focus. "Really Victor, I didn't notice." She said in sarcasm as she looked up with a small smirk peeking on her lips before slipping in her earbuds and laying her head down as the music was blasting. She softly nodded her head to the beat as she started to drift off.





An hour and three minutes later, she was now awake as she looked out the window to see the familiar buildings of Hollywood. Victor stopped the bus and looked in the back to address everyone. "Tener unos buenos chicos de día. Nos vemos después del trabajo. {Have a good day guys. See you after work.} Most, if not everyone on the bus got off and waved at the old man before he drove off. Angel smiled at some of her neighbors before heading the other way to her audition, hearing the mumbles about what she was wearing get quieter and quieter. Looking at the time, she noticed that she had gotten a text from her agent aka, Annie's sister saying that they pushed her audition back for another hour. "Great. What am I suppose to do now?" She asked herself softly as she walked the other way towards the restaurants and stores. Looking through her Instagram feed to see everyone talked about this party Isaiah was having tonight. Just looked at the post made her heart leap softly. She had been so busy getting unpacked from her trip with her animals friends, she never even got to find a green outfit to wear. And since, she had an hour free. Why not, see if she can find a decently priced outfit at the mall not too far away from where she was?

---

Naea grinned as she heard a familiar voice behind her, as she waited for the door to open. She hadn't really noticed the roar of the motor bike, as she was preoccupied with checking her phone. Her sister had apparently raided the pantry for chocolate... Again. She smiled to herself and turned to greet Chad.

"Hey, Linnae. Did he answer yet?"

The girl shook her blonde curls, grinning at the floor. "Do you think I'd be waiting out here if he was?" She asked, a cheeky smirk on her lips. Suddenly, the door opened, and Linn grinned. Honey had answered the door, and the light blonde girl with tan skin had smiled at her, before enveloping her in a hug. She smelled like... Well, Honey smelled like honey, and it was very light and pleasant. She grinned, before replying with; "I'm surprised you aren't cringing away from me, I fell asleep with Ace and slept in late." She pulled a guilty face and bit her lip. "Oh well. Fresh and clean as can be now." She shrugged nonchalantly, grinning to say she was kidding around a bit. The attractive young blonde then released her and turned to Chad, who it was pretty obvious was the apple of her eye at that moment. She shot Chad a look and raised her eyebrows slightly, before smiling again and heading to Catalina's car, to help out.

She had to admit - Naea was surprised that only four people had shown up yet. Fiddling with the hem of her white and pink top, she made her way to the car, and soon found Izzy. "Hey, Izz." She greeted him with a small hand gesture. "What is it I need to grab?" He was attractive, as Isaiah had always been. However, Izz was off the charts for Naea, and she knew that, so she treated him with friendship only. "It must be earlier than I thought... There aren't many people here yet, huh?" She was trying to make small talk with him, trying to start a conversation. It was a lot more difficult than she imagined - she was out of practise with her whole bubbly side.

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Florian woke slowly, to the smell of vomit in the bathroom, and the moans of his hungover mother from the bedroom next door. The boy shook his hair from out of his eyes, wondering if he could even be bothered to get out of bed that day, much like he did every day. Did he really want to take care of his mother? No. Of course not. Who would ever want to do a job like that? He sighed to himself and checked his phone. He didn't even look at the time, just the weather. Sunny again. Perfect. He could go out and ride his skateboard and go to that stupid party -

Shit. The party.

Florian had forgotten all about that - and he definitely did not have any clothes of red or green, and DEFINITELY not yellow. He mentally facepalmed - he did not have the money to buy a whole new outfit, and any money he had gotten over the holidays had been spent on skateboard repairs, (he'd splintered the board twice - it had cost a lot of his allowance to get it fixed both times) food, bills, and X Box games. Any clothes he had bought were dark blue or black. He was totally unprepared and the party started soon. He cringed and rolled out of bed, not even bothering to unwrap himself from his duvet. He ended up on the floor with a thump, before he eased himself out of the duvet carefully, nursing any new bruises to appear from yesterday's skating antics.

Florian made himself get up and walk into the living room. He could smell the reek of stomach acid coming from the bathroom, and his mother's room adjacent. He swallowed back the bile that always rose in the back of his throat when he thought of her, held his breath, and poked his head into his mother's room. She was sprawled on the bed, passed out, completely hung over and most likely still slightly drunk from last night's episode. She'd puked all down the side of her bed and onto the floor, and the rancid smell of bleach was coming from the toilet where she'd tried to clean it herself. He cringed and backed out of there. She could deal with it when she woke up. She was old enough to.

Rubbing his forehead with his index finger and thumb, Flo returned to his room. He changed from his pajamas into a Guns and Roses tee and some ripped jeans along with his converse, and to top it off, his cross necklace. He tiptoed out of his room again, slipping his phone into his pocket, his black jacket tied around his shoulders. He grabbed his skateboard and slammed the door. He didn't plan on coming back here today, at least, he would once it was passed midnight. His mother would probably be out cold again by then.

Florian didn't think about where he was going, he just hopped on his skateboard, earphones in his ears blasting music away so he couldn't think or hear, and somehow, he managed to make it safely into the city centre relatively quickly. He wanted to let himself go a little bit today, and it didn't matter if it was right then, or later, or whenever. Just as long as it would drown out today and he could get back to school as fast as possible.

He barely had time to stop as he saw a girl checking her phone. He managed to swerve to avoid her, slipping off his skateboard and sending it scooting backwards from him as he stumbled over his own feet, but relatively proud of himself for avoiding her. He recognized her now, too, it was Angelina. He grinned and saluted her Florian style, with a sarcastic grin and a tilt of his head to the side, before he flicked his hair out of his eyes. He retrieved his board and decided to go up to her. Why not? She was in the same sort of position as he was in.

"Hey, Angel. What's up?" He greeted her casually. He didn't really have an opinion on her type - he believed they all had a story, just like he did. People don't change on a whim. "You have an outfit yet?" He asked, pulling out an earphone. He hoped she didn't. He needed a hand picking something bright coloured. It just never seemed to suit him, no matter what people nagged. He was thinking about a dark green t-shirt, but had no idea, if he was honest. He just hoped Angel could give him a hand. Or at least, if not helping with an outfit, helping distract him until the party started.

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Chad chuckled lightly at Linnaea's respond, rubbing the back of his neck idly as they waited for the door to open. Which didn't necessarily take long when he thought of it, but still. It was hard to not acknowledge the fact that Linn was very much still as pretty as ever. The smile on his face made his dimples more pronounced as he replied, "Very true, Linn." Not long after that, the door swung open...only for it not to be Isaiah, but Honey.

Maybe it was the way she spoke and looked at him or, simply put, what she said, but Chadwick's cheeks were immediately aflame when Honey actually acknowledged him. He had to clear his throat for a minute, a nervous small laugh on his lips as he rubbed the back of his beck again. "Nice to see you too," he told the tanned blonde, and no, his voice did not in any way falter. Shaking his head slightly and not in any way catching Honey's own rambling, he added, "And you're looking gorgeous, like always. The summer's treated you nice." He added a small smile at the end and readjusted the duffel bag on his back when Catalina told them of the stuff in Isaiah's trunk.

Chadwick, yes, got flustered easily, especially when flirted with. And let's be completely honest, it was Catalina Perez. She was sex appeal and sassiness and a whole lot of attitude wrapped in one very gorgeous package and well, Chad was a guy. Sure, he could seem unaffected by people's flirting or commentary or just his normally dopey self that went along with life's punches. But he wasn't immune to life and well, again gorgeousness was very much something he couldn't ignore. He didn't know what he felt for Honey, romantically speaking, but they were friends. And like his interactions with Linnaea, he was very much still a gentleman. So, while yes, there was something more sensual about Honey today (or maybe he just didn't pay attention often enough), he was very much more comfortable with contending to the obligations of their friendship.

"Sure thing, I'll get these two boxes," he told Honey and stacked one box on top of the other before picking them both up. They were filled with bottles of alcohol. The lean muscles, which weren't as bulky as some of his fellow athletes, flexed a little when he did the lift, which wasn't as hard as some would think. Finding his balance easily, he followed Honey back into the home, nodding to Isaiah and a talking Linnaea when he saw them. "Hey, Izz. Where do you want these at?"

---

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As Shailene continued to browse through the selection of bathing suits and bikinis while sipping her cool hibiscus tea, she had glanced back at her phone to see another text from Chad. He was with Linnaea, Cat, and Isaiah. Which was good. It meant he was in good company, which would definitely pass the time. And knowing Izzy, he'd put to Chad to work without fail. Smirking, she had tucked her phone away when she heard her name being called and smiled when she saw Jas. Her eyebrows rose for a moment when Jas told her that she would be informing Allie of Shailene's presence.

"I thought I text her, oh well, let them know," she said softly, eyeing a cute little red number before remembering that she was going to wear green or yellow. These were the decisions she had made. She positively tittered under Jas's gaze when the newly-dyed blonde noted her Solistice bag. Grinning, Shay clutched the bag to herself. "Before you judge me, remember that I am your friend and you love me and as my friend, you know I love shades. And they were on sale, love! How could I resist?" Knowing that Allie would be on her way soon, Shay drank some more of her tea, still wondering about the cute little green number that she could definitely see herself wearing under one of her many kimonos.

When Allie and Aaliyah - what was this? Attack of the As? - arrived, she smiled at her friends, looking up from the wide selection to greet them. "Hey, loves! I took Chad's dad's car and dropped Chad back at the house. He's helping Izzy." She answered first before deciding to grab a hold of the bikini. "Richard and mom are still on vacation, so I've been staying with him. What do you guys think?" She inquired, holding up the top and bottom.

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Still holding the boxes, Chadwick adjusted his weight somewhat and laughed at Isaiah's commentary about his wardrobe. He offered a "What do you think?" over his shoulder. He set the boxes down before deciding to set down his duffel bag. It would be in the way anyway. Besides, it made things feel a little heavier. Chad straightened himself before glancing back at his friend.

He didn't feel particularly embarrassed about his relationship with Shailene, despite the relentless teasing from their friends. Their dynamic had been confusing from the beginning. They were close, much like a real couple, but he had always only thought of Shay as his sister. Maybe once did he entertain the prospects of a relationship with Shailene; she was beautiful, intelligent, and had enough sass and kindness in her that kept her appealing. She could be flirty one day and well, sweet and almost childish another, but that was just who she was. And it was appealing, yes, and any guy that settled for his best friend would be the luckiest person in the world because her loyalty and love was insurmountable. But that was all she was - his best friend. And as long as he was aware of that and she was aware of that, anyone else could say whatever they wanted. It didn't change anything. Besides, it kept guys like Ricardo Slim- Helú away from her, at least as far as he was concerned.

"And sorry about that. Shay has Dad's car, so I took one of the bikes. Just came back from breakfast." With that said, he headed back to the truck to grab a few more boxes.

---

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“...this world is a masterpiece, a canvas sheet accountable for such losses. Shout out to the artist who took his heart in his soul and lost them both in the process… If it gets hold of me, please be the saint to save me--”. Her singing turned into humming as she rounded the island in her kitchen to make herself brunch. It was roughly 12:00 when the slender girl tumbled out of bed and down the stairs. Charlie was never a morning person, especially on the weekends or in the summer. However, the few times she had woken up before the sun had risen, she would sit in her backyard until it presented itself for another day. She was never fond of bright colors, but there was something so beautiful in a sunrise and sunset that she couldn’t help but notice. Too bad she had missed it today.

“Come on kiddo,” she turned her head to see her father coming towards her. “If you’re going to sing some of your songs, you have to stop living off the first album. Especially Demon Limbs; that’s all you sing nowadays. At least sing Smoke or White Noise.” The seventeen year old rolled her eyes as she walked the short distance to the fridge and grabbed the gallon of 1% milk off the door and then went to the cupboards. “Father, I don’t believe it’s in my best interest to be taking music advice from you. You were jamming out to Disney tunes last week.” Charlie smirked as she made herself peanut butter toast, topped it with banana slices, and sipped her glass of milk. Her father drew closer and pointed his finger at her warningly, “Listen here missy, Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boo is a classic.” He lowered his finger and crossed his arms over his chest matter-o-factly. “Anyways, don’t you have a party today?” At the mention of the word ‘party’ Charlie jerked her head up to look at the 40 year old man. “How did you know about that?” she asked slowly. The man shrugged nonchalantly and waved the question off with his hand. “There’s a party every year the before school starts up and I believe that party would fall on today. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I also believe you’re going?” “And I believe you’re mistaken.” Charlie finished eating and cleaned her plates before turning to her dad. “I haven’t gone to it freshman or sophomore year so I don’t see why I should start now. Besides, I don’t talk to anyone and they don’t talk to me. I’d like to keep it that way and I’m perfectly content with things being how they are.” She began to leave the kitchen until her father called after her softly. “I’m glad you’re happy, but you have to open up a little bit, bud. I think it would be beneficial to everyone if you made a friend or two at school. You have friends, but they’re not at school with you. You know it’s what your mom would want.” The mention of her mother made Charlie stop, and she sighed deeply as she closed her eyes, knowing what was said was true. Her mother had been gone for a while, but the thought of her still stung some days--some more so than others. “Did mom have anything red?”

After a half an hour of ripping her mother’s old closet apart, Charlie came out with nothing but a red bandana which she planned on wearing as a headband. There was multitude of yellow and green fabrics, but the female despised the colors. She rarely parted her lips to speak. The last thing she was going to do was spread her legs for anyone at her school. She wasn’t dazzled by anyone, especially not enough to sleep with them. Was she a virgin? No. Had she done it more than once? Yes, but with the same person. Did she plan on changing that? Absolutely not. Looking back on it, she regretted giving herself to someone so suddenly. She thought about him once in a while, but he was gone and forgotten; never to be seen again. It's amazing what people get put in jail for, she thought. As she walked to her room, she thought about how today might play out. She hated the majority of the people at her school, and the others she paid little attention to. The more she thought about it, the more she didn't want to go; but there was something nagging at her. Charlie couldn't figure out for the life of her what it was, but as she slipped on her outfit and did her hair in its usual fashion, the nagging went away and the humming continued as if it had never stopped.

Before she knew it, she was ready for the party. She checked the time and then the address of the party. If she drove, she would be there in easily 20-25 minutes. However, if she walked it would take a bit longer. The seventeen year old had never minded walking. In fact, she loved it. It was an ideal time to think and tune the world out. She was in no rush to get to this party, so she walked down the spiral staircase and out the front door. The weather was nice; perfect for a long walk.

---

Linnaea had to hold back a laugh as Iz commented on her outfit. Her cheeks went light pink, as she hoped she hadn't made it too obvious of what her intentions - or rather, what she didn't intend to do - were. "Actually, Iz, I'm wearing red underneath. I don't really plan on hooking up tonight. It's not exactly my thing." She shrugged again, leaning past him to drag a box of what smelled like alcohol off the car seat. She didn't mind drinking, but she made a mental note to not drink so much she'd let herself go in any situation. She wanted to keep herself to herself.

She eased the box out of the car, ignoring Honey as she eased it out and giving the boys a view they were sure not to forget for at least a little while. She cringed inwardly - she could never have that sort of confidence - before putting on a smile and taking the bottles of liquid inside, clinking with every step.

She set the box down inside, somewhere near to the bar, before checking her phone. Allie had messaged her again, and Naea grinned to herself. She hurriedly texted back.

TO: Allie <3
Red, red, RED! You think I'd wear anything else? xD

Chad entered soon after, saying about how he took the bike. Naea smiled to herself, before slipping her phone back into her pocket, unable to stop herself from thinking about the good looking guy in yellow. He was pretty hot. She shook her hair again, before walking out again, running her fingers through the lengths of her curls. She walked back out, to retrieve more boxes for the party. The hot sun beat down on her back as she walked back outside, and she was eventually forced to take off her cardigan, resigning to throwing it into her car and damn the consequences. She wasn't sure she was comfortable with showing off her shoulders and the strap of her red bikini top, even though it sparkled subtly in the midday sun. She couldn't help but think herself lucky that pink was close enough to red. The colour, along with green and yellow, was way too bright for Naea's taste, as she prefered creams and pastel colours, if anything, and darker colours in the winter time. She would have been way more comfortable in blue.

She wrinkled her nose at the thought of herself in a blue bikini, and only that, before she reached in to grab another box. More alcohol, of course. Naea huffed a sigh of amusement as she wondered how on earth Isaiah had managed to get rid of all of the alcohol he must have had in his bar to need so much more now. She hadn't factored in how many people would be there, of course, but still, how many of these people would actually be drinking? And exactly how much were they all going to drink? She shook her head once more, carrying the box back inside, the sandals on her feet making a slapping sound against her foot and the ground as she moved. One thing she knew for sure was the party was going to be great - even if she didn't drink or do anything that others did at parties, it was going to be one hell of a good time.

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Shailene giggled at Alessandra's expression. She couldn't help herself today. She had been single for nearly six months. Her last stint was with a male model and it was really more of a contractual relationship; she helped him gain more recognition and land an acting role, he made her look good. It was mutually beneficial and while there were no romantic feelings really involved, the companionship had been welcomed. However, that was over and this was her junior year. She would never give it up to just anyone...well, she wouldn't think about that, but she definitely didn't want to not have fun. Sure, she loved trying to set Chad up or mess with Cat and the others when they had crushes. But damn it, it was about time she had a little fun too!

"Wouldn't you like to know," she retorted to Alessandra's inquiry and a brighter smile was just beginning to form on her face because of Jasmine's response when Aaliyah cut in. The queen bee pretty much dashed her hopes to enjoy the bikini, which she actually liked for its simplicity. Everyone knew that Shailene had a pretty gorgeous figure. Hell, it had been on too many magazine covers and in too many other photos not to be admired. She was one of the most sought after cheerleaders at HHS. Even if the bikini had looked bland to Aaliyah, if Shailene actually walked into the party with it - her figure would more than make up for it! However, she smiled just slightly for Aaliyah's pride, remembering that this was her friend and that patience was a virtue. She almost scowled when Aaliyah took it upon herself to find a more 'suitable' bikini.

Yeah, if I was going for desperate prepubescent, she thought in response to Aaliyah's suggestion. The bikini itself wasn't that bad, she knew. It was bright and playful, which would definitely be playing on Shailene's more playful side. But it also was a way of Aaliyah, as if Aaliyah didn't do this on a regular basis to everyone, downplaying Shailene's ability to dress herself and needing to have control over the girls. She's your friend, Shailene reminded herself before smiling thoughtfully, raking her eyes the swimwear in the blond's hands. Besides, these were her girls. She didn't need any drama in their circle.

"I like the first top better. It'll let the girls shine," she replied, grinned conspiratorially and put her selection back in favor of the one in Aaliyah's hands. It could work, she thought. She just needed a good enough cover-up, which had her gesturing at that selection. "What do you guys think I should put over it? And what colors are everyone wearing?"

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Honey rolled her dark eyes when Naea said hooking up wasn't her thing. She wasn't sure why that comment bothered her but for whatever reason it did. She pouted as she drummed her fingers along the counter. " Now I'm bored, when is A getting here? ". Aaliyah was definitely Honey's best friend. When it came down to it: Honey always had Aaliyah's back because she knew she always had hers. Even though Aliyah was Queen Bee she never worried about Honey because Honey didn't care about any of that. Alot of girls say they're best friends but stab each other in the back like it's nothing, but not Aaliyah and Honey. She pulled out her phone and opened a new message.



She grinned at the text as it sent. Honey developed a talent for creatively distorting words and Bitch was her favorite word to distort. Bitcher, your Bitchness, Bitchtude, Bitchachose, and that's just a few examples. She slipped her phone into her back pocket. She walked over to where they set all the drinks down and started organizing them. She saw Chadwick come back in the house and met him at the door. " So big daddy Chaddy, did you miss me over the summer. " She said with a grin. She pulled a rubber band off her wrist and pulled her hair, minus her long bangs, into a ponytail. Her long bangs annoyed her since they grazed her shoulder and were just as thick as the rest of her hair but she refused to pin them back. She brushed them out of her face a bit as she walked over to the bar. She propped herself up and promptly sat on the edge of the bar. She tilted her head to the side as she awaited his answer.



Honey had to admit she was curious if Ricky would show tonight. She really hadn't contacted anybody but Aaliyah all summer. Honey had a habit of going off the radar. Those who knew her were used to her antics and had grown to accept her but she knew it frustrated them when she just dipped off. The only person who knew where Honey was anytime any day was Aliyah and those were special privileges reserved for her. Then again she had no real reason to contact Ricky. All he would do is get in her pants.