Chapter Fifteen: Vacation beginnings

I feel both lonely, and happy. Brea left six days back, but there are only eight to go before I get to head home and stay for Christmas break. Not to mention I'm missing school because I'm leaving early, so hooray for me! Aaron and I are heading back at the same time, so we have tickets for the same plane. Actually, Darren bought them for us and he gave us the best thing. Five tickets, not just two. That means that Aaron and I get to invite at least one of our friends, which is way awesome!

I think Darren got three so that Aaron could invite two of his old friends. After all, this was his old school, not mine. Even though I'm the one attending at the moment, though I get the strange and awkward feeling that Darren knows my little 'secret' even though it's not that much of a secret anymore. After all, at least three people know. That's really, really sad. But at least my mom hasn't found out yet. That would be horrible; I swear I'd die from the simple glare she'd give me.

Oh well, all I have to worry about right now is that she's going to make me wear a dress to the wedding. Wonderful...

--

Hooray, we're leaving tomorrow! I can't wait. I'm meeting Aaron there with Clara and Andy. Aaron decided last minute that he was going to invite one friend, and that I could have the third ticket. So, since Andy is my roommate and he said he had nothing better to do during break, he's joining us. I think it's just because he wants to get out of school earlier than usual, but hey, I'm not complaining.

Clara asked her dad and he eventually, after much persuading, agreed. I'm beginning to think this will be a good Christmas vacation. I wonder who Aaron invited along... All I can wish for at the moment is that whoever Aaron invited doesn't go to school.

--

"So, Rei, you all packed?" Clara asked, staring at my bedroom door as I trudged out.

"Yeah." I muttered, trying my best not to trip as I ran back into the bedroom to grab my second bag.

"Wow, Rei, I didn't know you could act like a girl. I mean, packing more than one bag, isn't that a little much for someone like you?"

"One bag is clothes and bathroom necessities. The other is books and stuff for the plane." I called back to her. She sighed in defeat as I came back out of the room.

"I give up on you..." She glanced over at Andy's door, "Hey, Mr. Damian, you ready?" There was a scoff and a small crashing sound, "Never mind..." Clara rubbed her forehead and groaned.

"Apparently he's not." I muttered, setting my second bag down. It was half the size of my first bag, and it was just as heavy due to some books, magazines that I'd bought the day before, and more books.

"You do understand that the plane ride is only two hours, right?" I nodded.

"Yes, but we'll be waiting to board at least one hour, not to mention the ride to the airport and the ride to my house when we land. And the plane might leave late, so there's another half-hour or even more. And then the possibility that security lasts long, then we'll be standing for who knows how long. And then-" She cut me off.

"Okay, already. I get it. Now, are we leaving soon or not?"

"Yeah, yeah. Andy, you ready?" I called, striding to his door and peering through. He looked to be having difficulties with his suitcase. "Need help?" I asked, crossing my arms as I waited.

"I'm fine..." He mumbled, before he sat on his suitcase and tried to shut it.

"Sure you are..." I replied sarcastically. He made a growling noise and stood before dropping back onto the suitcase as hard as he could. I laughed when a loud crack was heard, "I think you broke something." I stated between giggles.

"You want to help? Get over here, then." I nodded and made my way across the room towards him. I motioned for him to move over and I sat on the edge of the suitcase. With both of us sitting on it, I reached down and latched it shut.

"There you go!" I stood and grinned down at him.

"Oh, shut up." He leaned the suitcase up and stood.

"Only one? What about the ride on the plane?" I asked, grinning up at him.

"I thought I'd spend my time bugging you." Was his reply.

"Pah." I turned crossed my arms, "If you get bored, then I guess it's your problem."

"Whatever..." Clara appeared at the doorway, a frown on her face.

"Well, are you guys ready? We need to be at the airport in..." She glanced at her watch, "less than an hour. And we need to be checked in soon after we arrive. And what if security takes too long? Well? Then we'll be late for the plane. The plane leaves in four flippen hours. Hurry up!!" Clara snapped angrily.

"Four hours, Clara." I mumbled in return.

"Exactly! That's not enough time! If you aren't ready to leave in ten minutes, I'm leaving without you."

"Calm down..." Andy grabbed the suitcase and started for the door. I stepped in front of him.

"Whoa, whoa, slow down. Besides, you need a coat. It can get pretty cold during Christmas." I started, but he only shrugged in return.

"Go 'way. I don't need one."

"Men are morons! NOW HURRY!" Clara stormed out of the room. I laughed and followed, waving for Andy to hurry up. Soon, we were heading down the stairs of the dorm building and rushing out to Clara's waiting car. Or, should I say limo...

"Jeez, Clara, you really like traveling in these things." I mentioned as we began to stuff our luggage into the stretched out vehicle.

"Shut up and get in the car." We gulped and listened, climbing in hurriedly. This was going to be a long day...

--

"Oi, Rei, get over here!" Andy called. I slung my pack on my shoulder and ran after him.

"What?"

"Food." He drooled, making me groan in return. Men really like to eat, don't they? I glanced back at Clara, grinning as she noticed where we were headed.

"Fine..." She muttered, giving in to our silent pleas.

"Yes! Let's go, Andy!" We ran along, staring at the many different restaurants.

"So, what do we want?" Andy asked, looking hungry and prepared.

"Well, since we can't have anything on the plane, I suppose we'll need to eat all we can now. Let's get... cinnamon rolls first!" We cheered and headed for the first place that sold breakfast food. Clara followed, muttering to herself angrily.

--

Waiting for the plane was forever, and by the time we started to board, Andy was groaning, Clara was cursing herself, and a headache was beginning to grow in my disdain. I guess the only good thing was that Aaron hadn't arrived yet with his buddy, so we didn't have to worry about so much tension yet. We found our isle, section D, and grabbed our seats. Clara was by the window, me next to her, with Andy on my other side. Across the isle were two more empty seats along with an old man by the window.

Where the heck is Aaron? The plane's getting ready to leave, and he's still not here yet. Boy, that stupid 'soon-to-be' brother of mine is really cutting it close. If he makes it at all, that is. More people passed us to get to their seats and we waited patiently. (or as patiently as we could possibly wait.) Soon, I heard Aaron's familiar voice and Andy and I glanced down the isle.

Naturally, my so-called brother was rushing to his seat. His friend was behind him, and almost immediately I regretted ever getting to know the guy. Aaron took his seat in the middle, Dellbec took the end. Great...

"What took you guys so long?" I asked, staring at my brother and Dellbec as they buckled their seatbelts. Aaron gave me a thumbs up and shrugged.

"We were late." He replied.

"So I noticed." I mumbled in return. Andy flicked my forehead, "Hey, what was that for?" I demanded.

"You need to sit and buckle that seatbelt of yours. The plane's about to take off." He smirked at my angered look and leaned back into his seat.

"You know, I should get you kicked off this plane." I muttered, snapping the belt together.

"But you can't, so why even think about it?" Andy grinned, folding his hands behind his head carelessly.

"I could. I invited you."

"So you did, but your parents paid for the tickets." I scoffed and crossed my arms, glancing at Clara. She was staring out the window. I noticed she had gone slightly rigid.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" A lie, it's obvious.

"You seem mad."

"Well, I've technically been mad since earlier today. Remember, you guys nearly made us late." She glanced at me, "Why?"

"No reason. It just seems like a fiery shield is covering you." I laughed, "Anyway, all teasing aside, you're really okay?"

She nodded, "Of course." And she looked back out the window.

--

"Rachel! I missed you so much!" My mom grasped me in a tight, backbreaking, bone-crushing hug. I gasped and tried to return it, but she didn't give me the chance. So, instead I settled for waiting it out, "How are you?" Finally she pulled away and looked at me, "Still short hair, I see..." Oh no, she's not still mad at me about that, is she?

"Nice to see you too, mom." I spotted Lizzy behind her and waved, "Hey, sis." She nodded in return.

"Hey." I glanced behind me. Darren was greeting his 'wonderful' son, Aaron. He probably already knew Dellbec, so all he did there was say hello. Andy and Clara were the only two who looked out of place. As my mom ran over to hug Aaron, I went over to my friend and my roommate.

"Okay, guys, two things we must get straight. Clara, you're my roommate. Andy... you're friends with us, but also with Aaron. That's all we have to lie about, 'kay?" I whispered quickly. They nodded in understanding.

Suddenly Lizzy was in front of me, introducing herself to Andy in a cheerful, girly tone. Oh, come on, she can't possibly have a crush on him... But, then again, this is Lizzy. And he is kind cute... ACK! Stop thinking that!

"Uh, Rei..." Andy looked a little nervous, and I decided to laugh at him.

"Don't look at me." I glanced at Clara, "So, you ready to meet my mom?" She nodded, "Mom!" And Caryl turned towards us, noticing Clara and me.

"Oh, hello, dear."

"Hello, ma'am." Clara responded, smiling lightly at my mom.

"Clara, this is Caryl, my mom. Mom, Clara." They shook. Jeez, it'd better not be completely tension-filled this vacation. After all, my mom's getting married.

"Congratulations, Ms. Clareton." Clara greeted, smiling at my mom.

"Thank you, dear. And call me Caryl. Besides, the miss won't work much longer." She smiled sweetly. Clara returned the smile and looked at me.

"So, Rei-chel! Where will I be staying?" I gave Clara a thankful look as she corrected my name halfway through saying it.

"Uh... Mom?" She shrugged.

"There's so many rooms in that house, I don't think it'd matter if Clara chose where. Just make sure she gets a room. And why don't you take that other guy too. Aaron will show Leon around himself, so don't worry about him." I nodded and grabbed my bags. Clara grabbed hers and we started for the giant mansion. Just at the stairs, I turned.

"Andy! Get your butt over here!" He grabbed his bag and practically ran to us.

"I'm here!" He called and we started up the stairs. It was going to be a long vacation...

--

"Rachel, its good to see you again." Darren greeted kindly, and I shook his hand.

"You too." It was dinnertime and we were all down in the dining room, sitting at the gigantic table, waiting for the meal to be served so we could begin to eat. It was taking forever... And Aaron and Dellbec weren't here yet! I swear, those guys love to do their own thing and never think about others...

"So, Lizzy, what grade are you in?" Clara was trying to keep a conversation with my sister, and it wasn't going too well. Lizzy was nervously messing with the tablecloth while Clara was asking questions, but receiving no answers.

"Elizabeth, you should know better than to ignore our guests." My mom scolded, and I held down a laugh as my sister protested.

"Mom, I don't feel like talking right now! And I'm loosing my voice, too!" Nice one, Liz, nice.

"Oh, don't you go on about that. Your voice is fine." Lizzy pouted and Clara grew silent. Mom turned to Darren and smiled, "Where are Aaron and Leon?" He shrugged.

"Anywhere. I wouldn't be amazed if they're lost. I tend to loose my place in this house sometimes too." I glanced at Andy. He was silent and staring at his empty plate. I reached over and flicked him in the forehead.

"Hey!" Andy glared at him and I grinned back smugly.

"What's the matter? Sad the food's not here yet?" He frowned.

"No." He glanced back at his plate, "Your sister isn't going to follow me around or anything, is she?" I snickered.

"Naturally. She does that to all guys she likes." He gave me a horrified look and I laughed, "No, just kidding. She won't bug you. The most she'll do is giggle insanely whenever you're around." He sighed and seemed okay with the answer. Finally, we heard the familiar voices of Aaron and Dellbec and they arrived in the room. Aaron sat beside mom and Dellbec beside him. Clara gave him a cold look and glanced across the table at me.

"Rach, I have a question..." She'd practiced and had apparently thought up some nicknames for me as well...

"Yeah?"

"Rachel, you haven't learned any manners during your stay at the school, have you? I thought you'd at least learn how to answer a question!" My mom scolded and I thought, What school does she think I signed up for? but ignored her and waited for Clara's answer. Andy had coughed on his water and was currently doing a cross between a cough and a laugh. The jerk...

"Caryl, Rachel didn't go to a lady's school..." Darren added to her, and I stopped any trains of thought. Crap, this was it. He knew. I was done for. Crap... "She's at a normal high school that just happens to have dorms." I let go my breath and proceeded to act normal. Andy snickered, having finally caught his ability to breathe again. I ignored him and glanced over at Clara.

"What were you gonna ask?"

"If you could... pass the water..." She mumbled. I had a good feeling she was going to ask something else, but didn't press it further. Clara was probably mad enough with Aaron sitting practically across the table from her. Aaron didn't look much happier. He was staring at his plate with a grumpy look on his face just as Andy had been before.

--

Dinner passed with little trouble after that, and soon we were all dismissed and headed towards the rooms. Clara and I decided she'd take the room next to mine. Andy was on my other side. Aaron's room was a few doors down on the other hall while Dellbec's was just across from Andy's. It was an oddly placed set, but it worked. Clara came into my room after a bit, clad in a shirt and shorts.

"Rachel, you're the hostess, entertain me in my time of boredom. I don't feel like going to sleep." She ordered and I nodded, quickly running in the bathroom to get changed. Ah, it feels good to not worry about anything. I missed acting girlish. And Clara and I can have a sleepover without people thinking! And we can do each others nails and... Woah there, Rei, calm down. You're not that desperate.

Dang, I guess I've been at that academy too long... I came out with my Care Bear pants and a black tank top on. Yes, my old pajamas! It's a little boring wearing the same pjs every night... Clara clapped enthusiastically at my funny choice in clothing.

"You never cease to amaze me, Rei." We giggled and I sat across from her on the bed.

"What do we plan on doing to keep us up all night?" I asked, grinning from ear to ear as she contemplated ideas.

"How far is town?" I gave her a confused look.

"Town? Why, wanting to sneak into a bar and get drunk?" She shook her head and giggled.

"No, I was thinking we could go to some random store and stock up on caffeine, sweets, and grab a few movies. Preferable chick flicks." I nodded at her enthusiasm.

"Why not?" We were just about to stand from the bed when Andy burst in, looking horrified and completely unsure of himself, "Andy?"

"Help me!" He dodged forward and hid behind the bed. I glanced over the side at him, confused.

"And what exactly are you doing?"

"Hiding." He muttered, ducking low to the floor dramatically.

"From...?"

"Your sister..." I cracked up.

"Come on, Lizzy isn't that bad!"

"You say that, but you forget that you haven't seen her since before school started. Please, you've gotta help me." I took up a thinking position.

"I dunno... Clara and I were thinking of watching chick flicks all night..."

"I don't care! Anything to stop her from finding me."

"I suppose so. It's your life on the line, anyways..." He whooped and threw his bag on the floor happily. I snickered. "Well, we're leaving. You staying or coming?"

"What do you think?"

"I guess you're staying..."

"COMING!" Andy practically pulled the two of us out of the room. I stopped him by tripping him and gained us a few seconds to put on our shoes. I slipped on some slippers and grabbed the nearest jacket. (It was a green Japanese yukata or something like that...) Clara had just pulled on a pair of my slippers when Andy regained himself and pulled us along. I didn't bother telling him where he was headed and soon he lost himself and I triumphantly lead the way to the garage. Mom was to bed by now, so we wouldn't have to worry about being stopped before even pulling out.

I went for my mom's little Volkswagen bug (it was bright green) and we piled in. Andy laughed at the tiny car but I shut him up by saying he'd be sitting in the back. He dipped in and scrunched up in the back. I stuck out my tongue, put the seat back, climbed in, and shut the door. Clara did the same. Soon, we were driving down the dirt road, listening to country music, (Andy had complained when I first turned the radio on, so I turned it up louder and set it to my favorite song) and Andy's groans. We passed the gate and reached the high way. About twenty minutes later and we reached town.

"So, where to?"

"You said you liked Hastings, so lets go there. We can get soda, energy drinks, and a few movies." Clara suggested, and I nodded.

"'kay. Oh, Andy, just to make you happy, we'll get a good action movie too." He cheered and didn't complain any further. It was kind of funny.

I parked in the lot, opening the door and letting Andy out. We headed towards the store (after I locked the car) and strode in. Ah, my favorite store. How wondrous it is to be home! Andy was in charge of drinks. Clara and I were of the movies. We chose three; Sweet Home Alabama, Pretty Woman, and for the heck of childish happiness, Anastasia. I grabbed Batman Begins for Andy and me to enjoy later.

The three of us met at the counter. Us with our four movies, Andy with three Mountain Dews, three FMA Philosopher's Elixir’s, (an energy drink) and a twelve pack of Dr Pepper. We paid and piled back into the bug. The drive back home was interesting.

"Batman! I love Batman!" Clara cried happily. Andy groaned.

"Pretty Woman? You're making me watch that? Ugh..."

"Don't forget Anastasia." I added, and he laughed pathetically.

"Actually, I don't mind that one as much as Pretty Woman. I used to love watching it years back. And besides, the green little demon things are awesome!" I snickered. We reached home and, rather reluctantly, snuck Andy into my room. I pulled my TV so that it was facing the bed perfectly and we set up the sleeping positions. Andy had the floor. Clara and me took the bed. The first movie on the list was to be Sweet Home Alabama. We all agreed and Andy thought it was funny enough to live through.

I turned off the lights, we made ourselves comfortable, and the movie began. Loud music rang through the room and we all snickered, both at our pathetic ness and the fact that it was like a sleepover. Well, almost. Hah, hah... This was going to be a long and interesting night...

--

All I ask is that you read, review, and enjoy.

Sorry for the wait in the update. I've had a major writer's block lately, so this took a bit. But I think I might just be out of that writer's block, so who knows... Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this!