Beyond The Great Unknown, a Big Mouth/Final Fantasy crossover

Matthew's POV 

At the same time as the others were at the Robotics Club, roughly around the time everybody was forgiving Andrew, Matthew was just finishing his morning announcements. It felt so good to be back. He was right: THIS was where he belonged, not singing backup choruses in the school choir. He was a gossipmonger, a busybody. He probably got it from his mother, he realized with both pride and horror. It was his duty to bring the news to the people. Naturally it would be things the school board would both be ok with, and things they would ask him to censor. But just like at Bridgeton Middle, Matthew aimed to show THIS school that a MacDell would NOT be censored, by the school board, by a government order, by literal CENSORS. Meanwhile, if the students liked it or not, they could laugh, take it with a grain of salt, or, if the butthurt was too severe, apply ointment at home. 

Matthew sighed and sat as far back as the comfortable swivel chair allowed him. He had forgotten that being announcer came with such benefits. For a moment he closed his eyes, imagining he was sitting on the stage on his own talk show in front of his audience. He hoped the camera was off, but at the same time he didn't mind. 'Let them stew in their jealousy. I'm in my element now. I KNOW who I am.' 

He sighed again, and was messing with the chair's lever, trying to raise the seat, when Caleb's droning voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He opened his eyes and looked at him as he repeated himself. "I SAID, I have to get to Robotics Club. What are YOU going to do?"

Matthew sighed as he looked over the papers on the desk. Everything he had announced that morning. Definitely less than he usually announced at Bridgeton Middle. He shrugged. "I dunno. Talk to some people. Catch some gossip. Maybe text Dewayne. I'll see you at lunch then." 

Caleb nodded and grabbed his satchel and walked out of the room. Mathew sighed yet again and leaned back again as he pulled out his phone and texted Dewayne as promised. 'Hey man, totally killed it today on my first announcement. So great to be back, baby!!! Hit me up when you get time!!!'

Hitting Send, Matthew stood up and looked around the room. This studio was a bit bigger than the one at Bridgeton Middle, the chair definitely more comfortable, and his desk didn't have gum stuck underneath. The AV club had done a great job setting up the cameras, meaning Caleb hadn't had to do much besides the actual filming and editing. 

The principal had been shocked when Matthew had shown up early that morning before school (having arrived just as Devin and the girls had entered the school) and gone straight into his office and practically DEMANDED to be made morning announcer. At first the principal had been reluctant, as no STUDENT had ever made announcements. All important messages were broadcast on the televisions by the principal himself, the vice-principal, or the school counselor. Even the school nurse could make announcements in the case of an epidemic. But the thought of having a STUDENT take over the TV screens, even for only a few minutes, seemed to trouble him. But, to Matthew's relief, the man had finally sighed and shook his hand. He explained that just maybe letting a student make announcements would make them seem leaders in progress in the eyes of other schools. 

The principal had then pressed a button on his intercom and called his secretary, who he asked to see if the students in charge of AV had shown up yet, as he knew they would probably arrive early with their video games. Sure enough she had shown up barely five minutes later with them. The boys had helped set the room up while Matthew waited for Caleb. He had been so excited when Matthew had told him Friday night that they would be doing announcements again, just as Matthew knew he would. He showed up not long after the AV club had finished setting up. The secretary came back later with a list of stuff Matthew should report on, but Matthew had taken his time to also talk to the students who arrived early, trying to catch some juicy gossip. And Matthew couldn't resist dragging Nick and Devin into his report when he had seen them kiss just as he was heading into the studio. 

Still grinning happily, Matthew walked out of the studio and looked around the hall. What should he do now? From the sounds from the classrooms, a bunch of students were playing video games, some playing what sounded like music instruments. He wasn't a gamer, and he certainly had no skill at music. The gym also sounded occupied: he could hear the sound of a dodgeball war going on. He sighed. Maybe he'd just sit down in an unoccupied room and wait for Dewayne to text back. He had just turned to head towards the library, which he hoped to be unoccupied and quiet, when he nearly collided with Jay. 

"Matthew!!! Hey, I was waiting for you. Congrats on being announcer again. I've missed your announcements. Hey, you got time now? Course you do, no work today. So how about we go to the locker room, and....."

Matthew sighed. 'Ok, you can DO this. What you SHOULD have done Friday night. Just tell him you HAVE a boyfriend-sort of-and you and him are HISTORY. Just be brave. Can't be harder than being on camera in front of the whole school.' 

He sighed again. "Ok, Jay, look. There's something you HAVE to know. See, I've been talking to somebody. A guy." He saw Jay's shocked, somewhat hurt expression, but went on. "And I really, REALLY like him. And I need to see where it goes. And yes, I'm doing announcements again, but that doesn't mean I'm the same old Matthew again. I've changed, Jay. WE'VE changed. Yeah, the blowjobs were great, but that was just..... Well, they were just a great finale for what COULD have been, if we had stayed together. But Jay, I REALLY like Dewayne, and well, you have Lola, and even if things don't work out with you two, then you'll eventually find someone else and......" He stopped as he saw Jay looking at the ground, his body shaking. Then he saw the tears running down his face. He gasped. "Oh God, Jay, look, I'm sorry, ok? I just HAD to be honest. I really like Dewayne. I STILL like YOU, but I just think we're too different, and, well....... I dunno, but look....." He reached out and tried to hug Jay, but Jay pulled away and shook his head. 

"No no, it's not THAT, Matthew, it's just.... I'm really going through a lot. My dad is still gone, my dog likes Lola more. My brothers still pick on me, but mostly ignore me now. Even THEY'RE too upset about Dad to be truly vicious. And now, I found out my mom's cancer is back and she might be......she might......" He sniffed and wiped his face. "It's just my entire LIFE is a fucking mess. But YOU, Matthew, you have EVERYTHING. When I stayed at your house that time, I wished I could have stayed FOREVER. Your family plays games, eats together, watch TV, and actually TALK to each other. Your house is the greatest house I've ever been in!! Your family is the kind of family I wish MINE was!!! I'd give ANYTHING to have your life!! You're handsome, smart, kind, and funny. Your mom cooks for you, your dad is always around, your siblings are nice to you. So yeah, we ARE different, Matthew. Because YOUR life is great!!!" He sniffed again and turned away, head down, shoulders slumped, his body shaking as he sobbed. 

Matthew stared, speechless. He knew Jay came from a troubled household, he had seen it himself. While Jay had never shown any sign of jealousy, Matthew certainly understood him wishing his life was different. Matthew realized that he had perhaps taken for granted his OWN life. All the family meals and activities, baking with his mother, every birthday and Christmas. He realized that Jay's family probably never did any of those things, at least not often. Matthew remembered only a month or so ago when he had hurt Jay by saying he didn't care what he thought. He realized now more than ever that he DID. And he knew Jay cared about what HE thought. But how to SHOW Jay he cared? What to SAY? 

He reached out and touched Jay's trembling shoulder. Jay slowly turned around as Matthew wracked his brain for the right words. "Jay, look, MY life isn't so great either. No one's is. The point is to be tough. I HAVE to be tough, cause I'm the only gay kid in a super conservative, super religious family. Plus my dad was in the Navy. But Jay, YOU'RE strong too, because you've SURVIVED. And because you're not afraid to be yourself. I've seen you at your worst, but you ALWAYS bounce back. And despite the horrible things that have happened, you're still the kindest person I know. I AM sorry for everything you're going through. Especially your mom. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. As a FRIEND", he added quickly. "And you're welcome to come around whenever you want. My dad really likes you."

Jay sniffed and wiped his face again, but smiled. "Thanks Matthew. It's great hanging out with you, even as just friends. And hey, isn't your sister's birthday coming up? Maybe I could do a magic act. You or your dad could be my assistant!!"

Matthew was about to strongly object. He had never had a love for Jay's magic while they were dating. In fact it embarrassed him, and his adult magician friends, the Sorcerers Of The Square Table, made him extremely uncomfortable. But Matthew realized that this was who Jay WAS. Magic was Jay's calling in life. Just as his family was finally starting to understand and accept HIM, so must Matthew accept JAY, magic and all. Plus, for reasons he couldn't explain, he still wanted him around as much as possible.

Struggling to both repress a sigh at the thought of magic, but also trying to not appear TOO eager at Jay's presence in his home, he nodded. "Sure. Brittany loves magic, she's into all that Disney stuff, and Harry Potter and everything." Matthew didn't add that HE used to be a Harry Potter fan, or at least imagined himself as his schoolmate slash boyfriend. 

Jay cheered. "YES!!! Just give me time to master some new stuff I've been practicing. Don't worry, it's all one hundred percent safe for indoors, and safe for children of all ages. No doves, no bath mats, no fires!!! Nothing but pure, dazzling, jaw-dropping, family-friendly MAGIC!!!!"

Matthew forced a smile. "Can't wait!! The party isn't till this Saturday, so you have plenty of time to practice. I still have to get her a present myself. I'll probably go look later this week. She's turning 9, so she doesn't need anything TOO expensive or fancy. She'll grow out of all this kid stuff by next year anyway."

Jay smiled. "Cool. We've never had birthday parties at MY house. All MY brothers give me on MY birthday are wedgies and Charlie horses, although my dad ONCE gave me a loaded gun. Well he actually gave it to me and told me to HIDE it, but it was ON my birthday, so I GUESS it still counts!!!"

Matthew shook his head. In pity? Wonder? Amusement? All three? He just couldn't process his feelings for Jay all of a sudden. It was like every time Jay entered a room, the world that was finally starting to make sense to Matthew suddenly became strange and confusing again. Every time he swore he was finished with him, that his heart was closed to him, the loud, filthy, unstable boy forced his way back into both his life and heart. WHY? HOW? He should have only room in his life and heart for Dewayne. 

Still trying to keep his face from showing his mixed emotions, Matthew nodded. "Well anyway, I'm gonna go chill in the library until lunch. I'll see you then I guess. At lunch." 

Jay nodded. "Cool. I'm joining my crew in the basement. At least my brothers won't bother me there. Last time I saw them they were trying to break open the vending machine anyway." He waved and walked off. 

Matthew sighed just as his phone vibrated. He pulled it out of his pocket and checked it. Dewayne had texted back. For some reason, he felt less excited as he read his reply: 'Hell to the yeah!! You go!!! Keep slaying, queen!!!' 

Matthew read the text and put his phone back in his pocket. His head spun with both exhaustion from the long morning, and even more with confusion. 

He just couldn't decide. Did he REALLY want Jay just as a friend? A schoolmate? A face in the hall? Who WAS Jay to him?

Matthew was just glad Maury wasn't around right now. He had told Matthew he might be too busy with his new client, Nick, to drop in often. For which he was grateful. He knew Maury would have practically PUSHED him go to the locker room when Jay had suggested it. Just like he had been begging him to send a dick pic to Dewayne. As a Hormone Monster Maury was practically down for ANYTHING. He was a great guy-CREATURE-but he was simply too horny for his own good, and Matthew HAD to use HIS horniness for good. As a Christian, he knew he could only give his heart (and cock) to somebody he truly LOVED. Sure, a blowjob was one thing, but saying "I love you" was a whole other thing. The entire time he and Jay had been together, neither of them had said, or even THOUGHT, those sacred three words. Or at least HE hadn't. 

As he walked into the school library, which was thankfully vacant except for a couple girls reading quietly at one table, Matthew remembered coming out to his father, which he had been nervous to do. Instead of being angry or terrified, his father had been very understanding, acceptive and supportive. It was true that his dad had taken a shine to Jay. In fact when Matthew had told him about the breakup he had seemed really sad, but didn't grill him for details or bring it up again. Matthew was glad that his father's time in the Navy had given him the discipline to respect other's privacy, especially his son. Don't ask, don't tell, right? 

Matthew sat at an unoccupied table and pulled out his phone again. He opened his photo gallery. Mostly just pics of Matthew with family: playing games, cooking, on vacation. Him at graduation. Him singing with the choir. He made a note to delete those. But where were....... 

There. The pics of him and Jay. One of the night they got together at Devon and Devin's New Years party. Jessi had taken it and sent it to him. A pic of them in Jay's destroyed pants car. At the party in Nick's attic. Them enjoying dinner at Jay's. Jay dressed spiffy and fancy, shortly before the breakup. 

Matthew sighed. He had lied to Maury when he said he didn't miss Jay, but who HE was when he was WITH Jay. He missed BOTH. 

For a second, he thought about running out of the library and finding Jay, begging him to take him back. To tell him that Dewayne and him didn't work out. He lived far away anyway. Jay was HERE. Within reach. He knew his dad would be overjoyed to see Jay again. 

He shook his head. Stupid, foolish thoughts. Even if he WANTED to, he couldn't do it. He remembered WHY he had had to break up with him in the first place. As much as he wished it, as much as Matthew had TRIED to change, or in Jessi's words, "domesticate" Jay, Jay would ALWAYS be Jay. Just as Matthew would always be MATTHEW. Like he had told him, a wolf and a swan just can't be together. If a wolf tried to swim with the swans, he would drown, and Matthew couldn't stand by and watch Jay drown, especially when he was struggling to stay afloat himself. High school was the biggest lake he had ever had to swim in, and each day dry land seemed further and further away. 

Jay's POV

As Jay headed towards the basement, where the vocation club hung out, he thought about his conversation with Matthew. On one hand he was grateful to Matthew for comforting him and offering his support, and for his invitation to perform a magic act for the party, and excited. But he was also sad that Matthew clearly had no interest in resuming their relationship, despite the blowjob Friday night. 

'Why do I even CARE?', he thought. 'Matthew himself said he doesn't care what I think. And it's not like we were IN LOVE. He was just...... I don't know. I just don't know. Maybe cause he was the first GUY I dated. The first guy I KISSED. The kiss that made me realize I'm bi.'

Jay thought back to that night, the night of their very first kiss. The school sleepover. Only a couple years ago, but it felt like DECADES. So much had happened since then. In a way he wished he could go back to that night, or even BEFORE it, when the only things in life that mattered was magic. When the only thing he was fucking was his pillows. When his mother wasn't dying. When his dad was around. Before Lola. Before Matthew. Before......

He was so lost in his thoughts, staring at his moving feet instead of ahead of him he didn't even see or hear Lola until he collided with her.

"JAY!!! Like, watch where you're going!!! But also, I've been meaning to talk to you. Like, I've been thinking about Friday night, and, well, I know I said we should break up because we were at our old school for the last time, but I think it was just my period talking!! And like, since I watched you full-on blow Matthew, if you want, I could totally suck YOU off right now, if we find an empty room, and....."

Jay sighed. "Look, Lola, I kinda feel bad about the blowjob, ok? Matthew has a boyfriend, sort of, and yeah, I'm ok with cheating, my parents cheat all the time, but with Matthew, I dunno, it just felt.... different, you know? Like, I kind of feel like I shouldn't have done that. I mean, I still like him, but I just..... I just don't know. And also, well, I know it was YOUR idea, but doing it in front of you, well, now I kinda feel like my dad. And you probably felt like a cuck. I mean, I'D feel like that if I watched MY boyfriend blow another dude, if it was ME in your position. Even though you suggested it, I know deep down it probably affected you. And now that I know Matthew is talking to another guy, a guy he likes, well, I kinda feel like Matthew just used me to get off. Just so he could get HIS first blowjob. And now, between Coach Steve leaving and my mom being sick, well, Lola, my life is kinda in the shitter now. And I don't think any number of blowjobs will help. It won't cure my mom's cancer. It won't make Matthew take me back, or make YOUR mom or my dad come home." Jay paused to take a breath. It was like all the things he had been feeling and thinking for weeks or perhaps months were forcing themselves out of his mouth, beyond his control. He saw Lola's shocked, and perhaps hurt expression, but continued. He just HAD to say EVERYTHING. "And now that I think about it, Matthew PROBABLY only let ME give him a blowjob because his boyfriend lives far away, and he probably thought it wouldn't be cheating because to HIM I'm nobody. He admitted he doesn't care what I think. I might as well have been a ghost blowing him in his sleep. And YOU only last month listed all the things you hate about me, Lola. Like I don't have feelings!! You and Matthew are the same, Lola. Playing games with my heart. I mean, who AM I to you, Lola? You AND Matthew? He practically admitted to having a long-distance boyfriend AFTER I sucked him off, and YOU dated my OWN BROTHER to make me jealous!!" He took another breath and sighed. "So no, Lola, I don't want a blowjob right now. I just need to figure out WHAT I want. WHO I want. Cause obviously you and Matthew don't."

Lola stared at him for a long time, her face unreadable. She remained silent for at least a minute, probably waiting for him to continue. Finally she sighed. "Like, you think you're the ONLY one with problems? The only one who's confused? But, Jay, I might be kind of to blame for the blowjob thing. I made Matthew check out gay porn. And, well, I personally think he DOES care about you, Jay. And so do I. You think living with your brothers is bad? I'm alone at home for weeks, sometimes months, unless Rodney comes around. I have to get by with what little money and food my mom leaves me, or beg for food from the neighbors, or steal it from the store, unless Rodney brings me stuff or takes me shopping when he gets time. I'm sure you've had to pilfer food once or twice yourself."

Jay nodded, then gasped as he remembered something. Something he never told Lola. "Yeah, I have. More than once. In fact only about a year ago, on Thanksgiving I went around the neighborhood sneaking into houses dressed as Santa. My dad was spending the day with one of his mistresses, and my mom was passed out drunk as usual, so obviously neither of them was going to be cooking. They never do anyway. So I decided to play hunter-gatherer. I snuck into almost all the houses on the block, including Nick's house. As it turns out my brother Val was there. He was dating Nick's sister at the time. Anyway, by the end of the day I had a full sack. Enough to last at least a month."

Lola laughed bitterly. "Yeah yeah, rub it in. You probably ate like a king. I bet you didn't even share with your brothers. Not that they deserve it anyway."

Jay shook his head. "No. I didn't even bring it home. I left it all by your doorstep."

Lola gasped as the truth dawned on her. "Wait, you mean that feast that I found outside my condo....that.....that was from YOU?!"

Jay nodded. "Yes. I know we were kind of on the outs then, but when I walked by your place, I just remembered....well, like you said, I'm not the only one with problems. And even though we were angry at each other, I still cared about you. I don't know why I didn't just bring it to you in person, or why I never told you until today."

Lola stared at Jay, her mouth still open in shock. "Oh my GAWD", she finally said. "Like, I always thought it was RODNEY playing my Secret Santa!! I never dreamed it was YOU who brought me all that food. I guess cause Rodney brought me food that Christmas too." Her face fell, and she appeared to be deep in thought. Finally she sighed and said: "Well then Jay, like, what ARE we then? Cause, like, whatever you decide, I guess I have to be cool and roll with it. Both cause I'm learning other people have feelings, and I have to respect them, and cause I DO love you. Yes, I said it. Maybe I didn't understand even my OWN feelings before, but I DO now. Even Devin has more feelings than I ever realized. Like after hearing about her own life this morning, and realizing she has her own problems, well, it put a lot into perspective. Like maybe just like Devin did and said the stuff she did cause she was sad, well, maybe the same with me. Like I ignored other people's feelings cause my mom ignores ME, and I just sort of turned MINE off." She sniffed and wiped her face as the tears broke loose. 

Jay stared at her as his mind reeled. He had to admit, HE wasn't great at understanding feelings either, especially his own. But suddenly he had so many raging through his brain and heart it was hard to tell them apart, or which he felt more. Confusion, definitely. Anger? A bit. Sadness? Definitely. Maybe fear, but of what he wasn't sure. Loneliness, but he ALWAYS felt it. But most all he just felt.....empty. Like there was a big, empty space inside of him, and all those other emotions were bouncing off the walls and ricocheting around inside of him until they fell into an empty void and disappeared. He realized he had felt that way before. Or rather a FEW times before: when Lola had first failed to say "I love you " back. Again when Brad and Suzette had left. Again when Matthew dumped him. And recently when Lola had said those hurtful things in the car, and just TODAY when Matthew had made it clear he only thought of him as a friend. It was like with each blow, that hole got bigger and wider, like an asteroid hitting a crater and making it wider and deeper. 

But how could he fill that hole? And with WHAT? Or rather WHO? He realized, so clearly, that he couldn't decide between Lola and Matthew. Both of them held such a giant piece of his heart. It was like every time he talked to one of them, or even thought of them, that he felt the other tug his heart, pulling all his thoughts to them, like a constant tug-of-war on his heartstrings. Yes, Matthew had been the FIRST one he had kissed, but technically it had part of a sleepover game. Yet that kiss, and the subsequent makeout during the wild party that left the school a mess, had brought Brad into existence, and made Jay slowly start to realize his sexuality. 

BUT, he reminded himself, he had been with Lola FIRST, and she had been the first person he had loved. Even though she hadn't said it back, he realized he truly HAD, and still DID, love her. But now he wondered, did he fall for her because she was easy to bond with, coming from a similar life of neglect, loneliness and pain, and was also like him strange, horny, and, let's face it, just a bit crazy? Well, ok, a LOT crazy. But was that WHY he fell for her? Because her craziness and horniness matched his? Because their families ignored them? Because they had both done things, before AND after getting together, that would put a PSYCHIATRIST in therapy? Did they perhaps mistake common ground for the basis for a relationship? If so, then why every time he was near her did he long for another one of their long, hot, intense makeouts? Was it just his hormones talking? Just his dick wanting to get hard? 

Jay shook his head, trying to clear it. He used to think he had everything figured out. Until a couple years ago, his only passion in life was magic. Sure, he got horny, and did many crazy, weird, and sometimes illegal things while horny, but back then his only sexual partner was his pillow. But that night at the school sleepover had changed everything, followed by that stupid magician show on Netflix, and that fateful summer with Lola. Then their breakup, him choosing Matthew, him trying to change to make Matthew happy, then THEIR breakup. Jay wished he could go BACK those couple of years, to days when he was happy just banging pillows and couch cushions, when he was just (in his mind anyway) a jacked 40 year old magician who didn't give a fuck what anybody else thought. 

He shook his head again and sighed. "I.......I don't know, Lola. I honestly, really don't. I think...... I think I just need time to think. It's not something I do often, but I really think maybe....." He weighed his words carefully, not wanting to upset her even more, say something they would both regret. "I think maybe we should just...... I don't know, maybe just take it slow. Like neither boyfriend and girlfriend, but not just friends either. Maybe...." He smiled as a thought occurred to him. "Like how about business partners......with SOME benefits? Like I'm doing that show for Matthew's sister's birthday. I could use an assistant. I was just going to have Matthew or his dad help, but I mean, I know you've always liked my magic. Every magician needs a lovely assistant."

Lola appeared to think it over for about a minute, then nodded. "Very well. I'll be your assistant. Both cause it's true, I love your magic, and cause I owe you for the food. Don't worry, I won't spoil any of your tricks like last time. But, hold on, you said partners with BENEFITS. So, like, we can still......" She trailed off, as if afraid to finish the question.

Jay nodded, understanding her unfinished question. "Yeah, of course. Not DURING the act of course." Seeing her smile as she took a step towards him, he quickly added. "Or NOW. I really gotta get to the basement."

Lola frowned. "Like, Jay, if you just don't want to French me here and now because you still need time, just at least be HONEST. I'm like a tank, I can handle ANYTHING. But, like, maybe I could.... accompany you to the basement? I'm like, totally bored. Devin like completely vanished, and none of those nerds will let me have a turn on the video games."

Jay was about to make an excuse, but thought. 'Well, she DID agree to take it slow. Maybe just HANGING out like we used to will be fun.' Jay remembered fondly their first day hanging out: turning a Monster Energy drink into a rocket, digging their own pool, Lola hitting his brothers with a shovel. Best summer ever. Maybe they could have that again. Maybe just HANGING OUT was how they could fix things. Until they were both completely sure what they wanted to do. What they wanted to BE. 

Finally he smiled. "Sure Lola. You can come. In fact I think you'll like my crew. Nick's brother Judd is one of us. He'll teach you to use a blowtorch real good." 

Lola laughed. "Awesome!! Like, lead on."

Jay smiled, and he and Lola headed towards the basement. 

But as they reached the door and Jay opened it, leading the way down the stairs to the dimly lit, noisy basement, Jay's smile faded. His head spun as he thought. 

On one hand he was glad that he and Lola had finally cleared the air and gotten most of their issues settled, and that he had finally told her about Thanksgiving, and that she was joining him and his basement buddies, and maybe later they could hang out and get into some good old Lola and Jay mischief like the old days. 

On the other hand, he was troubled by the fact that he hadn't told her, COULDN'T tell her, that the real reason he wanted to "take it slow" wasn't just because he thought it what was best for THEM, but because he still hoped he could fix things with Matthew. Maybe, just MAYBE, if his magic act was good enough, and put a big enough smile on his sister's adorable face, then maybe Matthew would forget about his long-distance "boyfriend" and realize what he'd been missing with Jay. 

Jay turned to make sure Lola was still following. He felt a stab of guilt as he saw the sullen look on her face. He knew she was probably hurt, even though she was trying to hide it. He knew she'd be even MORE hurt if she knew the truth.....

Jay sighed. 'Im such an asshole. Such a stupid, selfish fucking ASSHOLE. Lola LOVES you, you idiot. Matthew never even said it ONCE. Just fucking get OVER him. HE dumped YOU. If you don't wise up, somebody else might go after Lola. Maybe one of your "friends" down here....'

Jay shook his head. Finally they reached the basement. Despite his troubled thoughts, he smiled as he saw Lola's look of shock as she took in the wonderful sight of the basement workshop. He had felt the same when he first come down here to escape his brothers. Lola ran over to the car jacked up in the center of the room. Jay couldn't tell if this was the same car they had been working on last time or not. A few students were already hard at work on it. While one lay under it, doing who-knows-what with a noisy power tool, another worked inside the open hood, while one on either side worked on the wheels. 

"Like, THIS is awesome. You guys planning on taking this for a joyride when you're done? You know I just got my license like a month or so ago."

The teenager working under the car rolled out under the board he was lying on. He smiled. "Well actually, this is a little side business of the school. See, once we finish working on a car, the school actually puts them in the parking lot for sale. The principal has a REAL mechanic come and inspect it, make sure everything works ok, then they decide how much they should sell it for, then put the price and contact info on the car. Once it's sold, the school gives US the money for us to split. Some of these cars were real junkers before we worked on them. You should have seen THIS one before we started. Now look at her." He smiled again and patted the bumper as he stood up. 

Lola looked from the car to the many different tools scattered on the floor and tables. She smiled. "It's like I've died and gone to heaven. How did I never know this school had a place this awesome?" She glared at Jay. "You've been holding out on me, Bilzerian!!"

Judd passed by carrying his blowtorch. He smiled at Jay. "She with YOU, Jay? She know anything about being a mechanic?"

Lola scoffed. "For your info Mr Blue Hair, I once took apart a sink faster than a bunch of meth addicts. I'm pretty sure I can work on a car. I mean I DROVE one not long ago."

Jay laughed. "And WRECKED it. Then again, I DID total my OWN car too. Well, my pants car."

Judd smiled. "Well, destroying things is 50 percent of mechanics. The other is putting them back together. Welcome aboard. Let me show you around."

Lola followed Judd around the room as he showed her the tools and introduced her to the others. Jay smiled. Maybe this WOULD be like old times, him and Lola working together on a project, like their ill-fated pool. He may not yet know who he wanted to be with ROMANTICALLY, but knowing that both Lola and Matthew at least wanted him around, in their lives, made Jay feel a bit better. Jay realized that until a few years ago, he had always been a lone wolf, but once Nick, Andrew, and the others accepted him, along with Coach Steve, he had finally found his pack. Maybe THAT was what Jay needed for now, until he finally figured things out. A pack. Besides Nick, Andrew, Jessi, Missy and Matthew, THESE students, these strange, pale, untidy, and possibly dangerous teenagers that called the basement home, were the PERFECT pack. He had known it the second he had laid eyes on them. The fact that they had accepted Lola, and vice versa, made him even happier to call them his pack. If only Matthew would consider joining.....

Jay shook his head and laughed. Yeah, right. No WAY Matthew would even be caught dead down here. He couldn't even stand Jay's fellow magician friends, the Sorcerers Of The Square Table. 

Jay sighed. Well, at least he had cleared the air with both of them. He definitely felt better. In fact, now that he thought about it, he didn't feel even remotely horny now, just....... RELIEVED. Perhaps, if he focused only on the tasks ahead, maybe it would distract him from the usual horniness he felt around Lola or Matthew. Perhaps he'd even ask the Sorcerers to lend him one of their magic books. He knew struggling to read, wrestling those letters to make sense of the words, would distract him even more. Either way, Jay finally realized that until he ultimately decided who he was meant to be with, he couldn't allow himself to be tempted to jerk off, or even have perverted thoughts. Couldn't be too hard. He had played with a toy wand before he played with his MEAT WAND. Well, maybe it would be a BIT challenging, but high school was where the wolves ran wild, and with his old pack, and this new one, he could take any challenge, and, even more importantly, he would never run alone again.

Jessi's POV

 After Jessi had left the student lounge after her and the girls spoke with Devin, as promised she headed off to meet Camden. She knew where he'd be: on the bleachers with Lulu and the others. 

She navigated through the crowded hall and out the back doors towards the field to the bleachers. Sure enough, Camden and the others sat in their usual spot, already puffing on their weed vapes. They kept glancing nervously at the school doors and around the field, no doubt watching for any teachers or staff who might catch them. They smiled as Jessi approached. 

"Hey, heard you went to the old school Friday night before they tore it down", Lulu said. "I should have gone, but I had to work a late shift. I actually really liked Bridgeton Middle. You know, I was the Scheming Gypsy mascot before your friend Lola. I guess that's why I'm ok wearing stupid costumes for my mall jobs." She laughed and took a puff. 

Camden laughed. "Well, she told me she actually BROKE that ugly statue, before they removed it."

Lulu laughed. "That was YOU?!! Wow Glaser, you really ARE a little badass!!!"

Jessi smiled as Camden held out his vape. "Yeah, I guess I AM." She quickly took several puffs and held it in for as long as she could, then blew it out with a cough and took a couple more. She felt the familiar lightheadedness come washing over her. She sat next to Camden and blew out the smoke as she handed the vape back to him. He smiled as he took it back. 

"By the way, I talked to my buddy. He said he can hook me up this afternoon. He just got some really good shit, super high quality stuff."

Jessi smiled. "That's good. I should be able to hang after school. I'll just tell my mom I'm going to Missy's or something when she picks me up." Jessi felt another surge of anger at the fact that she had to hide her and Camden's forbidden romance. All because her mother, who used to get high herself, had turned into a killjoy control freak. 

Connie spoke up next to Jessi, interrupting her thoughts. "Yeah baby!! Just you, this handsome, hung hippie, and some good old sweet leaf. Maybe, if y'all get high enough, maybe he'll whip it out again, in person this time." 

Jessi smiled. "Yeah maybe." She still felt a bit nervous about their planned rendezvous after school. Last time of course it had just been groping and fingering through clothes, but after what happened on video chat Friday night, Jessi was afraid Camden might want to do more, or even SHE might, especially while they were alone and high. 

"I'm hungry", said one of the other teens sitting behind her and Camden. "It's still like, what, a few hours till lunch?"

Lulu nodded. "Yeah, and honestly I don't really like pizza all that much. I always get the munchies when I smoke too much. I need something BETTER than tomato sauce, cheese and pepperoni. How do y'all feel like hitting Subway? I could go for a sandwich."

The others joined in, echoing their agreement. Lulu turned to Jessi. "We're going to grab a bite to eat. We're going in my car. You two lovebirds wanna come? We'll be back before they notice we're gone."

Jessi and Camden looked at each other. Both smiled as they thought the same thing. Camden turned to Lulu. "Nah, I think we'll just sit here a bit more. I don't wanna ruin my appetite. I actually like pizza. We'll see you guys when you get back." Lulu turned to Jessi, who nodded in agreement. 

Lulu sighed and signaled the others, who got up and followed her around the back to the parking lot. As soon as they were far enough away, Camden turned to Jessi and smiled. He suddenly appeared a bit nervous and shy. 

"So, um, I keep thinking, you know, about Friday night. You know, when we......" He trailed off, as if he was unsure if it had really happened or not. 

Jessi smiled back. She suddenly felt weird too. She still couldn't believe she had actually done that. She didn't regret it, not exactly, but she suddenly felt as if she didn't know what to do NOW, what the next step should be, especially since she was planning on going to his place this afternoon. On the other hand she had kept thinking about HIS naked body all weekend. She'd be lying if she said she didn't want to see it again, but she was also worried she might want MORE, and be unable to help herself, if she was alone and under the influence. Still, she smiled back and replied. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it too. I honestly still can't believe I did that. I mean, I'm glad I did, it actually felt awesome, but still, I never thought I would actually....." She laughed in spite of herself. Maybe it was the weed finally fully kicking in. 

He smiled. "I'm glad too. Don't worry though, I didn't tell Lulu or any of the others." He pulled out his vape again and took a couple more puffs. He held it out to Jessi as he blew out the smoke and coughed. 

Jessi smiled and took back the vape. She looked at Connie. Sure enough she appeared affected by the weed. Her eyes were bloodshot and she appeared to be staring off into the distance. Jessi too felt herself drifting, like she was rocking back and forth, even though she was sitting still. She took several deep puffs and held it in. She suddenly heard her stomach growl lightly. 'Damn, maybe I SHOULD have gone with Lulu and them", she thought as she blew out the smoke.

She held the vape out to hand back to Camden. He was just taking it back when an angry voice yelled out: "MISS GLASER!!! MR MAYHEW!!!!!" 

They both jumped and turned to see one of the teachers walking briskly towards them. Camden nervously put the vape in his pocket as he sputtered. "Um, uh, Mr Levin, this isn't what it looks like. I was just, um...... Well see, we......"

The man stopped in front of them, his hands on his hips. He shook his head. "Don't give me any bullshit, Mr Mayhew. You and your delinquent buddies have been warned countless times about smoking pot on these grounds. This is a no smoking campus. No cigarettes. No vapes. No POT." He turned to Jessi. "And YOU, Miss Glaser. I'm surprised. I never would have imagined a student with such good grades, a member of the student council and the debate team, would do such a thing. " He shook his head again. He pointed towards the school building. "Come on. To the principal's office, both of you. On the double."

Jessi and Camden traded a shamefaced look and got up, following the teacher to the school building. Jessi's legs felt weak, her heart beat fast, and her head spun, and not just from the weed. She knew she was in trouble. This was probably going to go on her permanent record. What if no college would take her? What if she got expelled TODAY? Worse still, her mother would probably find out, and once she found out she'd been smoking weed again, with CAMDEN, THEN what? She might request HIS expulsion, or pull Jessi out and send her to another school, and order a restraining order against Camden. Either way, she'd never see him again. 

She looked behind her at him. Camden was marching slowly behind her, eyes on the ground, his face grim. She wondered if he was thinking the same things. She turned to Connie. The Monstress shook her head. "This is BAD, baby. This is really, REALLY bad."

Soon they reached the principal's office. The teacher knocked and opened the door and ushered them in. Jessi and Camden sat in the chairs in front of the desk and faced the principal, an older man probably in his late 60s or early 70s. The man sighed. "NOW what? Can't any of you kids manage to stay out of trouble even on a day of no schoolwork?" He shook his head wearily. 

Mr Levin gestured to them. "Principal Goldberg, I caught them smoking pot on the school bleachers. Mr Mayhew and his friends have been warned countless times. We've even confiscated some of their vapes and even edibles, but every time we turn around they have more. Just last week, actually...."

"Mr Goldberg, sir, Jessi was merely HOLDING it for me while I was in the bathroom!!!", Camden interrupted. "Honestly, I just asked her to keep it safe for me so it wouldn't get wet. She didn't use any, I swear!!" He turned to her. "Right, Jessi?"

Jessi stared back at him, stunned. She felt the feelings she had realized Friday night come rushing back, her feelings for this handsome, tragic, kind young man, who was willing to fall on a sword for her, even though he knew as well as her it would do no good.

The principal sighed. He knew as well as Jessi it was pointless to lie. "Come on Camden, cut the shit. I can see her eyes are just as red as yours. Mr Levin is right, you and the others have been warned many times." He leaned back in his chair and studied them, his eyes wide and tired behind his glasses. "Look, kids, this is my last year as principal of this school. Miss Barron was the principal of our middle school branch, right? I truly envied her when I heard SHE retired. Now I myself am looking forward to my OWN retirement."

He shook his head and sighed again. "Look, kids, I don't want to bring the hammer down on you two, nor ANYBODY, during my last year as principal, and especially not TODAY. But I also can't tolerate rule-breaking. So I think I have to call in the adults. Mr Mayhew, I'm calling your foster parents. And Miss Glaser I'll be calling YOUR parents. I'll be discussing the issue with your guardians, and see what THEY feel should be done. For now, the two of you will go sit in the hall." He gestured to the door. Mr Levin let them outside while Principal Goldberg picked up the phone and started dialing. 

Jessi sat down in one chair by the door while Camden sat down next to her. For a moment neither of them spoke. Jessi sat, her eyes on the floor, urging her racing heart to slow down. Her head spun. From the weed. From her troubled thoughts. 

'Man, I've REALLY fucked up. Every time I try and have just a bit of fun I fuck up!! And now CAMDEN is going to suffer too. We might get expelled, or at the least suspended. What if my mom pulls me out of school, has me tutored at home, or WORSE sends me back to Darlington Pierce, with those snobby girls, mean teachers and ugly, uncomfortable uniforms? I can't go through that AGAIN. I couldn't bear to say goodbye to my friends. Or to Camden."

She looked up at him. As if on cue he looked up from the floor at the same time as her. Their eyes met and he smiled weakly. "Don't worry. This is only like your FIRST time getting in trouble here, right? They'll cut you some slack, I'm sure." He didn't SOUND sure though. 

They sat in silence for a long time. Jessi could hear the sounds of students playing games in the classrooms and computer lab. She suddenly wished she had joined THEM instead of smoking weed. Even though she liked it, and didn't exactly regret it, she suddenly realized the things she LIKED usually seemed to get her in trouble. 'I'm supposed to be the change I want to see. The voice of reason. A feminist. A role model. A leader. How am I supposed to BE those things if every choice I make blows up in my face? If I keep fucking up, I won't get into college, and end up working a shit job, and eventually I'll end up like my dad.'

No sooner had she thought this than the hall door opened and Jessi gasped. "DAD?!!", she cried, standing up in surprise. 

Her father, Greg, nodded. "I was just in the area when I got the call from your principal. I told him I'd be right over."

Jessi was confused. "They called YOU? I thought they'd call my mom. I mean usually....."

Greg laughed. "Well apparently the secretary got out numbers mixed up. Instead of Shannon they called ME. As it happens I had just gotten off the phone with Shannon. Your mom has to work extra late today, cause one of her co-workers had an emergency and had to leave, so she asked me to pick you up and bring you over to my place after school." He saw her worried look and quickly added: " Don't worry, I didn't call her back and tell her about the principal's call, and I told the principal there's no need for them to call HER. I told them I'D handle it. Whatever it IS. They didn't fill me in too much."

Jessi breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Well, at least her mother didn't know. If SHE had come down there and seen her and Camden sitting here she'd have known immediately what had happened. Shannon had probably never even told him about Camden, since they hardly ever spoke. As long as Camden didn't make a bad impression on Greg.....

Just then Camden stood up and held out his hand. "Hi, you must be Mr Glaser. My name is Camden, and I'm, um, well, I'm your daughter's boyfriend."

Jessi groaned as Greg appeared to silently wince at his words. He quickly regained his composure. "Oh, really? Boyfriend?" He turned to Jessi, as if seeking affirmation. Jessi sighed, and finally nodded. Then, before she could stop herself, Jessi found herself blurting out everything.

"Yes, my boyfriend. And I have to see him and talk to him in secret, because mom caught us smoking weed outside the house, and she forbade me from seeing him. And today they caught us smoking weed HERE. I know I shouldn't be getting high at school, but I like getting high. And I like CAMDEN. No, not just that I....." Jessi took a deep breath, and finally forced out the words she had been dying to say Friday night. "I think I LOVE him. He's the sweetest, nicest, coolest guy I've ever met. I know he'd never hurt me, or cheat on me. I know mom doesn't approve, but dad, YOU smoke weed, and I know mom USED to smoke. I heard you say it one time when you were arguing. So please, don't judge me, and DEFINITELY don't judge Camden, or blame him, even if I get in trouble. I don't care if I get suspended, or even expelled. I just couldn't bear never seeing Camden again. Or my friends. I seriously don't think mom likes ANY of my friends. Not really. Just please, don't be mad. And like I said, don't give me some bullshit lecture about bad influences and shit. Camden ISN'T trying to corrupt me. Him or any of his friends. They're all nice. It was MY choice. I chose to get high. So if you're going to blame anybody, blame ME."

Jessi sighed and took a deep breath, letting her words hang in the air as she looked at their reactions. Greg appeared surprised, as she knew he would be, but not angry. Camden also looked surprised, but was smiling. To her surprise he turned to her. 

"Wow, Jessi, I.......I love you too. I was just.....I think I was just too....too nervous to say anything." He turned to Greg. "Look, Mr Glaser, Jessi is right. I would never do anything to hurt Jessi. We've had a couple arguments, but we've never stayed mad at each other. Jessi is a fine young lady, and honestly the only person who makes my day here bearable. She's smart, funny, she knows who she is, even though I'M still trying to figure it out for myself."

Jessi stared at Camden. He heart had practically lept when he had said he loved her too. Now that she knew he felt the same way, she was happy, excited, and filled with dread at what might happen, all at once. She looked from him to her dad, waiting for them to say something.

Finally her dad sighed. He turned to Jessi. "Look, Jessi, I know Shannon can be strict, but she's only trying to look out for you. But also I know she can also be a bit..... judgemental. Honestly, you don't seem all that bad. I mean, a guy who likes Phish can't be TOO bad", he said, looking at Camden's shirt. 

Camden smiled. "Yeah my foster parents are real retro people. They're into all the big old bands: Grateful Dead, Phish, Rusted Root, The Band, Bad Company, Mott The Hoople, Nirvana. I like them myself, but I also like heavier stuff. Nine Inch Nails is another favorite." 

Greg smiled. "Wow, I totally GOTTA meet them. They definitely sound awesome."

Camden smiled. "Well, you're in luck, here they are." 

They turned. A man and women possibly in their late 40s or early 50s had just walked in. Jessi could tell just from their appearance that they probably worked for a living, like her mother. They both looked very worn out and tired, and probably a bit bored of that life. They both looked at Camden with a "What-Did-You-Do-THIS-Time" expression. 

Camden took no notice and quickly introduced them. "Jessi, Mr Glaser, these are my foster parents, Tim and Angela. Guys, this is my girlfriend, Jessi Glaser, and her dad."

"Call me Greg", said Greg, shaking both of their hands. "Camden was just telling me we have the same taste in music. You know, my friend has a Rusted Root cover band."

Tim smiled. "Really? Wow, where do they play? I'd love to hear them sometime. Maybe we could all...."

Angela rolled her eyes. "Seriously guys, can we discuss this later? Let's at least find out why they called us here first."

As if on cue the door to the office opened and Mr Goldberg ushered them in. "Ah, perfect. Come in, everyone. You too, Jessi, Camden."

Greg walked in, followed by Tim and Angela. With one last nervous look at each other, Jessi and Camden followed. Everybody sat down in the numerous chairs around the principal's desk. 

Mr Goldberg sat down in his own chair behind the desk. He adjusted his necktie and cleared his throat. "Thank you all for coming here today. I understand y'all must have been busy. Let me cut to the chase though. These two were caught smoking cannabis on campus. As you probably know, this school has a strict policy against such things. No smoking. No drinking. That means cigarettes AND vapes, neither nicotine OR cannabis. As it happens, Mr Mayhew and his friends have been warned NUMEROUS times. I understand that being a foster care child can't be easy. No offense, I'm sure you two do a great job", he said, with a glance at Tim and Angela. "But we have to be strict with our rules. Now, I don't want to have to bring the hammer down on ANYBODY. I'm not a tyrant. But I also can't abide rule-breaking." He sighed, and ran his hands through his thin, greying hair. "Look, folks, I'm 69 years old. This December I'll be 70. I've been working in a profession where most would have retired by my age. Next year I AM retiring. I don't want to leave this job having parents OR foster parents hating me for giving their kids the boot. But like I said, if I DON'T punish them somehow, then whoever takes my place might think that's how we do things here, and will be even MORE lenient." He leaned back and sighed. "Alas, I don't know what to do."

Everybody was silent for a moment. Mr Goldberg looked from Greg to Tim and Angela, then at Camden and Jessi herself, waiting for a suggestion. Jessi felt her heart hammering nervously. By now her high had faded to a dull buzz, the blissful lightheadedness replaced by a headache, probably from her nervousness and anxiety. She looked at Camden. His head was hung, his eyes on the floor. Jessi turned to look at Connie. She stood next to her, nervously biting her nails. 

Finally, Mr Goldberg sighed. "Ok, how's this: tonight I'm working the night shift at the observatory. I also work there part-time as a tour guide. Tonight we will be very busy, because lots of people are coming to check out the planetary alignment and lunar eclipse. I could use an extra set of hands, maybe two, helping to set things up. If Miss Glaser and Mr Mayhew come and help out, I suppose I could forget what happened. I already wrote them up, but I suppose I could.....LOSE the paperwork if they came by and helped out tonight. It's only from 8 to 11. Besides, I'm sure a bunch of their friends will be coming too. They can all hang out once they've finished helping with preparations." He turned to Jessi and Camden and smiled for the first time. "Does that sound good?"

Jessi's fastening heartbeat slowed in relief. She quickly nodded. Beside her Camden looked up and nodded too. "Yes, yes we'll come. Tonight. We'll be there", Jessi said quickly. 

Mr Goldberg smiled again and turned to Greg and Camden's foster parents. "Will you guys be able to bring them?"

Angela groaned, but Tim quickly spoke up. "Yes we'll bring Camden. He'll have to have a friend bring him home though, me and Angela will be sleeping by the time it's over. We both have to get up early for work. He has a key"

Greg smiled and turned to them. "I'LL bring him home. I'm a night owl so I'll still be up. Or I might hang around the whole time, get to know him. He seems like a swell guy." He patted Camden on the shoulder. Camden smiled back and laughed a bit nervously. 

Mr Goldberg smiled and rubbed his hands together. "Great, well, that's settled. I suppose no further punishment is needed, as long as you stay out of trouble the rest of the day. Y'all are free to go." He waved towards the door. Everybody got up and headed out of the door quickly, as if afraid he'd change his mind if they weren't quick enough. 

As soon as they were in the hall, Greg closing the door behind them, Angela held out her hand. "Give it to me, Camden. I'll give it back when you get home. Just let me have it for now, so you're not tempted. You're lucky THEY didn't take it this time."

Camden sighed and reached into his pocket and handed her the vape. Angela put it in her purse. Angela turned to Jessi. She smiled for the first time. "Camden actually talks about you a lot. Maybe sometime you can come over when we're actually THERE", she said with a knowing look. 

Greg smiled. "Hey maybe we can ALL hang one day. Trusted Root, the cover band I told you about, is actually playing at the bowling alley this weekend. The frontman is actually the owner, the band is just a side gig."

Tim laughed. "Sure, I'll hit you up, let you know if we're free. I'll give you our number."

While the adults talked and exchanged numbers, Jessi and Camden turned to each other. Jessi sighed with relief.

"Wow, that was...... I mean, I'm just glad we got off so lightly."

Camden laughed. "That's nothing. At my last school, they made me scrape gum from under the gym bleachers and desks just for watching YouTube on my phone in class. Well, actually, I called the teacher a fat cunt when she tried to take my phone away. But that wasn't the WORST punishment, my friend told me they made him and some other guys wash the team jockstraps just for pulling a prank, filling the balls with helium!!"

Jessi laughed. "Gross!!! But yeah, Principal Goldberg is cool, and really nice. Your foster parents are awesome too. They really like my dad. Just maybe, maybe I can convince my dad to let you come by sometimes when I'm at his place."

Camden smiled. "Yeah that'd be great. I'm gonna go say bye to them, then I guess we'll just hang out somewhere till lunch. I think some guys are watching movies in one class. Maybe we'll go see what's playing."

Jessi smiled. "Sounds good." Jessi saw her dad heading to the door. As Camden stopped to talk to Tim and Angela Jessi caught up with Greg. "Hey, dad. So, Camden's pretty cool huh?"

Greg smiled and nodded. "Yeah, cool guy. Great taste in music. Me and his foster folks are thinking of going to my friends concert. You guys wanna come with? It's at the bowling alley."

Jessi shook her head. "Actually I was thinking maybe Camden could just come over to YOUR place sometime while I'm there. I know you'd never tell Sha.....tell Mom that he was there. I PROMISE we won't DO anything", she added quickly. "We'll even leave the door open if we go in my room, so you and Caitlin can see what's happening."

Greg appeared to think it over. Finally he sighed. "Maybe, Jessi. I dunno. I'd have to run the idea by Caitlin herself first. It's her place too, you know. But I'm sure she'd be on board with it", he added quickly. "She just doesn't like a lot of noise, having to deal with Delilah and everything. Maybe some weekend when you're over and her and I have time off. Sound good?"

Jessi nodded. "Ok. Yeah that's good. See you when school's over, when you pick me up. Love you." She hugged him. He hugged her back and playfully messed her hair up. They broke apart and she watched him walk away, talking with Tim and Angela again as they headed towards the parking lot. Jessi turned to Camden. She couldn't contain her excitement as she told him what her dad had said.

He smiled. "That's good. And like Angela said maybe you can come while they're home. I'd like you to meet the other foster kids. They're pretty cool. Anyway, you wanna hit the movies?"

Jessi smiled. "Sure, let's see what's playing. Wish we had some popcorn."

The two shared a long kiss in the now-empty hall, then walked off to find the classroom where the other students were watching movies. They weren't even too upset or nervous about having to go to the observatory tonight, as long as they were together. Little did they know that tonight would change everything, and that soon they and everyone else would find themselves in a strange and unfamiliar environment, much stranger and more dangerous than high school. 

End of chapter 5

So, you can see by the way I ended the chapter it's headed toward something big. Next chapter will have even more hints, including a conversation between Nick and Devin that starts hinting toward a connection between BM and FF. 

As always, please like, follow and review. Thanks a bunch!!!