A Granger Summer

[Rhedd]

Ever the wallflower, Avery continued to wait for the party to begin. He left the pier, seemingly hopping his way back from the plank and onto the sands. He liked to do these sort of things to amuse himself whenever he was bored. He was all dressed for the party, but he still didn't know where it was. A whim on his mind made him want to enter the Donovans' place; maybe they knew where the party was. He walked up the porch (what was it about this lake and big porches?) and rang the doorbell to the place. He didn't know who was there, but he was sure he would get an answer.

[Spooner]

Julie knitted her eyebrows together as Grayson made his way over to her blue Volvo. She noticed the slight limp and her eyes flashed to his knee. Julie decided to not say anything, it wasn’t her place to comment. “I will try to get you as plastered as you may want!” She laughed and got in after him and put on her seatbelt. She turned to face Grayson as she started up the car. “So intense rehab huh? That must be fun…” She smiled at him as she backed out in to the road again.

When Grayson mentioned college Julie felt a knot in her stomach tighten. “I don’t really know… yet.” She cleared her throat. Julie had put of thinking about it, firstly she hadn’t heard back from the schools she had applied for, secondly she did not have a college fund to speak of. She had some savings but not nearly as much as she would need for college, and she was a bit iffy about taking student loans. Julie stifled a laugh with a snort when Grayson mentioned marriage to one of the Donovans. “Well that is always an option!” She giggled. “But I have not had the privilege to meet any of them personally, though I guess that Casey kid is worth skipping work for.”

Soon they were driving in to the small driveway of the cottage. Julie stepped out of the car and skipped up the stairs to the front door and unlocked it. “Step in to my office” She said and gestured in through the open door. She stepped in after him and took of her cardigan “Make yourself at home, you’ve been here before” She said and turned towards him and smiled as she walked backwards and opened her bedroom door. Making sure he couldn’t see in side. It was far too messy for Graysons eyes. Well inside she sighed and looked around for the things she would need. Julie rummaged through her cabinet to find a white blouse. She scurried in to the small bathroom to change in to her work outfit for the night, the white shirt blouse with a black A-line skirt and black tights. She had unbuttoned the blouse so she showed a bit of cleavage. She took one look in the mirror, was it to much? No, if I’m keeping all the tips she pulled in I will do my best to pull in as much as possible. She thought with a determined nod. As she did this she caught sight of one of the polaroids that was stuck in to the mirror frame. It was a picture taken many summers ago, on it was two children age about 6 years. Little Julie kissing little Graysons cheek and him looking disgusted. Julie let out a small laugh, she grabbed the picture and walked out of her room. “You’ll never guess what I found!” She said and walked over to him and showed the picture.




“Hey! I don’t lurk… I hover” Ralph said with a grin at his sister as he walked over to her backpack to retrieve her gifts for him. “Yeah I’ve heard those ballet dancers can be quite stern and when it’s all in Russian…” He trailed of as he rummaged through the mass of things packed in to his sisters backpack. “Tights, tights, dance shoes, legwarmers, a corset of the label “Persephone” here we go” He mumbled as he fished out the folder of pictures and the purple velvet bag containing the lens. Ralph carefully opened the folder to find 2 exquisite photos of the Bolshoi ballet company. “Wow… Iss these are incredible!” He enthused as he set the folder down on the table. Ralph now turned his attention to the velvet bag, pulling the top open carefully he peered down at the content. His eyes widened with glee as he took out the wide lens that he had searched for to fit his old Leica camera. “Seriously sis… you are the best!” He said and hugged her. When Issa commented about his love life he shot her a warning stare, she knew how he felt about Liz and loved to tease him for it. He laughed it off nervously. But it got worse as Lizzie came over to straighten his scarf and patted him on the cheek, he could feel his face burning and quickly turned to grab his new lens.

Ralph swung his camera around from where it had hung on his back and took of the lens that was currently connected to it and attached the new one. He turned a few dials on it so the settings would match and held it up to his face. “Well get together!” He said to Issa and Lizzie. He proceeded to take a picture of the two girls as his other sisters entered the room. “Great, one group photo before we leave!” He said and smiled with his face covered by his camera, he always got so excited when he got something new for his camera. After some more pictures Ralph lowered his camera and let it hang from his neck. “Well yes Anna is right we should probably get a move on. I can drive us if you are too tired Iss.” He offered as he started to walk towards the front door.

[BuiltForSin]

"Pfft, as if, Cade is used to it" Casey shrugged at Tristan's reaction, Casey regularly kissed guys, and made no attempts to hide that fact, or, if he did, he was clearly doing a terrible job at it. Mr Donovan, who was oddly, slightly sympathetic towards Casey at times, thought it rooted from his terrible break up, considering he chose very few girls to hook up with, although he hardly approved of Casey's behaviour, he knew it had been triggered. Mrs Donovan on the other hand, although she didn't speak about Casey's ex (having seen just how emotional it made him, literally tearing the house apart emotional) still felt bitter about screwing up what could have been a very beneficial relationship to both families. If Casey didn't flip out at the mention of her name, Mrs Donovan would probably NEVER relent chastising him.

"Oh please, keep dreaming Tristan, I stop dating little school boys long ago" Casey teased, Tristan was far far far too young, though Casey did get the other "Kennedy brother" part of the joke. Of corse he deeply cared for Freddy, not in a romantic or sexual way of course, but their relationship was always the butt of many jokes, particularly because Freddy seemed to play along most of the time, and because Casey was so outwardly bisexual.

Casey lit up a cigarette and started the car engine, waiting for Cade to get his ass into the back seat, since he'd given shotgun privileges to his toy boy, because its the role of a toy boy to sit front seat right?


"You really think so? You're far too generous with your compliments" Kim said, smoothing out a crease in her dress, she didn't hurry to pile on loads of make up, naturally she looked rather radiant and often never put on make up, she was blessed to have clean radiant skin, often her natural glow sufficed, plus she hated piling on sticky and powdery conocotions onto her face, make up didnt really interest her, aside from a slick of lip gloss to keep her lips from drying out.

"That sounds like a great idea" Kim agreed, heading down to get a look around and get to know some of the other attendees was a good idea, before it got to hectic. Kim folded the cardigan over her arm, since it was still nice and warm and she didn't need to wear it yet, shoes dangling frm her fingertips, she dropped them on the floor and strapped them onto her feet as they reached the door before closing adn locking it behind her and Freddy.

"I haven't been down to the Yacht club before, my uncles say its very nice, they've been there on business" Kim noted, she'd not been to the pier either since part of it was private property that belonged to the Yacht club, so she couldn't have gotten in. "I've never been to a Granger Lake party before, its quite exciting" she admitted.
"Oh hey look, is he coming to the party?" Kim asked, noticing Avery as they approached the peer, of course, though she didn't recognise him at first, "Oh its Avery" she observed, she knew Avery's name and face, but she didnt know him too well since she only really hung around with her school friends, or Casey and Freddy.

[The Xtreme One]

Grayson hung his arm out of the open passenger window of the Volvo as Julie drove them to her place. “It’s rehab, Julie. It’s not supposed to be fun” He chuckled as he looked out across the to where they were headed. Julie’s cottage was a beautiful little place that sat just beside Grayson’s family lake house which itself was not too extravagant. He listened to her talk about college and by her reaction it wasn’t her favourite subject. Well he wasn’t going to pry in a place where he wasn’t wanted so Gray quickly dropped the subject. After Julie commented on Casey Donovan, Grayson openly laughed aloud. “Casey? Really? Good look with that, I hear he’s more into dudes. Besides you should be skipping work for me rather than him but alas I guess you don’t love me enough for that” He smiled as the car pulled up outside the Scott place. A quick glance over to his own residence let Grayson know that his parents had already left for the party.

He followed Julie into the house and she told him to make himself comfortable whilst she got changed. Leaving him alone in the living room, Gray opened his eyes wide. The place hadn’t changed one bit since he was kid. Everything was still in the same place, hell he bet that the gum he stuck under the couch five years ago was still there. It was a quaint and dignified house and it left a somewhat envious feeling ion the pit of Grayson’s stomach. He had always been a little jealous of Julie’s relationship with her father, mostly because his relationship with his own was basically non-existent unless it was football season or the two of them were in training.

Feeling his blackberry vibrate, Gray quickly reached into his pocket and answered with a half-smile after seeing the caller ID. “Hey Peyton, how’s grandma? That bad, huh? Well here’s a secret, she pours a little whiskey into her tea every now and then. Offer to make her some and just dose the woman with liquor. She’ll be out like a light in no time. Nothing special happening here, just heading to the annual kiss-my-ass party with Julie. No, we’re not dating. No we’re not. No we’re not, shut up you little freak or I’ll tell Mom what happened to her favourite red dress. Anyway, I gotta go, see you soon little sister” Hanging up just as Julie re-entered the room, Grayson offered her a smile. “What do you got?” He looked upon the picture and let out a mild laugh. “Wow, look how cute you were? What happened?” With a chuckle he placed his phone back into his pocket. “Peyton says hi. So come on, let’s go get drunk”

Leaving the Scott house, Gray walked back over to the Volvo and opened the door for her. “After you, Jules” Suddenly he got that dreaded feeling in his stomach. Grayson realised that at the party he would more than likely cross paths with Issa Mathers. That bitch had been trying to outdo him since they were five years old. Well this year was going to be different; he didn’t have time for her games. Grayson had one goal and once goal only this summer and that was to get himself ready for his first season at Texas A&M.

[Spooner]

Julie made a face of mock shock “Me?! If I remember correctly that was the summer I lost my front teeth.” She smiled “Must have made a great impression on you, and besides look at you. To think that scrawny boy turned in to… well this.” She waved her hand up and down. “I bet you don’t make that face when girls kiss you know!” She teased as she put on her jacket. “Aahw how is the little rascal?” Julie said as she fixed her hair in to a loose braid. “Why isn’t she here this summer?” She asked while she was struggling to change in to her black work shoes.

“I guess I’ll give you a head start on the drinking, seeing as I have no connection to Caroline I’d be risking my job. But after my two hours are up I’ll be joining you in the fog!” She smiled and laughed at him as they made their way back to the car. Julie made a silly curtsy movement as Grayson opened the door for her, why in the world did I just do that she thought as she got in shaking her head at herself. When Grayson had gotten in she started their way back to the yacht club.

As they were passing the pier where Grayson had sat Julie turned her head towards him “So, what else is new… besides football!” she added. ”I heard you got in to Texas A&M from Royal!” She smiled “That’s awesome…” She trailed of “You know I actually applied for Texas University in Austin, so If I get in we would be rivals.” Julie mused and laughed “Not that I have something to put against your talent.”

As they pulled up to the big club house yet again, Julie parked next to his boss’s car. As they began to walk up to the big estate Julie slinked her arm in to the loop of Graysons either because she wanted or to help him walk, she couldn’t decide. When they got inside it was a whir of commotion. It was about a half an hour until the dinner started and the café was only there for the desserts. “Come with me will you?” Julie begged with a sad face as she led him in to the kitchen area where her boss Caroline stood. “Hi Caroline, this is my good friend Grayson March, he is going to keep me company while I work!” Caroline just looked at her knowing she had nothing to say because Julie was such a great asset to her staff. Caroline greeted Grayson and gave Julie her duties frost all the cupcakes and then bring them out and set them beside the chocolate fountain. As she got to work on the cupcakes a thought popped in to her head “I’m not going to let you sit out there alone, but if you want you could go look for something else to do… if this is to dull.” She looked at him realizing she just dragged him here without asking him.

[Rhedd]

Avery was still waiting for someone to answer the door over at the Donovan house. He wondered if his step-brothers were over there and that was why no one was answering, but those thoughts were ever so brief. His hands in his pockets, he wondered again if no one wanted to be around him this summer. He then turned around once he heard his name being called. Avery noticed that it was Kim; he saw a lot of her last summer, but didn't talk to her much. It wasn't out of ignoring but mostly out of nervousness. He found himself slightly intimidated by her aura, which was so strong and interesting.

"Hi Kim," Avery said with a smile to her. "It's really good to see you again this summer. Are you going to the thing tonight?"

[The Xtreme One]

“Hey, I work hard to look like this” Gray grinned as Julie made the motion to his body. “…And you’re right, I don’t make that face whilst kissing girls. Then again, there’s only one way you can find that out for yourself” He watched her put on her jacket and speak about his sister. “Little rascal?” Grayson laughed. “Julie, she’s sixteen. Peyton hasn’t been a rascal since she was at least seven years old…Man, are you out of touch. She had some stuff of her own to deal with so she’s staying with our grandma but she said she may come out here a little later down the line” He softly smiled as they got into the car and pulled back out onto the main road.

When Julie made the comment about college, Grayson turned his head. “Really? Texas at Austin? Well I don’t think I can be your friend anymore. If you’re gonna be going to my rival school, I think you should just stop this car right now and we’ll never speak again” He couldn’t help but laugh at his own comments. “No, seriously I hope you get in. You deserve it, Jules. Unlike most people who vacate on this lake you actually earn what you get. It isn’t handed to you by a rich parent”

Pulling up outside the yacht club, Grayson was not taken back by the sight. Over the years he had seen the place too many times to care anymore. He got out of the car and Julie soon linked arms with him. He wasn’t going to lie, it was quite pleasant. She dragged him around the place for what felt like forever without complaint until they arrived in the kitchen. He waved awkwardly as he was introduced to Julie’s boss Caroline. “Hi” He uttered. As the duties were rattled off to Jules he sat there in silence and watched as she began to work. She mentioned spending the day hanging out and he tilted his head. “Sounds like a bit of a bad first date, Julie” Grayson laughed. “Tell you what, I’ve got to go do the rounds for my Dad. Show his clients that the March’s family are the living embodiment of the American dream. When I’m finished socializing with the devils dressed in Prada and Gucci, I’ll come find you. OK?” He left her wink before leaving her to her work.

[Energie]

Cade rolled his eyes when Sam pitched in to help him, already having decided to have taken a disliking to the guy knowing that he'd be gone by tomorrow and another would be in his place. Cade made a habit out of not growing overly aware of the people his brother was shagging; though, he preferred the quieter ones over anything else.

"Why the hell would you even entertain him with the idea of sleeping with your brother?" Cade mutterered to Tristan as he paced down the stairs and out the door. He still didn't understand Casey and Freddy's friendship and he had the better part of sixteen years to figure out but then again he barely understand Casey; however, he was in no rush to change that. He'd leave the deep physiological analysis to people like Liz who had the free time to sit there and dwell on those type of things.

As he climbed in the backseat, he shot Sam a glare that showed he resented the blonde being there. And when the guy climbed in, Cade gave him several seconds to get comfortable, before reaching on the side of the passenger seat and readjusting the base so that he had more than enough leg room; though, leaving Sam's knees cramped against the glove box. "Growing boys back here." Cade said dryly, as he stretched the length of his legs out.

[InkedWolf]

Issa nearly froze up as she realized she left one of her corsets in with her ballet gear. Thankfully Ralph didn't seem to catch on, which was a relief. Finding out she was dancing for her brother would be awkward and probably end her time at Parlour in a heartbeat. "Enjoy it, one of the girls mentioned she'd love to have you shoot her next time she comes by too. You and Liz should check it out." She didn't want to exactly hint that he should finally make a move on Liz, but maybe the time together would be good for the pair.

"You know, I'm going to head down to the lake for a bit before I stay at the party. Thanks for the offer, but if I want to dance for you guys later, working the rust out is a good idea first."

[ScarletMangekyo]

Sebastian sat on a lounge while his band mates primped themselves in the mirror. He grinned slightly and looked them over. Tight leather pants, frills, glitter and all things that made Glam Metal awesome and corny at the same time came in this package. He stood up and ran his fingers through his short hair, which had been spiked up and out to look as if he had been electrified. Slapping on black leather cuff and squeezing into his bright blue leather pants, Sebastian completed the band with his appearance. All six members looked at each other appraising my before laughing and chugging down what ever alcohol hey were currently holding.

"All right" Sebastian said slowly as he picked up his guitar, a bright red thing "ready to practice?" He grinned as he other five picked up their instruments. The drummer sat at his set and tapped his sticks together. Skipping right to their favorite bit in the cover, Sebastian breathed in deep and with a voice that Steve Tyler would kill for belted out

"AN HERE I GO AGAIN ON MY OWN!!!!"

Hair flying, glitter sparkled and leather pants squeaked as the band flew through their set list; all covers of the greatest hair, glam and glitter metal. Sebastian just felt one thing was missing. He placed his guitar down and pulled out his phone "guys, cut it" he pulled his hand in a sharp motion across his neck before going and making a few calls. He finally found a few dancers before remembering a certain burlesque club he had frequented once. He asked for their best dancer, getting the name Persephone. Getting her number from the club he dialed it quickly "Come on....pick up..." He tapped his foot slowly.

Issa was interrupted by her phone ringing, she pulled the phone out of her purse as she looked at the number. The number looked unfamiliar, she politely excused herself to answer the phone. She was careful to never give her name when she answered, it was a habit she developed early in case she ever had a call for the wrong name in the wrong situation.

"Hello...?" She answered quietly, she could hear several men laughing in the background as she waited for the answer

"Persephone?" Sebastian asked. His hand tapped along the rhythm of a Def Leppard song.

Issa cursed under her breath for a moment before composing herself. The club was pretty good about not giving out her number, just some had better pull then she did.

"Yea, this is Persephone." She looked about to see if nobody was listening. "You kinda caught me at a bad time, what's up?"

The voice sounded a little familiar....but he just couldn't place his finger on it.

"I have need for dancers, I can pay well and the music you'll be dancing to is top notch. No choreography..." He said slowly, to make sure she understood "bring a few costumes so we can decide on what to wear, it's at the yacht club"

Issa nearly choked as she thought she knew the voice on the other end of the phone. The yacht club? The party was there wasn't it?

"Yea, I'll be there. Rules are the same as Parlour. You familiar with them?" She crinkled her nose as he drew out some of his words. Since she was a dancer, sometimes she felt like they spoke down to her. "It's ok without choreography, been dancing around the world like I have, I've danced Ballet in Russia, fan danced in China, Kabuki in Japan, and been across Brazil with capoeria. I'm sure I can come up with something for your show." She assumed the show would be different then the family event, she'd be fine with a mask and one of her wigs. Those were in her car.

"What do you play, any recommendations on costumes to bring. I've got a few from Parlour if you got a preference. Otherwise I'll bring my duffel bag and you can help decide. What's the age range of the show?"

Sebastian nodded absently at the phone "music is Glam Rock...poison, def leppard and whitesnake" he tapped his fingers again "dress appropriate to the music, no idea on the age range but glam requires men in tight leather and girls with barely anything on" he laughed, slow and slyly.

Issa sighed as she pressed two fingers against her temples. This one would be very interesting, or a royal headache. "Allright, how about something short and tight, a tank top and a biker leather jacket, that rev your engine enough? I'll bring a few other outfits with me too. "She smirked at the last little comment, the man sounded like he'd be looking for a show. "Now dancing, just go wild or you wanting a little skin?"

"Works for me" Sebastian laughed "what ever gets your engine running babe, just pander to the lead" he grinned a little "namely me" she sounded so familiar...who was it "anyway...get here soon"

"Babe?" ...Issa let the word roll about for a moment before she realized who this could be. "Right, I'll be there in ten. Where should I meet you? What's your name?"

"Sebastian" he clicked the end call button and put his phone away "allright guys! Keep playing"

"Sebastian?"

Issa groaned as she slunk against the wall. He may have already made her by that point. The extra little torment was that she was going to dance at the same Yacht Club the party was at. Of course the location was pretty big, maybe he was playing in a different part?

Suddenly a little spark jumped into Issa's imagination. What if she just danced for Sebastian as Persephone, kept a change of clothes to switch back after. It would be a blast to cut loose as Persephone for a little while before she had to go back as Issa for the rest of her time.

"What the hell, a wig, a low hat or a party mask, I'll be set."

Issa quickly went through her costumes for Parlour, selecting a few odds and ends for herself to select at the show. Including a dirty blonde wig and her Carnivale mask. A simple butterfly mask that sat over her eyes, extending down her face. It would be enough to hopefully keep her identity a secret. She had to admit the butterflies in her stomach made her a little uneasy, but at the same time. She felt that daredevil spark taunting her into thinking this was a good idea...