shimmy shimmy { Q U A R T E R } t u r n__! {all}

[Tyler Young]

"Too bad. All is fair in game and lust. Besides, you did get something out of that night. The real reason I went after him, well... after you went to the bathroom, he started chatting up this firey blonde I hated. I couldn't let you come back and see him with a girl like her. I knew you'd understand anyway." she said, explaining it as simply as if she was stating what the weather was that evening. It was always like this with Audrey and Mara. Normal for them, was this. Conquests, sex, lies, and parties. It was their signature style. Anything equaling chaos was pretty much their forte, whether you ignored it or not. It seemed their grasps reached even the farthest of all branches. No one was safe from them. They were the "dynamic duo" or "treacherous tornadoes". After all, they did seem to break and mangle everything that came into their path. It was hard not to feel some part of their far reaching impact in everyone's lives. They always seemed to have their hands in everything that went on within the two towns. People from both schools were aware of them, and often either feared them or envied them. It was natural. There was always a set of people or a person that people envied or hated the most, and that was usually Audrey and Liz.

After her moments of watching Harper, she had gotten bored. She knew there wouldn't be too much joy in messing with the girl tonight. Besides the girl was aware of Mara now, and it would take Harper's being intoxicated to a high degree before any type of waver came from her hatred towards Liz. She turned her attention elsewhere, briefly thinking she had seen what looked to be her sister, but of course knew that that was not possible. Ryanne wouldn't come to a party, and besides, Mara had a way of seeing things when she started drinking. "Of course, dear. It'd be my pleasure." she said, walking off the opposite way from Audrey. She didn't know what exactly Audrey was worried about with Clarissa, but of course Audrey had this thing where she worried about Dakota. That was her brother after all, and she knew how it felt always worrying after her own sibling. And Mara didn't disagree to anything Audrey asked, especially if it concerned any type of worries for her brother. Liz didn't usually question anything Audrey asked of her, as they knew they were all they had to rely and trust in. After all, being friends all this time thought a lot of stuff had made them come to the understanding that they could put full trust in one another.

Liz wasn't sure what she'd find when pursuing Clarissa Hale, but she knew to stay her distance, and not alert her that Liz was following her. Clarissa would no doubt smell her, but Liz had to make sure that it seemed as though she was only walking by, going after someone or something she so desired. It was after all her reputation, and Mara was known not to miss any party or chance to win over more 'territory'. She doubted Clarissa would even notice her approach as anything more than her merely searching for her next victim. The real task was trying to find her. The smell of far too many people and a lot of alcohol filled ever crevice of the home. And Mara, when not having shifted, didn't have as heightened senses as werewolves and vampires, although her sense were a little better than that of any normal human, even without having to shift. After a few minutes, Liz had found and proceeded to eavesdrop on what Clary was doing. That was when she noticed her with Jace, a well known drug dealer and provider. She listened in, and by Clarissa's choice words, Liz knew exactly what was going to happen, and so she left from her spying and to find Audrey. This was something Audrey had to know - this information was critical to the protection of Audrey's brother, and she needed to know immediately.

[ryanne gabrielle castillo]

She had briefly wondered, for a mere second or two, if Harper would even recognize her; there were one of two possible reasons for this. One, she was just a girl who she had stumbled across for one solitary night, nothing more than that, nothing less. Two... it was a party, Harper could have been shitfaced drunk and not been able to tell apart a pole from a person. But since Harper didn't quite seem to reek of the distinguishable, usually obnoxious smell that would indicate such, Ryanne ruled out the second option. About to excuse herself just as she spoke, though, Ryan had to grin at her obvious surprise. Not that she shouldn't have expected it, since her forehead wasn't really stamped with 'Serial Party Candidate' or anything of the sort. She would have guessed that Harper picked that up... hence the initial shock. "I'm not completely socially retarded,"

[/color] she murmured wryly, rolling her eyes for effect. But, Harper had acknowledged her existence at least, so that meant she wouldn't be doomed to be alone during this entire thing; she mentally made a note to tell her thanks later, when she didn't feel quite as awkward.

Though, of course, awkward seemed to become a new fashion statement accompanied with Ryan's amazing new approach of thoughtless manuevers to avoid a certain older sister. She had thought for a second Mara had seen her, but the way her eyes didn't bug out of her sockets and her gaze drifted elsewhere convinced her different; it was unfortunate that at that moment she didn't know that Mara might as well have spotted her, considering Audrey having had wasn't much of a difference... it just bought her a little more time. Which she would have needed, seeing as she now stood before Harper in the darkness with floundering for some sort of pathetic excuse to explain why she had rushed the two of them into a pitch black bedroom. When the older girl hadn't spoken though, Ryanne assumed she was only waiting for her answer. "Well, uh, my..."[/color] Was it supposed to be this hard to explain? It was simple, really, just spit it out and have Harper laugh at her and then they were good again. Somehow, though, Ryan stopped in the middle of trying to explain and stared curiously at Harper; she was quiet, way too quiet, considering as silent in general was not a word to describe the girl she knew. She started to consider whether or not she should ask what was wrong, though, until her answer was given wordlessly through Harper leaning in and pressing her lips against hers.

And by all means, given what she was taught and how she was raised so far in these fifteen years of life, Ryan should have pulled away. She definitely shouldn't have moved her hand to hold Harper's again, tugging on her hand to bring her closer. And it wasn't like she didn't have control of her other hand now resting on Harper's hip, though she did have the decency to ignore the feeling it had awoken in her. It was right up there with 'impossible' to try to drive away the face that nothing had ever felt so right in her life, and there were no guys (or girls for that mattter) who's lips would have collided with hers the same way. It might've been a lifetime, or maybe it was just a few seconds, she really wasn't all that sure - but even the slamming knock on the opposing door didn't make her flinch or jump away like she was scared (which she was) or embarassed (which she wasn't). She kissed her for a second or two longer, then lingered before pulling back slowly. Her eyes locked onto hers, Ryan released a shaky breath. "Harper..."[/color] It wasn't a question, or a statement of trying to test out her name again like she had done earlier; it was a different sort of claim, one full of comprehension of a completely new spin of emotions. And while clarity might have been within grasp for those sweet, short moments, the harsher sound of a doorknob being shaken brought her back to ground level. As did a certain female's voice.

"Ryan Gabrielle, open this door."[/color]

Audrey. Mara... Mom and Dad...[/color]

Her hand flew back to her side as she took a step backwards from Harper.

"I'm going to be sick."[/color] There was a panicked edge to her voice now, and suddenly Ryanne became hypersensitive to the fact she was at a party, with inevitably some of her classmates here, and her sister, with Audrey, and even the two most powerful girls at school wouldn't be able to protect Ryan from the onslaught of ridicule and teasing she would receive if (or when) someone would see her come out of the room with Harper trailing behind. And on top of all of that, Harper was a girl. Like her. Like everything her parents had told her from a young age was wrong, more than wrong, in fact. It was everything she - they - were against. During mass at church, or when being persuaded into going to a lecture by their pastor, it had been forced into her since she was born. Ryanne bit down on her lip, applying more pressure than necessary and cussing when she tasted the coppery taste of red, of the very hate that had to course through her. It was more than just a habit, or a trait, the disgust had run through her very veins. But Harper simply didn't seem to be one of those perverse, brainwashing sinners she had been warned of so many times before, she couldn't be. But Ryan couldn't be... she just couldn't. Her pastor's voice had floated inside her head, quoting the same passage over and over again. Only this time, it brought agony like she had never known of before.[/blockquote]

"Leviticus 18:22-23; You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."

[/i][/center]

---

So she wasn't exactly gifted with luck when it came to timing. She had voiced her appreciation and thanks once Mara had walked off to go trail a certain Hale girl and find out exactly what she was up to, and the second she had turned around to get down to business, therein arrived a new arrival in the form of a blood relative she didn't expect one bit. Good fuck, you've got to be kidding me.

[/color] Bridgette Black, cousin and generally good company when Audrey wasn't on a mission; what she was doing here, at a party, Audrey frankly had no clue in the world as to why, but she really did not have the time to play catch up or try to persuade Bridge to help her out with something that might cause a conflict of morality for the older teen. She racked through possible solutions in her mind: ditching her was not an option, she was blood family and therefore entitled to respect and recognition, though dragging her in on her schemes where she wouldn't be exactly comfortable didn't seem the best route to go either. "Crap,"[/color] she hissed to herself as Bridgette came closer, darting her eyes and landing on - That so works.[/color] Fixing herself with a smile and leaning in to give Bridgette a one-armed hug when she had finally made it through the crowd of people to her, she nodded her head to a pair of discreet boys who had been in the middle of conversing.

"Bridge! Have you met Ash and his friend... well, have you met Ash?"[/color]

Audrey had faltered on Kody's name (not that she really cared to know it to begin with), but recovered quickly and guided them to be introduced. Brown eyes locked onto Ashton's, voicing a silent plea for him to go along and please be nice and not indifferent/offhand like he usually was. It might've just been her desire to get away and track down Harper and Ryanne, but on pen and paper Brizzy and Ash should get along, hopefully. She expelled a quick sigh, then met the other three's eyes. "Bridge,Ashton.Ashley,Bridgette. There, you two know each other already, nowconversategoddammitplease,"[/color] she got out in record time, suddenly realizing she wasn't wearing a watch and couldn't tell how many precious minutes had passed; it wouldn't take that long to check on Clary, she was sure, and she couldn't have Mara back without accomplishing what she needed to. Giving Bridgette's hand a reassuring squeeze, she leant in and whispered lowly in her ear so the two human boys couldn't possibly overhear. "I know, I know, I'm sorry - I wouldn't stick you with people you know less about than I know about history class, but I've got something that needs my attention. You'll do great, Ash'll behave or I'll have his head I swear."[/color] Her words were, though obviously rushed, sincere and truly apologetic - Audrey Black just happened to act differently around family (save Dakota, but the back-and-forth jabs were too fun to pass up), and she did genuinely like Bridgette. Giving her an encouraging smile, she disappeared back into the crowd.

Brushing off several offers to end up in another bedroom with a faceless boy or girl (or both), Audrey made it her way to the door where Ryan and Harper were now behind and... doing God knows what. She pursed her lips; Ryan never talked about boys, but she doubted the sophomore would have any interest in anyone of the same gender: the girl was so innocent the thought probably scared the living shit out of her. So that was out. Audrey pressed her ear against the door (though that wasn't really necessary, considering her heightened senses, but she wanted to make sure with one hundred percent clarity she would be positive of anything she might hear) to grant better access to anything said. She overheard nothing, though, and couldn't even sense any differentiating changes of heartbeat from either of them considering the vibrations shaking the floor from the loud music blaring from the host's overpriced sound system. There was a sound, though, one that Audrey was too experienced in to mistakenly categorize it as something else. There was kissing going on on the other side of that door, and there sure as hell better be someone else in there for Harper,[/color] she thought as she knocked once on the door. An exhaled breath, a whisper of the girl in question's name. Unquestionably Ryan's voice. Her hand instantly connected to the doorknob, shaking it vainly as the lock wouldn't allow her through. Her grip tightened; she wasn't above breaking down the door, even if that would cause some explaining to do to Ryan if she snapped the doorknob off cleanly.

"Ryan Gabrielle, open this door."[/color] She forced the words out carefully, though there was a clear strain of the stress of not knowing if Ryan was okay (Mara would kill Harper, and cleaning up murder probably wouldn't be the easiest task ever). There was a prolonged silence, and Audrey heard Ryanne speak clearly this time around. "I'm going to be sick." Her urgency increased at this, and Audrey tried knocking on the door again, though before her fist reached the wood (which probably would have left a hole, considering how tense she was), it flew open, revealing her best friend's little sister. At first glance she wasn't even slightly disheveled, though on closer inspection there was an irregular beat of her heart and the side of her lip had a small trace of shining red. Ryan seemed to gauge Audrey's tense stance as well, and immediately, without thinking, moved to stand between her and Harper. She had other plans, however, and unfortunately the younger teen happened to be human, so she couldn't do much when Audrey pulled her out of the doorway and behind her. Her brown eyes flashed, a curl of her lips signifying a near-snarl. Harper definitely would have to be convincing to pull this one off.

"What the fuck did you do?"[/color][/blockquote][/size]

[Tyler Young]

Mara was on a mission, and sure, she seemed to always be, but this was serious. She had to tell Audrey right away. She hadn't counted on getting mixed up in drama where she would want to kill someone. She looked for Audrey but honestly had no clue as to where she had gone. She was searching everywhere, until she actually gave in and asked someone. "Audrey? Beautiful, brown hair, tyrant?" The last word seemed to strike a match in someone's mind. They gave a scowl and realized who Mara was. To get her to leave them alone, they pointed to where they last saw Audrey - heading to an empty bedroom. The only thing Mara had assumed was that Audrey was on a conquest with yet another person, but what she found when she arrived at that room was a situation that almost made her want to throw up. It took her moments before she realized the connection between Ryanne's lowered head and bleeding lip, and Audrey's worries and her anxiety, and then Harper. Harper Mcneel was standing there looking stunned but not embarassed that she could have quite possibly ruined Mara's younger sister. Actually, Harper looking slightly surprised when she saw Audrey or Mara, although more when seeing the latter.

"What the fuck is going on here?!"

Mara was way passed pissed, way passed destructive. She had just broken her hinges, and she was on the loose. The only thing keeping her from attacking Harper without explanation was the fact that her sister was present, but actually standing between Harper and her and Audrey. Mara's hands squeezed into fists beside her as she stood there looking between her sister and Harper. She looked at Harper with extreme hate in her eyes, unable to think what she should do. That was it though, thinking was clouding what she felt she should do - kill Harper, or at least put her in the hospital. She couldn't tolerate someone using her sister, especially when it was the possibility of doing it to get back at her. It hadn't occurred to her that Harper might know nothing of the relation between Mara and Ryanne. At this point, Mara was so consumed with furry and hatred that she absolutely had forgotten her quest to tell Audrey about Clarissa. She would remember, once this drama was over. It seemed no one would be free of drama tonight.

"Audrey, what the hell is going on here?"

She had asked Audrey, because addressing Harper would be impossible since she would probably kill her no matter what crap she pulled out of her pathetic pile of possible excuses. And to ask Ryanne? She hadn't even thought of that. To her, Ryanne was a victim right now, and in the back of her mind she assumed Ryanne was far too traumatized to even speak. She was hoping Audrey could give her some reasonable explanation - something that could calm her, make her take Ryanne and go on her way, because seriously, she was one word away from killing Harper, right there in front of her sister, and the few people who seemed to collect around the door as they heard the commotion. It was surprising that anyone could have seen or heard any of this going on due to the mass of people and the high volume of music blaring through the house. But Mara didn't care, and honestly, she would kill Harper right now without second thought, if she hadn't felt somewhat uneasy about this situation.

Mara didn't let enough time pass for Audrey to answer before she abandoned whatever was holding her back. "You stupid whore. HOW DARE YOU MESS WITH MY SISTER!"

[/color] she screamed at Harper, who actually looking rather stunned by the remark. It was clear she didn't realize Ryan was her sister, but Mara couldn't notice because of the anger now boiling through every part of her body. "You will regret this."[/color] She said, unable to control herself any longer. She was going to run and strike Harper across her pathetic face, but she stopped, looking at the situation again. Ryanne usually bit her lip when she was nervous or anxious, sometimes drawing blood, but the point was, what the hell should Ryanne have to be nervous about. If someone didn't say something in the next minute, Liz wouldn't stop herself from killing Harper, and seriously killing her. There is nothing like Liz pissed off and ready to kill.

Especially when you mess with her sister. You just don't do that. Not if you are smart.
[/blockquote][/size]

[audrey joy black]

The stress of the situation was simply too thick for Audrey to even realize the oncoming scent of Mara finding her way through the crowds to her, so she hadn't even noticed until her best friend was by her side and accessing the situation. Just like she had, drawing the same general conclusion that was sure to build up the fire in her veins. At her outburst, Audrey shot a reproachful look at Harper, as if daring her to speak but also daring her not to as well. Ryan, however, had used Audrey's temporary distraction from herself to slide herself back into place as a type of human barrier between the two most dangerous girls she knew and the girl who held some sort of captivating power over her, who she found wanting to protect more than anything else at the moment. Despite the fact her head hurt, that she hated opposing Mara, and that little detail of being beyond terrified over the events that had just occured; despite all of that, Harper's safety still managed to be a priority somehow.

Audrey shook her head when she was addressed directly, looking remorseful for a second that she hadn't been able to resolve this quickly enough before her best friend caught wind of it; that was, essentially, the reason she had gone off by herself, anyway. To spare Liz any bit of drama that she didn't need, but apparently had it thrust on her shoulders now anyway. "That's what I'm trying to figure out,"

[/color] she said under her breath, now switching her gaze back to Ryan, because what the hell is that girl possibly thinking?[/color] Her jaw was angled tight, odd somehow - it was clear the young girl was unsettled but the defiance in her eyes shone louder than any vocal protest could have. But why? Harper wasn't innocent - okay, fine, she was more innocent than what Mara had done to her, sure, but messing with her little sister just proved she could be as equally fucked up. Nothing had even begun to make the slightest bit of sense, and the person she could dare to ask (given giving Harper a chance to explain herself wasn't logical to her at the moment) was currently opposing both of them from possibly lunging at a certain half breed's throat.

Oh, fuck.[/color] Audrey now placed a hand on Mara's arm, not as an attempt to placate her (okay, maybe, but only a little), but as a cautionary warning. She had to try to be level-headed right now as difficult as it was, because Liz clearly wasn't, and she needed to be there for her. "Easy, love,"[/color] she urged her, trying to locate and fix angry blue eyes onto her brown,"We don't know what's happened, but we will."[/color] She shot a dark look at Harper again before turning back to Mara and adding,"Though I sincerely promise if it's close to what either of us think, we'll handle it."[/color] That's how it always was, and that's how Audrey needed to remind Mara of how it should always be. They were teammates, best friends - and Mara would not go through this alone. And somehow, a fifteen year old girl was harboring the same thoughts for another girl she hadn't known longer than a week.

The same girl, in fact, that had now begun to shake her head vehemently at the older pair. When Mara had yelled at Harper, it was Ryanne that had recoiled and winced, as if the intended threat managed to hurt her as well. "Mara...,"[/color] she trailed off softly, stealing an unsure glance back at Harper before continuing, "Don't, please. I'm fine."[/color] She was about to open her mouth again and say Nothing happened, but somehow the lie wouldn't go past her lips. It wasn't like she could exactly explain that she, Ryanne Gabrielle Castillo, one hundred percent heterosexual, had been kissing another girl in an empty, dark bedroom. "She... she didn't hurt me,"[/color] Ryan finished, realizing her words could be taken to both parties in different ways. Earlier, her comment might have upset Harper, but it wasn't her that caused the later-reaction of uneasiness and chaos; as for Audrey and Mara, however, it was all she could hope for that her vain attempts at conflict-solving would work.

It probably wouldn't.[/blockquote][/size]

[Tyler Young]

Liz was shocked at the defiance Ryanne seemed to have, how she sides with Harper. It made no sense for the way she had assumed this event had played out. She was starting to rethink her earlier suspicions, and something more grave seemed to be lurking in the back of her mind, very undetectable at the moment, yet still present in every part of thought she seemed to muster. All she could honestly think was how could Harper possibly do this to her sister to get to her. It was uncalled for. It was true, she had messed with Harper - made her another conquest in her game, but that in no way gave her right to strike back. What made her the perfect conquest in the first place was her morality in the sense that she wouldn't sink to Liz's level. In the beginning, it was what Liz had respected, and what had almost made her rethink her intentions in the first place. Now, she could see that her conquest was correct, except in the thought that Harper wouldn't sink to her level. It appeared she had, although that was obviously not the case. Harper had no way of even knowing Ryanne was related to Mara, but still Liz could in no way see that connection. All she saw was her sister, out of character, defiant, and anxious, with a girl that had every reason to target them both, but didn't have the right. That was the picture that clouded her mind now and kept her perspective from being just or logical in any way.

When Audrey explained she was wanting the same explanation, Mara tensed. She had to address Harper, and so she did. "What did you do to my sister? Why would you ..."

[/b] she trailed off, able to think of how to finish the sentence. Ending it the way she wanted meant making it known to her innocent sister of her dangerous ways, and how she had treated Harper in the first place. That was not something that she wanted her sister to know. She didn't want her sister looking to her like she was a horrible person. She wanted her sister to look up to her. It clicked in her brain, that all she had done was affecting her sister in a way that was hurtful, and that was what hurt most. "What is going on? What happened?" this time she addressed everyone in the present conversation, unsure who to ask, unsure who would give her a true answer. Her questions were finally more reasonable, instead of rushed, and panicked, although she still felt as such inside. Now she felt guilty, not towards having done what she did to Harper, but having done it and it making it so her sister might not look at her the same way ever again.

Mara was very angry, as she should be, but the comfort she suddenly felt came from the hand touching her own arm. It seemed whenever a situation could be too much fro her, Audrey was there, easing her through whatever it may be. The universe was kind in that only respect, because it allowed her to have such a strong relationship with someone who she needed during the mass chaos her life had become since she was born, in fact. The reassurance that things would be okay only came from Audrey, and no one else could ease any worries in Mara the way she could. It was only this reassurance that kept her from killing Harper. If Audrey hadn't been there, without doubt, Liz would have already lunged and possibly killed the stupid half-breed that was in front of them. It didn't matter what possible explanation that Harper could muster up, or what might happen, that could possibly change that - the fact that she was willing to kill her right now, without absolute hesitation. Never had Liz hated someone of her own species so much, either, but in this moment, that was all she could feel towards Harper. Maybe someone else might have regretted making her a conquest in the first place, but not Liz, no, even her conquest on her gave Harper no right to target Liz's sister. Audrey was the stream of reassurance that held her back, making her attempt to find reason in the situation.

When her sister spoke, she didn't know what to think. How could Audrey and Mara possibly have misunderstood the situation. Her sister was obviously distressed, although it was true they didn't know why. The situation looked bad in whatever way they could view it, which were all ways far from what it really was. That showed how innocent Ryanne was - that no one assumed she could possibly be attracted to Harper, let alone another girl in the first place. Harper wasn't innocent - she was a half-breed, and she was certainly experienced in some regards. She also was a lesbian, not that any of this was wrong, because Liz herself was a half-breed, experienced, and practically half-gay in that she didn't mind being with or using girls for conquests or gratification. The difference was that Harper was going for her sister, and Liz was not. That was the difference, and an extreme one in Liz's book. "You don't look fine! And why is your lip bleeding? What were you two doing? What did she do, Ryanne?!" she asked, trying very hard to no longer address Harper. She felt the truth would better come from Ryanne, because never had Ryanne kept something from Liz or lied to her, it just wasn't who she was to her sister.

---

The entire situation had blown into massive proportions within seconds, and had left Harper unable to assess or understand what was going on. She didn't think she could handle this situation without being killed. Mostly, for the beginning of it, she had been stunned. She had found out that the girl she was meant to be with for the rest of her life was related to the girl she couldn't stand, who had attempted to ruin said life. And then she felt guilty and horrified for kissing Ryanne, even though it felt right, both before and during, but also after it had happened. Nothing would change that they were meant to be together, not even Mara. She wouldn't let that happen. What Dakota has explained to her had to be true, and as much as she believed and accepted it for the most part, she doubted Mara would be able to, since a) this was Harper, a girl Mara obviously didn't care much for, and then b) Harper was just that - a girl, something she was sure Mara wouldn't want for her young, very innocent sister. Then there was the fact that she was a half-breed and a relationship with someone who was human would be hard, not necessarily on Harper, but definitely on Ryanne. She would have to know about vampires and werewolves, because Harper would never be able to keep any of it a secret. That was something that Mara probably wouldn't want for Ryan. Sure, Mara was one herself, but it didn't present the same complications, as it did with Harper. A relationship, and then a relation were two separate and equally delicate things.

"Ryanne didn't do anything. All of this is my fault. But I didn't hurt her, I would never hurt her. And Mara."[/b] she paused looking at her definatly. "As much as you think I would sink to your level, I would never. I had no idea Ryanne was even your sister, bu that wouldn't have mattered. I would never hurt her. I'm nothing like you."[/b] she said, slightly angered as well. And how could she not be? She was being accused of hurting Ryanne, the girl that she loved (as much as it was new to her), and more so being accused of using and hurting her just to get back at Mara. It was impossible that someone could believe that about Harper, because anyone who knew her knew she wasn't like that, and that she never wanted to hurt people like that. She never wanted to be like Mara - not if she could help it. She got no enjoyment out of ruining or hurting people. "Your sister is genuine, caring, and responsible. And I wouldn't ever try to use her or do that to her. How dare YOU! Assuming I would be anything like you? That I would try to get BACK AT YOU?! What are you thinking? Are you CRAZY?" Maybe she had gone a little far, but what was she suppose to say? Was she suppose to take the accusations at Ryanne's expense. No, that would be worse for her. She wasn't saying what had happened, because saying that could cause problems for Ryanne, and she didn't want to do that, but she wouldn't be accused of doing what they thought she had tried to do.

Harper was almost stung by Ryanne's words, unsure what to think or say to them. The only thing that showed Ryanne hadn't regretted kissing her back was that she had done it, and she hadn't seemed to care so much about doing it. And she stood there, defending Harper. She also didn't deny anything happening, which meant something to Harper, because that possibly meant Ryanne didn't want to deny it. She took a step, putting her hand on Ryanne's arm for a second to show she didn't need to stand between them any longer. She didn't want Ryan getting hurt by accident, or being the barrier between them. She didn't want her having to defy her sister, even if her sister deserved it. "Ryanne did nothing wrong. Leave her out of this."[/b] she said, making sure not to say that nothing happened, because something did, and she had no regrets about it except for the mess it caused. Harper wouldn't ever take back doing it, because she finally got the reassurance that there was a possibility for her and Ryanne. That was all she needed, even if Mara decided to try to kill her. At least Ryanne cared.[/blockquote][/size]

[ryanne gabrielle castillo]

It wasn't really as if Audrey could empathize much, considering she didn't have a little sister who looked up to her like Ryan did with Mara; sure, she had her little brother, but she never really hid the type of person she was to him, as he knew if she was even a convict or a drug addict that wouldn't change the love she had for him. Dakota, too, was only all too well-aware of her actions and hobbies (hell, at school, he was the one making sure no one sought revenge after her unless they wished to face him); but he was older as well, and had already seen much in his life. Not at all comparable to Ryan, too sheltered and guarded her entire life to realize she was just thrown in a mess she probably had no idea how to deal with. But she felt more for Mara at the moment, who had her entire relationship with her sister to gamble just by trying to protect her, seeing as she faltered in her question. She exhaled quietly, reaching for Mara's hand to interlace their fingers as she tried to tell her, at least, what she knew. It was all she could do, really, considering she was about as clueless to what was going on as Liz was. But they deserved answers anyway, Mara especially.

"I saw Ryan and Harper talking,"

[/color] she began, getting it out as quickly and painlessly as possible,"I don't think she saw me, but she definitely saw you, and before I could stop and wonder she took Harper into the room."[/color] The words hurt to come out of her mouth as they did, as it was Ryan who she was putting the spotlight on now - she was the one who pulled Harper inside, not the other way around. But she carried on anyway, though not without a wince as even the way she tried to word out the explanation, things didn't sound any better than they had before. Trust it to be the truth to cause so much trouble.[/color] It wasn’t like she was trying to antagonize anyone here (maybe Harper for causing this mess, but, whatever), so she had to choose her words in the most careful way possible to avoid having Liz lunge at someone’s throat. ”So I went, you know, to go check up on them,”[/color] she continued quietly, aware her words would cause an impact no matter what she said,”And I heard…”[/color] She trailed off, eyeing Ryanne in her peripheral vision; her brown eyes were steel and locked solid, somehow wondering if it was possible for her sister’s best friend to have possibly heard them through the loud music and a solid wooden door. The pause had not been lengthy, nor particularly noticeable, but it was there, and it hovered slightly in the air before Audrey had the sense to end it. “I heard Ryan say something about being able to explain what was going on, and shortly thereafter I knocked on the door, and well… that’s all I know.”[/color] She could have been wrong about the sound, anyway; it didn’t have to be kissing. Not that it made sense, since, Ryan was straight. Painfully straight, at that.

So maybe, for that reason, bending the truth slightly could be tolerable; if not for saving Ryan a possible heart attack, then for Mara herself. The poor girl had already been under enough stress, this entire ordeal wasn’t something Aud wanted her to have to go through, hence trying to get rid of it herself before she came on the scene. If there was anyone in the world that wasn’t a family member that she was just as equally, vehemently protective of – her name was Mara Elizabeth Myles. She shook her head. ”She said something like, ‘I’m gonna be sick’, or along those lines,”[/color] she furrowed a brow; that part didn’t make sense to her. Then again, not much of it did, if at all. The only two people that could really provide clear information on what just happened were Ryan and Harper – and she was sure it wasn’t just her who could’ve figured by now that at least one of them was going to be more than tight-lipped about it. Anything Harper said might as well be twisted and used against her (considering she wasn’t on best terms with anyone here, besides, apparently, Ryan), and anything Ryanne said… well, if she said anything.

Though it was a pretty clear concept she wouldn’t: or, well, if she did, it would be very edited. About as edited as her transcripts from her English teacher before she moved to La Push, where the words “the most sweet, honest young woman you’ll ever meet” might have been used, though not nearly as used as she did to him while catching him in a tryst with the freshman advisor on campus. But there was no mistaking the look of discomfort as the spotlight was turned on the youngest girl there, Ryan shaking her head as if somehow that would calm down her sister. ”You know I’ve been biting my lip since I was like, seven, Mara,”[/color] she sighed, understanding why that might have been a cause of worry to the older girl; it stopped bleeding now, anyway, and the metallic taste of it was soon starting to fade. She paused, however, at her other questions, because how the hell do you answer that sort of thing? ’I’m fine, she kissed me – but don’t worry, it’s okay because I kissed her back.’ Mentally, she winced freely; she had kissed Harper back, there was simply no avoiding that fact, as troublesome as it may be. ”We were talking,”[/color] Ryan said, which was the truth… up until something else happened. If Mara would buy that, all would be well; in this case she was hoping she’d have a sudden surge of fortune to make it so.

Her head hung low, perhaps awaiting the verbal blow of disbelief and demand for the actual truth, but it hadn’t come. Instead, Harper spoke up, and Ryanne found herself glancing back towards her in faint confusion; what the hell was she thinking? Anything she said was probably going to be twisted into something else, but yet here she was, not even defending herself, but Ryan. It brought forth protests, too, that she wouldn’t even bother trying to hurt her, and it was all puzzling to her now. Did she really just not care she might have just royally pissed off the two most powerful ‘queen bee’s’ at school? It was a plea for the death sentence, surely, with no fathomable reason why she would do it. This girl was a headcase, not thinking of herself. And apparently even more so since they all seemed to have interchangeably met before, something Ryanne hadn’t previously even bothered to consider. Of course, to make matters worse, from what she could gather they definitely had not met on good terms, nor ended on them as they stared each other down. It made her temples ache with the onslaught of new information and past they seemed to have – who hurt who? Who was responsible? What happened exactly, anyway? Her eyes flickered from Harper to Mara, unsure of who to ask, who would answer. But she wouldn’t, even if she wanted to; Ryan had the sense to know it was something personal, and she wouldn’t invade either of their private matters for burning curiosity’s sake.

When Harper had begun to yell, however, Ryan had sighed and caught her gaze; she didn’t want to have to worry about her, too, the uncomfortable feeling of foreboding settling into her chest. “Please, Harper?”[/color] she requested quietly, simply, temporarily ignoring Audrey and Mara watching this small exchange,“She’s my sister.”[/color] Nothing would ever change that, even when it came down to her firing accusations left and right about a new friend; maybe Mara disappeared mysteriously sometimes, but she was always there to help Ryanne whenever she needed it. And maybe she didn’t always explain where she went or who she was with (if it felt like for some reason it wouldn’t be Audrey), but that never stopped her from caring. Mara’s well-being was important to her, too, and right now she had a suspicion that Harper might be a little more willing to compromise with her than Mara would be about letting all of this go. She felt solace when Harper put her hand on her arm, signaling that just maybe she wouldn’t have to intervene again. Ryan still stood next to Harper, however, though she didn’t look nearly as much of an opposing side than minutes before. Although, she did take the time to meet Mara in the eyes; if there was anything in the world Ryanne was good at when it came to communication skills, it was eye contact. It made everything so much more personal and meant. “You, too, Mara,”[/color] Ryan addressed her,“Harper’s my friend.”[/color] There was an undertone of pleading to understand, there, making her recollect swift memories of childhood. A dejected child falling onto her preteen sister’s bed, innocently asking why nothing she ever did was good enough for Mom or Dad; Mara, she knew, was out for her best interests.

It really just so happened it would take a lot of self-sacrifice to do so this time around.[/blockquote][/size]

[Ashton Cooper]

This whole thing was stupid. The music was too loud, the place reeked of booze and goodness knows what else, and everyone was getting completely smashed. Didn't people have anything better to do than drink themselves under a table at a party? Honestly. Disgusting.

[/color] Still, Audrey was here and he had to keep an eye on her. Although given her personality, maybe it would be better if he watched out for other people instead. He knew exactly what she got up to at this kind of thing. And yet, despite that knowledge, Ash couldn't see himself liking her any less. Audrey was what she was and there wasn't anything he could do, or wanted to do anyway, to change that. So he'd maintain his silent devotion and continue to follow her like a shadow. She was all he had, after all. "She does."[/color] Ash said shortly in response to the kid whose name escaped him. If he honestly didn't remember who Audrey was then that might be best. Then again, it could very well be a bad thing, seeing as it could make him a target of some kind. Who knew, right? "You should know them."[/color] he said, simply, in response to his next comment. Ash was a man off few words was all, or maybe that was a bit of an understatement. Still, he had answered the question, hadn't he?

He just hadn't offered any extra information, that was all.

The arrival of the new girl tugged Ash's attention back to Audrey. The tiniest of frowns marred his otherwise mask-like expression. It was pretty clear that Audreys little lapdog didn't particularly like the idea of being separated from her. He offered no response to the introduction, his gaze only briefly flicking to Bridge before it returned to Audrey. He had been intending to make a motion, or give her a look, that only she would understand in order to communicate his discomfort with this situation. Ashton did not do well with strangers, and Audrey knew him well enough to know and understand that. But then he brown eyes locked onto his, voicing her silent little plea, and he was lost. A rather exasperated look flashed across his face, and then a more resigned one took its place. Ash sighed slightly and shifted to stand a bit straighter, his gaze flicking to Bridge. He offered her a very slight and welcoming, he hoped, smile. Oddly enough he managed to succeed in smiling, although it was very small, very slight, and seemed more shy than welcoming. He even did something else to try and be welcoming and "nice", he decided to greet her with actual words. What a shocker. "Hi."[/color] But that was as far as Ashton Cooper would go. Conversation was not his forte, unless he was talking to Audrey or something, and he generally waited for other people to start the chit chat anyway. It was all just noise to fill the air. Real friends didn't need to fill the air, but who said these people were his friends anyway? They were just acquaintances, people to chat to while he waited for his friend to come back.

After all, it wasn't like he needed any other friends.[/blockquote][/size]