Signing off with Han after my talk with Bella was odd.

Though I knew she had spoken with him he made no mention of the play, only adding that he would see me again on Monday.

As promised the minute I stepped out the hall's front door Dad's car stood idle by the pavement. He had taken to picking me up and dropping me off everywhere, school included. While it was good not to worry about finding parking every morning in the school's parking lot, it did make me feel like I was in middle school all over again. People didn't find it sexy to see a seventeen-year-old get dropped off by his father, though the amount of people taking an interest in me since the break-in had skyrocketed in a way I never expected.

I had somehow shifted from noticeable enough due to Thomas to being stopped every day in the hallway and asked about some batshit rumor I'd given up on trying to deny.

"Did you really break into Barkers' house, attempt burn it down, and then strangle his cat?"

"Is it true half your body is covered in scars from trying to burn down Barkers' house with him inside?"

If people wanted to believe I broke in and tried to kill Barkers, they would. I'd given up trying to set the record straight.

Buckling into the backseat I matched eyes with Dad in the rearview as he u-turned us onto the road. He took a minute before starting a conversation.

"You work hard today?" he asked, the thickness of his Arizona accent cutting through the fake Newport tone he carried for work.

"Yes, sir," I said, glancing out the window.

The cold had shaken the trees down, leaving the ground riddled with burnt leaves. It reminded me of when Thomas used to push April and I around in a wagon while he raked the back yard. Every now and again he'd tip the thing over, landing us in a pile of leaves and complain as he had to re-rake them. He always said it with a smile on his face so we knew he wasn't truly mad.

Something inside me panged at the memory, missing the days before Thomas' football career took off when he was just my older brother, and not the town's poster boy of perfection.

I doubted Thomas even remembered those days.

"Your Mother made spaghetti. I know you're not a fan, but just grit through it. She worked hard on it."

Frowning I titled my gaze his way.

Mom only made spaghetti when...

I perked up.

"Jenny's in town?"

Dad begrudgingly nodded, tightening his grip on the steering wheel.

"Yes, your Aunt decided to grace us with her presence for the rest of the month."

I ignored his poor mood in favor of my bettering one. Even though Dad had a strained relationship with his sister, for reasons unknown to the rest of us, Aunt Jenny fit in with the rest of the family perfectly.

Mom treated her like the big sister she never had, having come from a home of boys, April confided any remaining relationship drama she had in the older woman, and Thomas did everything in his power to impress her and receive praise.

As if he didn't already get enough of it in and out of the house.

I never really had a special bond with Jenny, even though she tried. My life was boring, I confided almost everything in Clark and Tommo, the latter of which was surprisingly insightful, and as for the whole feelings thing I had yet to talk to anyone but my subconscious. Who was kind of dick and brought up the topic at the worst of times. But even without the defining thing to tie us together Aunt Jenny coming over always brought fun with it.

Dad brought the car to a halt at the red light, turning in his seat to face me. His brows were stern but the lines around his mouth weren't tense so I knew he wasn't about to yell at me.

"Beau, please keep in mind this wasn't to punish you or anything like that," He started, holding up a hand when I went to ask what the hell he was on about. "Your Aunt has decided to bring Flemming with her for her stay."

I nodded, taking a while to get where he was going with that. When I did I stuttered, affronted.

"I am not sharing my room with him!"

"Beau-"

"Dad, the guy sucks. And he's a slob, and always hides food in my desk! The old one had so many ants you had to throw it away, remember!"

Dad grimaced in memory before trying to put on an appeasing smile.

"It's just for a couple weeks, Beau."

"Why can't he bunk with Thomas? The guy's room is like three times my size, plus he hardly ever crashes at home!"

"Son, your cousin is staying in your room and that is final."

"No punishment, my ass," I grumbled, lowering myself in my seat.

That was such bullshit. No way Flemming just decided to accompany Aunt Jenny. The guy only tagged along to her visits when he wanted to be a pain in my ass. My recent run-in with the law the perfect opportunity for him to do so.

Groaning I rested my head against the window for the duration of the ride, not even complaining when Dad flicked the station to his news channel. Parked up front was a busted Holden with a nasty looking gash up its side. Forcing myself out the door I whistled at the sight up close.

"How'd she manage that?"

"Won't say, though it's something involving Mrs. Doomae and her letterboxes. I'll try to convince her to take it to the auto shop, but you know Jenny. Until the thing stops being able to drive in a straight line, she doesn't care how it looks."

Pushing the front door open the smell of beef and tomatoes hit my nose full force. The television was blaring some football match in the living room and judging by the pained grunts echoing every few seconds Thomas' team wasn't doing so hot. I leaned against the doorframe as he threw the remote against the couch, collapsing into the cushions with a childish pout.

"Where's Jenny?"

He looked up at me, still pouting. "Kitchen with Mom. Though I doubt they're doing anything more than gossiping. Dinner will be ready in like a half-hour, so brace yourself for suffering."

"Cute," I said, rolling my eyes. "Where's her demon spawn?"

"Cute," he mirrored back, hopping up from the couch and clicking his back out. He looked more dressed for the beach than a family dinner, wearing cargo shorts and a well-worn t-shirt that rode up high enough to make me wonder if it had been originally mine. "Flemming's out in the yard with April."

"Cool, I'll avoid the yard then."

Thomas thumped my shoulder, heading towards the stairs. "Take a shower before dinner, you reek."

I followed him up the stairs, detouring to my room to fling my keys and wallet onto my desk. Heating up the shower I sat on the toilet, running a hand down my face and reassessing the day.

Did I really just sign up for a play?

I couldn't even remember the last time I stood on a stage, let alone acted. What if I messed up everything and they revoked my hours? What if I messed up and embarrassed myself in front of the whole town, or at least whoever was stupid enough to go to a local play? With a groan, I dropped my head to my knees before stripping down and getting under the water.

I had just rinsed out the shampoo from my hair when a loud thump hit the bathroom door.

"Quit jerking off, dinner's ready," Flemming's voice pierced through, still far deeper than his age belayed.

"Fuck off," I called back, ignoring the sound of my mother's scold that followed. At his retreating footsteps, I skipped the conditioner, briskly scrubbing down with soap and rinsing off before slinging a towel around my hips and heading to my room.

"Seriously!" I said, aspirated by my cousins prone form my bed. "Why does everyone in this family do that. What were you, raised by wolves?"

"Nope," came a voice from the doorway. I glanced behind me to make out Jenny' head. "Just the one wolf. Flemming, be nice and go downstairs so your cousin can get ready."

Like magic, Flemming got up and left the room.

"Don't take too long, we won't wait all night for you to make yourself look pretty," she chided with a wink before disappearing around the corner. For safety, and my own sanity, I locked the door behind her. Wrestling on a pair of old jeans and a black sweater I bounded the steps two at a time, not missing Mom's look as I slipped into the seat as Dad finished grace. Though they weren't religious it was something Dad started doing since grandma passed away.

"So, heard you almost went to jail?" Flemming said the moment Mom was done filling plates.

"Flemming Wallans Junior!" Aunt Jenny scolded, offering me an apologetic smile.

"I heard you still can't spell your own name. How's the dyslexia going?"

"Beau," Mom warned, tone low.

Across the table April kicked my leg, sparing a glance at a not-so-impressed Dad.

"Sorry," I caved first, shoving a forkful of pasta into my mouth. It was hot, and greasy, and made my stomach coil at the last time I ate spaghetti but after a long day, I needed the calories. Flemming shut up too at least, though smugly ate his own food.

"So, how's school going for you lot? I know it's already the second half of the year but just thought I'd check-in," Jenny smiled, offering me an apologetic look.

"Boring," April summarized, stabbing at her bowl until Mom laid a calming hand on her wrist. "Because PE is mandatory I had to drop History, and honestly running laps sucks. How can Tommo want to do that for a living, Beau?"

I shrugged at her question. "The guys crazy."

"And how is your little gaggle of friends?" Jenny asked and I flushed at her terminology.

"I'm not a toddler Jenny," I huffed, in a very manly way. "They're good, Tommo's a little stir-crazy at the amount of scouts tailing him. It really drives home his paranoia. Fuck knows-"

"Language Beau."

"- Frick knows what Clark is up to. The guy seems to be doing something new every time I see him."

Jenny nodded opening her mouth to continue when Mom dragged her into a conversation about work. As the pair chatted I grabbed a couple slices of bread, hoping to fill up without having to finish the pasta.

"How many hours you get?" Flemming whispered to me when our parents were fully distracted.

I side-eyed him, stuffing the end of my bread into my mouth. "None of your business."

"Damn, must've been a lot since you're all defensive," he whistled, twirling his fork. "Plus with your work ethic, quitting everything when it gets too hard, it'll take you at least a year to finish off, right?"

"Shut up Flemming or I'll dunk your phone in the toilet while you're sleeping," I whispered back, ignoring April's warning kick. Besides me Thomas snorted into his coke, covering it up with a cough when Dad looked our way.

"At least I have access to my phone," Flemming retorted. "I'm honestly amazed you've made it this long without texting your boyfriend."

At that, something came over me and I was on my feet, fists planted onto the dining table.

Mom jumped in her seat, startled at my sudden outburst.

"Beau, sit down-" she started but before I could stop myself the words were flowing out of my mouth.

"I joined the town play," I announced and swiftly turned on my heel.

As if on autopilot I stormed to my room, April hot on my heels and asking a million questions at once. I only stopped when she grabbed my wrist, yanking me off the first step of the staircase leading up to the rooms.

"What do you mean you're in a play?" she scoffed, unbelieving.

"They offered to cut down my hours if I filled in the lead role," I said, simply, ignoring Mom's confused look as she stood by the banister.

"But you can't act?" Thomas helpful supplied.

I glared at him. "How would you know?"

"I'm your older brother, any strengths you have come from me and I know for a fact that I can't act."

"Thomas, be nice," Mom cut in, moving to rest a hand on my arm nudging April aside. "I'm sure you will do wonderfully, Beau, and we will all be coming to see you. When is the play?"

Right.

I had never gotten a date.

"I'll get back to you on that, early days. Was only offered the role this afternoon." I said.

April rolled her eyes, pulling out her phone.

"What's the play about?" she asked, glancing up at me.

"Snow White..." I trailed off, blushing when I realized just how little I knew about the play I'd agreed to join. "I'm going to need my phone back, Dad. To keep on top of rehearsals."

Dad arched a brow before looking at Mom, who just nodded.

Clapping her hands, Jenny offered me a big smile. "Well I think it's great you're involving yourself in the arts, and we will definitely come down to see you."

Flemming rolled his eyes at his mother, walking back into the dining room. Rolling my eyes at his form I glanced back at Dad, who had returned from the living room with my phone. When he handed it over I frowned at the lack of messages before seeing he'd set the thing to airplane mode.

"If I catch you texting after hours I will confiscate it. And don't think this means you're not under supervision, I will be driving you to and from all rehearsals, you got it?"

Nodding I turned back up the stairs, April giving me one last lingering look before following the adults back to the dining room. I took to the stairs quickly, waiting until I was in my room to turn my phone off airplane mode and check my messages.

Instantly dozens floated the lock screen, majority people asking about the break-in, and a couple from Tommo asking if I had access to my phone yet. Nothing pressing jumped out but as soon as I went to put my phone down and head back to the dining room it buzzed.

Curious I turned it over and fought the urge to roll my eyes.

J. CLARK (6:52PM): MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT... DON'T ASK ANY QUESTIONS