"KAAAAT!" Ella grinned as she arrived with her present. Cadence had told her to meet that guy named Tyler sometime, and Ella knew Lucy, so maybe she could introduce her. And birthday parties were beyond fun..

"Thanks!" Carter said. "I'm excited to see you play."

"Ella!" Carter said seeing one of his friends.

"Hey, Carter!" Ella grinned, giving him a nice hug. "How's it going?"

"Things are really good." Carter said hugging her back. "And things with you?"

Adam turned slightly when he heard a soft voice behind him, and grinned when the person in question slipped her hand into his. "Hey yourself," he said to Lorelai, squeezing her hand, but not too hard. She looked really pretty, but he wasn't sure what to say in front of everyone else. Well, Tyler and Kat and the lot. So he just smiled again, hoping she got the hint.

"Nice to meet you too, Lucy," Adam grinned when Tylers girlfriend turned to him. Then she was asking Tyler what was happening first, and Adam got all excited, and in the partayy mood. "Oh yeah! Prezzies, c'mon Kat, open mine!" he shouted with a laugh, still holding onto Loris hand.

His smile softened from a grin when Lori spoke to Lucy, and explained that they where 'bestfriends'. He noticed the look in Lucy eyes that said she knew there was something more, but wad glad that she didn't ask. He wasn't in the mood for explaining their confuzzing situation now.

And to be honest, he was too confuzzed himself.

"Thanks Rex" Kat smiled at him.

"Thanks Adamo!!" Kat grinned at him. She took his presents and put them on. "OMG!!! I LUV THEM!!!!" She yelled excitedly. She gave him another hug and turned to what looked to be his girlfriend. "Hi there! I'm Kat" She smiled at her.

"I know I feel like I haven't seem anyone all year" Kat said to Carter. "Well... it's like a brother and sister relationship. Sometimes I hate him and sometimes I love him" She grinned. Kat sure did like to torture Tyler whenever she had the chance to.

"Thankies Lucy" She beamed. Oh how she loved her friends! They were certainly better than her own family. She was about to answer Lucy's question when she heard a familiar voice yelling her name. "ELLA!!" She ran over to her and gave her a hug. Hugshugshugshugs!!!!! She saw Ella holding a present and said "OOOOHHHH WHAT'S INSIDE?? WHAT'S INSIDE??" She turned back to Lucy and said "Presents first!!!" as she clapped her hands.

"Of course I remembered," Tyler said, kind of out of breath since Kat was killing him with the hug. "Here, I got you something,"
Turning towards Adam, Tyler spotted someone else. Could this be Lorrrrrrrrrrriii? Probably was. No pain in finally meeting the famous Lorrrrrrrrrii Adam told Tyler about and gave advice on. "Hey, I'm Tyler. You must be Lori," he smiled, with a slight smirk.
"You told her, didn't you?" Ty whispered in Lucy's ear and smirked. Well, he could get back at Kat if she did start bothering him with that.

Lucy laughed and nodded. "Okay, presents first. Here are mine," She said as she went over and grabbed a couple of square boxes wrapped in elegant wrapping paper and purple bows. "I hope you like them," She said with a smile.

To Tyler, she blushed. "Uhh...yeah. I"m sorry," She whispered back apologetically. She felt really bad.

And another reason Parker was glad for no siblings, they were strange. "I wouldn't have bought it." he mumbled. He wouldn't want one of those in his house. He shrugged, "Why did I have to figure it out. You tell me..all the time." He still thought it was just because she liked to touch him.

"I am right." There was no 'supposing'. They were idiots. "They are idiots." Parker wanted to get rid of them forever ago, but his parents wouldn't allow it. They held too many secrets. "Like I'm going to tell you!" he scoffed. They were between himself and his rat, no one else would find out. "Don't worry, I don't plan on meeting her." He didn't like owls. They could look at you from all directions. Strange. He narrowed his eyes when she spoke of feeding his rat to her owl, "You wouldn't dare." He wouldn't let her near Parker Jr.

"I didn't say I agreed with you!" he said even louder than her. "You are putting words in my mouth." he pointed to her. She was twisting his words all around. All he said was 'Oh' and now she thought he agreed! "Just don't talk to my rat. That would be better." She was mean to the rat. Very mean. "Did you ever think that my parents liked that name?" He had no idea why his parents would name him that, he would remember to ask them. "You have room to talk, what kind of name is Thalia?"

"Am I supposed to agree to it?" he asked. He did not like her, or at least he would not admit it. "Good," he folded his arms, "cause I don't." He hoped that bothered her. He enjoyed bothering her. "I'm always serious." he joked. He wasn't serious all the time. "Why do you want to know?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. Was she..jealous? "I guess you can come up with your conclusion to what happened." he gave her a wink and then laughed. If she wanted to know, she could always ask Rue, isn't that what girls talked about? "Whatever." he grumbled. She was in denial, he knew it. "I lied." Yeah, like he was a good liar. "Better than going to Beauxbaton's. At least I didn't have to walk with a book on my head."

"Prove what point!?" There were plenty of other ways to prove it. She just didn't have to kiss him. "Yeah, a secret." he muttered. What if he didn't want to keep it a secret? What if he wanted to tell everyone? What if he wanted to do it again? No, no. Don't think that.

As long as her boyfriend, he didn't know his name, didn't go after him, Parker was safe. He opened his mouth to apologize as well but it was too late, she was kissing him again. He felt his face go hot as he kissed her back this time. Before he could even say anything, Thalia was out of the room, and he was alone..again. Parker took one last look at the grand piano that he didn't get to play before he opened the door and left.

Did he like Thalia? Yes. Yes he did.

" Well Kat, here are a dozen carnations of red and yellow as a start for your presents" Rex told Kat. There is also a two pound box of chocolate from America, a most famous company named See's made them" Rex said to Kat. ' I have one more present for you later Kat and let's see what everyone else got you" Rex explained to her.

Grinning up at him, Lorelai went on her tiptoes to whisper something. --Not that it even changed her height. Her heels made her practically on tippytoes anyways-- "Did I miss anything?" Because then, that would just be a fail. A FAIL.

The party could never start without her.
She was. In truth. Awesome.

Vain much?

Smiling at what seemed to be the party's benefiter; Lorelai stuck a hand out with the card and voucher book. "Lorelai, happy birthday. I kinda guessed on what to get you, but trust me, the vouchers aren't just able to be spent on heels and dresses. You can spend them anywhere... I didnt wanna come with nothing though."

And look lame.

Tyler? Tyler? Tyler? Yeah, she had heard the name. But she wasn't going to tell him that she really DIDNT know who the heck he was. Apart from her knew Adam. As she did. But apparantly, he knew her. "You'd look real stupid if I wasn't Lori; wouldnt you?" Lucky for you, I am she."

Alex shook her head, "I don't think I could ever forget about you." She said smiling up at him softly. "I mean, you taught me to juggle, that is a memory that will never go away, and you healed me, that could not leave either." She lowered her head a bit as he spoke of leaving. "Yes, you will be leaving, and I will be sad, I don't know how I am going to survive without you." She said honestly. "It will break mine too."

"Mmm, yes it does." Alex snuggled happily into Chris, and she smiled up at him. For the first time, things were going right. No Torin, no Damon, no broken hearts, leaving or angry fan girls. It was just her and Chris, together. She brushed her bangs out of her eyes and smiled happily.

She watched as the lightning lit up the sky, and she didn't feel one ounce of fear as the thunder rolled. "Yes, our Thunderstorm." She said with a soft smile.

Marie turned her attention back to the game once it started but it didn't stay there long. Hearing Evan's reactions to what was going on she turned to watch him, she enjoyed watching him more than the game. She found it fun to sit there and watch as he would jump with excitement when Chelsea had a good play or groan and look like he wanted to throw something when it was Manchester who had a good moment.

She knew her attention should be more focused on the match just in case he questioned her about it but she just couldn't focus on that. She would turn her attention back to the match but within a minute she was back to watching him. She couldn't help herself, he was just so fun to watch when he got all worked up, like he was really there, watching the match live. Then again, judging from the reactions she was seeing from the fans in the stands Evan's reactions seemed to be mild. Oh well, back to watching the game Evan.

"Don't worry about it. I can always get back at her with something too," he chuckled and kissed the top of her head.
"Good point," he chuckled. "But it's always better to take risks," Ty said, hands in his pockets.

Evan kind of felt guilty by not answering any possible questions of Marie, but he couldn't take his eyes off the TV. It was so exciting! He really intended to turn to her when there seemed to be some action on Chelsea bench. The crowd had been singing for Joe Cole for some time before the player was introduced in a like-for-like switch for Deco. That was with 63 minutes gone. The Chelsea play had lacked cohesion. What would the introduction of the crowd favourite bring? A huge, similar smile to the fans' faces appeared on Evan's. This would definately bring Chelsea back.

Before any impact came from Cole though, Rooney went close twice, shooting just two yards wide after Valencia's return pass and then testing Cech at his top corner, making Evan extremely nervous. That guy had to be stopped before Chelsea conceded anything. He used to think after Ronaldo's leave United was nothing, but Rooney was definately doing a good job there. Why didn't he tired out or something, so that he could leave before any 'accident' for Chelsea?

On 72 minutes came one of the game's big talking points. Another high ball had been launched in Drogba's direction and as he jumped with Evans, the Man United defender turned and raised his foot, catching the Chelsea man in the ribs, inside the area. Evan gasped at the action and made a face as he buried his face in both of his hands. Noo! Drogba couldn't get injured! And why didn't the referee give a penalty? That was the most violent foul on pitch today. However, to fans' and Evan's fury, the referee continued the game and after Drogba had been treated, the referee, quite incredibly, managed to book him! This infuriated Evan even further as some not very pleasant words slipped through his lips towards the referee. The only defence for that incredibly blind man could be his angle of view hadn't seen the boot high. Though even that wouldn't prove him to be right. What was a referee's job other than examining it and giving the right call?! He hummed some more, rhyming with the fans on the TV.

A minute later Fletcher chopped down Ashley Cole and no card was shown, to the crowd's and Evan's ire, although the away team were angered by the award of the free-kick. This truly angered the blondie as he suddenly jumped and actually yelled at the referee as if he could hear him. However, Chelsea disquiet was soon forgotten. Lampard's free-kick was attacked by both Terry and Anelka, both got a touch as a header dropped into the bottom corner.

Evan, who was already standing, jumped two metres high in the air then with a shout of joy. "GOAAAAALLLLL!!!!" He ran to Marie and hugged her with an undescribable smile of happiness on his face. THEY WERE GOING TO WIN THIS! TERRY HAD SCORED, AND THEY COULD WIN IT! He turned back at the TV to live that goal again. To his amusement, both Anelka and Terry celebrated like it was their goal, each oblivious to the other's run, and common consensus on initial viewing was that it was Terry's to keep, although a TV replay suggests differently. The debate may continue. It did not matter at all though. It was Chelsea's goal again United, and that sealed it.

"Gald you like them," Adam grinned truthfully, shoving the hand that wasn't holding onto Lori's into his pocket. He hadn't a clue what to get her, and so wrote to his cousin for advice. Yeah, Adam ctually asked for someone's advice, which was surprising. But anyways, he'd thought about it, and thought about what Kat liked, and the bracelets seemed a good idea.

She seemed to like them, which was a plus.

Rolling his eyes a little catching the smirk on Tylers face, Adam couldn't help but grin.

Leaning down closer to Lori (after her vain attemot to go higher than her high heels would let her) to her her whisper -- Adam hated being tall sometimes -- Adam shook his head before leaning down furthur to whisper a reply. "Nah, Kat's only just go here," he murmured, smiling. "That's her, over there, he added quietly, nodding his head towards the girl he'd just hugged and presented with a present.

He smiled as she handed Kat the present, and bit his lip as she bagn to talk to Tyler, praying he wouldn't laugh at his friends somewhat wkward exchange. His smile widened into a smirk as he looked over Lori's head at Tyler.

Marilyn rested against Rafe, nodding her head in agreement to what he said. The darkened tone in his voice told her he was no longer referring to her situation...Those questions would be saved for later, however.

When he mentioned not marrying, Marilyn outright laughed. "I'd never planned on binding myself to that piece of garbage...and marrying someone else to make the contract null and void would be a great idea...but..." She paused and looked up into his face meaningfully. "...Unlike most girls who dream of big weddings and fairy tail princes...I'd never even considered marriage a possibility...Up until the end of term feast last year, anyway..." Fear of losing someone always brought about crazy notions and what ifs. Rafe was fine, though...and telling her crazy imaginative thoughts were not an option.

When asked what she did to upset her father in such a way, Marilyn gave Rafe a sour look. She rolled over to where she could see him better, making herself more comfortable. "I moved out without his knowledge the day after our argument...and he was looking for me all summer. He got really upset when he couldn't locate me." She closed her eyes and exhaled heavily. Retelling all of this was making her tired...but sleep refused to come lately. "He's sent me two letters since I've been back to school...I never opened it, though. Knowing my father, there's some kind of poison in the parchment or some nasty curse on it..." Thinking about her father's vengeful nature made the blonde smirk. In retro spect, she'd definitely inherited that trait. "Hogsmeade isn't even an option anymore."

Lucy smiled as he tried to make her feel better, but she still felt bad. She would have to keep an eye on Kat from now on. While watching Kat open presents, she listened to the exchange between Ty, Adam, and Lorelai. That girl was certainly hyper, but Lucy liked her. And Adam seemed like a really great guy.

Rafe admired her bravery and felt bad that she went through this alone during the summer, but she was strong and wouldn't have it any other way. "Marilyn, you're not a girl that does something without thinking it through...but, there are other solutions you should consider." He was surprised that she was able to slip away so easily. Not an easy feat, and by herself no less?

"I could open it for you? I mean if you really wanted to hear what he has to say... I've kind of built up an immunity to poisons and curses," Rafe said with a smirk. "Thick skin kind of runs in the family." Rafe caught her smirk, it was something behind it, like a fire behind it, that he liked so much. "I still think you should turn him in, though I don't think Azkaban would be enough punishment," though a year ago he thought that would sufficed. "Just ask it of me and I can make some arrangements and you will no longer have to worry about cursed letters or him jumping you in dark corners. You can use me to make these arrangements, it's the least I could do."

Carter laughed. How sweet. He wished he had a sibling or family close to his age. He looked around and then decided to help himself to one of the many snacks around.

Marilyn's smirk only broadened as Rafe tried to convince her to let him handle the situation. "While I can't deny that it's more than likely you'll become involved...I don't want you to have to worry over me right now...You obviously have so much going on yourself." She frowned at him then, lifting herself to where she could rest on her knees. She brushed his face with her fingertips, running them lightly over the marks. "I can honestly say I've never seen someone wear scars so well." She was staring at him, yes...but she couldn't stop. There was something about those scars on him. They made him seem dangerous almost...but not to her. It was an odd feeling...not entirely unpleasant either.

Realizing she was probably scaring Rafe a little bit with how she'd froze and was gawking practically, Marilyn had the grace to blush. She bit her lip, trying to remember exactly what she was saying before...Oh yea...

"...Anyway, I didn't escape on my own and I haven't been without help...If it weren't for my mother giving me my Gringott's key from her side of the family and Jazz, I think he'd have already found me and seriously hurt me...I doubt he'd ever kill me...but as we both said early, there are worse things."

She paused for another moment and gave him a look. "And I don't care if you have built up an immunity. Rafe, im not risking your health...and that's final. Please...just agree with me." Her eyes were pleading with him not to insist on doing such a thing. There's no telling what could be done to those letters with how angry her father could get.

When he offered once again to handle it for her, she smiled almost sadly. "You'd really go though all that trouble for me?

"OOOHHHHH!!!!" Kat yelled excitedly and took the present Tyler was giving her. She took a good look at it and smirk. Someone was missing her big hair. "I'm guessing you want my big hair back?" She smirked at Ty.

Kat took the boxes Lucy was handing her. She ripped the wrappings off ans screamed. "AAAAHHHH!!!!" Somehow Lucy always knew when Kat was running out of prank supplies. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!" She hugged her and jumped up and down. She took the best friends necklace and put it on. She walked over to tyler and said "You see this!!!! Best friends!!!! What do you have!? Nothing!" She laughed.


Kat took the flowers and the chocolate. "Thanks Rex!" She said happily. Now what will she do with two pounds of chocolate. Probably eat it all by tomorrow.

Kat smiled at her. "Nice to meet you" She shook her hand. She took the gifts and said "Thanks so much!" And gave her a hug.

"Soooooo..... CAKE TIME!!!!!????" She asked Lucy. If there was one thing Kat loved more than pranking people it was probably cake.

"You really shouldn't worry about me, I'm a lone wolf...more or less," Rafe had a quizzical look on his face thinking on what he just said. "It was more a figure of speech." Rafe watched as she looked over his face. He was embarrassed. At the same time though, he felt like it made look older, well, older than he already looked. "Well, it was part of an initiation, as far as my father would let me go." This wasn't the time to talk about his summer. He made it out okay, it was more important to focus on Marilyn's problem.

Rafe chuckled, "Oh, fine, I won't risk my health, but it was worth a shot." He shrugged. He would do anything as long as it helped Marilyn in anyway. Rafe took her hand, "Marilyn, you know I would do anything for you, no questions asked, just say the words and I'm there. I know some people that can make things look like accidents," he laughed much deeper than usual. "Hell, if you and...Carter need special arrangements to elope or whatever, I think there's even a minister in my father's clan that can make those arrangements. Just as long as you're happy."

Marilyn rolled her eyes. "Well, it's obvious that you're going to worry about me and I'm going to worry about you...no matter how much you fuss." She ran her fingers the length of his scars just once more and then let her hand drop reluctantly. She wanted to ask so many questions...but didn't know if now was the right time or not.

When Rafe began to chuckle, the blonde cut her eyes at him. "Im glad you were amused by that because I was not. You know I'd never...And I mean never let you do something like that...for me, nonetheless." She gave him a hard look. "I l...just wouldn't let that happen." She froze momentarily, catching her slip up before she really embarrassed herself. It's not the time...for that.

She held his hand in return, still surprised by how much warmer he felt to her now. "Jazz and I have a plan...and if it doesn't work, which is always a possibility, then I'll give you free reign to do whatever you wish to...but I'd like the chance to handle it myself. I am fiercely independent, you know?" She smirked at him playfully then, knowing he probably thought that to be untrue...but it wasn't.

When she heard the words you, Carter and elope fall from his lips, Marilyn tensed up. She backed away from him a few inches before settling her hands in her lap. She voice came out soft and unsure. "Is that what you think would make me happy, Rafe?" She looked up at him under her lashes, wishing she could read his mind. "Do you not remember the first conversation we ever had?"

She couldn't help but feel slightly hurt by his comment. Did Rafe not understand her at all?

Carter laughed. He would be totally fine if they started on the cake. He loved cake. It was up there on his list of favorites. Right next to cheesecake. Maybe cheesecake being slightly more important just because of the memories associated with it. He looked over at Ella and laughed to himself. Oh cheesecake with Ella. Good times.