homecoming, attn Brit

[Ian Baxter]

Ian woke early and started a pot of spaghetti sauce for the celebration that evening. Zac was coming home and Mal and JJ were going to move in with them so he felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. Zac being laid up had meant that their entire financial burden had been on his back and though he had been promoted to assistant manager, he still hadn’t been able to handle it. If it hadn’t been for Brittany lending him money, they would have lost their home. With Mal and JJ moving in, Zac would have time to rest before looking for work. The social worker had helped them get approved for food stamp which was also helping a lot. Ian had barely eaten for a month except whatever had been leftover at 9-pins at the end of his shifts. Basically fries and pizza, but it had kept his growling stomach from keeping him awake nights. Turning the pot to simmer, Ian dressed and got into the van to go pick up Zac. He hoped it wouldn’t take too long to check his brother out; he needed to get salad makings and stuff for garlic bread. He texted to Brit hoping Evan hadn’t picked her up for school yet.

‘Hey Brit, about tonight can you bring a cake or something? I have the spaghetti under control and a salad and the garlic bread. You can handle the guest list. I would forget to invite Evan so its best this way! ‘ Ian reached up to gingerly touch his broken nose and laughed. He wasn’t one to hold a grudge for himself, but for Brit he might.

[Brittany Barnes]

Brittany was still in bed, running late as usual, when she heard her phone. She dove for it, assuming it was Evan, only it was Ian. Right...Zac coming home...party. Cake...right..she could do that! But don't invite Evan. She didn't particularly like that. But she could see where he was coming from. After all, Evan hadn't apologized yet. But he did say that he was going to apologize.

She bit down on her bottom lip wondering what to do. Would Ian even be in school today? Probably not...maybe she should just bring Evan with her. She'd have to talk to him later and see if he wanted to come or if it would just be the band and Mal like the old days. She couldn't decide. She supposed Evan had only really been in the picture the last few months, but it seemed weird thinking that he wouldn't be there. Especially now that they were good. At least she hoped that they were. She wasn't sure that she could stand it. The fighting had only lasted a few days but it had been utterly horrible. She didn't like the fighting part of relationships so if possible, that wouldn't happen again.

She stared down at her phone and typed back: "Cake and guest list...got it. See you tonight!!!" She decided to keep it vague not sure whether she should invite Evan or not. Why was there always drama? Boo drama. Hopefully Evan and Ian would be able to sort things out because otherwise things were going to be awkward with a capital A.

Brittany tossed her phone aside and climbed out of bed to get ready for school...another thing she wasn't exactly looking forward to thanks to her theatrics at the bowling ally. Oh well. She never had put much though into what people had thought about her before and she wasn't going to start now.