Two days later...

Senior year has been stressful these days, frustrated on the amount of work that piled just by missing one day of school, it was to the point that I was up all night trying to catch up on what I've missed. I'm just glad Moon Dancer was able to help me nail down some of my important projects, which is a requirement for graduation. Additionally, Cuddle Bug contributed her assistance on helping me with an art project. Lesson learned never miss another day of school.

Sandal Wood and I have been exchanging text messages since our last date, I had brought up the subject if he had remembered anything else other than passing out that night, unfortunately, it is not to his best recollection. I sensed a remorseful behavior within his text messages, I told him that it was alright and things do happen out of the ordinary, and that we should go out on a second date, only this time, I suggested a place.

Adagio called me yesterday to check up on me to see how things are going since our last meeting and if my gem had been acting weird lately. I told her that everything is fine. I spent an hour on the phone dissenting with her theory about what a siren's spirit can do, and how it has an ability to just leak out and migrate to another. Albeit, my gem illuminating does contribute to my past unexplained nights, but still doesn't supply sufficient evidence as to why.

HUMANAVILLE
1:36PM; FRIDAY
HUMANAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL (FIFTH PERIOD: P.E)

*Whistle Blow*

"Hey!" The gym teacher halted in a loud voice, and pointed at a team player for pushing an opposing player down, he continued with the same volume, "One more time, you'll be sitting on the bleachers next to the mummy and that purple-haired girl, got me?"

"Yes sir! It won't happen again!"

"Good, lets continue playing ball!" The gym teacher blew his whistle as a signal to resume the game of basketball.

I remain seated on the bleachers next to a classmate who wore a cast on both arms due to an injury of a skate board fall, as he claimed. His casts were molded in a degree that both his arms extended out, depicting a mummified zombie, hence why he was called 'the mummy' as an insult. I drew art-hearts on a notepad just to kill time until the period ends. I'm not an athletic girl, the last time I partook in P.E, I nearly got myself knocked the soul out of me when a student football player unintentionally rammed my body to a wall, and that was that, I decided not to partake in it anymore, at least in this school. Suddenly I felt something touching my hair, for a second, my thoughts automatically went to Sandal Wood, remembering the way he touched it before he drew in a gentle kiss. But it was the guy with the cast next to me, trying to communicate, "Oh... Sorry that I touched your hair, I only have one more week until I can take these stupid things off."

"It's quite alright.." I went back to sketching my random art.

"So, why aren't you playing?"

"I don't like basketball..."

He inspected my notepad, his eyes widened and smiled, "From your drawings there, I can already tell what kind of person you are."

I looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "What?.."

"You're soft."

"..The hell's that supposed to mean?.."

"Wait, wait, I didn't mean it that way.. What I'm trying to say is that you are soft, perhaps too soft, but can be very ambitious, strong, and will-powered when you absolutely need to be... eh?" He let out a wink, and pointed both his index fingers at me.

I shook my head and grinned, "You got all that from my sketch?"

"Yeah, I have friends who like to draw stuff on their notebooks just like you, and I'm always accurate about it. At least I think I am.. Well.. My friends told me that I am.."

I smiled at him, and fortuitously looked at the casts on both of his arms, "Why are you in school?... Aren't you supposed to be in a hospital healing up or something?"

"No can do amiga, I have been told that I've missed enough school days, and that if I missed anymore, I'll never graduate."

I let out a sympathetic look, "Oh... Well that's too bad.."

"Eh.. It's my fault anyway, I never should've skateboarded from a two-story high building to attempt a three-sixty.."

"WATCH OUT, WATCH OUT, WATCH OUT!" A random voice shouted out to me as the basketball suddenly hit my head hard, causing me to slightly go off balance. The person who shouted, ran straight to me and apologized, "Sorry... I guess someone thought you were the basketball hoop.."

"Umm... Ok?.." I rubbed my head to ease the pain from the ball hitting my head.

The teenage boy picked up the ball, and ran back to the basketball court to resume the game.

The awkwardness filled the space between me and the guy with a cast. However, by taking the plunge, he re-initiated with words, "Ummm... Do you need a cast? 'Cause I can help you with that if you want.."

At dismissal time, Moon Dancer, Cuddle Bug, and I rode our bicycles together on our way home. Since today was Friday, I suggested that they should sleep over at my place, Moon Dancer refused and proved a point that we all should sleep at her place instead as a favor in return for helping me with all of my school work, plus, she's making fajitas tonight because of the whole Fajita-Friday thing that became viral, which came to my surprise because Moon Dancer never cooked her whole life. So with that, we all agreed to the plan to meet at her place at around seven. Until then, we all went separate ways. As I bicycled through the path, I analyzed my thoughts on what to do for the rest of the remaining day until seven. Sandal Wood is working with his dad to help a family friend build a tree-house, so I didn't want to bother him with a text message, besides, we're scheduled to see each other on Sunday, and I'm very excited about it. I'm still waiting for a phone call from the lady at the music shop for my guitar repair, as it has been a week since I dropped it off. I'm hoping the guitar would be ready by tomorrow. Since I have not seen my sisters in almost a week, making an unplanned visit wouldn't be a bad thing. I pressed on my brakes, and took a sudden turn towards the direction of Adagio's apartment.

I parked my bicycle by one of the tall lamp posts in front of Adagio's apartment complex. As I locked my bicycle securely, I walked straight to the complex, and took a couple of flight of stairs towards the apartment room. I knocked as I got to the door, and heard a familiar voice from behind it, "I'm coming!" I heard a couple of footsteps followed by a loud thud during the process, "I'm okay!" The door finally opened, seeing Sonata standing right in front of me with a bright smile, "Clair!" She jumped in for a hug.

My voice quavered, "S.. Sonata, you're too heavy, please let go!.."

"Oh, sorry, I just had cake." Sonata re-positioned herself, and placed both her hands behind her back, "Don't just stand there, come in!" She took my hand and pulled me inside the apartment room, and closed the door behind us.

"Who was at the door, Sonata?" Aria's voice was heard across her bedroom while Sonata directed us to the living room.

"Clair is here!" Sonata replied to Aria in a loud voice.

Sonata and I sat down on the living room couch to a video game currently paused on TV. She then reached out to the living room table to grab a plate of cake. I questioned, "Sonata, I thought you already had cake.."

"I did, and now I'm having another one."

I contorted, "Sonata, don't eat too much of the sweet things... You gotta remember, you're human now.. and it can be bad for you..."

"Says who?!"

"Well, says everybody..."

"I promise, this will be my last piece!" She took a big bite of the cake, leaving remnants of frosting all over her mouth.

Aria finally showed up. As expected of Aria, she always had the anguish look in her eyes, I didn't think I ever saw her smile, but if I did, hell might have froze over. But she did wear her hair down today. "Hi Clair.."

"Hi Aria, how are you today?"

"Crappy... And hungry..." She turned to Sonata with her eyes widened, "What the hell Sonata?! You ate all the cake?!"

With her mouth full, "Yeah, and it was good!"

"Did you at least leave some for me and Adagio?.."

"Sorry..."

Aria face-palmed herself, "You really are the worse.."

Sonata swallowed her cake, and thought of a come-back, "Oh yeah?! You're a big meanie!"

"That's not even an insult, dummy."

I grimaced at both Sonata and Aria, then stopped them both from quarreling, "Girls!" They both looked at me seriously, "Where's Adagio?"

"Adagio went to get some food ingredients." Sonata stood up and walked directly to the kitchen to place her empty plate in the sink.

"And none of you girls went with her?"

"Adagio told us to stay home and keep an eye on the Sheppard's pie that's currently baking in the oven." Aria sat on a sofa adjacent to me.

"Oh, ok... Well, I just wanted to come by and say hello."

Sonata walked back from the kitchen, and leaped onto the couch-seat next to me, causing my body to bounce up slightly, "Stay for dinner."

"I can't, I have plans with friends tonight. I promised that I'll be spending the night with them."

Aria, with her arms crossed, she gazed at me with words, "You didn't really change much, did ya Clair..."

"Me?.. I don't know, why?"

"You were always the goody two-shoes among the three of us... Which is why you rebelled against us?"

"I never 'rebelled' against you girls." I sighed heavily, "Aria, are we gonna talk about this now?"

Sonata once again sensed an uncomfortable conversation between Aria and I, prompting to her resume her video game. Aria answered me with a glower, "Fine..."

I took a deep breath, and forced a smile, "Girls, I'm going to be singing at the Christmas Showcase in about two weeks, and I want you girls and Adagio to come and watch."

Sonata paused her game, "Really?!"

Aria rolled her eyes and bickered to herself loudly enough for me to hear, "Kill me now... Just kill me now.."

I comforted her with words, "Aria, I think it will be fun. Live life normal for once, you might like it." I unzipped my book bag, revealing three tickets and held it up to Sonata, "Sonata, these are the tickets to the showcase. Do not lose these, alright?"

Sonata nodded, "Mmhmm!" I then handed the tickets to her.

I ascended from the couch, zipping my book bag then wore the strap on my right shoulder, "Wish I can stay girls, but I'm going to be late at my friend's sleep over."

Sonata stood up and gave me a hug goodbye, "Come back again, and please spend the night here sometime." We liberated ourselves from our hug, but continued with alluring words, "If you spend the night here, I'll give you my bed."

"Thanks Sonata, but you don't need to do that." I then turned to Aria, who remain seated at the sofa looking away with a disdainful expression. She should know better that being all negative her whole eternity will get her nowhere, of course it's not in my place to school her because she's older than me. Adagio is making progress, Sonata became more free-minded than before, but she still dwelled in the past thinking that she has another shot of conquering the world without the use of her gem. "Tell Adagio I'll call her later." I smiled at Aria. With the same expression, she faced me with no words of response. With my puzzled look I continued with words, "Ummm, okay?... Well... I'll see you girls again, love ya."

"Love you too!" Sonata in a delightful tone.

I walked straight to the apartment door, and made my exit.

HUMANAVILLE
7:02PM; SAME EVENING
MOON DANCER'S APARTMENT

An hour has passed since my arrival, laughing and telling each other random news stories about what had happened this week during school. Moon Dancer was in the kitchen making fajitas, I offered an assistance for any help necessary, but waved me off as she claimed that she got it all taken care of. As we waited patiently until dinner, Cuddle Bug thought of an idea to paint my toenails for fun. I was skeptical on how it would turn out because I've always went to a nail salon rather than having it done by a friend. We both sat on the floor, and didn't even bother offering me an option of colors for my nails as she frantically began painting one of them red. I giggled, "Cuddle Bug, you sure you know what you're doing? Your literally tickling me.."

Cuddle Bug with her serious face, "Hold still, Clair... I'm trying to concentrate.."

Moon Dancer from across the kitchen, "So how's everything coming along with Sandal Slip?"

I turned to Moon Dancer with a sigh of impassiveness, "Each time you mention his name incorrectly, it never ceases to amaze me... It's Sandal Wood..."

"Yeah him!"

"Y... Yeah, it's going great."

Cuddle Bug who remain engrossed with painting my right big toe, "He's a lucky guy.."

I raised a single eyebrow at Cuddle Bug, "Oh? And how would you think so?..."

"Let's face it. You're smart, sweet, talented, very pretty, and have cute toes!" Cuddle Bug chuckled as she dipped the nail polish brush into the red polisher container, "You're a hot commodity. I bet ya' fifty bucks I already know what's in his mind."

Moon Dancer and I exchanged glances. Moon Dancer let out a smirk and a shoulder shrug, "Don't look at me, ask her.." Moon Dancer continued to prepare the shredded beef on the side plate.

I crossed my arms and let out an etched smile, "Alright Cuddle Bug the mind reader, tell me what's in his mind then?..."

"Sex."

Moon Dancer let out a loud chuckle, "Please tell me you knew that, Clair!"

With my chagrined expression, I begged to differ, "Cuddle Bug... You're the second person who said that to me, and you know what?.. You're wrong."

"To each its own.." As Cuddle Bug continually began painting my second toenail.

I divulged in words to both of the girls, "Girls, you haven't even met the guy. Wouldn't it be fair to give him the benefit of the doubt, before assuming that he's one of the most wanted Humanaville's sexual predator?... I'm sure, you'd change your mind about him." I formed a mischievous grin, "Or maybe... You girls are just jealous?"

Moon Dancer began preparing the first fajita by tucking the shredded beef into the folded wrap, "Clair... We're not jealous, least I'm not... We're just looking out for you. I know what you're thinking, he is nice and all bla bla bla... But everybody is at the beginning.. Until they finally show their true colors. C'mon Clair, I shouldn't have to tell you this, even Cuddle Bug here knows."

Cuddle Bug paused from painting my toenails and quizzically glanced at Moon Dancer, "Really?.."

Moon Dancer turned around fully from finalizing her first fajita dish, "It's not rocket science." She followed up with a faint grin.

"Is that why you're still single?" Cuddle Bug replied.

I tucked my lip in and snorted out with laughter, and covered my mouth with my palms.

"No, it's called being smart." Moon Dancer turned back on preparing the fajitas, "Look Clair, what I'm trying to say is... Don't rush into things, let it marinate, truly find out who this guy really is before you give up your flower. Because if Sandal Wood did not turn who you expected, you'll be crying to me or Cuddle Bug how much of an asshole he would be... And we don't want that." As Moon Dancer finished preparing the first fajita, she moved on to start preparing the second, "Oh and Cuddle Bug.. To fully answer your question, I'm single because I need to be. I'm chosen to be the valedictorian at school, so my time is limited from all the lovey dovey stuff, not to mention, the colleges that I need to apply for and maintaining my scholarship... Yep... Education is always first."

Not realizing Moon Dancer giving us a bit of a pep talk, I fixated on my own toenails, making sure Cuddle Bug was painting it right, "Cuddle Bug, you better not mess this up, I have a date again this Sunday night."

"Could you stop whining? I got this."

Moon Dancer rolled her eyes as she finished preparing the final fajita, "Why do I even bother giving you girls inspirational advice if you're aren't even listening.."

Cuddle Bug and I paused for a moment. I then apologized, "Sorry... You're right, you're right.. I'll have to learn how to take things slow."

"Anyway... I'm going to need help bringing the food on the table, can you girls give me a hand?" Moon Dancer picked up one of the plates of mini fajitas that's all prepared and ready to be served, and brought it to the dining table. I inspected the artwork Cuddle Bug has done so far with my toenails, it was to my surprise that it's coming out beautifully and I would've never thought that the color red would look so cute. I contorted at the fact that we will have to stop for the time being, and continue painting the rest after dinner. Cuddle Bug and I ascended from the floor, and helped Moon Dancer bring the rest of the food to the dining table.

As we all sat together on the table, Cuddle Bug initiated a bite of her fajita, which made her eyes widened in delight. "Oh.. My.. Word... This stuff is amazing, MD!" She took another big bite, "You should become a chef."

Moon Dancer and I chuckled, then took a bite of our fajitas as well. "Mmm... It really is.. It's tasty."

Moon Dancer swallowed her food, and took a sip of her soda, "Thanks." She grinned, and took another bite.

I placed my fajita down on a plate for a moment to make a short announcement, "By the way, there's going to be a Christmas showcase that will be held in about less than two weeks, and I want you girls to come."

Moon Dancer ripped a piece of a fajita wrap with her fingers, and ate it, "Really?"

Cuddle Bug questioned, "Why do you want us to go?"

I took another small bite of my fajita, "Because I'll be performing too."

"Oh, ok, that's nice!" Moon Dancer with a smile, "Christmas is my favorite time of year, so I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Me too." Cuddle Bug nodded along, "Consider us there!" Cuddle Bug amazingly devoured her whole fajita in one sitting after two bites.

"Damn little lady, you sure can put it away!" Moon Dancer with a grimace. Cuddle Bug did nothing but laugh.

Whether it was right or wrong introducing both my best friends to my sisters at the Christmas music show, but it's still a working progress. At least I know I'm starting somewhere to help my sisters regain the lost ground. I believe they will think of the world more differently, realizing the good in people if they would just give it a chance. I worry less about Sonata as she was born to be an innocent creature such as myself, but she's known to follow Adagio's footstep no matter what because she is, after all, the oldest sister.

I spent almost the whole productive weekend with Moon Dancer and Cuddle Bug, contemplating on various types of dresses I should purchase from the mall for my date with Sandal Wood. It was actually the first thing on our agenda, but the rest of our plans were postponed due to the limited time we had, and most store business hours closing early on weekends, but we did go bowling. Cuddle Bug was frustrated that we we're unable to go on a sling shot ride that she's been rallying about the whole entire week. But we were so beat and couldn't stand on our feet any longer. We didn't arrived in Moon Dancer's place till ten o' clock, but we had quite a blast considering most of the time spent was in 'Forever twenty-one'.

It is now Sunday, and I Suggested to have a dinner date with Sandal Wood here at my place tonight. I'm not one to brag, but considering how tiny my apartment room is, I've always kept my house sparkling clean, and uncluttered. Thanks to Moon Dancer and Cuddle Bug for helping me yesterday to pick out the right dress for tonight. It was cute and simple, I wore a simple graphic tee with words in writing: "PIZZA IS MY BAE" and a pleated pink mini skirt. I contemplated whether I should wear shoes or not, but since Cuddle Bug did a beautiful job painting my toenails, I may as well remain barefoot and show it off to Sandal Wood. I've prepared a delicious meal that would complement perfectly on our date, I made a cozy chicken piccata served with fettuccine alfredo receta. I've really overdone myself tonight for a guy I really like, despite of the warnings from Moon Dancer and Cuddle Bug.

*Knock Knock Knock*

Just as I finished positioning my finest plates on the table, it was perfect timing for my boyfriend's arrival. I scampered along towards my apartment door, and daintily opened it. There stood Sandal Wood in front of me with a bouquet of daisies. He looked so handsome. He drew in close and granted me a kiss on the cheek. He relinquished a bright smile, "Hi Clair, these are for you." He handed me the bouquet of flowers, I then appreciated the heavenly scent dispersing through my nasal cavity.

I coyly smiled back at him, "Thank You, I love daisies. You're so sweet." I took his hand and gently pulled him into my apartment room, "Come in, come in!" Then closed the apartment door as he entered. "Make yourself at home, have a seat by the living room couch if you like, I'm just going to quickly place these daisies in a vase of water." I walked towards the kitchen table and began removing the plastic wrappings from the flowers.

Sandal Wood followed me into the kitchen, then gazed at my back while I began placing the daisies into the purple vase, he grinned, "You look really beautiful tonight."

As I finished placing all of the daisies into the vase, I turned around facing him, balancing back a smile with words, "Thank You." I then slowly walked towards the dining table, urging him to sit down, "Let's eat, I made something special that I hope you'll like."

"Of course, I'll eat anything you make, I'm not a picky eater, as you can already tell on our first date at that restaurant." He giggled, then took a seat by the table across from where I stood.

"Yep, but tonight, I made something extra special." I sat by the table across from him with legs crossed, then removed the plate-cover from the serving plate centered on the table, revealing my finest homemade food. The delicious scent circulated between me and Sandal Wood.

His eyes widened in awe, "Oh my, Clair... This looks soooo good!"

I laid my elbows on the table, then tucked both my palms under my chin, and let out a squinty smile, "I remember you devoured the pasta on our first date, so I figured I make pasta and chicken tonight."

"You're such a nice person, you know you didn't have to do all this just for me, I'm fine with something cheap."

"Aw It's alright, I was feelin' up for cooking anyway. Plus cooking soothes me.. So don't feel bad."

Another reason why I've chosen my own place for a date night instead of somewhere public, it's for the sake of Adagio not randomly showing up again during our romantic time together. We both served each other the delicious dish, and began eating our meals while engaged in our own peaceful conversation.

Two hours later, we were so immersed in our own conversation, having forgotten the time it is already passed Sandal Wood's curfew, but he didn't care. He desired to continue conversing, but I had to emphasize the fact that we have school tomorrow, and that we can't stay up too late. He pouted, and so did I. But there's always next time.

We both still remain seated, but I concluded our conversation, "Well, I really had fun!"

"Me too, lets do this again some time?"

"Of course, but next time you suggest a place." I relinquished a wink and a smile, "Surprise me, like you did with the daisies.."

We both steadily laid our eyes on each other for a long while, sensing each other's emotions. Sandal Wood re initiated, "I don't wanna leave.."

I felt my heart beating a little faster than usual, and swallowed my own saliva, "Yeah but... We have school Sandal Wood."

Sandal Wood sensed my instincts, "Clair, I know you don't want me to leave either. You can just say it."

I looked away, and nervously took a deep breath, "I.. I don't know what you're talkin' about..." My thoughts lingered.

Sandal Wood stood up from his chair across from me, then transitioned himself to another dining chair, adjacent to where I sat, which is much closer. I slowly ascended from my seat as he took my hand, and sat on his lap with my arms around his neck. My heart began racing again. Our emotions grew much hotter than the last time we were at Humanaville pond. His enchanting eyes locked into mine, and let out words in a very low voice, "Are you okay?"

I nervously nodded, "Mmhmm.."

Sandal Wood's forehead touched mine softly, and I could feel his soft, warm breath against my fluttering eyes. Hesitantly, I lifted my head, unsure of what to do. A cold, tender hand slid down the side of my neck, bringing me much closer. Seconds ticked and soon, his soft, fine lips pressed against my own. I jumped by his sudden action, but slowly gave in. I moaned and so did he. I'm an eight-hundred thousand year old siren, one would think that I would've experienced everything, but this is my first. I felt my body levitate on a mid-high point, realizing that he was gently carrying me while his lips were kept in tact with mine, towards the living room couch. We both comfortably laid on the couch. He was on top, and I was under him. As we were both still savoring the moment of our kiss, he brought his hand up to cup my cheek, his thumb running along the curve of my cheekbone. I nestled into his hand, feeling his warmth seep into mine. He then shifted slightly lower, softly kissing my neck. In this moment of time, Moon Dancer's words began roaming through my head about how not to rush into things with him, but at the same time, appreciating my alone time with Sandal Wood as I felt his hand slowly grazing up my breasts from under my shirt. I gasped in a very low brittle voice, "Sandal Wood..." It was difficult to resist the ecstatic sensation under my shirt as he finally reached the tip of my nipples, but I still managed to continue with words, "I... . . ." I then forged the third time, "I'm not ready yet.." Sandal Wood paused for the sake of my words. And slowly moved back in a sitting position in complete deadpan.

I then slowly sat back up respectively, "Sandal Wood, I'm very sorry.." I let out a doleful look on my face, and shifted my body beside him. He remain seated with both of his hands on his lap, and his eyes fixated on the ground. I drew in close, and wrapped my arms around his with the same expression, "Are you mad at me?.."

Seconds later, he answered in expressionless tone, "No, it's not you... It's me.."

"Sandal Wood... We can keep on going if you want to..."

He shook his head, with the same tone, "I don't want you to feel forced, Clair.. You're a nice girl, and you deserve respect."

My eyes began to gloss with tears, "You are mad... It's all written all over your face... I'm sorry I ruined your night.." I began sniffling.

Sandal Wood then let out a sympathetic expression and comforted me with a warm hug, "Clair... Don't worry about me, it's just one of those nights, that's all."

I looked up at him, and wiped some tears off of my eyes, "What do you mean?"

Sandal Wood sighed, "... I can't say. But I gotta go, it's getting late." Sandal Wood stood up from the couch, then began putting on his coat.

"Why won't you tell me? I'm your girlfriend..." Our thoughts lingered.

Sandal Wood concluded, "I gotta go, Clair.. You have a good night, and thanks for dinner." He stormed out of my apartment, and slammed my door.

It was that moment I knew I should've just kept on going, and it was all Moon Dancer to blame for, not to mention, even Adagio.

Author's Notes:

And that's 8... Thanks for reading!