Welcome to the Masquerade

"Starlight" By Taylor Swift

  AN: HA! Another one over 4k. Now if only I could make progress on the original I'm trying to work on, I'd be in clover. Standard disclaimer! I only own Lory. Everything else is the property of C.L.Stone. Constructive criticism is welcome and even requested, but flames will be used to make s'mores. I love votes and views. Please let me know your favorite lines and moments. Happy Reading.  

*~*~*~*~*

Lory: Can you take your motorcycle to school Friday?

North: Why?

Lory: Because I need a break. I want to play tourist downtown and driving downtown in my car makes me cuss more than Gabe. Please....

North: Do you even know how to handle a motorcycle?

Lory: >:P YES! I'll even swap you MY car and you can take Sang out. Pretty please. *puppy dog eyes*

North: I'm going to regret this.

Lory: LOVE YOU BUBBA! <3

*~*~*Lory*~*~*

Streaks is going to kill me. But, if I'm taking the bike after school, these are the best pants I have available. Besides, I love these pants. They make my ass look amazing.

"Hmmm...Let's see," I mutter to myself, "definitely the Arwen shirt. And because - well, January - this jacket."

I'm standing in my attic room with half the clothes from the bag Streaks and I packed strewn all over the furniture in just my red matching undies.

I love pretty undies.

What was I doing? Oh yes, getting dressed. My plan is to play tourist, because it's kinda fun sometimes to play tourist in your home town, but I wish I knew where my Draggin' jeans were. Too many PODs from too many Identities I'm scattered all over the place.

I need a break. I need to clear the cobwebs and just be on my own for a bit. So I'm gonna drive around Charleston and see the sights. Maybe go to the visitors center...stop in at the aquarium...Maybe run into Axel accidentally on purpose. I'm guessing he's much older if he's working there, but he's academy so no guarantee.

"Shoot," I whisper as I glance at my clock while throwing my hair up in a braid. I'm running late if I want to eat.

I grab my heeled motorcycle boots that are more fashionable than practical, but my real ones are with my Draggins and we've already established I have no idea where that is.

Uncle Liam has relented my punishment and is making me eggs. That was the worst part of the whole thing. He'd make his eggs for everyone but me.

That was just cruel.

So, I've scarfed down my breakfast; solemnly sworn to not wander around Charleston after midnight without letting someone know; and managed to get out the door.

Jeez, you'd think I was grounded or something.

I smile to myself. I secretly love that they freak out. Mom never did. I think she loved me she just wasn't the most structured person to ever walk the earth. I have discovered that I need structure and limits. Somehow my brain translates that to being loved. Go figure.

Doesn't mean I'm not going to fight the boys when they get overbearing. Today should be fun. Wonder what I can stir up today...

*~*~*~*~*

The day had gone to plan. Mostly. Lory had checked in with Owen when she arrived and her outfit had gotten a disapproving frown. Gabriel had almost panicked when he saw the outfit she chose and reminded her, somewhat stridently, that he had specifically said that outfit was NOT for school. Lory was pretty sure his response was the only thing keeping North from attempting to turn him into paste.