The Funny Thing about Royals and Rebels

I have many people to thank for the fact that I have accomplished writing this book. First of all, I would like to thank my parents for always encouraging me to do the things that I love; this book is a shining example of their encouragement and willingness to be with me every step on the road towards my achieving my goals. Second of all, I would like to thank all the teachers that I have had over the years, because they have all given me the knowledge needed to do the things I love in the proper way; one of those things is writing. I would also like to send a shout out to my friends for believing that I could do this, and watching me progress. Though this story is purely a work of fiction, I would additionally like to point out that my friends have helped me by giving me real life examples to base some of my characters off of.

Chapter 1

I owe you

You've probably heard several love stories since you were a child. Some of the love stories are long, and some of them are short. Some of them involve princesses and princes, and some of them are clichéd. Well, this is my love story and it's about as clichéd as a story can be: Two completely different people meet each other, they fall in love, and they change each other for the better; more than likely, you already know the drill. However, unlike most of the popular romantic stories out there, mine began at a local pool.

It was a hot day some time towards the end of June, and I had been invited to a birthday party at my city pool. I hardly knew the girl that had invited me; I only recognized her, because I had seen her in some of my classes during the school year. It was sunny and nearly ninety degrees outside, though, and I have always loved swimming. So, I decided to go anyways. I started getting ready probably an hour before it was actually time to go to the party; it may seem strange, but the reason I always take a while to get ready is because I always put on waterproof makeup before I swim. I also always do my hair in an attempt to keep it from getting tangled, even though it hardly ever works. The hair was what took the most time that day. After that, I put on my bathing suit and headed out. I couldn't legally drive yet, and because of this, my mom took me to the pool to be dropped off.

As soon as the smell of chlorine filled my nose, I noticed that the pool was pretty packed with people. It appeared that everyone else had beat me to the party. Additionally, I had expected that not many people would show up to a pool party for a fifteen year old girl, and I had obviously been mistaken. I have never been much of an extroverted person; the large crowd was anything but pleasing to me, and I instinctively started searching it for friends of mine. At first, I didn't see anyone that I was very close with, but, after a few minutes of scanning, I finally spotted my best friend Katy in the six-foot section of the pool. Her arms were resting on the edge and her completely recognizable blond curls were turned to me. I naturally started weaving my way through people to try and get to her, mumbling 'excuse me', 'pardon me', and 'sorry' several times over. After I had decided that I was close enough for Katy to hear me, I semi-yelled her name in order to let her know I was there. She turned and saw me, then she pushed herself up from the water to come meet me.

Hi, Jazzy! Katy said enthusiastically as she reached in for a dripping a hug, I haven't seen you for a few months; you've kind of disappeared off the face of the Earth! I didn't even think you would be here! You should really hang out with people more often. And when I say 'people' I mean me. I just laughed a very small laugh and gently hugged Katy back.

Don't get me wrong, Katy is an excellent friend. It's just that she has a bad habit of talking too fast and putting too many words into one breath. That particular behavior of hers can sometimes make her hard to reply to. In those scenarios it's always best to simply smile or laugh. Before I go any further with this story, I should also probably mention that Katy often refers to me as a Jazzy. It can probably be deduced that that isn't my real name. I once won a karaoke match at a friend's house, under the username of Jazzy, and it sort of stuck as a nickname.

Katy and I let our arms drop, and I was just about to ask her how her summer had been so far when she instigated that conversation herself. You won't believe all that I've already done this summer! I've gone to so many different waterparks and I've tried all these different food places! Oh, and Jackson finally got me a promise ring! It's been so great for me! How's your summer been, Jazzy?

Well, I've managed to clean my room for the twentieth time. I've gone hiking in Mohican, and I've also read a few books. That's about it, though. My summers aren't usually that interesting. You already know that, though. I shrugged at Katy and smiled.

Well, I guess you'll just have to spend more time with me this summer, so we can make it less boring! Katy said. You can start by coming to the amusement park with me next week. Rose and a few of the others are coming with me. I know you don't like heights, but I'm sure you could find a ride that was closer to the ground. And I know that you don't want to miss out on all the food courts.

Well, I would love to, it's just that my parents probably wouldn't let me. I can still ask, though. I wasn't really lying. There was hardly any chance that my parents would let me go some place that far away with only teenagers accompanying me. They had always been pretty overprotective. Truth be told, though, I didn't really want to go, anyways. Sure, I would've liked to get out of the house, but there would be nothing for me to do at an amusement park. I decided to change the subject. So, Jackson got you a promise ring? That's a great step for you guys! Did he come here with you?

Yeah, he gave it to me just about a week or so ago. And, of course he came with me! I've been in the water since we got here, but he's been over at the table with our food the entire time. Do you want to go say 'hello'? I think I want to go get some food before I get back in the water anyways. I told Katy that I wouldn't mind, and, with that, she began pushing her way to the tables by the poolside. I carefully followed behind her, quietly saying 'excuse me' and 'sorry' repeatedly to the people that I walked past.

Jackson was sitting at the table closest to the baby section of the pool. There were two pops sitting on the table, along with a large container of nachos with cheese and an empty plate that had probably held a pretzel at some point. Oh, good! You saved me most of the nachos! Katy said happily, taking a handful of them. Jackson, you remember Jazmine, don't you?

Of course I saved you most of the nachos, you're the one that bought them. And yeah, I remember her. Jackson turned to me. How have you been doing, Jazmine?

I've been doing fine, I replied. How have you been? Katy told me that you got her a promise ring like a week ago. That's a pretty big step for you guys.

Yeah. It's a step in the right direction, though, Jackson replied. And in a few years there'll be an engagement ring on my girl's finger. Katy couldn't partake in the conversation, because her face was too stuffed with nachos, but she gave a thumbs up and a chipmunk smile as her contribution.

That's great. I gave a small smile, and Jackson nodded at me. I looked at Katy. She was slowly rubbing her hand over her mouth to get rid of cheese globs and nacho crumbs. I think I'm going to go ahead and get into the water for a little while. Do you want to get back in?

Definitely! I think I'm going to sit here for a little while, though. You can go ahead and go; I'll be there in a minute. Katy slipped onto the bench, and slid down it until she was right next to Jackson.

Okay. I guess I'll head over to the six foot then. So, once more, I began scooching past people and mumbling apologies to them under my breath. Katy wasn't going to come and join me all that quickly; it would probably be like five minutes. Even though she stated that she was just going to 'sit' for a little while, her body language suggested that she was going to make out with Jackson. Katy's kissing sessions happen more often, and are far more time-consuming, than should be humanly possible. In all honesty, I usually don't mind the mouth-battle breaks that Katy takes with her boyfriend. Actually, I don't mind PDA at all. I don't get why people find it so disgusting. Two people displaying their love for each other is a beautiful thing, not a repulsive one. Nonetheless, the smooching party that Katy was throwing at this point in time was sort of an inconvenience to me. As you've already learned, I am not a fan of big crowds; and with Katy being drastically preoccupied (and me being eager to cool off), I had to head over to the six foot and just drift in the water by myself for a few minutes. It was at this time that I swore to myself that I would always bring a book to the pool with me. Books are one of the best friends a person could ever ask for.

While I was standing at the edge of the six foot area I noticed that a large cluster of unknown people were bobbing up and down in the water at the far right corner of the sector. I don't usually talk to anyone new unless they talk to me first, and most new people don't talk to me. So, I figured that if I were to go to that part of the pool, then I would probably just float there and creep the group of teens out with my silent presence. So, in an effort to not be creepy, I went to the left corner of the six foot instead. I slowly lowered myself into the water and felt the cold encase me. I had to keep my arms on the cement edge to keep my head above the water. I was tall, but I was also about six inches too short to actually stand on the floor of the deep end without going under. My arms were doing some form of work, but being in the pool was still quite relaxing. The heat of the day made the water feel especially nice.

I had been in the water for only a minute or two when I felt a tap on my shoulder and heard someone say my name. I turned myself around in the water to face whoever was behind me, and leaned my arms back onto the edge of the pool. The person who had tried to get my attention was Devon. He was one of the more… interesting people I knew. He had had a huge crush on me since we became friends in the second grade. Once we were in middle school, we didn't really hang out anymore, though. We lived in the same very small village, so we ran into each other every now and then. When we did meet, we would talk for a few seconds; that was about it, though. The fact that we only talked for very short periods of time was in part due to the fact that every time Devon talked to me he would try to get a date with me.

Hello Jazmine. Long time, no see. How have you been? I haven't seen you since you switched schools. Devon waved his right hand in front of his face while he bounced up and down in the pool water. It had been a while since I had last saw Devon, and it was hard to tell in the water, but it seemed as though he had gotten slightly taller.

I've been fine. I've just been doing the stuff I usually do. And yeah, I know it's been a while. The school I am at now is amazing, though. How are you doing? I replied reluctantly. It's not that I minded talking to Devon; it's just that I knew where the conversation was inevitably going to end up, and I didn't like it.

I have been okay. I've just been living. Say, since it's been so long since I last saw you, I was just wondering if you were single now or not? I knew it. It never failed. It didn't matter how many times he had already asked me, he would do it again.

Actually no, I'm taken still. I said, looking at down at the clear water that surrounded me from the waist down. Truth be told, I wasn't in a relationship, and I hadn't been in one for at least a year. But it was much less mean to make up a story about being taken, than it would've been to tell Devon that I just wasn't interested.

Ah okay. You know how to keep someone for a very long time. Are they here? Devon was disappointed, as always. I just didn't like him in that way, though, and pretending I did would have been wrong. Devon continued talking. I just think that you deserve someone that goes places with you. It would be rude of whoever you are with to not accompany you somewhere with a bunch of people you don't know. The person you are in a relationship with is supposed to keep you company and make you feel safe.

I opened my mouth, but wasn't sure what to say. If I said no, then he might suggest that I break up with my imaginary partner. Then, there would be an unnecessary debate. If I said yes, Devon would want to go meet my girlfriend or boyfriend. Obviously, that would be a problem, because I would have no boyfriend or girlfriend to introduce Devon to. I tried to glance back to the poolside tables in hopes that I would see Katy coming over to the pool. Your best friend is supposed to act like your lesbian or bisexual lover when a guy you don't want to date asks you out. I couldn't see through the crowds of people, though. I had only been in the water for two or three minutes; so Katy was probably still sucking face with Jackson, anyways. I turned to Devon and was just about to say that my date hadn't come to the party with me, when I suddenly felt a cold arm wrap around my shoulders.

Hey there, babe! I lost you for a minute. A guy's voice. I glanced to my side and saw a guy sitting on the edge of the pool next to me. I didn't look for long, but I recognized him right away. Anyone would've; he had tons of friends and a few enemies, and even people who fit into neither of those categories knew who he was. His name was Xavier Saiter, and he had been in my Spanish class back when I went to Johnsonville. You know that one kid that is always getting into fights, because they take jokes too seriously? Xavier was that kid . Even though I had heard people talk about Xavier all the time, I had never seen him get into a fight in front of me. Then again, though, Xavier wasn't exactly the type of person that someone like me would hang out with. You know that other kid that keeps everyone entertained when the teacher tries to discipline them by getting all mouthy and rebellious? Xavier was that kid, too. The teacher had gotten after him so many times for sleeping in class, and every time she lectured him, he lectured her right back. Mrs. Crow had always been a teacher that was both rude and boring, though. A lot of the teachers at Johnsonville High were like that. That was one of the main reasons that I had left. Nevertheless, I had always tried my best to be respectful towards them; some people may have even said that I was a bit of a teacher's pet. Like I said, Xavier and I really weren't the kind of people that hang out with one another. I also knew Xavier, because I had mentored over at the Johnsonville elementary school, and both Xavier's brother and Xavier's sister were mentored by me. They had seemed to talk about him constantly.

I felt a light squeeze from Xavier around my shoulders; I took this as a signal to play along. Oh, I've been over here the whole time! I said, giving an unbelievably uncomfortable smile. Devon, this is my boyfriend, Xavier. He goes to Johnsonville. You've probably seen him around. He has a brother and a sister at the elementary school, too.

Devon tilted his head to the side and squinted for a minute. Yeah, I've seen him around. I've never seen you hang out with him before, though. Not even when you still went to our school. And I would've never expected someone like you to get with someone like him.

Bro, we wanted to keep our relationship on the down-low until we were sure that we felt safe letting everyone know. A lot of times, when your relationship gets out a lot of jealous people try to start shit and ruin it. Xavier was so casual and smooth in the way he said this. It never ceases to amaze me how easily and convincingly certain people can lie. I can't even tell a white lie without looking away from the person I am talking to. I also was very confused as to what was happening. I didn't even know Xavier; why was he doing this? Actually, what was he doing at this party in the first place? I didn't remember seeing his name on the online invite list.

Oh. Okay. That's new. Devon still looked confused; I was pretty sure that he still wasn't buying into my fake relationship. Well, I guess I'll let you go, Jazmine. I wouldn't want to cut into your date time with ... Xavier. It was good to talk to you, though. With that, Devon waved, dived under and began to swim towards the five foot section.

I turned my head to the side in order to talk to Xavier. Okay… so what just happened? No offense, but I am sort of confused.

Xavier gave the world's quietest laugh. "Well, princess, it seemed like you were really not enjoying that little talk. And I might have guessed wrong, but it looked like you were pretty fucking desperate for someone to come and save you from it."

I looked at him for a second before I opened my mouth. Well, I guess that's true. Devon is honestly not a bad guy. It's just that he isn't all that great with taking hints. Anyways though, really, why did you do that? You don't even know me. And also, just a side note: even though I do appreciate what just happened, I'm not all that great with physical contact by people I don't know. So, again, no offense, but… I glanced at his arm, which was still around my shoulders. It was making me a little uneasy.

Oh, right, Xavier quickly detached his arm from me. But I do know you. How could I not? You used to mentor Zalyn and Weston. They really liked you.

Well, they 're great kids. It was very much the truth. Both of them had always listened to me when I was over there, and they were both so smart. Not to mention, the two of them were very lovable. They would always hug me when they saw me. They also painted me pictures and made me cards in their art class, which they would give to me when I would go over to the elementary building for our mentoring sessions. Weston was such an active little boy; he always wanted to play catch and go swing and do a million other things all at once. He was a little overly emotional about things, but I didn't mind it much. Zalyn kept to herself a lot, but was still very sweet.

Yes they are. Xavier smiled a half-smile.

So, do you know Daniella? I asked.

Nope.

Oh okay. I was just wondering, because this is her party. I figured that if you were here, it would be because she invited you. I was made more confused by this new development. As I already mentioned, I didn't remember seeing his name on the invite list, but I figured that I had just overlooked it.

Oh no. I wasn't invited. I just saw the party sign out front and decided to come join. You don't have to have proof that you were invited. You can get in free if you act like part of the crowd, Xavier replied happily.

Oh okay. I guess that makes sense. It made no sense to me really. That was the first time someone had told me about sneaking in somewhere, and it was a little weird how Xavier just acted as if it were an everyday thing. I thought it was a little unusual, but I told myself that it might just be me. After all, I didn't get out much, and I also wasn't that familiar with the activities of normal people my age.

I think I better get going, Xavier announced. This party is pretty damn lame, so I'm going to ditch it. No one even brought drinks. He pushed himself up from the pool edge and began walking away.

Uh…alright, I responded, surprised.

Don't worry. That chic you were hanging out with earlier is coming over, so you won't be alone. Xavier pointed in the direction of the poolside tables. Katy was now making her way from them to get to me. How did he know that I was hanging out with Katy earlier?

Wait, I called after Xavier as he was walking away. Sorry for asking this, I'm just curious… but how did you know that Katy and I were hanging out earlier?

Xavier replied to me, but he kept walking. I just saw you guys talking as I was passing by the table area. I guess that was a reasonable enough answer. For some reason, it felt like he wasn't telling the truth. I told myself that it was just because I didn't know him yet, and didn't quite trust him. At that same moment, I also realized that I hadn't thanked Xavier for making my lie to Devon seem believable. I suppose that Xavier didn't really need to have a 'thank you', since I had not asked him to do what he did, but I felt like showing a small bit of gratitude was the polite thing to do.

Wait, Xavier! I called to him again. This time, he turned around. He looked at me, expecting me to go on. It was at that moment when I looked directly at his eyes. He was a few feet away from me, but not far enough away from me that his eyes were not perfectly visible.

Their brown color was a good match for his bronze complexion and his long, dark hair. There was something else about them, too. They were so big and soft. I guess the best description of them would be 'puppy eyes'. I know it's weird, but I always look for feeling and clues in people's eyes that may give me hints about their personality. I am one of those people that honestly believes that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Xavier's eyes looked very gentle and loving. They also had a sparkle of something in them; I was guessing something along the lines of mischief. There was something else in them that I just couldn't quite put my finger on, though; it was somewhat unfamiliar to me, which made it hard to recognize or interpret.

Well, what is it? I don't have all day. Xavier called back at me. He was impatient with my silence, clearly ready to leave.

Xavier, I owe you, I retorted quickly. Xavier didn't say anything this time. He just nodded at me, and turned around to start walking again.

Just as Xavier had started on his way again, Katy splashed into the water next to me. Hey, Jazzy. I'm sorry I took so long, I kind of lost track of time. I saw Xavier talking to you. Is everything okay? He wasn't bothering you, was he?

It's fine that you took a little longer, I responded. And no, he wasn't bothering me. We were just talking.

Are you sure? You can tell me if he was harassing you.

No, not at all. We were just talking, I repeated.

Well, okay, Katy said. Just be careful, though. Xavier has a bad temper. And things like violence and other shady stuff are pretty common among the Saiters.

I was a little taken aback at how quick Katy was to pass judgement, especially based on a name. To quote Shakespeare: What's in a name? On the other hand, I knew that she meant well and was just looking out for me, so I didn't say anything. After all, I didn't know anything about him, either. Well, we were just having a conversation. And I don't think there's any reason to worry. I've never talked to him before now, so I doubt he'll talk to me again.

That's good. Just in case he does, though, watch yourself. Okay? Katy wasn't about to let up until I promised to proceed with care, so I just went with it.

Okay. I'll be cautious if he talks to me again. Katy gave a nod of approval to me. I honestly didn't think that I would ever end up talking to Xavier again; I figured that that day had been a one time thing. That, however, would end up being one of the biggest misconceptions I had ever held in my lifetime.

Little did I know, that the short chat I had just had with Xavier, and that simple 'I owe you' that I had given to him that day, would end up being the very beginning of the year that my life was changed forever.

Chapter 2

It's not a Date

It was a week before the fourth of July when I saw Xavier again. I was at the local ballfield helping out in the concession stand. Concession work is something that nearly no one wants to do, because it's a little rough. The stand is obnoxiously hot, and there is no place to sit down, so, you end up standing for anywhere from one to two and a half hours. You also smell like French fries when you leave. Nonetheless, the stand is also the main source of money for the summer softball league in my town, and people need to volunteer to work in it in order for it to remain open. Coaches are usually the ones that end up working the concession stand. Hence, the reason why I was working in it a lot of the time. I wasn't a full-blown coach at the time; in order to do that, you must be eighteen or older. I was an assistant coach, though, and I was just barely old enough to work in the stand. I didn't work with the money or actually make food; I just grabbed the drinks and food when they were ready, and brought all of them to the pick-up window for the customers.

It had been a pretty busy day, with the fries and Gatorade selling the most, as usual. Yet, there had only been a few people that I recognized that had came to the window. The softball game was about to end, business slowing to a crawl, when I heard a familiar voice talking to the coach that was standing at the concession stand's ordering window. It seems like you guys aren't that busy, and I don't have money to buy anything. So, can I just talk to Jazmine?

Yeah, sure. She's by the door if you want to talk to her, Coach Patricia replied. Jazmine, there's a guy here to talk to you.

Okay. I stood in the doorway. Xavier walked through the grass and came around to the back of the stand. In about five seconds, he was standing in front of me. That was when I noticed that he was a lot taller than me.

Hey there, Jazmine, Xavier announced, those gorgeous eyes of his making contact with mine.

Hey, I said plainly.

How have you been, since we last met, princess?

Xavier, if you don't mind, I don't really like being called 'princess'. And I've been fine lately. How have you been? I was trying to keep the conversation polite, but the name 'princess' sort of made me cringe.

Whatever you say, princess. And I've been doing okay, I guess. I heard that you were doing concession work down here. Why? I mean it has to be hot as hell in there during the summer.

"It is a little hot in here. It's not like it's unbearable, though. Besides, there wasn't anyone else volunteering, and this has to stay open. It's the main way we get our money for this softball league." To be completely honest, the stand was hot like fire, and I somewhat hated it. However, it was something that had to be done for all the local girls that played softball, and I was the one that had agreed to do it; really, complaining would've been pointless.

Okay. I got you, Xavier nodded. I sort of wanted to talk to you about the fireworks coming up here pretty soon.

Okay, sure. I felt a little confused, but I figured that I could at least attempt to answer any questions he had. Do you need advice on where to sit or something?

No, of course not, Xavier laughed. If I remember right, you owe me a favor, and I have decided that I want to get to know you better. So, you're coming to the fireworks with me this year.

My throat tightened. I really didn't know what to say, because I didn't want to go to the fireworks with some guy that I didn't know, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings either. Well, actually, I go with my family every year. Besides, they are pretty overprotective anyways; I doubt they would let me go out with some guy that they know nothing about. This was another of my honest-but-not -the -whole- truth statements.

That's cool. I'll just meet up with you there, Xavier answered back.

Well, I don't know where we'll be sitting, though. And they probably won't let me run off with you, either. Plus, I don't really date so… I hastily replied. I probably could've came up with a better excuse if I would've thought things through more.

Woah! Hold the fuck up. Who said anything about a date? I just want to get to know you better. As friends. It's not a date. Plus, it doesn't matter if you don't know where you guys will be sitting, I'll find you. Trust me. And we don't need to run off together. I'm fine with just sitting with you and your family.

Um, okay, I responded, trying not to frown.

So, I'll see you on the third then, princess? Xavier winked.

Yeah, I guess.

Great, Xavier told me. He began to walk towards the sidewalk by the stand.

I wish I could've just told him 'no', but I was too afraid of upsetting him. Sometimes, being a people-pleaser sort of sucks. I felt a little tense over inviting some random guy that I had just met like a week ago to come watch the fireworks with my family. As you already know, I'm not very open when it comes strangers. I'm also a very hesitant person, who overthinks everything before I make a decision to do or not do something. As I stood there in the hot oiliness that was the concession stand, I told myself that as long as I stayed close to my mom and dad at the fireworks, nothing could happen. I additionally told myself that if I decided at the last minute that this invitation was a bad idea, I could probably convince my parents to sit somewhere where we wouldn't be noticed by Xavier. I also kept thinking to myself that Xavier wouldn't stay long once he saw me all decked out for the Fourth of July.( I, as a person, am very found of wearing extreme make-up, clothing, hair coloring, and expressing myself in other creative and/or noticeable ways. I guess it kind of makes up for how quiet I am.) I kept telling myself all these things, so that I felt like my decision wasn't horrible. All of that stuff I told myself, though, would end up being a total lie.

***

Before I knew it, it was the third of July already. After I got out of the shower around noon, I changed into my favorite pair of shorts and one of my Fourth of July shirts (yes, I have multiple. I have three to be exact). I also piled on the glitter and make-up. I used to worry about how much make-up I put on, due to the fact that my skin tone is very porcelain and my hair is very dark; too much make-up could make me look gothic, which wasn't really what I was going for. I discovered around sixth grade, though, that it didn't matter how much make-up I put on if it was light make-up. So, for the Fourth I had a light blue eyeshadow with silver eyeliner and reddish glitter. I also put red, white and blue streaks into my hair using hair chalk. To top it all off, I put a glittery patriotic bow clip into my hair. After I showered and changed, I spent the whole day cleaning, baking, and decorating, because the whole family would be having a cookout the following day. However, I didn't sweat much, so my make-up thankfully remained in one place without any smearing.

The day passed by quickly, and it was soon nine-thirty, and it was getting close to the time to take the two minute drive to get to the fireworks. The town I live in is so small that everyone in town honestly probably could've walked to the fireworks if they wanted to, but driving was more convenient; especially if the weather were to change, and it were to start pouring rain. Frequent and unexpected shifts in weather patterns were a phenomenon that wasn't too uncommon in my area. We didn't leave for the fireworks until around nine forty, and we got to the park around nine forty-four. There was still the slightest sliver of light left, so the fireworks hadn't started. We had some time to look for a seat, too. My parents decided on the middle of the edge of the park just as the show began. We sat on the grass. It was a perfect night for the show. The sky was clear as could be with stars all around, and, even though the temperature was sort of cool, it wasn't exactly cold.

The first three fireworks were pretty low to the ground, and they were all basically the same kind of firework. On the other hand, they were all different colors. The first was red, the second was silver, and the third was blue. How fitting. The fourth firework was just being sent into the air when I heard rustling in the grass behind me.

Hey, princess, are these your parents? Xavier's voice was louder than usual, but I suppose it had to be to be heard over the fireworks.

I forced a smile. Yes, they are. Mom, dad, this is Xavier. Both my parents gave me a look of puzzlement. I hadn't told them that Xavier was going to be meeting up with me. I hadn't, because I had thought that maybe he just wouldn't show up.

Hello, Xavier. My mom was the first to speak up. Jazmine didn't tell us that any of her friends would be here. Just as she finished a bunch of noise occurred behind me. I heard loud rustling in the grass behind me, along with giggles. I turned and saw that Weston and Zalyn were running towards my group. They were followed by another small girl. My mom apparently saw them, too, because she smiled. My mom is like me in the sense that she loves kids. And she didn't tell us that you were bringing kids with you either. Hi, there, guys! Weston waved, while Zalyn smiled shyly. The youngest girl giggled, though it could barely be heard due to the fireworks booming.

Uh, yeah. I must've just forgot to mention that Xavier was going to be here, I replied nervously. He didn't mention bringing his siblings, but the boy is Weston and the oldest girl is Zalyn. I pointed them out as I introduced them. Weston waved again.

Well, hi Zalyn and Weston! Who is the younger one? she asked, nodding at the littlest girl. I wanted to answer, but I didn't think I'd ever seen her before.

Xavier answered my mom instead. This is my little sister Kendra. Jazmine hasn't met her before. Jazmine knows Weston and Zalyn from mentoring at Johnsonville two years ago. Kendra wasn't old enough to be in school yet.

Well, hello Kendra, my mom responded.

Aren't you glad to see us, Jazmine?! Weston dropped to the ground, threw his arms around my shoulders, and squeezed. I gently squeezed back.

Yeah, I'm really happy you guys came here to see me! I wish Xavier would've said something, but then again, that might've ruined the surprise. Weston pulled away and smiled at me. His emerald eyes were always so bright and sparkling. I noticed his height as well. Hey, it seems like you guys have gotten taller since the last time I saw you. How old are you now?

I'm nine! And my birthday is in September! And Xavier is turning sixteen soon! His birthday is next week! Weston exclaimed excitedly as he jumped up from the ground.

That's awesome! And how old are you now, sweetie? I glanced at Zalyn.

I'm eight. Her voice was just barely loud enough for me to hear. She smiled shyly again.

And what about Kendra? I asked, looking at Xavier. I would've asked Kendra, but she was busy twirling a flower she had plucked from the ground.

She's five. And did you really think that I would be going to a fireworks show without my kids? I thought it was a little weird that Xavier referred to his siblings as his kids, but this was the first time that I had really been around someone with their younger siblings present, so I ignored the oddness of it.

I guess not. I smiled as I scanned over each of the kids' faces.

Do your friends want to sit with us, Jazmine? My mom's voice spoke out.

Xavier spoke before I had the chance. That would be awesome. I mean, as long as you don't mind. He was looking at my dad. My dad was still surprised but he said it was fine. Weston let out a 'yay' with a little bounce, before he plopped down next to me. Zalyn asked Xavier if she was allowed to sit with me, and then she came over and sat on my lap. Kendra sat down between my mom and me, and Xavier gently sat down on the other side of Weston. Then, we all got quiet and turned our attention to the fireworks show.

The variety of fireworks was larger than I had expected. There were fireworks of all the colors of the rainbow, and every shape imaginable. There were some fireworks that went super high, and others that stayed fairly low. There were even a few fireworks that, when they went off, created tons of other tiny fireworks. And there were even a few fireworks that swirled and twirled when they went up into the sky. Each and every one of them made a booming noise that shook the ground, and every single one of them twinkled like tons of diamonds in the sky, being nearly blinding with their light. Xavier's siblings enjoyed every minute of it, just as I had thought they would. There were a few excited gasps and a few claps from each of them. And, of course, Kendra had to say 'that one's pretty' now and then. The show only lasted about twenty minutes, but it was really good for such a small town, nonetheless. It was actually better than I had remembered it being the year before. At the end of it all, a patriotic song was played and it was followed by just regular music.

As soon as the Fourth of July song ended and the air around us filled up with the smell of sulfur smoke, my family and I got up to leave, but we were interrupted by Xavier as he pushed himself up from the ground. Jazmine, don't you want to stay here and hang out for a little while, since we talked about it earlier?

Xavier was excellent at making things up; we absolutely did not talk about hanging out after the fireworks. Once again, I was concerned that saying 'no' would hurt his feelings. So, I just looked at my parents, hoping that they would be the ones to object. I was let down.

That's fine. You can hang out here. We can sit back down for a while. My mom was totally okay with it.

We need to wait until traffic dies down a little before we leave, anyways. Just come back when you're ready to leave. We'll be keeping an eye on you. My dad thought the idea was okay, too, but seemed sure to tell us that he would be watching us. After the mutual agreement, both of them sat back down, but I remained standing.

Great. I forced myself to smile, so that it wouldn't seem like I was uncomfortable with staying. I hardly knew Xavier, so I wasn't sure why he was so desperate to talk. On the bright side, at least staying would allow me to spend some time with Weston and Zalyn; I had missed mentoring them.

So, Jazmine is staying for a while?! Weston's excitement showed as he asked.

Yes, she is, Xavier answered Weston,