••• 

Pine~

I bound over to the beat-up truck and yank open the door. This month, its painted cyan. I buckle in and rap my fingers on the seat in front of me, wondering why Felix and Starlight are taking so long. Suddenly the driver's door flies open and Felix settles into the seat. 
"Are you driving?!?!" I say loudly, surprised.
"Y-yes! What could go wrong?" Felix responds. 
"But your 14 and a half..." Starlight protests from the back row of seats, which she's made her sanctuary. 
"and Sky said I could drive. Buckle in!" Felix says, and then he turns the key and the engine rumbles to life.

An hour later we're parked diagonally next to the ball building. Felix is shaking, his face white, and im laughing so hard I can barely breath. 
"I-its not funny, driving is hard, I'll never do it again!" Felix says, unbuckling quickly and running outside. I keep laughing as I open my door, stepping onto the freshley fallen leaves with a satisying breath of cool forest air. Starlight, who i couldve sworn was giggling with me, is now stone silent and trembling. I shake my head- why did she come if she's gonna be scared? Oh well, I'll make sure my sister has a good time... 
"Come on, you guys, its already started!" Felix says, grabbing my hand. Our friendship braclets *I forgot to mention they each have one* rub together and I blush, then try to hide it. I think Starlight notices, cuz she snickers softly. Now Felix is pulling me toward the door, letting Starlight take her time. As we step inside, I look around at the high ceiling and all the multicolored AEs dotting the room. Okay, this is a little fancy. It needs some water balloons. Eh, I'll get to that later... for now, theres a snack table I need to visit.

Felix~

Pine runs off toward the long table overflowing with food and I'm left alone. I spot some AEs I recognize and shyly head over, glancing over my shoulder for Starlight. I cant find her. Eh, she's probably sulking in a corner... 
"Hello!" I say, trying to be cheerful. Then I realize Coral already walked away and once again Im alone. Oof. Maybe Pine will know some people... As Im walking toward the snack table, a loud violin chord rings through the room.
"Welcome one and all, to the AE Ball! We will be your rhyiming band, can you give us a hand?" I look over at the brown-haired man in a tux, standing on a platform on the other side of the room. I smile and join in with some other AEs clapping, then start walking again as the band strikes up a rousing tune and begins to play. I spot Pine, who is carrying a plate piled high with food he'll never eat.
"All of this is so fancy!" he complains, coming over to me. 
"I mean, where's the peanut butter?" I point wordlessly to a jar of Skippy's Peanut Butter on the table and Pine runs over. With a small grin, I tug the jar out of his hands and hide it behind my back.
"No eating my Skippy's!" I say, grinning widley. Pine gasps and tries to grab the jar. 
"Gimme it!" he says, starting to smile. I smirk and start running across the room, weaving behind AEs and still clutching the peanut butter. Pine runs after me and I laugh, finally admitting defeat over by the stage. Pine triumphiantly grabs the peanut butter and sits down on the floor.
"You cant hog it all," I say jokingly, taking some with a spoon. Pine sticks his tounge out at me, peanut butter smeared on his nose, and I laugh. 

Starlight~

Why did I come here why why why? I think, perching nervously on a small bench. This is not good... too many people... I glance over at another AE wearing a sparkly purple skirt and bury my face in my hands. Whyyyy??? Starlight, you are such an idiot... Why on earth did you come? I sigh and stand up, the skirt of my dress swishing around my knees. A whisp of hair has already escaped my bun, and its loosing shape fast- whatever. Its not like I came here to show off. Ugh. I stomp over to Felix and Pine, who are eating peanut butter together and smiling. I feel a twang of pain and scowl. Why does everything work out for them and not me?
"Is there a way I can go home?" I ask, crossing my arms. Felix looks up.
"Huh? What do you mean?" he says, and I sigh, defeated.
"See you guys later." I mumble, and walk off toward the doors. A glance behind me confirms they dont care- Felix is wiping peanut butter off Pine's nose and theyre both laughing, faces flushed pink. I slip outside, unnoticed, and groan to myself. Why did I come? I knew that parties are trouble. Ughhh... Feeling restless, I walk over to the nearest tree and start to climb, my bun coming undone and my hair rippling over my shoulders like a shadow. Up at the highest branch, I lean against the trunk, my dress ripped from stray twigs. The moon is huge and illuminates the leaves waving in front of my face- finallly, peace. Ever so often I glance down at the building below, at the soft light spilling from the windows, the laughter like tinkling bells ringing through the air. I rummage around in the secret pocket of my dress and take out my ear buds and ipod- block out the cheer from below. I turn on good old EDM to drown out my thoughts and close my eyes. This night got a tiny bit better. 

•••

OHHHHHHH i'm going!

We all know that amiylah.

-Hm, i guess ill go.- 

ME FIRST ME FIRST!

Name: Amiylah

Attire: a gold dress that goes down to my ankels, gold dilk gloves that go up to my elbow, gold flats.

Other: Open to any gender.

Name: Xuner (zoo-nn-er)

Attire: white dress shirt with a dark gray suit jaket and pants, navy blue tie, black leather dress shoes.

Other: open to any girl, but if it's alright with Amanda, i'm going with her.

Name: -Rocky-

Attire: -Black hoodie, jeans, snackers. don't try to make me change.-

Other: -Please dont bother me.-

The trio of my AEs are coming. Even Shade, although he already has voiced his anger about the 'supervision'. 

It's fine, I'll supervise him! 

Wait, you need a mature AE to do that... 

Nahhh. Assss annoy inggg assss Sally issss, sheee letss meeee gettt awayy withh moree stuff.  

Oh boy, please tell me you're actually NOT going to cause trouble at this. 

IIIII makee noooo promi sesss. 

Name: Sally Sprinkle! Doesn't it sound catchy? Dusk, let's change it to that!.... No?... Alright... 

Attire: I have a cute glittery pink short-sleeve dress. I also have bright pink mary janes. I wanted some that lighted up, but Alice said it was 'improper'. 

Other: Ssssssss- *looks at Alice* Alright, no Snowy. But I will be bringing some chocolate chip cookies! Yayyyy! 

Name: Alice 

Attire: A bright blue dress. Nothing fancy. Dark blue high heels. 

Other: N/A 

(Someone else will write Shade's charrie out since you probably don't want to hear his five-world lingo) 

Name: Shade 

Attire: dragons don't really wear clothes so.... yeah. 

Other: N/A. 

Night~ 

"Have fun, you guys!" Agent Winter waves out the car window as she drives away. I have a moment of hesitation, and I begin to have the urge to jump back into the car and go home. But before I can make the choice, Reese is grabbing my arm and dragging me towards the ballroom. 

"Come on, it will be fun!" she exclaims. "It's a Hamilton themed party! And there's free food! What's not to like?" 

I look wistfully towards Winter's car, which is driving out of the parking lot. I guess it's too late to go home. I turn back to Reese, and start to answer her question. "I mean--"

But I don't get the chance to finish my sentence. Reese shoves open the ballroom door and drags me inside, Samantha following close behind me. 

"2020 a summer's ball, and the Winter sisters are the envy of all!" Reese shouts, finally letting go of my arm and dancing towards the food table. 

I sigh, leaning up against the wall and looking around to see if there's anyone I know. I spot Cementha. I remember meeting her before the ball. But I could never just go up and talk to her! She probably already has a date, anyway. 

"Why don't you go say hi to someone?" Sam suggests, gently nudging me. I didn't even realize she was there. 

"Uh-huh. Maybe I'll go say hi to Cementha," I tell her. Sam nods, and drifts away into the crowd. 

Yeah, there's no way I'm going to say hi to Cementha. Or anyone else. I glance over at Reese, who's talking cheerfully with some unfamiliar Æ. I sigh, a little resentful that she just left me alone like that. I was kind of counting on her to start conversations for me. I envy how social she is. 

Oh, well. Maybe someone will come talk to me. It's still early.

Reese~

"2020 a summer's ball, and the Winter sisters are the envy of all!" I exclaim as we burst into the ballroom. I see a couple of people look at us with mild interest.

Letting go of Night's arm, I twirl towards one of the long tables of food, assuming my sister's following me. I grab a plate and start filling it with random snacks. I'm hungry! I was too excited to eat dinner, so now I have to make up for that. As I reach for a huge jar of peanut butter, I bump into someone. 

"Oops! Sorry!" I exclaim, looking up to see who I bumped into. I recognize her as Penny, one of Sirfire's Æs. 

"Hey, I know you!" I say, grinning. "How's it going? I'm Reese, I don't know if you remember me. And this is--" I turn around.

"Oh. I guess Night's not here." I glance around, but I don't see my sister anywhere. Well, I bet she already found a friend. There's so many people here, it would be hard not to! "Oh well. Wanna dance?" I ask Penny.

Samantha~

As Reese slams the door open and starts singing at the top of her lungs, I look around at the huge crowd of Æs. Reese, of course, makes a beeline for the food table. Within no time, she's talking with someone else's Æ. That's certainly not shocking. She's always been the most social one in the family. I glance around to see where Night is, and I am fairly unsurprised to notice she's still in the entryway, hiding under the hood of her jacket. 

Gently, I nudge her with my elbow. "Why don't you go say hi to someone?" I ask. 

She nods. "Uh-huh. Maybe I'll go say hi to Cementha." 

I doubt that. But who knows, maybe my antisocial younger sister will surprise me for once. She's certainly quite attractive. Maybe someone will ask her to dance. I shrug. It could happen. I leave Night to figure things out, and drift off into the crowd to find a dancing partner.

Oh, come on, Mary, we're all late! 

Fashionably late, Georgia. Think of it that way. 

Ok, fine. Time to fill out the form.

Name: Georgia!!

Attire: I'll be wearing a blue floral dress that flows to just above my knees, and a flower crown atop my wavy golden hair. 

Other: I'm open to shipping. But beware, I'm very selective. And I'm also super awesome!

Ok, Arrow, your turn.

*sigh*

Name: Arrow

Attire: Ill just wear the black shirt and black shorts I have on right now, thank you very much.

Oh, Arrow. At least wear something nice.

Fine. I'll throw on a button down shirt. 

Yay!

Other: Ummmmm...... I'm open to shipping with either gender. There! I said it. Phew.

:)

Name: Diana

Attire: A yellow sundress with lace along the bottom, and a gold necklace. 

Other: I'm not open to shipping, but I love to dance.

Have fun at the ball, you guys! 

Memphis says goeza. Go easy? What do you mean? 

I'm reaching for some Skippy's peanut butter, (which will go well with the chocolate cupcakes I gathered) when I bump into a Æ with spiky black hair and a yellow tank top. A friend! ... Oh no... What's her name??????? She's talking but honestly I don't hear a word. She seems friendly enough. I knew I should have listened to Stargirl reciting the descriptions and names of each and every Æ, but honestly, that was boring enough without Star's monotone. Oh! I hear her say, "I'm Reese", then pause and turn around, as if looking for someone. She whips her face back around. "Oh well. Want to dance?"           Now, I'm a very social person in the first place, but when someone is named after a candy, I just can't refuse. "You're on!" I exclaim, and we run into the dance floor. 

---

I lean against the wall facing the doorway, on watch for Coral. So far, no activity except for Night Vision, one of Agent Winter's Æs. I can barely see her pale face, but I can tell it's her from my extensive reading and going over of the Æ descriptions. I sigh and look for Penny and Cem. I spot Penny right away, tearing it up with Reese on the dance floor. Unsurprising. Cem is nowhere to be seen. I turn back to the door and finger my star necklace. Oh! Coral walks in, looking as stunning as ever. Her flowy dress floats up to reveal bare feet. Twins! I start to run, but I don't want to scare her. I try to manage walking slightly fast but also looking graceful. I pull it off quite well, and I pause about a foot in front of her. "H-hi Coral!" Ahhh, what do I say? I think back to Sirfire's awful dating advice, and push out, "HiCoralhow'reyoudoingIjustcameovertosayhibecause...you're..my...date?" I wince and try one more time. "I just wanted to say... I think you look amazing." I blush and look down at my feet.

---

I try and take in the ballroom in one look, but it's too hard. I part ways with Star and Penny and drift away. Look at the detail on the doors! Amazing. I decide to socialize. I spot an Æ wearing Eliza's Helpless dress. I walk over, but it's not until I'm two feet away that I realize I have no plans on what I'm going to say. So I'm standing there, saying nothing, and feeling EXTREMELY awkward until she says...

Alright Blaine, here we go, this is it, I know it, this is where we find our true loves.

Ha, yeah right, more like this is where I find my true love, your hearts already set on Bean.

Thanks a lot *laughs* but she says she's going with me, so there is now purpose to my life *grins and pulls Blaine out the door*

*They get in Archer's limo and speed over to the ball. They get out and walk in*

Wow, this place is huge *Blaine looks around, the beelines for the punch table*

*Archer walks over to Bean* May I have this dance? *Slow music is playing in the background* 

~Abcde~

I walk into the ballroom and look around for Shaow. There they are, standing in a corner, holding a bouquet of carnations. I long to go over to them, but I have to wait. There is something I have to do. I glance behind me, my heart brimming with joy. There they are. Grace and Rayne, my new siblings. Grace seems to be doing everything in her power to not explode with excitement, and Rayne seems to be having an argument with himself. I motion for them to come over to where I was. I stepped up onto a convenient chair, and announced, "Hello! I have siblings! Right over there! Come say hi!"

~Rayne~

I walk into the large, rather scary room. I don't know why in the world I decided to come to the ball with my sisters. I'm sure it was very silly of me. I don't know anyone. At all. This was a bad idea. I try to hide behind Grace, forgetting that she is at least a foot shorter than I am. And now. . . no. NO! Abcde is standing on a chair, telling everyone to come over to say hello to me. I don't want them to say hi.

But it's happened. This was my fault, I was the one who said I would come to the ball. And I will live with my decision. Maybe there's a table or something that I can hide underneath.

~Grace~

I am practically jumping with joy. My very first day as an AE, and I'm already going to a ball! This is going to be so much fun! I'm tempted to begin singing Burn (just because I really love that song). And then I turn and see my brother's face. And he is helpless.

Not because he's in love with anyone, as far as I can tell. He just seems very scared. I walk over to him and grab his hand, doing my best to comfort him.

"Don't worry, Rayne," I say. "We're going to have so much fun." And then someone comes over and says hello, and I see Rayne's body stiffen.

Grace's Sheet:

Name: I'm Grace

Attire: I will just give my whole appearance. Because why not?! I am small and slight, a little smaller than Abcde, but not much, with pale skin, blue eyes, and copper colored, wavy hair. I am nearly always smiling, and I have a creative appearance. I am wearing a patchwork ballgown in as many colors as I can fit into it. And some red, cloth dancing slippers.

Other: I am fourteen years old, and I am open for shipping with EVERYBODY!!! But not all at once. And, actually, it would be nice if they are somewhere close to my age.

And Rayne's sheet:

He is very shy, so I'm filling it out for him. 

Name: His name is Rayne

Attire: He is very tall and stocky, with a bright orange hair and lots of freckles. His eyes are bright green, and he always has a curious, slighty confused expression and a kind smile. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and you can tell whatever he is thinking or feeling.

Other: He's fifteen, and he is open for shipping with girls around his age.

No. Grace. Please?! I'm too shy!

It will be good for you. He's open! 

Archer-

I scratch the back of my neck nervously "so Bean, despite everything Blaine has said, I kind of meant for us to come as friends, I know you like someone else, and I want you to know you can go talk to her if you want, I hope you don't mind or anything." 

Blaine-

I stand against the wall, surveying the room. I see two guys who seem to be there alone. I recognize them as Rocky and Rayne. I can't help wondering if either of them would like to dance. I grab some punch and wait for them to notice me. 

Hi, I'm Jeremy, I'm a little late but, I'll come.

Name: Jeremy

Attire: I will be wearing a white dress shirt, navy blue slacks, black dress shoes, and a navy blue tie. I have dark brown hair which is combed and parted neatly. I am tall and athletic (I play basketball) I am a little hesitant to come to this ball, but if you want someone to sit in a corner with, I'm here.

Other: I am open to shipping, with girls only. I also play piano in Archer's band, as a sidenote.

Great, I wasn't sure you were coming

I didn't see why not, I have nothing else to do.

I walked in and stood in a corner, looking around me. I kind of hope someone will talk to me, but I can't help feeling shy.

Harper~

I help Bean pin one last flower in her hair as Quill stands by the door, tapping her foot impatiently. She thinks we're going to be late. I survey my siblings, both of whom look great. I do a mental once-over and hope I don't look too terrible.

"Ready to go?" Quill asks, and we all nod. She throws her hands up. "Finally! Alright, into the car!" We're herded out of the house and into the yellow Beetle, and we pull out of the driveway. I smooth out my skirt and regret not bringing a book. Too late now.

A few minutes later, we pull up to a large, ornate building. We get out of the car, and Quill rolls down the window.

"Thanks for driving us," Bean says.

"You all have fun!" Quill says. "Make friends, dance, talk to people- I'm looking at you, Harp."

I nod grudgingly, and before I can change my mind and get back in, the car drives away. We walk up to the double doors, and Ace pushes them open. I see we aren't very late, but there are already a number of AEs milling around the grand ballroom. We enter, and I duck my head shyly as people look in our direction.

"Harper's never been the one to try and grab the spotlight," Ace sings, and I laugh through my nerves.

"I never thought I'd see the day Ace quotes Hamilton," Bean says.

"What?" he says defensively. "It's catchy!"

I look around and spy a large bowl of punch. "I'm going over here," I tell my siblings, then head towards it. Maybe someone will approach me, but until then, I can look like I'm doing something.

Bean~

Harper says she's going over to the punch table, and I watch her leave until Ace draws my attention by nudging my arm.

"Hey, look!" He points across the ballroom. "It's Archer." Sure enough, there he is, looking around.

I leave Ace by the doors and stride over to Archer. He beams when he sees me.

"Bean!" he says. "You look great."

"Thank you," I respond. "So do you." A slow song starts playing, and people filter onto the dance floor.

He holds out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

I hesitate, then take it. "Alright, but I warn you, I'm a terrible dancer."

Ace~

After Bean and Harper both leave me (traitors), I look around for someone to talk to. Most people seem to be already in conversation, so I find myself drifting towards the food. For one thing, I'm pretty hungry. Quill rushed us out the door before I got a chance to eat. For another, I'm hoping I can find someone to talk to or dance with.

I take a plate and grab a few cookies, then lean back against the wall to see if anyone's available to chat. Hopefully someone will dance with me, otherwise this could be a fairly boring night.

---

The lively music suddenly screeches to a stop, and a piece for a slow dance comes on.

--- 

Georgia -

"have fun, you guys!" Mary says, waving to us. I excitedly wave back and burst in threw the ballroom doors. We step inside right as a slow song starts. Because we filled out the sheets late, we didn't have much time to get ship opportunities, but I run to the dance floor anyway.

Arrow -

As soon as we walk in, a slow song starts playing. Even without someone to dance with, Georfia runs straight to the dance floor. I sigh and walk over to the corner, where a small snack table is set up. As I pop a bite-sized muffin into my mouth, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn around. It's Diana. 

Diana -

I tap Arrow on the shoulder. "How are ya feelin?" I ask. "Awkward" He replies. "Don't worry. You'll have someone to talk to by the end of the night," I pause. "Meanwhile, I'm gonna go grab Georgia some water. She's gonna tire herself out - and this is just a slow song!" We both look over at Georgia, who is singing along to the song that's playing. "I will never understand her. Arrow laughs. "Diana, master of understanding, doesn't understand? I don't believe it." I laugh, give Arrow a kind pay in the shoulder, and walk away.