you forget {DRESS REHEARSAL} who you are.

[Jason Lévesque]

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"Jason, your parents would like to see you in the foyer."
"Anne, your parents would like to see you in the foyer."
The dreaded, bipolar maid and cook Giselle said to each sibling whose rooms were across the hall from one another. That was odd, neither of them knew that their parents were even home. Jason slipped on some pants, his hair still wet from a shower. Each bedroom had it's own bathroom, so his was no exception. Slowly, his combed his hair and gelled it into the right places before slipping on a red shirt and walking into the corridor. He thought for a moment to wait for Anne, but figured she'd just be a bitch to him like she had been all week. He planned on talking to her soon.

As for Anne, whom had been getting ready for dress rehearsals, she wanted anything but to be with her family. As she sat in front of her mirror, combing her hair, she avoided the whole aspect of talking to her parents, but mostly facing her brother. Not like she had a choice. In their family, loyalties came first, even in these situations. Well, their parents had never told Anne about this kind of a problem, but she didn't expect herself to probe into the idea. Their parents were ice creatures, and sucked on ice cubes in their spare time. Anne's mother wore Chanel suits with long black pants and those blazers, when she wasn't drinking. Her father wore Armani work suits with his glasses always reflecting someone else. Not him. Not a very open man.

As both siblings made their way into the large foyer, they didn't make eye contact once, and it made Jason more nervous by the minute. He needed to talk to her. But the thought vanished as he saw the only two people that really could tell him to do something and he'd do it. He watched as they sat, drinking from tea, in plush chairs. But when Anne and Jason entered, the two of them regretted their attire entirely. Their parents faces scrunched up with disgust, as if looking at the two of them like they weren't their own. Anne took a brave breath of air in her lungs then plastered a smile. If she was taught anything, it was to contain her composure and acted intimidated later. That way, she wouldn't be fed to the fishes, also known as her own mother and father.

"Welcome back from Paris. Father.." Anne said, smiling gracefully to her father and then to her mother, "Mother." She then sat down as Jason nodded and sat next to her. She edged a bit to the left as their parents savored the chit chat. Oh the dreaded chit chat. Mostly, it was a savoring punch until they got down to business. For an hour, they conversed about how they were thinking that California was changing them. For example, their attire was ridiculous. Anne only had two designer things on out of three, while Jason only had designer pants. It was as if it was a judgmental brawl, but Jason and Anne were so weak from the drama around school, that they took it. Ironically enough, they also mentioned how they were becoming weaker. Jason clenched his teeth, but then looked down at the floor. It was a rough silence.

"That'll be all. Now, both of you, drive together to dress rehearsals." Anne opened her mouth, and then finally said something. She couldn't go in the same car as him right now.

"Why can't we go separately?"

"Because, Anne.." Her stern father bellowed, emphasizing the 'because', making Anne back down a bit, "There is a thing, a joint connection, called siblings. You do things together, and ever since the two of you entered this room, you've avoided each other. For Christ sakes, you two disgust me. Out, now. Continue tradition for Cotillion and don't make too much of a fool of yourselves." Her father said, always nailing the two of them right where they couldn't say anything else. Anne growled as she quickly got up, snatched her purse that had the car keys while her tiny heels clicked away. Man was she pissed. Jason followed her, rolling his eyes at his sister's immaturity. Whatever had burst her bubble? He didn't want to be right.

"I'm driving." Anne muttered, as the air was slightly warm for noon, but there was a hidden icy wind that gave goosebumps. Jason didn't start to argue, too out of it and lazy to even care. A cigarette, that's what he needed. So, slowly he took out his pack, following Anne's quick and tiny pace with his lanky legs, and slowly lit it. The drive toward the country club was silent, as Jason glanced at Anne, then Anne finally spoke up. "So Garrett isn't doing Cotillion?" Jason shrugged. How the hell would he know. But then again, that was the first sentence she had said to him without hostility in weeks. He glanced at her and then out the open window, as they drove closer and closer to the country club with many memories. Sheila, egh - old news. Amanda Summitt.. yum.

"Anne, what has been your bitch fit lately? I mean.. have you been talking to Hayes recently?" Jason finally mentioned, biting his lip as he noticed Anne started to drive the car faster. Her face scrunched up and her hands grasped the leather wheel of her BMW tightly, as they finally drove quickly past the sign welcoming them to the country club. Dust billowed behind the car as Jason finally knew the answer. Holy fuck. Anne knew. "Anne, come on, talk to me. You know, don't you?!" Jason yelled, as the car finally came to a screeching halt when it arrived to the parking lot of the country club, while Anne avoided his glance. She couldn't handle looking at him. The monster. "I'm your brother! You need to let me explain, Anne!"

"We'll talk later, Jason." Anne sneered, as she got out the car and slammed the door behind her. She finally walked as quickly as she could carry in her three hundred dollar heels to the country club where the dress rehearsals were. Where was Daphne? Bridget? Better yet, her escort Luke? He could definitely help her with her aggression. Meanwhile, Jason slowly got out behind her and shut it. He then threw the cigarette with all his strength and hit his leg against the side of the car, screaming cuss words beyond recognition. He was screwed, but worse, this was an exact replica of the dream he had on the bus to Vegas. It all came true. Next time, he knew that he had to, and truly had to, listen to his dreams. Because right now, his dreams were nightmares waiting to unfold in his future.

The dress rehearsals were being set up accordingly. As you enter the country club lobby, there was a sign posted for the Valkyrie Students Cotillion, and you'd walk down a hall, filled with paintings, carpets and windows of the golf course. The ocean was seen beyond the golf course. There at the end of the hallway stood a grand central room, on the left were hundreds of designer white dresses, gloves, hair accessories and heels. For the girls of course. To the right were racks and racks of designer tuxedos, socks, slacks and shoes. To each side as well there were doors to the separate, non co-ed dressing rooms to try on each piece of material. First come first serve, so let dress rehearsals begin!

THIS WILL END WHEN THE SECOND WEEK OF DECEMBER COMES UP, SO WE HAVE SOME TIME :]

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[Daphne Hayes]

"I still can't believe you are going through with this 'cotillion thing'," Mr. Hayes said as they made a left up towards the country club where the cotillion was going to be held. "Dad, I have to go with it. I'm making my debut into society," Daphne said as she stretched the very last comment so it sounded like it was important though she was positive that it came across as a sarcastic remark. "Honey, you are in crutches. You were released fromt eh hospital no more than twenty-four hours ago. I'd say your leg isn't ready for high heels yet. And anwyas, whos this Caleb kid anyway?" Daphne sat up straighter in the passanger's seat. "dad! He's just a friend. He was being nice. And his name's Caleb Marsters, you know, the principle's son?" Her father drummed his thumb against the steering wheel. "Oh! Is this the same principle that suspended you from school?" Daphne rolled her eyes and leaned her head against her hand. "Dad, seriously, don't judge Caleb from his father. Youw ouldn't want some parent hating me because of something you did."

"She got you there, Dad."

A voice from the backseat peeped out. Mr. Hayes looked in his rearview mirror to see Diem with her video camera, fiddling around with it. "Please remind me again why you are going to cotillion, Diem?" Diem scotted a little bit forward so she was closer to her father and older sister. "I told you. I, Diem Hayes, am going to record and document the entire 2006 Valkyrie Cotillion. Revealing just how dramatic we are. Then, I'm selling it to MTV. Oh! Do you think the people organizing this sha-bang will let me have a seperate room for the confessionsal?" Daphne turned around and looked at her sister, Do you really think everyone will let you tape them?" Diem made a face at her older sister, "Of course, silly. Everyone in here would just loooove to be on TV, since everyone acts like they live in a soap opera. No Offense. But, I'm planning to blow this wide out in the open. Of course, I'll be getting the whole cotillion and the special event leading to it. But, where is the drama there? I'm going to get all the secrets, drama, cat fights. The money will be rolling in, just you see." Diem finished in what seemed like one big breath.

Even the sound of Diem's mission made her feel uneasy. Did she even want to be taped, when she wasn't even expecting it? She bit her bottom lip as she knew who she might run into. Jason. At least at school she knew she wouldn't see him. In truth, she hadn't seen him since that night. But, Diem told her that she saw him in the hospital a couple days ago, but he was visiting Brianna, a good friend of hers. But this....she knew she might run into him or see him and that made her want to throw up. Maybe cotillion wasn't a good idea. She could always debut next year. Anyways, who would want to debut in crutches in a Vera Wang dress? "And...we are here!" her dad's voice brought her back to earth as he got out of the car, parking in the front, getting a watchful eye from one of the security guards. He just nodded towards one of them and opened the passanger side to help Daphne out.

"Well, I better start setting up. I still need to ask about the confessional. Bye," Diem said with about four different suitcases as she rolled her way into the club. Daphne smiled towards her sister as she slung her arm around her father's shoulder as he helped her out. "Daph, are you sure you are up for this?" he asked handing her her crutches. "Maybe I should go in with you..."

"No," daphne said to her dad. "I'll be fine. I think I can see Anne now," she said with a smile and kissed her father on the cheek. "Ok," he started, "I'll come back later to pick you and your sister." Daphne nodded, "Bye Dad, love you." She turned around and started moving her crutches out and hopping along the way to the door. The security gueard helping her by opening the door, she smiled and murmurred a thanks as the country club's floor was beneath her feet.

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[brianna]

Few Days Ago

'Ms. Malinda?' A nurse asked her, while coming into the room. She walked closer to Brianna, but far enough so that Brianna had her place.

"Just call me Brianna. There's too many Malindas in this town." Brianna said, joking around. Though it was half true. There were Malinda's including her parents and brothers, and there was also Natalie, and Nikki. Their parents were somewhere else though - The reason why they lived in the dorms instead of anywhere else. Brianna had her parents in Valkyrie, but it wasn't like they cared if she lived there or not. Her room was still there with all her stuff. They probably didn't even noticed that she left and went to the dorms. Brianna still went back to the Valks, but her parents would see her once in a long time - And Brianna went to her real home a lot.

The nurse nodded, smiling at her comment. "Okay...Brianna." The nurse said, not very used to saying her first name. "It seems that everything is fine, and you may leave the hospital. Though, your cousin still needs to stay for a while."

A smile appeared on Brianna's face as well. She was waiting for the moment to leave this place. She should have been able to leave and go home days ago, but they just had to keep her to check that everything was okay. The only thing that happened to Brianna during the car crash was that her forehead got a scar the made blood slide down her face, but that scar vanished faster than any other small scars Brianna ever had. 'Probably something the doctors put on it...' Brianna thought to herself. Though, she wasn't very fond of the fact that Nikki had to stay in here. She would visit her when everyone else was finished. From what she knew, Natalie had visited her already, and was going to visit Nikki next.

Now it was time to get out of this place. Soon enough, Brianna was all set, and she left the hospital. "Bye!" Brianna said to the kind nurses and doctors passing by - the ones that helped her and everyone else of course. While walking out of the Valkyrie Hospital, Brianna noticed something. She walked past Nikki's room but stopped by the door. She looked at Nikki, and Natalie standing beside her. Natalie turned to mouth 'bye', but Nikki was resting. 'Bye' Brianna mouthed back. 'Out of this place...' She said happily, 'and just in time for the start of cotillion....'

Day of Dress Rehearsals
clicketh here for clothes

Dressed in casual clothes, this girl was happier than ever. It seemed like dreams did some true - the dreams that were actually possible. Brianna wore jeans with a nice thin jacket-like shirt. It was black and covered a red and white striped tank top that Brianna was wearing inside. She had a necklace and a purple bracelet on. Brianna's blonde hair was tied up in a bun. She wasn't wearing any dresses or gloves, that was why she came to the dress rehearsals. They had everything ready and planned out for Cotillion, and Brianna had to come.

Her father wasn't gonna come drop her off at the dress rehearsals but he did promise her one thing, which shocked her very much. He would be here for the actual Cotillion Ball. Her parents hadn't mentioned the divorce yet, so Brianna's father wanted to spend a little time with her. A little meaning one event in years. They hadn't even watched TV together or ate dinner as a family in so long. The fact that he wanted to be with her at Cotillion shocked her, but Brianna was too happy to think that something was going to happen.

Brianna drove to the country club - where this little thing was at. She walked inside, amazed at everything. Maybe amazed wasn't the perfect word, but her feelings were mixed. Mixed with all the emotions of happiness anyone could think of. The dresses were beautiful, Brianna didn't know how she would choose one. The accessories were also gorgeous. Everything was so nice, and to make this dress rehearsal in the Country Club was a better idea. Sure, not everyone could get in, but Brianna wasn't thinking of that. She was dreaming, wondering how fun the Cotillion ball would be.

"I wonder if Jason is here..." Brianna said. He couldn't actually believe that he was in the hospital, visiting her? She still couldn't believe it was true. Something probably happened and he came into her room. Probably thought it was someone else. Either way, things turned out well, and Brianna was happy, once again. It seemed like things were going her way lately. Happiness was everywhere, and it seemed like after the car crash, good things were happening to her. She just didn't think that in the future, bad things, drama, and problems, were waiting for her...

[bridgetainsworth]

A Lexus convertible strolled down the streets on its way to the country club. Driving the car was Bridget, but in the passenger seat right next to her was Josh Stewart. Bridget really didn’t want to drive to the dress rehearsal with Josh, but she had no choice. She didn’t even really know him that well. Other then that their parents were good friends, and oh yeah he was one of Daphne’s ex-boyfriends. Who happened to cheat on Daphne not once, but twice. How Bridget and Josh got stuck riding together, well that was there parent’s fault.

Earlier that day:

The morning of the dress fitting, Bridget was woken up by her mother. “Wake up sweetie! The dress fitting’s today.” Like every most of the other Valk parents, Bridget’s mother was very excited for the cotillion. She always talked about how when she was younger she had her cotillion and it was amazing. And even though it was Bridget’s second cotillion it was still very important. Bridget didn’t mind cotillion, she liked it. But if she didn’t, well there was no way to get out of it. It was tradition. “I made you a special breakfast!” By which she meant had the cook make her a special breakfast. Let’s just say Bridget’s mom isn’t exactly the best cook. “Ok mom, I’ll be down in a second.” Bridget told her, getting out of bed.

Breakfast was nice for Bridget. Well except for the fact that her mother kept talking about cotillion. This time mostly talking about how she should not to mess anything up. She also asked a lot about Bridget escort, Phillip Walker, who she already knew about. Bridget and Phillip were really good friends during middle school. Then, when high school started, they became pretty distant. Well then Phillip asked Bridget because he felt bad they been distant. Bridget felt really bad too. So she agreed and said yes. He was really nice, and she felt really bad about the distance.

After breakfast, Bridget went upstairs to go get ready. While getting dressed she heard the doorbell ring. She figured it was probably just a delivery or a girl scout. Well until she heard her mother say, “Hello Mrs. Stewart! How are you today?” Why would Mrs. Stewart, Josh’s mom be here? Well, there parents were friends. “You can just set the box over there.” Wait, Josh was here too? They were probably just dropping something off, but Bridget decided to go down and check. She finished getting dressed and walked down the stairs to see she was right. Josh and his mother were just there to drop off something. “Hello Bridget, are you going to the dress rehearsal today for the cotillion?.” Mrs. Stewart asked her. “Hello Mrs. Stewart. Yes, I am going.” Bridget told here. “Well then you and Josh two should drive down to the country club together.” Mrs. Stewart told them. “What a great idea. You both are already here. It would be stupid if you didn’t.” Mrs. Ainsworth agreed. This is how Bridget and Josh got stuck riding together to the dress rehearsal.

Present Time:

The car was very quiet, it was also kind of awkward. Bridget and Josh were kind of friends, but not really. He had cheated on Daphne, which made Bridget dislike him. Josh decided to break the silence, “So…who is your escort to the cotillion?” “Phillip Walker,” Bridget answered. “That’s cool; I am escorting one of my friends.” Josh told her. So they wouldn’t have to talk anymore, Bridget turned on the radio. She knew it was kind of rude, but she really didn’t mind being rude. She was forced to ride with him, saying no to her mother would get her in trouble, big time. The deal was that they had to ride there together, no talk to each other.

Bridget pulled into the country club and parked the car. She quickly got out and walked towards country club. She turned around and saw Josh was right behind her. When she got inside the country club, she walked to the place were the cotillion people were supposed to go. The room was filled with tons of beautiful designer dresses and accessories for the girls to pick from. There were already a lot of girls searching through the dresses. Bridget knew it was first come first serve, and she wanted to make sure she got one of the best dresses, or at least one that she looked good in. Bridget looked around to see if Phillip was here yet, or Anne or Daphne.

[philip]

What was she doing here again?

Emilia was sitting in her car outside the country club, watching as a few of her classmates got out of their cars and walked inside. The cotillion dress rehearsal was not too long from now, and she knew she really should be getting in there, but something kept her glued to her car seat. Stupid nerves. Not only was she nervous about doing something ridiculously stupid in front of Eric Faden, her escort, but inside those doors were the three people she was dreading seeing. Luke and Amanda Summitt, and Joey Adams.

Alright, so Joey wouldn’t be so bad, just kind of awkward if they even talked at all. After all, they had slept together. Which led to her next problem. Amanda Summitt. They had almost been friends at one point. Amanda had helped her get a new look, and showed her some tactics to getting around without looking like a freak at Valkyrie. But, Amanda had been dating Joey when they had slept together. She didn’t know that at the time, but thanks to Luke, she did now.

Luke. The third part of her problem. They had been angry at each other after Vegas, but now she didn’t think it qualified as angry. Now it qualified as pissed. Not only had Luke helped her change, but he had shown her the ropes of drinking and clubbing. Then, when he and Ben had gotten in a fight, Emilia had instinctively shut him out. Somehow, Luke also found out about Emilia sleeping with Joey, and didn’t fail to rub that in the last time they met. Met and proceeded in getting in a fight. Emilia winced at the memory, rubbing the wrap that was around her right arm. Underneath lay remnants of the occurrence. Thankfully, she wore a long sleeved shirt today, so someone might only see the edges of the wrapping.

“Shake it off.” She told herself sternly with a small shake of her head. Taking a slow breath, she stepped out of her car and brushed back her hair with one hand. Well, here goes nothing. She thought to herself, striding over to the country club and opening the doors. A few people were already inside, some even looking at dresses. She had talked to a few people about how this might work, and knew that the dresses were on a first come first serve basis. Get there too late, and you wouldn’t get one. At the moment though, she didn’t really feel like looking for a dress.

So, Emilia stood off to the side, feeling a little awkward without anyone that she really knew there. Sure, she saw a few people she recognized and could name easily, but no one she talked to very often. She found herself really wishing Faden would get there soon. Now there was a thought that made her smile. The last time she and Faden had seen each other was a few days ago, but it wasn’t a moment she could easily forget. After all, they had both admitted, finally, that they liked each other. That was pretty much the reason why she was here anyways. How had he put it? Oh yeah. He had said that it would be an interesting way to see what the balls in Camelot had been like. Emilia smiled to herself, looking around once more for him.

Let the adventure into Camelot begin.

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“You’re sure about this?” Mr. Bartnett asked his daughter, looking over at her worriedly in the passenger’s seat. They were driving down a main street in Valkyrie, towards the country club. The dress rehearsal for the cotillion was taking place there in a little while. Claire nodded, looking back at her dad. “Of course I am, Dad. I’ll be fine, I promise.” Claire smiled encouragingly. “Alright…Just be careful with your arm.” She nodded, looking down at her left sleeve, which seemed a little bulkier than the right. Underneath it was a thick, neon blue plaster cast. It was from the giant car accident that had happened a few days ago. Claire’s wrist had become shattered, plus the same arm was broken on the forearm.

She wasn’t really worried about herself though, but more so her escort, and her boyfriend. Elliot Davis had broken a few ribs in the same accident, among other injuries. They had both been released quickly, and had spent the last few days recovering, but she still just hoped Elliot would be well enough to do this. She made a mental note to make sure that, at any sign of Elliot either in pain or being tired, to get the hell out of there. Sure, cotillion could be fun, but risking both of their broken bones for something like that just wasn’t worth it. Of course, Elliot would probably insist on staying anyways.

As they pulled up, Claire kissed her father on the cheek with another assurance, and stepped out of the car. Closing the door with her foot, she strode into the country club. Pulling her hair over one shoulder, she glanced around at the people inside the club, smiling at a couple people that she could recognize. So far, no Elliot though. She didn’t doubt that he would show up eventually though. So, for the moment, she walked over to the dress rack, looking through a couple of the white dresses that were hung there.

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Philip drummed his fingers on the steering wheel of his car as he drove down the streets of Valkyrie, the music blaring in his small car. He was jumpy, but in the best way possible. He was excited for cotillion, like many of the people who were inside the Valkyrie country club. He had only been there once or twice himself, but he didn’t think that the place was bad. It was especially good for doing something like a cotillion, which most of his classmates were attending. It seemed like a good time, especially because of the girl he was escorting.

It had been a while since he’d seen Bridget, or talked to her for more than five minutes since middle school. It had been in one of those ten minutes, in fact, that he had asked Bridget to the cotillion. It wasn’t that long ago, and he was a little worried that she would have already had a date, but, as it turned out, she hadn’t had one. Which was how he ended up going to cotillion with her. Now, some of her friends weren’t so…Well, friendly towards him, and he got the feeling that they didn’t like him very much. Not that any of that particularly mattered, but it might if he was going with Bridget.

Pulling into one of the parking spots, he turned off the ignition and slid the keys into his pocket. Getting out of his car, he a jazz tune as he walked along, trying to keep his mood up. He had no idea how this was going to go, and he only hoped that it would go well. After all, it was a formal event. He hoped it wouldn’t be like some of the parties that he had been to, which were drama filled hell. Although, it would help Diem’s film if that were the case. She was going to film the entire thing and send it to MTV to try and make a name of herself. Hopefully no one caught on though, otherwise there might be some trouble.

Opening the doors to the country club, Philip strode inside with his hands shoved into his jeans pockets. Walking into the large room where the cotillion was supposed to be held, he looked around for a moment to see if Bridget was already there. He spotted her after a second, and walked over to her with a smile. “Hey there.” He said, standing next to her. “How’s it going?”