No one could deny that the three of them oozed of power and perfection. Despite their relaxed posture, their eyes were sharp and piercing. If I didn't know them, I would've been hella intimidated by now.

But they were far as fuck from perfect. We were damaged and broken, mostly from the hands of our own folks. That didn't stop us from moving forward, though. We were built to be survivors.

"My brother, Clyde," I introduced him.

He bowed slightly, still wearing that smug look.

"My sister, Diana."

She raised her martini glass.

"And my other sister, Annabelle."

She raised her hand in a small wave, before placing it on her chin as she studied Halo more. When she caught my eye, I could see the curiosity in them.

I pulled my girl closer to me. "Everyone, this is Halo."

"Nice to finally meet you," greeted Halo, flashing them her winning smile.

Diana smirked. "We'll see if you can say that again by the end of the night."

"Behave, Diana," warned Clyde in a low voice.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "You're one to talk."

Annabelle groaned. "Ugh, this was supposed to be a happy family reunion. Why did I even think that? Nothing in this family is normal."

"Wow," I scoffed, smiling sarcastically. "You are so up to date, sis. Do you also know that your high school sweetheart married his best friend?"

While Ethan Tyler might have been Annabelle's first boyfriend, Aaron Ford had been her long time boyfriend in high school. But then, he got together with his girl best friend after he broke up with my sister. She didn't say, but it was pretty obvious it broke her heart.

"Of course," she replied, rolling her eyes. "It was all over my feed." She tilted her head and smiled at me. "Is that your way of taking a jab at me? Aw, that's so cute. But you gotta do better than that, little brother."

Oh no, she didn't.

In our world? That was an invitation for roasting. Challenge fucking accepted.

"How about this," started Diana, stepping forward slowly with the corner of her lips turned up. "All your exes seemed to have found their life-long partners, but you're still bitter and alone. Pretty sad, don't you think?"

Ouch.

I looked at Annabelle and pouted. "Do you want me to call the pet shop and see if they have any cats for sale?"

"Why do I need a pet?" Annabelle smiled at me sweetly. "I already have you."

I laughed a through my nose. Slay.

"Alright, enough," ordered Clyde. It was the stern tone he always used that made us stop and listen. Just as quickly, his face turned soft again as he told Halo, "It's time for dinner. You're more than welcome to join us."

I felt her grip my hand a bit tighter.

"I don't want to intrude," said Halo shyly.

"You're not," my brother insisted, shaking his head. "Please stay."

Diana laughed darkly. "Careful, Clyde. I don't promise to keep my opinions to myself."

"When have you ever?" muttered Annabelle.

Never o'clock.

Clyde sighed. "You might just be what this family needs."

Halo looked at me, and I just stared back. We could bail if she wanted. Staying would be fine, too. I mean, over my dead body would I admit this but I somehow also missed the nutheads. Either way, the decision was up to Halo.

She bit her lip and turned her attention back to him.

"If you insist."

"Great!" grinned Clyde. "Let's head to the dining room, then."

With that, he led Halo to the other room with his hand on the small of her back. She looked back at me, unsure. I frowned at Clyde and sent him a what-the-fuck look. He ignored me and pulled my girl with him. I was about to follow them when I caught Annabelle lean her head closer to Diana.

"Isn't that the speech he gave to the last girl?"

"Yup," answered Diana nonchalantly.

I gritted my teeth. "Give. Her. A. Chance."

"You make it sound like we're vultures," gasped Diana, pretending to be offended.

"You are."

"That's preposterous!"

I clapped. "Bravo, sister! You've completed your transformation to becoming our ever loving mother."

Annabelle laughed as she entered the dining room, while Diana stood there looking appalled. I shrugged and followed after my favorite sister.

"You got my back, right?" I asked under my breath.

She winked at me. "Of course."

Most people didn't know, but Annabelle was actually the nicest one in our family – considering she was a bitch with an angelic face. Maybe that trait ran in our blood.

"But that is," she continued casually, "if she passes my test."

I gave her a look. "Seriously?"

"You know I don't like people easily until I've assessed them enough." She nodded to our evil siblings. "Worry about those two – they're the most obsessed with money and power. But then again, what do I know? I'm bitter and alone, remember?" She smirked and was about to walk away when she suddenly stopped to look at me. "Is she old money?"

I frowned. "I don't think so, no."

"Then, don't count on them liking her," she shrugged a shoulder, before taking a seat at the table.

Yeah, like I give a shit.

I went to Halo who was talking to Clyde and whispered, "Hey, I can come up with an escape plan. Just say the word."

"Don't worry," she assured me. "I'll survive."

Not sure about your dignity, though.

"I wonder," said Diana in a condescending tone, "are you gonna sit down or stand there all night?"

I glared at her as I sat down, since Clyde beat me to pulling out a chair for Halo. I didn't know what he was planning. Whatever it was, I bet my ass it wasn't any good.

"Halo . . ." wondered Annabelle, as she placed the napkin on her lap. "Sorry, I didn't catch your last name."

"Buckley," she answered.

I could practically see the gears working in her brain. She would get it quicker because she was closer to him than I was.

"Are you related with Coach Buckley?"

Halo nodded. "Yes, he's my grandfather."

"Huh. Coach for a grandfather," muttered Diana.

Clyde tilted his head, reaching for the glass of water. "It's a pretty respectable job."

Diana blinked innocently. "I didn't say it wasn't."

"Right," nodded Annabelle, "because we all know how you're not pretentious."

"Oh, the irony of that statement," shot back Diana.

I sighed. This was going nowhere. Every fucking time the four of us were together, we would do nothing but insult each other.

My eyes wandered to Halo. I was surprised not to see her bored. She seemed fascinated while her eyes moved back and forth between my sisters.

I cocked my head as I watched her, the corner of my lips turning up. Even though it was weird as fuck seeing her on the same table with my crazy family, there was a part of me that liked it. She looked the odd one out with her black hair amongst the blondes in the room. But that only made me love her more.

"So Halo, how did you meet Oz?" asked Clyde suddenly.

Halo blinked, taken aback. "Oh, um . . ."

I better take this one.

"We met when I was stealing beer from a store," I piped in.

There was silence.

I eyed the kitchen door. When was the food coming out? I was hungry as fuck.

My brother spoke again.

"Judging from the fact that you're not in jail, I'm assuming she didn't rat you out?"

"Nope."

"Thank you," he told Halo, with a grateful smile. "You saved me a trip home."

I snorted.

"You tolerate his antics, then?" asked Diana, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, no!" said Halo quickly, shaking her head and waving her hand. "I just thought it wasn't my business meddle in."

"Is that supposed to be a kind act?"

I was about to say something when Annabelle leaned her elbows on the dining table and smirked at Diana.

"Hold in your claws, dear sister. Not all of us have to stick our noses in someone else's problems."

"Ain't that the truth?" I mumbled.

Clyde turned to Halo as if nothing was wrong. "What are your plans for college?"

I stared at him. "Dude, what's with the third degree?"

"Just making small talk, little bro." He smiled. "No need to get all tense."

My eyes stayed on him, narrowing.

"I'm still a junior," piped up Halo. "But I'd love to go to UCLA."

That caught my attention. I faced her in wonder. This was the first time I was hearing about this. She saw my look, causing for her to bite her lip. I didn't want her to worry about what I think so I placed my hand on her back and soothed her.

"That'd be pretty far from Oz if he takes University of Florida's offer to play for them."

My head snapped to Clyde. "Wha – How the fuck did you know that?"

I have yet to tell anyone about it. Even Alfie had no idea that they already called Coach Watkins about me. See, we always planned to go together there. But since I only heard the news today, there wasn't really a chance to share it yet.

Clyde shrugged. "I have connections." His eyes traveled back to Halo. "Then again, who knows if you kids will still be together in the future?"

"Don't even start, Clyde," I warned, with a low voice and gritted teeth.

"What? I'm just laying out the possibility of –"

"Bullshit," I snapped. "We've been here for fifteen minutes, and already you managed to insult my girlfriend and her family. She doesn't need that shit, especially from my family." I coldly looked at each of them in the eye. "You all act high and mighty but we know it's just a fucking facade. Truth is, you bring down people who got their shit together 'cause your jealous. You wish you aren't as fucked up as you are inside." I laughed humorlessly. "I know, because I'm exactly like that."

I turned my head away, thinking of Scout Crimson and how I've treated him. I couldn't deny it anymore. I was fucking jealous of him, and his ability to attract obedience.

Unlike me, who had to command it.

I felt Halo's hand on top of mine, squeezing it and reminding me know that she was there. And she was all right. We were all right. Things were different now.

"So if you're gonna continue with your snide remarks," I continued more calmly. "I'd rather take Halo somewhere else."

Long silence greeted us. Their unreadable eyes stayed on me, unwavering. I hated how they could close off like this and how I never could tell what they think.

I only know what they let me know.

"I like her," said Annabelle a-matter-of-factly. "Sure, she's pretty quiet but she took it all in without even making a sad face in an attempt to be pitied. She didn't look to you for help – even once. I mean," she laughed in amusement, "if she's strong enough to handle Clyde and Diana, maybe she's strong enough to handle you."

I looked down to hide the grin on my face.

"I don't know about that," countered Diana.

Typical.

"Oh, shut up and eat your food."

"You don't have the right to tell me to shut up," she retorted. "I'm older."

"Guess what?" interrupted Clyde. "I'm the eldest, I overrule you both. Be civil, since Halo had been nothing but that. The least we could do is to return the favor."

"Glad you finally realized that," I mocked.

Diana rolled her eyes. "Fine." She then looked at Halo. "I think you're a gold digger."

I turned my body in a defensive way, but she raised her hand to stop me.

"But the fact that you're Coach Buckley's granddaughter makes me think otherwise. I may have made an inappropriate comment earlier, but I do respect the man."

Halo nodded blankly while my older sister took a breath.

"I don't like that you've tolerated Oz's wrongdoings. However, the fact that he's not getting in trouble every week means your method works better. So for now, I guess you're not the worst thing the ever happened to him."

Wow. That was the best thing she could ever say out loud.

I didn't stop running my hand up and down Halo's back, assuring her that I didn't give a flying fuck what shit my siblings think they could say.

She's still my girl. I still love her.

No matter what.

"I'm just impressed she's still here," chuckled Clyde, amused.

Halo smiled. "I have no reason to leave. Unless it's midnight and I'm past my curfew," she paused, glancing at the wristwatch quickly. "Oh, good. It's still early." She laughed easily and looked at me. "Besides, Oz is here."

I shook my head in amazement, before kissing her head.

"I love you," I murmured.

When I pulled away, I noticed her smile turned wider. Seeing her purple orbs like this warmed my insides in a way that was gooey and tingly. Damn.

"Shall we start our dinner?" I asked, turning my head to the rest of the people on the table. I flashed my siblings a warm smile – which I think shocked them a little because for a moment, they sat there frozen.

"Of course."

. . .

An hour went by without any incident (thank fuck) until my phone rang in the middle of the dessert. I checked the screen and it was Alfie. Weird. I didn't text him to make a fake emergency call. I stood up and excused myself, walking to the foyer before answering.

"Hey, what's u –"

"It's bad, Oz. It's really bloody fucking bad."

I instantly grew alert. My best friend's voice was unsteady and out of breath.

"Oh, God. I should've been with him! I – I didn't know. I shouldn't have let him drive on his own. It's my fault. This is my fault. Fuck."

"Alfie, calm the fuck down," I demanded, my heart beating fast.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Halo got to her feet and looked at me in concern. I took a deep breath and tried to chill out.

"What happened?" I asked, preparing for the worst.

"Hit and run, man. It was a fucking hit and run! He didn't even drink that much. He was on the right fucking lane! And now – now he's on the hospital while the motherfucking cocksucker who hit him is out there. Fuck!"

Losing my patience, I shouted, "Damn it, Alfie! Who got hit?!"

"Frisco!" He broke into sobs. Then, he released a shaky breath and added more calmly, "It's Frisco, man."

I stopped breathing.

No.

"He's in the operating room right now."

Fuck no.

"We're at the hospital."

I didn't wait for him to tell me more. I hung up, snatched my jacket and keys on the counter, and headed out.

"Oz, what's wrong?"

I stopped and faced Halo. My mind was all over the fucking place. I couldn't think straight, so it took me a moment to understand what she asked.

"Frisco's in the hospital."

She gasped. "Oh, no."

I swallowed. "Car accident."

She looked around, grabbed her things, and walked ahead of me.

"Let's go."

I gripped the keys in my hand.

"Go."

I looked up and saw Clyde. His face was serious, telling he understood the urgency. With a nod, I turned and ran outside.

Frisco was the kindest – maybe even the purest – one in our corrupted bunch, and yet this fucking disaster happened to him. He didn't deserve this shit.

I hoped to God he would be okay. Otherwise, I didn't know what the hell I'd do to the fucker who did this to him.

I might end up in jail for good. 

_____________

Oh, no! Friscooooo!

Thanks for bearing with me, dudes. That's one of the things why I love you guys! :) x

Next Update: Thursday