Vion's POV

Too soon, the rest of the week flew by and it was now Friday and the day of Chianna Rodriques' house party, which I was expected to attend. Of course, I told everyone that I was going (despite the heated argument on the day I met Mavis Telfair, who was already causing quite a stir with her eclectric personality and my initial encoutner with her during swim practice), but it didn't stop everyone from reminding me that the cheerleader's party would be the chance to work the room and make nice with everyone. And it didn't do me any good since I was still being punished by Dad for telling him off last week.

"How come you never went to any house parties, bro? With your looks and the right kind of friends, you could've been the talk of the town back in Oakland," Vincent said as he and Josiah were my social-skills teachers for the day during break period (guest starring the older Dermott men as "We just wanted to make sure that you're not alone and maybe pitch in to help you come out of your shell."). "Were you always this closed off from the real world?"

"Well, I mainly liked to hang out with the 'Outcasts,' to say the least," I replied. "And I don't like the typical ragers that are full of too much teenage hormones, loud music that won't allow me to think, and the prospects of underage drinking that can ruin one's reputation. But that doesn't mean that I don't like parties. The ones that my old social circles threw were mainly low-key and simple as we talk about classwork, watched movies that you'd never understand, and talked down about the Popular crowd and how we'd rule the planet. And for the record, I'd probably stick out like a sore thumb if I was the other parties."

Josiah frowned at that comment. "I think that being in the company of those nobodies may have tainted your personality for too long, bro," he replied. "Dude, I'm surprised that you even lasted this long before you came here. Let me ask you, do you even have social media?"

I gave him a look of disbelief. "Me, having social media to be used as a target for predators and trolls?" I commented before inwardly rolling my eyes. "Holy FOMO, I don't think so. Social media and nerds like me do not, and will never, mix well."

Principal Dermott gave me a dubious look. "No wonder that everyone thinks that you've been living under a rock," he snorted. "You've been missing out on life and need to let loose. Which is why your assignment is to set up a few social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and maybe TikTok and follow Marcel and their friends. Maybe even follow your parents and their friends' children. You'd be surprised at how many people who can learn about you if you give it a shot."

And just as he said those words, his son and my parents strolled inside the library with my father holding my phone before giving it to me. "I took the liberty of installing Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and even that Tumblr app for you," Dad said. "Create those accounts and make sure to follow all of us, even your grandparents since I had them create accounts earlier.

I nodded, setting up everything with my Facebook profile first (with my full name) and using the same username (iamtherealkyleyork) for the others before given friend requests from everyone in my current social circle and my family (even Khadijah and Khandi followed me).

"That's not so bad, wasn't it?" Mom chirped. "It's one small step to be in touch with what's going on. And we're expecting you to put those accounts to good use for tonight's party at Miss Rodriques' house, young man. Take plenty of pictures and film videos to share with everyone."

"But the main reason that your parents and I dropped by is to tell you that we've talked about what was said a couple days ago during swim practice," Marcel, who had been quiet until now, said. "And after further discussion, we've decided that you can spend some time with Miss Telfair under the condition that you keep up with our plan to make you a part of the social life. We don't ask you for much. Well, that's not exactly true, but only want what's best for you. It's not easy for you right now, but we only want you to thrive. But we're willing to make one concession if you let us work with you."

I took a deep breath, taking in what was said by this jock. I turned to my parents. "And you agree with him?" I asked.

Dad nodded. "Marcel did say that we were overdoing it with me being too rough and hard on you," he replied tersely. "At first, your mother and I didn't agree since I haven't heard your apology yet, and wanted to remain strict with you for as long as you won't. But your mother reminded me that the longer we'd continued to place it all on you, the longer that you'd continue to fight us and eventually cut us out of your life for good. So we'll let you have at least one friend out of Marcel's social circle, but we still want you to make nice with the Populars. If you can do that, then maybe we can let you have some freedom."

I nodded. "All right," I said. "I can work it out."

"That's all we ask," Mom commented. "As much as you think that we're treating you unfairly, it's because your father and I only want you to live your life like a normal teenager- go to parties, have a few friends who can bring out the best of you, and maybe have someone to date."

I huffed a deep breath. "I'm far from a normal teenager," I reminded them. "I'm in class all my own."

"I believe it," Dad said. "Just make sure to get ready for the party tonight, Kyle. All eyes will be on you and I'll know if you're doing what's expected. If you try to leave earlier or leave the sleepover, then all bets are off."

"Right. I'll be on my best behavior," I told him.

So it looks like we have a semblance of a truce between me and everyone  so far. Let's just hope they don't renege on me. As break period came to an end, I received a friend requests on my platforms, all with one name: Mavis Telfair. Smiling to myself, I accepted her requests before letting Marcel walk me to our next class.

***********

"Kyle, I admire your courage for going to that heathen's shindig," Grandpa said while he and Grandma stood in the doorway of my bedroom as I finished getting dressed in the outfit Diane sent over (a deep-blue all-Nike ensemble complete with sneakers that were fitted with gel insoles for comfort. "If I were you, I'd risk being under lockdown and stay in."

"I agree, but since I have at least one Outsider as a friend then I can't risk Dad taking it away from me," I replied before taking stock at my reflection in the mirror. "Plus, something tells me that there's more than what meets the eye around this town and school."

"What do you mean?" Grandma asked, giving me a quizzical look.

I turned to the duo. "I can't put my finger on it, but I think that there's something more at stake going on. Hence everyone wanting me to be perfect and all that," I explained. "I could be wrong, but I think that there's some sort of power play that I don't know about. Right now, I just need to get through the rest of the year and just get through this mess, starting with this party and the sleepover tonight before heading to the bakery to start my first day there as a dishwasher."

"Well, your grandmother and I will help you with whatever you need," Grandpa told me.

"Thank you, but right now I need you two to keep a close eye on Mom and Dad for me. I think that they're involved in what's going on and something tells me that despite this ongoing truce, I'll be expected to do more to please everyone."

"We'll do what we can, starting tonight when we join them for dinner at the Yeun place," Grandma said. "You just focus on what you need to do."

I nodded just as my phone rang. Grabbing it from the nightstand, I ignored the caller ID. "Hello?"

There was some heavy breathing and then, a deep voice that was distorted. "Kyle York, you are walking into unfamiliar and dangerous territory," it said, sounding ominous and threatening. "Things are not as they appear to be. You and your grandparents are in danger."

My eyes went wide as I placed my phone on speaker. "Who is this?" I asked.

"All you need to know is that you and your grandparents do not belong here," the voice intoned. "Leave Berkeley if you value your life. Leave now or else be consumed."

The line soon went dead.

"What on Earth was that?" Grandma said, her face contorted with worry. "And how did he or she know you and us?"

"I dunno, but I have a strong feeling that something is going on," I replied. "It looks like I'm caught up in one hell of a mystery."

And that, friends, was the truth.

*****************
Fifteen minutes of packing an overnight bag later, Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa were gone ("Make sure to take pictures and videos before sharing them on social media," Dad reminded me.) and I was waiting for Marcel to come and pick me up so I can get this party and sleepover over with. Just as I was finished taking a selfie and flimed a video introducing myself, I heard a car horn outside. I raced outside, expecting to see Marcel. Instead, it was none other than Mavis and Tamarious, the latter behind the wheel of a white SUV with the others in the back. "And hello to you all," I said eagerly. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Just in the neighborhood," Tamarious hollered. "And we see you dressed up for that cheerleader's party. Let me guess, you gotta go to make nice."

I nodded. "Have no choice if I want to have some freedom," I replied.

"Keep your head up, mate," Mavis said. "These people are too good for us losers, anyway. Maybe you and I can hang out sometime."

"Maybe, if my family thinks that I'm doing enough at tonight's party, the sleepover at Dermott's, and tomorrow at my first day at the bakery and cafe. Right now, y'all need to scoot since my ride could be on the way."

And just as I let those words leave my mouth, I saw Marcel driving up in a stylish sedan and cutting ahead of Tamarious before the jock rolled down the window of the front passenger side. "Ready to go, Kyle?" he asked.

I nodded, ducking back inside to grab my bag and phone before locking the door and making my way to the car, Marcel opening the door for me as I slid inside.

He took one quick sneer at the Outcasts before gunning the engine and pulling away from the curb. "How convenient for those nobodies to stop by, Kyle." he said tersely.

"They had just gotten there," I defended. "I haven't called them, they just showed up."

"Right, but I'll forgive you if you promise to be a good guest at Chianna's party. And remember that your chance of some privileges lies in my and everyone's hands for tonight and tomorrow. All we ask is that you play ball with us and make the right kind of friends, starting tonight at this party. And who knows? Maybe you'll like hanging around us more than you know. Tonight's the night to show me what you can do."

"Sure," I said, and left it at that.

Oh, boy. Maybe I'm wrong to say this, but I can only say that the next two chapters are going to be full of drama. And you already know that I plan to make sure that you're wanting more and more!

Coming up, it's the party with a party crasher or two, an appearance from Christina, and some...sensual moments between Marcel and Kyle. Oh, my!

Dedication: bemuah.

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