According to this app, this is the 100th part. And usually, when a milestone happens, I would do something. But not in this case.
Also, expect no updates until January. I will be on vacation so I will be very busy.
Enjoy this long chapter to celebrate 100 parts according to this app. Though it may seem like 98 total chapters to you, it's 100 chapters to me.

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️✴️ =-
(huh, Zoe, Bob, Jay and Briar are here)

"Alyssa! Hold still!"

Alyssa, who was seated in House 4's lower bathroom, squirmed on the wooden dining chair Vivian dragged in. "I thought this was a simple birthday party, Vivian! Not a hairstyling contest. This hurts!" She yelped when she felt a sharp pain from her scalp.

"The only reason why it hurts is because you would not stop moving. Now stay still unless you want to attend the party with wonky pigtails!"

Alyssa huffed, crossed her arms and stopped moving. She looked up into the mirror and saw her friend in focus as she partitioned the ginger hair into two and brushed the left side. Her friend's split-dyed hair was styled into low pigtails. It was her idea to match.

Vivian tied the left side and secured it in place. "There we go! Now that wasn't that bad wasn't it?" She worked on the right side and brushed it out.

"This is so stupid." Alyssa yelped, "Hey-OW! Can you not hurt my scalp at least?"

"It's not my fault your hair is knotty! I'm only trying to tame it. Quit complaining." Vivian tied the second section in place and secured it in place. "And we're finished." She took a step back and admired her handiwork. "Wow, you look adorable."

Alyssa faced the mirror. There seated alone in her reflection was her similar self wearing a red singlet. Her dark ginger hair was tied into low pigtails with the ends over her shoulders. She was glad her fringe was left untouched.

"It's nice but I think it looks better like this." She pulled side strands and pulled them to the front. "There."

"Now you ruined it."

"I didn't ruin it. I made it better." Alyssa scrunched up her nose and smiled.

"Sure, whatever you say." Vivian opened her handbag and tossed her comb in. "I think this look would be best with eyeliner."

Alyssa scrunched up her nose. "I'm not having that. Plus my current makeup is fine."

Her current makeup was done by Lily. Lily made sure to keep it as a simple, natural look accompanied by mascara. To achieve the look while Alyssa squirmed around was impressive even to Alyssa.

"I know. Besides I was joking."

"Well, you suck at jokes." Alyssa stood up from her seat and towered over her friend. Her friend looked up and shook a fist.

Then there was a knock on a door followed by a voice which sounded like Colin's. "Hey! Are you two done in there? You are both taking a long time."

"We're done!" Vivian opened the door. On the other side was Colin who stood, fiddling with his mood ring. The ring spun round and round. "What do you need, Colin?"

"Cleo wants everyone to the living room. Now." Vivian and Alyssa exchanged looks. "Everyone else is there. We just need you, Sabrina and the air signs. Please go there now."

"We will," Vivian said with an acknowledged nod. "Thanks, Colin."

Colin smiled softly and waddled down the marbled floor. After a shared glance, Vivian and Alyssa followed.

They were met by Cleo who waited near one of the open doorframes. She towered over Colin and Vivian in a brown knee-length dress with spaghetti straps. It wasn't out of the ordinary for Cleo to attend recent parties in class.

Cleo put her hands on her waist. "Took you long enough."

"Blame Alyssa, she squirmed too much." Vivian pointed to her friend. She dodged Alyssa's incoming punch.

"Either way," Cleo brushed her ash brown waves to the back and played with her silver chain necklace, "Levin texted earlier saying Gilbert just got ready. We all need to hide before he and Giselle arrive. You and Alyssa need to hide. Colin, you need to answer the front door."

Colin saluted and marched to the front door. Alyssa crossed her arms.

"Wait we're hiding? Right now?" Alyssa asked.

Cleo nodded and gestured a hand to the living room where everyone else hid behind, beside and under the furniture. Alyssa shrugged and joined Leo, Sienna and Pete behind the couch.

Vivian looked up at her sister square in the eye. "Wow, you're acting like me. Impressive!"

Cleo rolled her eyes. "Vivian. Hide."

"Alright, alright I will." Vivian joined the couch hiders. She waved to Tahlia who hid behind the armchair and noticed Cleo had hid herself behind the wall.

Cleo flicked off the lights.

-= ⭐⭐⭐️✴️ =-
(Jay is spending time with the girls, Zoe, Bob and Briar. He needs to tell them something)

"Wait, now I am confused. Why are we here at House 4?" Gilbert asked Levin when he, the air signs and Sabrina arrived at House 4's front door.

"I'm with Gilbert," Giselle added, "I have so many questions. Why are we dressed so fancy?" She gestured to everyone's outfits including her silk pink dress, Sabrina's suit vest and trousers combination and Gilbert's suit. "Why are we here?"

"Yeah and who is the card for?" Gilbert pointed to the large card Levin held.

Levin looked down at the card. "Can't say."

"It's for me, right? It's my birthday."

Levin raised his knuckles to the dark wooden door. "Can't say." He knocked his knuckles on the wood.

Knock-knock-knock!

The door opened and Colin peeked out wearing a white shirt, black trousers and a tie. He looked up and smiled. "Hi, you are all here."

"Hey, Colin." Arlen brushed past Levin and the door. Lizzy, Aika, Sabrina and Levin followed him.

"Hey!" Colin smiled. He looked back at the Geminis who lingered back confused. "Glad you two can make it. Come inside."

"Colin, what's going on?" asked a confused Gilbert who entered through the door. He noticed pairs of heels and shoes sprawled near the shoe cabinet. He took off his shoes and threw them near the door. Giselle, who followed behind, did the same but she gently placed her heels next to Arlen's shoes.

Colin closed the front door shut. He smiled when he heard the two dogs barking outside in the backyard. "I'll let the others explain in the living room."

"What's happening in the living room?" Giselle raised an eyebrow.

"Go check it out." Colin gestured to the darkened room. The Geminis exchanged looks and crept up to the doorway as if they were both in a horror movie.

"What's there to check in the living room?" Gilbert stepped into the living room. He jumped when the lights turned on followed by yellow and pink confetti thrown in the doorway's direction and a loud yell.

"SURPRISE!!!" everyone but Vincent popped out of their hiding spots. Gilbert and Giselle spotted Alex, Sabrina, Lizzy, Arlen, Aika and Cleo popping out from behind the wall. Tyler, Lily, Levin, and Phoebe jumped in from the kitchen while Skyler and Carol popped up from under the table (with Carol accidentally bumping her head). Everyone else popped up from behind the furniture.

Vincent jumped up from behind one of the armchairs. "Surprise!" He stomped his foot. "F**k I missed it!"

Giselle stepped into the room, her silk pink gloved hand over her mouth. "Oh my god." She turned to Gilbert who looked around the room with his wide-eyed gaze. For once, it appeared that Gilbert had nothing to say.

"Happy birthday!" Sabrina embraced Gilbert in a hug.

"Sabrina, what is this?" Gilbert looked around the room from the photos to the banner that read 'HAPPY BI'. "Everyone, what is this?"

"A surprise party for the Geminis!" Alyssa bounced over. She embraced her friend in a hug. "Happy birthday!"

Gilbert looked around. "A- A surprise party?"

"For the Geminis?" Giselle mumbled. "Wait, am I involved in this too?"

"Yes, but it's mostly Gilbert since he has the gifts. You get your gifts next week, and you are both having the cake today." Arlen squeezed his girlfriend in a hug.

"Oh... I see."

Levin stepped over and passed over the card he was holding. "Here. For you. It's a gift from all of us.

Confused, Gilbert received the card from his housemate. He admired the front which had the words 'Happy Birthday Gilbert" followed by a drawing of Gilbert with a cake.

Gilbert opened the card and gasped when he saw what was inside the card. In the centre of the opened card were the large words 'Happy B'day Gilberta'. Surrounding the words were different coloured messages from everyone else, including Giselle, which wished him a happy birthday.

Gilbert's eyes welled up and he sobbed. He attempted to cover his face with his hand. (aww)

"While you were asleep last night, me and Arlen visited each of the houses to make this card." Levin smiled warmly. "Seeing as you contributed so much to this neighbourhood, it only felt right to do this alongside the party."

"It's not bad isn't it?" Arlen asked softly. His housemate, while teary shook his head.

"No, no it's lovely. Thank you all so much." Gilbert wiped his tears. He made sure to laugh to cheer the atmosphere up. "Though I am confused how you did this, I am amazed at how you all did it. Thank you. Thank you all so much." He sniffed. "I'm gonna guess that there's more to it."

"You guess correctly." Skyler made his way forward and hugged his tearful friend. "Sabrina has planned out something fun."

"Oh?" Gilbert turned to his girlfriend. "What is it?"

"Well, we'll take you there along with everyone else." Sabrina crossed her arms and faced the large group. "Come on losers, we're heading out!"

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️✴️ =-
(Jay, Zoe, Bob and Briar go get milkshakes together!)

Before the group headed off, Sabrina and Vincent had prepared their minivans. Alyssa, Tahlia, Gilbert, Colin, Leo, Vivian, Lizzy, Sabrina, Sienna, Cameron, Aika and Pete decided to head off first in Sabrina's minivan. Everyone else boarded into Vincent's.

Both minivans went on different routes. Sabrina decided to take a shorter route while Vincent took the scenic one.

Since Sabrina took the less scenic route, her minivan ended up at their destination first: Thetowne Bowling Alley. Sabrina found a spot in the near-empty parking lot which had a good overview of the building. Everyone waited in the minivan for Vincent's van to arrive.

Gilbert, who sat in the passenger's seat, looked ahead at the retro-style building which had a ginormous bowling pin at the front. "We're going bowling?!"

"Yep!" Sabrina nodded popping the 'p'. She pulled down the car visor to shield herself from the blazing sunlight.

"How come we are faster than Team Vincent?" Cameron wanted to know.

"Because your boyfriend wanted to go a more scenic route," Sienna admired her nails. "Also have we got any updates on their whereabouts?"

Sabrina checked her phone. She noticed a message from 'Bestie Alex' a minute ago. 'Just arrived lol' was the message. "Alex texted me. They just arrived."

"I see the van!" Pete pointed out the tinted windows. There Vincent's van entered and took a parking spot near the entrance. "Oh come on, not even close to to us!"

Sabrina's eyes flicked down from the visor to Vincent's minivan. Twelve mini figures boarded out, with four of them running off. One of the figures, Carol, turned to Sabrina's van and waved a hand.

"That's them." Sabrina opened her door and hopped out, slamming the door shut. She opened the sliding door to let the others out. Gilbert hopped out and ran off in Skyler's direction. Cameron ran after him.

"Gilbert! Cameron! Be careful!" Vivian chased the two with Tahlia running behind her. Everyone else followed them.

"Glad to see you all here." Alex greeted the group when they arrived. They snorted when Gilbert toppled Skyler into a hug and Cameron picked up a startled Vincent and twirled him around.

"Gilberta, let... go of me." was Skyler on the ground.

Gilbert frowned. "But it's my birthday. Can't I at least hug you?"

"But I don't want-"

"Skyler." Carol tutted. "How dare you disappoint Gilberta on his birthday."

"Yeah, Skyler." Colin, Sabrina and Pete taunted. Skyler sighed.

"I'm sorry Gilberta." He embraced the birthday boy in a hug and helped himself and Gilbert up. Everyone faced the bowling alley and shielded their eyes from the sun.

"Thetowne Bowling Alley..." Pete read the large retro sign above the bowling pin. "Never been here but it looks cool."

Cleo reached into her dress pockets and got out cat-eyed sunglasses. She slid them over her eyes. "Glad to be back at this place again." (Classy Cleo moment)

"Wait, you've been here before?" Sam looked up at his girlfriend.

"Yeah, for a birthday party. Anjali's. It was a small get-together three months ago. You didn't come 'cause you were sick."

"Oh, how could I forget." Sam nodded. He visualised the thought of his small knit of high school friends laughing and having fun. He imagined Cleo among them having the time of her life.

Alyssa stepped forward onto the footpath and cracked her knuckles. "Back here again. Can't wait to beat Vivian again."

"Highly unlikely!" Vivian sang as she strode past holding Tahlia's hand, "You lost last time and threw a tantrum."

"Di- did not!" Then Alyssa followed the two as they joined in a conversation with Tyler, Lily, Phoebe, and Levin.

Sabrina turned to Gilbert who stood next to her. "Ready to start bowling?"

Gilbert nodded, "Born ready."

Once everyone arrived, everyone headed inside the retro building and was met by a blast of cool air. The inside was darker than the sunnier outside and was lit up by the blue and red neon lighting around the room. Everyone marvelled at the sight of the glossed bowling lanes which was a platform lower than the dining area. The area also had a prize booth, an arcade and a food counter which were all in the upper section.

Sabrina stepped over the black, blue and red designed carpet to the counter. An employee waited near the register. "Welcome to Thetowne Bowling Alley! How many people would that be?"

"Hello," Sabrina greeted, "We're here for a booked party. Gilbert and Giselle's birthday? Twenty-four guests."

"Ah, of course!" the worker noticed the large group. "You're here for the party."

Sabrina nodded. After the payment process with Vincent's help, the worker spoke to the large group who gathered near the counter. "Alright! Your group would have four lanes. Lanes five, six, seven and eight. Each lane holds six players and you must play through ten rounds as you paid for one game. As the lanes would be slippery, you need to be in appropriate footwear. There are bowling shoes next to here. Find a pair in your size. If you need any help or snacks don't be afraid to let the team know." She clasped her hands together. "I have covered everything haven't I?"

"Seems like it," Vivian nodded.

"Well. Have fun! Hope you enjoy your time here at Thetowne Bowling Alley!"

"Thank you!" the group chorused before they left like a school of fish to fetch their shoes.

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️✴️ =-
(The four stars head to the rollerskating rink)

After the group switched their shoes for bowling shoes (with most of the females relieved that Aika brought a packet of socks for them to use), everyone separated themselves into four groups of six.

Gilbert, Sabrina, Leo, Aika, Lizzy and Alex were in Lane 5. Most of the group focused on the TV screen hanging over their heads which showed a score system. Sabrina focused on typing out the names of the team on a touchscreen console that connected to the TV.

"Alright, so just to confirm," Sabrina stepped back from the console, "The order we are going in is Alex, Gilbert, Leo, Lizzy, myself and then Aika, correct?"

Alex nodded. They tied their curly hair into a bun. "Looks about it."

"Coolio." Sabrina took a seat next to Gilbert. "Good luck, Alex!"

Alex gave a thumbs up and picked up the red bowling ball they picked. They stepped to the lane and scanned ahead.

Aika, seated next to Lizzy, nudged her daydreaming friend. "Lizz, Alex is going on."

"Are they?" Lizzy snapped back to reality. She turned to the lane where Alex stood prepared to bowl. She couldn't help but notice how good Alex looked in that brown plaid shirt with a white tee underneath. The same design she recommended to them when they texted her asking for fashion advice. She was happy they took her words into account.

Alex appeared to notice her with a look back. They pointed to her. "This bowl goes out to you Lizzy!"

"This bowl better be a good bowl if it is for Lizzy," Gilbert called out. Aika shushed him.

Lizzy smiled slightly. It was of course Alex's nature to say that. Alex was a romantic at heart. They always made themself clear on that. For every moment Lizzy spent with them, Alex always made sure to gift her with words and presents. They wanted the best for her. And they are doing that now.

A pit of guilt emerged from inside her. They did so much for her and yet her mind stated otherwise. She wondered if she was ungrateful.

She wondered if Alex really deserved someone like her.

Alex rolled the ball. Eight pins got taken down. The small group applauded.

"That is impressive for a first throw," Leo commented. "Especially for Lizzy."

"Come on Alex! Aim for a spare!" Aika called out through cupped hands.

"Yeah, Alex!" Lizzy stood from her spot. "You got this!!"

Alex grinned and retrieved the red bowling ball back. Once the knocked pins got pushed back, Alex rolled the ball. The remaining two pins got knocked down. The group cheered.

"SPARE!" the TV announced showing a horribly animated clip of a spare (which Leo cringed at). Arlen, Pete, Giselle, Colin and Skyler, who were in the next lane with Carol, applauded.

Lizzy ran her way over and leapt into Alex's arms, laughing as they spun her around carefully. She planted a kiss and pulled back, "You did it! That was awesome!"

"Calculated to make sure that it is perfect just for you." Alex winked and placed her down gently.

Lizzy smiled back, "Aw, you shouldn't have!"

"Hey, lovebirds? It's my turn!" Gilbert interrupted the two. Lizzy and Alex apologised and made their way to their seats for the birthday boy.

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️✴️ =-
(Jay, Zoe, Bob and Briar have a fun time skating!)

"STRIKE!"

"Yes!" Carol clenched her fist. She turned on her heel and passed Giselle. "It's your go, Giselle."

Giselle gave a nod and reached towards a marbled pink bowling bowl. She heaved when she tried to pick up the ball. The pink ball felt like she was carrying bricks. A bag full of bricks.

She noticed Arlen stepping over to check the ball. Once he got there he easily picked up the ball's weight in his hands. Giselle slumped her shoulders.

"This is so unfair. How come the prettiest ball is lighter for you and not for me."

Arlen raised an eyebrow at her. "Is that the reason why you picked this ball? Because it is pretty?"

"Of course!" Giselle flipped her dark waves to the back. "I need to make sure everything matches. So I picked this marbled pink ball which matches my look as you can see."

"But Giselle, the ball is too heavy for you. There's smaller balls you can pick."

"Which do not fit my look. I mean lime and pink."

"I think lime and pink is a good combination!" Colin inserted himself into the conversation.

"I mean if I can make it work with this outfit. But the pink ball is perfect."

"But Ellie, let's be practical here. Ignoring the colour palettes. Would you rather work with a heavier ball that you struggle to carry or work with a ball that you can easily use?" Skyler asked, pointing a finger at his friend.

"The lighter ball. It just makes sense."

"Yeah and what colour is the lighter ball?"

"Not the pink one."

"Exactly. So you'd pick that right?"

Giselle cast her eyes on the bowling ball racks behind the seats. The lightest ball she could carry was the lime one. She flicked her eyes to the next set, the heavier ones, which contained the marbled pink one.

"Yes..." she sighed, "I wish I could carry the pink ball easily."

"Hold on, I got an idea." Arlen picked up his indigo bowling ball and made his way off to the racks. He returned with a lime green bowling ball, passing it to Giselle. "I propose that you use this ball to roll and I'll use the pink ball for you."

"You'll do that?"

"Of course. It's the right thing to do."

Giselle placed a hand on her chest. "Thank you, Arlen... that is so sweet."

"Anytime. Good luck bowling!"

His girlfriend gave a nod and strutted to the lane. Arlen watched as she raised her hand back with the ball and rolled it forward. The ball slid across the glossed wooden floor and pushed down two pins. Giselle shook her hands.

"Try using the ramp!" Arlen called out.

"Nah, I think I am okay!" Giselle called back. She retrieved her ball again and bowled again. Five pins got knocked down. "Aw, seven pins in total."

"That's pretty good for a first go."

"Yep. But not a strike." Giselle shrugged and sat on her spot. She cheered for Arlen who had the next throw. "Go LenLen!"

Arlen turned back with a smile before he prepared himself to bowl. Pete crossed his arms.

"Giselle, I have a question. How aware are you that your boyfriend is a massive simp?"

"Very aware," Giselle answered with honesty. "It's not a bad thing, I find it pretty cute. I find it adorable how much he cares. And I give the same treatment back." Her voice turned sceptical. "Why'd you ask?"

"Oh I'm just curious to know, that's all. Which kinda leads to my next question. Seeing as you two recently got together, have you established healthy boundaries yet?"

"Boundaries?"

"Yeah, boundaries. Just knowing how much is too much and how little is too little. What to know and making sure that you balance your relationships. That's what I meant. Have you established that yet?"

Giselle shook her head.

Pete's eyes widened. "You never established it? Isn't this like your fourth or fifth relationship?"

"No? This is my first ever actual relationship."

"Huh?" Pete blinked. "But what were all those relationships from year seven to ten then?"

"Oh, they all used me. I stopped caring until I developed feelings again."

"I'm confused." Pete raised a hand to his forehead.

"If it helps you clear it up, the past relationships were more like situationships. They were not serious and the guys all used me for my looks only." Giselle explained. She watched and applauded for Arlen who knocked down seven pins. "And when I developed a crush on Sabrina, it was the first time of catching feelings but I moved on from that. Arlen's the only relationship that I feel is long-lasting. Different from my past situationships."

Pete nodded. "I understand."

"I'm a little confused as to why you brought that up. On setting boundaries."

"I thought it would be helpful to educate you on them. It's important to address and I want to speak from an area of experience." Pete shrugged. His housemate, Skyler, tucked his hands in his pockets.

"How come you never taught me about it?"

"Because I wasn't in an experienced mindset when you needed help." Pete turned to his housemate. "Remember, Colin is my third relationship."

"Third?!" Carol whipped her head around.

"Yes. I've been in two other ones before. One is with a girl and I figured out who I am and we broke up on good terms. The other is a guy who used me."

"Yikes, I am so sorry that happened to you." Giselle frowned. "You're not hurt about it now are you?"

"No cause it led me to someone better." Pete nodded towards Colin who curiously investigated the bowling balls' holes. "Oh, Cole be careful. Don't poke your fingers in."

Colin gave a thumbs up.

"As I was saying, when Skyler needed help, I was not in a good position to help him. And neither was Carol I think."

"I definitely wasn't. Because of that little rat named Joel who showed me the unhealthy side. I was not prepared to face a healthy relationship because of him." Carol shook her head. She clenched her fists. "Just thinking about him makes me so angry."

"No 'cause your anger is reasonable," Giselle said as she rolled the lime bowling ball around in her hands. She faced Pete. "You know Pete, I never heard you share so much. I always expected that you and Colin are the same person but you're different. This talk proved it. You should do a crash course."

"Uh... maybe not that?" Pete laughed awkwardly, "I don't find myself an expert. I just spoke from my point of view."

"Which is needed in a crash course. It'll help the others too!" Giselle clapped her hands when she noticed that Arlen had finished his turn. Pete pressed his lips into a thin line.

"I'll think about it."

"Hey everyone. Just knocked down a total of nine pins." Arlen greeted the group. "What is everyone talking about?"

"We'll explain later." Giselle checked the scoreboard. "Right now it's Pete's turn, right?"

"It is." Pete picked up a marbled blue ball. He turned to his friends. "Wish me good luck!" Then he stepped forward to the lane to do his turn.

-= ⭐    ⭐⭐️✴️ =-
(Jay is nervous to tell his friends about something on his mind)

"NOOOOOOO!" Vincent's knees sunk to the ground dramatically. He sobbed. "Another gutter."

Vivian, Tahlia, Alyssa, Cameron and Sienna looked down at their sobbing friend. The group had watched Vincent go through bad luck on his gos. No one spoke up.

Except Sienna. "Man, I feel sorry for Vincent. Bad luck follows him everywhere he goes. It's sad at this point."

"You do realise that I am right here, right?" Vincent turned to the group. "But I agree bad luck follows me everywhere. "

"I wonder what caused it. It wasn't this bad before." Vivian said, not looking up from the paperback mystery book she brought over. The book's cover was white with a red string design.

"Imagine if it's me that caused all the bad luck." Cameron joked, focused on his phone. On the screen was a recent edit of a security guard character from a movie. Everyone heard the record scratch from the edit.

"I predict that it's the lemon juice," Vincent predicted. Tahlia, who silently watched on, shook her head.

"But the water signs had theirs and they didn't have bad luck."

"They had theirs once. That doesn't count. I am certain it is the lemon juice."

"But Vincent, you've always had bad luck."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"SO! Who is next to roll?" Vincent faced the scoreboard. "Awesome. Awesome? Who's that?"

"That would be me." Alyssa got up from her seat and grabbed a yellow bowling ball.

"Why didn't you put your name like everyone else did?"

"Cause that's boring!" Alyssa stepped up to roll. "Wish me luck!"

"Hope you get a gutter!" Vivian called out jokingly. Her friend glared before she rolled. Eight pins in the middle were knocked over. There were only two pins left, one on either side of the lane.

"A split." Alyssa mused with the TV announcing it. She placed a hand on her hip and smiled determinedly. "Think that's achievable."

"Aren't splits the hardest spares?" Cameron asked, "Like it's challenging."

"Yeah, and I am determined to win this."

She picked up her bowling ball and bowled. The yellow ball skidded across the glossed floor and bumped into one of the pins which knocked towards the other. Alyssa raised her fists in the air.

"SPARE!"

"Nice go!" Sienna high-fived Alyssa.

"Eh, I've seen better." Vivian closed her book after placing in a bookmark. She looked up at the scoreboard and picked herself up in her seat. "Alright, let me show you how it is really done."

-= ⭐️   ⭐️⭐️✴️ =-
(Jay prepares himself to tell his friends a secret)

"You've been silent this entire time, you okay Lev-bro?"

Levin snapped out of his trance and turned to find a concerned Tyler looking down at him. He had presumed that he had been half-awake during the wait. It was like someone inside his head had found the switch for autopilot mode and turned it on leaving them time to relax.

He assumed Tyler had waited for an answer from the way his friend's eyes filled with concern behind the round-framed glasses.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit tired." Levin stretched his body like a cat. He patted the empty spot next to him. His best friend chuckled and took up the spot.

"Tired already?"

"Yeah." Levin nodded. "I feel tired. Though I do admire how everyone else gets their energy."

He turned his head to Phoebe who excitedly jumped up and down near the ramp after getting nine pins knocked down. Near Phoebe, close to the balls, Lily and Cleo engaged themselves in a competitive argument. Meanwhile, Sam sat nearby, his eyes lost in wonder as he looked up at the red and blue neon lights.

Tyler followed the gaze. "I could guess that it's in their nature? But I could be very wrong."

Levin smirked. "Knowing you, you are always mostly wrong." He laughed when Tyler shot a glare. "Also just to clarify, Sam isn't as energetic as the girls."

"You're right." Tyler nodded and faced Sam's direction. He wondered if it would be right to interrupt him.

He decided to not risk it.

Phoebe, after she completed her turn, bounded over to the boys. "Just finished my turn. Missed the final pin. So I'm devastated about that."

"Nine pins are a good roll though, Phoebe." Tyler looked up at her. His girlfriend nodded and shrugged off her brown fur coat after retrieving her phone from its pocket.

"They are but I wished it was a spare." She passed the coat to Tyler and fixed the hem of her flared knee-length sweetheart white dress. "Can you hold on to this? It got annoying while rolling."

"Of course." Tyler folded the coat and hugged it close. His girlfriend smiled and planted a kiss on Tyler's forehead before she took her spot on the empty seat next to Sam. She greeted the daydreaming boy and the two engaged in a conversation.

"Who is going next?" Levin squinted his eyes at the TV screen.

"Uh... 'JusticeFor'." Tyler read the screen. "Lily."

"Oh right." Levin turned to Lily who picked up a pink bowling ball. She passed a small wave at Levin who waved back. "Good luck, Lily!"

"Thanks, Levs." Lily smiled. She stepped up to the lane and rolled her ball. The ball slid across the floors and landed a...

"STRIKE!" the TV announced. Everyone cheered for Lily with Levin being the loudest of the cheers. Lily turned back, her blonde curls over her shoulder. She laughed.

Lily strutted past Cleo, "Let's hope you get that on your next go."

"Please." Cleo rolled her eyes. "I hope you get a gutter next."

"Ladies, this isn't good sportsmanship. Let's not be mean to each other." Levin raised his hands out.

"We aren't being mean. We are just showing banter." Lily said. She walked up to Cleo and gave her a warm smile.

Cleo hugged her friend. "Like Lily said, it's competitive banter."

"Sure." Levin shook her head and smiled. "That's what you say."

"Either way," Lily walked over to her boyfriend. "you're on next."

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️✴️=-
(Jay tells them the secret: his crush. The others listen.)

Eventually, the bowling round had come to a finish, much to most of the group's wishes to play again. Sabrina, Colin, Tahlia and Phoebe ended up victorious.

"Can't believe after all that playful banter, Phoebe bet us both," Cleo whispered to Lily before the two hopped into the van.

Lily nodded and turned to Phoebe already buckled in. Her friend engaged in gossip with Alex. "I'm proud of her. But we need to stop the banter and show good sportsmanship."

"I second that." Cleo boarded in.

Both minivans took the scenic route back to Zodiac Street. Once they reached their destination after the views of the hillsides, everyone rendezvoused in House 4 to continue the celebrations.

The celebrations started with Gilbert unwrapping the gifts. Most of the gifts he was handed were money, cards and gift cards. There were a few gifts that stood out: a yellow and purple varsity jacket with 'G' as the logo and 'GILBERT' at the back from Lizzy, a watch from Giselle, a yellow Polaroid camera from Leo, a heart charm necklace from Sabrina, a golden photo frame with a household photo from Arlen and Levin, and a handmade jewellery box from Skyler, Pete snd Colin.

Gilbert thanked his friends for the gifts and wore the watch and necklace. He swapped his blazer with the varsity jacket.

"Of course, there's one more present at night. Think you know what it is." Tahlia said.

Gilbert nodded. "The super moon. How can I forget."

"Where will we see the supermoon?" Leo asked. Everyone pondered in their spots.

"How about the park? It's closer here. We can go there." Gilbert suggested. His friends agreed except for Arlen.

"Think I'll stay home instead."

"Why?" Alyssa turned to him. "Is it because of the wolf allegations?"

Yes. "Not really? I just don't feel like it."

"What sort of madman would refuse to see a natural phenomenon?" Cameron asked.

"I can still see it from the windows!" Arlen defended himself.

"If you can see it that is."

"Babe, don't anger the wolf." Vincent waved a hand to stop Cameron from continuing. Everyone turned to Vincent including Arlen who glared. Vincent hid his face behind Cameron's shoulder.

"I was hoping Arlen would come over." Gilbert sighed. "So that we can see how he transforms into a wolf as it is a full moon."

His housemate rotated an imaginary crank and flipped his older brother off with a cross look on his face.

After the group gossiped about the supermoon and theorised about Arlen, everyone prepared themselves for the cake-cutting ceremony. The air signs, with the Geminis in the middle, stood behind the table under the banner 'HAPPY BI'. (I love this banner 😭)

Giselle read the banner. "Happy bi?"

"Don't ask," Colin answered after he and Pete set the cakes on the table. Gilbert had a yellow cake reading 'Happy Birthday Gilbert' with white dollops around the top and bottom edges. Giselle had a pink cake with white ruffles around the top and bottom edges and the middle section reading 'Happy early birthday Giselle'.

As the Geminis admired their cake, Leo passed out the party poppers to everyone else.

"I love how everyone took part in helping out with the party and Vivian did nothing!"  Sam said as he prepared his camera to film the party.

Vivian gasped. "Liar, I did help!"

"Oh yeah? Then would you kindly be our guest and state what you did?"

"I did Alyssa's hair."

"That doesn't count. What did you do for the party? Nothing? That's seems out of character for you."

"I..." Vivian straightened her back on the couch. "I'm conducting the birthday song!"

"Huh?" Vincent asked. "Since when?"

"After Aika is finished with the candles."

The group watched as Aika lit up the birthday candles on both cakes using a utility lighter. Both cakes had a candle reading '1' and another reading '9'. She set the lighter aside and nodded to Skyler, who dimmed the lights from the rotating switch.

Vivian clapped her hands. "Alright, now we can start!" The group started to sing for the Geminis with Vivian conducting with her finger.

"Happy birthday to you..."

"Cha! Cha! Cha!" Alyssa, Colin, Leo, Sienna, Cameron, Pete and Phoebe joked. Vivian turned her head to the group with a judging face.

"Happy birthday to you..." the group continued singing.

"Cha! Cha! Cha!"

"Happy birthday dear Gilbert and Giselle! Happy birthday to you!"

"Hip hip?" Cameron called out. The rest of the group cheered.

"Hooray!"

"Hip hip?"

"Hooray!"

"HIP HIP?"

"HOORAY!"

The group clapped their hands and counted up. "One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten! Eleven! Twelve! Thirteen! Fourteen! Fifteen! Sixteen! Seventeen! Eighteen! Nineteen!"

"Twenty!" Colin accidentally called out with an additional clap. He covered his mouth with his hands, wide-eyed.

"And one to make them grow!" Alex called out and everyone did a loud clap, each at different intervals.

Gilbert and Giselle blew out their candles after they made their wish. Skyler turned the light knob brighter and everyone pulled the string on their party poppers which popped out streamers.

Only Lily's popper malfunctioned when she pulled the string. "It's not working."

"Pull the string harder!" Sienna called out.

Lily yanked the string and the party popper popped. She and several others screamed at the sudden sound while Levin and Gilbert flinched in their spots. Then everyone burst into laughter and Lily collapsed on the ground snorting in laughter. The group laughed louder except for Phoebe who collapsed next to her friend in silent laughter.

"Oh, oh boy." Cleo fanned her teary eyes. "Cut the cake you two."

Gilbert and Giselle tried to contain their laughter as they cut out a slice from their cakes. The two let out a squeal when yellow and pink hardshell mini chocolates flowed out of their cakes.

"What is it?" Sabrina asked, curiously.

The Geminis carefully turned their cakes around. Gilbert's cake had a chocolate interior with yellow-shelled chocolate that cascaded out. Giselle's was similar but hers had a red velvet interior with pink hard-shelled chocolate that flowed out. The group marvelled at the designs.

"Wow, the 4-Brunch squad did an amazing job. They should be professional bakers!" Tahlia admired the cake.

Tyler spoke up, "Um, actually Lily, Levin and Phoebe did a fantastic job." His counterpart turned slowly towards him.

"You did well too. Don't deny that, please."

"Fine." Tyler nodded contentedly. He watched as the air signs fed Gilbert's slice to Gilbert and Giselle's slice to Giselle.

Finally, Giselle held out Gilbert's slice while he held out hers. "Be careful around my fingers."

"I'll make sure to be careful!" He caught the final bite after Giselle threw it. Gilbert passed Giselle's slice to Arlen. "Please feed this to your girlfriend."

"Can't do it?" his housemate asked.

"Yeah, I'm scared."

Arlen laughed. "Loser." He fed Giselle the cake's final bite for his older brother. With a thunderous applause, everyone cheered for the birthday boy and girl.

"Happy birthday!!" Sabrina called out to the two as she watched as Levin and Aika whisked the cakes away to the kitchen to cut them into slices.

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️✴️ =-
(The group do a group hug. Jay is happy they all understood, especially Briar)

Perched on the top of House 3's flat rooftop, Sabrina watched in the darkness as her friends trailed like ants towards the park.

She watched and listened as her friends chattered and laughed as they moved, carrying their blankets in their arms. Absent from the group was Gilbert and Arlen. Arlen decided to watch from the top window while Gilbert had yet to come.

One of the figures on the ground stopped in their path and looked up. From the silhouette of a shorter female with a long coat and her hair in a high ponytail, Sabrina assumed the figure was Tahlia. She knew this since Tahlia had checked up on her earlier.

"So what I'm getting is you did not want to join the others at the park to watch the supermoon because you prefer alone time." She remembered Tahlia's words earlier when Sabrina searched for a safe route to get on the rooftops.

"Yeah. With Gilberta." Sabrina found herself nodding. "It's his birthday and I want to check up on him."

"But you couldn't meet up at the park with everyone else?"

"I prefer the heights. They have a better view." Sabrina answered honestly. The heights as well as the dark were her best companions.

She often found herself enjoying them as she stealthily moved across high places to catch a glimpse of the moon. She did this in Wallowsberg every clear night as she crept out of her bedroom window and sat on the panelled roof of her family home to watch the stars twinkle and the moon's luminescent glow.

It applied here to Zodiac Street too.

Her friend gave a nod. "I respect that. Heights scare me. I admire your bravery. For going up the heights that is. I could never do that."

"I said that once and once I gave it a go, it grew to me. Maybe that can work for you."

Tahlia shook her head. "No thanks. I'll stay feet on the ground, thank you."

And now as she watched her friends, Tahlia was on the ground looking up. Sabrina made sure to cast a wave. Tahlia's figure waved her arm back. She joined the large group as they marched like a trail of ants into the darkened park with a lit-up path of street lamps.

"So what are we here for?" a familiar voice grunted nearby. Sabrina turned and noticed Gilbert climbing up from the lower roof.

"Watching the moon, obviously." Sabrina reached her hand out. Her boyfriend smiled and wrapped his fingers around her palm. He pulled himself up and seated himself next to her.

"Figured." Gilbert faced her. "Hi."

"Hi," Sabrina found herself not looking away. Even in the darkening sky, Gilbert reminded her of the sun. His smile would light up so many others. His laughter too would fill her with so much happiness.

She knew that he loved her like the sun. (I am sobbing)

She acknowledged that she got herself distracted. She could blame herself for admiring the only light in the dark. "You're late."

"Yeah, Leo wanted to have a talk."

"Oh?" Sabrina raised a knee. "How come?"

"Well, he asked if I was still his best friend. And I told him 'yes' because it's the truthful answer. But I feel like he didn't take that."

"Huh, that's a bit strange."

"It is. I want to make sure he is okay. But it left me thinking. Cause surely I must have done something to unintentionally hurt him. I feel like it's because of how close me and Alyssa got together as a duo. Which makes sense. We are both similar."

"Mm.." Sabrina nodded.

"And I think it's because of how much I spent with the others. Either way, I need to find out what I did. I don't want to lose Leo. He's my best friend. Everyone else is too, don't get me wrong, but Leo is the closest one."

Sabrina nodded. "Gotcha." She recalled the times Gilbert and Leo spent time together. For every memory she could gather she recalled the duo always seated or near each other. Gilbert would blabber on and on about what he did while Leo would agree with every word with a nod or a 'Like he said'.

Oh.

She can see it clearly now.

"Gilbert," Sabrina turned to her boyfriend, "Have you ever got the idea of checking in with Leo?"

"I mean I already have."

"No I mean, establishing clear communication." Judging from the look on his face, Sabrina clarified. "Talking to him about how he feels? Letting him have a chance to talk?"

"Oh! Well, the thought is there. I certainly want to talk to him after that talk."

"Then talk with him." Sabrina smiled. "And spend time together. You two need to talk this out and clear things up."

Gilbert nodded. "I'll make sure to do that." He rested his head on her shoulder and looked towards the ground. Sabrina held onto his hand and stroked the fingers. "Let's change the topic, Brina. I mean the moon is pretty." He faced the direction of the super moon which loomed over the park's trees.

"I agree. I mean look how big it is!"

Gilbert snorted. "That's what she said." He cleared his throat after a look from his girlfriend. "Sorry, sorry. That is very immature of me."

"Yeah, Gilberta. Very immature." Sabrina nodded. "But it's funny. I didn't notice what I said until you pointed it out."

"Lovely. We're compatible in jokes."

"It's not even the funny ones as well! We're compatible in the immature jokes." Sabrina clicked her fingers. "Well, s*** that's a lovely thing to put on our resumes." She and Gilbert then laughed it off.

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of a door slamming. The two peeked over the roof and spotted a tall yet muscular figure exiting House 3.

Arlen.

Arlen's figure looked right and left before he ventured into the park with a blanket in his arms.

"Oh look, Arlen did want to go! I guess the super-moon was hard for him to see." Sabrina mused as she watched her friend leave.

"Or maybe he is leaving to transform into a werewolf." Gilbert focused on the moon.

"You love teasing your brother with wolf jokes, do you?"

"They're true and funny!" Gilbert raised his hands in surrender. "Don't judge me for tha-"

He got cut off by Sabrina's lips brushing against him. He embraced back before they broke apart, their foreheads touching.

"No judgements here." Sabrina smiled as she rested her head on Gilbert's shoulder. "They're really funny."

"Yess! Finally, I am a comedian." Gilbert hissed a celebratory victory.

"I'm gonna guess that was your wish."

"It's not."

"Oh?" Sabrina looked up into her boyfriend's ocean-blue eyes. "Then what is your wish?"

"I can't tell."

"Whaaat?" Sabrina huffed. "You can't tell? That's not fair."

"I can give you a clue. It's relating to everyone here and their wishes." From the puzzled look on Sabrina's face, Gilbert continued, "I'll let you figure that out. But let's focus on the super moon."

Sabrina nodded and snuggled close in Gilbert's arms. "You're right, you're right." she nodded as the two silently watched the moon's glow.

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️✴️ =-
(Jay, Bob, Zoe and Briar finish off with their outing. They head back to their homes to rest)

I can't stop thinking about the next steps of this book. Starting off with the stars storyline, I feel like it is time to transition the focus on Jay's life. Mainly cause as much as I love Bob, I couldn't think about his next steps now that he is in a happy state. I don't know, I feel like starting a new page and focus on different characters (mainly Jay and the recent additions: Briar and Brian). Bob and Zoe will still be there! But they would either switch roles with Jay or have a few moments here and there. But I'm curious on what you prefer. More Bob moments or start a new leaf with Jay?

Anyway as stated before there won't be an update for a while. Would be on vacation which is deserved cause man, I need a break. Once the break is over, I am not sure when exactly this book will be picked up for me to continue mainly cause there's a thing called university.

That's just a heads-up. Thought I would wrap this chapter up by analysing everyone based on how much they related to each character. Keep in mind that this is based on those "analysing what your favourite character says about you" videos I see and I did this for fun. I am not doing this based on the signs, I am doing this based on the CHARACTER. So don't get too hurt.

Anyways,

WHAT YOUR MOST RELATED TO ZODIAC STREET CHARACTER PROBABLY SAYS ABOUT YOU!

Alex-
You are easily the trustworthy one. People depend on you for holding onto their sanity when things get chaotic. You also don't like speaking much and observe people around you, appreciating their traits.
You view things through a poetic lens and like to go to peaceful areas such as a nice spot in the park or a quiet coffee shop.

Alyssa-
You like stirring up chaos...
a little too much. You are the first person in mind to suggest a crazy idea. You are also competitive and impatient and want to be in the moment.

Tyler-
Be honest, you wish things were more laid back and that life is more simple. You often hear people call you lazy but in reality, you are hardworking and dependable.
You also have an expertise in your interest. People credit you for that but you are convinced that you do not see yourself in that way.

Tahlia-
You are well respected in your community. People view you as someone with a heart of gold. You value everyone's safety and you are always the first to help them out willingly. You probably do this to please yourself or to please others.

Gilbert-
You have a childlike wonder around you. You are curious and playful and you light up everyone's day.
However, despite that, you hide your hurt to avoid worry among your peers. Only the people you are closest to know your actual feelings.

Giselle-
You are determined that things will work out the way you want them to. You are also very confident, passionate and competitive.

Colin-
You take a long time understanding things. People view you as innocent-minded.
You also are very compassionate and like to view things through a creative lens.

Carol-
You're an optimist ...probably.
You don't like getting angry easily. You optimistically view things and avoid being pessimistic. You only get angry when someone hurts you or your friends. During those times you believe in justice.
You are also someone who welcomes others in with open arms.

Leo-
You are very loyal to your interests and the people around you.
Also, you're fabulous.

Lily-
You are passionate about your interests but that isn't taken seriously.

Vincent-
You do not want to admit that you relate to him.
Also, you probably seek out for academic validation and perfection. You strive for a better life for the sake of others such as better grades, better marks, better talent, and a better job.
You feel like things spiral out of control when something unexpected happens. You are yet to embrace yourself and the changes around you.

Vivian-
You stick by the rules a bit too much and you are starting to embrace the new change.

Levin-
You are either an over-thinker, hate being in social situations or both.

Lizzy-
You are a people pleaser and you are confused about yourself.

Skyler-
You prefer to keep things to yourself. And you don't want to admit your interests.

Sabrina-
People see you as trustworthy.
You also have a cool aura around you which you are confused about.

Sam-
You're judgemental.
Also, you like to spend time alone, reflecting.
That or you find his actions very relatable, which they are.

Sienna-
You thrive in social situations and are always up to new things.

Cameron-
You like making jokes, even in tougher situations. 'Cause what better way than to heal yourself with comedy. Despite the smile on your face, you experienced a lot. But you hide your hurt and problems behind a mask and joke about it.

Cleo-
You are probably a golden child.
You want to be the best of the best.
You also hate being told what to do.

Arlen-
You think intellectually in every situation.
Also, you are in denial about something.

Aika-
You are either a mom friend or a therapist to your friends and family.
Your interests are there but you only share them alone or with your closest companions.

Pete-
You view things with more empathy than logics.
You also like to join fun just for the sake of fun.

Phoebe-
You are very passionate about your interests. So and so that you find comfort in them and are willing to join communities just for the sake of them. Fanfiction sites and communities are places you regularly visit.
You do look back on past interests and cringe at yourself but that does not stop you from reaching out to new ones.
You are also a ball of energy with the people around you, especially your closest friends and companions.

Whoopsie daisy, I accidentally made this deep. Smh.

Also, I didn't realise how these characters are so different from each other. I like it! It's so fascinating to write this book where the characters write themselves." And each character feels different and unique from each other. I feel proud.

Anyway, see you in the next chapter when it comes out!

Total word count, including the notes: 8887 words.