Heads up, I was at my lowest when writing this chapter. I'm kinda okay now, the meters not full but its getting there.

Also I want you to be honest, but is there anything I need to improve on any recent chapters? Anything you want back? Please be honest with me on this.

- =⭐️= -
(Jay is sad)

It is two in the morning and Tahlia couldn't get some sleep. She tossed and turned under her covers, the duvet rustling at every move. No matter how many times she turned, nothing worked out.

Sleep facing the left? Didn't work out.
Sleep facing the other side? Didn't help her.
Sleep on her stomach? That was uncomfortable.
Sleep facing the ceiling? She had the urge to turn to the side. And then it would be a cycle.

With a groan, Tahlia bounced in her spot and turned to face the ceiling. The mattress creaked under her. She tiredly admired the hanging ivy hung up on the ceiling, visible from the moon's silvery glow.  She placed both hands on her stomach and blankly stared. The ivy and lights were her only companions in this restless night.

She shuffled in her spot and sat upwards against the bed's headboard and soft pillows. Now her view focused on the pink, white and orange striped flag pinned up above her dresser. She smiled and hugged her knees as she sat in silence.

Her eyes followed down from the flag to the little green bag she bought earlier. Inside was a certain present- one that Tahlia could not stop thinking about. It had occupied her thoughts over the days. The more she stared at the bag, the more she began to grow doubtful.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a buzz of a phone. Tahlia turned in its direction and noticed her phone screen had lit up. She reached for her phone on the bedside table and pulled the charging cord off before she returned to her spot. She yawned and squinted her eyes at the screen.

There, in front of Tahlia's lock-screen of herself with Vincent and her housemates, was a message from the server. The message had blocked Vivian's smiling face in the photo.

20 new messages from vincent's disappointments

Rolling her eyes, Tahlia decided to check the notification out.

vincent's disappointments

ReachForTheSkyler:
hi guys guess what
i can't sleep

Vinny:
you're awake too?

ReachForTheSkyler:
yeah
i got a nightmare, and i can't sleep
why are you awake vincent

Vinny:
i got spooked

ReachForTheSkyler:
oh :(

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
glad to see you all here...

ReachForTheSkyler:
you're awake too?

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
of course I am! I always stay up late. everyone knows that!
also, Alyssa's awake as well.

AwesomeAlly:
sup

LeoTheFabulous:
so you're online too?

Sabreezna:
great to see you all here

Vinny:
so we are all awake at this time huh?

LeoTheFabulous:
not all you liar
it is just me, you, Skyler, Sabrina, Alyssa, Sienna and Tahlia. Everyone else is offline.

Vinny:
tahlia's on?
@Lia hi bestie wyd

Lia:
well there goes my lurking days
i can't sleep.

ReachForTheSkyler:
same
[⬆️ 4]
but wait Lia, I thought you sleep earlier than this. why are you awake?

Lia:
bed was uncomfy
wbu? i thought you were asleep at this time
same goes for you vincent, sabrina and leo. i can get the other two.

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
That's bc me and Alyssa are insomniac girlfriends

AwesomeAlly:
wait...
insomniac girlfriends?
😳

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
that's what girl friends call each other right?
and you are my friend so I said that
it is not bad isn't it?

AwesomeAlly:
no!
its not bad
just surprised me that's all
[😶 1]
leo stfu
[😭 1]

Lia:
right
also i need an answer
why is everyone else awake

ReachForTheSkyler:
i had a nightmare

LeoTheFabulous:
i heard a strange noise and couldn't sleep after that

Sabreezna:
i can't stop thinking about something

Vinny:
I saw a rat in my room and I can't stop thinking about it.

AwesomeAlly:
is it you?
/j
pls don't come at me, i'm just an innocent girl

Vinny:
no.
it was a big rat.
i found it near my desk and then it scurried away

AwesomeAlly:
ohhh so u found Roger
dont mind him he is just being silly

LevinTheLife:
Who's Roger 🤨

AwesomeAlly:
my minion! he just loves exploring dont mind him
also i never expected you to be awake

LeoTheFabulous:
damn Lily's housemates and boyfriend are all in the same place.

Sabreezna:
and counterpart
can't forget about you

LeoTheFabulous:
right
btw Levin why are you here? i thought you would be asleep at this time

LevinTheLife:
i keep getting pings from this server
it got annoying so I had to check

ReachForTheSkyler:
Levin, off topic but i love your username

LevinTheLife:
thnx! :)
it is supposed to be a play on words
like you know the phrase "Living the life"? I figured I might use that with my name
hence 'LevinTheLife'

Sabreezna:
thats impressive
you, Skyler, Gilbert and Cam all have awesome nicknames

ReachForTheSkyler:
whats gilberta's one
don't tag him

Sabreezna:
i won't
he needs sleep too
his one is
gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta

ReachForTheSkyler:
i see gilberta is embracing his new nickname

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
not his canis lupus brother tho
he disappoints us

ReachForTheSkyler:
LMAO canis lupus

Lia:
what does that mean?

ReachForTheSkyler:
its the scientific term for the wolf or the grey wolf.
[H 5] [E 5] [L 5] [P 5] [💀 5]
I am a bit surprised that sienna knew the word, idk how tho

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
I have my ways
btw Levin you came here bc of the pings
why didn't you mute them like everyone else?

LevinTheLife:
I keep pings on to get immediate updates of the chat, as well as other gcs
I must have forgotten to turn my phone on silent

AwesomeAlly:
now that is rather silly of ya ain't it mate 🤭

Lia:
Giggling at the fact that I read that in an accent

AwesomeAlly:
NOOO 💀
Help i read and said that in an accent too
In all honesty, I love the accent, glad its apart of me.

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
REAL 💕
your accent is very attractive
[😳 1]
but anyways
levin i thought you muted it like everyone else
like ever since gilberta pinged us all with the everyone tag several times we muted our chats

Vinny:
i was terrified when carol and aika got furious about the ping
how did you manage to make them mad???
@ AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street help your nickname 💀

AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street:
it fits me right?

Vinny:
i think so

| TheBetterSag (Sienna)
| like ever since gilberta pinged us all with the every...
LeoTheFabulous:
what everyone tag?
is it this
@ everyone
[💀 6] [N 6] [O 6] [W 6] [A 6] [Y 6]

Sabreezna:
HELP YOU WOKE UP LILY AND SAM

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
Whomst-

Sammy:
what
who pinged
[♌️ 6] [L 6] [E 6] [O 6] [💀 6] [🥺 1] [🫣 2]
LEO.
WHY
WHY DID YOU PING EVERYONE AT 2 AM??????
[S 1] [O 1] [R 1] [Y 1] [😢 1]

Vinny:
Sory...?

LeoTheFabulous:
It won't let me do a second R without removing the other R

Vinny:
O
[😭 1]

AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street:
here's a better question for you Lily and Sam
WHY DIDN'T YOU TWO MUTE THE SERVER

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
I DID TECHNICALLY
but I put my notifs as "only @ mentions"

Sammy:
same

AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street:
That ain't muting wdym

Vinny:
you two should have clicked the option to suppress everyone pings

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
i didn't know that was even an option
also Levin, i love your nickname
its v creative

LevinTheLife:
thnx babe 😘

AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street:
Ew
gross
i cringed

LevinTheLife:
i was referring to lily

AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street:
don't do that again
i am a victim of third-wheeling
also its sappy and gross

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
Lyssa stfu

AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street:
make me

- Goodbye AwesomeAlly, Queen of the Rats and Ruler of Zodiac Street! We miss you :( -

Sammy:
wow
another win for my bingo card
tho levin getting out of his shell and calling lily babe is not on there

ReachForTheSkyler:
bingo card?

Sammy:

me and cleo decided it would be a fun idea to pass the time.
tho hers is different
but now that alyssa got kicked out i technically won and June isn't even over

ReachForTheSkyler:
"someone loses something important" is very vague
what does that mean

Sammy:
something like losing a pet or losing a lucky charm
why do you ask?

ReachForTheSkyler:
I just needed clarification on that since that confused me
TCC is The Crazy Club, right?

Sammy:
bingo

ReachForTheSkyler:
gotcha
that seems like a decent board

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
i agree
and you know what
this is a fun idea
like think about it we should all play bingo

Vinny:
Zodiac Street Retirement Home eraaaa
f*** yeahhhhhh

Sabreezna:
help 2 am Vincent is something

Lia:
right? i am giggling
but srsly sienna, thanks for calling us all old <3

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
LMAO NOOOOO
I don't mean it like that
what i am implying is that we should have a bingo party!
itll be fun and we can credit Clam for it

Sabreezna:
clam?

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
Cleo and Sam

Sammy:
glad to see i got... credited?
also why are you claiming to be the better sagittarian??

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
bc i just am 😎
im hot, fabulous, intelligent and stylish

Sammy:
...
well, that's another thing crossed out on my bingo card.
shame cleo isn't around to see it, i'll let her know

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
???
o look Aika's online

AYka:
why tf are you all awake during this time
its so early what are you doing?
go to BED pls

Lia:
sorry aika! we'll go to bed

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
no
you can't tell us what to do

AYka:
guys.
bed.
now.

Lia:
fine :(
night everyone! see you all in the morning!

Now realising that sleep was the only option available, Tahlia connected her charger to her phone and placed the device on the bedside table. She made herself comfortable under the covers and after staring at the ivy on her ceiling, she closed her eyes and tried to get some rest.

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟 =
(Bob, Zoe, Brian and Briar listen to a sad Jay and try to comfort him. But Jay is still sad)
(also fun fact but gilberta's username is created by my friend greggsbenedict  ! They deserve all the credit!)

Time passed in the neighbourhood of Zodiac Street. The darkened morning had gradually turned into a cloudy day. Everyone had felt well rested for the hiking trip- except for the ones who were woken up earlier. The group had received a notification from the news about an upcoming downpour. Arlen brushed it off and stated that it may not happen, so the group trusted him (except for Gilbert and Sabrina who felt unsure).

Everyone in the group planned to leave before noon in Vincent and Sabrina's minivans. The residents of Houses 1, 3, 6 and 8 all agreed to go in Sabrina's minivan while everyone else agreed to go in Vincent's. Though Vincent and Sabrina appeared too tired to drive, the group decided to arrange for a different driver to take over. Cameron took over Vincent's place and Gilbert volunteered to drive for Sabrina. Thankfully, everyone but Arlen and Sabrina decided that Vivian would drive instead.

It is now late morning and everyone started to prepare themselves to head out.

Cameron and Vincent made their way down the stairs. The two were already dressed up for a hiking trip accompanied by matching backpacks. Since Vincent had appeared more tired than usual, Cameron provided an act of service by carrying his boyfriend down the stairs, bridal style.

"You didn't have to do this," Vincent mumbled under his breath.

"Do what?" Cameron looked down at his companion.

"Carry me bridal style. I can handle this myself, you know."

"You would fall down the stairs and complain."

"But I can handle it."

"Not when you look tired!" Cameron hopped off the last step and gently lowered Vincent down. "There we go! We made it! That wasn't so bad, wasn't it?"

Vincent hopped down to his feet. He wobbled a bit in his step before he balanced himself and stood up straight. "Yeah, I guess it wasn't that bad." He turned to Cameron and nodded. "Thank you."

Cameron bowed, "Anytime! I would do anything for my valiant queen."

"Queen?"

"Yes, your majesty! And I am your knight in shining armour."

"Fitting." Vincent rolled his eyes. He heard footsteps running down the stairs and turned in its direction. There on the stairs was Tyler who appeared bothered. "Come on Tyler, cut it out with the look."

"What look?" Tyler scoffed.

"That one. And your attitude as well." Vincent crossed his arms. "We get it. You are mad that me and Cam woke you up. But we have to get ready. So for all our sakes-"

"Yeah, yeah I know. Head to the minivan. I know what to do."

Tyler made his way past his two housemates and swung open the door. His housemates watched as Tyler made his way out the door to the minivan.

Vincent shook his head. "I can't help but feel proud. He took the words straight out of my mouth." He brushed his hands and turned to Cameron, "Ready to meet up with the others?"

Cameron nodded, "Ready. Wait did you fill Chester's bowl up?"

"Yep."

"Water bowl?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Just wondering. I wish we could bring all the pets there."

"Sadly we cannot bring everyone. It could be dangerous. I mean we are going hiking of all things to do. And Chester's only young."

"Yeah..." Vincent nodded. "Let's say goodbye to Chester, make sure the hike is quick and buy treats for the pets."

"Right. And let's meet up with Tyler before he gets mad at us for taking our time."

"Good idea."

After an emotional farewell to Chester and closing the house doors, the two met up with Tyler near the minivan. He appeared to be the only one there. Everyone else from Houses 4, 5 and 7 has not arrived yet. In fact, the residents of Houses 1, 3, 6 and 8 are not out too.

"Huh. Looks like we came first in first served." Vincent tiredly leaned against the van. He yawned. "Great."

"So... what do we do now?" Tyler crossed his arms as he turned to his housemates.

"That's easy." Vincent smiled tiredly. "We wait."

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟 =-
(To cheer Jay up, the five stars head to the aquarium!)

Arlen made his way down the upstairs hallway, a white towel draped around his shoulder and a pile of clean clothing in his arms. He marched up to the end of the hallway and turned to the closed bathroom door. Behind the door, Arlen heard someone humming a song.

He raised his knuckles to the door and tapped on the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"I'm busy!"

"Gilberta, how long are you going to be in there? It's my turn."

"Be patient! I am not done yet! Give me time!"

"Well hurry up! We have to head out soon and I am not ready yet!"

"Use the downstairs bathroom, I don't know."

Arlen groaned. "The downstairs bathroom's plumbing is broken, Gilberta."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." Arlen heard Gilbert's laugh from behind the door, "Give me time. I'll be out... soon."

"Don't take your time! I don't want to go hiking in pyjamas!"

"Sure, sure." Then Gilbert continued humming his little song.

Arlen sighed. He heard one of the doors nearby creak open.

"Gilbert's not out yet?" Arlen turned to find Levin combing his long luscious blonde hair. His housemate is already dressed appropriately for the cooler weather.

Arlen shook his head and jerked a thumb in the direction of the door. "He's taking his time."

Levin pressed his lips inward into a thin line. He stepped in front of the door.

"He won't listen. He'll take his time." Arlen stated.

"I know. But maybe things can change." Levin raised his knuckles to the door and knocked.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Yes? Who is it?"

"It's Levin. I was wondering when you are finished with the bathroom? Arlen needs to shower."

"Ughhh. Did he tell you to say that to me?"

"...Well-"

"Tell Arlen that I am not done yet and that he is stupid and should learn patience!"

"Arlen is right here you know!" Arlen raised his voice and hugged his clothes tighter.

"Well, I mean what I said. Be patient. I'll come out soon." Then Gilbert resumed humming his little song.

"Told you, Levin."

"Well, you're right. He'll take his time." Levin placed his hands on his hips. "All you gotta do is wait, I guess."

Arlen faced his back to the wall. "Wait? I already waited enough!"

"Doesn't hurt to wait some more."

Arlen groaned.

"Cheer up. It's not that bad." After receiving silence, Levin awkwardly stepped back, "Um, well that didn't help much. I'm- I'm just gonna... head downstairs. Ok bye."

Arlen watched as his housemate hurried to the stairs and quickly made his way down. With a sigh, he slid down the wall and took his seat on the floor.

All he has to do is wait. It's not gonna be that bad.

...Right?

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟 =-
(The five stars admire the large aquarium. The saddened thoughts Jay has begin to fade away)

"You're not ready yet, Alyssa?"

Alyssa turned from Sweety's large bird cage towards her open bedroom door. There leaning against the frame was Sienna. Sienna was already prepared for the day. She wore an outfit that was appropriate for a casual walk while maintaining the natural feel. The more Alyssa noticed the outfit, she couldn't help but notice the little things.

The way the colours coordinate with each other. The design on Sienna's hoodie. Alyssa's gaze lifted to meet Sienna's face. Her face card was ethereal. The way her face had a simple makeup look that wasn't overwhelming to the eyes. The way Sienna's braided hair was arranged into a ponytail with careful effort. And her li-

"Alyssa?" Sienna's brows furrowed.

Oops, she found herself staring. Alyssa cleared her throat. "Sorry, what was that?"

"You okay? I never seen you this quiet."

"I'm fine. I'm just-" Alyssa paused. She straightened herself and placed on a smile of confidence, "I'm just thinking about something."

"Oh?" Sienna crossed her arms, "I'm curious. What is it? What are you thinking about?"

You. "Well," Alyssa began, "I'm.... thinking about what outfit to wear."

"Is that why you were admiring my outfit?" Sienna smirked. "You wanted inspiration, do you? You found it neat."

I also found you neat. Alyssa nodded shyly, "Yeah, um, I was thinking of having an outfit that is picked by you."

Sienna turned quiet, "You want me to pick the outfit?"

Please! Alyssa nodded, "I am not great at picking outfits."

"Well, we need something that is appropriate for the outdoor weather but is also appropriate for the cold. Alright." Sienna clapped her hands together. She strutted to Alyssa's closet and pulled open the doors. "Let's find you an outfit."

"Thank you." Alyssa smiled. She made her way to her bed and took her seat at its end. She watched as Sienna brushed her hands through colourful jackets, tops and sweatshirts that were lined up close to each other.

Sienna pulled out a light blue sweatshirt. "This can work. Carol did say that the dress code is casual, comfortable but is appropriate for the cold and a trek in the forest."

"What about pants?"

"I still have to figure that out. Time to search."

Alyssa nodded, "They should be the closet. If not check the drawers."

Sienna gave a perfunctory thumbs up and searched the closet.

"You know. I'm glad that you are picking the outfit. Thank you, for that by the way."

"Don't mention it." Sienna waved a hand, "It's the least I can do." She turned her head back with a smile, "Us insomniac girlfriends gotta help each other out."

"Definitely." Alyssa nodded, her ears already turning pink. She was relieved that she did not tie her hair up yet. She did not want Sienna to see that.

"Ah! This can work!" Sienna pulled out a pair of black leggings. I'm not sure if this fits the code."

"Think it does. If it doesn't, Carol can tell us to change."

"True, true." Sienna closed the closet doors. She passed the outfit she picked out to Alyssa, "Well here's what I gathered. You can change around the outfit. But try it out."

"O-oh." Alyssa looked down at the outfit in her arms, "Now?"

"Anytime really. Just don't be late. I'll be downstairs in the kitchen if you need me. Lily needs help with the bags."

"Right." Alyssa nodded, her voice softly trailing away. She noticed Sienna had headed to the door, "Wait!" Sienna stopped. "Do you want to wear our friendship necklace? It would be a cute touch."

"The Together Forever one?" Sienna turned to her friend.

Alyssa nodded.

"Sure." Sienna shrugged. "We can wear it. It can be a good luck charm! As long as we don't lose it. I'll put it on right now."

Alyssa nodded and waved her friend off. She heard the door click shut. She sighed.

That was an experience. But was it worth it? She felt like it could've gone by smoothly. Would things stay the same if she got a bit confident? If she brought out the jokes and the laughter?

Will she be known as the one who would stay quiet and stumble upon her words? It was quite unusual to her. She wondered if Sienna knew.

And even if she didn't, all the signs were there. Did she notice them all? She must have. Like Sienna said, she and Alyssa are insomniac girlfriends.

And that, even now, left Alyssa's mind abuzz.

Her thoughts vanished when she heard Sweety whistle in the cage. She smiled. Perhaps now is not the time to dwell on earlier.

After a quick change into her outfit, as well as putting the friendship necklace on, Alyssa ran down the stairs and made her way to the kitchen. Her housemates are already there, dressed up and ready for a hike. Near her housemates, on the kitchen island, were three packed red backpacks. Behind them was Sienna who started to check through the bags. Alyssa noticed that like herself, Sienna had worn the necklace she promised to wear.

Lily stepped in front of Alyssa, blocking the clear pathway to Sienna. "Great you're here. Your bag is on the counter. Just pick one of them."

"Does it matter which one I take?"

"No." Lily shook her head. "They're all the same. I made sure of it."

"Right." Alyssa nodded. She made her way to the island and settled on the bag in the middle. "Right," she repeated as she put the bag on. "Right."

"Are you just gonna say 'right' all the time?" Lily scoffed

Alyssa 'tch'ed. "No? I won't say it again."

"If you say so." Lily made her way to the island and pulled one of the bags towards her. "Alright, I picked my bag. Sienna," she pointed to her housemate, "Take the last bag. It's the last one left." She clasped her hands together after Sienna had put on her bag. "Well, we did it. Now let's head out. We got a hiking trip to go to!"

-= ⭐️🌟 =-
(The stars have split off to visit different parts of the aquarium. Right now, Jay and Brian are going to the aquarium tunnel)

He was used to this by now when he heard Gilbert finish things off. He was used to this by now when he heard Arlen and Gilbert's rather loud argument upstairs. He was used to this by now when he heard the bathroom run and guessed it was Arlen.

He was surprised at how late his household was when preparing for a hiking trip. He had already prepared himself ahead. Gilbert just finished getting ready and Arlen just started. Levin wondered if this were to change if the bathroom on the lower floor got fixed. He assumed it would change.

Levin, seated alone in the living room, laid down on the couch with a magazine in front of him. Next to him was a packed brown backpack- the very bag he would bring to the trip.

But that's not the least of his concerns.

Levin's eyes glossed over the double pages in front of him: The Horoscope section, June edition. His eyes laid on the first page. Cancer the crab took the main attraction as it took over half the page. Below that were the next three signs and their astrological predictions.

His eyes briefly scanned over the descriptions for Leo and Virgo. As much as he wanted to know what the stars had forth for Lily, Leo, Vincent and Vivian, the descriptions were the least of his concerns. Instead, Levin focused on the next sign. Libra. His sign.

Levin scanned through Libra's horoscope prediction and smiled at the result. It appears that there would be smooth sailing for him and that luck and love would be by his side. The prediction guessed that something magical would happen in his life. He hoped it was true. He wondered what that would be.

His mind was interrupted by the sound of whistling. Levin closed the magazine and tossed it on the coffee table next to his phone.

He spotted Gilbert who strolled into the room, wearing a green sweatshirt, jeans and white socks.

"Hello, Levin!" his housemate sung.

"Gilbert." Levin sat up on the couch, "How are you feeling?"

"Excited! Well, also a bit worried."

"Hm?" Levin turned to his housemate with a blink, "Why?"

"Well, I am a bit worried about the weather." Gilbert pulled out his phone from his pocket. "Like, Arlen claimed that the weather can lie but I have a feeling that the weather may be correct."

"The thing with weather is," Levin dragged on the last sentence, "that it can be unpredictable. The showers could be light or not be there. I mean look outside. Nothing's happening."

"Yeah." Gilbert made his way to his window and looked out towards the street. He glanced up at the sky and noticed the clouds had bunched up together. The street was also dark, but that was probably from the mosquito nets Arlen put up in front of the windows.

That's when Levin heard a ping. Levin grabbed his phone from the table and checked the notification.

Five new messages from Carol in the server 'vincent's disappointments'.

With a chuckle, Levin clicked the message. Gilbert looked down at his phone and did the same thing.

vincent's disappointments

ChristmasCarol:
who is ready to go hiking?
[M 21] [E 21]
oh 3 ppl have not answered
i am not counting myself but arlen and alyssa are missing

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
oops i forgot to invite alyssa back in after I kicked her out
[💀 21]

Petey:
Alyssa got kicked out?
why?

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
scroll up

vincent's disappointment:
why were you awake at 2 am?
also vincent how could you hide the fact that there is a rat in our house

vincent's loving disappointment:
yeah babe we would have called pest control

Vinny:
I did not want to wake anyone up
Even if it meant having a lack of sleep
Also, you did not miss much. Leo pinged everyone, Sam showed his bingo board, Sienna planned a party and Alyssa got kicked out of the chat by Lily

TheBetterSag (Sienna):
And aika yelled at us and levin got too confident with flirting

LeoTheFabulous:
And 2 am Vincent said something

Vinny:
Its not much

vincent's loving disappointment:
idk that sounded like a lot happened
[⬆️ 13]

gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta:
soz off topic
i thought loving was Tyler for a moment and I was so surprised
[😭 3]

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
either way, i should invite ally back in

LizzFizz:
that doesn't explain where arlen is

Gazelle:
yea! where is he?

LevinTheLife:
showering
gilberta took his time

Gazelle:
o

gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta:
i don't want to be stinky 😔

LevinTheLife:
but you could have done it quickly. and let arlen have his go.

gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta:
i no no wanna :(

LILY OF THE VALLEY:
i'll invite lyssa in the chat.

AL:
...we as a group really got comfortable with each other...

Vivimom:
i got tummy problems

I love ostriches:
that came out of nowhere

KittyCleo:
girl you always have tummy problems

Vivimom:
i know 😔
i got massive cramps
day 1

I love ostriches:
aw :(
poor you

- Welcome to the server AwesomeAlly! Make sure to read the rules under #zsconduct! -

AwesomeAlly:
@ Vivimom that was bad timing huh
you feel hurt and we are going on a walk
thats an L right there

Vivimom:
mother nature has its way with working things...

Petey:
i thought you are Mother Nature

AYka:
?

Petey:
no cause listen. vivian is a virgo and virgo is an earth sign. earth signs relate to nature.
and vivian IS the mother of the group

gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta:
mommy carol is better

FishyPhoebe:
don't start that again

ChristmasCarol:
ok so we need arlen
great
@ LevinTheLife @ gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta is it okay if I suggest if we all meet up at your place?
so we can do a roll call with arlen

LevinTheLife:
sure! :)
[⬆️ 1]
i'll let arlen know. hes finished

gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta:
@ Alpha Wolf Man (Giselle's no 1 simp) ♒️ hurry up

vincent's loving disappointment:
his nickname 💀

gaslight.gatekeep.gilberta:
i set it up
arlen loves it sm 💕

Gazelle:
sure he does lmao

ChristmasCarol:
well, let's all meet up at House 3!
see you all there
[👋 22]

"Arlen!" Gilbert called out, "Hurry up! Everyone else is coming over!"

"Wait we are getting visitors?" asked Arlen from upstairs.

"Yes! Hurry up!!"

"You're one to talk, hypocrite!"

"I had to get clean!"

"You two be quiet!" Levin called out. "Arlen, please get ready. And Gilberta, you help me out with cleaning the living room."

Gilbert frowned. "Do I have to?" he whined, "Can't Arlen do it?"

"Arlen's changing."

"And I just remembered that I had to do something!" Gilbert then ran up the stairs. "Older brother things!"

Levin sighed. Forget Gilbert being the older brother and Arlen being the younger one, Levin felt like they fit better if they swapped roles.

Shaking his head, Levin started to clean the living room all by himself.

-= ⭐⭐⭐🌟🌟 =-
(The stars reunite and end the aquarium trip by visiting the penguin exhibit)

Arlen, now ready in his hiking-appropriate outfit, ran down the stairs. He stopped in his tracks at the living room door frame and noticed everyone else waiting inside. He wondered why they were there until something clicked.

Of course. The roll call. Levin reminded him earlier that everyone would be arriving here. Carol's suggestion.

He shook his head and walked into the room. "Hello everyone."

There were a few hellos in response.

Except for Gilbert, "Finally, you have arrived!"

"I would have arrived earlier if you finished off earlier!" Arlen snapped back. He took his seat next to Skyler who gave him a fistbump.

"I just don't wanna be dirty!" Gilbert shrugged, "Also annoying you is fun!"

"YOU-"

"Alright! I think we should start the roll call." Carol pulled out her phone. She tapped onto the screen and smiled. "Alright. I'll be going by twos to quicken the pace. When I call out your name, just say present." She scrolled her finger on the screen, "Alex and Alyssa!"

"Present!" both Aries called out.

"Tyler and Tahlia?"

"Present!"

"Gilbert and Giselle?"

"Here!"

"Colin?"

"Hi." Colin waved.

"Hi, Colin. I'm here too..." Carol's voice dragged on as she focused on her phone, "Leo and Lily?"

"Right here!" the Leos announced.

"Vincent and Vivian?"

"Present!" Vincent called out.

Vivian groaned loudly in pain as she hugged a blue hot water bottle close to her abdomen. Vincent patted her back.

"....Levin and Lizzy?" Carol continued.

"Here!" the Libras called out, also comforting Vivian.

"Skyler and Sabrina?"

"Here!" Skyler smiled. Sabrina clicked her tongue.

"...I'll take that as Sabrina being here. Okay, Sam and Sienna?"

"Present!"

"Cameron and Cleo?"

"Right here!"

"Arlen and Aika?"

"Here."

"And finally, Pete and Phoebe."

"Present!"

"Great! Everyone is here!" Carol put her phone away, "I may bring up the roll call again when we get there. Just a heads up."

"Why?" asked Sienna.

"Because we are going hiking? Everyone needs to be there at the same place at the same time, especially when we hike through the forests." Sam rolled his eyes.

"He's right. Also, hiking is quite dangerous. There will be rocky paths and steep mountains. So I need everyone to be safe. We don't want to leave anyone behind."

Phoebe crossed her arms, "Speaking of, have you guys heard about the hiking disappearance case? A group of teenage friends were having a hiking trip and one by one each friend got taken away."

Sabrina sighed. "Phoebe."

"Is- is it true?" Vivian looked up at her friend, with wide eyes.

"Definitely! And they were never seen again. Although many people have reported that they could hear screams as they hiked. They have also noticed blurred silver fig-"

Vivian burst into tears.

"Phoebe, stop bringing up the podcasts!" Carol scolded. She turned to a teary Vivian, "Don't listen to her. It's just a fictional podcast."

Phoebe yawned, "It sounded re-"

"Phoebe..." Carol warned with a side-eye. She averted her gaze to Vivian who sniffled. "I promise you. This trip will be safe. I'll make sure of that."

"Okay..."

"Speaking of being safe," Lizzy piped up, "Is the hiking trip still going on? The weather looks a bit downcast."

"I was worried about that too if I were to be honest. But Arlen told us that it may not happen."

"How does he know that?" Pete asked.

"Maybe he has an amazing sense of smell. Just like wolves." Gilbert shrugged nonchalantly. His housemate flipped him off. "What? Am I wrong though?"

"These wolf jokes never get old." Tahlia laughed.

"What if Arlen is wrong?" Lizzy asked.

"Then he is a major disappointment to the Aquarius and the wolf communities." Gilbert shrugged again.

"I'm not done." Lizzy glared at Gilbert, "What if Arlen miscalculated the weather and it ends up raining? What would happen? Especially with the steep walks."

"Well, I could ask Lila. We may cancel the trip and reschedule to another date."

"The weather here is very unpredictable." Arlen got up from his spot and confidently strolled around the room. "They may say that it may rain but sometimes it is just lies."

"I don't think it is a wise idea to discredit the weather people's words." Pete frowned.

"You mean meteorologists, right?" Skyler raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah them. But either way, I don't think it's wise. Even I know that!"

Arlen laughed it off. "Imagine if it starts raining. Look outside the weather is perfectly fine! Such nice weather!"

All of a sudden, there was a heavy downpour outside. Everyone listened to the harsh sounds of the rainfall right on the street. Alyssa and Gilbert laughed at Arlen.

"Okay... I was wrong but it's not like it's a bad one!"

And then the lights of the room flickered off. A few members of the group (including Vincent) screamed at the sudden blackout. There were more screams when everyone heard the sky boom followed by a flash of light.

"...You were saying?" was Tyler's voice.

-= ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟 =-
(The stars head home and Jay feels better)

RIP Arlen who keeps getting jinxed

I feel like this chapter should be a little better.

Anyways your next hint! The last chapter was 👗 (a teal dress) and the one before is 🤧.

Your next hint is 🍽️ (a dinner plate with utensils)

Happy guessing :)