Miss Tarver’s Troubles

Peyton examined herself as she finished applying the final touches in fixing her makeup, which had been badly needed after the previous twenty minutes. A long, good cry on the hotel bed would do that. Reaching up, she corrected a minor blemish.

After her mother and brother had descended in the elevator with the Diamonds, Peyton had excused herself. Her action immediately concerned the Gibble sisters, more so Zoey, as JoJo appeared distracted by another emotion. Still, Peyton masked her true feelings when she assured them that she felt fine. Although no one reasonably believed that, they all gave her the space to deal with the sudden news about her parents' marriage ending.

Now, staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, Peyton spoke to herself.

"You need to bury it again. Finn needs you to be strong. As do his grandparents, and most of all, Aunt Cassie needs you to step up. With Mom gone, Rachel's already stressed out enough. So you need to help ensure the ball ends properly. People must think of Cassandra's Story Society tomorrow, not her son's crazy friends."

Satisfied that her face had been fixed, Peyton exited the bathroom, then the hotel room. While waiting for the elevator to arrive, she began to run through the remaining points on the ball’s itinerary. Stepping inside, the coed briefly got distracted by Lana’s earlier message. What was it again? Something epic is happening that I need to see. Peyton recalled. Then, she had a sudden spike of fear. Oh, no! I hope nothing else happened to cause Finn more stress. Tonight was already going to be rough before the Stratton-Zuccaro fight, the mess outside, and the claims against Clive.

PING

With the door opening, Peyton found herself a witness to another family squabble.

“Both of you are grounded for…until I say so!” Olympia told her two children.

While the eldest wore a surly, defiant expression, the youngest brightened at spotting Peyton. Bouncing over quickly, Trey peered up at the leggy coed's face.

“We got in trouble!” he stated proudly.

“You did?”

“Uh-huh!” the eight-year-old nodded eagerly.

Olympia ignored Brandy’s niece as she shooed her kids past.

“I can’t–just can’t believe you’d listen to your cousins. I thought you knew better,” Olympia said to Tenille.

“I did it for Dad,” the ten-year-old defended. “What did you ever do?”

“What?! How dare–That’s it! I’m blocking the twins’ numbers from your phone,” the frazzled mother declared as the doors shut.

Lowering the hand that matched Trey’s goodbye wave, Peyton wondered what the two little kids could’ve done. They were always so well-behaved. And how did Noelle and Natalie factor in? How in the hell did the Looney Toones get into trouble from halfway around the world?

“Oh, crap!”

Is this about Lan’s text? Double-crap! I hope it’s not like the twins' other…wait, how could they do anything from Breezy Bay. Stop being paranoid. I’m sure Lana, Poppy, or Steph caused something. Or Kiki, Zaylie, Eoin…Gawd, there are way too many possibilities.

Hiding her newest concerns behind a **** smile, Peyton made her way through a surprisingly filled lobby. Strangely, she noted that the crowd skewed toward the elderly, prompting her to wonder what the Day kids had done.

Peyton issued several polite greetings, smiles, and nods before halting near an older couple. The Dawkins were longtime neighbors of her grandparents in the Oakfield Park area. Their children, Dean and Darla, had also been close friends with Teddy and Brandy since childhood. Naturally, Mrs. Dawkins immediately inquired about her well-being.

“I’m doing alright. Thank you for asking,” Peyton replied, accepting the concerned hug. “Are you enjoying the charity ball?”

“Such a sweet, wonderful idea. Everyone in the neighborhood loved Cassandra,” Mrs. Dawkins stated, wiping her eye.

“Far more entertaining than expected. I don’t think any New Year’s Eve ball can come close to matching it,” Mr. Dawkins commented.

“Don’t start,” his wife warned. “It’s been such a…lively affair.”

“Reminds me of the birthday parties down at Funland,” the former owner of the currently shuttered adventure land said. “Not that I’m surprised. Pepper’s girls always create scenes.”

“Pepper? I think you mean Seamus,” Mrs. Dawkins corrected her chuckling husband. “He’s the one who let the youngest run wild. I’m so happy that you took after your grandmother, dear.”

“That’s what everyone tells me,” Peyton responded, shaking her head.

After wishing the older couple a Happy New Year, Peyton almost made it into the ballroom before another person stopped her.

“Oh, thank god,” Samantha Denton groaned in relief.

“Is everything okay?” Peyton asked her mom’s practice partner.

“No! I have to get to the hospital,” Samantha replied. “That Richie Roscoe went and ate something he shouldn’t…again! His parents left him with his grandmother while they went to a party. I swear that kid is–”

“Ready to go, Samantha?” Oliver Ragg inquired. The owner of Grubby’s, his sister was Richie's mother.

“Yes, just one moment.”

Oliver mentioned that he’d get his car out of the parking garage, so Samantha wouldn’t need to walk too far. The doctor thanked him.

“Oliver’s going to run me over to the hospital. I want to keep the car here in case Newt needs it,” Samantha explained. “However, I can’t find him. Could you be a lifesaver and let him know I had to go? He’s used to these emergencies, you know.”

“As are me and Sean,” Peyton laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll inform Newt. I also probably need to tell him about the divorce unless Jo has found him already.”

“Oh, fuck! I’m sorry, honey. I shouldn’t pile more things on you with that crap happening,” Samantha apologized.

“Don’t worry about it. Richie Roscoe is in Maggie McSweeney’s class. She regaled a party over Thanksgiving break with some of his antics. They don’t pay her enough to teach,” Peyton chuckled.

“And I’m the one that ends up patching him back together,” Newt’s mom said, rushing off.

Entering the ballroom, Petyon decided that finding JoJo should be her first order of business. Scanning the ballers, she didn’t see the brunette. However, she did spot Zoey dancing with a boy she didn’t recognize.

Mere moments later, Zoey noticed Peyton as well. She rushed over, leaving her dance partner in dismay.

“Hey, you alright?” the sixteen-year-old asked with a concerned expression.

“I’m fine. Thanks,” Peyton told her younger neighbor, reaching out to rub her shoulder affectionately. “Have you seen Newt or your sister? His mom had to leave, so I need to let him know.”

“I saw him last about an hour ago, doing his usual thing.”

“Lying low in the background?” Peyton queried, sharing a laugh with Zoey.

"As for my sister," Zoey began, rolling her eyes. "After you left, Jared loudly informed us that he needed to use the bathroom. The one in his room. This came after JoJo kept nudging him with her elbow. And apparently, big, tough guy Jared needs my sister to go with him. As if we didn't all see through their tall tale."

“Terrific. I bet we won’t see them again tonight,” Peyton groaned.

“So, was it really as bad as I’ve heard?” Zoey inquired, glancing around.

“What?”

“The things Jo yelled while with Jared.”

“Oh, I’m getting into that. But, it was weird,” Peyton admitted. “Okay, I’m going to go look around. If you see Newt first, can you tell him that his mom went to the hospital for a patient?”

Zoey agreed before returning to the dance floor. Only this time, she slid up in front of a different boy.

As Peyton continued searching, she saw another sight that worried her. Summer, the socially awkward surgeon, looked uncomfortable while two men attempted to flirt with her. Knowing her mom wanted Summer to have a good time, Peyton felt guilty for not checking in sooner. Wondering how she could help the red-haired doctor while filling in for her mom, Peyton found an excellent solution.

Walking in the opposite direction from Summer, the blonde greeted her neighbor from the other side.

“Keira, have you seen Newt lately?”

“Last time I saw him, the kid was playing a game on his phone. So the usual.”

“Well, Samantha had to go to the hospital. She asked me to let him know,” Peyton relayed.

“If I see him first, I can let him know.”

“Thanks! But I need another favor, actually,” Peyton began to explain, gesturing toward the ginger.

During her first two years working in Honey Hollow, Summer had lived in the Tarvers’ mother-in-law apartment above their garage. That led the two women to meet whenever Keria visited her parents.

“Ah, I gotcha. We’ll handle Summer and those guys,” Keira promised, not even needing the blonde to explain. Then, she motioned with her head for Eva Marie, her best friend and fellow ex-Boxwood Court kid, to follow.

“Thanks!” Peyton called after the two young women.

Left wondering where to check next, Peyton wandered further into the ballroom. She greeted several more people, but none seemed like people who'd know Newt. Then, finally, she came across yet another family commotion.

“They are my daughters, and I’ll decide their punishment,” Cherry Bank informed her mother-in-law.

“We’re raising our girls how we see fit, Mom,” Sander added.

“Well, I’m your mother, and I’m putting my foot down firmly on this matter,” Cecelia stated with a don’t-argue-with-me voice. “Serinda and Sanna can stay in the ballroom until after midnight. They should be allowed to stay until the charity ball ends, but I’ll only fight until twelve-thirty.”

“That’s not happening, Mom,” Sandy responded. “The girls assaulted a person. They are in a lot of trouble and shouldn’t be rewarded with staying for the new year to start.”

Assaulted a person? What the hell! Peyton screamed in her mind. Next, she turned to study the two redheads, who both appeared to be fighting to keep grins off their faces.

"The girls stay," CeCe declared. "Don't make me bring your father into this. Our granddaughters are not being rewarded; they're here to honor their aunt. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Serinda and Sanna need to be here for this. Someday one of them might carry on your sister's legacy."

“No, no, don’t drag Cass into this, Mother,” Sandy shot back. “You’re not guilting me into going along with your wishes.”

“I’m not guilting you with anything. I’m flat-out telling you that the girls are staying,” CeCe insisted. Then, she leaned forward to get closer to her son’s face. “And you will never tell me how to honor my dead daughter. Got that? Good. Ah, Peyton, dear! How are you feeling?”

“Alright,” Peyton replied meekly. She cringed at getting brought into yet another family disagreement. It seems to be my lot in life.

“As if I believe that,” CeCe brushed off the lie. “I’m sorry that Bridget had to leave, but we fully understand. You know we’re here for you anytime.”

“I know that, Grandma B. Thanks,” Peyton said, eyes glistening.

“Now, I also need your help. Webster said he wanted to act on that lovely girl’s idea. I believe the delightful woman’s name was Chastity,” CeCe recalled, smiling at the memory of the honey blonde’s visit earlier in the day. “However, he can’t find her or where she left the books to sign.”

“This sounds familiar. My mom mentioned it,” Peyton recalled, searching her memory. “Oh! I think the books are up in the Diamonds’ suite. Um, they left, but Skye has their keycards. I just need to find her.”

“Not necessary,” CeCe responded, still ignoring her son and daughter-in-law. Turning to face her granddaughters, Cassie’s mother ordered them to find Chastity and Skye.

“Sure, Grandma!” the girls happily agreed before rushing off.

“Mom–” Sandy started before getting interrupted.

“Remove your hand now!”

Peyton tilted her head to face the ceiling. I guess I found Lana.

Heading in the direction of her best friend’s loud voice, Peyton noted that Cecelia followed at a short distance. Prepared to chide her friend for overreacting yet again, the blonde’s planned words died as she saw the situation.

Seated at a table, Finn faced his close friend and ex-girlfriend. That wasn’t a big deal or anything new. What sent Peyton’s blood boiling was the hand on Finn’s arm and the owner of that hand.

Farah Vesper had been a thorn in the side of Peyton and Lana since freshman orientation at Zurbrugg College. A prominent member of Theta Alpha Theta, the raven-haired girl frequently made it clear that she considered the non-sorority Honey Hollow clique to be beneath her. Extremely picky when choosing men, Farah spent part of her sophomore year teasing that she’d steal Trevor away from Peyton. It wasn’t that the likely president of the Thetas wanted Peyton’s then-boyfriend; it’s that her rival in Tri-Psi, Alona Carlise, did. Farah merely viewed Peyton as collateral damage in spoiling Alona’s desires.

Peyton could've dealt with that if Farah had only been pushy when it came to Trevor. Instead, Farah seemed locked onto Finn, which troubled his two best female friends. The southern belle appeared to view Finn as husband material in line with her plans for a post-college life. Allowing the boy they've protected for the last decade to fall into the manipulative bitch's hands was unacceptable. Still, Peyton needed to calm down the irate redhead.

“Easy, Lan, easy.”

“Easy?! That mantrap has her hands on Finny…Finny!” Lana shrieked.

“It’s just one hand,” Peyton pointed out.

“Is it?” Farah mouthed soundlessly.

Although she lied, Peyton didn't know that. All she noticed was that the table hid Farah's other hand. However, she saw the smirk form on the sorority girl's face.

“Drop that smug look now!” Peyton bellowed. “And take your hands off of Finn.”

"Pey, stop that!" Finn ordered, looking embarrassed and defiant. "I expect Lana to overreact, but not you. So please, don't make a scene too."

“A scene? This isn’t a scene yet,” Lana jumped in. “I know a scene when I create it.”

“Lan, please! My grandma is standing there,” Finn pointed out.

Cecelia didn't say a word as she evaluated the situation. She noted how the young woman seated next to her grandson seemed thrown for a moment by the discovery of her presence. The smirk vanished as a winning smile replaced it. Although a kindly, sweet woman, CeCe wasn't naive, not after dealing with Cassie's crazy band of friends. She also had an excellent ear for eavesdropping. A talent that led her to know the name Farah Vesper already. Now seeing the woman with her eye on Finley, CeCe reconfirmed her view of Farah as ambitious, opportunistic, spoiled, and controlling.

"She knows I only want what's best for you," Lana proclaimed.

“No, we’re not doing this again. Did you forget our conversation back at the cabin? The one where you agreed to let me go and stop meddling,” Finn reminded.

“Getting you away from this soul-sucker is not meddling,” Lana declared.

“Damn straight!” Peyton agreed.

“No, no, I’m not dealing with this anymore tonight. Stop butting in on my life. Nothing is happening with Farah and me. She’s just here to support me as a friend,” Finn insisted.

Farah pulled one hand out from under the table to place it on her chest. She also added an overly innocent expression, which made Peyton growl.

"Whoopsie daisy!" Stephanie sounded as she tumbled forward, spilling her drink on Farah. Behind her, a voice grumbled as the drink only splashed Farah's leg, not her dress.

“The hell, Steph?!” Finn exclaimed, leaning over to grab napkins from the other side of the round table.

“It was an accident, I swear!” Steph insisted. “Someone ran into me.”

"Someone? I know all about Poppy's accidental shoves," Finn pointed out, seeing Poppy's rainbow sequin dress disappear in the crowd.

“C’mon, Finny. You know Steph’s klutzy,” Lana reminded, attempting to cover for Poppy.

"That's it!" Finn roared, banging the table with his fists as he shot up. Then, he pointed at Lana, Peyton, and Stephanie. "I can't handle any more drama or antics from you four!"

“What did I do?” Steph squealed.

The brunette’s genuinely hurt expression caused Peyton to wonder if Steph was that ditzy enough not to realize Poppy pushed her or if she was a far better liar and actress than anyone had ever given her credit for.

“I need a damn drink,” Finn spat, storming off.

Finished wiping her leg off, Farah stood as Georgina appeared out of thin air. The southern belle's smirk returned as she saw the chaos a simple hand on an arm caused. Then, with a wink at Finn's two closest female friends, she sauntered away.

Kicking a chair, Lana began to tear up at screwing up again with Finn. All she wanted to do was protect him from scheming sluts.

Peyton badly wanted to tell her BFF to grow up and start acting her age. However, she held back the scolding as CeCe moved over to console her grandson’s ex-girlfriend. Meanwhile, Steph continued to ask what she did while Poppy appeared to ask her friend the same thing.

“What happened here?” Skye inquired, arriving with Serinda.

“Same crap as always,” Peyton replied, sounding weary. She watched as Grandma Bank waved Serinda over to help cheer up Lana. “You have an extra key card for the Diamonds' suite, right?”

"Two, actually. Although I'm supposed to give one over to Harvey's brother," Skye revealed.

“I need to borrow one for a bit. There are some boxes of books upstairs that need to be brought down. I just need to find some helpers,” Peyton explained, glancing over at a few of the guys dancing.

“We’re present and ready to serve, Miss Tarver!” a cheery voice declared.

Oh, please, no.

Turning around, Peyton found a saluting Kizzy with Yolanda and Zara flanking each side. And behind them were Sanna and a thrilled Chastity.

“Goodness gracious! This is going to be superduper fun!”

Seriously, fuck my life.