"Arti is riding with us!" a shout came from outside.
Kass rubbed her tired eyes and glared at her front door. Seemed like her friends were starting arguments early this morning.
"No, girls versus guys!" The same voice yelled again.
Kass heard the sound of footsteps on the staircase, and shortly a tired Bates entered the kitchen. He silently prepared two cups of coffee and took a sip from one.
"Why are your friends shouting so early this morning?" He asked.
"No idea," she shrugged, "and it's after ten AM."
Bates grumbled and continued drinking his coffee. Kass did the same until she heard a scream. She bolted for the door, throwing it open. Quickly scanning the yard for threats, she relaxed when she saw Gem lunging at Rade.
"What the hell," she said aloud. "Who's fighting out here?"
Kacc was sitting in the grass on the lawn beside Arti, casually sipping on am extra large iced coffee. Arti was munching on a breakfast sandwich. She lazily motioned to the pathetic attempt of Gem's attack with one hand. Both were wearing a pair of jeans shorts and a crop top with flip flops on their feet. Kacc's shades were unsurprisingly over her eyes.
"Ugh," Kass rolled her eyes and marched over to the quibbling duo. "You guys know there are other people on this street right?"
"Sorry, Kass," Rade said, rubbing his arm. "All I asked was who was going in what vehicle and she pinched me."
"You were claiming Arti!" Gem retorted dramatically.
"I just said that Spade might want to be with his wife." Rade defended. "Dang, Gem. You pinched me so hard."
Gem looked at him with guilt. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. She inspected his arm and gently patted the spot she attacked him.
"So damn childish," Kass muttered and walked back inside.
"We brought you breakfast!" Gem called out to her in way of apology.
Kass left the door open and went to finish her coffee. Beck was now sitting in her seat, eating a plate of eggs and bacon. She scoffed and sat next to him, stealing a piece of the fried meat.
"Don't be upset. You're leaving soon anyway," Bates reminded her. He set the used pans in the sink to soak and started eating his own breakfast. "I topped your coffee up for you though."
Kass nodded in thanks, sipping the life-changing liquid. She was sure without it, she would kill her friends. A knock sounded from the front door.
"Come in!" Bates invited.
Kody entered the kitchen, hands in his pockets. He and Bates shared a look, both nodding at each other, seemingly having a silent conversation.
That was weird.
"Morning, guys." Kody greeted. "Um, Kass. After the uh, argument this morning, the girls will be riding with you and the guys with me. Four and four."
"Four? Who's missing?" Beck inquired.
"Em. She's got a wedding this morning."
"Yah. Crash is staying behind to pick her up and bring her afterward. He has some last minute thing to do anyway." Kody said. "The girls wanna know what vehicle you're taking."
"You can take my truck," Beck said. He got up to retrieve his keys from the key-shaped hook at the kitchen alcove. "Bring her back in one piece, Kass."
"Of course," Kass promised. "Oh, now we can go mudding!"
