The Aviators (A7X)

"The money's all there."

Michelle is the best. I can't even explain how, really. She just is. She told Matt that there was no way I was going into the Guild unless everyone...all the guys...the girls came as well. I can't even fathom the amount of love she has for me. I guess it's a twin thing, hey? Matt's laughing at her; he actually seems genuinely relieved about it all.

It's been a week since JD called and told Matt we had to go in. In the meantime, the band has been working hard on their album and I've been hanging out with the girls. Oh, guess what? It's my birthday soon. My real honest to God birthday. I mean...I never celebrated my birthday...always remembered the date, always made a wish that everything would get better.

"So, what do we want to do, girls?" Lacey is flipping through a party organiser a serious expression on her face. We're at Brian and Michelle's house going over plans for my, well mine and Michelle's, birthday. The girls have decided that a big party is in order. Invite all the relatives...including my parents. Our parents.

I glance at Michelle who is sitting opposite me, a thoughtful look on her face.

Matt who wandered in to ask if we all wanted a drink and is now sitting next to me piped up, "We could have it at The Palms in Vegas."

"I don't know...would everyone fly to Vegas just for a birthday party?" Michelle frowns.

Leana adds, "And we don't want to overwhelm Val." She nods to me and smiles. I flush and look away, leaning against Matt's shoulder. He holds me gently and shrugs.

"Just a suggestion."

"Shouldn't you be helping the guys?" Lacey asks with a raised eyebrow.

Matt shakes his head; I feel him move against me. "They're talking with JD...about the whole Guild thing. I can't..." He trails off and nuzzles into my hair.

"So, you'd rather sit here and listen to us girls organising a party," Gena chuckles. "Forgive us if we bore you."

Matt lifts his shoulders again. "I can tune you out." I peek up at him and he smiles, giving me a light squeeze. "Anyway, I'll get your drinks and come back." I get up as he does and head for the door. He follows me out and hugs me from behind as we walk to the kitchen.

"You should go back and talk with them."

I shake my head. "I'm worried."

"About?" Matt stops me and turns my body so I'm facing him.

"My parents." Biting my lip. He squeezes me again expression serious.

"If they do anything to make you uncomfortable, we'll ask them to leave."

I blink slowly then shake my head. "No...I'd rather leave...it is Chelle's birthday too and I'm sure she'll want them to stay." And part of me wants them to stay too...I really, really want them to be part of my life. No matter the circumstances. I don't say any of this, though, just look at him.

Matt frowns. "I'll talk to her." His tone suggests that I shouldn't argue with him. I don't. I know there's no point. I just nod as he keeps walking, steering us into the kitchen.

Brian and JD are there, talking in low voices. I jolt slightly because Rob is there as well. He glances over at us a grim expression on his face. Matt heads for the fridge, pointedly ignoring them. I stand near the door, uncertain whether to leave or stay.

"Val?" I turn my head as Michelle appears behind me. I smile slightly as she rests a hand on my shoulder. "Can I talk to you, sis?" I nod slightly, glancing across at Matt. He catches my eye and smiles faintly as he shuts the fridge, several bottles of orange juice in hand. I point toward my sister; he nods and waves his hand at me as he turns to join the men.