Big Love & Bigger Schemes
The late evening light cast a warm glow through the living room window, casting warm shadows across the worn furniture. Powder sat cross-legged on the couch, her sketchbook abandoned beside her, the pages crinkled from restless fingers. Vander sat across from her in his usual chair, sipping from a mug and watching her fidget.
“Something’s on your mind,” Vander said, his voice steady but gentle.
Powder didn’t look up, her fingers picking at a loose thread on the couch. “I just… I don’t understand why Vi won’t tell us who this friend is.”
Vander sighed, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. “She’ll tell us when she’s ready. You know how she is - always wants to figure things out on her own first.”
Powder shook her head, her frustration boiling over. “But it's been weeks! - What if this is just… what Vi does?” she burst out, her voice trembling. “What if she gets all obsessed with this person, ignores us, and then—then falls apart again? What if it’s worse this time?”
The words tumbled out in a rush, raw and unfiltered. Powder’s chest heaved as she looked up at Vander, her wide blue eyes shimmering with tears.
Vander set his mug down carefully, his expression softening as he stood and crossed the room to sit beside her. “Powder,” he said quietly, “Vi’s got big emotions. Always has. Yes, sometimes those emotions can get the better of her. But thanks to you—because you pushed her to stick with therapy—she’s learning how to handle those feelings.”
Powder sniffled, her hands clutching at her sleeves. “But what if it’s not enough?” she whispered. “What if she can’t?”
Vander pulled her into a hug, his strong arms wrapping around her small frame. “Then we’ll be here,” he said simply. “Just like we always are. She’s your sister, Pow. She loves you more than anything. And I know she’s trying her best, for herself and for you.”
Powder buried her face in Vander’s chest, her voice muffled as she mumbled, “I just don’t want her to go back to how she was. I can’t… I can’t see her like that again.”
Vander held her tighter, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “She’s doing better, Powder. You’ve seen it. She’s smiling more. She’s coming to dinner again. That’s progress, and it’s because she’s got you in her corner.”
They stayed like that for a while, the room quiet except for Powder’s soft sniffles. Finally, she pulled back, wiping her eyes with the edge of her sleeve.
“Can I sleep over at Ekko’s tonight?” she asked, her voice small but steadier now. “We’ve got science first period tomorrow, and he said we could work on our project together before class.”
Vander smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “Of course, you can. Just don’t stay up too late, alright? –I’ll let Benzo know your coming”
Powder nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Vander.”
He ruffled her hair gently, his own smile widening. “Anytime, kiddo.”
As Powder grabbed her bag, which she had not-so-secretly prepared earlier. She headed out the door, Vander watched her go, his chest tight with equal parts pride and concern. She carried so much for someone so young, but he knew she had a strength in her that matched that of her sister - big emotions and all.
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The soft hum of Rocket Man by Elton John filled the attic, its mellow tones creating a serene backdrop to the stacks of textbooks and scattered notebooks surrounding Vi and Caitlyn. Vi leaned back against the bed frame, tapping her pencil idly against her knee, her gaze flicking toward Caitlyn.
“So,” Vi started, her tone casual, “we always listen to my records. What kind of music do you listen to when I’m not forcing Fleetwood Mac down your throat?”
Caitlyn looked up from her notes, tilting her head slightly as if the question had surprised her, she giggled. “Oh, well… a little bit of everything, I suppose.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, smirking. “That’s a cop-out.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, setting her pencil down. “Alright, fine. I’ll be more specific. I love UK music the most.”
“Shocker”
Cait rolled her eyes as Vi’s lips curled into a smirk. “There’s just something about it—maybe it’s the lyrics or the bass? I guess? But the underground rap scene is amazing too.”
That made Vi pause. She tilted her head, a sceptical grin tugging at her lips. “You like underground rap? Really? You don’t exactly look like the festival or underground type.”
Caitlyn’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she gave a small, sheepish laugh. “I suppose I don’t. And, well… I’ve never actually been to an underground concert or festival.”
Vi snorted, shaking her head. “Of course, you haven’t.”
“I listen to the music, though,” Caitlyn added quickly, as if defending herself. “There’s so much energy in it. It’s raw and gritty and—” She paused, her words trailing off as she caught Vi’s amused expression. “Alright, stop looking at me like that.”
Vi chuckled, raising her hands in mock surrender. “Hey, no judgment. I just didn’t pin you as a grime and rap fan, that’s all.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, though her smile didn’t fade. “Well, if we’re sticking to things I’m more predictable for, I do love music from the ’70s and ’80s.”
Vi’s curiosity piqued. “Like Fleetwood Mac?”
“Exactly,” Caitlyn said, her voice softening as her eyes drifted to the record player. “There’s something about the sound of that era. The lyrics feel so real and raw; like they’re telling you their whole life story in three minutes.”
Vi nodded slowly, understanding more than she expected. “Yeah,” she said, her voice quieter now. “That’s what I like about it too.”
For a moment, they sat in a comfortable silence, Rocket Man continuing to play softly in the background. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Caitlyn’s eyes widened.
“Oh!” she exclaimed, sitting up straighter.
Vi raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“I almost forgot,” Caitlyn said, reaching into her bag, before strategically hiding the flat square present behind her back. “I got something for you.”
Vi tilted her head, smirking. “For me? What’s the occasion?”
“Just close your eyes,” Caitlyn instructed.
Vi raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“Just do it,” Caitlyn insisted, her tone playful but firm.
With a dramatic sigh, Vi closed her eyes, holding out her hands. She felt the smooth edges of the package being placed into her palms.
“Alright,” Caitlyn said softly, her voice tinged with anticipation. “You can open them now.”
Vi’s eyes snapped open, and her jaw dropped as she unwrapped the gift. She stared down at the 1987 Tango in the Night vinyl by Fleetwood Mac, her fingers running over the pristine cover.
“No way,” Vi said, her voice tinged with disbelief and excitement.
Caitlyn beamed. “Yes, way.”
“This is incredible,” Vi said, holding up the record. “You didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to,” Caitlyn interrupted, her tone firm.
Vi grinned, glancing up at her. “You didn’t just get this ‘cause you’re sick of hearing Dreams on repeat, right?”
Caitlyn gasped, feigning offense. “Absolutely not! I love the Rumours album.” She hesitated, her smile softening. “But this one has three of my favourite Fleetwood Mac songs on it. I thought you’d like it.”
Vi’s grin widened as she stood, pulling the record out of its sleeve with careful hands. “Well, let’s hear it, then.”
She placed the vinyl on the turntable, setting the needle down gently. The opening chords of Big Love filled the attic, rich and layered, spilling into every corner of the room.
Caitlyn leaned back against the bed, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “Perfect study music,” she murmured, closing her eyes briefly to let the sound wash over her.
Vi sat back down on the edge of the bed across from her, unable to help the grin spreading across her face. She glanced over at Caitlyn, who was swaying slightly to the music, completely lost in the rhythm. Her usual polished demeanour had melted away, replaced by something softer, freer.
For a moment, Vi forgot about the textbook lying unopened next to Caitlyn. She just watched her, the way her dark hair fell across her face, the way her lips curved into a faint smile as the music washed over her.
Then Caitlyn’s eyes fluttered open, catching Vi’s gaze. “What?” she asked, tilting her head.
“Nothing,” Vi said quickly, clearing her throat and looking down at her notebook. “Just… uh need my textbook.”
Caitlyn chuckled, shaking her head as she tossed Vi’s book to her. “Calculus.”
“Calculus,” Vi repeated, though her thoughts were still half on Caitlyn and the way she’d brought a piece of herself into Vi’s world with that vinyl.
As the song transitioned to the next track, Vi let the music settle into the background, grounding herself. Caitlyn was already scribbling on her paper, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Vi smiled to herself, the corners of her mouth twitching upward as she turned her attention back to the numbers in front of her. But the warmth in her chest lingered, carried by the melody of the music and the quiet comfort of having Caitlyn across from her.
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Powder and Ekko strolled side by side, their backpacks slung casually over their shoulders as the streets glowed in the soft light of morning. Powder was animated as always, her hands gesturing wildly as she rambled about the next stage of their science project.
“…and if we can get the generator to work at half capacity, we’ll have enough power to run the whole setup without any glitches. I mean, it’s risky, but totally worth it if—”
“Hey, Pow,” Ekko interrupted hesitantly, slowing his pace.
Powder stopped mid-sentence, blinking up at him. “What?”
Ekko rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little nervous but mostly excited. “So, uh, you know that desert rave you wanted to go to? The one that sold out?”
Powder’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flaring. “Lunar Blaze? Yeah…”
“Well,” Ekko said, his grin spreading slowly, “they released a second run of tickets last night. And I got some.”
Powder’s eyes widened, and she grabbed his arm. “What?! No way!”
“Yep,” Ekko said proudly. “I managed to snag six tickets. One for me, one for you, Claggor and his girlfriend, Mylo, and Vi, if she’s up for it.”
Powder let out an ear-piercing squeal of delight, jumping up and down in place. “I have the BEST boyfriend ever!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck.
Ekko laughed, hugging her back before she pulled away, her eyes suddenly narrowing as a thought hit her. She stopped dead in her tracks.
“Wait…” she said slowly, her tone shifting. “Can you get another ticket?”
Ekko blinked, confused by the abrupt change in energy. “Huh? uh, no? Those six were hard enough to get as it is.”
Powder huffed slightly, crossing her arms. “Well, that’s annoying.”
Ekko tilted his head, trying to follow her train of thought. “Why? I mean, six is plenty. Who else would you want to bring?”
Powder gave him a pointed look - like the answer was obvious. “Vi’s mysterious friend, duh!”
Ekko frowned, his brow furrowing. “Who’s Vi’s mysterious friend?”
Powder threw up her hands dramatically. “Duh, that’s why they’re mysterious! No one knows! Vi won’t tell anyone who they are!”
Ekko chuckled, shaking his head. “Babe, I didn’t even know Vi had a ‘mysterious friend.’”
“Exactly!” Powder said, her voice rising with exasperation. “She’s been hanging out with someone for months! and it’s driving me crazy that I don’t know who. This could’ve been the perfect chance to meet them!”
Ekko gave her a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry, Pow. I really don’t think I can get a seventh ticket.”
Powder sighed dramatically, but then a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. She tilted her head, a slow grin spreading across her face.
“I’m sure Claggor’s girlfriend won’t mind missing out,” she said innocently. “You know, for the greater good of the Lanes family.”
Ekko burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Pow, you’re too much.”
“What?” Powder said with mock indignation, her hands on her hips. “It’s for a good cause! Family comes first!”
Ekko reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her along as they neared the school gates. “You’re ridiculous,” he said affectionately, still laughing.
Powder grinned, squeezing his hand. “And you love it.”
“Yeah, I do,” Ekko admitted, his tone softening.
As they walked into the school, Powder’s mind was already spinning with ideas. If Vi really did bring this mysterious friend to the rave, Powder was determined to figure out everything about them - no matter what it took.
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“Guys!” Powder exclaimed, her voice carrying through the cafeteria as she weaved through tables and people over to where her two brothers were sitting. Both were mid-bite, their conversation halting when Powder plopped down beside them, her face alight with excitement.
Claggor raised an eyebrow, still chewing. Mylo leaned back, smirking. “What’s got you buzzing like that?”
Powder leaned in, her voice dropping to an excited whisper. “The Lunar Blaze rave.”
Claggor blinked. “What about it? Didn’t that sell out, like, weeks ago?”
“Exactly!” Powder said, her grin spreading wider. “They released a second wave of tickets last night.”
“Okay,” Mylo said slowly, taking a bite of his sandwich. “And?”
“And,” Powder continued, practically bouncing in her seat, “Ekko managed to get six tickets. Six!”
Claggor raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Wait, seriously? How?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Powder said, waving off the logistics. “The point is, we’re going. Us, Ekko, and Vi.”
Claggor whistled, leaning back in his seat. “Wow, someone’s boyfriend of the year.”
Mylo sat there puzzled for a second. “Now I'm not saying I'm a math genius but isn’t that only,” he began to count on his hand. “…five people?”
“Exactly,” Powder said, grinning proudly. “We need to get Vi to bring her mysterious friend.”
Claggor frowned. “The mysterious friend again? You’re really stuck on this, huh?”
“Yes!” Powder hissed. “It’s driving me insane! We don’t know anything about them, and this is the perfect chance to find out. We just have to convince Vi to bring them.”
Mylo rolled his eyes. “Pow, if this friend was some big secret, don’t you think Vi would’ve tried harder to hide it? I mean, it’s pretty obvious they meet up during lunch.”
Powder blinked, startled. “Wait, what?!”
Claggor raised a hand, cutting in. “Yeah, I’ve seen her leave campus during lunch a few times. She heads in the direction of our house.”
Powder’s jaw dropped. “She’s sneaking off to see them?”
“Well, she’s allowed to leave campus, she is a senior and all, but yeah,” Mylo said, shrugging. “Doesn’t take a genius to figure that out.”
Powder smacked his arm playfully. “You could’ve told me this sooner!”
Mylo grinned, rubbing his arm dramatically. “Ow, Pow! I thought you were supposed to be the mastermind.”
“Focus,” Powder said, waving off his theatrics. “We need a plan to get Vi to invite them to the rave. Tonight at dinner, we bring it up. Casually.”
Claggor tilted his head. “Casually? When have you ever done anything casually?”
Powder ignored the jab, her mind already racing. “If we frame it as a family bonding opportunity and make it sound like the place to be, she’ll want to bring them. It’s perfect.”
Mylo leaned forward, his tone teasing. “And what if she says no?”
“Then we double down,” Powder said firmly. “We’ll guilt-trip her. Team effort. No one backs out.”
Claggor exchanged a look with Mylo, then shrugged. “Alright, I’m in. This mysterious friend has been bugging me too.”
“Same,” Mylo added, grinning. “Plus, I wanna see Vi squirm a little. It’s always fun.”
Powder smirked, satisfied, yet determined “So just to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Dinner, we all push for her to invite them. And if she resists, we guilt her into it. Got it?”
“Got it,” the boys said in unison, though their grins suggested they were already anticipating the chaos.
Powder leaned back, her mind whirring with possibilities. By the end of the night, she was determined to have Vi’s mysterious friend roped into their grand family adventure—whether Vi liked it or not.
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The dinner table was lively, filled with chatter and laughter as everyone gathered for the evening meal. Vander sat at the head, his usual calm presence grounding the chaos, while Powder and Ekko, seated side by side, animatedly described their latest science project.
“So then,” Powder said, gesturing wildly, “we decided to test the generator at half capacity, but the circuit board overloaded, and—”
Ekko jumped in, grinning. “—And the whole thing started smoking, so we had to shut it down before it caught fire!”
Claggor let out a low whistle. “You two are gonna blow up the house one day.”
Powder stuck her tongue out at him. “Only if we don’t blow up the school first.”
The group laughed, but the conversation paused when Vi walked through the door, her pink hair slightly dishevelled and her bag slung over her shoulder. She kicked off her boots by the door and made her way to the kitchen to serve herself dinner.
“Look who finally decided to join us,” Mylo teased, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin. “Out on a date with your mysterious friend, Vi?”
Vi shot him a glare, rolling her eyes. “Shut up, Mylo. We were just studying.”
“Oh, we were just studying?” Mylo pressed, leaning forward. “Do tell us more about this elusive we.”
Vi grabbed a plate, muttering under her breath. “It’s not a big deal, okay? She’s just a friend.”
Powder froze mid-sip of her drink, her eyes widening as she processed what Vi had just said. “Wait,” she said, her voice cutting through the chatter, “it’s a girl?”
Vi stiffened for a moment before sighing, her tone exasperated. “Yeah, so? Can you not make it weird?”
Powder’s grin stretched ear to ear, but she quickly covered it with an awkward cough. “Nope, not weird at all! Totally normal. Anyway…”
She abruptly launched into her next topic. “Ekko got tickets to the Lunar Blaze rave for this Friday!” she announced, her excitement bubbling over.
Vi raised an eyebrow, grabbing a serving spoon. “Oh that’s amazing Pow, I remember you talking about it.”
“Right?!” Powder continued, her voice growing more animated. “It’s amazing! He got six tickets – One for me, Ekko, Claggor, Mylo, and you and would you look at that, we even have a spare!”
She glanced at Ekko, who gave her a subtle nod, and then she pushed on. “I mean, it’s such a waste for a ticket to go unused. Someone has to take it.”
Vi, now balancing a full plate of food, didn’t even look up as she made her way to the table. “Can I give it to my friend?” she asked casually, sitting down. “She loves rave music.” She smiled inwards, imagining Cait at a rave seemed ridiculous, and maybe she was lying when she said she liked that sort of music. But Vi was ready to call her bluff if so.
The room went completely silent.
Powder’s jaw dropped, her drink hovering halfway to her lips. Claggor, Ekko and Mylo exchanged stunned looks, and even Vander looked like he was trying to process what had just happened.
Vi, completely oblivious, dug into her food, her focus entirely on her plate. Powder turned to Ekko, her eyes wide, and he grinned, holding up his hand for a silent high-five. She slapped her palm against his, biting her lip to hold back a squeal of excitement.
The awkward silence broke as Claggor let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “Well, that was… easy.”
Vi looked up, frowning. “What was easy?”
“Nothing,” Powder said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched. “Absolutely nothing. So, uh, what were you studying?”
Vi squinted at her suspiciously but shrugged, going back to her food. “Shakespeare or something like that. Pretty boring if you ask me.”
The conversation picked back up, everyone subtly glancing at each other with suppressed grins as they ate. Powder could hardly contain her excitement, her mind already racing with ideas for how to finally meet Vi’s mysterious girl friend by the end of this week.