Settling in.

Shanell smiled back at her “thank ya...” She settled back in the seat relaxing for the first time in awhile not feeling like a fish in a fishbowl. She turned to the teacher as they started to teach. She got to know Ellen and Cindy soon as they were paired up as a group for the project. She set down with her in a little group with Ellen, the dark haired girl Cindy, and their two guy friends Jon and Rick. They talked about the project and introduced themselves while getting to know each other.

After that first class where she got to know them they spent more time so instead of sitting by herself in classes or lunch she actually had someone to talk to. Shanell felt much more relaxed and let down her guard a bit. She ate lunch with Ellen and Cindy most days. She had even given them a ride home a couple times in the car. Rick had drooled over the car when he had seen it. Begging to drive it but as it was not technically her car she had to tell him no. She had met up with them a couple times after school to work on the project or just to hang out.

It was at least a week or two later when they were talking about something other than their class and the project. Jon had mentioned that he and El were going to the beach that weekend. They all turned to Shanell. “so what are your plans for this weekend?” He asked thinking maybe they could get to know her better.

They really didn't know much about her just that she lived with her brothers though she didn't give their names. They did know that she had moved to the states to get away from an issue from her last school though she had not elaborated on it. They also know though she had an English accent she moved from Australia.. They also knew she drove her brother's car to school. .

Shanell looked up from her book they had been sitting at lunch she ran a hand through her hair. “I am not sure … what's planned for this weekend..... “ she shrugged “My brothers might have plans but not that I know of? Why?”

“well you know we are heading to the beach this weekend wanted to know if you wanted to come hang... it just be us four with a couple friends...then might go out dancing a little later...”

“sounds like a plan …. let me talk to my brothers and see if it be alright with them … I can meet up with you....” She stated.

“or we can pick you up … just in case your brother he needs his car ….” Rick stated as he put his arm around Cindy's shoulder. She leaned back against his shoulder looking at their new friend.

“oh he won't need his car …..” She shook her head “its just they might have plans that I don't know yet...” She shrugged either they had a engagement or maybe Andy had a show appearance since she moved in he had a couple. They had also checked on his flat to see if it was ready to be moved in. She had hung out with Robin the weekend before just watching movies but all of her brothers were pretty busy so most days she hung out by herself which she was okay with for awhile. Being invited to go out would be fun. “can I get back to you …. I'll ask him tonight.... if he says that its okay I'd be loved to go....” They finished lunch and headed to class.

A couple hours later they were heading home for the day. They ran into Shanell by her car. For some reason it wouldn't start and she was standing by it like she was waiting for someone to pick her up. “hey …..” Jon walked over “do you need a ride..... or ….” He indicated if she wanted him to check it out to see why it wouldn't start.

“No I got a hold of A.... Roy to pick me up he should be here in a few he's just running a bit behind. “ she smiled. She had tried to start it about four times. It just wouldn't turn over. She wondered if she did something to it she hoped not. While she was thinking on this she hoped they either left or hoped Andy showed up somewhat disguised. He seemed a bit startled that she called him Roy on the phone but she hoped he took the hint. Sure he wasn't as huge as their brothers yet but he was still pretty well known. “i'll let you know tomorrow about the plans this weekend...” she told her friends as they stood next to the car.

“are you sure …. I mean we can give you a ride...” Rick stated from where his car was pulled next to Shanell's coup. Ellen and Cindy were sitting in the front seat and the back.

“Yeah I am sure....” She smiled at them when Andy pulled up in the Camaro. He was wearing a pair of sunglasses and a ball cap obscuring his features. “there he is now … thanks though..” she turned to the car.

“what happened?” Andy asked.

“don't know it won't start and before ya ask yes … I put petrol in it this morning...” She rolled her eyes. Her friends watched curiously as this is the first time they had ever seen any one with Shanell as she always drover herself home. She grabbed her bag from the car . “did.... Alan send for a lorry to pick up the car?”

Andy grabbed the bag and set it in the back “yeah ….” he looked over at the other kids watching from the car he waved at them. They waved back “nice ta meet you ….” When Shanell gave him a look he just grinned before driving away with her in the car.

Ellen watched them leave she looked at her boyfriend Jon “well that was a first … wonder if he's her boyfriend or ….” She brushed her red hair back from her face “or is it her brother ….”

Cindy pulled her own dark hair in a tail as they left the school “I think it was her brother he seems to be a bit old to be her boyfriend El.... and she's never mentioned a boyfriend before... and we know that she lives with her brothers....” They continued to discuss it as they left the school.

Shanell rode in the car with Andy as she relaxed “And? Is there any plans for this weekend....” She looked over at him as they drove back home. She hoped she could get the okay from both her brothers to go with her friends this weekend. It would be fun to just relax on the beach with them and maybe dancing later.

Andy looked over at her as they stopped at a stop light thinking. “no I don't think so …why?” He drove towards the house he enjoyed seeing the smile back on his sisters face. In his last letter to their parents he had told them how changed she had been. She was enjoying it in Malibu the smile that had disappeared from her face and the laugh that had gone had made a reappearance. She went from the quiet silent little sister back to the talkative energetic sister he remembered. Yes this decision had been a good one it was wonderful to see her happy again.

“well Ellen thats the red head and Jon her boyfriend invited me to go hang out at the beach and then maybe dancing later at one of the discos … if there isn't any plans.... maybe you think I could go...” She knew she would have to get both permission from him AND Barry “I'd like to go hang out with some friends …. “

“I don't see a problem with it Shan ….. once the car is fixed or we could have someone drop you off....” Andy stated as they pulled into the driveway. “I am sure Barry won't have a problem with it …. I don't have one …” He shrugged heading inside. He laughed as his sister jumped on him and hugged squealing. He hugged her tight yep this had been a great idea, he'd do anything to keep that smile on her face.