Aphmau's POV

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I slowly turned the key to my house and the door creaked open slowly.

I heard shouts and arguing coming from the living room.

I slipped inside and gently closed the door, snapping the lock shut.

Creeping toward the living room, the garbled words being thrown across the room became more clear.

"I wonder who that Jay guy is?"

"Why is Aphmau being so secretive?"

"You guys should just leave her alone."

"Quiet Travis, we have every right to be suspicious."

"I don't see why. He's just a friend!"

"Suuuuure."

"SHUT UP! Who knows who he is? I don't trust him. Did you see his pirate hook? It looks sharp!"

"Now that, I can agree on."

"Maybe he just wanted a pirate hand?"

"So your saying he WILLINGLY cut off his own hand just for the sake of having a cool hand?"

"Maybe."

"Bro, that's ridonkulous."

I opened the door and saw everyone arguing. Except for a few people.

Kawaii-Chan was trying to give out cookies, but no one was willing to eat them.

Travis was seemingly trying to become one with the couch from the shouting.

Aaron simply stood to the side.

Lucinda was trying to stay out of the argument, but occasionally throwing comments.

I cleared my throat loudly. "Ahem."

Heads turned my way.

"A..Aphmau?" Garroth asked.

"It's me." I snarled, evident anger in my voice.

"Where have you been! You look like you've seen a ghost!" Katelyn commented.

"How much did you hear?" Laurence asked, his voice quivering.

I guess none of them had seen me this angry before. Not even when Zane ate my cupcake during one of our tea parties.

"Most of it."

Deadly silence filled the room.

"Look Aphmau, we were trying to-"

"I know exactly what you were trying to do."

"Uhh...you do?"

"YES! AND I DON'T LIKE IT!" I roared.

Nearly everyone in the room flinched.

I lowered my voice. "Look. I'm happy you guys are trying to take care of me, but I have my own privacy. And I'm not blind nor deaf. I know you heard me and Jay's conversation."

"But you still didn't answer our questions." Lucinda pointed out.

"I don't have to."

"But we're your friends." Laurence said, still trying to get an answer.

"So?" I said a bit too harshly. "That doesn't mean I have to tell you everything about my personal life!"

I guess my face was really red because Aaron finally spoke up. "Aphmau, how do you and Jay know each other?"

"I told you, we met at-"

"I know you were lying."

He got me. Of course. I was a bad liar.

"We met when he ran into me on the street, happy?"

Aaron narrowed his eyes, clearly unsatisfied with the answer.

"You know what I mean Aphmau."

"..."

"Aphmau."

"...."

"Aphmau?"

"........"

"Please answer me."

"Just sayin, I won't answer that question, however...I'm debating between killing you, or forgiving."

"Aphmau...."

"Fine. I'll forgive you guys this time, but if I catch any of you spying again I won't hesitate to kill you."

Everyone sighed with relief.

"So..." Travis tried for conversation but no one followed up.

Lucinda cleared her throat. "Did you guys hear about the Halloween prom/talent show?"

Lots of yes, and yeahs were thrown around.

"Any of you guys entering?"

Katelyn, Lucinda, Dante, and I raised our hands.

Most of them looked surprised to see my hand up.

"Whatcha guys doing for the show?" Travis asked.

"Magicks." Said Lucinda.

"Guitar." Dante said. (Pretend he knows how to play)

"A song." Was Katelyn's reply.

All eyes focused on me.

"A duet." I muttered, not daring to look at any of them.

"With who?"

"Jay."

I could sense the tension rising in the air.

"Jay you said." Lucinda said cautiously.

"Yes."

"Oh. Are you-"

"-going to the prom with him too?" Garroth interrupted.

I looked down. "I haven't decided. He offered..."

"WHAT?!" The guys yelled.

"But I'm still thinking about it." I finished.

"So, you like him?" Lucinda asked in a teasingly tone.

My face felt like it was on fire.

"Not in that way! Like a friend!"

"Hmm. Shame. I bet you'd look real cute together!" She giggled.

"Lucinda!"

"I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?" A voice from behind me asked.

I jumped, and turned around to see Jay.

"JAY? How'd you get in my house?!" I shrieked.

"The door was open..."

"What?! No it wasn't!"

"Say whatever. It was."

I was confused, but quickly shook it off.

"What are you here for?"

"I was wondering if we could practice our duet today but, seeing you have guests..."

"No no no no no, its fine!"

"Are you sure?" He asked quizzically, scratching the top of his head with his hook. "Cause your friends don't seem to think so."

I whipped around, and I noticed the guy's angry expressions and the girl's suspicious looks.

I gave them the 'cut it out' look and turned back.

"Sorry. They're just a bit...cautious."

"Uh huh."

"We can hear you." Dante pointed out.

"Says who?" Jay smiled mysteriously. "Anyways, before practicing, I was hoping we could get our costumes first!"

"Costumes?" Katelyn asked, confused.

"Its a Halloween party. We're dressing up." Jay explained.

"Okay....what are you dressing up as?"

Jay grinned. "That is a secret to remain hidden."

"Oh, and don't forget the money." He told me.

"Excuse me? I'm not paying for it all!" I said, flipping my hair playfully.

"Watch the sass, Sassmau." He warned.

"Never. I am Sassy Aphmau. You cannot stop me!" I declared.

"Oh yes I can." he sassed.

"Is that a Sassdown you want?"

"Bring it on!"

"Fine then, I. Sassy Aphie, declare a Sassdown at 2:00 PM. Ready to get owned by the Sassmaster?"

"You wish."

"Deal?"

"Deal."

"Great!"

I flawlessly flipped my hair again.

Winking at my friends, I said. "Meet us back here at 2 for the Ultimate Sassdown! Starring Sassmaster Aphmau and Jay!"

Grabbing my purse off the kitchen counter, I skipped alongside Jay, out of the door, the sun smiling down upon us.