Writing Class

-One Week Later: The Last Class-


It’s been a week since Miranda met Finn’s dad that night. When he drove her home, neither one spoke. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, just silence. Miranda hadn\'t known what to say, so she just didn\'t say anything. Finn seemed to be working some things out in his head, so she didn\'t bother him. The night ended at her door with a hug and a thank you.

Since then, things have seemed normal. Finn has been acting mostly the same in class. Miranda can’t really point to something that’s different. Something is just off. She hasn’t spent any time with him outside of class since. She’s kept herself busy with studying for Finals. They have finally come around and she can\'t wait to be done with some of her classes. Admittedly, she\'ll miss writing class.

Walking into the classroom, early as usual, she was stunned to not see Finn in his usual seat. When everyone else began filing in, she was worried to not see him in the group. He never arrived, he missed his last day of class.

So that\'s what she finds herself thinking about during class, where Finn could be. He doesn\'t necessarily need to be here, there isn\'t a big Final. No tests. Just a last chance to read your work in front of the class. Miranda was planning on reading one of her short stories, but now that Finn didn’t show, she doesn\'t see the point. She leans back in her seat and listens to everyone\'s poems and stories and tries to stay awake. It just goes on forever and while some are great, some are just terrible.

Remembering their night out, she can\'t think of a better way to kill it than have his dad stop by for a chat. Well his ex could have stopped by as well, that may have been worse. The man just seemed cold and distant and she wonders how Finn could have ever grown up how he did. The way his dad treated his writing was horrendous. Miranda doesn\'t know what that feels like, her parents have always been supportive of her actions. Every time she thinks about it, she just wants to give Finn a great big hug.

Meeting his dad has made Miranda wonder about the rest of Finn\'s life. What was his childhood like? Does he have any siblings? Did he ever sit on Santa\'s lap? How old was he when he had his first kiss? When did he first start talking? What\'s he afraid of? What kinds of friends does he have and will she ever meet any of them? She begins wondering about everything. She knows that she\'s not really going to ask these things, she gets the feeling that if Finn wanted her to know something, he would tell her. But she doesn\'t want something to happen that would force him to say something. She wants him to want to tell her some of those things on his own. Anything.

Noticing that class is over and people are slowly leaving, she gathers her stuff together, shoving it all in her bag. She\'s almost out the door before Ryan stops her by calling her name. She turns back and meets him at his desk, feeling guilty that she forgot to say goodbye to him. She\'s going to miss him. From now on, all writing classes she takes will be taught by him.

\"What happened to Finn today?\" Ryan asks curiously.

\"I have no idea,\" Miranda replies honestly, feeling no need to cover for Finn. Ryan\'s asking for a genuine reason, he\'s not out to get Finn.

\"Odd, well tell him to call my office, I have something to talk with him about,\" he says. \"I\'m going to miss you two in class, any plans on taking any other writing classes?\"

\"Yeah, probably. Don\'t worry, you\'ll get to instruct me again,\" she says wistfully.

\"Good, I\'m glad. Have a great summer Miranda,\" Ryan says. Miranda says goodbye and gives Ryan a short hug, knowing that she\'s really going to miss this guy.

Walking to her car, she contemplates calling Finn. She’s begun to miss talking to him. To the point where she feels strange when she isn’t. She digs her keys out of her bag and gets in her car. Starting it up, she spends a few minutes contemplating who she wants to listen to next. Whether she wants it to be morose or happy. She finally decides on the new Weezer and pulls out of the parking lot.

She finds herself driving towards Finn’s place and isn’t sure what she’s planning on doing once she gets there. Showing up unannounced is a little worse than just calling. Soon she’s pulling into a parking space and staring straight ahead at Finn’s front door. She’s already there, so she figures she may as well say hi. It would be worse to drive off now that she’s there.

Even after telling herself that a few times, she’s still sitting in her car five minutes later. She shuts her car off in frustration and hurries out of her car before she can change her mind. It’s ridiculous that she’s feeling nervous about this. She walks to his door and quickly knocks. After he doesn’t answer, she raised her hand to knock again when her cell phone rings, startling her. She steps back from the door and pulls her phone from her pocket.

“Hello?”

~“Hey Rand.”~

Miranda’s eyes widen and she stares at Finn’s front door, unsure if he’s home or not.

“Hi…what’s up?” she asks hesitantly, thinking how weird it is that Finn calls her while she’s knocking on his door.

~“I’m just leaving my parents’ place.”~

Miranda breathes a sigh of relief that he’s not home and she can relax.

~“What are you doin’ right now?”~

She gets as far away from his door as she can, getting back into her car, as if he would know where she was if she tried to lie. “Nothing, just leaving school,” she lies with a grimace. Instantly feeling a little guilty but knowing that it’s nothing to feel guilty over. It’s something to feel stupid over.

~“Awww shit, last class. I forgot.”~

She can hear Finn sigh over the phone and it brings a smile to her face. Although the fact that he actually forgot about class is strange. He doesn’t seem to be the forgetful type.

“Yeah, Ryan wants you to call him.”

~“Did he say why?”~

“No, just that he had something to tell you.”

~“Alright, thanks.”~

A few seconds go by without anyone saying anything and Miranda begins ordering herself to say something. Anything. Still sitting in her car in front of Finn’s home, she feels like laughing.

~“I have something to ask you and I’m sorry ahead of time.”~

What he says causes Miranda to feel uneasy. He does not sound happy about what he’s going to say next and Miranda doesn’t want to hear something bad. “What it is it?”

~“My friend Vincent is turning twenty-two tomorrow and he’s chosen to celebrate at this club. I want you to go with me.”~

Miranda doesn’t see what was so bad, “Okay.”

~“Yeah? Alright, great.”~

“What exactly are you sorry for ahead of time?” she asks with a hesitant laugh.

~“For my friends. They’re a sad bunch. I‘m also somewhat setting you up.”~

“How exactly are you setting me up? Have you put my name on the ‘Ridicule List’?”

~“Not exactly. They’ve made it their mission to find me a rebound girl, I don’t want that. So, your job is to protect me from whatever oversexed, glittered, scantily clad, Ashlee Simpson impersonator they’ve found for me.”~

“Well personally, I find Ashlee Simpson very eye-catching,” Miranda says, stifling a laugh.

~“Yes, in the car accident sense.”~

Miranda swallows the laughter and asks, “Okay so I’m running interference. Are you expecting me to hang all over you?”

~“No, you don’t need to prostitute yourself. Your mere presence will probably scare her off.”~

“Is this an over twenty-one club cause I’m only twenty.”

~“It’s one of those hand stamp places, you’ll be fine.”~

“Okay, when is it exactly?”

~“Meet me at my place at nine.”~


-Next Day-


Flipping through the channels, Miranda’s frown gets deeper and deeper. It is impossible to find anything worth-while on TV. She stops on MTV and grimaces at whatever ‘reality’ dating show happens to be playing. She could have sworn that MTV stood for “Music Television”.

“All right,” Finn says loudly, throwing himself down next to her on the couch. “Vincent, Krissy, Marcus. Those are who you will be dealing with. You’ll have no problems with Marcus or Krissy. If anything, stick with them if not me. Vincent is horny. I love the guy. He’s been by best friend for years, but the guy is horny. Marcus is sweet, harmless. The son my dad never had. He’s studying pre-med, instant approval from daddy dearest. Krissy is excitable. Much like a Chihuahua.”

Miranda laughs and nods her head, “Got it.”

Finn smiles widely and turns to the TV. Slowly, he looks back at Miranda with his eyebrows creased.

“I’m not actually watching this,” she defends hastily.

“Of course you aren’t.”

“I’m not!”

Finn laughs, bringing his hand up to ruffle her hair like you would do to a child, “I know.”

“Oh shut up.”

Finn stands from the couch, grabbing the remote from her hands and shutting the TV off. Miranda eyes his clothing choice, never having noticed before.

“I hate you so much right now,” she says flatly.

“Yeah if you want I can tape it for you,” Finn says, motioning towards the TV.

“Not that. Your shirt,” she says, glaring at his worn white \'Smiths\' t-shirt that reads “Hang The DJ!” along with a lovely picture below.

“What?” he asks with a smirk.

“Where did you get that?” she asks, not only annoyed with him for being a smart ass, but also annoyed over the fact that he even has the shirt. The only time she’s ever even seen the thing is in a picture from the 80s when Morrissey himself was wearing one; it was made to promote the 1986 release of the single ‘Panic’.

“I do so love it when you’re jealous Miranda. You’ll never be sexier,” Finn says arrogantly. “Now up, we gotta go.”

“I hate you,” she says, giving him the best hateful glare she can muster up.

“Yeah yeah, I hate you too,” he answers, patting her butt as she walks past him.


-The Club-


Miranda laughed when she realized that the club was actually called \"The Club\". She had never even known it existed but that’s not surprising, she’s never been one for clubs. It could also be that it took an hour to get there. During the car ride, Finn talked about Vincent. About how his dad owns the club and Vincent basically runs the place already. He told her stories about getting into trouble with Vincent, reciting the memories proudly. She enjoyed listening to him talk, loving every little new thing that she learned about Finn.

Now, walking up to a side door of the club, she can’t help the huge smile gracing her features. She briefly wonders if she should have dressed up a little bit more, but she dismisses the worry. She decided on black and red pin stripe pants with an old \'Monty Python\' shirt. The most chronic appearance in her style is fancy meshed with old. It works for her.

Turning her attentions back to Finn and walking straight, she puts all other thoughts away. There’s a huge man standing guard at the door, arms crossed, stern expression. Finn walks right up and gives the guy a hug, “Relax there Joe, you almost look angry.”

“Stop making me look soft,” Joe says with the most graveled voice Miranda has ever heard. Finn laughs in response and Joe stands to the side, opening the door.

“They’re at the usual table,” Joe says. Finn nods and leads Miranda through the door. She blinks her eyes a few times, adjusting to the dark hallway. She follows Finn through the hallway, making a left. Finn pushes a door open, unidentifiable music pouring out of the huge club. He holds the door open, waiting for Miranda to walk through and then continues leading her. They walk along the wall, dodging sweaty bodies, coming to a stop in the far left corner. A large blue plush booth is their destination.

“About fuckin’ time you got here!” shouts one of the most interesting people Miranda has seen in awhile. His hair is cut short, but not too short, maybe an inch and a half. It’s blond with a inch wide area buzzed short down the side of his head; from his temple back to his neck. The short area is dyed bright blue. The hairstyle is a direct knock-off of a hairstyle John Lydon had sported while performing at an outdoor music festival in September of 2003. Miranda was able to see The Sex Pistols perform and could never forget anything about that night. The only difference being the color, Lydon’s was dyed green, while this guy has his dyed blue. The fact that this guy also seems to have a rather heavy British accent only helps the look.

The table is covered with drinks, all half filled. The other guy sitting in the booth is fairly inconspicuous looking, with short red hair and a friendly smile. Miranda doesn’t see anyone that could be Krissy, the only two people sitting in the booth are the two boys.

Finn places his hand on Miranda’s lower back, motioning to the Lydon look-alike, “That’s the birthday boy.” He motions to the other guy and adds, “And that’s Marcus.”

Vincent slides out of the booth, springing to his feet. He takes Miranda’s hand in his, bringing it to his lips, “It’s lovely to meet you……?”

“Miranda,” she supplies with a laugh, slowly dislodging his hand from his grip.

“Where’s Krissy at?” Finn asks, motioning for Miranda to sit down and sliding in beside her.

“At the bar with Sarah,” Marcus answers. He reaches across the table to shake Miranda’s hand, “It’s nice meeting you.”

“You too.”

“You didn’t still bring this girl?” Finn asked, shaking his head.

“An’ miss all the fun to be had!? O’course we brought her!” Vincent shouts incredulously.

“Is she a friend of Krissy’s?”

Vincent begins to answer but Marcus cuts him off, “Not at all, she hates the girl. Vincent found her.”

Finn groans loudly, glaring at Vincent.

Vincent throws his hands, up slapping them on his chest, “What?”

Miranda is already fully enjoying herself. Finn’s friends are great and she can tell that she’ll get along with them wonderfully. She notices two girls walk up behind Vincent. One is very tall with blond hair reaching her waist, a small smirk on her mouth, dressed in a red skirt with a black camisole. The other girl’s skirt is so short that Miranda is amazed she even bothered to wear one at all. Her lips are bright red, her eyes are lined with heavy black eye shadow and she has short brown hair cut severely at her chin.

The blond jabs a finger into Vincent’s side, causing him to jump in surprise and causing her to erupt in a fit of giggles. Vincent looks back, “Not nice.”

She puts on a fake pout, trailing her finger down her cheek, “I feel for you Vin.”

Noticing Finn, she smiles broadly and hugs him tightly, “Thank god.”

“Have they been torturing you?” Finn asks with mock sympathy.

“Yes.”

Vincent pushes Krissy aside lightly, pulling the other girl up next to him, “Finley, this is Sarah. She’s a Scorpio. They’re the sexed up ones.”

Miranda hides a smile behind her hand, not intimidated by this girl whatsoever and finding Vincent hilarious. Out of the corner of her eye, she catches Marcus shaking his head in disapproval. She catches his eye and he gives an apologetic shrug. She smiles reassuringly which garners a smile in response.

“Hi Sarah,” Finn shakes her hand politely.

“Hey,” she flashes white teeth in a wide smile, “Wanna dance?”

“No thanks. I don’t really dance. Curse of the white boy.”

Krissy laughs and pats Sarah on the back, “He’s right, it’s dangerous.”

She turns to Miranda, holding her hand out, “Miranda right? Finn’s told me a lot about you. Did you want something to drink?”

Finn scowls at Krissy and shrugs in response to Miranda’s curious gaze.

“I’ll get the lovely lady a beverage. What’ll it be?” Vincent asks.

“Coke is fine.”

“And rum?”

Miranda laughs, “No, just coke. You can keep the rum for yourself.”


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AN: Ended up having to cut this chapter up. Otherwise it would have been seriously lengthy. It was difficult finding somewhere to cut, it all flowed as one. I hope to have the next one up very soon. Thanks to everyone who reads. Review, they drive me to update.

cu-kid: Even when I say that I\'ll try to tone down the references, I just can\'t manage to actually do it. Too difficult. Thanks for being on my side. Hope you enjoyed the update.