A Celebration to End All Celebrations (Bloodties)

[corachughes]

A small petite form swiveled around as she busied herself with rearranging the dessert table for the hundredth time making the caterer purse her lips and cross her arms. Cora couldn’t help herself really. She wanted everything to be perfect. It wasn’t everyday a 19 year old was promoted into a much higher position at their father’s firm. She’d worked extremely hard and she was about to find herself in the company of the mighty. Top row of teeth pulled her bottom lip into her mouth a little as she looked at the new arrangement. It still didn’t look right, so she fussed with it again, only to put everything back the way the caterer had originally set it an hour ago. “Perfect. See this is how you arrange tables,” she said before she felt a hand touch her shoulder distracting her from her continued assault on the caterer, who was growing more and more irritated by the second. ”Cora.” it was just a simple word, just her name from her father’s lips. The tone he held was one that begged her to just enjoy the moment and to return to her position by the door so she could help greet the respected party members.

Shoulders dropped a little as she smiled up at her father. “I’m sorry. I just want everything to be perfect,” it was a simple admission, but one that made her father chuckle softly as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders like he used to do when she was young and needing comfort. ”Always were like your old man,” he chuckled some more. “Just enjoy it.” Cora took a deep breath as she nodded, a soft smile forming, pulling at the corners of her lips as she leaned her head briefly against her fathers arm before they both pulled away. Cora’s eyes dropped, landing on a small dirty rag that still occupied the ground. Now who had left that there? It took only a minute for her to pull the thin wood out from her sheath and point it at the rag. It disappeared in a puff of smoke just in time for the doorbell to ring through the manor. Gray green orbs met her fathers and he smiled. Her eyes shot around the room quickly once more, making sure everything was in its proper place, even her siblings before she fixed her black dress and ran her hand through her hair once more. Hand slowly slid her wand back into its place before she moved with her father to stand in the corridor as the door was opened and the party guests arrived.

It was one person after another. There were many congratulations, many handshakes, and the occasional hug from someone she’d gotten to know fairly well. To say any of them were friends was an overestimation. Cora wasn’t one with many friends, never had been. She had the occasional confidant, someone to talk to, but friend was not the word for either. Studying and bookwork were far more important to her. She’d had a family once, known what it was to be married and to know love, but that had been a long time ago…or so it seemed. She’d worked past that hard time in her life and she was now devoted entirely to her new job at the firm. A familiar face passed by and she smiled brightly as the woman shook her hand. ”Congratulations Cora. I thought you might be moving up out of our department rather quickly. You showed true dedication.” Cora nodded and smiled. “Thank you for showing me the inner workings of the organization Danielle.” It was a simple nod from her before she was gone and the next had taken her place. This time it was a short stubby man with large round hands that barely fit in hers. He had begun shaking her hand quickly as Cora tried to keep up with the man’s quick speech. She caught something about a senior member and recognition finally dawned on her that this was Mr. Jenkins one of her father’s close business partners.

“Hello! Thank you so much!” Cora smiled widely and excitedly to one of the senior members of her father’s law and accounting firm. “Yes. It was truly an honor and a surprise when I found I had been the one promoted. After working here for only a year it was truly a joyous occasion.” Her head nods as she listens the large smile glued on her face. “I did work hard to get here, but I like to think that I’m working just as hard as everyone else is. I’m one of the youngest at the firm, but I think we’ll be getting more Hogwart’s graduates coming in that will move up just as quickly as I did. There are a lot of hardworking students.” She laughed at the man’s response about them not being as hardworking as she liked to think. “I must admit I don’t really know for sure. I was too busy studying to find out what marks the other students were getting.” The stout man took her hand again and patted it once before nodding at her, a hearty laugh still falling from his lips as he told her he’d speak with her later as he had his eyes set on the table of sweets. Cora laughed and nodded, blonde hair falling in front of her eyes briefly before she tucked it back behind her ear, gray green eyes swiveling around to find her father who was looking prouder than she’d seen him in a long time.

Maybe he was starting to forgive her for her divorce from Peter. She could only hope so as she smiled brightly, his own smile matching hers as only father’s can. And then it was someone else. Cora wasn’t sure if she’d ever get through the line of party guests, but finally they dwindled down and before she knew it her father was once again at her side smiling at her with pride. “Is that everyone?” Cora asked with a slight and small laugh. ”Yes, everyone’s here.” the grin on her father’s face faltered slightly as a hand moved to his left arm. “Are you alright?” Cora asked, concern falling quickly over her face. Her father laughed it off, shaking his arm out as he wrapped an arm around her and gave her a distant one-arm hug. ”You know your old man, nothing a drink won’t fix.” Cora nodded before he released her and looked down at his hands and then back at her. ”You did very well, now it’s time for the toast I think,” her father grinned as he took off for the table of drinks in the far corner. Cora took a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly as she tried to figure out what to do with them so no one would notice the nervousness she had begun to show. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the party or that she was nervous about taking this position, but she was nervous of disappointing her father in this rare occasion. She seemed to be the only one that made him proud lately and she didn’t dare let herself fail him like the rest of her siblings had. None of them worked hard and none of them seemed to respect him. He was a great businessman and here they were taking advantage of him, but Cora only hoped they’d see that sooner rather than later.

Digits ran through her hair again as she found herself watching the partygoers. Most of them were lost deep in conversations that ranged from simple household chores that needed finishing to business-like work that was being discussed rather vehemently back and forth between differing parties. Cora couldn’t hold back a smile as she watched the stout man from before shake his head fiercely at the younger and taller man who was rather intent on debating that the timeshare holdings for the companies policy needed to be reworked if they were intent on gaining more business from muggle-borns. It was definitely heating up the conversations around them and Cora was finding herself being drawn into the discussion as she forgot that she was waiting for her father to return with a drink so he could begin the toast.

[Osmond Coxen G5]

''What the bloody hell is wrong with her?'' He watched as his older sister arranged and rearranged the dessert table, knowingly insulting the caterer who looked as if she were about ready to whip out her wand and curse everyone in sight. Truthfully, Oz half wished she would; at least that way something interesting would happen this evening. He knew all too well how Cora could drive almost anyone mad, except good ol' father Coxen of course. It was like Cora could do no wrong in his mind. Well, there was her divorce from Peter which sparked a little friction between the two, but he supposed they had moved passed it, considering Bruce had been considerably warmer to Cora. Oz would have given anything to not be here right now, but his attendance was mandatory, as was all the other Coxen children.

''This is stupid.''

Osmond turned to look at his twin sister Riley, who was leaning up against the wall beside him looking thoroughly uncomfortable in a semi short pale pink dress and heels, and Oz felt her pain. Not that he himself had on heels and a dress, but rather being forced to wear clothes that he would never even go near. He hated wearing suits, yet here he was, in the whole getup from head to toe. His hair was oiled, he had on a three-piece crisp, deep blue suit and tie, and ridiculously shiny black leather shoes that squeaked whenever he walked. Scratching his eyebrow, something shiny caught his attention on his shirt sleeve. Recognizing what it was, he immediately recalled the very awkward moment that happened exactly one hour earlier.

Osmond had just finished getting ready and was checking himself out in his mirror when Bruce walked in carrying a small, wrapped, rich red box. Without a word to Oz, he opened it, took something out, dropped the box and paper in the floor, and grasped Osmond's hand, which made him flinch slightly. When Bruce dropped Oz's right arm, he grabbed the other one, but Oz held his right arm up, staring at his wrist. His father had a put a brilliant diamond cuff link in his sleeve, and had now finished putting one in the other. He then stepped back and looked Oz over.

''Wow Osmond,'' he said shaking his head with his hand on his chin. He hadn't looked Oz in the eyes since he came in. ''You look like your actually headed somewhere in life. But, of course, the clothes don't make the man. Or, in this case anyway.'' He then proceeded to walk out, but not before mentioning something about Cora that had been left ignored. But, Osmond was to preoccupied with his new links to worry about his fathers remark. Long gone were the days where with just a few words Bruce could make Oz angry, or cry. He was numb to it now. He accepted the fact that his father didn't care too much for him, and Osmond felt the exact same way in turn. Riley however was a different story. Out of Chace, Connor, and Osmond, she was the only one who had the nerve to actually stand toe to toe with him. Which is why when she asked about the links, he just told her that their mother had given them to him; Riley would have been in an even worse mood than she was now if he would've told her what really happened. Luckily, it was a very good cover indeed, seeing as how she had given Riley a nice thin gold necklace which had a small pendant hanging from it.

''Here we go,'' Riley said standing up off of the wall, pinching Oz's suit sleeve and dragging him with her in a way. They fell in line; Bruce and Cora were now at the door ready to greet the oncoming guests, then in a single line stood their mother, then Chace, then Riley, then Osmond, and then Connor, who Oz clapped lightly on the shoulder when he got near enough. The door opened, and guests started pouring in, being happily greeted by Bruce and Cora, and there guests showed the same enthusiasm. He heard Riley scoff at a compliment one woman gave Cora.

''Please,'' she said rolling her eyes, keeping her voice low so only Oz could hear. ''Dedication? Hard work? If it wasn't Dad's firm she--'' Osmond had nudged her leg with his fist to quiet her as the same woman appeared in front of them.

''And you must be the twins, Raven and Omen, correct? I haven't heard that much about you but Cora has mentioned you two a few times."

''Actually it's Riley and Osmond,'' Riley said taking the woman's outstretched hand. Oz simply nodded at her and gave a bright smile. ''And, I do believe I don't know who you are?'' Osmond looked at his twin, for the tone of voice she took was not her usual, but one that was overly friendly and exaggerated.

''I don't think Cora has mentioned you before. No, I don't think she has, do you know who this woman is Osmond?'' Riley looked at him, a finger on her lip, and a puzzled expression across her face.

''No, not at all,'' Oz said, an irresistible grin stretching across his face. He knew what was coming.

''Are you two friends? Because Cora told us she didn't waste her time talking and socializing with her co-workers because they were a bunch of lazy, incompetent oafs that had no ambition and were dragging the firm down slowly but surely?''

The woman looked at Riley with an expression that clearly showed disgust, but it only lasted a second before she drew up and stuck her chest out slightly. ''Well, there are rather, questionable employees in our department, but I find it hardly believable that that comment was aimed at me. However, you must be very proud of your sister. As young as she is. It must be very nice to have such a role model to follow.''

''Oh yeah,'' Oz said wrapping his arm around Riley's neck and shoulders. ''That Cora. Were lucky to have her as a sister.'' Both Osmond and Riley had big bright smiles, and this time the woman let her face reflect her feelings toward them fully.

''Yes. Yes you are.'' And with that, she strode right pass Connor and over to a small group of people who were laughing pompously.

''Okay, we have to do something,'' Riley said without moving her mouth as they smiled innocently at guests who were still arriving.

''I knew you were going to say that,'' Oz said waving at a rather short plump man who gave him a thumbs up. ''I don't think we should though. This party means entirely too much to Dad and Cora, they'd kill us.'' It was definitely tempting to ruin the party, but Oz knew that they would be skating on very thin ice.

''Oh come on,'' Riley said wrapping her arm around Osmond's waist, squeezing a little as they waved and smiled at yet more guests. ''It won't be anything big. Just....just a little joke, thats all.''

Osmond sighed, feeling a sense of excitement. ''Well, what did you have in mind?" They were stuck here for the evening. And seeing as how it didn't seem fun would seek them out tonight, they had to seek it.

''I'm thinking something with the food,'' Riley said as they waved at a couple, who were the last two to walk in the doors. They then began making their way through groups of people who were chatting excitedly to their table. ''Not all the food, of course. Just one dish. But we have to be careful though.'' Oz went to speak but Riley had made a sudden jolt, and darted into her purse. She pulled out what Osmond recognized immediately as a Nosebleed Nougat from the Skiving Snackbox they had bought from the Weasley shop their last trip to Hogsmeade. ''I have about three more of these in my purse. If we break off the ends that make your nose bleed, melt them a little, and put them in one of the desserts....'' she trailed off.

''I'll do it,'' Oz said holding his hand out. Riley placed the one she was holding into Osmond's hand, and then went in her purse after the other three. Once he had them all, he got up and made his way to the kitchen, which was surprisingly empty. He walked in and went to the back door, which was open, and peeked out to see all the cooks and the caterer siting under a cloud of purple smoke that was emitting from long wooden pipes that each of them held. ''That Cora,'' Oz said laughing, retreating back into the kitchen. He went in the cabinet and got a small metal bowl. Then, he opened all the Nosebleed Nougats, broke them all in half, and put all the nose bleed pieces into the bowl. Looking around, seeing as though he couldn't use his wand, he spotted a burner that was still on on the stove. Using a pair of tongs, he held the bowl a good ways above the fire, careful not to burn it, or the nougat.

After about ten minutes, it turned into a watery paste, and he quickly put on a oven glove, and carried it to the kitchen door. When he opened it, Riley was standing beside it, waiting. ''So,'' she said trying to look unsuspicious. Osmond showed her the melted nougat, and she quickly went to the dessert table and grabbed some napkins. ''Give it here,'' she said setting the napkins up in her cupped hands. Oz placed the small hot bowl directly in the middle, and watched as she quickly carried it to one of the desserts and poured it over it. She then returned the bowl to Oz, who threw it in the sink and quickly tossed his glove on one of the counters. ''So, thats that,'' Riley said as they returned to their table. ''Nothing to do now but wait.''

''Yeah,'' Osmond said laughing. He loved it when he and Riley pulled their little schemes. ''Hey, do you....'' Oz quickly forgot what he was about to say, for his best friend Oliver had just snuck in the door, late. ''Hey, Oliver's here,'' he said pointing so Riley could see him. Apart from their prank, Oz knew that they had absolutely nothing else to do, and he was itching to go and play Exploding Snap, which was hardly a game that could be played in the current setting. ''Riley, I'll see you later. I'm going to go hang out with Oliver for a while. I'll come back when people start eating dessert.'' And with that, Osmond went to his friend, glad.

[Riley Coxen G7]

Riley couldn’t believe she was doing this, she couldn’t believe she had given in quite so easily. It was obvious of Riley’s complete dislike for her sister Cora and her downright hate for their father Bruce, so why had she let herself agree to attend a party in honor of the two? Well, she couldn’t blame herself, really. It wasn’t like they gave her much of a choice. In fact, they didn’t give her any choice in the matter at all. Riley was almost fifteen years old. She wasn’t a child anymore. Not that it really mattered, but Riley had put up one hell of a fight trying to convince her mother and father not to make her go to this party, and even though she had lost in the end, she was glad to cause her father and sister the biggest headache they’ve probably had in years. Riley went down kicking and screaming, just like she always did. And she would get them back in the end. Riley’s purse was stuffed with gags and tricks that were a sure-fire way to make the night just a bit more exciting. Riley and Oz were sure to have fun with this one.

Riley grimaced at her reflection in the mirror. She was completely uncomfortable in this hideous getup. She was even mortified to say that this pale pink monstrosity had once been Cora’s dress. The outfit was a pale, sickly shade of pink that was far too tight and far too short for her liking. She wore no make-up along with it, despite Cora’s infuriating attempts at trying to ‘make her look like a girl for once.’ Not to mention she was wearing the shoes from hell. She had only been wearing the shoes for a total of five minutes, and already her feet felt like they were dying. She sighed, not wanting to go downstairs just yet. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door. Riley rolled her eyes. “Go away.” She called out rather grumpily. And then Riley heard that same exasperated sigh that was only characteristic to one person in this house; Riley’s mother. Riley let out a sigh of her own and muttered the words, ”come in.” And then without any more hesitation,

Yasmin Coxen entered the room holding a small silver box that looked like it would hold jewelry. Riley gave her mother a suspicious look. “I think you’ve got the wrong daughter, mom. You know you can’t bribe me with jewelry.” Yasmin laughed and sat on Riley’s bed. “I know, but I figured I’d try. I know you don’t want to be here right now, Riley but can you please try to behave?” Riley smiled innocently. “Mother! You know I would never do a thing to ruin poor Cora’s pointless little party!” Riley said innocently, glancing over her mother’s shoulder at her purse that contained all the tricks she had planned for today. Her mother frowned. “Alright, where’s your stash missy? Where’s the purse you’re taking down tonight?” Yasmin knew her all too well. Riley rolled her eyes as Yasmin searched the room for Riley’s purse. Once she found it, she emptied it out of all its contents and took them all with her as she exited the room without another word. Riley grumbled and opened the box her mother brought in. It was a pretty little gold necklace. So, Riley placed the necklace around her neck, and moments later she was called down to greet the guests.

._._._._._._._._._.

The party had only been going on for a little while and already Riley wanted to bash her face into a wall. But thank goodness she had Oz. She would surely just spend the night hanging out with him, hoping to make the best out of a terrible situation. And when she noticed that her mom had forget to remove three nosebleed nougats from her purse, Riley felt that hopefully things would be looking up. She even told Oz to put it in Cora’s dessert plate, so if all went well, she’d be spewing blood out of her nose nonstop for the rest of the evening. Riley stood next to Oz, waiting for the desserts to come. However, it would be awhile before they were brought out, so Oz decided to go ditch her to spend the evening with Oliver once again, leaving Riley in fumes. So, hoping to take her anger out on something, Riley made her way over to Cora for a bit of fun. “So, how is my dear sister this evening, hmm? Having a good time?” Riley asked innocently, though knowing Cora she’d probably flip out on her right then and there, which was amusement in itself.

[Seth Wright]

"I. Hate. Suits."

Seth continued to grumble under his breath as he and Chace stood side by side, looking polished, slick, and scrubbed up to perfection. Seth's suit - courtesy of Chace and Yasmin, because he couldn't exactly afford one and yet turn up to Cora's all-important promotion party in casual clothes - was the expensive designer type, as expected of the Coxen family, even though Seth had protested once again that he didn't want a specially fitted suit, in particular since he would probably never use it again. It was jet-black in colour and made Seth look extremely good looking, though he wasn't aware of this. It helped that his hair was actually fixed for once, rather than flailing around in wild curls, giving him his usual messy look. "If only Willow could see me now," Seth had mumbled as he stared at his new image in the mirror an hour or so ago. He wore a white shirt underneath, with a gold tie - not a bowtie, he had outright refused a bowtie because it brought up haunting memories of other Coxen parties Seth had attended in the past - and even Seth had to admit, his classmates would certainly not recognise him now. Glancing across at Chace dubiously, Seth continued to fiddle subconsciously with his tie, flicking it up and down in his fingers. "So when is this party meant to start? I'm bored already," he whispered as Yasmin floated past them, looking like she was concentrating terribly on something or another. "And your mum already looks like she's going to collapse from the stress," Seth added pointedly.

Finally the party was underway, with plenty of guests filing into the large Coxen mansion and filling the ground floor and spacious gardens. Most of them were Coxen and Co's employees, with Bruce and Cora greeting and welcoming them at the front door to the party. Seth and Chace gradually found themselves by the beverage bar, where Seth ordered a soft drink - Coke, to be exact. He was of age, but he didn't like alcohol. The taste was bitter and unsurprisingly Seth had discovered early on that he didn't hold his drink very well. A drunk Seth was the last thing anyone wanted at this party, and Seth was sure Cora and Mr Coxen would have his guts (and Chace's too, probably) if he did something insane, like... toppling into the swimming pool and almost drowning if it weren't for superhero Chace diving in and saving him. Of course, that hadn't happened before... right? Seth shook his head to himself and drank his Coke. Why was he at this party with so many rich, uptight socialites again? He was a completely outcast here, as usual. Oh yeah; Chace. Seth was Chace's best friend, he had to be here to support him, not his sister. Seth couldn't imagine poor Chace having to survive this party without him, and he voiced this aloud to his best friend. "You know, you wouldn't survive this party without me," Seth stated airily, mock haughtiness and superiority in his voice. He waved his glass of Coke about, drained it, then asked for a re-fill. "See how very important I am? I am so very, just like your sis--" Seth immediately shut his trap as a familiar head of blonde swooshed past in a hurry. "--ter," Seth finished with an apologetic, cringing grin.

Eventually Seth and Chace were sitting down in the living room, and Seth was about to suggest they ditch the party for some wizard chess in Chace's bedroom or something, because it wasn't as though anyone was going to miss them, when Chace's Uncle Tobias appeared and sat down with them, initiating conversation. Seth raised a hand to greet the older man. Yasmin's younger brother Tobias was unmarried, even though he was in his forties... or fifties... Seth didn't know. He couldn't remember if Chace had mentioned it before or not, not with his terrible memory. Tobias Murray was a friendly guy though and Seth liked him. He was surprised he didn't have a wife and children, but maybe one day Seth would be like that. OK, so he hoped not, and Seth was optimistic. If Chace stuck with him he'd feel like he could do anything, was capable of anything. He gave him the motivation to try. Chace and Tobias spoke for a few minutes, and Seth grew bored playing with the collar of his shirt, which was beginning to poke at his Adam's apple. He wanted to get rid of the irritant by unbuttoning his shirt, but he knew he couldn't lest he get unapproving glances from the guests and the hosting Coxens. Mr Coxen already disliked Seth enough, and Seth didn't want to repay Yasmin's kindness with being an annoyance. Uncle Tobias wouldn't mind, but the other guests were all such snobbish people. Seth could truly say he was a little afraid of them all. They were like monsters. Evil monsters with lots of money.

"Um, dude, I think I'm gonna go upstairs and run away from all of this," Seth said quietly to Chace as Uncle Tobias left temporarily to go and get a drink. "When you're done just say I'd gone to the bathroom or something, not feeling so well, and you needed to check up on me, yeah? Good, right, I'm going to find that chess set... Anything's better than this place." Itching to rid himself of the presence of society's upper hierarchy, Seth immediately removed himself from the room, walking at a brisk pace. He almost bumped into Connor along the way, and seeing the youngest Coxen sibling, Seth grinned at him and motioned a hi. Connor was Chace's favourite brother, and consequently Seth's favourite too. Connor was in Hufflepuff also and he was a sweet kid. A bit like the younger version of Chace, but friendlier and more open. Chace was reserved whilst Connor was quiet, but Connor was more talkative than Chace with strangers. Leaving Connor, Seth triapsed up the many floors of stairs, where eventually he left the quiet buzzing after him, until he reached Chace's room. He shut the door behind him in relief, sinking onto his backside and sitting there, leaning on the door, until he picked himself up and grinned. Yes. A good getaway and no one had noticed. Well, there was Connor, but Connor wouldn't snitch on him and Chace even if he guessed what was up. The first thing Seth did was loosen the tie and unbutton his collar, taking a deep breath of relief. Then he shrugged off his suit jacket. "Now, where is Chace's chess board...?" Seth chatted to himself, waiting for his best friend to appear soon.

[chace]

"I. Hate. Suits."

Chace smiled softly at Seth's confession. Chace knew that Seth hated to dress up just like he hated being here at this party but Seth did it for Chace. There were many parties where Seth had to put on a suit and tie just for his best friend's sake. Sometimes he even had to wear a bowtie. Seth looked like a little kid when he wore a bowtie which always made Chace laugh. They were standing shoulder to shoulder looking bored both wearing black suits. Chace's tie was a plum colour to go with Seth's gold one. Seth had actually combed his hair for once which made him look rather un-Seth-like. Chace liked when Seth was himself. Messy. But his best friend putting on a suit and tie just for him meant more to Chace than Seth would ever know. It was worth putting up with Seth's crazy antics just to have him here standing beside him at the party. Chace gave him a sideways glance when he heard him mumble about Willow. Chace was glad that neither of the girls were here. He really did enjoy spending time with Lara and when the four of them were together it was always a good time. But Yasmin and Bruce would only allow one guest per Coxen child and Chace always picked Seth. Lara would complain the next time that he saw her that she wasn't invited to another Coxen party yet again but she didn't seem to understand that these parties were not fun. Not for Chace and Seth. Maybe for Cora. She seemed to be enjoying herself. Bossing the caterer around like that.

Cora and he got along just fine. Maybe because they were the oldest. Or maybe because Chace tried to get along with all his siblings. Sometimes it felt like he was the only one that tried to get along with the eldest Coxen child. Chace often attributed that to the fact that their father Bruce seemed to care what happened to Cora more than his other children. Whatever. If Oz, Riley, and Connor wanted to be mad at Cora for making them attend this party, let them be. Chace could not control their emotions nor did he want to. Sure, Bruce had not always been the best father that he could be but he also had seven children. Then again, their mother seemed to be able to pay attention to all her children. But even if Bruce was a less than attentive father was that any reason to dislike Cora? She was after all their sister and she was just using her resources to succeed in the world. It was times like this that Chace envied Seth. His family was not nearly as complicated. All right, that wasn't exactly true, but at least Seth did not have four other brothers and sisters to deal with. Chace followed Seth's line of vision and his eyes fell on his mother. She did look quite tired but Chace knew that she would trudge on because this party was important to Bruce and Cora. Pretty soon Cora and Bruce were ushering the Coxen family into a receiving line at the door so that the guests would be bombarded by Coxens. Chace made a face at Seth and said quietly to his best friend, "Be back." Chace took his position behind his mother and in front of Riley. He looked at his younger sister and raised his eyebrow and smiled as if to say: I don't know what you're going to do, but please make this party a little more interesting. Chace hated this part. He wasn't shy exactly but he hated talking to strangers. There were only three people he was really talkative with: Seth, Connor, and Uncle Tobias.

"You must be Chace."

"I am." The short quick and blunt answer sometimes startled the guests but they quickly regained their composure and would smile and nod before continuing to the twins. Chace would smile inwardly and think to himself, You're going to wish you stayed in front of me.

Later, Chace found himself in the living room with Seth. He was tired of these people. He wanted the party to be over. Chace had never been good at faking a smile and he was tired of the dirty looks he was getting from his father about it. "Why can't you be happy for your sister?"

"I am."

"Then act like it." Chace had never been good actor. He once was in a spring pageant where he played the main role because he was the tallest boy. He said his lines with no emotion and raced through them. "Best damn pageant I've ever been to," Bruce had said at the time. "It was over in record time." The problem to Chace was when one was acting, they were faking. And Chace hated being fake. That is what brought Chace and Seth to the living room. They were trying to hide from the guests but still in the open if anyone looked for them. It was Bruce's suggestion but Seth quickly seconded it. Chace was so grateful that Seth was there. What would he do without him? Presently Uncle Tobias found them. Tobias was always one of Chace's favourite relatives and he was always glad whenever he came over to spend time with the Coxen family. There was many a time when Chace thought about running away from home as a child and the only place he ever wanted to go was Uncle Tobias' house. Tobias would never make him go home until he was ready and that way his parents would know where he was. Chace never ran away from home but it was nice to know that he had the option if the need ever arose. Chace and Tobias started to talk with one another. Chace felt bad that Seth was left out but Chace saw Seth almost everyday. He had not seen his uncle for some time and wanted to catch up.

When Uncle Tobias excused himself to get a drink, Seth told him that he was going to find some peace and quiet. All Chace could do was smile and nod. He really didn't want to make his best mate feel uncomfortable. Well, more uncomfortable than he already did. Chace watched Seth head toward his room just as Uncle Tobias returned. "Where's Seth going?"

"He needed some air."

"You know, when I was your age I had a good mate like that." Tobias said with a sparkle in his eye. Chace cocked his head to one side and brought his eyebrows together to question his uncle. Tobias just smiled and took a swig from his glass. His eyes glazed over as if he was remembering something. He finally brought the glass away from his mouth and held it between his hands. He looked deeply into the drink as if it held all life's secrets within it. "Maybe you're still too young." Chace was further confused by this comment but before he had time to retort his uncle got up and headed toward the party. "I should probably see my other nephews and niece. Oh yeah, and the niece that this party is for." Chace opened his mouth to object but could think of nothing to hold his uncle.

"I guess I'll go find Seth then."

[Connor Coxen]

Connor tugged on his tie has he examined himself in the mirror. “Connor, are you ready dear?” Yasmin called as she knocked on Connor’s door. Connor continued to tug on it as his mother walked through the door, not bothering to wait for a response. That was Yasmin for you. She babied Connor more than anyone. Well Riley came in a close second in that category but she usually knew when to stop. Yasmin of course always took care of her youngest. It didn’t matter that he was perfectly capable of taking care of himself. She didn’t listen when he even begin to protest and he hated hurting her feelings, so he learned to just deal with the babying. “Oh Connor don’t do that.” Let the babying begin. Yasmin straightened out the royal blue and white striped tie adjusted his grey colored suit. Of course Yasmin picked out the outfit for her youngest son herself so she didn’t have any objections. Usually Connor would have lightly put his foot down on having his mother select his clothes, but this was an important occasion. Well for Cora and Bruce at least. And Yasmin as was happy about it as she could be, but no one was as thrilled to show Cora off as Bruce. He always was. Connor knew that the rest of his siblings were dreading this and he understood why. The Coxen boys could be a bit socially awkward at times so naturally they all cringed when they heard about this celebration. But Connor could live through it. He would for Yasmin’s sake anyways.

“You looked quite handsome Connor.” Yasmin beamed at her youngest. Connor eyed the ground. “Thanks mum.” He said quietly. Yasmin eyed the clock on the wall and grabbed her son’s wrist lightly. “C’mon it’s time.” She said half-excitedly before she pulled her son from the room. Connor sped up to his mother’s speed as they walked to where the others were. They all stood by the door in order of course making Connor last. Most of the guests would address him as the youngest and say how tall he had gotten and Connor was prepared for this. He just wasn’t happy about it. They guests seemed to rush in. They all greeted Connor last of course. “My how you’ve grown.” They all seemed to say. “Yasmin’s right you sure are handsome.” Connor muttered some small talk and tried to act as put together as he could. He was good at faking emotions. He had to be for his sibling’s sake. Connor eyed them all. Oz and Riley were muttering something as usual. Of course they had some plan cooked up, Connor made a mental note to stay away from them if he wanted his suit to stay in one piece. Connor only got a glimpse of Chace before he darted off to see Seth. Of course. And Cora. She looked proud of course. Connor sighed as he started to walk off noticing that most of the guests had arrived. Great. When would Jayci be arriving again? Connor didn’t want to look like a socially awkward idiot the entire night.

Connor was on his own until Jayci arrived unfortunately. He eyed Bruce and Cora chatting away with faces Connor couldn’t recall, he made another mental note to avoid them for the night. Cora would never take the risk of snapping at him in public, but Connor wasn’t about to get close enough to risk anything. Connor was pretty close to all of his siblings, except Cora. Connor was the shrink of the family. He listened to everyone’s problems and tried his best to help. And he did. But what they didn’t know was how Connor hated seeing family in pain. However, Connor didn’t have this relationship with Cora. They never really had a chance to be friends anyways. She was so much older and so much like Bruce which was something Connor was not. Bruce only clung to Cora really. The rest of his children were disappointments. However, Connor knew that if Riley was more corporative, Bruce would feel the same way for her as he did Cora. She was strong-willed and passionate, but she was too stubborn and chose with every fiber of her being to defy Bruce and Cora. It was actually quite entertaining to watch, but sometimes embarrassing. Connor walked awkwardly about. He was going to go talk to Riley until he realized that she was in close proximity to Cora which could be interesting, but probably best if he avoided it.

“Mum?” Connor asked as he distanced himself from the party. Walking about like an idiot who felt out of place was getting quite boring, so he decided to search for his mother. Yasmin was all alone for the moment which wasn’t uncommon. While she had been around talking to guests, this party wasn’t about her and she knew that. This party was about Bruce showing Cora off and Yasmin knew that. The only point of the rest of the Coxens being there was for the family to look good. Connor really was like his mother in a lot of ways. They had similar personalities except of course Connor didn’t baby anyone, but that wasn’t the point. Yasmin adored her Hufflepuff sons because of their compassion but also because they both seemed to have for of Yasmin in them than Bruce. Correction, neither, Connor nor Chace had anything in common with Bruce. They were simply disappointments. “Hey darling. Enjoying the party?” “Yes.” Connor lied. He didn’t want to upset his mother after all. Yasmin seemed like she didn’t want to be even at the party for the moment. “You alright, mum?” He asked like he asked everyone who had that sad look on their faces. “Yes, you know. Just trying to give your father and Cora there space. They like to have their space at these kinds of things you know.” Connor nodded. “Well, I better get back to the party. Yasmin said reluctantly as she darted off. She didn’t look the least bit happy but Connor could say anything more for the moment. At that moment Connor felt a tap on his shoulder. “Jayci!” He exclaimed excitedly. Jayci Foley looked adorable in her long purple dress. Jayci giggled. “Man Cora knows how to throw a party? But I must say, she should have gotten Hogwarts to cater it.” She joked as she grabbed Connor’s arm and headed for the food table. At least Connor would feel better about the whole situation with his best friend by his side.

[Riley Coxen G7]

Riley sighed. Even her attempts at bothering Cora were soiled when a large group of Cora worshipers appeared out of nowhere to congratulate her on such an amazing job well done. Riley rolled her eyes as she walked away. Cora had been saved by her wonderful crowd of followers once again, preventing Riley from wreaking havoc on her day of Cora-centered excellence. Riley always gagged at the thought. She’d never admit it, but Riley had always been somewhat jealous of her older sister Cora. She was always praised, always on top of things. Everyone (except her siblings of course, who knew better) loved Cora and her amazing ways, but no one ever praised Riley for anything great that she did. Not that she ever really wanted the praise to begin with. Riley felt she was above the approval of her father and anyone else like him. Even though she had never heard the words “Good Job Riley” come out of her father and sister’s mouth, she never really wanted them to, or at least, that’s what she led herself to believe.

Riley wasn’t going to try and fool herself. She was different than most girls. She wasn’t one for sleepovers or gossip magazines, and she wasn’t the kind of girl that actually enjoyed going shopping. She wasn’t even one of those classic tomboys either. She was her own person with an extremely strong opinion, and no one really seemed to be able to understand that about her, not even her own brother. It wasn’t even that he didn’t care about Riley or her feelings, it was more than he simply didn’t notice what was going on in his sister’s head. The whole twin telepathy thing simply didn’t apply to Riley’s relationship with Oz. He was too wrapped up in his own life and the life of his friends to even come close to noticing what was going on in his twin sister’s hard head.

Riley shuffled her feet, leaning against the wall in boredom. Glancing at the clock, Riley realized that Cora’s damn party wasn’t going to be over for another three hours or so. Wondering what to do, Riley looked around the room to see if she could find Connor or someone to talk to, to make the party seem like a bit less of a drag. But Connor was talking to their mum and Riley simply wasn’t in the mood to hear her mother fuss about Riley’s attitude and general lifestyle. So, Riley decided to take a visit to her place. The back garden was the place Riley only visited when she wanted to be alone. Not many knew about her little hiding spot, as it was in a bit of a secluded area of the home. The small garden was hidden behind a small cluster of trees where there were beautiful flowers and a small mysterious wishing well that Riley was sure no one in her family knew about. However, what Riley did not know was that Bruce Coxen’s favorite thinking spot was a this very location, and that they had shared the spot for many years now without even knowing it.

Riley approached the well and noticed her father, Bruce Coxen sitting on the ground against the well. His face was turned away from Riley, so she figured he simply refused to look at her. What was he doing here? How had he found her secret place? Why was he here, sitting in her secret spot out cold when he should be inside at the party, fawning over Cora? “I should have known.” Riley said softly and maliciously. Something about seeing him here, once again intruding on her space had managed to get under her skin. Especially because she was already mad as it is. “I should have known you would try and do something to get under my skin, especially after dragging me and the rest of the family to Cora’s stupid ‘celebration.’ How did you find this place anyway? Did you have someone follow me or something? That’s very your style Dad.” Riley spoke, saying the word ‘Dad’ like it was some kind of an insult. “What the heck is wrong with you anyway? Why were you even here? Just get out. Get out of here. If you’re going to make me a prisoner in my own home, you can at least give me the liberty of having my own private space.” Riley waited there, arms crossed, waiting for some kind of response. When Riley received none, She raised her eyebrow in confusion. “Dad?” She questioned, walking around to look toward the direction her father was facing. Riley gasped. Bruce Coxen’s eyes were wide open and there was a bit of blood dripping from the edge of his mouth. Riley screamed and ran out as fast as she could, her damned heels falling off her feet along the way. She ran into the dining room where they were all enjoying dinner and started screaming as tears streamed down her cheeks. “BRUCE IS DEAD! IN THE GARDEN! HOLY CRAP, MUM! HE’S DEAD!”